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Nathaniel Vittum
Nathaniel
Vittum was one of the first settlers in New Hampshire, cutting
his way into the forest, and receiving the deed to a large tract of
land for his settlement. His son Tuftine was the first boy
born in the town of Sandwich. On growing to manhood he married
Dolly Weed, who was the first girl born in Moltonboro, N. H.,
and whose parents, Moses and Dolly (Mugget) Weed, were
very early settlers in the Granite State and had been warm friends
of the Vittums for many years. Tuftine Vittum and his wife
resided in their native State throughout the entire course of their
lives. To them were born three children—Nathaniel, Daniel and
Sally. An uncle of our subject fought in the Revolutionary War
and many relatives participated in the War of 1812.
Nathaniel
Vittum was born in Sandwich. N. H., March 30, 1804, and grew to
manhood in his native State, following farming as an occupation. He
at one time owned a hotel and was also interested in the stage
business. In 1825 he was married to Miss Clara Palmer, a
daughter of John and Sallie (Cannister) Palmer, who
was from early infancy a near neighbor of Mr. Vittum and is but four
months his junior, having been born August 17, 1804. Her ancestors
in both the paternal and maternal lines were from Holland. Mr. and
Mrs. Vittum are the parents of three children—Sarah, who
married Joseph Drake, both being now deceased; Daniel W.,
a prosperous farmer and wideawake business man of this county; and
Martin, who died at an early age.
Mr. and Mrs. Vittum came to this county from their native State in
the year 1847, purchasing large tracts of land which embraced about
five hundred acres. Their son had previously visited this section in
company with an uncle, and considering it a most desirable place of
residence, had located here, and the father coming to visit him, was
equally well pleased. Mr. Vittum continued his agricultural
operations until his advancing years impaired his health and he
retired from business. He has been an active, hard-working man,
devoting much time to financial matters, but having achieved
success, is now enjoying life in a most comfortable way. He and his
wife, who has been his faithful companion for sixty-five years,
occupy a cozy home in Canton, where they are surrounded by admiring
friends.
Mr. Vittum has
taken great interest in politics, both in his native State and
Illinois, and has on many occasions been urged to become a candidate
for office, an honor which he kindly but firmly declined. He was an
old acquaintance of "Long John" Wentworth, and many times
while boys together in New Hampshire, they hauled wood to boil maple
syrup. Indeed, the Wentworths, Vittums and Weeds were upon very
intimate terms and the subject of our sketch frequently visited
Mr. Wentworth in Chicago. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vittum have been
connected with the Congregational Church for half a century.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Fulton County,
1890,
submitted by Janine Crandell) |
