Edward Plummer Paige, a former legislative Representative of the town of Dunbarton, was born in Bradford, N.H., in 1857, son of Bayard P. and Louisa S. Paige. The father of Edward Plummer, who was born in Dunbarton, subsequently removed to Hopkinton, N.H., where he acquired his education. At the age of fourteen years he returned to Dunbarton, and entered the general merchandise store of his brother Jeremiah as clerk. Three or four years later they moved the business to Bradford, where he continued to work for some time. He next engaged in stove-making, turning out some of the first stoves used in this part of New Hampshire. Later Mr. Paige went to Boston, Mass., where he was associated with the well-known firm, Leach & Gilmore, wholesale dealers in groceries. Messrs. Leach & Gilmore also owned and controlled a line of steamboats running between Boston and Bangor, which was a financially successful undertaking until William K. Vanderbilt put on a steamer in opposition. The cut rates for passengers and freight rendered the enterprise almost profitless, and they were glad to dispose of their interest to Mr. Vanderbilt. Mr. Paige also sold his interest in the grocery, after which he removed to Montreal, Canada, where for thirty years he was successfully engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of farming implements. He then returned to Dunbarton, and remained there during the rest of his life, dying at the age of eighty-four years. He and his wife had six children, all of whom they reared.
Edward P. Paige acquired the most of his education in the Montreal schools. At the age of sixteen he entered his father’s office as clerk, remaining some time. Going subsequently to Warner, N.H., he again entered school, completing his studies in 1881. He California, securing a position as clerk in a furniture store. He returned home in the fall of 1884, and has since been engaged in farming on the old homestead. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Paige has been prominently identified in town affairs, serving in various offices. In 1890 and 1891 he had the further distinction of being a Representative to the legislature.