USA > New Hampshire > New Hampshire men. A collection of biographical sketches, with portraits, of sons and residents of the state who have become known in commercial, professional, and political life > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
144
HON. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE BRYANT.
H ON. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE BRYANT was born at East Andover, February 25, 1825, and passed his boyhood upon his father's farm, attending the infrequent terms of the district school, with one term at a private school and a few terms at the academy at Frank- lin. At the age of fourteen he assumed the burden of his own support. and upon borrowed money secured a term of school at Boscawen acad- emy, and by teaching himself cach winter was enabled to secure the necessary preparation and to take a college course at Waterville college. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of law with Nesmith & Pike at Franklin, and was graduated from the Harvard law school in 1848, entering upon practice at Bristol in the fall of that year. At the age of twenty-five he was one of the commissioners of Grafton county and at twenty-nine had become county solicitor. From 1853 to 1855 he resided at Plymouth, and few cases graced the docket in which he did not appear on one side or the other. In the latter year Mr. Bryant removed to Concord and formed a partnership with Lyman T. Flint. In 1856 he entered political life by espousing the cause of the new-born Republican party, firing his constituents by his magnetic eloquence on the stump in all parts of the state. In 1857 he was elected to the legis- lature, and was reelected in the two years following, serving as speaker. In 1860 Mr. Bryant was a delegate to the Chicago convention, but following the election in that year removed from New Hampshire to take up the practice of law in Boston, where he attained remarkable success in his profession, giving but little time to political affairs except by appearing at rare intervals upon the stump in state and national cam- paigns. A few years since. Mr. Bryant retired from active participation in practice, and has of late made his home at East Andover beneath the shadow of grand old Kearsarge. He is a member of the forestry com- mission, created by act of the last legislature.
1 45
4
-
GEN. S. G. GRIFFIN.
G EN. S. G. GRIFFIN was born August 9, 1824, at Nelson, N. H. Brought up on a farm, with little opportunity for school, yet at the age of eighteen he became a teacher, and afterwards repre- sented his town in the legislature. Practising law at Concord in 1860, at President Lincoln's first call he volunteered as a private, was chosen captain of Company B, Second New Hampshire volunteers, mustered into the service June 4, 1861, commanded his company at the first battle of Bull Run, was promoted to be lieutenant colonel of the Sixth New Hampshire volunteers, and joined Burnside's expedition to North Carolina. In April, '62, he was commissioned colonel, and commanded his regiment at the battles of Camden, N. C., Second Bull Run, Chan- tilly, South Mountain, and Fredericksburg. With the Ninth corps he was transferred in 1863 to Kentucky, and thence to aid Grant at Vicks- burg, where he commanded the First brigade. Second division. Returning to Kentucky, Colonel Griffin led the Second division over the mountain to East Tennessee, and afterward commanded the import- ant post of Camp Nelson. He commanded the Second brigade, Second division of the Ninth corps, in all the battles of Grant's campaign of '64, winning his star at Spottsylvania, being promoted to be brigadier general by recommendation of Generals Burnside and Grant, made on the field of battle. He led the charge that broke through the lines on the Jerusalem plank road April 2, 1865, and gave us Petersburg and Richmond. For gallantry in that action he was brevetted major general of volunteers, and commanded the Second division of the Ninth corps at the surrender of Lee, at the grand review at Washington, and as long as it remained in service. August 24, 1865, he was mustered out of the service. After the war General Griffin represented Keene in the legislature three terms, two of which he served as speaker of the house. Since then he has engaged in manufacturing, and has had large interests in Texas land and cattle.
146
HON. CHESTER B. JORDAN.
A MONG the sons of New Hampshire whose abilities have been signally rewarded with honor and success, may be counted Hon. Chester B. Jordan of Lancaster, who was born at Colebrook, October 15, 1839. and who passed his boyhood and youth upon the farm until 1860, when his ambition to secure an education led him to enter Cole- brook academy. From this time until 1866 he attended school, gradu- ating in the latter year from Kimball Union academy, and becoming at once a popular teacher of public and private schools, being also super- intendent of schools of Colebrook in 1865 and 1866. He was always a Republican, and during the early years of that party's existence was a prominent factor in the successes it achieved. In 1868 he was appointed clerk of the Coos county court and because of his intense partisanship was removed in 1874 by a Democratic administration, although his retention had been asked by every attorney in the county. While yet clerk of the court Mr. Jordan began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in November, 1875, forming a partnership which, with various changes, still continues under the name of Drew, Jordan & Buckley. In 1870 Mr. Jordan purchased the Coos Republican and became its editor. fearlessly and forcibly supporting the position of the Republican party. In 1880 Mr. Jordan was elected to the house of representatives, of which he was chosen speaker in 1881, presiding with impartiality, ease, and dig- nity. In 1882 he was chosen chairman of the Republican state conven- tion, and his tact greatly aided the deliberations of that body all through a stormy and bitter contest. In 1867 Mr. Jordan declined a position upon the governor's staff, but in 1872 accepted a similar offer from Governor Straw. He is also a member of many historical, literary, and social organizations. Mr. Jordan has received noted recognition of his abilities in many circles. In all that he has undertaken he has acquitted himself with credit.
1 47
HON. AUGUSTUS A. WOOLSON.
H ON. AUGUSTUS A. WOOLSON, son of Amos and Hannah (Temple) Woolson, was born at Lisbon, June 15, 1835. He made the most of the educational advantages of his native town until the age of sixteen, after which he attended for a few terms the acad- emies at Meriden, and at Newbury, Vt. At the close of his school life, on attaining his majority, he went to Minnesota, where he remained about a year and a half, afterwards returning to Lisbon, where he has since continued to reside, an acknowledged leader in every public enterprise. His life has been an honorable as well as a busy one. He was town clerk several years, soon after reaching his majority ; has been moderator, with the exception of the few years of Democratic ascendancy, since 1866. He is at present, and for years has been, town treasurer and chairman of the board of supervisors. As chairman of the Republican town committee he has directed the Republican politics of the town since 1865. He was elected to the legislature in 1875, and reelected in '76, '77, and '78. He was chosen speaker in 1877 and reelected in 1878, receiving almost the unanimous vote of the Republican legislative caucus the first year and being nominated by acclamation the second year. He performed the duties of the chair with credit to himself and honor to his town. He has served for many years as a member of the Republican state central committee, and was for some time a member of the executive committee and chairman of the Grafton county commit- tee. He has been a delegate to nearly every Republican state convention for more than twenty years, was a member of the Garfield convention at Chicago in 1880, and headed the Harrison electoral ticket for New Hampshire in the presidential election of 1892. Mr. Woolson was also, some years ago, a deputy sheriff for Grafton county, deputy United States marshal, and assistant assessor of internal revenue. He is at present a director in the Lisbon Savings Bank and Trust company.
148
HON. ALVIN BURLEIGH.
H ON. ALVIN BURLEIGH was born in Plymouth, December 19, 1842. He secured his education at Kimball Union academy. Meriden, and at Dartmouth college, whence he was graduated in 1871. The year following his graduation he was principal of the Woodstock (Vt. ) high school, and then entered upon the study of law with Hon. Henry W. Blair at Plymouth, and was admitted to the bar in November. 1874. He formed a partnership with Mr. Blair, which existed from 1875 to 1879, when Mr. Blair was chosen to the United States senate : and since then has been associated with George H. Adams, under the firm name of Burleigh & Adams, practising in the state and United States courts. In 1887 he was speaker of the New Hampshire house of representatives, and filled that arduous position during the long and try- ing session of that year with remarkable fidelity and impartiality. For several years he has been president of the Plymouth school board. is a trustee of the Methodist church in Plymouth, of the Plymouth Guaranty Savings Bank, and of the State Normal school. When a boy Mr. Burleigh learned the tanner's trade, and from the age of fifteen has supported and educated himself. He forsook the tanner's bench in 1862 to enlist in Company B of the Fifteenth New Hampshire regiment. and served until it was disbanded. being one of four children descended from a Revolutionary grandfather. who fought in the Rebellion. Mr. Burleigh is a member of the Grand Army, has been commander of the Penniman post, twice judge advocate of the department of New Hamp- shire, and a member of the national staff. Mr. Burleigh is one of the most reliable of men. He has been called as counsel in some of the most noted cases that grace the records of the bar, and as an advocate. as well as a counsellor, his fame is secure ; a large practice attests his success, but above all that rests the knowledge of the confidence of those who know him, a dearer and sweeter reward than can come from any measure of honor.
149
HON. HIRAM D. UPTON.
NE of the busiest of New Hampshire's young men is Hon. Hiram D. Upton, of Manchester, whose activity knows no bounds. Mr. Upton was born in East Jaffrey, May 5, 1859, the son of Hon. Peter Upton, who for fifty years has been one of the leading bankers of the state. Mr: Upton was educated at Appleton academy, New Ipswich, at Kimball Union academy, Meriden, and was graduated from Dart- mouth college in 1879, immediately entering the financial world as clerk in the Monadnock National Bank at East Jaffrey, being chosen cashier in the following year as soon as he had reached his majority. In 1883 he began to operate for himself in the investment business, and in that same year was chosen president of the Northwestern Trust company of Fargo, North Dakota, from which concern has grown the New Hamp- shire Trust company, which was organized two years later. In the New Hampshire Trust company Mr. Upton was chosen treasurer upon its organization, and was promoted to the presidency in January, 1892. Mr. Upton's prominence in the financial world has led to his engage- ment in other enterprises than those represented by the company of which he is president, ranking also as one of the largest real estate owners in Manchester, in this respect being alert and progressive. Mr. Upton is a staunch Republican, and in 1889 he represented his ward in the legislature of New Hampshire, and was chosen speaker of the house, with one exception the youngest man who ever held that posi- tion, and the only one not a lawyer to be so elected in ten years.
150
HON. FRANK G. CLARKE.
T' THE age of young men has dawned in New Hampshire. The exigencies of the public service within the past decade have called for the vigor and enthusiasm of youth. Among those whom this call has brought to the front is Hon. Frank G. Clarke of Peterborough, who was born in Wilton, September 10, 1850. and who was educated at Kimball Union academy and at Dartmouth college, and who entered upon the practice of law at Peterborough in 1875. From the first Mr. Clarke's career was full of promise, that was amply fulfilled by his achievements, as he successively passed in the public service to places demanding the exercise of mental qualities beyond the average. Mr. Clarke became a member of Governor Hale's staff in 1883. with the rank of colonel. and in 1885 first came before the public as a member of the house of representatives, where his quick and vivacious intellect- ual qualities gave him a prominence beyond his years, and an influence commensurate with his prominence. In this session MIr. Clarke won many a laurel in the hotly contested debates that clustered about the legislation of that year. Returning to the practice of his profession after this interim of public duty, Mr. Clarke was again called in 1889 to legislative work by an election to the state senate, where he added to his reputation as a young man of exceptional brilliancy, and in 1891 again sat in the house of representatives, being elevated to the speaker- ship by a handsome majority in his party's caucus. In this position Mr. Clarke won additional honors by his bearing as presiding officer through the troublesome session of the legislature, and at the close the tributes of esteem that were paid to him by the members of the majority and minority parties were hearty, numerous, and genuine. In the cam- paign of 1892 Mr. Clarke again came before the public, this time as a campaign orator, and his service for the party candidates on the stump was vigorous and enthusiastic.
151
1
HON. ROBERT N. CHAMBERLIN.
R OBERT N. CHAMBERLIN, speaker of the house of represen- tatives, was born in Bangor, N. Y., July 24, 1856, and is the son of Antoine Chamberlin and Electa B. Sears. He was educated in the common schools and at Colebrook academy, and at the academy at Derby Centre, Vt. He studied law with George W. Hartshorn at Canaan, Vt., and was admitted to the bar of Essex county in March, 1881, and in July of'that year became a practitioner in New Hampshire, being admitted to the bar at Concord in March, 1883, and taking up his residence in Berlin. Mr. Chamberlin has rapidly advanced to distinc- tion. In 1887 he was chosen a selectman of the town and was reelected in 1888, resigning his office, however, before the completion of his second term. In that same year he was elected to the legislature by a large majority, and served through the session of 1889 with positions upon the judiciary committee, and the chairmanship of the committee of elections. Through this session Mr. Chamberlin was especially prom- inent in the work of the house. He spoke frequently upon the many important questions coming before the legislature, and always to the point. He achieved a notable success in the legislative field, and upon his reelection to the house in 1892 was spontaneously advanced as a candidate for the speakership, to which position he was nominated by an overwhelming vote in the party caucus. His election followed as a matter of course, and as speaker Mr. Chamberlin added to the reputa- tion he had already attained. With skill he directed the deliberations of the session, with courtesy he smoothed the pathway of legislation, with force he impressed his personality upon the house. Upon the formation of the municipal court of Berlin, Mr. Chamberlin was appointed its judge, and although resigning that position to assume legislative duties, the position was held open for him during the session.
152
P
COL. STEPHEN SHANNON JEWETT.
C OL. STEPHEN SHANNON JEWETT, the son of John Glines Jewett and Carrie E. Shannon, was born in Laconia, Sep- tember 18, 1858. He was educated in the public schools of his native place and at the old Gilford academy. Ile read law with Charles F. Stone, and in March, 1880, was admitted to the bar. In the same year he established himself in practice, and has since continued at Laconia. having now a partner, the firm being Jewett & Plummer. Early in his career Colonel Jewett attracted the attention of his associates, and in 1884 he was appointed clerk of the Belknap county court. This posi- tion he held but a short time, however. In 1883 he was engrossing clerk of the New Hampshire legislature and in 1887 he was elected assistant clerk of the house of representatives and was reelected in 1889. In 1890, at the extra session of the legislature, he was advanced to the clerkship of the house. and in 1891 and 1893 was reelected. For several campaigns Colonel Jewett was a member for Belknap county of the exec- utive committee of the Republican state committee, and in 1890, he was chosen secretary of the committee, and in 1892 he was advanced to the chairmanship. In these positions Colonel Jewett displayed unusual energy and an uncommon amount of executive ability. Upon him fell almost unknown tasks and in hitherto unknown quantities, yet they were all faithfully discharged. In 1893. upon the chartering of the city of Laconia, Colonel Jewett was chosen city solicitor, and upon him devolved the duty of preparing the entire ordinances of the new munici- pality. Colonel Jewett is a Mason in the Thirty-second degree, and is a member and past commander of Pilgrim commandery. He is director and counsel of the Laconia Building and Loan association. Colonel Jewett's title comes from service upon the staff of Governor Goodell, 1889-91. Colonel Jewett is easily a leader in his native state, and in his leadership is no disparagement, his youthful enthusiasm rather pressing him on.
153
WILLIAM TUTHERLY.
W ILLIAM TUTHERLY was born in Claremont, June 3, 1866, the youngest of six children born to William E. and Lorette C. (Rossiter) Tutherly. He was educated in the public and high schools of Claremont, the University of Vermont, and the Boston University law school. During the academic years of 1887-'88 he was a cadet in the United States military academy at West Point, leaving on account of injuries received at the institution. He studied law under the direc- tion of Hon. Ira Colby of Claremont, graduated at the Boston Univer- sity law school in June, 1892, and was admitted to the bar in July of the same year. The following year he removed to Concord, where he is engaged in the practice of his profession. He served as assistant secretary of the constitutional convention of 1889, and at the extra ses- sion of the legislature in 1890 he was elected assistant clerk of the house of representatives. This position he now holds, having twice won a reelection at the sessions of 1891 and 1893. Upon the reorgan- ization of the Republican state committee in 1892, Mr. Tutherly was chosen secretary of that organization, and served with marked fidelity and ability through the successful campaign of that year. His interest in military affairs did not cease with his retirement from West Point, and in May, 1889, he was commissioned paymaster of the Third regi- ment, N. H. N. G., on the staff of Col. True Sanborn, a position which he still holds. Mr. Tutherly is one of New Hampshire's brightest young men, and has brought to the discharge of his official and quasi public duties a vigorous, mental alertness, combined with a remarkable facility of execution, which have attained for him a prominence not often accorded to men of his years. Thrown in contact with the best men in the state, he has in nowise suffered by the comparison, and has given promise and performance indicating a high degree of capability and pointing the way to further advancement and success.
154
1
HENRY WILDER KEYES.
N O name is more widely known or more justly honored in the northern valley of the Connecticut river than that of Keyes. The present representative of that family, Henry Wilder Keyes, was born May 23, 1863, the son of Henry and Emma Francis Pierce Keyes. He was born in Newbury, Vt .. and received his earliest education there. Removing to Boston upon the death of his father in 1870, he fitted for college at the Nichols Latin school and at Adams academy, Quincy, Mass. Entering Harvard university in 1883, he graduated with .. cum laude " honors in 1887, having gained distinction in society, athletics, and scholarship alike. Besides playing on the football team, he rowed for three years on the university crew, the last year (1887) being cap- tain and coach, and succeeding in turning out a crew that lowered all pre- vious records for four miles. At graduation his class honored him with an election as first marshal, the highest social distinction in Harvard life. After leaving college Mr. Keyes travelled extensively abroad, and upon his return, in spite of tempting business offers, decided to locate permanently on the farm in Haverhill which his father had owned and which he had managed while in college. This estate comprises a thousand acres of land in both New Hampshire and Vermont and is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the Connecticut valley. Here are located a herd of Holstein cattle and a flock of Shropshire sheep whose fame is international, as well as other imported stock. Mr. Keyes also owns farms in Kansas and Dakota and has taken much interest in the improve- ment of stock and the establishment of cooperative creameries. Besides holding various town offices he represented Haverhill in the legislature of 1891 and again in 1893 in which year he was also the Democratic candidate for secretary of state.
155
CAPT. ALEXANDER M. BEATTIE.
A LEXANDER M. BEATTIE, member of the house of represen- tatives from Lancaster, was born in Ryegate, Vt., July 29, 1830. He was a son of James Beattie and Margaret Gillespie, who after their marriage in 1808, settled in Ryegate. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, Newbury seminary, and St. Johns- bury academy. After leaving school, he moved to California, spend- ing nearly seven years in gold mining. May 8, 1861, he enlisted in the Third Vermont; was mustered into service July 16, 1861, as second lieutenant ; promoted to captain November 13, 1862. Captain Beattie was in all the principal battles in which his regiment was en- gaged. While in command of the Second division, Sixth corps sharp- shooters, which was given him in the spring of 1864, he did efficient work in tearing up the rails and breaking the enemy's line of communi- cation, June 23, and in quick and skilful work on the skirmish line in front of Petersburg, and at Fort Stevens, July II. Absolutely fear- less, always on the alert, and quick to catch the situation and to act, Captain Beattie never lost an opportunity, and never failed, with courage and decision, to make the most of it. In 1866-'67, he was interested in the oil regions in Bothwell, Canada, with success. In 1868 he bought large tracts of wild lands in New Hampshire and Ver- mont, and commenced a lumber business, in which he has been suc- cessful. In 1869 he married Celest, daughter of Gen. A. J. Congdon, and has one child, Mabel Alexander.
156
THOMAS JEFFERSON COURSER.
T HOMAS JEFFERSON COURSER, member of the legislature of 1893 from the town of Webster, was born in Wilmot, July 20. 1837, and is the son of William Barnard Courser and Nancy Morey. He was educated in the common schools of Warner and began at the age of nine years to earn his own living, finding time, however, to attend a few terms of school at Contoocook academy. Mr. Courser's parents were not wealthy, and at an early age the boy began farming, coming at the age of twenty-one to enter the employ of Dr. Robert Lane of Sutton. remaining there for eight years. Being fore-handed, as the New Eng- land expression has it, Mr. Courser in time had laid up a little capital and moved to Webster where he engaged in farming on his own account. continuing that occupation until the present time and scoring in it a pronounced success. adding, however. to his occupation that of dealer in cattle and stock. Mr. Courser has given some attention to politics. and for two years served as deputy sheriff of Merrimack county and for four years held office as county commissioner, being elected upon the Democratic ticket. In 1892 he was chosen to his present position, and has taken a high stand among the working members of the house for his practical common sense and judgment. His genial nature has won him friends in every direction.
157
AMOS NOYES BLANDIN.
A MOS NOYES BLANDIN, member of the legislature, was born in Landaff, September 6, 1864, the son of Willis Barrett Blandin and Jane Noyes. He was educated in the schools of Bath and at Phil- lips Exeter academy, his parents having removed to Bath when he was three years of age. Until his eighteenth year he worked upon his father's farm, and has since then been engaged in lumbering on his own account, having through his own efforts built up an increasingly prosper- ous and lucrative business. In the town of Bath he is esteemed as one of its citizens, and has already been honored with election to many of the town offices, serving as representative in the legislature during the last session with credit to himself and with honor to his constituents. He is at present engaged as treasurer and manager of the Bath Lumber company, and under his direction are cut six to eight million feet of lumber annually, he personally superintending the cutting of the timber. Mr. Blandin is, by recent appointment, a member of the commission to appraise the timber land in unincorporated places in the state. In addi- tion to these duties Mr. Blandin serves as director in the Woodsville Loan and Banking company, and is a director in the National Bank of Commerce at Pierre, South Dakota. Mr. Blandin is an active young man, and to his activity he owes his success. In this hustling quarter of the nineteenth century, such men as he bear off the palm. No enter- prise too vast, no obstacle too severe, no task too arduous, presents itself to the young, enthusiastic men of the present, and among them Mr. Blandin ranks as one of those who never falters, never shirks, and always succeeds.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.