Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 1.djvu/12

 OUR GOVERNOR ELECT.

��years since, has, under its earnest and vigorous management, already acquired an honorable position among kindred as- sociations, and has at its headquarters at Contoocookville a rare and extensive col- lection of antiquities. About a year ago Mr. Prescott was made a member of the Royal Historical Society of London, an honor which no other citizen of New Hampshire enjoys. The attention of the Society having been attracted to him, un- doubtedly, through his extensive corres- pondence with officers and members, while engaged in the work of securing for the State the portraits of those who figured conspicuously in its early history, which, together with those of the celeb- rities of later years, most of which were also obtained through his instrumental- ity, constitute a collection of rare interest and great historical value. In making this collection for the State House, Mr. Prescott has labored with a disinter- rested perseverance seldom equalled, overcoming serious obstacles in many in- stances, and the success which has crowned his efforts, while a source of honest pride to every citizen of the State, has redounded to his own credit and the esteem in which he is held by the public.

As we have said, Mr. Prescott has spent much time and labor upon his farm, bringing it under a superior state of cultivation. He has added largely to the original homestead, and has now about three hundred acres of land, making, al- together, one of the largest, as it is one of the best, farms in the town. Its chief products are fruit, corn, hay and neat stock. Of the former, several hun- dred barrels of choice varieties are pro- duced annually. When at home Mr. Prescott is, even now, often found in the field or the woods at work with the men, and few there are who can compete with him in any branch of farm labor. His love of Agriculture and practical knowl- edge of its requirements fits him in a high degree for the position to which he was appointed by Gov. Weston in 1874 as a member of the Board of Trustees of the State Agricultural College.

Upon the same spot occupied by the old family dwelling, Mr. Prescott erected in 1875, an elegant modern residence,

��which is thoroughly and tastefully fin- ished throughout, and furnished in a cor- responding manner, with an aim to gen- uine home comfort and a certain degree of luxury. A choice library, rare paint- ings, curiosities and relics, gratify and illustrate the taste of the owner, and all the surroundings are pervaded with an air of refinement and prosperity seldom witnessed, yet most delightful to contem- plate. The locality itself is one of the most pleasant and picturesque to be found in the region. In short, every- thing combines to make the home of the Governor-elect the abode of comfort and true enjoyment. Here his accomplished wife, formerly Miss Mary L. Noyes, daughter of Jefferson Noyes, Esq., of Concord, with whom he was united in June, 1869, presides with true womanly dignity and grace, while his beloved mother, whose devoted affection for her only child is fittingly supplemented by her just pride in his successful career, is a cherished member of the household.

Mr. Prescott is of commanding person- al appearance, standing about six feet in height, with a large frame and full de- velopment. He has a fresh and ruddy complexion, showing the free circulation that comes of perfect bodily health. His clear hazel eyes look you frankly in the face, while his dark hair and beard, which he wears full but well trimmed, are ting- ed with gray. His mental organization is as fresh and vigorous as his physical, with a marked development of the per- ceptive powers, giving him the ready judgment of men, which has contributed in no small degree to his success. In his manners he is thoroughly democratic, meeting all as equals, and with a charm- ing courtesy which puts one immediately at ease, and his popularity in the social circle is as great as in public life. In re- ligion, while his sympathies are with what is known as the liberal element, he contributes alike to the support of the different denominations in his town.

Just in the prime and vigor of life, and having attained a distinction which few at his age have reached, our Governor- elect may consistently look forward to a lengthy future career of honor and use- fulness.

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