G.L. Whitehouse, Farmington, NH Compass & Tripod. Of wood construction with horizontal and vertical sights, the paper dial signed "G.L. WHITEHOUSE/ FARMINGTON, N.H.;" housed in a black-painted pine case, and with an oak tripod.The Hon. George Leighton Whitehouse (1797-1887) was born in Middleton, New Hampshire. In 1815 he became an apprentice in a cotton factory in Union Village, Wakefield, farmed with his father in Middleton until 1824, then became a grocer in Farmington until 1927. At that time he became a deputy sheriff of the county until 1833, when he was elected register of deeds, holding the office until 1939. Dover was the county seat, and while register of deeds he made the first map of Dover.From 1839-1871 Whitehouse was employed making surveys for railroads and canals in New Hampshire and Massachusetts (he was a land surveyor for 60 years). He patented a levelling rod for surveying on August 22, 1876 (Patent no. 181,384). Among his many occupations, Whitehouse was a member of the New Hampshire legislature in 1830 and served again in 1856-57. He was judge of the court of common pleas from 1841-1855. A captain in the New Hampshire militia, he served in the War of 1812. He is buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Farmington. From Charles E. Smart, "The Makers of Surveying Instruments in America Since 1700," pp. 259-260, including an illustration of the compass.Compass: L: 11 in., Needle: L: 4.75 in.Tripod: H: 59 in., Diam: 2.25 in.Case: H: 2.75 in., W: 12 in., D: 6.875 in.

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59 x 2.25 x 2.25 in