USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Cornish > History of the town of Cornish, New Hampshire, with genealogical record, 1763-1910, Vol. I > Part 27
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ERI HUGGINS, JR.
Eri Huggins was the youngest son of Eri4 Huggins and was born February 14, 1848. When the Civil War broke out, his father and two older brothers at once gave themselves to the serv- ice of their country. This, doubtless, inspired the youngest of the family to do in like manner. So he, then but fourteen years of age, went to Alexandria, Va., where on April 1, 1862, he enlisted with his father and brothers and other relatives, in the famous "Iron Brigade" from Wisconsin, which is said to have lost the largest per cent. of any brigade in the Northern Army. He enlisted as a private and carried a musket until he was appointed assistant commissary of his regiment. This position he held nine months. He was in all the battles, some twenty in number, in which the brigade was engaged, including the battles before Petersburg and Richmond, and at Appomattox when General Lee surrendered. In all this service he escaped serious injury and received his discharge April 24, 1865.
It may not be out of place to here notice a fact in the history of his father's family. The cases are few where the love of country is so strong that it could not only induce a father to enlist, but that he should be followed by every one of his sons. Such was the case here. In the great struggle for national life, these four noble men, a father and three sons, pledged their all to the success of the Union cause. The father alone yielded his life, but the sons were all permitted to live and enjoy, at least for a time, the fruition of peace. Well may Cornish be proud of such a record of her sons.
The war being over, Mr. Huggins traveled for wholesale houses for several years, and finally in 1886 located at Fort Bragg, Cal., which has since been his residence. Here he has been superintendent of the supply and mercantile department of the "Redwood Company," the largest milling company on the Pacific Coast. During these years he has also held the following offices: Agent for Wells Fargo Express Company; president of Board of Education; city treasurer; president of Board of City
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Trustees and also of the People's Building and Loan Association; postmaster, auctioneer, etc. He was married January 27, 1888, to Miss Harriet R. Wilson of Ticonderoga, N. Y. They have no children.
Mr. Huggins is still in the prime of life with a commanding personality and hosts of admiring friends, who are proud of his record.
JOHN C. HUGGINS.
John C. Huggins was the oldest son of Eri Huggins.4 He was born in Cornish, March 3, 1840. He early sought to try his for- tune in life by himself, so at fourteen years of age he left the parental roof and went to West Acton, Mass., where relatives were residing and afterwards to Petersburg, Ill., where an unele of his had resided since 1849. Here he completed his education and went to Racine, Wis., and engaged in teaching. This he followed until the opening of the Civil War when, at twenty-one years of age, he enlisted in the Second Wisconsin Regiment, which formed a part of the famous "Iron Brigade," which ren- dered such distinguished services during the war. Here he was promoted, first as private commissary and afterwards as colonel on General Fairchild's staff. While here he was joined by his youngest brother, Eri, his "pet," then but fourteen years of age. They passed through the war together and both came out un- harmed, although they passed through many hard-fought and bloody battles.
After the war was over, he engaged in mercantile business in St. Louis and Chicago for a few years.
After this he returned to Racine, where he united with the "Fish Brothers" in establishing a large carriage manufactory, in which business he continued several years. Here he was an active citizen, holding many offices of trust and honor. But for a time he was induced to change his business for a more lucrative one. He engaged with other capitalists in the lumber business on the Pacific Coast with headquarters at San Francisco and Fort Bragg, Cal., with his family residing at Oakland, Cal. In this enterprise, too, he was successful.
After he left Racine, Wis., it appears that the carriage manu- factory there suffered a financial depression, and he was induced to return for a time (leaving his family still in Oakland) that he might rehabilitate the manufactory and put it again in a prosper-
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ous condition. He had nearly accomplished his purpose, when he was attacked by la grippe, and after a relapse, superinduced by overwork and exposure, he returned to his family in Oakland, shattered in body and mind, and died December 19, 1892.
Mr. Huggins' life was a busy and active one. Possessed of superior ability and character, he was the most genial of asso- ciates and truest of friends. He inherited from a long line of uncorrupted ancestry all those virtues, inborn courage, unfailing hope, and manly aspirations that have individualized the genuine New Englander in every part of the world.
In 1870 he married Eva J. Bowers.
PHILANDER CHASE HUGGINS.
Philander Chase Huggins was born in Cornish, February 28, 1814. At the tender age of fourteen, his father died, thus leaving him to work out his own fortune. He had received only a com- mon school education, but the school of hard experiences to which he was called afforded him an equipment such as no university can confer, and he became an accomplished man of affairs.
Soon after the death of his father in 1828, he entered the store of Newton Whittlesey on Cornish Flat, where as a faithful and efficient clerk, he served several years.
In 1837 he resolved to try his fortune in the then "far West," so he left Cornish and was one of the early pioneers of the State of Illinois. He first settled in Woodburn, where he opened a store. Here he remained until 1840, when he removed to Bunker Hill, Ill. Just previous to this he made a visit to his native town, and on his return he took with him a bride, Mary L. Whittlesey, daughter of his former employer. They were married November 18, 1839. She was born June 7, 1801, and died November 11, 1845. They had no children. His second marriage, which occurred November 6, 1846, was to Mrs. Elizabeth F. Knowlton of Bunker Hill, who was born in Ashford, Conn., March 13, 1817, and who survived him, dying May 17, 1903. They had seven children, the first five dying in infancy; the next, a daughter, Mary E., born December 24, 1857, who married Henry B. Davis, attorney-at-law in St. Louis, Mo .; the other, a son, Frank E., born July 11, 1860, now (1905) a wholesale shoe dealer in Columbus, Ohio.
On removing to Bunker Hill, Mr. Huggins opened a general store which was a great accommodation to the people as well as
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profit to himself, it being the only store in the place. He became postmaster, and also engaged in various manufacturing interests; built and operated the first flouring mill there, also a castor oil mill.
In 1852 the Alton and Terra Haute Railroad was projected, and Mr. Huggins, through great effort, was successful in securing Bunker Hill as one of the stations on the road in spite of great opposition by rival neighborhoods. This accomplished, it opened a prosperous career for the place. In like manner, Mr. Huggins was ever a prime mover in every public enterprise that contrib- uted to the welfare and prosperity of his adopted township. The academy, the Congregational Church, the church of his choice and devotion, with all its fine improvements, Bunker Hill Bank, the cemetery with its beautiful soldiers' monument, and the public library, all owe their establishment to him in no small degree. He was also an honored Mason and Odd Fellow and member of the local lodges. In politics, he was originally a Whig, while his township was largely Democratic. His personal popu- larity so reduced the Democratic majority of 900, that he lacked but a few votes of an election twice to the state Legislature. When the great Free Soil agitation arose, he became a Republican to which party he adhered until his death. Whenever he was a candidate for office, he received a large part of the opposition vote.
In 1869 he was nominated for, and elected as county judge. Here, as in other responsible positions he displayed that tact and fidelity to true principle so characteristic of the man.
In 1879 he was elected supervisor of his township, and at the time of his death, January 16, 1892, he was police magistrate of the city, having accepted the position through the earnest solici- tations of his many friends, in spite of his own personal objection. A few years before his death, he received a severe hip injury which obliged him to relinquish active labor, much to his distaste, and accept a more quiet indoor occupation.
The life of Judge Huggins was a beautiful one. Truly it was an object lesson which many a young man might study and imi- tate with profit. His biographer says of him, that, "in every relation of life he was as nearly the perfect man as we ever see in the human. As a husband and father he was the personifica- tion of affection and devotion. As a citizen, neighbor and friend
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HON. SAMUEL L. POWERS.
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he was self-sacrificing and sympathetic, ever giving his best efforts in behalf of the community and those appealing to him for aid. As a companion he was cheery and helpful. His well-trained mind, his wide knowledge of men and events, made him a most entertaining and instructive conversationalist and wise adviser. To his foresight and judgment are due, not only the private for- tunes of many who sought his counsel, but the present existence of interests upon which depend in great measure the prosperity of his own, and other towns of the county. Indeed his influence did not cease here, but it may be said he stood side by side with the foremost men of the state in zealous and intelligent effort in aiding its development."
SAMUEL LELAND POWERS ..
Samuel Leland Powers was born at Cornish, October 26, 1848; prepared for college at Kimball Union and Phillips Exeter Acad- emies; graduated from Dartmouth College in the class of 1874; studied law at Nashua, N. H., at the Law School of the University of the City of New York, at Worcester, Mass., and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in November, 1875; has since been admitted to practice in the federal courts, courts of the District of Columbia, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He became a resident of the City of Newton, Mass., in 1882, where he has since resided; has been a member of both branches of the municipal government, and of the school board of that city, being president of the city council in 1883 and 1884; was elected to Congress from the Eleventh Massachusetts District in 1900, and reëlected in 1902, declining the nomination in 1904. While in Congress he was a member of the committees on judiciary, District of Columbia, and elections, and was also a member of the special committee of five appointed by the speaker in 1903 to draw the Anti-Trust Bill, which passed the Fifty-eighth Con-
gress. In 1903 he was elected by the House of Representatives as one of its managers to prosecute the Swayne impeachment trial before the United States Senate. He had charge of Presi- dent Taft's canvass in Massachusetts for his nomination to the presidency in 1908. In 1910 President Taft appointed him a justice of the Customs Court of Appeal of the United States, which he declined.
Mr. Powers is a member of many of the leading clubs in Massa-
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chusetts. He is president of the Middlesex Club, vice-president of the University Club and the Newton Club. While living in Washington he was president of the famous Tantalus Club of that city.
He is senior member of the law firm of Powers & Hall, one of the large and active legal firms of Boston, which is prominently identified with corporations engaged in electrical development. The firm is counsel for the telephone interests in New England, and formerly represented large street railway interests in Massa- chusetts, Mr. Powers at one time being president of no less than eight street railway companies. In 1905 he was elected a life trustee of Dartmouth College, and has always taken a deep in- terest in educational matters. He was married in 1878 to Eva Crowell, and they have one son, Leland, who was born in 1890, and graduated with honors from Dartmouth in the class of 1910. He is at present pursuing a post-graduate course for Master of Arts degree, and is going to Harvard Law School the coming year.
DAVID SIDNEY RICHARDSON.
David Sidney Richardson was born in Cornish, September 1, 1821. He early manifested a strong love for literary pursuits. Nature seemed to have paved the way and implanted in him a strong desire to obtain an education, not exclusively for himself but that he might thereby become a blessing to others by becom- ing an instructor of youth. This ambition became his ruling passion-the high calling towards which all his youthful energies were directed. He early sought the means of preparation for his life work by attending the academies of Kimball Union, New Hampton, and finally, Dartmouth College from which he after- wards received honorary degrees. He left the college in the midst of his course that he might engage in teaching. From this time forth to the end of a protracted life he followed it as his life work.
It is said that he founded six academies in New Hampshire and North Carolina. At Franklinton, N. C., he founded a flourishing institute of which he was the principal for several years. Here he established the North Carolina Journal of Education and edited it several years.
While here, he married on January 1, 1851, Mary Cleora Stone, a gifted teacher of similar aims and experience, who was also a na- tive of Cornish. The union proved a happy one in every respect.
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His former prosperity and influence thus augmented, brought increased prosperity to the institute which continued until the opening of the Civil War. This had a disastrous effect upon the school. The young men of the school were all conscripted into the Confederate Army and himself among the rest. The school buildings were converted into a hospital. The academy never recovered from this misfortune.
PROF. D. S. RICHARDSON.
MRS. MARY C. RICHARDSON.
He soon after left Franklinton for Mobile, Alabama, where he opened a military academy, and continued in charge of it fifteen years.
In 1884, he removed to California and became professor of ancient classics in McClare's Military Academy at Oakland. He remained thus connected with this institution several years, until age and failing health induced him to relinquish all further public effort as an instructor.
Still retaining his love for teaching, he, in his own private home
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in Oakland, continued to instruct a choice few who earnestly sought his tutelage.
In 1903, being eighty-two years of age, he bade a final farewell to his life-long profession, and retired to San José, the "Garden City," where, in the home of his only son, he died April 7, 1905.
In many respects Mr. Richardson was a remarkable man. The sprightliness and vivacity of childhood and youth never seemed to leave him. He was mirthful, optimistic, versatile, and withal was possessed of a very tender and affectionate nature. He was also resourceful, having at hand an almost limitless fund of information and anecdote. Therefore, as a conversationalist he greatly excelled. These beautiful characteristics rendered him a magnet that won many friends in every community. It was the writer's privilege to know, and in some degree to associate with the subject of this sketch, and he can cheerfully inscribe this brief tribute to his memory.
MARY CLEORA (STONE) RICHARDSON.
The excellent models of female character which Cornish has produced have been many. It is not possible to tell the whole story of the scores and hundreds of the worthy, faithful and self- sacrificing women who have become the "mothers of men." . The pen of the recording angel alone can render them the justice and honor they deserve. Hidden away from the rude observa- tion of the world, have these performed their high and holy mis- sion and the world has received the benefit of their toil.
A beautiful exemplification of this is found in the life record of Mrs. Richardson. Hers was a life ennobled by useful work, sanctified by suffering and self-sacrifice, and crowned by the love and veneration of all who knew her.
She was born in Cornish, December 23, 1827, the daughter of Capt. Josiah and Experience (Stevens) Stone. This household was one of mutual love and good-will. Piety was its ruling note, while its other distinguishing characteristics were intelligence, refinement and activity. Under such influences as these a family of seven children were reared to go out into the world to fill places of trust and usefulness.
She early professed the religion of her fathers and became a consistent member of the Congregational Church. At fourteen years of age she taught her first public school, wherein she mani-
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fested such aptitude for the work as gave abundant promise of brilliant success as a teacher in after years.
She obtained her education from New Hampton and Kimball Union Academies, and the Washington Female Seminary near Pittsburg, Pa. Near the close of her course in the last-named institution, while valedietory honors were surely awaiting her, she accepted a position as teacher in Ray's Academy at Louisburg, N. C. At this time, 1846, the schools of the South were few and inefficient, presenting an inviting field for teachers from the New England States, many of whom there found their life work. As yet, the bitter sectional animosities had not made their appear- ance, and teachers from the North were welcomed and treated with every respect and consideration. Her acceptance of the position in Louisburg marked the opening of a career which cov- ered her best years. All unconsciously to herself the gates were opening upon the theater of her life work. Here came love, joy, and suffering, Upon this chosen field of duty she was destined to experience all of Life's bitter sweet, its shade and sunshine, and finally to emerge, chastened and ennobled, the perfect fulfillment of the promise of her youth.
At Louisburg her reputation was soon established among pupils and parents; but near the close of the second year, owing to im- paired health, she was compelled to resign her charge and return North. Soon after, she returned to North Carolina and opened a select family school in Bedford, about twelve miles from Louisburg. From the start it was a pronounced success. Such devotion as existed between teacher and pupils is seldom seen. Her whole heart went into the work, and the result could not be other than one of love and progress.
It was while engaged in this school that she made the acquaint- ance of David Sidney Richardson, her future husband. Although both came from Cornish, they had no previous acquaintance. He, too, had sought the South as a fitting field for the exercise of his chosen profession of teacher and educator. The acquaintance grew to friendship and from friendship to love. They were mar- ried January 1, 1851. The union thus formed was destined to endure for over half a century. Henceforth their lives became one in every purpose, sympathy and aim, and hand in hand they went down the years together, mutually comforted and sus- tained by the faith and trust of perfect union. The life of this
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gifted, devoted woman, and that of her husband sounds like a romance of more than ordinary interest. The founding and estab- lishing of academies at Cedar Rock, Franklinton and Wilson, N. C., and the marvelous success attending each, proved the beau- tiful realization of their youthful dreams.
But this good fortune could not always remain unalloyed. Trials must come. The loss of three little children brought sorrow to the mother heart. A sister and co-worker in their academy also sickened and died. Then came the dark and stormy days of the Civil War when they saw the institution which they had so laboriously built up, engulfed and over- whelmed in the turmoils and passions of that fearful strife. From beginning to end, they saw it all. Their institution was converted into a soldiers' hospital, and Mrs. Richardson became the ministering angel to relieve suffering and to tender comfort and sympathy to all about her.
While the deep convictions of her early Northern training still existed, yet it did not impair the love and confidence of those to whom she ministered. No bitterness of sectional hatred could exist in her soulful presence, and when distress and ruin was every- where, it was impossible for a soul like hers to fail in sympathy. The war at last came to an end. It was not possible to maintain their loved institution amid the wreck and chaos of war and reconstruction. Their fortune was gone; patrons were dead; accounts could not be collected. The furnishings of the acad- emy with libraries and musical instruments went for nothing. The people were bankrupt, they could not pay, and their labors as educators at Wilson were abandoned. But there yet remained with them the love for the school room.
At Mobile, Ala., in 1868, Mrs. Richardson opened her "School of Fine Arts," while her husband established his "Mo- bile Military Academy." Both of these enterprises were success- ful from the start and during a period of fifteen years. Here Mrs. Richardson turned her attention exclusively to art, although her talent as a painter had long been recognized. The best talent of the time became interested in her work and her studio was crowded with pupils. Among these were Amelie Rives, since Princess Troubetskoy and Robert Mckenzie and many others. The masterpieces, the results of her genius, were many. Thus,
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in the center of a constantly growing circle of devoted pupils and friends, the years went by.
In 1883, needing rest and change, they decided to go to Califor- nia which ever after became their home. They located in the city of Oakland. For a time she reopened her studio and continued her art work with marked success, but advancing age and failing health compelled her to stop. Her art receptions were discontin- ued, and the number of pupils limited.
A son, Frank Harper Richardson, born August 11, 1867, their only living child, had married in 1890 and a few years later became a widower with three helpless children, little girls, from two to five years of age. Mrs. Richardson, the grandmother, now nearly seventy years of age, with true heroism assumed the care of these helpless orphans and took the mother's place. Only a mother can know what that means. The burden thus self- imposed she was destined to carry to the end. How bravely and tenderly she did it needs no laudation here.
One further change of home before the end. In 1903 their son Frank, who had now become the stay and support of his aged parents, and whose business was in San José, desired to make that city the parental home. To Mrs. Richardson the mere wish of her idolized son was sufficient for any sacrifice. So the home in Oakland was disposed of, and their goods transferred to a beautiful residence in the "Garden City." Her stay here, however, was brief and transient, from November, 1903, to the afternoon of July 3, 1904, when the light faded out of those tired eyes, and her beautiful spirit found its release. Her remains rest in Cypress Lawn Cemetery, a beautiful spot overlooking the sunset sea, but her noblest monument is in the hearts of the many who knew and loved her.
Mr. Richardson, too, was a beautiful character, a fitting com- panion for the subject of this sketch. He was ever optimistic and mirthful under all the severe trials of his life, unless we except the last one-the loss of his beloved companion. For her he truly and sadly mourned, but not for long. On the seventh of April, 1905, he passed away. His last words were of Cleora, and he passionately kissed her portrait until he breathed his last. He was buried by her side in Cypress Lawn Cemetery.
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REV. JOSEPH ROWELL.
Rev. Joseph Rowell was the fifth son of the senior Rev. Joseph Rowell and was born in Cornish, April 22, 1820. He fitted for college at Kimball Union Academy, class 1844. He graduated at Yale College in 1848 and Union Theological Seminary in 1851. He chose the profession of his father, and like him became a bold
REV. JOSEPH ROWELL.
and fearless preacher. Choosing the world at large as his field of labor, his tendencies were to mission fields abroad rather than to domestic pastoral labor. He was employed several years at Pan- ama and New Grenada, S. A., as missionary. In 1858 he organized the "Mariners' Church" in San Francisco. This has seemed to be the chosen field for his life work, a noble work instituted and
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