Rolfe, Charles M.

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

Charles M. Rolfe, a well-known manufacturer of Concord, is a native of this city, born August 18, 1841, son of Nathaniel and Mary J. (Moody) Rolfe. His paternal grandfather, also named Nathaniel, was one of the pioneer settlers of Concord, and came here from Haverhill, Mass. He secured the first water-power operated on the Merrimack River, and carried on a considerable lumbering business besides being engaged in farming. This water-power is still in possession of the family, and has been for the past seventy-five years. Grandfather Rolfe died in 1829, full of years and honor, and left to his sons the valuable water privilege above mentioned, besides a large tract of timber land. Nathaniel Rolfe, Jr., father of Charles M., was also a farmer and lumberman. He carried on a large trade, and furnished lumber for the frames of many of the great mills at Lawrence and Lowell, Mass. He is still living, a hale and hearty man, at the age of eighty-three years. His wife was Miss Mary J. Moody, a daughter of Joseph Moody, of Canterbury. She became the mother of six children-Charles, Joseph, Abial, John, Mary, and Arthur. Mary died at the age of nine years. Joseph was a New Hampshire sharpshooter in the Civil War, and saw much active service. He is now a resident of Minneapolis, Minn., where he deals in real estate and operates a plant for the manufacture of dredging machines. He has held many responsible positions there, having been County Clerk and a member of the School Board. Abial Rolfe is in business with his brother Charles. He married Georgie J. Gage, daughter of Isaac K. Gage, and has three sons-Harry, Herbert, and Fred.

In 1866 Charles Rolfe, in company with his brother Abial, established the door, sash, and blind mill which they still carry on. They do a large business, employing about fifty men. They also carry on general farming to quite an extent. Mr. Rolfe married Maria L. Morrison, and has three sons-Harlow, Henry, and Ben; and a daughter, Mary, who is now a medical student in Boston.

Mr. Rolfe has taken an active part in public affairs, and has capably filled the office of Town Treasurer, and also that of Treasurer of the Boscawen schools. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being an active worker in the organization. He also belongs to Dustin Island Grange, P. of H., of Penacook. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist. In politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first Presidential vote for General McClellan in 1864.

Source: Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies

  Go Back