HISTORY OF TILTON, BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- 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 Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, 1108 pgs. page 876 On the 28th of October, 1748, a petition containing sixty names was addressed to His Majesty, King George the Second, asking for a tract of land in this vincity, Before granted, it was found that the land desired came within the Masonian claim. These sixty petitioners then addressed the Masonian proprietors for the tract of land, which was granted with the proviso that they (the grantors) should name twenty other grantees. The petitioners accepted their proposal, and the land was granted on the 31st of December, 1748. It was substantially the same ground covered in the act of incorporation of Sanbornton, March 1, 1770. It is a singular fact, but nevertheless true, that the first settlement of Sanbornton occurred within the present town of Tilton. From Rev. M.T. Runnels' "History of Sanbornton" (vol i., p. 44) we obtain the following information: That the first settlement was on the farm now occupied by Andrew Philbrick, just above East Tilton, on the Laconia road; that the town was settled in 1765-66 by John Sanborn, David Dustin, Andrew Rowen and others. It is equally certain that Daniel Fifield and Samuel Sheppard moved to the town in 1764; the three first settlers being Moses Danforth, who settled near Little Bay, Andrew Rowen, at East Tilton, and Solomon Copp, they coming here early in the spring of 1764. The first frame house in town was erected by Sergeant John Sanborn in 1765, some three-fourths of a mile north of Tilton village, on land now owned by F.A. Morgan, on the road leading from the village to Sanbornton Square. The first settlement at Tin Corner was made in 1764-65. The first store within the bounds of Tilton was built by a Mr. Duncan from Concord, as early as 1789. It stood on the corner now occupied by the town hall. The first permanent saw-mill within the present town was known as the old Morrison or Darling privilege, it being the first west of the present railroad station, and was built previous to January 5, 1775; and there must have been a grist mill in connection with the saw-mill as early as 1766. In the granting of most of the townships in this State by Massachuetts, or the Masonian proprietors, a territory equal to six miles square, and frequently larger, was granted to actual settlers under conditions named in their charters. FORMATION OF THE TOWN OF TILTON--The first action taken in regard to the formation of the town of Tilton was a petition presented to the General Court in 1850. In 1860 two special town-meetings were held in the old town of Sanbornton, to act upon the division of the town, but nothing came from it. A special town-meeting was held May 18, 1869 to act upon an article relative to the division of the town, one hundred and fifty voting in its favor. Sanbornton appointed Herman T. Hale as agent authorizing him to employ counsel as was necessary to oppose the division of the town. As first proposed, it was intended to make the division on the fourth rangeline, with a southern detour at the east end, thereby giving Mosquito bridge to Sanbornton; but by the act approved June 30, 1869, third range line was adopted, with a northern detour, assigning the bridge to the town. ACT OF INCORPORATION An act to constitute the Town of Tilton from a Part of the Territory of the Town of Sanbornton. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court Convened: Section 1. That all that part of Sanbornton lying within the following lines and boundaries, to wit: Beginning at the center of the Winnipiseogee River, at the southwest corner of said Sanbornton, on the line of the town of Franklin; thence northerly, on the line between said Franklin and said Sanbornton, to the north side of the third range of lots in said Sanbornton; thence easternly, on the north side of said range, to the highway leading from Union Bridge to Laconia, across the Bay Bridge; thence on the north line of said highway to the Sanbornton town line, on the northerly side of said Bridge; thence on said Sanbornton town line, down the Winnipiseogee River to the place of beginning --be and the same hereby is, severed from the Town of Sanbornton and made a body politic and corporate by the name of Tilton." [more documents in the original source, not included here] The name, "Tilton," was adopted by the citizens of the proposed new town at the suggestion of Hon. Charles E. Tilton (the fourth generation in line of descent from the original settlers), its wealthiest citizen (who made gifts to the town). The name is not in honor of himself individually, but for his ancestry. Nathaniel Tilton, the patriarch of this family, removed to that part of Sanbornton now Tilton between 1768 and 1771, settling on the farm now owned by Charles W. Colby, nearly a mile north of Tilton village. His name was very prominent in the early history of the first church, of which he was deacon for more than 39 years. He died February 11, 1814. His son, Jeremiah (Colonel) built the original hotel on the site of the Dexter House and occupied the same (see Copp mill). He served in the Revolutionary War six months and was colonel in the State militia, a justice of the peace, and, in all respects, may be regarded as among the prime founders of this thriving village. He died April 10, 1822, aged sixty years. His son Samuel, born August 20, 1789, commenced his business career at his father's trip-hammer shop, then occupied the hotel, adding another story to the original building; a man of great business energy and sagacity and always remained at the Bridge village. Besides other offices, he was elected Representative five times (1826-29 and 1835), was sheriff, justice of the peace and United States marshal under President Pierce, having previously been chosen one of the State electors for President of the United States in 1848 and delegate to the Baltimore Convention in 1852... He died November 12, 1861. For an account of his son, Hon. Charles Elliott Tilton, the reader is referred to his biographical sketch. ------ THE MEMORIAL ARCH OF TILTON, considered as a work of art in its solid and massive completeness....An impression has gone abroad that the Arch of Tilton is a facsimile of that of Titus. Such is not the fact, except that the relative proportions are preserved. Its height is fifty-five feet and its width forty feet. Eight hewn stones make the entire covering, weighing one hundred and thirty thousand pounds. It is most thoroughly constructed, was two years in building, and completed without accident. Its location is on a mound-shapped hill, one hundred and fifty feet above the river, which gently flows at its base. Marl, hard-pan and rock make the elevation, and nothing but an earthquake can disturb the foundation. The view from the base of the arch is as if one stood in the centre of a vast amphitheatre adorned with every variety of landscape. Within a boundary from Kearsage and Rugged Mountains in the east to the hills of Meredith in the north, circumscribed by the horizon that marks the highlands to Ossipee and Gilford Mountains in the east and south, the prospect is unobstructed. A polished device in Scotch granite, on which a Nubian lion is reclining, the whole weighing fifty tons, rests between the two columns of the arch, bearing this inscription:-- "Tilton, 1883." Each of the keystone, in raised letters, reads "Memorial Arch of Tilton, 1882." Ten or twelve acres of land are inclosed in the tract on which this memorial has been erected. Four elegant cut-glass lamps, supplied with gas, are lighted each night, making the locality a land-mark for many surrounding miles. A concrete walk and drive-way for carriages leads to the summit from two different directions. Large numbers of visitors in good weather daily travel over them and avail themselves of the enchanting prospect and a nearer inspection of the arch. It counts one among the many attractions to our thrifty town constributed by Mr. Charles E. Tilton, of the fourth generation from Nathaniel Tilton, the original pioneer of the familiy, of aboutone hundred and fifteen years ago. VILLAGE ADVANTAGES--Tilton village is situated on the old Boston, concord and Montreal Railroad, now known as the White Mountain Division of the Boston and Lowell Railroad, eighteen miles north of Concord, ten miles south of Laconia, the shire-town of the county, and in close proximity to Franklin, at which place the Northern Division of the Boston and Lowell railroad passes, passenger facilities being conducted by J.L. Lawrin's twelve-passenger four-horse coach route, which makes two round trips a day, connecting with the important trains over both roads, viz.--passengers coming down over the White Mountain road and wishing to go up over the Northern, instead of going to Concord, take this stage and save over 36 miles travel...Daily stages leave here for Sanbornton and New Hampton and semi-daily stage for Belmont and Gilmanton. The railroad facilies are very good, the track laid with steel rails and a ride of but two hours and forty minutes from Boston; while passengers taking the two p.m. train arrive in New York at half-past ten the same day. The past summer twelve passenger trains have stopped here daily; the passenger Pullman and Mann boudoir coaches were of the best, and the road earned reputation of being the best equipped of any in New England. The passenger station is a model for size, comfort and convenience, modern in its construction, the inside finished in hard woods, heated by steam, lighted by gas, and contains all conveniences for passenger and railroad facilities. A charter has been granted to build and operate a railroad from this place to Belmont. Application has been made to the Grand Court for right to construct a railroad from here to Franklin, and there is a bright prospect of seeing the road in operation within three years. The location of the town offers unusual water-power facilities, which, by its proximity to the leading lines of transportation, should place it foremost in the ranks for manufacturing industries. The water contains no lime, iron or other injurious material held in solution to deaden the colors used in dyeing; no sawdust or vegetable material to prevent the proper washing of wool. It drains no territory containing tanneries and filthy material, and it is as pure drinking water as can be found in flowing streams. With Lake Winnipiseogee back of us, a dam across its outlet into Winnipieogee River, retaining her waters to such an extent that the water-power comapny can prevent its overflow to not less than 250 cubic feet per second (the dam being 502 feet above mean tide), with an unobstructed flow of water from Great Bay, or Winnesquam Lake, containing 2,003,729,124 square feet to Middle Bay, of two miles in length and three-fourths of a mile in width, thence to Little Bay and to the falls at East Tilton. There is not an obstruction on the great body of water. At East Tilton is a large, strong dam affording an immense power, which at present it only utilized by Byron W. Brown at his mill, and he has built a short canal. [more information in the original source, not shown here] The first dam across the river at Tilton allows the present fall of eight feet, and Ballantyne & Fletcher have the right to flow back to East Tilton, a distance of two miles. The power is only utilized by Messrs. Ballantyne & Fletcher, proprietors of the Granite Mill, manufacturers of ladies' woolen dress-goods. They employ 70 hands, with a payroll of 2000 dollars per month, and at present make fifteen thousand yards of six-fourth cloth a month. On their side of the river are two good privileges. At the other end of the dam is an equally good unoccupied mill-site. The next dam below is occupied by Copp's grist-mill, Dodge's hosiery-mill, and the other end by Richard Firth, proprietor of the Elm Mill, who manufactures about the same quality of goods as Ballantyne & Fletcher, running three looms. Continuing down-stream is the coffer-dam, with a water-fall of eleven feet. George E. Buel & Co.'s large hosiery-mill occupy one end of the dam; they employ ninety operatives and do an annual business amounting to from 130,000 to 150,000 dollars. The cotton-mill at the other end is being converted into a shoe manufactory by the Pillsbury Brothers. They will employ not less than 300 people with a monthly payroll of $10,000. Next in order is the Tilton Mills, who only occupy one end of the dam with a 12 foot fall of water. The other end is unoccupied and the land and power can be bought remarkably cheap. From the above we find there are nine water privileges, all dammed, and free use of the power is guaranteed. There is exclusive of the power at East Tilton. Forty-four rods below the Tilton Mill is a fifteen-foot fall; forty- four rods below the last is a fall of twenty-three feet; these falls and undeveloped. Adjoining land to all these privileges will be disposed of at a very reasonable figure to persons who will erect mills and run them..... The fall of Winnipiseogee River, from Great Bay through this town, is some one hundred and forty feet, and the whole fall of the river two hundred feet. STATISTICAL--The census of the town in 1870 was 1147; in 1880, 1282. The selectman's valuation in 1876 was $635,008. [more statistical information in original document, not included here] VILLAGES--The business portion of the town is at Tilton, formerly known as Sanbornton Bridge, situated on the Winnipesaugee River, where it forms the boundary line between this town and Northfield, the business portion of Northfield being situated on the southern side of the river, in Merrimack County. Their manufacturing interests, post- office, Fire Precinct and village improvments being in common, and village improvement societies being in common, both villages are known as Tilton; the post-office of Northfield proper being at the depot, four miles from Tilton. The villages are connected by two elegant iron bridges, completed in the spring of 1882, at a cost to both towns of $5500, the upper one costing $3250, of which Mr. Charles E. Tilton paid $500, the sum being equally divided between the towns. The upper bridge is much more elaborate and ornamental with high arching truss. In addition to the manufacturing in dustries there are twenty-two stores, seven halls, three churches, one hotel, two hay stables, one steam laundry, an elegant brick building containing the post-office, town-hall, town offices and one store and bank. The villages are united in what is known as the FIRE PRECINCT, which was formed in 1867, the fire apparatus consisting of two hand-engines; the large one having eight-inch cylinder, and requiring fifty men to property operate, and throwing a stream one hundred and sixty feet. The small is the most efficient. Both tubs are kept in good condition. They have fifteen hundred feet of hose, and with the mill-pumps answer all ordinary requirements. The village has extensively suffered from fires--first, when it was part of Sanbornton in 1838; again the 7th of November 1863; and the most destructive fire which has occurred in the town took place on the 27th of May, 1875, involving a loss of sixty thousand dollars, for an account of which the reader is referred to the Laconia Democrat, June 3, 1875. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION was formed at the time Rev. Lucius Waterman was pastor of the Episcopal CHurch (1879-81) he being the prime mover in forming the association which has done much towards beautifying the place; principally through their efforts, some two miles of concrete walk has been laid, street-lamps added and other improvements made. EAST TILTON VILLAGE, situated four miles east of Tilton, on the railroad, is a thriving hamlet, containing two stores, owned respectively by Chase Rollins and William C. Mudgett; the former is postmaster; both keep good stock of such goods as are usually found in country stores. Here are two churches, schooll-house and twenty-five or thirty dwellings. Byron W. Brown has a large saw-mill, with a capacity of getting out 12,000 feet of lumber a day, in addition he has a shingle-mill; also a grist-mill with three run of stones, one set of which is used for flour, and employs twelve men. TIN CORNER, once a thriving hamlet, containing a hotel, store, blacksmith, shoe-making, house-joiner and cabinet-maker shops and a large tin-ware establishment. All have succumbed to the invevitable and nothing but farming is left. ================== RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES THE METHODIST EPISOCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTHFIELD AND TILTON is the oldest and contains the largest number of communicants. The church was formed on the Northfield side of the river in 1806, where it continued until the 4th of February 1857, at which time the present church, on this side of the river, was dedicated. The house contains a large vestry and committee-rooms with modern improvement. In 1880 the building was thoroughly repaid, the old tower was taken down and the present one erected. At the completion of Rev. Nathan P. Philbrook's pastorate there were two hundred and fifteen members and thirty-nine on probation. The following have been pastors since the incorporation of the town: Rev. Charles W. Millen, 1870-71; Rev. William H. Jones 1872-73; Rev. Lewis P. Cushman, 1874; Rev. John W. Adams, 1875-76; Rev. Silas E. Quimby 1877-78; Rev. Nelson M. Bailey, 1879-80; Rev. Nathan P. Philbrook, 1881-83; Rev. Charles S. Nutter, to present time. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NORTHFIELD AND TILTON was organized in the former town July 18, 1822, and has continued an active and successful church. The present building was erected (in this town) in 1837. In 1869-70 the house was elevated, a vestry and pastor's rooms placed underneath the church, and the whole building throughly repaired. In 1881 the old pews were removed, modern ones added, the floor leveled, an addition built at the rear for the organ, which was built over, and gas added, the whole expense amounting to $6,000. Rev. Corban Curtice was pastor at the time of incorporating the town, continuing until the following year; succeeded by Rev. Theodore C. Pratt 1870-75; Rev. Frederick T. Perkins, 1875-83; Rev. C.B. Strong, July 1, 1884 to May 3, 1885; Rev. C.C. Sampson May 11, 1885. TRINITY PARISH (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH OF TILTON was organized by Dr. James H. Eames, of Concord, in the fall of 1860, security the temporary services of Rev. B. Colburn, who officiated there some three or four months. The society purchased the brick edifice formerly occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Church, on the Northfield side of the river, put the same in thorough repair at a total expense of some $3,000, which was duly consecrated on the 1st of October, 1861 by the Rt. Rev. Carlton C. Chase, bishop of the diocese. The Rev. Marcellus A. Herrick, D.D., however, is regarded as the founder of the church, he removing to Northfield.... Dr. Herrick took charge of the parish as rector on the 15th of February 1861 and continued until his death October 31, 1875. [more information in original document, not shown here]. The building is forty-two by sixty-two, with a large tower at the northwest corner.... After the death of Dr. Herrick, Rev. Frank S. Harraden was rector for one year from the spring of 1876; Rev. Henry H. Haynes rector for one and a half years (1877-79), Rev. Lucius Waterman (1879-81), Rev. Frederick C. Cowper acting as assistant during the time Mr. Waterman was in Europe (1881). Rev. Isaac Peck rector over a year closing his services in October 1885. FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH AT EAST TILTON was organized March 27, 1827. In June 1834, they built a house of worship, forty-eight by forty, thirteen feet post, costing $835.73. In 1861 the building was turned round and remodeled at an expense of $900. In 1876 the building was again repaired and put in good condition. The following had been pastors since incorporation: Rev. Gilman Sanborn (1869-1870), Rev. Otis F. Russell (1870-1871); Rev. E. Preston Moulton (1871-1872); Rev. Mr. Walker resided at Laconia and occupied the pulpit nearly one year; Rev. John G. Munsey (1873-1878), Rev. J. Herbert Yeoman (1880- 1884); Rev. John G. Munsey the present incumbent. METHODIST CHURCH AT EAST TILTON was built previously to 1835 and thoroughly repaired in 1879, and since the incorporation of the town nine pastors have most acceptable filled the ministerial positions with their people. ------------------------------------ EDUCATIONAL NEW HAMPSHIRE CONFERENcE SEMINARY AND FEMALE COLLEGE-Situated on Academy Hill, just north of the village and facing the south, overlooking the village... is situated the above seminary composed of three buildings; the central is surmounted by a cupola. It contains the president's office, chapel, reading-room and well-furnished recitation-rooms on the two lower stories, and a spacious hall in the upper story. Three rods from either extremity of this main building are three other three-story buildings, that on the west being the ladies' boarding-house, that on the east being devoted to male teachers and students. These buildings are of brick, and during the summer of 1886 extensive alterations will be made which will united the three buildings in one, and the center will have a large clock placed in the tower. During the year 1845 the first seminary building was erected on the Northfield site of the river, on the site now occupied by Miss Hannah Houghton. The building was of brick and was unpretending in appearance. In 1857 the building was found inadequate, and in August of that year a commodious and substantial edifice was dedicated, where, under one roof, the faculty and students found a pleasant home. On the night of November 7 1862, the structure was destroyed by fire and the school left homeless. The old site was abandoned and the present location adopted. The new buildings were completed and consecrated on August 24, 1864 (during the Civil War). It was under the control of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but the school was by no means sectarian. Among its graduates are found ten eminent lawyers, two members of Congress and one New Hampshire State officer [1888], a number of successful business men, at least ten prominent clergymen, one distinguished theological author, four physicians and ten professors. All branches of education are taught, including music, art, language and scientific course. The institution is under the management of Rev. Silas E. Quimby, A.M. until 1885 to whom much credit is due.... Rev. D.C. Knowles, A.M. became president succeeding Rev. Mr. Quimby. UNION SCHOOL, DISTRICT No. 1 was formed out of Districts No. 2 and 28 (old districts in Sanbornton) in Tilton, and District No 10 in Northfield; the first officers being appointed by the selectmen April 12 ,1872 consisting of W. Blacom, of Northfield, Adam S. Ballantyne, Charles B. Garmon and Samuel J. Tilton. [more about this school in original document, not included here]. ---------------------- MILLS TILTON MILLS-In 1828, Nathaniel Holmes removed here from Meredith, and built the first cotton-mill for making yarn and warp on the site of the present Tilton Mills. The mill was forty by fifty feet, and did much towards givint Tilton its prosperity. In 1859 Colonel A.H. Tilton put two sets of woolen machinery into this mill and started on cassimeres; he invented and made all the all-wool goods known as Tweeds. The mill property, embracing 75 acres, and extending 1/3 of a mile down the river, controls an immense water-power, with 12 feet fall at the mills.... Colonel Tilton was soon obliged to enlarge the mill, and in 1865 doubled its capacity. The mill property consists of the main building, dye-house, picker-house, sorting, dye, finishing and waste-houses as separate buildings. "The Tilton tweeds" have attained a wide celebrity, but as times changed and the market required, meltons have been gradually added, and up to the present time the mills have made fifty-five styles of goods. All the narrow looms have given place to the broad looms, of which there are 20. The mill is equipped with four sets of woolen machinery. There has recently been added one new set of cards, a hydro-extractor, Brammel's self-feeders and a rotary fulling-mill, a Bigelow steam boiler of 60 horse-power, a new Rodney & Hunt turbine water-wheel, a new dye-house, and the capacity of the finishing room had been doubled. They give employment to 75 hands, and a monthly payroll of $2,000 and manufacture 3600 yards of cloth per month. BAILEY, or WINNISQUAM COTTON MILL was built in 1868 by R.M. Bailey, and now owned by the New Hampshire Manufacturing Company (Dexter, Abbott & Co., Boston). The factory is of wood, one hundred and sixty by fifty-eight feet, three stories in height with basement. Mr. Charles T. Almy was the last lessee, manufacturing cotton yarns and silesias or fine sheetings, operating 7300 spindles and employed 50 hands. The mill has remained vacant since Mr. Almy vacated it, the 1st of January 1884. In the fall of 1885 this mill was sold to J.A. & A. J. Pillsbury, under the firm-name of Pillsbury Brothers, shoe manufacturers of Northwood, who are remodeling the mill preparatory to occupying the whole as a shoe manufactory. LORD BROTHERS' MANFACTURING COMPANY--In 1877, Messr's J.S. Towle and Albert C. Lord, under the firm-name of Towle & LOrd, began the manufacture of eye-glasses in one end of Hazen Copp's woolen-mill, giving employment to four hands. As they grew in experience and perfected their machinery so the demand for their goods increased and more room was required. November 22, 1877 Mr. Towle sold out to George W. Lord, and the firm-name continues as above, Mr. Towle still continuing in their employ. In the summer of 1878 the brothers erected their present thoroughly-constructed building for their steam factory, situated on Main Street, opposite the depot. The building is 32 feet front, 80 feet long, having high-posted stories and basement, and costing some $10,000. Since then they have added a wing 20 x 42 feet and two stories high. THey removed to this building the 1st of January, 1879. They employ from 35 to 40 workmen, and do an annual business of from $50,000 to $65,000, having the largest special factory in the United States. Their specialty is eye-glasses, from the common to the best French pebble, and a patented metallic spectacle case. Although not making bows for spectacles, yet they do considerable in setting the lenses. Dr. Albert Lord has just patented an adjustable nose-piece for eye-glasses, which grips the sides of the nose without causing any undue pressure, and will not slip from the nose during movements of the nasal muscles. In addition to their factory, they have a large wholesale and retain jewelry-store and large drug-store. TILTON MACHINE-SHOP--Benjamin C. Stevens, proprietor, established himself in Franklin in 1872, and in December 1882 removed to Tilton, occuping the shop in the rear of Lord Brother's Manufacturing Company, and using their steam-power. The proprietor possesses considerable inventive skill, and makes a specialty of drafting and making difficult machinery for special work. He has originated very complicated labor-saving machinery, and, as it was for special purposes, it has never been patented. He employs five hands, and does all kind of iron repair work. COPP GRIST-MILL -- On the site now occupied by this mill was erected the first manufacturing industry at Sanbornton Bridge., i.e. Tilton proper. It was a trip-hammer, Scythe-shop and grist-mill, conducted by Tilton & Smith, and erected as early as 1788. Benjamin Smith is said to have built the first house in what is now Tilton village. In 1872, Mr. Hazen Copp built the present, 35x60, two-story, grist-mill, fitted it with modern improvements, four run of stones, a flour-mill and two bolting-machines, and at present conducts the business. In 1877 Mr. Copp built the mill just below, now occupied by Mr. Arthur M. Dodge as a hosiery manufactory. The mill is 35x60, three stories high, the machinery in both mills being run by the same fall of water.... DODGE'S MILL--Late in the fall of 1884, Mr. Arthur M. Dodge, of Franklin, leased the old Colvin Mill, owned by Hazen Copp, and put in one set of cards, and began the manufacture of all-wool Shaker hose, weighing two pounds, four ounces per dozen. He has 21 knitting- machines, ten of which knit the hose entire. The mill started up January 1, 1885; employs 28 operatives, with a monthly payroll of $700. ============================= SOCIETIES DORIC LODGE, No. 78, A.F. and A. M., organized July 2, 1866 and consists of eighty-eight members. Past Masters: Adam B. Ballantyne, John Fletcher, Frank L. Mason, John F. Eastman, Samuel Condon, Frank L. Mason, Daniel W. Page, Selwin B. Peabody, Charles R. Gould, James L. Mowe. HARMONY LODGE, No 65, I.O.O.F., was instituted April 13, 1881. Charter members are as follows: Sidney E. Smith, Enoch G. Clark, Leroy S. Atkinson, Albert A. Adams, John W. Watts, Frank W. Hurlburt, Otis C. Hurlburt, Frank W. Fletcher, Albert C. Muzzey, Enos H. Johnson, A.G. Arnold, and Frederick A. Clement [the original document has a list of the first officers, not included here.]. KNIGHTS OF HONOR, No. 928 was instituted in this place February 7, 1878. They have a fine hall and reception-room adjoining. The floors are laid with birch, the other wood-working is ash, the ceiling is handsomely frescoed and the furniture is modern. There are forty members, and but six deaths have occurred since their organization. CrESCENT LODGE, No. 451, KNIGHTS AND lADIES OF HONOR--like the former, is a charitable organization, consisting of ladies and gentlemen, this lodge having a third more of the former than of the latter members. The lodge was organized in August, 1883 and has 44 members. MINNEHAHA DIVISION, No 8, SONS OF TEMPERANCE was organized April 23, 1883 with 12 charter members. The lodge has steadily increased in numbers and influence, and most of the young people are members and constant attendants. They have a fine hall in Hill's Block. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS, under the name of Tilton No. 52 was formed August 7, 1885. The organization has some forty members, and is in a flourishing condition. WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION--Organized in March 1863, has a large number of members, and is in a flourishing condition. THE TILTON CORNET BAND was organized in June 1880, consisting of twenty pieces, and finely uniformed. W.P. Long is president; T.J. Davis, treasurer; Nathan S. Cheaver, secretary; and Frederick Clement, director. POST No. 62, GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, was organized on the 6th of October 1881 with twelve charter members, and named "Adams K. Tilton," in honor of that gentleman, who was born in that part of Sanbornton now included in Tilton February 21, 1883, son of John A. and Clarissa (Kimball) Tilton; grandson of Jacob, the great-grandson of Nathaniel and Abigail (Gilman) Tilton. Mr. Tilton resided in his native town until 1858 when he moved to Pawtucket, R.I. and followed his trade, that of a sash, door and blind-maker; married Miss Ellen Elizabeth Arnold in May 1864 at that time being a soldier. He first enlisted in the First Rhode Island Regiment in 1861, and was afterwards captian of one of the companies in the Sixth NH Infantry. He was instantly killed by a shot when penetrated the brain just over the eye, in a action at Poplar Grove Church, VA, September 30, 1864. The organization had 36 members and at present has 29. WHen first organized they met in Knights of Honor Roll Hall, then in Northfield town hall, and May 11, 1882 removed to their present hall in Hill's Block. Following is the list of the first officers chosen: Commander, George E. Dow; S.V.C., Leander H. Irving; J.V.C., L.D. Miller; Chaplain, Otis C. Wyatt; Surgeon, A.A. Moulton, M.D.; Officer of the Day, T.K. Bean; Officer of the Guard, C.H. Davis; Quartermaster, S.A. Clark; Adjutant, Charles W. Tilton; Sergeant-Major, Charles W. Davenport; Quartermaster-Sergeant, Francis Schiatt. [1885 present officers listed in original document, not included here] =============== BANKS--The charter of the original State Bank of Sanbornton Bridge, known as the "Citizens' Bank," was granted in June 1853. The first meeting was held the 3rd of the following August. Asa P. Cate chosen president, and Charles Minot, of Concord, cashier; Samuel Tilton, Thomas Chase, Benjamin Hill, Isaac Whittier, John Kenniston and Woodbury Melcher, directors..... In 1855 Mr. Cass bought the property and succeeeded Mr. Minot as cashier.....At a meeting of the officers of the bank held February 20, 1865, Woodbury Melcher made a motion that the bank be changed to a National, and on a vote being taken, Messrs. Austin F. Pike, Eleazer Davis, Robert Gray and Woodbury Melcher voted in the affirmative, and Asa P. Cate in the negative. Agreeable to this vote, a national charter was obtained... It became known as the Citizen's National Bank of Tilton. The first meeting after obtaining their second charter was held May 25, 1865 and consisted of the following directors: Asa P. Cate, Austin F. Pike, Woodbury Melcher, Eleazer Davis, John Kenniston, Robert Gray and E.S. Wadleigh. Mr. Cate was chosen presidnet, and Willitam T. Cass cashier. IONA SAVINGS-BANK, organized in 1870, with perpectual charter. The first meeting was held July 30th, with the following directors: Asa P. Cate, Benjamin F. Cofran, Eleazer Davis, J. Frank Taylor, Addison B. Wyatt, John Kenniston, A.H. Tilton, Milton Gerrish, and B.T. Brown. A.P. Cate was chosen president and William T. Cass Treasurer. Eleazer Davis made the first deposit of one thousand dollars, and Arthur T. Cass made the scond. The former has been withdrawn.....[more information from original document, not included here]. ============== PHYSICIANS AND LAWYERS--The following sketches are from Rev. Mr. Runnels' "History of Sanbornton" (vol i, pp. 239-240): DR. BYLEY LYFORD (1857) was the son of Jeremiah and Naomi (Dickey) Lyford, and was born June 25, 1822, in Stanstead, C.E. He attended school in Newbury, this State, studied his profession in Campton, and graduated at Dartmouth Medical COllege, Hanover in 1849. Having practiced one year in Campton, three years in Hillsborough and four yearsin Nashua, he became established at the Bridge (Tilton) in this town, in the eighth year after his graduation, and here for eighteen years continued in practice till his sudden death, January 23, 1875... He was highly prized in this and the adjoining towns for his medical skill and kindly sympathy for those in distress. "One of the ablest physicians in New Hampshire." He was married in Nashua, March 6, 1851, to Vashti P., daughter of Hon. Zebediah and Vashti Shattuck; one child, Mrs. George G. Trowbridge, resides in Chelsea, Mass. DR. JAMES PRESCOTT OSBORNE (1864) was born June 3, 1833, in Piermont, being the son of Cyrus and Sally C. (Thresher) osborn..Graduated at the Dartmouth Medical College in 1855. He first practiced at Felchville, Vt., eight years... In the fall of 1864 he came to Sanbornton Bridge (Tilton) and entered into partnership with Dr. Lyford for three years, from December 12th, since dissolving which (1867) he has maintained an extensive practice by himself till the present... He married Sally P. Stanyan, of Wentworth, March 18, 1855. One child, Flora G., born October 6, 1862. DR. FRANKLIN L. WASON (1870) resided on the Sanborn road, in Tilton. He had a successful practice in his immediate neighborhood, in other parts of Tilton and adjoining towns. In 1877 he relinquished practice and removed to Meredith village, where he has a drug-store. He married, first Amanada C., daughter of Ebenezer Colby, August 1852, died December 27, 1869; married, second, Mrs. Carrie (Philbrick) W. Meeks, November 28, 1872. DR. ALBERT ALONZO MOULTON 91874) was the son of Jonathan and Mary (Morse) Moulton, and was born in Meredith October 6, 1829; studied medicine at Bristol and Hanover, and graduated M.D. at the Dartmouth Medical College, 1850. He practiced at Meredith six years, and in Concord from 1856 till 1874, including one year as surgeon in the Third Regiment NH Volunteers, by which service his health was severely impaired. He has practiced in Tilton since 1874 to the present... Married Anna Maria Sawyer, of Bristol, May 1850, died in Concord, June 1872. One son, Arthur C., resides in Colorado. JOHN J. DEARBORN, M.D. removed to Tilton in December 1884 [SEE HISTORY OF SALISBURY]. --------------- LAWYERS HON. ASA PIPER CATE 1840-71 was a native of Northfield, the eldest child of Simeon, Jr. and Lydia Durgin, born June 1, 1813. He read law with Hon. G.W. Nesmith at Franklin, and began practice in his native town which he represented in the Legislature 1839-40, and at several other times. In 1844 he was a member of the Senate and president of the same in 1845, and railroad commissioner three years. In 1858-69 he was the Democratic candidate for Governor of the State. As president of the Citizen's National Bank (see) and largely interested in the Boston, Concord and Montreal and White Mountain Railroads, he represented the moneyed interests of the place. July 24, 1871, he was appointed judge of Probate for Merrimack County, holding the office until near his death. His law office was in Judge Atkinson's old office, which stood at the south end of Hill's Block....he was a member of the Episcopal Church and Society in Northfield and Tilton. He died December 12, 1874 and his funeral was attended by nearly all the members of the Belknap and Merrimack bars. He married Clara Proctor, September 2, 1840, three children being born to them. CHARLES C. ROGERS, ESQ. (1858) born at Broomfield, Vt., August 19, 1834; read law with his cousin, Benjamin A. Rogers, Esq. at Tilton, succeeding him in practice in April 1858. He enjoys a large and lucrative practice, and has the confidence of the people. In June 1874 he was appointed county solicitor; removed by address of Legislature in July 1876; elected to the same office in November 1878, and re-elected ijn 1880. Married August 27, 1860, Sophia Currey. Children: (1) John W., born October 1861, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1863, resides at San Antonio, Texas, and is a professor of languages and and higher mathematics in St. Mary's Hall, a seminary for girls; (2) Carrol B., born April 28, 1863, died February 27, 1873; (3) Arthur, born January 25, 1870, died February 26, 1873; (4) George Bell, born September 25, 1874; (5) Herbert S., born April 29, 1877. FRANCIS R. CHASE, ESQ. (1866-76) a native of Gilmanton; read law with Judge Dana, of Fryeburg, Me, and was admitted to the bar soon after his marriage in 1843 to Huldah P. Fessneden. He removed to Northfield in 1866, opening an office in Tilton. He represented the town of Northfield in the Legislature in 1871-72 and was a prominent member of the Episcopal Society. He died March 12, 1876 in his 58th year. JAMES OTIS LYFORD, Esq. (1880-82), the son of James Lyford, was born in Boston, Mass, June 28, 1853. He graduated at the New Hampshire Conference Seminar in 1872; read law at Concord; was a member of the Constitutional Convention from Canterbury in 1876, and for the years 1877-79 edited the "People" at Concord. He was admitted to the bar in 1880 and opened an office in Eastman's Block, Tilton; married May 2, 1882, Susan A. Hill and soon after took up his residence in Washington, D.C., where he is engaged in one of the departments. WALTER D. HARDY, Esq., (1882-84) son of Anthony C. and Eliza (Martin) Hardy, born in Lebanon June 27 1857; graduated at Penacook Academy (Concord); taught in the same one oyear; read law with Sargent & Chase, of Concord in 1878-80; then with Hon. E.B.S. sanborn at Franklin Falls; admitted to the bar in August 1881; continuing with Esquire Sanborn till the spring of 1882, when he removed to Tilton and took Esquire Lyford's place. At the fall election in 1882, he was elected solicitor for Belknap County, assuming the position in July 1883, and held it until July 1885, although, November 1, 1884 he became associated as partner with Hon. E.B.S. Sanborn at Franklin, under the firm name of Sanborn & Hardy. He was succeeded by: WILLIAM B. FELLOWS, Esq., son of Colonel E.Q. and Mary E. (Quimby) Fellows, born at Sandiwch, Jly 5, 1858; took a college preparatory course at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female College, completing the three years' course in the spring of 1876; entered Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 1880 and immediately began the study of law under Hon. E.A. Hibbard of Laconia; admitted to the bar the 1st of September, 1883 and opened an office at Ashland, where he was married to Ida G. Scribner, November 1, 1881; two children; removed to Tilton in the fall of 1884. =========================== POSTMASTERS TILTON-- Bradbury M. Morrill, appointed April 19, 1869, time the offfice being in the Colby House, west of the hotel; office changed name from Sanbornton Bridge to Tilton July 21, 1869. Jeremiah C. Tilton appointed January 23, 1871, he removing the office back to the corner store, on the site of the present town hall. George W. Tilton, appointed July 15, 1872, the office again moved back to the Colby building. Daniel F. Hill, appointed March 10, 1877, and is the present incumbent. After the town-hall building was completed, it was removed to its present ample and well furnished accomodations. EAST TILTON--Chase Rollins appointed November 23, 1868 and still continues; name changed to EAST TILTON July 21, 1869. TOWN OFFICERS--Until 1795 the State law required that the annual meeting for the election of State, county and town officers should be held the last Tuesday in March, when the day was changed to the second Tuesday. On the revision of the State Constitution, the law was so changed that the State and county officers, including town representatives and Board of Supervisors, were elected biennially, in November, the first election under this form occurring in November 1877. The first meeting of the election of town officers was held on the 17th of July 1869. MODERATORS: William T. Cass, 1869-1874; Joseph P. Dearborn, 1872; Bradbury T. Brown, 1875-81; Adam S. Ballantyne 1882-84; George H. Brown 1885. TOWN CLERKS: Lyman B. Ames, 1869; Samuel H. Williams, 1870-71, 1873- 78; Selwin B. Peabody, 1872; George A. Stevens, 1879-83; Walter C. Wyatt, 1884; Leroy S. Atkinson 1885. SELECTMEN: 1869-70: Eleazar Davis, Horace Moulton, Leonard K. Clough 1871-72: Bradbury T. Brown, Jacob B. Sanborn, Deaborn S. Daniels 1873: Bradbury T. Borwn, Jacob B. Sanborn, John C. Ladd 1874: Jacob B. Sanborn, Horace Sanborn, John C. Ladd 1875-75: Amos H. Jones, Charles B. Garmon, Henry Q. Dalton 1877: Ebenezer L. Sanborn, Joseph P. Dearborn, Henry Q. Dalton 1878: Ebenezer L. Sanborn, Henry Q. Dalton, Samuel s. Hussey 1879: Russell T. Noyes, Horace Sanborn, William H. H. Rollins 1880: Enoch G. Philbrick, John B. Batchelder, William C. Mudgett 1881: Horace Sanborn, Richard Firth, William H. H. Rollins 1882: Horace B. Savage, Rufus Bartlett, William H. Seavey 1883-84: Horace B. Savage, Rufus Bartlett, Alden Moulton 1885: Bradbury T. Brown, Dearborn S. Daniels, George W. Lord REPRESENTATIVES: 1869-70, Lyman B. Ames; 1871-72: Joseph Hill; 1873-74; Byron W. Brown; 1875-75: Enoch G. Philbrick; 1877, Russell T. Noyes; 1878, George W. Brown (re-chosen in November of that year for biennial term, 1879); 1880: Selwin B. Peabody, two years; 1882, Richard Firth two years; 1884, George S. Philbrick, two years. TOWN TREASURERS: (Until the revised constitution went into effect in 1878, the office was filled by the chairmen of the selectmen). 1879, Eleazer Davis; 1880, John F. Taylor; 1881-85, Amos H. Jones; 1882-83, Russell T. Noyes; 1884, William T. Cass. SUPERINTENDING SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1869-71, Sylvester Dixon; 1872-73, Dr. Frank L. Wason; 1874, Theodore C. Pratt; 1875-76, Joseph P. Dearborn; 1877-78, George S. Philbrick; 1879, J. Herbert Yeoman; 1880, James O Lyford, Dr. Frank L. Aiken and Walter D. Hardy; 1881-83, Sylvester Dixon; 1884, Freeman C. Libby; 1885, Edwin Smith. ================ [A section of the original document shows votes for NH Governor, in numbers from 1870-1884 but is not included here. ====================== BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES page 887 CHARLES E. TILTON Deacon Nathaniel Tilton, whose descendants have borne a prominent part in all that has made the renown of Sanbornton back to a period of time ante-dating the Revolution to the present, little thought and perhaps cared less, than the date of his settlement and the place from which he came would ever be shaded with uncertainty. He removed from Stratham or New Market, and settled on the lot now owned by Charles W. Colby & Sons somewhere between 1768 and 1771. In November of the latter year he signed the original church covenenant, his signature being the second on that instrument. Less than two months later he was chosen second deacon, which office he filled acceptably almost for forty years, when, on his own motion, he was excused by the church, from performing the duties pertaining to it any longer. [more in the original document not included here]. His son, Jeremiah, was born in 1762 probably at Hampton or Kensington, and came into town when a lad of six or eight years with his father. He grew to be an energetic man of business... He built the original Dexter House, engaged in blacksmithing when utensils of iron were more often forged at home than purchased abroad. He put in operation a grist-mill, acted as justice of the peace, was a colonel in the militia and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was the father of eleven childrne--six daughters and five sons.... Samuel, the second child and son, was born in 1789. He was a marked man of fine presence, unusual sagacity, solid sense and self-reliance. He married Myra, daughter of Samuel Ames, of Canterbury in 1815. Charles Elliott Tilton was their youngest son of a family of five children, and was born within a stone's throw of his present premises, September 14, 1827. He received the benefit of a good common-school education, and at the age of fifteen was placed under the tuition of Professor Dyer H. Sanborn and subsequently entered a military school at Norwich, Vt., where he remained 3 years... On the declaration of war with Mexico he was offered a captains commission by Colonel Ransom, which was declined on account of paternal influence. Young Tilton, with a limited outfit, repaired to New York, and was employed by his brother, Alfred, a well-known and successful merchant. At 20 years old, he travelled nearly all of the inhabited West India Islands with a view to future business. He prospected the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers to the head-waters in canoes, aided by native Indians as guides, visiting localities seldom, if ever, seen by white men. He then proceeded on land to Caracas and La Guayra, from thence to Maracaybo, St. Matha, Carthagena, Chagres and Panama. Hearing of the gold rush in California he decided to go there. His knowledge of the Spanish language helped him become a member of a company of gold-hunters from Vermont, who made use of his services in the purchase of sustenance from the natives while waiting for transportation to San Francisco. For three months his party remained here [in Panama] until he finally obtained passage [there is a very long, interesting story about his difficulties obtaining passage in the original document that is not included here]. On the boat trip to San Francisco he became friends with another young man named Newhall who, not finding success in the mines, became a merchant and retired with a fortune of two million dollars. Mr. Tilton joined an auction house. While he was on the west coast was "one of five who controlled what was developed into the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company." As early as 1850 he met up with a boyhood friend, W. S. Ladd, who started in business in Portland, Oregon. In 1860 the two organized the first banking-house in that territory, under the style of Ladd & Tilton. Soon afterwards the banking-house of Ladd & Bush was founded at Salem, Oregon, also the First National Bank of Portland, and the First National Bank of Walla-Walla, Washington Territory, in all of which Mr. Tilton was interested. At the same time he was engaged in transportation across the plains, furnishing and dispatching large trains of merchandise from San Francisco, Cal., to Utah and from St. Joseph, Mo. to Colorda, and thence to Montana. [more information in original source not included here.] Since 1881 more of his time has been spent in Tilton... He has constructed an artificial island, and on it an elegant summer-house surrounded with statuary enduring as marble and bronze, and refreshing shade, easiliy accessible by solid bridge of granite and iron, all of which is the common property of any who chose to avail themselves of its enjoyment. Fountains are classic and permanent as ever adorned the streets of Rome are kindly tributes to the needs of man and beast. The grateful coolness of a shady park, with easy drives and rural seats, for many summers to come will invite the visitors' presence and return..... A town hall of brick and granite, with its recurring income, will remind posterity for generation of the large liberality which gave its form.... Generous outlays for cemetery improvements and for a driving park... There are many other attractions in our village which can be traced to his direct agency... The elegant passenger depot and its appointments, the iron bridges, and, in fact, all the public improvements of the town are indebted more or less to him, for their construction. In height, five feet ten; well and compactly formed and without surplus flesh; of erect carriage, regular features; clear blue eyes... his weight is about two hundred pounds, and at fifty-seven he is a well-preserved model of a self-made man... --------------------------- ALEXANDER HAMILTON TILTON The first ancestor of Mr. Tilton of whom there is definite information was Nathaniel (1) who settled in Sanbornton NH prior to 1771. He was one of the signers of the original "Church Covenant," and was a deacon of the old church for nearly forty years. He died February 11, 1814. He married Abigail Gilman ( a relative of Governor Gilman) who bore him seven children, one of whom Jeremiah (2) was born in 1762, and was in the Revolutionary war at the age of sixteen, as a teamster; was later a colonel in the State militia; also was a justice of the peace and an energetic business man, who did much to build up the village which later was given the name of Tilton. He built the o original hotel on the site of the present Dexter House, and was proprietor of a grist-mill and a trip-hammer shop. He suffered much during the later years of his life from rheumatism. He died April 10, 1822. February 21, 1786 he married Mehitable Hayes, who bore him eleven children--John (3) born July 16, 1787; married Eunice Jaques, died August 29, 1863; Samuel (3) born August 20, 1789, married first Myra Ames, January 31, 1815, and second, Mrs. Elizabeth Haven, March 6, 1853; died November 12, 1861; Sally (3) born in 1791, single, died January 31, 1818; Jeremiah Jr. (3) born September 10, 1793, married Nancy Carter December 9, 1816, died January 23, 1863; James P. (3) born November 1796, married Mary G. Cross July 16, 1820, died April 1, 1872, he was a soldier in the War of 1812; Abigail (3) born in 1798, single, died October 29, 1819; Mahala (3) born in August 1800, married Hon. D.C. Atkinson (first wife), October 12, 1818, died June 12, 1820; Mary P. (3) born December 13, 1802, married Parson Whidden, January 31, 1832, died October 5, 1875; Alexander Hamilton (3) born December 25, 1804; Mehitable (3) born August 26, 1807, married Hon. D.C. Atkinson (second wife) September 3, 1828, died November 12, 1844; Sophronia (3) born in 1810, single, died March 12, 1845. Alexander Hamilton, the subject of this sketch passed his boyhood on the old Tilton place, in Sanbornton, and at "the Bridge" where his father removed. He was educated in the local common schools. Although his parents had planned college for him, he preferred a trade, and at age 16 entered the woolen-mill of his brother, and learned the trade of a clothier. He entered into a parternship with his brother for several years, then started on his own in the clothing business at Meredith village. He moved to Sanbornton Bridge and engaged in general merchandising with William Follansbee for several years. Also went into partnership with Mr. Colby in another store on the Northfield side of the river. In the fall of 1837 he formed a partnership with George S. Baker to manufacture cassimeres. He also built a woolen-mill on the site of the old Darling mill, but sold that privilege to the "Lake Company." In 1855 this mill was burned. After the fire he took the old Holmes cotton- mill, changed it to a woolen mill, and in 1859 doubled the size of it. He carried on the maunfacture of woolen goods here until near the time of his death. Mr. Tilton was the inventor, and for years the proprietor, of an ingeniously woven goods, to which was given the name of "Tilton tweeds." Mr. Tilton built a fine residence on the bluff overlooking his mills (the house now owned by J.F. Taylor) but when taking the Holmes mill he removed to the Holmes mansion and lived there the remainder of his life. In politics he was a Democrat. He was for many years a director of the Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad, was a justice of the peace, and made frequent donations in his native town and at "the Bridge". One of his public donations was an elaborate receiving-tomb, which stands at the Park Cemetery. Mr. Tilton suffered severely in the last years of his life from chronic troubles, and died at his home August 16, 1878. On July 27, 1837, Mr. Tilton married Abigail B. Baker, eldest daughter of Mark and Abigail Ambrose Baker, who since his death, has carried on the business of manufacturing the Tilton tweeds in a highly successful manner, having associated with her Mr. Selwin B. Peabody as partner. Mr. Tilton had three children--Albert Baker (4) born June 9, 1845, married Abbie Gardner Day of Boxford, Mass, August 15, 1856 and died August 25, 1870, his widow married William J. Durgin November 27, 1873. Alfred Edwin (4) born October 17, 1846, died November 12, 1846; A. Evelyn (4) born March 2, 1854, died July 20, 1876. ======================= SELWIN BANCROFT PEABODY The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Samuel (1) who was born September 1, 1741, and lived in Andover, Mass, where most of his children were born. He married Elizabeth Wilkins, of Amherst, and died August 6, 1814. His wife died July 18, 1836. He was a millwright, carpenter, and cabinet-maker, and lived in New Boston. He married Mary Holt, and died May 1, 1832. Of his children, John, Samuel, and Sargon were farmers, Jacob a brick-maker, James and William a merchant. Noah (3) was born September 4, 1810. He married Isabelle Walker Richards, December 9, 1834, and removed from Sutton, NH to Sanbornton Bridge in 1842, and opened a hatters shop. He afterwards went into the merchantile business for 18 years. Desiring a change, he closed out and entered the counting-room of Alexander H. Tilton, and became familiar with the manufacture of goods, remaining her for many years, and had finally the principal care of the large business of the Tilton Mills. He was a member of the Congregational Church. He died September 1,, 1876. His children were Selwin Bancroft (4) born January 13, 1839; James Van Ness, born October 13, 1841; and Georgiana Isabel, born November 15, 1843, married David F. Cheney formerly of Franklin NH and now of Lawrence, Mass. The subject of this sketch, at the age of 3 years, moved to the "Bridge" and passed his boyhood here. In addition to the local common schools he attended the Tilton Institute, where he took the full course preparatory for Dartmouth College. He entered the office of Dr. Lyford seeking to follow the medical profession, at the Bridge, where he remained a short time, then to Lawrence, Mass. to study under the direction of Dr. Sayforth. To obtain funds for college he taught school at Sanbornton Bridge, also in Northfield and at Bellaire, Ohio. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in the Fortieth Massachusetts Volunteers, and served until the close of the war, being in nearly all the engagements of his regiment, notably the siege of Sullolk, Va, Baltimore Cross-Roads, Va, siege of Fort Wagner, S.C., Ten-Mile run and Barber's Ford, Fla, Drury Bluff, Petersburg Heights and the seige of Petersburg, Va, Bermuda Hundred; Fair Oaks and capture of Richmond. He was in the dispensary of Jarvis General Hospital, Baltimore, in the office of provost marshal at Governor's Island and was wounded before Petersburg. At the close of the war he entered the drug store of Burleigh Bros. in Boston, Mass. at which place he received a serious injury by falling through an open hatchway, from which injury, he was a long time in recovering. In 1869, his health not being as good as before the accident, Mr. Peabody went into Tilton's mill and learned the business in all its branches, and shortly after the death of the proprietor, in 1878, was invited to become associated with the widow of Mr. Tilton in the conduct and management of the large busines left by him. Since that time Mr. Peabody has been the practical head of the firm, the business of which has largely increase until now the full capacity of the mill, about 1400 yards per day is reached. It is at this mill that the celebrated Tilton tweeds are made. In addition to these tweeds there are made some styles of cassimeres (introduced by Mr. Peabody) which have become staple in the general market. In 1880 Mr. Peabody built a fine residence for himself, adjoining the Tilton mansion, on a gentle slope overlooking the mill in which he has won his large financial success. In politics Mr. Peabody is a Democrat. He has represented the town in the General Court; has been town clerk; is a director in the National Bank and on the Board of Education, and is an attendant on public worship at the Congregational Church of Tilton. February 7, 1867, Mr. Peabody married Elizabeth S., daughter of Darius M. and Elizabeth Richard, of New Bedford Mass. From this union there have been three children--Leon Bancroft (5) born December 17, 1867, died March 22, 1868; an infant daughter, born June 7, 1869; and Isabella Weston (5) born December 18, 1871. Mr. Peabody's brother, James Van Ness (4) is a finisher in the Tilton Mills, and lives in Northfield, NH. He married Susan Mary Rand, January 1, 1865. They have one child--Leon Bancroft (5) born February 25, 1871.