1889 History - Biography - George W. M. Pitman

Hon. George W. M. Pitman, son of Joseph and Joanna (Meserve) Pitman, was born in Bartlett, May 8, 1819. He lived with his parents until he was twelve years of age, then went to the tavern of his cousins, Stephen and Ezra Meserve, located where Pitman Brothers' East Branch House now stands, remaining there three years, and then returned to his home. He was educated at the public schools and North Conway and Fryeburg, Maine, academies. In the fall of 1840 he married Emeline, daughter of Levi and Ann M. (Davis) Chubbuck, and continued his residence in Bartlett, where he has always made his home. The children of George W. M. and Emeline Pitman were: — (1) Joan M., married Lyman Charles; (2) Mary A. (dec.); (3) Angevine (dec.); (4) Winthrop M.; (5) Lycurgus; (6) William; (7) Adnah, married Charles E. Wingate, resides in Lawrence, Mass.; (8) Levi C.; (9) Joseph H.; (10) Emma, married George A. Carson, deceased; (11) Andrew J. Mrs. Pitman died March 1, 1889, aged sixty-six years and five months. Her eight living children are estimable citizens, prominent in society and business. She was a woman of sterling Christian principle, and her influence will be felt for good during long years.

Judge Pitman was engaged in teaching for some five or six years, then in surveying, for which he had fully qualified himself. He has done much in surveying and platting, probably more than any other man in the state, and so fully demonstrated his ability that he has frequently been called upon as an expert. Many of the original surveys in the White Mountain region were made by him. Studying law, he began practice in 1855, in which he has continued ever since. He conducted merchandising from 1850 until 1888.

Liberal in religion and a sound Democrat in politics, he has represented all the various town offices, including chairman of the board of selectmen, for some twenty years; served as county commissioner from 1856 to 1859, inclusive; judge of probate, 1874 to 1876 (said to have been the best for length of service the county has ever had); member of the legislature twelve terms, from 1853 to 1869; of the senate in 1870 to 1872, and president of that body during his second term. He enjoys the distinction of being the only citizen of the state who has been honored by a seat in three constitutional conventions. Another circumstance concerning the Pitman family is worthy of note: Judge Pitman, his father Joseph, and his son Lycurgus, three generations, have each been chosen state senator.

Judge Pitman has been for many years a man of extensive influence, as is shown by the record of his serving so many terms in important positions. His dignified appearance and affable and genial nature have made him a favorite among the people; while his sterling integrity, ripened judgment, and large experience in public and private affairs have made him a desirable representative to protect their interests. Judge Hill says of him: "Judge Pitman is a man of quick perceptions, of strong natural abilities, a genial companion, and his conversational powers are of a high order. He has for many years been a leading lawyer of Carroll county."

Contributed 2022 Jul 11 by Norma Hass, extracted from History of Carroll County, New Hampshire by Georgia Drew Merrill, published in 1889, pages 270-271.