over the Democratic candidate, the late Chief-Justice Samuel D. Bell. He
was re-elected in 1863, over Col. John H. George, and in 1865 over Hon.
Lewis W. Clark, now associate justice of the supreme court. Mr.
Rollins's congressional career covered the exciting period of the late
civil war, and subsequent reconstruction, and he was throughout a
zealous supporter of the most advanced Republican measures, such as the
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and the thirteenth and
fourteenth amendments to the constitution, abolishing slavery throughout
the Union, conferring citizenship and civil rights upon colored men,
fixing the basis of representation in congress upon all citizens,
without regard to color or previous condition, imposing political
disabilities upon such civil and military officers of the government as
had violated their oaths by engaging in the rebellion, declaring the
inviolability of the public debt, and prohibiting forever the payment of
that incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United
States. To this entire policy Mr. Rollins gave a most earnest support,
and took part zealously and efficiently in all the important legislation
of those days. He was an industrious member of the committees to which
he was assigned, serving on the committee on the District of Columbia,
as chairman of the committee on Accounts, and a member of the committee
on Public Expenditures, by which latter committee, during his service, a
vast amount of labor was performed, especially in the investigation of
the management of the New York and Boston custom-houses, involving the
operations of the "blockade runners" during the war. He was also, on
account of his well known parliamentary knowledge and skill, frequently
called to the chair to preside over the house on turbulent occasions.
In view of Mr. Rollins's subsequent intimate connection with the Union
Pacific Railroad Company, it is proper to remark that in congress he was
a firm opponent of, and voted against, the measure adopted in July,
1864, doubling the land grant of this company, and making the government
security a second instead of a first mortgage upon the road. In 1869 he
was chosen secretary and assistant treasurer of the Union Pacific
Railroad, having for some time previous, after the expiration of his
congressional service, acted as agent of the company at Washington in
the transaction of business with the government, especially in receiving
the subsidy bonds. In 1871 he was elected secretary and treasurer, and
officiated as such in the office of the company at Boston until March,
1877, though retaining his residence at Concord, and devoting
considerable attention to New Hampshire politics. He had, after retiring
from congress, been again called to the chairmanship of the state
committee, and served from 1868 to 1871, inclusive, with his usual
ability and success. As chairman of the committee, and _ex officio_
commander-in-chief of the Republican forces in New Hampshire for ten
years, he was a tireless worker,--the very incarnation of energy and
persistent industry. He had a genius for political organization and
warfare. His vigor and magnetism surmounted all obstacles and swept away
all opposition. His enthusiasm was contagious. Undaunted by suggestions
of danger or defeat, he inspired all around him with his own indomitable
courage and spirit. This was the secret of his extraordinary power, as
it ever is in the world's affairs, and made him master of every field
where he contended.
Mr. Rollins's name was presented by his friends for United States
senator in 1866, when Hon. James W. Patterson was nominated and elected;
in 1870, when Senator Cragin was re-elected; and again, in 1873, when
the choice fell upon Hon. Bainbridge Wadleigh. At the expiration of
Senator Cragin's second term, in 1879, Mr. Rollins was nominated by the
Republican caucus, and elected as his successor for the full term of six
years, commencing in March, 1877. He took his seat in the senate at the
extra session, in the spring of 1877, and was assigned to the committees
on the District of Columbia, Contingent Expenses, and Manufactures,
being for a time chairman of the latter. He is now a member of the
committee on Naval Affairs, on the District of Columbia, on Retrenchment
and Reform in the Civil Service, on Enrolled Bills, and is chairman of
the committee on Public Buildings and Grounds. As a senator, he has
exhibited constantly his peculiar traits of industry, energy, and
fidelity to duty. Engaging in debate less than some other senators, and
never parading before the country for effect, he yet speaks on all
proper occasions, and always to the business in hand, and with
characteristic force, point, and effectiveness. He is seldom absent from
his seat, responds to every roll-call, and but few questions have arisen
since his service began on which his vote is not recorded. It is a
noteworthy fact, that during more than five years' service in the senate
he has been absent but two days when both branches of congress were in
session, and then was sick in bed with malarial fever. No senator has a
clearer or cleaner record in this respect. His devotion to his state and
constituents is very marked. Every letter is answered, every call
responded to, and every New Hampshire man dwelling in or visiting
Washington is treated by him with courtesy, and his business with the
government carefully attended to and furthered by his active assistance.
Among the measures of special interest to the people of New Hampshire,
in which he has taken a leading part, are those for the relief of
savings banks from national taxation, and appropriations for the
improvement of Cochecho, Exeter, and Lamprey rivers. No senator in the
chamber gives more assiduous attention to the work of the committees,
where measures are matured, or has a more useful influence upon general
legislation; and his friends feel a just pride in the fact that in a
somewhat venal and very suspicious age his name is untainted by any
schemes of corruption or jobbery, or scandals touching the use of public
money.
Such are the outlines of Mr. Rollins's conspicuous public career. His
influence may be truly summarized by saying that during the last
twenty-five years no man in New Hampshire has been more prominently
known in the politics of the state, and well informed men in all parties
concede that the Republican party owes more, for its almost unbroken
successes in the closely contested elections from 1856 to the present
time, to his labors, in the committee, in congress, and before the
people, than to those of any other man.
Mr. Rollins was active in the organization of the First National Bank at
Concord, a large stockholder, and a member of the first board of
directors, but withdrew and disposed of his stock some time since. He
sold his drug business at Concord to his brother, John F. Rollins, many
years ago, when his congressional and other duties required his entire
attention. The latter, also, has since disposed of the business, and now
resides upon Fort George island, at the mouth of St. John's river, on
the coast of Florida, of which Senator Rollins is the proprietor. This
island is a most romantic locality, and is the subject of a very
interesting illustrated sketch in _Scribner's Magazine_, by Julia B.
Dodge. It embraces twelve hundred acres of land, and is admirably
adapted to orange-raising, and is under cultivation for that purpose.
The climate is delightful, far superior to that of the main land, and
Mr. John F. Rollins, by a long residence there, finds his health much
improved.
Mr. Rollins was united in marriage, February 13, 1849, with Miss Ellen
E. West, daughter of John West, of Concord. Her mother, Mrs. West, was
the daughter of Gen. John Montgomery, a prominent citizen of Haverhill,
well known in public affairs. To this union there have been born five
children: Edward W., born November 25, 1850; Mary Helen, September 4,
1853; Charles Montgomery, February 27, 1856; Frank West, February 24,
1860; Montgomery, August 25, 1867. The second son, Charles Montgomery,
died at the age of five years. The other children survive. The eldest
son, Edward W., is a graduate of the Institute of Technology at Boston,
and was for five years the engineer and cashier of the Colorado Central
Railroad. He is married, and now engaged in business as a banker in
Denver, Col. Mary Helen, the only daughter, is married to Henry
Robinson, a lawyer, and prominent member of the present legislature, and
resides in Concord. Frank W., the second surviving son, after
prosecuting a three years' course at the Institute of Technology,
attended the Harvard Law School, and is now about completing his legal
studies in the office of Hon. John Y. Mugridge, at Concord. Montgomery,
the youngest son, is fitting for college. It will thus be seen that Mr.
Rollins believes in practical education for his sons.
Retaining his home in Concord, where he has always lived the greater
portion of the year, Mr. Rollins has for several years past had his
summer home at the old place in Rollinsford, where he was reared, and
which came into his possession after the death of his father in 1864.
Here he has made many improvements, and brought the land into a superior
state of cultivation. He thoroughly repaired and remodeled the house
some six years ago, and made it a very attractive summer residence. In
the spring of 1881, however, while he was absent in Washington, the
house and all the buildings on the farm, with most of their contents,
were completely destroyed by fire. Without delay, Mr. Rollins proceeded
to rebuild, and has erected a very large and finely appointed barn and
stable, with carriage-house, ice-house, and other buildings; and a fine
house, on the old site, is very near completion. The house is in the
Queen Anne style, most conveniently arranged, and finished principally
in hard native woods, with ornamental fire-places, elaborately carved
fire-frames, and frescoed ceilings. It is heated by steam and lighted by
gas, has hot and cold water conveniences, spacious halls, and is fitted
up with every modern improvement. In a few weeks it will be ready for
occupation, and will be one of the most beautiful dwellings in this
region, combining all the substantial conveniences of a farm-house, and
an elegant home for summer and winter, also. The place is located but
little more than a mile from the city of Dover, where Mr. Rollins goes
for post-office and other business accommodations, so that in the summer
time he is regarded as a Dover citizen. Telephonic communication has
been established between his house and the telegraph office in Dover.
Mr. Rollins's mother is still living, at an advanced age, at her old
home, and her youngest daughter, Miss Elizabeth W. Rollins, resides with
her.
In religious faith, Mr. Rollins was reared a Congregationalist, and when
in Rollinsford he attends worship at the old First Parish church in
Dover, where Rev. Dr. Spalding officiates. Mrs. Rollins is an
Episcopalian, and in Concord the family attend upon the services of the
St. Paul's Episcopal church.
He has long been a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Blazing Star
Lodge, Trinity Chapter, and Mt. Horeb Commandry, at Concord, of which he
has been eminent commander.
Mr. Rollins is very fond of agricultural pursuits, and works on his farm
in the haying and harvesting seasons, with great benefit to himself
physically. Though constitutionally not very strong, and of a highly
nervous temperament, his excellent personal habits, his rural tastes and
simplicity of life, have enabled him to do a prodigious amount of work
without suffering anything beyond an occasional derangement of health,
always restored by relaxation from official duties, and physical labor
on the farm, where he was wont to take similar exercise in boyhood. He
is now in the full vigor and strength of his powers, and may reasonably
look forward to many years more of active usefulness to the state and
nation.
[Illustration: Natt Head]
GOV. NATT HEAD.
NATT HEAD is of Welsh and Scotch ancestry. John and Nathaniel Head,
brothers, emigrated from Wales and settled in Bradford, Mass.
Subsequently they removed to Pembroke. Although of Welsh birth, they
were thoroughly English in their views and general characteristics, as
tradition and other testimony amply prove. Nathaniel, the
great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, became an influential
and patriotic citizen of his adopted town. Early in the period of
trouble with the mother country he was selected by the members of the
committee of safety in Pembroke to go through that town and hunt up and
make a list of the Tories. Hostilities having been inaugurated, he
enlisted in the military service, and served with fidelity and bravery
throughout the war. After the return of peace he became actively
identified with the state militia, and rose to the command of the third
brigade. He represented the town of Pembroke in the legislature.
Gen. Head had three sons, of whom Nathaniel, born in Bradford, Mass.,
March 6, 1754, was the grandfather of Gov. Natt Head. When a young man
the son paid his addresses to Miss Anna Knox, daughter of Timothy Knox,
of Pembroke. She was of Scotch-Irish blood, and one day, as the father
and son were plowing, the former remarked, "Nathaniel, do you intend to
marry that Irish girl?" The son respectfully but emphatically answered
in the affirmative; whereupon the father added, "Then, understand, you
can never share in my property." Young Nathaniel's answer was: "Very
well; I will take care of myself." And, in accordance with his
declaration, he dropped the goad-stick, and in a few hours left the
paternal roof to take up a farm in the wilderness and build a home. The
father made good his threat, and at his death Nathaniel received one
dollar and his brothers the remainder of the property. Nathaniel located
in that portion of Chester now Hooksett, and, building a log house,
carried to it Anna Knox, his wife. The site of the primitive cabin was
the identical spot where Gov. Head's beautiful residence now stands. As
would be expected, the young man, who with no fortune but strong arms
and a stout heart had the bravery and determination to establish his
forest home, soon rose to position and influence. The report of the
battle of Lexington made him a soldier at once, and the record shows him
to have been a second lieutenant in the ninth company of volunteers from
New Hampshire at Winter Hill, in the cold season of 1775-76; ensign in
Capt. Sias's company, Col. Nichols's regiment, in the expedition to
Rhode Island in 1778; and captain in Col. Reynold's regiment in 1781.
Returning to his home, he added to the pursuit of agriculture the
establishment and operation of a lumber-mill. He was early commissioned
a justice of the peace, and held frequent courts, at the same time
performing a large amount of probate business, including the settling of
many estates, while his acknowledged sense of justice and marked
integrity often caused him to be chosen arbiter in important questions
of dispute in the neighborhood. With the close of the war, his martial
ardor was not extinguished, and he became prominently connected with
the state troops,--the old roster showing him to have been a brigade
inspector, and also colonel of the Eleventh Regiment.
Col. Nathaniel Head, Jr., had nine children, the seventh, John, born May
30, 1791, being the father of the subject of this sketch. He remained at
the old homestead, and after arriving at manhood was associated with his
father in the work of the farm and the mill, and after his death
succeeded to the estate by purchasing the interests of the other heirs.
The military spirit again appears in John Head, who rose to the rank of
lieutenant-colonel of the Seventeenth Regiment.
Col. Head married Miss Anna Brown, whose home was near his. Before her
union with him she was a school-teacher, and a woman of great energy and
executive ability. She was a member of the Pembroke Congregational
church, and took a deep interest in the religious and educational
affairs of her neighborhood. She was a grand-daughter of William Brown,
one of the three brothers who came from Scotland and settled in the
upper part of Chester, near what is now Suncook. Her father, William
Brown, was a sea captain, who made numerous voyages around the world.
Captain Brown's sister married Ezekiel Straw, grandfather of Gov.
Ezekiel A. Straw, of Manchester, making the latter a second cousin of
Gov. Head. The three Brown brothers already mentioned were men of
ability, and had high family connections across the Atlantic. Their
English coat of arms was the "hawk and the bird" the design showing the
former diving towards, and in the act of catching, the latter. On the
maternal side, Gov. Head's great-aunt, Betsey Brown, daughter of Rev.
Joseph Brown, M. D., of the Church of England, married the distinguished
Hon. Samuel Livermore, of Holderness, who was chief-justice of the
superior court of judicature.
Mrs. John Head had four brothers, one of whom, Hon. Hiram Brown, was the
first mayor of Manchester, and now resides at Falls Church, Va. By the
death of Col. Head, August 7, 1835, the widow was left in the management
of a large and valuable property, to which was added the care of her
family. All those responsible duties she discharged with great fidelity
and conscientiousness until her death, which occurred April 3, 1849. She
left five children, of whom four are now living. They are Mrs. Hannah
A., widow of the late Col. Josiah Stevens, Jr., of Manchester; Natt,
born May 20, 1828. John A., of Boone county, Io., and William F.,--the
latter the business partner of Gov. Head.
The picturesquely located home farm of three hundred acres is owned by
Natt and William F. Head. It extends from the house to the Merrimack
river, and follows the same for the distance of half a mile, embracing
many acres of the fertile intervale lands of that stream. The farm is
particularly adapted to grass, and yields about two hundred and fifty
tons of hay annually. There are kept on it one hundred head of neat
stock and thirty horses. In addition to the homestead, the brothers own
large tracts of outlying wood and pasture lands. The lumber operations
which were begun by Col. Nathaniel Head have assumed large proportions
in the hands of his descendants. Under the firm name of Head & Dowst, in
Manchester, the brothers do a heavy lumber and building business. On the
home farm are the famous Head clay banks, where some eight million or
more of brick are produced each year. The firm employs, in Hooksett,
from seventy-five to one hundred men.
Gov. Head had the advantages of the common school and of the Pembroke
Academy. His room-mate at the latter was Mark Bailey, now a professor at
Yale College, and between whom a close friendship has since existed.
Being only seven years of age when his father died, he soon learned to
assist his mother in managing the work of the farm and the mill; and to
such an experience, joined with her kindly influence, may be attributed
the formation of those principles of character which led to the eminent
success that he achieved in later years in business and in political
life. After the death of his mother, he settled the estate, and with his
brother William bought out the other heirs and formed a joint
partnership, under the firm name of Natt & W. F. Head, that has
continued to the present time,--there never having been any division of
their income, or of the large amount of property that they own. On the
score of integrity and promptness in meeting every business obligation,
it will not be invidious to say that no firm in the state has a higher
standing.
From boyhood allied to agriculture, Gov. Head's interest in it has never
diminished, notwithstanding the many military and civil honors that came
to him in later life. For five years he was a director, and for eleven
years the president, of the New Hampshire State Agricultural Society, an
officer of the Merrimack County Association, a trustee of the New
England society since its organization, and an ex-trustee of the New
Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts at Hanover. For
many years he has been a popular speaker at agricultural fairs and
farmers' meetings. While president of the state society he inaugurated
the first farmers' convention ever held in New England, and which called
out many of the ablest agricultural speakers in the country.
Inheriting military taste and enthusiasm from three generations, we find
him following in the footsteps of patriotic and distinguished ancestors.
He was one of the active spirits in the formation, and was one of the
first member, of the famous Hooksett Light Infantry, which was a crack
company in the old state forces. September 1, 1847, he was commissioned
drum-major of the Eleventh Regiment, third brigade, first division, of
the state militia, and served four years. He was an original member of
the famous Governor's Horse-Guards, and drum-major and chief bugler
during the existence of the corps. He was a charter member and four
years commander of the Amoskeag Veterans, of Manchester; is an honorary
member of the Boston Lancers, and is a member, an ex-sergeant, of the
Ancient and Honorable Artillery, of Boston. He was chief on the staff of
Gov. Joseph A. Gilmore, and is an honorary member of several other
military organizations. The Head Guards, of Manchester, one of the
oldest companies under the present militia system, was named in his
honor.
In this connection it may be stated that when the Soldiers' Asylum near
Augusta, Me., was burned, Gov. Head was appointed to the charge of that
institution during the illness of the deputy-governor, and subsequently
rebuilt the establishment. He had previously, as a contractor, built
several miles of the Concord & Portsmouth Railroad between Suncook
and Candia, and also the road-bed and bridges from Suncook to Hooksett,
and the branch line from Suncook to Pittsfield.
In early life he was elected to various town offices; was commissioned a
deputy-sheriff, and was a representative in the legislature from
Hooksett in 1861 and 1862.