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 18
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233
DAVID RUSSELL PIERCE.
D AVID RUSSELL PIERCE was born in Lexington, Maine, Feb- ruary 4, 1848, the son of Simon D. and Sarah A. (Parsons) Pierce. He was educated at the Bloomfield academy, Skowhegan, and at the Edward Little institute at Auburn, Maine. After leaving school he was a teacher in California for three years, and in 1869 was admit- ted to the bar in that state. For six years he was engaged in news- paper work in Boston, and was connected with the Commercial Bulle- tin and the Boston Post. For the past six years he has been in the practice of law in Somersworth, where he has built up a fruitful busi- ness. He served in the Seventh Maine battery during the war, and made a creditable record. He has been a member of the Grand Army for sixteen years, and is now the senior vice-commander of the depart- ment of New Hampshire. He has always been an ardent Republican and was a delegate from the First district to the National convention at Minneapolis in 1892. He is easily ranked as one of the prominent men of the state, his diverse occupations having given him a versatility of intellect and a facility for labor that are telling in his professional work. He is a finely cultured lawyer, and as a public speaker has made his mark. He is already in the line of promotion in various di- rections, and has only to live hereafter in accordance with his past to secure the abundant rewards that follow upon the exercise of such characteristics as he has shown himself to possess.
234
JAMES A. EDGERLY.
J AMES A. EDGERLY, son of James and Nancy II. (Wedgwood) Edgerly, was born in Wolfeborough, N. H., on the 15th day of May, 1846; was educated at the public schools and at the Wolfe- borough and Tuftonborough academy : lived upon his father's farm in Wolfeborough until twenty years of age. then removed to Great Falls. now Somersworth, N. H., where he has since resided. After teaching school for several years, he studied law in the office of William J. Cope- land, and was admitted to the Strafford county bar in 1874, and at once became a partner with Mr. Copeland under the firm name of Cope- land & Edgerly, which partnership continued until the death of Mr. Copeland, August 1, 1886. He was a member of the New Hampshire legislature in 1883. and again in 1885. Was a candidate for speaker in 1885, but withdrew before the caucus in favor of Hon. Edgar Aldrich, who was subsequently nominated and elected. Since that time he has devoted himself exclusively to his profession, and has a large practice in this state and western Maine. As a criminal lawyer he has had an extensive practice, having been engaged in the defense of twelve mur- der cases, some of them being among the most celebrated trials in this part of the country. His law library is said to be the largest private law library in the state, and he also has a large collection of rare his- torical works. He was married to Annie A. Wood, November 19. 1874, but has no children.
235
JOHN LANGDON SPRING.
J OHN LANGDON SPRING was born at Newport, January 14, 1830, and is the son of John Clark Spring. His education was obtained in the common schools, supplemented by such self-sought instructions as he was able to secure. He began the study of law with Hon. Thomas Wentworth and Hon. C. W. Woodman at Dover, and was admitted to the bar at Manchester in 1860. He began practice at Wilton and was there engaged for a part of one year, then removing to Milford, where he was established as a lawyer until 1870, when he moved to Lebanon and has since resided there. In the course of his practice Mr. Spring has been very successful, having enjoyed at one time the partnership of his son and always having commanded a consid- erable part of the docket. Among his brethren at the bar Mr. Spring has always been held in high esteem, and has been a vice-president of the American Bar Association. He is a Royal Arch Mason and is very prominent in Odd Fellowship in New Hampshire, having served for four years as grand representative in the Sovereign grand lodge. In 1875 Dartmouth college made Mr. Spring a Master of Arts. He sat in the constitutional convention of 1876, and in 1891 was elected to the house of representatives, and was again chosen in 1893, serving in each session as a member of the judiciary committee, and taking an important part in the debates of the session, espousing many successful measures and taking a decided stand against encroachments upon the people's rights. Mr. Spring has cooperated in many of the enterprises that have sprung up in Lebanon, and has favored from the first the liberal policy that has made that town so thriving. In the house of representatives Mr. Spring's career was highly creditable. He fre- quently spoke upon the important questions presented, and never with- out the respect of his colleagues nor yet without influence. He is a man of bold and vigorous mental parts, with a fluent command of lan- guage, a rapid and logical flow of thought, and of impressive presence.
236
FRANK HERBERT BROWN.
F RANK HERBERT BROWN, son of Oscar J. and Lavinia Porter Brown, born in Claremont, February 2, 1854. He was educated at the Stevens High school in Claremont, at the Highland Military academy. Worcester, Mass., at Dartmouth college, and at the law school of Boston university. Admitted to the Suffolk bar in 1876, he practised a short time in Boston, afterward in Concord, and now is in practice in Claremont. Scholarly in tastes and habits, a reader, a thinker, as well as a man of affairs, Mr. Brown ranks high among the coming men of New Hampshire. Able in debate and a tactician of no mean ability, quick of comprehension and courageous of action, the stump, the platform, and the field of politics furnish him with a congenial theatre of action. Representing Claremont in the legislature of 1891, and again in 1893, he early won the respect and recognition of his colleagues. An easy and fluent speaker, eloquent and able on the platform, strong in debate, fanciful and charming as an after-dinner talker, Mr. Brown holds an enviable place among the orators of the Granite state. Honest and fearless, with high aims and purposes, his democratic good-fellowship has given him a large acquaintance and many friends among all classes and conditions of men throughout the state. A courteous and honorable gentleman, of fine sensibilities, lib- eral in thought and action, his career already successful is yet fruitful with possibilities.
237
COL. THOMAS J. WHIPPLE.
C OL. THOMAS J. WHIPPLE was born in Wentworth, January 30, 1816, and read law with Josiah Quincy, of Rumney, and was admitted to the bar in 1840. He enlisted in the Mexican War, serving as first lieutenant, Company H, United States infantry, and landed at Vera Cruz, June 21, 1847 ; was taken prisoner July 13, and exchanged at Jalapa, September I, of the same year. After his exchange he served as aide-de-camp and assistant adjutant-general under General Scott, until the close of the war. In 1849 he opened an office in Laconia, where he continued the practice of law until his death, December 21, 1889. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he responded with characteristic promptness to the call for soldiers, and went into service as lieutenant-colonel of the First New Hampshire regiment. A born soldier, his nature resolute and intensely patriotic, he was the embodiment of courage. He commanded the Fourth New Hampshire regiment until he resigned, March 18, 1862. Unanimously chosen colonel by the men of the Twelfth regiment, New Hampshire volunteers, he had every known qualification for leadership; the only reason why he was not a great leader was because he was not commissioned and allowed to command the brave men who had volunteered to serve with him ; and thus the military career of this accomplished soldier was closed forever. In religious matters Colonel Whipple was charitable to others, while he entertained very strong and positive views of his own. He fearlessly approached the close of life, and when the warfare was ended he con- fidently went to his rest, having outlived the world's superstitions and childish fears. His matchless power of expression, his blistering sar- casm, his vivid and impressive description, cannot be delineated. His gems of thought and expression are strewn all along the pathway of his career, but it is as impossible to preserve their brilliancy and point as it is to preserve the sparks struck from flint and steel.
238
HON. CHARLES F. STONE.
H TON. CHARLES F. STONE, of Laconia, was born in Cabot, Vt., May 21, 1843, and his early days, like those of many prominent professional men of to-day, were passed on a farm. After passing through the common schools of his native town, he decided to study a profession, and took a preparatory course for Middlebury col- lege, which he did in 1885, at Barre (Vt.) academy, graduating from Middlebury college, class of '69. He defrayed the expenses of his college course by teaching school, and began the study of law in the office of Hon. J. W. Stewart at Middlebury, at the same time filling the position of principal of the graded school. In 1870 he went to Laconia, where he continued his legal studies in the office of Hon. E. A. Hibbard, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. He began the practice of law in company with Geerge W. Stevens, and later he conducted a lucrative business alone till 1880, when he formed a partnership with E. P. Jewell, with whom he is now associated in a large and successful prac- tice. Mr. Stone was chairman of the Democratic state committee, from 1882 until 1890. He served in the legislature in 1883-84 ; also in 1887-'88, where he was conspicuous in the great railroad fight, opposing the " Hazen bill " and advocating the antagonistic measure, the .. Ath- erton bill." He was first president of the Laconia board of education. In 1892 he was nominated a candidate for congressman by his party. He is a member of the Laconia grange, and of the Belknap County Pomona grange, Patrons of Husbandry, and since he attained his majority has been a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Stone is an able, sound lawyer, an eloquent pleader, and easily holds a place in the front rank of his profession.
239
EDWARD G. LEACH.
F DWARD G. LEACH of Franklin was born in Meredith, June 28, 1849, and has made Franklin his home since 1871. He was educated at Kimball Union academy and at Dartmouth college, gradu- ating from the latter institution in 1871. While yet at school in the fall of 1864, Mr. Leach, fired by the example of his father and only brother, the latter of whom died in the service of his country, sought to enlist in a company of heavy artillery then being formed at Laconia, but was prevented by his relatives. During his college course he taught school at several places in New Hampshire, and passed his summers as clerk at various summer hotels. After graduation he read law with Hon. Daniel Barnard and E. B. S. Sanborn at Franklin, and was admitted to the bar in 1874, being partner with his preceptor, Mr. Barnard, until 1879, at which time he formed a partnership with Henry W. Stevens of Concord, which relationship still exists. Mr. Leach has been known in many fields of endeavor. He is president of the Manufacturers' and Merchants' Mutual Insurance company, of the Franklin Building and Loan association, and of the Franklin Board of Trade. He has also been clerk and one of the trustees of the Unitarian society in Franklin for the past ten years, and a member of the board of water commissioners for the same term. Mr. Leach was elected county solicitor of Merrimack county in 1880, serving four years. In his long career in public and private life Mr. Leach has won many laurels by his own efforts. His activity has been great and his success has been commensurate with it. As a member of the present House he takes a leading rank, and he has but to view the future with unfail- ing eyes, as the past is ample security that his prospect is brilliant.
240
JAMES ELLERY BARNARD.
J AMES ELLERY BARNARD was born in Franklin, January 29. 1863, the son of Daniel Barnard and Amelia (Morse) Barnard. His preliminary education was obtained in the Franklin Iligh school. and at the Holderness school for boys. He entered Dartmouth college in the class of 1884, but failing health compelled him to relinquish his college course, and at the end of his sophomore year he made an ex- tended tour in the Orient, returning in 1884 to enter the Franklin National bank, where he was employed for two years : then going to the National Bank of the Republic, in Boston, whence he was called, by the death of his elder brother, to the study of law in the office of his father, the late Hon. Daniel Barnard, and was graduated from the Boston Uni- versity Law school in 1890, being admitted to the bar in the same year. From that time until the death of his father he was a member of the firm of Barnard & Barnard, and succeeded to the practice of the firm upon his father's death, in 1892. Upon the formation of the municipal court in Franklin, Mr. Barnard was appointed its first judge, and has but now entered upon the duties of the position. The academic honors relinquished by Mr. Barnard because of failing health came to him in 1888 when, honoris causa, he was granted the degree of A. B. by the trustees of Dartmouth college. In the few years that have passed since his admission to the bar, Mr. Barnard has made a name for himself inde- pendent of that bequeathed him by a brilliant parent. As an active, energetic young lawyer, he has commanded the respect of an increasing clientage. Applying himself with diligence to the tasks set before him, he has succeeded already in securing a foothold in the pathway to suc- cess. To his advantage has been turned a rare social temperament, and an extended circle of friends rejoice no less than he at the evidences already given of a future marked with success.
241
NATHANIEL E. MARTIN.
A MONG the younger members of the New Hampshire bar, there is no one who has attained a higher measure of success in an equal number of years, and certainly none with higher promise for the future, than Nathaniel Everett Martin, of Concord, junior member of the firm of Albin & Martin, which ranks second to no law firm in Mer- rimack county, either as regards extent of business or reputation for successful work. Mr. Martin is a son of Theophilus B. and Sarah L. (Rowell) Martin, and was born in the rural town of Loudon, August 9, 1855. He received his education in the common schools of Loudon and Concord, and the Concord High school, and, deciding to follow the legal profession, pursued the study thereof in the office of Sargent & Chase, in Concord, where he was admitted to the bar on August 14, 1879, and has since been actively engaged in practice, having been associated with John H. Albin since May, 1885. For two years, from July 1, 1887, to July 1, 1889, he held the office of solicitor of Merri- mack county, and distinguished himself therein by strict regard for the letter and spirit of his official obligations. Although heartily identified with the Democratic party, and at present holding the position of chair- man of the Democratic city committee, Mr. Martin has not sought pro- motion at the hands of his party, and has never neglected his profes- sional and business interests for partisan or political work. A thorough lawyer, keenly delighting in the labors and contests incident to the pro- fession, he has not forgotten his early associations, and takes an active interest in agricultural pursuits, particularly in stock breeding. He is also quite extensively engaged in real estate and other business operations, bringing thereto the same aptness and sagacity, as well as tireless energy, which characterize his professional life.
242
JOHN HENRY ALBIN.
J OHN HENRY ALBIN was born at West Randolph, Vt., October 17, 1843, and is the son of John Albin and Emily White. Hle was fitted for college in the high school at Concord, and graduated from Dartmouth in the class of 1864, beginning at once the study of law in the office of Judge Ira A. Eastman of Concord, and was admit- ted to the bar in October, 1867, becoming in April, 1868, a partner of Judge Eastman. In December of the same year Samuel B. Page from Warren was admitted to the firm, which was reckoned one of the strongest in the state and was dissolved in 1874, at which time Mr. Albin became associated with Hon. Mason W. Tappan, this part- pership being broken by the appointment of Mr. Tappan as attorney general of New Hampshire ; upon the repeal of the statute which pre- vented the attorney general from practice in cases to which the state was not a party, it was renewed. Later Mr. Albin formed a partner- ship with Nathaniel E. Martin which still exists under the firm name of Albin & Martin, and is extensively occupied with general practice. In 1872 and 1873 Mr. Albin was a representative in the legislature from his ward in Concord, serving as a member of the judiciary com- mittee during his first term, and as chairman of the committee on rail- roads during his second term. In 1875 he took up his residence in Henniker, and in 1876 represented that town in the legislature, his committee service being important and valuable. In Odd Fellowship Mr. Albin has taken a high rank. Ile has held all the official posi- tions of the Grand lodge, being elected Grand Master in 1879. and in 18St and 1882 represented the state in the Sovereign Grand lodge at its sessions in Cincinnati and Baltimore. In September, 1881, he was appointed a member of the committee which was to prepare a degree of uniformed patriarchs. In 1884 Mr. Albin was chairman of the patriarchal branch of Odd Fellowship, and since that time has been prominently identified with its development.
243
WALTER S. PEASLEE.
W ALTER SCOTT PEASLEE was born at Wilmot, November 14, 1854, and is the son of George Washington Peaslee and Caroline Taylor (Burbank) Peaslee. He was educated in the common schools of his native town, at Colby academy, New London, and at Wolfeborough academy, and read law with Col. Thomas J. Whipple, at Laconia, being admitted to the bar in July, 1885, and im- mediately entering upon the practice of his profession at Laconia, where he still resides. Mr. Peaslee gave diligent attention to his profession, and won success. In 1890 he was nominated and elected solicitor of Belknap county, upon the Democratic ticket, and his service in this capacity was painstaking and creditable. Mr. Peaslee boasts, not vain- gloriously, that he is a self-educated man. With a rare fondness for books, he has followed along the pathway of culture with diligence. Widely read, he has attained the broadest of equipments for the practice of his profession, has given much attention to the study of the languages, and as a writer has evinced no mean ability, his productions both in prose and verse reaching a high plane of merit. As a lawyer, Mr. Peaslee has been singularly fortunate, though his good fortune has come, not as the result of any stroke of luck, but as the due reward of faithful, intelligent application, and of a sturdy, upright integrity that merits and receives approbation in every walk of life. Possessing the qualities of New England manhood-acuteness, firmness, uprightness, -Mr. Peaslee has developed those qualities in the practice of his pro- fession, and their development has redounded, not only to his own ben- efit but to the benefit of his friends and clients. Both'as a public official and in his private practice, Mr. Peaslee has given evidence of great latent power, the reserve force of his nature being sufficient to meet and con- quer any emergency.
244
JAMES F. BRENNAN.
AMES F. BRENNAN was born in Peterborough, March 31. 1853. - ) and received his preliminary education in the common schools and academy of his native village. In 1880 he commenced the study of law in the office of Charles Poe, Baltimore, and after a three years course in the law school of the University of Maryland, graduated in the class of '84, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Law. He was ad- mitted to practice at the New Hampshire bar, August 28, 1884, the United States circuit court bar the next year, and establishing an office in his native town. has attained an excellent law practice. Mr. Brennan is a Democrat in politics, and has done good work for his party on the stump in all recent campaigns. In the November election of 1886 he ran largely ahead of the general ticket, as Democratic candidate for county solicitor, this being the only time he has allowed his name to be used as a candidate for a political office. He has an extended acquaintance throughout the state, possessing a host of friends. He was chairman of the Second district Democratic congressional convention in 1888, and has served on the board of auditors, library committee, and school board of his native town. He is a lover of books, and possesses a very fine law library.
2 45
THOMAS E. O. MARVIN.
T HOMAS E. O. MARVIN was born at Portsmouth, December 18, 1837, and is the son of Capt. William Marvin and Marianna (Martin) Marvin. He was educated in the public schools of Ports- mouth, and at the Portsmouth academy, under the tutelage of the famous master, William Harris. After finishing his school days, he became prominent in the city of his birth, and has held various city offices. For two years, 1872 and 1873, he was mayor of Portsmouth, and in the latter year presided at the meeting of the Sons of Portsmouth, upon their return, welcoming them with a proper address. In 1872, at Boston, during the big fire, he rendered effective service in charge of the fire department of Portsmouth, and is credited with having saved the Old South Church from destruction. He is now associate-justice of the municipal court of Portsmouth, and military instructor in the public schools of the city. He also holds many private positions of trust, and was a member of Governor Cheney's staff. Since 1872 he has been president of the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and in that position has rendered the most effective and effect- ual service in behalf of humane sentiment. This society Colonel Marvin was active in organizing, and has been more than active in sustaining ; indeed the noble work of this organization in New Hampshire has been almost entirely accomplished by him personally. He is also president of The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Colonel Marvin's tastes and occupation inclined him to the study of the law. His counsel has been eagerly sought by a large clientage, and the rare tact and common sense that have characterized him have been useful to his friends who have sought and followed his advice. In the city of Portsmouth, where he was born and has always resided, Colonel Marvin is held in the highest esteem, which is shared by the people of New Hampshire, who have come to know him through his activity in a just and noble cause.
246
IRA ARTHUR CHASE.
I RA ARTHUR CHASE was born in Bristol, March 25, 1854. and is the son of Ira Stephen Chase and Cordelia Page Simonds. He was educated at the Bristol high school and at the New Hampton Lit- erary institution, graduating from that institution in 1872, and from Dartmouth college in 1877. The interim between his graduation from New Hampton and his entering college, Mr. Chase passed as a school teacher, being principal of Orleans Liberal institute at Glover, Vt. Upon leaving college Mr. Chase again resumed teaching, following that occupation one year, and then began the study of law at Bristol with Hon. L. W. Fling, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1881. Ile at once began the practice of law at Bristol, and has ever since achieved success in his calling. In 1883 Mr. Chase was chosen assistant clerk of the state senate, and was reelected to that position in 1885, being promoted to the clerkship in 1887 and reelected in 1889. Mr. Chase has been and is interested in many business enterprises, and all of the projects looking to the development of the town of his birth and resi- dence have received his cheerful support and hearty cooperation. In his profession Mr. Chase has justly achieved a large measure of success. due to his unexampled fidelity and honor. A rare degree of foresight enabled him to take a high rank in his profession as a counsellor, while the studious care with which he prepared his cases and the vigor with which he prosecuted his cause have but added to his reputation as a lawyer in the field belonging especially to an advocate. The recogni- tion of these qualities that Mr. Chase has so conspicuously and con- stantly displayed, has brought him respect, esteem, and emolument. In receiving them he has not lost sight of the modesty of his honest man- hood, nor has he allowed them by their allurements to take him from the path in which he first found the way to success.
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