among the beautiful hills of the Green Mountain state, and which has given birth to many eminent men, among whom was Thaddeus Stevens, Hon. Harry Bingham, and Judge G. A. Bingham. His practice has been extensive, reaching over a long period of years. His blameless life adds honor to our town and to the legal fraternity. Jacob Benton, who has represented this congressional district in the national legislature, came here from Waterford, Vt., in 1843, and pursued the study of law with Hon. Ira Young, then perhaps the leading lawyer of Coos, and, forming a partnership with Gen. Young, has continued the successful practice of law up to this time, besides being a successful and able politician. Benjamin F. Whidden is a native of this town, a graduate of Dartmouth college, represented the town in the general court of the state, and the United States as minister to Hayti. Ossian Ray, a native of Vermont, late a member of congress, began his law practice in this town, having studied with S. W. Cooper. Henry O. Kent, a native of Lancaster, and son of the late Richard P. Kent, is a graduate of Norwich (Vt.) military academy, studied law in the office of Mr. Benton, and began his political career quite young by being elected assistant clerk of the N. H. house of representatives, since which time he has been prominently before the people, and is everywhere known for his honesty and marked ability, having been representative to the general court, and now senator from this district. William S. Ladd is a native of Dalton, a graduate of Dartmouth college, has been one of the judges of the supreme court of the state, and a member of the constitutional convention and of the state legislature. George A. Cossitt is a native of Claremont, commenced practice here in 1843, was cashier of the old Lancaster Bank, and has also been a representative in the legislature: he has now given up the active work of his profession. Jared I. Williams is a native of Lancaster, and second son of the late ex-Gov. Jared W. Williams, an alumnus of Brown University; has also been in the legislature, is a practical civil engineer, and gives that branch of business quite as much attention as the law. Irving W. Drew is a native of Stewartstown; graduated at Dartmouth college, and began the practice of his profession with Hon. O. Ray, was elected to the senate from this district in 1882, and, declining a renomination, devotes himself to his practice, which is very extensive. Chester B. Jordan enjoys the distinction of having been born in Colebrook, and of having been reared upon a farm. His early education was obtained in the district schools of his native town, and the advantages derived from Colebrook academy. Was appointed clerk of the courts of Coös in 1868, holding the office until 1874, being succeeded by the present highly popular and efficient incumbent, Moses A. Hastings. Mr. Jordan was admitted to the bar in 1875, and became a member of the law firm of Ray, Drew & Jordan. Elected to be one of the representatives of the town to the general court in 1880, he was chosen speaker of the house in June, 1881. As a lawyer he is a hard worker. Everett Fletcher is a son of the late Hon. H. A. Fletcher, one of
