and upon finishing his education he entered his employ. But at the end of two years he left to learn the trade of machinist at the Amoskeag machine shop. Later he went to work at the Manchester Locomotive works, where he remained until 1872. The increasing business of his father now attracted him hither, and a partnership was formed under the name of J. Truesdale & Son, which continued until the death of the parent, October 18, 1891 The firm did a large business in trunks and bags, both retail and wholesale, but upon the decease of his father William limited his business to the wholesale trade. The disastrous fire of February 7, 1892, which destroyed the Varick block, ruined his stock. Obliged to seek new headquarters he moved to commodious rooms in the building near the passenger station, of the Everett Knitting works. About this time he invented a wall trunk that was received with great favor.

In politics Mr. Truesdale was a Republican, being an active worker in his party. He was honored with two elections to the State Legislature from Ward 4, 1890-2 and 1892-4, his popularity was shown by the large vote accorded him at both elections. He was an honorary member of the Captain Joseph Freschl post, G. A: R. He became a member of the Manchester Historic Association on September 18, 1901, and had he lived would doubtless have been a valuable member, as he was greatly interested in historical matters. He died after a short illness of heart difficulty, January 8, 1902, is survived by a wife and two sons, Albert C. and Edward, and a daughter, Genevieve R. One sister also outlives him, Mrs. James S. Wilde, of Kobe, Japan. In personal appearance he was a man of medium height, slender build, active in his movements, having a genial nature and the many good qualities which help form an upright character. V. S. C.

LUTHER S. PROCTOR.

LUTHER STOWELL PROCTOR was born January 2, 1835, and died March 1, 1902. His paternal ancestors were English,

coming to America from England in 1635 and settling in Ipswich, Mass. His grandfather came to Londonderry, now Derry, and in 1806 his father, John Proctor, bought the land bordering on the shores of Lake Massabesic and built the house, which is now the Proctor homestead and where he was born and always lived. Like most boys of those days his early education was acquired principally during the winter mouths and a part of the time his teacher was the late William E. Moore, who was about the same age as many of his pupils.

Mr. Proctor was most thoroughly a home man and did not care for public or political life to any extent, though he served as Representative to the State Legislature for two years, 189697. In his early days, and later on in middle life, he was engaged quite extensively in the wood and lumber business, but during the last few years of his life ill health prevented him from getting out of doors very much during the winters. His father's farm comprised nearly all of what is now Youngsville, and he was known as the largest land owner in that vicinity. Several acres of this patrimony bordering on the shores of Lake Massabesic were purchased of Luther by the city of Manchester in 1896, when the latter obtained possession of the land as far as possible along the lake in order to protect the water supply.

Mr. Proctor always attended the First M. E. church and often told how he together with other boys and girls took a short cut through the woods back of the Huse homestead, always with their shoes hung over their shoulders till in sight of the church, when they would put them on and attend church in proper attire. When the old house was moved and remodelled, he still retained his pew which was the property of his father before him, as it was then the custom to own and not hire church pews. He was one of the earliest members of Amoskeag Grange and a constant attendant at the meetings until within a few years, and was treasurer for several years.

He also belonged to the Old Resident's Association and was one of the most interested and active members at the Semi

Centennial celebration in 1896. His excellent memory enabled him to recall the old residents, nearly all of whom he knew, although many were years older than himself.

In stature he was a large man, tall and well proportioned, and weighed about 225 pounds. These proportions he inherited from his maternal ancestors. He possessed a remarkable memory, and many an amusing anecdote would be related by him concerning some of the early settlers around Lake Massabesic and Webster's mills. He became a member of the Manchester Historic Association September 18, 1901. In his de cease the society lost one who was ever interested in historical matters and the community a citizen of sterling worth.

JOSEPH R. WESTON.

G. W. B.

JOSEPH R. WESTON was born in Goffstown February 27, 1842, and was the son of Samuel S. and Roxanna Weston. His father and his grandfather were village blacksmiths, but the subject of our sketch looked to another trade for his calling. Upon finishing a course in the school of his native town Joseph attended the Spring Street school in this city. Upon leaving school, after working for a time in the sash and blind shop of Jeremiah Austin at Goffstown, he entered the employment of his brother Alonzo as clerk in the latter's clothing store in this city. Later on he worked for the dry goods merchant, William Putney, and then for Mr. Otis Barton. He next launched into business for himself in partnership with his brother Samuel in Mercantile block. His brother soon after dying, he conducted his store alone for a time, when he admitted Mr Charles Senter as a partner. On August 28, 1875, he opened a store on the site now occupied by the Pickering building, and advertised it as "Joe Weston's New Dry Goods Store." This became a decided success, and in February, 1880, he admitted to partnership in his flourishing business Mr. James W. Hill, one of his clerks. Upon the completion of the Pembroke block this firm removed there in April, 1891, where they conducted a successful business. In 1897 he sold out his interest to his partner

and retired to devote his time to looking after his investments in real estate. Quoting from the source from which we draw most of our information: "Mr. Weston's sagacity and ability as a business man were clearly demonstrated by his careful attention to details and the systematic manner in which all of his business transactions were entered upon. He is said to have been able to tell at a moment's notice just how his affairs stood. He was a man of energy and perseverance, characteristics which were displayed in all of his undertakings. He was very fond of outdoor sports."

Mr. Weston was an attendant upon the Universalist church. He belonged to the Masonic fraterntty, being a member of the Washington lodge, October 3, 1871, Mt. Horeb Royal Arch chapter November 13, 1872, Adoniram council February 3, 1873, and Trinity Commandery March 21, 1873. He became a member of the Manchester Historic Association in September, 1901.

His decline in health began with injuries received by being struck by an electric car near the corner of Elm and Bridge streets a little over a year before his death on March 28. He is survived by a wife, Mrs. Helen (Fitts) Weston, and a daughter, Mrs. Grace Johnson of Nashua, and a son, Fred M. Weston of New York city. One brother, Alonzo H., of this city, and one sister, Mrs. Anna Kimball of Bradford, Mass., also outlive him. The funeral was conducted at his late home on Salmon street under the auspices of the Knights Templar, and the body borne to rest in Pine Grove cemetery.

MRS. CLARISA P. HERRICK.

C.

The subject of this memoir was one of the early members of the Historic Association, and continued to manifest an interest in its work as years passed.

Mrs. Herrick's ancestry was of the old colonial stock, and all its family traditions and associations centered around the events of the Revolution.

The birth date of our subject was September 8, 1824, when her father's family resided in New Boston on a farm received