HISTORY OF FRANCONIA, GRAFTON 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: Gazetteer of Grafton County, N.H., 1709-1886 by Hamilton Child, Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, June 1886 page 266+ HISTORY OF FRANCONIA NH FRANCONIA, one of the most picturesque of the famous White Mountain towns, lies in the northern parta of the county, in lat. 44 degrees 11' and long. 71 degrees 40', bounded north by Bethlehem, east by Livermore, south by Lincoln and Easton, and west by Lisbon. It was originally granted to Jesse Searle and others, under its present name, February 14, 1764. BUt as no steps were taken towards making a settlement, another grant was issued, June 8, 1772, which covered all of this town and part or all of the township of Lincoln, to "Sir Francis Bernard, Bart.," and twelve other notables, among whom were His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson" and "The Honorable Corbyn Morris, Esq." This new township was given the name of Morristown, in honor of the last mentioned gentleman. These conflicting grants led to much litigation, and greatly retarded the settlement of the town, as both sets of grantees claimed a right to the territory, though the original grantees came out victorious in the struggle. The following extract from a petition for redress, sent the legislature in 1793, by John Taylor, an inhabitant of the town, gives one a fair idea of this controversy, and which we may add, was not an isolated example of troubles of this class, which were usually resultant from the cupidity of the crown's officers, who, in granting lands, often looked only to the fee for making out the necessary papers:-- "Many years since the tract of land covered by Morristown charter had been granted in two parcels & under the names of Franconia and Lincoln with the usual condition annexed.--that after the period had elapsed in which said conditions were to have been fulfilled viz in the year 1772 the government, finding that no part of said conditions had been fulfilled, & in conformity to received ideas of the operations of law in such cases regranted the said tract of land by the name of Morristown--that the proprietors of Morristown grant went on immediately at a great expense & cut a road through the woods fifteen miles in length to get on to said tract--carried mill irons from Exeter to Morristown (not being able to purchase any nearer)--built mills-- allotted the town--put on settlers--& paid in taxes to the State of New Hampshire Prior to the year 1782 seven pounds seven shillings and three pence in specie, one hundred & eighty nine pounds five shillings in new emission money, and three thousand seven hundred & twenty pounds in old emission bills equal at the time of payment of said old emission to L79, 18, 10 in specie & that since the year 1782 they have paid to David Webster, Esqr Sherriff of the county of Grafton in specie Eight hundred & twenty dollars & thirty eight cents for State taxes and charges--& thirty nine dollars & twenty nine cents for county taxes and charges that after all their labours & expenditures they are unable to retain by law one single foot of the land granted to them--that the settlers under them have been obliged to purchase their lands again of the Franconia & Lincoln proprietors--that they have been defeated in the possesion of the land granted to them 'by an alteration in our judicial determinations'--& that they felt themselves obliged to pay the taxes before & since ye year 1728 'in consequence of being recognized & taxed by the General Court of New Hampshire'-- Just at what period the controversy was finally settled we are unable to state; but on the tax books of the treasury, the first mention of "Morristown" was in the year 1777, and "Franconia" is not named from the year 1775 to 1781, inclusive. The surface of Franconia is so richly diversified as to present all phases of beautiful scenery--the wild and picturesque, the grand and sublime. It has an area of 32,938 acres, only 5,369 of which is improved land. The mountain streams in the eastern part of the town united in forming Franconia Branch, a tributary of the east branch of the Pemigewasset. In the western and northern parts of the town, the streams united in forming the South Branch of the Ammonoosuc, while in the southern part the Pemigewasset has its source. The principal elevations are Mt. Lafayette, Mt. Lincoln, Haystack mountain, Twin mountains, and Profile and Bald mountains. Its great curiosities, the Franconia Notch, Echo lake and Old Man of the Mountain, are among the most noted in the country, are visited by thousands of tourists each season, and are far too well known to require a detailed description here. Aside from its wonders of scenery and curiosities of nature, Franconia has many points from which superb views may be obtained, encompassing the entire horizon. Commencing at the northeast, many miles away, with Mt. Sarr King and its neighboring heights, the eye, wandering to the right until it has taken in every point of the compass, embraces in its vision the monarchs of the Presidential Range, Mt. Lafayette and its neighbors and Moosilauke; and after crossing the Connecticut valley is impressed with a broad panoramic view of the Green Mountains of Vermont, extending a hundred miles along the horizon--the circuit terminating with the Canadian Heights visible in the dim distance--the scene in its magnitude and grandure, being unsurpassed by any in the White Mountain region. The extensive iron works which formerly flourished here are spoken of in connection with the sketch of Lisbon. DESCRIPTION OF FRANCONIA NH in 1885 In 1880 Franconia had a population of 550 souls. In 1885 the town had dive school districts, and five common schools. Its five school-houses were valued, including furniture, etc. at $2,025.00. There were eighty-seven children attending school, eight of whom were pursuing the higher grades, taught during the year by seven female teachers, at an average monthly salary of $21.14. The entire amount raised for school purposes during the year was $674.00 while the expenditures were $706.75, with Mrs. Lydia K. Gould, superintendent. VILLAGE DESCRIPTIONS FRANCONIA is a post village pleasantly located in the western part of the town. It has three churches (Adventist, Free Will Baptist, and Congregational), two stores, five hotels and summer boarding-houses, a fine high school building, the Dow academy, a saw-mill and bobbin shop, and about forty dwellings. DOW ACADEMY, founded in 1884 by Moses A. Dow, is situated in Franconia. In beauty of scenery and healthfulness of location, it is unsurpassed by any institution in Northern New England. The design of this academy is to promote the higher education of young men and women, and to afford a thorough preparation for college for those who desire it. The instruction, discipline and influences are such as, it is believed, will secure the highest development of character, and be the best preparation for a life of future usefulness. Every facility and encouragement is given to the ambitious student to obtain a liberal education. The board of trustees aim to provide the best advantages at very moderate rates of tuition, so that none, however limited their means, shall be debarred the privileges of this institution. The building stands in a sightly position, commanding on every side remarkable mountain views. It is heated throughout by steam, handsomely furnished, and supplied with every modern convenience. The success of the academy thus far has been phenomenal, and no labor or expense will be spared to make this school the peer of any in the State. The trustees are F.V.D. Garretson, president; F.W. Ernst, secretary; W.F. Parker, treasurer; Osman Parker and Stephen Eaton. Its corps of instructors are F.W. Ernst, principal; W.H. Weisman, professor of arts; Carrie Lane and Effie Bartlett, assistants. HOTELS & BUSINESSES (and MANUFACTORIES) The FOREST HILLS HOTEL, Harry W. Priest and James W. Dudley, proprietors, is a spacious summer hotel affording ample accomondation for 150 guests, and complete in all modern conveniences--steam, open fires, hot and cold water, electric bells, and gas in every room. The location is cool, dry, and central, upon the summit of Pine Hill, the house being immediately surrounded by a beautiful lawn, shaded by a grove of ancient pines. The broad piazzas, extending 500 feet, afford views unsurpassed in grandure, including Mt. Washington with its ascending trains, and the entire Franconia range. This hotel was built in 1882. ELMWOOD HOUSE is another fine hotel, opened for the first time June 15, 1885, by its present proprietor, S.D. Morgan. The house has ample accomodations for forty guests. The rooms are spacious, well lighted, and fitted with all modern conveniences. The house is surrounded by a broad veranda, from which extensive views may be obtained, while the location is in close proximity to churches, postoffice and stores. KENDALL'S STEAM GRIST-MILL, George H. Kendall, proprietor, was built in 1855 for the grinding of provender. Its capacity is about 150 bushels per day. STEPHEN EATON & CO.'S BOBBIN FACTORY AND SAW-MILL, located on road 6, was built in 1875 and gives employment to seven hands. BROOKS & WHITNEY'S GRIST-MILL, on road 13, corner of 14, was purchased by them in 1857. It has three runs of stones. W.A. BROOK'S SAW AND SHINGLE-MILL, on road 6, cuts about 100,000 feet of lumber and 250,000 shingles per annum. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN OF FRANCONIA The first permanent settlement of the town was made in 1774, by Capt. Artemus Knight, Lemuel Bartlett and Zebadee Applebee and others. But the settlement did not increase rapidly, probably owing, in a great measure, to the controversy over land titles. As late as 1790 the census reports show the population to hvae been only seventy-two souls. Among the early settlers were the following: Bigford Spooner, who came in 1781, William Aldridge and Ebenezer Streeter in 1782, George Howland and Rue Aldrich in 1785, George Jesseman Jr. in 1786, Nathaniel Snow, Ona Snow and Dr. Joshua Harris in 1787, Jacob Aldrich and Thomas Spooner in 1788, and Timothy Taylor and Alexander Jesseman in 1789. In 1797 there were in the town aside from those already mentioned, the following: Benjamin, Zebedee, Justin and Josiah Applebee, John and David Aldrich, Capt. John, Lawson and Buckminister Drury, Henry Gale, George Jesseman, Nicholas Powers, John, John Jr., Michael and David Wallis, Caleb Baker, Oliver Harris, Timothy and Luke Brooks, Nathan Wheeler, John Hatch, Amos Wheeler, Thomas Hatch, Benjamin Brown, Nathaniel Wheeler Jr., Jonas Warren, Ezra Taylor, Jonas Baker, Edward Oaks, Abraham Taylor, and Amos Baker and perhaps some others. Note: the Franconia inn [the land] was first owned by Zebedee Applebee, then Mr. & Mrs. Zara Thayer. It was then sold to Mr. Henry Spooner in 1865 who took in summer boarders. After Mr. Spooner's death, Edward and Gladys McKenzie purchased the property. In January 1934 the original building burned, and the new inn was built. See this web site for what it looks like now: http://www.franconiainn.com/ BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS CAPTAIN ARTEMUS KNIGHT, a soldier of the Revolution, was one of the earliest settlers in Franconia, and owned at one time nearly the whole of the township. He married Tabitha Saunders, of Worcester, Mass., and moved to this town a few years after his marriage. Their eldest son, Thomas, born in 1783 was the first male child born in the town. Artemus erected a large house on the hill east of the village, and reared a family of three sons and four daughters. To each of his sons he gave a farm, as they became of age. He owned the water privilege which he sold to a Boston firm, who put in a foundry, furnace, and other manufactories to work the iron ore which was discovered in the western part of the town. About these factories the village grew up, and the Knight House was moved into the village and became the first hotel in Franconia. Artemas, after selling the property, removed with his two younger sons to Westmoreland NH, thus leaving Thomas the only representative of the family in Franconia. Thomas spent his life in the town, honored by his townsmen, reared twelve children, and died at the age of sixty-one years. Eight of his chidlren are now living as follows: Oliver, James and Horace, in Franconia, Dr. Luther M. in Franklin, Thomas in St. Johnsbury VT, George R. in Chelsea Mass., Mrs. John Wilson in Woodsville, and Mrs. A.K. Hoit in St. Johnsbury VT. SIMON OAKES was an early settler of Franconia and was engaged in the iron works. His son Ebenezer spent his life in the town, as an iron-worker. In 1852-53, he represented Franconia in the legislature, being elected by a unanimous vote. He married Philinda, daughter of Simeon Spooner, reared eight children, and died in 1871, aged seventy-six years. His son John E. resides in Benton. [Note, the 1860 US Census shows in Franconia NH the household: Hugh K. age 54 farmer b. NH, wife Elizabeth C. age 52 born Massachusetts, daughter Elizabeth J., age 30 single b NH, dau Adaline M. age 28 b NH, son Simon age 22 machinist b NH, son Walter age 15 asst farmer b NH, son Benjamin F age 12 b NH and dau Ida M. age 9 b NH. Living next door is Ebenezer Oaks age 65 farmer b NH, wife Philianda age 60 b NH, son Edward age 20 b NH, and a Chester Oakes age 50 b NH [idiot]. PRIEST YOUNG was born in Lisbon October 6, 1797, and came to this town when twenty-one years of age, settling on the place where his son Charles B. now lives, on road 11, where he cleared the farm and built a log house. He married Mary Oakes, in 1818, and reared twelve children, seven of whom lived to maturity, viz.: Eliza, Adaline, George, Harriet, Charles B., Herbert and Adelaide. Of these, Martha, George, Charles B. and Adaline live in the town. Priest Young was one of the leading citizens of the town, held all the offices in the gift of his townsmen, served as representative in 1847-48, and died in December 1869. George and Charles B. have held many of the town offices, the latter being at the present time one of the selectmen. MANNING WHITNEY came to this town from Stowe, Mass, in 1818, locating on road 22. He married Dolly Brooks, in 1818, and reared a family of six children, namely, Emeline, Daniel, Henry B., Lydia, Jane and Sally H. He died in Alabama in 1841. Henry B. and Daniel still live in the town. BENJAMIN APPLEBEE, a native of Rhode Island, came to this town as an early settler, locating on the place where Daniel Whitney now lives, on road 13. Here he resided until 1825, when he moved to Easton, where he died. He reared a family of eight children, of whom five were sons--Justice, Emer, James, David and Minot. Minot remained on the homestead several years, then moved to Easton, but returned to this town in 1842, locating on the place where his son David H. now lives. He married Rhoda Howland, and reared a family of six children, as follows: Jerome, Lydia, Sally, Mary, George H., and David H. The last mentioned is the only one of the family now living here. WILLIAM QUIMBY came to this town from Whitfield in 1832, and located on the place where Peter Godard now lives, on road 20. He married Martha Jesseman and reared three children, Mary Ann, James and Phebe. Mr. Quimby died July 1, 1804, aged eighty-four years. RICHARD TAFT--The mountain region of New Hampshire is one of the most delightful, health-giving and accessible of the summer resorts of the country. Forty years ago, the business, which is now the most important in a number of towns lying among the mountains and about their base, was in its infancy. At the White Mountain Notch the Crawfords kept a small hostelry, principally for the accomodation of farmers making their annual pilgrimage to Portland. The Rosebrooks had been succeeded by Horace Fabyan, at the stand now known by his name. A score or two of visitors from the cities made the ascent of Mt. Washington each summer. In the Franconia Notch, near where the Profile House now stands, Stephen C. and Joseph L. Gibb kept the Lafayette House, furnishing entertainment for not more than fifty guests. Limited as was the capacity of these houses, they were ample for the patronage of that time. RICHARD TAFT, then landlord of the Washington House, Lowell, Mass., had visited the Franconia Notch, was attracted by the loveliness and grandeur of its scenery, and with prophetic instinct saw the vast possibilities it afforded as a summer resort. In 1849 he became the proprietor of the Flume House, a small hotel built the previous year, and from this period dates his career as the most famous and successful of mountain landlords. Mr. Taft was born in Barre, VT March 14, 1812. From boyhood he had to make his own way in the world, and when but nine years of age, he went to Alstead NH, where he was employed for nine years on a farm, his educational advantages being limited to the usual winter term of the district school. He began hotel life as an employee in a tavern at North Chelmsford, Mass. in 1830. Two years later he became one of the proprietors, a relation which lasted three years, when he became landlord of the Washington House, Nashua NH. He was afterwards in the same business at Tyngsboro, Mass and at Lowell, Mass. When Mr. Taft came among the mountains, the entire receipts of his house for the first year were hardly equal to the salary which a competent landlord now commands, yet it was considered a fairly remunerative season. Within a decade and a half, the annual profits were wont to reach many times that sum. When the Gibbs went to the New Crawford House, in 1852, Mr. Taft and a partner purchased the Lafayette House property, and began the erection of the Profile House, of which he was principal proprietor and landlord to the time of his death. This house, built on a generous scale, was thought to be sufficiently large for the requirements of the business for years to come, yet the increasing popularity of its ideal landlord, and the growing fame of the region, required frequent enlargement, until it became one of the most extensive and best equipped establishments of its kind in the land. Over this vast hostelry, with its hundreds of guests, its varying interests, and its constant cares, Mr. Taft was the presiding genius. Every department felt his impress, but his unobtrusive manners and somewhat infirm health, led him to avoid the publicity incident to his position. He seldom came in personal contact with his guests, but those who enjoyed his intimacy found him not only the watchful landlord, but the cultivated, genial gentleman. May 23, 1839, he was married to Miss Lucinda Knight, of Hancock NH. She was, in every way, especially fitted for the work and position of a landlady, and it was often his remark that she had done more than her share to establish his reputation as a hotel-keeper. Mr. Taft gradually acquired a title to the vast tract of land extending from the Profile Farm in Laconia, by Bald mountain, through the valley to and beyond the Flume House, a region that for quiet and romantic beauty cannot be surpassed by another of equal extent on the Connecticut. Mr. Taft had a natural aptitude for his chosen business, and his rare sagacity brought him uniform success. It was of such magnitude as to require his constant attention, and he seldom ventured to engage in enterprises not contributory to it. He was largely instrumental in constructing the narrow gauge railroad from Bethlehem Junction to the Profile House, and was its first president. To him, more than to any other person, is due the marvelous growth of the mountain business. He saw what is might become, and led the way in the development of all the adjuncts required to hasten the full tide of its success. He lived to see the fulfillment of his anticipations, and harvest their rewards. [Some additional personal attributes found in the original document, not included here.] He died in Littleton NH February 14, 1881, leaving a wife and one daughter, Mrs. Charles F. Eastman of that town. [Transcriber's note: in 1923 a fire destroyed the Profile House. SEE this web site for more information: http://www.flumegorge.com/flumefound.html] [This sketch of Mr. Garretson, and the portrait accompanying it, is published by the request of a friend from another state. We join with him and others in the hope that many young men may be stimulated by the success achieved by Mr. Garretson, to such earnest endeavor that as a result the world will be better for their having lived in it. The Dow academy, of which Mr. Garretson is president, and of which mention is made on another page, will, by its advantages, afford aid to those who desire reaching so successful a career as that enjoyed by Mr. Garretson.--Publisher] REV. F.V.D. [Ferdinand] GARRETSON was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, December 10, 1839. At the age of ten he was clerk in the leading dry goods and grocery store at Perth Amboy, N.J. Began teaching school when sixteen, at Woodbridge, NJ and taught the same school for three years and a half. At the end of this period he was offered a most flattering position as principal with a large salary. This was declined, however, and in 1860 he entered Kimball Union Academy at Meriden NH, and graduated after a three years' course with the highest honors. Was graduated at Yale in 1866 and Union Theological Seminar in 1869, having completed a ten years' course of study. While in New Haven, he was extensively known in connection with "Scatter Good" and Bethany mission Sunday-schools, acting as superintendent of both at the same time. His services were in great demand at Sunday-school concerts, conventions and other convocations of Sunday-school workers, and several of his vacations were spent in such work in Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, under the auspices of the American Sunday-school Union. It was at this time that he compiled and edited the "Carmina Yalensia," which had the largest immediate sale of any collection of college songs ever published. As a member of the college choir and "Yale Glee Club," he planned and successfully managed the famous yachting tour of the club in 1866, when concerts were given in most of the principal cities of New England, also in Steinway Hall, New York, and at the Academy of Music, Brooklyn. He took a prominent part in the college gymnasium and shared the honor with Prof. Wood in training the "Yale University" crew in one of her successful contests with Harvard. His triumph in walking went the rounds of the papers when he and the "university stroke" walked from New Haven to Hartford (37 miles) in less than eight hours. In the society debates he took the first prize and also was awarded the first honor in elocution. During the War of the Rebellion he was a member of the excecutive committee of the U.S. Christian Commission for Connecticut, and for a time its business agent in City Point, Virginia. Immediately after graduating he sailed with his wife for Europe, and spent over a year in Great Britain and on the Continent. Bearing letters of introduction from the prominent Sunday-school workers of America to those of Europe, he was invited to preach in many of the important foreign pulpits, and was soon commissioned for active service among the Sunday-schools and Protestant churches of Switzerland and Italy. During this trip he founded a Sunday-school paper which at this writing has the largest circulation of any Protestant publication in Italy. At the same time he edited and published a volume of hymns and tunes in Italian for children and youth. On his return to America he organized the Foreign Sunday School Association, auxiliary to the American Sunday School Union, and was chosen to the pastorate of the Harlem Presbyterian church and Grace chapel, New York. He accepted the latter and was pastor in New York city until called to the Congregational church, Ellsworth, ME in 1873. Since 1876 his time has been largely devoted to evangelistic work, preaching in the Eastern, Middle and Western states and territories, making his home in Bangor, ME and Pennacook NH, until in 1881, when he moved to Franconia. Since his residence in this latter place the town has been materially, intellectually, morally, and spiritually revolutionized. THrough his personal instrumentality the Congregational church was built, and the marked and rapid improvements since have largely devolved on him. Next to his church work in Franconia, his name will ever stand intimately connected with the "Dow academy." For the encouragement of young men without pecuniary advantages, desirous of an education, it ought to be stated that the subject of this sketch began his studies with less than $100.00, met all his bills, relying solely upon his own resources and energies, with a surplus at graduation, enabling himself and wife to spend over a year in foreign travel. His motto was and is "The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge," which may be seen in an alliteration on the fly-leaf of his Bible [not included here]. MOSES ARNOLD DOW, the veteran publisher of the "Waverly Magazine" was born in Littleton NH, May 20, 1810, and is now, consequently, seventy-six years of age. His remarkably successful carrer is a most striking illustration of the old adage "blood will tell," for he comes of an ancestry second to none in inherent ability or high moral qualities. His grandfather, General Moses Dow, was one of the most eminent men of the Grafton county bar; register of probate thirty-four years; State senator, and president of the Senate; councilor; judge of the court of common pleas; major-general of State militia; acting attorney-general, and during the Revolution an earnest patriot. In these times of political chicanery and greed for office, it is well to note one act of his, which alone would refelct the highest honor upon the purity of his motives. He declined the office of member of Congress, to which he had been elected by the general assembly of New Hampshire. "His letter of declination (Hammond's NH Town Papers, Vol. 12, p. 182) contains evidence of the high character of the man, and of his refined literary attainments." His son, Joseph E. Dow, a graduate of Dartmouth college, the first lawyer of Littleton, was a town official and magistrate for years, and never was a shadow cast upon his integrity. Joseph married Abigail, daughter of Hon. Jonathan Arnold. (He was an early member of the Continental Congress from Rhode Island, and, it is aid, at one time owned all the land now constituting the towns of Lyndon, Sutton and St. JOhnsbury, VT). Abigail (Arnold) Dow was a lady of strong character, refined manners, and excellent worth. Governor Arnold, of Rhode Island, was her half brother; Freelove Arnold Davis, wife of Noah Davis, of Haverhill, and mother of Judge Noah Davis of New York City, was her half-sister. But when eleven years old, by the death of her father, Abigail became a member of the family of Hon. Charles Marsh, of Woodstock, VT, and the adopted sister of Hon. Charles P. Marsh, the noted author and diplomat. Joseph E. Dow, and Abigail Arnold, his wife were residents of Grafton county for many years, the greater part of that period being passed at Franconia, where they are buried, and where the filial devotion of their son, Moses A., has erected an elegant memorial monument. When Moses was three years old, in 1813, his parents removed to Franconia, where his early education was acquired, more from the instructions of his excellent mother than from school attendance. At the age of fourteen he went to Haverhill NH and for three years gave diligent attention to the acquisition of the printer's trade, in the office of the "New Hampshire Intelligencer," then conducted by a Mr. Goss. The attractions of home and the remembrance of its joys were so strong as to cause him to drop the composing stick for a time, and return to Franconia, where he passed a few months pleasantly, when the news came of the failure of Mr. Goss, and the "Intelligencer," and the establishment of a new paper in its stead, by Moses G. Atwood. Mr. Dow secured a position on the new paper, and remained one year; then in August 1829, he went to Boston. How many premonitions of the anxious struggles and aspirations to be experienced there in after years, and the brilliant successes there to be obtained, came to the mind of the country youth in this his first visit to a great city, we cannot tell; but, perhaps, vague and dim, they were ever present with him, constantly urging him on from place to place, until the time and conditions were ripe for his great life-work. The next spring, tired of city life, he returned to Haverhill, where he studied a year, and attended the academy for three months, after which he worked for his brother James, in a printing-office in Boston. In 1832 he established a political paper, the "Maine Recorder," in Lemington, ME, which existed only three months. Once more in Boston, he passed two or three years as journeyman, when he again went to Maine and with a partner, Daniel P. Marble, established a political paper, the "National Republican," at Saco. After three months he gave his interest to his partner, borrowed ten dollars and returned to Boston. It is unnecessary to give a minute account of the events of the life of Mr. Dow for the next few years, suffice it to say that before he was thirty years old, he has established nine different periodicals--all failures except in the experience acquired, which subsequently was of inestimable value. In 1849, while a compositor on the "Daily Traveler," he planned the "Waverly Magazine," which he founded in 1850, with less than five dollars as capital. And now the indomitable will, which had been striving for so many years toward the accomplishment of a purpose that must be brought some time to a fullness of completion, had its final and successful struggle with adversity. The many cognizant of the plan pronounced it a "visionary scheme," the few shared Mr. Dow's earnest faith in its ultimate success. From its inception he would not have parted with his publication for $10,000. The labor was performed by type-setters who acquired enthusiasm from the proprietor, and worked to aid in the success. For four months Mr. Dow sank money at the rate of $40 per week, but his untiring assiduity, perseverence and nerve continued, and won success beyond his expectations. Reducing expenses to the lowest possible point, at the commencement of the fifth month he found that he was making twenty-five dollars a week, double the wages of a journeyman. The progress now was steadily upward. "The Waverly Magazine" took a fixed position in the world of periodicals and met with great favor from the people. The price was increased from six to eight, ten and, during the great civil war, fifteen cents per copy. During the war, and for a subsequent period of five weeks, the circulation attained the very satisfactory number of 50,000 weekly and the "Waverly" gave Mr. Dow the handsome income of $150,000 per year. In 1868 he erected, at an expense of $500,000 the Waverly House, in Charlestown, Mass, which comprises his publishing house and a large hotel. In business operations, Mr. Dow has been original, far-seeing, sagacious [extracts now only follow]... He married, October 20, 1835, Elizabeth T. Houghton, of Andover, Mass. Their two children are Mary, who married Rev. G.R.W. Scott, and Emma (Mrs. Leonard F. Cutter). The town clock of Littleton, and the beautiful Dow academy in the lovely village of Franconia, are permanent and valuable proofs of [his affection for his home town]. He has already devoted $20,000 to the establishement of this educational institution.... JOHN CALLAHAN, of this town, proprietor of "Echo Farm," has erected an observatory on his place, from whence a magnificent view of the mountain scenery in this vicinity may be had. JONATHAN BOWLES was born in ROchester, Mass., in 1776. In his early days he moved with his father to Richmond NH, where he subsequently married Phebe Parker, of Richmond. Mr. Bowles moved from Richmond to Lisbon about the year 1799. He was the father of thirteen children, four of whom survive, viz: Sally (Bowles) Quimby, John Bowles, George P. Bowles, and Esther (Bowles) Parker. John Bowles was born in Lisbon in 1812, and married Abigail D. Blake in 1836. His wife bore him four children and died in 1866. In 1868 he married Electa J. Harris, daughter of Daniel Harris of Lisbon. HON. ELEAZER B. PARKER was born at Sugar Hill, in Lisbon NH, December 10, 1818, and died May 12, 1884. When a small boy he displayed a decision of character and a literary talent, and, as he advanced in years, he preferred study to manual labor. He received his first rudiments of learning in a district school at Sugar Hill, and subsequently attended Newbury (Vt) seminary. When eighteen he began his long career of public usefulness by teaching school. This vocation he followed with marked success in his own and adjoining towns until the time of his marriage, September 1, 1841, which was to Esther Bowles. About this period (1841) he, in company with his brothers, Silas and Pratt, commenced the business of tanning leather, and also the manufacture of boots and shoes at Sugar Hill. These combined interests he was connected with until 1846, when he removed to Franconia, and engaged in merchandising. He was a judicious economist, more willing to climb the ladder of fortune step by step slowly from the bottom than to dash into spectulative and inconsiderate ventures, and his store was one of small beginnings. He was an honest, upright and sagacious trader and a popular citizen, and was prospered, his business increasing steadily and permanently. He was personally in trade until 1868, and by the enlargement of his dealings was necessitated to erect new and larger stores, first, one near his residence, and afterward another, when he was succeded in 1871 by his sons as "Parker Brothers," and where his youngest son, Wilbur F., is now in business. For many years Mr. Parker was not only a merchant but a participant in everything that would advance the material interests of the community among whom his lot was cast. He was a member of the old manufacturing house of "Moody, Priest & Co.," which for so long a period was engaged in making potato starch. He dealt largely in timber, and imported many thousand railroad ties, ship-knees, &c from Canada. [extracts now only]. When the Littleton National Bank was organized he was chosen a director, and continued an active member of the board until his death. In politics he was a life-long Democrat... He was town clerk of Franconia for twenty years, from 1852 to 1872. He was elected representative from Franconia in 1861-62, and he was elected senator to represent the "Twelfth District" of the State in 1873-74... His children are Phebe A. (Mrs. J.A. Knapp), Osman, and Wilbur F. Mrs. Parker survives her husband and worthily occupies a high place in the esteem of the community for her intrinsic worth. **** CHURCHES **** THE FRANCONIA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, located at Franconia village was organized by Revs. Asa Carpenter and Nathan Goddard, with seven members, in April 1814. The first pastor was Rev. Edmund Burt. The first church building, a wooden structure, was erected in 1835, and was sold to the Baptist society when the present building was erected, at a cost of $5,000 in 1882. It is capable of seating 400 persons, and is valued, including grounds, at $8,000. The society now has ninety-two members, with Rev. Ferdinand V.D. Garretson, pastor. THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH was organized by a committee from the Lisbon church, with forty-eight members, September 20, 1834. The first settled pastor was Rev. N.R. George. Their church building was built in union with the Congregational society i 1835; in 1882 when that society built their new church, the Baptists bought their interest and remodeled the building, so that it now will seat 350 persons and is valued, including grounds, at $8,000. THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH, located at Franconia village, was organized by its first pastor, Rev. Daniel Gregory, with about fourteen members, in 1883. This denomination began holding meetings here in 1876, in Parker's Hall, and in 1883, when organized, they moved into Union Hall, where services were held until the completion of their new church in 1885. It is a neat wooden structure, costing about $1,500.00 and capable of accomodating 200 persons. The society now has twenty-five members, with Rev. George Bowles, pastor. The Sabbath- school has forty members. (end)