HISTORY OF BERLIN, COOS 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. ****DO NOT LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS TEXT FILE, INSTEAD LINK TO THE FOLLOWING URL***: http://www.nh.searchroots.com/coos.html#Berlin ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- 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). ======================================================== History of Coös County, New Hampshire by George Drew Merrill; Syracuse N.Y.: W.A. Fergusson & Co., 1888, 1888, 1018 pgs. page 783a BERLIN --- No town in Coos has shown such growth and prosperity during the last decade as the, to that time, comparatively obsucre and unimportant town of Berlin. By its rapid development and increase in population and wealth... The history of the town goes back to the years previous to the Revolution; but for a long time it was uninteresting and of little importance. Hunters and trappers camped here in pursuit of game and peltry; later the magnificent growth of pine brought lumbermen from the lower country to cut the logs which they transported to the mills below; early settlers, on farms further down the valley, when in want of ready money to make payments on their land or needed supplies for their families, would make a temporary occupancy in a rude camp hastily constructed, and by hard labor would make "salts" from the ashes of the large elms along the valley, then, having accomplished the object of their visit, would return to their homes to tell of the rocky ledges, the beautiful cascades, and the wonderful growth of timber. The surface of Berlin is broken and mountainous, with ledges of rock outcropping in many places, and, in others, with boulders of varying sizes scattered over the ground. It is not an agricultural town, although there are some good farms in the eastern part. The town was granted as Maynesborough, December 31, 1771, to Sir William Mayne, Bart., Robert, Thomas, and Edward Mayne, and others, of Barbadoes, and was incorporated as Berlin, July 1, 1829. Area, 31,000 acres. It is bounded on the north by Milan, east by Success, south by Gorham and Randolph, and west by Kilkenny. Many fine views of mountain, river, and forest scenery are afforded from various points. The view from Cates hill (Berlin Heights) is especially fine. But the charm of all this section is the river scenery at Berlin Falls. For over a mile a succession of rapids and falls whirl along the rocky banks of Androscoggin, which is the only outlet of the Umbagog chain of lakes. In its course above it received waters of the Magalloway, Diamond, and Clear riers, and several minor streams, and, at this point, is scarcely inferior in volume to the Connecticut at Northumberland. At the Glen Manufacturing Company's works this immense mass of waters is poured through a narrow chasm thirty-three feet in width, descending in the space of 100 yards nearly twice as fast. At times of high water, notably the great flood of June 1887, the view combines the terrible, majestic, grand and beautiful in a wierd and fascinating combination. Black mountain, Mt. Forist, Cave mountain, Berlin Heights, a portion of the Pilot range, and Mt. Carbary are the principal elevations of the town. Berlin is watered by the Androscoggin, Upper Ammonoosuc, Plumpetoosuc or Dead rivers, Bean and Mollocket brooks, and other small streams. Head pond, the source of the Ammonoosuc, contains about 100 acres, and is the only large pond in town. TINKER BROOK, MINERALS, ETc -- Tinker brook derives its name from Samuel B. Robbins, an eccentric character, who lived for many years where Dexter Blodgett now (1887) resides. He was a travelling tinker going from house to house through the country with his kit, mending broken articles. He monopolized the fishing in this brook when at home, much to the disgust of the boys, whom he used to drive away, thus preventing their indulgence in their favorite sport. He discovered magnetic iron ore on his farm during the "forties," and spent much time in looking after more precious metals. S.D. Blodgett and Ira Mason bonded some of this land about 1876, and sunk quite a shaft, finding nothing, however, to reward their efforts. In this connection we will mention that two Englishmen employed in building the railroad, became so interested in a piece on land on Tinker brook, about half a mile below the excavation made by Robbins, that they bonded it, returned to England for funds to purchase and made some kind of developments, and, it is understood, were lost on the return voyage. They made no confidants, but, as they had fine speciments of galena in their possession, it was conjectured that they had discovered this metal there. No attempt has been made to prove this conjecture true. On a high bluff (Cave mountain) north of Dead river pond, there are several veins or beds of a compact fieldspar (Felsite) having the appearance of chalcedony and jasper. The beds vary in thickness from a few inches to several feet, and at once point there is a cave fourteen feet long, nine feet high and six feet wide. Fragments of felsite are scattered through the vegetable mould on the floor. The entrance appears to have been excavated by man, and, although the cave is doubtless a natural one, the Indians who resorted here to obtain the rock for arrow and spear heads, perhaps enlarged and changed its form. One or two places on the east side of the river above Berlin Mills were evidently the places where this rock was wrought into desired shapes, as the "chips" are thickly scattered in these localities. On Cates Hill there is a combination of minerals rarely seen on the surface. It appears to be copper and tin, which are apparently disseminated through the rock. No concentration of either mineral in a vein has been found as yet. ACTION OF FIRST TOWN MEETING (1829) --Andrew Cates chosen moderator; Thomas Ordway selected town clerk; Amos Green, Thomas Ordway and Thomas Wheeler Jr. Selectman and Assessors; Peter Wheeler Constable; Thomas Green Jr. Surveyor of Highways; Samuel S. Thompson Surveyor of Lumber. LIST OF 1829 RESIDENTS: NAMES OF PERSONS RESIDENT / AGES-date of birth -- Thomas Green Jr., born February 12, 1783 Lydia Fairbanks (Evans) Green, born February 3, 1785 Amos Green, born March 21, 1807 Daniel Green, born December 19, 1808 Edmund Green, born January 26, 1812 Aaron Green, born January 4, 1814 Lydia Green, born August 17, 1817 -- Livonia Wallace (Wallis?) born March 29, 1811 -- Andrew Cates, born May 30, 1784 Betsey (Scribner) Cates, Born July 14, 1785 Daniel Cates, born August 11, 1813 Lydia Cates, born Oct 11, 1816 Sinclair Cates, born March 19, 1820 Scribner Cates, born October 13, 1821 Hannah Cates, born January 10, 1826 Betsey cates, born September 16, 1810 Andrew Cates Jr. born April 2, 1808 Betsey (Griffin) cates, born September 28, 1805 Nathaniel Cates, born May 15, 1829 -- Peter Wheeler born December 18, 1790 Sally (Seavey) Wheeler, born February 23, 1800 Nathan Wheeler, born November 24, 1818 James Wheeler, born November 19, 1820 Albion Wheeler, born May 2, 1823 George Wheeler, born November 13, 1825 Lafayette Wheeler, born March 9, 1828 Thomas Wheeler, born December 29, 1783 Sally (Blodgett) Wheeler, born April 2, 1787 Thomas Wheeler Jr. born June 18, 1806 Cyrus Wheeler born July 5, 1810 Polly Wheeler born April 1, 1812 Sally Wheeler born May 18, 1814 Dexter Wheeler born April 27, 1816 Reuben H. Wheeler born April 20, 1819 Hiram Wheeler born April 8, 1822 Daniel J. Wheeler born October 12, 1825 Jonathan W. Wheeler born November 1, 1829 ------- Samuel Blodget, born August 28, 1802 Rebecca (Bean) Blodget, born October 10, 1800 Samuel D. Blodget, born October 27, 1827 Zeruah Blodget, born January 23, 1828 Nathan Blodget born August 30, 1829 Joseph Blodget born December 6, 1804 Mary L. (Wright) Blodget b April 12, 1809 Herman A. Blodget, born November 28, 1827 Ruby Blodget, born November 30, 1829 ------ Abiathar Bean, born June 30, 1794 Mercy (--) bean, born January 1, 1797 Eliza Jane Bean, born January 2, 1817 Lydia M. Bean, born June 10, 1821 Louisa Bean, born September 24, 1823 Thomas C. Bean born October 27, 1826 Mary A. Bean born August 13, 1829 -------- Samuel S. Thompson, born September 19, 1773 Catharine (--) Thompson, born November 14, 1772 Benjamin Thompson born August 1, 1803 Eliza Thompson born February 29, 1807 Sarah J. Thompson, born September 1, 1810 Amos Thompson b July 19, 1918 --- Simon Evans born September 13, 1780 Mehetable (Messer) Evans born August 19, 1782 Caroline Evans born March 28, 1799 Lydia Evans, born June 8, 1807 Lovina Evans, born August 7, 1808 Uriah Evans, born February 25, 1810 William Evans, born January 21, 1812 Polly Evans born May 19, 1814 Abigail Evans born April 15, 1816 Betsey Evans, born December 23, 1818 Esther A.R. Evans, born September 3, 1823. RESIDENTS, STOck & IMPROVEMENTS In 1830: From the first inventory of the town taken in 1830, is a list [names ONLY included here] of Samuel Blodgett, Joseph Blodgett, Andrew Cates, Andrew Cates Jr., Simon Evans, Thomas Green, Amos Green, Daniel Green, Samuel Stowell, Samuel S. Thompson, Benjamin Thompson, Thomas Wheeler, Thomas Wheeler Jr., Joseph Wheeler, and Peter Wheeler. Names of Voters by Decades. 1837. Benjamin Bean, Lovel Bean, Fletcher I. Bean, Insley Bean, Samuel Blodget, Joseph Blodget, Daniel Cates, Daniel Davis, Simon Evans, William Evans, Thomas Green, Amos Green, Daniel Green, Edmond Green, Aaron Green, Seth I. Kimball, John Littlefield, Enoch Peabody, William Sessions, Benjamin Thompson, Thomas Wheeler, Cyrus Wheeler, Joseph Wheeler, Thomas Wight, Joshua Robbins. 1847. Samuel M. Andrews, Samuel Blodget, Joseph Blodget, Lovel Bean, Fletcher I. Bean, Insley Bean, Rufus A. Cobb, Milton Chandler, Hazen Chandler, Andrew Cates, Daniel Cates, Greenlief Coffin, Sinclair Cates, Daniel Davis, Thomas Green, Daniel Green, Edmond Green, Charles Gates, John Grover, Jeremiah Harden, Stephen Ladd, Lorenzo Mason, Enoch Peabody, Allen H. Peabody, Paul Perkins, Richard Perkins, Benjamin Thompson, Thomas Wheeler, Cyrus Wheeler, Dexter Wheeler, Reuben Wheeler, Hiram Wheeler, Daniel J. Wheeler, William W. Whitney, Oliver S. Willkins. 1857. Stephen Abbott, Jonathan Andrews, Albert Buzzell, Stephen Bevely, Levi W. Blodgett, Benjamin Bean, Lovell Bean, Fletcher L. Bean, Insley Bean, John E. Bean, Edwin S. Brown, Joseph Blodgett, Samuel D. Blodgett, Nathan Blodgett, Alton Blodgett, James L. Blake, Nathaniel Barker, Edward Babb, Albert Billings, Daniel Bradbury, Andrew Cates, Andrew Cates Jr., Daniel Cates, John S. Cates, Sinclair Cates, Greenlief Coffin, Gilman Connor, Moses T. Cross, Otis Carter, Abner Davis, Daniel Davis, Bailey K. Davis, Hollis Davis, John Y. Dustin, True P. Dustin, John L. Dustin, Moses Foster, Merrill C. Forist, Charles N. Buzzell, Elijah G. Griffin, Daniel Green, Edmond Green, Henry B. GOodwin, Samuel K. Hammond, John R. Horn, Austin W. Hobert, Albin Hobert, David Holt, Jeremiah Harden, Joel H. Herward, Daniel Hobbs, Philemon Hibard, Horace Haskell, Stephen Hanscom, William E. Jorden, Aaron A. Knight, Lorenzo Mason, Ira Mason, Hartwell V. Mason, Roscoe Mason, Oliver H. Mason, Richard Perkins, George W. Page, William D. Sanborn, Horace C. Sawyer, Charles Whiting, Nathaniel T. Wentworth, E.H. Whiting, THomas Wheeler, Cyrus Wheeler, Reuben H. Wheeler, Hiram Wheeler, Dexter Wheeler, Charles M. Walker, William A. Wilson, Peter York, Daniel G. York, Jonathan W. Wheeler. {Tax lists for 1867, 1877 included in original document, not listed here] page 788 EARLY SETTLERS-FIRST HOuSE--William Sessions of Gilead, Me., cames to Maynesborough about 1821 or 1822, and commenced clearing what is the Thompson farm. He occupied a camp which was located on the banks of the Androscoggin river, on the south side of Mollocket brook. This camp was built by parties who had come here some years previously to manufacture "salts" from the elm trees that abounded in this part of the valley. Mr. Sessions felled trees and continued clearing the land, and, with the assistance of Cyrus Wheeler, erected the first building that could be honored with the name of house about 1823 or 1824. March 27, this small number of inhabitants was increased by eighteen persons from Gilead, Me., who accompanied Mrs. Sessions and her three children into the wilderness to her new home and to make their homes in this and ajoining towns.... Mrs. Session's house was of logs, the floor being mae of very large ones nicely split. It was situated just east of the present farm buildings on a little knoll. All signs of occupancy are nearly obliterated. There has never been a deed given of this land. After making his payment, Mr. Sessions walked to Boston to obtain one, but from some reason did not succeed. No claimant ever showed a conflicting title. He sold this property to Benjamin Thompson prior to the organization of Berlin, and it has been in the possession of the Thompson family ever since. This is the best farm in the town. Mr. Sessions was a noted prospector, settling and clearing thirteen farms. Mr. Sessions had a peculiar faculty for selecting the best land and location. After selling out in Berlin he went to Dummer and settled on one of the first farms developed on the Androscoggin, at a point several miles from any inhabitant. From summer he removed to Stark, where seven of his children died from the terrible throat distemper. This veteran pioneer died at Milton Planations, me., in August 1885, aged over nienty years. SECOND HoUSE--Justus. Amos or Levi Lowe (some authorities say Clovis Lowe) built very early a "nice little camp" on lot 3, range 4, established a shoe shop, remained a year or so, then removed to Randolph. "Lascar" Jackson took possesion of this camp and occupied it two years. Andrew Cates came three or four years later, and built a house against the end of the camp which was located on the upper end of the farm now owned by Harvey Smith. The first town meeting was held in this house. Simon Evans came from Shelburne in 1825 and settled on the east side of the river on the lot next to Sessions. He developed a good farm which was afterwards owned by Thomas Wheeler Jr. He had a large family, and there are many bearing the name. JOSEPH WHEELER cleared the farm on the east side of the river just below that of Mr. Sessions, but sold and removed to Milan in a short time. SAMUEL S. THOMPSON, an old Revolutionary solider, and his son BENJAMIN came in 1827. He was a carpenter and according to Mr. Blodgett, he made and painted the ballot and jury boxes now in use in Berlin. He also built the first school-house; this was in the Wheeler district, No. 1. He has no descendants living here. The first settlers on the west side of the river was SAMUEL BLODGETT, brother of Mrs. Sessions. He cleared what is now the Reuben Wheeler farm. He came soon after the arrival of Mrs. Sessions, and built a log house on the bank of the river, but did not remain here but a short time. Benjamin Bean came from Success, purchased Blodgett's interest, and the latter moved to the lot above, which subsequently became the Daniel Davis farm. After a short stay Mr. Blodgett returned to Gilead, Me., where he resided for a year or more, then removed to Berlin and settled on Cates Hill. He has numerous descendants in town, all reputable citizens. THOMAS WHEELER, son of SAMUEL WHEELER (an old Revolutionary soldier and original settler of Gilead, Me., whither he removed from Temple NH in 1799) located on the farm now occupied by his son Cyrus. He came here from Shelburne in 1826 with his wife and ten children, all natives of Gilead, Me., Thomas, Amos, (who, with a companion, Samuel Phipps, lost his life by the burning of a logging camp at Jericho in 1837) Cyrus, Polly (Mrs. Daniel Green), Sarah (Mrs. Benjamin Thompson), now living in Stark at an advanced age, Dexter, Hiram, Reuben H., Daniel and Jonathan. This honest pioneer has a large posterity in Berlin and vicinity, besides many in Pennsylvania and Arksansas. He was a good citizen and brought his children up to work and thus add to the weal of the town. DANIEL DAVIS came to Berlin when the town was yet in its infancy (December 31, 1831) from Buxton, Me. He lived on Lot 4, range 3, had a large family and held numerous town offices. Fletcher I. Bean, Job Insley Bean, Lovell Bean and a family by the name of Coffin were early comers. Fletcher I. Bean was a prominent town officer. Greenlief Coffin is still a resident, and 70 yrs old. JOSEPH BLODGETT (son of Jonathan, a Revolutionary soldier), came from Gilead, Me., January 1, 1823, to work for Mr. Session. He married Mary L., daughter of NATHANIEL WIGHT, one of the first settlers on the river in Milan. He cleared and developed the farm now owned by William D. Sanborn. Here he lived for more than 20 years, then removed to Berlin Falls and followed the avocation of a carpenter, in which he excelled. He has but three children surviving his family of ten or eleven. He has attained the age of 92; his wife is 78. They are still residing in Berlin. HAZEN CHANDLER came quite early from the lower part of the state, and purchased the farm originally settled and partially cleared by Nathaniel Wight, and now known as the Dustin farm, the buildings of which are in Berlin, and the farm in Milan. He had a family of six or seven children. The oldest daughter, Daphne, married Reuben H. Wheeler. Mrs. Chandler is now living in town, aged 91. JOHN CHANDLER, a brother of Hazen, was a blacksmith, and also landlord of the Berlin Falls House for some years. He came here from Shelburne and removed to Milan. His daughter, Elizabeth L., married Merrill C. Forist, who was a prominent man in Berlin for years. He was a school teacher, superintendant of schools, representative, justice of the peace, and filled other offices. Mt. Forist bears his name. This was originally called "Plumer's Fort" in honor of Gov. William Plumer, who was a large land owner in town. Mr. Forist built the Mt. Forist House as a hotel about 1866, and was its landlord until his death. Before building this house he had been proprietor of the Berlin Falls Hotel for many years, succeeding John Chandler. With Mr. Forist departed the glory of the old-time "hostelrie." JOHN Y. DUSTIN of Gilead, Me., purchased the Chandler farm about 1850, and now resides there with his son, True P. Mr. Dustin attained his 89th year in May 1887. LORENZO MASON, also from Gilead, came here about 1850 and bought the farm cleared by Seth Kimball on the east side of the river opposite Pine Island. He lived here the remainer of his life, dying in 1884, aged 88. He was an honest, industrious man, and left a numerous posterity. ----- PAST AND PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS--The first trader, hardly to be called a merchant, was Thomas Green, who had a small store opposite his grist mill as early as 1835. He also built in connection with his grist-mill a "dry-house" for the purpose of hulling oats for making oatmeal. Afterwards, when "boughten" flour was to be had, this enterprise failed to be remunerative, and taking up the perforated zinc floor of the dry-house, Mr. Green introduced wool-carding machinery, which was operated for half a dozen years or more. The advent of the railroad and the development of the water-power gave a great impetus to the manufacturing interest and traffic, and caused several persons to embark in trade. In 1851 J.D. Horner & Co. built, and stocked with general merchandise, the building at Berlin Falls, now occupied as a clothing store by A.W. Jones, in connection with the mill which they had erected on the site in the rear of the Clement block on what is known as Horner and Hastings privilege. They failed after some years, and the store was vacant until Ira Mason in 1868 put in stock of good and conducted business until his death in 1883. John W. Green then sold dry-goods here for a few months. E.W. Scribner and H.H. Abboott as "Scribner & Abbott" were the next firm engaged in merchandising here, commencing in the summer of 1884. Mr. Abbott soon gave place to John B. Noyes, who, in the summer of 1886, purchased Mr. Scribner's share of the business, and in the autumn, removed to his present location. Daniel Green opened a store about 1850 very near the site of the drug store of J.W. Green, and conducted it nearly two years, when he sold it with all his other business interests in town to Gower & Wilson. This store was made from the shop, where for some years Mr. Green had manufactured clapboard and shingle machines. Gower & Wilson conducted this store until their failure in 1859, when it again came into possession of Daniel Green, who remodelled it, and it was occupied by various traders until it was opened as the first drug store in town by Henry Marble in 1883. George P. Emerton succeeded him; in a short time he sold to F.L. Wilson who moved to his present location. It was then refitted by John W. Green who put in a fresh stock of goods, and began trade in the summer of 1886. Oliver W. Mason, some time after 1850 built the store where John B. Noyes now trades, and conducted merchandixing until he sold to Moses T. Cross in 1860. Mr. Cross sold to J.W. Wheeler. Dexter wheeler purchased his interest and admitted G.C. Paine as partner as "Wheeler & Paine." They afterwards moved into Eagle Hall, and were in business until the death of Mr. Wheeler in 1881. Wilson Brothers succeeded Wheeler & Paine in the occupancy of the O.H. Mason building, as general traders. After two years they failed; and in 1868 C.C. Gerrish & Co. established themselves as merchants. In 1885 they moved into their new building where they are now located. After being entirely rebuilt, and enlarged, the store was occupied by Mr. Noyes. G.C. Paine, after the death of Mr. Wheeler, continued business in the branch store which they had established near the railway station, and now conducts it in connection with his extensive trade in grain (Mr. Paine died july 5, 1887). Eagle Hall building was built by the Reform Club in 1875, with contributions from the friends of this temperance movement. After about a year's occupancy by the club as a reading-room, lecture-room, etc., the upper story became and remains a public hall, and the ground floor was occupied by Wheeler & Paine. In 1881 Stahl Brothers opened a clothing house and grocery store here. They were in trade here some months after the opening of their large store in the Clement block in 1883. They were succeeded by F.C. Stevens with a stock of clothing, drugs and medicines. He now occupies it as a clothing and "notions" store. In 1886 Mr. Stevens erected the large building on Main street, which bears his name, and removed his drug business there, and sold it to F.W. Foster in December 1886. The building in which George L. Vincent has this year established a book and variety store was constructed in 1881 by L.J. Cote. Several people have dealt in fruit, oysters, etc., there previous to Mr. Vincent's occupancy. In the spring of 1886 "Hodgdon & Crowell" opened their hardware store in the building put up on Depot street by L.N. Clark. They erected their present store the same year, removing their goods thither in the fall of 1886. They do a busines of nearly $40,000 per annum. C.C. Gerrish & Co. built their "great store" in 1885, at an expense of from $10,000 to $12,000. It is the finest mercantile establishment in town with annual sales of $60,000; is heated by steam, and has machinery for the manufacture of gas, by which it is lighted. The upper story is Pythian Hall. The Clement block was erected in 1883, by F.L. Clement; in 1886 he added a photographic studio. The Folsom block, put up in 1884, was occupied by Lambert Brothers & Co. as a grocery store until the completion of their new building in 1886. Then Oliver Lambert, who had occupied the Fernald block (built in 1882) removed to this building, where he is now doing business. C.C. Leighton started a blacksmith shop in the old Gower & Wilson shop near Dead River bridge. This was burned in 1882. He then put up a building just south of the CLement block, and carried on blacksmithing and wagon-making for some time. Now, after various removals, he is located in the large three-story building which he erected in 1886, on the street south of Dead River pond. A twenty horse-power engine, blacksmith shop, band and bench saws, and planer occupy the first floor; a carpenter and wood-working shops, with machinery for the manufacture of moldings; the second; and his paint shop is in the upper story. Daniel Green began the manufacture of mill machinery in a small way in 1843. The first side-clapboard machine built in town was made by him in that year, and used in the old Green mill until 1849, when Mr. Andrews bought it for his mill at "Jericho." Thomas and Daniel Green used to haul their clapboards forty miles to Harrison, Me., from whence they shipped by canal to Portland, Boston and Providence where they were marketed once a year. They continued to do this until the railroad was built. In early days the long lumber was rafted down the Androscoggin to Bethel and Rumford from Cascade Falls. The last raft wsa run in 1851, by Daniel Green. Lumber was sold at Gilead and Bethel at $4 or $5 a thousand for good pine; extra quality was worth $6. Ira Mason in 1856 built a shingle-ill on Bean brook, one quarter of a mile east of the Androscoggin, opposite Berlin bridge, which did a fine business for some years until destroyed by fire. Samuel M. Andrews came from Effingham, Carroll county, in 1841 (after marrying the widow of Thomas Wheeler Jr.) and carried on the WHeeler farm for several years. He then purchased timber land in "Jericho" and built two mills on Dead river in 1849, about half a mile above the steam mill now run by Ezra M. Cross. One of these took its power from an immense overshot wheel nearly 35 feet in diameter. This was destroyed by fire after several years of good work. The other one had a "tub" wheel, and was carried down stream by a freshet in 1853 or 1854 (Two of Mr. Andrew's sons were soldiers in the Union army of the great civil war. The steam-mill owned by E.M. Cross of "Jericho" succeeded one built by RH & JW Wheeler about 1870, which stood on a steep bank some rods above the present mill. This was operated about two years, when it was burned, and the present one erected by J.W. Wheeler. Mr. Cross has been its owner since 1884. A large amount of lumber has been cut by these mills. R. H. Wheeler built a small steam mill back of his residence, and cut the timber on about 200 acres. He then moved the engine down to the interval, and used it to run the starch mill which he built there. RAILROAD AGENTS, ETC--The completion of the railroad to Berlin was the first step to the permanent prosperity of the town. The first station agent was Simon Cole, who was succeeded by Aaron Knight, who served six or seven years. Dexter Wheeler was appointed in 1860, and held this position until 1869. The present agent, Abner K. Cole, began his long term of service February 15, 1870. At that time he did all the work of the station, sold tickets, sent messages, attended to baggage and freight, etc. The next year he had one assistant, and since 1885 the work has kept four men busily employed. The passenger traffic has increase fourfold since 1880, and the freight business in the same proportion. June 22, 1872 the buildings connected with the depot were burned with loss of life. Others have since been erected, but the present structure is by no means adequate to the commercial needs of the town. The height of land between the Androscoggin and Connecticut valleys is six miles west of Berlin Falls. Berlin Falls station is 1,011 feet above tide water. The Berlin Mills branch road was constructed and opened in 1854, by the Grand Trunk, under a guaranty that a definite amount of business specified was to be done annually. We trace the record of early and other important settlers father as they appear in describing the industries of the town. Those already named comprise most of the pioneers who came here when the country was an unbroken wilderness, and amid untold hardships and arduous toils, laid the foundations of their future prosperous homes, and prepared the way for an intelligent community. As the settlements increased, roads were laid out, mills were built on the Androscoggin, schools were established, and societies organized. The lumber interest was of paramount importance. The heavy growth of pine furnished abundant occupation for men and mills. It was not until after the pine had been nearly exhausted that the value of spruce lumber was discovered. The apparently inexhaustible supply of this wood gave a new impetus to lumbering operations; larger mills were established, more men employed, a market was thus provided for the products of the farm, and the growth and development of Berlin was assured; and with its rush of business, its rapid increase of population, fine public buildings, and electric lights, it is now almost a city. Chapter XCV Civil List: Town CLerks, Selectmen, etc. CIVIL LIST 1830. Peter Wheeler, clerk; Amos Green, THomas Wheeler Jr., Samuel Blodget, selectmen (no treasurer). Thomas Wheeler tax collector. 1831. Peter Wheeler Clerk, Benjamin Thompson, Joseph Wheeler Peter Wheeler selectmen; Peter Wheeler Treasurer; Barker Burank of Shelburne, representative from the classes towns of Berlin, Shelburne, Shelburne Addition and Success. Thomas Wheeler tax collector. 1832. Peter Wheeler clerk; Benjamin Thompson, Joseph WHeeler, Peter Wheeler selectmen. 1833. Daniel Davis clerk; Benjamin Thompson, Daniel Green, Uriah Evans, selectmen; Benjamin Thompson treasurer. Seth Kimball tax collector; Robert Ingalls of SHelburne, representative. 1834. Daniel Davis clerk; Benjamin Thompson, Daniel Green, Fletcher L. Bean selectmen; Benjamin Thompson treasurer. 1835. Daniel Davis clerk; Benjamin Thompson, Daniel Davis, Uriah Evans selectmen; Benjamin Thompson Treasurer and representative. [list from 1836-1887 included in the original document, not listed here] BERLIN IN THE REBELLION--It is sufficient to say that the town was not backward in giving her sons to maintain the integrity of the Union, and more than one half of those who went as soliders found graves on southern soil. Berlin is credited on state and United States muster rolls with "nineteen three-years men, thirteen one-year men, three nine months men." Three of Daniel Green's sons were in service; Sullivan D., in the 24th Michigan, Francis D. and Charles V. enlisted from Berlin. Charles died at New Orleans from disease contracted on the Red River campaign, and Francis was killed at Fredericksburg Va, December 13, 1862. OF the other Berlin boys of which we have information, Scribner Cates died at Ship Island; D.W. Blodgett, badly wounded in the neck, was discharged and came to a terrible end in July 1872, by being burned to death in the depot which was destroyed on that date. S.A. Andrews was killed in a skirmish, Ethan A. Andrews died of disease, Nelson Green died at Ship Island, Charles S. Green and Albert Green are now living in Maine, and Jesse TUttle in Berlin. [town records on this matter included in the original, not in this document]. CHAPTER XCVI page 799 CHURCH OF CHRIST--In June 1875, Rev. Arthur J. Benedict of Bethel, Conn., a graduate of the theological seminary at Yale college, came to Berlin. Young, earnest and hopeful, highly educated and vigorous, he commenced laboring to build up a church and society in the town. A group of supporters met on November 6, 1877 at Berlin Mills Hall (called by A.J. Benedict, John Wilson and L.T. Parker, a committee proposing to become a church). The first members were Arthur J. Benedict, John Wilson, Sarah M. Bean, Lizzie Parker, Almira Beattie, Lowella Coffin, Lettie A. Parker, Effie Smith, Hannah M. Oleson, Lucy S. Spaulding, Betsey A. Wheeler, Hannah M. Wilson, Eva Hobbs, and Frank M. Coffin. Rev. A.J. Benedict conducted the services of the newly-organized church in connection with the church in Gorham, of which he was pastor, the meetings being held in the Berlin Mills hall. Albert Donnell was the next pastor. [more church history in original document not included here]. A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized May 29, 1877. Officers: Fred R. Oleson, president; Elmer Bean, VP; Miss Mary E. Wilson, secretary; Miss Gertrude L. Vincent, treasurer. ORGANIZATION OF PARISH--W.W. Brown and associates did, on the 27th day of June 1881, form themselves into a religious society in Berlin, Coos county under the name of "Parish of the Church of Christ"....the Congregational church of the town owed its formation to this association. The site of this church was given by the Berlin Mills Company and W.W. Brown was a generous contributor to the society and its buildings. It was modelled after the Williston church in Portland. THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH--Previous to 1805 the laws of NH had not recognized Universalists as Christians...Services, for several years were held at Eagle Hall and different clergymen engaged. In 1885 a parish society was organized and a church completed in 1886. The land on which it is situated was donated by Daniel Green, November 16, 1886. CATHOLIC CHURCH-- Among the people who settled in Berlin in 1850 were many of the Catholic faith, and in 1860 there were about 25 families. Father Noiseux, a priest of Lancaster, used to come and visit them three or four times during the year. THey held their services in a prviate house. Later on Berlin was attended from Gorham; first by Father Sullivan, afterwards by Fathers Charland, Gorman and Walsh. Father Charland first agitated the question of building a church, and bought the land on which the church was erected in 1880 by Father Gorman. In 1885 a resident pastor was deemed necessary and the Right Reverend D. M. Bradley sent Rev. N. Cournoyer to minister to them. The congregation of St. ANn's church now numbers about 1,500 souls. ST. PAUL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH pARISH (Scandanavian) was organized at Berlin Mills May 16, 1887 with 57 members, Nels Erickson, secretary; H.E. Oleson treasurer and an executive committee of six members. Services have for some time been held monthly, and a Sabbath-school has been conducted. Rev. George T. Rygh, acting pastor, comes from Portland to preach. The Second Advents have held numerous meetings here. Rev. J.T. McLucas preaches at the present time, but there is no organized society. ---- CHAPTER XCVIII [only brief excerpts from the original included here] In 1822 the first family settled in town; in 1826 came two or three settlers brining large families of children, and the next year the first school was taught in the corner bed-room of Thomas Wheeler's house, and paid for by the voluntary contributions of parents whose children attended. This was a primitive educational institution, but it paved the way for the neat school-houses that now furnish most excellent privileges to the many young people of this town. The first school teacher was Rhoda Rowell; all schools were taught in private houses until some time during the year 1831. In 1830 the town was divided into two districts for school purposes; the sum of $40 being raised for the support of the schools for the year. In 1831 a school-house was erected in district No. 1, at a cost of about $150. This stood on the west side of the river at the junction of the river road and the Cates Hill road, and was a well-constructed building... It was destroyed by fire three or four years afterwards. In this house, during the winter of 1831, Amos Mann, the first male teacher taught the first public school and was paid $20 for the winter's school. The scholars numbered some forty boys and girls, the majority being from twelve to twenty years old. The school teacher's wages were very low; females only receiving from $1 to $2 per week with board. Mr. Mann at first indignantly spurned the offer of $11 per month but finally accepted it. Another building soon replaced the one destroyed. In 1840 district No. 3 was formed, comprising the whole of the town east of the Androscoggin, and about the same time provided a small, unpretending, but conveniently arrnaged building for its educational interests. In 1844 or 1845, a school-house was built in No. 2. This was sold in 1884, and was convereted into the stable now standing next to the book-store of George L. Vincent. District No. 4 (Berlin Mills) was formed about 1853. This was almost exclusively within the limits and on the lands of the lumber corporation. For several years the schools occupied a large room adjacent to the Berlin Mill Co.'s store. A commodious school building was afterwards erected at a cost of $1,000 and accomodated two teachers and two departments. No. 5, on Cate's Hill was located about the same time as No. 4. A few years later No. 6 (Jericho) was formed, but no school-house was ever built there. The Cole school-house in district No. 2 was built in 1879, at a cost of $2,000 and opened with two teachers and two departments. District No 3 was abolished in 1885. The scholars of this district are conveyed to the High School building at the expense of the town. BERLIN HIGH SCHOOL--WIth the old district system and the school-houses of the last generation, the course of education in Berlin was nearly the same as in Northern New England generally. The little old, red school-house at the "Falls" was mentioned, derisively, as "the college," and was finally convereted into a cow-stable. The community at the Mills was constituted a new district to be known as district No. 4. A higher standard of scholarship began to be required for teachers. District No 2 at the Falls and No 4 at the Mills occasionally united for High School purposes, each reserving a part of their money for that object. Under this plan several pupils partially fitted for college. In 1881 the Falls district erected a new school-house, selling the old one, it is said for $5 for a stable. In April 28, 1883 a group met and voted to establish a town High School, and Jesse Tuttle, Henry F. Marston, E.E. Fernald, J.W. Parker, Andrew J. Howard and Jacob Dresser, were appointed a committee to act on this. The committee was offered one and one-half acres of land on a proposed new street from Fibreville to Berlin Mills village, donated for that purpose by Sullivan D. Green and one-half acre by Berlin Mills Co. The committee voted unanimously to accept the site. In March 1884 it was voted to appropriate $7,000 for the purpose of building a town high school. Two rooms of the new school-house were completed in February 1885 and the High School opened with Holman A. Drew, A.B. as principal, and Miss Adria W. Dresser as assistant. At the annual meeting in 1885 it was voted to abolish the district system and adopt the town system (of schools). EARLY ROADS AND BRIDGES--The first road was the old military road, made about 1812 "through the woods" by way of West Milan to the COnnecticut. This is still a public thoroughfare. The first town highway was petitioned for in June 1830 by Thomas Green and Thomas Wheeler. This was five miles and three-quarters long, and was laid June 30, on the west side of the river from the Milan line to the line of Shelburne Addition. The road is now the principal one of the town. The first bridge across the Androscoggin was built about 1854, on trestles, from the old Greenlief Coffin place to Benjamin Coffin's farm. Opposition was made to this by H. Winslow & Co, as it obstructed the course of their logs down the river. They sent a party from the mill to tear it up by force, but were met by equally resolute men who prevent this act. The subject ws then brought into town meeting, and after several years the bridge was taken down and a new bridge bilt about one mile farther down the river, and a highway laid out to cross it April 6, 1858. FIRST CHURCH ORGANIZATION and "PARSONAGE"--according to Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Blodgett there was an early religious society in Berlin and Milan. Benjamin Bean was the active power of this. Rev. Abel Heath, one of the pioneer circuit-riders of the Methodist church, who visited the scattered settlements of the Androscoggin valley, located here about two years, living in a small frame parsonage of kitchen, bedroom and "buttery" built for him near Daniel Davis's. UNUSUAL PHENOMENA--Thomas J. Wheeler in looking over an old memorandum book found these records: "Red night, January 24, 1837." Big snow storm, 11 inches June 11, 1842." The first phenomenon was of such a nature as to be long held in the memory of those who witnessed it. There appeared to be something in the air which caused the snow to assume a blood-red color for several hours during the first part of the night. J.S. Lary says that he drove the first horse, up the river-road in 1819, that was ever driven in this part of the country. The first house with ornamental outside work was the one now occupied by E.W. Scribner, which was built by Richard Wheeler, the frame being raised July 3, 1849. A "Crooked Mill--About 1849 T.H. Hutchsinson built a curious mill on the "rips" just below Berlin Bridge. Every bend, brace, and other part of machinery or attachment that could be formed from a "natural crook" of timber was formed from one. Even in the boxing around the wheels, in the gates, etc., etc., the same queer whim prevailed, and during its construction the surrounding forests were diligently searched for this peculiar material. The power was produced by an under-shot water-wheel, with not over three or four feet of "head." It contained an "up-and-down" saw, which local tradition says "went up ond day and down the next." The mill became a source of annoyance to the large mill below, and was purchased by its owners and torn town. Wolves were plenty until about 1840, and bears are now numerous. S.D. Blodgett and Cyrus Wheeler killed ten bears in 1885, for which they received $100 bounty. Two bears were killed in town in 1886. HOTELS--The first public house in town was the Berlin Falls House, built by Amos Green in 1831 as a private residence, and opened by James H. Hall as a hotel in 1850, when the railroad excitement and mill building called for accomodations for the numerous persons desiring entertainment. He sold his interest to John Chandler after a brief residence. Mr. Chandler was here for some years; he was followed as landlord by Merrill C. Forist, who built the Mt. Forist House. Daniel Green then obtained the property by the foreclosure of a mortgage, and it has since been his home. The old "bar" has been converted into an alcove library, and nothing remains to indicate that it was even an inn. The Cascade House--Henry F. Marston built a house in 1877, which he opened for a year, then made an addition of several rooms, and opened it as the Whirling Eddy House, changing the name to Cascade House after a while. This he now conducts. Mt. Forist House--Merrill C. Forist purchased the premises of the present Wilson House in 1866, and moved into the small cottage which then stood there. He at once made large additions for hotel purposes, and opened the "Mt. Forist House," which he conducted until his death in 1879, to the satisfaction of the public. S.F. Leighton and H.F. Marston then successively conducted it for a short time, then Mrs. Forist took charge of it until February 1885. In December 1884, she sold the property to A.S. Jewett, of Shelburne, who after a brief service as landlord, leased it to Joseph Chapman. He soon sold his lease to F.W. Foster, who much improved the house and changed the name to Wilson House. He in turn sold to Frank Tibbetts, the present landlord. BURIAL PLAcES--The first death was that of a child (name and age unknown) of "Laskey" Jackson which died January 4, 1826. The first burials were made on the lots of the settlers, and the first we have record of a public burial place is September 15, 1834, when "at a town meeting, the voters agreed to purchase a certain tract of land of Allen Peabody on the east side of the river for a perpetual burying-ground and have it fenced and have said piece of ground contain forty-two square rods, that is to say, seven rods on the road and run six rods back from the road, and give said Peabody two dollars for said piece of land; and said voters agreed to give Fletcher I. Bean the sum of fifteen dollars and twenty-five cents to fence said piece of land with good cedar posts and merchantable boards, with a good gate well hung, all to be done in a workmanlike manner." This is now the "old burying-ground and is opposite the R.H. Wheeler place. The good health of the people did not demand rapid additions to this burial place; but in process of time a new cemetery was deemed necessary, and action was taken by the town about 1873 to provide one. A committee was chosen, of which M.C. Forist was chairman, to select a site of the Androscoggin about one-fourth of a mile south of the old grounds. This is a good selection, and by suitable adornments and labor can be made one of the most beautiful "cities of the dead" in the county. The Catholic society purchased, in the spring of 1887, a lot above the Berlin bridge for a cemetery. SOCIETIES Knights of Pythias--Coos Lodge, No 25 was organized March 11, 1885. [members in the original document not included here]. Pythian Hall, where the regular meetings are held every thursday evening is in the upper story of the Gerrish store, Berlin Falls, and is a model one for beauty, arrangement, and convenience. Present membership about sixty. ENDOWMENT RANK, kniGHTS OF PYTHIAS, No. 805 was organized June 13, 1887 with thirteen members. UNION VETERAN'S UNION--U.S. Grant Post, No. 1 was chartered September 14, 1886 with 24 charter members. This organization includes only soliders who actually did service for three months or more in the field. KNIGHTS OF LAbOR--This body has a large membership, and holds it meetings in the Knights of Labor Hall, in the rear of Hodgdon & Crowell's hardware store in Berlin Falls. SUBORDINATE ASSOcATION, No. 67 - Protective Mutual Relief Assocation was organized under a charter granted July 10, 1883. YOUNG lADIeS CIRCULATING LibRARY--This was founded at Berlin Mills, January 15, 1879 with 25 volumes. It has now a handsome, well-selected stock of between 600 and 700. Mrs. H.E. Oleson, librarian. It is kept over Berlin Mills Company's officers. A SCANDANVIAN LIBRARY AND READING ROOM has been established this year over Berlin Mills Company's offices. This is designed to contain the works of the best Scandanavian authors, and the leading Scandinavian periodicals. H.E. Oleson is entitled to much of the credit of this enterprise. Two French benevolent societies--"St. John the Baptiste," Oliver Lambert president, and "St. Joseph Society." J.O. Poibert, president, are in active operation with good memberships. THE BERLIN LITERARY CLUB was organized in June 1883. Its object is "for the general improvement of its members, either in literary, musical or dramatic culture." Meetings are held weekly at the houses of its members. BERLIN MILLS--The opening of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence R.R. to Berlin threw the great advantages of the enormous water-power of the Androscoggin river into practical availability, and those wise financiers and far-seeing men to whom this railroad owed its existence at once took measures to utilize the falls in the manufacture of lumber. J. B. Brown, Josiah S. Little, Nathan Winslow and Hezekiah Winslow, all of Portland, under firm-name of H. Winslow & Co., erected a mill, in 1852, on the Thomas Green privilege at the head of the falls. This mill contained one gang and two single saws, with a capacity of production of from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 feet of lumber per annum. The river at this point has a fall of seventeen feet, with an estimated power of 20,0000 horses, only a fraction of which has as yet been utilized. In 1855, another gang saw was added. Ths mill was in good operation and had established a demand for its lumber, when the disastrous and widely-sweeping panic of 1857 overwhelmed the business world and carried many large lumbering firms to destruction. Through skillfull management and judicious care, H. Winslow & Co. weathered the storm, although conducting business for some years at a loss of thousands of dollars. This was the critical period of the prosperity of the mills, and once passed, nothing but success has since attended its progress. In 1858 a single saw and a grist-mill were introduced, and in 1860 the first rotary saw was placed in position. From that time to the present many changes have been made, numerous buildings erected, and machinery added, until the plant to-day is one of the largest in Northern New England. Its present production is 140,000 feet of long lumber per day, 30,000 shingles, 10,000 clapboards, 60,000 laths, 10,000 pickets, etc. There are four circular saws a gang and a band saw, three shingle machines, two clapboard machines, lath and picket saws, etc. etc. To attend to the labor the services of from 350 to 375 men are required. The main building is 225 feet by 60 feet in size; but the out-buildings, blacksmith and repair shops, offices, store, houses of operatives, etc., etc., a flourishing village has sprung up, with a beautiful church and parsonage. In the winter season 300 to 400 men are employed in the logging operations in the woods on the upper river. In 1866 the Berlin Mills Company was formed, the members of the company being J.B. Brown, Mrs. Little and Messrs. Clemens, Brigham, and Warren. In 1868 J.B. Brown sold his interest to William W. Brown, subsequently the interest of Clemens, Brigham and Warren were purchased by WIlliam W. Brown and Lewis T. Brown, and that of the Little heirs was transferred to A.I.C. Davis. William W. Brown has shown himself possessed of rare business powers, and stands prominently among the lumber manufacturers of the age. He has taken a fatherly interest in the progress of Berlin, and his financial assistance is always to be relied upon in furtherance of any movement to advance or improve the condition of its people. Lewis T. Brown was for many years the superintendent, and formed an extensive acquaintance in Coos county, and probably no one in this section ever stood higher in the esteem of the leading men. He died in 1886. The firm to-day consists of William W. Brown, Mrs. A.I. C. Davis, the heirs of Lewis T. Brown, J.W. parker and Thomas Edwards. J. W. Parker has charge of the logging operations; H.J. Brown, superintendent; H.E. Oleson, paymaster, is in charge of the store. This "store" is a mammoth affair, conducted with the same system and rivalling in extent of its transactions many metropolitan establishments. There are departments for dry goods, clothing, groceries, hardware, stoves, etc, paints, oils, etc., flour, feed, etc. Berlin Mills postoffice was established in 1881 with J.W. Parker postmaster. L.C. Beattie is the present incumbent. FOREST FIBRE cOMPANY--The large chemical pulp-mill of this company attracts prominently the attention of every visitor to Berlin by its conspicuous location, the prominence and size of the buildings, the thick clouds of smoke rising from the massive smoke-stacks of its furnaces and in the evening by the brilliancy of the electric lights which not only illuminate the large grounds of the plant, but a much larger area. In the manufacture of wood-pulp in this manufactory, the wood used is principally poplar and spruce; the poplar is brought from the surrounding country, and the spruce consists of the slabs and waste product from the saw-mills of the Berlin Mills Company, several hundred yards above, and connected with the pulp-mills by a car track. The logs and sticks, of any and all sizes, are fed into a large hopper and descend upon a set of heavy knives revolving with great rapidity. Here they are speedily converted into the ajoining building, and dropped upon the floor of the mill. THey are then shoveled into iron boilers set beneath the floor, where the chemicals are added, and the chips reduced to pulp by boiling. After coming from the boilers, the pulp is taken to large wooden tanks and passed through heavy rollers, thus straitening out the fibre and removing a large proportion of the water and chemicals. It then passes to the pressing room, where it is made into cheese under a hydraulic pressure of 3,500 pounds to the square inch, after which it is tied up in bags, and ready for the market. The liquid pressed from the pulp is taken to an adjoining building, and the chemicals reclaimed with very little loss (see biography of H.H. Furbish). GLEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY--In June 1885, availing themselves of the grant of exemption made by Berlin to any establishment for the manufacture of wood-pulp, which should be erected on the "great pitch" of the Androscoggin, a number of wealthy Massachusetts capitalists formed the Glen Manufacturing Company, and erected one of the best constructed and equipped pulp and paper-mills in New England, at a cost running into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Building operations were commenced July 4, 1885 and the mill was started in May 1, 1886. The special feature of this mill is the development of power-- 6,000 horse-power being produced under a head of forty feet. Connected with the mill are four pairs of 42 inch horizontal wheels, one 36 inch and 2 24 inch vertical wheels, 16 pulp-grinding machines, 6 64-inch rag-engines, 2 92-inch and one 96-inch paper machines. A large and complete fire service has been provided, consisting of automatic sprinklers, steam and rotary fire pumps, etc. The mill produces 32 tons of ground wood-pulp and 24 tons of roll paper a day, and employs 200 workmen. Seven double tenements are built in 1886 by the company for rent to the employees. The officers are D.L. Hobson of Haverhill, Mass, president, H.M. Knowles of Boston, treasurer; I.B. Hosford of Haverhill, Mass, Manager; H.S. Rice resident agent and superintendent. This mill, in connection with the Haverhill (Mass) Paper Company, furnishes the print paper for the New York Tribune, New York News, Boston Globe, Boston Sunday Herald, besides numerous journals of smaller circulation. It uses in the manufacture of this paper 4,500,000 feet of spruce lumber and 4,000 cords of poplar annually. WHITE MOUNTAIN PULP AND PAPER COMPANY--In September 1883, P. W. Locke purchased a guaranteed 500 horse power near the mouth of Dead river, of Daniel Green, and at once began the erection of a three-ton pulp mill. In December 1883, the White Mountain Pulp and Paper Company was organized with a capital of $40,000. B.S. Gibson of Portland, president; P.W. Locke, treasurer; A. M. Munce, clerk. In 1885 the company more than doubled the capacity of the mill, purchasing additional power sufficient to run it. Additions were mae in 1886 which have increased the capacity to seven tons a day, and gives employment to 30 men. The mill uses about 1,800 cords of poplar and spruce wood per annum, and is lighted at night by forty-one of Edison's incandescent electric lights. In 1886 Benjamin F. Hosford, of Boston, Mass, purchased the interest of Mr. Locke. The present officers (July 1887) are B.F. Hosford, president; A.M. Munce, treasurer, superintendent and clerk. [In August 1887 this mill passed into the hands of the Glen Manufacturing Co. and Charles Porter succeeded Mr. Munce in his offices]. HON. SAMUEL E. PAINE, state senator from Coos county for 1887-88 has been a resident of Berlin for 18 years, and one of the keenest business men. His active life has been mostly passed in Milan and Berlin, and wholesome practical results testify to his business ability. A Democrat in politics, a Universalist in religion, he supports in the most energetic manner anything he deems for the good of the public, which has often called him to positions of trust. The Senator is immensely popular with the masses, and rarely fails to carry his point. He was representative from Berlin in 1877, 1885, 1886. PHYSICIANS--The early physicians were those were were called from a distance. The visits of Dr. John Grover, of Bethel, Me., Dr. O.B. Howe, of Shelburne and Dr. O.M. Twitchell, are remembered by the older citizens are being often made, and furnishing the medical aid of that day. Later Dr. H.F. Wardwell and Dr. T.M. Wright came from Gorham. Finally Dr. Wardwell located here, the first settled physician of Berlin. His practice has been a large one, and with an undiminished clientage, he is to-day as brisk and cheerful, as cordially welcomed to the homes of the suffering, as when he first threw his "pill-bags" over the back of his horse for a trip up the Androscoggin. Dr. F.A. Colby, a young man of cosmopolitan experience and thorough medical knowledge, came here in June 1882, and after a stay of nearly three years, sold his practice, in April 1885 to Dr. F.B. Locke. After two years of residence on the Pacific coast, he returned to Berlin, purchased his practice from Dr. Locke, and permanently located here in February 1887. Dr. J.A. Morris came here from Littleton in 1886. Several French physicians have been attracted here by the large number of that nationality in this vicinity, but none remained long. Dr. J.O. Dutrizac has been in practice since early in 1886, and has a good reputation as a practitioner. LAWYERS--The town has only been recently of sufficient importance to give practice to local lawyers. R.N. Chamberlin was the pioneer, coming here in 1881 (See biography of Bench and Bar). Daniel J. Daley came here in 1885 (See Bench and Bar). ELECTRIC LIGHTS--THrough the public spirit of H. H. Furbish the principal streets and many buildings and residences are now lighted by electricity. MERcANTILE AND bUSINESS HOUSES, June 1887 [list of merchants in 1887 found in original document not included here] ************** BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ************** page 817 DANIEL GREEN, AND THE GREEN FAMILY Daniel Green, son of Thomas-2 and Lydia Fairbanks (Evans) Green, was born in Shelburne, NH December 19, 1808. His father was a native of Reading, Mass., born in 1783 and when a mere lad emigrated with his parents to Albany, then in the District of Maine. Thomas Green-1, grandfather of Daniel, after living a short time on the settlement in Albany, moved to Shelburne, and located on a large tract of land on the east side of the Androscoggin river, where Manson Green now lives. Here he began the struggle of making a productive farm and a comfortable home in the wilderness. His industry and hard labor was in time repaid, he acquired considerable property and at the time of his death, could have bought half of the town. Thomas Green-2 worked on his father's land until he was nearly twenty-one; he then built a small saw-mill on the site of the old Austin grist-mill on Mill brook, Shelburne. This mill had not the requisite capacity to do business to suit the enterprising spirit of Mr. Green, and he located on a farm on the west side of the river, where is now the village of Shelburne. He afterwards went to the wild unsettled town of Errol, built a camp and began to construct a mill, but the loss of his camp and all the money he possessed $800, by fire, necessitated his returning to his farm in Shelburne where he lived about eight years, and by calcualation and economy was enabled to purchase a tract of wild land, which he developed, clearing it in two years, making a large quantity of "black salts," potash and perlash. He was the first man to engage in merchanising in the town of Shelburne, and did a large business furnishing supplies to lumbermen and contractors in quite an area in Maine and New Hampshire. In 1826 he came to the unorganized town of Maynesborough (Berlin) and located at the head of the Falls where the Berlin Mills Co.'s mills are now situated. He raised a large frame for a mill, and had the dam nearly completed, and fine crops were standing on his farm in Shelburne, when the terrible freshet of 1826 destroyed all. These misfortunes only seemed to add an impetus to Mr. Green's natural energy; but unable, on account of his impoverished means, to immediately rebuild and carry out his plans, he went from home, and worked a year to get money for another start. He then returned to Berlin, got out a large quantity of pine logs and frame for another mill. In 1827 he purchased the mill privilege and land at Berlin Falls, and built a house on the site now occupied by the residence of E.W. Scribner, moving his family hither. He then proceeded to erect an up-and-down saw-mill and a grist-mill of one run of stones. This stood back of the store of Hodgdon & Crowell, where is now the pond. About 1835 he moved the grist-mill up the river to a site nearly opposite the present store of C.C. Gerrish & Co., and enlarged it to three runs of stones, and also built the house, now occupied by Dr. Wardwell, for his residence. March 16, 1835 he sold his saw-mill property to Barker Burbank, Dearborn Lary, and John Chandler. In connection with his grist-mill, he sold flour, feed and grain, and kept a stock of groceries for sale at his house. February 1, 1853, he disposed of this mill and property to a Mr. Gower, but occupied the house until after the death of Mrs. Green in March 1853. Mr. Green married, first, Lydia F., daughter of Simeon and Eunice (Hayden) Evans. [Mr. Evans was one of the pioneers of Shelburne, coming here from Foxborough, Mass.]. Their children were Alpha (Mrs. Clovis Lowe) (dec.); Amos, Daniel, Edmund, lives in Stark; Aaron (dec.): Lydia (Mrs. Paul Perkins) (dec.) After the death of his wife, Mr. Green bought a farm in Guildhall, Vt., near the "Lancaster Toll-Bridge." Here he lived a few years, then married Cynthia Stanley, a descendant of Lieut. Dennis Stanley, and purchased a place about one mile from Lancaster village on the east road, residing there until his death in July 1874. Mr. Green had but limited educational opportunities, was a strong, energetic worker, and in various ways did a great work in developing and improving the many resources of this part of the country. In politics he was a Democrat, and a Methodist in his religious affiliations. Daniel Green received the minimum of learning usually afforded the children of pioneers; he inherited, however, sterling traits from his parents, and was early taught one of life's hard lessons: "to learn to labor and to wait." About 1829, he, with his brother Amos, secured a mill-privilege adjoining the saw-mill of their father, and put up a clapboard mill and shingle machine, which they conducted until April 1835, when it was burned, and they sold their privilege on both sides of the river to Burbank, Lary & Chandler, who put up another mill, which they sold to Dexter Wheeler at a later date. In 1845 Daniel Green erected a mill containing a clapboard, shingle and sapping machine on the Ammonusuc, in Berlin, on lot 21, range 3, and carried it on until 1849, when the mill was destroyed by fire, and 1,000 acres of the best timber he possessed. Like his father, losses only seemed to stimulate him to renewed effort to retrieve them, and his next enterprise was to build a mill at the foot of the Cranberry meadow, containing machines for manufacturing boards, shingles, clapboards, piano woo, and a lathe for turning iron, which cost him $10,000. By this time he owned some 5,000 or 6,000 acres of timber land, mostly pine and spruce. August 5, 1859, Mr. Green was compelled to foreclose a mortgage on the large mill of Gower & Wilson, which was valued at $11,000, became its owner, and began business at once, employing men to get out large quantities of spruce and pine, and made into door, blind, and sash material. A large amount had accumulated, and September 4, 1862, this mill and property was consumed by fire, with but $7,000 insurance on the property. June 3, 1869, his mill at Cranberry meadow was burned, with 200,000 feet of fine pine lumber. Here he lost $10,000. His indomitable energy and perservering endeavor continued, and he re-built both mills; the one at the foot of the meadow was destroyed by a freshet before its completion, and the one on the Gower site was burned in the winter of 1882-83. During his business career Mr. Green has owned all the water-power along the Androscoggin at Berlin. The original survey of this section was very poorly done, and any purchaser of land was liable to conflicting claims of title; and any one who has owned so many different tracts of land as Mr. Green could not fail to be drawn into much litigation over lines and boundaries. In 1874 Mr. Green commenced the cultivation of cranberries, and at great cost developed a splendid cranberry meadow of sixty acres which experienced raisers of the fruit valued at $100,000 but owing to the change in the seasons it has lately become almost valueless, as the fruit has not matured early enough to escape frost. In 1876 he first visited Florida, and invested $5,000 in an orange grove at Boardman, Marion county. His plantation now consists of 350 acres, on which is an orange orchard of 4,000 trees. Mr. Green passes his winters in Florida, and superintends his estate. In 1886 A.H. Gerrish and Mr. Green constructed an aqueduct which supplies about 100 families in Berlin Falls with water, besides numerous business houses. Mr. Green is largely interested in real estate here; he owns and rents two stores, and numerous tenaments and dwellings. He has laid out and sold more building lots in Berlin Falls than any other person. The house occupied by him and Sullivan D. was built by his brother, Amos, in 1831. ... Democratic in politics..He represented Berlin six years in the legislature; was town clerk several years, county commissioner three years 1855-58 and selectman for many years.... Quiet, unassuming and affable in his manners, of a kind and social nature, and a believer in the faith of the Universalists, Mr. Green has even tried to do right as the right has appeared to him. He has been a member of North Star Lodge, F. & A. M. for many years. Daniel Green-2 married, August 2, 1831, Polly, daughter of Thomas and Sally (Blodgett) Wheeler (born at Gilead, Me., April 1, 1812, died June 3, 1873). Their descendants are: (1) Sullivan D., born in Berlin, September 4, 1832, married January 11, 1866, Catherine E. Carbary, born in Michigan September 18, 1841. Children: Fred Dexter-3, born December 22, 1867, Detroit, Mich; Carrie Carbary-3 born January 25, 1870, died July 6, 1870, Detroit Mich.; Mary Helen-3, born May 26, 1871 Detroit Mich; Gracie-3 born December 26, 1874, died December 28, 1874 Berlin NH; Harry Daniel-3 born January 2, 1876 Berlin NH; an infant died February 13, 1881, Berlin NH; Theodore Albert-3, born August 4, 1884 Berlin, NH. (2) Lucinda Angelina-2, born December 6, 1834, died September 4, 1873; married 1853 Moses Hodgdon Jr. of Milan NH. Children: Melvin Elmer-3, born Milan NH February 12, 1854; Mary Ella-3 born August 17, 1855, married W. Eugene Richards, went West and have two children; Charles Dexter-3 born November 11, 1856, died May 11, 1862; Daniel G-3, born May 27, 1858, accidentally killed at mill August 10, 1882; John Albert-3, born April 24, 1860; Helen Georgianna-3, born February 24, 1862; Minnie E.-3 born January 24, 1864; Walter F.-3 born January 19, 1866; Moses A-3 born Febuary 19, 1868; Charles Dexter-3, born May 16, 1870; Lewis C.-3 born April 11, 1872. (3) Francis Daniel-2, born January 14, 1837, killed at Fredericksburg VA December 13, 1862 (Co. B 5th NH Vols) married May 2, 1858 Roancy F. BLodgett, born February 19, 1837, Berlin, died after 2d marriage, in Maine. Children: Willie Alfred-3 born May 27, 1859 (?); Francis Herman-3 born August 7, 1861, lifes in Mass. (4) Nancy Berden-2, born September 3, 1839, died October 28, 1860. (5) Charles Volney-2, born December 3, 1841, died June 10, 1864 in hospital at New Orleans (Co. H. 13th Me. Vols) (6) Helen Elizabeth-2, born September 25, 1843, died January 10, 1864, married Emerson Cole 2d, born in Milan NH; Helen Alzinella-3 born Berlin December 28, 1862. (7) Persis Georgianna-2, born January 30, 1847, married Lewis N. Clark, born in Canada October 22, 1847. Children: Saidee F-3 born February 18, 1872; Lewis E.-3 born May 30, 1874, died September 4, 1874; Leon S.-3, born January 2, 1876 died January 21, 1876; Maude H.-3 born October 2, 1877. (8) John Woodman-2 born June 12, 1850, married Fannie E. C. Mason, born in Berlin; Earl S-3 born in Berlin Feburary 14, 1882. AMOS GREEN was one of Berlin's early and energetic business men. He engaged extensively, for that day, in the manufacture of lumber, both alone and with others, and did his full share in building up the early village. He moved to Milan in 1839, put up a new mill on the site of the small one bought of Henry Snow, which was the first one constructed on the Ammonoosuc, continued in business for some years until his active and ambitious nature carried him westward. He put up mills and manufactured lumber, and after a long life of active usefulness, he is now residing in Nevada, aged over eighty years. SULLIVAN DEXTER GREEN, oldest child of Daniel and Polly (Wheeler) Green, was born in Berlin, September 4, 1832, and was one of the first children born in the town. He was brought up from early childhood to work, and even as a child, performed labor equal to a man in different departments of his father's diversified business-- working in saw and grist-mills--rafting and running lumber-- cooking for a gang of men when but twelve years of age--drawing goods from Bethel--anywhere, everywhere, where steady, industrious work was in demand, but with the most circumscribed opportunities for education until he became of age. He desired education...he attended that excellent school, Bethel (Me.) academy, one half of the time for two and one half years. In 1856 he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to avail himself of the advantages of the university there. Here he applied himself to study for eighteen months, and made rapid progress, learning the printer's trade during his vacations. Devotion to his father's interests drew him from Ann Arbor before he had finished his course of study. After a year's stay in Berlin, he returned to Michigan to enter upon a career of usefulness, not financially profitable, but of valuable results, as a publisher of a temperance journal in Detroit, which he conducted for two and one-half years "for nothing, and boarding himself." The pressing need of the government for more troops for the Union army was being responded to with patriotic enthusiasm at that time. Detroit volunteered to raise an extra regiment, which was accomplished in the short space of two weeks. This was the "Twenty-fourth Michigan." August 13, 1862 Mr. Green enlisted as a private in this organization, accompanied his regiment to the front, and was in active service until mustered out June 30, 1865. The regiment reached Washington in a season of great depression... after the battle of Antietam the regiment was attached to McClellans army and came a factor in the famous "Iron Brigade" participating among others in the historic battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Mine Run, etc. Mr. Green was on duty some months in the adjutant-general's office, and, in June 1864, was appointed quartermaster's sergeant, and was in charge of wagon trains. While in the service he was a regular correspondent of the Detroit Free Press, and his letters were so acceptable that after the war he became a member of the local staff of that brilliant paper, with which he was connected for nearly eight years, winning laurels all the way. He has resided in Berlin since 1874, has done good work in many directions... He has been selectman six years, town clerk seven years, and several years a member of the school committee. ------ DEXTER WHEELER, son of Thomas and Sally (Blodgett) Wheeler, was born in Gilead, Me., April 27, 1816, came with his parents to berlin when about ten years old and for more than half a century his labor was a factor in the growth of the town. During his minority he remained at home, but his aspirations for a better education than his father's limited means afforded him, on becoming of age, to start out and endeavor to make his own way in life. Like all New Hampshire boys he knew how to work, and, as every honest workman is worthy of his hire, Dexter Wheeler soon found remunerative employment in Keene and Swanzey, where he labored on the farm in summer, taught school in winter, and by judicious management of his earnings was able to educate himself at the academy at Parsonfield, Me. This education was of great advantage to him in after life in his varied business enterprises and official positions, and fitted him in a more than ordinary way for the discharge of their duties. On his return to Berlin he was employed in the mill, and became a skillful sawyer. In those days only from $6 to $10 per month could be earned in this way; saving as much as possible Mr. Wheeler purchased the Amos Green mill-site, and old clapboard mill at the Falls, where he carried on business until about 1851. He was the station agent at Berlin Falls for several years, and relinquished the position in 1869 to go into merchandising. He admitted G.C. Paine as partner, forming the well-known firm of "Wheeler & Paine," and continued in trade until his death February 7, 1881. He left a reputation of the highest type of New England character, and a well-to-do estate, that in no way tainted or fused with false weights or measures. All workmen employed by Mr. Wheeler had the most implicit faith in his word, and entire confidence in him as man and employer. Mr. Wheeler married December 1847, Elizabeth F., eldest daughter of Moses Hodgdon of Milan. Mrs. Wheeler died in October 1867, and the last fourteen years of his life were passed with his only child and daughter, Sara (Mrs. E.W. Scribner). Here, surrounded by the care and affection of his daughter and grandchildren, he died after a short illness. As town treasurer for 20 years he faithfully perfomed the trusts devolving upon him. He was also selectman several years, and two years (1845, 1846) he was town clerk, selectman and treasurer. He was a Democrat and represented Berlin in the state legislature. -------- REUBEN HOBART WHEELER, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Berlin, who for three-score years had been a resident, whose life was as an open book to those who would read, of whom none could speak words of evil, and all mentioned with respect, died after an illness of four day, April 7, 1885. Mr. Wheeler was the sixth child of Thomas and Sally (Blodgett) Wheeler, and was born in Gilead, Me., on the 20th of April, 1819, and was a sturdy child of seven years, when his father, one of the earliest settlers of Berlin, came into the new, wild and forbidding region in 1826, and hewed out his home in the forest. With the exception of a few brief months' absence at work "down East", Reuben H. Wheeler passed the most of three-score full years in active industry here. Of medium stature, but of strong and sinewy arm, his axe resounded through the primeval forests, and in clearing farms or in the lumber woods he was always active and enterprising, among the foremost of his time. On the 23d of April 1844, he married Daphne, daughter of Hazen and Betsey (Lary) Chandler, who were of the early inhabitants of the town. (Mrs. Chandler is still living at the advanced age of ninety-one years). They had three children, only one of whom, Viola, wife of John W. Greenlaw survives. Hazen C., born September 20, 1847, died August 21, 1878; Ozmon T., born January 8, 1851, died April 21, 1879. These young men were in the prime of the promise of useful lives. Mr. Wheeler at the age of 25 purchased a farm adjoining that cleared and occupied by his father, and now owned by Cyrus Wheeler, his brother; and to this he added from time to time until he had a handsome home property, well improved. He long ago had sufficient of the world's goods to enable him to spent his later years in easte, but his active temperament refused him retirement. He carried on extensive lumber operations in different sections of the county, and was for many years one of the most energetic and successful "drivers" on the Androscoggin and its numerous branches. In 1869 he was the "master workman" of the first drive of logs sent down the Connecticut river. In those days the "drivers" had no carriages to convey them from place to place, no assistants and time-keepers to aid in their arduous duties. In company with his youngest brother, Jonathan Woodman Wheeler, he built the "Jericho Mills" in Berlin, which they carried on for some years when he sold out his share and gave more particular attention to large and valuable timber interests acquired by him in the northeastern portion of the county. He also at one time operated a small lumber mill on a portion of his home farm, and about 1875 erected a starch-mill near his house, which was operated until competition rendered the manufacture unprofitable. He was the owner of a fine orange grove at DeLand, Florida, which was begun and planted by his sons a few years before their decease, and had, in company with his wife, been on a brief visit there, a few weeks before his death. He served as selectman some years, and, as a good Democrat, represented Berlin and Milan in the legislative terms of 1853 and 1854. ---- HENRY HART FURBISH Henry Hart Furbish, son of Dependence H. and Persis H. (Brown) Furbish was born June 3, 1835 in Gray, Me., where for many years his grandfather had conducted one of the largest tanneries in the state. The family removed to Portland when Mr. Furbish was but six months old, and he received the educational advantages of the excellent schools of that city, and was fitted for college. Inheriting business qualities of a high order from his paternal and maternal ancestors, at the age of sixteen he entered the sugar house of J.B. Brown, from whom he recieved the best of training in the supervision of large interests. He was an apt pupil, was made manager in due time, and had held this responsible position for several years when the works were closed in 1870. In 1871 the attention of Mr. Furbish was attracted to the manufacture of wood fibre by the soda process. He conducted experiments for the perfection of this process in New York until 1873, and from 1873 to 1877 was manager of the experimental works at Yarmouth, Me. In July 1877, availing himself of the valuable water-power at Berlin Falls, Mr. Fubish formed the nucleus of the present large operations of the Forest Fibre Company, by starting a small pulp-mill "A" which could manufacture three tons of wood-pulp a day. The capacity was soon increased to six tons, and the industry became a fixed institution, and was the signal of progress and development of the town. The demand for the product became so large that in connection with J.A. Bacon, of Boston, Mr. Furbish, in 1880, erected "Mill B" which has a capacity of about twenty-five tons a day. The Forest Fibre Company has now the largest plant for making chemical fibre in America, if not the world. It furnishes employment to nearly 300 men, and ships its product to paper mills in every section of the United States. This establishment is the pioneer of the many like enterprises which ere long will utilize the waters which now go rolling almost unchecked along the rocky bed of the never-failing Androscoggin. In 1880 Mr. Furbish purchased his residence which is beautifully situated, commanding a fine outlook. On a clear day the summit of Mt. Washington can be seen... Mr. Furbish married, first in September 1856, Harriet A., daughter of Reuben Ordway, of Portland, Me., who died in December 1871. Of their three children, but one, Willard H (born March 4, 1862) survives. He is in business with his father. Mr. Furbish married, second, September 20, 1883, Susan A., daughter of George F. Emery of Portland. THey have one child, Persis E., born June 14, 1884. Mr. Furbish was made a Mason in Atlantic Lodge, Portland, and has taken thirteen degrees in Masonry. He is a Republican in politics, an Episcopalian in religion, a valuable citizen, a prosperous manufacturer, a progressive leader in town improvements, and by his public spirit and large-hearted generosity, proves his belief that he lives not for himself alone. ----------- EUGENE WILLIAM SCRIBNER, eldest son of William P. and Catherine (Burbank) Scribner, was born in Gilead, Oxford county, Me. March 12, 1852. His father was a farmer and lumberman, and a native of Maine. He died in 1862, in Bethel. Mrs. Scribner was a daughter of Gen. James Burbank, a prominent man of Oxford county. His large family of children were all remarkably energetic and brilliant. Prof. Adino J. Burbank was an early school teacher in the Androscoggin valley, and for fourteen years principal of Keene High school; Daniel, another son, was a teacher, and afterwards an able business man in New York. Mrs. Scribner was a woman of great energy and industry, endowed with a brain fertile in resources, and, by her skillfull management of the small property left by her husband, she was able to care for her five fatherless children, and give them a good education. She is now residing in Bethel, Me. Eugene attended the district schools in Bethel, where his father had removed a short time previous to his death, and Gould's academy. He was active, impulsive, generous--a thorough boy,--he was also reliable and faithful to every required duty. At the age of eighteen he came to Berlin and engaged as lumber marker for Berlin Mills Co., and was in their employ for several years in various capacities. In 1876, in company with Capt. L.P. Adley, Mr. Scribner went to California and remained one year as foreman of the Flume and Lumber Company, Nevada City. He then came back to Berlin, with the intention, however, of returning to the "Golden Land" but his plans were changed by the force of circumstances. For some years thereafter he carried on carpentering and painting in Berlin. In 1883, in connection with H.H. Abbott, he formed the mercantile house of Scribner & Noyes. For quite a number of years Mr. Scribner was in the real estate business in Florida, for sometime connected with Hon. John G. Sinclair, and now owns a young orange grove near Orlando, with other valuable unimproved property. He married, October 25, 1871, Sara E., daughter of Dexter and Elizabeth F. (Hodgdon) Wheeler. She is a lady of culture and refinement, of strong character, a worthy daughter of her honored father. Their children are Claude Dexter, Leona (dec.) and Isola Genieve. Democrat in politics, he has often been a delegate to state, councillor and other conventions; was a member of the State Democratic Central Committee in 1886.. he was a selectman of Berlin in 1878 and 1878, and chairman of the board in 1880. He has served in several minor town offices including moderator. In 1882 he recieved the nomination of county commissioner. In 1884 he was elected to his second term as county commissioner, and became chairman of the board, his term of office expiring July 1, 1887. He is a member of Abraham Lodge, I.O.O.F. Bethel, Me. and Mt. Pleasant Encampment, Bridgeton, Me. He belongs to Gorham Lodge Gorham, North Star Chapter and North Star Commandery, Lancaster, F. & A. M. and is a member of Coos Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Berlin of which he was a charter member. (end)