HISTORY OF NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE - Part VII NASHUA FROM 1870 to 1885 ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== SOURCE: History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 878 pgs. page 187 NASHUA, N.H. by John H. Goodale EXCERPTS ONLY... SEE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT FOR COMPLETE DOCUMENT CHAPTER XIV NASHUA FROM 1870 to 1885 Irish and French Canadian Immigration-- Improvement in Buildings-- Public Schools-- The Public Library-- Nashua Fire Department-- Railroad Facilities-- Banking Institutions-- Newspapers-- Benevolent and Literary Organizations-- The Agassiz Club-- Masons and Odd Fellows-- The past fifteen years have been a period of comparative quiet in Nashua. There have been no questions before the community of a political, religious, social or business tendency which have occasioned any unusual excitement. Our people have been occupied with the ordinary duties of life, content, so far as modern civilized society can be; realizing that they are living under the best government and with the most favorable conditions of any people on the earth. [the immigration of the Irish, written with a bias, can be found in the original document]. The result is that of five hundred Irish families in the city, one-half owns the houses in which they live. The Co-operative Foundry is an evidence of their growing capacity for business. Since 1870 there has been no increase of the Irish population by immigration. The number of that nationality, including under the name the descendants to the second generation, is two thousand three hundred in the city. In 1865 the French Canadians began to come here and engage in the rougher kinds of labor. Gradually they made their way into the mills and work-shops. THey have increased rapidly in the city, and number at this time three thousand seven hundred. A majority are new-comers, and few of them are owners of real estate... The population of Nashua at this time (June 1885) is fifteen thousand. Of these nine thousand are of Anglo-Saxon origin, and six thousand are of French Canadian and Irish descent.... Since 1870 there has been a decided improvement in all classes of buildings in this city. The Nashua and Jackson corporations have been continually enlarging their mills and beautifying their grounds. On Main Street, the change has been equally positive. Noyes Block, built in 1852, and Nutt's Block, built in 1860, have been supplemented by Dunlap's Block, in 1868, Goodrich Block in 1869, Telegraph Block, in 1871, Merchants' Block in 1872, Spalding's Block in 1880, and McQuesten's Block in 1881. The merchants are provided with convenient stores and the best of facilities for the disposal of goods. No city in the State furnishes every kind of merchandise on more favorable terms. Private residences of attractive exterior and spacious and comfortable interior have been erected in every part of the city. Of late, the most rapid growth of dwellings has been in the southwestern and the southeastern sections of the city, but there has been an increase in every locality. Some credit is due to the past as well as the present generation for the shade-trees that dorn the most of our streets; and that our dwellings are not left to stand, like Pyramids, on a leafless plain under "a hot and copper sky," but that they are mostly surrounded and sheltered by trees. PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE CITY--The schools and the school-houses of this city are justly its pride and honor. Our school system has been the growth of a century. No one man or body of men has made it what it is. It is the result of the successive efforts of our forefathers and the men of our own time; and it represents the controlling sentiment of the community on the subject of popular education. It has been fortunate for the public schools that from the beginning thay have had the constant and active co-operation of the mass of our citizens-- men who recognize in an intelligent people the true prosperity of the city and the safety of the State. The High School building is the best constructed school edifice in the State. In it are located the High School, with five teachers and the largest grammar school, with seven teachers. The building has ten spacious rooms for study and recitations, two lecture-rooms, a library-room, a laboratory and offices for the superintendent and principal, with a capacious hall in the third story. This building was completed in 1874 and cost one hundred and five thousand dollars. The Mount Pleasant Grammar School is a fine building on the best location in the city. The grammar school is in the second, middle and primary schools in the first, and a fine hall in the third story. The building was erected in 1870 and cost fifty thousand dollars. The Main Street School-house is a substantial brick edifice, with suitable appointments. The excellence of the public schools of late years has been such that no private schools could exist, until the French Catholic Parochial School was established, two years ago. The number of puoblic school buildings in the city is 18, having a valuation of $232,395. The school year is 36 weeks. The number of teachers is 54, of whom 3 are males and 51 females. The average attendance is 1642 scholars. The cost of our schools was $36,254, of which sum $24,726 was for the salaries of teachers. Included in this school expenditure is the cost of the evening schools for those boys and girls who cannot attend the day sessions. They average 300 scholars and employ 17 teachers. These evening scholars are mostly of foreign families, and, added to the daily attendance, make the average attendance of 1942 scholars. THE PUBLIC LIBRARY--the initiative step for establishing a free public library in this city was taken by the Young Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society, an association of patriotic ladies who had organized at the beginning of the Rebellion for the purpose the name indicates. The subject of a public library had become a topic of newspaper discussion, and, at a reunion of the society in March 1867, it was decided to hold a "levee and fair" to raise funds to aid in establishing a public library. The managers were Lucy F. Thayer, M.E. Shepherd, Mary P. Fiske, Hattie Richardson, Sarah W. Kendall, Mary E. Law, and Mary E. Hunt. The levee was a success, realizing one thousand and eighty-nine dollars above expenses. The Athenaeum, a private association, had already decided to donate their library to encourage the enterprise. Other gifts of books were added, and in July of that year, the City Council accepted the gift on the conditions proposed, the most important of which was to pay one thousand dollars annually for the support and increase of the proposed library. A board of seven trustees were elected and rooms secured in the county building for the convenience of the public. The Public Library at this time contains eight thousand two hundred and seven volumes, and includes the best works in history, biography, travels, agricultural and scientific works, poetry, romance, statistics and the best monthly publications. A majority of the families in the city avail themselves of its advantages. It furnishes the means of information and instruction which coudl in no other way be supplied. Maria A. Laton is the librarian. Of the seven trustees, one is chosen annually by the City Council to serve seven years. As now constituted, they are George A. Ramsdell, term expires 1886; Bernard B., Whittemore, term expires 1887; William W. Bailey, term expires 1888; Edward Spalding, term expires 1889; John H. Goodale, term expires 1890; Virgil C. Gilman, term expires, 1891; Charles Holman, term expires 1892. NASHUA FIRE DEPARTMENT--The Fire Department of this city is very efficient in management and complete in its appointments. It consists of three steamer companies, two hose companies and carriages, a hook-and-ladder company, besides sixty-one hydrants properly located throughout the city. The fine engine-house on Olive Street is built of brick, with heavy granite trimmings, and is thoroughly finished and furnished. It was built in 1870 and cost thirty thousand dollars. It is centrally located. The board of engineers for 1885 are Charles H. Whitney, chief engineer, and Edward H. Parmenter, George O. Osborne, Everett S. Putnam and Enos F. Hadlock, assistants. The estimated value of property of the department on the 1st of January 1885, was twenty-nine thousand five hundred and twenty-four dollars. This estimate is exclusive of the engine-house. The expense of the Fire Department for the year 1884 was $8261.69. FIRES IN NASHUA--This city has never had any wide-spread conflagration, though it has suffered from quite a number of fires. One of the most destructive fires in the city was on the 12th of October 1848. It took in the basement of the first building on the north side of the Main Street bridge, on the west side of the street, in what was then known as the "Central Building," The adjoining Baptist Church and several smaller buildings were burned on the west side, when crossing the tstreet to the east side, the Boat-house Store, Nashua and Lowell Railroad depot and Shattuck's Block were burned. In 1865, Mill No. 1 of the Nashua Company was destroyed. The fire broke out at noon, in the absence of the operatives. As the mill had been in operation thirty years, the flooring was combustible, and the mill was soon in ruins. Some of the more recent fires in the city were the old engine-house, in 1870' W.J. Cooper's and Sawyer's buildings, in May 1882; Old Washington House, in November 1883; Spalding's Block 1883; Rollins' Steam-Engine Works, March 1884; Crawford's Steel-Plate and Press-WOrks, January 1, 1885; and Nashua Iron and Steel-Plate Mill, February, 1885. RAILROAD FACILITIES--Whoever has studied the railroad map of New England knows that Nashua is the centre of an extensive system of railroads. In truth, its railroad facilities are unsurpassed from any inland city in New England. Six lines radiate from Nashua, and five of them are entitled to be called trunk lines. Their connections are direct with Worcester, New York, and the West on one side; with Rochester, Portland, Bangor, and on the East, on the other side; with Manchester, Concord, the White Mountains, Vermont and Canada, on the north; with Lowell, Boston and Providence on the south. These six lines are the Nashua, Lowell and Boston, forty miles; the Nashua, Greenfield, and Keene, fifty-six miles; the Nashua and Worcester, forty-six miles; the Nashua and Rochester, forty-eight miles; the Nashua and Concord, thirty-five miles; the Nashua, Acton and Boston, forty-one miles. Fifty-six passenger and freight trains enter and depart from Nashua daily. BANKING INSTITUTIONS--Nashua has three banks of discount and four savings-banks. The former are the First National Bank, G.A. Ramsdell, president, John A. Spalding, cashier; Indian Head Bank, Edward Spalding, president, Frank A. McKean cashier; Second National Bank, J.W. White, president, F.A. Eaton, cashier. The latter are the Nashua Savings-Bank, William W. Bailey, president, Virgil C. Gilman, treasurer; City Savings-Bank, Luther A. Roby, president, Elbridge P. Bown, treasurer; Mechanics's Savings-Bank, John C. Lund, president; J. W. White, treasurer; New Hampshire Banking Company, Hiram T. Morrill, president, John G. Kimball, treasurer. The deposits in the savings-banks exceed three million dollars. NASHUA NEWSPAPERS--For more than twenty years there have been no experiments in the publishing of newspapers in this city. This is complimentary to the two existing papers which, for more than half a century, have represented the two political parties of the State and country. The Nashua editors have never been belligerent or acrimonious toward each other, or indulged in the offensive personalities which have frequently disgraced the press of this State. Both are decided in their political views, and each is a fair representative of the party whose principles and policy it supports. The NASHUA GAZETTE has been published by B.B. & F.P. Whittmore since November 25, 1846. The senior partner, B.B. Whittemore, has occupied the editorial chair longer than any one in the State. It has been the organ of the Democratic party of Nashua since its first publication, in February 1832. The NASHUA TELEGRAPH was started a few months later than the GAZETTE, in November 1832. For twenty-seven years Albin Beard was editor and publisher. The present editor and proprietor, Orren C. Moore, has been the editor for fifteen years. As a Republican newspaper, it has a distinct personality, is independent in its action and represents the mass of the party rather than the politicians. Both of the Nashua newspapers have a daily evening and weekly issue, and have a fair circulation. THE TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE--Nashua has the telegraphic facilities common to the cities of New England. The telephone has its headquarters at the Telegraph building, and has one hundred and eighty-five communications. Miss Anna A. Shedd is manager. BENEVOLENT AND LITERARY ORGANIZATIONS--The PRotestant Home for Aged Women is under the supervision of an association of benevolent women of this city. The plan was devised in 1877. On May 29, 1878 the home was opened on Walnut Street, the premises being the gift of Belinda Blodgett, the former occupant, who died the year previous. Two years later the home was removed to a more spacious and convenient residence, at the corner of Kinsley and Walnut Streets. There are nine beneficiaries at the present time, and the institution is under the excellent management of Mrs. Sarah G. Cummings. The officers for the current year are Mrs. Jane N. Beasom, president; Mrs. Anne M. Ayer, secretary; and Miss Sarah W. Kendall, treasurer. The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle of this city, is a branch of the national organization of the same name. It was established in October 1882. It has weekly meetings for readings, essays and discussions upon historical, scientific and social topics. The members are among the most intelligent women in the city. The officers for the current year are Miss Anna E. Bussell, president; Mrs. E.O. Blunt, vice-president; and Miss Ida F. Wallace, secretary. The Agassiz Association, of this city, is made up of young persons, mostly members of the High School, and at this time a large majority of boys. It was bormed in November 1880, and has meetings once a week, eight months of the year. It is a live organization. Its original purpose was the study of natural objects, minerals, plants, birds, and insects. For this end a museum of specimens has been collected by the association. Of late a wider scope has been given to the objects of the society--the cultivation of habits of industry, honesty, promptitude and courtesy. The present officers are Alfred A. Wheat, president; Frederick E. Twitchell, secretary; William T. Bailey, treasurer; Frederick W. Hatch, corresponding secretary. Connected with the Agassiz Association, and composed of nearly the same persons, is the Apalachian Club, who make an annual midsummer excursion to the lakes and mountains for health, recreation and improvement, most of the time camping out and cooking their own food. The present officers of this club are Irving F. Graves, president; J.W. Thurber, captain; Elwyn G. Preston, quarter-master. The NASHUA FARMERS' GRANGE was organized in 1876. It has semi-monthly meetings for the investigation of agricultural and horticultural topics, with a good attendance of the numbers. The present officers are Elijah Robbins, master; Marcus O. Lund, secretary; Charles Lund, Treasurer. The NASHUA HISTORICAL SOCIETY has its rooms in the Telegraph Block. It has a collection of minerals and ancient relics. The officers are O.C. Moore, president; J.H. Goodale, vice-president; H.B. Atherton, secretary, Frederick Kelsey, treasurer; Charles Holman, George A. Ramsdell, William Bailey and V.C. Gilman, directors. FREEMASONS and ODD-FELLOWS--The Masonic order had an early introduction into this city, numbering many prominent citizens among its members. The several organizations have commodious lodge-rooms. Of the York Rite, there are the Rising Sun Lodge, Ancient York Lodge, Meridian Sun Chapter, Israel Hung Council and St. George Commandery. Of the Scottish Rite are Aaron P. Hughes Lodge of Perfection, St. George Chapter of Rose Croix, Oriental COuncil of Princes of Jerusalem and Edward A. Raymond Consistory. The Odd-Fellows have a numerous membership in this city, with ample halls and the following organizations; Indian Head Encampment, Nashua Encampment, Granite Lodge, Pennichuck Lodge and Baker Degree Camp. THere is also a Lodge of Knights of Pythias, and of the American Legion of Honor, the St. John the Baptist Society, and two societies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. There are several temperanace socieities in Nashua, each of which, in its own way, whether as unconditional prohibitionists or non-partisan workers, has labored diligently for the suppression of intemperance. CHAPTER XV ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF NASHUA Puritan Ideas-- Thomas weld-- Ministerial Support-- Primitive Meeting-Houses-- Church Dissensions-- Whitefield's Followers-- First Congregational Church-- Pilgrim Church-- Baptist Church-- Universalist Church-- Methodist Church-- Unitarian Church-- Episcopal Church-- Catholic Churches-- [EXCERPTS ONLY] At a public meeting in 1674 it was voted that "the meeting-house that is to be erected shall stand between Salmon Brook and the house of Lieutenant Wheeler, as near as may be for the convenience of the farmers." In the following October the house, built of logs, was commenced, but the breaking out of King Philip's War the next year deferred its completion until 1678. During King Philip's War the settlers within the present limits of Nashua retired for safety to the lower towns. The town-meeting for 1677 was held in Woburn, when Thomas Brattle, James Parker, Jonathan Tyng and Abraham Parker were chosen selectmen for the ensuing year, and it was then voted, "That as son as may be, a minister be settled in the town of Dunstable, the time and man being left to the selectman, his pay to be in money, or if in other pay, to add a third part more. The sum shall be fifty pounds per year." Rev. Thomas Weld, a native of Roxbury, Mass, and a graduate of Harvard, was the man selected, and consequently he was the first minister of Dunstable. When he began to preach is not recorded, but on April 7, 1680, at a town-meeting it was voted "that he be invited to a continuance and settlement with us--that the charges for maintenance of the minister shall be borne by the proprietor according to their respective shares in the township." Further action imposed by the charter was also taken to give Mr. Weld a convenient farm to be settled upon him and his heirs for his encouragement in the ministry. This farm consisted of a thirty-acre lot, which is now included in what is known as the "Highland Farm," in the south part of the town, with a general claim to a share in all the ungranted lands of the township, amounting to about five hundred acres of wild land. At a meeting held September 9, 1683, it appears from the records "that there was due Mr. Weld for the settling of his four years' salary, ending last May, twenty-three pounds," and the names of those who were in arrears to the minister were publicly called, and they were required to pay within a limited time, under penalty of having their land seized and sold.... In 1684 the log meeting-house, which probably stood upon the present city farm, was abandoned. It had been occupied only six years, and would not have been abandoned son soon had not the Tyng family and others living father down the river proposed to contribute freely to build a better structure, provided it should be located nearer to what is now the town of Tynsborough. The poverty of the Salmon Brook people led to the acceptance of the offer, and a new and better meeting-house was built near the present State line. On its completion Mr. Weld was settled. The date was December 16, 1685. He had already preached to his people seven years. The number of actual members was small, only seven names, all males, appearing on the books. For seventeen years after ordination, Mr. Weld continued to preach to this small settlement, exposed to Indian massacres, and suffering great privations. He died June 9, 1702 before he had reached the age of fifty. For one hundred and seventy years his grave at the Old South burial-ground was marked by a dark slab; but within a few years a handsome and appropriate granite monument has taken its place. So far as it known, he left a good record. After the death of Mr. Weld there were temporary supplies for many years, until the settlement of Rev. Nathaniel Prentice, in 1720. He was pastor for seventeen years, and died February 15, 1737, at the age of forty. He was said to have been "a good sermonizer," and an inscription-stone marks his grave at the Old South burial-ground. About two years later Rev. Josiah Swan was settled. He was said to have been a better farmer than a pastor, and on one Sunday morning, unconscious that it was the Lord's day, ordered his hired men to go into the field to work. The arrival of a leading parishioner convinced him of his error. In 1741 the State line was established, and was a source of controversy by making a majority of the congregational citizens of another province. A still great dissension was caused by the preaching of George Whitefield, who came over to the New England colonies and aroused the people by presenting, with rare eloquence, more practical and less doctrinal views of religion. Rev. Frederick Alvord, in his historical discourse a few years since, says: "The church in Dunstable was more or less affected by this great Whitefieldian revival. It came none too soon. Many churches had become cold and formal, and vital godliness was sadly declining." Mr. Swan resigned in 1746, became a farmer in Walpole, and died at an advanced age. Rev. Samuel Bird was settled in 1747 as the fourth pastor. He was an ardent follower of Whitefield , and hence was called one of the "New Lights." There was strong opposition to his settlement by the "Blanchard party" and strong approval by the "Lovewell party." The former had more wealth, the latter more numerical strength. The result of this controversy was two churches and two meeting- houses, the Bird party worshiping in the new meeting-house, built opposite the residence of J.L. H. Marshall, and the other in the old house, near the STate line. The content in regard to Mr. Bird was ended by his removal to COnnecticut, but the church troubles in Dunstable continued. Sixteen years of dissension followed, but at length both parties, weary of strife, made a compromise. Both of the old meeting-houses were taken down, and a new one--the fourth--was built on the "triangle" at the Centre. Rev. Joseph Kidder, a native of Billerica and just graduated from Yale, was ordained pastor, March 18, 1767, and was the town minister for nineteen years. In 1796 his connection with the town ceased, but his relation to the church continued until his death, in 1818, though he ceased to preach in 1814. When the fifth church was built, in 1812, known as the "Old South," he had the satisfaction of being the first occupant of the desk. On November 3, 1813, Rev. E.P. Sperry was installed as his colleague, and succeeded him in his labors. Mr. Sperry was dismissed April 4, 1819. This was the year of the passage of the "toleration act" by the Legislature, and church and state ceased to have any connection in New Hampshire. The result was due to the progress of civilization and enlightened public sentiment. In the mean time Nashua grew rapidly in numbers, and in 1825 the Nashua corporation erected a meeting-house on the site of the present Pilgrim Church. It was bought by the Congregational society in 1826, and on the 8th of November, Rev. Handel G. Nott was installed as pastor. He was highly successful. During his eight years of labor three hundred and fifty-five were added to the church--an increase of sevenfold to the number when he took charge. In 1834, to the surprise of most of his congregation, he announced that, believing that infants were not suitable subjects for baptism, he could no longer administer the ordinance to them. To-day the announcement would hardly cause a ripple of excitement, but at that time it led to a division of the church. The dissenting party held their first meeting in Greeley's building and having a small majority of the members, formed an organization under the title of the: FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF DUNSTABLE--On January 1, 1835, Rev. J. McGee was installed as pastor; a meeting-house, located on Main Street, was built the same year. It was a wooden structure, and was burned in 1870. A new brick church was completed at a cost of forty-five thousand dollars, the same year. The membership of the church is between four hundred and four hundred and fifty. The following is the list of pastors and their time of ministerial service in this church since its reorganization in 1835: Jonathan McGee, installed January 1, 1835; dismissed June 8, 1842. Matthew Hale Smith, installed October 19, 1842; dismissed August 20, 1845 Samuel Lamson, installed April 8, 1846; dismissed April 7, 1848 Daniel March, installed January 3, 1849; dismissed January 9, 1855 George B. Jewett, installed May 24, 1855; dismissed September 1, 1856 Charles J. Hill, installed January 27, 1857; dismissed April 3, 1864 Elias H. Hooker, installed September 13, 1865; dismissed August 13, 1868 Frederick Alvord, installed July 6, 1869; dismissed May 1, 1883 Cyrus Richardson, installed August 30, 1883; in charge. OLIVE STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--After the withdrawal of a part of the members of the church under the charge of Mr. Nott, the others continued religious services under their pastor on Olive Street. At the close of the year Mr. Nott removed, and afterwards became a Baptist minister. The church then gave a call to Rev. Austin Richards, and was organized under the name of the Olive Street Congregational Church. It continued a distinct and independent organization for forty-four years, until its union with the Pearl Street Church, in 1879. The following is the list of pastors during its distinct organization: Austin Richards, installed April 6, 1836; dismissed November 16, 1866 Hiram Mead, installed December 17, 1867; dismissed Sept 22, 1869 James S. Black, installed March 31, 1870, dismissed June 29, 1874 S.S. Martin, installed December 17, 1874; dismissed January 1, 1876 J.K. Aldrich, employed November 1, 1876; dismissed May 27, 1879 PEARL STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--In 1846 some of the members of the Olive Street Church thought the increasing population of Nashua would justify the formation of a third orthodox church. The plan was carried into effect, and the new church organized the following September. A new brick edifice was erected at the corner of Main and Pearl Streets, which was dedicated November 21, 1847. It is now the property of the Universalisty society. The Pearl STreet Congregationalist Society continued an active organization until it united with the Olive STreet to form the present Pilgrim Society. During its thirty years' existence, it had the following list of pastors: Leonard Swain, installed June 1847; dismissed December 1852 Ezra E. Adams, installed August 1853; dismissed December 1857 Edward H. Greeley, installed February 1858; dismissed May 1860 Benjamin F. Parsons, installed November 1871; dismissed June 1876 W.L. Gaylord, installed December 1867; dismissed October 1870 Charles Wetherby, installed December 1871; dismissed March 1879 SECOND CONGREGATIONAL (PILGRIM) CHURCH--In the spring of 1879 there were vacant pastorships in both the Olive Street and the Pearl Street Congregational Societies. Both had congregations of respectable size, but financial and prudential considerations suggested the union of the two, and it was consummated on June 2d of that year. On the last day of the year Rev. George W. Grover was installed pastor, and the church is known as the Pilgrim Church. Mr. Gover is still pastor in charge. The Pearl Street edifice was sold, and the wooden structure on Olive Street taken down, and on its site was built a brick church with modern appointments, at a cost of thirty-five thousand dollars. It was dedicated on the last day of March 1882. The church membership is five hundred and twenty, and average attendance four hundred. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH--As early as 1818 a small Baptist society was formed in Nashua, but for some years it had only occasional meetings. In 1832 it was fully organized, with Rev. Dura D. Pratt as pastor. A large and commodious meeting-house was built at the corner of Main and Franklin Streets, which was dedicated in January 1833, and burned in great fire of October 12, 1848. The next year a new brick edifice was erected on the same site, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. The present membership of the church is about five hundred and twenty. The attendance averages about three hundred and fifty. The following is the list of the pastors of this church, and their length of pastorage: Dura D. Pratt, installed January 23, 1833; died in charge, November 1855 William H. Eaton, installed June 26, 1856; dismissed January 1873 G.W. Nicholson, installed May 1, 1873; dismissed December 1880 James A. Johnston, installed June 1, 1881; now in charge. UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY AND CHURCH--The Universalists as a religious denomination were unknown in Nashua in 1835. At that time a society was organized under the pastoral charge of Rev. Woodbury N. Fernald. In 1839 a meeting-house was built on the west side of Main Street, which was occupied by the society until March 1882, when the church edifice at the corner of Main and Pearl Streets was bought, and is now their place of worship. Two associations were organized in 1849,--one benevolent and sustained by the ladies, and the other social and literary (the Ballou) and sustained by the young people,--which have been productive of much good. The following is the list of pastors of the society:-- Woodbury M. Fernald, installed 1835, dismissed 1837 A.P. Cleverly, installed 1837; dismissed 1839 Lewis C. Browne, installed 1839; dismissed 1845 William H. Ryder, installed 1845; dismissed 1847 Lewis C. Browne, installed 1847; dismissed 1851 Cyrus H. Fay, installed 1851; dismised 1855 O.D. Miller, installed 1855; dismissed 1859 J.O. Skinner, installed 1859; dismissed 1862 G.T. Flanders, installed 1863; dismissed 1867 S.H. McCollister, installed 1868; dismissed 1872 H.A. Philbrook, installed 1872; dismissed 1875 James Gorton, installed 1876; dismissed 1880 Henry B. Smith, installed 1880, now in charge PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH--The origin of the Episcopal Church in Nashua is somewhat recent. In 1857 a missionary parish was organized with Rev. E.P. Wright as rector. He was succceeded by Rev. W.S. Perry and others, and a small wooden church was built at the junction of Pearl and Temple Streets. This was removed a few years later, and no services were held in the city. In 1871, Rev. James B. Goodrich renewed the church services in Beasom's Block and continued as missionary rectory until 1875. At that time he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Leroy. The church and congregation gradually gained in numbers. In 1879 a church edifice, built entire of granite, was erected on South Main STreet, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. It is a neat and enduring structure. It was consecrated in November 1879, and the entire building was the gift of Mrs. Lucia A. Rand, a native of this State, but now a resident of Middletown, Conn. In 1882 the church ceased to be a missionary parish, and is recognized as the Church of the Good Shepherd. Rev. William H. Moreland is the present rector. UNITARIAN CHURCH--The Unitarian Society of Nashua, like most of the early societies of the denomination, was largely made up of seceders from the Congregationalists. As a religious organization, it occupies the more advanced liberal grounds. The society in Nashua, in the published statement of their views, believe in the right of private judgement in religion as in all other matters; in a progressive revelation; that no book or creed contains the whole of religion, but that God is speaking to-day more clearly than in any past age, unfolding his truth ot every man, no matter to what race he belongs or what part of the globe he inhabits; that every word of truth is the word of God, whether found in the Bible or out of the Bible or contradicting the Bible; that there is one God, the Creator and Father, and no more, and none other is to be worshipped. The church edifice now occupied by the society was built in 1827. The following is the list of pastors: Nathaniel Gage, installed 1827, dismissed 1834. Henry Emmons, installed 1835, dismissed 1838. Samuel Osgood, installed 1838, dismissed 1842. S.G. Bulfinch, installed 1845; dismissed 1852. M.W. Willis, installed 1853; dismissed 1862. S.B. Stewart, installed 1863; dismissed 1865. Minot G Gage, installed 1866, dismissed 1870. Clarence Fowler, installed 1871, dismissed 1873. Thomas L. Gorman, installed 1873, dismissed 1878. Henry C. Parker, installed 1878, now in charge. Connected with the society is the Channing Literary Association, composed of young persons of both sexes, who hold their meetings in Channing Hall. Their object is moral, mental and social improvement. There is also an association of ladies for affording aid to the needy and the sick, who hold semi-monthly meetings. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH--The Methodist Church founded by John Wesley in the last century, was hardly known in this State in 1820. When Nashua became a manufacturing village it was visited by several itinerant preachers, and in 1833, Rev. James G. Smith was stationed here for a year. During the year the church on Lowell Street was built. It was dedicated November 12, 1833. The building was occupied until 1868, when the society removed to their new brick edifice, on Main Street. Owing to the itinerant system, the number of ministers who occupied the Lowell Street pulpit is large. The list and time of service are as follows: James G. Smith 1833; A.P. Brigham 1834; W.D. Cass, 1835; W. H. Hatch, 1836-37; Jared Perkins 1838-39; Samuel Kelly 1840; J.W. Mowry 1841-42; L.D. Barrows 1834-44; James Pike 1845-46; Henry Drew, 1847-48; D.M. Rogers 1849; Elijah Mason 1850-51; Franklin Furber 1852-53; Elihu Scott, 1854; D.P. Leavitt 1855-56; Henry Hill, 1857; C.R. harding 1858-59; Lewis Howard, 1860; Charles Young, 1861-62; G.W.H. Clark, 1863-64; E.A. Smith 1865-67. After the division of the town of Nashua and Nashville, a Methodist Society was organized on the south side of Nashua River, and a church on Chestnut Street was bought of the Baptists in 1844, which continued to be occupied by them until 1880, when the church united with the First Methodist Church, on Main Street. The following is the list of pastors and time of service at the Chesnut Street Church during its existence: Rev. C.C. Burr 1844; Joseph Boyce 1845-46; T.H. Pond, 1847; (an interim of three years), J. McLaughlin 1850-51; Lewis Howard 1852-53; Jared Perkins 1854; G.S. Dearborn 1855-56; H.H. Hartwell, 1857-58; S. Holman 1859-60; L.J. Hall, 1861-62; W.H. Jones, 1863-64; R.S. Stubbs, 1865-66; E.R. Wilkins 1867-69; D.C. Babcock, 1870; T. Carter 1871-72; H.L. Kelsey 1873-74; L.P. Cushman, 1875-77; O. H. Jasper 1878-80. The church on Main Street was dedicated in 1868. It is a large and handsome edifice and cost sixty thousand dollars. The list of minister in charge since then is as follows: Rev. George Bowler, 1868; Angelo Carroll, 1869-70; V.A. Cooper, 1871-73; Charles Shelling, 1874-75; Charles E. Hall, 1876-78; James R. Day, 1879-80; B.P. Raymond, 1881-82; P.M. Frost, 1883-84; J.H. Haines, 1885, who is now in charge. The ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH--Of the Catholic Church organized in this city by Rev. John O'Donnell in 1855 and the building of the church in 1857 we have already written. Father O'Donnell died in January 1882, and was succeeded by Rev. Patrick Houlihan and by Rev. William F. Higgins, as assistant. The Irish population of the city is two thousand three hundred. The Sunday attendance at the Church of the Immaculate Conception if fifteen hundred. There are three distinct sessions,--two for adults and one for children. The church had purchased the real estate known hitherto as the "Indian Head House," and has reconstructed it for a school building. It is proposed to establish a parochial school, to be taught by the Sisters of Mercy. The house will accomodate five hundred pupils. The cemetery of this church is in Hudson, two miles from the city. The French Catholic Church is of more recent origin. Worshipping at first with the Irish, their number increased so that, in June 1871, Rev. Louis Girard was appointed to organize a church. He resigned in 1871, and Rev. J.B.H.V. Milette was appointed to succeed him. The building of the church on Hollis Street was commenced in 1872, and dedicated on the 8th of June 1873. It is a fine edifice, having cost forty thousand dollars. The average attendance on Sunday services is two thousand, three sessions being held. The French Canadian Cemetery is on Hollis Street, two miles from the city. In 1883 a three-story brick building was erected for a parochial school, which has at this time five hundred and eleven scholars, and is taught by nine Siters of the Holy Cross. The French Canadian population of this city is three thousand seven hundred. It is proposed to build another French Catholic Church next year on the north side of Nashua River. The Catholics are now (1885) far the most numerous religious sect in the city, numbering six thousand, equal to two-fifths of the entire population. CHAPTER XVI MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES OF NASHUA Cotton Manufacturing Companies-- Iron Industries-- Foundries and Machine-SHops-- Wood Manufacturing Industries-- Card, Boot and Shoe, Bo xand Freezer Companies-- Miscellaneous Industries-- Farming Statistics-- Lawyers and Doctors-- Municipal Officers-- Public School Teachers-- Conclusion-- If Nashua had remained what is was in 1820, an agricultural town, its present population would not exceed eight hundred. It was early predicted that the Merrimack River would furnish an extensive power for manufacturing purposes, but the Nashua River was unthought of until some of the residents of the village discovered and appreciated its importance, and chiefly contributed the first captial used to develop it. We have already recorded the early history of the two largest manufacturing companies in the city. Sine that early period they have largely increased their capacity. A concise and accurate statement of their present extend and condition will be of value for future reference. **** THE COTTON MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY-- *** NASHUA COTTON MANUFACTURING COMPANY--This corporation, chartered in 1823, began the manufacture of cotton cloth i 1826. The first agents were Asher Benjamin and Ira Gay, who were soon succeeded by Thomas W. Gillis, who filled the position eighteen years, until 1853. He was followed by Daniel Hussey, who introduced the turbine instead of the breast wheel, adding greatly to the water-power. He remained until 1869, and was followed by D.D. Crombie, who left at the end of two years. Oliver P. Hussey became agent in 1871 and remained until his death, in 1875. The present agent, Rufus A. Maxfield, entered upon his duties ten years ago. Since then the capacity of the company has increased twenty per cent. The plant in 1844 consisted of four separate mills. All thes emills have, from time to time, been greatly improved by additions and alternations, so that the company now has in a single continuous teir of buildings a floorage of more than twelve acres. In addition to the mill buildings proper, the company has a range of buildings on Basin Street, which is utilized as cloth-rooms and machine-shop, six large store-houses, a store-house for the raw cotton, an immense boiler-house, with minor buildings, together with a spacious counting-room, built in 1879, and eighty-two tenement houses, the last-named mostly in blocks. The total capacity of the water-power of these mills is eighteen hundred and twelve horse-power. The company has sixteen steam-boilers of seventy-five horse power each--steam being required for heat as well as power--and a total engine- power of sixteen hundred horse-power, which added to the fourteen hundred water-power, gives a total of three thousand horse-power. This power is now so reserved and economically employed that in the future these mills cannot be short of power. The use of steam-power becomes a necessity in recent times on account of the evaporation during the severe droughts which of late years are apt to occur in the summer. The mills of the Nashua Company have a capacity of eighty-five thousand spindles, and make twenty-four million yards of fine sheeting, shirting and cotton flannels yearly, the market being mostly in the United States. The annual consumption is twenty-four thousand bales. The company employes over fifteen hundred operatives, of whom twelve hundred are females and three hundred men and boys. More than three-fourths of the help are either foreigners or the children of foreigners. They are about equally divided between the Canadian French and the Irish. Wages are now (June 1885) fully as high as in 1879. The payroll is about twenty-two thousand dollars monthly. Webster P. Hussey is paymaster, succeeding John A. Baldwin, who filled the position forty years. The location and surroundings of the mills of this company are unusually favorable. The inclosed grounds are spacious and finely shaded, and the arrangement of the buildings such as to favor health and comfort. Frederick Amory, of Boston is the Treasurer. The JACKSON MANUFACTURING COMPANY--The grounds of this company are pleasantly located on the Nashua River, in the eastern part of the city. In a previous chapter we have given its early history. The following is a list of the agents of the company and the time they held the position: B.F. French, seven years; Edmund Parker, eleven years; M.A. Herrick, four years; H.T. Robbins, ten months; Walter Wright, one year; P. Lawton, two years; B. Saunders, eleven years; O.P. Hussey, four years; William D. Caldwell, the present agent, since January, 1871, fourteen and a half years. The plant consists of three large mills which have been enlarged within a few years, and have twelve hundred and twelve looms and thirty-five thousand seven hundred and twenty spindles. The water-power is eighteen feet fall, equal to one thousand horse-power, which is strengthened by eight hundred horse-power of steam. The productive capacity has increased one hundred per cent under the present agent. The mills have a floorage of four acres, with large store-houses and a large block which is used for counting rooms, cloth-room and machine-shop. There are forty-two tenements, mostly in handsome brick blocks. The capital of the company is six hundred thousand dollars. The number of operatives is eight hundred, nearly three-fourths of whom are foreigners or the children of foreigners. They are equally divided between the Irish and the Canadian French. The former are regarded as the more reliable and permanent. The pay is six per cent higher than in 1879, and believed to be the highest paid by any cotton manufactory in the country. The products are fine sheetings and shirtings, which find a market in China, South America, and Mexico. The annual consumption of cotton is fifteen thousand bales, and the production seventeen million yards of cloth. The monthly pay-roll is fifteen thousand dollars. E.M. Temple is paymaster. In these mills the system of keeping accounts is such that the raw cotton is traced by the pound from the picker until it is ready for the market, every process showing so much addition in actual cost. Frederick Amory, of Boston, is treasurer of the company. THE VALE MILLS MANUFACTURING COMPANY erected a cotton-mill on Salmon Brook, at the Harbor in 1845. This was followed, in 1853, by the building of a second mill, having altogether a capacity of twenty thousand spindles and weaving one million two hundred thousand years per annum of forty-inch fine sheetings for home consumption. The company has a capital of eighty thousand dollars, and gives employment to eighty operatives. All the looms are new and improved and the machinery has been renewed within fifteen years. The mills, aside from other buildings have a floorage of nine thousand six hundred square feet. The fall at the dam is twenty-six feet, and one hundred and fifty horse-power. In addition to this, the company has one hundred horse-power of steam. These mills are doing a prosperous business, and contemplate an increase of production in the future. Benjamin Saunders is the agent and treasurer. ****** IRON MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ****** The iron manufactories of Nashua are second only to the cotton industry in extent and importance. THE NASHUA IRON AND STEEL COMPANY, incorporated in 1847 with a capital of thirty thousand dollars, had a rapid and unusual growth. From three small hammers and one small shop the company developed to ten large hammers and seven large shops, requiring a captial of four hundred thousand dollars. The plant coveres twelve acres. It manufactures steel and iron forgings of any size, steel locomotive tires and general railroad work. The steel-plate made at these works has an unequaled reputation, and is recognized as the best made in the country. Unfortunately, the plate and bar-mill was burned in February last, so that its condition at this time is not such as to indicate its capacity or product. It gives, when in full operation, employment to two hundred and eighty men, many of whom are skillful and experienced workmen. John A. Burnham is president; Aretus Blood, treasurer and superintendent. THE NASHUA LOCK COMPANY has for many years done a large business. We have already given its early history. It makes locks, door-knobs and bells, hinges, bolts and builders' hardware of every style and pattern. The works cover a plant of four hundred by three hundred feet, in an inclosure of two and a quarter acres, and consist of seven shops. Its capital stock is one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. It gives employment to one hundred and eighty men, and makes two hundred and fifty thousand dollars' worth of good annually. A.C. Barstow is president; H.G. Bixby, treasurer; Emery Parker, superintendent. THE UNDERHILL EDGE-TOOL COMPANY, located at the mouth of Salmon Brook, has a capital stock of one hundred and twelve thousand dolalrs, and employs one hundred men. It manufactures axes, hatchets, adzes and edge-tools of every pattern, and sends products to every part of the western continent. Its annual sales are one hundred thousand dollars. It has a seventy-five horse water-power and a Corliss steam-engine of one hundred and fifty horse-power. JOhn G. Kimball is president; C.V. Dearborn, treasurer; Nestor Haines, superintendent. THE NASHUA IRON FOUNDRY, Charles Williams, proprietor, has for many years been in operation. It manufactures heavy castings for cotton-mills and machinists' tools. The plant covers several acres. It has five large buildings, fifty horse steam-power and gives employment to an average of one hundred and twenty men. The business averages more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually. Charles A. Williams is agent. THE NASHUA CO-OPERATIVE IRON FOUNDRY is the successor of the Otterson Iron Foundry. The present company began business in 1881. As a co-operative enterprise it was an experiment. It has proved eminently successful Its capital is twenty thousand dollars. Fifty-five men are employed. Small castings are its specialty, in which it excels, and New England is its chief market. Its business averages more than sixty thousand dollars annually. Patrick Barry is president; T.W. Keely, foreman; T.B. Crowley, manager and treasurer. FLATHER & CO., manufacturer of machinists' tools, engine and hand-lathes and special machinery, are located at the Concord Railroad Junction. They employ thirty-six men, and the value of their annual production is fifty thousand dollars. This firm commenced business in 1866, and have won the reputation of making perfect machines, which they are now sending to every part of the country. THE NASHUA PRESS AND BOILER-WORKS, owned by J.J. Crawford, are located at the Concord Railroad Junction, employ eighteen to twenty men, and manufacture steam-boilers, steaming cylinders, water and oil-tanks and plate-iron work of every kind. The specialty of these works is the hydraulic power-press, with the hollow steam-plates and connections, which is used by woolen manufactures in pressing woolen cloths and knit-goods. The value of the annual sales is forty- five thousand dollars. These works were burned last January but are being rebuilt on the same site. GEORGE A. ROLLINS & CO., on Mason Street, manufacture steam-engines of the most improved action and power, and employ fourteen hands. The shop and tools are new. THE WARNER & WHITNEY MACHINE-SHOP is under the management of George H. Whitney. It employs forty men, and makes Swaine's turbine water-wheels and machinists' lathes. The value of its production is fifty thousand dollars annually. THE AMERICAN SHEARER MANUFACTURING COMPANY makes horse and barber clippers and sheep-shearing machines. They employe twenty-four men. Its market is the world. J.K. Priest is manager and treasurer. GEORGE W. DAVIS & CO. make stationary and portable steam-engines, boring-machines, and do the general repairing of machinery. THey are located near the corner of Foundry and Mason Streets. ****** WOOD MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ****** THE NASHUA BOBBIN AND SPOOL COMPANY is a long-established industry. Of its origin and progress in earlier times we have already written. It has supplied mills in every part of the country. Within a few months it has been reorganized with Frank H. Ayer, president and treasurer; G.H. Hatch, clerk; and Ira Cross, superintendent. It makes bobbins, spools and shuttles for all kinds of textile fabrics,--cotton, woolen, silk, linen, hemp and jute; also rollers for skates and other kinds of wood-work. The works are located on Water Street. The floorage of the shops is nearly three acres, and its business this year one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and in good times twice that amount. White birch and maple are material for spolls and shuttles, but of late dog-wood and persimmon are shipped from North Carolina. GREGG & SON, located at the Concord Railroad Junction, manufacture doors, window-sashes, blinds, mouldings and machine findings for builders. This industry was established in 1870, and occupies two large four-story buildings. They procure their lumber from the West and Canada, use one hundred horse-power of steam and employ one hundred and thirty men. New England is their largest customer, but orders are filled from California, Australia, and the West Indies. HOWARD & CO., furniture manufacturers, make ash and black walnut chamber sets a specialty. They occupy three buildings on Merrimack Street for machine-work, with thirty-five horse-power of steam, and have a large three-story building for finishing and storage, on Amherst Street, besides a large retail store on Main Street. Their entire floorage is two acres. They employ ninety men, and do a business annually of more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. CROSS & TOLLES, manufacturers of window and door-frames, boxes and builders' findings, have three large buildings on Quincy Street. They employ forty hands, and do a large business in custom planing, matching, turning, scroll and gig-sawing, and pattern-work. Their lumber and manufactured sales are one hundred thousand dollars annually. PROCTOR BROTHERS, manufacturers of fish, syrup, and provision casks, kits and kegs, began business in Hollis in 1870, and removed to Nashua in 1881. They employe seventy-five men. They have a large mill, store-house, shop and two dry-houses. Their motive-power is one hundred and twenty-five horse-power steam-engine. Market is the large cities. They use white-pine lumber for the most part, and at the present time obtain it in Hudson, Litchfield and other neighboring towns. They make three hundred thousand casks and kits yearly. THE FLETCHER & WEBSTER FURNITURE COMPANY make wood and marble-top centre tables, hat-trees, whatnots, cribs, cradles, and other varieties of useful and ornamental wood-work. They occupy three large buildings, employe forty hands, and make sales amounting to fifty thousand dollars annually, J.M. FLetcher is president and manager. THE NASHUA NOVELTY WORKS makes fancy bird-cages, children's rocking-horses, wagons, doll-carriages and toys of all kinds. It has two spacious shops, and employs fifteen hands. Its sales are about fifteen thousand dollars yearly. J.M. Fletcher is proprietor. G.O. SANDERS' saw and box-mill, near the Hudson Bridge, was started in 1882. He uses a sixty horse-power engine, employs thirty men, and does a business of over fifty thousand dollars annually. HOLT BROTHERS, on the line of the Acton Railroad, have a mill, forty by eighty feet, and four stories, with an annex of thirty by thirty-eight feet. The mill was built in 1884, and has new and improved machinery. They have a forty horse-power engine, and, including their building contracts, employ one hundred men. THE INVALID BED MANUFACTORY is a new enterprise, located in the three-story brick building on Lowell Street. The invalid bed made by this company is unequaled for its merits, and will have an extensive use. Evan B. Hammond is president; F.A. McKean, treasurer; J.Q.A. Sargent, superintendent. LUTHER A. ROBY & SON are the largest manufacturers and ealers in ship timber in New Hampshire. Their market is chiefly at Boston and Charlestown. Their yard is south of Temple Street and west of the Concord station. The timber is largely oak, and is mostly obtained from the Upper Merrimack Valley. THE ISAAC EATON COMPANY, for the manufacture of bobbins and shuttles, has new buildings on Charles Street. The main building is one hundred and twenty-six by forty feet. The head of the company has had a long and successful experience. The works are new and the machinery of the most improved kind. Isaac Eaton is president; Elmer W. Eaton, treasurer; G. R. Holt, superintendent. ROGER W. PORTER, Hollis Street, is manufacturer of shuttles, bobbins and spools for cotton mills. His factory is sixty-five by twenty-five feet, with engine of twenty horse-power. He employs twenty hands. ********* GENERAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ********* THE NASHUA CARD AND GLAZED PAPER COMPANY is a large and successful industry. We have already given its early history. In 1862, Horace W. Gilman became a member of the firm, then consisting of C.P. Gage, O.D. Murray and V.C. Gilman. In 1864 the Gilman Brothers bought the interest of the two other partners, and in 1866 obtained from the Legislature the present charter of the company, but did not organize until it until 1869, when the firms of Gilman Brothers and Murray, Pierce & Co. were consolidated and organized under the charter as the Nashua Card and Glazed Paper Company, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The first board of directors were V.C. Gilman, W.H. Gilman, T.P. Pierce, O.D. Murray, and G.D. Murray. O.D. Murray was elected president and H.W. Gilman treasurer. In January 1873, Virgil C. GIlman sold his interest to the remaining members of the company. The capital was increased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and the plant removed from the old Washington House to its present location. In January 1883 O.D. Murray sold his interest, and the new directors elected were H.W. Gilman, T.P. Pierce, Franklin Pierce, W.V. Gilman, E.T. Pierce, C.H. Hill, J.W. White. T.P. Pierce was chosen president, and H.W. Gilman treasurer, which officers are still in service. This has been one of the most successful enterprises in Nashua, its business steadily increasing until its manufactures are sent to nearly every city in the Union, and are to be found in the remote mining towns of Colorado. They have been sent to Italy, Mexico and South America. Its consumption is from three to four tons of paper per day; its shipments in 1884 amounted to fifteen hundred and seventy-eight tons, or over five tons per day. An average of one hundred hands are employed, and the annual production is three hundred thousand dollars. To maintain so large a business against large competition, and through periods of business depression, has required careful management, and success is due to the fact that every department has been under the direct supervision of some one of the leading owners, who have applied to the work their practical experience. MOODY, ESTABROOK & ANDERSON, manufacturers of boots and shoes, Hollis Street, established their business in 1879. Their building is one hundred and eighty by thirty-five feet and four stories high. Power is obtained from the powerful engine in Chandler's grain elevator. This firm gives employment ot two hundred and fifty hands, and manufactures five hundred thousand boots and shoes for the Western and Southwestern States. Its sales amount in the aggregate to nearly six hundred thousand dollars annually. By judicious management this firm has secured a good reputation, and its business had added to the prosperity of the city. THE WHITE MOUNTAIN FREEZER COMPANY was started in Laconia in 1872, burned out and re-established in Nashua in 1881. The main building is two hundred by forty feet, store-house two hundred by thirty feet, foundry one hundred and sixty by forty feet, and several small store-houses upon its four acres. It manufactures ice cream freezers, using a million feet of lumber and a large amount of tin and iron annually. Every piece of goods manufactured by the company is from the raw material. Its products finds a market in every part of the world. Engine, one hundred horse-power; men employed one hundred and twenty; pay roll, three thousand five hundred dollars monthly; business, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually. This interprise is growing rapidly. Thomas Sands is superintendent and proprietor. CHARLES H. BURKE'S BAKERY is located at 13 and 15 Mulberry Street. It is the best-equipped bakery in the State. In addition to the making of wheat and corn bread of every variety, it makes crackers a leading specialty, furnishing every style from the small oyster to the large pilot cracker. It also makes wedding goods, pies, and every style of cakes. It employs sixteen hands, and all the appointments are kept in a neat and suitable condition. THE SOAPSTONE-WORKS of Charles Williams, at the Concord Railroad Junction, employ thirty men, and manufactures stoves, sinks, wash-trays, register-frames, and soapstone work of every kind. The quarry is in Francestown, N.H. and furnishes the best soapstone in the United States. New York, Boston, and Philadelphia are the leading market for these goods. CHARLES HOLMAN, wholesale manufacturer of confectionary, is located in Spaulding & Holman's Block, South Main Street. He employs twenty-four men and sends goods to every part of the State. A.H. DUNLAP & SON, seedsmen, in Dunlap's Block, put up twelve thousand boxes of garden and flower-seeds annually, and are the largest seed dealers in the State. S.S. DAVIS, paper box manufacturer, on Railroad Square, began business in 1867. It is now an established industry, uses steam-power and the most improved machinery. Mr. Davis uses about one hundred tons of straw board annually, which is obtained from the mills at the West. Twenty-four hands, mostly females are employed, and the annual production of goods is twenty thousand dollars. S.D. CHANDLER, at Worcester depot, manufactures flour from Western wheat, and at Concord depot makes the hydraulic cement sewer-pipe. O.W. REED, Mason Street, makes at his brass foundry all kinds of brass, copper and composition castings and Babbit metal. L.E. BURBANK manufactures standard overalls of various patterns on Railroad Square. Mrs. M.E. Kimball, North Middle Street and Miss Barber, Belvidere, manufacture knit-goods, such as mittens, gloves and shirts, and employ from thirty to seventy hands each. There are other individual enterprises employing more or less people, but the list above shows the extent and variety of the industries of Nashua. The agricultural territory of Nashua, limited in extent, is yet of considerable importance. Among the owners of good farms within the city limits are Luther A. Roby, Otis Searles, John P. Cummings, Alfred P. Kendall, Mrs. Horace Tolles, Mrs. Alfred Godfrey, John C. Lund, J.L. H. Marshall, Charles F. Tolles, Elliot Whitford, Stilman Swallow, Charles Lund, David Roby, James Roby, ALfred Chase, B.F. Cotton, Frank H. Ayer, V.C. Gilman and heirs of T. J. Laton. There are some fine apple orchards in the south part of the town, and in no part of the State are better pears raised than within two miles of the city hall. MUNICIPAL STATISTICS--Since the incorporation of Nashua as a city, the mayors have been: Josephus Baldwin 1853-54; Freeman S. Rogers 1855-56; Thomas W. Gillis, 1857; Albin Beard 1858-59; Aaron W. Sawyer 1860; George Bowers, 1861; Hiram T. Morrill, 1862-63; Edward Spalding, 1864; Virgil C. Gilman, 1865; Gilman Scripture, 1866-67; George Bowers, 1868; Jotham D. Otterson 1869-70; Dana Sargent 1871; Seth D. Chandler 1872; Frank A. McKean 1873-74; George H. Whitney 1875; Charles Williams 1876-77; William H. Cook 1878; Charles Holman, 1879-80; Benjamin Fletcher 1881-82; Alfred M. Norton 1883-84; John A. Spalding 1885. The following is the list of attorneys at law in practice at this time (June 1885): Aaron F. Stevens, William W. Bailey, Charles H. Burns, Henry B. Atherton, Edward S. Cutter, James B. Fassett, George B. French, Edward E. Parker, Royal D. Barnes, Charles W. Hoitt, E.B. Gould, H. E. Cutter, J.B. Parker, L.F. Burbank, James A. Leach, Jeremiah J. Doyle. The following is the list of physicians practicing in this city at this time: S.G. Dearborn, H.G. Dearborn, E.A. Colburn, E.F. MCQuesten, G.F. Wilber, J.G. Graves (2d), J.C. Garland, W.S. Collins, C.S. Collins, R.B. Prescott, C.B. Hammond, G.A. Underhill, J.N. Woodward, R.J. Halleren, C.S. Rounsevel, G.E. Ellis, John Nottage, Frank A. Dearborn, P.E. Dansereau. A.W. Pettit, Eugene Wason, A.M. Spalding. Dentists--L.F. Locke, Albert Lull, George Bowers, C.G.A. Eayrs, C.E. Faxon, F.L. Twitchell, Harrison Baldwin. CITY OFFICERS, 1885 John A. Spaulding, mayor; Eugene M. Bowman, city clerk; Milton A. Taylor, treasurer; Charles W. Hoitt, solicitor; John Nottage, city physician; Tyler M. Shattuck, messenger; Frank E. Marsh, collector; James H. Hunt, city marshal; Henry W. Webster, assistant; James B. Fassett, police judge; W.O. Clough, associate justice; Fred H. Morrill, clerk. The following is a list of the members of the school committee for term ending 1885; Jacob Leroy, J.B. Fassett, J.L. H. Marshall, C.W. Hoitt. For term ending 1886: Gilman C. Shattuck, G.W. Currier, C. W. Stephens, Jason E. Tolles. For term ending 1887: J.W. HOward, W.P. Hussey, C.V. Dearborn, Elbert Wheeler. Superintendent of Schools, Frederic Kelsey. SCHOOL-TEACHERS: High School--Spring Street, Edwin J. Goodwin (principal), Clara J. McKean, Della L. Haywood, Emma F. Johnson, Flora A. Runnels. Grammar Schools--Mt. Pleasant, Edward C. Burbeck (principal), Clara I. Thompson, Annie M. Putnam, Etta C. McLaren; Spring Street, Livinia I. Dodge, Celia T. Garland, Lucelia A. Kimball, H. Adella McKean, Adelaide M. Kittridge, Ella F. Wheeler, Lulu L. Pinkham. Middle Schools--Main Street, Letitia G. Campbell, Josie B. Hale, Emma G. Osborn, Delia P. Fiske; Mt. Pleasant, Margaret A. O'Neil, Ida M. Hoyt; Harbor, Fannie D. Parker, Etta C. Marble; Belvidere, Clara E. Upton; O'Donnell, Sarah C. Whittle. Primary Schools--Main Street, Ellen M. Sullivan, Ida F. Wallace, Fannie A. Morrison, Hattie E. Farley; Mt. Pleasant, Cora B. Cook, Sarah A. Collins, Anna E. Bussell; Palm Street, Mary L. Hammond, Ellen E. Kendall, Elizabeth L. Burke; Mulberry Street, Mary E. Law, Lizzie M. Hammond; East Pearl Street, Carrie E. Mitchell, Hattie T. Case; Harbor, Alice S. Harris, Fannie E. Clark; O'Donnell, Mary A. Dean, Estelle C. Shattuck; Belvidere, Ellen L. Reilly; Edgeville, Lizzie Morgan. Suburban Schools--District No. 1, Helen M. White; District No. 2, Euminie I. Flanders; District No. 3, Mattie J. Marshall; District No. 4., Hannah M. Swallow; District No. 5., Annie S. Tolles; District No. 6, Nellie G. McClure; District No. 7, Bertha L. Holden. There were thirty-one graduates from the High school in 1885, the term closing on the 29th of June. The summer vacation of late years is twelve weeks, the fall session beginning the middle of September. In closing this history of Nashua we will only say that we hope the reader, whether a citizen or a stranger, a resident or one of the many who have found homes elsewhere, will find the pages which describe the olden times and the more recent events of our city something to awaken a deeper interest in her present welfare and her future prosperity. The next historian of Nashua will, no doubt, write more worthily of her, but will not close his work with better feelings toward her people. (end)