Very truly yours— John C. FrenchVery truly yours—John C. French
Prior to 1870, New Hampshire had no reliable fire insurance company. That she now has one that is "sound, solid, and successful," firmly established in the confidence of the country, and steadily growing in strength and stability, is mainly due toJohn C. French, who, in spite of much prejudice and distrust, laid the foundations of the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company, and has since been its leading spirit and manager.
Mr. French came of sturdy stock. His grandfather, Abram French, was a native of Stratham, where he spent his boyhood and learned the trade of a carpenter and builder, in which he soon became known as a skillful and thorough workman. In this capacity he went to Pittsfield to complete the interior of the first meeting-house in that town; and, when this was finished, erected the buildings upon the parsonage lot for Rev. Christopher Paige, step-father of the "beautiful Grace Fletcher," the first wife of Daniel Webster. Some years later, Mr. Paige removed from town, and the young mechanic bought the place, and in 1796 married Hannah Lane, of Stratham, and established the French homestead, in which he reared to maturity twelve children, and dispensed for many years the hospitality which his prosperity enabled him to provide for a wide circle of relatives and friends. His numerous children and grandchildren ranked among the reliable and thrifty people of that town.
Enoch, the oldest son of Abram French, who married, in 1823, Eliza Cate, of Epsom,—a most estimable woman,—and settled on an adjoining farm, was the father of five children. The only survivor of this family is the subject of this sketch, John C. French, who was born March 1, 1832, and spent his boyhood upon one of the rocky farms in Pittsfield. His opportunities for obtaining an education were very limited, but his ardent desire to learn impelled him to supplement his common-school privileges by reading at home, and afterwards to obtain, by working on a farm summers and teaching winters, the money to pay his expenses for several terms at the academies at Pittsfield, Gilmanton, and Pembroke. What he learned at these institutions only fed his ambition to know more; and, as there was little opportunity for him to gratify his tastes and aspirations at home, when he became of age he made an arrangement with J. H. Colton & Co. to solicit orders for their mounted maps. The tact and activity which he showed in this work led his employers, a year later, to give him the Boston agency for "Colton's Atlas of the World," then in course of preparation; and in this he won another success, selling over twelve hundred copies of this large and expensive work. In 1855 he was appointed general agent for the house for New England, and subsequently gave considerable time to the introduction of Colton's series of geographies into the public schools; and was afterwards employed by Brown, Taggart, & Chase, and Charles Scribner & Co., in bringing out their school publications. While thus engaged he was able to gratify his fondness for travel, observation, and reading; gained an acquaintance with the leading authors, teachers, publishers, and other prominent educators,and a knowledge of the local history, industries, and resources of all the principal towns in New England. He also learned thoroughly the art of advertising, and of putting books upon the market in a way to command popular favor.
During the eight years he was thus employed, he made frequent journeys to Pittsfield, and spent a portion of each season there with his parents, to whom he was devotedly attached; but in May, 1866, having been appointed state agent of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company, he established his residence in Manchester, which has since been his home, though he still retains possession of the beautiful homestead farm upon which he was born.
Three years later, having become interested in and familiar with the insurance interests of the state, he conceived the idea of establishing a stock fire insurance company, and by untiring persistency and zeal overcame the almost universal prejudice against such an organization, enlisted in its support some of our most prominent citizens, secured a charter and the capital stock, and began the business which under his energetic and prudent directions has since grown to great proportions. To this company he still gives his undivided time and efforts, refusing to accept political office, declining all inducements to go elsewhere, resting entirely content with the success he commands in and from the company's office. His wide and varied experience has given him a great insight into business affairs and productive industries, and also an extensive and invaluable knowledge of men, and these acquirements and all his native abilities he is bringing to the service of the company in the enlarged and enlarging sphere of his official duties. That he does not labor in vain is shown by the fact that the New Hampshire company, so recently established, has increased its capital stock from one hundred thousand to five hundred thousand dollars, and its cash assets to nearly a million, that it commands the countenance and assistance of many of our most prominent men, and enjoys a national reputation for prudent management and financial success.
Mr. French has always taken a lively interest in his native town, and, when the project for building a railroad which would promote its growth and prosperity took shape, he gave himself heartily to the support of the enterprise, and it was largely through his efforts that the three hundred and fifty thousand dollars necessary to build the Suncook Valley road was secured, by subscriptions to the capital stock and gratuities from the towns along the line. As one method of helping this work to a successful completion, he established theSuncook Valley Times—a weekly paper—at Pittsfield and for two years contributed regularly to its columns a series of historical and biographical articles, which attracted much attention in the locality, and were widely copied and read elsewhere. He also at one time published and edited at Manchester a journal devoted to insurance interests; and in these publications, as well as in those of the New Hampshire company, has established a reputation as a vigorous, versatile, and popular writer.
The zeal, fidelity, and success with which he has managed the various interests intrusted to him have been highly appreciated, and numerous testimonials have borne witness to the satisfaction of his employers. The records of the New Hampshire company contain a resolution passed unanimously by the stockholders, in 1871, in which the unparalleled success of the company is ascribed mainly to his zeal and efficiency; and a similar resolution is inscribed upon the books of the Suncook Valley Railroad.
Mr. French, while not a politician, takes a deep interest in public affairs, and his help can always be depended on for whatever promises to promote the public good and the well-being of the community in which he lives. He is a genial companion, a stanch friend, and a man who wins and holds the good opinions ofa very large circle of acquaintances. He is a member of Trinity Commandry, Knights Templar, and a director of the Merchants National Bank.
Mr. French married, in 1858, Annie M., daughter of L. B Philbrick, Esq., of Deerfield, and has three children,—Lizzie A., Susie P., and George Abram,—who reside with their parents.
The town of Gilmanton has always been distinguished for its strong and able men, who have exercised a powerful influence in the affairs of their town and state. It has furnished men to fill nearly every position of trust and honor within the gift of the people of our state, and it has ever been proud of her illustrious sons. Among the very strong men of this old town stood Hon.Thomas Cogswell, who in the year 1820, at the age of twenty-one, moved hither from Atkinson, N. H., where he was born December 7, 1798. He was one of a family of nine children of William and Judith (Badger) Cogswell, eight of whom lived to years of maturity. He settled on the farm formerly occupied by his grandfather, the Hon. Joseph Badger, and with strong hands and indomitable courage commenced gaining a livelihood for himself and young wife, Mary Noyes, whom he married just prior to moving here. He soon attracted the attention of the older settlers, and in a short time became one of the leading men in the town; and ever afterwards took an active part in all its local affairs, and for the whole period of his life was honored and respected by his neighbors and townsmen, and received at their hands every office within their gift.
There is no position that more truly shows the strength and power of a man than that of moderator of a New Hampshire town-meeting; but for many successive years he was chosen to preside over the deliberations of the annual and other meetings in this, then, large town, and always did so with great dignity, and to the perfect satisfaction of all. He was also chosen one of the board of selectmen, and represented the town in the legislature, and while a member of that body introduced and supported a bill to repeal the law authorizing imprisonment for debt. For ten years he was a deputy-sheriff for the county of Strafford, before its division, and during all this time was actively engaged in the duties of the office. He was also treasurer of the county for three years. In 1841 he was appointed one of the judges of the court of common pleas for the new county of Belknap, and held that position until the year 1855, when the judiciary system of the state was changed. In 1856 he was elected a member of the governor's council from district number three. He was a justice of the peace and quorum for over forty years. He was an officer in the New Hampshire militia, and attained the rank of captain. He was of Revolutionary stock, his father and seven uncles having served in that war, and performed, in the aggregate, thirty-eight years of service.
For seven years in succession he taught the winter term of school in his district, at the same time performing all the work incident to his farm, and during his whole life was interested in and a promoter of education. Gilmanton Academy, an institution established by the efforts of his grandfather, Gen. Joseph Badger, and his uncle, the Hon. Thomas Cogswell, with the assistance of many other strong and good men, early received his aid and co-operation, and he was one of its board of trustees up to within a few years of his death. In early life he became a member of the Congregational church at Gilmanton Iron-Works, and was deacon of the same for many years; and always gave freely of his means for the advancement of the cause of the Christian religion.
Thomas CogswellThomas Cogswell
Notwithstanding the many and various duties imposed on Mr. Cogswell by his almost continuous service in some public position, he was a large and successful farmer, and by his own exertions added year by year to his original farm, so that at his death he owned in one tract nearly one thousand acres of valuable land. He was a great lover of the soil and was always interested in the cause of agriculture, and was in every respect a well informed and successful farmer.
He possessed, to an uncommon degree, strong natural powers of mind, and was capable of grasping difficult questions and giving a good legal opinion. His mind was essentially judicial, and, had he devoted himself to the study and practice of law, would undoubtedly have been a leading mind in that profession. For many years he was consulted by his neighbors and townsmen upon the troubles that frequently arose between them, and to his credit, by his clear and practical judgment, saved, frequently, long and expensive litigation. He was true to every trust committed to him, and was scrupulously honest and exact in all his dealings.
In politics, Thomas Cogswell was a Democrat to the end of his life. During the war of the rebellion, he was a strong supporter of the government, and a friend and well-wisher of every soldier in the field. He saw clearly and plain that his duty as an American citizen was to render all the aid in his power to help carry on and bring to a successful close the terrible struggle then going on. He was a lover of his country and delighted in its free institutions; and, although strong in his political faith, was not a partisan.
Mr. Cogswell was noted for his energy and force of character; and, when he had once made up his mind as to a certain course to pursue, he never changed it until he was thoroughly satisfied that he was wrong. He was a natural leader among men, and possessed the characteristics of a great general. He was a ready and fluent public speaker, and few men could better entertain an audience. He excelled in strong common sense, and could state exactly his position on any subject that interested him. He was always well informed, particularly on the history of his country and its many political changes. He was of commanding appearance, and was a noticeable person in any assembly. He was of an affectionate disposition, and sympathized with the afflictions of others. He died August 8, 1868, and was buried in the old historic burying-ground in Gilmanton near the dust of his illustrious ancestors; and in his death the town lost a wise counselor, the poor a generous friend, and the community at large an honest and upright man.
There are four children now living,—Mary C. Burgess, wife of the late Dr. Burgess, now living in Boston, Mass.; Martha B. Batchelder, wife of the late Dr. Batchelder, also residing in Boston; James W. Cogswell, sheriff of Belknap county; and Thomas Cogswell, a lawyer, residing on the old homestead at Gilmanton.
Person Colby Cheney was born in that part of Holderness, N. H., which is now Ashland, February 25, 1828. He was the sixth child in a family of five sons and six daughters,—children of Moses and Abigail (Morrison) Cheney,—nine of whom still survive.
Of his sisters, Sarah B. is the wife of Rev. S. G. Abbott, of Needham, Mass.; Abby M. is the widow of George Washburn, late of Goffstown, N. H.; Ruth E. is the wife of Joseph W. Lord, of Wollaston, Mass.; Marcia A. is the wife of J. P. F. Smith, of Meredith, N. H.; Hattie O. is the wife of Dr. C. F. Bonney, of Manchester, N. H.
Of his brothers, Rev. O. B. Cheney, D. D., is the president of Bates College, Lewiston, Me., and has mainly laid the foundations of the success and popularity of that excellent institution of learning; E. H. Cheney is the editor and proprietor of theGranite State Free Press, Lebanon, N. H.; and Moses Cheney, a manufacturer of paper at Henniker, N. H., is retired from business.
The square, old-fashioned New England house, where the family resided, is still to be seen. It stands in the picturesque village of Ashland, overlooking the valley below, and commanding a view of lofty hills and beautiful scenery. The childhood of the subject of this sketch was passed in this venerable mansion, but his boyhood and early manhood were passed at Peterborough, N. H., where his father was engaged in the manufacture of paper. This gave him an early and intimate acquaintance with the paper business, enabled him to gain a knowledge of all its details, and gave him those habits of industry and self-reliance, which, upon the basis of a strong natural sagacity and force of character, have distinguished his business life. He acquired a fair education in the ordinary branches of knowledge, in the academies at Peterborough and Hancock, N. H., and Parsonsfield, Me.
His father removed to Holderness in 1845, having sold his interest to A. P. Morrison; and Person C. Cheney assumed the management of the paper-mill at Peterborough. In 1853 a firm of which Mr. Cheney was a member built another paper-mill at Peterborough; but he soon bought out the interest of his associates, and continued business in Peterborough till 1866.
Mr. Cheney took an early interest in politics, and represented the town of Peterborough in the legislature in 1853 and 1854. He entered ardently into the memorable events of 1860 and 1861, and zealously aided and promoted the preparation of his state for the great struggle to maintain the Union. In due time he offered his personal services, and in August, 1862, was appointed quartermaster of the 13th Regiment, N. H. Vols., and proceeded with the regiment to the seat of war. Joining the army of the Potomac, he rendered faithful service to the regiment and the country until exposure and overwork in the campaign before Fredericksburg brought on a long and dangerous sickness. Barely escaping with his life, he was compelled to resign and return home. He received an honorable discharge in August, 1863. From that time till the close of the war the Union cause at home had no more earnest or efficient friend and champion. In 1864 he was chosen railroad commissioner of New Hampshire, and served three years.
P. I. CheneyP. I. Cheney
In 1866, Mr. Cheney removed to Manchester, and formed a partnership with Thomas L. Thorpe, as a dealer in paper stock and manufacturer of paper at Goffstown. In 1868 the firm of E. M. Tubbs & Co., of which Mr. Cheney had been a member three years, bought out the interest of Mr. Thorpe, and the business was continued under the name of P. C. Cheney & Co. In 1870 the mill at Goffstown was destroyed by fire, but was replaced by a new mill, and the business enlarged by rebuilding the old mill at Amoskeag village.
Mr. Cheney, upon becoming a resident of Manchester, became at once thoroughly and prominently identified with the development and prosperity of that rapidly growing city; and very soon his business capacity and integrity, his liberal spirit and engaging manners, attracted attention to him as a man not only highly fitted for public honors, but as pre-eminently capable of commanding them at the hands of the people. He was brought forward as a candidate for mayor of Manchester in 1871, and elected by a larger majority than any candidate had received since 1863. He performed the duties intelligently and to general acceptance, but declined a re-election. In 1874, at its organization, he was chosen president of the People's Savings Bank, and still retains the office.
In 1875, under peculiar circumstances, Mr. Cheney became the Republican candidate for governor. In 1874 the Republicans had lost the state for causes which it would not be useful to recite; and the Democrats, having control of every branch of legislation, had used their power to fortify themselves in the possession of the state government, by making new ward divisions in the city of Manchester, and redistricting for councilors and senators, in such a manner as to put their adversaries at great disadvantage, and render it almost impossible to recover the state. Under such circumstances it became absolutely necessary for them to place at the head of the ticket a name of the greatest personal popularity. Such were the prestige of Mr. Cheney, gained by his successful administration in Manchester, his personal magnetism among those who knew him, and his well known energy as a canvasser, that, unexpectedly to himself, he was selected as the standard-bearer of his party, and the result proved how wisely. The hottest campaign ever known in a state proverbial for the violence of its political contests ensued, and there was no choice of governor by the people; but Mr. Cheney had a plurality of the votes cast, although Judge Roberts, his competitor, received the heaviest vote his party had ever polled in New Hampshire. The Republicans secured a majority in the legislature, which elected Mr. Cheney governor. In 1876, Gov. Cheney was again a candidate, and after a canvass which exceeded in intensity even that of 1875, he was re-elected by a flattering majority of the popular vote, which was heavier than had ever before been cast in New Hampshire. Mr. Cheney brought to the office of governor a patriotic love for the state and solicitude for her good name, a clear insight, great executive ability, thorough business habits, and personal dignity, urbanity, and tact of a high order. These qualities, combined with his undoubted integrity and earnestness of purpose, enabled him to give the state a most prudent and successful administration of its affairs. The retrenchment of expenses, so much needed in a period of financial depression following years of sharp distress, was kept steadily in view, and a thorough business system inaugurated in all branches of the government; the affairs of the adjutant-general's office were redeemed from years of neglect and confusion; the state debt was materially reduced; at hissuggestion a law was passed requiring vouchers to be filed for all disbursements from the governor's contingent fund; and the finances of the state were left in all respects upon a sound and stable basis. The prominent part of New Hampshire in the Centennial Exposition was due largely to his foresight, his faith in its benefits, and his untiring efforts in its behalf. None who participated in them will ever forget the brilliant success of "New Hampshire Day" at Philadelphia, or the reception of Governor and Mrs. Cheney, during his term of office, to the members of the legislature and the citizens of Concord, at White's Opera House, which was a memorable social event.
Gov. Cheney retired from office with the universal respect and esteem of men of all parties, and has since devoted himself closely to business. On the death of his partner, Dr. Tubbs, in 1878, Gov. Cheney purchased his quarter interest, and thus became sole proprietor of the business. The following year he converted the property of the old "Peterborough Company" at Peterborough, into a pulp-mill, and obtained an amendment of the charter, by act of the legislature, changing its name to the "P. C. Cheney Company." This charter is among the oldest in the state, having been granted in 1833, and bears the names of Charles H. Atherton, Samuel Appleton, Samuel May, Isaac Parker, Nathan Appleton, and others, as grantees. The original charter authorizes the company to extend its operations to any town in the state.
In 1880 the company commenced operations for increasing its production by building both a pulp and paper mill in connection with the old one at Manchester. This enterprise has been carried to completion, and thereby doubled in amount an already extensive business. Consequently the corporation, the stock of which is held by Gov. Cheney solely, now owns and carries on wood-pulp mills at Goffstown and Peterborough, and also one in connection with its paper-mill and waste-works at Manchester. Its paper-warehouse is at No. 1104 Elm street. The product of these various establishments, and their monthly disbursements for labor and services, are very large; and it is doubtful if a more important business has been built up in our state by the courage, foresight, and skill of one man. Gov. Cheney is an indefatigable worker, and keeps all the details of his extensive and complicated business within easy command.
He is identified with the First Unitarian church of Manchester, and has been a director and president of the society. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and member of the Altemont Lodge; also a member of Peterborough Lodge, I. O. O. F.
In 1850 he was married to Miss S. Anna Moore, who died January 8, 1858, leaving no children. He married, June 29, 1859, Mrs. Sarah White Keith, daughter of Jonathan White, formerly of Lowell, Mass., one of the earliest of Lowell's manufacturers, by whom he has one daughter, Agnes Annie Cheney, born October 22, 1869. His domestic life is singularly happy and charming. His residence, No. 136 Lowell street, is a home of modest elegance, of courtly hospitality, and the center of a refined circle. It is not too much to say that to the affectionate sympathy, the grace, and fine social tact of his accomplished wife, Gov. Cheney owes not only the enjoyments of a delightful home, but much of the success and popularity of his career.
The bare outlines of Gov. Cheney's life, as above given, convey but a faint impression of the essential quality of the man, and his importance as a factor in the social, business, and political life of his day and generation. It remains to be said that in Manchester his name is the synonym for liberality, public spirit, a generous and helpful charity, and a philanthropy, which, though unobtrusive, loses no opportunity to exert itself for the relief of distress and the elevation of society at large. Of a sympathetic nature, he cares more for others than himself, and no deserving person or worthy object ever solicits his aid in vain. He isprominent in every movement for the public good, and never spares himself, nor grudges the means which his business sagacity, energy and enterprise have gained for him, when work is to be done for a good cause, or help is needed for anybody in poverty or distress.
Mr. Cheney is still in the prime of life, and his useful service, his honorable and upright character, his high and unselfish aims, have made him a power in the state. A brave, true, and honest man, a sincere and warm-hearted friend, of positive convictions, of unflinching devotion to principle, and fitted for any station, he is obviously in the line of succession to still higher honors than have been accorded him. It goes without saying that such a man has hosts of friends; and certain it is that he is second to no man in New Hampshire in those elements of popular strength and confidence which commend men to public service.
An earlier biographer, from whose sketch most of this is derived, appropriately closes his delineation of him with the remark, that "Mr. Cheney may yet be drawn from the seclusion of private life, and the unremitting toil of active business, to lend his aid to the councils of a nation."
Phinehas Adams was born in Medway, Mass., the twentieth day of June, 1814, and comes from the very best Revolutionary stock of New England. His grandfather and great-grandfather participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, and served through that memorable war. He had three brothers and seven sisters, of whom the former all died previous to 1831. Three sisters are now living: Sarah Ann, born in 1816, the wife of E. B. Hammond, M. D., of Nashua; Eliza P., born in 1820, widow of the late Ira Stone, formerly an overseer in the Stark Mills; and Mary Jane, born in 1822, widow of the late James Buncher, a former designer for the Merrimack Print-Works at Lowell, Mass. Mrs. Buncher is the present popular and very efficient librarian of the Manchester public library.
His father, Phinehas Adams, senior, married Sarah W. Barber, a native of Holliston, Mass., in 1811. Her father was an Englishman, who came to America from Warrenton, England, during the Revolutionary war, and married in this country a Scottish lady who came from Edinburgh.
Phinehas Adams, the senior, was both a farmer and a mechanic, and became quite an extensive manufacturer. At a very early date he constructed hand-looms, which he employed girls to operate; and, subsequently, started the first power-loom that was ever established in this country, at Waltham, Mass., in the year 1814.
In this year and in the same town he became a mill overseer, and afterwards gave his whole attention to manufacturing. He resided, when Phinehas was a child, at different times in Waltham and Cambridge, Mass., and in Nashua, to which latter place he removed later in life, and became proprietor of a hotel, the Central House. This business was more agreeable to him, since he had broken several of his ribs and received other injuries from an unfortunate fall.
Hon. William P. Newell, of Manchester, who was agent of the Amoskeag company from 1837 to 1846, was once a bobbin-boy for the elder Adams. This was ten years before the son, who was attending a private school in West Newton, Mass., until 1827, began to work in the mills. In the last-named year, his father became agent of the Neponset Manufacturing Company's mills—which were owned by himself, Dr. Oliver Dean, and others—at Walpole, in the same state; and to this place he removed his residence.
Phins. AdamsPhins. Adams
When quite young, the son disliked close confinement in school, the task of poring over books being to him rather dry and irksome; but his father said to him that he must either study or go to work in the mill. At the latter place he was soon found engaged in a work well calculated to dispel boyish romance in a summary manner. He almost repented making this choice, but pluckily "stuck to the work" with the indomitable perseverance so often displayed in after life, and was employed as a bobbin-boy for a year by the company. He then entered Wrentham Academy, where he remained, making progress in his studies, for a year and a half, when his father was compelled to inform him that he had met with serious losses by reason of the failure of the company, and that he, Phinehas, would now leave the academy and go to work. The father very much regretted feeling obliged to take this course, having cherished the hope of being able to give his son a thorough education. The latter readily accepted the situation, replied to his father that he was ready and willing to work, but, that if he must go to work in a mill, he preferred that it should be in a large one, and not in a "one-horse concern;" for he desired a wide field and the best possible opportunities to gain a knowledge of the business in its many details.
One of the greatest events in the commercial history of our country was the founding of the "City of Spindles," in 1821. Very naturally, the junior Adams was led to go there to gain his desired knowledge. On the 10th of November, 1829, he proceeded to Lowell, and at the age of fifteen became employed as bobbin-boy in the mills of the Merrimack company. At that time, the company had only about thirty thousand spindles in its mills.
In these early days of manufacturing, the system was adhered to in Lowell of keeping fierce bull-dogs—one, at least—in each mill. They were liberally fed with fresh meat,notfor the purpose of making themlesssavage, and chained near the entrance to the mill, making effectual sentinels while the watch-menwere making their rounds. This custom was followed until about 1831.
Mr. Adams was early possessed of an ambition to become an overseer; and to this end he labored hard and faithfully, never thinking or dreaming, however, that he would become agent of a large mill. This was his real beginning, the wedding to his long and uninterrupted manufacturing life, the "golden wedding" anniversary of which event occurred in November, 1879.
Soon after his commencement at Lowell, he was promoted to the position of second overseer in the weaving department, a post he retained until 1831, when he passed to a similar position in the Methuen Company's mill, of which his uncle was agent. In 1833 he made another change, going to Hooksett, where he became overseer in the Hooksett Manufacturing Company's mills, of which his father was then the agent. Not long afterwards he assumed a similar position in the Pittsfield Manufacturing Company's mill, at Pittsfield, then under the administration of Ithamar A. Beard. Mr. Adams remained in Pittsfield from December, 1834, until Mr. Beard resigned.
On the 7th of March, 1835, Mr. Adams, who had previously decided to return to Lowell, left Pittsfield; embarked in the mail stage, and found himself about noon of the next day at Nashua, where his parents then resided. In those days there was no city of Manchester, neither was there a splendid railroad service running through the fertile Merrimack valley. But the waters of the Merrimack, though scarcely at all utilized at that time to propel water-wheels, carried upon its bosom heavily laden vessels from Boston,viathe old Middlesex canal, which ran as far north as Concord. Locks were in use at Garvin's Falls, Hooksett, Manchester, Goffe's Falls, Nashua, and at other points. A passenger steamer plied in those days between Lowell and Nashua upon the river. Mr. Adams remained at home only until Monday. He was industriously inclined, and proceeded immediately to the Merrimack Mills in Lowell, the scene of his earlier labors, where he accepted the office of overseer. He remained with this company until he came to Manchester, in 1846. In December, 1841, John Clark, the agent of the Merrimack Mills at Lowell, proposed that Mr. Adams should enter the office as a clerk. This idea was very distasteful to Mr. Adams, but he yielded to the wishes and advice of Mr. Clark, to get acquainted with book-keeping and the general business of the mills, to prepare for a higher position. For five years he held this position.
In the year 1846, Mr. Adams left Lowell to assume the agency (succeeding the Hon. William P. Newell) of the "Old Amoskeag Mills," then located on the west side of the Merrimack River at Amoskeag Falls,—now a part of the city of Manchester,—on the present site of ex-Governor P. C. Cheney's paper-mill. The building of the Amoskeag mills was the beginning of Manchester's wonderful career of prosperity, which has developed to such great proportions. Her many mills, now running more than three hundred thousand spindles, many looms, and many cloth-printing machines, and the many other signs of industry, are abundantly attesting to the truth of the statement. With the Amoskeag company Mr. Adams remained until the 17th of November, 1847, when he became agent of the Stark Mills.
Of the great manufactories of Manchester, that of the Stark Mills company ranks third in magnitude and second in age. This company was organized September 26, 1838, and began active operations during the following year. During its forty years and more of busy existence, up to April 30, 1881, when Mr. Adams resigned on account of ill health, it had but two resident agents: John A. Burnham held the position from the inception of the corporation until the 17th of November, 1847, the date marking the commencement of the long term of service of the subject of this sketch. At that time the capital of the Stark Mills company was the same as now,—one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The shares, the par value of which was one thousand dollars, were worth six or seven hundred dollars when Colonel Adams was chosen agent; but they had risen to fourteen or fifteen hundred dollars when he resigned.
In the early days of New England manufacturing, more labor was performed by hand than is to-day; and, though substantially the same machinery was employed, yet it had by no means attained its present capacity and wonderful completeness. In December, 1863, Mr. Adams was commissioned by the directors of the Stark Mills to go to Europe for the purpose of securing machinery, and information relating to the manufacture of linen goods. At that time, owing to the war, cotton goods were very scarce and expensive. For unmanufactured cotton itself the Stark company paid as high as one dollar and eighty-six cents per pound, and a higher price than even that was paid by other companies. A bale of cotton brought nine hundred and thirty dollars. Mr. Adams traveled extensively through England, Scotland, and Ireland, and visited the city of Paris. He ordered considerable machinery of the English manufacturers, who were very busy with American orders at the time. So great, in fact, was the demand upon them, that the Stark machinery did not arrive until the September following, nearly a year after being ordered.
From choice, Colonel Adams has been quite clear of politics, having only served as ward clerk when a young man in Lowell, and, later, as a presidential elector for General Grant. He was Governor Straw's chief-of-staff, which, by the way, it is believed never "turned out in a body" as such. He was also four years a director in the Concord Railroad, just after the decease of Governor Gilmore. About the year 1848 he was chosen one of the assistant engineers of the Manchester fire department, in which capacity he served with peculiar fidelity for twelve years. Mr. Adams and the other engineers resigned their positions after two steamers had been obtained, thus giving the captains of the old companies chances of promotion. Never being "up for office," as were many of his friends, he could act with positive independence; and he invariably did act, as he thought, for the best interests of the city.
Col. Adams has for a long time been closely identified with the moneyed institutions of Manchester, having served as a director in the Merrimack River Bank from 1857 to 1860, the same in the Manchester National Bank from1865 to the present time; and as a trustee in the Manchester Savings Bank nearly all the time since it obtained its charter. Since the decease of Hon. Herman Foster, Mr. Adams has been one of the committee on loans for the latter institution. He is one of the directors of the Gas-Light Company, and was for many years a trustee of the public library. He was elected, in 1865, one of the original directors of the New England Cotton Manufacturers' Association.
For many years, Mr. Adams has been engaged, as opportunity occurred, in procuring rare coins and medals. Of the former, he now possesses very complete collections of the various denominations in gold, silver, nickel, and copper; and he has a great number of valuable medals. Many of these antiquities command a very high price in the market, their numbers being absolutely limited, and the demand for them steadily increasing.
During the administration of Colonel Adams, which covered a long series of eventful years, a great many changes occurred. In what may be called, more particularly, the manufacturing world is this especially true. He is the oldest agent and the longest in such position in the city,—nay, more, in the entire Merrimack valley; and most of those holding similar positions thirty-two years ago are now passed from this life. That fine old estate on Hanover street, for a long time known as the "Harris estate," was formerly owned by the Stark company, who built the commodious mansion now converted into a charitable institution,—the "Orphans' Home,"—for the use of their agents. John A. Burnham was its first occupant; and next, Mr. Adams, who resided there nine years, beginning with 1847.
When Baldwin & Co.'s steam mill on Manchester street, where D. B. Varney's brass foundry is located, was, with other structures, burned on the 5th of July, 1852, that house, then occupied by Mr. Adams, was set on fire by the flying sparks; but the fire was speedily extinguished. Mr. Adams was at the time attending to his duties as engineer where the fire raged the fiercest. Thus Mrs. Adams and those of her household were without protection of the sterner sex in the early part of their peril. Soon, however, aid was proffered by several men, of whom Mrs. Adams admitted Mr. Walter Adriance and three others, friends of the family, whereupon she securely barricaded the doors. The work of passing water to the roof was very lively for a while.
In 1856, Mr. Adams moved into the house No. 2 Water street, where he lived about nine years, when he purchased his present fine residence, No. 18 Brook Street.
On the 24th of September, 1839, Mr. Adams was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth P. Simpson, daughter of the late Deacon Samuel Simpson, of Deerfield, a veteran in the war of 1812. Mrs. Adams's paternal grandfather, Major John Simpson, participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, and, it is said upon good authority, fired the first shot, on the American side, of that famous engagement.
It occurred in this wise: The men in his line were instructed by their commander, Colonel Stark, not to fire a gun until the British had arrived at a certain point, forty paces distant from the American works. When the red-coated invaders had advanced to within that distance, the major (who was then a private), an excellent marksman, being unable to withstand so good an opportunity, fired before the order was given, and dropped his man. The fire was then opened along the whole line. On being reproved for disobeying orders, Mr. Simpson replied, "I never could help firing when game which I was after came within gun-shot." He died October 28, 1825.
From this happy union of Mr. Adams with Miss Simpson two children have sprung: Elizabeth, born June 15, 1842, and Phinehas Adams, Jr., born December 26, 1844,—both being born in the same house in the city of Lowell. The former is the wife of Daniel C. Gould, paymaster of the Stark Mills, and the popular tenor singer at the Franklin-street church, to whom she was married the 10th of September, 1868. Mr. Gould is the son of Deacon Daniel Gould, who was the first railroad-station agent in Manchester, a position he held until succeeded by the late Henry Hurlburt. Mr. Phinehas Adams, Jr., married Miss Anna P. Morrison, of Belfast, Maine.
About a year after being married, Phinehas Adams joined the First Congregational church in Lowell. Mrs. Adams was a member of the same church. On removing to Manchester, both had their relation transferred to the Franklin-street Congregational church.
At a business meeting of the Stark Corporation directors, in 1879, on the suggestion of Edmund Dwight, it was voted to present Colonel Adams with a suitable token, bearing testimony of the high respect in which he is held by them. Therefore, on the 17th of November, 1879, that being the date completing his thirty-two years of service as agent of that corporation, they presented him with one of the most valuable gold watches made by the Waltham company, together with a massive gold chain and an elegant seal. Inside the watch-case is engraved the following: "The Stark Mills to Phinehas Adams, November 17, 1847-1879. William Amory. Edmund Dwight, treasurer." Accompanying these superb gifts was the following letter, expressive of sentiments that any honorable man would be justly proud to merit:—
"Boston, November 15, 1879."My Dear Sir,—I send you a watch and chain by request of the directors of the Stark Mills. It will reach you on the anniversary of the day on which you entered their service, thirty-two years ago. Will you receive it as an expression of their great respect for your character, and their high appreciation of the service you have rendered the corporation during the third part of a century?"It is their sincere hope that the connection which has lasted so long may long continue."With great regard, yours sincerely,"EDMUND DWIGHT,Treasurer.""Phinehas Adams, Esq."
"Boston, November 15, 1879.
"My Dear Sir,—I send you a watch and chain by request of the directors of the Stark Mills. It will reach you on the anniversary of the day on which you entered their service, thirty-two years ago. Will you receive it as an expression of their great respect for your character, and their high appreciation of the service you have rendered the corporation during the third part of a century?
"It is their sincere hope that the connection which has lasted so long may long continue.
"With great regard, yours sincerely,
"EDMUND DWIGHT,Treasurer."
"Phinehas Adams, Esq."
This testimonial was eminently deserved, as no one is held in greater or more universal respect than is the upright, courteous, and genial recipient.
Right here it may be as well to put on record the fact that Mr. Adams has never used tobacco or intoxicating liquors during his life. The life of Mr. Adams proves that tireless persistence and devotion to duty accomplish much. The influence exerted by his life is far greater than is commonly supposed or realized. It can hardly fail to stimulate young men to honorable exertions, and to teach them that extensive notoriety is not necessarily indicative of true greatness, and also that too eager grasping after mere political distinction or after temporal riches is far less desirable than linking their lives to immortal principles. No sermon could be more potent than such a life as this, illustrating the fact that exalted character is the choicest of all possessions, bearing ever large interest in this life, and likewise in the life hereafter.
The "Phinehas Adams" Branch of the Adams Family, copied from the Original Chart prepared by Elijah Adams, and dated Medfield, May 2, 1798.
The ancestors ofNathaniel Whitewere among the hardy pioneers who settled New England two hundred and fifty years ago, William White, the founder of the family in this country, having come from England and landed at Ipswich, Mass., in 1635. The descendants of William were among the earliest settlers of northern New Hampshire.
Nathaniel White, the subject of this sketch, the oldest child of Samuel and Sarah (Freeman) White, was born in Lancaster, February 7, 1811. His childhood was passed under a tender mother's care; and to her strict religious training he was indebted for the noble character which led him untainted amid the temptations of youth, and unspotted through a long career of usefulness. At home were those principles of integrity, honesty, temperance, philanthropy, and generosity inculcated which led to a long life rounded by Christian virtues, adorned by humanitarian graces, and free from vices.
At the age of fourteen he went into the employ of a merchant of Lunenburg, Vt., with whom he remained about one year, when he accepted employment with Gen. John Wilson, of Lancaster, who was just entering upon his duties as landlord of the Columbian hotel in Concord. His parents more readily consented to his taking this step on account of the many noble qualities of Mrs. Wilson. To her care he was intrusted by his solicitous mother. In the employ of Gen. Wilson, Nathaniel White commenced life in Concord at the foot of the ladder. He arrived in Concord, August 25, 1826, with one shilling in his pocket. For five years, or until he came of age, he continued at the Columbian, rendering a strict account of his wages to his father, and saving the dimes and quarters which came as perquisites, until by his twenty-first birthday he had a fund of two hundred and fifty dollars.
In 1832 he made his first business venture, negotiating the first and last business loan of his life, and purchased a part interest in the stage route between Concord and Hanover, and occupying the "box" himself for a few years. In one year he was free from debt. Soon after, he bought into the stage route between Concord and Lowell. In 1838, in company with Capt. William Walker, he initiated the express business, making three trips weekly to Boston, and personally attending to the delivery of packages, goods, or money, and other business intrusted to him. He was ever punctual; he never forgot. In 1842, upon the opening of the Concord Railroad, he was one of the original partners of the express company which was then organized to deliver goods throughout New Hampshire and Canada. The company, under various names, has continued in successful operation to the present day; and to Nathaniel White's business capacity has it been greatly indebted for its remarkable financial success.
In 1846, Mr. White purchased his farm, and has cultivated it since that date. It lies in the southwestern section of the city, two miles from the state-house, and embraces over four hundred acres of land. For his adopted home he ever felt and evinced a strong attachment, and to him Concord owes much of her material prosperity and outward adornment. Beautiful structures have been raised through his instrumentality, which render the capitol and the State-House park such attractive features of the city.