Nathaniel Head

Nathaniel Head (May 20, 1828 – November 12, 1883), also known as Natt Head, was an American construction material supplier and Republican politician from Hooksett, New Hampshire. Head served as a member of the House of Representatives, Adjutant General of the New Hampshire Militia, State Senator, and Governor.

Biography

Nathaniel Head was born in Hooksett, New Hampshire on May 20, 1828. His was educated at Pembroke Academy, and became active in his family's farming, brick making and lumber businesses. Head later established a successful railroad construction company, and became active in banking and insurance.

A Republican, Head served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1861 and 1862. Having been active in the militia as a musician and chief of the governor's staff during the Civil War, he was appointed Adjutant General in 1864 and served until 1870. Head won a seat in the New Hampshire State Senate in 1874, but was disqualified because of a ballot technicality. He won State Senate races in 1876 and 1877, and was the Senate's President pro tempore in his second term.

In 1879 Head won election as governor, taking office for New Hampshire's first two-year term. During his governorship construction on the state prison begun under his predecessors was completed and the facility became operational. The state also enacted child labor laws and passed railroad safety measures, including one requiring a telegraph in all railroad stations to facilitate emergency communications.

After leaving office Head returned to his business interests. He died in Hooksett on November 12, 1883 and was buried at Head Cemetery in Hooksett.