Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 2.djvu/348

 3 2 4

��HON. JAMES A. WESTON.

��as the City Water Works, by which the city is furnished with an abundant sup- ply of the purest water from Lake Massabesic, — a supply equal to the ne- cessities of a city of four times the present population of Manchester, and consequently ample for all demands of the future, — owes its inception and its successful organization largely to his individual efforts. There had been for some time previous much agitation of the question of a new and increased water supply for the city, and various surveys and estimates had been made — Gov. Weston himself having been engaged therein, and during the year 187 1, while he was at the head of the municipal government, the matter cul- minated and took shape in definite action. Actively instrumental in secur- ing the legislation necessary to allow the prosecution of the work by the city government, he became chairman of the board of commissioners estab- lished to have charge of the work, by virtue of his office as Mayor, and through this position, and his sound judgment, practical knowledge as an engineer, and deep interest in the en- terprise, he gave careful direction as well as strong impetus to the prelimi- nary work, which insured at an early day the establishment and successful oper- ation of the noble system of water supply with which the city of Man- chester is so happily favored.

Gov. Weston has been intimately various other public native city, and was milding committee of the soldiers' monument, now just com- pleted, and about to be dedicated with imposing ceremonies. In 1871, while Governor, he was appointed a member of the New Hampshire Centennial Commission, of which body he was chairman, and in the following year was appointed by Congress a member of the Centennial Board of Finance. His efforts were second to those of no other man in the state in promoting the excellence of the New Hampshire exhibit, and the general success of the exposition.

��connected with enterprises in his chairman of the 1

��In his profession as a civil engineer Gov. Weston occupies the highest rank, and his sendees have been largely in demand in making important sur- veys. He surveyed proposed routes for the Manchester and Keene, Monad- nock, Concord and Pittsfield, and Low- ell and Windham railroads, and has made surveys and estimates for water works for various towns and cities. When the city of Concord decided upon the establishment of water works and the introduction of water from Lake Penacook he was selected as chief engineer, and carried out the work with eminent success

Notwithstanding the extent of his professional and public official labors he has begn and is now actively and prominently connected with impor- tant business interests. He is one of the trustees of the Amoskeag Savings Bank, and has recently been chosen president of the City National Bank. He is the treasurer of the Suncook Valley Railroad, and a director and clerk of the Manchester Horse Railway, of which enterprise he was an active projector. He is also, and has been from its organization, vice-president and managing director of the N. H. Fire Insurance Company, and to his practical judgment the remarkable prosperity of that corporation is largely due.

Faithful and zealous in the discharge of all official duties, governed by the strictest integrity in all his business connections, his relations in social and private life correspond harmoniously therewith, and justify and increase the general esteem in which he is held. His residence, at the corner of Maple and Myrtle streets, combines the ele- ments of modesty, comfort and taste, and is indeed the abode of a happy home circle, as well as the scene of much social enjoyment. Five inter- esting children grace this pleasant home : Grace Helen, born July 1, 1866; James Henry, July 17, 1S6S ; Ed- win Bell, March 15, 1871 ; Annie Mabel, September 26,1876; Charles Albert, Nov. 1. 1878.

�� �