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 19
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247
SAMUEL T. PAGE.
F EW, indeed, among New Hampshire's numerous band of lawyers and politicians are more widely known or more universally liked than Samuel T. Page, of Manchester. His smiling face and genial personality are familiar from Coos to the sea, and his every acquaintance is a friend. Mr. Page was born in the good old town of Haverhill, from which many distinguished sons have gone forth, February 14, 1849. He was educated at the Haverhill academy, and at Kimball Union acad- emy, Meriden, for Dartmouth college, from which institution he grad- uated with honors in the class of 1871. He took up the practice of law as a profession, and in this line has achieved great success, both in consultation and as an advocate. During most of his life he has resided at his native town of Haverhill, and has there practised his profession. Having large real estate interests needing his attention, he removed to Manchester a few years ago, and continues to hold an honorable posi- tion among the members of the Queen city bar, among whom he pur- sued the study of his profession, and was admitted to practice in 1874. Mr. Page has always been active in politics, and there are few in the state whose knowledge of the workings of legislative and other machin- ery, is more intimate and practical. He was private secretary to Hon. James A. Weston during the latter's service as governor of the state, and thus gained a fine initiation into political life. He served as super- intendent of schools at Haverhill, and was register of probate of Grafton county for eight years, surrendering that office to his successor in 1885. He was a member of the house of representatives in 1877, in 1878, and again in 1887. His service in this body, on the floor and in committee rooms alike, was useful and indefatigable. Mr. Page is a steadfast Democrat, a member of the Congregational church, and happily married.
248
ALFRED RANDALL EVANS.
O NE of the sons of Coos county, Alfred Randall Evans, has found New Hampshire a broad enough field for the exercise of his talent. He was born at Shelburne, March 21, 1849, the son of Otis Evans and Martha Pinkham. He was educated at Lancaster academy. at the Nichols Latin school, Lewiston, Me., and at Dartmouth college, graduating in the class of 1872. After leaving college he studied law, and before his admission to the bar was elected to the house of repre- sentatives from Shelburne, in 1874. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1875, and immediately entered upon practice at Gorham, where he has since maintained himself. In all the north country there are few men who take a higher rank in all departments of life than Mr. Evans. In 1875, and again in 1888, he was elected to the house of representatives from Shelburne, and has always taken an active part in every enterprise that would inure to the benefit of the community in which he has lived. He is a Republican in politics, and although his party is in the minority in Coos county, he has never hesitated to wage political battles with vigor and zeal, giving to the party the best services that in him lie, and even leading the forlorn hope always with credit, and generally with brilliant distinction. Upon the organization of the Berlin National bank at Berlin, February 21, 1891, Mr. Evans was chosen president of the corporation, and still retains that office. He is one of the busiest of men. His varied talents have sought and found a field for exercise in many departments of activity. Calling always upon himself for the highest degree of capacity, he has never yet called in vain. Responding nobly to every call, yielding cheerful acquiescence in every public decision, Mr. Evans is a model citizen and a gentleman of culture and of strength, a valued member of New Eng- land society.
249
1
HERBERT IRVIN GOSS.
H ERBERT IRVIN GOSS, son of Abel B. Goss and Lucy S. Ross, was born in Waterford, Vt., December 4, 1857. His early education was secured in the common schools, and later in the St. Johnsbury academy, from which he graduated in June, 1880. He spent the first year thereafter as a school-teacher. In 1881 he began the study of the law in the office of Hon. Elisha May at St. Johnsbury, and remained with Mr. May after that gentleman had formed a partnership with Hon. Henry C. Bates, until June, 1883, when he was admitted to the bar of Caledonia county. In October, 1883, Mr. Goss formed a partnership with F. B. Wright in Minneapolis, Minn., but relinquished the practice of the law in the West in October, 1884, the last six months of that time having been in practice by himself. In 1885 he opened an office in Guildhall, Vt., and a few months thereafter went to Lancaster, where he became a partner of the late Hon. Jacob Benton for the two succeeding years, being admitted to practice in New Hamp- shire courts in July, 1885. In October, 1887, Mr. Goss formed a partnership with Gen. A. S. Twitchell, and resided in Gorham until he moved to Berlin, which was in November. 1888. Mr. Goss's next partnership was formed February 1, 1891, with Daniel J. Daley, of Berlin, and to the firm as thus constituted was afterwards added another partner, in the person of Edward C. Niles, under the firm name of Daley, Goss & Niles, the firm enjoying one of the largest and most lu- crative practices in Coos county. Mr. Goss is a young lawyer of marked ability ; a frank and easy manner makes him a winning advocate ; in the conduct of cases he displays remarkable skill, and his knowledge of the law is extensive and ready. To his firm his services have been of great value, and as years pass will become more and more valuable. In the bustling town of Berlin, Mr. Goss has made himself a power by the earnestness with which he has entered into the projects that have contributed to the upbuilding of the community.
250
DANIEL J. DALEY.
D ANIEL J. DALEY was born at Lancaster, January 27, 1858, and is of Irish extraction, being the son of John and Bridget Daley, who now reside at Lancaster. He was reared upon his father's farm, and received a common-school and academical education. At the age of sixteen he began teaching school, teaching in the winter and working upon the farm during the summer, and applying his earnings toward the payment of the expense incurred in securing his education. At the age of twenty-two he chose the law for a profession, and entered the office of William and Henry Heywood, pursuing his legal studies under their direction until March, 1885, when he was admitted to the New Hampshire bar. November 9, of that year, he established himself at Berlin, and took up the practice of his profession, following the law alone until February 1, 1891, when he formed a partnership with Herbert I. Goss, which continued until September 15, 1892, when Edward C. Niles, son of Right Rev. W. W. Niles, Episcopal bishop of New Hamp- shire, was admitted to the firm, which then became Daley, Goss & Niles. In politics, Mr. Daley is a Democrat. In 1882 he was a member of the board of supervisors of Lancaster, and in 1883 was chairman of the same board. In 1884 and in 1888 he did remarkable service on the stump for his party, and in 1886 and 1887 served as town treasurer of Berlin. In 1888 he was nominated and elected, by a large majority, to be county solicitor of Coos county. In 1889 he was elected moderator in Berlin, serving also at the fall election in 1890, and at the March meeting in 1891. In 1890 he was again nominated to succeed himself as county solicitor, and was elected by a majority of 751, running far ahead of his ticket. In 1892 he declined a re-nomination, from business considera- tions. Mr. Daley has been prominent in the upbuilding of that lively town of Berlin, and is now president of the People's Building and Loan association of that place, and a director in the Berlin Heights Addition Land company, and in the Berlin Aqueduct company.
251
HON. CHARLES CHESLEY.
C HARLES CHESLEY was born in Wakefield, April 12, 1827. He was graduated at Bowdoin college, Me., in 1852, and studied law with Hon. John Hickman of West Chester, Pa., and with Hon. Chas. Doe, the present chief-justice of New Hampshire, at Dover. He commenced the practice of his profession in his native town and for several years was solicitor of Carroll county. He was chief clerk of the United States board of enrollment for the First district of New Hamp- shire from June, 1863, to June, 1865. He resigned that place to accept a clerkship in the office of the United States commissioner of internal revenue at Washington, D. C., where he remained until June, 1872, when he resigned to accept an appointment in the office of the United States at- torney general. In October of that year, without solicitation from him or from any one else in his behalf, he was appointed United States solicitor of internal revenue by President Grant. Soon after the inauguration of Presi- dent Cleveland in March, 1885, at the request of Mr. Garland, the new attorney general, Mr. Chesley sent his written resignation to the president, in which he said he had "always believed in the principles of the Repub- lican party, and desired its success in the recent election." Two days thereafter he received an autograph letter from the president, in which he was requested to remain as solicitor " at least sixty days longer." To this he replied that he would continue to discharge the duties of his office to the best of his ability, until his successor should be appointed and qualified. In June, 1888, his resignation, tendered more than three years before, was accepted, to take effect on the Ist of July. About that time Mr. Chesley met with successive severe domestic afflic- tions. Acting upon the urgent advice of friends, he made an extended trip through Europe, accompanied by his step-daughter, the only re- maining member of his own immediate family. He returned to Wash- ington in the fall of 1892, where he now resides.
252
FLETCHER LADD.
F LETCHER LADD, born in Lancaster, Coos county, December 21, 1862, a son of Mira Barnes ( Fletcher) Ladd and the Hon. William Spencer Ladd, who was one of the most distinguished lawyers of northern New Hampshire, and for many years a judge of the supreme court, comes from that old rugged New England stock who have fur- nished so many pioneers and statesmen for the country at large, and who have supplied every state in the Union with pillars and ornaments to uphold and adorn the bar and the bench. There is no prouder ances- try of which any man can boast. His education was obtained at Phil- lips academy, Andover, Mass., Dartmouth college, the Harvard Law school, and Heidleberg university, Germany. He received the degree of A. B. from Dartmouth, and LL. B. from Harvard. In 1889 he was admitted to the New Hampshire bar, and to the Massachusetts bar the same year, and to the United States supreme court bar, at Washington. in 1892. He practised law from 1889 until 1892, in Boston, when, upon the death of his father, he went to Lancaster, and entered the firm of Ladd & Fletcher, and has since continued his professional labors there. Mr. Ladd is a young man of evenly balanced mind, studious habits, and superior judgment. From his father he inherited a taste for legal pursuits, and his large mental resources, together with his careful training in the duties of his profession, have made him in every sense a splendidly equipped lawyer, whose comprehensive abilities are already highly appreciated by an extensive clientage.
253
GEN. PAUL LANG.
G EN. PAUL LANG is a native of Bath, where he was born July I , 1860. When he was very young the family residence was changed to Orford, and there the subject of this sketch has made his home during practically all his life. He was educated, after passing through the public schools, at Orford academy and at St. Johnsbury academy, and entered Dartmouth college with the class of 1882, re- maining there but one year. After leaving college, following the course of his father, the late Judge David R. Lang, a distinguished jurist of Grafton county in an earlier generation, he studied law, reading in the office of George W. Chapman at Haverhill. His studies were com- pleted in 1882, and in March of that year he was admitted to the bar. He at once established himself in practice by forming a partnership with his preceptor, Mr. Chapman, a relation that still continues, the firm having offices at Haverhill and Orford. General Lang's practice was marked with success, and attracted attention so that he became at- torney for the Boston & Maine railroad, ranking high among that cor- poration's valued and able counsel. With a natural inclination toward political life, General Lang was active in the service of his party, and in 1885 he was chosen a member of the Republican state committee, and has since been a member of that body. In the campaigns of 1888 and 1890 he was the member of the executive committee from Grafton county. Though active in politics, General Lang never was an office- seeker, his only public position being that of a member of the constitu- tional convention of 1889. In that same year, however, he was ap- pointed judge advocate general on the staff of Gov. David H. Goodell, with the rank of brigadier general. General Lang's acquaintance with New Hampshire men and affairs is wide and valuable. He has been a factor in many a political and legislative struggle, always espousing his friend's cause with zeal, yet never wounding his opponent by aggres- siveness or animosity.
254
JAMES R. JACKSON.
A MONG the New Hampshire men of this generation, James R. Jackson, of Littleton, claims prominence by reason of a life of varied and successful activity. Like many another of the successful men of the Granite state, Mr. Jackson is the native of a neighboring commonwealth, having been born in Barnet, Vt., in 1838. He has made his home in Littleton since 1846, and in that town he was educated in the common schools, and in private schools, attending the latter eight terms in all. He chose the law for a profession, and studied in the office of Harry and George A. Bingham. He was admitted to the bar in 1867, and took up his practice in Littleton, but abandoned it after a brief period. For four years he devoted himself to newspaper work, being for that length of time connected with the editorial staff of the Dover Press. Always a Democrat, always active, and always prominent, Mr. Jackson has, nevertheless, held office infrequently. In 1871 he was clerk of the house of representatives through a session remarkable in the political annals of the state, and in 1889 he was secretary of the constitutional convention. He was for several years a member of the board of education in Littleton, and is a trustee of its public library. He is fond of books, and owns a large and well selected library. Mr. Jackson has, however, occupied a quasi public position for some years, having been secretary of the Democratic state committee during the campaigns of 1888, 1890, and 1892. And it is in this position that he has won his laurels. To him his party's call has been as law : to him his party's service has been a pleasure ; to him his party's success has been a solace, and to him its defeat has been a sorrow, chastened, how- ever, by the thought that his efforts have been unhesitatingly put forth. with no higher prize than that he, as a member, might share in the good fortune of all. He married, in July, 1879, Miss Lydia Drew of Dover.
255
WILBUR HOWARD POWERS.
W TILBUR HOWARD POWERS, one of a famous New Hamp- shire family, was born in Croydon, the birthplace of many em- inent men, January 22, 1849, and is the son of Elias and Emeline (White) Powers. His preliminary education was obtained in the dis- trict schools and at Olean academy, New York, and at Kimball Union academy, Meriden. From this latter institution he graduated in 1871, and four years later took his degree from Dartmouth college. He at- tended lectures at Boston University Law school, graduating in the class of 1878, and on January 22, 1879, he began the practice of law in Boston, where he has met with excellent success. In the Massachu- setts house of representatives, in 1890, 1891, and 1892, he represented the town of Hyde Park, and was an acknowledged leader on the floor. In the house of 1890 his service was especially conspicuous, as he had in charge the bill to re-divide the state into congressional districts. The bill which was presented for the endorsement of the house was in large part the work of Mr. Powers, and this bill had the honor of being the first non-partisan re-districting measure ever presented to any leg- islature. He also introduced and advocated a bill for the equalization of taxes for one purpose, especially aiding the poorer municipalities. Mr. Powers has amply sustained the family name in his life-work, and has given ample credit to the state of his birth. The cases in court, and the causes before the legislature with which he has been identified, stamp him as a man of broad attainments, of keen, practical insight, and of great power. The confidence of his fellow-citizens, which he has won in high degree, speaks louder for his worth than any other tribute, and he would not be the man he is if he did not find in that the highest reward for all of his endeavors.
256
E. M. SLAYTON.
T' THE subject of this sketch is one of New Hampshire's sterling business men. He is a native of the Green Mountain state, and is the son of the Hon. Hiram King Slayton and Amanda (Mitchell) Slayton, and was born in the town of Calais, Washington county, Vt .. September 5, 1851. When about ten years of age he removed with his parents to the city of Manchester, and received his education in the public schools of that city, graduating from the high school in the class of 1868. At the conclusion of his school life he entered the employ of his father, who at that time was carrying on the produce business which he had founded in 1865. The business proved to be to Mr. Slayton's taste, and he entered most heartily into its prosecution, so much so that in 1873 he assumed entire charge, and from that time until April, 1892, he carried on the business for himself. In April of that year the business was merged into a stock company, with a capital of $100,000. This move was made for the reason that many of the employés of Mr. Slayton had been with him many years, and he as well as they desired that they be interested in the business financially. The E. M. Slayton Company, Manchester, thus founded, deals in eggs, butter, cheese. evaporated apples, potatoes, and all sorts of country produce, its customers being found throughout the length and breadth of New England. In 1873, when Mr. Slayton assumed charge of the business, the yearly receipts footed up $67,000. The business of this house for the year ending March 31, 1893, exceeded the sum of $1,000,000. This surprising increase of business is due as much to fair and honorable dealing as to enterprise and sagacity, and is a gratifying testimonial to Mr. Slayton's business methods. Mr. Slayton is a director in the Amoskeag bank, and is also president of the Manchester Board of Trade.
257
COL. W H. D. COCHRANE.
W ILLIAM HENRY DEARBORN COCHRANE was born in North Chelmsford, Mass., December 29, 1838. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native town, Leicester academy, Tilton seminary, and Manchester high school. April 19, 1861, then a student in the law office of the late Hon. William C. Clarke of Manchester, he enlisted in the First regiment, New Hampshire (three months) volunteers, and was discharged with the regiment August 9 ; he was appointed quartermaster's clerk by Capt. R. N. Batchelder, A. Q. M., U. S. Vols., and served until August 20, 1862, when he was commissioned first lieutenant, Company E, Tenth New Hamp- shire volunteers ; he was promoted to captain A. Q. M., U. S. Vols., May 5, 1863 ; major, July 4, 1864, and brevet lieutenant colonel, March 13, 1865 ; served in the Second and Ninth Army corps, in the Army of the Potomac from Ball's Bluff to Appomattox, being wounded at the Battle of Suffolk, Va. After the capitulation he was stationed at Richmond, Va., as depot quartermaster, in charge of transporting troops and unused munitions of war to the North, until December, 1865, when he was transferred to a similar duty at the depot at Brazos, Santiago, Texas, where he was honorably discharged June 15, 1866. Shortly after his muster out he was appointed an agent of the quarter- master's department in the regular army, and was stationed at Louis- ville, Ky., New Orleans, La., Little Rock, Ark., Jackson, Miss., and Jeffersonville, Ind. In April, 1874, he was appointed superintendent of the Nashua, Acton & Boston railroad, and returned to New Hamp- shire, settling in Nashua, He was for several years the New England agent of the Hoosac Tunnel line and Nickel Plate Fast Freight line, and is now agent of the Old Colony railroad, with office at Nashua. In October, 1886, he was appointed by President Cleveland United States disbursing agent of pensions for the district of New Hampshire and Vermont, holding the office three and one half years.
258
ROGER G. SULLIVAN.
E VERY smoker in New Hampshire knows Roger G. Sullivan, at least by name. Mr. Sullivan was born in Bradford, December 18, 1854, the son of Michael and Julia (Kean) Sullivan. He was educated in the schools of his native town and in the Park Street grammar school at Manchester, where his parents removed when he was a child, and in that city he began and built up the business which has brought him success and fame. Mr. Sullivan is the largest manu- facturer of cigars in New Hampshire, and in addition carries a large line of smokers' supplies. He early saw the benefits to be derived from honest workmanship and fine material, and he has been careful to see to it that no brand put upon the market in his name should fall short of the standard demanded by the tastes of the day. From small stand- ing he built up his business, and from small rented quarters he passed successively to larger ones, until now, in a building of his own, especially adapted for his purpose, he carries on the work which he has seen grow in his hands. Mr. Sullivan is highly esteemed by the citizens of Man- chester, and in his ward has served as moderator. He has modestly declined further honors, on the just plea that the increasing demands of his business forbid him embarking in anything else. He has recently built for himself a beautiful home in Manchester, where he enjoys the benefits of success, and no one begrudges them to him who has shown himself a whole-souled, hearty, honest, upright business man and citizen.
259
G. PERCIVAL STEWART.
G. PERCIVAL STEWART, president of the Granite State Provi- . dent association, comes from a sturdy Scotch family which came to the United States about 1650. In the few years that Mr. Stewart has been a resident of New Hampshire he has identified him- self with its most agressive and enterprising activity. Mr. Stewart was born in Portland, Me., about thirty years ago, and is the oldest son of Professor William P. Stewart, special actuary and instructor of agents of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. His early years were passed upon the farm in Maine, and in 1872 he went to New York and while yet a youth organized a manufacturing business employing two score hands, and upon disposing of this business became identified with various enterprises, always, however, confining his main attention to real estate, in this calling becoming familiar with the building and loan associations then springing up in New York. His keen per- ception, however, led him to formulate new plans for the development of this work, and the Granite State Provident association was the out- come of his labors. In the fall of 1890 he took up his residence in Manchester, to give his entire attention to the work of the association, joining with him a number of the most prominent business men of the state. In the brief space since then, Mr. Stewart has bounded into prominence in Manchester, taking a leading position in social as well as in business circles. He is a member of the Amoskeag Veterans, of the Manchester lodge of Elks, of the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Derryfield club in Manchester, and retains his membership in the famous Lotus club of New York. Young, energetic, popular, Mr. Stewart has already attained an enviable prominence in New Hamp- shire affairs.
260
H. FRANK MORSE.
H. FRANK MORSE, expert accountant and secretary of the , Granite State Provident association, was born in Loudon, March 9, 1849, the son of Harris E. and Sarah Ann ( Eaton) Morse. He was educated at the New Hampton institution, and soon after leav- ing school developed a system of double entry book-keeping, which at that time was new and practical, and which has now lost nothing of its novelty and effectiveness. This system he taught with great success to a large number of pupils in various parts of the country, and he is also employed as an expert accountant in unravelling the tangled skein of many mazy partnerships. His expert testimony on handwriting is also recognized by attorneys and the courts. In the pursuit of his profession he travelled extensively, and became widely acquainted with men and affairs in all parts of the country. His present position he has held since October, 1890, yet he has impressed his associates with his value. A large part of the executive work of the great institution with which he is connected has fallen to his share, and the steadily mounting assets of the concern may be justly said to be due in a great measure to the care with which the office work under his supervision has been administered. Mr. Morse is a member of a profession with few associates in New Hampshire, yet among those he easily leads. and among the many in other states with whom he has been associated he has proved himself the peer, at least, of them all.
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