Nathaniel White (businessman)

Nathaniel White (February 7, 1811 – October 2, 1880) was an American businessman, social reformer, philanthropist, and politician.

For five years, or until he came of age, he continued at the Columbian Hotel, rendering a strict account of his wages to his father, and saving the dimes and quarters which came as perquisites, until by his twenty-first birthday, he had a fund of US$250.

In 1842, upon the opening of the Concord Railroad, he was one of the original partners of the express company which was then organized to deliver goods throughout New Hampshire and Canada.

It lay in the southwestern section of the city, 2 miles (3 km) from the statehouse, and contained over 400 acres (160 ha) of land.

[1] In 1852, he made his first step in political life, being chosen by the Whigs and Free-soilers to represent Concord in the New Hampshire state legislature.

His hospitable home was the refuge of many a hunted slave, a veritable station on the under-ground railroad, where welcome, care, food, and money were freely bestowed.

[2] Besides his extensive interest in the express company, his farm, —which was one of the most highly cultivated in the state,— his charming summer retreat on the borders of Lake Sunapee, and his real estate in Concord, he was interested in real estate in Chicago, in hotel property in the mountain districts, in railroad corporations, in banks, in manufacturing establishments, and in shipping.

He was a director in the Manchester & Lawrence, the Franconia & Profile House, and the Mount Washington railroads, and in the National State Capital Bank.

They lost two children, — Annie Frances and Seldon F.; and adopted one, — Hattie S., wife of Dr. D. P. Dearborn, of Brattleboro, Vermont.