HISTORY OF TILTON, BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
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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.