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��THE GRANITE MONTHLY.

��ester Railroad, assisted in its organiza- tion, and ever since has been one of its directors.

In 1 87 1, Mr. Burley entered into partnership with Hon. Samuel Plum- er Dow and carried on extensive lumber operations, until the death of Mr. Dow, in 1874. His present part- ner is Col. Winthrop N. Dow, of Ex- eter. During the winter of 1882-3. the firm operate five steam saw-mills. and are contracting to deliver five million feet of lumber during the year. The general supervision of this work devolves upon each partner. Aside from his multifarious business cares. such is Mr. Burley's reputation for sagacity and inflexible honor that he is called upon as trustee and guardian to protect the rights of widows and minor children, to advise his more or less intimate friends in the thousand and one perplexing questions contin- ually arising in every day life, to settle disputes as a referee, and as justice of the peace, to act as 'squire for all the country 'round. Acting upon ma- ture deliberation, rather than upon im- pulse, Mr. Burley has been a safe ad- viser, and a successful business man. Still in the prime of life, great possi- bilities are before him.

POLITICS.

His last vote with the Democratic party was cast in the presidential elec- tion of 1856. Since then he has acted with the Republican party, and in its councils has had great local influence. He has frequently been the standard bearer of his party in the town elec- tions, and has gracefully borne defeat on many occasions, biding his time and hoping for better results. In 1879 ne was elected county commissioner for Rockingham county, is chairman of the board, and is about entering upon

��his third term. At present he is one of the selectmen of Epping, and was chosen at the last election to rep- resent his town in the state legislature.

CONCLUSION.

Mr. Burley is a member of the Uni- versalist church of Nottingham, but is liberal toward all Christian denomina- tions. He " believes in showing his faith by his works : and in all the va- rious departments of his extended business he has shown rare executive ability and far-reaching sagacity. His great success has been the natural re- sult of his quick comprehension of a subject, his careful deliberation and con- servative examination, and the steady tenacity with which he adheres to his course, when he has marked it out. He has health to enjoy life, and a winning magnetism that, in a quiet way, makes him many friends.

" In private life he is characterized by modest and unassuming ways, and great attachment to home and the home circle."*

" He stands five feet eight and one half inches in height, and weighs about one hundred and sixty pounds ; is compactly built, and has a strong and enduring frame, a vigorous and healthy constitution, a large and well-developed head covered with sandy hair mingled with gray, red beard, florid complex- ion, and blue eyes. He is deliberate of speech, and abounding in humor and good nature. "f

" Mrs. Burley has been a congenial companion to her husband. Her willing hands, wise counsels, and ready and warm sympathy have largely aided in erecting the structure of prosper- ity."*

ties.
 * History of Rockingham and Strafford Coun-

j Burley Genealogy.

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