Langdon Bank - 1850's dated New Hampshire Banking Stock Certificate

Banking Stock. No vignette. A rare state!! Eli Varney Brewster was born in Wolfeboro on March 24, 1824, as the eldest of eight children to George F. and Johanna (Horne) Brewster. At the age of 17, he departed from Wolfeboro and moved to Dover, where he began working for John Trickey in the teaming and lumbering industry. Five years later, he partnered with Alpheus Rogers to establish a grocery, dry goods, and boot & shoe business. In 1861, he became the sole owner of the enterprise, which was subsequently renamed E.V. Brewster & Co.

Mr. Brewster was married twice. His first spouse was Mary G. Tasker from Madbury, who passed away in September 1866. On October 3, 1867, he wed Freelove Hayes, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Chesley) Hayes of Barnstead. Freelove was born on April 9, 1825. Mr. Brewster was highly engaged in local matters. He served as a member of the state legislature in 1863 and 1864, was the Mayor of Dover in 1868 and 1869, held the position of President of the Dover Gas Light Co. for 30 years, and was a Trustee of the Dover Five Cent Savings Bank for 25 years.

Additionally, he was a Director of the old Langdon Bank (later known as the Dover National Bank) and played a significant role as an organizer and director of the Dover Improvement Association. He was also a long-standing member of the Board of Trustees of St. John’s Methodist Church. Mr. Brewster’s store was situated on Central Avenue at the intersection of Orchard Street. In the 1870s, he constructed the residence at 27 Cushing Street, where he passed away on March 23, 1903. His wife Freelove died on January 27, 1908. The couple had no children.