1889 History - Biography - Joshua Trickey

The Trickey family of the early days were truly of the embattled farmers of the Revolution, loyal and patriotic men, serving their day and generation well. Among the signers of the Association Test in Nottingham under date of August 16, 1776, we find the names of Joshua and Francis Trickey. In 1786, Moses Leavitt, of North Hampton, writes to the General Court convened at Portsmouth, that "Samuel Trickey, of Nottingham, and others, had served faithfully during the war," and it is probable that the ancestors of the Trickey family of Jackson were residents of that town.

In the office of Wentworth Hall, and in prominent view, is a fine oil painting portraying a countenance of such strong character and kindly benevolence that the incoming guest, if a stranger, at once seeks its identity. It is a likeness, and an excellent one, of Captain Joshua Trickey, the pioneer of summer-boarding in this vicinity, whose memory is inseparably connected with this hostelry. He was the first to entertain summer guests from abroad, and this hotel is the outgrowth of his generous hospitality. Captain Trickey was born in Jackson, October 25, 1802, and was son of James and Mary (Burnham) Trickey. His parents had nine children, of whom he and his brother Samuel were the last survivors. His early life was passed on the farm near Black Mountain, where he continued to reside after he married Martha P., daughter of Colonel Jonathan and Alice (Pendexter) Meserve, in January, 1826. Mrs. Trickey was a most estimable woman, who in her nearly fourscore of years accomplished much. She died March 28, 1881, aged seventy-six years, seven months, and twenty-seven days. The children of Captain Joshua and Martha (Meserve) Trickey were: Alice and Mary (twins) [Mary married Henry Wiggin.], Martha A. (deceased), and Georgia A., who married General Marshall C. Wentworth.

The old homestead was in the midst of many beautiful points of interest attractive to travelers, and Captain Trickey and his wife lived there until the four children were born, when he sold Iron Mountain to the Iron Mountain Mining Company, and purchased the farm of John Chesley near Jackson Falls, and moved there in the latter part of the "forties." Having previously "cared for" several artists who in their rural jaunting had stumbled on the old homestead, here he had to open his doors to them and an increased number of guests and to enlarge his house for their accommodation. From this time he was engaged in the character of host until relieved of its cares by his daughter and son-in-law, with whom he afterwards made his home until his death (which occurred at Washington, D. C., April 8, 1887), and his presence and conversation were among the great charms of the place. He was prominent in developing the resources of Jackson, and in many ways connected with its prosperity. He was the village merchant, proprietor of a stage-route from North Conway to Jackson, owned and operated grist and saw mills, opened the tin mine, and no person ever did more to promote its interests. His title of captain was attained through service in the state militia. He was a Spiritualist in religion, a Democrat in politics, and strong for the Union during the great Civil War. Naturally social and genial and of large business qualifications. Captain Trickey soon made his house at Jackson Falls a favorite resort for summer outing. In 1869 he built the Thorn Mountain House for his daughter, now Mrs. Wentworth, and on her marriage resigned active business.

One who knew him well says of him: "He could have made a success of almost any occupation. I think he could have filled almost any position in the state with credit, but he would not sacrifice personal honor for political emoluments. His temperament was exceedingly fine and his impulses kind and generous; a firm friend and wise counselor, as General Wentworth and wife can attest. Socially very agreeable and entertaining, his natural refinement gave him the power of meeting any one in a pleasing manner. He and his good wife, aided by their families laid a firm foundation for what Wentworth Hall is to-day. To Mrs. Trickey life was a reality, which she met with a will and force strong to overcome ordinary obstacles till the death of a gifted daughter swept away much of its brightness. Captain Trickey dwelt more with the ideal, always appearing to view matters on the sunny side. It seemed to be his especial care to comprehend and harmonize the events of life that there might be the least possible friction. It is seldom one possesses so cheerful and happy a nature. His declining years and departure from this life was like one of our glorious mountain sunsets when not a cloud flecks the horizon."

Contributed 2022 Jul 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from History of Carroll County, New Hampshire by Georgia Drew Merrill, published in 1889, pages 967-969.