F U .LI V3 THE Illustrated Laconian HISTORY AND INDUSTRIES OF LACONIA, N. H. Descriptive of the City and Its Manufacturing and Business Interests Compiled by Charles w. Vaughan « CONTAINING AND PROFESSIONAL ,,K H , BUILDINGS I'.Hl . "s rr x V i .^'^ HOMES SUMMER RESIDENTS AND THEIR RESIDENCES ITS ^SSK?"*" TURING, GROWTH, PROSPERITY, AND FUTURE POSSIBIUTIES PUBLISHED BY LOUIS B. MARTIN 1899 y '01 NTRODUCTION. In the publication of this book the aim has been to give a truthful and correct glimpse of Laconia as it has been in by-gone years and as it is to-day, feeling confident that a perusal of its pages will give all Laconians a feeling of pride over the growth and development of the town in the past, and impart renewed confidence in the future growth and prosperity of the city. LOUIS B. MARTIN, Publisher, N *b 1652-LACONIA-1899 The city of Laconia was chartered by the New Hampshire legislature of [893, is located near the geographical centre of Belknap county, of which county it is the shire town, and is also near the geographical centre of the state of New Hampshire, twenty-eight miles from Concord, and just one hundred miles from Boston, Mass. Laconia is upon both sides of the Winnipesauk.ee river, while Lake Winnesquam on the south and west, Lake Opechee near the centre of the city, and Lakes Winnipe- Gilford ; and previous to [813 this por tion of the city was included in the limits of the original township of Gil- manton. The portion of Laconia south of the river was cut off from Gilford and annexed to the town of Laconia in 1874, and when the city charter was granted in 1893, Lakeport was also taken from Gilford to form a pan the city of Laconia. The early history of Laconia, there- fore, is identical with that of Gilman- ton, Meredith, and Gilford, and the Endicott Rock. saukee and Paugus on the north and east boundaries, well entitle Laconia to be known as the "City on the Lakes," which title is inscribed upon the city seal. Laconia was first incorporated as a township in 1855, the portion north of the Winnipesaukee river, including The Weirs, being set off at that time from the old town of Meredith. Previous to this date Laconia was known as Mere- dith Bridge, and the portion of the village on the south and east sides of the river was a part of the town of future historian of the city will be sadly hampered by the fact that there are no town records of Laconia until 1855. A brief sketch of the settlement of this territory has been compiled from Lan- caster's History of Gilmanton, pub- lished in 1845, and from authentic his- torical sketches of Meredith and Gil- ford. The first authentic record of the appearance of the white man in Laconia is found upon Kndicott rock, at The Weirs, near the outlet of Lake Winni- pesaukee. Strange as it may now seem, THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. the territory of Laconia was once claimed as a portion of the territory granted to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1638 the Massachusetts colonists sent a party up the Merrimack river to locate the northern bound of The Old Tucker House, formerly on Mill Street their grant, which was understood to be three miles from the headwaters of the Merrimack river, but was afterwards decided to be three miles from the mouth of the river. The first party of surveyors sent, out from Massa- chusetts to locate this bound, as- cended the river and , marked a tree near the junction of the Pem- igewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers fat Franklin). In 1652 the Bay state colonists sent out a sec- ond party from Ipswich, with in- structions to find and mark the headwaters of the Merrimack river. This party consisted of Captain Simon Willard and Edward John- son, commissioners, accompanied by Jonathan Ince, John Sherman, and two or three Indians. This surveying party reached The Weirs about August 1, 1652, and the white men in the party were prob- ably the first white men who ever set foot upon Laconia, or gazed at the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. Captain Willard and his party marked a boulder on the shore of the lake, near the outlet into Lake Paugus, and re- turned to the lower settlements after an absence of nineteen days. The marks cut upon the rock were the initials of Simon Willard, Edward Johnson, John Sherman, Jonathan Ince, and the name of John Endicott, governor. In 1740 the bounds of Massachu- setts and New Hampshire were established, and the boul- der on the shore of the lake was forgotten until about 1S33, when the marks were discov- ered by workmen who were en- larging the channel at The Weirs. In 1885 the legislature made an appropriation for rais- ing the rock and surrounding it with the substantial granite memorial which will undoubt- edly preserve the record of the white man's visit to Laconia for centuries to come. The portion of Laconia south of the river Winnipesaukee was granted to one hundred and seventy-seven persons in 1727, as com- pensation for services in defence of their country, and was incorporated as a part of Gilmanton. The charter was signed by His Majesty's colonial governor, John The Old Red House, formerly on Pleasant Street. Wentworth. The upper side of the river was chartered by the governor and coun- cil in 1768 as a portion of the township of Meredith. Both Gilmanton and Mere- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. dith were granted to Exeter and Torts- mouth people, and the meetings of the proprietors of the grants were held in Exeter for some time. The French and Indian wars de- layed the settlement of the two towns, and although it appears that several parties came here about 1750. they came as prospectors and hunters, and it was not until 1761 that any permanent settlements were effected.' In 1736 a party of men cleared a path to The Weirs and constructed a blockhouse, fourteen feet square, as a shelter and defence from Indians. About this time a new obstacle to settlement arose by by order of the general court, the Province road, so called, was laid out from Portsmouth to Canada, through Gilmanton and Meredith, and o quently through the present city of Laconia. "Meredith Bridge " was first constructed at this time, b m's Bridge" at Lakeport was not built until 1782. and the bridge at The Weirs was erected in 1S03. "Mosquito bridge," leading over the narrow portion of Lake Winnesquam, was built about 1805, and "Davis Bridge," leading from the mainland to Davis' island, now Governor's island, in Lake Winni- pesaukee, was erected previous to 1X20. 1 nt Building after the Fii - the claims of John Tufton Mason of Hampshire county. England, who claimed all of the territory embraced in Gilmanton and Meredith, as con- veyed to him by the English govern- ment. Mason sold his claims to Ports- mouth people, and in 1752 the Maso- nian proprietors made a trade with those who received their grant from the governor of New Hampshire, and took certain shares of the territory for their claims. Previous to 1761 the route to Gil- manton and Meredith from Epsom and Exeter was merely a path, marked by spotted trees, but in October of this year a cart-path was made, and in 1770, With the exception of lands which were cultivated by the Indians at The Weirs and a few other places, the terri- tory embraced within our city limits was an unbroken wilderness until about 1766. At this time Lhene/er Smith and Jacob baton built their log houses and commenced clearing away the forest. From the time the Endicott rock was marked no civilized man again appears until just before the con- struction of the block house, which was called White Hall, for some reason unknown, and which was erected in 1736. The exact location of Smith's first house is not known, but Eaton's house was built when llilliard THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. now lives near The Weirs. Not long after Smith's arrival we find he had his house near where Lowell Cawley re- cently lived. The first road to The Weirs was from near Smith's house by Jacob Eaton's house, about where the ■ An Old View of Water .Street. road now runs. On the lot where Eaton built there were several apple trees which had been planted by the Indians, which were so far as known the only apple trees ever found upon any Indian lands. At this ancient home of Eaton's the first white child of Laconia was born, and the little girl was named Thamor Eaton. Where she died and the place of burial is un- known. Soon after the birth of the Eaton child, a male child was born to Ebenezer Smith. Mr. Eaton under- stood that the first child born in town should be entitled to a certain amount of land from the proprietors, but Smith claimed that the "right of land" was to the first male child. A friendly com- promise was arranged, and Eaton took forty or fifty acres and Smith received the lion's share, about two hundred acres. Colonel Smith was above all others the principal man of the town for many years. He was born in Exeter, N. H., in 1734. He died in 1807. He was proprietors' clerk and town clerk, justice of the peace, select- man, represented his town in both branches of the legislature, and was at one time president of the senate. Mills for sawing and grinding were commenced at Meredith Bridge soon after the Province road was built. The mills were first built on the Meredith side of the river, and in 1775 were owned by Stephen Gale but were swept away by a freshet in the year 1779. The mill privilege was purchased in 1780 by Col. Samuel Ladd, who rebuilt on the Gilford side of the river. Col- onel Ladd lost his milldam three years successively, and in 1788 his mill was burned, but it was immediately rebuilt. About this time Abraham Folsom built mills both for sawing lumber and grinding grain at Lakeport, which was then called Folsom's mills. These mills were also destroyed by fire but again constructed the following season. There were also mills at The Weirs in 1803, called Prescott's mills, but these establishments went into disuse, while the mills at Meredith Bridge and Lake- port did an extensive business, and the community around them rapidly in- creased in numbers and importance. One of the first houses on the Gil- man ton side of the river was the mill house, erected by Col. Samuel Ladd in The Old 1'erley Corner on Main Street. 1780, near the present location of the Huse machine shops. Colonel Ladd purchased the land of Samuel Jewett, who settled half a mile above, the pre- vious year. It is stated that Colonel Ladd paid but seven Spanish dollars THE II.!. I STRATED LACONIAN. for this lot of two and a half acres of land on the east side of the river, and previously owned the territory now known as Ladd's Hill, just across the city line in Belmont. The land on the north side of the river was first owned by Schoolmaster James of Exeter. Stephen Gale next purchased this terri- tory and sold it to Colonel Ladd. This land commenced near the present Church street bridge and the bound ran in a straight line to Lake Winne- squam, near the mouth of the Winnipe- saukee river, thus including all of the most valuable property to-day in the city of Laconia. Most of the land on disannexed, and by an act of the \ Hampshire legislature, incorporated as a separate town, called Gilford. This town included not only the portion of the present Laconia south of the river, but also the present town of Gilford and that portion of Lakeport and The Weirs east of the liver and lake. About the year i 790, I >aniel .\\<-\v came to Meredith Bridge from Strat- ham, and opened a store in a small building near the bridge, lie erected a factory for a cotton mill, where the Belknap mills stand to-day, and did much to enlarge and build up the vil- lage. Aaron Martin early established Main Street before the Unitarian Church was Built. the south side of the river was first owned by James Conner and John Lowe, but was soon afterwards pur- chased by Samuel Jewett. Daniel Avery and Dr. Bowman purchased some of this property about 1790. In 181 1 the inhabitants on the south side of the YVinnipesaukee river, resid- ing in what was then called Gunstock Parish, petitioned to be set off into a separate town. The voters of Gilman- ton at their March meeting in 18 12 declined to favor the petition, but voted not to oppose it in the legislature. The application was therefore successful, and on the 16th of June, 1812, that part of Gilmanton called Gunstock was a paper manufactory at Meredith Dridge, which was destroyed l>v lire some years afterwards. In [820, an academy was incorporated, and about the same time a term of the supreme court began to lie held here. There were then about thirty dwelling-houses in the village proper. Other traders were: Wood- bury Melcher. George I'. Avery, and Henry J. French. A post-office was established in 1 82 1, and I [oratio ( '•. Prescott was the fust postmaster. In 1813, when the late Timothy 1 >. Somes came to Meredith Bridge, there was but one church in the village, lo- cated just south of the present Willard Hotel property. This church was de- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. stroyed by fire, in February, 1836. The Avery mill, owned by Daniel Avery, Daniel Tucker, Stephen Tucker, and other leading citizens, was in operation at that time, but burned down some six or eight years afterwards. There was a clothing mill near the Mill street bridge, on the site occupied by the J. W. Busiel & Co. dye house at the present time. This mill was owned and operated by Samuel and Nathan Bean. Stephen Perley had an oil mill for preparing oil for painters, near the Bean mill. Daniel Tucker owned a blacksmith shop, on the site of the pres- ent Esty mill, and manufactured axes, scythes, and other tools. The well- som kept a hotel on Pleasant street, and was one of the first tavern keepers in the village. There were but thirty- four houses on both sides of the river in 18 13, and some of these were mere shanties. The best house in the town was the John A. Harper residence, where Mrs. Dr. Prescott and L. A. Ladd now reside. Mr. Harper was the only lawyer at that time, was a very able and brilliant man, and at one time a member of congress. The mails were brought from Concord on horseback, and no wagons were in use here at that time. Dr. Zodack Bowman was the only physician in town, and lived where Mrs. Mary A. Tilton's residence now stands, . ii HUH GUI '9 m The Old Mitchell and Mallard Blocks known Holbrooks, who afterwards re- moved to Massachusetts, had a bell foundry near the Tucker mill. They cast the first bell ever rung in Meredith Bridge. The bridge across the river on Main street at this time was a small and nar- row affair, with no railing. A man named French fell off the bridge and was drowned in the river about this time, and then the bridge was supplied with a railing. On the Gilford side of the river, near the end of the Mill street bridge, was a sawmill, owned by Dudley Ladd, while Jonathan Ladd operated a grist- mill near the site of the present Pitman mills. Jonathan Fol- at the corner of Main and Court streets. There was no Main street, then, above Mill street, and a little brook ran through Bank square, where the present Perley canal is located. This brook was crossed by small bridges of one or two planks. In 1842 Meredith Bridge was a vil- lage of considerable importance. The Belknap Gazette was published by the late Col. Charles Lane, and the village boasted three cotton mills, a woolen mill, grist-mills, sawmills, a large tan- nery, sash and door machinery, a large printing-office, with bookbindery and bookstore connected. There were ten stores, three taverns, three churches, five lawyers, three clergymen, and an THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. academy in a flourishing condition. The ladies of the village in the freight depot regular stage went through from Hoi- which stood on the site onia's derness to Boston in one day, leaving beautiful passenger station of to-day. Meredith Bridge at six o'clock in the morning, making the trip via Concord Paying an Election Bet Thirty-five Vears Ago. and Manchester on three days in the week, and via Pittsfield and Exeter on the other three days. The opening of the old Boston, Con- cord & Montreal Railroad between Concord and Meredith Bridge marked an important point in the growth of Laconia. August S, 1848, was the date of the opening of the railroad to Meredith Bridge, and a year after- wards the road was extended to Lake Village. The opening of the road was the occasion of the biggest cele- bration Meredith Bridge had ever witnessed up to that date. A mam- moth cannon was located near Horse Point, on the shore of Lake Winne- squam, and when the special train came along, a salute was fired, which was the signal for ringing the mill bells, and the church bell of the old North church. There was an im- mense throng of people waiting at the depot to welcome the iron horse, the farmers driving in from miles around. The locomotive was named "Old Man of the Mountains," and the train was in charge of Major Jake Libbey, as con- ductor. The chief feature of the cele- bration was the collation, served by the The car track stopped near this point. The tickets for the free ride on the special train to Meredith bridge are still preserved as souvenirs, and read as follows : B. C.&MONTREAL RAILROAD. I IP] \l.\<; TO MERED1 I II. The directors respectfully invite your attend- ance upon t he opening of this road on Tuesday, Augusl 8, 1 S 1 S . ARRANGEMENT. A special train will leave the Lowell Depot, Boston, at 6 o'clock, a. m.; Lowell at 63; Nashua at jl, Manchestei - ! . and Concord at 9, on the arrival of the special from Boston. This will pass you free over the Boston iV Lowell, the Concord, the Northern and the B. C. & M. railroad <>n this and admit you to the collation at Meredith. Stockholders and invited guests below Con- cord will be particular to take the special train. Previous to 1855, the citizens of Meredith Bridge went to Meredith Parade to vote. At the March meet- ing i March 13, 1855) occurred the great catastrophe known as the falling of the town house. Soon after the opening of Weirs before the " Boom " Arrived. the meeting, while preparing to take a vote by ballot, their was a rush of vo- ters, of whom there were from six to eight hundred present, and their weight broke down the floor timbers of the yet AVtf J\r ox ,Af ^ £\AfV s THE ILLUSTRATED LACOXIAN. unfinished town house at Meredith vil- lage. The floor gave way, and about one hundred and fifty men were precipi- tated into the basement of the building. Out of this mass of struggling humanity, over sixty men were carried out seri- ously injured with broken bones, dislo- cated joints and internal injuries. Four of the injured men, James W. Durgin, Washington Smith, Benjamin D. Rob- inson, and Nathaniel Nichols, died in a short time, and others received injuries from which they never recovered, many being crippled for life. This was one and first division of lots in said Meredith, thence easterly on said line to the rangeway, thence northerly on said rangeway to the corner between lots numbered eight and nine in the sixth range, thence easterly on the line between said lots the length of two lots to the rangeway between the fourth and fifth range, thence north- erly on said rangeway to the corner between lots numbered three and four in the fourth range, thence easterly on the line between said lots the length of two lots to the rangeway be- tween the second and third range, thence south- erly on said rangeway to the corner between lots numbered three and four in the second range, thence easterly on the line between said lots the length of two lots to the Winnipesaukee lake, thence southerly on the waters of said lake and the line between the towns of Mere- r M i Laconia from Vue de l'Eau Hotel. of the immediate causes which led to the setting off of Meredith Bridge from the mother-town, and in July of the same year, by act of the legislature, Meredith was divided, and the town of Laconia incorporated. The act to incorporate the town of Laconia was approved July 14, 1855, and signed by Gov. Ralph Metcalf. The bounds of Laconia, as created by this act of the legislature, were as fol- lows : " That all that part of the town of Meredith lying southerly of the following line, to wit : Beginning at a point on the easterly shore of Sanbornton bay, on the line between the lots numbered three and four in the seventh range dith and Gilford and on said Sanbornton bay to the bounds begun at, be and the same is hereby severed from the town of Meredith and made a body politic and corporate by the name of Laconia." The warrant for the first town meet- ing of the new town of Laconia was signed by H. N. Burnham, Stephen Gale, John C. Moulton, and Samuel \V. Sanders, who were authorized by the legislature to call this meeting. The first meeting was held in the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad freight station, "near the residence of Stephen Gale," on August 2, 1855. The town officers elected at this meeting were as follows : Moderator, Horatio N. Burn- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. '3 ham; town clerk, Benjamin 1*. dale: selectmen, Samuel W. Sanders, John Davis, 2d, Ebenezer S. Gate ; town treasurer. Elijah Beaman ; superintend- ing school committee, John K. Young; auditors, Joseph YV. Robinson, Hugh Blaisdeil, John C. Moulton ; surveyors of wood, Harrison Sibley, Thomas Wilder, Moses B. Gordon, and Ben- jamin P. Gale ; surveyors of lumber, Nathan B. Wadleigh, John Davis, 2d. Joseph Ranlet, and Moses B. Gor- don ; town agent, Noah Robinson ; weigher of hay, Horatio N. Burn ham ; sealer of weights and measures, James S. Hoit ; poundkeeper, David Blaisdeil: legislature, and dated July 2. 1874, and tin- bounds of the addition are given as follows : "That all that part of the town .if Gilford bounded as follow s, to wil : 1 ■ .it a slake and stone on t he easterly side "I Round bay on a line with the noi 1 1 Thomas I'm nil's land, and running easterly to and along said Durrell's land to the liw 1 districts No. 4 and No. [2, thence south- erly on the line of school district No. 4 to the line between Gilford and Belmont, thence wesl erlv on the line between Gilford and Belmont to Sanbornton bay, and to the line between Gil- ford and Laconia, thence northerly on said hay, Winnipiseogee river and Round Lav, ben the line between Gilford and Laconia, to the bound begun at, be and the same hereby is sev- ered from the town of Gilford and annexed to- the town of I .aconia." Main Street, before Smith's Brick !_» 1 • ck was Erected. fence viewers, Ebenezer S. Cate, Chas. Smith, and Joseph YV. Robinson ; hog- reeves, Chas. Gould, Chas. S. Gale. Moses Sargent, and Westley Maloon ; constables, James S. Hoit, Hugh Blais- deil, Augustus Doe, Horatio N. Burn- ham, and John C. Davis ; surveyors of highways, Edward Bacon, Lewis W. Boynton, Lucian A. Ladd, Reuben P. Smith, James R. Gray, John C. Eolsom, Nathaniel Sanborn, John M. L. Swain, Jacob Smith, John M. Robinson, James Gordon, and Ebenezer S. Cate. The next change in the territory of Laconia was the annexation of the por- tion of Gilford lying on the south side of the Winnipesaukee river. This move was heartily opposed by the old town of Gilford, but the act was passed by the This act of the legislature united the two portions of the village on both sides of the river, under one town gov- ernment, as up to this date the inhabi- tants on the south side had been obliged to go to Gilford village t<> vote, and to transact all their town business. But at Lake Village a similar stat( affairs still existed, the easterly side of the river being in the town of Gilford, and the westerly side being a part of the town of Eaconia. This was reme died by the act of the general court, dated July 13, 1876, as follows : "That all that part of the town of Laconia bounded as follows, to wit: Beginning at a stake and stones on the westerly shore oi Long bay, so 1 ailed, at the northeasterly 1 "iner of the farm of Enoch B. Prescott, thence westerly on the northerly liue of said I'tescott's f.u 111 to the 14 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. highway leading from Lake Village to Mere- dith, thence northerly on said highway to the centre of Tilton brook, so called, thence west- erly down the centre of said brook to Round bay, to the line dividing the town of Gilford from the town of Laconia — be and the same hereby is severed from the town of Laconia and annexed to the town of Gilford." f The next change in the territory of Laconia was the annexation of the vil- lage of Lakeport, on both sides of the river, and the consolidation of the two towns under a city government. Lake- port had outgrown the mother town of Gilford, which was and still is strictly a farming community, and there was little or no opposition to the union of the two lot line to the division line orrangeway between ranges two and three ; thence northerly on said division line or rangeway to Lake Winnipiseo- gee — shall be a body corporate and politic under the name of the City of Laconia." The first city election held under the charter was May 2, 1893, and the first city government was inaugurated May 3, 1893, as follows: Mayor, Charles A. Busiel. Councilmen, ward one, George W. Weeks, William J. Morrison ; ward two, Albert C. Moore, Francis H. Davis ; ward three, Charles E. Frye, Joseph M. Folsom ; ward four, Edmund Tetley, Charles W. Vaughan • ward five, Horace W. Gorrell, John W. Ashman ; ward Avery Dam, looking down the River. villages, which had grown so closely together that it was hard to tell where one left off and the other commenced. The city charter was granted by the legislature of 1893, and dated March 24, 1893. The bounds of the portion cut off from Gilford and made a part of the city (ward six) are as follows : " The inhabitants of the town of Laconia, in the county of Belknap, and the inhabitants of all that part of the town of Gilford lying west- erly of a line described as follows, viz. : Com- mencing at the southeast corner of School Dis- trict No. 13 in said Gilford, thence northerly on the division line or rangeway, between ranges one and two, as shown by the Gilford town plan, to the south line of lot originally owned by Joseph Libby ; thence easterly on said Libby six, Benjamin F. Drake, Charles L. Pulsifer, Julius E. Wilson, Romanzo B. Priest. Meredith Bridge suffered seriously several times in its early history from disastrous fires. Feb. 13, 1823, the large brick factory, factory store, and engine house on Mill street were burned. The fire started in the picking-room, and spread so rapidly that the girls in the upper loft were obliged to jump from the windows, and some of them were seriously injured. Clarissa Bean, one of the operatives, had her limbs broken. They were amputated, but she did not recover. In December, 1833, THE ILLUSTRATFD LACONIAN. •5 the paper mill, sawmill, and grist-mill were destroyed by tire, and in February, 1836, the only meeting-house, located near the site of the Judge Lovell place, together with the dwelling-house and outbuildings of Lyman B. Walker, were burned. The "big fire" of Nov. 21, 1S60, was the most serious conflagration in Laconia's history. It started in the stable of the Cerro Gordo hotel, which was located just below the present Moulton opera house block, swept down the street and across the street, destrov- was organized, one of the first mills erected in the country for the manufac- ture of woolen goods. The mill was a wooden building, and much of the ma- chinery was built here. The stock was luld by citizens of the village, and the leading spirits in the enterprise were Daniel Avery, Stephen Perley, John A. Harper, and others. Later enterprises in the same line was the establishment of the Granite hosiery mills, in 1S47, by the late John W. Busiel, the White Mountains hosiery 1 The Cerro Gordo House, burned 1S60. ing practically all the business places in the village at that time. In later years, the car shops have twice been nearly wiped out by conflagrations, but in both cases immediately rebuilt on a larger scale. Probably nothing has contributed so much to the growth and prosperity of Laconia as the manufacturing indus- tries. The Bean carding mill and Mar- tin's paper mill were the first enterprises of this kind, both established about 1800. About a dozen years later, the Meredith Cotton and Woolen Company mills, established by the late Lewis F. Busiel a few years later, and the Cilford Hosiery Co., incorporated by the late John C. Moulton in 1864. The Belknap mills, the Pitman Manufacturing Co., the late J. S. Tilton hosiery industry, and the Abel machine shops should also be mentioned among the industries which have furnished employment for large numbers of workmen and helped build up the town. The Laconia car shops are now and have been for many years, perhaps, the most important individual manufactur- i6 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. ing concern in Laconia. These shops were started by the late Charles Ranlet and Joseph Ranlet about 1850, under the name of the Ranlet Car Co. Perley Putnam and the late John C. Moulton afterwards came into the. concern, and it was known as the Laconia Car Co. until the organization of the Laconia Car Co. Works in 1898, of which Hon. Frank Jones of Portsmouth is president and the principal owner. Other local enterprises which have assisted in building up the town are the old Baldwin peg mill, the numerous machine shops, which sprang up from the hosiery industry, including the Abel lage had a population of but 500. In 1890 the census showed about 3,000. After the census of 1890, and previous to the adoption of the city charter in 1893, both Laconia and Lakeport in- creased rapidly in population, so that it is safe to state that the population of the city of Laconia at the inauguration of the city charter was at least 10,000. The construction and opening of the Lake Shore railroad between Laconia and Alton Bay was an important event in local history. As far back as 1847, a charter was granted to build this eighteen miles of road to connect the Cocheco road, on the eastern side of Looking up the River, from Main Street Bridge. shops, the Huse shops, the Cole Manu- facturing Co., the J. S. Crane shops, the Wardwell needle shops, and scores of others in this and similar lines. The lumber mills of G. Cook & Son, the Laconia lumber works, and Laco- nia's retail stores, especially the dry goods establishments, have also done much to advance the prosperity of the town, and make it a trade centre. In 1855, when Laconia was set off from Meredith and incorporated as a separate town, its population was reck- oned at 1,200. In i860, the census gave the town a population of 1,806, which had increased to 2,309 by the next census in 1870, and to 3,790 in 1880. The census of 1890 showed 6,143 inhabitants. In 1830 Lake Vil- New Hampshire, with the old Boston, Concord & Montreal railroad at Mere- dith. But lack of financial means pre- vented the construction of the Lake Shore link for over forty years, and the original charter expired. Attempts were made to renew the charter in 1868, 1869, and 1870, but it was opposed by the Boston, Concord & Montreal road. For several years the demand for this charter was made a political issue in Belknap county, and in 1883 the char- ter was granted by consent of both the great railroad corporations of New Hampshire, with the mutual under- standing, however, that neither of them would assist in building the road. The charter was in the hands of Charles A. Busiel and his associates, and in the THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. '7 big railroad fight of 1887 a condition of port and in Moulton opera hous< affairs was reached where both the Con- Laconia. The entire four train-loads cord railroad and the Boston & Maine of guests, and all the prominent citizens road offered to construct the Lake Shore of Laconia and Lakeport, were ban- link. By a wise use of the opportu- queted by a down-country caterer in .1 An ( lid View oi Main Street. large tent erected for the purpose in the rear of the City Hotel. Hon. ('. A. Busiel was presented with a gold- headed cane, as a mark of apprecia- tion from the citizens for his long strug- gle for the The OKI Messer Bridge. nities growing out of this railroad fight in the legislature, the Lake Shore was constructed by the Concord Railroad corporation, and formally opened with a grand celebration in Laconia on June 17,1890. Four return, accom- | - ^B. 1-. -M}Mfc;t}l \Jy <>f Laconia on road officials, ( | I W'\ \t\ ■*^J I erings of p,-o- the governor, ...\ |!| ■ ' T I pie ever seen mill and in the &&* - --^ cent railroad church towers, .' passenger sta- whistles were , ,,,,., ... tion on .\u- . . , fewctt Homestead, One oi the Oldest llmiM-^ m town. n blown, and sa- gusl 22, lutes fired from cannon. The leading cit- was another event of historical import- izens of Dover, and other towns in that ance. l*p to this time Laconia s pas- section of New Hampshire, were guests senger depot had been a mere wooden of Laconia upon this occasion, and shell, which had done service ever since speech-making was indulged in at Lake- the opening of the railroad. The con THE ILLUSTRATED LACOXIAN. tract for the erection of the present station was signed in April, 189 1, and S. S. Ordway & Co., of Woburn, Mas- sachusetts, were the contractors. The Ordway contract and the heating appar- atus involved an expense of $30,000. Before ground was broken for the new depot, the railroad folks invested about $22,000 in the purchase of the Vaughan, Lane, Kelley, and O'Shea properties, removing the dwelling houses thereon, so as to clear off the entire square. The town of Laconia joined with the rail- road in enlarging the railroad square, by purchasing the Tibbetts and Wilcox properties and taking a slice from the Gale property opposite the passenger station. The dedication of the depot the best structure of the kind to be found in America." Credit for the sub- stantial and beautiful depot largely be- longs to Hon. Charles A. Busiel, who was at that time one of the managing directors of the Concord railroad, and it was through his efforts and local pride that Laconia was granted such an expensive and magnificent passenger station. History will accord to Hon. C. A. Busiel the honor of constructing the Lake Shore railroad and the erec- tion of the Laconia passenger station, and these two things will stand as mon- uments to the man for years to come. To give a proper history of the record of Laconia's citizen-soldiers in the War of the Revolution, the War of Depot Square before the Cc Depot. was under the auspices of the Laconia Board of Trade, and Gov. Hiram A. Tut- tle and numerous other railroad and state officials were guests of the occasion. A brass band escorted Ticket Agent E. S. Cook from the old depot to the new structure, and the first ticket, good for a ride from Laconia to Concord, was sold at public auction, and bid off by Col. F. 6. Wallace for the sum of thirty dollars. The Board of Trade and their guests enjoyed a banquet at the Eagle hotel, and the depot was formally dedicated with appropriate speeches by the governor, the railroad officials, and prominent citizens. The Laconia depot at the time of its construction was pro- nounced by competent judges to be "without doubt, all things considered, 18 1 2, and the War of the Rebellion, will require more space than can be afforded in the pages of this publica- tion. The sturdy, patriotic settlers of Gilmanton and Meredith were prompt to leave their homes in 1776, and took an active part in the battles of Bunker Hill, Bennington, and other Revolu- tionary struggles. Major Stephen Gale, Samuel Jewett, Jacob Jewett, and Captain William Gordon were among the Revolutionary soldiers from the ter- ritory which is now the city of Laconia, and whose graves are decorated each Memorial Day by the members of John L. Perley, Jr., Post, No. 37, Grand Army of the Republic. In the War of 18 12 were James S. Hoit, Asa J. Bean, Philbrook R. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN, '9 Lovett, Dudley Oilman, J. ];. Pulsifer, Enoch Osgood, Josiah Randlett, fames Filgate, Levi Pickering. Asa Crosby, Josiah Moulton, Capt. Win. Heywood, Samuel Oilman, Capt. Hugh Blaisdell, J. D. Prescott. and many others who should be credited to Laconia. The late Col. Thomas J. Whipple took an active part in the Mexican War and also in the War of the Rebellion, and his military and legal fame gave him a national reputation. When President Lincoln called for volunteers in 1861, at the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, hundreds of the best youths and men of Laconia In 1863 Laconia voted to pay a bounty of $300 to those who might be drafted, or their substitutes, and the selectmen were authorized to advance- all bounties, town, state, and national. to volunteers, to the amount of $500 each. In 1864 it was voted to pay sol- diers a bounty of 5 100 for one year, $200 for two years, and S300 for three years, to all enlisted men, and $200 to' men who might be drafted. In December of the same year, it was voted to pay a bounty of $600 to enrolled men who enlisted for three years. When the first call for three months' men came from Washington, a full com- Laconia's Passenger Station, Opened Augusf ■-'. 189 !. laid down the implements of peaceful toil and took up arms for the preserva- tion of the Union. Laconia's record in the Civil War would require a larger volume than the " Illustrated Laconian," and some future historian must do jus- tice to our brave citizen-soldiers, many of whom are still with us, although their ranks are growing thinner and their locks are growing grayer, as they form in line on each annual Memorial Day. The two Grand Army posts of the city now decorate over one hundred and fifty graves of deceased comrades of the war of i86i-'65. pany of ninety men promptly volun- teered and were enlisted at the old Tor- rent engine house on Water street. These men served the three months, and forty-two of them re-enlisted for three years, at Portsmouth, and were attached to the Second regiment. Another com- pany of ninety men enlisted in the Fourth regiment, with William badger as captain, David (). Burleigh, first lieu tenant, and Timothy W. Chellis, second lieutenant. The next men to enlist were a detachment of twenty men who joined the Fifth regiment, and were headed by R. R. Somes. Captain Plan- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. ders next raised a company of ninety- men for the Eighth regiment, and when the famous Twelfth regiment was raised in Belknap county in ten days' time, Laconia sent another company of one hundred volunteers, commanded by Capt. John Whipple, with the late Joseph S. Tilton as first lieutenant. Another company, one hundred strong, with John Aldrich as captain, went out in the Fifteenth regiment, and when the New Hampshire Heavy Artillery was organized, Laconia sent a company of one hundred and fifty men. This list does not include all the men who en- marched from their armory and took the train for Concord, where they were mustered into the United States service for two years. One hundred and six men was the strength of the company which left Laconia, and this city had numerous other representatives in com- panies from other sections of New Hampshire. Co. K was a part of the First New Hampshire Volunteers, and the regiment was at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Tennessee, durino- the summer, and came back to Concord in September to be mustered out, ar- riving in Laconia on Tuesday, Sept. Ccmpany K, First New Hampshire Volunteers, ib'98. listed from Laconia in the War of the Rebellion, for detachments were formed for other regiments, and quite a number of Laconians joined the regular United States army. But for a town with a population of only 1,800, it will be seen that Laconia was not lacking in patri- otism during the great civil war. In the spring of 1898, when Presi- dent McKinley issued his first call for volunteers to enlist for two years, or until the end of the Spanish-American War, practically every member of the Tetley Rifles, Co. K, of the New Hamp- shire National Guard, of Laconia, promptly signified his readiness to en- list. On the second day of May, Co. K 13th, for a thirty days' furlough, pre- paratory to being discharged from the United States service. There were four deaths in the company while in camp at Chickamauga Park : Capt. William A. Sanborn, Lieut. Joseph L. Morrill, Cor- poral Alfred Morrill, and Corporal Earle Oilman. All died from typhoid fever, which prevailed to quite an ex- tent in the regiment. Lieutenant Mor- rill and Corporal Morrill were brothers, and Corporals Morrill and Oilman were officers in the Laconia High School Cadets, and members of the graduating class of 1898, but laid aside their books and gave up the honors of graduation to respond to the call of their country. LACONIA TO-DAY *•...>' Laconia to-day is a city of 10,000 or 12,000 population, beautifully located among the famous lakes of central New Hampshire, at the gateway of the cele- brated White Mountain region. It is in the centre of one of the most fertile farming sections of the Granite state, and has been for the past hundred years the trading centre of the surrounding farms, villages, and towns within a cir- cle of twenty miles. Boston can be reached in three hours, either over the White Mountains division of the Boston & Maine railroad sys- tem, or by way of t h e Lake Shore b r a n ch of the North- ern division of the same system. Lac o n i a is bounded on the north by Meredith and Lake W i n n i p e - saukee, on the east by W i n n i p e - saukee and Gilford on the south by Belmont and Lake Win- nesquam, and on the west by Lake Winnesquam and Meredith. The Win- nipesaukee river, having its source in the great reservoir of the same name, runs directly through the heart of the city, affording valuable water privileges, which have helped very materially in the development and growth of the city. Laconia is the recognized commercial centre of Belknap county, being the shire town and the seat of the county government. The voting strength is bout 2,^00, and the latest assessors' High School Buildin figures give the city a total valuation of $4,500,000. The inventory of city prop- erty, including school buildings, fire de- partment, street department, etc., foots up over $245,000. The city government is vested in a mayor and fourteen councilmen, the mayor elected annually, and the coun- cilmen elected for two years, one from each ward being elected each year, with the exception of ward six (Lakeport), which elects two councilmen each year and has a representation of four mem- bers in each city council. The pres- ent city gov- ernment is as follows : Mayor, Col- onel E d- m u n d Tet- ley; council- men, Ward 1 . Wil liam A. Smith, Frank M. Sanborn: Ward 2 , Charles F. Rich ar ds, Rufus P. Dow: Ward 3, John T. Dodge, Joseph K. Chase; Ward 4. John P. Clay, Charles L. Kimball: Ward 5, Frank 'A. Edwards, Alfred C. Wyatt; Ward 6, Julius F. Wilson. Edwin D. Ward. John R. Leavitt, George F. Hull; City clerk, Simeon C. Five: City treas- urer, Arthur W. Din'Smoor; City solicitor, Stephen S. Jewelt ; Board of assessors, Edwin F. Burleigh, Lewis S. Perley, Charles L. Pulsifer; Collector of taxes, Fred A. Young; City engineer, superin- tendent of sewers, and street commis- sioner, William Nelson: Overseers of the poor, Arthur Tucker, Arthur C. S. *■+%■*> Ipv ■# THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Randlett : City physician. Dr. J. ('.. Quimby; Board of health, I). L. Davis, Dr. W. H. True, Fred A. Floyd. The police department of the city is under the direction of a board of police commissioners, appointed by the gover- nor and council of New Hampshire. The present commissioners are Frank F. Busiel, Fred C. Sanborn, Charles \Y. Vaughan. The police force consists of a city marshal, Henry K. W. Scott ; as- sistant marshal, Frank A. Bailey; and four patrolmen, Bert M. Hutchins. Charles A. Harvell, Charles E. Small, nine companies of firemen, divided as follows : one steamer companv, two hook and ladder companies, and six hose com- panies. In connection with the fire de- partment is the latest fire alarm telegraph service, with steam whistle and gong at- tachments. The city has one hunched and six hydrants, including seventeen private hydrants, supplied with water from the Laconia water-works, and hav- ing a powerful head of water, ready for immediate use at all times. In addition to the modern hydrant service, the city owns thirteen large reservoirs, distrib- mill -- ^^ , i^* W^ ^»-- * f ifi *t3 mm r rlM - - JJLJL— fill -' — -— —t*" . ^1 ^gii stT^ - Masi mil I James B. Fernald, who patrol the streets of the city both day and night. The police court of Laconia also derives its authority from the state of New Hamp- shire. George H. Everett is presiding justice, True W. Thompson is associate justice, and Martin B. Plummer is clerk. The Laconia fire department is, and has been for many years, one of the most efficient volunteer fire departments in New Hampshire. The total manual force at the present time consists of a chief engineer, Albert W. Wilcox, with three assistant engineers, John M. San- born, Albert Griffin, William Harris, and uted about the city, which can be used in emergencies. The steam fire engine, ladder trucks, hose carriages, etc., are kept in good condition, with plenty of good hose, and horses are available al all times to haul the apparatus to fires. Laconia's public schools are under the management of a board of educa- tion, elected by the voters. The pre> ent board consists of Charles L. Pulsifer, William A. Plummer, Albert C. Moore, Dennis O'Shca. Mrs. I.ydia I'.. Warner. Mrs. Mary Gale llibbard, Dr. Clifton S. Abbott, John G. Quimby, and William H. Flanders. The citv owns eleven school THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 2 5 buildings and hires two more, employ- ing a corps of thirty-six teachers. Joseph H. Blaisdell is superintendent of schools, and Hoyt H. Tucker is principal of the high school. The annual appropriation of the city for this department is from $20,000 to $25,000. Odd Fellows' Opera House. Laconia has two public libraries, one at Lakeport with about 2,000 books, and one at Laconia with 7,000 books. These libraries are maintained by an annual appropriation from the city, and are under the management of a board of library trustees, consisting at I the present time of Messrs. \Y. J. Morrison, Chas. C. Davis, John ! T. Busiel. William F. Knight. Chas. K. Sanborn, Chas. F. Locke, and A. Stanton Owen. At the present time the libra- ries are in rented rooms, but by the generosity of the late Major Napoleon B. Gale, the city will soon have a magnificent public library building. Major Gale be- queathed the bulk of his large estate to the city for the pur- pose of purchasing a suitable lot for a park and the erection of a library or memorial building. It has been thought best to com- bine the legacies for the two purposes, and with this end in view, the large property of the late John C. Moulton, located on the corner of Main and Church streets, has been purchased as a site for the park and library build- ing. The executors of the Gale will have nearly settled the estate, and announce that in a short time they shall have a fund of about $150,000 in readiness to lay out the park, beautify the grounds, erect a memorial library building, and maintain the same, which probably will not be excelled by any struc- ture of the kind in New Hamp- shire. Another institution in which Laconia takes pride is the La- conia Cottage Hospital. The late Mrs. Rhoda C. Ladd, in January. 1893, left to Laco- nia the residue of her estate, amounting to nearly $10,000, for the establishment of a hos- pital whenever the city raised an equal amount. This fund has been increased from time * a Si to time, and, pending the es- tablishment of a permanent hospital at some future date, public-spirited citizens in 1898 fitted up and opened a cottage hospital in the former residence of the late Rhoda Ladd, on Court street. This hospital is most excellently equipped, and is main- M Building, Lakeport. tained by charity and an annual appro- priation from the city council. Laconia is well supplied with churches and religious organizations. There is one Congregational church, two baptist, two Methodist, two Free Baptist, two 26 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Roman Catholic, one Christian, one Ad- vent, one Unitarian, and one Episcopal, besides Young Men's Christian Associ- ation rooms and a branch of the Salva- tion Army. Nearly all of the churches own commodious, and in some cases magnificent, church buildings, and there are numerous missionary societies, Chris- tian Endeavor societies, and kindred organizations connected with nearly all of the churches. Two G. A. R. posts, one military com- pany, a large Masonic fraternity with elegant rooms in a recently-erected by a private corporation. No city in New England can boast a purer or bet- ter supply of drinking-water, and the head is sufficient for fire purposes and light manufacturing. Laconia has a good sewerage system, installed a few years ago at an expense of nearly $120,000. But few cities in New Eng- land of Laconia's size can boast of more concrete sidewalks. Large amounts of money have been invested in good walks, and there are but few streets in Laconia which have no concrete side- walk, while nearly all of the more im- Masonic temple, the most pretentious structure in the city, Odd Fellows, Daughters of Rebekah, Knights of Pyth- ias, Good Templars, Red Men, United Workmen, Pilgrim Fathers. Knights of Honor, two Building and Loan associ- ations, a Board of Trade, Ancient Or- der of Hibernians, Foresters, New Eng- land Order of Protection, and perhaps a dozen more organizations in these lines leave but little or nothing to be desired in this direction. Laconia has a splendid water supply, pumped from Lake Winnipesaukee and distributed throughout the entire city portant streets have substantial concrete walks upon both sides of the highway. Among other advantages which Laco- nia possesses as a desirable city for res- idential or business purposes, might be mentioned two telephone exchanges, the New England Co. and the Citizens', the latter a local corporation, both having a large list of patrons. An electric street railroad connects the two ends of the city, Laconia and Lakeport, and during the present summer of 1899 its tracks were extended to The Weirs, affording an opportunity to ride six or seven miles entirely within the city THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN, 2 7 limits, and along the lake shore among some of the most beautiful scenery of New England. Laconia's streets air lighted by electricity, and private resi- dences are illuminated by both gas and electricity, while gas is now being largely introduced as a fuel for cooking and heating as well as illumination. In dry goods, clothing, carpetings. furniture, and perhaps some other lines, Laconia boasts the largest stores and the largest stocks to be found in New Hampshire, and these establishments have a well-earned reputation for selling goods at retail at lower prices than can be obtained even in the city of Boston, in many cases. Financially, Laconia is the headquar- ters for a large territory of surrounding towns and villages. There are three national banks in the city, with a com- bined capital of 5250,000, besides three savings banks with aggregate deposits of over one million and a half. Laconia has three opera houses, one of them generally conceded to be one of the handsomest in New Hampshire. All of the best theatrical companies visit this city, and there are always plenty of attractions in this line. In the summer s \ison the entire surrounding country, at The Weirs, Lake Shore Park, and other points easily reached by the shores of the lakes, is a veritable picnic ground, most of the shores around the lakes being open to all comers, while hundreds of summer cottages dot the islands and shores of YVirmipesaukee and Winne- squam, and afford a quiet retreat for their owners in the city. The foregoing pages give but a hint at Laconia's many advantages and at- tractions. Laconia is a city, with all the conveniences and facilities of city life, for business, manufacturing, and home life, and at the same time offers the enjoyment of country life in its charming location, beautiful shaded streets, magnificent views, and unsur- passed scenery of both lakes and mountains. A Census of Laconia in 1836. John Farmer, who was secretary of the New Hampshire Historical Society in 1836, compiled a census of Laconia, then Meredith bridge, which is still preserved, and probably very nearly correct, reading as follows : •• Population of Meredith bridge Vil- lage, June I, 1836, embracing the ter- ritory one mile on the Main road lead- ing through Meredith to Gilmanton, the village lying in Meredith and Gilford." The heads of families, the names thereof, and the number in each family appear as follows : " Smith Jewett, 10 ; Stephen Boynton, 4: Nathaniel batchelder, 7: Mrs. Rob- binson, 5; Isaac M. Parker, 10; the Rev. J. K. Young, 4: Salmon Steavens, 5; Daniel J. Dinsmore, 3 ; Ben ning Mug- ridge, 6: Nicholas Gilman, 2: Charles Parker. 6: Nathan Bagley, 7: Osgood Bagley, 2: Mrs. Cheney, 7 ; Mr. Dan- forth, 2 : F. W. Boynton, 9; Alpha Ste- vens, 5; Samuel M ugridge, 2 ; Josiah Crosby, 7: S. ('. Lyford, 1 ; John T. Coffin, 7 : (leorge Hopkiuson, 6: Moses E. Piper, 6: Francis Russell, 12; Thomas Eastman, 13; John M. Fitch, 4 : P. \Y. Downing. 5 ; M. J. boynton. 3 ; Alfred bean. 5; Mrs. Dow. 4 ; John Wardwell, 5; T. D. Sollies. |: 1. W. Mudgett, 6 ; I. 1'.. Taylor, j. ; S. 1'erley. 9; J. L. Perlev. 1 ; Daniel Tucker. 3 ; Winthrop Young, 6; Hiram bean..): Samuel H. Bean, 4: Mr. Dimond, 5 ; A. Brigham, 5: Widow Allen. 31; A. T. Parker, 2; Hugh Wilson. 6; Widow Quimby, 6 ; Widow Swasey. 32 : Elijah Quimby, 15; Jonathan Hill, 8; H. H. Robinson, 10; S. Lawrence, 2: J. I*. Clough, 9 ; George L. Sibley 7: J. San- born, 8; J. Cookson, 11 ; Thomas Piper, 3: M. P." Buzzell, 6 ; Isaiah Merrill. 8." The above includes a total of 58 fam- ilies and a population of 3S4. It will be noticed that the Widow Allen is accred- ited with 31 members in her household and the Widow Swasey with 32. Both of these kept boarding-houses. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 29 The Laconia Car Company Works. The Laconia car shops, under the management of the Laconia Car Com- pany Works, of which Hon. Erank Jones of Portsmouth is president and principal owner, with Hon. Edward H. Oilman of Exeter as general manager and treas- urer, is the largest single industry in the city of Laconia, and also one of the laigest, most important and most widely- known in New Hampshire. The or ig i- nal Laconia car shops were started by the late Charles Ran- let in 1 S 4S , and was first known as the C. Ranlet Car Manufac till- ing Co. In 1849 Mr. Jo- seph Ranlet was taken in- to partnership and the firm name was the Ranlet Car C o m p a n y . This partner- ship con tin- ued until the death of Mr. Charles Ran- let in Octo- ber, 1 85 1. In December of the following year, the surviving partner, Joseph Ran- let, formed a partnership with the late Hon. John C. Moulton, continuing the business under the name of the Moulton & Ranlet Car Company. In January, Hon. Frank Jones under the corporate name of Laconia Car Company. Messrs. Moulton and Putnam still being the principal owners. In 1889, the late Mr. Moulton sold out his interest in the corporation to his partner, Mr. I'erley Putnam, who carried on the car building industry, practically alone in its ownership and management until 1897, when the entire property passed into the hands of Hon. Frank Jones and his assoc iates. The new corporation, chartered under the name of The Laconia ( 'ar ( lompany Works, w a s organized on Feb. 25th, 1897, and the board of offi- ce is of the corpo ration at the present time a r e as follows : I 'reside 11 t . Hon. Erank Jones. Treasure r , E. H. Gilman. Directo r s . Hon. Frank I ones, E. H. Gilman, B. .\. Kimball. C. I . Stone, Dennis O'Shea. The ori g i - nal plant was comparativ e- 1 y a small concern, with cheap wooden buildings and old-fashioned machinery. Put the wooden buildings have gradually given way to most substantial structures of brick, equipped with the latest ma- 1865, another company was formed un- chines in every department. The plant now covers seven acres of land in the very heart of the city of Laconia, and a large proportion of this property is covered with the foundries, wood-work ing shops, setting-up shops, painting shops, storehouses, etc., including the immense four-story brick structure de- der the name of the Ranlet Manufactur- ing Co., the members of the concern be- ing John C. Moulton, Joseph Ranlet and Perley Putnam, who continued in busi- ness until April 20, 1878, at which time Mr. Ranlet retired. In 1882 the company was re-organized 3° THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. voted to the malleable iron foundry in- dustry, which is operated in connection with the car construction business. When the car plant was started, nothing but freight cars were manufac- tured, but afterwards facilities were added for turning out all kinds of passenger cars, and the Laconia car shops soon won a national reputation for building first-class cars of every description. During the past few years the introduction of electric railroads in all parts of the United States has devel- oped a new branch of this car-building industry, and to-day one of the most im- portant departments of the Laconia car merit is pushed to its full capacity, and there are prospects of plenty of work in this line for months to come. The car shops now employ about five hundred men, and as these are, of course, in many cases the heads of families, the importance of the car business to Laco- nia can be easily seen. Vast quantities of lumber are consumed every year (estimated at 4,000,000 feet), making a ready market for much of the better timber within a radius of fifty miles of Laconia, while, of course large quantities of Southern, Western and foreign woods are brought from a distance. The malleable iron foundry depait * St ■ ■■-r^raf^ BET 1 *****^^" OCKET -■ - rTr WS U0 ■S^g£25MtfVtt£^ ■KSBBBBfi'S'"""— — — — l^SiEE Car built for the Woonsocket (R. I.) Street Railway Company. shops is the construction of electric street cars. In the manufacture of all styles of electric cars, this concern has achieved a reputation second to no car company in the United States and the handsome and substantial products of the Laconia shops can be seen upon the trolley lines of Boston, New York, and, in fact, nearly all the large cities of the United States. The demand for electric cars appears to be constantly increasing and there is evidently a great future for this branch of the business. At the present time the electric car construction depart- ment was established a few years ago, and this foundry is one of the largest of the kind in New England. The motive power for operating the machinery in the plant includes steam, water power, and electricity. During the past two years, thousands of dollars have been invested in rearranging and improving the plant, adding modern machinery and in every way making the facilities up to date for turning out the best possible work at the least possible expense. The Boston office at No. 50 State street is the general headquarters of the THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 3 1 corporation, and the office of the treas- urer and manager, Hon. E. H. Gilman. Mr. Peter Walling, formerly connected with the Boston n the other hand, if they have been held for invest- ment only, they will then be paid in cash. During the little more than eleven years of its existence the asso- ciation has met with deserved success, and the many homes that have been built through the assistance given to its members is proof positive of its true worth and merit. Twenty-three series of shares have been issued during the time, and its membership has numbered as high as 425, holding an issue of 2,400 shares of stock. The following named, many of whom have been connected with the associa- tion since its formation, comprise its management : Edmund Tetley, presi- dent ; Alburtis S. Gordon, vice-presi- dent ; Albert C. Moore, secretary ; Charles XV. Tyler, treasurer; Stephen S. Jewett, attorney. Directors, Walter S. Baldwin, William F. Knight, Charles W. Yaughan, Charles F. Richards. Charles J. Austin, William A. Plummer, Frank P. Webster. Louis J. Truland, Stephen S. Jewett, Alburtis S. Gordon, Charles W. Tyler, and Albert C. Moore. The assets of the association amount to nearly Si Go, 000, nearly all of which are investments within the city limits. The office of the association is lo- cated in the Masonic Temple, where it occupies a handsome apartment. James McGloughlin. James McGloughlin, proprietor of the Belknap brass and Iron Foundry, is a native of England, born March 21, 1 &53i > n Manchester, England. He came to this country during the Civil War. in [863, with his parents, and has lived most of the time since then in Laconia. Mr. McGloughlin received his education in the little old red schoolhouse which formerly stood near 34 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. the residence of Ex-Mayor S. B. Smith on Harvard street, and which was for many years the only school building on the north side of the river. This little one-story schoolhouse, with two rooms, sheltered many hundreds of Laconia's school children, forty years ago, and was finally sawed into two parts and remodeled into two tenement houses which still stand on Middle street. Mr. McGloughlin commenced to learn the moulder's trade at the foundry of the late Benjamin J. Cole in Lakeport, and finished with George Rollins in Laconia. In 1877 he remov- ed to Concord, N. H., where he was employed at his trade by W. P. Ford. In 1889 he came back to Laco- nia and bought out Arthur Smith, in what was known as the Belknap Iron and Brass Foundry. This foundry busi- ness had pre- viously been con ducted by three different parties, but the concern was a failu re finan- cially up to the time of Mr. Mc- Gloughlin's advent. Under his careful management, however, the concern has prospered, and by strict attention to bus- iness and enterprising methods, he has built up a large and prosperous industry. Mr. McGloughlin was married to Mrs. Anna Greene, March 24, 1879, and they have one daughter, Miss Flor- ence S. McGloughlin. Mr. McGloughlin is an Episcopalian, and a member of the Knights of Pyth- ias, which he joined in Concord in 1879, also of the Ancient Order of James McGloughlin United Workmen, which he joined in the same city in 1S87. He has held several public offices, be- ing elected a selectman of Ward 4 in 1895, and a councilman from the same ward in 1896. In 1897 he represented his ward in the legislature. As a business man and manufacturer, Mr. McGloughlin has been very success- ful. His iron foundry business is one of the largest in this section of New Hamp- shire and he supplies not only the city of Laconia, but the city of Franklin, and numerous small towns and vil- lages with the iron ca s t i n g s required in the n u merous ma- chine shops, mills, and fac- tories. Mr. Mc- Gloughlin is p o pular with his em p 1 o y e s and always pro- vides a Thanks- giving turkey for every family man in his es- tabl ishment. Mr. McGlough- lin is a Repub- lican in politics and as a mem- ber of the legis- lature and in the city council chamber always took a promi- nent part in all legislation. He is a public-spirited citi- zen, is interested in the Laconia board of trade, of which he is an active mem- ber, and is always ready to assist in every way in his power in any movement which promises to advance the interests of Laconia. Recently Mr. McGloughlin became interested in the development of the McGloughlin Positive Friction Clutch, of which he is the proprietor and manu- facturer, handling this industry in con- nection with his regular foundry busi- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 35 ness. For the uninitiated, it may be well to explain that a " clutch " is a de- vice attached to a line of shafting in factories and shops, whereby a portion of the shafting can be cut off and stopped, or thrown into motion again, without resorting to the manipulation of beltings, etc. By the use of the Mc- Gloughlin Positive Friction Clutch, for instance, it is now possible by the sim- ple movement of a lever to instantly start up a heavy piece of machinery like an electric dynamo, or two-faced electric machines. The McGloughlin clutch is conceded to be the best in the market, for electricians have always found it dif- ficult to keep a two-faced dynamo in step, but with this clutch when once in step it can never slip or strain u p o n the shafting, as would nat- urally be ex- pected from suddenly connecting a dor m ant machine to a rapidly- revolving shaft. The McGloughlin clutch starts the machin- ery by friction alone, but as soon as the machine or shafting is moving in unison with the shafting from which the motive power is derived, the friction clutch locks automatically and becomes a pos- itive clutch, which cannot be shaken loose or slip. In the same easy manner the machinery can be stopped and the motive power removed, without disturb- ing the main line of shafting or interfering in any way with other machines which may be in operation on the same line. Inventors have for a long time sought for a device of this kind, and Mr. Mc- Gloughlin appears to have hit upon a clutch which not only answers every re- quirement, but apparently cannot be improved. Manufacturers and mill men everywhere who have used the McGloughlin clutch are loud in its praise, and as the field tor its usefulness is almost world-wide, a large industry will undoubtedly be built up from this invention. Although the clutch is com- paratively a new thing upon the market it is called for by manufacturers in all parts of the United States, and is everv- where pronounced the best device of the kind which has yet been brought to public notice. Of course the clutch i> protected by patents and competent judges state that the in- vention is worth a for- tune if prop- erly i n tr o- duced. Carroll & Crapo. Residence of James McGloughlin One of the metro po 1 i- tan e s t a b - lishments of the City on the L a k e s is the ton- sorial estab- lishment of Michael J. Carroll and Joseph Crapo, located at No. 487 Main street. This shop is the handsomest and best equipped of any in the line here ; the chairs are comfortable, everything is neat as wax-work, and the razors are always sharp. In addition to Messrs. Carroll and Crapo here can be found Mr. \i ( ). Cox, who has a reputation second to no one in Laconia, as an artist with the razor and shears. This establish- ment has the steady patronage of many of our most fastidious citizens, and it surely merits the success which it re- ceives. Messrs. Carroll and Crapo are both young men, but they pay strict atten- tion to business and are '-sure winners."' 36 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. The Laconia Hardware Company. Until within a comparatively few years, the hardware trade of Laconia was handled by dealers in general mer- chandise. In 1886 Messrs. George W. Riley and Farrar & Cilley built the so- called Belmont block, on the south side of the river, on the site formerly occupied by the old Tremont Hotel. Mr. Riley put a small stock of general hardware into one of the stores in the block, and this was the first attempt in Laconia to conduct a hardware and paint store. In 1887 Messrs. Leven- saler &: Smart bought out Mr. Riley, in Belmont block was too small to handle the increased trade of the store, the business having thus early out- grown its quarters. Consequently, when the Masonic Temple was erected, the corner store and basement were leased, and the Laconia Hardware Co. removed to its present location in Oc- tober, 1896. This concern can boast of the larg- est store and the largest stock of general hardware, paints, iron and steel, mill supplies, bicycles, fishing tackle, and sporting goods, to be found in northern New Hampshire. The motto of the firm has alwavs *fy ■ • The Laconia Hardware Sture. and continued for one year. Mr. Levensaler then retired from the busi- ness, and Mr. Albert T. Quinby came into the concern. This was in 1888, and the Laconia Hardware company was born at that time. Quinby &: Smart continued for about one year, and then Mr. Quinby assumed full con- trol, employing his son, Edwin N. Quinby, as head salesman and Charles Dearborn as assistant, with his daugh- ter, Miss Nellie P. Quinby, as book- keeper. The business increased rapidly, and in 1895 E. N. Quinby was admitted to the firm. It was found that the store been : First quality goods, small profits and square dealing. This motto is lived up to every hour of the day and every day in the year, and it has built up a large and prosperous business. There are now employed in the store, besides the members of the firm, two men and a lady book-keeper, making five persons in all. Mr. Edwin N. Quin- by is the buyer for the concern and also the traveling salesman. He covers the entire northern section of New Hamp- shire and by constant hustle and square dealing has built up an immense trade in hardware among the retail dealers of the north country. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 37 Mr. Albert T. Quinby is the financial man of the business, having charge of the whole concern, but more especially paying attention to the settlement of accounts, collection of bills, and other financial matters. Albert T. Quinby. Probably but few of the general public are aware of the immense stock of merchandise which is carried by the Laconia Hardware Co. They have a large storehouse in the rear of the Masonic Temple which is filled almost entirely with iron and steel for black- smith supply. The basement under their store is packed full of paints, oils, rope, glass, and nails galore, of every size and style. Everything in the line of builders' and carpenters' hardware is carried in stock. Cutlery is another department which receives much atten- tion. Bicycles, horse blankets, lawn mowers, garden tools, carpenters' tools, brushes, in fact, it would take a bigger publication that the Illustrated Laconian to catalogue the stock carried by this enterprising concern. In the line of sporting goods, Messrs. Quinby & Son are the headquarters for this section of New Hampshire. They always have a choice line of shotguns, rirles, etc., and every kind of ammuni- tion and hunting supplies. The fishing tackle department is a treat for anglers, as their stock in this line includes both cheap and costly rods, lines, reels, hooks, baskets, landing nets and, in short, every- thing used for brook, river and lake fish- ing at any season of the year. The Laconia Hardware establishment is a credit to Laconia and the proprie- tors deserve success for their enterprise, courteous treatment of patrons, and square dealing. Albert T. Quinby, the senior member of the firm, was born in Portland, Maine, in 1845., At the age of 17 years he entered the employ of the hardware concern in Searsport, Me., and after six years took an interest in the concern. This business was continued with vari- ous change until 1S8S, when Mr. Quin- by, who was then the head of the con- cern, sold out his interest in the busi- ness and removed to Laconia. Mr. Quinby has always been prominent in society and in the Masonic fraternities. being four times elected W. M. of his home lodge. Since coming to Laconia he has joined Pythagorean Council and Pilgrim Commandery, Knights Templar, *» *cr Edwin N. Quinby. in which he has taken great interest and held offices. Edwin N. Quinby was born in Sears- port, Maine, in 1867. He received his education in the public schools and at the age of 17 years entered the employ 3« THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. of a wholesale hardware concern in Portland, Maine, where he remained un- til 1888, when he came to Laconia to enter the employ of the Laconia Hard- ware Co. The Late Daniel S. Dinsmoor. On the morning of March 24, 1S83, the people of Laconia were shocked by the announcement of the very sudden death of Hon. Daniel Stark Dinsmoor. He was stricken instantly, without warning, when apparen tly in good health, and died immediate- ly without re- turning to con- sciousness. The death of Mr. Din s m o o r was regarded as a public calami- ty. He was a sch ol arly and accom p 1 i s h e d man, of fine per- sonal appear- ance, and uni- versally loved and respec ted. H e had just reached his full and promising manhood when the s u m mons came and his earthly career closed forever. He was born in the village of Laconia, Sept. 23, 1837, the son of Daniel J. and Caroline (Stark) Dinsmoor, a descendant of John Dins- moor, a man much loved and respect- ed by the early settlers and even by the Indians as well, for his honesty and up- rightness ; he was also a descendant of Gen. John Stark of Revolutionary fame, "the hero of Bennington," whose family name he bore. He received his early education in the village schools and Gilford acad- emy, where he exhibited among other The Late Daniel S. Dinsmoor. qualifications a marked ability in decla- mation. After the course at the academy in his native village he went to New London Literary and Scientific Institution, at that time one of the leading institutions of the state, where he graduated with high honors in i860, his address before the society receiving especial commendation. For sometime after graduating he read law in the offices of Hon. Wm. Blair, Geo. W. Stevens, Esq., and Hon. O. A. J. Vaughan, and was admitted to the bar in 1864. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Amelia M.Whit- temore, the fririt of the union be- ing two sons, Arthur W. and A . Jameson Dinsmoor. Upon j the organization ! of the Laconia National bank, in 1865, he was chosen cashier, which position he held until his death. He was frequently se- lected for polit- ical honor, hold- ing many im- portant offices, such as county treasurer, regis- 1 ter of probate, representative to the legisla- ture of 1875, besides other minor offices, and was a member of Governor Che- ney's staff. In November, 1882, he was elected senator from the Laconia dis- trict, the issue being the Lake Shore railroad, although the district was con- ceded to be Democratic while he was always a Republican of un- questioned integrity. He was promi- nent in Masonic circles, having been master of Mt. Lebanon lodge ; he was also a member of Union Chapter. On the year previous to his demise he was THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 39 invited by the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic to deliver the Memorial Day poem which he complied with, and we know of no more fitting manner of expressing the esteem in which he was held by his associates, than to quote a few lines of the poem delivered on the successive year. Standing to-night, where twelve months since He who has served yon, as a prince Does subjects' service till his sire tails him to state and duty higher; I should but partly voice your thought, Not naming him who held, unsought/* Your hearty and your honored call To stand in senatorial hall. And thus remind you of the claim, That memory has on Dinsmoor's name. I will but name him, any words of praise Are needless here to you who knew him well ; The memories that his welcome name will raise Are more than tongue or pen of mine can tell. For with you here as youth and man he dwelt, Gave you his service and his cordial cheer ; And you as kindred and as neighbors felt When he was from you borne upon his bier, The stroke that struck him down in manhood strong Reached to your hearts, reechoes in my song. Rev. J. Franklin Babb. Rev. J. Franklin Babb, although now located at Ashland, New Hampshire, is a Laconia boy, as he spent his boy- hood days in Lakeport and was edu- cated in our public schools. He was born in Lowell, Mass., May 20, 1S74, his parents being John W. and Josie H. (Damon) Babb. His mother was the daughter of Rev. Joseph B. Da- mon, at one time pastor of the First Baptist church of Lakeport. Rev. Mr. Babb is a lateral descendant of Gov. John Hancock of Massachusetts, and a direct descendant of the famous John Tufton Mason, who was granted the region now known as Maine and New Hampshire, in the old colonial times. He was educated in the public schools of Lakeport, academic course, and then making a three years' special study for the ministry. He was ordained in Ash- land, Feb. 23, 1898, as pastor of the Free Baptist church, his present charge. Rev. Mr. Babb's father died when he was six years old, and the young man worked in factoiies, etc., to continue his studies and prepare himself for his chosen work in the ministry. He is a self-made man, and is popular not only as a pastor but as a citizen, and highly esteemed by hundreds of friends in this Rev. J. Franklin Babb. section of New Hampshire. Rev. Mr. Babb has written quite a good deal for the press, especially in the line of poetry, and articles from his pen' are frequently seen in some of our leading New England publications. The Wardwell Needle Company. Among the many industries that have contributed so much to the development of Laconia as a manufacturing city is the plant of the Wardwell Needle Com- pany. This company was established in the early sixties by the late C. P. S. Wardwell and was under various man- agements with moderate success until the year 1885 when it passed into the hands of its present owners who imme- diately commenced the erection of new buildings and the installation of modern labor saving machinery, much of which is protected by patents and used ex- clusively by this company, bringing tin- whole plant to a state of perfection that has enabled the company to take a lead- ing position in the manufacture of the 4° THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. celebrated Excelsior needles for all kinds of hosiery machinery. These needles are used exclusively by many of the largest knitting mills in the country and have a good reputation where known. The constant endeavor of this com- pany to give its customers the best that can be produced has brought them a large trade from all sections of the coun- try and the fact that the owners of these works manufacture and sell more latch needles each year than any manufacturer cal departments are under the personal supervision of Mr. S. A. Whitten, an expert needle maker, and the whole business is managed by Mr. Julius E. Wilson, the treasurer. He came to Laconia with the parties now owning the company and has devoted himself to the building up of a large permanent industry and that success has crowned his efforts goes without saying. In this connection a brief biographical sketch of Mr. Wilson and his connection with our city and its institutions is pertinent. ^liiii The Wardwell Needle Company. in the world is a sufficient endorse- ment of the popularity of their goods. The stock room is filled with finished needles for all the different knitting machines in use and orders are usually filled upon same day they are received. A large number of employes are given constant work and the weekly disburse- ment of wages for a long series of years has been an important factor in the growth and improvement of that portion of the city. A liberal policy toward its help has always been characteristic of this concern, which has added largely to its prosperity, strikes or other labor troubles never occurring. The mechani- Julius E. Wilson, manager and treas- urer of the Wardwell Needle Co., was born in Swanzey, New Hampshire, July 16, 1849. His early life was spent upon a farm, and he acquired his edu- cation in the public schools and acade- mies of that section. In 1867, after completing a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College in Manches- ter, he entered the employ of the Mas- sachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., at Manchester, and was engaged in the insurance business for many years. Later he became manager of a large clothing house, where he remained until he came to this city in 1885, to take THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 4i charge of the Ward well needle busi- ness. Mr. Wilson married Morgia M. Por- ter of Manchester. They have no chil- dren. In religious matters he is a Uni- tarian. In secret and fra- ternal orders, Mr. Wil- son is connected with the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and he is also a mem- ber of the Home Mar- ket Club. He is an enthusiast in all mat- ters pertaining to hunting and fishing, and was one of the organizers of the Bel- knap County Fish and Game League, which was formed about two years ago, and already has, perhaps, the larg- est and strongest membership of any similar organization in New Hampshire. Mr. Wilson has been the president of this league from the start. He is also president of the Mutual Building and Loan Associ- ation, Lake- port, and is also a trustee of the City Savings-bank at the Laco- nia end of the city. In politics, Mr. Wilson is a staunch Republic a n . He was elect- ed a member of the first city council of Laconia, in 1893, and has been reelected at every subsequent election, being at the pres- ent time the oldest member of the city govern* men t in point of service. In the city council Mr. Wilson has served upon the finance com- mittee, the roads and bridges committee, and other of the more important committees, devoting much of his time during the past six years to city affairs. His long service in the city council gives him perfect familiarity with all m unicipal affairs, and he has al- ways been one of the strongest members of this bodv. John W. Ashman. Julius E. Wilson. Residen John W. A s h m a n was born in Barnston, (hie., Oct. 14, 1849, his parents being Ed- ward and Sarah (Fol- ly) Ashman. His fath- er died Sept. 1, 1852, and John went to Walden, Caledonia county. Vermont, to live. In the public schools of this town he rece i v e d his education suppleme n t- ed by a term at Phillips academy in Danville.' Vt. Mr. Ash- man came to Laconia Mar. 22, 1871, and entered t h e employ of the late Hor a c e Whicher. He remained un- til November, iS75.when he e n t ered the law office of E. I'. Jewell. Esq. He was admitted to the bar in March, 18S0, and continued in the prac- 42 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. tice of his chosen profession until Janu- ary, 1S85, when he was elected treasurer of the Belknap Savings bank, which position he now occupies. Mr. Ashman is a Democrat in politics and has received numerous honors in the political line. He first entered the public service in March, 1880, as town clerk, and held that office five years. He was chosen librarian of the public library July, 1879, which position he held five years, and was also a trustee of the library for ten years. Mr. Ash- man was one of the members of the board of ed- ucation in 1 88 1, 1882, and 1883, and was also clerk of the school district. He was a mod- erator at the annual town meeting, in March, 1890. H e served a s register of pro- bate for Bel- knap county for three terms. When the city government was inaugurat- ed Mr. Ashman was chosen a member of the first city coun- cil from Ward 5, and served as a member of the finance committee, man was elected as New Hampshire legislature from Ward 5, which is one of the strongest Repub- lican wards in the city. Mr. Ashman is treasurer of the Laco- nia Hospital association, and First Uni- tarian society, also of the Laconia Land and Improvement Co. He was a charter member of Winnesquam Colony, No. 14, United Order of Pilgrim Fathers, and has held various offices in this order. Mr. Ashman was a member and trea- surer of Company K, New Hampshire National Guard, when this company was first formed by Captain Elbert Wheeler (now General Wheeler), and went with this company to the centen- nial celebration at Yorktown in 1881. In religious affairs Mr. Ashman affi- liates with the Unitarians. He is still unmarried. O'Shea Brothers' Establishment. John \Y. Ashman In 1898 Mr. Ash- a Democrat to the O'Shea Brothers' is perhaps the best known mercan- tile estab 1 i s h ment in central and north ern New Hamp- shire. The firm handles cloth- ing, dry goods, and furniture, and has grown from a small beginning in the year 1875 to one of the largest stores and largest dis- tributors of goods in their line in this sec- t i o n of N e w England. On April 25, 1875, Dennis O'Shea and his oldest brother, the late John O'Shea, c o m - menced the dry goods business in a little store in a building which then stood on the site of their present furniture department building. The Laconia Democrat office occupied the second floor of the build- ing, and Miss Kate Feeley conducted a millinery store in one side of the ground floor of the building, leaving about 1,100 square feet for O'Shea Bros.' dry goods business. Both members of the firm had served a few years as clerks in similar establishments in Laconia, and consequently had a fair knowledge of THE ILLUSTRATED LACOXI.W the business. Their first year's trade was an immense success, actually turn- ing the entire stock over seven times. Encouraged by the favor which their venture received from the public, they decided to put in a stock of ready-made O'Shea Bros.* Store in 1S75. clothing, and in December of the same year they leased the portion of the build- ing formerly occupied by Miss Feeley, and in this addition to their establish- ment put in a stock of clothing, engaging their brother, Eugene O'Shea, to take charge of this department. This venture, also, proved a success, O'Shea Bros." Store in 1S7S. but in a short time the firm again found itself pressed for room to accommodate their rapidly-increasing trade. In the spring of 1877, the late John C. Moul- ton built an addition to the rear of the building, which increased the floor space to 3,550 square feet. The sto< k of goods up to this time consisted only of dry goods and clothing, but next came a demand for carpetings, there being at that time only one small stock in town. To meet this demand, O'Shea Eros, leased more land in the rear of the Moulton building, and erected an- other addition, 35 by iS feet, for a carpet room. but the patronage of the establish- ment and the consequent demand for a larger and more varied stock had in the meantime increased faster than the ( I'Shea Bros. 1 Store in 1882. accommodations, and ( >'Shea Bros, soon found themselves again cramped for room to conduct their growing business. In the spring of 1N7X they leased the land on the north side of their store, and erected a block of about thirty feet front and seventy feet depth. The old and new stores were connected and the new building accommodated the cloth- ing department on the first floor, while the carpet and custom-made clothing departments were upstairs. The new building gave about 4,000 square feet more floor space, making 44 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. the largest store in Laconia and proba- bly the largest in New Hampshire at that time. The establishment certainly appeared large for a town the size of Laconia, and many of our people pre- dicted a downfall and failure. Pluck and perseverance, however, won again, and in the autumn of 1S82, when the Laconia Democrat vacated the rooms store in New Hampshire, containing seventeen different departments. No further changes were made until the spring of 1886, when Mr. Moulton decided to erect the present Moulton opera house block. At this time O'Shea Bros, purchased the Mrs. J. H. Story property on Pleasant street and re- moved their own building there (now Present Store of O'Shea Bros. over the dry goods store and moved to Mill street, Messrs. O'Shea Bros, leased the vacated premises and put in a stock of furniture. They also induced Mr. Moulton to add a third story to the building, while they put a third story on their own building adjoining. At this time the original store of 1,100 square feet had grown to an establish- ment of 13,000 square feet, the largest the Kirtland House property) to make room for the opera house block. The firm up to this time had consisted only of the two brothers, Dennis and John, who opened the original store in 1875, but in 1887 Eugene O'Shea, who had taken charge of the clothing depart- ment, was admitted to membership. When the Moulton opera house block was completed in August, 1887, Messrs. THK ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 45 O'Shea Bros, leased the entire first fioor and basement, in connection with the wooden furniture building, all three floors of which are devoted to the furni- ture and carpeting business. The floor space now occupied by this concern, including their storehouse for furniture, near the passenger depot, amounts to nearly 30,000 square feet, or about two thirds of an acre. John O'Shea died Oct. 26, 1890, and the business has since been carried on by Dennis, Eugene, and Thomas O'Shea, the latter having the furniture and car- peting departments. O'Shea Bros.' store is an establish- ment of which all true Laconians are proud. Their success is due to natural shrewdness and business tact, combined with hard work, untiring attention to the wants of the public, fair dealing, and liberal advertising. From young men in limited financial circumstances, the O'Shea Bros, built up a business of $250,000 per annum, and made themselves among the fore- most and best-known merchants of the Granite state. They have always found time to interest themselves in every movement of a public nature which promised to assist in the growth and prosperity of Laconia, and they have been important factors in' nearly all our local enterprises. Dennis O'Shea, the senior member of the firm, is a director of the Laconia National bank, a trustee of the City Savings bank, president of the Laconia Electric Light Co., president of the Laconia Board of Trade, one of the promoters, organizers, and president of the Casino Building Co., a member of the board of education, and has always found time to devote himself enthusi- astically to the success of every enter- prise and public position with which he has been connected. Mutual Building & Loan Association. The Mutual Building and Loan Asso- ciation was organized June 3, 1890, with the following board of officers and directors : President, Henry B. Ouinby ; vice-president, Henry J. Odell ; secre- tary, Leroy M. Could: treasurer. Edwin D. Ward. Directors: Benjamin F. Drake, Henry Tucker, Charles E. Buz- zell, Stephen B. Cole, Edwin L. Cram, Libbeus E. Hayward, Elijah U. Blais- dell, Samuel R. Jones, Charles J. Pike; solicitor, Joseph L. ( >dell. The asso- ciation commenced business June 10, 1890, with a membership of 113, fifteen of whom were females. Its mission has been to assist mechanics and others in getting homes of their own. In this it has clone its work well. It now has $30,000 assets which consist of loans to its members who are monthly drawing nearer the time when they will have homes of their own free from incum- brance, and others who are laying by something for a rainy day. Its affairs have been successfully conducted at all times, and as yet the association has not lost a dollar by injudicious investment, while on the other hand its members have been receiving a good rate of in- terest on their investments. From the start the officers and directors have been very careful in making all loans and herein lies one of the principal secrets of its successful career. The business of the association is conducted in such a way that any per- son desiring to build or purchase a home, lift a mortgage, or engage in bus- iness may become a member at any time by paying a nominal admission fee and taking one or more shares of stock- The Building and Loan Association offers inducements to mechanics, arti- sans, and laboring men generally that are not found in banking and other financial institutions. The present officers and board of directors are : President, Julius E. Wil- son ; vice-president, John N. Meader; secretary, Leroy M. Gould ; treasurer. Edwin I). Ward. Directors: Libbeus E. Hayward, Charles L. Pulsifer, John Aldrich, Edwin L. Cram, William G. Cram, George B. Munsey. Albert M. Read, Charles E. Sleeper, Charles L. Simpson. The headquarters of the association are at Lakeport. WT~m V. J** *• «* .i J. 1 x- § x 5 It . ... r. awP -i ^ ■rr /^ THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 47 , Cole Manufacturing Company. In 1S27 the foundation of the Cole Manufacturing company was laid by the father of Benjamin J. Cole who moved from Franklin with his family in that year to Batchelder's Mills, now Lake- port, and built a small foundry, doing his melting in a large kettle with char- coal which he burned in the neighbor- hood ; prior to leaving Franklin he had built the second foundry erected in the state and numbered among his cus- tomers General John Stark of Hooksett. This foundry w a s bought from the father in 1836 by Ben- jamin J. Cole and two of his brothers, but in a few years Ben- jamin J . Cole bought the in- terests of his brothers, con- ducting the bus- iness under the style of B. J. Cole .. only child of Abram and Mary Brown Law rence True, was born in Meredith. X. H., November 21, 1S2S. In early boyhood he was thoughtful and studious, yet full of energy and 54 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. ambition, often walking several miles over rough and rocky roads, or across fields and pastures to take advantage of extra schooling in neighboring districts. Later he came to Meredith Bridge and was a student at Gilford academy, where he finished his preparatory education. Having chosen the medical profes- sion he studied medicine with Wm. Leach, M. D-, took his first medical degree at Harvard and was graduated from the Eclectic Medical college at Worcester, Mass., June 25, 1 S 5 r . Youthful i n his appearance and represent- ing an unpop- ular school of medicine, he began work in Dover, N. H., full of courage and e n t h u s i - asm. In a lit- tle less than ten years a severe illness necessi- tated a com- plete change and he left a large practice, purchased the farm adjoining his boyhood home, and re- moved there for rest and recu- peration. While residing there he represented Meredith in the legislature and served on the board of selectmen. He came to Laconia in 1S65 where he practised his profession until two weeks preceding his death, June 21, 1896. He was a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society, at one time holding the office of president. For several years he served on the board of education, was one of the trustees of the Laconia Savings bank and was a member of Winnipiseogee Lodge, I. O. O. E. Unassuming in manner, sympathetic, and tender as a woman in the presence of suffering, he possessed keen intuitive perception, great strength of purpose and strong self-reliance, qualities which cheered every sick room he entered, inspired confidence and courage in his patients and won for himself an exten- sive and successful practice. He was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Tucker of Meredith Bridge, September 22, 1850. They have four children : Emma Frances, wife of Hor- ace Emery Dur- gin of Laconia; Jennie Alma, wife of Joseph Hector Gingras of Laconia; Walter H a r r i- son, a physician in Laconia; and George Lawrence, a dentist in Cam- bridge, Mass. Dr. Walter Harrison True. Late Noah Lawrence True Walter Harri- son True, M.D., was born in Meredith,N.H., July 25, 1866. His parents coming to La- conia the fall of that year, most of his life has been spent in this city. He was a pupil in our public schools until 1882, when he became a student at Gilmanton Academy, where he was graduated, class of '85. The following two years were spent with Henry Story, pharmacist, of this city. After studying medicine with his father, N. L. True, M. D., he entered Cincinnati Medical college and was graduated in June, 1S91, also receiving a special diploma on diseases of the eye and ear under Professor McPheron, M. D., of Cincinnati, O., now of Denver, THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 55 Col. While at that college he took two winter courses in clinical medicine and surgery at the Cincinnati City Hospital. He came to Boston, Mass., and was house surgeon at the Charter Street Hospital, and later having passed the state medical board of examiners at Con- cord, N. H., he com- menced the practice of his profession in com- pany with his father in this city. He is a member of the New Hampshire Eclectic Medical Soci- ety, holding the posi- tion of secretary and treasurer at the pres- ent time. In the sum- mer of 1894, he took a course of study at the New York Post- graduate school, New York city, receiving a diploma on diseases of the eye, ear Dr. True was united in marriage with Miss Mabelle Hill of Lakeport, N 1 1., on March 29, 1899. Julian Francis Trask. Dr. Walter H. True. Julian Francis Trask was born in Beverly, Mass., October 1, 1S49. He was educated in the public schools, after which he thoroughly learned the trade of a machinist at the Rhode Island Locomotive Works, in Providence. Changing his r e s i- dence to Laconia, he continued his chosen vocation, but gradually drifted into newspaper work, for which he de- v eloped a marked adaptation. At first his evenings only were de- voted to writing for the press, but subsequently he gave his whole time and attention to nose, and throat. He was appointed one journalism, being employed on the La- of the members of the N. H. state board conia Democrat, Manchester Union, and of medical ex- am i n e r s, by Gov. Rams- dell and coun- cil, in June, 1897, and is the youngest member on the board. He is a member of the Winnipe- saukee Acad- emy of Medi- cine, also of the N. H. As- sociation of Boards of Health, and has held the office of secretary of the Laconia board of health ever since the city was inau- gurated. He is a member of Mt. Bel- knap Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Laco- nia, and also of Laconia Grange. Residence of Dr. \V. It. Tl represen 1 1 n g the Associat- ed Press in the lake re- gion, doing in ever_\- assign- ment and de- tail, pains- t a k i n g a n d commendabl e work. His generous tem- perament and cheerful dis- position led him to say kindly things, and his inde fatigable pen has never been touched in venom. He grew into the good graces of the com munity, as he did into favor with his employers, and his career as reporter is not marred by any mean act. 56 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. When Hon. C. A. Busiel was men- tioned for the mayorship and again for the governorship, Mr. Trask's enthu- siasm and enterprise knew no limit, and he entered the canvasses at the very outset with an eager devotion that never faltered. He was the governor's choice for messenger to the council, and private secretary to his excellency, positions of confidence and responsibility which he filled with remarkable ability, discre- tion, and success. His reputation as a conscientious and versatile newspaper man extended throughout the state, and his know ledge of legislation and poli tics con- duced to make him a very con- siderable factor in public affairs. His appoint- ment as labor commissi oner was r e c e ived with general favor, and his service in that important office during the three years last past won him many valuable friends and acq uaint- ances, and have given him a merited accred- iting in popular sentiment that ensures him desirable prominence in whatever field of labor he may now choose. Whether in the workshop, or on the newspaper, or at the state house, the same prepossessing sunshiny personal- ity has characterized him. He is look- ing always for the good in humankind, and the saying of charitable things has grown to be a habit with him. Every fiber of his nature is true to the best interests of this community, with which his growth and welfare have been closely associated. Julian F. Trask. Mr. Trask married Vicklida E. Ander- son of this city December n, 1875, anc ' they have three children, Helen G., Arthur F., and Marie Louise. Mr. Trask belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Mt. Belknap lodge, Knights of Pythias, and is an active member of the White Moun- tain Traveller's Association, and is also one of the leading lights of the Coon Club, the state organization of practi- cal newspaper workers. Outspoken honesty is one of the sterling qualities of his manhood. He has availed himself of a wealth of phil- osophy, soft- ened by a pre- vailing sense of wit and humor. With distinct ideas of right and wrong, he is, nevertheless, deferential and tolerant of the opinions of others, and his desire is to help and to serve and in all ways possible smooth the rough edges of life. In re- ligion, he is lib- eral ; in poli- tics, a Republi- can ; and in all a public-spirited substantial citizen, worthy of the high respect and fond regard in which he is so widely held. Dr. A. H. Harriman. Dr. Alpha Haven Harriman, one of Laconia's leading physicians, was born in Albany, N. H., October 14, 1857, son of Nathaniel G. and Rhoda (Allard) Harriman. He received his prepara- tory education in the academies at Frye- burg and at Bridgton, Me. His pro- fessional studies were pursued at Bow- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 57 doin College Medical School, from which he graduated in 1883. He commenced practice in Mercer, Me., but after eight months rem oved to the town of Sandwich, N. H., where he remain- ed for three years and a half. In November, 1S87, he settled in La- conia, and has re- mained here up to the present time. He has attained a prominent posi- tion in his pro- fession, and has been very success- ful in a business way. He is a mem- ber of the New Hampshire Medi- cal Society and the Winnipesau- kee Academy of Medicine, a con- tributor to period- l ical medical liter- ature and to " the reference hand-book of medical sci- ences." He was a member of the board of education of Laconia for four years, and for three years was president of the board. He is a member of Mt. Lebanon Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Union Chapter, Royal Arch Ma- sons, of which he was high priest in i897-'99; of Pyth- agorean Counc il, Royal and Select Masters, and of Pilgrim Comman- der y . Knights Templar, Laconia. commander of the latter in i896-'98 Dr. Harriman has always been Democrat, but has never taken an ac- tive part in politics. He was married Feb. 10, 18S4, to Katherine E. Walker of Lovell, Maine. The\- h av e two sons : Haven Wal- ker, born Jul\- 26, 1889, and Nathan- iel Joy, born Aug. i 7, 1892. Dow & Roberts. Dr. Alpha H. Harriman t Di. A. II. II He was eminent The Dow & Rob- erts meat and pro- vision market is a first-class up-to- date dispensary of choice meats, veg- etables, pou 1 1 r y, canned goods, etc. The es t ab 1 i s h- ment was started by E. L. Dow, one of Laconia's vet- eran market-men and butchers, in 1878, and the present firm of Dow & Robe r t s took posse ss i on in 1S94. Herbert E. Dow is a son of E. L. Dow, and Fred S. Roberts is a son of O. N. Roberts of Meredith, and was employed in the grocery business j for several years before embarking i n business w i t h Mr. Dow. The Do w & Roberts market is located at No. 605 Main street, and handles every- thing which would be found in a first- class city market. This is the only e s t a blishment in the state equip- ped with an electric plant for grinding bones and sausage meats, and the pro- prietors are constantly making improve 58 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. merits in their equipment, and striving to advance the standard of their service. The market is, of course, provided with ample refrigerator room for the cold storage of fresh meats, of which they purchase the choicest and best, both domestic and Western, which the market affords. Home-made lard, home- cured hams, and home-made sausage are some of the special features of their trade upon which Dow & Roberts pride themselves, and which have proved very popular with the public. In green goods, they always have the earliest peas, dandelions, and other vegetables to be found in Laconia markets. They Gilford, in that part known as Lake Village, May 20, 1865 ; his parents be- ing Charles and Amanda G. (Hall) Flanders of Gilford. His mother was a native of Middletown, Pa., whose an cestry were of Revolutionary stock and among the first settlers of Pennsylvania. On the paternal side, his remote ances- try were among the first settlers of Gil- manton. He was one of a family of four children, three of whom survive. Mr. Flanders was educated in the public schools at Philadelphia, and Franklin Falls. Later he completed his education in the Quaker city, partic- ularly that relating to business. * Al Dow & Roberts' Meat and Provision Market. make another feature of poultry, im- porting large quantities of Vermont turkeys and chickens, grown and fat- tened especially for their trade. Messrs. Dow & Roberts are both young men, enterprising and wide-awake for the increase of their business and the satisfaction of their patrons. They have met with excellent success and keep two delivery teams hustling all the time, in addition to their large store trade. William Hall Flanders. Prominent among the rising young legal lights in Belknap county is William Hall Flanders of this city, residing at Lakeport. Mr. Flanders was born in though many years covering the period of his early life have been spent outside of Laconia, chiefly on account of busi- ness interests, yet during all these years, he has never renounced his allegiance, love, and kind remembrance for his native heath. He studied law in the office of Jewell & Stone in this city and was admitted to the bar March 4, 1890. and soon after opened an office at Lakeport. Previous to this Mr. Flanders spent about two years in the south, where he was associated with mining companies, with headquarters at Staunton, Va. About this time he was admitted to practice in the supreme court in the District of Columbia, October 26, 1892. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 59 Soon after he returned to this citv. In 1S98 he was admitted to practice in the United States district court of New Hampshire. Since being admitted to the bar in New Hampshire, he has con- ducted a general law practice, in which he, for a young man, has been eminently successful. Mr. Flanders is a member of the Mt. Lebanon lodge, No. 32, A. F. and A. M., Union Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., Pilgrim Commandery, Knights Templar, Mount Washington Chapter, No. 13, Order of the Eastern Star. He is also in good stand- ing as an Odd Fellow, having become a mem- ber of that order in Philadelphia. He is a member of several other secret societies and holds offi- cial positions in all of the Ma- sonic bodies. He is a mem- ber of the Bel- knap County Fish and Game League. In 189S he was elected a member of the Laconia board of educat ion. His political affiliations are with the I) e m- ocrats. Octo- ber 25, 1892, he wedded Miss Carrie Morgan of Milford, Delaware. His re- ligious affiliations are with the Episco- palians. Mr. Flanders was a resident of Prince William county, Virginia, for about six years, subsequently he resided in Phila- delphia, later at Franklin Falls, X. H. In all Mr. Flanders has resided in this city about twenty years. Socially he is ever at his best, in con- sequence of which he is possessed of numerous friends local and elsewhere. Though modest in temperament he has a keen appreciation of the eternal fitness of all his environments. As a counselor he is conservative yet decided, seldom vouchsafing an opinion without impart- ing the most careful scrutiny and de- liberate consideration. In domestic life he is much attached to the home circle. He resides at 973 Union avenue, where he is surrounded by home comforts such as are dictated by liberal tastes for enjoyment and other auxiliaries conducive to happiness. Fred B. Rowe. William H. Flanders Fred B. Rowe, hosiery manu- facturer, is a native of Laco- nia, and one of our younger manufacture r s who has made a success in this line. He was born Janu- ary 13, 1 87 2. and received his education in the public schools of this city. In 1888 he commenced as book-keeper for the Laconia Manufacturi ng Company, and continued with this concern for three years. In 1 89 1 he started in the hosiery business for himself in a small way, and two years later formed a partnership with M, P. Marshall. The partnership continued for four years, and then Mr. Marshall retired from the firm, and Mr. Rowe has since carried on the business alone with excellent success. He now employs about one hundred hands in the opera- tion of his industry, and has a pro- duction of two hundred and twenty- 6o THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. five dozen hosiery per day. His fac- tory is located on Meredith Court. He manufactures hosiery for ladies, gents, misses, and infants, and makes a specialty of medium and high-class goods. Mr. Rowe disposes of his product mostly to the jobbers and direct trade. Mr. Rowe was married in 1893 to Miss Annie R. Woodburn, and they have two children, Elmer W., six years old ; and Charles M., aged three years. In politics, Mr. Rowe is a Democrat, and in the se- cret orders he is a member of Winnipiseogee Lodge of Odd Fellows. Laconia has always taken pride in her hustling young business men and man ufac- turers, and to this class Mr. Rowe undoubt- edly be lo n gs . He is w i d e- awake and up- to-date in his methods, and des erves the success w h i c h he is meeting in his business. Fred B. Rowe Col. Benjamin F. Drake. Although now a resident of Norfolk, Virginia, where he conducts a large grocery business, Col. B. Frank Drake still claims Laconia as his home, still owns property in the City on the Lakes and will undoubtedly return here for a permanent residence some time. Benjamin F. Drake was born in New Hampton, Oct. 8, 1844. When he was two years old his parents removed to Lakeport, where young Drake was edu- cated in the public schools and French's select school. At the opening of the Civil War he entered the government employ at the Springfield armory, where he learned the machinist trade. He was afterwards superintendent of two manufactories in Massachusetts, and later was master mechanic of the Mount Washington railway. In 1878, return- ing to Lakeport he became a member of the firm of J. S. Crane & Co., retiring in 18S5 to assume charge of the construc- tion of the Lakeport & Laconia Water Works, resum- ing the partner- ship at the com- pletion of the contract, this time organizing the Crane Man- ufacturing Co., builders of knit- ting machinery. Of this corpor- ation, Colonel Drake was the treasurer, a di- rector, and a moving spir i t . A year or two ago he sold out his interest in the Crane Co., purchased a large farm and mill property in M assachusetts, but soon after- wards sold out and went South, to Virginia, where he is now located and conduct- ing a very successful business. Colonel Drake has not limited his attention to his private interests solely, but has been much in public and corpo- rate service. He was aide-de-camp, with the rank of colonel, on the staff of Gov. John B. Smith, has served his town as selectman, represented Gilford in the legislature in 1883, and was a member of the constitutional convention in 18S9. He is now a director of the La- conia Water Works, has been a director of the National bank of Lakeport, of THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 61 the Lake Village Savings bank, presi- dent of the Mutual Building & Loan as- sociation, a trustee of the public library, and a member of the local board of trade. In 1887 he was appointed steam- boat inspector by Governor Sawyer, a position which he held until he left New Hampshire. Colonel Drake is a member of the New Hampshire club, of the Lincoln club, of the Home Market, and of the White Mountain Travellers' association. In secret society life. Colonel Drake has always been much interested and quite prom- inent. He is a Mason, Knight Templar, and has reached the thirty -se con d degree, he is an Odd Fellow, a Patriarch Mili- tant, a Red Man, a Knight of Pyth i a s , a Knight of Hon- or, and has re- ceived honors in all of these f ra t e r n i t i e s . Colonel Drake is a Republican in politics and was a member of the first city council of the city of Laconia. Few Laconia men have been better known throughout the state of New Hampshire than Col. Frank Drake, and he is popular and esteemed wher- ever known, for he is always genial and agreeable, and a good companion as well as a good business man. Col. Benjamin F. Drake Hon. Charles F. Stone. Probably no member of the legal pro- fession in New Hampshire is more widely and favorably known than Hon. Charles F. Stone, of Laconia, ex-naval officer of the port of Boston, Mass. Mr. Stone's ancestors were among the early settlers of Vermont, emigrating to Cabot, in the northern part of the state as early as 1794. Lawyer Stone was born May 21, 1843, son of Levi II. and Clarissa (( )sgood) Stone. His boyhood was passed upon a farm, where he acquired a vigorous physique, and at the age of twenty years started out to secure an education to enter a profes- sion. He attended the academy at , Barre, Vermont, for two years, and titt e d for college, enter- ing Middlebury in 1 S 6 5 , an d graduating in the class of '69. He paid his own w a y both in academy and college by teaching the district schools and also as in- structor in sing- ing-schools. He was a natural musician and from the time he was nineteen years of age, until his voice was weake n e d by an attack of pneumonia, he was most of the time director of a church choir. After Mr. Stone's graduation from col- lege, he read law for a year in the office of ex-Governor J. W. Stewart in Mid- dlebury, Vt., and at the same time served as principal of a graded school. In 1870 Mr. Stone came to Laconia and entered the office of Judge E. A. Hibbard, where he continued his studies until admitted to the practice of his profession in 1872. He then formed a partnership with the late Col. George W. Stevens, which continued for one year. For the next seven years Mr. 62 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Stone practised alone, devoting himself entirely to his professional labors and meeting with much success. In 1880, a partnership was formed with Lawyer E. P. Jewell, which was continued with some changes in membership, until 1898, when Mr. Stone withdrew from the firm and formed a new partnership with Lawyer Edwin H. Shannon. Mr. Stone was reared a Republican in politics, but about twenty years ago he became dissatified with the Republican policy on financial and revenue matters, and at the open- ing of the cam- paign in 1S80, he took the stump for Hancock and English. He is one of the most effective cam- paign speakers in New Hampshire, and he has been several times chairman of the Democratic state c o m m i ttee, the Democratic can- didate for govern- or and also for congress. He was a member of the state legislature from Laconia in i883-'S4 and again in i887-'88. He was commis- sioned naval offi- cer of Boston, July 3, 1894, and at the expiration of his term, returned to the practice of his profession in La- conia and also opened a branch office in Manchester. Mr. Stone has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since attaining his majority, and is also a member of Laconia grange and the Belknap Pomona grange. He married July 7, 1870, Minnie A. Nichols of Sudbury, Vt., who died September 22, 1875, leaving one daugh- ter, Flora M. Stone. Mr. Stone mar- ried September 12, 1896, Mrs. Isabel Smith Munsey of Laconia. In religious matters Mr. Stone is of the progressive and liberal type and has long been actively connected with the Laconia Unitarian church. Edwin H. Shannon. Hon. Charles F. Stone Edwin Howe Shannon, of the law firm of Stone &: Shannon, was born in Gilmanton, March 8, 1S58, son of James C. and Judith W. (Batchelder) Shannon. He traces his descent in the paternal line from an early settler of Ports- mouth, his grand- father, George Shannon, having been born in that place. In the ma- ternal line he comes of the fam- ily which was re- lated to that of the famous states- man, Daniel Web- ster, his great- grandmother hav- ing been a cousin of the statesman. Mr. Shannon re- ceived his educa- tion in the public schools of his na- tive town, and at Gilmanton Acad- emy. He studied 1 a w w i t h Hon. Thomas Cogswell of Gilmanton, and was admitted to the bar in 1881. Mr. Shannon then became a partner of Colonel Cogswell, remaining such for about a year, when the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Shan- non seeking a wider field for practice than was afforded him in Gilmanton. He thereafter practised his profession alone until 1893, having offices in Farm- ington and Pittsfield, where, he soon acquired more than a local fame for his ability in the trial of causes, and gained THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 63 for himself a considerable clientage. In 1893, Mr. Shannon came to Laconia and entered into partnership with Law- yer W. S. Peaslee, the firm subsequently becoming Shannon, Peaslee «\: Plack- stone. In 1S94, he withdrew from this firm and practised alone until 1898, when the law firm of Stone & Shannon was established. Mr. Shannon is counsel for a number of large and prosperous corporations and has devoted considerable study to this especial branch of the law. He is also considered an authority upon the Law of Per- sonal Injuries, has a large prac- tice in that branch of his profession, where he has been successful in win- ning some of the most imp or tan t cases which have ever been insti- tuted in Belknap county. Mr. Shan- non is a man of s t r ong personal- ity, is quick to determine and prompt to exe- cute. Fearless in thought and ac- tion, with strong common sense as a guide, he does not hesitate to carve a way where none appears. Precedents have no terrors for Mr stead. They have three children : Ella C, Mildred, and Edwin II. Shannon, Jr. The Oberon Ladies Quartette. Edwin II. Shannon The Oberon Ladies Quartette was organized by Mrs. O. M. Prescott in 1891, and they have won a reputation as a musical organization in all sec- tions of New England. The personnel of the quartette is as follows : First soprano, Mrs. (). M. Prescott; second soprano, Miss Minnie O. Woodhouse : first alto, Mrs. ('. K. S an born ; second alto. Mrs. George B. Cox. The following will indicate to some extent the popular favor with which the ( >beron Ladies Quartette has everywhere been received : "It has been my good fortune to be present on two occasions when the Oberon Quartette were the vocalists of the evening. They have exquisite voices which har- monize admir- ably. They sing with expre s s i o n and distinct enun- ciation, and win the favor of the audience from the start. They have a Shannon. If they appear to be right he charming repertoire^ which they ren- follows them, but if wrong he fearlessly dered with grace and melody. I found attacks them, and some at least, have it easy to lecture after being stirred by gone down before the logic of his rea- soning. As a counselor, wise and pru- dent, in the trial of causes, strong and tactful, and as an advocate, earnest and eloquent, he has acquired a large and lucrative practice. In politics he is a Republican. He was married Oct. 18, 1882, to Myra E., daughter of Ira L. and Lavina E. (Drew) Perry, of Barn- their inspiring music." — Mary A. Liver- more, "The Oberon Ladies Quartette of Laconia made its first appearance in Concord at this concert, but it is safe to say it will not be the last. In all the five numbers given the combination was at its best, and the result was the highest satisfaction of an audience 6 4 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. composed of those who are never satis- fied with anything less than excellent work in this line. Two numbers were encored and the responses were equally pleasing. Each member of the quar- tette has a fine, well-trained voice, and they all blend harmoniously together. The young city of Laconia may well be proud of the Oberon Ladies Quartette. — Concord People and Patriot. "The Oberon Ladies Quartette made quite a hit at the banquet of the Massa- chusetts State Board of Agriculture at Dalton, Mass., last evening. Governor Greenhalge and many other high digni- most prominent and active business men and manufacturers in this section of New Hampshire. He was born at Centre Harbor, N. H., December 24, 18 10, son of Jonathan Smith and Deb- orah (Neal) Moulton. The Moultons trace their ancestry back to the Nor mans, and some of them accompanied William the Conqueror in his invasion and conquest of England in 1066. As many as seven Moultons were in Amer- ica at a very early date, one in the set- tlement at Jamestown, Virginia. Two of the Moultons came to New Hamp- shire in 1638. Gen. Jonathan Moulton, The Oberon Ladies Quartette. taries were present and had only words of praise for Laconia's fair vocalists." "At the evening concert of the N. H. Music Teachers association the Oberon Ladies Quartette rendeied selections. The quartette did very fine work, their voices blending perfectly, — singing in good style. In fact they were an agree- able surprise." — Prof. Henri G. Blais- dell in Granite Monthly. The Late Hon. John Carroll Moulton. From the year 1836 until the date of his death, July 23, 1894, the late Hon. John Carroll Moulton was one of the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one of the leading men in the state in the old colonial days. In 1736, the town of Moultonborough was granted to him and sixty-one others by the Ma- sonian proprietors. Governor Went- worth granted to General Moulton " a small gore of land adjoining Moulton- boro," which was named New Hampton in honor of his native town and which contained nearly twenty thousand acres, and now constitutes a part of the town of Centre Harbor. General Moulton distinguished himself in the Revolution- ary War, and did much to build up the early settlements around the lake, actu- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 65 ally creating the three towns of Moul- tonborough, Centre Harbor, and New Hampton. John Carroll Moulton was educated in the district schools in his native town and afterwards attended Holmes acad- emy at Plymouth, N. H. Master Dudley Leavitt, the world-famous astronomer and mathematician, was one of his in- structors in his boyhood days. Mr. Moulton commenced his business life at Sandwich, where he entered into trade but after a few months removed to Centre Har- bor, where he continued as a merchant and also opened a hotel, which was the pioneer of the mini erous and elegant summer resort hotels w h i c h now abound in the lake region. In 1836 he changed his residence to Lake Vil 1 age, and engaged in merchandizi n g and man ufac- turing. In the year 1S41 he came to Mere- dith IJ ridge, now Laco n i a, and from that time until his death was one of the formative and directing forces in the growth and development of the town. He was first landlord of the popular Belknap Hotel, next a book- seller and druggist, then postmaster of the village, appointed by President Tyler. He continued as postmaster for about six years, being reappointed by President Polk, but was removed under President Taylor's Whig administration, as an offensive partisan. He was again reappointed by President Frank- lin Pierce, and continued in office by The Late Hon. John Carroll Moulton President Buchanan, but during Presi- dent Lincoln's term was succeeded by a Republican, after sixteen years of ser- vice in the post-office. In [861, Mr. Moulton became inter- ested in the Laconia Car manufactory, which had been conducted by Charles Ranlet & Co., until Mr. Ranlet's death in i860. Mr. Moulton gave his personal attention to the car building business and rapidly developed a large and profit- able industry. The works were fre- quently enlarged, extensive buildings put up, and the quality of work advanced, until passenger cars of the finest style were man- ufactured here and the Laco- nia Car Com- pany had a na- tional reputa- tion. This gave employment to h U n d reds of workmen, and the pay-rolls amounted to eight thousand dollars a month. The entire plant w a s destroyed by tire in 1 88 1 . but with c h a r- acteristic ener- gy Mr. Moulton began work on new buildings before the ruins were cold and work was resumed in the new factory in less than a month. This was done by Mr. Moulton when most men of his advanced years and ample fortune would have retired from active life and its cares and responsibilities. In 1S65 Mr. Moulton turned his en- ergies to the establishment of a national bank to accommodate the financial needs of the business interests of Laco- nia. which were so rapidly increasing. His efforts for a charter were finally successful, and he founded the Laconia 66 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. National bank, of which he was the first nected with the Uniformed Patriarchs president, a position which he held until of that order. his death. Other local enterprises in Mr. Moulton married, July 15, 1833, which Mr. Moulton engaged included Nellie B. Senter of Centre Harbor, the Gilford Hosiery Mills, of which he whose ancestors were among the early became sole owner in 1S68, and con- settlers of that town. They had five ducted successfully for many years, fur- children, Edwin C, Samuel M. S., and nishing employment to hundreds of William H., all three deceased, and operatives and having an annual pro- Horatio F., now located in Los Angeles, duction valued as high as one hundred California, and Ida L., who married and twenty-five thousand dollars. In company with the late Benjamin E. Thurston, Mr. Moulton owned and con- ducted the La- conia grist-mill, and in other and various ways he was in- terested and contributed greatly to the improve m ent. growth, and p r o s p e r ity of Laconia. He was beyond all d oubt one of the ablest finan- cie r s in this section of New Hampshire. In politics Mr. Moulton was always a sterling Demo- crat. He rep- resented the sixth district in the state senate in 187 1 and in 1872, and was Hon. Joshua B. Holden of Boston, Mass. Mrs. Moulton died November 18, i860, and in August, 1866, Mr. Moulton married Sarah A. McDougall, who s e death took place May 10, 1894, a few weeks before the death of the sub j e c t of this sketch. The Late William Clow. The I. William Clow, for nearly twen- ty years a citi- zen of Lake- port, was one of the pioneer hos- iery man u f ac- turers of the United States. He was born in Leicester, Eng., but came to this a member of the governor's council in country at the age of fifteen years. Mr. 1874. He was a delegate to the Dem- Clow was located at Portsmouth, N. H., ocratic national convention in 1S76. and where he first engaged in the hosiery a candidate for presidential elector on business, and he manufactured about the Tilden ticket. the first full-fashioned hose made in In religious affairs, Mr. Moulton was America. His goods took high rank a liberal Christian, and he was one of among similar productions, and were the organizers and principal supporters awarded all the prizes at the exhibitions of the First Unitarian church in Laco- and fairs. nia. Mr. Moulton was one of the char- Mr. Clow was located in Portsmouth ler members of Winnipiseogee lodge of for about twenty-five years, and then Odd Fellows which was founded at went to Manchester, where he con- Laconia in 1842, and was also con- tinned in the hosiery business, until he THE ILLUSTRATED L \CONIAN. 67 came to Lakeport, which was about 18S0. At this time, Mr. Clow, with his son, Henry B. Clow, formed the firm of Win. Clow & Son. and reengaged in the hosiery manufa c tu r e in Lakeport. Mr. Clow died in January, 1S99. and is survived by a widow and six chil- dren, — three sons and three daughters. Wm. Clow & Son. The firm of Wm. Clow & Son, located a l No. 44 Bayside court. Lakeport, is one of the successful hosiery concerns of Laconia. The business was es- tablished about twelve years ago by the late William Clow and his Henry B. Clow. son, Henry B. Clow. The industry employs about one hun- dred and twenty operatives, and pro- duces between four and five hundred dozen hosiery per clay. Henry B. Clow inence, with broad fields, fenced with Henry I!. Clow, manager of the es- tablishment of Win. Clow & Son, was born September 30, 1863, in Ports- mouth, N. H. He was educated in the public schools of that city, and came to Lake- port when a young man, about eighteen years ago. Mr. Clow was married to Cora B. Lane of Lakeport in 1 882, and lias live chil- dren, three daughters and two sons. Mrs. ( 'low died about live years ago, and in June, 1898. Mr. Clow mar- ried Nellie E. Judd, also of Lakeport. Mr. and Mrs. Clow reside on a magnificent farm on Lake street, lead- ing to The Weirs. This farm was for- merly the stock farm of Dr. Joseph C. Moore, and is one of the finest country places in New Hamp shire, situated upon a commanding em- Residence oi Henry B. Clow. is the manager of the business, and the substantial split stone walls, and the firm manufactures ladies', misses', boys' scenery is unsurpassed, embracing a and infants' hosiery, in wool and most charming and magnificent view of worsted. lakes, mountains, and fanning country. 68 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. with the city of Laconia in the back- ground. Mr. Clow is connected with several of the secret fraternal orders. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Rebekahs, and Patrons of Husbandry. In politics Mr. Clow is a Republican. Joseph H. Gingras. Joseph H. Gingras, proprietor of the " Gingras Shoe Store," was born in St. Paul, P.Q, Sep- tember^, 1863. A little later his parents re- moved to Stan- stead, P. Q., where he a t - tended the pub- 1 i c schools, coming to La- conia at the age of seven teen. Naturally ambi- tious, he per- severingly ap- plied himself to procure the means for a course at the New Hampton Literary Insti- tution, upon the completion o f which he en- tered the em- ploy of O'Shea Bros., where for many years he had charge of the boot and shoe de- partment. In 1888 he opened a shoe store in Berlin, but soon, having an ad- vantageous opportunity to sell, he re- turned to Laconia and resumed his former position. April 18, 1893, he married Jennie A., daughter of Dr. and Mrs. N. L. True, of Laconia. In 1896 he resigned his position at O'Shea Bros, to take a course of study at the Klein Optical school in Boston, Mass. The following two years he devoted exclusively to the optical busi- Joseph H. Gingras ness, traveling chiefly in northern New Hampshire. In April, 1898, he estab- lished the boot and shoe business at 548 Main street and has since then limited his optical profession to home practice. Having a large experience in public trade with characteristic enterprise, Mr Gingras has supplied the demand for finer lines of footwear than have ever before been shown in this city. His shelves are filled with the latest and most noted makes of boots and shoes for men, women, and children, which cannot be found elsewhere out- side the largest cities. He also carries medium and low-priced goods. Honor- able in all his transactions, al- ways on the alert to please his customers, success was as- sured from the first and in a little more than a year the Gin- gras shoe store has become the leading store of its kind in northern New Hampshire. Mr. Gingras is a m e m ber of Mt. Lebanon Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons and also of Granite Lodge, A. O. U. W., of this city. Joseph P. Morin. Among the enterprising young hosiery manufacturers of Laconia is Joseph P. Morin, whose establishment is located in a portion of the old Belknap Mills property. Mr. Morin employs about sixty people in his industry and his mill has a capacity of two hundred dozen hosiery per day. He makes a specialty THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 69 of misses' and infants' medium and high- grade goods. Mr. Morin has a beautiful residence on Gilford avenue. He married Georgia M. Jacques in 1880, and has a family of four children, two boys and two girls. In religion, Mr. Morin is a Catholic and an active member of the society, at the Church of the Sacred Heart. Mr. Morin was born in Ham Nord, P. Q., June 26, i860. He came to Laconia in early life and attended our public schools, completing his education at the New Hampton Li t- erary Institu- tion. He is a practical hos- iery manu f a c - turer , and i s familiar with every detail of the industry. Mr. Morin, although not an active politi- cian, has been honored by an election as one of the board of su pervisors of the city of La- conia, several times, h a v i n g held this posi- tion for about ten years, up to the present time. Mr. Morin has also been quite prominent in the order of Cath- olic Foresters, and at the present time is state secretary of New Hampshire for this order. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Laconia. Joseph P. Morin. The Pepper Manufacturing: Co. The Peppei Manufacturing Co. was incorporated in May, 1890. The busi- ness dates back to 1857, being one of the oldest industries, in the line of man- ufacture of knitting machinery, in the United States. The first machines built by the founder of the business, Mr. William II. Pepper, were of the class known as the circular rib frame, which were constructed and intended to produce a tubular ribbed fabric which was cut to the required length for the legs of stockings. Subsequently the Mat heeler and footer was built, on which the feet of the stockings were knit. Later, the Pepper fiat frame was invented, w i t h patent welt and slack course device for the prod uction of shirt cuffs and drawer bottoms with finished ends. From year to year improveme nts were made and new devices were perfected and patented, and the busi- ness enlarged to meet the increasing de- mand for the machines, which are to be found to-day in nearly all the principal knit goods bus- iness towns in the United States. ( 'anada, and the Provinces, from a limited bus- iness, it soon acquired more than a local reputation, and it was necessary to en- large and broaden the industry, and from the comparatively few kinds of machines built the company are now producing machinery for the production of all sizes of tubular, plain, and ribbed fab- rics, from the size of infants' mitts, to men's jackets, and sweater bodies, including the different gauges of fabric, and patterns for stripes, blocks, dia- monds, etc., many of the devices for 7 o THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. producing these patterns being secured by letters patent. In 1887, A. T. L. Davis and G. A. Sanders were admitted as partners in the business, the style of the concern being W. H. Pepper &: Co. Three years later the Pepper Manu- facturing Co. was incorporated with W. H. Pepper, president, A. T. L. Davis, treasurer, and G. A. Sanders, secretary. In August, 1S97, Mr. Davis disposed of his interest in the company, retiring from the business. The pres- ent officers are president, W. H. Pep- per ; secre- tary and trea- surer, G. A. Sanders. The works and office of the company are at No. 25 Quinby street, Lake- port, N. H. William H. Pepper* William H. P e p p er, an esteemed res- ident of Lake- port, and the founder and president of the Pepper Manufactu r - ing Co., was William H. Pepper, born in the year 1S30 in Nottingham, Nottingham county, England, son of Daniel and Mary (Parkins) Pepper. The father was a lace maker by trade. Of his five chil- dren, four sons and a daughter, Wil- liam H., is the sole survivor. Both pa- rents are also deceased. Having come to this country in his early boyhood, William H. Pepper received his education in the common and high schools of Portsmouth, N. H., where his father was enc-need in the manufacture of hosiery. After leaving school, he entered his father's shop and operated a hand loom until he was seventeen years old. He was next, for a short time, employed in the hosiery mill of Warren & Sanford at Ports- mouth. On leaving there he worked in a machine shop in Lowell, Mass. While at the last named place, Hosea Crane sent him to Philadelphia in charge of a knitting machine to be placed on exhi- bition. After this he returned to Ports- mouth, but subsequently went to work in the Henry Marchant mills at Paw- tucket, R. I. Later he was employed i n Valley Falls in a rubber lining estab- lishment. He next secured a position as overseer in the John Nes- mith mills at Franklin, N. H., with which he had been con- nected four years w hen the plant was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1857. Going then to Lake Village, he became su- perintendent in the Thomas Appleton mill, where he remained between two and three years. On leaving that em- ployment he formed a co-partnership with his brother and engaged in the hosiery business, which they conducted under the firm name of J. & W. H. Pepper. Later on he was associated with J. S Crane, forming the firm of Crane & Pepper in the manufacture of knitting machines for his brother John. John afterward joined him in the THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 7 1 enterprise, once more forming the firm of J. & W. II. Pepper, which lasted for several years. After separating from his brother he carried on the business alone until 1886 when he admitted two of his workmen to partnership, and the style of the firm became W. II. Pepper & Co. In 1890, the Pepper Manufac- turing Co. was formed with William H. Pepper as president, G. A. Sanders as secretary, and A. T. L. Davis for treas- urer, Mr. Pepper being also a director. He has also served as a director of the Lake Village savings bank, and was for a number of years a direc- tor of the M Lakeport Na- * tional bank, also a mem- ber of its financial comm i tte e . Mr. P e p p e r has been mar- ried three times. His first marriage was contract- ed with Ellen A. Jackson of Cor i n t h , Me. ; his sec- ond with Mrs. Addie Chen- ey, of Lake- port ; and his thi r d , wit h Nellie S . Moulton, daughter of William P. Moul- ton of Lake Village. 1 1 is daughter, Emma M., by his first marriage, married George A. Sanders. Mr. Pepper is a Republican, and has always taken con- siderable interest in political matters. In 1890 he was elected to the state leg- islature, where he served on the manu- facturing committee and gave his support to the passage of the bill for providing buoys for the lake, and for the lighting of the Weirs channel. Pre- vious to entering the legislature he was chairman of the board of supervisors for two years. He is a member of Choco- rua lodge. No. 51, [.O.O. F., being a P. G., also P. C. P. of Laconia Encamp- ment, and a member of Canton Osgood, P. M. George A. Sanders. George A. Sanders. George A. Sanders, secretary and treasurer of the Pepper Manufacturing Co., was born in Gilford, N. II., Octo- ber 4th, 1S51, son of George W. and Sarah) Smith i Sanders. He received his education at the sch 00 1 s in G i 1 f o r d a n d N e w Hampton. On leaving school he en- t e r e d the office of his father, who. in connection with his farm- ing interests, operated the " Lake Co's " s a w mill at Lake Village, the pr od u ct of the mill being dimen- sion lumber, shook, h osi- ery oases, etc. Attn- about two years he- gave up this position, going to Boston, where he secured employment as sales- man in the retail dry goods house of Jordan. Marsh & Co., remaining there one and one half years, subsequently returning to Gilford and was engaged for one season as express and mail agent on the steamer '■ Lady of the Lake," ("apt. S. I'.. Cole, commanding. In the fall of 1875 m> entered the ma- chine shop of W. II. Pepper to learn the trade. In the year [887 Mr. Sanders se 72 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. cured an interest in the business of kniting machine building, at which time the firm of W. H. Pepper & Co. was formed. In 1890, when the Pepper Manufacturing Co., was incorporated, he was chosen as sec- retary of the company, which position he still holds. On the retire- ment from the business of Mr. Davis, the trea- surer, in August, 1897, Mr. Sanders was chos- en to fill the vacancy. He was married in No- vember, 1875, to Emma M., daughter of W. H. Pepper. Mrs. Sanders died in March, 1879. leaving one daughter, Ethelyn M. In 1884 he was married to Ella E., daughter of Palmer A. Wood, of Lakeport. In political views and affiliations Mr. Sanders is a Republican. For twenty- seven years he has held membership in Chocorua lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., F. Geo. H. Osgood. F. George H. Osgoo Osgood & Co., jewelers, succeededfto the business of S. E. Young & Co., on August 6, 1 888, and although Mr. Osgood is one of Laco nia's youngest business men, he is at the head of a long-established and successful bus i n e s s , the store having been conducted by the late Samuel E. Young for nearly thirty years be- fore Mr. Osgood took possession. F. George H. Osgood, the present proprietor, was born on the Gilford side of the river, which is now part of the city of La- conia, August 6, 1865, and was educated in the public schools of Laconia, including the Laconia High school. He was married July 21, 1896, to Miss Mary A. Sanders. He has al- ways been interested in secret fraterni Jewelry Store of F. George H. Osgood. also being a member of Laconia encamp- ties, and is a member of the Masons, ment, and Canton Osgood, No. 5, P. M., Knights Templar, Odd Fellows, Knights having passed the chairs in the three of Pythias and Ancient Order of United branches of the order named. Workmen. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 73 Osgood & Co. always carry a large course at Tilton seminary. Almost be- stock of watches, clocks, silverware. chains, optical goods, and trinkets of all kinds in the jewelry line. They handle reliable goods and only ask a fair profit. Watch repairing and engrav- ing are departments of their business and square-dealing is the motto in every depart- ment. In these days of cheap watches, gold bricks and paste dia- monds, it is pleasant to deal with reliable merchants, and people who trade with Osgood & Co. may depend on getting their money's worth, whether they invest in solid silver and gold jewelry or in the plated goods. 4 «»k I fore he left his studies he was a clerk in the general store of his father, the firm then being Pitman & Tilton. Most of Mr. Pitman's life has been spent in this store, which is now conduct- ed by his brother, Jo- seph W. Pitman, and himself, under the firm name of |. P. Pitman & ( '()., carrying a large line of hardware, mill supplies, cutlery, small wares, paints, oils, bi- cycles, field and garden seeds, etc. Mr. Pitman is also interested in the man- ufacturing business, being a stockh older and director in the well-known Pitman Manufacturing Co., one of the largest and oldest hosiery manufacturing concerns in New Hampshire. He aiso has a con- \\alter H. Pitman, youngest son of siderable real estate interest in this city, the late Joseph P. Pitman, is a native owning numerous cottaees for rental. Walter H. Pitman Walter H. Pitman. lEWM * M 1 LI 1 ® tiiMiii i nit Residence of Walter 11. Hitman. Laconian and has always resided in this city. He was born August 28, 1856, and received his education in the public schools of Laconia. supplemented by a In religious affairs, Mr. Pitman is a Congregationalist, being a member of the North church, and quite active in all the affairs of the church and society. Mr. 74 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Pitman married Elora E. Jackman, and they have two children at their elegant and pleasant home on Pleasant street, Florence Ruth Pitman and Joseph Pres- cott Pitman. An older daughter, Helen Elizabeth Pitman, aged 7 years, died February 27, 1898. The Huse Machine Shops. The Huse machine shops, under the ownership and management of Warren to six men being employed at the start. The industry has grown and prospered during the twenty years of its exist- ence, and now employs from thirty-five to forty men. In 1896 the old shops became inade- quate to handle the increasing business, and consequently a new three-story building was erected and connected with the former establishment, giving over ten thousand square feet of floor space. The establishment is a model 'I lie lliibe Machine Shops. D. Huse, at No. 117 Union avenue, is not only one of the important indus- tries of the city of Laconia, but is also an establishment which has acquired much more than a local fame, being well-known in all parts of the United States, where knitting machinery is used to any extent. Mr. Huse is a manufacturer of circu- lar rib knitting machines, yarn wind- ers, and other knitting mill machinery. The business was established in 1878 by Mr. Huse, in a small way, only from four machine shop, fitted with all the modern improvements, up-to-date ma- chinery, etc., and divided into separate departments for drawing, pattern and model making, experimental work, blacksmithing, etc., and equipped with much machinery especially adapted to produce the fine machinery for which the Huse shops have a well-earned repu- tation, wherever their inventions have been introduced, and the Huse machines are well and favorably known among the knitting mills throughout this country. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 75 Mr. Huse has been actively engaged in the manufacture and operation of knitting machines for over thirty years. and has invented quite a good many improved devices, which have made his machines especially desirable. He has associated with him his two sons, who have both taken an active part in the management of the business for over ten years, Leon C. Huse taking part in the construction and improve- ment of the machines, and Walter L. Huse takes charge of the office affairs and business end of the in- dustry. Nearly all of the men employed in the Huse shops are skilled me- chanics and among the best workmen to be found in this section of the country. In addition to the knitting machinery bus- iness, which was the foundation, perhaps, of this indu stry, the concern is also engaged exten- sively in gen- eral job work in their line, which includes the construc- tion and repairs In politics Mr. 1 1 use is a Republican, and he has served as a member of the Laconia city council, but he is not an active politician, preferring to spend all the time he can spare from his business interests, in the enjoyment of life on the shores of our lakes, he and his sons having a handsome and convenient cot- tage on Lake Winnipesaukee. The Late George Alvin Sanders. Warren D. Huse. The late Col. George Alvin Sanders was born in La- conia, Decem- ber 10, 1846, and was educa- ted in the pub- o. lie schools of this place and at A p p 1 e t o n academy at New Ipswich, N. H. He be- gan his busi- ness career by entering his father's store as a clerk, but shortly after, in 1 S 6 4 , he re- moved to Bos- ton, where he became book- keeper for a wholesale firm. Relinquish i ng this position a year later, he- entered the em- ploy of Abram of all kinds of machinery, building of French & Co., by whom for twenty-one engines, the furnishing and erection of years he was employed as a traveling steam and hot water heating apparatus, in both private and public buildings. Up-to-date plumbing is a special branch of the Huse shops which receives much attention, and this concern is the recog- nized headquarters for work in this line in this section. The advent of the bi- cycle has created an important branch of business at the Huse shops, special attention being paid to repairs of all kinds in this line. salesman, canvassing almost the entire New England states in his routes. In 1886, his father's failing health drew him back to his old home in Laconia, where in company with his brothers he assumed the management of his father's business, under the firm name of Sanders Bros., a partnership which terminated in [892, when Colonel Sanders assumed sole charge. As a Republican. Colonel Sanders 7 6 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. has been prominent. In the legislature of i88g-'9o he headed a successful legislative ticket in Laconia. In 189 1 he was made an aide-de-camp on the staff of Governor Tuttle, with the rank of colonel. In 1892 he was chosen a commissioner of Belknap county. Colo- nel Sanders was active in the formation of the White Mountain Travelers' asso- ciation, and served as its secretary and treasurer. In the new city government of Laconia he held the position of chief engineer of the fire department. He was a trustee of the Belknap Savings Bank, and a director in the Laconia Gas Co. In secret so- ciety circles he ran ked as a thirty-secon d degree Mason, Past Em inent Commander of Pilgrim Com- mander}' of Knights Tem- plar, a Knight of Pythias, and a Red Man. At the time of his death he was Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Com- m andery c f Knights Temp- 1 a r , of New Hampshire. Colonel Sanders possessed a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He was generous to a fault, it being a prominent trait of his life never to let the needy depart wanting any of the comforts of life which he could supply. He was faithful to every trust imposed, either public or private, and everywhere he ranked as a whole-souled, genial, companionable, active man, the best of friends, the truest of comrades. Colonel Sanders was twice married, his first wife being Miss Addie E. Cur- rier of Cambridge, Mass., and his sec- ond wife, Miss Ida M. Chase of New Hampton. He left a widow and three children, Frank Currier Sanders, Emma Louise Sanders, and Serena Gertrude Sanders. Colonel Sanders died December 2, 189S, of Bright's disease, and his death took from Laconia one of our most active and popular citizens, a man who was always promptly interested in every enterprise and movement of a public nature. But few men have been so prominent in Laconia social and business life, and but few men would be more missed by the general community. Dr. Charles S Gilman. The Late George Alvin Sanders. Dr. Charles S. Gilman, now located at Sun- cook, N. H., where he en- joys a large and lucrative prac- tice,was born at Lake Village, when the terri- tory was a part of the old town of Gilford, Oc- tober 23, 1S71. He is the son of Noah C. and Mary (Sleeper) Gilman of 54 Clinton Street, Lakeport, and is a descendant in his paternal line from Edward Gil- man, who came from Norfolk county, England, in May, 1670. Dr. Gilman attended the public schools of Lakeport and Laconia. and then went to Tilton seminary at Tilton, N. H. After grad- uating from Tilton seminary he did re- portorial work on the Manchester Union and the New Hampshire Republican, and worked at Cram's grocery, Hub- bard's shoe store, and Collins' pharmacy THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 77 at Lakeport, to secure funds to enable him to pursue a course of study in medicine. Dr. Oilman studied medicine at the University of Vermont, Burling- ton, and at Tufts College Medical school at Boston, and finally at the Bal- timore Medical college at Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Oilman graduated from the Baltimore Medical college April 22, 1896. He studied the practical side of his profession at the Boston Dispensary with Dr. W. T. Slayton of Boston ; at the Maryland General and Lying-in Hospital at Balti- more, and at the Baltimore Medi- cal College Dis- pensary. After taking his degrees, Dr. Oilman practised his profession at Lakeport for a few- months, and then removed to Sun- cook in February, 1897, taking the office of the late Dr. G. H. Lara- bee, where he has been u n u s u a 1 1 y succes sful, and where he has a steadily-incr eas- ing general prac- tice. While at Tufts college, Dr. Gil- man was editor from the medi- cal school of the "Brown and Blue," Tufts junior class annual, a member of Gamma Chapter Alpha Kappa Kappa, a Greek letter medical college fraternity. He is also member of the Winnipesaukee Academy of Medicine, the New Hampshire Medi- cal society, and of Pembroke grange. Patrons of Husbandry. Dr. Charles S. Oilman Edwin D. Ward. One of the most active and promi- nent citizens of the Lakeport end of Laconia is Edwin D. Ward, who at the present time carries on a successful undertaking business, and also carries a complete assortment of mouldings and fixtures. For the past twenty-seven years he has been a photographer, a part of that time in partnership with George 1!. Munsey, but he now leases the photograph studio, though still de- voting some time to that branch of business. As a photographer, Mr. Ward's rooms have always had a good reputa- tion, and there is hardly a photographer in N e w II a m p shire w h o has made a s m a n y pictures as M r . Ward. Mr. Ward is a native of Brad- ford, X. H.. where he still loves to spe nd a portion of his time. M r. Ward was a great friend and admir- er of the late Ma- son W. Tappan, of Bradford, attor- ney-gene ral of New Hampshire. In secret soci- eties Mr. Ward is "a j oi n e r." 1 It- is a member of Chocorua Lodge, No. 51,1.0.0. F., a n d o f Laconia encampment. No. 9, and Esther Re- bekah Lodge, No. 7, of the same order. He served as the grand master of the order in New Hampshire in the years 1894 and 1895, and was elected as grand representative from this state to the Sovereign Grand lodge for the years 1896 and [897. These bodies met in Dallas, Texas, and Springfield, 111., and at both sessions Mr. Ward served on important com- mittees. He is a P. C. C. of Kndicott Rock lodge, Knights of Pythias, a mem- ber of J. A. Greene division, No. 12, Uniform rank, K. of I'. .Mr. Ward i.s 4 _ 78 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. also a member of Mount Lebanon lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. In politics Mr. Ward is a firm Repub- lican, and he has been honored by num- erous positions of responsibility and trust by his fellow-townsmen. In the old town of Gilford he was for five con- secutive years chosen as treasurer of the town, and was a member of the New Hampshire legislature in the ses- sion of 189 1. At the present time he is a member of the Laconia city coun- cil, from Lakeport, elected in iSqj and re-elected f o r two years in 1899. In the council he has served upon the c o m mittee on accounts and claims, and other of the more important committees. In 1898 Mr. Ward was appointed by Go vernor Ramsdell one of the New Hampshire bal- lot law commis- sioners for two years. Mr. Ward has not only been successful in his business, but as a public servant he has proved himself faithful, effi- cient, and conscientious. His public spirit has never been found wanting, and his efforts on all occasions for the best welfare of the community have gained for him the confidence of the people of the whole city. Edwin D. Ward. Dr. George H, Saltmarsh. Dr. George Harrison Saltmarsh of the Lakeport end of Laconia, is one of the best-known physicians throughout New Hampshire of any who are located in this city. He was born in Gilford March 3, 1859, the son of Thomas and Sallie (Gilman) Saltmarsh. Dr. Salt- marsh obtained his preparatory educa- tion in the public schools of his native town, and also attended the New Hamp- ton Literary Institution. After com- pleting his course of studies at New Hampton, he commenced to read medi- cine in 1879 with Dr. William H. Rand of that town, and then attended three courses of medical lectures at Dart mouth Medical College, where he gradu a t e d M. D. Novem- ber 3, 1883. Dr. Saltmarsh has been in prac- tice in Laconia since May, 1884, and is one of the bus- iest men in his profession. He is a member of the New Hamp- shire Medical s o c i ety, a n d was honored by an election as president of this organiza- tion for the years i898-'99. He is also a member of the Winnipesaukee Academy of Medicine, and served as secretary of this society from its incorporation, July, 1895, until 1898, and is now the vice-president of the society. He is president of the New Hampshire pension board of examin- ing surgeons at Laconia, and is on the surgical staff of the Laconia cottage hospital. He is also surgeon for the Boston & Maine Railroad corporation, and attends to cases in which the rail- road is interested in this section of New Hampshire. Dr. Saltmarsh is a Republican in THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 79 politics, and was a member of the New Hampshire legislature in iS95~'96. In secret societies Dr. Saltmarsh is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the New England Order of Protec- tion. In addition to his professional duties and the official positions which he has held in political and medical circles, Dr, Saltmarsh has found time to contribute some to the medical press. He was married July 23, 1S91 to Miss Mima, daugh- ter of Leonard R. a nd Mary C . Avery of Portland, Maine. They have two children, Rob- ert C, and Arthur Avery Saltmarsh. John F. Merrill. J o h n Franklin Merrill, general manager of the Laconia Electric Lighting Co., has been a prominent business man and leading citizen ol Laconia for half a century. He was born in Holder- ness, N. H., Oct. 31, 1833, son of William and Han- nah C. (Batchel- der) Merrill. He traces his ances- try back to the first settlers of New- bury, Mass. Later on the members of this family took active parts in the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars. Mr. Merrill was educated in the public schools of Laconia and at old Gilford academy. He then learned the marble and granite business with the late Albert G. Hull, for whom he worked a year after completing his apprentice- ship. In 1856, Mr. Merrill was taken into partnership in the business, the firm name being: changed to Hull & Dr. George H. Saltmarsh. Merrill. This connection continued for twelve years and then Mr. Merrill purchased his partner's interest in the industry and carried on the business alone until January, 1892, when he sold out. When the Laconia Electric Fighting Company was organized in [884, Mr. Merrill became associated with the cor- poration as one of its directors, which position he still holds, and since 1893 he has also been general manager of the business. W hen Union Cemetery associa- tion was formed in i860, Mr. Merrill was elected a di- rector and t h e treasurer of the association. These positions he h a s held now for al- most forty years, and it is largely to his careful atten- tion and wise man- agement that Laco- nia takes pride to- day in the beauti- ful burial grounds which this associa- tion owns and con- trols. Mr. Merrill is a staunch Republi- can and h e has been honored by an election to the city council, and has served several times as a selectman of Ward 4. Mr. Merrill has always been prom- inent in the Masonic and Odd Fel- lows' fraternities. He is a member of Mt. Lebanon lodge, I'nion chapter, Pythagorean council, and Pilgrim com- mandery, Knights Templar. In the Odd 1'ellows, he is a member of Winni- piseogee lodge, and has tilled all of tin- officers' chairs in both lodge and en- campment. Nearly half a century ago Mr. Mer- rill became a member of the Free Pap- 8o THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. tist society, and he has been treasurer and secretary of this society for over forty years. Mr. Merrill married Miss Flora Abby Rowe, Dec. 7, 1865, daughter of Mor- rison and Sarah (James) Rowe of Bel- mont, N. H. They are the parents of three sons and a daughter : Albert R., is junior partner in the firm of Hilliard & Merrill, wholesale dealers in cut soles at Lynn, Mass.; Frank Carleton is a nia, which was formerly Lake Village, born May 15, 1841, and died May 12, 1895. He was educated in the public schools of Lake Village, a pattern-maker by trade and a very skilful workman. April 21, 1S66, he was married to Alice M. Randlett of Belmont, who survives her husband, with one son, E. Roscoe Davis. Mr. Davis was a veteran of the civil war. He enlisted as a private in the Fourth regiment of New Hampshire lohn F. Merrill. piano tuner; Frederick Dimock is em- ployed in the leather business with his brother in Lynn, Mass.; and Eva Lil- lian, is the wife of Eugene N. Best, a prominent lawyer of Minneapolis, Minn. The Late Francis H. Davis. The late Francis H. Davis was a native of that part of the city of Laco- Volunteers on July 12, 1861, and was discharged Nov. 13, 1864, as first lieu- tenant of his company. Mr. Davis was a Republican in politics and attended the Free Baptist church. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Chocorua lodge. Mr. Davis received numerous political hon- ors at the hands of his fellow-townsmen, serving as selectman in 1877, and as a THE ILLUSTRATED LACONTAN. member of the board of education in 1881, 1882, and 1S83. When Laconia was made a city, Mr. Davis was elected a member of the first city council, re- presenting Ward two, and served so acceptably that he was re-elected for a second term in 1894 and 1895. In the council chamber, Mr. Davis always acted for what seemed to him the best interests of the city, and was always ready to give sound reason for the posi- tion he took upon any issue under dis- cussion in the city government. Other councilmen might s o m e - times forget the taxpa yers and vote to in- d u 1 g e in ex- travaga n c e s , but Mr. Davis always spoke and voted in the interests of the men who pay the bills, and he well earned the title of the " watch- dog of the city treasury." Mod- e s t and unas- suming, always genial and so- cial, interested in every move- in e n t f o r the devel opment and welfare of Laconia, he was a good citizen and the City on the Lakes lost a true Laconian when Francis H. Davis passed away. The Late Francis II. Davis Chase's Sporting: Resort. Ethan Allen Chase, proprietor and manager of Chase's Sporting Resort and Lunch Rooms, is a native of Mere- dith, N. FL, born January 7, 1856. He was educated in the Meredith public schools and also attended the New 6 Hampton Literary Institution at New Hampton. He married Alice Reed Sawin, June 15, 1S82, and resides in a handsome residence on Gilford avenue. Mr. Chase is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Uniform Rank, and is an attendant of the First Baptist church. For twelve years Mr. Chase conducted the well-known Round Bay Farm, a couple of miles from the centre of the city, and then for about three years was engaged in the carriage busi- ness. At the pres- ent time, Mr. Chase is con- ducting a sport- ing resort and lunch room, in the Chase building, on the corner of Main street and Rail- road square. The groun d floor of this block has been handsomely fit- ted up for the purpose, w i t h billiard and pool tables, sporting publi- cations, etc.. making a cosy and comfort- able resort for citizens who desire to pass a pleasant hour handling the cue, or discussing sporting events. The premises are neat and clean, and there is no necessity for any movement in the direction of maintaining good order, for the establishment is patronized by the best cpf people, and is as clean in this respect as a private club room. In addition to the attractions in the sporting line, Mr. Chase has provided a neat lunch counter, where sandwiches, doughnuts, tea, coffee, soda water, gin- ger ale, and other similar light drinks can be obtained, or a more substantial 82 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. repast can be ordered if desired. The location of the establishment near the Boston & Maine passenger station makes this a convenience for the travel- ing public as well as the citizens of the community. There is no restaurant in connection with the railroad station, and hungry passengers who alight from the trains or who go to the station to take a train can have their wants in the luncheon line supplied at short notice, with the choicest food, neatly served, and at reasonable prices. Chase's Sporting Resort has been recently opened, but it is receiving a three daughters, Lillian M., Ethel W., and Grace L., at his pleasant residence on Gilford avenue. Mr. Moore is a Republican in politics and was a very active and efficient member of the first city council of Laconia. He has been for eight years a member of the Laconia board of edu- cation, and with exception of one year served as secretary of the board. Mr. Moore was tendered the position of city clerk of Laconia, by mutual con- sent of both political parties, but de- clined the honor. In secret societies, Mr. Moore is con- Chase's Sporting Resort. liberal patronage, and will evidently be a permanent institution and a success in every direction under Mr. Chase's careful management. Albert C Moore. Albert C. Moore, clerk at the Cole Manufacturing Company shops, and secretary of the Laconia Building and Loan Association, was born in Boston, Mass., September 8, 1858. He was educated in the public schools of Bos- ton and at Abbott academy (Little Blue) at Farmington, Me. He married Clara A. Edgerly, formerly of Tilton, N. H., and has a charming family of nected with the local branches of the Masonic fraternity and is a thirty- second degree Mason. He is also a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the United Order of Pilgrim Fathers, and New England Order of Protec- tion. Mr. Moore is an accomplished elo- cutionist and takes great interest in theatrical affairs. He is, himself, an amateur actor of much more than ordinary talent, and if he had chosen this profession would undoubtedly have scored a success. Mr. Moore and the famous Harry Dixey were boy friends and companions in Boston and made their first appearance upon the stage THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAX. 83 together in that city, in their juvenile days. Mr. Moore is acknowledged one of the most efficient book-keepers in Albert C. Moore. Laconia, and in addition to his duties as clerk for the Cole Manufacturing company is secretary of the Laconia Building and Loan Association, a posi- tion which he has filled since the association was started in 1888. Probably no man in New Hamp- shire is better posted upon build- ing and loan matters than Mr. Moore, and it is due to his skill and care that the books of the Laconia association are frequent- ly cited as a model by the bank commissioners of the state. Superintendent Blaisdell of the City Schools. given as good an education as was in his power to acquire, and with this end in view he studied Latin and Greek with a private teacher, and entered Gil- manton academy in the autumn of 1S78, and graduated from the classical course two years later, fitted for college. During the following year he taught three terms of school, and entered Dart- mouth college in the fall of 1881, grad- uating in the class of '85, with the de- gree of A. B., and receiving the degree of A. M. three years later. During his Sophomore and Junior years he taught short terms of school. While at college he was connected with the K. K. K. society, of which he was a prominent member. After graduation he was elected prin- cipal of the Hamilton ( X. V.) Union school. Here he had under his super- vision four hundred pupils and ten teachers. As Hamilton is the seat of Colgate university, it was a very im- portant position, and called for the best efforts of any teacher. After two years' successful work, wishing to give atten tion to teaching the classical rather than the elementary branches, he be- came principal of an academy at Joseph H. Blaisdell, superin- tendent of the Laconia public schools, is a native of Mere- dith, N. H., the only child of Daniel S. and Sarah (Potter) Blaisdell, but removed to Gilford at a very early age. He attended the district school until he was about 16 years of age. It was the desire of his parents that he be Lincoln, Maine. In two years more he became principal of the Whitcomb High school, Bethel, Vt., where he remained 84 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. five years, fitting boys for college, and girls to become teachers. It was here that as principal of a small high school he taught Latin, Greek, German, Eng- lish, history, mathematics, and science daily as necessity demanded. In 1894 he became principal of the Peppered (Mass.) High school, and for three years taught the Latin, Greek, and mathema- tics. In 1897 he was elected superin- tendent of the public schools of Laco- nia, which position he now holds. Mr. Blaisdell's experience as a teacher has Tucker first taught school in Maine at the Free High school at Gray. He then went to Wolfeborough, and was lo- cated there for three years, after which he returned to Maine, and was princi- pal of the Hartland academy for two years. He was at Fairhaven, Mass., one year; at Holbrook, Mass., four years, and came to Laconia in 1S94, as principal of the Laconia High school, succeeding Mr. W. N. Cragin. Mr. Tucker is a member of the New Hamp- shire Teachers' association, and is vice- president of been varied, having tau g h t in every state in New Eng- land, except Rhode Islan d, with the addi- tional state of New York. During the four- teen years since graduating at Dartmouth he has either taught or sup- ervised every grade from pri- mary to college preparatory. He was mar- ried in 1S88 to Clara L. Brit- ton, and has no children. H e is a member of Beacon Lodge, No. 175, I. O. O. F., Peppered, Mass., Mount Leba- non lodge, No. 32, A. F. and A. M., and Union Chapter, No. 7, of Laconia. Joseph H. Blaisdell, Superintendent of Sch Principal Hoyt H. Tucker, Hoyt H. Tucker, principal of the La- conia High school, is a native of Ath- ens, Maine, born October 6, 1858. He was educated in the public schools, and at Somerset academy, Nichols Latin school, and Bates college. Mr. this orga 11 i z a - tion at the pres- ent time. He is president of the Wi n n i p e- ^' e - i saukee Tea c h - ers' Associa- tion, and also president of the Laconia Teach- ers' club, and a member of the N e w England History Teach- ers' Associa- tion. W h e n M r . Tucker came to Laconia he entirely revised the course of study, and in- troduced one course founded on the report of the commit- tee of ten. By this means the standard of the school was raised and its work made equal to that in many of the larger and better schools of New England. Mr. Tucker takes great interest in his profession as a teacher. He has been very successful in our Laconia schools in arousing an interest among the students for a higher education than is afforded by our common schools. In years past a very large proportion of the pupils of Laconia have been content to drop their studies before graduating THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 85 even from the high school, but during the past few years the graduating classes have been larger, and many of the grad- uates have continued their education in higher schools and colleges. Mr. Tucker takes considerable inter- est in school athletics, and has endeav- ored to instill some of his enthusiasm into the students under his charge. He was prominent in the organization of the Laconia Education Society, largely composed of citizens of this city who are interested in our schools and in education gen- erally, and the format ion of this society can- not fail to be beneficial to the public schools of Laconia. Mr. Tucker was united in marriage to Vil- ette Maud Par- ker of Wolfe- borough , in 1893, and they have two daugh- ters, Bethania, aged five years, and Sara Jose- phine, aged three years. Fred A. Young;. F. A. Young, tax-collector of the city of La- conia, and manager of Young's insurance and real estate agency, is a native of Barnstead, N. H., born August 4, 1866. He came to Laconia when a child, and was educated in the public schools here, and at New Hampton Literary Institu- tion and Commercial College. Mr. Young was employed for about a year as bookkeeper for George W. Riley, and afterwards entered the employ of the Melcher & Prescott Insurance Agency, with which he was connected for about six years, and then engaged in the lliivt H. 'J'uckcr, Principal of High School. insurance business for himself, after- wards adding a department for the handling of real estate transfer and renting of property. In politics, Mr. Young is a Republi- can, and he has held several positions of political honor and trust. He was register of probate for Belknap county four years, being elected in 1892, and held the position for two terms. He was elected tax collector of the city of Laconia in 1897, [898, and 1899, and his record of tax gathering is the best which has been made by any collector since Laconia be- came a city. In secret or- ders, Mr. Young is a member of Mt. Lebanon Lodge of Ma- sons, and also of Winnesquam colony, No. 34, United Order of Pilgrim Fa- thers. In reli- gious affairs, Mr. Young affil- iates with the Free Baptists, and he is pre- sident of the society at the South church, and a member of the commit- tee on finance a n d churc h debt. He represents an excellent line of strong and reliable insurance companies, and places risks against lire, accident, loss of life, damage to steam boiler by explosion, etc. He is not only active in the interests of the companies which he represents, but also is energetic and enterprising in the interest of the pa- trons who purchase insurance. Mr. Young also handles investment bonds, securities, and mortgages. by caret ul management and close attention to business, he has succeeded in building 86 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. up a good line of patronage in Laconia and surrounding towns. Mr. Young also makes a special feature of handling real estate for his clients, and always has a good line of farms and village and city property for sale. In this department, Mr. Young also attends to the renting and collect- ing of rents for landlords of tenement property in this city and vicinity. He has met with good success in this branch of his business, and now has upon his books a larger list of rental property than can be iound elsewhere in this vicinity. Mr. Young was married in 189 1 to Miss Carrie B. An- drews. They have no chil- dren. The Late D. A. Tilton. Pro m i n e n t among the bus- iness men of this city, ever contributing to its substant ial prosperity cov- ering a period of nearly a half century, was Daniel Atkin- son Tilton. Mr. Tilton was one of a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. These were children of John and Eunice Jacques Tilton, of Sanbornton. The subject of this sketch was born in the part of that town near what is now East Tilton, November 16, 1823. His early boyhood days were spent in Sanbornton, Tilton, East Til- ton, Meredith, and at Pembroke, and it was from the latter town that the family came to this city in 1842, taking up its residence at what is now known as the Willard Hotel. The son, Daniel A., Fred A. Voun came a year later, having secured a po- sition as clerk with the firm of H. J. French & Co., at that time conducting a general store located at the corner of Main and Court streets, the same being now occupied by John Parker Smith. At that time the firm consisted of Henry J. French and Woodbury Melcher, the latter the father of Hon. Woodbury L. Melcher of this city. Here Daniel A. remained until the spring of 1845, wnen he secured a similar position with the late Joseph P. Pitman, who conducted a hardware and grocery b u s i - ness on Main street, in the store now oc- cupied by J . P. Pitman & Co. A few years later he formed a part- nersh i p with his empl oyer, the style of the firm being J. P. Pitman & Co. With this union of interests, combining zeal with bus i n e s s tact, the firm soon entered upon an era of eminent suc- cess and pros- perity. About 1868 the firm engaged in the manufacture of hosiery, and the business was continued up to the year 1875, when the firm of J. P. Pitman & Co. merged into the Pit- man Mfg. Co., having been incorporated as a stock company. Mr. Tilton was made its treasurer, holding the position of treasurer at the time of his death, Nov. 25, 1889. As previously indicated, Mr. Tilton, from the time of his first coming to La- conia, had been prominently identified with the business interests of the town, being: one of the board of directors of THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 87 the Laconia Savings Bank, and also one on Main street in this city, is a niece of of the board of directors of the Laconia Mr. Tilton. and Lake Village Street Railway Com- pany. His political career began in his ■ 1 — 231 " 1 1 +v. * '4 m>. To those who were accustomed to the every-day routine life of Mr. Tilton, he was known at his best. He was of a decided philanthropic nature, constantly developing a sentiment in "the greatest good to the greatest number," and on that account it was the cause of remark that his enemies were few. Socially he was always genial and courteous, greet- ing one and all with a happy smile of assurance that all was well, and these conditions prevailed as well within the domestic circle and financial board and the threaded thoroughfare of business life. His religious sentiments were liberal, yet his affiliations were with the Congre- gationalists (the North church), toward whom it was his wont to bestow charity liberally in its support. The late Daniel A. Tilton. election as one of the board of selectmen of the town of Gilford, which he held for several terms, and also two succes- sive terms as representative in the legislature from Gil- ford, at the time when that part of this village south and east of the Winnipesaukee river was a portion of Gil- ford. At the biennial elec- tion in 1888 he was elected as one of the board of coun- ty commissioners for Bel- knap county, but was obliged to decline the honor confer- red, on account of ill health. March 8, 1855, Mr. Tilton married Mary Ann, daughter of the late David and Mar- garet Ann Swazey Bowman, i-^- of Laconia. The result of the union proved to be a most happy one, covering many years of mutual devo- tion and one in which peace and hap- piness was no divided condition of their domestic life, but a unit. The wife of General William F. Knight, residing The Late Dr. Oliver Goss. Dr. Oliver Goss, who died April 12, 1896, was for many years one of the best known and most successful physi- Ri idence of the late Daniel A. '1 illon. cians and surgeons in this section of the state. lie was horn in Rye, Oct, 26, 1819, son of Jonathan Goss and Olive (Adams) Goss. His father removed his 88 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. family to Moultonborough in 1822, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. His education was com- pleted at Sandwich, Meriden, and Gil- manton academies, and he taught school for a time in the rural districts of Moul- tonborough and Gilmanton. He decided to adopt the medical profession, and first studied with the late Dr. W. H. H. Mason, of Moultonborough, in 1843, then in 1S44 went to Boston, where he studied under the late professors, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jacob Bigelow, and Henry J. Bigelow, of the Harvard Med- ical School. der of his life. He was an active mem- ber of the New Hampshire Medical So- ciety, joining in 1853. He was a mem- ber of the Winnipesaukee Academy of Medicine, and was the first president of this association. He was for years a prominent Odd Fellow, ever striving to exemplify in his daily life its teachings of " Friendship, Love, and Truth." He was always interested in agriculture, and was a valuable member of Laconia grange, Patrons of Husbandry. In poli- tics Dr. Goss was a Democrat. He served for years as a member of the pension bureau. The late Dr. Oliver Goss. He returned to New Hampshire, and in 1845 graduated M. D. from Dart- mouth Medical College. He commenced to practice at Melvin Village, on the shore of Lake Winnipiseogee, but in 1852 settled in Lakeport, where he con- tinued in practice until his death, a con- tinuous practice of over fifty years. In 1846 he was married to Elizabeth H. Flanders, who died June 2, 1891, daugh- ter of Joseph Flanders of Gilmanton. Four children were born to them, three of whom are dead ; one son, Dr. O. W. Goss, survives them. Soon after coming to Lakeport, Dr. Goss became a member of the Park Street Free Baptist church, of which he remained a worthy member the remain- The late Elizabeth Honor (Flanders) Goss. Dr. Goss as a youth was amiable and steadfast in high moral principles. He was possessed of rare mental faculties, he was temperate, frugal, and steadfast, immovable as the granite hills in his sense of right, ever quick to respond to the call of charity, and to render aid in cases of destitution and suffering. Dur- ing the war Dr. Goss attended the sol- diers free of charge, accepting no recom- pense, deeming this service a sacred duty he owed to them. Both in public and private life Dr. Goss was an expo- nent of high moral sentiments, and in his death the medical profession lost a valuable member, and the general public will long miss his smiling countenance, ripe judgment, and professional skill. THK ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 89 The late Elizabeth H. (Flanders) Goss. Elizabeth Honor (Flanders) Goss, the estimable wife of Dr. Oliver Goss, died at the family residence on Elm street, June 2, 1891, at the age of seventy- four years and twenty- eight days. Inter- ment was made in the family tomb in the Hillside cemetery. She was one of a fam- ily of six children. Her father, the late Joseph Flanders, was born in Belmont, Jan- uary 15, 1790, and died May 6, 187 1, in Laconia. Her moth- er, Sophia (Hall) Flan- ders, was born in Ex- eter, N. H., March 7, 1793, and died in Sanbornton, October 3 1. 1S62. Mrs. Goss was born in Gilman- ton, May 16, 1817. She was educated in the public schools and Gilmanton academy. April 1, 1845, she was Mrs. Goss joined the church in Upper Gilmanton, and after coming to Lakeport to live she became a member of the Free Baptist church, in which she was a willing worker and ardent supporter. Dr. O. W. Goss. Dr. Ossian W. Guss. Ossian Wilber Goss, M. 1)., one of Laco- nia's best known and most successful physi- cians, is a son of the late Dr. Oliver Goss and Elizabeth Honor (Flanders) Goss, and grandson of Jonathan Goss, was born March 21, 1856, in Laconia. He attended the com- mon and the select schools until 1873, was a student for one year in the N e w Hampton Institution, an d was graduated from the New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female College at Tilton, at the close of a two years' classical Residence of Dr. 0. W. GoJS. united in marriage to Dr. Oliver Goss, course in 1876. Haying completed his which union was blessed with four preparatory education, he entered children, two girls and two boys, all Bates college, Lewiston, Maine, in deceased except Dr. O. W. Goss. 1876. In 1NS0. he matriculated in the 9° THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. medical school of Harvard university, and was graduated M. D., in June, 1882. In 1886 he entered the Post-Gradu- ate Medical School of New York for special courses in medicine and surgery, also taking up at various times special studies at Harvard Post-Graduate and Boston Polyclinic. Dr. Goss is a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society, the Winni- pesaukee Academy of Medicine, and the American Medical As- sociation. He has been in the practice of medic in e and surgery since June, 1882, in La- con i a , and has a large and lucrative practice. In the literary line, Dr. Goss has contrib- uted variou s articles per- taining to medicine and surgery, that have met ap- proval in the medical pro- fession. Dr. Goss was marr i e d in 1 S 8 2 to Miss Mary P. Weeks of Moig ia Por Sanbornton . Their only child died in infancy August 15, 1883. Dr. Goss is prominent in the secret and fraternal orders, being a member of the Odd Fellows, Masons, Pilgrim Gommandery, K. T., Knights of Pythias, Red Men, Elks, Royal Arca- num, Pilgrim Fathers, New England Order of Protection, Masonic Relief Association, etc. Morgfia Porter Wilson, Morgia Porter Wilson, so well and favorably known in Laconia as a lead- ing vocalist and teacher, is a native of Manchester, N. H., and the daughter of Charles C. P. and Caroline (Patch) Porter. Her voice in childhood was noted for its purity and compass. At the age of sixteen she had sung the leading roles in several operettas with marked success, and soon after began her ca- reer as a choir singer in the cities of Con- cord, M a n - Chester, and Lawrence, continuing in that capacity for several years. Mean- time, while on a concert tour in the West, her voice at- tracted the attention o f the late John B. Go ugh, and through his generous assistance she began to study u nder Madam J. H. Long, of Bos- ton, subse- quently t a k - ing the Ru- ter Wilson. dersdorff method of other teachers. With five years careful study, she attained a high musical rep- utation as a vocalist throughout New England. She married, in 1873, Mr. Julius E. Wilson, now of Lakeport, where they have resided for the past thirteen years. She is the only recognized vocal teacher in Laconia, and her ability as such is attested by the rapid progress of her pupils. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 9 1 Charles L. Simpson. Charles L. Simpson, who was one of the representatives of Ward six (Lake- port), city of Laconia, in the state legis- lature of iSgS-'99, is a native of Can- terbury, X. H., born May 25, 1874. He was educated in the public schools of Lakeport, and for a young man has been very prominent in social and fraternal affairs. He is assistant superintendent of the Park Street Eree Baptist Sunday- school, and is on the executive commit- tee of the society. He is also an ex- president of the Young People's Society and is a director in the Lakeport Build- ing and Loan association. Mr. Simpson married Miss Clara Cyrilla Sargent. Wellington L. Woodworth. Wellington L. Woodworth, cashier of the Lakeport National bank, has been called the youngest national bank cashier in New Hampshire, and we think the claim has never yet been dis- puted. He is a native of Lake Village, born May 18, 1873. lie attended the public schools at Lakeport and later Charles L. Simpson. of Christian Endeavor, connected with the church. Mr. Simpson is a Democrat in politics, but was elected representative to the legislature from a strong Republican ward. He is employed as a clerk in the grocery business. Mr. Simpson is a past grand of Cho- corua lodge, No. 51, I. (). O. E.. and a member of Hannah Frances Rebekah lodge, No. 41. He is also a member of Belknap lodge, No. 4S, New England Order of Protection, and treasurer of the Odd Fellows' Mutual Relief Asso- ciation. He served as business man- ager of the New Hampshire Philatel- ist during its publication in this city. Wellington i.. Woodworth. Tilton seminary. Mr. Woodworth was at one time public librarian of Lakeport, and for several years served as assistant postmaster of Lakeport under his father. He is a member of Chocorua lodge. No. 51,1. O. O. F., and is a past grand of this lodge. Mr. Woodworth married Edith M. Hull. May 18, 1898. He is a member of the Ereewill Bap tist church. Although a young man l<< hold so responsible a place as cashier of a national bank, Mr. Woodworth has proved himself equal to the position and not only discharges his duties with efficiency and fidelity, but is very p<>|> ular with all the patrons of the bank. 9 2 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. The Laconia Lumber Works. Down at the lower end of Water street, on the banks of the Winnipesau- kee river and the shores of Lake Win- nisquam, is located one of this city's most prosperous and thriving indus- tries, the Laconia Lumber works, of which George W. Riley is president, manager, and proprietor. The Laconia Lumber works is a model plant of the kind, and covers seven acres of land, including the saw- mill, sash, door, and blind factory, office- building, lumber yard, and numerous the lumber-yards affords facilities for loading the sawed and finished product of the concern. The wood-working factory buildings are all equipped with the latest ma- chinery and labor-saving devices. The boilers are supplied with fuel from the sawdust made in the various depart- ments, which is sucked up into pipes by fans and blown into the boiler-room, while the exhaust steam, after operating the big engine for making the power which propels the machinery, is run through immense coils of steam pipes, heating the air to warm the work-shops The Laconia Lumber Works. storehouses for sawed and finished lum- ber. The concern carries an immense stock of material in the lumber line, the amount of logs in the river, awaiting the sawyers at the sawmill, being reck- oned by the million feet, while the vari- ous sheds and storehouses around the lumber-yard are always filled with the finished product of the mills, besides large stocks of sawed lumber imported from the Southern states, etc. A substantial elevated railroad track enables the car-loads of timber from the north country to be dumped directly into the river close to the sawmill slip, while another line of track down into and dry the lumber, the heated air being also distributed around the premises by powerful fans. The shops are lighted by electricity, the concern having its own dynamo, which requires little or no attention and produces incandescent lights at very small expense. It is something of a conundrum where all the lumber and other material goes which is turned out every day at the Laconia Lumber works, but the concern manufactures everything in the wood- working line from dimension lumber down to shingles, and has a steady run of work in sash, blinds, packing-cases, THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 93 etc., and is constantly shipping large eral associates leased the property of orders of building materials to down- the Laconia Lumber works, in 1890, country customers. During the past which he purchased outright about two season, also, considerable lumber has years ago, having bought out all of his been sawed out for the Laconia car- shops. George W. Riley. Mr, George W. Riley, the proprietor and manager of the Laconia Lumber works, has been a citizen of Laconia since 1883, and is one of our most active and enterprising manufacturers. He was born in the eastern part of the town of Northfield, N. H., Feb. 9, 1848. He was educated in the public schools near his home, and when seventeen years old started in to learn the carpenter's trade. Before he was old enough to vote, Mr. Riley was in business for himself, in Belmont, as a contractor and builder. He remained in Belmont until 1S83. at which time he came to Laconia and con- tinued in the same line of business, also taking the wood-working shops for- merly conducted by Ralph Merrill, near the Abel machine shops. The business was not a success under Mr. Merrill's Residence of George \V. Riley. management, but it increased rapidly and prospered with Mr. Riley, and in a few years the industry had outgrown its quarters. Then Mr. Riley and sev- s ( .11. 1 ge \V. Riley. partners in the concern during the past few years. Mr. Riley married Emma E. Elkins, in 1874, and they have one son, Phil M. Riley. They reside in their elegant residence on Church street, and are attendants at the Congregational church. Mr. Riley is a man whom Laconia takes pride in claim- ing as an adopted citizen. He is quiet, unassuming, and easy of approach, on business or any other mat- ters. He carries the entile '"^ business of the Laconia Lumber works in his mind. I Hil and is the recognized head ,'u and director of every de- ~^~ . partment of the large estab- lishment. His word is as good as his bond, and he , has built up his large and successful industry by square dealing, enterprise, hard work, and strict attention to business. He is public-spirited, and ready to lend a helping hand in any public move- ment for the benefit of Laconia. 94 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Winnipesaukee Gas and Electric Company. The Winnipesaukee Gas and Electric Company was incorporated March, i S97, and was at that time the successor of the old Laconia Gas Company, a corpora- tion which had been in operation for many years, and had perhaps outlived its usefulness, as the plant was old and out of date, and the quality of gas pro- duced was not satisfactory. The Winnipesaukee Gas and Electric Company have a plant which was put in entirely new in 1S94, at an expense of $65,000, and which is one of the finest and best-equipped gas plants in New England. The factory is a brick build- sumers and thereby extend the service. The corporation furnishes gas for light- ing, cooking, heating, and power pur- poses. The use of gas in Laconia for heating and cooking purposes is comparatively a new idea, but for both these purposes there is a constantly increasing demand for gas ; and these features of the com- pany's business are proving very popu- lar, both on the ground of convenience and cheapness. There are now in use in this city over one hundred and fifty two-oven four-burner gas ranges, besides many smaller gas stoves, both for cook- ing and heating. The officers of the corporation are : President, Charles A. Busiel ; superin Winnipesaukee Gas and Electric Company. ins: of ornamental design, located on Messer street, and equipped with all new and up-to-date machinery, while a side track from the adjacent railroad affords facilities for unloading materials for the manufacture of gas, directly from the freight cars into the gas fac- tory. During the past two years two hundred and sixty new consumers have been added, and the number is rapidly increasing. About twelve miles of street mains have been laid up to the present time, covering almost the entire city; but extensions are constantly being made in every direction, both at Laco- nia and Lakeport, to reach new con- tendent, J. H. Bledsoe; treasurer, Na- thaniel J. Edgerly ; directors, Chas. A. Busiel, Albert G. Folsom, John T. Busiel, Samuel B. Smith, Henry J. Odell, Edwin F. Burleigh, Charles L. Pulsifer. Under this strong board of manage- ment the Winnipesaukee Gas and Elec- tric Company has succeeded in supply- ing a first-class gas, of very high illumi- nating quality, in place of the old-time dim, smoky, and offensive-smelling prod- uct, and the innovation has met with the approval of the citizens of Laconia, and resulted in building up a profitable business which promises to be more successful and popular from year to year. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 95 Herbert S. Sanborn. Herbert S. Sanborn, familiarly known as " Doc " Sanborn, proprietor of San- born's drug store, is a native of Con- cord, N. II., born July 27, 1869. He was ed- ucated in the common schools of the capital city, and learned the drug trade with H. F. Wyatt at Plymouth, N. H. Later, he came to Laconia as a drug clerk for George A. Hatch, and then man- aged H. F. Wyatt 's Laconia drug store for one year. In 1891 he purchased Mr. Wyatt's interest in the drug business in this city and embarked in trade for himself. April 28, 1S93, Mr. Sanborn married Miss Lottie A. Chandler, and they have a bright little daughter of four years and a son of two vears. Herbert S. Sanborn. Amoskeag Veterans of Manchester, and a Red Man. Mr. Sanborn prides himself upon the complete stock of goods which he car- ries in his drug store, including the freshest and purest drugs and chemicals, articles for the toilet, fancy goods, soaps and perfumes of domestic and foreign manufac- ture, cigars, and drug- gists' sundries, etc. In the " patent med- icine " line, Sanborn's drug store aims to carry every reliable concoc- tion which is placed upon the market, and it is difficult to ask for any remedy which he cannot imm e d i a t e 1 y produce from his ex- tensive stock. A specialty is made of compounding fam- ily recipes and physicians' prescrip- tions with accuracy and care, only the purest drugs being used for this pur- Drusj Store of Herbert S. Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn attends the Episcopal church, is a Democrat in politics, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of the celebrated pose. Pure soda and mineral waters are dispensed, all syrups being the choicest the market affords. Mr. Sanborn himself is a thoroughly 9 6 THE ILLUSTRATED LACOXIAN, expert pharmacist and always employs skilful assistants. Mr. Sanborn is comparatively a young man, but the Sanborn drug store is an old-established pharmacy, and its repu- tation for carrying a complete stock of every known drug and every patent remedy that is known in the market is is constantly in mind and ever on t h e increase. CityMarshal Scott. City Mar- shal Henry K. W. Scott was born in Lebanon, on September 6, 1866, and was educated in the 'Tittle red school- house" of Scytheville, a suburb of that t o w n . After leaving school he served an ap- prenticesh i p with the Bax- ter Machine Co., of Leb- anon, and af- ter several unsuccessful a 1 1 empts to find steady employm e n t at his trade, in Massachusetts and in New York, he came to Laconia, where he was em- ployed with the American Twist Drill consequently Laconia is remarkably free Co., the Crane Manufacturing Co., and from pickpockets, bunco men, and pro- the Eastman Freight Car Heater Co. fessional crooks of all kinds. Later for a short time he was employed The Laconia police department is ad- by the Eastman Heater Co., in Boston, mitted to be a model organization, and but soon returned to Laconia, and was much credit is due to Marshal Scott. City Marshal Henry K. W. Scott. with the Abel Machine Co., in 1S93, when Laconia became a city. At that time he was elected city marshal and has held the position continuously ever since. March 8, 1890, he married Miss Nellie I. Shackley of Laconia, and has a family of two promising sons. City Mar- j shalScottisa past chancel- lor of Mt. Bel- knap Lodge, No. 20, of Knights of Pythias, and also a mem- ber of the or- der of United W orkmen. He was a promotor and organiz- er of the New Hamp s hire Chiefs of Po- lice Union of which he is now the vice- president. As a public servant, Mar- shal Scott is not only effi- c i e n t , but faithful and conscien- tious, and en- joys the hear- ty good-w i 1 1 of the com- munity. His reputation for spotting crooks and dealing with a 1 1 habitual criminals is recognized and thoroughly appreciated by this class of people and THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. The Late Levi B. Brown. 97 Tlie late Levi B. Brown, who died September 2, 189S, was one of the best known hotel landlords in New Hamp- shire. He was born in Hartford, Vt., compelled him to retire from business a short time before his death. The late Levi 1J. Brown. Sept. 21, 1S22, and during his early life was a stagecoach driver. He after- wards engaged in the wholesale and retail hardware business at Claremont, N. H., for a long time, and then went to Providence, R. J., where he was again interested in the staging business. In 1873, Mr. Brown came to Laconia and from that date until the time of his death was engaged in the hotel busi- ness. He was proprietor of the Mt. Belknap House at Lakeport for about twelve years, and under his manage- ment this house was generally admitted to be one of the most popular and best patronized establishments in New Hampshire north of Concord. When the Eagle Hotel was remodeled at the Laconia end of the city, landlord Brown was its first proprietor and was again successful in building up a large business and winning an excellent repu- tation for the hotel. After selling out the Eagle Hotel. Mr. Brown retired from business for a time, but afterwards purchased the City Hotel which he con- ducted successfullv until failing health The Late Orison Twombly. The fame of Laconia as a hosiery town and as a centre for the manufac- ture of knitting machinery of all kinds. is largely due to the inventive genius of some of the Laconia men who grew up in the hosiery and knitting machine in- dustries of the city. Among these men was the late Orison Twombly, a native of Portsmouth, N. II., born Oct. 12. 1828. He was educated in the com- mon schools, and early in life developed a genius for mechanical inventions. He was for many years an overseer in the Ashland knitting mills at Ashland. N. H., and later came to Laconia about the year 1870. After coming to this city, Mr. Twombly devoted most of his attention to the invention and develop- ment of numerous devices for the im- provement of knitting machinery, and he held letters patent on various inven- tions in this line, some of which were very successful machines and quite valuable. He was located in Boston a l '; i^ in Twombly. large part of the time during his resi- dence in Laconia, having his genera] headquarters ami business office in that city. Mr. Twombly died Nov. 9, 1897. 9 8 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. The Waverly Shoe Company. The Waverly Shoe Co. was started in 1883, under the name of Waverly School Shoe Co., Bemis ex- pose the fallacy of some of his opposed claims, and bombards men and matters only when he deems it necessary for the welfare of the public.'* The Laconia Democrat of March 19, 1899. says: " Mr. Cox fully maintained his invincible position as one of the best sel. In January. 1894, he was elected public speakers among the lawyers. I j^>s^l ; \ ^C\"z:^ ; v l o ' * \s..y ™ I 1 Q— . THE ILLUSTRATED EACONIAN. 103 Laconia Savings Bank. The handsome engraving of the Laconia Savings Bank accompanying this sketch of its history shows that it is not behind in progress of financial stability. This bank has been in existence since 1831. It was organized under the name of the Meredith Bridge Savings Bank, by John T. Coffin, Daniel Tucker, John Sanborn, George L. Sibley, George 1'. Avery, James Molineux, and Benjamin Jewett, 3d, the original incorporarors. Its charter was signed by Samuel Dins- moor, governor ; Samuel Cartland, pres- ident of the senate ; Franklin Pierce, speaker of the house of representatives ; and approved July 2, 1831. The original list of officers was as follows: George L. Sibley, president ; Stephen C. Lyford, treasurer ; George L. Sibley, John T. Coffin, Woodbury Melcher, Daniel Tucker, James Moli- neux, E. W. Boynton, John L. Perley, John Sanborn, and Stephen L. Greeley, trustees. The first deposit was received in March, 1832, and since that time it has paid 134 consecutive semi-annual divi- dends, amounting to about one million three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. None of the original incorporators or officers is now living, and since its foundation nearly seventy years ago it has had five presidents and five treas- urers, an average term of service of nearly fourteen years each. In 1869 its name was changed to the Laconia Savings Bank, and its financial soundness has been maintained through all these years. In 1884 its quarters were remodeled and a new vault put in which sufficed for the needs of the institution until 1895, when the banking rooms were en- larged to twice their former size, a new safety deposit vault and bankers' sale added, till now it has fine and conven- iently-appointed banking rooms. The present officers of the institution are A. G. Eolsom, president, and Ed- mund Little, treasurer. The board of trustees is composed of the following well-known men : Albert G. Folsom, Ellery A. Hibbard, Almon C. Leavitt, Samuel B. Smith, W. E. Melcher, Gard- ner Cook, Frank II. Lougee, George A. Hatch, Alburtis S. Gordon, Alfred W. Abbott. The appended statement of the con- dition of the bank's affairs speaks for itself: ASSETS. Loans, $425,257.15 State, county, ci ty, and district bone Is, 521,450.00 Bank stock, 34,95°- 00 Railroad bond. . and stock, 101,425 00 Miscellaneous bonds, [60, ;;;-co Real estate, 83,642.00 Hank fixtures, 1 1 ,000.00 Deposits in national banks, 40,215.76 Cash on hand, 7,067 64 $i,385.364-SS LIABILITIES. Deposits, $1 . -77.937- -0 Guaranty fun d and surplus, 107,427.35 ^'o'oo'M 55 This old reliable savings bank has al- ways been noted for its conservative investments, preferring security of prin- cipal and moderate rate of interest rather than large interest return with proportionate risk. Its present list of assets is composed of first-class securities consisting of home investments and gilt-edge bonds. People's National Bank. This bank, which occupies rooms with the Laconia Savings bank, as shown on opposite page, was organized in 1889, and has already passed its tenth mile- stone. It has enjoyed a liberal patronage and a prosperous and increasing busi- ness from its organization to the pres- ent time ; it aims especially to accom- modate its patrons, furnishing unex- celled facilities for the transaction of every branch of the banking business. The People's National bank quarters are very handsomely fitted with tile floors, elegant directors' room, and mod- ern safety deposit vaults, and in all its 104 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. appointments and business transactions the establishment is a model of the kind. The officers are Albert G. Folsom, president ; John T. Busiel, vice-presi- dent; Edmund Little, cashier; Albert G. Folsom, Gardner Cook, John T. Bus- iel, Samuel B. Smith, Edwin F. Burleigh, Frank H. Lougee, Frank E. Busiel, di- rectors, and the following report of its condition at the present time indicates a well managed and successful institu- tion : Story's Drug: Store. Story's drug store, established in 1880, is recognized as one of the most relia- ble and best conducted establishments in the pharmacy line in Laconia. Mr. J. Henry Story, the proprietor, is him- self a skilful pharmacist, and he em- ploys thoroughly competent assistants in his establishment. The Story drug store carries a large and complete stock of the purest and freshest drugs which the market affords, supplemented by ■■■Ms? > Story's Drug Store. RESOURCES. Loans and discounts, $111,750.07 Overdrafts, 109.69 U. S. bonds, 25,000.00 Premiums, 1,50000 Stocks and bonds, 5,672 . =>o Real estate and mortgages, 5,745.76 Due from National bank re- demption, 25, 143.49 Redemption fund with U. S. treasurer, 1,12500 Cash, 9,702.83 $185,749.34 LI A] ILITIES. Capital stock $50,000 00 Surplus, 6,000.00 Undivided pi ofits, 2,610.49 National bank notes out standing, 22,500.00 Deposits, 104,638.85 N s 5>749-34 patent medicines of almost every kind and nature, including, of course, all of the standard prepared remedies. In addition to the compounding of physicians' prescriptions and the sale of drugs, herbs, and barks, the Story drug store always carries a well-selected line of toilet articles, surgical appli- ances, and, in fact, all of the small wares which are usually found in a well- equipped and properly-conducted met- ropolitan drug store. A choice line of cigars and the usual line of summer drinks from a soda fountain are features of the business at this establishment which receive proper attention from the proprietor and a liberal appreciation from the public. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. io 5 Mr. J. Henry Story, the proprietor of the Story drug store, was born in Hop- kinton, N. H., Nov. 8, 1857. He was educated in the public schools, and learned the druggists' business at the establishment of George F. Mallard, entering this store in 1S76. In 1880 he established himself in business, and has been very successful in building up a first-class trade in his line. Mr. Story was married in 18S4. to Miss Idella J. Bean, of Laconia. In politics Mr. Story affiliates with the Democrats, and he served as deputy sher- iff of Belknap county from the year 18S6 until 1890. He is a member of the Knights of Py- thias, the Ma- sonic bodies, and Pilgrim comma n d e ry , Knights Temp- lar. In re 1 ig- ious affairs Mr. Story is inclined to liberal views, and is an at- tendant at the First Unitarian church. Wffl, Wallace. business. Since coming to Laconia he has handled numerous large contracts, including most of the new brick build- ings and the immense brick chimneys at the Laconia car works, the magnif- icent Gordon-Nash library at New 1 [ampton, etc. In politics Mr. Wallace is a Republi- can, and while at New Hampton re- ceived many political honors from the hands of his fellow-townsmen. He served as tax collector, was selectman for two years and also represented the town in the New 1 [amp- shire legis- lature. He mar- ried F a n n i e G. Huckins of New Hampton a n d has o n e daughter. Miss Clara Bessie Wallace. Mr. Wallace takes consider- able interest in secret fraternal organizati on s . He is a member of the Odd Fel- lows, Knights of Pyth i as. Uni- form Rank, and the Patrons of Husbandry. Cottreirs. William Wal- lace, the brick- mason and con- tractor, came to Laconia from New Hampton about five years ago and by square dealing, faithful work, and atten- tion to business, has built up a profit- able and steadily-increasing patronage. He was born in Epsom, New Hamp- shire, August 1, 1858. When four years of age he went to New Hampton with his parents, and was educated at the New Hampton Literary Institution. In New Hampton he followed the occupation of a farmer in connection with the brick-mason and contracting William Wallace Laconia has one establish- in e n t which actually runs "full time"' the year around, twenty-four hours in the clay, from one end of the year to the other. Cottreirs lunch-room, on Bank square, Main street, is always open, day and night; it is, perhaps, the handsomest- fitted establishment in the city on the lakes, and is as neat and clean as my lady's parlor. Cottrell's lunchroom is so up-to-date and inviting that people go there and eat who are not even hun- gry, and whether the patron invests in merely a sandwich, a cup of coffee or io6 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. tea, the food served is wholesome and appetizing, and the prices are all right. Cottrell's is comparatively a new insti- tution in Laconia, but its genuine merit made the establishment a success from the start, and the place is patronized by our best business men and a host of strangers within our gates. Irving M. Cottrell is a native of Bel- fast, Me., and was born April 8, 1864, but is wide-awake and enterprising enough to be easily mistaken for a genuine Laconian. He was educated in the public schools of Belfast, is mar- efforts in this line also have met with the hearty approval of the public in Laconia. As a rule, it is said that a jack at all trades is master of none, but there are exceptions to all rules, and Mr. Cottrell has not yet made a failure of anything he has undertaken in Laco- nia. He finds time to enjoy membership in the fraternal orders, and is a Mason, Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias, Red Man, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Interior of Cottrell's Lunch Room. ried and has one child, a daughter of about three and one half years. Mr. Cottrell is manager of the Moulton opera house, proprietor of Cottrell's lunch-room, manager of the ice skating rink, and for the past two seasons has managed the Pearl Street baseball grounds, besides running a night-lunch cart, erecting a neat little business block on Main street for rental pur- poses, and officiating as bill-poster. Inci- dentally, when Mr. Cottrell is n't doing anything else he caters for public and private parties, excursions, etc., and his John B. Moore. The old established firm of J. L. Moore & Son, at 532 Main street, is one of the stand-bys in Laconia, for the undertaking and wall paper business of this concern was founded many years ago. The establishment is now con- ducted by Mr. John B. Moore, and in addition to the undertaking business and stock of caskets and burial supplies, wall papers, picture mouldings, etc., the store now handles the complete line of bicycles manufactured by the Pope THE ILLUSTRATED LACOXIAX. 107 Manufacturing Co. of Boston and Hart- was married to Julia M. Redington at ford, and also has the agency of the Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 12, 1882, and they have three children, two daughters aged fifteen and ten years, and a son of four years. Mr. Moore is a member of Mt. Lebanon lodge of Masons, Granite lodge, A. O. U.W., and Cy- prus council, Royal Arca- num. He is a Republican in politics, and was the first city clerk of Laconia. The late Maj. N. B. Gale. John B. Moore. Standard Rotary Sewing machine, both bicycles and sewing machines being generally admitted the best in the world. Mr. John Brackett Moore, the manager of the business, was born in Laconia on the Gilford side of the river, July 27, 1853. His parents were Jonathan L. and Lucy San- born Moore of Sanbornton. He received his education in our public schools and at New Hampton Institution. Mr. Moore was engaged in the hotel business for twelve years in his early manhood, serving as clerk and cashier in hotels in New York city and other places. He was also a traveling salesman for a Chicago firm for seven years, previous to his return to Laconia to engage in his present business. He The late Maj. Napoleon Bonaparte Gale will be re- membered and honored for years to come in Laconia, not only from the fact that the Gale family have al- ways been strong men and prominent citizens, almost from the first settlement of this region, but because the late Major (iale made pro- vision in his last will and testament for a permanent monument to his memory, in the shape of a memorial building and public park. Major Gale left the bulk Residence of John II. Moore, of his large estate, estimated at S150,- 000, to the city of Laconia, for the pur- io8 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. poses indicated, and this magnificent be- quest will provide this city with a hand- some and substantial memorial building, which will be utilized as public library and as a historical museum. The large property of the late Hon. John C. Moul- ton, located at the corner of Main and Church streets, has already been pur- chased as a site for both the park and memorial structure, and in the near future the trustees and building com- mittee will be ready to procure plans and go ahead with the beautifying of the grounds and the erection of the bu i 1 d i n g, which will un- doubtedly be one of the handsomest and most suit- able structures of the kind in New Ham p- shire. The Gale bequest will not only complete the work of erection, but will provide a fund for its care and main- tenance. T h e whole matter is in the hands of Messrs. John T. Busiel, Ed- win F. Burleigh, and Charles F. Pitman, who are executors and trustees under the Gale will, and also trustees and building committee for the city. Napoleon Bonaparte Gale was born in Gilmanton (now Belmont), March 3 1815, son of Daniel and Abigail (Page) Gale. His grandfather was Stephen Gale, who was born in Exeter, in 1739, who figured prominently in the French and Indian wars, and who settled in Gilmanton in 17S0. Both Stephen and Daniel Gale were influential men in the colonial days, the latter being a select- I'lie late Maj. Napoleon B. Gale man for twenty years, justice of the peace, representative, and an associate judge of the Court of Sessions. Napoleon Gale passed his early years on the Gale farm, attended the common schools and also the Sanbornton and Gilmanton academies. When eighteen years of age, he became a clerk in the store of his brother, Daniel M. Gale, at Lakeport, where he remained for a short time. In August, 1835, he went to Boston and was a clerk in a grocery store there for four years, then went to Meredith and engaged in bus- iness with Josh- ua R. Smith, but in 1840 he removed to his father's h o m e on account of ill health, and after the death 3 I of his father, in 1S45, he carried on the h o m e farm. In Au- gust, 1S52, his health was re- established, and he entered the Belknap county bank, as a substitute cashier for his brother, Daniel M., who was ill. From that date Major Gale was ever afterwards connected with the bank, being elected cashier in 1853, and holding the position when the char- ter expired, in 1866. In 186S Major Gale was one of the incorporators of the Belknap Savings bank, and was one of its trustees. He was elected president of the bank, at the retirement of Dr. Perley, and held the presidency until his decease, Dec. 21, 1894. Politically, Major Gale was a Democrat, and he represented both Belmont and Laconia in the legislature. He was a man of unblemished integrity THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 109 and conscientious uprightness. He was a man of great strength of character, kind-hearted and generous, public-spir- ited and enterprising, — in short, one of the most honored and respected of La- conia*s citizens. Dr. J. N. Letourneau. Dr. J. X. Letour- neau, physician and surgeon, is the pro- prietor of the Phar- macie Cannadien, and also has an extensive practice of his pro- fession in this city. He was born in St. Dominique. C a n a d a, May 12, 1 S 6 1, and w as educated at Jacques Cartier Nor- mal school of Mon- treal, and Laval uni- versity of the same city. Dr. Letourneau left Canada in 1867, and went to the state of Maine, where he resided until 18S0, then returned to Canada and remained Dr. J. X. Letourneau. county physician, and is a Knight of Pythias, a member of the Foresters of America, Catholic Foresters, Elks, Red Men and the Amoskeag Veterans. In religion he is a ( atholic. 1 le married C lar- isse Valois, A ugu s t 28, 1893, and they have one child. 1 >r. Letourneau is not only a successful and skilful physician, but he conducts the I 'harmacie Can n a- dien, a popular drug store. where [Hire drugs and all the standard patent medicines and remedies are on sale. Physicians' prescrip- tions are carefully and correctly compound- ed, and a full line of toilet articles, cigars, etc., are always in stock. Dr. Letourneau first opened his establishment on Mill street, but his business increased rapid- lv and he soon found it necessarv to IntL-ri.ii of Dr. J. X. Letourneau's Drug - there until he came to Laconia and procure the more convenient and corn- opened his drug-store in July, 1893. modious store in his present location at Dr. Letourneau has held 'the office of No. 549 Main street. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Daniel Kellogg. Probably many Laconia people who never visited the carriage shops of Daniel Kellogg on Union avenue have but a faint idea of the size and import- ance of this business, which has been built up by Mr. Kellogg during the past ten years. He carries one of the largest stocks of carriages and sleighs to be found in New Hampshire, and can sup- ply almost any variety of vehicle called for, from a costly turn-out, with all the modern conveniences and improvements, down to a cheap road-wagon or a dump- cart. until he now has a mammoth establish- ment, well filled at all times with a well selected and thoroughly reliable stock. Mr. Kellogg was born in Westville, Conn., in 1S51, but removed to New Haven, Conn., when very young. He learned the trade of carriage painting, and went to Vermont in 1872, and while a resident of that state was united in marriage to Miss Mary T. Dealing, at West Randolph. In 1883, Mr. Kellogg came to this city, first locating at Lakeport, but he soon de- cided there was an opening here for a first-class carriage shop, and he has since proved that his conclusions were correct. Kellogg's Carriage Manufactory. Mr. Kellogg located at 269 Union avenue, on Casino square, in 1889, and is not only a dealer in carriages and sleighs, but also manufactures these vehicles to order. Of course, repairing and repainting is a special feature of this business, and Mr. Kellogg also deals in harnesses, robes, whips, hal- ters, and, in fact, in supplies of all kinds in this line. The original build- ing in which Mr. Kellogg embarked in business proved inadequate for his rapidly increased trade, and he has erected additions and other buildings In secret orders, Mr. Kellogg is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics he is a Republican. He was elected to the Laconia city council from ward two in 1884, and also repre- sented his ward in the last session of the New Hampshire legislature. Mr. Kellogg has just completed a handsome new residence on Gilford avenue, and he deserves the success with which he has met in Laconia, for he is honorable and upright in all his transactions, and enterprising and ener- getic in his business methods. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Ex-Mayor Charles L. Pulsifer. Ex-Mayor Charles Leroy Pulsifer, at the present time a member of the Board of Assessors, is a native of Lakeport, and has been constantly in public life for the past twenty years. He was born Jan. i, 1849, son °^ Lyman B. and Sarah (Sawyer) Pulsifer. His father was for many years a manufacturer of yarns at Lakeport, and was a native of Gilmanton, whither his grandfather removed from Brentwood in March, 1795. The Pulsifers are of Scotch- Irish descent, and came to this coun- try in 1766. Mr. Pulsifer at- tended the public schools of Lake- port, and the Til- ton seminary, and was grad uated from Colby acad- emy, New Lon- don, in 1S74. He graduat ed from Brown university in 1 S 7 8. From 1879 to 1894 he w a s principal o f the Lakeport High school and super- intendent of the graded schools of Lakeport. In 1895 he resigned this position and en- tered the Lakeport Savings bank as assistant treasurer, and was recently chosen treasurer. He has been a member of the Board of Educa- tion for Laconia and Lakeport almost constantly since 1879, his present term running to 1901. From 1886 to 1892 he was a selectman of Gilford, which then included Lakeport. He was a representative in the New Hampshire legislature in iSgo-'gi. He is a director in the Lakeport National bank, Lake- port Savings bank, Mutual Building and Loan association, and Winnipesaukee Gas and Electric Co. When the citv of Laconia was inau- Ex-Mayor Charles L. Pulsifer. gurated, Mr. Pulsifer was elected a member of the first city council and served until March 9, 1897, when he was elected mayor unanimously, having been nominated by the Republicans and endorsed by the Democrats. He was re-elected the following March by a heavy majority, and served the city so faithfully and conscientiously that he won the approval of all classes of citi- zens in both parties. Upon retiring from the mayorship in March, 1899, Mr. Pulsifer was elected a member of the Board of Assessors, which position he now holds. Fraternally, Mr. Pulsifer is a past officer in Chocorua lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., and of Laco- n i a encampment, also a member of Canton ( ) sgoo d , Patriarc h s M i 1 i - tant. He is a mem- ber of the several branches of the Masonic fraternity in this city, includ- ing Pilgrim com- mandery, Knights Templar, and Mt. Washington chap- ter, ( >rder of East- ern Star, and he is also a thirty-sec- ond degree Mason, a member of Ed- ward A. Raymond Consistory at Nashua. He is an attend- ant at the Union Avenue Baptist church, Lakeport. He was married July 30, 1 S S ; . to Susan E. Smiley, daughter of Dr. J. R. Smile) of Sutton. N. H.. who died April 2, 1S90. Ex-Mayor Pulsifer is probably more familiar with Laconia's financial and other municipal affairs than any Other citizen in the city. He is a man of the strictest integrity, fair-minded, and pro- gressive, and has the good-will and esteem of the entire community, a fact which perhaps his long-continued pub- lic service fully demonstrates. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Knight & Huntress. The dry goods establishment now conducted by Messrs. Knight & Hunt- ress (William F. Knight and Hamlin Huntress) is one of the oldest mercan- tile establishments in Laconia. In the old Meredith Bridge days this store was conducted as a general store, handling dry goods, groceries, etc., by Messrs. Rufus K. and Charles Parker, both now deceased. William F. Knight, the sen- ior member of the present firm, entered the store as a clerk for Parker Bros, in June, 1864, and in 1S67 he was practi- In 1873 Mr. Knight was a member of the firm of Mansur& Knight, one of the oldest concerns in the furniture trade in this place. In 1S87 the furniture firm was changed to Knight cS: Robinson (William F. Knight and Mark M. Rob- inson). Located at the corner of Main and Mill streets, one of the busiest spots in the city, the establishment of Mr. Knight has always been a thriving and prosperous concern. Strictly reliable goods and moderate profits has always been the motto at this store, and has resulted in a constantly increasing trade - Knight & Huntress's Dry-Goods Store. cally in control of the business. He eventually bought out the original firm and in company with the late Mrs. Mary T. Hull, under the firm name of W. F. Knight & Co., conducted a flourishing trade for ten years. During the follow- ing ten years Mr. Knight was sole pro- prietor, and then Mr. George Tetreau became his associate, the firm name be- coming W. F. Knight & Tetreau. Mr. Tetreau was succeeded by Mr. Hamlin Huntress, and the style of the firm was changed to Knight & Huntress, the present firm. In addition to the dry goods business, Mr. Knight is also interested in the furniture business in the same block. during the last half century. The Knight & Huntress establishment to- day carries a larger stock and does a larger business than at any time in its history. William Franklin Knight, the senior member of the firm, was born in Hano- ver, N. H., Oct. 13, 1847, son °f Edwin Perry and Elizabeth W. T. (Vaughan) Knight. Mr. Knight comes of patri- otic stock, and numbers among his an- cestors several of the early colonists of New Hampshire. His great-grand- father. William Knight, and a brother were Revolutionary soldiers, and the lat- ter received a captain's commission for conspicuous gallantry on the bloody field THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. JI 3 William F. Knight. of Bennington Capt. Jabez Vaughan, the great-grandfather on the mother's side, was also a Revolutionary sol- dier, and promoted from the ranks for long and meritoiious service. Mr. Knight was educated in the common schools of Hanover and at West Randolph academy He came to Laconia in 1864, and has been prominent since that time in mercan- tile, financial, political, and social life. He is a director in the Laco- nia National bank, a director in the Laconia Building and Loan Associa- tion, and a trustee of the Belknap Savings bank. He is a member of the Laconia Board of Trade, and has been secretary and treasurer of the trustees of the Laconia public libra- ry for the past fifteen years. Mr. Knight has been a stanch Republican all his life, casting his first presidential ballot for the late U. S. Grant in 1868. He was elect- ed town clerk of Laconia in 1875, and served two years. He was elect- ed treasurer of Belknap county in 8 1883, and reelected in 1885. He was in the New Hampshire legislature in 1889, serving on the railroad commit- tee, and also the committee on na- tional affairs. He was Hected state senator from district No. 6, in 1894, for the term of two years, and in 1896 was quartermaster-general on the staff of Governor C. A. Busiel. He is a thirty-second degree Ma- son, and a member of all the various branches of the order in this city, as well as the Scottish Rite at Concord, and the Consistory at Nashua. He attends the Unitarian church and is active in the management of this so- ciety and advancement of liberal reli- gion. Mr. Knight was married in 1872 to Fannie E., daughter of James Tay- lor, ot Franklin, X. H. They have no children. Hamlin Huntress, of the firm of Knight & Huntress, is a native of Sandwich, New Hampshire, born Au- gust 19, i86i . He was educated in the town schools of Moulton borough, Hamlin Huntress. H4 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. and when he first embarked in business lican. He served as town clerk of conducted a general store at Moulton- Moultonborough from 1883 to 1890, borough for eight years. He came to was postmaster of the town for eight Laconia in 1893, and two years later years, and represented Moultonborough Court Hi he formed the partnership with William in the legislature of 1893. Mr. Hunt- F. Knight in the dry goods business. ress married Amy L. Rollins of Moul- Mr. Huntress is a member of Cho- tonborough, and they have one son, — corua lodge, No. 51. I. O. O. F.. at Ernest Hamlin Huntress. Belknap County Farm. Lakeport, and in religious affairs is a Methodist, being quite active and much interested in church work. Politically Mr. Huntress is a Repub- Edwin P. Thompson. William Thompson, great-grandfather of Edwin P. Thompson, clerk of the THE ILLUSTRATED LACONJAN. ••5 supreme court for Belknap county, came to Gilmanton among the early settlers and located on a farm near the centre of the present town. He died in 1827, leaving a family of eight children, one of whom, William Thompson, was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He settled in Gilmanton, where he de- voted his life to fanning, at one time having the care and management of Captain Salter's farm in Barnstead. In 1836 he purchased the farm adjoining the homestead where his boy- hood had been spent, where he lived until his death, Dec. 6. 1855. He mar- ried, first, Ly- dia Sanborn of Gilford, a sister of the late Dea. Levi Sanborn of Laconia, by whom he had ten children, among them be- ing Albert G., at one time landlord of the Willard Hotel in Laconia, for about three years, and later steward of the Fifth A v enue Hotel in New York city, from its opening July 15, 1859, to his death August 12, 1889. Another son was John S. Thompson, at one time connected with the Cerro Gor- do and the Willard hotels in Laconia, the Pemigewasset Hotel at Plymouth, the Proctor House at Andover, and the Phe- nix at Concord ; he was also a deputy un- der Sheriff Hanson Bedee from May 31, 1862, to the end of the term, January, 1866. Asa T., another son, was a mem- ber of Co. A, Twelfth regiment, X. II. Volunteers in the Civil War, and station- agent at Alton from the time of his return from the array in 1 86 ^ to the Edwin P. Thompson. spring of 1S72. Another son, William I!. Thompson, was the father of the sub- ject of this sketch, who was born in Gil- manton. July 28, [852, his mother being Luezer J. Thompson. Edwin I'. was the eldest child and has one brother, Albert W. Thompson of Concord. He spent his early years on the farm in Gilmanton and attended the district schools near his home, and later Gil- manton academy. At the age of twenty, in September, 1S72, he commenced the study of la w with I lon.Thos. Cogswell of Gil- in a n ton. with whom he stud- ied three years, and in Novem- ber, 1875, came to Laconia and studied with E. P. Jewell until his admissio n to the Belknap Count y b a r , April 1 , 1876, when he imme- diately returned to Gilmanton Iron Works and commenced the practice of his profession in company w i t h Colonel Cogs- well, with whom he remained for a year and then practised alone until the fall of 1879, at which time he removed to Belmont where he has since claimed a legal residence. He has served as treasurer of the town, and in March. [884, lie was elect- ed moderator of Belmont and has since served the town in that capacity except when prevented by sickness, a part of the time being the choice of both par- ties. In January, 1SS5. he was appointed clerk of the supreme court for Belknap county, which office he still holds. Upon the organization of the City u6 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Savings bank in Laconia, in the spring family of Somersworth, N. H. Imme- of 1897, he was elected one of the trus- diately after ending his school days he tees and has been re-elected since. He engaged in teaching suburban schools is also secretary of the Belknap County for four years, for which the trend of Bar association. In politics he is a his efforts was always in the direction Republican. of that to impart knowledge most likely December 9th, 1896, he married to be the most practical in future years. Minnie E. James, daughter of Orrin F. In this he was successful. He was a and Dora James of Campton. have no children. They Judge True W. Thompson. member of the board of education in his native town in 1868 and '69 for a term of two years. In March, 1872, he became a student at law in the office of Charles H. Smith at Newmarket, where he remained for The subject of this sketch, True William Thompson, was born in the town o f Dur- h a m , N e w Hampshire, on Aug. 15, 1841, in that part of the town known as "Loving- land." His parents were Jacob Burleigh and Ann Carr Stilson Thomp- son, natives and lif el o n g residents of that town. His parents are now deceased. Judge Thompson was reared on a farm. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at Newmarket, possessed of a son and two daughters, N. H., closing his school days at the all of whom are married. He came to Cartland academy, Lee, N. H., under this city from Newmarket in May, 1882, the tutorship of that well-known, practi- having secured a situation as city editor cal educator, Moses A. Cartland. on the Belknap Daily Tocsin, the first Both on the paternal and maternal daily newspaper to be established in sides Judge Thompson's ancestry were Laconia. Since, from time to time, he Revolutionary stock, both of his great has been employed in every newspaper grandfathers serving side by side in the office in the city. During the past War of the Revolution at Bunker Hill, dozen years he has also acted as local His paternal ancestry were Scotch-Irish, correspondent for the Boston Globe, while those of his mother were English, and Manchester Union for several Her less remote ancestry were the Lord years. May n, 1897, he was ap- Judge True W. Thompson. nearly three and a half years. He nev- er made appli- cation to be ad- mitted to the bar, preferring to take journal- ism as a profes- sion, he having been engaged in that calling to some extent for about fifteen years previous, and for which he still retained a great liking. He is one of a family of two sons and a daughter ; the latter resides at Concord, N. H. Judge Thomp- son is not mar- ried, although TIIK ILLUSTRATED LACOMAN. 117 pointed associate justice of the Laconia police court by Governor Ramsdell. At the biennial election in [898, he was elected register of probate for Belknap county for a term of two years. In politics he is an ardent Republican, having held the position of president of the Republican club in Ward 4 since the city was incorporated in 1893. Judge Thompson is widely and favor- ably known as a newspaper man. Dur- ing all the years of his extensive literary work he has served the public with con- scientious fidel- ity. No jour- nalist ever had greater respect for private right than has Judge Thompson. He has never rude- ly tresp a s s e d upon p u r e 1 y personal mat- ters to gratify a depraved ap- petite for scan- dal or sensa- tion, always working alo n g a line of legit- imate journal- ism, incurring the respect and con fidence of the people. Not h i n g was ever contribut- ed by his pen to poison and Herman C i n fl a m e the public mind ; on the contrary his news- paper work has ever been clean and praiseworthy. Judge Thompson is lib- eral, fair-minded, companionable, and unselfish. His purpose as a man and as a judge is to do right. While his judgments are all tempered with mercy, no real offender can hope to escape. Herman C. Weymouth. Herman C. Weymouth, superintend- ent of the Belknap county farm and jailer of the county jail, is a native of that part of old Gilmanton which is now Belmont, and was born Feb. 9, 1S46. He attended the district schools and also the academies at Gilmanton and New Hampton. When at the age of twenty years he engaged in the meat and provision business at boston, where he remained about three years and then returnedto Belmont. In 1S71 he married Miss Abbie L. Smith, youngest daughter of Mr. Daniel P. Smith of Meredith. His family consists of two daughters, Misses Maude and blanche We y m o uth of this city. When in Belmont Mr. Weymouth was inter ested in the Fre e-w i 1 1 baptist church and worked hard for the support of mu- sic, which was highly appreci- ated. In 1880 he removed to Meredith where he engaged in the s u m m e r boarding-house business. H e later en g a g ed with Prof. G. 1 1, brown i n extensive farm- ing and s u 111 - mer boarding. In [885 he pur- chased a large place in Andover, N. H, where he carried on a prosperous dairy business in connection with a large boarding-house for summer guests. In 1896 he bought and built a resi- dence in Laconia, where he has since lived. In 1898 he was appointed super- intendent of the Belknap count}- farm. While residing in Belmont he was elect- ed superintendent of schools and also filled the offices of selectman and road agent in Andover. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, Aurora lodge, No. Weymouth. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 708, of this city, and was a prominent member of Highland Lake grange at East Andover. He has never aspired to political fame, but has rather preferred to attend to his own business which he believes to be more profitable. He has a large circle of friends in Belknap and Merrimack counties whom he has won by fair and honest dealing and attend- ing strictly to his own business. As superintendent of the Belknap farm he is not only well liked by the inmates of the establishment but is efficient and faith- ful as a public servant in the rather try- ing duties of this position. he left Laconia and went West, where he enlisted in the First Illinois Light Ar- tillery, Jan. 4, 1862. He was discharged in April, 1864, but re-enlisted March, 1865, in A Co. of the Seventh Illi- nois Cavalry, and was mustered out Nov. 20, 1865, at Springfield, 111., and immediately took the train for Laconia, where his family had preceded him. He arrived here Nov. 23, and has been a resident of Laconia since that date. Mr. Baldwin was engaged in but two battles during his service in the army, but they were both engagements of con- siderable importance, Donaldson and Shiloh. He is a charter member of John L. Perley, Jr., Post, G. A. R., and also a charter member of Pontauhum Tribe, No. 18, Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Baldwin married Mary E. Bent- ley, of Mt. Vernon, 111., and has three children, Charles G., Media B., and James S., the two former born in Mt. Vernon, and the latter first saw the light of day in Laconia. Mr. Baldwin has always been a strong Republican, and has been honored by his party by election as supervisor of check-lists under the old town govern- ment, chairman of supervisors for two years under the city government, select- man of Ward three for three years, and in 1898 was elected sheriff of Belknap county, which office he assumed April 1, 1S99. Mr. Baldwin is not a member of any church, but believes with the Unitarians, in one God. Sheriff Charles W. Baldwin. Sheriff Charles W. Baldwin. Martin B. Plummer. Charles W. Baldwin, sheriff of Bel- knap county, and more familiarly known as " Warren " Baldwin, is a native of Hillsboro, born April 3, 183S. He came to Meredith Bridge, now Laconia, when a mere boy. and was educated in our public schools. Mr. Baldwin is a joiner by trade, and was for nearly thirty years employed by the Laconia Car company in this city. When less than seventeen years old Martin Bartlett Plummer, register of deeds for Belknap county since 1892, was born at Meredith on the nth day of October, 1844, and was educated in the public schools of that town. In 1863 he came to Lakeport to learn the ma- chinist trade in the shops of B. J. Cole, and worked thereuntil April 14th, 1864, when he went to Concord and enlisted in Co. A, First New Hampshire cavalry for three vears. Mr. Plummer went to THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. E19 the front with his regiment and first the Belknap County Fish and Game served under Gen. Wilson. The regiment League. went on the "Wilson raid," and was Mr. Plummer married Ellen L. Cook, then sent into the Shenandoah valley daughter of Danford Cook of Gilman- under Gen. Sheridan and served until ton Iron Works. Nov. 29, 1866. Four the close of the war. children have been born to Mr. and After being mustered out of the Mrs. Plummer, two of whom died while United States service, Mr. Plummer quite young; Mabel E. married Amber lived in Gilmanton Iron Works until the R. Connor, and is now clerk in the fall of 186S, when he removed to Mere- dith where he remained with the excep- tion of one year in Waterville until 1872, at which time he came to Laconia and has resided here since that date. Mr. Plummer was empl oy e d for some years at the shops of Gardner Cook & Son, also at the Laconia car shops and the shops of George W. Riley. In May, 1S92, he was appointed clerk of the La- conia police court, which office he holds at the present time. In the November elec- tion of 1892, Mr. PI u m m er was elected reg- ister of deeds for the county of Belknap and he has been re- elected to the same office by large majorities at every election since 1892. Mr. Plummer is a Republican in politics. Mr. Plummer is a member of John L. Perley, Jr.. Post, G. A. R., having served as its commander, and also served in Judge Frank ML Beckford, one of the the department on the council of ad- best-known members of Laconia's legal ministration, and was in 1895 elected fraternity, is a native of Salem, New by the department a delegate to the Hampshire, born Oct. [3, 1851. He National Encampment which was held was educated at Tilton seminary and at Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a New Hampton Literary [nstitution, and member of the Pilgrim Fathers and before he engaged in the practice of the .Martin S. Plummer. register of deeds office of Belknap county, and Fred D. is a student in the Pernin Shorthand school in Boston, Mass. Belknap county has been remark- ably fortunate in having care- ful and popu- lar officials in the register of deeds office, and ••Mart" Plum- mer is surely no exception to this rule. He receives m a n y votes from the opposition po- litical party and always leads all other candi- dates on his party ticket. Belknap county people are evi- dently satisfied to retain Mr. Plu m m er as their register of deeds and he can undoubted- ly hold the po- sition as long as he desires to retain it. Judge Frank M. Beckford, THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. legal profession, was connected with various mercantile pursuits and the hotel business. He first entered the dry goods house of Brooks Bros., at Haverhill, Mass., where he remained six years, and then went to Boston, where he was head salesman in the large carpet house of Judkins & Muc- cullough, afterwards with the well-known firm of Jordan & Marsh. Later he went to the town of Bristol, New Hamp- shire, and engaged in the manufac- ture of wool- en goods. It was here that he began the study of law in the office of George A. Emerson, Esq. Judge Beck- ford came to Laconia in the year i S 8 4, a n d pur chased the Laconia hotel busi- ness, as it was then called. He changed the name of the house, Hotel Wonolancet , and conduct- ed the establishment successfully for a few years. He resumed the study of law in the of- fice of the late Col. Thomas J. Whipple, and after being admitted to practice, became the partner of this widely-known attorney, and upon Colonel Whipple's decease in 1SS9, Judge Beckford suc- ceeded to the large practice. Judge Beckford has always been an active Republican, and has generally been upon the stump during most of Judge Frank M. Beckford. the political campaigns since attaining his majority. He represented Laconia as a member of the last constitutional convention for the state of New Hampshire, was ap- pointed justice of the Laconia police court in 1892, and held the position until 1895, when he resigned; elected solicitor of Belknap county in 1896, and re-elected in the fall of 1S98, which office he now holds. Judge Beck- ford is prom- inent and takes gr e a t interest in the vari o u s fraternal so- cieties. He is a member of Mt. Bel- knap lodge, K n ights of Pythias of Laconia, and is also a m e m b er of the Supreme lodge, and holds the position of supreme rep- resenta t i v e for this state in that or- der ; he is a m e m ber of C h ocorua lodge, I. O. O. F., of La- conia, and Pontahaum Tribe of Red Men, being a member of the Great Council for New Hampshire, and is a member of Laconia Commandery, U. O. G. C, Laconia grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry, and a member of the State and National Grange. He is also an active member of the military branch in the Knights of Pythias, and to his efforts is largely due the fact that New Hamp- shire has a brigade formation of the Uniform Rank. He holds the position THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. of assistant judge advocate-general upon General Hoyt's staff ; also an active member of the Laconia Board of Trade, and is interested in nearly all the local enterprises of a public nature. Judge Beckford's law practice is a large and lucrative one, he being an able pleader, and one of our most suc- cessful lawyers. Judge Beckford is married and has one son, Dr. Henry S. Beckford. Mark M. Robinson. Mark M. Robinson, of the well-known furniture es- tablishment of Knight & Rob- inson, and the treasurer of Belknap county since 1892, was born in Mere- dith, N. H., on August 2 2d, 1853. He was educated in the public schools and at Til ton seminary. In his early man- hood, Mr. Rob- inson learned the jeweler's trade with the old firm of S. E. Young & Co., and he after- waids car r i e d on the jewelry business for himself, for a period of about eight years, both at Lakeport and Laco- nia. About twelve years ago, Mr. Robin- son bought out the interest of the late Franklin Mansur in the furniture estab- lishment then conducted under the firm name of Mansur lS: Knight, one of the old- est furniture concerns in this section of New Hampshire. He formed a part- nership with Mr. William F. Knight, Mark M. under the style of Knight & Robinson, which partnership still continues. Car- petings and upholstery departments have been added to the business in re- cent years, and the firm carry one of the largest stocks to be found in their line in this vicinity, and have always enjoyed a most successful and pros- perous business. Mr. Robinson was married May [3, 1880, to Charlotte L. Moore. They have no children. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, Masons, and Royal Arcanum, having held numerous offices in all of these orders, being a Past Master of Mt. Lebanon lodge, No. 32, IF. & A. M.. tk a Past High Priest of Union chapter. No. 7, F, R. A. M., and T. I. Master of Pyt h ago re an council, No. 6, R. & S. M. In politics, Mr. Robi n son is a Republi- can. He was elected t r e .1 s - urer of Belknap countv in the year 1S92. and has been re- elected to the same office at every subse- quent election Robinson. since that cbte - County Commissioner J, F. Smith. Although a legal resident of the neighboring village of Meredith Centre, County Commissioner Joseph F. Smith is one of our Belknap county officials who makes his business headquarters in this city, and lie has been a familiar figure on our streets for several years past, and will continue to be, since he THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. is again chairman of the board of com- missioners for 1899 and 1900. Joseph Frank Smith, the youngest son of Daniel P. and Abigail (Dolloff) Smith, was born on the same spot where his residence now stands, in the year 1848, Sept. 12. He was the ninth in a family of ten children, five of whom are now living, one dying in infancy, and one brother, Oilman Smith, was killed in the battle of Chancellorsville. The father, Daniel P. Smith, is still living, at the age of ninety years, and is remarkably well preserved, and appears to en- joy life. Joseph F . Smith left home at the age of sixteen years, and attended school at New Hampton, and in 1867 went to work at the New Hamp- shire Insane Asylum, under the late Jesse P. Bancroft, to w h o m he is indebted for a great deal o f good advice. In 1872, Mr. Smith went to Nash- ua, and was em- ployed as a clerk in a store. The folio wi n g year he entered the employ of Bridge- man & Co., 48 Bedford street, Boston, dealers in woolen goods, and in a few weeks was sent out on the road by the firm to solicit orders. He remained with this firm one year, and then con- nected himself with the Franklin Woolen Co., of Franklin Falls, N. H., with head- quarters in Boston, continuing with this concern until April, 1S93. During the time he was connected with the Franklin Woolen Co., he had full control of the selling end of their business, and per- Joseph F. Smith. sonally sold nearly all their goods in the New England states. He was married in 1881 to C. Isabel Robinson, youngest daughter of Thomas J. and Eliza (Glidden) Robinson of Laconia. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been the parents of eight children : Rachel Gertrude, Daniel Thomas (who died in infancy), Joseph Frank, Jr., Mary Eriline, Barbara Eloise, Robinson Wayland, Frederick, and Maurice Pres- ton. In politics, Mr. Smith is a strong Re p u b 1 i c a n , and he has re- ceived numer- ous political honors. He represented the town of Mere- dith in the legis- lature in 1889, was selectman of Meredith in 1 S 9 3 and 1894, was elect- ed a commis- sioner of Bel- knap county in November, 1894, was re- elected in 1896. and elected for the third time in 1 8 9 S . He has served as chairman of the board since 1896, and is chairman of the present board. In secret societies, Mr. Smith is a member of Chocorua lodge of Masons at Meredith and Union chapter of Laconia. He is also a Knight of Pyth- ias, and a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. He is a member of Winni- pesaukee grange at Meredith and of Belknap County Pomona grange. Mr. Smith resides on the Smith farm on the shores of Wickwas lake, one of the most beautiful of the small lakes of New Hampshire. As a public official, Mr. Smith has THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 123 evidently given satisfaction to the peo- ple of Belknap county, as is indicated by his re-election for a third term, an honor which has been rarely if ever be- stowed upon any candidate. He is a strong man in all business affairs and an officer of unusual executive ability. Commissioner Oscar Foss. County Commissioner Oscar Foss, of Barnstead, one of the most wide-awake and prosperous business men of Bel- knap county, was born in Barnstead, N. H., Nov. 17, 1845, an d was a son of Eli H. and Mary A. (Furber) Foss. Eli H. Foss, who was born in Barnstead, July 16, 18 19, married, in 1S43, Mary A. Furber, of Al- ton, N. H. She was the daugh- ter of Edmond Furber, a well- known farmer and bu sin ess m an, a n d a leader in church work, and w ho lived to be nine- ty-five years old. She died in 1888, at the age of seventy. Eli H. Foss, now living in Barnstead, learned the blacksmith trade of Asa Garland, of North Barnstead, and followed that business most of the time for fifty years. Oscar Foss was the only son and the oldest of four children. He received his education in the common schools of Barnstead and at Pittstield academy. He attended the latter institution in the winter season, spending the remainder of the year in his father's blacksmith shop, learning the trade. Oscar Foss < >n Nov, 5, 187 1, Mr. Foss was joined in marriage with Miss Sarah U. Young, a daughter of Oliver H. P. and Emily J. (Tuttle) Young. Mr. Young was a car- penter by trade, and was born on Beauty hill. He afterwards moved to Centre Barnstead. He enlisted in the 12th N. H. regiment, and served three years in the Civil War. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Foss purchased a half interest in a water- power sawmill at Centre Barnstead, N. H., in company with Nathaniel Blaisdell. At the end of one year his partner died, and Mr. Foss bought the other half, and has since car- ried on the bus- iness alone, re- c e i v i n g the greater part of the trade from the locality. Not con fining his attention to this particular mill, ho we ve r , he has been quite extensive- ly engaged in buying lots and putting in tem- porary mills. and pre pa r i n g the lumber for the market and shipping it to different large cities. His first trial in this direction was the purchase of a timber lot in North wood. Since then the business has greatly increased. In 1895, '96, '97, '98 he had live mills in operation most of the time. He handles large amounts of cord wood, bark, pulp wood, and lumber. When he stalled in the mill business he was obliged to go into debt for the most of his contracts and real estate purchases. At the time the barnstead shoe factory was built, he was one of the leading 124 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. promoters of the enterprise, and he is now the owner of the plant. When the question of bringing new business into town arises, he is the one chosen to confer with and to influence desirable parties to locate here. He was one of the prime movers in getting the railroad and telephone. As an individual he has done much for the welfare of the town. He has never forgotten his strug- gle for prosperity, and is ever ready to assist any ambitious young man who is deserving of help. Mr. Foss has from the first been a staunch Re publican, and a very ac- tive worker for the princi pies of his party. When he be- came a voter the vote of the town was three to one Demo- cratic, and for the first time, in 1S96, the Re- publicans had a majority. Mr. Foss has been town treasurer, and in 1 S 9 6 was elected su- pervisor, and in 1898 was elect- ed one of the county commis- sioners of Bel- knap county, having the largest vote of the board. As a justice of the peace, he writes deeds and mortgages and does other legal duties. Jonathan C. Shannon Commissioner Jonathan C. Shannon. Jonathan Coffin Shannon, the Demo- cratic member of the Board of Belknap County Commissioners, and the only Democratic official who now holds office in this county, was born in Barn stead, N. H., Nov. 29, 1842, the son of Stephen and Ann P. (Chase) Shannon. He re- moved to Gilmanton with his parents when five years old, and was educated in the public schools of Gilmanton and at Gilmanton academy. When nine- teen years of age, Mr. Shannon came to Laconia and entered the employ of Folsom & Smith, general merchants. He went into business for himself in 1865 in the grocery trade, and con- tinued under various partnerships until about 1S94. For the past few years Mr. Sh annon has devoted himself to the auctione e r i n g business, with excellent suc- cess, and has won a wide rep- utation for his efficiency in this line. He also conducts a sec- ond-hand furni- ture store and auction rooms, being located in Masonic T e m - pie at the pres- ent time. Polit i c a 1 1 y , Mr. Shannon is a Democrat, and he was elected overseer of the poor for seven years. In 1890 he was elected to the board of county commissioners, and served one term, being reelected in 1898, at which time he was the only success ful candidate on his party ticket. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, including Pilgrim commandery, Knights Templar, and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Work- men. He is a member of the Congre- gational church. He was married Jan. 28, 1866, to Miss Ella A. Jewett of Gil- ford, daughter of Samuel S. and Edith A. Jewett. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. I2 5 As a county official, Mr. Shannon has always been popular with all classes of people, and at the same time he has been a faithful and conscientious pub- lic servant, always acting as seemed in his judgment to be for the best inter- ests of the taxpayers and community. Dr. Henry C Wells. One of the most public-spirited and busiest of Laconia's medical profession is Dr. Henry C. Wells, a native of Bristol, N. H., born Feb. 2 4 , 1856. Dr. Wells obtained his preparatory ed- *_^ ucation in the "V""* public schools, and then at- tended New Hampton Lit- erary Inst it u- tion,Tilton sem- inary, and Kim- b a 1 1 Union Academy at .$S Meriden, N. H., graduating from M e r i d e n in j S74. He read medicine with Dr. J. M. Bish- op of Bristol , and graduated M. D. at St. Louis Hahne- mann Medical College, of St. Louis, Mo., in 1876. He came to Laconia in 1879, and has been here ever since, enjoying a large practice not only in Laconia but in nearly all the surrounding territory. He is a Republican in politics, and was elected county physician for Belknap county in 1890, and has held the posi- tion with the exception of one term since that time. He was city physician in 1896 and again in 1898. In secret orders Dr. Wells is an ( >dd fellow and a Red Man, a member of the Patri- archs Militant in connection with his Odd Fellowship, and also a member of Ridgely Association, of Worcester, Mass., 'and X. E. ( >. P. During his twenty years' residence in Laconia, Dr. Wells has won a reputa- tion as a skilful physician and surgeon, and has made a special study of chil- dren's cases, which has brought him much practice in this line. He is an active worker in the Repub- lican ranks, taking great interest in all political events, both local and national. He is also interested in all movements of a public na- ture f o r the growth and de- velopment of Laconia, and generally rinds time from his professional du- ties to lend a helping hand in any enterprise of this nature in which he is in- terested. Laconia Electric Light- ing; Co. Dr. Henry C. Wells. Laconia has always kept pace with the outside world in the sp e e d v adoption of all the modem in- ven tions and conven iences which have been introduced with such rapidity during the past fifty years, including the telegraph, telephone, elec- tric cars, gas, and electric lights. The Laconia Electric Lighting Company established the first central electric lighting station in the state of New Hampshire. This company was or| ized December 26, 1884, with Dennis O'Shea as president and treasurer; Frank H. Champlin, clerk and general manager. The capital stock at that time was but 84,000, and the central 126 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. station was in the basement of the brick Belknap mill. The electric lights were introduced in this city both for public street lighting and for commercial light- ing, and proved popular from the very start. The central station remained in the Belknap mills until October, 1889, when the business increased so as to outgrow the accommodations, and the plant was removed to the lumber works of Gardner Cook & Son, where it was operated until January, 1893, at which time the dynamos and other machinery were removed to the new power station, fitted up by the corporation at Lakeport. The power station at Lakeport is one of the best arranged and most convenient for the electric lighting business to be found in New Hampshire. The power ■ Hill 1 1 1 r l II * « | Laconia Electric Lighting Station. is obtained by powerful water-wheels which are located at the outlet of Lake Winnipesaukee, and which furnishes the most reliable motive power possible to be obtained anywhere. The increase of business has, of course, made it neces- sary to invest in new machinery from time to time, and the corporation has always responded promptly to all de- mands for increased service. They now furnish nearly one hundred arc street lights of 2,000 candle-power for light- ing the streets of the city of Laconia, besides many commercial arc lights, and a large number of incandescent lights for the illumination of stores, pub- lic buildings, and private residences. The corporation has always made a point of furnishing lights of standard quality and it can be truthfully stated that no city in New England has better electric lights than the city on the lakes. The corporation has increased its cap- ital stock from time to time, until from the small beginning with only $4,000 capital, it now has a capital of $45,000. The present officers of the concern are : Directors, Dennis O'Shea, [ohn F. Merrill, Jefferson Gilbert, Frank P. Holt, Addison G. Cook, Gardner Cook, and Albert G. Folsom; president, Den- nis O'Shea ; clerk and treasurer, Charles W. Tyler ; general manager, John F. Merrill. The office of the corporation is at No. 523 Main street. Albert G. Folsom. For the past fifty years, no citizen of Laconia has been more prominent in financial, real estate, and business enterprises of all kinds than Albert Gallatin Folsom, who has been presi- dent of the Laconia Savings bank for over a quarter of a century, and pres- ident of the People's National bank since its incorporation in May, 18S9, and who is, also, the oldest Odd Fel- low in Laconia. Mr. Folsom was born in Laconia, Oct. 12, 18 16, son of Jon- athan and Sarah (Rowe) Folsom, and he comes of an old New Hampshire family. His father was a native of Dover, N. H., and a carpenter by trade, but he was one of the early set- tlers in Meredith Bridge, and opened a way-side tavern here on Pleasant street as early as 1813, which he conducted succesfully for a number of years. This house is now known as the Atkinson residence. He owned the land on Main and Pleasant streets above the present railroad tracks, and was a prominent and popular citizen. He represented the town in the legislature in 1832. He died, in his ninety-fourth year, in 1872. He and his wife, who was a native of Gilford, were the pa- rents of eleven children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only sur vivor. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 127 Albert G. Folsom was born in the associated with Mr. Smith in erecting Pleasant street home, and was edu- the Smith block on the opposite side of cated in the common schools of this the street. lie opened the Folsom town. He was not robust as a boy, opera house in 1862, and was one of and was unable to attend school regu- the organizers and prime movers of the larly, and when about eleven years old Laconia street railway corporation. He his parents sent him to Portsmouth to enter a store kept by an older brother, in the hope that the change would bene- fit his health. Commercial life aroused his ambitions and improved his health, and his brother eventuallv went West, leaving h i m in charge of the store. In 1836 he re- turned to Laconia, and entered the store on Mill street, kept by J a m e s Moline a ux , which he pur- chased about three years later. He af te r w aids took in Geo. F. Bosher as a partner, and this part- nership con- tinued until i860. In 1857 he pur- chased and moved into the Gove block on Main street, and subse- A I In it G. Folsom. has been identified with the Laconia Savings bank nearly sixty years, being a member of the board of trustees about 1 84 1. Mr. Folsom has been twice married. His first wife was ( (live 1!. Robinson of Gilford, and of four chil- d r e n o n 1 y one now sur- vives, Mrs. S a m uel I!. Smith. His second wife was Miss Im- ogen e F . Harris of Franc n i a , and the y have one daughter, Miss Alber- ta. In secret societies, Mr. Folsom has been quite promi- nent, lie is a thirty-sec- ond degree Mason, a m e m b e r of Pilgrim com- mandery of Knights T e m p 1 a r , quently had a clothing store at Cerro and Edward A. Raymond Consistory, Gordo place. In 186 1 ex-Mayor S. 1!. Smith became his partner, and eight years later Mr. Folsom sold out his in- terest in the business and retired from mercantile life. the latter at Nashua. He has filled al the chairs in W'innipiseogee lodge of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Laconia encampment. Although in poor health until he was Mr. Folsom has a well-earned repu- about twenty years old, Mr. Folsom tation as a sagacious and prudent busi- now enjoys excellent health for a man ness man, and a wise financier. He of his years, appearing much younger has been identified with many of Laco- than he actually is, and attending nia's more important enterprises. He personally to his large busness inter- built Folsom block in 1861, and was ests. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. The Crane Manufacturing: Co. The Crane Manufacturing Co., of Lakeport, is known in every city and town in the United States where hosiery, underwear, and web goods are manu- factured, and the numerous knitting ma- chines furnished by this concern have aided materially in developing and pro- moting the knit-goods industry in this country. The production of nearly every one of the most familiar articles of everyday use involves the assistance of mechanical contrivances of which the grandparents of the present generation mensions are 36 by 80 feet, with two wings, one 22 feet by 26 feet, the other 18 feet by 20 feet, of two stories each, with cemented basement, and operated by a steam engine built by Payne of Elmira, N. Y. Everything that skill and attention to detail can devise is to be found in this machine shop, which has a Thomson-Houston electric plant, from which all the departments are lighted, the capacity being one hundred incan- descent lights. The concern manufactures circular spring-needle knitting machines for underwear, jersey cloth, rubber linings, The Crane Manufacturing Company. were entirely ignorant, and the manu- facture of stockinet, eiderdown, jersey cloth, shirts, drawers, or hosiery, affords a good illustration of this fact. The Crane Manufacturing Co. was in- corporated in 1890, but was originally established in 1870, as J. S. Crane &: Co., and the concern has won a wide- spread reputation in knit-goods circles for furnishing such machines and im- provements as would most readily ac- complish the desired object in the man- ufacture of the goods mentioned. The commodious and well-arranged factory of the Crane Manufacturing Co. consists of a main building: whose di- stockinets, etc., also circular spring needle knitting machines for hosiery, latest improved stockinet feeds, of the W. & J. H. Osborne patents, which are owned by the Crane Co., also remova- ble hardened-blade burr wheels, with self-oiling brackets. The Crane ma- chines are constructed of any gauge and diameter desired, fitted and put to work in their shops before they are delivered to customers. To those interested who may be unac- quainted with the firm it might be said, that the Crane Manufacturing Co.'s business is conducted upon the broad- est basis of fairness and good faith. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 1 29 John S. Crane. Mr. John S. Crane, the head of the concern, is one of the pioneer man- ufacturers of knitting machinery, having devoted over thirty-five years to manufacturing and perfecting this class of machinery, and his experi- ence is certainly worthy of consider- ation by manufacturers of knit goods and valuable to the establishment. The officers of the company are : President, John S. Crane ; secretary and treasurer, M. L. Crane. John Summerfield Crane, the foun- der and president of the Crane Man- ufacturing Co., was born in Spring- field, Mass., Feb. 3, 1S34. son of Lu- ther and Rebecca (Manter) Crane. Mr. Crane is a direct descendant of Governor Bradford of the Massachu- setts colony. He received a common school education, and attended the Berwick academy, in Maine. As a young man he possessed a craving for a life at sea, and after leaving school he shipped on a clipper bound for India. The voyage lasted twen- ty-two months, and gave young Crane 9 a trip around the world and at the same time cured him of any further desires in this direction. For a year he was busy learning the machinist's trade at Salmon Falls, and then re- moved to Lawrence and afterwards to Lowell, where he had charge of a sewing-machine factory. Subsequently he resided in Man- chester for a time, and then went West in search of a promising busi- ness opening, but returned and finally located in Lakeport in 1857, where he was employed by Thomas Appleton in the hosiery business. In 1862 lie formed a partnership with William Pepper to build knitting machines. In 1864 he became superintendent of the Winnipesaukee Hosiery Co., in which he was part owner, and in 1865, hav- ing bought out his partners he sold this business to R. M. Bailey. In [879 he was connected with the late Walter Aiken of Franklin in the proprietor- ship of the Gilmore revolving diamond stone dressing machine. In 1^7- Mr. Crane engaged in the manufacture of Mnzellah L. Crane. i3° THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. circular knitting machines, the firm be- ing Crane & Peaslee. The following year he patented a machine for making shirts and underwear, and this industry was added to the business. In 1878 the firm became J. S. Crane & Company, and in 1890 the Crane Manufacturing Co. of to-day was incorporated. Mr. Crane represented Laconia in the New Hampshire legislature in 1875, and Gilford in the legislature of 1878. He was one of the incorporators of the Lake Village Savings bank, is vice- tution. after which he entered the machine shops of his father and ac- quired a thorough knowledge of the machinist's trade and a familiarity with the business by labor in the various de- partments. In 1885 he became asso- ciated in the business of manufacturing knitting machines with his father, under the firm name of Crane Manufacturing Co. Both John S. Crane and Mazellah L. Crane are men of recognized com- mercial ability, who have built up a large industry and are upon a sound m&£>***g&0 M j'W Residence of J. S. Crane. president and a director in the Lake- port National bank. In politics he is a Republican. He is a thirty-second degree Mason. Mr. Crane married in 1856, Clara J. Smith of Nashua. He has one son, Mazellah L. Crane, who is associated with him in business. Mazellah L. Crane, secretary and treasurer of the Crane Manufacturing Co., was born in Lakeport, April 27, 1858, son of John S. and Clara (Smith) Crane, the only child of his parents. He attended the public schools of Lake- port and New Hampton Literary Insti- and successful financial basis. On Feb- ruary 5, 1S96, Mr. Crane was united in marriage with Fannie E. Taylor of La- conia. There are two daughters by a previous marriage. Mr. Crane is a mem- ber of PIndicott Rock lodge, No. 20, Knights of Pythias, of Lakeport. The Melcher & Prescott Insurance Agency. The Melcher & Prescott Insurance Agency of Laconia, with offices at Smith block, rooms 6 and 7, Main THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. '3i street, and Morgan block, 766 Union avenue, is one of the largest and oldest established insurance agencies in this section of New Hampshire. This agency was founded in 1S62 by Hon. Woodbury L. Melcher, who at that time represented the Phoenix Fire Insurance company of Hartford, Conn. The in- surance business rapidly increased, and in 1SS6 Mr. True E. Prescott was taken into the concern as a partner, since which time it has been known as the Melcher & Prescott Agency. In 189 1 Mr. Melcher's private business inter- following list of well-known insurance companies : Aachen & Munich Fire Ins. Co. of Germany. .l.tna Ins. Co. of Hartford, Conn. Agricultural Ins. Co. of Watertown, X. V. Commercial Union Assurance Co. of London, England. Continental Insurance Co. of New York. Insurance Co. of North America of Philadel- phia. Lancashire Insurance Co. of Manchester, Eng- land. Magdeburg Fire Insurance Co. of Germany. National Fire Ins. Co. of Hartford, Conn.' Niagara Fire Ins. Co. of New York. Palatine Ins. Co. of Manchester. England. Phcenix Assurance Co. of London, England. Residence of M. L. Crane. ests became so great that it was neces- sary for him to be away most of the time, and consequently the entire busi- ness and management of the insurance agency was turned over to Mr. Prescott who has since conducted the affairs of the concern. This agency does not mix any other line of business with insur- ance, but devotes entire attention to this branch alone. From the one insurance company with which Mr. Melcher started in 1862 the agency has gradually and carefully increased its facilities until the Melcher & Prescott Agency now represents the Phoenix Ins. c<>. of Hartford, Conn. Phenix Insurance Co. of Brooklyn, X. V. Queen Insurance Co. of New York. Springfield Fire & Marine Ins. Co. of Spring- field, Mass. Williamsburg City Fire Ins. Co. of New York. Boston Insurance Co. of Boston, Mass. Greenwich Ins. Co. of New \" < m k . Traders and Mechanics of Powell, Mass. Merchants' and Fanners' Ins. Co. of Worcester, Mass. Concord Mutual Insurance of Concord, V II. Manufacturers' and Merchants' Mutual Ins. Co. of Concord, N. II. Capital Fire Insurance Co. of Concord. N. II. Fire Underwriters' Association of Concord, X. II. ( rranite State Fire Insurance < )o. of Poi tsmouth, N. II. 132 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. New Hampshire Fire Ins. Co. of Manchester, N. H. Lloyd's Plate Glass Ins. Co. of New York. Fidelity and Deposit Co. of Baltimore, Md. Maryland Casualty Co. of Baltimore, Md. Employers' Liability Assurance Corporation of London, England. Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Milwaukee, Wis. This long list of strong companies enables the agency to place $200,000 or more insurance on any one risk, facili- ties which are unsurpassed by any other agency in New Hampshire. Their vative methods of the Northwestern Mutual have won the admiration of everyone seeking this line of insurance, and has enabled the Melcher & Prescott Agency to establish a very good busi- ness in this line. The accident and liability depart- ment, which was hardly known a few years ago, is now one of the leading features of this agency, which represents the Employers' Liability Assurance company of London, and the Maryland Casualty Co. of Baltimore, Md., which Melcher & Prescott's Insurance Office. business is not confined to Laconia and vicinity, as their arrangements with their companies allow them the entire state, and their largest lines of insur- ance are carried outside of Belknap county. The business of the Melcher & Pres- cott Agency is divided into five depart- ments, viz. : Fire, life, accident and liability, plate glass, fidelity and bond. In the life insurance department, the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the company represented. The conser- issued policies for employers, public landlords, elevator, horse, and vehicle liability, and individual accident. The agency has paid many losses, and re- lieved some of our citizens from law- suits which they would have had forced upon them if it had not been for this line of insurance. In the plate glass insurance depart- ment the Melcher & Prescott Agency represents the Lloyd's Plate Glass In- surance company of New York, the old- est institution in America doing this line of insurance. This company has ad- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. L33 justed every loss sustained since its or- ganization, without a single lawsuit. In the fidelity insurance line this agency represents the Fidelity and De- posit Co. of Baltimore, Md., and this branch of their business includes the fur- nishing of bonds for salesmen, agents, secretaries, treasurers, officers of bene- ficial and building and loan associations, appointees and employees of the United States government, contractors for building or other operations, clerks of courts, sheriffs, cashiers, administrators, guardians, in fact every posi- tion of trust. The Melcher & P r e s c o 1 1 agency repre- sents besides their other fire insurance com- panies many of the leading mu- tual fire insur- ance concerns, thus giving their patrons who are partial to this kind of insurance an opportunity to select from the best, which is a very important consider at i o n in a mutual in- surance com- pany. The Melcher & Prescott agency is not only one of the oldest in- surance agencies in this part of the state, but it has a well-deserved reputation for settling losses, which reflects unlimited credit upon its management. During all its years of business the agency has never been known to falter ; not a sin- gle loss has ever occurred but the com- pany insuring has been able to pay one hundred cents on the dollar. No agency can have a better record for fair and honorable dealing than the Mel- cher & Prescott concern. Col. S. S. Jewett. Col. Stephen S. Jewett, of the law firm of Jewett & Plummer, has not only won a reputation throughout New Hampshire as a successful lawyer but probably no man of his age is better or more widely known in Republican political circles. He is the son of John G. and Carrie E. (Shannon) Jewett, born in that part of Gilford which is now included in the city of Laconia, September i8 5 1858. He comes of English stock, and his great- gra ndfather, Samuel Jewett, who was one of the Revolution- ary patriots at Bunker Hill, resided fur some time in Hollis, N. H., whence he re- moved to Laco- nia, he and his brother being practically the first settlers of this place. Stephen Shan- non Jewett ac- quired his early education in the public school s of Laconia and under p r i vat e tuition by his father, who was for some years a schoolmaster. At the age of seventeen years, Mr. Jewett entered the law office of Hon. Charles F. Stone and was pre- pared for examination to practice law in 1S79. but being under age was com- pelled to wait a year. I [e was admitted to practice in March, 1880. and at once commenced to practice his profession in Laconia. conducting an independent business until L889, when Lawyer Wil- liam A. Plummer became his partner. During his twenty years of legal prac- tice, but few important cases have ap- True E. Prescott. J 34 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. peared on the Belknap court docket without his name in connection, either for plaintiff or defendant. In 1884, he accepted the position of clerk of the supreme court for Belknap county, as an accommodation for the convenience of the court, and served for a short time. He drafted and secured the passage of Laconia's city charter, was Mr. Jewett has a wide reputation as a successful manager and leader in po- litical campaigns. He first actively en- gaged in politics in 1876, when a youth of seventeen, and was soon recognized as a leader in political matters. He conducted the affairs of the Republican town committee from 1880 to 1890, and becoming a member of the Republican Col. Stephen S. Jewett. the first city solicitor and has held the position ever since. Colonel Jewett is actively interested in numerous local enterprises outside of his professional duties. He is a direc- tor in the Laconia National bank, in the Laconia Building and Loan Association, in the Laconia Land and Improvement company, the Standard Electric Time company, the Masonic Temple associa- tion, etc. state committee in 1884 was elected secretary of that body in 1890. His capacity has been tried in several hard- fought campaigns, and he served as chairman and manager of the Republi- can canvass in 1892 and 1894, winning signal victories in both instances. In the New Hampshire house of rep- resentatives he has served as clerk, as- sistant clerk, and engrossing clerk. In 1894 he was elected as a representative THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. *35 from Ward 2, and served as speaker of the house, in which capacity his long public service in political matters and extensive acquaintance peculiarly fitted him. Colonel Jewett was a member of the staff of Governor Goodell in 1889, and he was a member and chairman of the New Hampshire delegation to the and was the leading member of that body during the session, directing, to a large extent, the action upon most of the important measures. Colonel Jewett was married June 30, 1SS0, to Annie L. Bray of Bradford, England, and he insists that most of his success in life is due to his wife. They have one son, Theo S. William A. Hummer. Republican national convention which nominated President McKinley at St. Louis in 1896. He is still a member of the executive committee, of the state committee, and the executive commit- tee of the Republican national league. At the last state election Colonel Jewett was elected to the New Hamp- shire senate from the sixth district, Colonel Jewett is a thirty-second de- gree Mason, has been an officer in all of the local Masonic bodies and -rand master of the Grand council of New I [ampshire. He served as a member of old Com- pany K. New Hampshire National Guard, and is connected with several other social and fraternal organizations. 136 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. William A. Plummer. one of whom is the subject of this sketch. William A. Plummer of the well- William Alberto Plummer was born in known law firm of Jewett & Plummer, Gilmanton, Dec. 2, 1865. His father, and a prominent member of the Belknap Charles E. Plummer, was born in Gil- County bar, is a native of Gilmanton manton and still resides there, a large and can trace his family back to the landowner, his property covering over very first settlers of New England, a thousand acres, and he is extensively The Plummers were among the early engaged in farming, stock-raising, and settlers in Newburyport, Mass., in 1635, lumbering. William A. Plummer was and Governor Plummer of New Hamp- educated at Gilmanton academy, Dart- shire was of the same stock. On the mouth college, and Boston University maternal side, William Moody came School of Law. He was admitted to from England to Ipswich, Mass., in 1633, and settled in Newbury, Massa- chusetts, in 1635. John Moody of Kingston is a collateral line from William, and was the fath- er of Capt. John Moody who lived in Gi 1 m an ton. He m o v e d to Gilman- ton from Kingston. Nov e m b e r 15,1764. He settled on No. 5 of the u p per one h u n d r e d acres in the first parish. At that time he had no neighbors within four miles on the south and none nearer than the Canada line on the north. In 1776, Capt. John Moody enlisted twenty men, joined the army, and marched under Washington as a cap- tain to New York. They were out three months and eight days. He had seven children ; one son, Elisha Moody, was born Sept. 28, 1773, and died Sept. 21, 1833. He had twelve children; one son, Stephen S. Moody, was born in Gilmanton, June 25, 1S06, and died April 27, 1893 ; he had six children. Mary H. Moody, a daughter, was born in Gilmanton, Dec. 5, 1830, and now lives in Gilmanton. She married Chas. E. Plummer. They had three children, Residence of William A. Plummer. the bar, July 26, 1889, and previous to this date he read law with J. C. Story at Plymouth, G. W. Murray at Canaan, and was also in the office of C. T. & T. H. Rus- sell of Bos- ton. Sept. 2, 18S9, he became the partner of Col. S. S. Jewett, and the law firm of Jewett iSc Plummer i s one of the best known in the state, and it has gained much legal prestige from the ability of both members of the firm. In politics, Mr. Plummer is a Demo- crat, but not what is known as a Silver Democrat. He was a representative in the legislature in 1893, has been a member of the Laconia board of educa- tion since 1893, and president of the board for the past three years. He was a delegate to the Democratic na- tional convention at Chicago in 1S96. He is a director of the Laconia board of trade, a director of the La- conia National bank, a trustee of the City Savings bank, and a director of the Laconia Building and Loan Asso- ciation. Mr. Plummer is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the An- TH E ILLUSTRATED LAC< >X I A N . 137 cient Order of United Workmen. He was master of Mt. Lebanon lodge, i8g5-'96, and is an officer in Union chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and in Pilgrim commandery, Knights Templar. Mr. Plummer mar- ried Ellen F. Murray, daughter of George W. Murray, Esq., of Canaan, N. H., a well- known and able law- yer, who has achieved great success in his chosen prof e s s i o n , and during the active years of his profes- sional life enjoyed as extensive a law prac- tice as any lawyer in the state. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer have one son, Wayne Mur- ray Plummer, and their residence on Pleasant street is one of the most beautiful Dr. William A. King. and elegant homes in the city of Laconia. Dr. William A. King. Although a resident of Laconia for co m para- tively a few years, D r . 'William A. King h a s practised his prof e s s i o n h e r e long enough to be reco g n i z e d as a skilful and profi- cient dentist, and to ac- quire a wide re pu t a t i o n for scientific work in his line, w h i c h . . , Residem 1 FDr. has resulted in building up a large and prosperous practice. Dr. Kin°: was born in Leeds, P. Q., Aug. 6, 1863, son of Henry and Mary Ann (Kirtland) King. He went to Littleton, N. H., in 18S1, and thence came to Laconia in iSSS, where he studied dentistry in a local office, then took a course at the Boston Dental col- lege, and afterwards attended the Balti- more Dental college, graduating from the latter institution in 1890. Upon completing his professional stud- ies, Doctor King re- turn ed to Laconia, and has been in suc- cessful practice here since that time. He is located at No. 79 Main street, where he has handsomely fitted apartments for his office, while his resi- dence on Lincoln street is generally admitted to be one of the most beautiful and comfortable homes in the city. He was married in 1S93 to Miss Helen Abbott Martin, daughter of the late H enry Martin and Mrs. Lucy J. Martin of Canaan, N. H . They have one son, Martin Ro- nald K ing, who is four vears old. The Laconia Grist-mill. One of the very first in- ^£m dust r ies in Laconia was /Mian. A. King. g gr i st - m i 1 1 , which was established very soon after the Province road was built, about 1770. The grist-mill was first erected THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. on the Meredith side of the river, but was swept away by a freshet in 1779, and then rebuilt on the Gilford side. In 1775, the grist-mill was conducted by Stephen Gale, and afterwards by Col. Samuel Ladd, and from him handed down to one person and another until the present day. The mill building has been several times destroyed by fire, but always im- mediately rebuilt, and the location of the Laconia Grist-mill to-day, conducted by Miller J. S. Morrill is not very far from the first location on that side of passed away, and Miller Morrill still makes a special feature of custom grinding, although this is now a small part of the grist-mill business. The Laconia Grist-mill carries a large stock of all kinds of grain, feed, hay, straw, etc., and handles a larger quantity of Hour than any other concern in this section of New Hampshire. Mr. Mor- rill is agent for the well-known Pills- bury mills, which are the largest flour mills in the world, and produce the standard bread flour. During the past few years, the Laconia Grist-mill has —I ~ _2 r_ rr *!? £"'*- " l EH Li L sn HI The Laconia Grist-Mill. the river, the grist-mill which was erected in 1780 being built a trifle nearer the Mill street bridge. A century and a quarter of time has made considerable change in the grist- mill industry, but the Laconia Grist- mill has always managed to be classed as an up-to-date establishment, and is, to-day, equipped with modern machin- ery and conducted on modern princi- ples. In the olden times, the principal branch of this business was the grind- ing of corn and grain for the farmers, and this feature has not yet entirely built up a good trade in entire wheat flour, graham, bolted meal for cooking purposes, etc. Joseph S. Morrill, the present pro- prietor of this long-established industry, is a native of Canterbury, N. H., born April 22, 1S69. He completed his edu- cation at New Hampshire Conference Seminary, from which institution he graduated in 1SS9, and soon after com- menced learning the grain business and miller's trade. Mr. Morrill came to Laconia in April, 1890, and formed a partnership with Mr. W. L. Melcher THE ILLUSTRATED LACONTAN. L39 and G. G. Brown, and engaged in busi- ness at the Laconia Grist-mill. Mr. Melcher retired from the concern in [892, and three years later, in 1895, Mr. lirown sold out his interest in the busi- Juseph S. Morrill. ness to Mr. Morrill, who has since con- ducted the mill alone. Mr. Morrill married Tna M. Stone of Webster, N. H., September 7, 1S92. He has been quite successful in the manage- ment of the grist-mill business, and has built up a large trade in all depart- ments of the business. Grist-mills in many parts of New Hampshire have been abandoned and rendered almost useless by the march of progress, but the Laconia mill has always kept up with the procession, and under the enterprising management of Mr. Mor- rill bids fair to be a necessary and prof- itable industry for a century or two longer at least. The Late John O'Loughlin. The late John O'Loughlin, who died in lioston, October 26. 1 S96, was a young Laconian who rose by his own enter- prise and ability, from a poor boy, start- ing in life without a penny, to be post- master of Laconia, and recognized as city. He was the son of Martin and Nora O'Loughlin. who were industrious and excellent people, but very poor. At an early age, John O'Loughlin found employment in the Pitman mills, and later on was a clerk in the Pitman gro- cery and hardware store. He then en- tered the store of Lougee Brothers, and after several years was with the O'Shea Brothers for some time, until he at- tracted the attention of the late Hon. John C. Moulton, who made him mana- ger of the Moulton opera house, and finally employed him nearly all the time in looking after the Moulton real es- tate and other interests. It was largely through Mr. O'Loughlin's efforts that the old gas company was merged into the present YVinnipesaukee Gas com- pany, and the new modern gas plant constructed. In March, 1895. Mr. O'Loughlin was appointed postmaster of Laconia, after one of the hardest The late John O'Loughlin. contests in the history of Laconia. He went into the fight with almost no prospects of success, and but very little influential backing, and that he one of the active business men of the was successful was due almost entirely 140 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. to his own energy and persistency. He took much pride in moving the post-office from its old quarters to the handsome quarters in Masonic temple, and in having the establishment fitted in metropolitan style. Mr. O'Loughlin worked hard with the department at Washington for the free delivery sys- tem, and was finally successful in securing this service for Laconia. Light-hearted, jovial, loyal to his friends and generous to a fault, ten- denly caring for his widowed mother and trying to keep the family togeth- er after the death of his parents, Johnny O'Lough- lin was a young man with many commendable t r a its of charac- ter. He was but twenty-eight years old at the time of his death, but had ace o m p 1 i s h e d more in his brief business career than most m e n similarly situat- ed would have achieved in a whole lifetime. Dr. Alfred W. Abbott. Dr. Alfred Wells Abbott has prac- Dr . Alfred W. Abbott. tised his profes- sion in Laconia for nearly twenty years, and has won a wide reputation as an able physician. He was born in Concord, N. H., May 7, 1842, son of Alfred C. and Judith (Farnham) Abbott. He studied medi- cine with Dr. S. S. Emery at Fisherville (now Penacookj, and graduated with honor at Dartmouth Medical college in 1868. He commenced the practice of his profession at Lawrence, Kansas, but soon returned to New Hampshire, locat- ing at Suncook, where he remained un- til July, 1870, and then removed to San- bornton, where he remained ten years, acquiring a large and lucrative practice, and gaining a host of friends. Runnells's history of Sanbornton, published while Dr. Abbott was a resident of that town, says of him: "He has won much es- teem for his social qualities, and as a well-read, scientific physician, enjoying an extensive practice in this and ad- joining towns." In 1S80 he came to Laconia, and here, preceded by his reputation for skill and knowl- edge, he made rapid strides in his prof ess io n , and to-day he oc- cupies an assured position among the leading practi- tioners of New Hampshire. His practice i s large and lucrative, he has acquired a competency, and is considered one of Laconia's best financiers. He has long been a trustee of the La- conia Savings bank, and has been president of the Citizens' Tel ephone company since its organiz- ation in 1896. He was the first vi ce -president of Winnipesaukee Academy of Medicine, and its second president. In his politi cal affiliations Dr. Abbott is a staunch Republican, but has never sought poli- tical preferment, and has steadfastly re- fused official positions, although often urged by his political friends to accept positions of honor and trust. He is distinctively a professional man, and devotes his whole time and attention to the calling which he loves so well and in which he has been so successful. He was married December 30, 1869, THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Mi to Julia Ann Clay of Manchester, N. H., by whom he has had three children : Clifton Smith, born Jan. 16. 187 1, a graduate of the Dartmouth Medical col- lege in the class of 1893. Dr. Clifton Abbott is now in partnership with his father and has a well-deserved reputa- tion as a learned and skilful physician. Blanche Newall Abbott was born April 10, 1872, is a young lady of many ac- complishments, and a teacher in our Laconia public schools. Carl Benning Abbott was born August 29, 1877, and died M arch, 18SS. cine, Winnipesaukee lodge, 1. < ). ( ). F., and is also a member of the Order of Golden Cross. He is unmarried, and an attendant at the Congregational church. The Laconia Democrat. Dr. Clifton S. Abbott. Dr. Clifton S . Abbott i s one of the youngest, but by n o means the least, of Laconia's phy- sicians. He was born in Sanbornton, Jan. 16, 187 1. the son of Dr. A. W. and Julia Abbott, and is one of a family of physicians. He was educat- ed in the public schools of La- conia, and stud- ied the medical p r o f e s sion at I >artmouth Medical college, where he graduated in 1894, afterwards taking a post-graduate course at Harvard Medi- cal school. Dr. Clifton Abbott com- menced practice in this city in the office of his father, witli whom he is still asso- ciated. He was elected a member of the board of education in March, 1S99, and is county physician for Laconia and Sanbornton, also surgeon at the Laconia Cottage hospital. He is a member of the Winnipesaukee Academy of Medi- Dr. Clifton S. Abbutt Laconia has had numerous news- papers during the last sixty years, but with the exception of the Laconia Democrat at this end of the city, and the Belknap Re- publican at Lakeport, none of them h a s surv i v e d the journalistic storms for more than a dozen or fifteen years. The Demo crat was founded in 1 S 49 , and is conse q u e n 1 1 y half a century old, and it has always been a thriving and progressive newspaper. The paper was started by Keach <\- Seav- er, and among its editors and proprietors have been the late S. C. Bald- win, the late Joseph Batchelder, the late O. A. J. Vaughan, William M. Kendall, and Col. Edwin C. Lewis, with his partners. Col. Lewis was connected with the Laconia Democrat for about eighteen years, and under his editorship the paper was ex- ceedingly prosperous. In the year 1 S97 Colonel Lewis sold his interest in the concern, and the Laconia Press Association was organ- ized, with Ex-Gov. Charles A. Busiel as president and a frequent contributor to the editorial columns, and Charles W. 14: THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Vaughan as general manager. As an advocate of state reform and the devel- opment of New Hampshire, during the past two years, the circ u 1 a t i o n and influence of the Laconia Dem- ocrat have largely increased, and from a merely lo- cal paper cover- ing only Belknap county the paper now enjoys an extensive circula- tion in all parts of the Granite State. E. P. Jewell Erastus P . Jewell was born in the town of Sandwich, N. H., March 16, 1837. He Came to La- Erastus P. Jewell conia in 1859 and studied law with the late Col. Thos. J. Whipple. The law firms of Whipple & Jewell, Jewell & Smith, Jewell & Stone, The foregoing is the full extent of the information which Lawyer Jewell was willing to furnish to the Illustrated La- conian, for a sketch of himself, but the publishers take the liberty to add that Mr. Jew- ell has a wide rep- utation as a safe and careful coun- selor and has won especial fame in argument and pleading before the jurymen of Belknap county and in fact in all the courts of New Hampshire. He has always been intensely interest- ed in matters of history, especially pertaining to the early settlement of this section of New Hampshire, and probably but few men in New Eng- land can talk so intelligently and in- terestingly of the Indians of the Granite Residence of Erastus P. Jewell. Jewell, Stone, Owen & Martin, have been state as "Perry" Jewell. In this con- well and widely known. Mr. Jewell's law nection, he has made a large and valu- firm is now Jewell, Owen & Veasey. able collection of Indian relics, stone THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. M3 implements, arrow-heads, hatchets, knives, etc.. which he treasures highly, but which will probably some clay be turned over to the custody of the city for preservation for future generations. The Late Nathaniel Edgerly. Nathaniel Edgerly was born in the Iron Works village in Gilmanton, Sept. 22, 1802, and died in Laconia, Sept. 26, 1874. He was one of a family of ten children of Da- Mr. Edgerly was married, Nov. 9, 1830, to Lucy Thurston of Gilmanton, who died in 1858. Eight children were born to them, of whom four survive. In religion. Mr, Edgerly was a Uni- versalist: in politics, a Democrat. Laconia Water Company. No city or town in the United States can boast of a better, purer, or more inexhaustible water supply than the city on the lakes. vid and A n n a X e w Ha m p - (Lougee) Ed- shire is noted gerly. for its clear After receiv- lakes, ponds, ing such educa- and the largest tion as could lake in the be obtained at state, and one the com m on of the purest schools and df fc " "1jF££: and clearest - is at Gilmanton Lake Winnipe- academy, and saukee, from serving for a ' whence the city time as a book- /— — of Laconia keeper in Bos- "** draws its entire ton, he learned *v , water supply, the clothier's ^ «,.--/ The ma tter of trade, at which ■*■•*?' ""^W a city water sup- he worked in ^k $*•— ^^ $ !■■ ply had been his father's mill f *=■£... agitated for sev- in Gilmanton. I f eral years, and and later car- J a survey was ried on the made as f a r same business j. back as [869, on his own ac- M but largely count. He also, IB JIHMMMHHHi through for a time, kept The late Nathaniel Edgerly. J 01 " 1 * °* P° n - a general store W. L. Melcher in Gilmanton. Subsequently, he was em- and Col. B. F. Drake, a charter was ployed in the Strafford county registry obtained in 1883, and a company organ- of deeds at Dover, X. H. He served two terms as one of the selectmen of Gilmanton, and in 1S40 was elected to the legislature from that town. In 1841, the county of Belknap hav- ing been recently organized, he was appointed register of deeds, to which office he was annually re-elected until 1859. Eor a short time after his retire- ment from the register's office, he was engaged in the boot and shoe trade. ized in August. 1884. as the Laconia and Lake Village Water-Works, with a capital of S6o,ooo. The plant was constructed in [885, and water was first let on in December of that year. The pumping-station is located on Union avenue, at Lakeport, and the reservi >ii is upon the high hill overlooking Lake Paugus, on the eas- terly side of Union avenue. The sys- tem has, of course, been extended from M + THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. year to year, and the capital stock has been increased to $100,000. The total cost of the plant, up to date, is about $175,000. The name of the corpora- tion was changed to Laconia Water Company, by the legislature, in 1897. The original officers of the corpora- tion were : President, Hon. John C. Moulton ; treasurer, Hon. W. L. Melch- er ; clerk, John W. Ashman ; superin- tendent, Benj. F. Drake ; directors, John C. Moulton, Woodbury L. Melch- er, Benj. J. Cole, Ellery A. Hibbard, tion are: President, Hon. Woodbury L. Melcher ; clerk and treasurer, Edmund Little ; superintendent, Frank P. Web- ster ; directors, Woodbury L. Melcher, Ellery A. Hibbard, Benjamin F. Drake, Gardner Cook. John S. Crane, William B. Fellows, Geo. H. Roby, Frank E. Busiel, Wm, H. Pepper. The Late Samuel H. Martin. The untimely death of the late Sam- uel H. Martin, on April 26, 1S98, re- ... Laconia Pumping Station. Benj. F. Drake, Gardner Cook, Henry B. Quinby. The total amount of pipe laid at the present time is twenty-three and one fourth miles, and there are now 1,489 consumers taking water from this sys- tem. The corporation can supply 3,000,000 gallons of water per day if necessary. There are about ninety-two hydrants for fire purposes attached to the system. The capacity of the reser- voir is 2,750,000 gallons. The present officers of the corpora- moved from the Belknap Bar associa- tion one of the brightest and most promising young lawyers of Laconia. Mr. Martin was a native of Bangor, P. Q., and the son of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Martin. His age at the time of his death was thirty-one years and nine months. He came to Laconia with his parents when a mere boy, and obtained his education in our public schools. He studied law with Jewell & Stone, and was admitted to the bar in July, 1S92, entering the office of Stan- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. J 45 ton Owen, the firm being known as Owen & Martin. About a year later, the partnership of Jewell, Stone, ( hven & Martin was formed, and continued until broken by Mr. Martin's decease. Mr. Martin never enjoyed robust health, and on several occasions during the few years previous to his death his life was despaired of, but he was ambi- tious and possessed of great will power, which enabled him to fight against dis- ease, and he persisted in attending to Charles William McDaniel was born his professional duties long after most in South Berwick, Maine, May 5, 1 8 5 _r . father was always cheerful and hopeful regard- ing his physical condition, and per- sisted in going to his office and devol ing himself to his professional work just as long as he had the physical strength to get out of doors. In 1892 he married Miss Nellie A. Schoffe, who survives him. Charles W. McDaniel. men would have given up t h e fight and mere- 1 v waited for death. Mr. Martin was admitted to be one of the most studious, logical, and elo- qu en t young lawyers w h i c h the city on the lakes ever pro- duced. He was popular with his associate members of the bar and highly respected by the entire com- munity. Strict- ly honorable and upright in all his dealings with clients and opponents, his conduct of le- gal affairs was a model of professional etiquette. He was easy and convincing the machinist trade in North Andover, in his address, and at times rose to gen- Mass., where he worked about one uine eloquence. He was a self-made year, completing the trade of tool mak- man, for he carried himself along to ing two years later at the shop of Frank success by his own unaided efforts, by Perkins in Lowell. In 1 S7 7, he went pluck and ambition, in spite of the dis- with a large prospecting party from The late Samuel II. Martin His was Charles S. McDaniel, who was a descend- ant fro m t h e Scotch McDan- iel brothers , who we re among the first settlers of Maine. His mother, Sarah Minerva Frost, was closely re- lated to the In- dian fighter Charles Frost, and Prophet Frost, whose names w e r e household words in Elliott and other parts of M aine, in their day. I le was ed u c a t e d in the schools of his native town. At the age of eighteen years he began to learn ease which fastened itself upon him in his early manhood and hampered him from pursuing his studies and in his professional life. With a full knowledge that he was to be an early victim of consumption, he Franklin, N. II.. to the Black Hills. This was before the railroad went into the hills, and Mr. McDaniel covered the entire distance from Cheyenne to Dead- wood City, about 350 miles, on foot, and was the only one of the party that 146 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. held out to walk the entire distance. He remained in this section about a year and then he and three others went down the Missouri river from Fort Pierre to Sioux City in a flat-bottomed boat of their own manufacture. Re- turning east he resumed his trade as a machinist in Franklin Falls. June 26, 1879, he married Ida Frances Sanders of Bristol, N. H., daughter of Benjamin and Priscilla (Blake) Sanders. Her father, Benjamin Sanders, was a member of the Twelfth New Hampshire regiment, and was in the battle of Fr e d e r i c k s - b u rg, December, 1862 ; battle of (Jhancellorsvill e , May 2, 1863. He was wounded in the right arm at this battle and was captured by the C o n f e d er- ates, and held eleven days and then exchanged. After being con- fined in the hos- p i t a 1 several weeks he was discharged in Oc- tober, 1863, for d i s a b ility. He enlisted again on March 16, 1864, in Company A, First New Hamp- shire Cavalry, was taken prisoner, and died at Andersonville. Her moth- er, Priscilla Rundlett Blake, was great- granddaughter of Maj. Joseph Prescott of Bunker Hill fame. This union has been blessed with three children : Harry Sewal, who is a clerk in Plummer & Thompson's drug store in Laconia ; Jessa Saunders, who is a student at the Laconia High school, and Charles Stanley, a bright little fellow of nine years. Mr. McDaniel resided in Bristol from 1879 to 1887, where he was engaged in the paper mills of Mason, Perkins & Co., and as assistant superintendent of of the Train, Smith & Co. paper mills. In 1887, after the death of Mrs. McDan- iel's mother, they removed to Lakeport, where they now reside. Mr. McDaniel was made a Master Mason at Franklin, and is now a member of Mt. Lebanon lodge, Union chapter, and Pilgrim commandery of Laconia, and also a member of Chocorua lodge, I. O. O. F. He was appointed by Gov. C. A. Busiel, in 1S96, as inspector of steam- boats for the state of New H a m p - shire, which posi- tion he still holds. Although not an aspirant for political honors he is in principles a staunch Repub- lican. In religious faith, Mr. McDan- ^Fiftl iel is a Baptist, and the family at- tend the Union Avenue Baptist church at Lake- port. Gordon & Booth, Jewelers, Charles W. McDaniel Gordon & Booth, jewelers, are pro- prietors of the oldest jewelry es- tablishment in the city of Laconia, the business hav- ing been started by the late Richard Gove, who came here from Boston in 1833, and opened a store in this line in a little one-story wooden building, which stood just below the Main street bridge, on a portion of the site now oc- cupied by the Smith brick block. Mr. Gove built up a very prosperous trade and erected several large business blocks on Main street, one on the pres- ent site of Folsom block, and another fine fire-proof building near the location of the present Gordon & Booth store THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. M7 The building did not prove to be fire- proof, however, and was destroyed in the great conflagration of i860. Mr. Gove was one of the most public- spirited and enterprising citizens of Ids day, and lie fitted up Gove Point, which projects into Lake Winnesquam, at his own expense and at great cost, for the benefit of the public, as a common pleas- ure resort free to all. Under Mr. Gove's management and under its present management by Messrs. Gordon & Booth, the jewelry establishment has always been one of the leading stores in this line in this River and Bradford, Vt. He came to Laconia in 1874 and was with Mr. Gove (his uncle) in the store from that time until Mr. Cove's death in April, 1883. Since that date he has con- tinued the business himself. Mr. booth entering the partnership in the summer of 189S. Mr. Gordon is a Democrat in politics and served as selectman three years under the old town government. He is a director of the Laconia build- ing and Loan Association, a trustee of the Laconia Savings bank, and presi- dent of the Laconia Land and Improve- ment company. In fraternal orders Gordon & Booth's Jewelry Store section of New Hampshire. It carries a large stock of gold and silver jewelry, watches, clocks, optical goods, silver and plated ware, china, and, in fact, everything which can be found in an up-to-date metropolitan jewelry estab- lishment. Mr. Alburtis S. Gordon, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Hebron. X. H., the son of Levi S. and Mary (Gove) Gordon, born May 17, 1848. He was ■ educated in the public schools, and then learned the tinsmith's trade when eighteen years of age, and worked at this trade five years in Wells Mr. Gordon is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor, and a thirty-second degree Mason, being a member of the local branches of Ma- sonry, including Pilgrim Commandery Knights Templar, and Raymond Con- sistory of Nashua. John booth, the junior member of the firm, was born Sept. ii>. [871, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, his parents being George ami Annia (Mellis) booth. He has been employed at Danville, P. Q.. and St. Johnsbury. \'t., and was in business at Windsor Mills, I'. Q. lie came to Laconia in June, 1898. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 149 Pease's City Band. Pease's City Band of Laconia was reorganized in the spring of 1893, with Charles R. Pease as leader and direc- tor. This organization was composed of some of the best musicians in the city, and at once sprang into popular favor. It has progressed rapidly, and to-day ranks with the best bands in the state. It is in a very prosperous condi- tion, having two sets of uniforms, and has had a new band-room built for its especial con- veni ence, and f urn ish ed in modern style throughout. It also has a large library of music. Its present membership is twenty-five mu- sicians, with the following in- s t rumentation : Director and leader, Charles R. Pease ; cor- nets, Ernest Ringer. William F. Sanborn, Harry W.Smith, HenryTurcotte, Albert B. Ladd ; flute and picco- lo, Robert S. Foss; clarinets, Clarence R. Davis, William . H. H a wk i ns, Geo. Ringer, John Webber, Leon Ladd ; altos, Sidney H. Smith. Ceo. R. bow- man. Austin Folsom ; baritone, Archie L. Bean; trombones, ("has. H. Hoyt, John H. Swain. James Harder; bassos, fas. Ringer, F. A. Clement. J. B. Morrill ; drums, Leon Hale, H. P. Dimond, I'. A. Carleton ; drum-major, I. M. Cottrell. Albert S. Glidden. Albert S. Glidden, manager and pro- prietor of the concern known as A. S. Glidden «N: Co., brass founders, is a native of Lynn, Mass.. born Sept. 26, [859, the son of Levi and Emily (Cole- man) Glidden, both of whom are now deceased. He removed to New Hamp- shire with his parents when only two years old. and was educated in the public schools of Laconia. Mr. (Hid- den learned the foundry business at the shops of the late George Rollins, which were located on Gove Point in this city. After learning his trade. Mr. Glidden removed to Manchester and remained there about t h r e e y r a r s . then returned to Laconia. and has been con- nected with the various foun- dries in this city. He went into b u s i n e s s for himself in Boston, in part- nership with W. H. Wilkin- son, under the firm name of W. H. Wilkin- son & Co.. but retired from this business to re - turn to Laconia, where he start- ed a brass foun- dry of his own. located o n Somes court, in a new building which was erect- ed especially for this purpose. The concern does business under the linn name of A. S. Glidden & Co.. and manufactures all kinds of brass and composition castings. It is the only concern in this line in this city and the work turned out is considered of high quality. The business has been very prosperous and is constantly increasing, Mr. Glidden is an Odd bellow, and a Knight of Pythias. He was married in [882 to Miss Ida J. Davis .,1 L.u o- nia. Thev have no children. !5° THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Laconia National Bank. The Laconia National bank, with a capital of $150,000, is the largest and easily the most important banking in- stitution in this section of New Hamp- shire. The bank was organized Decem- ber 28, 1865, and commenced business May 1, 1866, with the following board of officers : President, John C. Moulton ; cashier, Daniel S. Dinsmoor ; directors, John C. Moulton, Ellery A. Hibbard, Samuel T. Thomas, William N. Blair, Benjamin J. Cole, Samuel C. Clarke, Hanson Beede. The bank hired vault building. The explosion alarmed the citizens in the vicinity, but the robbers boldly reentered the bank, hastily gath- ered up the booty and escaped. The windows in the entire block were shiv- ered, the plastering torn off, and one side of the entire building started from its fastenings. The securities were afterwards recovered, being found where the burglars discarded them as of no value, and the loss of the cash and bonds did not of course cripple the bank. In 1889 tne bank was moved to its present location at Bank square, where Interior of Laconia National Bank. room of the old Belknap County bank, and occupied rooms in the same build- ing. This bank has always transacted a large and profitable business, and has always been regarded as one of the most reliable and soundest financial es- tablishments in this vicinity. April 25, 1879, the bank was burglar- ized, the safe blown open, and $3,500 in cash, and $2,600 in bonds, besides securities to the amount of nearly $145,- 000. were taken. The burglars forced the front door, drilled into the safe, and opened the steel chest with an explo- sion which almost wrecked the entire it owns and occupies a handsome, three- story, brick block, handsomely and ele- gantly equipped, and furnished in mod- ern style, with tile flooring, mahogany finish, steel ceilings, fire and burglar- proof vault, etc. The present officers of the establish- ment are : President, Charles A. Busiel ; vice-president, Henry B. Quinby ; cash- ier, Orran W. Tibbetts; assistant cash- ier, Charles W. Tyler ; directors, George H. Clark, Meredhh ; Ellery A. Hibbard, Charles A, Busiel, Charles F. Pitman, Henry B. Quinby, Dennis O'Shea, Wil- liam F, Knight, Stephen S. Jewett, all THE ILLUSTRATED LACOMA.V JS 1 of Laconia ; J. Alonzo Greene, Moul- tonborough; Orran W. Tibbetts, Wil- liam A. Plummer, Laconia. City Savings Bank. The City Savings bank, which occu- pies rooms with the Laconia National bank, is the youngest banking establish- mentin the _ city, being char- tered in 1895. An organ i z a- tion was effect- ed, and the bank commenc- ed business April 1, 1897, and from the date of opening the increase of deposits has been rapid and steady. The bank has been enabled to in- vest its depos- its in first-class, gilt- edged se- curities, nearly all its money being loaned upon valuable real estate in Laconia and vicinity. The aim of this bank is to in- vest the money of its deposit- |fr^^^ ors carefully and conserva- tively, pa y i n g ^ N> as high a rate of interest as can be earned from strict- ly safe investments. Local real estate is given the preference in all cases over Western or Southern securities. Judging from the increase of bus- iness during its two years of exist- ence, the City Savings bank bids fair to soon become one of the strongest and most popular savings banks in the state. !T33H{B The present officers of the City Sav- ings bank are : President, Charles A. Busiel ; vice-president, Henry B. Quin- by ; treasurer, Orran W. Tibbetts ; sec- retary, Charles W. Tyler; investment committee, Charles A. Busiel, William A. Plummer, John F. Merrill, Julius E. Wilson ; trustees, Charles A. Busiel, Thomas Cogswell, Henry B. Quinby, Stephen S. Jewett, William A. Plummer, John F. Mer- rill, Dennis O'Shea, Julius E.Wilson, Chas. F. Stone, Addi- son G. Cook, Edw. P.Thomp- son, Charles W. Vaughan; mem- bers of the cor- pora ti on and associate trus- tees: Willi am F. Knight, La- conia ; Joseph W. Pitman, La- conia ; Horace H.Wood, Lake- port ; Henry F. Dorr, Centre Sandwich ; Oli- ver J. M. Gil- m an, Alton; William B. Fel- lows, Til ton : HerbertJ. Jones, Alton ; Edwin C. Be a n , Bel- mont ; Chas W. Tyler, Laconia; Orran W. Tib- betts, Laconia. City Clerk Simeon C. Frye. Simeon Cheney Frye was born in Sanbornton, \. II.. April 26, 1865, son of Jonathan J. Frye of Grantham, and Ruth II. Leavitl (Frye) of Sanbornton. He is a descendant of some of the oldest families in New England, and is a lineal descendant of Thomas 1 Hidley, second I 5 2 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. governor of the Massachusetts bay col- Mr. Frye is connected with several ony. His great-grandfather was a sol- of the secret and fraternal orders. He dier in the Revolutionary War and was is a member of Mt. Lebanon lodge, engaged in the battle of Bennington. No. 32, A. F. &: A. M., of which at the present time he is junior warden. He is also a member of Chocorua lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., and of Granite lodge, No. 3, Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which latter organization he has been recorder since 1892. Street Commissioner William Nelson. Simeon C. Frye. Another great-grandfather, George Av- ery, also served in the same war. Mr. Frye was educated at the New Hampton Institution, and came to La- conia in January, 1SS7, as bookkeeper for O'Shea Bros.' store and hosiery mill. He left this firm in March, JS90, to engage in the " ice harvest," caused by a famine of frozen water down country, which resulted in a boom in this indus- try in Laconia and vicinity. From Jan. 1, 1S91, he was with Coburn cS: Leavitt as bookkeeper until the firm went out of business, and then entered the office of the Crane Manufacturing Co., Septem- ber, 1893, as bookkeeper, and remained with them until elected city clerk March 29, 1894. Mr. Frye has been re-elected city clerk at each subsequent election annually and still holds the position, for which it is but justice to say he is admirably equipped and thoroughly effi- cient. His books and records are mod- els of neatness and correctness, and in the discharge of his official duties he has no superior in this line in New Hampshire. He was auditor of the state treasurer's accounts in 1897, ap- pointed by Governor Busiel. William Nelson, street commissioner of the city of Laconia, and also super- intendent of the sewer department and city engineer, is a native Laconian, born William Nelson. April 20, 187 1, his parents being Dr. David B. and Susan E. Nelson. He was educated in our public schools and graduated from the Laconia High school in the " Class of '87." The fol- lowing year, Mr. Nelson commenced the study of civil engineering, and he is generally admitted to have acquired a very proficient education in this pro- fession. He was appointed superin- tendent of the Laconia sewer depart- ment in 1892, city engineer in 1894, and street commissioner in 1897, and still holds all three positions, managing these three important departments of municipal work very acceptably. In ad- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. *53 dition to these official positions, Mr. Nelson has served several times as moderator of Ward 4, is sealer of weights and measures for the county of Belknap and city of Laconia, and a justice of the peace. He is an attendant at the Congrega- tional church, and member of Golden Rule lodge, I. O. G. T., Granite lodge, A. O. U. W., Senior Warden of Mt. Lebanon lodge, A. F. & A. M., and a member of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. Mr. Nelson was married to Mina L. Flint of Danville, F. Q., May 17, 1S92. They have three children: Thomas L., Arthur R., and Marion Ruth. City Treasurer Arthur W. Dinsmoor. Arthur W. Dinsmoor, city treasurer of Laconia, is a native Laconian, the son of the late Hon. Daniel Stark Dins- moor and Amelia M. (Whittemore) Arthur \V. Dinsmoor. Dinsmoor, born Jan. 1 r, 1870. Mr. Dinsmoor is a descendant of the famous Gen. John Stark, the Revolutionary hero, while the Dinsmoors are descend- ants of John Dinsmoor, one of the early settlers of New Hampshire, who was noted for his honesty and upright- ness both by white men and Indians in the old colonial days. Mr. Dinsmoor was educated in our public schools and at New Hampshire Conference seminary at Tilton. For ten years he has been a faithful and trusted attache of the Laconia National bank, and he also holds several other positions of trust and honor. He was elected city treasurer in March, 1894, and has held the office ever since that time, being reelected at each subse- quent annual election. He was one of the New Hampshire state auditors in 1895, is treasurer of the Belknap County Fish and Game League and also treas- urer of the Laconia Fress Association. He is an attendant at the Congrega- tional church, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding the office of junior deacon in Mt. Lebanon lodge at the present time. He is also a mem- ber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Dinsmoor married Amy W. Hatch, June 21, 1893, and they have two sons, Daniel S. and Theodore Weston. Frank S. Peaslee. Frank S. Peaslee, dealer in fruit, con- fectionery, tobacco, cigars, and periodi Frank S. l'easlee. cals, is a native of this city, born at Lake Village, April i<), 1S71. Mr. Peaslee received a common school edu- 54 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. cation, and is a knitter by trade, being employed in our local hosiery mills in his boyhood. He started in business in March, 1888, with a small stock of goods, in the room occupied by the Lakeport post-office. He met with fair success, but sold out the business in December, 1S92, and then worked in the hosiery mills three years, as a knitter. In July, 1895, he again embarked in trade, at No. 47 Elm street, where he is Mr. Peaslee is married, and resides at No. 60 School street. He has two little daughters, aged three and five years. The Late Hon. John W. Busiel. The late Hon. John W. Busiel was the founder of the hosiery establishment in Laconia, which still bears his name, and one of the pioneers in this industry The late Hon. John W. Busiel. still located, and has built up a succes- ful and prosperous business. He carries a large stock of all the popular cigars and tobacco, supple- mented by a choice line of pipes and other smokers' goods. Fresh fruits at all seasons of the year are a specialty with Mr. Peaslee, and he handles large shipments in this line. In periodicals, Mr. Peaslee sells the daily and weekly newspapers, all the popular magazines, and literature usually found at a first- class newsstand. in the United States. He was born in Moultonboro', N. H., March 28, 18 15. His parents were Moses F. and Relief Busiel, and he was the eldest of a fam- ily of seven sons and one daughter. Only three of his brothers are now liv- ing, Albert H., of Laconia ; Harrison M., of East Andover, N. H., and George H., of Providence, R. I. Mr. Busiel's education was obtained in the country district schools, at a time when schooling was limited to a few weeks per year, but he was quick THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. l SS to learn and made the most of his lim- ited opportunities. In his early youth he determined to be a woolen manufac- turer, and started out at the age of only twelve years, with his scanty wardrobe tied up in a handkerchief, to walk to Loudon, N. LL, where he entered the mill of his great-uncle, Lewis Flanders, who carded rolls and made flannels and cloths used at that period. A boy of unusual energy and determination, he remained with his uncle until he was nineteen years old, improving every op- portunity to learn the business, and at the same time proceeding methodically with his studies while his companions were at play. At nineteen years of age, with a new suit of clothes, and one hun- dred dollars in his pocket, young Busiel left his uncle's roof and went to Amesbury, Mass., where h e w a s em- ployed in a woolen mill and complet- ed his trade. Many times during his stay in Amesbury, he walked home, and out of his scanty earnings assisted in maintaining the family. From Amesbury, Mr. Busiel returned to New Hampshire and located at Meredith where he remained ten years in business for himself, as a manu- facturer of satinet cloth, knitting yarns. etc. In 1846 he came to Laconia and founded the J. W. Busiel mills, which he continued very successfully until his death which occurred July 26, [872. On December 23, 1841, he married Julia M., daughter of Stephen and Julia Tilton, of Meredith. Of this union were born three sons and one daughter. The daughter died in in- fancy, but the sons have lived to be an honor to their father's name. The Residence of Mrs. J. W. Busiel. eldest is Hon. Charles A. Busiel, ex- governor of New Hampshire. The other sons, John T. and Frank E., now carry on the hosiery business founded by their father. Mr. Busiel was a strong Democrat in politics, and represented Laconia in the legislature in iSyo-'yi. He was a man of public spirit, enterprise, and pro- gress. He manufactured the first gas burned in Laconia, and laid the first slate used here for roofing purposes. He also put in the first boiler and steam heat in the town. He took great interest in the welfare of Laconia, and gave generously to public buildings and all plans for the advancement of Laco- nia's prosper- ity. Me was a liberal sup- porter of the C ongregation- al church, of w h i C h M r s. Busiel is a member, and assisted mate- rially in re- modeling the church edifice. He w a s kind- hearted, gen- erous, and de- voted to the inter ests of town. Ex-Governor Charles A. Busiel. Probably no man has been more prominently and actively identified with the manufacturing, business, financial, and social life of Laconia, during the past thirty years, than Ex-Governor Charles A. Busiel. In the construc- tion of the Lake Shore railroad, the erection of the new passenger station, the establishment of a city hospital, the inauguration of the city government, and in a thousand and one other enter- prises, all in the direction of progress and advancement, Mr. Busiel lias made his mark and built for himself a monu- ment as a public-spirited, broad-minded, i56 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. progressive Laconian, which will do honor to him for centuries to come. Charles Albert Busiel was born in Meredith, N. H., Nov. 24, 1842. He was the eldest son of the late John W. and Julia (Tilton) Busiel. He received his education in the public schools of Laconia and at old Gilford academy, his attention has been given to electric roads which he believes are destined to supersede less advanced means of trans- portation, and to greatly assist in the progress and development of New Hampshire. In politics Ex-Governor Busiel is an Independent, but has always supported and after graduating he entered his the party which he believed represented father's hosiery mill and ac- quired a prac- tical knowledge of the entire business by actual labor in each depart- ment. In 1863 he engaged in business on his own account, but within a few years sold his interest in the establ ish- ment which h e had put i n t o operation, and with a brother, in 1 8 6 9 , he entered into partnership and engaged in the manufacture of hosiery. Anoth- er brother joined the firm in 1872, and the n a m e became J. W. Busiel & Co. This business is still contin- ued and ranks as one of the most im portant industries in Laconia. Ex-Governor Charles A. Busie the best inter- ests of the peo- ple upon local, state, and na- tional issues. He represented Laconia in the legi slatures of 1878 and 1879 ; he was a dele- gate to the Democratic na- tional conven- tion in Cincin- nati in 1880 ; as a Rep u b 1 i c a n candidate he be- came the first mayor of the new city of La- conia, although at that time the city was strong- 1 y Democratic. He was reelect- ed mayor for a second term by a largely in- creased major- ity. In 1895 he was the Repub- lican candidate for governor of New Hampshire, and was elected by one of the largest majorities ever re- Ex-Governor Busiel is president of ceived by any candidate in this state, the Laconia National bank and also president of the City Savings bank. He has attained much prominence in railroad circles by his investments in this kind of property, by his success in organizing and constructing the Lake Shore railroad, and as one of the managing directors of the old Concord & Montreal railroad. In later vears about 10,000 majority and 13,000 plur- ality. For the first time in history, every county in New Hampshire returned a Republican majority at this election. As governor of the state he advocated and even compelled retrenchments and reforms, which saved the treasury hun- dreds of thousands of dollars, and it was universally admitted by opponents the illustrated laconian. !57 as well as friends, that Governor Busiel was one of the best governors who ever held the position of chief execu- tive in this state. He was prominent as a candidate for United States sena- tor in 1896, and was undoubtedly the choice of his state for a secretary's portfolio in President McKinley's cabinet. Ex-Governor Busiel attends the Con- gregational church. He is very promi- nent in Masonic circles, as well as in the Knights of Pvthias and other bene- Preston, daughter of Worcester Pres- ton. They have one daughter, Frances E. Busiel, who is the wife of Wilson Longstreth Smith of Germantown. Pa., and they have one son, Charles Albert Busiel Smith, born March 1. 1895. John T. Busiel. John T. busiel, of the firm of J. W. Busiel <.\: Co., woolen hosiery manufac- turers, was the second son of John W. and Julia M. (Tilton) busiel, born Oct. Residence of Hon. Charles A. Busiel. facial, social, and charitable organiza- tions. During his administration as gov- ernor he paid $200,000 of the state debt, and $75,000 to defray expenses left due by previous administrations, by his vetoes of the unnecessary meas- ures passed by the legislature, Governor Busiel practically saved the state a mil- lion dollars, and when he retired from office he left in the state treasury, $590,706.07 according to the report of the state auditing committee. In 1S64 he married Eunice Elizabeth 12, 1847, i' 1 that part of the old town of Gilford which was afterwards annexed to the town of Laconia, and now forms a part of the city. He was educated in the public schools, gradu- ated at Phillips Exeter academy, class of '64, and at Harvard university, class of '68. Since completing his educa- tion, Mr. Busiel has been engaged in the hosiery industry in Laconia, as a member of the firm of J. W. busiel & Co. Mr. busiel was a member of the New Hampshire legislature in 1SS3. He is i 5 8 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. president of the board of trustees of the Laconia public library; vice-president Frank E. Busiel. John 'J'. Busiel. of the People's National bank ; trustee of the Belknap Savings bank; and a director in the Win- nipesaukee Gas & Electric Co. He is active and aggressive in public matters pertaining to the welfare of Laconia, and he is one of the trustees and building com- mittee under the will of the late X. B. Gale, to lay out pub- lic grounds for a park, and erect the Gale Memorial building for a pub- lic library and his- torical museum. He married Nel- ^to^*"^«>. lie M., daughter of James E. and Sarah (Brock) Pinkham, July 6, 1S70, and has one daughter, Helen J. Busiel. Frank E. Busiel, of the well-known concern of J. W. Busiel & Co., woolen hosiery manufacturers, is a native Laco- nian, born Oct. 31, 1852. the youngest son of the late John W. and Julia (Til- ton) Busiel. Frank E. Busiel was educated in the public schools of Laconia and at Gilford academy. His father was one of the pioneer hosiery manufacturers of this country, and after completing his edu- cation, Frank E. entered his father's factory to thoroughly learn the details of the industry. He worked several years as a second hand, and was then given charge of the knitting department of the factory, a position which he filled at the time of his father's death, in 1S72. He was then admitted to partnership in the concern, which still continues in business under the firm name of J. W. Busiel & Co. Mr. Busiel is a natural mechanic, and assumes the oversight of the entire mechanical department of the business. In politics Mr. Busiel is a Republican, and while he has no ambi- Residence of John T. Busiel. tion for political honors, he consented to serve as a member of the Laconia police THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. J 59 commission, and has been chairman since its organization, in April. 1895. Under his direction the police department of Laconia has been thoroughly reorgan- Frank E. Busiel. ized and put upon a model metropolitan basis, and it is generally admitted that the police department of the city is to-day one of the best, most efficient, and most economically sustained of any in New Hampshire. On .Nov. 19, 1874, .Mr. Busiel mar- ried Hattie A. Sanborn, and he has two children. Grace and Edith, both residing at home. satinet cloth and knitting yarn. When he first came to Laconia, he continued this business in the old Bean mill, which then stood upon the site of the present dye-house of the J. W. liusiel Co. Dur- ing the great fire of the Strafford mill this old one-story wooden structure was partially burned, and in 1853 Mr. lius- iel purchased the land and water-power formerly used by the Strafford com- pany. On this site he erected the first of the buildings now used by |. \Y. liusiel & Co. He here added to his list of manufactures, Saxony and Ger- mantown yarns. At the Crystal Palace exhibition in London. Mr. liusiel re- ceived a gold medal for the best mix- ture of cotton and woolen varus. The invention of the circular ribbed knitting machine by Jonas and Walter Aiken in 1856 led Mr. liusiel to intro- duce the manufacture of Shaker socks and underwear. At the beginning of the Civil War, the mill started upon the production of army socks, and after the close of the war, the manufacture of the different varieties of hosiery became the sole product of the mill, and in this line the J. W. Busiel hosiery mills have achieved a national reputation in knit goods circles. Since the death of John W. liusiel in 1S72 the business has The Busiel & Co. Hosiery Mill. The J. W. liusiel & Co. hosiery mill is the largest industry in this line in the city of Laconia, and was founded by the late John W. Busiel in 1846. Previous to com- ing to Laconia, then Meredith Bridge, Mr. Busiel was engaged in business as a woolen manu- facturer at Meredith Village, card- ing woolen rolls for hand-spinning, and been continued and enlarged by the finishing the cloths which it was then three sons, Charles A., John T., and the custom for farmers' wives to weave. Frank E. The Busiel mills are the He also began there the manufacture of most substantial and modern structures Kesidi ace 1 il Prank E. Busiel. i6o THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. of the kind in this vicinity, are equipped with all the modern improvements and labor-saving devices, and employ the largest number of operatives when run- ning at their full capacity. The firm has a long-established reputation with the trade throughout the country for manufacturing a superior quality of hosiery, and some of the specialties of this concern have been very popular with the public and profitable to the manufacturers. Mass., to wind up the financial affairs of a dry goods house, and after remain- ing there one year came to Laconia in 1862, and became associated with Al- bert G. Folsom in the clothing and dry goods and millinery trade, carrying on two stores, under the firm name of Fol- som & Smith. When the Folsom brick block was completed in February, 1863, the firm moved into the store now occu- pied by Patsey O'Shea and continued until 1S69, when Mr. P'olsom sold out The Busiel Hosiery Mili. Ex-Mayor Samuel B. Smith. Although now retired from mercan- tile pursuits, in which he was active for many years, ex-Mayor Samuel B. Smith is still prominent in financial, political, and real estate circles in Laconia, and is one of the largest owners of rental prop- erty in the city. He was born in West Newbury, Mass., May n, 1837, and was educated in the public schools of that town and at Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass. After completing his education in 1855 he started to learn shoe manufacturing and worked five years as a cutter in this industry. He then went to Lawrence, his interest to Mr. Smith, who continued the business alone. In 1875 he took Messrs. Frank and Oscar Lougee into partnership, and soon afterwards the firm occupied the entire first floor of the whole block, carrying clothing, dry goods, carpets, boots and shoes, millin- ery and custom tailoring. In 1884 Mr. Smith commenced to withdraw from mercantile business, selling a part of the establishment to Lougee Bros., and later other departments to W. D. Micl- dleton, retaining the boot and shoe bus- iness for several years, but finally sell- ing this branch to Messrs. Donovan & Stoughton. Mr. Smith is a large real estate own- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 161 er. Besides his handsome residence on Harvard street, he together with Mr. Folsom erected the substantial Smith block on Main street, built the rive tenement block on Beacon street, re- modeled the seven-tenement building on Hanover street, erected another large block for stores and tenements on Mill street, besides other work in the same line on a smaller scale. Mr. Smith is a director in the Peo- ple ' s National bank and a trus- tee in the La- conia Savings bank, being quite prominent in the manage- ment of both these i n s t i t u - tions. He has been a large stockholder and a leader in the management of the L ac o n i a Street railway most of the time since the road w a s construct- e d . It was largelv through Mr. 'Smith's efforts that La- conia's ad mi r- able system of sewerage w a s con structed , and he served as chair m a n of the construction committee in this great public improvement. He is a di- rector of the Winnipesaukee Gas and Electric Co., has been president of the Board of Trade, which was organized largely through his efforts, and he is also interested and active in numerous other local enterprises of a public na- ture. One of the recent public improve- ments which ex-Mayor Smith has taken a leading part in promoting, is the lay- ing-out and construction of the new boulevard from Lakeport to The Weirs, ii Largely through his efforts the city of Laconia was induced to build the high- way and he also arranged the deal by which the electric road was extended over this boulevard, which will be the pride of the city for many years to come. Mr. Smith has always been an active Republican, and represented Laconia in the legislature of iSSS-'Sq. He was elected the second mayor of the city of Laconia, in 1895, and was re-elected in 1S96, devoting h i s v a 1 u a b 1 e k n o w 1 e d ge of financial matters to public affairs during his two years of service, with good re- sults. Mr. Smith married A d a . d a ug h t e r of Hon. A. G. Fol- som, and they have three chil- dren : Katherine ( Hive, wife o f Harry S. Chase. James S., con- nected with the People's Nation- al bank, and Louise C, who resides with her parents on Har- vard street. Ex-Mayor Samuel B. Smith. The Late Stephen Perley. The city of Laconia owes to the Perley family many of its important enterprises, and the late Stephen Perley was the father of the industrial life in this place. He was born in Ipswich, Mass., Oct. 7, 1770, a son of Allen Perley. The Perley family is said to have had its origin in Wales, and Allen Perley (first) came to Massachusetts from England in 1630, and settled in Ipswich. Stephen Perley obtained his educa- tion in the public schools of Ipswich, and then worked for a time in a store 62 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. in Salem, Mass. He came to Laconia when still a young man, and was one of the first settlers, and for many years was, perhaps, the most important citi- zen in town. At one time he owned most of the land on which the city stands to-day. He was a large farmer, raising some years six hundred bushels of corn. He managed a general store, which was the centre of trade, not only for the village, but for those in the shops, and which furnishes power, to-day, for a portion of the car indus- try. He was a man of great enterprise and foresight, and many of his plans have been adopted and carried out by the wise men of to-day. Mr. Perley was a Jeffersonian Demo- crat, and quite active in politics. He was one of the electors for Van Buren, a representative in the state legislature, and was postmaster here for thirty years. y^V ■fte*** .«*£** 1 •" »*. \ £ _ Hft >£ J^M, ^ " i H& v? A BKtf^jfl jal A M The late Stephen Perley. entire farming country around. He had a number of sawmills, where he converted the lumber into marketable shape from the lands which he cleared. As the town increased, he established a nail factory, a starch factory, a cotton factory, and a linseed oil mill. The cotton mill was subsequently sold to Daniel Avery. Mr. Perley dug the present Perley canal, which connects the Winnipesaukee river, near Church street, with the same river near the car He was a strong Universalist, and his house was always a home for minis- ters of his faith. He invited such men as Rev. Father Ballou of Boston, Rev. Messrs. Sebastian and Russel Streeter, to come to this place and preach, and in this way he was instrumental in forming what was for many years a strong and zealous Universalist society, which erected the church building on Union avenue now occupied by the Methodists. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 163 Mr. Perley married twice. His first wife, Abigail, died young, leaving one daughter. Sarah, who married Dr. John Durkee of this place, a prominent phy- sician at that time. His second mar- riage was with Mehitable, daughter of Colonel Samuel Ladd, who was one of months. Mr. Perley died April 13, 1 S 5 5 , at the ripe old age of eighty-four years and six months, leaving four chil- dren : John Langdon, Louisa, Abigail, and Martha Maria. A resident of the town for sixty years, he was a most essen- tial factor in its growth and prosperity. s The late John L. Perley. the first settlers, and a prominent citi- zen of Gilmanton, now Belmont. He was a large landowner, and Ladd Hill was named for his family. Mrs. Me- hitable Perley was a most worthy, chari- table woman, and an exemplary wife and mother. She died October 25, 1834, aged fifty-one years and six The Late John L. Perley. One of the most prominent and best known men of Meredith Bridge and Laconia in its early days was Dr. John Langdon Perley, who was, in fact, one of the leading men in this part of New Hampshire in financial and political 164 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. matters, in the early years of the present century. He was born in Laconia, then Mere- dith Bridge, June 10, 1805, the son of Stephen and Mehitable (Ladd) Perley. His father was a very prominent man in the early history of this community, and the Ladd family, of which his mother was a member, figured exten- sively in the settlement and develop- ment of Laconia. unsettled country, returned to Laconia with renewed interest in its welfare. He was for many years extensively engaged in farming and the manufac- ture of lumber, owning a large extent of woodland in this section. At East Til- ton he owned a sawmill, grist-mill, and valuable water privilege, but this prop- erty he finally sold. Dr. Perley was much interested in banking, and was one of the incorpo- The late Lieut. John L. Perley, Jr. John L. Perley studied medicine with Dr. Durkee, one of the first practitioners at Meredith Bridge, and graduated M. D. from Bowdoin college, Bruns- wick, Me., in 1829. He engaged in the practice of his profession until about forty years of age, and then retired to give more attention to other matters in which he became interested. He went West in 1837, but after spend- ing some time in that then lawless and rators of the Meredith Bridge Savings bank, a member of its board of trustees, and its president for some time. He was also one of the incorporators of the Belknap Savings bank, and its president until about ten years pre- vious to his death, when he resigned. He was a member of the old Whig party, and was appointed postmaster of Meredith Bridge during President John Quincy Adams's administration in 1S29. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 165 He was appointed by Gov. Benjamin Pierce, surgeon of the Twenty-ninth regiment of New Hampshire militia, in 1S29. In 1834 he was elected to the state legislature, and distinguished him- self as a champion of the people's rights. He introduced and secured the passage of the bill reducing the salary of the governor of New Hampshire from two thousand to one thousand dollars, on the ground that the honor of gusta Perley, wife of Jacob Sanborn ; Mary A. Perley, who married Josiah T. Sturtevant; Lewis S. Perley, who re- sides upon the ancestral farm to-day ; and Clara E. Perley. who married I >r. A. L. Norris, and resides at Cambridge- port, Mass. I >r. Perley was one of the strong men of early Laconia, a man of excellent judgment, strict integrity, and much financial sagacity. Lewis 5> I ; trlt> . being governor of the state should sat- isfy the chief executive, and that the salary should be merely nominal. He was twice married, first to Mary A. Eastman, of Eranklin, N. H. His second wife was Dora P. Kandlett. of Gilmanton, N. H., and this union was blessed with five children : John L. Perley, Jr.. who died from the exposure of his military service in [862 ; I). Au- The Late Lieut. John L. Perley, J". The late Lieutenant John L. Perley, |r.. in whose honor the Laconia Post of the Grand Army of the Republic is named, was a native of Laconia, bom at Meredith Bridge, Dec. 10. 1859, the eldest son of John L. and Dora (Rand- lett) Perley. He was educated in the public schools of this town, and com. i66 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. pleted his education at Gilford academy, New Hampton Institution and the Law- rence Scientific school, Cambridge, Mass. After completing his education, he commenced to study law, with the intention of adopting this pro- fession in life, but on the breaking out of the Civil War, he laid aside his books and enlisted, August, 1S61, in Troop M, New Eng- land cavalry, and the following No vember was promoted to the rank of second lieuten- ant. He was taken ill in May, 1862, and re- turned home, and died shortly after from the effects of exposure during his mil i tar}' service, at the age of twenty-two years. also engages quite extensively in lum- bering and clearing wood lots. He is a Republican in politics, and a liberal in religion. He is a member of Winni- piseogee lodge, No. 7, L O. O. F. At the present time, Mr. Per- ley is a member of the Laconia board of city assessors, elected by the city council in March of the present year. In t888 he was unit- ed in marriage with Clara L. Knowlton of Meredith. They have two children, Lew K., and Marion Louise. Charles F. Richards. Charles F. Richard Lewis S, Perley. Lewis S. Perley, son of the late John L. Perley and Dora (Randlett) Perley, was born in Laconia, August 22, 1845. He was edu- Charles Francis Rich- ards, member of the Laconia city c o u n c i 1 from Ward 2, was born in Lebanon, Me., Nov. 11, 1S50. He was educated in his native town, and in Rochester, N. H. In 1S79, he started in the planing mill and box business with his brother, Geo. O. Richards, at East Roches- cated in the ter. Mr. Rich- public schools A ards came to in this town, -'a Laconia in and then at- :\ April, 1883, tended Gilford ,.r* ^» and has been academy, af- » > ■ ' e m p 1 oyed in terwards tak- ^J : i WT^k 4 the several ing a course of P# B j£"' v \ - "A wood-work- special study ^r^^^P^^^ 1 \ , ing establish- in Boston, and ~f r PL L3 "^T - r ^ ments, and completed his ^^^^ j| ! H ■ jJJ 1 1 ] -i ^" > also as a con- educational HBglL^^r^. - t— ~l I tractor and training at fef; ^ Wil I* jZl ~] [ ] J5l i^^ builder - Professor Hy- ||| II | A I J JUW \ ' M, He held the att's academy ~^|L - •■;- -— - _— . .^_ ^'f 1 1 WMJ1IU " ffice of tr ' al VI 1 Pei ***^Bn HS ■ county,Maine, ley is a civil IBM*** »-,.,. ^^^^^™^^^S! HB from 1S79 to engineer bv v ■, c /-n. 1 u «• i.„ a 1883. He & v, v. uj Residence of Charles F. Richards. ° profession, served as se- but has devoted much of his time to lectman in Ward 2 of Laconia, and was managing the large Perley farm, and elected to the city council in 1896, and THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 167 reeelected in 1898, being a member of the present city government. Mr. Richards is a member of C'o- checo lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also of Laconia encampment, I. (). ( ). F. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and a director of the Laconia Building and Loan Association. Mr. Richards married Etta Maria Morton, of South Xorridgewock, Me., June 1, 1 88 1, and they reside in their comfortable and handsome home on Gilford avenue. Mr. Richards is an attendant at the Congrega- tional church, and one of the reliable citizens of his adopted city. published poems have been widely copied and circulated. He is a good French scholar, and speaks, reads, and writes that language with ease and flu- ency. He is a Democrat in politics, was county solicitor from 189] to [893, and was chairman of the Democratic city committee, this city, in 1896 --'97. He is a charter member of Winnesquam colony, No. 14. U. 0. P. I'., and a mem- ber of Pontahum tribe. No. 18, Red Men. of Laconia. Resides a father and brother already mentioned, Mr. Peaslee has one sister. Mrs. Jennie ( '. Johnson, form- erly of Lake- port, who now resides in Low- ell. Mass. W. S. Peaslee. The Late Joseph S. Tilton. W a 1 1 e r S . Peaslee was born inWilmot, N. H.,Nov. 14. 1854. His pa- rents were Geo. YY. and Caro- line T. (Bur- bank) Peaslee. He received his education in the p ubl i c schools of this state a n d a t Colby acade- my. New Lon- don, and at the Symonds High school, YVolfeborough, where his father and one brother. Eugene L. Peaslee. now reside. He taught in the public schools of this county for five years, and was for two years teacher of the old South Grammar school, in this city. He studied law with Col. Thomas J. Whipple, was ad- mitted to the bar at the July law term, 1885, and has since practised his pro- fession in Laconia. He has found time to cultivate the literary side of his pro- fession to some extent, and many of his Walter S. Peaslee. The late Jo- seph Sullivan Tilton. one of the pioneers of the hosiery in- dustry in this city, was a na- tive of Loudon, X. H.. born on June 13. 1S18, the son of Ste- phen and Julia ( B a c h e 1 d e r > Tilton. His pa- rents removed to Mere dith, where the early years of his life were passed, mostly on the farm. His edu- cation was acquired in the public schools, and was very thorough. Mr. TiltOI) was one of the early pioneers ol California, moving there with his family soon after the discovery iA gold. He located in San Francisco, and followed the business of a dairyman, also taking an active part in the politics of the rap- idly-growing city. During the troubles with the turbulent and law-breaking ele- ment. Mr. Tilton was an officer of the i68 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. famous Vigilants, and saw much service in those clays of riot and trouble. In 1857 he returned to New Hampshire, and, locating in Laconia, commenced the manufacture of hosiery in 1859, in a mill which stood where now stands the dye-house of J. W. Busiel & Co. In 1862 Mr. Tilton suspended business at his mill to assist in raising the Twelfth regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers for the Civil War, and he went into the service as first lieutenant risen to high command, for he had, in an eminent degree, the dash and cour- age which go far to make the success- ful soldier. His record in the army was above reproach, courageous, and unflinching to a fault. In camp, or on the battlefield, he was ever the same bright, active, intelligent soldier, — one to whom his men could always look with strong confidence, and from whom they always received kind and just treatment. Lieutenant Tilton was one The late Joseph S. Tilton. of the Laconia company. At the battle of Chancellorsville, while in command of his company, he was badly wounded. For some time after receiving his wound he remained with his command, but loss of blood finally obliged him to leave the field. After a season in the hospital, he was returned to New Hampshire, and finally was obliged to resign on account of disability. But for the unfortunate wound at Chancel- lorsville, Lieutenant Tilton must have of the original members of John L. Per- ley, Jr., post, G. A. R., of this city. When his health was sufficiently re- covered, Mr. Tilton again resumed the hosiery business, retiring in 1877. and he died, Nov. G, 1879, at tne a § e °^ sixty-one years. He was of a warm- hearted and kind, though impulsive and impetuous, nature, and was a man of most profound and sincere convictions. He was frank and outspoken in his opinions on all subjects, and when once THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 169 his mind was made up was never slow to act. Mr. Tilton married Betsey Ham. Feb. 5, 1S42, and they had four children : George Henry. Frank S., Emma Susan, who married Horace W. Gorrell, and died, April 20. 1890, and Nancy A., who married C. W.Gilman, of Emporia. Kan. George Henry Tilton. Georoper, of Auburn, Me., shoe manufacturers, covering the princi- pal cities in New England for this con- cern. M r . Chase w a s married in 1895 to Miss Katherine Olive S m it h, daughter of Samuel B. and Ada (Folsom ) Smith. They have a little daughter, Olive Lou- ise, born April 22, 1899. Mr. Chase located here for a permanent residence in 1895, and resides in an elegant home on Harvard street. Mr. Chase is an attendant at the Con- gregational church, and in secret orders Mt. Lebanon lodge. Residence of Harry S. Chase went to Boston, where he had charge of A. I'. & A. M.. Union chapter, and of a shoe store for about three years, and Pilgrim Commandery, Knights Templar. it : & /rrr t - M ' r r . / r l ■ El & m\ ■ESL'&J m i V'» ' • , THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. *73 Lougee Brothers. Almost from the date of the building of the old Province road from Ports- mouth to Canada over a century ago, first Meredith Bridge and then Laconia has been recognized as a trading centre for nearly all the necessities of life. That the city on the lakes is an impor- tant trade centre to-day is amply dem- onstrated by the fact that it boasts of several mercantile establishments which are among the largest in their line in New Hampshire. During the past twenty years no retail establishment in the Granite state has had a wider reputation than the dry goods, clothing, carpet, and furniture store of Lougee Bros., of La- conia. Although a comparatively young concern, the firm of Lougee Bros, has always done an immense amount of business, and has handled many thou- sands of dollars worth of goods every year. The firm started in the store in Fol- som block, now occupied by Baker Shannon, in 1S77. This store was per- haps one-tenth the size of their present establishment in Smith block. Frank H. and Oscar A. Lougee were at that time the junior members of the firm of Smith. Lougee Bros. & Co. This firm was dis- solved in 1885. Taking in Orman T. Lougee as a partner at this time, the firm of Lougee Bros, was formed, and they at first con- fined their business to their original quarters, where the bakery now is. Their business increased very rapidly, and the necessity of larger and more convenient quarters was soon apparent. In 1886 the Smith brick block was built, and Lougee Bros, moved into what is now their dry goods department. The rapid increase of their business and enlarging of their stock in trade is shown by the fact that they now occupy the entire first floor and basement of the Smith block, besides a large two-story wooden addition in the rear of the Smith block and connected therewith, giving them nearly thirty thousand square feet of floor space, or about ten times the space required in 1886. At first the linn carried only dry goods and carpets, but from time to time other departments have been added to meet the public demands, and to-day the concern handles dry and fancy goods, garments, ready-made clothing, carpets, furniture, stoves, bicycles, cur- tains and window shades, hoots and shoes, men's furnishings, underwear oi all kinds, and, in fact, everything which can be found in a large department store in any of the large cities of the United States. The firm of Lougee Bros, is a pro- gressive one. as their success indicates. They were the first to put in a pneu- matic cash carrier, and they have always been liberal advertisers, not only in this city but throughout the entire northern portion of New Hampshire, in their efforts to draw trade to Laconia. The Lougee Bros, personally are in- fluential and public-spirited citizens. They are not only promptly interested, but always ready to assisl by contrib- uting their time and money to any at- tempt to locate new industries, or to inaugurate any movement to help build up Laconia. They are shrewd buyers, upright and honorable merchants, and they hold the strict confidence of the entire community. Their establishment furnishes employment to a large num- ber of clerks, and by purchasing their goods in large quantities they are en- abled to retail their stock at lower prii es than can be obtained in many of the larger cities of New England, — a fact which is generally admitted by those in a position to know, and a fact which frequently causes surprise to summer visitors who come here from Boston and New York, and are astonished to find that they can purchase dry goods and other wares in this line fully as cheaply here " in the country " as they can at home. Frank H. Lougee, the senior member of Lougee Bros., was educated in the public schools, supplemented by a leu terms at Gilford academy and one term at Tilton seminary. He was employed for a year with White Mountain b< Cream Freezer Co., but in 1870 he en- J 74 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. tered the employ of S. B. Smith to learn the dry goods, clothing, and carpet busi- ness, and has continued successfully in this line from that date, with the excep- tion of about two years, when he took a commercial course at Comer's Commer- cial college, at Los- ton, and was sales- m an at J o r d a n , Marsh & Co.'s for about a year and a half. Since 1S90 Mr. Lougee has given much attention not only to the Laconia store but to the Lou- gee Bros. & Smythe store, which was opened at St. Johns- bury. Vt., and has also proved very suc- cessful. In public life Mr. Lougee has served as president of the Laconia board of trade for one or two years, and was also a member of the but found time to serve a term as a member of the Laconia city council, where he proved himself a valuable member, and just the kind of citizen who is needed in such a body. Hotel Picard. Frank H. Lougee. Hotel Picard is the new name of the well known hostelry on Pleasant street, for many years known as the Kirtland House, and more re- cently as the Victo- ria Hotel. The en- tire estab 1 i s h m e n t has been thoroughly repaired, remodeled, and newly furnished by the new proprie- tor, Mr. George Pi- card, and is now as neat, clean, hand- some, a n d comfort- able as could be de- sired. The location of Hotel Picard, at 28 Pleasant street, makes this hotel very board of education for two years. He is desirable, as it is convenient to the bus- a director in t h e People's National bank, and a trustee in the Laco- nia S a v i n g s bank. He has always been especially prominent i n the board of trade, and has ta ke n an ac- tive p art i n every effort of this organiza- tion to pro mote the wel- fare of the city. Oscar A. mess portion of the city, and close by the rai 1 r o a d station, the telegraph and the telephone offices, electric cars, etc. Un- der the man- agement of Landlord Pic- ard the guests will be sure of exc e 1 1 e n t food, comfort- able beds, and all the conve- niences of a first-class hotel. Lougee has devoted himself more close- George Picard, the landlord and pro- ly to the business of the establishment, prietor of Hotel Picard, was born at Residence of Frank H. Lougee. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. *75 St. Charles, P. Q., Aug. 20, i860. He was educated in the common schools, and was in Quebec for five years. Ik- came to Laconia in 1880, and was cm- ployed in some of our hosiery mills for three years, and thru engaged in the confectionery and cigar business on Mill street. Later he added dining- rooms to the business, and has been very successful as caterer. In 1897 Mr. Picard removed his business to 159 Main street. He was married in 1883 to Miss place in his early manhood in 1830, entering into the employ of the Gilford Manufacturing and Mechanic Com- pany, at their store, then known as the "Company Store." but now called the "Old Corner Store," situated on the corner of Main and Court streets. The Gilford Manufacturing and Me- chanic Co., chartered in 1828, owned all of the water power on the south, or Gilford, side of the river, and were then operating a sawmill and a grist-mill, located near the dam. about where the Hotel Picard. Emma Morin, and they have three chil- dren. In secret fraternities Mr. Picard is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and also of the Foresters of America and the Improved Order of Red Men. He is an attendant at Church of the Sacred Heart, and a member of the Society St. Jean the Baptiste. The Late Woodbury Melcher. The history of " Meredith Bridge " would be incomplete without mention of Woodbury Melcher. He came to the Hodgson machine shop now stands. They afterwards built a new grist-mill and a machine shop further down the river. They contemplated the erection of a mill for the manufacture of cloth, and recognizing in Mr. Melcher business qualifications which they believed would be of advantage to them in their future operations, the proprietors proposed to him to take an interest with them, and become their managing agent. He ac- cepted the proposition, and thus became associated with some of the leading men of the growing village. Amos Smith. 176 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Charles Morgan, Alvah Tucker, Thomas Babb, James Mollineaux, Stephen K. Baldwin, and John T. Coffin, his asso- ciates, are names which are still familiar to the older citizens of Laconia. The mill was built, and is the same now owned and operated by the Pitman Manufacturing Co. The company en- gaged in the manufacture of tickings, making a superior grade of goods, which became almost world-renowned, a considerable part of the production being exported. This company had a long, honorable, a n d successful career. As one and another of the owners, for various reasons, disposed of their stock, Mr. Melcher was always ready to buy, until at last he became own- er of the entire property. H e built the brick buildi ng now known as the Gilford Hosiery Co. mill. It be- ing comple ted about the time the Civil War broke out, with characte r i s t i c foresight he de- termined to go into the manu- facture of army for a while connected with its manage- ment. He was always adverse to hold- ing public office, and save the represent- ing of his town in the legislature for two years and the accepting of an appointment as a trustee of the asylum for the insane, he declined to contest for political honors. He died Nov. 10, 1870, lamented by the entire community. Woodbury L. Melcher. The late Woodbury Melcher. Woodbury L. Melcher was born Oct. 7, 1 S3 2, in the house on Main street next be- low the "old corner store," and has always resided wi thin almost a stone's throw of the place of his birth. He was fitted for c o 1 - lege at Gilford academy, which was then in a very flourishing condition under the instruction of Prof. Ben j . F. Stanton, and w a s graduated from Bowdoin college in 1856. After teaching elsewhere a short time, he was elected the principal of Gil- goods. The mill was speedily equipped ford academy, where he taught for two with hosiery machinery, and during the years. But not intending to make whole war it was run almost constantly, teaching a profession, he entered as a day and night, in the manufacture of hos- student the law-office of Hon. E. A. iery for the soldiers. This was the begin- Hibbard, and was admitted to the bar ning of the hosiery industry in Laconia. He was for many years a trustee of the Meredith Bridge Savings bank, now the Laconia Savings bank, and at the time of his death was its president. He in 1S62. Mr. Melcher still retains his connection with the Belknap County bar, although not now in active prac- tice. In 186 1 he was appointed register of probate and held the office for ten was an earnest advocate and worker in years, when he felt compelled to resign connection with the building of the Bos- on account of the pressure of other ton, Concord & Montreal railroad, and business. In 1864 he was elected treas- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 77 urer of the Laconia Savings bank, which position he held for twenty-one years, when, feeling the necessity for a more active, outdoor life, he resigned. He then engaged extensively in the insur- ance business and was the founder of the Melcher & Prescott Agency, now one of the largest insurance agencies in the state. He did not, however, give up his interest in the savings bank. Being elected one of its trustees, he has been intimately connected with its man- agement ever since. For a few years he was a direct- or and vice- president of the Laconia N a- tional bank. He was a member of the constitu- t i o n a 1 con- vention of 1889. Mr. Melcher has always been i n t e r e sted in promoting the material inter- ests of Laconia. He drew the original charter for the street railway and as- sisted in procur- ing its passage through the leg- i slat ure. He aided material- ly in procuring subscription s for stock, and was the first treasurer of the corporation. In these days of electrics it is interesting to note some of the rebuffs he met with, being laughed at for being so sanguine, and told that " the income would not pay for the oats which the horses would eat." "the rails would rust out before they would wear out," and many other similar remarks. He was also largely interested in establishing the Laconia water-works, another enterprise which was looked upon by many as a doubt- ful investment. He, however, showed Wuodburv L. Melcher his faith in it by a larger subscription to its stock than that of any other indi- vidual. He became one of the first board of directors, and since the death of the Hon. John C. Moulton has been its president. He was interested in organizing the Laconia Hospital Asso- ciation, and was elected its first presi- dent, which position he still holds. For a long series of years Mr. Melcher was connected in an official capacity with the public schools, being a member of the school committee when his district was annexed to Laconia. and a member of its board of edu- cation a f ter- wards. until. feeling that he had done h i s whole duty in this respect, he declined further service. For eleven years he was pres i d e n t of the board of education. Although re- cently circ u m - stances have compelled h i 111 to be away from home during a cons iderab 1 e portion of each year, he is still proud of his birthplace and deeply interest- ed in everything tending to its progress. The Late Rev. A. D. Smith. The late Rev. Alpheus I). Smith, who died at Canterbury, N. H., Feb. 9, 1886, was pastor of the Free Baptist church in Laconia from July, 1857. to the spring of 1873, and was one of the most forcible preachers and strongest Christian characters who ever officiated in this city. He was born in Lebanon, N. H., i 7 8 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Aug. 25, 1813, but was brought up in Vermont, where he was "bound out" until he was twenty-one. He became converted at the age of seventeen, and felt called to hold meetings and preach. bury. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Josie Sanders of Laconia. The late Rev. A. D. Smith. As soon as he was of legal age to act for himself he became an itinerant preacher, and traveled nearly all over the state of Vermont, visited various towns in Maine and New Hampshire, holding revival services and meeting with great success. On the second Sunday in July, 1857, he commenced his labors in Laconia at the Free Bap- tist church, and remained here four years, gathered a large congregation, and saw a glorious work of grace. He then went to East Tilton and did excel- lent work there, and came back to Laconia at the end of three years, re- maining here until 1873. He died at Canterbury, Feb. 9, 1886, in the seventy-third year of his life. Rev. Mr. Smith's preaching was largely emotional, intensely interesting and convicting, thoroughly evangelical. Few men saw so great immediate results of labor as he did, and many will rise up and call him blessed. He was twice married, his first wife who died Oct. 10, 1872, being Emily B. True of Corinth, Vt. Jan. 14, 1874, he married Mary E. Clough of Canter- The Late Samuel W. Sanders. The late Samuel W. Sanders was one of the marked characters of Laconia, so few of whom now remain, one of the sturdy, wide-awake, pushing citi- zens of the old times, who believed in Laconia and worked for the advance- ment and prosperity of the town in every way. He was a native of Mason, N. H., and learned the tinsmith trade. He came here in 1841 and embarked in business with no capital, but built up a successful business, and at the time of his retirement from trade, about six years before his death, was one of the oldest merchants on the street. His establishment was burned in 1846, and again in the big fire of i860, and the present Sanders brick block on Main street was erected by the subject of this sketch after the last conflagration. The late Samuel W. Sanders. He was an ardent Republican, took an active part in the setting off of Laconia from Meredith, and was one of the first selectmen of the new town. He was twice married. His first wife was Serena Ranlet, who died in 1871. His second wife, Mrs. Josephine E. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 179 Prescott, daughter of the late Rev. A. 1). Smith, survives, together with two sons, J. Warren, of St. Louis, and Charles F., of San Francisco. Another son, the late Col. George A. Sanders, died in 1898. Mr. Sanders died Jan. 16, 1S92, and his death removed a good and valuable citizen, one of the solid, substantial men of the town. Hampshire. Mr. Tilton was a leader in financial circles in Laconia, was vice- president of the People's National bank, and a trustee of the Belknap Savings bank, besides holding numerous other positions of trust and taking an active interest in nearly all the public enter- prises which tended to improve and build up Laconia. In secret orders he was a Mason, and he was also a mem- The late James H. Tilton. The Late James H. Tilton. The late James H. Tilton was for half a century engaged in mercantile life in Laconia, first as a clerk, and then for many years as proprietor of the Old Corner Store on Main street. Mr. Tilton entered this store as clerk for H. J. French, and from a boy he worked up to clerk and assumed con- trol of the business in 1859. He largely increased the business and was for many years one of the most success- ful merchants in this section of New ber of the board of trade. Mr. Tilton did considerable to beautify Laconia by improving his real estate and erect- ing one of the finest residences in the city. Mr. Tilton was a native of San- bornton Bridge, N. 1 1., born April 1, 1828, and died in Laconia, March 15. 1894. Rebecca Weeks Wiley, M. D. It was in the dreamy old town of Gilford, in a large two-story house, a typical New Hampshire home of the better sort, that she of whom we write i8o THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. first opened her eyes upon the light of this world. The ancestral lines through which she is able to trace her kindred stretch back through families distin- guished for education, patriotism, and statesmanship. These include Horace Greeley and Daniel Webster. She was named for her great-grandmother, Re- becca Webster, who was a cousin of Daniel Webster. For the sake of brevity and euphony, at marriage, she dropped the Webster, and has since been known as Rebecca Weeks Wiley. Her immedi- ate relations were character- ized for quick disce rnment, executive abil- ity, and sterling integrity. Her father, John GaleWeeks,was a successful manufacturer of hats and caps at the time of her birth. She was educated at La- conia academy, New Hamp- shire Female college, and Boston Univer- sity School of Medicine, grad- uating from the latter with the class of '82. Dr. Wiley at once began the practice of her profession at Laconia, being the first woman physician in the state north of Concord. Her reception by the people of Laconia was most cor- dial, and the circle of her friends and patrons has steadily widened. She has a large office and correspondence prac- tice, in addition to regular outside work; all of which perfect health ena- bles her to heartily enjoy. Several of Dr. Wiley's ancestors and an older sister were successful physi- cians, and she has marked hereditary tendencies towards the profession. The dream of her youth was a prophecy of which the practice of medicine is a ful- filment, and she is an enthusiast in her profession. She has from the first been a close student, and is up to date in all that pertains to both medical science and practice. Dr. Wiley is a member of the New Hampshire Homeopathic Medical soci- ety and the American Institute of Home- opathy. In church relations she is a Free Baptist. She is sympathetic and cooperative with her hus- band, the Rev. F r e d e r i ck L. Wiley, in his literary and philanth r o p i c pursuits. Their only son, Mau- rice G. Wiley, after a four years' course, was graduated from a medical college in '94, and is practis- ing his profes- sion in Boston. Dr. Rebecca Weekb Wiley H. D. Glley. Harry D. Cil- ley, carbonater and wholes al e dealer in malt liquors, is a na- tive of that part of Gil manton which is now Belmont, and was born on Oct. 7, 1857, the son of Joseph Plum- mer Cilley, a prominent citizen of that town. He was educated in the public schools of Concord, N. H., and came to Laconia about twenty years ago. He is a carbonater and manufacturer of light summer drinks, such as bottled soda, ginger ale, pear cider, and other liquid refreshments in this line, and is also a wholesale dealer in malt liquors. Mr. Cilley manufactures his beverages at No. 489 Main street, and has a well- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIA X. established reputation for using the purest syrups and flavors, and manu- facturing wholesome, healthful, and de- licious summer drinks. He has built up an excellent bus- iness in this line, and there is a con- stant demand for his goods at all sea- sons of the year, and especially in the summer, during the hot weather, his e sta bli shment is driven to its full capacity. In politics, Mr. Cilley affiliates with the Republican s, but should perhaps be classed as an in- de pen dent, as he always acts and votes with that par- ty which he consid- ers to be advocat- ing the best inter- ests of the people. He served as a deputy sheriff of Bel- knap county in 1891 and 1892, under Sheriff William P. Lang of Tilton. In fraternal societies Mr. Cilley is a member of the Order of Elks at Man Ches- ter, N. H., and he is also a member of New Hamp- shire's historic military organ- i z a t i o n , the Amoskeag Veterans, the headquarters of which are atManchester. Mr. Cilley is an active mem- Residence of ber of the Bel- knap County Fish and Game league, and takes great interest in all matters pertaining to fishing and hunting. He has a comfortable and convenient sum- mer home on the shores near the head- waters of Lake Winnesquam, and de- votes most of his spare time to en- joyment out of doors with gun and rod. Laconia Board of Trade. Harry D. Cilley. During the past ten years the Laco- nia Board of Trade has been an impor- tant factor in deal- ing with many ques- tions of town and municipal gove r n - ment, railroad mat ters, and the loca- tion of new indus- tries. The board wa s first per ma - nently organized May 27, 18S9. as the Laconia and Lake Village Board of Trade. The first offi- cers were : President, John C. Moulton; vice-presi- dents, Henry J. Odell and James H. Til- ton; s e c i" e - tary and treas- u re 1" . Samuel 1!. Smith ; di- re* i' irs, J oh n T. Busiel, E.( '. Lewis, 1 >ennis O'Shea, H. l\. Quinby, 1'-. F. Drake. Dr. Henry Tuck- er, and H. H. Wood. The present officers of the arry D. Cilley. board are: President, D. O'Shea; vice-president, W. K. KLnight; secretary. S. C. Five ; treasurer. Fd- l82 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. mund Little ; directors, Oscar A. Lou- gee, Frank P. Holt, S. B. Smith, James McGloughlin, and W. A. Plummer. Edwin F. Burleigh, Edwin F. Burleigh, chairman of the board of assessors of the city of La- conia, has been a prominent figure in mercantile and financial circles here for the past thirty years. He is a na- tive of Sanbornton, N. H., born Jan. 24, 1 84 1, son of James M. and Harriet G. (Kentfield) Burleigh. H e was educ a t e d in the common schools, and at the old Wood- man and San- born academy at Sanbornton square, and also attended the New Hamp- shire Confer- ence Seminary at Sanbornton Bridge, now Til- ton, N. H. After comple- ting his educa- tion, he remain- ed on the home farm in San- bornton for a few years, and came to Laco- nia in March, 1864. In 1865, he engaged in the boot and shoe business in the store in Burleigh's block, now occupied by McCarthy Bros. He continued in business very suc- cessfully for about thirty years, always remaining at the same stand, where he retailed boots, shoes, hats, caps, and men's furnishing goods. He was a shrewd buyer, and handled reliable goods, which, perhaps, accounts for his success, and it is a fact, that, when he retired from the shoe business in 1892, he was the oldest merchant in the town Edwin F. Burleieh. in point of service, and had continued his trade without any change of firm or location for almost thirty years. In 1894 Mr. Burleigh was elected a member of the board of city tax asses- sors, a position for which his excellent judgment and knowledge of business affairs and real estate admirably fitted him. He has served as chairman of the assessors since that time, and still holds the position. Since the retire- ment of the late Major N. B. Gale, Mr. Burleigh has served as president and trustee of the Belknap Sav- ings bank, and he is a director in the People's National bank. He is also one of the execu- tors of the will of the late Mai. Gale, and a trustee of the estate unde r the will ; also a trustee and a member of the building com- mittee for the city of Laconia to manage the Gale bequest, and erect the forthcoming Gale memorial building. He was one of the committee that erected the High school building in 18S7. Mr. Burleigh married Clara Richard- son of Reading, Mass., Dec. 23, 1867, and they have one son, Harry T. Bur- leigh, a law student in this city. Vtie De l'Eau Hotel. The Vue De l'Eau Hotel, under the efficient management of H. H. Caldon, proprietor, is one of the ideal summer resorts in New Hampshire. The hotel is located on an eminence on the shores THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 183 of Lake Winnesquam, is only three hours' ride from Boston, and is but a short distance from the end of the elec- tric railroad system of Laconia, connect- ing with The Weirs and Lake Winnipe- saukee. The Vue De l'Eau is most beautifully situated, commanding a mag- nificent view of Lake Winnesquam and the city of Laconia, with the Sandwich, Ossipee, and White Mountain ranges in the distance, and the Belknap moun- tains only a few miles away on the east. The hotel is connected with the outside world by long-distance telephone, and offers all the charm of country life, to- curves, and all the scenes are of natural loveli- ness not to be described. This tortuous coast- line multiplies little bays and inlets throughout the basin occupied by these waters, and affords a succession of scenes not often surpassed in beauty in any section in New England." Central House. The Central House, at No. 603 Main street, Laconia, is a first-class hotel, open all the year, and under the man- agement of H. H. Caldon, proprietor. It is centrally located, near the railroad station, electric cars, and business por- tion of the city, and the hotel is Vue De l'Eau Hotel. gether with the facilities and conven- iences of the city close at hand. Lake Winnesquam is a widely-known sports- men's resort, these waters abounding with lake trout, salmon, bass, pickerel, and smaller fish. The lake is nine miles long, and from half a mile to two miles in width. A prominent writer and admirer of New England scenery says : " The scenery of which it is a part is primitive and wonderfully attractive. Its shores rise abruptly in many parts to hills often of consid- erable height, these being usually well wooded, the forest growth coming down often to the water's edge. The shore winds inward and out- ward among these hills in graceful lines and equipped with every convenience, such as steam heat, electric lights, baths, etc. Rates are from Si to S2 per clay, and this hotel is very popular with commer- cial travelers, on account of its good service and excellent location. Judge John G. Jewett. For nearly half a century, Judge John G. Jewett has served the public in vari- ous positions of trust and honor, and he has been for many years one of the best known citizens in this section of Bel- knap count}'. He was a son of Smith and Statira ((dines) Jewett. born Sept. i8 4 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 4, 1829, in Laconia, then, of course, known as Meredith Bridge. His grandfather, Samuel Jewett, was the first permanent settler in Laconia on the east side of the Winnipesaukee river, coming here in 1782, when the land was covered with heavy timber. He owned more than half of the land which now comprises Ward 5, and sold the water privilege and seven acres of land on the east side of the river for seven dollars. His first dwelling was near the present site of Judge Jewett's residence, a nd a part of the estate is still owned by the Jewett fami 1 y . He was in the Battle of Bunk- er Hill, and served through the war. John G. Jew- ett was the sixth child of his pa- I rents. He at- tended the public schools of Meredith Bridge and the Gilford acade- my, and a f te r completing his education he taught school in this vicinity for ten years. In 1855 he went to South Amer- ica as a gold- hunter, returning in March, 1857. He was employed for eight years in the Laconia car shops, and in 1876 was appointed judge of the Laconia police court, a position which he filled with dignity and justice for sixteen years. In 1 89 1 he resigned, and was appointed postmaster by President Harrison. He resigned the postmastership in May, 1895, and since that time has been re- tired from public life. Besides these two positions mentioned, Judge Jewett has held numerous other offices, both Judge John G. Jewett town and county. He was register of probate for two years, was collector of taxes in 1859, was a selectman of Gil- ford for three years, and in 1863 was recruiting officer for that town. He was in the New Hampshire legislature in 1867 and 1868, was a member of the Laconia board of education for twelve years, and was superintendent of the school committee in Gilford back in 1858. In December, 1855, he married Caro- line E. Shannon, a native of Barnstead. They have three children : Ste- phen S . , t h e well-known law- yer, John B . , and Katie B. — all married. Judge Jewett has been a Free Mason for over thirty years, having joined Mt. Lebanon lodge in 1864, and he is past master of the lodge. H e i s also a member and past officer of Union chap- ter, and be- longs to Pilgrim C o m m andery, Knights Tem- plar. In relig- ious affairs he affiliates w i t h the Congreg a - tionalists, and in politics he is a staunch Republican. Col. Edwin C. Lewis. As editor of the Laconia Democrat from June, 1878, to January, 1897, Col. Edwin C. Lewis has been an important factor in all phases of Laconia life. He came here from New Hampton, with no journalistic training and no knowledge of the newspaper business, but with an THE ILLUSTRATED BACONIAN. i»5 abundance of " horse sense," a good education, and the ability to write tersely and interestingly of current events and to indite editorials which compared favorably with those in news- papers of much greater pretensions. In fact, it has been frequently and truth- fully said that for good English, good common sense, and good judgment, the editorials of Colonel Lewis were not ex- celled by any newspaper published in New Hampshire. Edwin C. Lewis was born in New Ham pt on , N. H., Nov. 28, 1836, the son of Col. Rufus G . and Sally ( Smith) Lewis. His father was for many years the prominent man of New Hampton, a large property owner and in- fluential citizen, a n d w a s a leader in ob- tain i n g t h e charter for and esta blishing New Hampton Literary Ins t i - tution. Edwin C. Lew- is fitted for col- 1 e g e at New Hampton Insti- tution, and grad- uated at Har- vard in the class of '59. He read law for a time in Lowell, Mass., but the sickness of his father called him home and caused him to abandon this profession. In 1878 he came to Laconia with Fred W. San- born and purchased the Laconia Demo- crat. The Arm of Lewis & Sanborn was changed at the end of two years by the retirement of Mr. Sanborn, and the con- cern continued as Lewis, Yaughan & Co., with Charles W. Yaughan and Albert P. Brown as the junior partners, until Colonel Lewis disposed of his interest to Gov. C. A. Busiel in January, 1897. Politically Colonel Lewis is a Demo- crat. He served two terms as treasurer of Belknap county, was in Governor Tuttle's executive council in 1890 and 1 89 1, was a member of the Laconia school board for some time, and was for many years a trustee and member of the executive committee of New Hamp- ton Institution. Colonel Lewis is a member of the several Masonic frater- nities in this city, including Pilgrim Command e ry , Knights T em - plar. In 1890 Colonel Lewis married E 1 i z a 1!., daughter of David and Sally (Wallace) Hil- ton of Sand- wich, who died April 15, 1899. Postmaster F. L. Gilman. Postmas t er Frank L. Gil- man is a Laco- nia boy, though born on the Gil- ford side of the river, and he has perhaps served the pub- lic in one ca- pacity or anoth- er more than any other man of his years in the city. He was born Sept. 29, 1858, his parents being Lyman \V. and Dorothy E. Gilman. His education was obtained in the public schools of Laconia, and he then entered the Laconia passenger depot as telegraph operator and ticket seller, holding these positions from 1S76 to 1SS0. He went to Old Orchard beach in the summer of 1S81, where he held a position as telegraph operator, and in October of the same year went to Boston, where he was employed in the Edwin C. Lewis i86 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Western Union Telegraph company's office on State street, until July, 1882, when he resigned his position to return to Laconia and accept the assistant Frank L. Gilman. postmastership under Postmaster Per ley Putnam. Mr. Gilman held the assis tant postmastership during Mr. Putnam's term, and when Post- master Nath'l Edgerly took the office in March, 1887, he contin- ued as assistant until October of the same year. During the next year or two Mr. Gilman was col- lector for the Laconia Democrat, clerk for Geo. R. Leavitt in the wood and coal business, and agent for the Singer Manufactur- ing Co. In the fall of 1S88, Mr. Gil- man was elected register of prob- ate for Belknap county, which office he filled for two years, from July, 1889. In 1891, he was ap- pointed assistant postmaster by Postmaster John G. Jewett, and held the place until Postmaster John O'Loughlin came into office in May, 1895, remaining with the latter until October, 1895. He was elected tax collector of the city of Laconia in 1895 and again in 1896, acting as agent for the New York Life Insurance company at the same time. Mr. Gilman was appointed post- master of Laconia by President Mc- kinley, July 2, 1897, a position which he still holds to the general satisfaction of the patrons of the office, for in his long service of the public in the various positions he has held, Mr. Gilman has always been a popular official, courte- ous to all, and in short, an ideal public servant. Mr. Gilman married Miss Ruth Bar- ber of Lewiston, Maine, Dec. 31, 1881. She died April, 1883, leaving one son, R. Frank Gilman, a member of the Laconia High school, class of 1900. Mr. Gilman married Miss Emma Jones, of this city, June 16, 1896. He is a member of Winnipiseogee lodge, a past chief patriarch of Laconia encampment, is at the present time lieutenant of Canton Osgood, No. 5, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. Mr. Gilman is also connected with the Laconia Lodge and Chapter of Masons. He has served as president and mem- ber of the board of managers of the First Free Baptist church of this city. Residence of Frank L. Gilman. Laconia Post-office, The Laconia post-office is in every respect a model institution, and is the largest and best-equipped office in New Hampshire north of Concord. For many years the post-office was kept in drug THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 187 stores, bookstores, etc., and then for about twenty years in old Post-office block, so called, near the river, in quar- ters which answered well enough for the times, but which finally proved inade- quate. When the handsome Masonic temple was erected, in 1895, the most desirable quarters in the building were leased and fitted up in elegant and con- venient shape for the handling of the United States mails, and for the accom- modation of patrons of the office. It is equipped with all modern improvements, including a Bundy time recorder, fire and burglar proof safe, and stamping 1889; a native of Laconia, born March 31, 1867. Mrs. E. Gertrude Sanborn, appointed May, 1894; a native of La- conia, born July 16, 1870. Charles F. Shastany, appointed September, 1895 ; a native of Laconia, born Nov. 1^. 1877. The regular letter-carriers are : John M. Guay, appointed April 1, 1896; a native of Canada, born Sept. jo, 1861. Eben P. Merrill, appointed April 1 , 1896 ; a native of Laconia, born July 10, 1863. Oliver F. Griffin, appointed Aug. 9, 1898; a native of Attleboro, Mass., born Dec. 12, 1858. Arthur F. Turner, machine. Frank L. Gilman, the present postmaster, was appointed by President McKinley, July 2, 1897, and was already admirably fitted by several years of sub- ordinate service in this office for the more responsible position of postmaster. The office was removed to the Ma- sonic temple in September, 1895. The free delivery service was established April 1, 1896. The present force of clerks in the post-office are as follows : Edward S. Cook, chief, appointed July, 1897 ; a native of Laconia, born May 6, 1864. Miss Belle V. Dixon, appointed March, appointed April 1, 1896; a native of Chelsea. Mass., born Sept. 28, 1869. The employe's of the post-office are in the classified service, and the mem- bers of the Civil Service Examining Board (local) are : Edward S. Cook, chairman; Belle V. Dixon, secretary; and Arthur F. Turner. The Late Col. Thomas J. Whipple. The late Col. Thomas J. Whipple, who died Dec. 21, 1889, was perhaps the most noted citizen who has ever resided in Laconia. having a national i88 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. reputation as a brave soldier — the hero of two wars — a brilliant lawyer, and a strong character, whose like we shall not look upon again. Colonel Whipple was born in Went- worth, N. H., Jan. 30, 18 16. His father was one of the noted men of his time. Young Whipple was educa- ted at the academies in New Hampton, Bradford, Vt., and at the Norwich uni- versity, where he developed his early taste for military affairs. At the age made adjutant-general on the staff of General Lewis. Returning from Mex- ico he opened an office in Laconia in 1849, and was until his death one of the most prominent figures among the lawyers of New Hampshire. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebel- lion he served as lieutenant-colonel of the First New Hampshire regiment and as colonel of the Fourth regiment, re- signing the latter March 18, 1862. Later he was prominent in raising the The Late Col. Thomas J. Whipple. of seventeen he had been aide-de-camp on the staff of General Cook of the New Hampshire militia, and he organ- ized a company known as the Went- worth Phalanx, which had quite a bril- liant reputation. He read law with Hon. Josiah Quincy of Rumney and Salmon Wires of Johnson, Vt., and commenced practice in his native town. He was one of the first to enlist in the Mexican War, was taken prisoner at Vera Cruz, afterwards exchanged, and famous Twelfth regiment, and was elected its colonel, but did not serve. Although for years recognized as one of the trusted and foremost leaders of the Democratic party in New Hamp- shire, he filled but comparatively few offices. Almost any place in the gift of the party could have been his, but he steadily refused them all. He was assistant clerk and clerk of the house of representatives, secretary of the constitutional convention of 1850, and THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 189 a member of the convention of 1876. He was once moderator of the old town of Laconia. Colonel Whipple married Belinda Hadley of Wentworth, and he is sur- vived by one granddaughter, Mrs. C. O. Downing of Laconia. Colonel Whipple was a man of re- markable ability, a profound and origi- nal thinker, and a most effective orator. His manner and bearing, the erect form, the flashing eye, the resolute tones of his voice, and his personal magnetism, seemed like special gifts of his own. The place of this brilliant man is likely to remain forever unfilled. ing surgeons at Laconia, and a member of Laconia board of education. He is a member of the New Hamp- shire Medical society, and Winnipesau- kee Academy of Medicine; a Knight of Pythias, past chancellor of Endicott Rock lodge, and member of grand lodge of New Hampshire; a member of J. A. Greene company, U. R. K. of P. ; a member of Mount Lebanon lodge, A. F. A. M ; of Pilgrim commandery, and a thirty-second degree Mason. In politics he is a Republican. He married May I. Davis on June 28, 1888. The y have one child, Havene M a y Quimby. Dr. John G. Quimby. Laconia Street Railway. John Grant Quimby, physi- cian at Lake- port, was born at San d w i c h , N. H., April 8, 1862, son of Joseph H. and Nancy J. (Fogg) Quimby. H e was educated at New Hamp- ton Literary Institution, and Nichols Latin school, Lewis- ton, Me., from which he was graduated at the head of his class in June, 1S85. He then be- came a student of Bowdoin university, medical department, and obtained the degree of M. D. on June 27, 1888. He began the practice of his profes- sion in July, 1 888, at Lakeport, and has since been a resident of Ward 6, except the years i892-'93 when he was at New Hampton, N. H. For several years he has been city physician, and holds that position at present. He is a member of the U. S. board of examin- Dr. John G. Quimby The Laconia Street Railway, w h i c h n o w sends its hand- some and com- fortable electric- street cars from the lower end of Laconia, al- most at the Belmont line. throu g h the heart of Laco- nia and Lake- port's business and residential streets, and thence along the shores of Lake Paugus over the magnificent boulevard just com- pleted from Lakeport to The Weirs, was chartered in 1881 by the New Hamp- shire legislature as the Laconia and Lake Village Horse Railroad. The grantees were Albert G. Fol- som, J. P. Hutchinson, James II. Til- ton, and Richard Gove. The capital stock was only 5.15,000, and the first car was run over the road August 18. 1882. Bela S. Keniston was the first superintendent, and the tracks extended 190 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. only from the Willard hotel in Laconia to the steamboat wharves in Lakeport. The road was always a successful institution, but for the past ten years there has been a public demand for President H. L. Pierce. electricity to replace the old-fashioned method of horses for motive power. Dr. Joseph C. Moore obtained control of the road in 1889, and planned to introduce electricity, but in 1896 the control came back into the hands of A. G. Folsom and his associates, who built and operated the road at first. In the summer of 1898, a controlling interest in the corporation was pur- chased by Messrs. Harry L. Pierce and Charles T. Foster, of Leominster, and George H. Cook of Athol. These gen- tlemen at once proceeded to equip the system with electricity, and in Septem- ber, 1898, the electric cars were run- ning over the road, and the system was kept open for traffic during the winter, while in previous years, with the horse- motors, the track was usually aban- doned at the first heavy fall of snow, and transportation furnished during the winter in cumbersome and inconvenient sleigh-barges. In the spring of 1899, Messrs. Pierce, Foster, and Cook extended their tracks from Lakeport to The Weirs, a distance of about five miles, over one of the most beautiful routes for an electric ride to be found in New England. The tracks follow the shore of Lake Paugus very closely, and command a most beautiful view of water and mountain scenery over the entire route, while at The Weirs, the summer resort of central and northern New Hampshire, the system crosses the outlet of the famous Lake Winnipesaukee, and has its terminus near the camp-grounds of the New Hampshire Veterans' Association, and the Winnipesaukee Campmeeting Asso- ciation (Methodists), where musical fes- tivals, religious and social gatherings and reunions are held every week dur- ing; the summer season. Treasurer C. T. Foster. Thus the little horse railroad has grown from a small system, merely con- necting the business centres of two ends of the city, to an electric system which runs practically from Belmont on the south to Meredith on the north, through one of the most enterprising cities of New Hampshire, while the new exten- sion affords an opportunity for a ride through the world-famous lake region of New Hampshire. The motive power is supplied by an equipment of the latest pattern of gaso- lene engines, located at the car stables on Union avenue, and the road is sup- plied with modern and elegant cars, and THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 191 everything to make the service first-class, and just what an electric road should be. Messrs. Pierce, Foster, and Cook are entitled to much credit for their enterprise in giving Laconia such a desirable service, and they certainly deserve the success with which their efforts seem likely to be rewarded. The present officers of the road are : President, Harry L. Pierce ; treasurer. Charles T. Foster; superintendent, Lewis S. Pierce ; directors, H. L. Pierce, Charles T. Foster, Geo. H. Cook, S. B. Smith, A. G. Folsom, Ed- mund Little, Chas. F. Stone. President H. L. Pierce, of the Laconia Street Railway, was born in Somerville, Mass., June 9, 1865, and entered the electric business in 1889, when he started in the manufacture of electric supplies at Leominster, Mass. In 1890 he formed the Pierce Construction Co., and has since built about two hundred miles of electric roads, from Bath, Me., to Austin, Tex. In 1887 he gave up the construction business to devote his entire attention to his several railways and his real estate interests, among Superintendent L. S. Pierce. which is the Fitchburg & Suburban of Leominster, Mass., and the Laconia Street Railway, in both of which con- cerns Mr. Pierce is president. Charles T. Foster of Leominster. Mass., was born in Canterbury. N. H., July 22, 1869, His father, Moses A. Foster, was a farmer and breeder of hue blooded horses. Mr. Foster's early ed- ucation was acquired in the district schools at home. At sixteen years of age he entered Tilton seminary, from which he was graduated in 1889. The following fall he was admitted to the Bryant & Stratton business college in Boston, and at the completion of his course he was offered a position in the Leominster National bank at Leomins- ter, which position he accepted, and held for four years, resigning to connect himself with the Whitney Reed Chair Company of that place. During the past few years he has been an active real estate dealer, and has been fortun- ate in purchasing unimproved land in advance of the rapid development of the city where he lives, and has built a great many new streets and houses in connection with his land improvement. He was one of the promoters of the Fitchburg & Suburban Street Railway, and at the present time is one of the managing directors and treasurer of that road. He is also one of the managing directors and treasurer of the Laconia Street Railway of Laconia, and has other railway interests where he is not an active officer. At the present time he is a member of the Leominster board of selectmen. and previously one of the town auditors. Superintendent L. S. Pierce was born August 4, 1863, and became connected with the electric railway business in T887, at which time there were but two roads in operation. He was at that time electrician on the Belt line, in Lynn, Mass. The next year he become superintendent of overhead construction and electrician for the Pierce Construc- tion Co. In the past ten years he has superintended the setting of poles, stringing of wires, etc., for twenty-two different lines of electric roads, on most of which he has been the first to start a car. Superintendent Pier< e became connected with the Laconia Street Rail- way on August 1 , [898. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. J 93 Hun. E. A. Hibbard. Hon. Ellery A. Hibbard. Hon. Ellery A. Hibbard, senior mem ber and president of the Belknap County Bar Association, is one of the most widely known of Laconia's legal fraternity. He was born in St. Johnsbury, Yt.. July 31, 1826, and was admitted to the bar in Ply- mouth, N. H., in Jul}-, 1S49. In January, 1853, he came to Laconia, and in course of time won a place- as one of the ablest and most suc- cessful lawyers in New Hampshire. He was appointed judge of the su- preme court in March, 1 S 7 3 , but retired after being on the bench a little over one year. In politics Judge Hibbard has always been a firm and consistent Democrat. He served Laconia as moderator from 1862 to 1873 inclusive, has been assistant clerk and clerk of the leg- islature, represented the town twice in the general court, and was a member of the forty-second United States house of representatives. Judge Hibbard was a member of the original board of directors of the Laconia National bank, and still retains his connection with that in- stitution ; lie is a trustee of the Laconia Savings bank, and has been prominent in numerous local enterprises, besides holding man)- other positions of trust and honor. December 5, 1 s 3 3 . he married Mary, daughter of Jacob bell of Haverhill, N. 1L. and they have had four children : Charles 1!., his father's law partner; Jennie Olive, wife of ( )rman T. Lougee ; Walter, who died at the age of seven ; and Laura 1!., who resides with her parents. The Late Hon. "Warren Lovell. Quarter of a century ago the late Hon. Warren Lovell was one of the leading citizens of Laconia. and a man who was largely in public life. He was a native of Rockingham, Yt., born Dec. 3, 1802, and died Aug. iS, 1875. " L ' read law at bellows Falls, Yt., villi Judge Kellogg, and was a student in the same office with the late Chief Jus- Tin- late Hun. Warren Lovell. i94 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. tice Bellows. Admitted to the bar, he came to Meredith, N. H., in 1825, where he remained in practice until 1843, at which time he changed his residence to Laconia. He was several times elected representative from Mere- dith, was state senator from this dis- trict two years, and was solicitor and afterwards judge of probate for Straf- ford county. When Belknap county was set off from Strafford county, Judge Lovell was appointed judge of probate and held the office until he attained the age of seventy, and thereby be- came disquali- fied. He was qu i t e promi- nent in local financial circles and was presi- dent of the Bel- knap C ount y bank from its organ i z at ion until it closed up its business. a two years' course of lectures at Hah- nemann college, of Philadelphia, where he graduated M. D. in 1881. Dr. Wris- ley remained in hospital practice in Philadelphia for one year, and came to Laconia in August, 1894, purchasing the practice of Dr. Geo. F. Roby. Dr. Wrisley is a member of the Ameri- can Institute of Homeopathy, the New Hampshire Homeopathic Medical soci- ety, Winnipesaukee Academy of Med- icine, and an honorary member of the Homeopathic Medical society of Phil- adelphia. Dr. Wrisl ey has been very successful in his practice in Laconia and vicinity, and has been fav- ored with t h e liberal c 1 i e n - tage which his success has merited. Dr. John Alson Wrisley. The Late Jonathan L. Moore. Among the skilful physi- cians for which Laconia has al- ways been, and still is, noted, is Dr. John Alson Wrisley, who at the present Dr. John A. -y> time is the only homeopathic physician at the Lakeport end of the city. Dr. Wrisley was born in Stafford Springs, Conn., son of John J. and Me- lissa S. (Franklin) Wrisley. He was educated in the common schools, sup- plemented by courses at Tilton semi- nary, and Fort Edward institute, of New York. His professional studies were commenced with Dr. W. E. Keith, of Franklin Falls, N. H., after which he took his first course of lectures at Bos- ton University Medical school, and then A 1 1 h ough a native of San- bor nton, t h e late Jonathan Love joy Moore was for almost half a century a most promi- nent, most reli- able, and es- teemed citizen and business man of Laconia. He was born at Sanbornton Square, Dec. 13, 1828, and was educat- ed at the Sanbornton academy. Mr. Moore was a blacksmith and machin- ist by trade in his early days, and first settled in Wolfeborough, where he en- gaged in business and remained there three years. He moved to Laconia in 1852, and for many years conducted a blacksmith shop on the Gilford side of the river. He sold out this business in 1876, and went into the machinist busi- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 195 ness. being one of the firm of Moore, Diamond & Co., at what is now the Huse machine shops. In 1SS7, he became the senior mem- ber of the firm of J. L. Moore & Son. lily known in Belknap county from the first settlement of tin's region. At the first town-meeting held in Meredith, the name of Ebenezer Pitman appears among the officers elected, and he after- undertakers and dealers in wall papers, wards served the town as representative etc., continuing in this business success- and town clerk. His son, Ebenezer fully until his decease. Pitman. Jr.. was also a prominent man Mr. Moore was a Republican in poli- in colonial days, serving the town as tics, and was selectman of the town of clerk for many years, and also as repre- Gilford from 1871 to 1876, and was sentative to the legislature several terms. chairman of the Laconia board of city He was the legal authority in his section assessors for rive years, from the time of the town and for many years made the city was in- corporated until his death. May 27. 1898. In his leisure hours, the busi- ness laws of X e w H a m p - shire were his continual study and he was an unusually well- informed m a n upon m atter s in this line, and many estates were placed in his hands for settlement. H e w a s a charter member of the [.O.O. F. } and was treas- urer of that so- ciety for over thirty consecu- tive years. The late Jonathan L. Moore. The Late Joseph P. Pitman. The late Joseph P. Pitman was for more than half a century an honored, prominent, and influential citizen of La- conia. He was not only a leading figure still later tor more than thirty years, in financial and manufacturing cir- with his intimate friend, the late Daniel out most of the legal d o c u - ments for his fellow -t o w n s - men. Jose p h P. Pitman was the second son of Ebenezer P it- man, Jr., born on the old homestead in Meredith, Jan. 12. 1809. ^ e passed his early years upon the farm, attended the common- schools, and then entered the academy at New Hampton. lie fore he was twenty years of a g e he h a d taught several terms of school and sen ed two years as a clerk in Concord. At the age of twenty-one he began business for himself in Laconia, in connection with the late Daniel M. Dale, and afterwards with his bicther. John M. Pitman, and cles, but as one of the managing direc- tors of the old Boston. Concord & Moil treal railroad, he saved the corporation from financial ruin and secured its pros- perity. The Pitman family has been favora- A. Tilton. This business has not vet passed from the Pitman family and is now conducted by Ins sons. Messrs. Jo- seph W. and Walter II. Pitman. from [836 to iSp he was agent and treasurer of the Winnipesaukee Lake 196 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Co., and during a part of this time was also engaged in business at Lake Village in company with the late John V. Barron. Mr. Pitman at this time was only about twenty-five years old, and as agent for the Lake Co. (a position afterwards held by the Hon. James Bell), he was superintendent and manager of all the mills at Lake Village, and sold all of the goods manufactured. These mills were At this time he held the controlling in- terest in the firm of Pitman, Tilton & Co., which was in 1S74 incorporated as the Pitman Manufacturing Co., and in this corporation Mr. Pitman was presi- dent and principal owner. In railroad affairs in New Hamp- shire, Mr. Pitman was especially promi- nent. He was a director of the Winni- pesaukee Steamboat Co., of the Con- cord railroad, and president of the Pemi- The late Joseph P. Pitman. owned by Mr. David Pingree, and Mr. Pitman was agent for him. He was a director in the old Winnipe- saukee bank, and during the twenty years of its existence a director of the Belknap County bank, and subse- quently in 1876 he was chosen a trustee of the Belknap Savings bank, an office which he continued to hold during the remainder of his life. Mr. Pitman was the founder of the Pitman Manufacturing Co., commencing the manufacture of knit goods in 1868. gewasset railroad, and at the time of his death was senior director of the Boston, Concord & Montreal railroad, having been elected in 1858. It was largely through Mr. Pitman's financial tact, energy and foresight that this corpora- tion was restored to prosperity when failure of the enterprise seemed almost unavoidable. Mr. Pitman was a life-long Democrat, but never cared for political honors, al- though he represented Meredith in the legislature in 185 1 and 1852. He was THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 197 for forty-three years an active member of the Congregational church, and prom- inently identified with all its affairs. He was the principal member of the build- ing committee under whose direction the church was rebuilt in 1S74, making it at that time one of the finest church edi- fices in New Hampshire. Perhaps no better estimate of Mr. Pitman's character and of his impor- tance to the growth of Laconia can be given than to quote the following reso- lutions which were adopted by his towns- and combining energy with prudence to a rare degree. No one has contributed more Largely to give Laconia its envia- ble rank as a business center than Mr. Pitman, and his loss will be long and severely felt far beyond the immediate circle in which he moved.'" Mr. Pitman was married May <;, 1841, to Charlotte Abby, daughter of Charles and Abigail Parker. The Par- kers were also prominent people in old Laconia. and Mrs. Pitman as a young lady was noted for her great beauty , and Charles F. Pitman. men who were called together for that purpose immediately after his death. which occurred Pel). 16, 1883 : •• We deeply lament the loss which we. in common with others, have sustained by the death of one so intimately con- nected with the substantial history and prosperity of our town. Mr. Pitman was widely and most favorably known as a strong business man. of undoubted integrity and great sagacity, always punctual in meeting every engagement, and faithful in performing every duty. she was a woman of great strength oi character and many estimable qualities. Their children were Elizabeth W. (now the wife of Hon. Charles P. Bell of Lawrence, Mass., associate justice ot the superior court of Massachusetts); Helen M.. deceased (the first wile ol Mr. Pell); Charles I-'., the present ni.it. ager of the Pitman Manufacturing Co.; Joseph \\\, and Walter I P. who continue the mercantile business of their father under the established partnership name of P P. Pitman ,\: Co. igS THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. The Pitman Manufacturing: Co, The Pitman Manufacturing Co. was incorporated in 1874. but was estab- lished in 1 868 by the late Joseph P. Pitman, and has always been one of the most important industries of Laconia, furnishing employment to a large num- ber of operatives, and having a wide- spread reputation among the trade for the manufacture of hue hosiery. Both woolen and cotton hosiery are produced at the Pitman mills, and their output at the present time is larger than that of any similar concern in the city. The present officers of the corporation are : President and manager, Charles F. Pit- man ; clerk, Joseph W. Pitman. Charles F. Pitman, the present head of the Pitman Manufacturing Co., is a native of this city, the son of Joseph P. and Charlotte Abby (Parker) Pitman, born Oct. 6, 1S47. He was educated at New Hampton academy and Phillips academy at Andover. Upon leaving school he entered the store of Pitman & Tilton, with which he was connected from 1865 to 1870. He then turned his attention to the hosiery manufacturing business, and was in company with his father and Daniel A. Tilton from 1870 to 1874, thoroughly mastering the details of the manage- ment of the concern. In 1874 the Pit- man Manufacturing Co. was incorpo- rated, and he has been general manager from the start, and president of the cor- poration since his father's death in 1883. Mr. Pitman applies himself very closely to the management of the con- cern, is thoroughly familiar with every detail of the industry, and is considered one of the best and most successful hosiery manufacturers in this section of the country. He is a director in the Laconia Na- tional bank, trustee of the Belknap Sav- ings bank, trustee of the Gale fund for a city library and park, one of the man- aging trustees of the Laconia hospital, president of the Congregational society, and a deacon of this church. He is a member of the New Hampshire Society of Colonial Wars, his ancestors in Essex county, Massachusetts, having served with distinction in the Colonial and Revolutionary Wars. In politics Mr. Pitman is a Republi- can, and although never an aspirant for any political honors he takes great in- terest in public affairs, and is recognized as one of the public-spirited citizens of Laconia, always ready to assist in any enterprise or charity for the benefit of the community. He married, Oct. 15, 1890, Grace Anna, daughter of the late O. A. J. Vaughan. They have had two children : Ruth Marion, who died in infancy, and Charles Joseph, born Jan. 22, 1895. Station Acrent C. E. Leavitt. Charles E, Frye. Charles E. Frye, general foreman at the Laconia car shops, is a master car builder who has grown up with the car industry in this city, and has been for many years an important man in this concern. He was born in Sandwich, N. H., Oct. 6, 1846, and was educated in the public schools. He came to Laconia in 1S70, and worked at his trade as carpenter for two years and THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 199 then entered the car shops under the old Ranlet Manufacturing Company. He has been connected with the car shops ever since that time, and was superintendent of the works under the old Laconia Car Co. lie is now gen- eral foreman under the present man- agement, the Laconia Car Company Works. He is not only a skilful workman and thoroughly efficient car builder, but he is a man of much executive ability, and understands the business of con- structing cars in all its branches and various departments. In politics Mr. Frye is a Democrat and represented Laconia in the legislature in 1S92. and . ;4 ^dP"/ ^H^S^ ( w*^^ Charles E. Five. also served one term in the council as a member of the first city government of Laconia in 1893. In secret orders Mr. Frye is a thirty second degree Mason, a Knight Tem- plar, a member of the Mystic Shrine, and Ancient Order of United Work- men. He is an attendant at the Con- gregational church. Mr. Frye married Olive M. Vittum, on June 5, 1870, and they have three sons. Adelbert Clark. Adelbert Clark. New Hampshire's young poet, whose verses have at- tracted much attention, both in the Granite state and throughout New Eng- land, and who is also a short story writer of no mean ability, is a native oi Laconia, born Feb. 27, 1870, and has spent nearly all his life in this city. He acquired his early education in the pub- lic schools at Lakeport, and even at an earl}- age his thirst for books was ap- parent, caring more for his studies and reading than for sports, games, and out- of-door amusements. He left school at the age of fourteen years, but continued to devote all his spare time to the read- ing of standard works, both poetry and prose. He commenced writing both stories and poems at an early age merely for his own amusement and gratification, but some four years ago he submitted one of his poems to the Waverley Mag- azine of boston. The poem was ac- cepted, and since then he has written many verses for that publication. All of his poems are of a serious nature, and are noted not only for the beautiful thoughts expressed in them, but for the way they are handled. He has con- tributed for Godey's Magazine, the Mid- land Mont lily, the Army and Nary Journal, the Philadelphia Times, the Saturday Globe, the. Manchester Union, and nearly all of the local newspapers. His short stories have also been very favorably received, possessing good plots, interesting characters, and line descriptions. Mr. Clark is an enthusiastic collector of the autographs of famous men. and has one of the largest and finest collec- tions in this line to be found in New England, comprising the signatures of celebrated poets, authors, statesmen, musicians, actors, army and navy 1 cers, presidents of the United States, etc. When the Laconia company went to Chickamauga Park with the First New Hampshire Regiment during the sum- mer of [898, Mr. Clark took great inter- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. est in their welfare, and when many of the company were sick with fever and lacking home comforts and luxuries, Mr. Clark worked steadily night and day in their behalf, arranging a booklet Adelbert Clark. of appropriate verses which was placed on sale for the benefit of the boys of Company K, and which netted a snug little sum for their relief. Mr. Clark is a great lover of nature, very sympathetic, and his pleasant dis- position and pleasing manners win him a host of friends wherever he is known. He is acquiring much more than a local reputation as a poet, and his work thus far gives promise of a brilliant future. George F. Mallard. Although comparatively a young man, George E. Mallard can claim to be the oldest merchant, in point of service, at the Laconia end of the city, having established his drug business in its pres- ent location, No. 537 Main street, in 186 1, and he has continued in the same store and with no change of firm until the present date. Mr. Mallard is a native Laconian, the son of the late Ephraim and Mercy (Barker) Mallard of this place. He was educated in our public schools and has always resided here. Mr. Mallard's drug business is not only the oldest, but the largest, estab- lishment in this line in the city. He carries everything in the way of drugs, herbs, and barks, and all the standard patent remedies ; besides cigars, toilet articles, sponges, and, in fact, every- thing usually found in a first-class drug George F. Mallard. store. Mr. Mallard also carries a large line of trusses of all the different makes. Dr. Helen L. Story. Dr. Helen Louise Story was born in Campton, N. H., April 16, i860, the daughter of Hazen D. and Lydia (Walker) Smith. Her parents moved to Plymouth when she was five years of age, where she was educated in the common schools and finally graduated in the Belles Lettres course at Tilton Female college. Fitting for a teacher at the State Normal school at Plymouth, she continued the work until the fall of THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 1881, when she married Jos. ( 'lenient Story, a young lawyer practising at Wentworth, who with his family after- wards removed to Plymouth, where he- became known as one of the brilliant men of the Grafton county bar, and con- tinued in active practice until overcome by disease, and died Jan. 27, 1894, after a' lingering illness, leaving the wife and two "children, Charlotte Louise and Marion Walker, It was during her husband's illness that Mrs. Story conceived the idea of following the medical profession, and she thus began the study of medicine at that time with Dr. Haven Palmer of Plymouth. In the fall of 1894 she entered the Woman's Medical college of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, remaining two years, when she went to Boston to accept a position as assistant surgeon in the Boston Dispensary, and continued her studies at Tufts Medical college, from which she took her degree of Doc- tor of Medicine in June, 1897. She passed the Massachusetts State Board the following July, and commenced practice at 23 Dartmouth St., Boston, R. Peabody. Dr. Story continued in these several capacities until May. 1898, when on account of failing health she was forced to seek rest and change, joining her family at Laconia, and with a position of assistant physician at Trinity Dispensary. She also opened an office in Lowell for a few days in each week, in company with Dr. Sophia Dr. Helen L. Story. opened an office for practice in Masonic Temple on July 1, 1898, having passed our own State Board of Examiners the previous year with the highest record of any candidate during 1897. Dr. Story's present place of business and residence is at 395 Main St.. where she resides with her two daughters. Dr. Story makes no specialty in her profession, but is of the regular school of practice and has had large experi- ence and opportunities in the diseases of women and children, while she has done some creditable work in general surgery. Miss Marion Walker Story, youngest daughter of Dr. Story, has won a wide reputation as the smallest lady cornetist before the public, having made her fust appearance in Montreal three years ago at the age of seven. She has appeared in Boston and many of the large cities of New England, and her ability, execu- tion, tone, and expression have received the warmest praise from the press and musical criti< s wherevei she has been heard. T. H. Worrall's summer residence, Lake Shore Park, Lake Winnipesaukee, N. H. This property includes sixtv acres of land and live buildings. T. H. Worrall's steam yacht Grade. Fifty feet long, ten feet wide. T. H. Worrall's winter residence, Laconia, N. H. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 2 °i Shannon's Bakery. During the past half a century, Laco- nia has had bakers and bake shops galore, some good, some bad, and some indifferent, but none of the bakers ever appeared to make a financial success of their industry, until the advent of the subject of this sketch, Mr. William P. Shannon. Mr. Shannon was born in Hamp- stead, N. H., Jan. i, 1862, and he was educated in the public schools of Hav- erhill, Mass. He came to Laconia in 18S6, and in 189 1 started a bakery in a small way on North Main street. The fame of Shannon's bakery spread and the bake shop prospered and outgrew its original quarters in a very short time. He then removed to Mill street, where he continued very successful 1 y. constantly in- creasing his pro- duction and ca- pacity for goods in his line, until in 1897 he se- cured still more convenient quarters at 501 Main street, where his establishment is now located. Mr. Shannon has always devoted his personal attention to the supervision of the business and his baked goods are recognized as first-class and always re- liable. He has the patronage of the best people of the city and manufac- tures everything in the line of breads. cakes, pies, and fancy cooking known to the trade. He married Miss Emma M. Griffin of Gilmanton in 18X2, and they have one child, a son of three years. Mr. Shan- non is a Republican in politics and is connected with the Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Lake City Laundry. Will I'. Shannon ami sun. Dana P. The Lake City Laundry, on (anal court, is one of Laconia's metropolitan establishments, conducted by Frank R. Folsom, and equipped with all new and up-to-date machinery. This laundry was established by Mr. Folsom about four years ago. Previous to this time numerous attempts had been made to establish and maintain a first-class laun- dry in Laconia, under various manage- ments, but until Mr. Folsom's advent in the business none of the ventures was verv successful. Mr. Folsom, however, w i t h modern m e t h - ods, hard work, and close atten- tion to the de- tails of the laun- dry business has built up a large trade and creat- ed a successful business in this line. Branch offices have been estab- lished in the prin c i p al sur- rounding towns in this vicinity, a n d 1 a u n d r y work from all sections of 1 '.el- knap count y , from the Pemigewasset valley and even as far north as Vermont, is now sent to this establishment. Mr. Folsom has won a reputation for turning out first-class work, and the fame of the Lake City Laundry has spread throughout north- ern and central New Hampshire and in many adjoining towns in Vermont. The establishment employs only skilled help, and with the improved machinery of the present day is en- abled to turn out the very finest work. Goods are collected and delivered in all parts of this city by the laundry teams, and out-of-town work is collected by the local agents in each town ami forwarded and returned by express. 204 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Mr. Folsom, the proprietor and mana- ness, which was then conducted here ger of this industry, is a native of Bel- by Mr. J. H. Toof, a Concord laundry- mont, born Oct. 21, 1857. He was man. Since that time Mr. Folsom has The Lake City Laundry. educated in the public schools of Bel- devoted his entire time and attention mont and Laconia, and started in the to building up a successful business in piano and organ retail business about this line, and his efforts have been re- 111 r .4 El 111! n I . H ¥■ |p| lafel t ..„_ I «■*» McCarthy Bros.' Stores. twenty years ago, following this line of warded with a liberal patronage and business until about four years ago, the establishment of a prosperous busi- when he purchased the laundry busi- ness. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 205 Mr. Folsom is connected with several secret societies, being a Mason, Odd Fellow, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. The Esty Sprinkling; Company. McCarthy Bros. Although one of the latest established of Laconia's large retail dry goods and clothing firms, McCaithy Bros, are rec- ognized as the proprietors and mana- gers of one of our most successful and reliable concerns. The firm of McCar- thy Bros, started in the dry goods busi- ness in April, 1S91, with a store eigh- teen feet wide by sixty feet deep. In June, 1896, owing to the constant and rapid increase of their trade, they were obliged to add a second floor, twenty feet wide by sixty feet deep. Their business still continued to grow, and it again became necessary to add more space to afford facilities for their in- creasing trade and larger stock of goods, and in December, 1896, they bought out the Laconia One-Price Clothing Co., and added to their busi- ness a clothing department, with a floor space thirty feet wide by ninety feet deep. But the increase in trade still kept pace with the increase in accom- modations, and in November, 1898, they leased the Burleigh shoe store, which is twenty-two feet wide and sixty feet deep. This store they annexed to their dry goods department, and the establishment is now as modern, con- venient, and well-lighted a store as will be found in New Hampshire. The members of the firm are Stephen J. McCarthy, John E. McCarthy, and Dennis W. McCarthy, all of whom are Laconia boys, who were educated in our public schools, and who have grown up to manhood in the dry goods and clothing trade in this city, thor- oughly understanding every detail. By close and constant attendance to their business, and by merchandizing only strictly first-class goods, they have gained the confidence of the public, and built up a splendid business in their dry goods and clothing depart- ments. The protection of property, especially that consisting of mill, factory, and bus- iness buildings, against lire, lias been and is still receiving the closest atten- tion by the most skilful engineers of the present day. Efforts are being made constantly to render such buildings more fireproof, and endless contrivances have been made and improvements have been effected whereby the disastrous effects of fire may be lessened. One of the best known and most SUC- 1 essful of these devices ever placed up- The Esty Sprinkler, full size. on the market is the " Ksty " automatic sprinkler, a full sized cut of which ap- pears above. This sprinkler is univer- sally approved and accepted by insur- ance companies, and where installed, lowest rates are secured. The '• Esty " sprinkler was invented and patented by Mr. William Kstv of Laconia. N. II.. and in 1893 a stock company known as the Esty Sprinkler company was formed, with Mr. Esty as president and general manager. This company is located in the Esty mill, 59 Mill St.. Laconia. X. 11.. and its works 2o6 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. have been in constant operation since the date of its incorporation, and is one of the few concerns in this city not forced to shut down at any period dur- ing the recent " hard times." Through this trying period, the company con- tinued doing a good business, and dur- ing the few years they have been in business, have manufactured and sold over 300,000 sprinklers, an average of over ^0,000 each year, furnishing steady employment to its employes. The " Esty " sprinkler is well known not only in this country, but is in use in many of the most progressive foreign countries, including England, Australia, Japan, Sweden, France, Belgium, and Austria. The officers of the Esty Sprinkler company are : President and general manager, William Esty ; secretary and treasurer, Fred A. Phelps ; directors, William Esty, Fred A. Phelps, and Henry Richardson. The company is ever ready to furnish any information at its command relative Fred R. Adams. Fred Russell Adams, proprietor of the West End Grocery and Provision West End Grocery and Provision Store, Lakeport to sprinkler protection, and respectfully solicits correspondence from all parties contemplating the installation of a first- class sprinkler equipment. Fred K. Adams. Store at Lakeport, is a native of Gil- man ton Iron Works, born March 24, 1859, son of Albert A . and Mary A . (McNeal) Adams. He was educated in the public schools of Concord and Lou- don, and then at- tended the Til ton seminary. At the age of sixteen he commenced to serve an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. Mr. Adams came to Lake Village May 1, 1SS2, and until the spring of 1887 was employed in the Boston & Maine rail- road shops. He next engaged in the con- tracting and building business and erected several fine residences in Lakeport. Mr. Adams was employed at his trade for about two years at differ- ent times by Boulia, Gorrell &: Co., of THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 207 Laconia, and afterwards by J. Boulia & Co., at Lakeport. In the fall of 1889 he engaged in the grocery business with George P. Colby, and the following year formed a partnership with E. L. Hadley in the grocery and provision trade in the "Brawn store." In 1893, Mr. Adams erected his present home and store, known as the West End Grocery and Provision Store, E. R. Adams, pro- prietor. He joined Harmony lodge, I. O. O. F., They have had two children : Bertha Blanche, born August 20, 1S79, who re- sides at home, and Eva May, born August 21, 1 88 1, who died April 13, 1892. Capt. Stephen B, Cole. On March 24, 1633, there landed on these shores, one Thomas Cole who came in the Mary and John. He was Capt. Stephen B. Cole. at Tilton, in 1882, and is now a mem- ber of Chocorua lodge of Lakeport, and has served as secretary since June, 1898. Mr. Adams was elected secre- tary of the Odd Fellows' Mutual Relief association in March, 1898, and he is also a member of Hannah Frances Re- bekah lodge, No. 41. Mr. Adams is a special officer on the Laconia police force. Mr. Adams married, November 13, 1878, Emma E. Abbott, daughter of G W. and Annie (Lorimer) Abbott. an original proprietor of Hampton, and is mentioned as there in 1638. He was at Salem in 1649 '50, and is recorded as a husbandman. The subject of this sketch, Stephen B. Cole, is the eighth generation from the above-named Thomas Cole. Stephen B. Cole was born in Gilford, or that por- tion of this city now known as Ward 6, April 30, 1S40. His father was the late John A. Cole of Gilford, and his mother, Abigail Davis of Canterbury. X. 11. His early education was obtained in the 2 08 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. public schools of Gilford, later, he at- tended the seminaries at Tilton and New Hampton. Captain Cole has been interested in numerous business enter- prises from time to time in all of which it is understood he was quite suc- cessful. He was wedded No- vember 8, 1876, to Miss Caroline A. Sanborn, daughter of the late John Jervis Sanborn, well known in railroad cir- cles. He has one daugh- ter, Miss Virginia L. Cole, fifteen years of age, now taking the classical course in the Laconia High school. Captain Cole was com- mander of the steamer Lady of the Lake, on Lake Winnipesaukee, for a number of years, was representative from the rua lodge. No. 51, I. O. O. F., and in poli- tics is a Republican. W. D. Heath's Jewelry Store. The jewelry store of W. D. Heath at Lakeport was established in 1S90, at W. D. Heath's Jewelry Store. town of Gilford in 1869 and 1870, one of the board of selectmen in 1889 and 1890, and also county treasurer for two years. He has been cashier of the Lakeport National bank until recently, and is treasurer of the Citizens' Tele- phone company. Captain Cole is a member of Choco- that time occupying one side of the clothing store of Waldo H. Jones, in the Osgood block on Union avenue, then Main street. The jew- elry store was at first something in the nature of an experiment, but finding that a success- ful business could be carried on in this place, Mr. Heath added musi- cal instruments to his stock, and then put in a line of bicycles. He finally found his space in the store too small for his increasing trade and larger stock, and to remedy this lack of room he purchased the clothing stock of Mr. Jones, and remodeled the entire premises. Mr. Heath now occupies the entire store, which is twenty by fifty-five feet, and equipped with fine modern fixtures. He carries a large stock of watches, dia- monds, clocks, silverware, jewelry, musi- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 209 cal goods, bicycles, etc. The Heath jew- elry store has won a reputation for reliable goods and square dealing, and this well-deserved reputation has se- cured for the proprietor a profitable and constantly-increasing patronage. Mr. W. D. Heath was born in Groton, Vt., and learned the jewelry and watch business with A. J. Stone of Montpelier, Vt., after which he worked as a journey- man in Waltham, Mass., with an Eng- lish watchmaker, and there attended the Waltham Horological school. After attending this school, he se- cured a position as watchmaker with J. R. Murdock of Woodstock, Vt., where he was employed four years, then he was with E. E. Cheney at Nashua, N. H., until he came to this city and engaged in business for himself. Mr. Heath is a member of Chocorua lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., of Endicott Rock lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Hannah Frances lodge, Degree of Re- bekah. He married Maud Fuller, daughter of A. E. Fuller of Woodstock, Vt., in 188S. They have one son, Lewis Heath. Jan. 18, 1S42, the son of Major Samuel and Hannah (Wells) Pike. He was educated in the common schools and Residence of Charles J. Pike. Charles J. Pike, Charles J. Pike, foreman of the Crane Manufacturing Co. shops at Lakeport, is a native of Franklin, N. H., born Charles J. Pike. remained at home on the farm until Aug. 13, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. E, Tenth regiment. New Hampshire Volunteers. This regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and remained in this department of the army until discharged, June 12, 1865. On returning to New- Hampshire, Mr. Pike ob- tained a situation in the ma- chine shop of the late Walter Aiken at Franklin, and re- mained there two years. In 1867 he came to Lake A'il- lage and was employed by the late B. J. Cole in the machine shops until the spring of 1S72, when Mr. Pike formed a partnership with the late E. F. Wood- man and removed to New- ark, N. J., where they en- gaged in the manufacture of light ma- chinery. Having sold out his interest in this business, Mr. Pike returned to Lake Village in the spring of 1SS2. He entered the machine shop of J. S. Crane, 14 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. assembling and testing machines. He remained in this position until Jan. i, 1898, when he was appointed foreman of the shops, which position he still holds. Dec. 30, 1865, Mr. Pike was united in marriage with Mary, a daughter of Horace Carlisle of Hartford, Vt, and has one daughter, E. Eva Pike, residing at home. In politics Mr. Pike is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a char- ter member of Chocorua lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., and its first presiding officer and representative to the state grand lodge. H e i s also a member and P. C. P. of Laconia en- campment, No. 9, I. O. O. F. The Late O. A. J. Vaughan. From 1 8 5 7 until his death on April 30, 1876, the late Orsino A. J. Vaughan was an active citi- zen, in many ways prominent in Laconia life. He was born in Hanover, N.H., on March 11, 1819, son of Silas T. and Polly (Ingalls) Vaughan. He studied law with Judge Kittredge of Canaan. He was admitted to practice and became a member of the Belknap county bar in 1846. He located in Gilmanton, and prac- tised there until 1857, when he came to Laconia and was for a time associated with the late Col. George W. Stevens, and in 1868 he became editor and pro- prietor of the Laconia Democrat, con- tinuing in this capacity until his death. He was register of probate from 1S49 to 1856 ; he was clerk of the supreme The late 0. A. J. Vaughan. court for Belknap county at his decease, and also the first justice of the Laconia police court. He became identified with the militia system of New Hamp- shire ; in August, 1S41, was ap- pointed adjutant of the Thirty-seventh regiment; and in 1S44 was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. He represented the town in the legislature, and the sixth district in the state senate in i866-'67. He was for many years a member of the Democratic state com- mittee. In 1S66 he received the de- gree of A. M. from Dart- mouth college. He was twice married, his first wife being Julia Cogswell of Gil- manton, who lived but a few years after her marriage. June 1 1 , 1855, he married Mary Elizabeth Park- er of Laconia, who died on December 1 8 , 1898. The sur- vivors of the family are, — Charles W. Vaughan, man- ager of the La- conia Press asso ci a t i o n ; Grace Anna, wife of Charles F. Pitman, and all of whom yet Mary Alice Vaughan, reside in Laconia. Leon J. Merchand. Leon Joseph Merchand, for quite a number of years an active young busi- ness man of Laconia, but now located in Boston, where he conducts a pros- perous business in the handling of patented machinery, is still a resident of Laconia. He is the son of the late Lewis Merchand, born in Champlain THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. P. Q., April 8, 1868. He came to La- conia with his parents when a hoy of eight years, and was educated in our public schools. Mr. Merchand started in life as a cash-boy for O'Shea Bros., and later was employed in a similar capacity for Smith & Lougee Bros. He then worked as clerk in S. B. Smith's shoe store for seven years, and in 1891 went into business for himself as a boot and shoe merchant, and conducted one of the finest equipped shoe stores north of Boston until N o v e m ber, 1898, when he sold out to E. L. Hearn. M r . Mer- chand then pur- chased the Model M e n u Maker, a new- ly-patented printing device, a n d a 1 so sev- eral other pa- tents ,and took up head q u a r - ters in Boston at 220 Devon- shire street, where he has finely-appo i n t - ed office rooms and is conduc- ting a large bus- iness in the sale of m e n u makers. T h i s machine w a s the invention of a Laconia boy, and en- ables hotels, restaurants, summer board- ing-houses, etc., to make their own menu cards in first-class style, handsomely printed, at comparatively no expense, except for the blank cards or paper on which the menu is printed. Mr. Merchand was married in the year 1894 to Miss Abbie S. Heywood, daughter of the late Harrison O. Hey- wood of Lakeport. and they have one child, a bright little girl of four years of age. Maher's News Stand. Leon J. Merchand. Maher's News Stand is the popular periodical establishment in Laconia and is located at No. 497 Main street, "On the Bridge." This store handles the New York, Boston, Manchester, and Concord, daily and weekly newspapers, as well as the local weekly papers, all of the popular magazines, latest novels, sheet music, etc. In the line of reading matter Maher's stand carries a larger and more complete stock than any other establish m e n t in this section of the state. In addition to the periodi- cal business, the Maher store has the sole agency for the celebrat- j/~] ed Baker choc- olates and bon- bons, and also carries a choice line of confec- tionery, cigars, soda-water, and summer drinks. *!t Charles Ma- her, the propri- etor, is a native of Bos ca wen, N. H.,born July 1 7 , 1850. H e was educated in the c o m m n schools, and learned the ma- chinist's trade, being employed in Brown's machine shop at Penacook for about nineteen years. Mr. Maher came to Laconia in the year 1886, and opened a billiard and pool room which he conducted success- fully for twelve years. In 1895 he pur- chased the news stand of Hutchinson & Lord, and last year disposed of the pool and billiard room business to devote his entile attention to the news stand and confectionery store, this business having been very successful and largely in- creased within the past year or two. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. Mr. Maher was married in 1S74 to from printer's devil he became local re- Miss Mary A. Thornton of Penacook, porter. Mr. Browne has been employed and they have two children : Mamie E. upon the Laconia Press and Lacofiia Maher and Fred Maher. In secret or- Democrat; was at Dover, N. H., as cor Maher's News Stand. ders, Mr. Maher is a member of the local lodge of Knights of Pvthias. Lewis Allen Browne. was born in Lewis Allen Browne North Sandwich, Jan. 18, 1875, but came to Laconia w h e n five years old, in 1880, where he has since resided with the ex- ception of three years spent in Virginia and the South. He was educated in the public schools of Laconia and a private school for boys in YVythe- ville, Va. He gradu- ated from the Laconia High school in 1S93, with a class of fifteen, the first class to grad- uate after Laconia was made a city. Mr. Browne was president respondent of the Manchester Mirror and Concord papers, and at the present time is Laconia correspondent of the Manchester Union, and covers the lake region for the New York J Tor Id. He entered the law office of Judge F. M. Beckford as a law student, a short time ago, but will continue in the newspaper work also for a while. Mr. Browne married Miss Minnie Mae Breck. Oct. 8. 189S, and they reside at 123 Church street. Eagle Hotel. Lewis Allen Browne. The Eagle Hotel, located at the junc- tion of Main and Pleasant streets, on Bank square, is Laco- n i a ' s most popular hotel for commercial travelers and others of the class and president of the L. H. S. who desire strictly first-class accomnio- alumni. He first learned photography dations. The Eagle Hotel is under and later entered a printing-office, where the successful management of "the two THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. -'3 Franks," Messrs. Farwell & Gilman, and accommodates one hundred guests. The table is superb, the rooms and beds are clean and comfortable, the house is illuminated with electricity, sup- plied with a pool room and barber shop, while the location, directly in the business centre of the city, makes the Eagle a very convenient and desirable home for "the stranger w i t h i n our gates." Frank E. Far- well, the senior landlord, is a na- tive of New Lon- don, N. H., but resided in Farm- ington nearly twenty-five years, coming to Laconia about three years ago. He is a Red Man, a member of Ri sidence of Eugene ( I'Shea. the Knights of Pythias, and the Elks He is married and has one child. Frank A. Gilman is a native of Gil- ford. He has been connected with various hotels in this vicinity, having been connected with the late Levi B. Brown, a vet- eran hotel land- lord, for about six years. Messrs. Farwell & Gilman took possession of the Eagle Hotel in 1897, and as both of them are men of experience in the business and have an extensive acquaintance with the traveling pub- lic, they have al- ways enjoyed a very liberal pat- ronage, the Eagle being often tilled with guests to its full capacity. LACONIA CHURCHES Congregational Church. The Laconia Congregational church was organized June 28, 1824, with a membership of nine persons, and on the Congregational Church. same day Mr. Francis Norwood of An- dover seminary preached his first ser- mon. A parish society was organized May 2, 1825, and united with the church in inviting Mr. Norwood to the pastorate. Having accepted the call, he was ordained July 5, 1825, and con- tinued in service until June 8, 1830. On the 29th of November, 1831, Rev. John K. Young, D. D., was installed as pastor of the church, and after serving for thirty-five consecutive years was dis- missed Feb. 12, 1867. In the earlier part of his ministry the church edifice (the only one in the village) was burned to the ground. But on the 6th of June of the same year (1836), a new house of worship was erected on what is now the corner of Main and Church streets, and with various modifications has been preserved until the present time. Rev. Harvey M. Stone was pastor from Feb. 11, 1868, until Dec. 20, 1870, and was succeeded by Rev. Win. F. Bacon, who began his labor as acting pastor Nov. 1 , 187 1, and resigned Dec. 31, 1876. During his ministration the church edi- fice was rededicated after it had been greatly beautified by essential changes in its structure. At the public service the building committee received a vote Rev. Chas. A. G. Thurston. of thanks from the church for keeping within the limits of the appropriation. Rev. J. E. Fullerton, the next pastor, was installed Oct. 17, 1S77, and dis- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. '5 missed Feb. 15, 1881. Among other good works he established a Young Peo- ple's meeting, which held its session every Sunday evening a half hour be- fore the regular service began. Some of the valued results of that organiza- tion are seen at the present day. On the 1 st of December, 1881, Rev. Chas. A. G. Thurston began his labor as acting pastor. In 1889 the edifice was again repaired and rededicated, the people in the meantime worship- ing for the most part with the con- gregation of the South church. On the 28th of June occurred the seventy- fifth anniversary of the formation of the church. Its present membership is one hundred and eighty-two. REV. CHAS. A. G. THURSTON. Rev. Chas. A. G. Thurston was born in Fall River, Mass., July 23, 1S41, and received his earlier education in the public schools of that city. He was fitted for college by the late Chas. B. Goff, principal of the English and Class- ical High school of Providence, R. I. Entering Brown university in Septem- ber, 1862, and taking the full classical course he graduated in 1866 with the philosophical oration and the degree of A. B. and in 1S69 received from the same institution the degree of A. M. The next week after his graduation from college he entered the Theological seminary at Andover, Mass., complet- ing the course and receiving the full diploma in August, 1869. After eight years of mission work in several places including Bradford, N. H., Danbury, Conn., and Wakefield, Mass., he was ordained and installed Oct. 17, 1877, over a Congregational church which he had organized in North Raynham, Mass., and in a new edifice built during the same year. In 1872 he married Miss J. Anna Moore of Barnet, Vt., a graduate oi Abbott academy, Andover, Mass. He has three sons, — Frederick H.. now in Brown university, and Arthur 1 >. and Everett S., both residents of this city. During the last eighteen years Mr. Thurston has been the acting pastor of the Laconia Congregational church. First Baptist Church. The First baptist church was organ- ized May 30, 1888. Previous to this time religious services had been held for a few months in Smith's block hall, with Rev. D. M. Cleveland, state missionary. as preacher. At the meeting called to form the church, twenty persons pre- sented letters of dismission from their various churches. In accordance with the call of the church, an ecclesiastical council convened in the Y. M. C. A. rooms on June 11, 1888, and it was voted to recognize the organization as a regular Baptist church, under the name of First Baptist church of Laconia. First Baptist Church. The church thus organized worshiped for some time in the Y. M. C. A. rooms in Smith block, until their own building on Union avenue was completed. The church has been unusually fortu- nate in its pastors. Rev. Tillman 1!. Johnson was the first regular pastor. from December id. [888, to April 5, 1 89 1. Rev. Woodman Bradbury was pastor from May 3, [891, to April 8. 1S97. Rev. Joel B. Slocum was in- stalled pastor June 6. 1897, and re- signed the pastorate November 27. [898. The present pastor is Rev. Charles I.. Pierce, who assumed charge of the church May 1 . 1 899. Through wise and vigorous leader- ship, faithful and unremitting coopera- tion, the present commodious and beau- tiful house of worship was erected, and on June 25, [895, dedicated with tier 2 l6 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. seats. The celebration of the tenth anniversary on June 3, 5, and 6, 1898, was an occasion of deep gratitude. At no time had the membership exceeded 114, all of whom were working people, and only a small number of whom were male members or heads of families, yet at an expense of $12,000 a house of worship had been secured, and the last dollar of its indebtedness removed. The average growth of the church has not been rapid, but sure and hopeful. For nine years the average increase was eight members per year. During the Rev. Charles L. Pierce. past year, twenty-three members have been added to the church, fifteen of them by baptism. REV. CHARLES L. PIERCE. Rev. Charles L. Pierce, the present pastor, was born in Salem, Mass., Feb- ruary 28, 1865. His early education was received in the public schools, for which the old historic city is noted. Converted at the age of seventeen, he was at once impressed to fit himself for the Christian ministry ; to this call he did not at first respond, but entered business life, going west where a bright business future was before him. While absorbed in the desire to make money he heard the call, " Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel," and returning to New England he served seven years as general secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in the cities of Brockton, Mass., Philadelphia, Pa., and Middletown, Conn. During these years he was burning the midnight oil study- ing under competent teachers. Twice he resigned as secretary, to enter the seminary at Newton, Mass., but each time his plans were frustrated and the pastorate was open for him. His experience was so peculiar and positive he finally concluded that it was God's plan for him to accept the call from the country parish of Eastor, Conn., and was ordained November 4, 1891. The church in Yalesville called him to be their pastor, and he served there for two years, when a unanimous call from the Kingston church called him to Mas- sachusetts. After a successful pastorate of nearly four years he responded to the call extended from the church in La- conia, and entered upon his duties as its pastor May 1, 1899. While general secretary of the Brock- ton, Mass., Y. M. C. A., Mr. Pierce was married June 15, 1889, to Julia Woodman, daughter of Granville Pack- ard of Salem, Mass. Free Baptist Church of Lakeport. The Free Baptist church at Lakeport was organized through the influence and labors of Rev. Nahum Brooks, at that time pastor of the Free Baptist church at Laconia, on July 13, 1838, at the house of Isaac Cole, father of B. J. Cole, and consisted of the following named persons : Isaac Cole, his son, Isaac Cole, Jr., Daniel Davis, Elihu Davis, their father, John Davis, William Brown, Richard Martin, Hannah San- born, and Arvilla Sanborn. Rev. John Pinkham gave the right hand of fellow- ship. The new church invited the Rev. Nahum Brooks to take pastoral charge of it, and at once applied for admission to the New Durham quarterly meeting, which request was granted, and it be- came a part of that body in August, 1838. The meetings of this church were held in private houses, and in the only schoolhouse in the village, for nearly two years, when a room was fitted THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 217 up in what has been known as the Grif- fin mill. Up to this time no regular Free Baptist Church, Lakeport. preaching services were held. Rev. Mr. Brooks came as often as he could be spared from his work at Laconia, and a supply was occasionally obtained from other sources. Several new mem- bers had been received, and the ser- vices of Rev. John Pettingal were se- cured for every other Sabbath. He was followed by Rev. William Johnson. Rev. Uriah Chase became regular pas- tor in 1843, anc l tne church increased in numbers. A new chapel was built on Main street by B. J. Cole and John Davis, father of Olin S. Davis, where for several years the meetings were held, or until 1852, when a meet- ing-house was erected on Park street. During the time the church occupied the chapel the pulpit was occupied by Revs. W. H. Waldron, Smith Fairfield, Kinsman R. Davis, J. L. Sinclair, and K/ekiel True. It was largely through the instrumentality of Ezekiel True that the old church edifice on Park street was built in 1852. He was succeeded by Revs. J. A. Knowles, S. D. Church, Hosea Quinby, C. B. Peckham, M. C. Henderson, 1 1. S. Kimball, J. W. Scribner, Carter E. Cate, E. W. Ricker, E. W. Porter, and the present pastor. Rev. YV. 11. Getchell. The first church edi- fice was destroyed by tire on the morning of Dec. 15, 1890, and the day following was a blue day in the annals of this church. It had been burdened by debts which had just been lifted, and was, at the time of the fire, building an exten- sion to the edifice to enlarge the seating capacity of the auditorium. There was but very little insur- ance, and the people felt rather poor in purse, but they were rich in faith, and with such a leader as the Rev. William H. Getchell they were bound to succeed, for it was through his earnest efforts largely, backed up by a faithful church membership, and attended by the blessing of God, that the present beautiful and commodious edifice was erected. Mr. Gurnsey, of Montpelier, Yt., was its architect and builder, and its cost was about $20.- Rev. William II. Getchell. 000.00, including fixtures. The beauti- ful memorial windows on either side 2l8 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. were presented by Mrs. Daniel Davis, Olin S. Davis, and his mother, and the front windows were given by the Sun- day-school in honor of Joseph L. Odell, who, for more than thirty years, had been the much-loved and highly-es- teemed superintendent of the school. Other beautiful furnishings were do- nated by private individuals. The se- lection of colors, for the interior fur- nishings, was under the direction of Pastor Getchell and wife, and the money for carpets and cushions was raised by the ladies of the church. All worked together with a will, and in perfect harmony, and felt repaid for their labors when the chairman of the building committee, Hon. H. B. Quinby, presented the keys to the executive com- mittee of the church, and declared the society to be free from debt. It was a memorable day when the present church edifice was dedicated. May 27, 1892. May it stand long to beautify and bless the city ! REV. WM. H. GETCHELL. Rev. William H. Getchell, present pastor of the Park Street Free Baptist church, Lakeport, was born in North Berwick, Me., Sept. 6, 1854. He be- came a Christian at the early age of fifteen, and from that time on was actively engaged in Christian work, and a great helper in his home church. From counter to pulpit has run the line of his life. His training or education for the ministry was obtained in the schools at Saco, Pittsfield, and Lewiston, Me., he being a graduate of the Cobb Divinity school, Lewiston. He was ordained to the ministry July 15, 1886, but had been licensed to preach some years previous, and had had a pastorate at Sabattus, Me., three and one half years. After remaining in Sabattus another year after his ordination, he accepted a call from the Park Street church, where he has served as pastor more than eleven and one half years, during which time many changes have taken place. A new church edifice and a beautiful parsonage have been built. In this time Mr. Getchell has married one hundred sixty-nine couples, attended three hun- dred fifty-five funerals, baptized one hundred twenty-four persons, and re- ceived one hundred seventy-two to church membership. Not only his church has his willing care, but he endeavors to help build up the cause of Christ all about him. He has served as presi- dent of the New Hampshire yearly meeting of Free Baptists, also as vice- president, missionary superintendent, and president of the New Hampshire State Christian Endeavor society ; and, as has been truly said of him, " With old and young alike he is a magnet that never fails to draw, in the pulpit and out of it." First Free Baptist Church. This church was organized March 17, 1838, by the Rev. Nahum Brooks, who was for the six ensuing years its pastor. It worshiped in the court-house till Jan. 6, 1 84 1, when, considerably increased in numbers and material substance, it was able to dedicate a meeting-house of its own, on Court square. This was a substantial structure, with seating ac- commodations for about three hundred. It was remodeled and enlarged in 1873, at a cost of nearly $12,000. Four years later it was reduced to ashes, with no Rev. John B. Jordan. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 2 19 Freewill Baptist Church. insurance. But " the people had a mind to work," and in just thirteen months — November, 187S — the present edifice was dedicated, free of debt. It stands on the original site, with seating capacity for seven hundred, has modern furnish- ings, and represents $15,000. The church has encouraged long pas- torates. That of the Rev. Lewis Mal- vern was in two installments, which aggregated about twenty years, during which the new sanctuary was built and the working power of the church greatly increased. His immediate successor, the Rev. John B. Jordan, began his pastor- ate with September, 1897. He is not only sustaining the congregation, which frequently taxes the full capacity of the auditorium, but is adding families to his parish, members to his church, and effi- ciency to all departments of Christian work. He is also a potent factor of the religions commonwealth at large. The church is a fair exponent of what a Congregational clergyman once as- serted of the denomination which it represents: "It is on the right side of all moral questions, and on the evan- gelical side of all contro- verted doctrines." REV. JOHN" B. JORDAN. Rev. John 1!. Jordan, pas- tor of the first Free Bap tist church, spent his boy- hood and school-days in Auburn. Me. In 1X6S he entered the employment of the First National hank of Auburn, in which institu- tion he was bookkeeper and teller for six years, when he was elected cashier. He held this position for more than eight years, when he resigned in order to give his whole time to the min- istry. He was ordained in May. 1SS2, and has held pastorates in Lewiston, Me.. Minneapolis. Minn.. Augus- ta, Me.. Pawtucket, R. I., and in this city. For two years before coming to La- conia he was engaged in evangelistic work. St, James Episcopal Church. St. James Episcopal church on Pleas- ant street was built in 1894 by Rev. Dr. Lucius Waterman, who came here from Littleton, erected the church building, and organized an Episcopal church. The building and lot cost between $1 1 .- st. James Epi a I hurch. 220 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. ooo and $12,000. Dr. Waterman re- signed his pastorate about a year ago, in order to devote more attention to lit- erary work, and the church at the pres- ent time is without a regular settled pastor. First M. E. Church. The First Methodist Episcopal church is, as an organization, thirty-eight years old. The building occupied by this society is older still, having been origin- ally the property of a Universalist church. The Methodists bought the building. On the 1st of April, 1861, the first quarterly conference of this church was held, with James Pike, presiding elder, in the chair. The original members of the church and quarterly conference were : Hiram Gilman, S. C. Gilman, and R. T. Martin. At the annual confer- ence, which met a few clays thereafter, Rev. G. W. H. Clark was appointed by the bishop as pastor of the new church at Laconia. Of the persons here named, only R. T. Martin is now living. At an advanced aire, he maintains the keenest Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. A. L. Smith. interest in all the affairs of the church, of which he is the only surviving char- ter member. This church has been served by twenty different pastors, whose average term of service has been about two years. The present pastor has just commenced his fourth year. It may truthfully be said that few churches have met graver obstacles, or passed through severer reverses than has the First Methodist church of this city ; yet it has maintained an uninter- rupted activity from its birth to the present time, and is stronger to-day than for several years past. All its bills are paid up to date, its membership is steadily increasing, it has a large body of children and youth, its several de- partments of work are well organized and officered, and it feels the pulse- beat of a true Christian hope and purpose. REV. A. L. SMITH. Mr. Smith was born in Salisbury, Mass., a town that falls within the limits of the New Hampshire Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His father was a member of that conference for fifty years, and was pastor of the Methodist church in Salisbury when the sub- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. ject of this sketch was horn. A. L. Smith was educated in the public schools of Concord, N. II. (at a time when his father was the chaplain of the New Hampshire state prison), and later was graduated from the Wesleyan uni- versity of Middletown, Conn. He taught in Connecticut for three years following graduation, and then, after brief ser- vice as a " local preacher," joined the New Hampshire conference in 1887, and has been an active member — /. e., an itinerant preacher — in that confer- ence ever since. His stations have been Rumney, Auburn and Chester, Newfields, and Laconia. Mr. Smith's ministry here commenced in April, 1896, and he has just been appointed for the year ending in April, 1900. Church of the Sacred Heart, Early in the history of Laconia many French Canadians came here to live, and they formed so large a part of the Catholic population, that in July, 1891, the bishop organized them into a sepa- rate parish. Rev. John Monge was ap- pointed pastor, and services were held for a short time in Moulton opera house. Rev. Father Monge at once began to raise money fur the erection of a church building, and in 1892 the present paro- chial residence and five acres of land on Un- ion a v e n u e were purchas- ed, at a cost of $10,000. In 1893 the pres- ent church edi- fice, the Sacred Heart, was completed at a cost of S30,- 000, an Lmposin brick, and handsomely decorated in the interior. This parish has a membership of about two hundred families. Rev. Father Monge was born in France, in 1838. He was educated at Nimes and Paris, and ordained to the priesthood in Paris, before coming to Laconia he was curate at St. Augustine's, in Manchester, and also at Salmon Falls. He was for some time parish priest at Marlborough. N. H. Rev. Father Monge. structure, built of French Catholic Church. First Unitarian Church. The First Unitarian church of Laconia is the outgrowth oi the First Universalist church of Meredith bridge, which was or- ganized July 19, 1S38. In 1 867, after the parish had been served l>y several Unita- rian ministers, and as Unitari- ans constituted the majority of its membership, the corporation name of the parish was changed to that of the First Unitarian Church of Laconia. The par- ish continued to worship in the old Universalist meeting-house (now the Methodist church building) until the completion of the present edifice in Bank Square, which was dedicated Nov. 11. [868. The new church THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. building was completed during the bril- liant ministry of Rev. Thos. B. Gor- man, and among those associated with him in the work of advancing the inter- ests of liberal religion were Woodbury Melcher, Joseph Ranlet, John C. Moul- ton, Jos. S. Tilton, Col. T. J. Whipple, Woodbury L. Melcher. E. P. Jewell, Geo. W. Stevens, S. T. Thomas, Benj. P. Gale, Perley Putnam, Harriet Gale, Mary T. Hull, G. V. Pickering, Hor- ace Whitcher, D. J. Dinsmore, H. E. Brawn, Rev. J. P. Atkinson, Thomas Sands. Mr. Gorman's successors in the pas- torate were C. Y. De Normandie in 1869, Clarence Fowler in 1873, James Collins in 1874, Enoch Powell in 1878, John D. Wells in 1SS1, John N. Pardee in 1884, N. S. Hill in 1888, James B. Morrison in 1890, Geo. Heber Rice in 1896. This church accepts the religion of Unitarian Church. Rev. George Heber Rice. Jesus, holding in accordance with His teaching that practical religion is summed up in love to God and love to man. While imposing no credal subscription, it believes in the father- hood of God, the brotherhood of man, the leadership of Jesus, the immortal- ity of the soul, the progress of man- kind onward and upward forever. Its object is to seek and proclaim truth along the highest lines of the spiritual consciousness ; to keep in step with the advancing hosts of schol- ars and scientists and of all gifted, honest men and women who are striv- ing to aid humanity in its efforts to grow in knowledge ; to interpret the Bible as the supreme literature of the religious life ; to emphasize the dig- nity of human nature as the highest manifestation in this world of the Cre- ator's love and wisdom ; to affirm the priceless worth of the soul and the impossibility of its ever becoming lost or separated from God. It wel- comes to its fellowship all who are in sympathy with these high aims, all who believe in intellectual and spir- itual freedom as the highest outcome of the religious life. The present officers of this church are : Rev. G. H. Rice, minister ; W. F. Knight, president; John Ashman, treasurer ; Miss Carrie B. Cooke, sec- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN retary ; Geo. Gorrell, Chas. H. Everett, Horace H. F. Stone, trustees. REV. CEo. HEBER RICE. Rev. Geo. Heber Rice was born in Elmira. N. V.. Dec. 28, [858. On the paternal side he is of Welsh-English ancestry and on the maternal of Eng- lish. His father was born at Meriden, Conn., in 181 7, and his mother at Springfield, Mass., in 1S22. Upon their marriage they took up their resi- dence in Elmira. N. Y., where the sub- ject of this sketch attended the graded schools, preparing for college at the Elmira academy. Upon being gradu- ated from Hamilton college, N. Y., he entered the Auburn (N. Y. ) Theological seminary, and upon graduation from that institution went to Texas and was ordained to the ministry in San An- tonio. In 1 889 he was married to Miss Clara Ree Baldwin of Columbus, Ohio. They have one son, Heber Baldwin Rice, born May 5, 1892. In 1890 Mr. Rice decided to enter the Unitarian ministry and was received into its fellowship at Denver, Col. He has held three Unitarian pastorates, the first being at Marietta, Ohio; the sec- ond at Stockton, Cal., and the third at Laconia, N. H., to which place he came in 1896. To be a good teacher and leader of liberal thought means hard work. Mr. Rice has a strong and courageous mind and a keen insight into the deep things of life. He is gifted as few men are with the power of expressing his thoughts upon whatever subject he may be engaged, and is thoroughly imbued with the true spirit of Unitarianism. He has done a great work for the lib- eral church in Laconia, especially in re- organizing and placing the society in a stronger and healthier condition. No work is ever too great for him to under- take, and no one can fail to find in him a true Christian gentleman and a faith- ful follower of the master. Whether his stay may be long or short, his ministry here will live forever in this community, and it is hoped the day is far distant when he will be called to other fields of labor. Baptist Church in Lakeport. This was the first religious organiza- tion in this community. The organi- zation was effected in 181 1. The first meeting-house of the body, of a simple, barn- frame construction, was erected in 1833, on the site occupied by the present edi- fice. In [850 a vestibule and Baptist Church. tower were added to the primitive struc- ture. Between the years of 1868 and 187 1 the present edifice, with its archi- tecturally beautiful front and tower, re- placed the old house of worship. Among the members of this body well deserving of honorable mention, there is one who, on account of her timely and munificent gifts, may not be omitted from an historical sketch of the organi- zation. We refer to Mrs. Emeline S. Taylor, recently deceased. Of the sev- enteen pastorates within its history, the THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. two of K. S. Hall are most notable. The present incumbent, the Rev. Geo. F. Babbitt, is the sixteenth who has served this body, he being its acting pastor since September, 1897. St. Joseph's Church. Among the first Catholic residents of Laconia and Lakeport were John O'Shea who came here in 1858, and Michael Scott, also a family by the name of O'Neil. At Lake- port at that time there were sev- eral Catholic families, among whom were the Dunlaveys, Mur- phys, Harringtons, and the Leav- itts. Ever faithful to their relig- ion, these Catholic settlers held meetings whenever possible. At first the services were held at the home of some of these famil- ies, the first meetings being held at the residence of John O'Shea, who at that time resided on Water street. Rev. Father Daley was the first priest who visited here, and after 185S meetings were held in Folsom hall until a church was built. In 1866 land was purchased on Messer street, and in 1867 work was commenced on the building, which was dedicated by the Right Rev. D. W. Ba- con, as St. Joseph's church. This was during the pastorate of Rev. Isadore Noi- seux. In the sum- mer of 1S77, during a terrific thunder- storm, the spire of the church was struck by liirhtnincr. and the Kev. Charles R. Hennon. St. Joseph's Catholic Church. entire edifice destroyed by fire. Rev. J. L. Schakers was pastor at that time, and by his energy' and the loyal assistance of the members of the parish, a new building was erected upon the founda- tions of the old one, at an expense of $10,000. The following pastors have officiated at St. Joseph's church : Rev. Isadore Noiseux, who was the first resi- dent priest. He was followed in 1871 by Rev. John W. Murphy. In April, 1872, Rev. M. J. Goodwin was appointed to Laconia, and he served until October, 1S77. In December, 1877, Rev. J. L. Schakers, or Father Lambert as he was called, came here and served until his death, March, 1895. He was followed by Rev. John R. Power, who took charge in April, 1895, and remained here until his death, April 16, 1898. The present pastor of St. Joseph's is Rev. Charles R. Hennon, who came here January 20, 1899. The church now has a membership of about 150 families, and besides the THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. church edifice also owns a parochial residence and lot on Messer street, as well as the convent and school property on Beacon street. People's Christian Church. The People's church was formally organized July 3, [892, with seventy- five members, and the court-house was obtained for the place of worship. After maintaining a successful existence in- dependent of all ecclesiastical bodies until it was no longer considered an experiment, in October, [893, it united with the Christian denomination and became the People's Christian church. A large majority'of the original mem- bers had formerly been Methodist Epis- copal, but among those who soon joined by letter were representatives of eight distinct denominations, with creeds somewhat dissimilar, hence it seemed very appropriate to belong to a religious body discarding all creeds and accept- ing the Bible as its only standard. In the spring of 1894, the society purchased from the county the court- house, and moved it to the present site, where it was dedicated to the service of God; thus the old temple, where justice was so long dispensed, is rounding out Rev. (ohn E. Eveiingham. its years with the vibrations ol the gos- pel within its sacred walls. Rev. J. 11. Haines was the lust pas- tor, and remained in that capacity until his death; Rev. 1''.. K. Colburn main- tained a pastorate for a little more than a year; and Rev. J. E. Everingham, the present pastor, is the third shepherd of the Mock. The church has a present membership of 150. maintains three Christian Endeavor societies, senior, intermediate, and junior — and has an l'. ople's Church. •5 22b THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. average attendance in the Sabbath- school of about eighty-five. The Christians, as a denomination, had their origin about a century ago. Three little companies of ministers, far remote and unknown to each other, separated from their respective and dis- tinct denominations for conscience sake, and finally came together in one body, organized upon the broadest principles, having no creed save the holy Bible, no qualifications for membership save faith in the vicarious atonement and a con- sistent Christian life, and no name save that authorized by Scripture — Christian. Its motto is : In essential things, unity ; in non-essential things, liberty ; and in all things, charity. REV. JOHN E. EVERINGHAM. Rev. John E. Everingham, pastor of the People's Christian church since Sep- tember, 1896, has been in active minis- try for fourteen years, and was settled over the Christian Church of the Evan- gel, Brooklyn, N. Y., before coming to Laconia. He was born in Kiswick, Ontario, Oct. 7. 1861, educated in the schools of his native town, and after- wards spent nearly four years in the Christian Biblical institute, Sanfordville. N. Y., the principal theological school of his denomination. Mr. Everingham married Miss Florence M. Coleman of Portsmouth, nine years ago, and two children bless their union. Since com- ing to Laconia, twenty-eight have united with the church. As a preacher, he is earnest, faithful, and fearless, preferring to please God rather than man. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, and in all things Christian. Trinity M. E. Church, Lakeport. The M. E. church of Lake Village was organized June 15,1872. On this date, Rev. B. W. Chase, pastor of the Laconia M. E. church, granted church letters to the following persons, in order that they might be organized into a Methodist Episcopal church at Lake Village : Henry H. Buzzell, Mary A. Buzzell, Almira P. Homan, Lizzie Ho- Rev. Jonathan R. Dinsmore. man, Lorenzo W. Downing, Martha Downing, Lizzie Dame, Sarah Gaskill, Jeremiah Homan, Abigail Kimball, Sarah Palmer. Albeit Whitten, Elmira Whitten, Ebenezer Woodman, Harriet Woodman. These persons were formed into a church and the quarterly conference or- ganized on the above date at the house of Albert Whitten by Rev. S. G. Kel- logg, presiding elder. This organization continued with varying fortunes until March 7, 1S77, when, for the time being, the last quar- terly conference was held. The pastors for this period were : 1872, W. C. Bartlett ; i873-'74, C. W. Tebbetts ; 1S75. ( ). T. Lovejoy. In response to an invitation by the Methodists of Lake Village, they were reorganized into a church, March 31, 188 1, by Rev. J. W. Adams, presiding elder. The church re-cords show a contin- ued growth in numbers and financial strength until 1896, when the member- ship is reported as 112, and the Sunday- school, 1 10. Since that time until the present, the membership and financial strength have decreased, resulting chiefly from the continued financial depression which has been felt with great severity in Lake- THE ILLUSTRATED LACOXIAX. ■7 port, making it necessary for many of our people to seek employment elsewhere. Prior to May 17-. 1891, the meetings were held in what had been the Advent chapel on Cold street. In 18S9 the people said. " The place is too strait for us, let ns arise and build." According- ly, in the quarterly conference held .March 15 of that year, the pastor, 1 ). W. Downs, reported that a lot of land upon which to build a church had been secured. After more than two years of heroic struggle, a church build- ing, which is a credit to Methodism. was completed and ready for occupancy. The first service in the new house of worship was held Sunday. May 24. 1 89 1. The dedicatory service was held on February 16, 1892. The following have been the pastors during this period: t88i-'82, N. ('. Alger; 1883, A. C. Hardy; 1884. J. H. Trow; 1885-87, William Woods; 1888- '90, D. W. Downs: 1891 '92, L. R. Danforth; i893-*9v W. J. VVilkins; 1896, G. W. Farmer; 1897 '98, C. E. Eaton; 1S99, J. R. Dinsmore. REV. JONATHAN RO\ DINSMORE. Rev. Jonathan Roy Dinsmore was born in New Haven, Conn., Oct. 20. 1870. His father. Charles C. Dins- more, and his mother. Vi- ola Hanscomb, were na- tives of New Hampshire. He was the youngest of four children, two of whom died in infancy. The old- est is now living in ( Hare- ,"• tffS A ;* <■«■.. .. llliillllllllll mont. N. H. Mr. Dinsmore took his academic training in the Claremont (X. I l.i High school, at the Pittsfield ( Mass. ) High school, at Dow academy, Franconia, and in the N. H. Conference seminary at Tilton. In the fall of 1890 he began preach- ing as a supply al West Stew artstow n. N. H.. and continued in ministerial work in connection with his schooling. In [895 he joined the X. H. confer- ence, having served four years prior to that as a local preacher. His appoint- ments have been : Swiftwater and ben- ton, 1 895 -'96 ; North Haverhill. 1897— '98 ; Trinity church, Laconia, 1899. In June. 1894, he united in marriage with Man- A., youngest daughter of Rev. and Mrs. D. C. Babcock, now of I )over. The Laconia Y. M. C. A. Methodist Church, Lakeporl The Association was organized in the parlors of the Free Will Baptist church. Feb. 26. 1886. Its first quarters were on the second floor in Smith's blink. In several years it took rooms on the third floor in the first National Bank building. Two years ago the needs of the work led the board of directors to en- gage the Inst and second floors in Edwards block on Mill St. A gymnasium and reading-room are on the first floor. I >n the second floor you will find a library and so- cial rooms with a kitchen for use at suppers. The presidents who have served the Association in tlie order of their election are Dr. A. II. ( '. fewett, G. II. Mitchell. ('. A. Dunn. H. W. Ca- rey, and R. ( '. 1 lickey. The general secretaries were Thom- as Johnson, I I. W. ( 'a rev. |. M. Ropes, W. R. Goddard, A. ( '. 'Hunt. The Woman's Auxiliary have per- formed able sen ii e in the Associa- tion. They have purchased an excellent piano, furniture, crockery, silverware, THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. and other useful and ornamental arti- cles. The membership of the Association has averaged some over a hundred. Seventy boys were at one time mem- bers of the boys' branch. Rev. Frederick L. Wiley. By so much as pure Scotch and English ancestry are of worth, the subject Rev. Frederick L. \Yilev. of this sketch entered at birth upon a goodly heritage. He was born in New York, spent a portion of his youth in Boston, and was educated at New Hampton Institution, Hillsdale college, and what is now Cobb Divinity school. He has held important Free Baptist pas- torates in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire. As a pastor, Mr. Wiley has been specially successful in the or- ganization of church forces, the pay- ment of church debts, the improvement of church property, and the increase of church membership. He has retained his studious habits and his pulpit efforts have been well sustained. Since failing health incapacitated him for general parish work he has been a permanent resident of Laconia. No- ticing that the young men of the city had no common place where they might spend a bit of spare time except in re- sorts of " lewd fellows of the baser sort," he suggested, and helped organize, the Young Men's Christian Association of Laconia. He was for a term its treas- urer and has always given it practical support. For the last ten years Mr. Wiley has been secretary of the Evan- gelical Ministers' Conference of this city. He has conducted religious ser- vices as a pulpit supply, as health would allow, and has spent most of his secular time in literary and benevolent work. For years he has held important eccle- siastical secretaryships and is now de- veloping biographical and historical work in the interests of his denomination. Profile Rock, The Weirs. THE WEIRS- ■■- ■ The Weirs and vicinity, which is within the city limits of Laconia, at the outlet of Lake Winnipesaukee, has been famous as a summer resort, further hack. undoubtedly, than any historical or trad- itional records exist. Long before the Massachusetts colonists sent the first par- ty of white men to the shores of the lake, the W i n n i p e s a u k e es, a branch of the Pen- acook tribe of Indians, built and maintained a permanent fish-weir in the channel at the out- let of the lake, and here in the spring and fall of each year, all the red men in this section of the state would gather to par- take of the shad which ran up the river from the ocean into the lake in the spring and re- turned to salt water in the fall. Large num- bers of these fish were taken in the rude weir, and dried and smoked for winter use. The weir was maintained for many years after the white men came here, and large loads of these fish were used to enrich the land of the early farmers. The numerous dams on the Merrimack river the annual run of sha( menced holding summer camp-meetings at The Weirs, and in 1879 the New Hampshire Veterans' Association held their first annual reunion here. The first hotel, or rather boarding-house, was erected on the Methodist grounds, on the present location of the Lakeside House. It was prin- cipally for the accom- modation of the Meth- odist people and there were but eight sleep- ing rooms at fust. T h e establishment was inadequate to meet the constantly increas- ing demands, and fi- nal 1 y the Lakeside House was erected by L. R. & ('.. W. Weeks. Then the late ('apt. W. A. Sanborn pulled down the old hotel at 1 )iamond island, f a r down the lake, and used a portion of the material to construct Hotel Weirs, which hostelry has g r o w n into the magnificent new Hotel Weirs of to-day, one of the larg- est and most elegant hotels in the entire lake region. The progress of The Weirs during the past Soldiers' Monum< nt, Presented to the city by Mis. |. F. Zebley. , ■ , .... ,. ^.. ... & v. ten or fifteen years has been exceed- inally stopped ingly steady and substantial. The state and' then for of New Hampshire and the railroad cor- y ears The Weirs was merely a stopping poration have assisted the Veterans As- place for the steamer. Lady of the Lake, so< iation in fitting up their grounds and which connected at this point with the erected suitable structures for then- old Boston, Concord & Montreal Rail- annual gatherings in August. Many of road. the regimental associations have large Soon after 1S70. the Methodists com- and handsome buildings for the use oi THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 23 their members. Over in the Methodist grove, on the shore of the lake, there are hundreds of handsome cottages which are occupied during the summer by their owners, while the Winnipesau- kee Camp-Meeting Association has laid out streets and avenues, provided a sys- tem of water works, etc. The Metho- dist grove and the Veterans' grove are occupied nearly all the time in the sum- mer season by vari- ous religions associ- ations. while the New Hampshire Musi c Teachers' Assoc i a - tion have a tine large pavilion for their annual musical festival, which is one of the summer attractions at The Weirs. An electric railroad now connects The Weirs with Lakeport and Laconia, while the place boasts of numerous other ad- vantages and attractions .such as tele- graph and telephone facilities, hundreds Steamer Mt. ! I 'ashington and numerous boarding-houses, where good accommodations can he obtained. A lew words on beautiful Lake Win- nipesaukee may not he out of place in connection with The Weirs. The lake lies in the counties of Belknap and Carroll, and is about twenty-five miles long, and varies from one to seven miles in width. Its a r e a . exclusive oi two hundred a n d seventy-four islands, is upwards of sev- enty- one squ a r e miles, and the dis- l a n c e around i t s shores is one hun- dred and eighty-two miles. There are ten islands which have an area of more than one hundred acres each, and Long Island has an area of one thousand acres. The lake is four hundred and seventy-two feet above the level of the Atlantic ocean. The waters of the lake are very clear and pure, abounding with lb Railroad Station, The Weirs! of row, sail, and steamboats, excursions fish of all kinds, and Winnipesaukee is to all parts of the lake, good train and becoming more noted every year as .1 steamboat service, etc. resort for fishermen from all parts of besides the two hotels mentioned, the New England. New Hotel Weirs and the Lakeside, there Nearly all of the islands have one or are half a do/en other smaller hotels more summer cottages. man_\- of them 232 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. substantial and in some cases elegant structures, and The Weirs is the centre for a very large proportion of the sum- mer cottagers, fishermen, and tourists. For many years the old-fashioned horse- boats were in frequent use on the lake to transport wood, grain, and other merchandise, the hrst of these curious craft being constructed in 1838, but the advent of the steamboat in 1842 gradually drove the horse-boat into dis- use, and to-day transportation is fur- nished by hundreds of beautiful steam and naphtha craft of all sizes. From the red man's fishing ground and a mere camp-ground for a week or account of the beautiful grove of health- giving pines, its convenience to station, steamboat landing, etc. Its nearness to the shore of the lake suggested its name. The first hotel contained eight sleeping apartments as an addition to a rough unfinished Methodist boarding-house, and was built by Levi R Weeks, brother of the present proprietor, and run by him very successfully for three years. In 1880 George W. Weeks united with his brother and the present house was erected, which, constantly growing in popularity, has each year been en- larged or improved, until at the present date it stands one of the most popular ^BHHJHBni The Lakeside House. ten daws in the summer, The Weirs has grown to be one of the most important and widely known summer resorts in New England. It is constantly increas- ing in valuation by the erection of new cottages and other improvements, and the place is undoubtedly permanently established as a summer home for thou- sands of the tired and overworked resi- dents of our larger cities. The Lakeside House. In the earliest history of The Weirs as a summer resort, the site of the Lakeside House was chosen as the most desira- ble location for a hotel, principally on summer homes to be found in New Hampshire ; noted for its cleanliness, excellent service, and homelike attrac- tiveness, equipped with modern con- veniences, electric bells, bath rooms, perfect sanitary arrangements, and re- freshing spring water. One remarka- ble feature and a delightful wonder to all sojourners is the absence of mosqui- toes and flies, which so often trouble the summer guest. One can sit on the broad verandas of the Lakeside House, day or evening, in perfect tranquility. Malaria is also unknown ; air, pure and invigorating. " In the Lakeside pines there lurks no ill, But fragrant balsam all pain to still." THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 233 The house contains seventy-five sleep- ing rooms and a spacious dining hall, and with its several adjoining cottages can easily accommodate two hundred guests. The property accumulated by Mr. Weeks in these years of prosperity includes in addition to the hotel : Five cottages, casino, with pool and billiard tables, two restaurants, grocery store, barber's shop, printing office, meat mar- ket, and livery stable. In 1882, the late L. R. Weeks gave up to the disease which had been prey- ing upon his constitution for a number of years, leaving the business in which he had taken such a deep interest to continued in the same business live years, since which time his summer res- idence has been at The Weirs. Always prominent as a worker in pol- ities and voting in Gilford or Laconia with the exception of three years, he was postmaster three terms and repre- sented Ward 1 in the fust city council. He belongs to the order of Odd Fellows. In 1867, he was married to Lizzie Sinclair, daughter of Jonathan M. Sin- clair of Brentwood, N. H. Mrs. Weeks is by profession an artist, and the work of her brush and her artistic taste have contributed much to the charm and attractiveness of the hotel, besides the Mrs. George \V. We George W. Weeks, Jr., who has since been sole manager and proprietor of the Lakeside House. This pioneer of The Weirs, son of George William Weeks, was born in Gilford, removing at twelve- years of age with his father to Lake- port. Here he received his early edu- cation and also attended Tilton semi- nary. G. W. Weeks, Sr., was an active business man and engaged in various pursuits, and here the son acquired his first knowledge of hotel keeping; also the grocery business. Later he was engaged with brothers in the dry goods business at Laconia for twelve years, removing to Concord in 1875, where he 16 Georee W. Weeks many hundred souvenirs which have been taken away into all parts of the country in the form of oil and water color pictures and decorated china. A delightful exhibition of ait is constantly going on at the Lakeside House, and Mrs. Weeks finds there a ready sale for sketches of surrounding landscape and flowers, which are made in the early and later part of the season and per- fected at the winter residence in the capital city. No one person has con- tributed so much for the building up of The Weirs as George W. Weeks. Hotel keeping is his chosen profession, and The Weirs his •• Paradise on Earth." 234 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. The New Hotel Weirs. Situated upon a commanding emi- nence, overlooking the world-famous Lake Winnipesaukee, at the gateway of the White Mountain region, stands Dr. J. A. Greene's " New Hotel Weirs," the most commodious and best hotel in the lake region. This hotel has been en- larged, improved, and entirely reno- vated and refurnished, with eighty new rooms, thirty of which are supplied with baths. Its sanitary arrangements are perfect. The proprietor. Dr. J. Alonzo is pure and bright, coming directly from the mountain springs, and a second sup- ply, for sprinkling, bathing, and fire protection, from the lake itself. The table is supplied daily with fresh vegeta- bles, milk, butter, and eggs from the famous Roxmont Poultry Farm and from the neighboring farmers. Spa- cious piazzas encircle the entire hotel, from which views of lake and mountains of unsurpassed magnificence are ob- tained. Electric cars leave the hotel grounds at frequent intervals for a five- mile ride to the city of Laconia. ' New Hotel Weirs. Greene, and the manager, the ever-pop- ular and experienced landlord, Col. Freeman C. Willis, spare no pains or expense to make the New Hotel Weirs a model of comfort to its guests. It is fully equipped with electrical appliances and connected by telephone and tele- graph with the direct lines to various points. Its cuisine is excellent and up- to-date in every particular. A never- failing mineral spring is constantly flow- ing from a ledge of rocks on the hotel grounds. The water used in the hotel All trains and steamboats arrive at and depart from the station and wharves directly in front of the hotel grounds. The New Hotel Weirs has a fine billiard-room and tennis court con- nected, and an excellent orchestra fur- nishes good music. The climate is conceded by all to be the best, the mountain breezes being tempered by the moisture from the waters of the lake. Lake Winnipesaukee abounds with game fish of all kinds, and has been very properly christened the fish- THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 2 35 ermen's paradise, all varieties of fresh- water fish being taken by anglers, in- cluding landlocked salmon, lake trout, black bass, pickerel, perch, etc. Steam yachts and row-boats can be engaged at the hotel office, and the lake affords excellent and safe bathing. Lake W'in- nipesaukee is unmatched in all the mountains for variety and picturesque- ness, and the New Hotel Weirs is unparalleled in New England for its comfort and great variety of attractions. The view obtained here is pronounced by travelers to be superior to anything of the kind to b e found i n the world. Four express trains leave the Union station on Cause w a y street, Boston, every day for The Weirs, with parlor and buf- fet cars attach- ed, thus ensur- ing perfect comfort in trav- el. Steamboats leaveTheWeirs every few hours for Centre Har- bor, Wolfebor- ough, Alton Bay, and all points on the lake, affording many delight- ful excursions. Lake YYinnipesaukee, on whose match- less shores Hotel Weirs is situated, is one of the most magnificent lakes in the world, surpassed by no American waters and rivaling in scenic beauty the far-famed Italian, Swiss, and Scottish lakes. Winnipesaukee is the name bestowed by the Indians, whose mean- ing, " The Smile of the Great Spirit." shows that even the untutored abo- rigines recognized that Omnipotence had placed the seal of its crowning glory upon this sparkling lake whose pelucid waters lave the foothills, an ? Dr. J. A. Greene, Proprietor. advance -mud of the picturesque White Mountains. Perhaps we can give the reader no better idea of this summer paradise than to quote from a letter written by a guest of last season : "I had taken rooms at the famous Hotel Weirs and descended from the hot and dusty train into cool and delicionsly fragrant air. It was night, and such a night ! Never through life will the memory of that wondrous scene fade from my mind. Weir> was en file, and the spectacle was transcendent, dazzling, beautiful. It was as if I had been suddenly translated into fairyland. At the back rose the great hotel, its hundred windows aglow with the cordial light of welcome ; fes- toons of myriad flags and stream- ers waved in the soft breeze, while thousands of Chi- nese lanterns gleamed and twin- kled among the trees and up and down the long, wide pia/zas, fill- ed with bevies of radiantly dressed women, groups of men, and prome- naders. The soft strains of aStrauss waltz floated out upon the air from the hospit able, wide-open win- dows of the hotel parlors, and the laughter of merry dancers echoed the music ol the orchestra " All this was pleasure in its highest personifi- cation, but a cool- ing zephyr from the water, upon my heated brow, caused me to turn toward that famed lake, the lake of the poet, Whittier, the lake artists rave over, the ideal lake of the sportsman — Winnipesaukee — which I then saw for the first time and which was, indeed, the Smile of the Great Spirit. Never shall I for- get the shuddering ecstacy with which I drank in that wondrous scene. The hotel, the music, the life, the light, and gayety were instantly forgotten — lost in that amaze and reverent awe into which the human atom is plunged when brought face to face with the stupendous gran- deur of the Creator's mastei works of nature. " What pen can describe the sublimity of that picture, what pen portray its ineffable and trans- cendent beauty! For miles upon miles, in all directions, spread that marvelous sheet of water, dotted all over by the greenest isles that lfc&. 236 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. ever studded a blue sea ; the moon at her full rode high in a heaven unflecked by cloud or shadow, dropping, as it were, the diamonds of her light in brilliant reflection down upon the distant bosom of the lake, at first in a narrow streak of sniveling silver, ever widening, ever growing as in broadening band upon the shim- mering waters it approached the beholder in corruscations of living, liquid light, tossed, glow- ing and gleaming and glittering from myriad tiny waves like untold millions of limpid, re- splendent jewels; the soft air was cool and fragrant with pine and hemlock from every heavily wooded isle, bearing in every deep- drawn breath the balm of health ; at my feet the gentle ripples lapped musically upon the shore. Far away, glancing athwart the moonbeams on the water, were tiny pleasure yachts, their Tavern at The Weirs. David B. Story is one of the oldest and best known tav- ern-keepers in New Hampshire, and has also figured prominently in political and other circles of Laconia for many years. David B. Story is a native of Hop- kinton, N. H., born January 19, 1836. He was educated at Hopkinton acad- emy, and was married in 1857 to Sarah J. French, and has four children living : J. Henry, Fred W., Charles F., and Benjamin F. A daughter, Ada S., died in 1877. West End of Dinin?-Room, New Hotel Weirs. lights now showing, now lost to sight. Nearer land some young people in boats were idly drifting, the faint echoes of their joyous laugh- ter floating across the waters, while just off shore a great fish, belated by nightfall, broke water and disappeared, leaving only the rapidly widening circle where a moment before he had risen to some luckless fly. Such a scene! such a night! such a place ! I felt that here at last I had found the vacationist's paradise." Story's Tavern. Everybody who ever stopped long in Laconia knows " Dave " Story of Story's Mr. Story is a Unitarian, and a mera- of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor, and the Amoskeag Veterans of Man- chester, New Hampshire's famous mili- tary organization. He is a veteran Democrat, and has served as sheriff of Belknap county, deputy sheriff, justice of the peace, selectman, member of the city council, and representative in the legislature. Mr. Story has been a hotel-keeper for thirty-six years, having been landlord of the Perkins House, Mt. Belknap House, THE ILLUSTRATED LAC "ON IAN. 237 Laconia House, Hotel Weirs, and at the present time welcomes his patrons at Story's Tavern, on Lakeside avenue at The Weirs. Story's Tavern is located on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, and situated in a grove directly facing the lake, and within two hundred feet of it, and having one of the finest views of the lake and mountains to be had at The Weirs. This hotel, al- though small, has all the com- forts of a larger house. The steamboat landings and depot are but one min- ute's walk from the hotel and in full view of the same. Nice fishing, boating, ex- cursions on the lake every day, and splendid drives. The motto is: " Small but Good." Terms from $7 to $10 per week. Transient $2 per day. Mr. Story's long connection with the stantial food and all the comforts whirl can be desired. Lake View House. D. B. Story The Lake View House at The Weirs is open from June 15 to Sep- tember 15, Robert C. Dickey, proprietor. The Weirs is the principal summer resort on the shores of the beautiful Winnipesaukee lake, thirtv- five miles north of Concord, on the Boston & Maine rail- road. There are seven trains daily each way from Boston through to Plymouth and the White Mountains. The Lake View House is pleasantly lo- cated on quite an elevation but a short distance from the railroad station and steamboat landing. The house is neat, clean, and newly furnished, every room is pleasant, and the house accommodates twenty-five guests. Story's Hotel. hotel business has given him an exten- Everything is made homelike and cheer- sive acquaintance with the trawling ful. The location makes it cool and public, and his honest welcome to the comfortable even in the hottest weather. weary traveler or the sojourner from the There is a fine grove near by, also the city seeking a quiet rest in the country, G. A. R. grove, speaker's stand, etc., is a guarantee of good lodgings, sub- where band concerts and many interest- sJBFcM" r |:if ■Bff I 240 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. ing outdoor gatherings are held during the summer. The spring water with which the house is supplied has special medicinal qualities, as very many have testified after using it freely for a short time, when they could not drink ordi- nary city water without injury. Particu- lar pains is taken to have a first-class table, supplied with fresh milk, fruit, vegetables, etc., from the farm daily. Boating and fishing, with the opportun- ity for carriage drives through delightful even by a bush or rock. On either side of this avenue many islands ar- ranged themselves, as if to adorn with a finish that could be given only by their glowing verdure and graceful forms. That the successive beauties of the Winnipesaukee strongly resemble and equal those of Lake George, I can- not entertain a doubt, and from various elevations the scene is superior. The Winnipesaukee presents a field of twice the extent of Lake George. The islands Lake View House. scenery, make this one of the most de- sirable places to spend a quiet summer vacation at a small expense. Prices are from $7 to $10 per week. Dr. Dwight, a noted traveler, has said of this lake : " From a delightful eleva- tion a short distance from the highway could be seen the Winnipesaukee lake, an immense field of glass. In the cen- tre, a noble channel spread out twenty- two miles before the eye, uninterrupted in view are more numerous, of finer form, and more happily arranged. The shores are not inferior. The expansion is far more magnificent, and the gran- deur of the mountains can scarcely be rivaled." A few minutes' walk from the Lake View House the above can be at once verified, and no finer view of lake and mountain can hardly be conceived. Descriptive circular and other informa- tion sent on application to R. C. Dickey. INTERLAKEN PARK Interlaken Park, located on the shore of beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, just across the channel from The Weirs, is already recognized as one of the most charming and convenient summer-resort locations in the whole lake region of New Hampshire. White Mountains in the background, while the facilities and conveniences for business and professional men who make this Mecca of tourists a place of summer resort, give it a special advan- tage over the majority of towns and vil- lages catering for summer patronage. Looking down the Channel from the Park, Endicott Rock in the Distance. Lake Winnipesaukee is everywhere acknowledged to be the most magnifi- cent summer resort in the Granite state. It is the largest lake in the state, contain- ing an area of seventy square miles, and its hundreds of islands, natural bays, in- teresting inlets and picturesque shores, are the theme of universal praise by both press and public. The Weirs is the chief port of the lake and the most im- portant junction of railroad and steam- boat travel. The view from this point combines the lake scenery with the moun- tain ranges of Ossipee, Sandwich, and the Railroad and steamboat communication is prompt and frequent. The running time between Boston and The Weirs is only about three hours, and the Boston & .Maine system runs several express trains each way every day between these points; the White Mountain region can be reached in a few hours ; steamboats run between all the harbors and towns around the lake; while the conveniences of telegraph and telephone are the same as can be obtained in any of the large cities. Electric street cars make twenty- minute trips between The Weirs and THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 2 43 the thriving city of Laconia, five miles distant, the electrics running directly by the entrance of Interlaken Park. Interlaken Park is actually the coolest spot on the shores of the lake. By care- ful temperature tests, under like condi- tions, made in August by Mayor Adams of Frank- lin, the thermom- eter registered from 6 to 16 de- grees cooler at his cottage at the park than at The Weirs station. Four consecutive days showed a difference of 12 degrees on each daw Interlaken Park includes forty acres of shore property which has been sur- veyed and is laid out into lots for sum- mer residences. A substantial driveway or avenue has been made at consider- able expense along the whole lake front- age, and sub-avenues or broad streets intersect at regular and convenient dis- tances. Running water is supplied from The Weirs water-works, and can be car- ried to any portion of the park, thus securing a bountiful supply of pure drinking water. It is designed to make the park a summer resort for those who appre- ciate the beautiful attractions and the health-giving properties in which this region abounds. The scheme of allot- ments secures to each cottager immunity from the annoyances of arbitrary privi- leges which are sometimes the bane of allotment summer parks, and everything has been carefully planned and consid- ered so that each purchaser feels that his personal purchase secures to himself comfort and security during the months of summer leisure and occupancy. The park property is on a gradual rise (the back lots being one hundred feet higher than the lake level), and commands one of the most extensive and magnificent views to be obtained any- where around this celebrated lake. Some of the best fishing grounds in the lake for lake trout, salmon, bass, and pickerel are within easy dis- tance of the park, a feature which is ap- preciated by many summer visitors. Combining as it does all the charm of shore and moun- w.c*' Summer I tomes at the Park. tain scenery, superbly located, free from excursion crowds and picnics, and yet within immediate communication of railroad, telegraph, and city life. Inter- laken Park offers attractions which cannot be found elsewhere, and ran hardly fail to rapidly become one of 244 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. the most popular resorts on Lake Win- the Winnipesaukee Lake Company, nipesaukee. at Lakeport, N. H., or at the Hotel For further particulars inquire of Weirs, The Weirs, during the summer Harry W. Daniell, superintendent of season. Plan of I titer lake n Park. Harry W. Daniell, Agent of the Winnipesaukee Lake Co. THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. 2 45 Charles W. Vaughan. Charles W. Vaughan, manager of the Laconia Press Association, and editor of The Illustrated Laconian, is a na- tive Laconian, born June 30, 1862, in the old Vaughan homestead, which stood on Main street, just below the railroad tracks, and which was removed to make room for the new passenger depot and railroad square. His parents were the late O. A. J. Vaughan, for many years a well-known law- yer, and also editor of the Laconia Demo- crat, and Mary Elizabeth (Par- ker) Vaughan. T h e ancestors of these fami- lies were not only among the early settlers of America, but if the family rec- ords had been properly kept the pedigree could have been traced back to the late M r. Noah, who con- ducted a very successful ferry- boat bus i n e s s at Mt. Ararat at the time of the big freshet, and whose menagerie of wild and domestic animals was at that time universally ad- mitted to be the biggest show on earth. Quite a number of the Vaughan fam- ily were among the early colonists of Massachusetts, and while some of them acquired fame in the Erench and Indian wars, and the Revolution, others had fame thrust upon them, one being tried, convicted, and hung as one of nineteen witches in Salem, while another served a term in jail for speaking very disre- pectfully of one of the colonial govern- Charles \V. Vaughan. ors of Massachusetts, which might or might not have been discreditable. The subject of this sketch distin- guished himself at the tender age of three years by burning his father's barn, thereby satisfying a vindictive anti- pathy towards a certain gentleman sheep with whom he had some previous misunderstanding. He was educated in the public schools of Laconia, and at the age of thirteen years entered the Pitman mills with the intention of be- coming a hosiey man uf act u rer. A violent disin- clination for work, however, induced him to a b a n d o n this e n t e r prise for the newspaper business after one year, and since 1877 he has been con- nected with the Laconia Demo- crat in various capacities. In polities he is an Indepen- dent, but always votes the I )em- ocratic ticket. He was a mem- ber of the first city council of Laconia. In religious mat- ters he is a Con- gregationalist. He married Florence N. Elliott Bradford, Vt., October 16, 1882. of Louis B. Martin. Louis E. Martin, publisher of The Illustrated Laconian, was born in Providence, R. I.. May 24, 1874, only son of the late Walter A. Martin and Ilattie A. (brown) Martin. His father died March S. 187N, and young Martin with his mother removed to Laconia. 246 THE ILLUSTRATED LACONIAN. where they have since resided. Mr. Martin attended the public schools, and learned the printer's trade and has been employed on the various papers of I aconia He conducted the street car advertising service in Laconia for four vears has published various advertis- ing novelties and illustrated souvenirs in" different parts of the state. _ Mr. Martin recently invented a printing press, and was allowed a pat- ent on the same last March, which is now being success- fully placed on the market by a Boston house. He was married on October 21, 1895, to Miss Mary L.Twom- bly of Laconia, and they have a little daugh- ter, Esther. ^^ Publisher's Note. The publisher of The Illus- trated Laco- nian takes con- siderable pride in present i ng this publication to the public, believing the work to be the most complete and representative souvenir of the city ever issued. The publisher does not claim that the book faithfully presents every man and every industry which has helped to build up Laconia, but it is claimed that in this respect the publication is complete with but very few exceptions, and these ex- ceptions through no fault of the pub- lisher. The facts and dates in the vari- ous articles have been obtained so far as possible by personal interviews and are so far as known absolutely correct. The publisher is deeply indebted to quite a number of our public-spirited citizens for valuable assistance in com- piling The Illustrated Laconian and in making the publication a success, and would also express his ap- preciation for the court eous treatment and generous sup- port re c e i v e d from the num- erous people and concerns who appear in the book. For the ex- cellence of the engravings and the fine typo- graphical ap- pearance of this publication, credit should be given to the Rumford Print- ing Co., of Con- cord, N. H., which concern is not only by far the largest engraving and printing establishment in New Hamp- shire, but which also stands second to none in New England for fine work in this line. The half-tone engravings were all made by the Rumford Printing Co., and the book was printed and bound complete in their establishment. LOUIS B. MARTIN, Publisher. Louis B. Martin INDEX. Abbott, Dr. Alfred \V 140 Abbott, Dr. Clifton S 141 Adams, Fred R 206 Ashman, John W 41 Baldwin, Charles W 1 iS Babb, Rev. J. Franklin 39 Beckford, Judge Frank M 119 Blaisdell, Joseph II 83 booth, John 147 Brown, the late Levi B 97 Browne, Lewis A 212 Burleigh, Edwin F 1S2 Busiel, the late Hon. John \V 154 Busiel, Ex-Gov. Charles A 155 Busiel, John T 157 busiel, Frank E [58 Busiel, J. W. & Co 1 59 ( arroll & Crapo 35 Central House 1S3 Chase, Harry S 171 Chase, Ethan A 81 ( 'hase's Sporting Resort 81 Churches : baptist, Lakeport 223 Church of the Sacred Heart 221 Congregational 214 First Free Baptist 21S Free Baptist, Lakeport 216 First Baptist 215 First Methodist Episcopal 220 First Unitarian 221 Peoples' Christian 225 St. James' Episcopal 219 St. Joseph's 224 Trinity M. E., Lakeport 226 Cilley, Harry D 1S0 City Savings Bank 151 Clark, Adelbert 199 Clow, the late William 66 Clow, Henrv 1! 67 Clow, William & Son 67 Cole Manufacturing Co 47 Cole, the late Hon. Benjamin J 47 Cole, Capt. Stephen B 207 Cottrell's 105 Cottrell, Irving M 106 Cox, George B iot Crane Manufacturing Co 1 2S Crane, John S 129 Crane, Mazellah L 130 Daniell, Harry W 244 Davis, the late Francis H So Dinsmoor, the late Daniel S 38 I tinsmoor, Arthur W 1 53 Dinsmore, Rev. Jonathan R 227 Dow & Roberts 57 Drake, Benjamin F 60 Eagle Hotel 212 Edgerly, the late Nathaniel 143 Esty Sprinkler Co 205 Everingham, Rev. John E 226 Flanders, William H 58 Folsom, Albert G 126 Folsom, Frank R 204 Foss, Oscar 123 Foster. Charles T [91 Five, < harles E 1 . >.S Frye, Simeon C 151 Gale, the late Major N. B 107 Getchell, Rev. William 11 218 Gilman, Frank L i.S^ Gilman, Dr. Charles S. . . 76 Gingras, Joseph II 68 Glidden, Albert. S 141) Gordon & Booth 1 46 Gordon, Alburtis S 1 j- Goss, the late Dr. Oliver 87 Goss, the late Elizabeth H. (Flanders) 89 Goss, Dr. ( )ssian W 89 Greene, Dr. J. A 235 Harriman, Dr. A. II 56 Heath, W. D 208 Hennon, Rev. Fathei 224 I libbard, Hon. Ellery A 193 Hodgdon, Dr. Edwin P 53 Hotel Picard 174 Huntress, 1 lamlin i 1 ■> Huse Machine Shops 74 II use, Warren D 75 Interlaken Park 241 Jewell, Erastus P 142 Jewett, Judge John G iN} Jewett, Col. Stephen S [33 Jones, I Ton. Frank 29 Jordan, Rev. John B 219 Kellogg, Daniel no Ring, Dr. W. A 137 Knight & Huntress 112 Knight, Gen. William F 112 Laconia, 1652-1S99 ^ Laconia Board of Trade 181 Laconia Building and Loan Association. . . 32 Laconia Car Company Works 29 Laconia, Census of, in 1S36 27 Laconia Electric Lighting Co 125 I .aconia Democrat 141 Laconia Grist-mill [37 Laconia Hardware Company 36 Laconia Lumber Works 92 Laconia Landmark 50 Laconia National Bank 150 Laconia Post-office 1S0 Laconia Street Railway 189 Laconia Savings bank 103 I .aconia To-day 21 Laconia Water Company 143 Lakeside I louse 232 Lakeview I louse 2 ^7 Lake City Laundry 203 Leavitt, Charles E [98 Letourneau, Dr. J. X 109 I ,ewis, < !ol. Edwm C 1S4 Lougee Pros 1 - 3 Lougee, Frank H 173 Lovell, the late Judge Warren 193 248 INDEX. Maher's Newstand 211 Maher, Charles 211 Mallard, George F 200 Marshall, Residence of William C 192 Martin, the late Samuel H 144 Martin, Louis B 245 Mayor and Council 24 McCarthy Bros 205 McGloughlin, James ... 3, McDaniel, Charles W 145 Melcher & l'rescott Insurance Agency 130 Melcher, the late Woodbury 175 Melcher, Woodbury L 176 Meredith Bridge, Map of in 1S53 10 Merrill, John F 79 ■ Merchand, Leon J 210 Moulton, the late Hon. John C 64 Morin, Joseph P 68 Moore, Albert C. 82 Moore, the late Jonathan L 194 Moore, John B ' 106 Morrill, Joseph S 13S Monge, Rev. Father 221 Munsey, George B 100 Mutual Building and Loan Association. ... 45 Nelson, the late David B 52 Nelson, William 152 New Hotel Weirs 234 .Oberon Ladies' Quartette 63 Old Corner Store 50 Osgood, F. George H 72 O'Loughlin, the late John 139 ( >'Shea Bros 42 ( )'Shea, Dennis 45 O'Shea, Residence of Eugene 213 Pease's City Band 149 Peaslee, Walter S 167 ' Peaslee, Frank S 1 53 Peoples' National Banki 103 Pepper Manufacturing Company 69 Pepper, William II 70 Perley, the late Stephen 161 Perley, the late John L 163 Perley, the late John L., I r 165 Perley, Lewis S 166 Pierce, Harry L 191 Pierce, Lewis S 191 Pierce, Rev. Charles L 216 Pike, Charles J 209 Pitman, the late Joseph P 195 Pitman, Charles F 198 Pitman, Walter H 73 Pitman Manufacturing Company 198 Plummer, William A 136 Plummer, Martin B 1 iS Post-office 186 Prescott, True E 1 33 Pulsifer, Ex-Mayor Charles L in Quimby, Dr. John G 189 Quinby, Col. Henry B 48 Quinby, I lenry Cole 49 Quinby, Albert T y] Quinby, Edwin N 37 Richards, Charles F 166 Rice, Rev. G. Heber 223 Riley, George W . . Roberts, John L. . . Robinson, Mark M I Rowe, Fred B Saltmarsh, Dr. George II ... . Sanders, the late Samuel W.. Sanders, the late George A. . . Sanders, George A Sanborn, Herbert S Scott, City Marshal H. K. W. Shannon, Edwin H Shannon, Jonathan C Shannon, Will P Simpson, Charles L Smith, Ex-Mayor Samuel B.. Smith, John Parker Smith, Joseph F Smith, Rev. A. L. Smith, the late Rev. A. D . . . . Stone, Hon. Charles F Story's Drug Store Story, J. Henry Story's Hotel Story, David B Story, Dr. Helen L Story, Marion W Tetley, Mayor Edmund The Weirs Thompson, Edwin P Thompson, True W Thurston, Rev. Charles A. G. Tilton, the late Daniel A . . . . Tilton, the late James H Tilton, the late Joseph S Tilton, George Henry Tilton, Elmer S Trask, Julian Francis True, the late Noah L True, Dr. Walter H Tucker, Iloyt H Twomblv, the late Orison Vaughan, the late O. A. J. Vaughan, Charles W . . . . Vue de L'Eau Wallace, William Wardwell Needle Co Ward, Edwin D Waverly Shoe Company Weeks, George W Weeks, Mrs. George W Wells, Dr. Henry C Weymouth, Herman C Whipple, the late Col. Thomas J Wiley, Dr. Rebecca W Wiley, Rev. Frederick L Wilson, Julius E Wilson, Morgia Porter Winnipesaukee Gas and Electric Co. Woodworth, Wellington L Worrall, T. H Wrisley, Dr. J. A Young, Fred A. Y. M. C. A.... 93 98 121 59 78 178 75 7i 95 96 62 124 203 9i 160 5 1 121 220 177 61 104 I0 5 236 236 200 3 1 229 1 r .; 116 -15 86 '79 167 169 170 55 53 54 84 97 245 182 105 39 77 98 2 33 2 33 125 117 187 179 228 40 90 94 9i 202 194 85 227 Zebley, Summer Residence of Mrs. John F. 238 t > . • • • * r ».e S^&xS?' *** • • • » r\ • m • *^?VV» «G* ^. *••»• VV <► *'TVi« «G V ^ * iO* .« v-/"*> 5?^ ■* •«vvT* .6* x>. '<».?• A <.