Danforth, Sylvester Prentiss

The following data is extracted from Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies.

Sylvester Prentiss Danforth, an enterprising member of the well-known firm of Danforth, Forest & Morgan, contractors, builders, and lumber dealers of Concord, N.H., was born in Boscawen, N.H., August 14, 1838. His parents were Nathan C. and Sophia C. (Brown) Danforth, both residents of Merrimack County for many years. His father and grandfather were engaged in the lumber business for years, while his maternal ancestors were farmers in this county.

Sylvester P. Danforth attended the public schools and Boscawen Academy, completing his school education at the age of eighteen years. He then learned the cabinet-maker's trade with Caldwell & Amsden, for whom he worked eight years as foreman. On September 1, 1867, he came to Concord and served as superintendent for Isaac Elwell & Co., furniture manufacturers, remaining with them three years. His next employer was E. B. Hutchinson, contractor, whom he served as foreman in the moulding and finishing department for twelve years. In 1882 Mr. Danforth bought a half-interest in the Charles Kimball interior and exterior building, finish, and lumber George S. Forest became associated as partner, under the firm name of Kimball, Danforth & Forest, contractors, builders, and lumber dealers. On September 1, 1893, Mr. Kimball retired, and Mr. F. A. Morgan became associated with the firm, which assumed its present style of Danforth, Forest & Morgan. They have an excellent record, and have been employed in the construction of many prominent buildings.

Mr. Danforth has been twice married. On August 14, 1893, he was united in matrimony with Caroline A. Morgan, of Concord, who bore him one child, Herbert Milton. The maiden name of his second wife was Flora Augusta Wheeler. In politics Mr. Danforth is a Democrat, and he was an alternate at the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1896. He is identified with various fraternal organizations, namely: Blazing Star Lodge, No. 11, in which he is Past Master; Horace Chase Council, F. & A. M.; Trinity Chapter, R. A. M. He is Past District Deputy Grand Master; Generalissimo of Mount Horeb Commandery, K.T.; Past Grand Lecturer of the Fourth Masonic District; and also a thirty-second degree Mason of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

Source: Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies

  Go Back