This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at |http : //books . google . com/
3 3433 08183225 9
fe- -^"^
:.3*~^^3^
sr
i^^^s
SC^SK^fr^J
S5^fcl^i^.ag^^^-^-
=^^c-n
iS'"
^^H£^:=_?
saJ
■jjr^y^.,-
::::i.Googi.
NcRfoUK Co
C C C I/.
Digitized by V3J@0-QIC
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY
OF
NORFOLK COUNTY
MASSACHUSETTS
1622—1918
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
NEW YORK— CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1918
r .
Digitized by
Google
T!^E NEW YO.^K
PUBLIC mrjs.Y
374344\
A^!*'"-rj, f "N^r: and
R 10"^3 L
• ••• • • _• •
••••• ••••
Digitized by
Google
TKi f;£;y y^^^j.
1^
L
Digitized by
Google
lAjLoCtyi^ J9. Uy.
Digitized by
Google
BIOGRAPHICAL
FREDERICK DAVID ELY.
Frederick David Ely, numbered among the eminent lawyers and
jurists of Massachusetts, has been identified with the Dedham bar
since 1862 and upon the bench he has proven himself the peer of
many of the ablest judges of the state. He was born in Wrentham,
Norfolk county, Massachusetts, on the 24th of September, 1838. His
father, Nathan Ely, was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in
1808 and in 1835 became a resident of Wrentham, where he was
married to Miss Amelia Maria Partridge, a daughter of David and
Jerusha (Blake) Partridge.
After attending Day's Academy, Judge Ely entered Brown
University of Providence, Rhode Island, and was graduated there-
from with the class of 1859. He then took up his abode in Dedham,
where he entered upon the study of law under the direction of the
Hon. Waldo Coburn, and in 1862 he was admitted to the bar, at
which time he opened an office in Dedham, where he has since made
his home. He engaged continuously in active practice until 1888,
when he went upon the bench. His practice soon became extensive
and of an important character. He was remarkable among lawyers
for the wide research and provident care with which he prepared
his cases. His mind is analytical, logical and inductive and he early
displayed the ability to say in a convincing way the right thing at the
right time. In other words his analysis was so accurate that he cor-
related facts and evidence in their relative importance and his appli-
cation of a legal principle was seldom, if ever, at fault.
It was but natural that such a man should be called to public
office and in November, 1872, Judge Ely was elected to represent
his district in the state legislature, where he served for one term. In
1878 he was elected to the Massachusetts state senate, after having
declined reelection to the house. In 1882 he was chosen by popular
suffrage a member of the Dedham school committee and served in
that capacity for one term of three years. In 1884 still higher legis-
5
Digitized by
Google
6 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
lative honors were conferred upon him in his election to the forty-
ninth congress, in which he served in 1885 and 1886. In the same
decade he was again elected a member of the Dedham school com-
mittee and was continued in that position for nine years or three
terms, after which he declined a reelection. For nearly twenty-six
years, or from 1888, he served upon the bench of the municipal court
of Boston, retiring in 1914. From 1867 until 1884 ^^ ^^^ been trial
justice of Norfolk county. The legal profession demands not only
a high order of ability but a rare combination of talent, learning,
tact, patience and industry. The successful lawyer and the com-
petent judge must be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly
familiar with the law and practice, of comprehensive general in-
formation, possessed of an analytical mind and a self-control that
will enable him to lose his individuality, his personal feelings, his
prejudices and his peculiarities of disposition in the dignity, imparti-
ality and equity of the office to which life, property, right and liberty
must look for protection. Possessing these qualities, Judge Ely
justly merited the high honor which was conferred upon him in his
appointment to the bench and his continued service through more
than a quarter of a century indicates clearly the soundness and im-
partiality of his judicial opinions, which received the endorsement
of colleagues and contemporaries. Aside from his connection with
the bench and bar and with official service. Judge Ely became and
still is a director of the Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company
and is the vice president of the Dedham Institution for Savings.
On the 6th of December, 1866, in Boston, Judge Ely was united
in marriage to Miss Eliza B. Whittier, a daughter of Seth Whittier.
Mrs. Ely passed away, leaving two children, Frederick D. and
Amelia M., but the former is now deceased. The latter is a resi-
dent of Boston and is the wife of W. C. Howe, M. D. Judge Ely
was again married on the loth of August, 1885, in Dedham, his
second union being with Anna Emerson, a daughter of Lyman and
Olive Emerson. Her demise occurred in July, 191 5.
Judge Ely is a communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal church, of
which he has been vestryman since 1874. He has always given his
political allegiance to the republican party. At the dedication of
the Norfolk county courthouse he was called upon to deliver the
principal address. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons,
being a past master of Constellation Lodge, F. & A. M., while in
Cyprus Commandery he has attained the Knight Templar degree.
He has served as deputy grand master of the state and has done
much to further Masonic interests in eastern Massachusetts. On the
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 7
fiftieth anniversary of his joining the order a special memorial book
was presented him by his brother Masons. He belongs to the Fisher
Ames Club of Dedham. Judge Ely is approaching the eightieth
milestone on life's journey and his are "the blest accompaniments of
age — honor, riches, troops of friends." One of the most distinguished
citizens of Norfolk county, there is no man who stands higher in the
estimation of all who know him because of the wise use which he
has made of his time and talents and because of the high standards
which he has ever followed, making his career largely an irreproach-
able one.
FRANK HOWARD PURINGTON.
Frank Howard Purington, a real estate broker, who is president
and treasurer of the company operating under the name of Henry
W. Savage, Inc., controls in this connection most extensive interests,
operating over a wide territory in Boston and through adjacent cities.
He was born in Boston, September 5, 1873, and is a son of Joseph A.
Purington, a native of Maine and a descendant of one of the old fam-
ilies of that state, of English lineage. The progenitor of the family
in the new world settled first at Sidney, Maine, and representatives
of the family have since taken active part in promoting progress and
development in New England. Joseph A. Purington became en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits in Brookline. He married Lydia J.
C. Morrill, a native of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and a rep-
resentative of an old colonial family that numbered among
its members participants in the Revolutionary war, so that
Mrs. Purington became a member of the Daughters of the
Revolution. She is still living and yet makes her home in Brook-
line. By her marriage she became the mother of two sons: Frank
Howard; and Chester W., who is a graduate of Harvard Uni-
versity and is now a mining engineer of London, England.
Frank H. Purington was educated in the public and high schools
of Boston and in Harvard pursued a course in architecture, winning
the S. B. degree upon graduation with the class of 1899. The follow-
ing year he entered the office of Henry W. Savage, of Boston, and
continued with him as a salesman for the Brookline office until 1905,
when he was advanced to the position of manager and continued in
that capacity until 1914, when the business was incorporated and Mr.
Purington became the president and treasurer. He has since been
Digitized by
Google
8 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
the head of the business, which is the largest real estate brokerage
business in New England. In addition to the Boston offices at No.
129 Tremont street and No. 47 Winter street, three other offices
are maintained, one in Brookline, one in Newton, and the third in
Framingham, Massachusetts. The business of the firm is most ex-
tensive, placing Mr. Purington in the front rank of the leading real
estate men of New England. He is also a director of the Equitable
Trust Company and a director of the Boston Real Estate Exchange.
On the 17th of February, 1914, in Brookline, Mr. Purington
was united in marriage to Alice Tripp, a native of New Bedford,
Massachusetts, and a daughter of Albert S. Tripp. Their religious
faith is that of the Universalist church and Mr. Purington gives his
political allegiance to the republican party. He is well known in
club circles as a member of the Boston City Club and of the Harvard
Club and he also has membership in the Loyal Legion. His activities
have extended to many interests which have value to the community
at large and his aid and support are always given on the side of
progress, advancement and improvement.
WALTER M. FISHER.
Walter M. Fisher, engaged in the lumber, hay and grain business
in Franklin, his native town, was born January 8, 1839, his parents
being Walter H. and Emily P. (Merrifield) Fisher, the former a na-
tive of Franklin, while the latter was born in New Hampshire. The
father devoted his life to the occupation of farming, which he fol-
lowed in the town of Norfolk, formerly a part of Franklin, and both
he and his wife have now passed away.
Their son, Walter M. Fisher, was educated in the schools of
Franklin and when a young man of twenty-three years he responded
to the call of his country for military aid and joined the army in
1862, becoming one of the boys in blue of Company C, Forty-fifth
Massachusetts Infantry. He served for nine months with that com-
pany and in November, 1864, he reenlisted, joining Company H of
the Third Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, remaining with that com-
mand until the close of the war. During the last two years of
his service he was connected with the quartermaster's department
and returned to his home with a most creditable military record.
When the war was over he took up the straw business in Boston and
for about sixteen years was engaged in the work of making ladies'
Digitized by
Google
WALTER M. FISHER
Digitized by
Google
T-'* r;i;v/ vcnx
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY n
and men's straw hats, continuing active in the management of his
business until 1882, when he sold his interests there and returned to
Franklin. Here he engaged in the lumber, hay and grain business,
becoming owner of a fourth interest in the firm of E. L. & O. F.
Metcalf. He has since been identified with the business, which is
now conducted under the firm style of O. F. Metcalf & Sons. The
original partnership was maintained for ten years and at the present
writing the partner^ are Mr. Fisher and Frank D. Metcalf. They
enjoy a trade of substantial proportions and their business is now
one of the important commercial concerrts of the town.
In November, 1867, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss
Alice I. Metcalf, a daughter of O. F. and Martha Metcalf, the
former a native of Franklin, while the latter was born in Medway, in
the town of Franklin, Norfolk county. Her father spent his entire
life here in the lumber and grain business and was one of the valued
and respected residents of his locality. Both he and his wife have
been called to their final rest Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have become
parents of two children. Alice M. is the wife of W. S. Southwick,
a resident of Clinton and the rtiother of three children — ^Walter
Edward, Harriett E. and Elsie. Elmer M., the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Fisher, is superintendent of tlxe Filene Sons Company of Boston.
Mr. Fisher of this review has served as selectman of Franklin and
also as tree warden and is interested in all that has to do with the
progress, upbuilding and welfare of the community in which he
resides. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army com-
rades through his membership in Franklin Post, No. 60, G. A. R.,
and served as its commander five years. . He has always held to the
faith of the republican party, which was the defense of the Union
during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party
of reform and progress. His religious faith is that of the Congrega-
tional church and his is an active and upright life. He is highly
esteemed as a man of genuine worth, reliable in business, progressive
in citizenship and faithful to every relation in life.
MICHAEL WILLIAM HANLEY.
A record of successful achievement is that of Michael William
Hanley, the steps in whose orderly progression are easily discernible.
Indefatigable energy and determined purpose have been the crown-
ing points in his career and have carried him from a humble posi-
Digitized by
Google
12 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
tion into important business relations. He is now the secretary and
general manager of the Pequa Press, Inc., publisher of the Stoughton
News-Sentinel and conducting an extensive job printing and bind-
ing business that has steadily grown until the Pequa Press, Inc.
occupies a foremost position among the printing establishments of
this part of the state. Mr. Hanley is of Irish birth. He was born
December 20, 1872, in County Galway, Ireland, his parents being
Michael and Julia (O'Grady) Hanley, who were also natives of
that county. Coming to America, they settled in Waltham, Massa-
chusetts, in 1877, and the father continued to make his home there
throughout his remaining days, his death occurring September 21,
1908. His widow survives and is still living in Waltham.
Michael W. Hanley was but five years of age when his parents
crossed the Atlantic and consequently he was reared and educated
in Waltham. When his school days were over he entered the office
of the Waltham Evening News and later went to Boston, where
he learned the printer's trade, working at various times on all the
large papers of that city, including the Boston Globe, Post, Herald
and Advertiser. In September, 1902, he removed to Stoughton,
Massachusetts, and in May, 1903, established the Pequa Press. In
the meantime he had thoroughly acquainted himself with every
phase of the printing business, steadily working upward until he had
reached a prominent position by reason of his superior skill and
ability. He was then offered a position as superintendent of the
composing room for the largest publishing house in this country but
the desire to enter business on his own account led him to refuse
the proffered offer and establish the Pequa Press, which step he took
in May, 1903. Business was begun in a small way in a room on
Freeman street in Stoughton. He entered upon the struggle for
business existence. Much patience was required and he had
to undergo many privations and work for long hours in order to
make the Pequa Press what it is today, "the foremost printing house
in this part of the state." There were six other printing offices
in Stoughton at that time; today the Pequa Press is the only printing
office, for the excellence of the work turned out by the establish-
ment led to the absorption of all the trade in this line. Mr. Hanley
secured the business of Morse Brothers, manufacturers of the Rising
Sun stove polish in Massachusetts. This necessitated a removal to
larger quarters in order to takie care of their extensive business and
the Pequa Press was housed in a large three-story building, but at
that time only a part of the first floor was used. Now the entire
first floor and as well all of the second floor are utilized, the second
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 13
floor being used as a bindery plant, and the Press today occupies
fifteen hundred square feet. The Press is known from coast to coast
for its originality, for the style and good workmanship of its finished
products. Scarcely a week passes that shipments are not made to
England, Canada, the Philippine islands, Mexico and in fact
through every quarter of the globe. The first piece of machinery
installed was a seven by eleven job press and a few hundred dollars
worth of type. Today the plant is one hundred per cent in its equip-
ment, which includes the latest style of cylinder presses with Chand-
ler and Price job presses, a Pearl press, a Universal press, a Bab-
cock Optimist press and the latest Latham stitching machines for
binding purposes, together with punching and perforating machines.
Chandler and Price paper cutters and proof presses. With the lack
of ready capital and much competition Mr. Hanley had to bring
every resource to bear to establish his business and place it upon a pay-
ing basis; but from the beginning his patronage began to increase, for
his work showed superior excellence and originality. At length
it was urged by his fellow townsmen that he establish a paper and
the result was that the Stoughton News came into being, a paper
which soon outdistanced its competitors and is recognized as one
of the leading papers of eastern Massachusetts. On the ist of No-
vember, 19 1 6, the Pequa Press was incorporated with Colonel A.
H. Geotting as the president, E. H. Southworth, treasurer, and
Michael W. Hanley, secretary and general manager, together with
George Belcher and J. W. Wood as directors.
On the loth of February, 1897, Mr. Hanley was united in
marriage to Miss Helen Harriet Sullivan, of Waltham, Massa-
chusetts, who was born in Bangor, Maine, February 5, 1872. They
have become the parents of four children : Helen V. and Philip T.,
who were born in Everett, Massachusetts; and Bertha F. and Rich-
ard G., born in Stoughton. All are attending the public schools.
Mr. Hanley is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters
and has membership in the Immaculate Conception Catholic church.
He has made for himself a most enviable position in the hearts of his
fellow townsmen and is today at the head of one of the most important
industrial enterprises of his adopted town. Actuated by a spirit of
progress and of laudable ambition, Mr. Hanley has steadily worked
his way upward since he took his initial step in the business world
and has been a persistent, resolute and energetic worker, possessing
strong executive powers and keeping his hand steadily upon the helm
of his business. He has been strictly conscientious in his dealings
with debtor and creditor alike and keenly alive to the possibilities
Digitized by
Google
14 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
of every new avenue opened in the natural ramifications of trade.
He has passed over the pitfalls into which unrestricted progressive-
ness is so frequently led and has been enabled to focus his energies
in directions where fruition is certain.
GEORGE GRANVILLE DARLING.
George Granville Darling, who since his admission to the bar
in 1900 has engaged in the practice of law in Dedham, his native
city, was born on the 25th of April, 1876, a son of Charles Cassius
and Helene (Ballard) Darling. The father was born in Boston,
was married in that city and passed away in Dedham, but his widow
survives and now resides in New York city. Charles B. Darling,
the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Boston,
Massachusetts, and in association with his son, Charles Cassius
Darling, conducted what was the largest distillery in the United
States prior to the period of the Civil war. During that conflict
Charles C. Darling, the father of George Granville Darling, served
as a member of General Fuller's staff.
To the public school system of Dedham, George Granville
Darling is indebted for the early educational privileges which he
enjoyed. Passing through consecutive grades, he was graduated
from the high school and for four or five years thereafter he devoted
his attention to newspaper work in Massachusetts, and in 1900 he
was admitted to the bar in Norfolk county. He has since practiced
in the courts of his district and throughout the state and United States
courts, and his practice has constantly become more important and
extensive, connecting him with much important litigation. He has
ever recognized the fact that advancement at the bar depends upon
individual effort and he has prepared his cases with great thorough-
ness and care, while his logical deductions and clear reasoning con-
stitute the strength of his arguments.
In April, 1901, in Dedham, Mr. Darling was united in marriage
to Elizabeth Hammond White, a daughter of Harry K. and Sallie
(Joy) Hammond, the latter a well known authoress.
Politically Mr. Darling is a republican and in 1897 he was
elected to the position of moderator of Dedham, to which office he
was reelected three or four times. He is justice of the peace and
when twenty-one years of age was appointed master in chancery, to
which office he has been reappointed by the governor every five years
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 15
since. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, also
with the Knights of Malta and with the Loyal Order of Moose. He
is likewise a. member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
and he has membership in the Dedham Society for the Apprehen-
sion of Horse Thieves, in the Grange, in the Dedham Boat Club and
the Dedham Tennis Club. These associations indicate the nature
and breadth of his interests, and that he has concern for the moral
progress of the community is indicated in his membership in the
Episcopal church. His has been an active and useful life and his
history is as an open book which all may read. He has ever remained
a resident of Dedham and that his career has been honorable and
upright is indicated in the fact that among his stanchest friends are
those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
WILLIAM H. PRATT.
A most honorable business career has been that of William H.
Pratt and no resident of East Weymouth has been held in higher
regard, due not alone to the success he has achieved but also owing
to the straightforward business policy which he has ever followed.
There are those who claim that success is a matter of genius or of
a fortunate combination of circumstances, but the life record of such
men as William H. Pratt proves to the contrary. Success is the
direct result of close application, unfaltering perseverance and keen
intelligence and these qualities have made Mr. Pratt among the men
of affluence in East Weymouth, his native city. He was born on
the 3d of November, 1851, and is a son of Charles H. and Elvira
N. (Rice) Pratt, who were also natives of Weymouth. The father
was a factory superintendent until 1884, when he engaged in the
business of cutting calf skins for shoes in partnership with his son
William and he continued active along that line until his death,
which occurred November 9, 1896. His widow survived for about
sixteen years and passed away in 19 12.
William H. Pratt was reared and educated in East Weymouth
and then entered a shoe factory in the cutting department. He
was promoted to the position of superintendent after some prelim-
inary service and prior to that was a salesman for a time for the same'
firm which gave him his promotion. As stated, he became the
partner of his father in business and following the father's death
continued to engage in cutting calf skins for a few years. He was
Digitized by
Google
16 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
then elected president of the East Weymouth Savings Bank and for
five years devoted his time and energies to the conduct of the busi-
ness, largely shaping the policy of the bank and directing its ac-
tivities. At length, however, on account of ill health, he resigned.
In the meantime as he had prospered in his undertakings he had
made investments in real estate and is today the owner of considerable
valuable property, from which he derives a most gratifying annual
income.
In 1873 Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Miss Anna F.
Treat and unto them were born two children: Annie, who died
in infancy,^ and Annie F., who died at the age of nine months. The
wife and mother passed away in 1890 and Mr. Pratt was again mar-
ried in 1894, his second union being with Abbie Rogers, whose death
occurred in 1896.
Politically Mr. Pratt is a republican and was town auditor of
East Weymouth for some time. He is still a trustee of the bank and
is second vice president but is now largely concentrating his efforts
and attention upon other interests. He is a trustee and the treasurer
of the Weymouth Industrial Company, which built the George E.
Keith shoe factory, and the company still owns the building. In
religious faith Mr. Pratt is connected with the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which he is a trustee. He has been the vice president of
the Weymouth Cemetery Association. He is connected with the
Masons and has been a worthy follower of the craft, being most
loyal to its teachings concerning the brotherhood of mankind and
the obligations thereby imposed. Wherever he is known — and he
has a wide acquaintance — he is spoken of in terms of high regard,
for his life is the expression of high American manhood and chivalry.
ALBERT W. BURTON.
Plainville lost one of its honored and representative citissens when
Albert W. Burton passed away. He had long been identified with
manufacturing interests and as a business man ranked among the
foremost by reason of his spirit of enterprise and progress and also
by reason of the straightforward business principles which he ever
followed. His life was guided and actuated by the highest purposes
and his path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's for-
tunes. He won his success in honorable competition and by the em-
ployment of methods which neither sought nor required disguise.
Digitized by
Google
ALBERT W. BURTON
Digitized by
Google
TKi riiiv/ vc:.:<
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY ^^
He was born at Hopkins Mills, North Foster, Rhode Island, De-
cember 19, 1 83 1, and his life record covered the intervening years
to the 24th of July, 1909, when he passed away at Buttonwood, Rhode
Island. His parents were Elliott Lee and Bernice (Williams) Bur-
ton and he was a descendant in the seventh generation of Roger
Williams. His father was born at Hopkinton City, Hopkinton,
Rhode Island, October 20, 1803, ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ E^st Killingly, Con-
necticut, July 7, 1887.
After acquiring a common school education he had assisted his
father in the work of the home farm and in early manhood he began
peddling laces and notions from house.to house. He was thus engaged
for a few years, after which he took up his abode at Foster, Rhode
Island, where he established and conducted a general store. He
afterward removed to Killingly, Connecticut, where he was em-
ployed in cotton factories, and at a subsequent date he engaged in
farming there for a short time. He then entered into the manufac-
ture and finishing of boots and shoes for various firms, but after
ten years devoted to that business he once more resumed agricultural
pursuits. With public affairs he was deeply and actively concerned.
He served as road surveyor while living at Foster and was also a
member of the Foster Militia. He and his wife became members
of the Freewill Baptist church at Fgster, November 6, 1852, and
throughout his remaining days he put forth every possible effort to
advance the moral progress of the communities in which he lived.
His early political allegiance was given to the whig party and he
became a stanch opponent of the system of slavery. When the repub-
lican party was formed to prevent its further extension he joined the
ranks of the new political organization and became a stalwart sup-
porter of Abraham Lincoln. His wife, who was born November
8, 1806, and died October 14, 1889, was a daughter of Sheldon and
Naomi (Randall) Williams and a direct descendant of Roger Wil-
liams.
Albert W. Burton pursued his education by attending the district
school for three months in the winter and again for three months in
the summer until he reached the age of twelve years, after which he
had opportunity to attend only through the winter seasons, and when
he was sixteen years of age his textbooks were permanently put aside
in order that he might provide for his own support. It was at that
time that his parents removed to East Killingly and for six months
thereafter he was employed in the cotton mills. He then secured a
position on the farm of William Cook in Gloucester, Connecticut,
and at eighteen years of age he shipped on board the whaler Ocean,
Digitized by
Google
20 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
bound for the Arctic seas, under the command of Captain Swift-
Mr. Burton spent thirteen years at sea and many interesting expe-
riences came to him during his whaling voyage.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Burton responded to the
country's call for aid, enlisting at Wrentham on the 20th of Febru-
ary, 1864, ^s a member of the Fourteenth Massachusetts Battery,
with which he saw much arduous service, participating in many
engagements, including the battles of the Wilderness, May 5th to
7th; Mey River, May loth; Spottsylvania, May 12th to 21st; North
Anna River, May 23d to 27th; Bethesda Church, June 2d; Cold
Harbor, June 4th to 12th; Petersburg, June i6th to 25th; Deep Bot-
tom, July 9th to 17th; Crater, July 30th; Petersburg trenches,
August 5th to 2ist; Fort Steadman, March 25th to 29, 1865; ^^^ the
fall of Petersburg in 1865.
When hostilities had ceased and the war was brought to a success-
ful termination Mr. Burton was honorably discharged on the 15th
of June, 1865, and was mustered out at Readville, Massachusetts.
During a part of his military experience he was mate on the ship
Mary J. Mifflin, which was engaged in taking supplies to McClel-
lan's army.
With his return home Mr. Burton turned his attention to the
jewelry manufacturing business as an employe of H. F. Barrows at
North Attleboro, Massachusetts. He later removed to Plainville,
Massachusetts, where he was employed by J. D. Lincoln of the firm
of Tiffany & Bacon for two years. In the spring of 1872 the Plain-
ville Stock Company was organized for the manufacture of jewelry
specialties, the members of the company being various prominent
business men, including Albert W. Burton. From time to time
changes occurred in the personnel of the house as the older members
retired and their places were taken by young men. From the begin-
ning the enterprise proved a profitable one and Mr. Burton con-
tributed in marked measure to the growing success of the under-
taking to the time of his retirement on the 26th of March, 1909, when
he put aside business cares to enjoy the fruits of his former labor
and spent his remaining days in well earned rest.
Mr. Burton was married in Wrentham, Massachusetts, June 22,
1857, to Mary Ellis, who was born October 5, 1836, a daughter of
Edward R. and Susanna (Dale) Ellis, who were also natives of the
Bay state. Mr. and Mrs. Burton became the parents of six chil-
dren: Edward R., who was born January 31, 1858, and died on the
6th of February of the same year; Alice Williams, who was born
August 24, 1859, and departed this life April 6, 1885; Albert E.,
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 21
whose birth occurred April 6, 1861; Maria Lincoln, born May 13,
1866; Bernice Elliott, born October 7, 1878; and Wesley Hopkins,
who is now in France.
Mr. Burton attended the Methodist church and was a most gen-
erous contributor to its support. He did everything in his power
to advance the work of the church and promote its growth and to
the church at Plainville he donated the organ. He ever maintained
pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his member-
ship in George H. Maintien Post, No. 133, G. A. R., of which he
served as both senior and junior vice commander and as quarter-
master for many years. In days of peace he was as true and loyal
to his country as when he followed the stars and stripes upon the
battlefields of the south and at all times he stood for those interests
which he deemed of greatest worth to the community. A business
man of marked enterprise and prominence, a citizen of worth and
loyalty, the many sterling traits of character which he displayed
commanded for him the goodwill and confidence of all. Mrs. Bur-
ton still resides in Plainville in an attractive home at No. 22 School
street and is well and hearty at the age of eighty-one years.
CLARENCE P. WHITTLE, D. D. S.
Dr. Clarence P. Whittle, engaged in the practice of dentistry at
Weymouth, with a well appointed office that is the visible ex-
pression of his utilization of progressive scientific methods, was born
in Deering, New Hampshire, on the ist of January, 1867, and is a
son of Thomas and Elmira (Kempfield) Whittle, who were also
natives of the Old Granite state. The father was a farmer of New
Hampshire and followed agricultural pursuits near Deering through-
out his entire life. He died in 1884, having for about two years sur-
vived his wife, who passed away in 1882.
Dr. Whittle was reared in Deering and in the acquirement of
his education completed a high school course at Hillsboro Bridge.
He then entered Tufts Dental College of Boston in preparation for
a dental career and was graduated with the class of 1892. He next
came to Weymouth, Massachusetts, where he opened an office and
has since continued in practice. He is the only dentist at Weymouth
and his business has steadily increased until it has now assumed
extensive proportions. He is in close touch with the latest scientific
researches and discoveries bearing upon his profession and in his
Digitized by
Google
22 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
work displays that marked mechanical skill and ingenuity which
must always constitute a factor in success in dental practice.
Dr. Whittle was united in marriage to Miss Anne B. Hunt in
June, 1895. She is a daughter of E. A. and Louisa (Follett) Hunt,
the former a native of Weymouth, and the latter of Quincy, Massa-
chusetts. The father was a pioneer in Norfolk county and engaged
in shoe manufacturing and was also prominent in other connections.
He served as representative and as senator in the state legislature
and was selectman at Weymouth for a number of years. He died
in 1 89 1, while his wife has also passed away. To Dr. and Mrs.
Whittle have been born six children: Clarence R., who was born
August 14, 1896, attended the Massachusetts Agricultural College
and has enlisted in the service of his country; Wallace L., who was
born September 24, 1899, ^^^ *s attending the Massachusetts Agri*
cultural College; Martha H., born in 1905; Donald F., born in
1907; Francis A., born in 191 1; and Elizabeth, born in 1914.
In addition to his other interests Dr. Whittle is a director of the
Weymouth Savings Bank. He has served on the school board for
six years, acting as its chairman, and has been a member of the
library board for fifteen years, acting as its chairman for twelve
years. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and his political
allegiance is given the republican party. His activities are broad
and varied, touching the general interests of society, and his efforts
have been of the utmost worth in advancing public progress along
many lines.
SAMUEL HOWARD CAPEN.
Among the public officials of Norfolk county who have received
endorsement of efficient service in reelection to office is numbered
Samuel Howard Capen, who is serving as sheriff. He makes his
home in Dedham and he was born in Canton, Norfolk county, on
the 1 2th of March, 1848. His father, George Capen, was also a
native of Canton, born in the same house as his son, his natal year
being 18 17. There he was reared to manhood and married, the lady
of his choice being Miss Clarissa Boyden! The death of George
Capen occurred on the 17th of February, 1863, and his wife has also
passed away. In tracing back the ancestry of the family it is learned
that the first of the name in the new world was Bernard Capen, who
was born in England and crossed the Atlantic to America in the
Digitized by
Google
SAAU'KL H. CAPKX
Digitized by
Google
T!'l ^^i'^'• ^^''"^
fU£LlC LIBRARY
ASTGR. LCNOTC AND
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 25
seventeenth century, arriving on the shores of the new world about
the 26th of February, 1632. In 1636 he was made a freeman. The
family home was originally established in Dorchester, which is now
a part of Boston. Through all the intervening period representa-
tives of the name have remained residents of Massachusetts and the
family has always stood for progress in public affairs and for loy-
alty in all that has to do with the welfare and upbuilding of com-
munity and commonwealth.
Samuel Howard Capen spent his youthful days in his native city
and attended school until he reached the age of eighteen years, when
he started out in the business world, securing employment in a
small general store there. Gradually he worked his way upward
in that connection and carefully saved his earnings until his industry
furnished him the means to enable him to engage in business on
his own account It was in 1871, when he was twenty-three years of
age, that he purchased a general store in Canton, where he conducted
business for nineteen years, or until 1890, enjoying a liberal patronage
throughout that period. He then disposed of his^store and turned his
attention to the fire insurance business, in which he was quite success-
ful. Mr. Capen removed to Dedham in 1899 and since then he has
made his home in the county seat. He is still, however, a di-
rector of the Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company and is a
trustee of the Dedham Institution for Savings, so that he is yet ac-
tively and prominently connected with business interests of impor-
tance. At the present time, however, he is concentrating the greater
part of his attention upon official duties. In 1878 he was appointed
deputy sheriff under Rufus C. Wood, who was then filling the posi-
tion of sheriff. Mr. Capen continued to act as deputy for twenty-one
years, making a most excellent record, and in November, 1898, he
was elected to the office of sheriff of Norfolk county and has served
for four successive terms of three years each and is now serving for
his second term of five years, which will continue him as the incum-
bent in the position until 1920. At each election he has been nomi-
nated by both democrats and republicans. He is a supporter of the
republican party but political belief has never been allowed to inter-
fere with the faithful performance of his duty. No higher testi-
monial of his capable service could be given than the fact that he
has received the endorsement of both parties.
On the 24th of October, 1871, in Canton, Massachusetts, Mr.
Capen was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide A. Tucker, a daugh-
ter of Aaron E. Tucker, now deceased. Their children are: Samuel
H.. Jr., who was bora January 7, 1876, and is now located at Prov-
Digitized by
Google
26 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
idence, Rhode Island; and Harold Tucker, who was born April 17,
1885, and is a resident of Dedham.
The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Capen is that of the Uni-
tarian church. He is well known in Masonic circles, being a past
master of Blue Hill Lodge, F. & A. M,. at Canton and a past com-
mander of Cyprus Commandery, No. 39, K. T., at Hyde Park.
He is also a member of the Fisher Ames Club of Dedham
and he is widely and favorably known by reason of his ac-
tivity in business circles, by reason of his valuable official service and
his connection with fraternal interests. In every relation in which
he has been found he has been faithful to duty, meeting every obli-
gation with a sense of conscientious service and doing with his
might whatever his hands have found to do. Over his official record
there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion or evil. Since 1878
he has been almost continuously connected with the office of sheriff —
a most notable record, in which he has been found faultless in honor,
fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation.
JOHN E. BARBER.
John E. Barber is the efficient cashier of the Franklin National
Bank and in his business career progressiveness has been tempered
by a safe conservatism that contributes in substantial measure to the
stability of the bank of which he is an official. He was born in Rock-
ville, Massachusetts, in September, 1869, and is a son of John and
Cynthia (Hayford) Barber, both of whom were natives of Massa-
chusetts. The father was a mechanic and farmer, devoting the
greater part of his life to general agricultural pursuits in Massa-
chusetts, where the family has been represented through various
generations. The original American ancestor came to the. new world
in 1670 and his descendants have since been found in this state. The
father of John E. Barber passed away in 1886, but the mother is
still living at the notable old age of ninety-two years.
Spending his youthful days in Norfolk, Massachusetts, John E.
Barber there pursued his education and after his textbooks were
put aside he took up the study of telegraphy, having already
acquainted himself to a considerable extent with that business. He
became the youngest telegraph operator on the road, being employed
in that way when but fifteen years of age, and advancing step by
step, he ultimately became train dispatcher and was also the young-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 27
est incumbent in a position of that character. About 1897 he removed
to Franklin, where he entered the employ of the Ray Woolen Com-
pany as time clerk and paymaster. He spent several years with the
company, after which he worked for the American Woolen Com-
pany as chief clerk, and later he was with the Charles River Woolen
Company as bookkeeper. He afterward became superintendent and
agent and on leaving that company became an employe of the Ray
Fabric Mills, occupying the responsible position of superintendent.
He left that position to operate a small mill in partnership with
his brother-in-law, David W. Mann, but soon afterward their plant
was destroyed by fire and after paying their bills they had nothing
left. He then entered the Franklin National Bank as an assistant
and soon afterward was elected to the position of cashier, in which
capacity he has since continued. He is a popular and obliging offi-
cial, extending the courtesies of the bank to its patrons in as far as
possible but never to a point of jeopardizing the interests of the
depositors. The bank was established about 1865 at Blackstone and
was known as the Worcester County Bank. In 1871, Joseph G. and
James P. Ray purchased a controlling interest in the business and
by special act of congress removed the bank to Franklin, with per-
mission to change the name to the Franklin National Bank. James
P. Ray acted as president of the institution until his death, when he
was succeeded by his brother, Joseph G. Ray, who continued as
president until his demise, when E. H. Rathbun was elected to the
office. Edgar K. Ray, son of James P. Ray, was also president until
his life's labors were ended in death. Mr. Rathbun resides in Woon-
socket, Rhode Island. The vice presidents of the bank are A. D.
Thayer and B. M. Rockwood, with Mr. Barber as cashier. The
bank is capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and has a
surplus and undivided profits of one hundred and thirty-eight thou-
sand dollars, while the deposits now amount to five hundred thousand
dollars.
On the ist of October, 1890, Mr. Barber was united in marriage
to Miss Elizabeth A. Mann, a daughter of Alexander and Helen
(Davidson) Mann, who were natives of Scotland. They came to
Massachusetts at an early day, arriving about 1867. The father was
a stone mason by trade and he and his wife spent the residue of their
lives in the Bay state. His death occurred in 1892, while his wife,
surviving for many years, passed away in 1915. To Mr. and Mrs.
Barber have been born three children. George W., born in 1891,
is a graduate of the Massachusetts Agricultural College of the class
of 1913 and is employed by the United States government as a
Digitized by
Google
28 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
scientific entomologist and is in charge of the station at Hagerstown,
Maryland. John C, born in 1896, is engaged in the grocery business.
Mildred, born in 1901, is a student in Dean Academy.
Mr. Barber is a member of Excelsior Lodge, F. & A. M., of
which he is a past master, and he is also a past district deputy grand
master. He belongs to Miller Chapter, R. A. M., of which he is a
past high priest, and is a member of Milford Commandery, K. T.,
and of Aleppo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Boston. His re-
ligious faith is that of the Congregational church. His political
support is given to the republican party and he has been called to
office in many public connections. He has served as auditor of
Franklin and as register of voters. He is treasurer of the
Franklin Committee on Public Safety, is treasurer of the First
Congregational church, is president of the Franklin Business Men's
Association and is a member of the executive council of the Frank-
lin Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is likewise the treasurer
of the Franklin Playgrounds Association and thus has been active
in connection with many interests which are looking to civic bet-
terment, to the uplift and benefit of the individual and to the ad-
vancement of standards of citizenship.
PORTER. S. BOYDEN.
For many years Porter S. Boyden ranked with the prominent and
representative. business men of Walpole, Norfolk county, being ac-
tively identified with the work of contracting. At the present writ-
ing he is living retired and is possessed of a substantial competence
which has come to him as the direct result and reward of his per-
sistent, earnest and intelligently directed efforts. Mr. Boyden is
also a representative of one of the oldest families of New England,
the ancestral line being traced down through Thomas Boyden, who
crossed the Atlantic from Ipswich, Suffolk county, England, in
April, 1634, the family having long been established in the mother
country. During the year following his arrival in the new world
Thomas Boyden was in the employ of William Gilson, a large land-
owner of Scituate, Massachusetts, which was a part of the Plymouth
colony. The admission of Thomas Boyden to the church at Scituate
is proven by the church records. It is not definitely known how long
he remained there, but at a later period he resided in Watertown
and in 1650 was a resident of Boston, in which city the death of his
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 29
wife, Frances, occurred on the 17th of March, 1658. He after-
ward married Hannah (Phillips) Morse, of Boston. Later he is
mentioned in early records as a resident of Medfield, Norfolk county.
His second wife, Mrs. Hannah Boyden, passed away in Medfield,
October 3, 1676, but there is no record found concerning the death
of Mr. Boyden.
Jonathan Boyden, the third child of the first marriage of Thomas
Boyden, was born February 20, 1652, in Boston and his life record
covered the intervening years to May 30, 1732. He was married
on the 26th of September, 1673, to Mary Clark, the eldest daughter
of Joseph and Alice Clark, who were among the earliest settlers
of Dedham, Massachusetts, her father having been one of the thir-
teen men who undertook the settlement of Medfield. The family
of Jonathan Boyden included a son, who was named in honor of his
father. Jonathan Boyden, Jr., was born in Medfield, July 30, 1674,
and died on the 3d of March, 1719. He was married on the 17th of
November, 1698, to Rachel Fisher, whose parents were John and
Hannah (Adams) Fisher. The line of descent is traced on down
through Jonathan Boyden HI, who was born in Medfield, March
13, 1700, and who on the 31st of May, 1726, wedded Mehitabel
Lovell, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Dyer) Lovell, of
Medfield. They removed to Walpole soon after their marriage and
their remaining days were passed in that city. Their second child
was Benjamin Boyden, whose birth occurred at Walpole, Novem-
ber 6, 1733. There he spent his entire life and on the 5th of Feb-
ruary, 1806, was called to his final rest. On the 12th of May, 1757,
he had married Huldah Armsby, a daughter of Joshua and Esther
(Cheney) Armsby, of Medfield, and a granddaughter of Joshua
and Mehitabel (Boyden) Armsby. The death of Mrs. Huldah
Boyden occurred February 4, 1784, when she was forty-nine years
of age, and Benjamin Boyden afterward married again on the 25th
of April, 1785, his second union being with Mrs. Hannah Max-
field, of Walpole. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, es-
pousing the cause of the colonists and aiding in the task of winning
American independence. His children were all born of his first
marriage.
Phineas Boyden, the second of the family, was born November
2, 1760, in Walpole, and was in the sixty-eighth year of his age when
called to his final rest April 29, 1828. On the i6th of January, 1783,
he married Lydia Boyden, a daughter of Jonathan and Freelove
Boyden. He, too, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, bear-
ing his part in the defense of colonial interests which led to the
Digitized by
Google
30 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
establishment of the American republic. Harvey Boyden, son of
Phineas Boyden and the second child of the family, was born April
26, 1787, in Walpole, Massachusetts, where his death occurred on
the 7th of February, 1870, so that he had reached the advanced age of
eighty-three years. He was married January 23, 181 1, to Betsey
Blake, a daughter of Aaron Blake, of Walpole, and her death
occurred in Walpole, July 6, 1865.
Maynard Boyden, the eldest of the children of Harvey and Betsey
(Blake) Boyden, was born June 12, 181 1, in Walpole, where his
entire life was passed, his death there occurring August 28, 1886.
On the 8th of June, 1836, he wedded Miss Mary Bell, of Canton,
who died October 23, 1895, when eighty-six years of age.
Porter Storer Boyden, who was the second of the children of
Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Boyden, was born September 21, 1838, in
Walpole, and in his early life the father removed with his family
to Southbridge. He was a spinner and weaver and was foreman
of Clark's Mill. Later he spent a few years at Southbridge but
afterward returned to Walpole, where he took one-half of his
father's farm and devoted his attention to the cultivation of the fields.
He was also a millwright and carpenter and his was an active and
busy life which commanded for him the respect and confidence of
all with whom he came in contact. His religious faith was that of
the Unitarian church and in politics he was a stanch republican.
Porter S. Boyden is largely indebted to the common schools
of Walpole for the educational privileges he enjoyed. After putting
aside his textbooks he took up carpenter work in connection with his
father and was thus employed for several years. He then began
building operations on his own account and largely concentrated his
efforts upon the erection of dwelling houses. He has built several
of the finest homes in Walpole and did much contract work, which
made heavy demands upon his time and energy and which gained
for him in the course of years a very substantial competence.
On the 30th of December, 1866, Mr. Boyden was united in mar-
riage to Miss Julia E. Hartshorn, of Walpole, who passed away
July 26, 1873. He later wedded Julia Ella Hale, a daughter of
Charles Hale and Julia (Pike) Hale, of Lowell, Massachusetts. By
his first marriage Mr. Boyden had one child, Bertha Elizabeth, who
is now the wife of George W. Poore, of Holyoke, Massachusetts,
who is connected with the American Writing Paper Company.
There were three children born of Mr. Boyden's second marriage:
Maynard H., who married Edith Barlow, a daughter of Henry
Barlow, of Walpole, and who is connected with the Cumner-Jones
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 31
Company of Boston but makes his home with his father; Ella Belle,
who is a teacher of Winthrop, Massachusetts; and Dana E., at
home. The family residence is at No. 119 Common street, in Wal-
pole, and was erected by Mr. Boyden. His second wife died August
18, 1908, and his son and wife now make their home with him.
Politically Mr. Boyden is a republican and for three years he
filled the office of assessor. Fraternally he is connected with the
Masons, belonging to the blue lodge at Norwood and also to the
chapter. He is connected with the United Workmen and he holds to
the religious faith of his ancestors. His grandfather was a deacon of
the Unitarian church and for over thirty years Mr. Boyden of this
review has been church treasurer. He retired from active business
in 19 10 to enjoy a well earned rest and the competence which he
acquired now supplies him with all of the comforts and some of
the luxuries of life. His has been an active, useful and honorable
career. His business path was never strewn with the wreck of other
men's fortunes, but through efficiency and expert workmanship he
gained the patronage which was accorded him and which brought
to him the measure of prosperity that is today his.
HERBERT TABER WHITMAN.
Herbert Taber Whitman, of Quincy, is senior partner in the firm
of Whitman & Howard, well known civil engineers of Boston, and
is a prominent figure in connection with banking interests and the
development of real estate activity in the city of his residence. He
was born in Pembroke, Massachusetts, December 19, 1847, and is
a son of Seth and Mary T. (Mann) Whitman. The father was a
direct descendant of John Whitman, of Buckingham, England, who
on coming to the new world settled in Weymouth, Massachusetts,
in 1635. Seth Whitman was a carpenter by trade and was prominent
in connection with public affairs of Pembroke, where he served for
many years as treasurer and also occupied the office of postmaster.
Herbert T. Whitman acquired a public school education in Pem-
broke and also spent two terms as a student in the Hanover Academy
of Massachusetts. He took up the study of architecture and engi-
neering under the late Luther Briggs, of Boston, a well known archi-
tect and engineer of that city, whose office he entered in 1863, com-
pleting his course of study there in 1869. In 1870 he opened an
Digitized by
Google
32 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
office of his own in Boston for the practice of civil engineering and
has since formed a partnership under the present firm style of Whit-
man & Howard. The firm has a high professional standing and is ac-
corded a liberal clientage. Mr. Whitman is also identified with impor-
tant business interests in Quincy. He served as trustee of the Quincy
Savings Bank and in 191 6 was elected to the presidency. For many
years he has been president of the Wollaston Cooperative Bank and
he has taken a very active part in real estate development in Quincy.
For many years he has been local representative of the Adams Real
Estate Trust Company, which has done most of the important real
estate development work of the city, leading to its substantial devel-
opment according to the most advanced ideas of city building.
With community interests Mr. Whitman has been closely identi-
fied. He served in 1889 and 1890 as a member of the first city council
and for three years he was chairman of the Quincy water committee.
He filled the oflSce of member of the Quincy sewer commission for
three years and during two years of that time acted as its chairman.
In politics he is an independent republican, usually giving his sup-
port to the party, and yet hesitating not to cast an independent ballot
if his judgment dictates the wisdom of such a course.
In 1874 Mr. Whitman was united in marriage to Miss Albertina
M. Marks, a daughter of John M. and Anna Marks. Their children
are: Mrs. Anna G. Homer; John G., who is a civil engineer; and
two who have passed away. The religious faith of the family is that
of the Congregational church.
WARREN KEITH GILMORE.
A well spent and honorable career was that of Warren Keith
Gilmore, now deceased. His genuine worth commanded for him
the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact and
his indefatigable energy and persistency of purpose brought to him
a substantial measure of success. He was born in Medfield, Mas-
sachusetts, October 9, 1836, and was a son of Charles Pickney and
Elmira (Keith) Gilmore, who were also natives of the old Bay
state, the father having been born in Wrentham, February i, 1803.
He attended the district school at Pondville until he reached the age
of fifteen years and later he concentrated his efforts upon work upon
the homestead farm. He was afterward employed by the itionth,
as a farm hand and later he managed several farms, which he oper-
Digitized by
Google
WARREN K. GILMORE
Digitized by
Google
THE N£V7 'iO:\K
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A?Tr)R, LENOX / --'D
TAi-DEN fHUNDAiiONa
U L
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 35
ated on the shares. He afterward bought the Preston Pond place,
which he cultivated for a time but ultimately retired from active
farm life aiid resided with his son Joseph, passing away at his home
on the 13th of April, 1872. His wife was born at Barre, Vermont,^
June II, 1806, and had almost reached the ninety- fourth milestone on
life's journey when on the 29th of March, 1900, she was called to
her final rest.
Warren Keith Gilmore was a little lad of but six years when his
parents removed to Wrentham and in the district schools he acquired
his education. Through the period of his boyhood he assisted his
father in farm work until he reached the age of fifteen years, after
which he spent three years learning the boot making trade. Sub-
sequently he was employed in straw shops at Norfolk and for three
years he worked in the blocking room of William E. George's straw
shop at Wrentham. He next turned his attention to the livery busi-
ness, which he carried on independently, remaining successfully in
that field of business for fifteen years. During fourteen years of that
time he also operated the mail stage to Norfolk, for which he re-
ceived a salary of nine hundred dollars per year. On the nth of
August, 1867, he lost his entire business by fire and there was no
insurance upon it. He rebuilt his place but decided at the time to
give up the livery business and engage in the flour and grain trade.
This plan he pursued and conducted his business very successfully to
the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1917. Thirteen
years before he admitted his four sons to a partnership under the
firm style of W. K. Gilmore & Sons. The business has constantly
broadened in scope and George now has charge of the interests of
the firm at Wrentham, while Frank and Charles conduct the busi-
ness at Walpole. The other son, Fred, has now withdrawn from the
business and is devoting his attention to farming at Wrentham. The
firm also has branch houses at Franklin and at Norfolk.
Mr. Gilmore was married twice. He first wedded Evelyn Capen,
of Milford, Massachusetts, in 1857, and she passed away in Wren-
tham, April 7, 1862, leaving one child, Evelyn, who was born in
March, 1862, and is now the wife of F. E. George. On the 14th of
November, 1865, Mr. Gilmore was again married, his second union
being with Ellen Maria Rand, who was born in Wrentham, Mas-
sachusetts, July 28, 1845, a daughter of David A. and Harriett C.
(Austin) Rand, who were natives of Norfolk county. The father
was a wood merchant of Providence, Rhode Island, throughout
his entire life and passed away at the age of fifty-eight years, while
his wife died in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore had a family of four
Digitized by
Google
36 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
children: George, Frank, Charles and Fred, all of whom have be-
come valued and respected business men of Norfolk county.
Mr. Gilmore was a director of the Wrentham National Bank
and he occupied an enviable position in business circles owing to
his enterprising spirit, his indefatigable energy and his intelligent di-
rection of his efforts. His political allegiance was given to the re-
publican party and his religious faith was that of the Congregational
church. He occupied a fine home on Franklin street, near the Square,
in Wrentham, and when he passed away his death was the occasion
of deep and widespread regret. All who knew him respected him
for his genuine worth and his many excellent traits of character
gained for him a circle of friends that was almost coextensive with
the circle of his acquaintance.
FRED D. LEONARD.
Fred D. Leonard, treasurer of the Stoughton Trust Company
and thus an active factor in financial circles of Stoughton, where
since 191 1 he has made his home, was born at New Lebanon, New
York, November 23, 1874, and is a son of Hiram E. and Mary L.
(Richmond) Leonard, also natives of New Lebanon, New York.
The father was a farmer and followed that occupation throughout
his entire life in the Empire state save for the period of the Civil
war, when he responded to the country's call for troops, putting
aside all business and personal considerations so that he might aid
in defense of the Union. He served with the Ninth Regiment of
New York Volunteer Sharpshooters, with which he was connected
for nine months. His health became seriously impaired during
his army experience and he returned to New York, where he con-
centrated his efforts upon agricultural pursuits throughout his re-
maining days, his death occurring in January, 1885. ^^^ widow is
still living and yet makes her home at New Lebanon, New York.
Fred D. Leonard was reared in his native city and mastered the
branches of learning taught in the public schools. He afterward
accepted' the position of assistant postmaster, which office he filled
for four years, and at twenty years of age he went to Boston with
the idea of attending business college there. Instead, however, he
changed his plans, accepting a position with the International Trust
Company of Boston, and thus received practical instead of theoreti-
cal training in business. That he proved capable, efficient and faith-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 37
ful is indicated in the fact that he remained with that company for
fifteen years. On the expiration of that period he removed to
Stoughton, where he took up his abode in 191 1, and in company with
others organized the Stoughton Trust Company which is capitalized
for one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars and which now has
a surplus of twenty-five thousand dollars. The deposits of the bank
at the present time amount to one million, seventy-three thousand
dollars and the institution is in a most flourishing condition. The
business mehods employed have led to splendid results and the policy
of the house is one which will bear the closest investigation and
scrutiny, for the officers have ever recognized the fact that the bank
is most worthy of patronage which most carefully safeguards the
interests of its depositors. The officers of the bank are: Guy A.
Ham, president; Ira F. Burnham, vice president; James D. Hender-
son, vice president; Fred D. Leonard, treasurer; and Louis W. Cut-
ting, actuary. They erected a modern building which they occupied
on the loth of February, 191 7. It is a most attractive structure,
built in the old colonial style, and its equipment is thoroughly mod-
ern.
On the 26th of September, 1905, Mr. Leonard was united in
marriage to Miss Emma R. Rein, of Webster, Massachusetts, and
they have two children : Constance, who was born June 25, 1907, and
Richmond, born February 18, 19 14.
The parents are members of the Congregational church and Mr.
Leonard is identified with the Masonic fraternity and with the
Sons of Veterans. Politically he is a republican and has served as
treasurer of the public safety committee, while at the present time
he is the treasurer of the Red Cross Chapter at Stoughton. He is
also connected with the board of trade and his cooperation and aid
are ever given to well directed plans and projects for the general
good. In matters of citizenship none questions his loyalty and his co-
operation can ever be counted upon to upbuild community, common-
wealth and country.
PATRICK O'LOUGHLIN.
Patrick O'Loughlin, a substantial citizen of Norfolk county
and one of the most prominent representatives of the Boston bar,
was born in County Clare, Ireland, July 16, 1850, a son of Patrick
and Katherine (Moloney) O'Loughlin. They were married in Ire-
Digitized by
Google
38 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
land and the father there engaged in the shoe business but died in
that country in early manhood. The mother afterward came to
America with her family in 1864 and settled in Charlestown,
Massachusetts, where she passed away in 1872.
Patrick O'Loughlin was the youngest in a family of four chil-
dren and in his early boyhood attended the Christian Brothers School
in Ireland and after coming to the new world he was a pupil in
the public schools of Boston, Massachusetts. He left school, how-
ever, at an early age in order to help provide for the family. He
secured employment along various lines of labor until 1877, when
he entered upon the study of law, having in the meantime saved his
earnings until the sum was sufficient to enable him to meet his ex-
penses while qualifying for the bar. He began reading law in the
office of Sumner Albee, Esq., a leading Boston lawyer, who directed
his studies for several years, and later he entered the Boston Uni-
versity Law School, from which he was graduated with the degree
of LL. B. in 1878, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. He then
opened an office in Boston and with the passing years has made
steady progress and today ranks with the leading attorneys of the
city. He has always given his attention to probate law and has
attained prominence by reason of his skill in that department of
jurisprudence. Mr. O'Loughlin has been tendered many public
positions, but these have been steadfastly declined save that he has
been registrar of voters in the town of Brookline for fifteen years
and chairman of the board for six years. Along strictly professional
lines he has connection with the Boston Bar Association and with
the Massachusetts State Bar Association and the American Bar As-
sociation. Aside from his profession his activities extend into bank-
ing circles, where he is known as one of the trustees of the Brook-
line Savings Bank. Mr. O'Loughlin was appointed by Governor
Walsh as a member of the Norfolk County Agricultural School
and has recently been reappointed by Governor McCall for a fur-
ther term of four years.
On the 5th of June, 1884, Mr. O'Loughlin was united in mar-
riage to Miss Katherine Keams, of Boston, a daughter of Patrick
and Katherine Kearns, and to them have been born five children.
Joseph P., born in Boston in 1885, is a graduate of the Brookline
schools and enlisted in the Hundred and First United States
Field Artillery now in France. Mrs. Alice C. Hennessey, a native
of Brookline and a graduate of Notre Dame Academy, was married
to Mr. William J. Hennessey in 191 1, and has three children; she
is a member of the Red Cross. Gertrude F, born in Brookline,
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 39
is a graduate of the schools of that place and also of Notre Dame
Academy, and is now an active member of the Red Cross. Francis
A. is a law student in the Boston University and now a member of
the United States Naval Reserve Corps. Edward K. is engaged
in business at Jamaica Plain, Boston. He is in Division i. Class A,
and may be called to the colors any day.
In politics Mr. O'Loughlin is a well known supporter of the
democratic party. He is very active in Catholic circles and is a
communicant of St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Brook-
line. He was at one time president of the Charlestown Catholic
Lyceum Association and was formerly president of the Boston
Catholic Union. He has been corporation counsel of the Massa-
chusetts Catholic Order of Foresters and was president of the Chari-
table Irish Society on its one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary
in 191 2, it having been organized in Boston in 1737. Its celebration
was honored by the presence of Hon. William Howard Taft, then
president of the United States. He is likewise a member of the
Irish- American Historical Society of America, being deeply in-
terested in all that pertains to the history of city and state. His
professional prominence is marked by the range of his professional
attainments and his ability is attested by colleagues and contem-
poraries, who regard him as one of the foremost lawyers of Boston.
OLIVER J. BARR.
Holding to the highest standards in printing, Oliver J. Barr is
a prominent representative of the Norwood Press, being president
of the firm of J. S. Cushing & Company. In this connection he has
been largely instrumental in establishing ideal relations in connec-
tion with the printing business, not only in advancing the standards
of production but also in improving conditions under which em-
ployes work. His eflForts have been largely resultant in building
up a model establishment and while his business has reached pro-
portions that make extensive demands upon his energies he yet finds
time and opportunity to cooperate in plans and movements for the
general good and is putting forth earnest effort in behalf of making
Norwood a model municipality. Mr. Barr is a native of Boston.
He was born in 1863, a son of Peter and Jane (Leonard) Barr. The
father was a native of Scotland and in early manhood crossed the
Digitized by
Google
40 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Atlantic to America, establishing his home in Boston, where he was
married. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Oliver J.
Barr attended the schools of Cambridge and afterward began learn-
ing the printing business in Boston. His father was a bookbinder
and whether inherited tendency, environment or natural predilec-
tion had most to do with shaping the choice of the life work of
Oliver J. Barr it is impossible to determine. That the choice was
wisely made is indicated by the results. He was fourteen years of
age when in 1877 he took up the printing business in the employ
of the firm of Rand & Avery. The following year he became an
apprentice with the J. S. Cushing Company, which established
business in a little room sixteen feet square at the corner of Federal
and Milk streets in Boston, the composition work being done by
the founder of the business, Josiah Stearns Cushing, while Mr. Barr
as apprentice was the only assistant. The business steadily grew and
developed, however, and with the expansion of his trade Mr. Cash-
ing removed to Hawley street and at that time his compositors num-
bered fifteen. When the business was established on Pearl street
his trade demanded the employment of thirty compositors and with
the removal to High street forty men were in the employ of the com-
pany. This number was increased to sixty and the business was
established at Purchase and Pearl streets in Boston. Mr. Cushing
was a resident of Norwood, as was also James Berwick, of the Ber-
wick & Smith Company, printers of Boston. By reason of this fact
the two gentlemen determined to move their businesses to Norwood,
which was accomplished under the name of the Norwood Press. The
two companies of which these gentlemen were the head were joined
also by the firm of E. Fleming & Company of Boston, each, however,
retaining its identity, the J. S. Cushing Company having charge of
the typesetting and electrotyping, the Berwick & Smith Company of
the press work and E. Fleming & Company of the bookbinding.
Of them it has been written : "These three are joint owners of the
extensive premises, now ivy clad and embowered among trees, known
as the Norwood Press and they work cooperatively in manufactur-
ing." With the removal of the business of the Cushing Company to
Norwood and the establishment of the latter plant their working
force was increased to one hundred and fifty compositors and at the
present writing they have two hundred and fifty employes in the com-
posing room and electrotype foundry. In the meantime, Mr. Barr,
the original apprentice, was constantly working his way upward
and in 1889 had become foreman of the business, while in 1896 he
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 41
was advanced to the position of superintendent. In 1898 he be-
came manager and one of the stockholders and in 1907, upon the
incorporation of the business with Mr. Gushing as the president and
treasurer, Mr. Barr was elected vice president and assistant treas-
urer. He succeeded to the presidency upon the death of Mr. Gush-
ing in 1913, and his brothers, Robert T. and Donald D. Barr, to-
gether with James S. Gox and Louis E. Flye, constitute the board
of directors. Henry Lewis Bullen, writing in the American Bulle-
tin under the title of Eminent American Printers, speaks of the
Gushing establishment as follows: "The conditions under which
this great book-making establishment is operated are ideal and pro-
gressively efficient. A large part of the product is scientific and col-
lege textbooks and learned works in various languages, besides much
of general literature and the better class of fiction. As Equality first'
is Mr. Barr's principle there is more type set by hand at the Nor-
wood Press than in any other establishment in America. In addi-
tion there is an extensive plant of machines for mechanical com-
position of a less particular character. There is no piece work,
all employes being on a wage basis, with special consideration for
veteran employes. In Mr. Barr's modest advertisements, the fol-
lowing guiding principles are announced: *i. To supply the highest
class of product at reasonable prices. 2. To make its chief aim the
satisfaction of its customers. 3. To perform whatever it promises.'
Upon these principles, with thorough practical knowledge and care-
ful and prgressive management, to Mr. Barr belongs the credit of
having made a conspicuous success of a business devoted exclusively
to type composition of the highest quality."
On the i6th of July, 1890, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mr.
Barr was united in marriage to Miss Luella I. Odde and they have
become parents of two children, Mabel R. and Oliver J. In poli-
tics Mr. Barr is a republican and is deeply interested in all those
questions which have to do with the progress and upbuilding of
the town in which he makes his home. What the Norwood Press
has been to Norwood is indicated in the fact that when the business
was established there the town contained a population of four thou-
sand. Today its population surpasses the eleven thousand mark and
all of the representatives of the Norwood Press have throughout
the intervening period been most active in holding to high standards
of citizenship and of civic interests. Mr. Barr has taken most
active and helpful part in advancing the work of general progress
and improvement here, desiring that Norwood should become a
model municipality, and he has done excellent work as one of the
Digitized by
Google
42 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
selectmen. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church.
He is likewise well known in club circles, being identified with the
Boston Typothetae and the City Club of Boston, the Aldine Club
of New York and the Norfolk Golf Club of Dedham. His life
has not only been devoted to elevating the standards of book print-
ing in America but also to the advancement of all interests which
work for the uplift of the individual and the betterment of the com-
munity and in each field he has shown himself to be a man of con-
spicuous ability, whose efforts have been far-reaching and resultant.
AMBROSE J. GALLISON, M. D.
In the death of Dr. Ambrose J. Gallison, Franklin lost one of
its most valued citizens, a man highly esteemed and respected not
only because of his professional worth and ability, but also by reason
of his marked personal worth and his devotion to the best interests
of community, commonwealth and country. He stood for high ideals
in manhood and in citizenship and the worth of his character was
acknowledged by all who knew him. He was born in Woodstock,
Maine, August 29, 1856, and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John M.
Gallison, also natives of the Pine Tree state. Dr. Gallison prepared
for his professional career as a medical student in Dartmouth College,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1887. ^^ ^^^^ 1^"
cated in Franklin, in which town he continued to reside until the time
of his death, and won a reputation as a most skilled and able physician
his ability ranking him with the men of eminence in his profession
in Norfolk county. He was also a director of the Benjamin Frank-
lin Savings Bank of Franklin and was thus actively identified with
the financial institutions of his section of the county.
Dr. Gallison was married three times. He first wedded Miss
Mabel Eastman, of Woodstock, Maine, and to them was born a son.
Dr. James Murry Gallison, now a prominent practicing surgeon
of Boston, who is on the staff of the Massachusetts General Hospital
of that city. On the 24th of June, 1891, Dr. Gallison was again
married, his second union being with Miss Mary E. Thayer, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Davis Thayer. Mrs. Gallison passed
away May 2, 1904, leaving one son, Davis Thayer, born September
8, 1893, ^^^ ^s now an enlisted soldier in the National Army at the
Army Medical School, Washington, D. C. It was on the 6th of
Digitized by
Google
DR. AMBROSE J. GALLLSON
rh .
Digitized by
Google
TFI NEW YGPK
rJBLlC LIBRARY
AS^CP. LENOX /VD
Xii-ijEN F^UNDAl'lONS
R L
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 45
June, 1905, that Dr. Gallison was married to Mrs. Mima (Allen)
Holmes, of Franklin, a daughter of Thomas B. and Martha Miller
(Metcalf) Allen. She came of a very prominent and representative
family of Massachusetts. Her ancestors were of distinguished line-
age and were among the first residents of this section of the state.
Dr. Gallison was a Mason, connected with both the York and
Scottish Rites. He belonged to the Excelsior lodge, to Miller
Chapter, R. A. M., Woonsocket Council, R. & S. M., and Mil-
ford Commandery, K. T., while in the Scottish Rite he was
connected with Olivet Chapter of the Rose Croix and Massachusetts
Consistory, S. P. R. S. He was also identified with King David
Lodge, I. O. O. F. Along strictly professional lines he had member-
ship in the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medi-
cal Society, the Massachusetts Medico-Legal Society and the Thur-
ber Medical Association of Norfolk County, of which he served as
secretary for fifteen years, acting in that capacity at the time of his
death, which occurred on the 13th of February, 191 8. He was long
a devoted and valued member of the Congregational church and
served on its prudential committee and he was also identified with
the Universalist Society of Maine. His fellow townsmen, appreci-
ative of his worth and ability, continued him in the office of select-
man of Franklin for eight years and for a similar period he was a
member of the board of education.
In his chosen profession Dr. Gallison's career was determined by
the spirit of progress which underlay all that he did. He held to
the highest standards and put forth every effort that would advance
his efficiency and render him still better qualified to cope with the
intricate and complex problems which always confront the physician
in his efforts to restore health and check the ravages of disease. He
was very conscientious in diagnosing his cases and his judgment was
justified in the results which attended his efforts. He was well
known as a leading physician and surgeon of Franklin and he en-
joyed in full measure the trust and confidence of his fellow represen-
tatives of the profession. A man of genuine worth was called when
on the 13th of February, 1918, Dr. Gallison passed to the home be-
yond. The local papers spoke of him as "a man quick at decisions,
of excellent judgment, outspoken in his convictions, and one whose
position upon any vital question was never an equivocal one. He
made no claims to always being right, but he conducted his private as
well as his civil life on the basis of doing his duty unflinchingly and
faithfully. When he differed from his colleagues it was always cour-
teously. He was not unduly sensitive to criticism, which made it the
T^n— t
Digitized by
Google
46 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
easier for him to do his duty as he saw it. He was an excellent com-
panion, generous and jovial, and was an ideal man in the sick room^
to which he always brought a spirit of good cheer and helpfulness
which rarely failed to react helpfully upon his patient." His was a
life well spent in the service of his fellowmen and Franklin could
truly term him a "beloved physician." The greatest tribute to his
memory is the sincere affection in which he was held by all with
whom he came in contact through professional or social relations.
EDMUND GROVER.
Edmund Grover, a civil engineer of East Walpole, is a repre-
sentative of one of the old families of this section of the state. He
was born April 7, 1855, at the corner of East and Short streets in
East Walpole, and traces his ancestry back to David and Rebecca
Grover, who had a family of twelve children, namely: David, Jesse,
Isaac, Lemuel, Joseph, Anna, Luther, Jacob, Darius, Chloe, Try-
phena and Rebecca. The eldest of the family, David Grover, was
born in October, 1775, in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and married
Martha Burr, of Providence. They had seven children: Mercy,
Abby, George, Martha, Lindoll, Edmund and Robert Barclay. The
sixth in order of birth, Edmund Grover, was born September 21,
1803, ^^^ ^i^d i^ April, 1836. He was the grandfather of Edmund
Grover, whose name introduces this review, and he removed from
Mansfield to Walpole and became connected with the industry of
spring making at Plymptonville. He married Sally Farrington, of
Dedham, and they had a family of four children: Henry Edmund,
who died in California; Lydia Ann, who became the wife of Phineas
Coburn, of Lowell; David Farrington; and Sarah Burr, who be-
came the wife of Herbert A. Lewis, of Providence, Rhode Island.
The second son, David Farrington Grover, was born March 6, 1831,
and died August 31, 1909. He was only five years of age at the
death of his father and when still a boy he entered the employ
of F. W. Bird. He became the inventor of several processes and
machines for improving the manufacture of paper and at two dif-
ferent times operated a mill on his own account. He was a very
thorough student of religious philosophy and was somewhat of a
discipte of Thomas Paine and Robert Ingersoll. During his active
life he erected several houses in East Walpole, doing much of the
work himself. He married Ann Maria Lewis, who was born at East
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 4.7
Walpole, October 27, 1833, ^ daughter of Warren and Mary (Morse)
Lewis.
Their son, Edmund Grover, pursued his education in the Wal-
pole high school and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
in which he completed a course in civil engineering with the class
of 1877. He afterward engaged in railroad construction in Illinois
and in Iowa but returned from the west to again identify his inter-
ests with those oif East Walpole and has since practiced his profession
in Massachusetts. His work has been of an important character.
In Milford, New Hamphire, at the home of John McLane, on
the 25th of December, 1883, Mr. Grover was united in marriage
to Miss Isabel Joudro, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Hay)
Joudro. The father of the former came from France and settled in
the province of Quebec, while Mary Hay was born in Glasgow,
Scotland, and was first married to Malcolm McLane. Their son,
John McLane, was governor of New Hampshire and it was at
his home that the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Grover was celebrated.
They became the parents of three children: Edmund Stanley, who
married Ida Louise Pelletier, of Whitinsville, Massachusetts; Isabel
Shirley, who became the wife of Fred V. Bell, of Attleboro, Mas-
sachusetts, and has a son, Vernon Grover; and Arnold Farrington,
who married Belle E. Wells, of Willimantic, Connecticut, and has
a daughter, Christine Wells.
Mr. Grover is a member of Walpole Grange, No. 214, Pomona
and State Grange, and for four years was lecturer of the Walpole
Grange, also lecturer of the Pomona Grange and master of Walpole
Grange. In other words he has taken a very active part in the
work of the Grange and has done much to advance its interests.
From 1900 until 1906 he was a member of the school board of
Walpole and from 1900 until 1903 was tree warden, and at all times
he manifests a public-spirited interest in the general good.
THOMAS S. McDERMOTT.
Thomas S. McDermott is the vice president of the Clark, Cutler,
McDermott Company, engaged in the manufacture of wool blankets
a| Franklin, where his birth occurred April 4, 1874. He is a son
of James and Rose (Mullen) McDermott, who were natives of
Ireland but were married in Milford, Norfolk county, where the
father followed the occupation of farming until his death. When
Digitized by
Google
48 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
called to his final rest his remains were interred in the St. Marie
cemetery. The mother is still living and makes her home in Frank-
lin. They had a family of four children: John, who is living in
Franklin; Sarah, the wife of Charles Stevens, also of Franklin;
Thomas S. of this review; and Mrs. Rose Hines, who has de-
parted this life. The religious faith of the family has always been
that of the Catholic church and the father in his political views was
a stalwart democrat. Whatever success he achieved or enjoyed
was attributable entirely to his own efforts, for he started out in
the business world empty-handed and by persistent effort and energy
worked his way upward.
Thomas S. McDermott acquired a common school education
and when a lad of fourteen years made his initial step in the busi-
ness world by entering the employ of the Ray Fabric Mills Com-
pany at Unionville. That he was efficient, faithful and trustworthy
is indicated in the fact that he remained in the employ of that com-
pany for twenty-one years and steadily working his way upward
he occupied the position of superintendent during the last two years
of his connection with the business. His promotions had come to
him in recognition of his genuine worth and capability and he en-
joyed the unqualified confidence of the company which he repre-
sented. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own
account and in 191 1 he assisted in organizing the Clark, Cutler,
McDermott Company, which was incorporated, a factory being es-
tablished for the manufacture of horse blankets. They built a factory
on Fisher street in Franklin, the partners in the concern being Wil-
liam Cutler, who is now president of the company; Thomas Mc-
Dermott, who is vice president, and Walter A. Clark, who is the
treasurer. All three were active in the organization of the business
in 191 1 and have since been connected with its conduct. They erected
a fine brick factory, equipped it with the latest improved machinery
necessary in their line and have since given their attention to the
manufacture of horse blankets and kindred goods. They further ex-
tended their interests in 19 17 through the purchase of another large
factory which had formerly been the straw manufacturing plant
of E. A. Staples & Company. They now employ seventy-five men
as operatives in the two factories and their business is steadily grow-
ing along substantial lines. The officers of the company are men of
broad experience and their enterprise and ability are factors in the
growing success of this concern.
On the 22d of October, 1898, Mr. McDermott was united in
marriage to Miss Mary Collins, a daughter of Daniel Collins, of
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 49
Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Her parents have now passed away and
were laid to rest in the cemetery at Woonsocket. Mr. and Mrs.
McDermott have become the parents of two children : Roland, who
is now a student in Holy Cross College at Worcester, Massachusetts,
and Marguerite, who is attending the Jesus Marie convent at Woon-
socket.
The religious faith of the parents is that of the Catholic church.
Both Mr. and Mrs. McDermott are widely known in Franklin,
where they have a large circle of farm friends, and he is classed
with the representative business men, energy and determination
having constituted the foundation upon which he has built his suc-
cess. As the years have gone by he has crowned his labors with
successful achievement and is today one of the prosperous men of
Franklin.
EDMOND H. BOWLER.
Edmond H. Bowler, filling the office of postmaster at Dedham is
numbered among the native sons of Norfolk county, his birth having
occurred at Stoughton in 1864. His father, Edmond Bowler, was
born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1840, and came with his parents to
the United States in early childhood, the family home being estab-
lished in Stoughton, where Edmond Bowler was reared to man-
hood and was married. He wedded Julia Murphy and both have
now passed away, the father having died in 1885, while the mother's
death occurred in 1883.
The youthful days of Edmond H. Bowler were passed in
Stoughton and the public schools of that place aflForded him his edu-
cational privileges until 1874 when he accompanied his parents on
their removal to Canton, Norfolk county. There he again became a
public school pupil and eventually finished his education in that
place. In 1888, when a young man of twenty-four years, he became a
resident of Dedham, where he has since made his home. In the year
19 1 3 he was appointed to the position of postmaster of Dedham
by President Wilson and entered upon the duties of the position,
which he is now discharging in a very prompt, systematic and capable
manner.
In 1887, in Boston, Mr. Bowler was united in marriage to Miss
Catherine E. McEvoy, a daughter of the late William McEvoy, who
was a resident of Calais, Maine. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowler have
Digitized by
Google
50 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
been born two children: Marion, and Edmond Wesley, who was
born in 1892. The religious faith of the parents is that of the Catholic
church, while politically Mr. Bowler is a democrat. Spending prac-
tically his entire life in Dedham, he is well known and has gained
a circle of friends that is almost coextensive with the circle of his
acquaintance. He has many sterling traits of character and his gen-
uine worth has gained for him the high regard of those with whom
he has been brought in contact.
EDWARD PAYSON BENNETT.
Edward Payson Bennett, actively identified with farming in-
terests at Wrentham, where he was born on the 30th of June, 1848,
is a son of Edward R. and Susan (Dale) Bennett. He acquired
his education in the district schools of Wrentham and, entering upon
his business career, was connected with the jewelry trade for a time.
He is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon the develop-
ment of farm property and excellent results are attending his labors.
He has not only figured in connection with commercial and agri-
cultural interests but also as a factor in financial circles and from
191 2 until 1917 was a director of the Wrentham National Bank.
In Sheldonville, Massachusetts, on the 20th of May, 1873, Mr.
Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Nash, a daughter
of William H. and Mary (Mountfort) Nash. Having lost his first
wife, he was married in Wrentham, November 27, 1883, to Evelyn
A. Whiting, a daughter of Elkanah and Mary (White) Whiting.
The children of Mr. Bennett are: Florence Payson, the wife of
Harry B. Agard; Grace Randall, the wife of Frederick Notman;
Bertha Mountfort, the wife of Frank W. Averill; Charles Whiting,
who married Grace Knapp; Edward Payson, who married Esther
Thomas; Meta Evelyn, who married Harold Wade; and Homer
Dale.
Mr. Bennett and his family are of the Congregational faith. He
is a member of the Wrentham Board of Trade. His political al-
legiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred
upon him the right of franchise and he has been called upon for
service in public office. He was selectman in 1906-1907 and in 1914
was called to represent his state in the general assembly. He has
made an excellent record by devotion to duty when in public office
and at all times he manifests a public spirit that is most commendable.
Digitized by
Google
E. PAYSOX BENNETT
Digitized by
Google
t
THg MiV/ YORK
FUBLIC LIBRARY
y^o'rr^^ LrrCX /-^'D
t
lii-w^.iNf t#L)iNlUA; iON8
!
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 53
He has ever made his home in Norfolk county, in fact has spent his
entire life within its borders, and his sterling traits of character are
attested by all with whom he has been associated.
NATHAN W. FISHER.
Nathan W. Fisher is assessor of the town of Walpole and is one
of the well known and representative citizens of Norfolk county. He
has been actively identified with several lines of business and through-
out all the passing years, he has been as true and loyal in citizenship
as when he followed the stars and stripes upon the battlefields of
the south, for he is one of the veterans of the Civil war. He was born
February 9, 1846, and is a representative of one of the old families
of Walpole. The first of the name residing in Walpole of whom
there is record was Daniel Fisher, Sr., who was born December 20,
1735, and who died on the i6th of October, 1818. His son, Daniel
Fisher, Jr., was born December 7, 1767, and on the 15th of Decem-
ber, 1793, was married to Nabby Lewis, of Walpole. His death
occurred October 8, 1854. His family numbered the following
named, Isaac, Achsa, Maria, Olive, Lewis, Harriet and Hannah.
Of this family Lewis Fisher was the father of Nathan W. Fisher
and was born in Walpole, January 31, 1806. Having arrived at
years of maturity he was married on the 31st of October, 1838, to
Katherine Bassett, and to them were born five children: Martin
Lewis, who died while returning from the Civil war; Simon E., who
is living in Worcester, Massachusetts; Nathan W., of this review;
Lewis H., who is also a resident of Walpole; and Laura H,, who
makes her home in Providence, Rhode Island. The father of these
children was a farmer and nurseryman, devoting his entire life to
those pursuits and occupying the old homestead on Fisher street in
North Walpole. He passed away May 26, 1848, while his wife lived
to a good old age, her death occurring on the 12th of March, 1913,
when she had reached the age of one hundred and one years, two
months and ten days. After the death of her husband she remained
upon the home farm and there reared her family, continuing to occupy
the old homestead until called to her final rest.
Nathan W. Fisher after acquiring a common school education
in Walpole assisted in the work of the home farm but was a youth of
only sixteen years when, in response to the country's call for troops,
he joined the "boys in blue," becoming a member of Company K,
Digitized by
Google
54 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Forty- fourth Massachusetts Infantry. He saw active service through-
out the remainder of the war, participating in a number of hotly con-
tested engagements, and at the close of hostilities returned home and
through the succeeding quarter of a century divided his time between
carpenter work, farming and dairying on the old homestead. He
was appointed by President Harrison to the position of postmaster
of Walpole and occupied the office for five years. On the expira-
tion of that pqriod he turned his attention to the lumber and wood
trade, in which he engaged for twelve years, building up a good
business in that connection. At the same time he served as assessor
of the town, which office he still fills, and at the same time is engaged
in the lumber and wood business, having been accorded a liberal
patronage through all the intervening years as a result of his thorough
business methods, his honorable dealing and his earnest efforts to
please his patrons.
Mr. Fisher has been married twice. He first wedded Mrs. Hannah
Katherine Hill, the wedding being celebrated at Wakefield on the
4th of November, 1866. Mrs. Fisher had acted as a nurse in Wash-
ington during the period of the Civil war. She passed away August
27, 1878, and was laid to rest in Rural cemetery. Later Mr. Fisher
was married to Alma V. Winslow, a daughter of Nathaniel B. and
Susanna (Clapp) Smith, who were natives of Maine and later be-
came residents of Walpole, where their last days were passed. To
Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were born three children. Fred C, born Sep-
tember 13, 1882, is now conducting the home farm. Bernard W.,
born September 6, 1884, is a bookkeeper in Walpole. He married
Maude Randlett, of Walpole, by whom he has one child, Robert
Harrison, born July 3, 1913. Daniel W. Fisher, the youngest of the
family, born July 10, 1890, married Frances Whelen, of Boston,
where they now reside, and he is manager of the Antique Store. Mrs.
Alma Fisher passed away June 22, 1913, and was laid to rest in the
Maple Grove cemetery.
Mr. Fisher is a member of the Congregational church and has
guided his life by its teachings. For the past eight years he has served
as one of the deacons in the church and has ever been a generous con-
tributor to its support. His political allegiance has always been
given to the republican party, of which he is a stanch champion. He
has not only served as assessor but for six years was a member of the
school board of Walpole and for four years was a trustee of the
library. He holds membership in the Grange, of which he is a past
master, and he has filled all of the offices in that organization. He is
also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 55
served as recorder for a number of years. He also has membership
with the Grand Army of the Republic, has been quartermaster for
the past twenty-five years and has also been commander of his post
He is likewise one of the directors of the Walpole Cooperative Bank.
His activity along many lines and his deep interest in all those things
which are a matter. of public concern have made him a valued and
representative resident of his section of the county. All who have
come in contact with him have learned to know that they have every
reason to give him their confidence, goodwill and friendship, for his
life has been at all times deserving of the high regard which is uni-
formly tendered him.
FRANK W. VYE.
Frank W. Vye, treasurer of the Randolph Trust Company at
Randolph, Norfolk county, was born July 9, 1881, in Woburn,
Massachusetts, a son of Frederick W. and Lizzie S. (Wallace) Vye,
the former a native of Winchester, Massachusetts, and the latter of
Virginia. Mr. Vye was foreman with the Boston Terminal for many
years and in 1883 he removed to Randolph, where he conducted a
bakery for an extended period. At present he is filling the office of
deputy sheriff of Norfolk county, a position which he has occupied
for the past ten or twelve years.
Frank W. Vye was two years of age when his parents became
residents of Randolph and he acquired his education in the schools
of the city and was also for a time a student in Boston University.
He afterward went to work for the New York, New Haven &
Hartford Railroad Company as freight claim adjuster and remained
with that corporation for a decade. He afterward entered the em-
ploy of the Stoughton Trust Company, with which he was connected
for thirteen months, and on the expiration of that period he was
elected treasurer of the Randolph Trust Company and one of the
organizers in 1915. In June of the same year they erected a modern
banking building, to which they removed in January, 191 6. The
bank is capitalized for sixty thousand dollars and has a surplus of six
thousand dollars. It entered upon a prosperous career owing to the
wise policy underlying the organization and management and today
the bank has four hundred thousand dollars in deposits — an excellent
record for so short a period. James D. Henderson, of Brookline,
is the president of the bank, with Mr. Vye as the treasurer and active
Digitized by
Google
56 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
manager, and his business ability is manifest in the substantial and
rapid growth of the bank.
On the 17th of September, 1907, Mr. Vye was united in marriage
to Miss Amy E. Tucker, a daughter of C. Edson and Mary E. Abben-
zeller) Tucker, who were natives of Randolph, as were the parents
of Mr. Tucker. The father was a shoe cutter by trade and followed
that business throughout his entire life, passing away October 30,
1913. His wife is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Vye has been
born one child. Tucker M., whose birth occurred August 30, 1909.
In addition to managing the banking interests Mr. Vye conducts
an insurance business, handling all kinds of insurance and thus adding
materially to his income. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to
Norfolk Union Lodge, F. & A. M. His religious belief is that of
the Congregational church, while his political opinions are indicated
in the support which he gives to the republican party at the polls.
He is a substantial citizen whose influence is always on the side of
progress and improvement, and his developing business powers have
brought him into important financial relations.
EDWIN CLAPP.
The life record of Edwin Clapp covered sixty-five years and his
activities constituted a valuable contribution to the productive activity
of New England, for he long figured as one of the foremost shoe
manufacturers of the country. The interests under his control were
both carefully planned and thoroughly organized and the results
achieved constituted a source of general prosperity as well as of
individual wealth, inasmuch as his establishment furnished employ-
ment to between four and five hundred people, the trade covering
many parts of this country and extending to foreign lands as well.
But it was not merely as a business man that Edwin Clapp must be
remembered, for he supported many projects for the public good
and was constantly extending a helping hand to benevolent projects
and to the individual needy as well.
Mr. Clapp was a native son of Massachusetts, his birth having
occurred at Scituate, Plymouth county, on the 6th of February,
1844. His parents were James S. and Elizabeth (Bates) Clapp, who
were likewise natives of that state. The father was a shoemaker by
trade and followed that pursuit throughout his entire life, passing
away in 1885, while the death of his wife occurred in 1853.
Digitized by
Google
EDWIX CLAPP
Digitized by
Google
4
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 59
Edwin Clapp was reared and educated in East Weymouth,
Massachusetts, from the age of seven years, his parents having re-
moved to this place in 1851. When a youth of but twelve years
he started out in the business world on his own account and secured
a situation in a shoe finishing shop. Gradually he acquainted him-
self with the business and his increasing efficiency brought him pro-
motion. He carefully saved his earnings until his economy and
industry had secured him sufficient capital to embark in business on
his own account when he was twenty years of age. On attaining
his majority he entered into partnership with his elder brother,
James Henry Clapp, under the firm style of J. H. Clapp & Company,
a relation that was maintained until the death of the senior member
of the firm in 1882, when Edwin Clapp became sole proprietor. At
that date he discontinued the sale of his products to the jobbing trade
and began soliciting trade from retailers. So successful was he in
this that he was soon forced to enlarge his factory and erected an
extensive plant near his home on Charles street. In 1901 he admitted
his son, David Bates Clapp, to a partnership but soon afterward
sufTered the loss of this only son, who passed away September 5,
1901, when but twenty-three years of age. The son was well known
as an athlete and his father erected the beautiful David Bates Clapp
Memorial building with an athletic field adjoining as a monument
to him. This is one of the finest buildings of its kind in the state.
He also presented an organ to the First Unitarian church at Hing-
ham, Massachusetts, as a memorial to his son, who was a member of
the choir there. After the death of his son Mr. Clapp continued the
business, incorporating in 1905 under the style of Edwin Clapp &
Son, Incorporated, and it has since been conducted under that name
in a splendidly equipped plant supplied with all the latest machinery
for shoe manufacturing. Mr. Clapp was active in the management
of the business until his death, which occurred May 27, 1909, after
an illness of four weeks.
In early manhood Mr. Clapp had wedded Frances H. Whiton,
of Hingham, Plymouth county, Massachusetts, a daughter of Bela
and Hannah (Whiton) Whiton, both of whom were natives of
Hingham. Her father was a carriage maker and wheelwright by
trade and operated a shop at Hingham throughout his entire life, his
labors being terminated in death in 1898. His wife passed away in
i860. Mr. and Mrs. Clapp were the parents of three children:
Edith, now the wife of Alfred L. Lincoln, who is president of Edwin
Clapp & Son, Incorporated; Eleanor, the wife of Horace R. Drink-
Digitized by
Google
60 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
water, who is treasurer of the company; and Davis Bates, deceased.
Mrs. Clapp still owns the controlling interest in the business.
In his boyhood and youth Mr. Clapp was a well known ball
player and in the early '60s was considered one of the best catchers
in the state. He always, therefore, took a deep interest in boys'
sports and games and did not a little to promote healthful activity of
that character. He had much sympathy with the young, was ever
interested in their pleasures and did all in his power to direct their
tastes into natural, healthful and beneficial channels. Mr. Clapp
was a member of Orphans Hope Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Pentalph
Chapter, R. A. M. ; and South Shore Commandery, K. T. He was
also affiliated with the First Unitarian church of Hingham and his
political allegiance was given to the republican party. He ever
stood fearlessly for what he believed to be right, his position never
being an equivocal one, and his efforts in behalf of public progress
were farreaching, effective and resultant. He was ever guided by
high ideals and honorable principles and his record should serve to
inspire and encourage others, showing what can be accomplished in
a business way and proving conclusively that success and an honored
name may be won simultaneously.
SOLON ABBOTT, M. D.
Dr. Solon Abbott whose well appointed office at No. 30 Dean
avenue in Franklin, Massachusetts, is an indication of the success
which he has achieved in medical and surgical practice, was born in
Brookfield, Vermont, December 8, 1856, a son of Sylvester S. Abbott,
who was born in Pittsford, Vermont, and was descended from one
of three brothers who came to America at an early period in the col-
onization of the new world, settling at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Sylvester S. Abbott was a successful farmer of the Green Mountain
state and in 1892 removed to Franklin, Massachusetts, where he
passed away February 17, 1905. Had he lived three weeks longer
he would have reached the age of eighty-one years. In early man-
hood he had wedded Dolly T. Lyman, a native of Brookfield, Ver-
mont, whose genealogical line is traced back to King George III,
the family coming of good old English stock. Mrs. Abbott passed
away in April, 1892, at the age of sixty-two years, her death occurring
in Franklin, Massachusetts. In the family were three children, of
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 61
whom two are living, the older being Dr. Edward C. Abbott, of
San Jose, California.
Dr. Solon Abbott was educated in the public schools of Brook-
field, in the Normal School of Randolph and in the Barre Academy
of Barre, Vermont, thus completing his more specifically literary
course. He decided upon the practice of medicine as a life work,
after which he matriculated in the University of Vermont, in which
he pursued a three years' medical course. Later he entered Hahne-
mann Medical College of Chicago and won his professional degree
upon graduation from that time honored institution as a member of
the class of 1882. Following his graduation he immediately began
practice at Morrisville, Vermont, where he continued for two years,
and then removed to Biddeford, Maine, where he practiced for nine
years. On the expiration of that period he came to Franklin in 1894,
and has since successfully followed his profession in Franklin. While
he continues in gfeneral practice he specializes in electro-therapeutics
and has attained expert knowledge and skill along that line. He is a
member of the Massachusetts Homeopathic Medical Association,
the Thurber Medical Association and the New England Associa-
tion of Physical TTierapeutics.
On the 17th of October, 1883, Dr. Abbott was united in mar-
riage in Morrisville, Vermont, to Miss Ewah B. Waite, of Eden, Ver-
mont, a daughter of Horace and Eliza (Leach) Waite, both now
deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Abbott have become parents of three chil-
dren, Gladys Louise, Marjorie Irene and Dorothy Waite.
In politics Dr. Abbott is a progressive. He was elected a mem-
ber of the school board of Franklin and served in that capacity in
an acceptable manner for seven years, acting as chairman of the
board for two years. His connection with the office covered the
years from 1907 until 1909, then from 191 2 until 19 16, completing
his term in March of the latter year. He has always been deeply in-
terested in the cause of education. After completing his normal
school course he taught for eight years, entering upon the work of
the profession when a youth of seventeen, and thus secured the funds
which enabled him to pay his way through college. He has ever
been actuated by a laudable ambition of attaining the highest measure
of efficiency possible in anything that he has undertaken and in his
professional work he has held to the most advanced standards, recog-
nizing how great is the responsibility that devolves upon the individ-
ual in his efforts to allay disease and restore health.
Dr. Abbott is a past master of Excelsior Lodge, A. F. & A. M.
He was made a Mason in Brookfield, Vermont, in 1881, and has
Digitized by
Google
62 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
ever been most loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft. He
also belongs to the New England Order of Protection, to the Frank-
lin Business Men's Association and to the First Congregational
church — connections which indicate the nature, breadth and value of
his interests and activities. He says that his greatest heritage was
good Christian rearing, the training that came from wise and de-
voted parents, who not only gave to their children every possible
advantage they could afford but who stimulated them along the lines
of character development and the cultivation of high ideals.
WILFRED H. BARTLETT.
Wilfred H. Bartlett, treasurer of the Emerson Coal & Grain
Company, Incorporated, of East Weymouth, and treasurer of the
South Shore Coal Company of Hingham, Massachusetts, is a sub-
stantial and enterprising business man whose close application and
indefatigable energy are strong features in his growing success. He
was born at West Pembroke, Maine, July i, 1871, a son of Pliny H.
and Gertrude E. (Gardner) Bartlett, who are natives of Vermont
and of Maine respectively. In 1876 the father removed to South
Boston, where he worked at his trade of steamfitting. In 1897 ^^
became a resident of East Weymouth, where he has since resided,
and his wife is also living.
Wilfred H. Bartlett was reared in Boston and acquired his
education in its schools, being but five years of age when his parents
removed to that city. He was graduated from Comer's Commercial
School following the completion of his public school course and
then accepted a position as bookkeeper, being employed in that way
until 1908, when he engaged in the poultry business in East Wey-
mouth, Norfolk county. Thus he continued for about eight years^
on the expiration of which period he sold out and purchased Mr.
Emerson's interest in the Emerson Coal & Grain Company, In-
corporated, the other member of the firm being James D. Bosworth.
They conduct a large business and operate an extensive mill, dealing
in all kinds of grain and also handling hay and coal. By reason
of careful management, watchfulness of all details of their business,
indefatigable energy and honorable dealing they have built up a
trade of large and gratifying proportions and theirs is today
one of the profitable commercial concerns of the city.
In June, 1897, Mr. Bartlett was united in marriage to Miss Angie
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 63
May Perry. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and his religious faith is that of the Methodist
Episcopal church. His political allegiance is given to the re-
publican party and he keeps well informed on all the vital questions
and issues of the day. He is never remiss in the duties of citizenship
yet he does not seek nor desire public office as a reward for party
fealty, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
business affairs, and he is now treasurer of the South Shore Coal
Company of Hingham as well as treasurer of the Emerson Coal
Company and is thus controlling important interests. His office is
at the corner of Wharf and East streets in East Weymouth and in
addition he is the owner of the old Dizer estate, comprising three
and a half acres, on which is erected an attractive and commodious
residence which he and his wife now occupy.
CHARLES T. FARRELL.
Charles T. Farrell is filling the office of postmaster in the city
of Stoughton, where his birth occurred on the 9th of September,
1873, his parents being Thomas and Mary E. (Drake) Farrell, who
were likewise natives of Stoughton. The father was a shoe worker,
devoting his entire life to that line of business, and he always re-
mained a resident of Stoughton until called to his final home on the
2d of January, 1888. His widow still survives and following the
death of her first husband she became the wife of Martin H. Carr,
who passed away in October, 1917.
No event of unusual importance occurred to vary the routine of
life for Charles T. Farrell in his boyhood and youth, which were
passed in his native city, his time being largely devoted to the ac-
quirement of a public school education. When his textbooks were
put aside he began work in a shoe factory and was engaged in that
way until February 16, 1916, when he was appointed to the position
of postmaster, and in that capacity he has since served.
On the 4th of October, 1899, Mr. Farrell was united in marriage
to Miss Annie T. Willis, a daughter of Henry F. and Maria (Mc-
Donald) Willis, who are natives of Ireland. They came to
America in early life and established their home in Massachusetts,
where the father engaged in business as a tanner. About 1887 he
became foreman with the Stoughton Rubber Works and has held that
position throughout the intervening period, covering three decades.
Digitized by
Google
64 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNl Y
His wife is also living. Mr. and Mrs. Farrell have become the
parents of nine children, Eldon W., Helen G., Dorothy, Claire E.,
Clarence F., Charles T., Elva M., Naomi and Richard O. Five of
the number are now attending school.
Mr. Farrell has served as secretary and as chairman of the
democratic town committee for a period of two years and has always
given his political allegiance to the democratic party and has done
everything in his power to advance its interests. His grandfather,
John Farrell, was the first Irishman that ever settled in Stoughton.
He took up his abode here when a youth of seventeen years and died
at the age of eighty-four. He was of the Catholic faith and to that
faith the family have since adhered, Mr. Farrell being a com-
municant of the church at Stoughton. He is a grand knight of the
Knights of Columbus and he belongs to the Hibernian Lodge, of
which he has been president. He has always lived in Stoughton
and his life history is as an open book which all may read. His
career has been one of diligence and his perseverance and energy
have brought him to the creditable position which he occupies in the
public regard.
JOHN H. STETSON.
John H. Stetson, treasurer of the Weymouth Trust Company,
has for over forty-two years played an important role in the financial
circles of his part of the state, for he has been connected with the
same institution since 1876, although the present name was adopted
in 19 1 6. The Weymouth Trust Company was formerly known as
the First National Bank of South Weymouth.
John H. Stetson was born in East Sumner, Maine, October 28,
1849, a son of Solomon M. and Naomi (Bonney) Stetson, natives of
that city. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that
pursuit all his life, being successful along agricultural lines. He has
passed away, as has also his wife, who died in 1859.
John H. Stetson was reared and educated in his native state,
there completing his learning, preparing himself for a business career.
In 1870 he came to South Weymouth and found employment in a
factory and in 1876 he accepted a position with the First National
Bank and became its cashier. For forty years, or until August, 1916,
he held this important office and contributed much to the success of
the institution. He proved himself a progressive yet conservative
Digitized by
Google
JOHN H. STKTSOX
Digitized by
Google
A.S'OR, LENOX "XND
M L
-*-/
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 67
banker, doing all within his power to extend the business relations of
his institution and at the same time taking scrupulous care of the in-
terests of its stockholders and depositors. In August, 191 6, the First
National Bank \yas changed into a trust company under the name of
the Weymouth Trust Company and Mr. Stetson was elected treasurer
of the same. He has since continued in this position and has vigor-
ously taken up the larger scope of their business. The Weymouth
Trust Company is located in the Fogg building on Columbian square
and occupies modern and well appointed offices, affording its patrons
the best conveniences of banking. Its capital is one hundred thousand
dollars, its deposits exceed four hundred thousand dollars, its sur-
plus and profits thirty-five thousand dollars and its resources half a
million dollars. They not only do a general trust business but also re-
ceive checking accounts and savings accounts. The interest paid on
the latter is four per cent, while on checking accounts of over five
hundred dollars an interest rate is also paid. George L. Barnes, ot
South Weymouth, is the president of the institution.
John H. Stetson was united in marriage to Miss Emily V. White,
a daughter of the Hon. Benjamin F. and Mary A. (Tirrell) White,
natives of Weymouth. The father was a prominent banker and one
of the chief factors in organizing the First National Bank of South
Weymouth in 1864. ^^ was not only well known as a financier but
also participated in the public life of his city, serving to good purpose
in the house of representatives and the state senate. After a very
successful business and financial career he retired and crossed the
continent to Riverside, California, where he made his home during
his remaining years. His death was a shock to the family and the oc-
casion of deep regret to his many friends, as it came very suddenly
as the result of an accident, he being thrown out of his carriage and
killed. His wife has also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Stetson have
one child, Anna, who married the Hon. George L. Barnes, president
of the Weymouth Trust Company and one of the foremost attorneys
of Boston. For three years he served in the state senate, being a mem-
ber of a number of important committees and contributing in formu-
lating a number of laws, which have been of the greatest benefit to
the commonwealth. He resides in South Weymouth.
Mr. Stetson has not, however, confined himself to his private in-
terests entirely, but has found time for public service and has served
as the town treasurer of South Weymouth since March, 1884, or for
more than thirty- four years. He has carefully safeguarded the in-
terests of his community and has contributed toward its sound finan-
cial condition. He is also treasurer of the Independent Order of Odd
Digitized by
Google
68 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Fellows Hall Association and has served as such since this organiza-
tion was founded. He is treasurer of the Fogg trust funds, amounting
to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and his administered these
funds to the great satisfaction of those interested. Along banking lines
he has proved himself capable, conscientious and farseeing and enjoys
the complete confidence of all those who have to do with him or the
institutions with which he is officially connected. Politically Mr.
Stetson is a republican, believing in the principles of this party and
giving his loyal support to its candidates and measures although he
has never desired political honors for himself. His religious faith is
that of the Congregational church and he is interested in its work,
never failing to give his help to any movements undertaken in the
interests of the growth of the church and its affiliated societies. Fra-
ternally he is well known and is prominent in the Masons, being a
member of the blue lodge, the chapter and the commandery, while he
also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The family
resides in a handsome home at No. 544 Main street.
DAVID W. CORSON.
No resident of Franklin is more widely or favorably known than
David W. Corson, who was long prominently associated with com-
mercial interests as proprietor of a meat market. He was likewise
widely known as an auctioneer and, more than that, he has been
most active in office^ loyally discharging his duties for the interest
and benefit of the community which he represents. His life, ever
honorable in its purpose, fearless in conduct and stainless in repu-
tation, has commanded for him the respect and confidence of all
with whom he has been associated.
Mr. Corson is now in the seventy-ninth year of his age, his birth
having occurred at Shrewsbury, Worcester county, Massachusetts,
on the nth of August, 1839. His parents were William W. and
Elmira (Foote) Corson, the latter a cousin of Commodore Foote,
the distinguished naval commander. The parents were natives of
New Hampshire and of Connecticut respectively. The father was
a carpenter and builder of Massachusetts for many years and eventu-
ally was killed while engaged in the construction of an ice house at
Natick, Massachusetts, his remains being interred in Shrewsbury.
He was a self-made man, his prosperity being due entirely to his
persistent, earnest and intelligently directed eflForts. His political
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 69
allegiance was given to the democratic party and while he was a firm
believer in its principles he was never an office seeker. To him and
his wife were born five children: Henry, who was the most prom-
inent architect of Franklin for a number of years and later was
equally prominent in Natick; Mary and Ezra, who died in child-
hood; David W. ; and Charles, who was drowned in Uncas pond,
near Franklin, when thirty-five years of age.
In his boyhood days David W. Corson became a pupil in the
public schools of Whitinsville and Oxbridge, pursuing his studies
until he reached the age of fourteen. He afterward worked for
others upon a farm for about a year and then entered upon a seven
years' apprenticeship to the butchering business in Worcester. At
the outbreak of the Civil wv, however, all other interests were put
aside, for his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the
south to overthrow the Union and the smoke from Fort Sumter's
guns had scarcely cleared away when on the 15th of April, 1861, he
responded to the call for military aid and joined the Sixth Massa-
chusetts Regiment, which was the first to engage actively in the war,
and the first death among the Massachusetts troops was that of a mem-
ber of this command. The regiment was commanded by Colonel
Edward E. Jones and Mr. Corson saw active service under this
colonel for three months, when his term of enlistment expired and
he was mustered out. Not long afterward, however, he enlisted for
nine months' service as a member of the Eleventh Massachusetts
Battery, which was assigned to duty with the Army of the Potomac.
He enlisted this time for three years' service in the same battery
and in September, 1863, he assisted in quelling the draft riot on
Cooper street in Boston. During the period of his first term's en-
listment he was active in hunting guerrillas and also aided in sup-
pressing the riots in Baltimore. During the period of his later enlist-
ment he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements,
including the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Courthouse,
Bethesda's Church, Weldon Railroad, Gaines' Mill, Peebles' Farm,
North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Gettysburg and the battle of Ap-
pomattox. In fact, he was in twenty-nine general engagements, tak-
ing part in the first and last battles of the war, and on many a hotly
contested field he proved his valor and his loyalty.
Following the surrender of General Lee, whereby the preserva-
tion of the Union became an assured fact, Mr. Corson returned to
his home in Franklin, where his brother, Henry W., and his parents
had in the meantime removed. Later he went to Fall River, Massa-
chusetts, where he conducted a hotel and meat market from 1866
Digitized by
Google
70 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
until 1870. In the latter year he returned to Franklin and estab-
lished a meat market which he conducted for forty years, becoming
one of the best known, most valued and highly respected business
men of the city. During that period he also engaged in auctioneering
and he is still active to some extent in that way in spite of his ad-
vanced years.
Mr. Corson is equally well known for the prominent and help-
ful part which he has played in the public life of the community.
He has been town constable for the past quarter of a century and he
is also at present writing overseer of the poor. He has been an
appraiser for several years and for more than twenty years he has
acted as marshal of the day on occasion of public celebrations. He
was largely instrumental in establishing the Boulder monument on
the common and he has been keenly interested in all those measures
and movements which have had to do with the public welfare or
events which have figured upon the pages of Franklin's history.
On the 25th of October, 1866, Mr. Corson was married to Miss
Hannah M. Allen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Allen.
She was born in Millbury, Massachusetts, on the 8th of March, 1833.
She lost a brother, John J. Allen, in the battle of Balls Bluflf
Virginia, while he was serving as a member of the Fifteenth Massa-
chusetts Infantry. Her father was a carpenter and shoemaker and
for a considerable period resided in Canton, Massachusetts, where
both he and his wife lie buried. To Mr. and Mrs. Corson were born
three children: Harry S., who is now with his father in business;
Maud, who is the wife of Othello S. Brown, of Franklin; and Fred,
who died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Corson celebrated
their golden wedding October 25, 19 16, the occasion being one of
great interest to all who attended.
Mr. and, Mrs. Corson attend the Universalist church and in
politics Mr. Corson is a stanch republican, having always given his
allegiance to the party which was the defense of the Union during
the dark days of the Civil war. In 1870 Mr. Corson became a
Mason in Excelsior Lodge at Franklin and is now one of the honor-
ary members. He was likewise a charter member of the lodge of
Red Men at Franklin but is not connected with the organization at
the present time. He still holds . membership, however, in the
Grand Army of the Republic and has passed all of the chairs in the
local post, being now surgeon of Post No. 60 and chairman of its
relief committee. Through his membership in its organization he
maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades and while
the ranks of the "Boys in blue" are fast becoming decimated, the ties
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 71
which bind them grow all the stronger as the years pass and the
number is decreased. His life, honorable in its purpose, measures
up to high standards of manhood and of citizenship and his worth
has given him a hold upon the affections of his fellow townsmen that
naught can sever.
GEORGE HARDING SMITH.
George Harding Smith, vice president of the Berwick & Smith
Company, book printers of Norwood, Massachusetts, was born in
Milford, Massachusetts, in 1859. His father was Jason Harding
Smith, who was born in 1832 in Medfield, Massachusetts, and was
actively engaged in business as a merchant at Milford at the time
of his death in 1870, when he was commander of Milford Com-
mandery of Knights Templar and prominent among Masons in his
section of the county. George Harding Smith traces his ancestors
back to Henry Smith, who came over from England in 16— and cast
in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Dedham, Massachusetts.
George Harding Smith after the death of his father removed to
Medfield, Massachusetts, where he received the greater part of his
education in the public schools, and later removed to Boston. In
1884 he formed with James Berwick the firm of Berwick & Smith,
which later on was incorporated under the name of the Berwick &
Smith Company. In 1894 the firm removed from Boston to Nor-
wood, Massachusetts, and became part of the Norwood Press, which
embraces the firms of J. S. Cushing Company and E. Fleming & Com-
pany, together making a complete book making plant. The work
produced at this establishment is unsurpassed in this county, and over
twelve million books are printed annually by the presses of the
Berwick & Smith Company, a large part of which are school and
college textbooks.
On the 2d of December, 1886, in Medfield, Massachusetts, Mr.
Smith was united in marriage to Miss Laura Huntington Brown,
and they have become parents of two sons and two daughters:
Dorothy Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. Ernest H. Gruening, at present
managing editor of the New York Tribune; Henry Sanders; George
Harding; and Laura Huntington.
Mr. Smith has taken an active interest in town affairs of Norwood
and served as a member of the Norwood school committee for
fifteen years, the last five years acting as chairman. He was also
Digitized by
Google
72 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
president of the Norwood 3oard of Trade for three years, and in
the latter part of his term, helped with others to organize the Nor-
folk County Associated Boards of Trade, which he served as its first
president for two terms. He is also a member of the Boston Typo-
thetae, Franklin Typographical Society and Boston City Club.
CHARLES L DEAN.
Charles I. Dean, sealer of weights and measures at Franklin, was
born August 19, 1835, in the city where he still makes his home. He
is a son of Ichabod and Hannah (Fisher) Dean, who were natives
of Franklin and of Wrentham, Massachusetts, respectively. The
father was a farmer by occupation and spent the greatest part of his
life in Franklin. In the early days, before the railroads were built,
he engaged in freighting between Boston and Providence. He passed
away in Franklin in 1863 and his wife died at the very advanced
age of eighty-seven years. Mr. Dean was married twice and had
a family of thirteen children.
Charles I. Dean, spending his youthful days in Franklin, pursued
his education in the public schools and also in the Dean Academy,
which received its name from Dr. Dean, the founder, who was a
relative of Charles I. Dean of this review. Charles I. Dean learned
the carpenter's trade in early life and followed it for two years. He
then went into a machine shop and mastered the machinist's trade,
after which he worked along that line for a decade. He afterward,
in partnership with George Wadsworth, engaged in business on
his own account, their association being maintained for five years, at
the end of which time Mr. Wadsworth sold his interest to Mr. Dean,
who was in partnership with Joseph W. Clark for five years. On the
expiration of that period Mr. Dean sold his interest in the business
and accepted a position in a rubber factory, which, however, was
finally removed to Watertown. He went with the factory and re-
mained in Watertown for ten years as a pattern maker, after which
he returned to Franklin, where he has since resided, covering a period
of about a quarter of a century. For the past seven years he has
served as sealer of weights and measures and still occupies that
position although he is now in the eighty-third year of his age. His
has been an active and useful life in which indolence and idleness
have had no part, and he therefore cannot content himself to have
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 73
no occupation at the present time, although he has passed far beyond
the point when most men retire from business.
In February, 1859, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to Miss
Adelaide Adams, a daughter of Gardner and Eunice (Darling)
Adams. The father was a native of Franklin and the mother of
Wrentham. They were married in Franklin and afterward estab-
lished their home in Boston, while subsequently they removed to
the west. After five years, however, they returned to Franklin, where
their remaining days were passed. To Mr. and Mrs. Dean were
born five children: George O., now deceased; Arthur A., a resident
of Franklin; Charles G., who has also departed this life; Bertha A.,
living in Boston; and Ralph, also a resident of Boston. The wife
and mother passed away and on the 30th of April, 1898, Mr. Dean
was married to Miss Abbie Peary. They became the parents of one
child, Beatrice D., who is attending school in Boston. Mrs. Dean
was a daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Heath) Peary, who were
natives of Denmark and of Phillips, Maine, respectively. The father
was a farmer by occupation and also a minister of the Freewill
Baptist church. He came to America when twelve years of age and
settled at Phillips, Maine. Entering upon the active work of the
ministry, he continued his preaching until his health failed, when
he took up the occupation of farming in the Pine Tree state and
devoted his remaining days to agricultural life, the outdoor ex-
periences proving beneficial to his health. He passed away January
»2. 1870, at the age of seventy years, while his wife died June 12,
1896, at the age of seventy-eight years.
Politically Mr. Dean has followed an independent course. His
religious faith is that of the Universalist church. Well known in
Franklin, where much of his life has been passed, he enjoys the high
regard, goodwill and confidence of all with whom he has been
associated and he is today one of the valued citizens and honored
residents of his section of the state.
MURRAY WINTER.
Murray Winter, a well known manufacturer of Wrentham, es-
tablished business there in January, 1900, as a member of the firm
of Winter Brothers Company, their output being taps and dies.
With thorough understanding of the trade in every department, Mr.
Digitized by
Google
74 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Winter has been active in the unbuilding of a business of extensive
proportions, in which he operates a splendidly equipped plant.
A native of Massachusetts, he was born in Mansfield in June,
1875, a son of Patrick Murray and Isabella Ednic Winter. He at-
tended the public schools of Mansfield and throughout his entire
business career has been identified with industrial activity. At
length he became active in the organization of the Winter Brothers
Company for the manufacture of taps and dies and the Wrentham
factory was opened in January, 1900. They sell their products
throughout the entire United States and also have a large foreign
trade. Their business has reached extensive proportions. They have
a well equipped, modern factory, supplied with the latest improved
machinery for work along that line, and their business has now
reached gratifying proportions, something of its extent being indi-
cated in the fact that they have more than two hundred people in
their employ.
On the 2d of October, 191 5, Mr. Winter was united in marriage
to Miss Ethel Black Kirkton, and to them has been born a son,
Wilfrid Murray. Mr. Winter gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and is serving as a member of the republican town
committee. He is also filling the position of secretary of the Water
Commissioners. His fraternal relations are with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and his religious faith is indicated in his
membership in the Congregational church, of which he is serving as
the treasurer. His aid and influence are always given on the side
of progress and improvement, of reform and advancement, and thus
he has contributed to many other interests of public worth aside from
his business.
HON. HENRY O. FAIRBANKS.
Hon. Henry O. Fairbanks, at one time actively engaged in busi-
ness as a flour merchant of Boston and formerly mayor of Quincy,
Massachusetts, where he makes his home, was born in Boston on the
2 1 St of June, 1852, a son of Moses Fairbanks, a representative of
one of the oldest families of Norfolk county, being a lineal descend-
ant of Jonathan Fairbanks, who emigrated from Sowerby, Yorkshire,
England, arriving in Boston in 1633, while in 1636 he removed to
Dcdham, Massachusetts. From timbers he brought with him across
the Atlantic it is said that he built the main part of the old Fair-
Digitized by
Google
HON. HENRY 0. FAIRBANKS
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY ^^
banks home, which still standa a celebrated landmark of that period
and which has always been owned by some member of the family.
Jonathan Fairbanks became a prominent man of his day and in 1642
signed the covenant and was admitted as a townsman. His death
occurred in 1688. \6(r^ ix^ %u^ciaa^^ <?;4w^^^ ^ c s^ •V^a-<vi
His son, Captain George Fairbanks, remained in Dedham until
1657, when he removed to Millis, Massachusetts, and he became one
of the founders of Sherborn, where he served for four years as select-
man. He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery
Company and was accidentally drowned in 1682. It was in 1646
that he wedded Mary Adams, who passed away in 171 1.
Their son, Eleazer Fairbanks, Sr., was born June 8, 1655, and in
1679 took up a home lot on Main street in Sherborn. His son. Cap-
tain Eleazer Fairbanks, was born October 29, 1690, and died Septem-
ber 19, 1741, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha
Bullard, a daughter of Captain Samuel BuUard, survived him and
later remarried.
Ebenezer Fairbanks, son of Captain Eleazer Fairbanks, was born
in Sherborn, Massachusetts, June i, 1734, was lieutenant of a com-
pany of minute men who responded to the alarm given on the 19th
of April, 1775, and later served for a time as a private in the Revolu-
tionary war. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1783 removed
to Brimfield, Massachusetts. He served for many years as deacon
of the church and he married Elizabeth Dearth, who was born in
September, 1743, and died June 15, 181 8.
Asa Fairbanks, son of Deacon Ebenezer Fairbanks, was born
March 4, 1762, and when only fourteen years of age enlisted in the
army when the struggle for American independence commenced,
and helped guard the military stores in Sherborn. Later he was a
ferryman between Tiverton and Greenwich, Rhode Island, trans-
porting men, horses, munitions and provisions. In 1780 he reenlisted
and was stationed at West Point when Arnold attempted to betray
the fort into the hands of the British. On the 8th of December, 1761,
he married Hepzibah Adams, a daughter of Captain Moses Adams,
and after their marriage they removed to Dublin, New Hampshire,
where they started life in a rude log cabin.
Their son, Asa Fairbanks, Jr., born March 17, 1787, assisted the
father in clearing the land but later removed to Peterboro, New
Hampshire, and met an early death, being frozen while out hunting.
He first married Polly Whitcomb, the mother of Moses Fairbanks,
and after her death wedded Sarah Heniston.
Moses Fairbanks, born June 19, 18 16, was reared on the home
Digitized by
Google
78 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
farm and educated in the district school. At the age of eighteen
years he went to Concord, New Hampshire, where he was employed
in a hotel for two years. He next served as a clerk for the
firm of Boyd & Allen of Boston while they were building the Howard
Athenaeum. Later he engaged in business for himself as a member
of the firm of Fairbanks & Beard and subsequently under the firm
style of Moses Fairbanks & Company. He was married April 27,
1840, to Frances Maria Moulton, a daughter of Jonathan and Deb-
orah (Nash) Moulton. His death occurred February 4, 1896. The
children of that marriage were: Mary Frances, who was born
December i, 1841, and was married April 2, 1863, to Daniel B.
Spear, of Boston; Helen Maria, who was born October 16, 1845, and
died April 4, 1846; Helen Louise, who was born April 3, 1847,
and died November 2, 1848; Ella Abra, born March 7, 1850; Henry
O. ; William Moses, born December 15, 1855; Carrie Deborah, who
was born April 9, 1858, and died March i, 1890; and Maria Moul-
ton, who was born October 18, 1863, and died August 28, 1865.
Henry O. Fairbanks was educated in the public schools of Bos-
ton and was graduated from the English high school with the class
of 1869. He then entered the employ of Nazro & Company, com-
mission merchants, and advancing from time to time in his business
career, became manager of a large flour mill in Columbus, Ohio, in
1 88 1, there remaining for a year. In 1882 he returned to Boston
and afterward engaged in business on his own account as a flour
merchant. Following his removal to Quincy he became active and
prominent in public aflfairs of the city and when the city charter
was granted he represented Ward 5 in the common council and
later was made its president. In 1891 and for three terms thereafter
he was mayor of Quincy and was insjtrumental in securing the present
water system and also in securing the building of the first high
school. He was likewise a factor in bringing about the erection of
the fine Central Fire Engine house and many other public-spirited
interests. In 1906 he was elected city auditor and has since occupied
that position. He also for a time gave some attention to auditing
as a private business venture after retiring from the commission
business in Boston. His political allegiance has always been given
to the republican party.
On the 14th of January, 1875, Mr. Fairbanks was married to
Miss Carrie A. Brown, a daughter of Henry H. and Julia F. (Sev-
erance) Brown, of Boston. Their children are: Mabel F., now Mrs.
Arthur R. Wood, of Portland, Maine; Harry M., who married
Stella Cook, now of Worcester; and Mollie E., the wife of K. R.
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY . 79
Lewis, also of Worcester, Massachusetts. Mr. Fairbanks is well
known as a representative of fraternal organizations. He is a past
master of Rural Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Quincy; belongs to St.
Stephens Chapter, R. A. M.; and South Shore Commandery, K. T.
He likewise has membership in John Hancock Lodge, L O. O. F.;
Wollaston Lodge of the Knights of Honor; and Woodbine Lodge
of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. He has been an influencing
factor in shaping public thought and action in Quincy and has con-
tributed much to general progress and improvement there.
HENRY DEVEREUX HUMPHREY.
On the roster of county oflScials in Norfolk county appears the
name of Henry Devereux Humphrey, who is filling the position
of county treasurer. He is a representative of one of the oldest
families of Massachusetts, John Humphrey, the governor of Massa-
chusetts Bay Colony, being his immigrant ancestor and eight or nine
generations of the family having been represented at Marblehead,
where his father, George H. Humphrey, was born June 17, 1822.
He was married in Roxbury, now a part of Boston, to Miss Clarinda
T. Noyes, a daughter of Daniel Noyes, who was a soldier of the
Revolutionary war. The death of George Henry Humphrey oc-
curred in Needham in 1898, to which place he had removed.
Henry D. Humphrey was born June 20, 1861, at Jamaica Plain,
West Roxbury, Massachusetts, and was a lad of but seven years when
the family home was established in Dedham, and his education was
largely acquired in the public schools. He started upon his business
career in connection with his father's bookbinding establishment in
Boston. He there remained until 1893, when he disposed of his
business interests in Boston and engaged in the insurance and real
estate business in Dedham. He is now one of the trustees of the
Dedham Institution for Savings and a member of its board of in-
vestment. He is regarded as a man of keen business judgment and
sagacity, his success resulting from intelligently directed eflfort.
On the 14th of May, 1884, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Mr.
Humphrey was united in marriage to Miss Lena R. Witham, who
died in 1890. On the 6th of October, 1892, in Dedham, Mr. Hum-
phrey was again married, his second union being with Miss Margaret
Jane Davidson, a daughter of Robert Davidson. There were two
children of this marriage, Edith D. and Margaret.
Digitized by
Google
80 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Mr. Humphrey holds membership in the Congregational church
and is a member of its board of assessors. He was president of the
Dedham Board of Trade for three years. He is identified frater-
nally with the Masons, having taken the degree of lodge and
chapter. His political allegiance is given to the republican party
and he is a member of the Norfolk County Republican Club, of
which for a number of years he has been the treasurer. He is ap-
preciative of the social amenities of life and enjoys his connections
with the Fisher Ames Club and the Norfolk Golf Club, both of
Dedham. His military record covers service in the First Regiment
of the Massachusetts Coast Artillery, with which he was identified
for three years. He is perhaps best known outside of business circles
by reason of his political activity. In 1893 he was elected to repre-
sent the first Norfolk district in the legislature of Massachusetts, this
district comprising the towns of Dedham and Norwood. He served
in the legislature for three years — 1894, 1895 ^^^ 1896— and was a
member of the committee on finance and expenditures, now known as
the committee on ways and means, and taxation. Of the committee on
finance he served as clerk through the entire three years of his legis-
lative service. In 1898 Mr. Humphrey was elected to the board
of assessors of Dedham and served for three years. He was elected
to the board of selectmen of Dedham and filled that position from
1902 until 1906 inclusive and was chairman during the last four years
of the period. In November, 1906, he was elected to fill the vacancy
in the oflUce of county treasurer, occasioned by the death of Treasurer
Charles H. Smith, and has held the oflUce since January 2, 1907. His
record is indeed most commendable and has won for him the un-
qualified trust and respect of his fellow townsmen.
WILLIAM G. SPARGO.
William G. Spargo, printer, publisher and owner of the Quincy
Evening Telegram, was born in England, August 5, 1878, a son of
William and Annie H. Spargo, who, crossing the Atlantic in 1881,
became residents of Quincy, where the father engaged in the business
of granite cutting, a trade that he had previously learned in his
native land.
William G. Spargo is indebted to the public schools and high
school of Quincy for his educational training. He afterward learned
the electrotype business in Boston and in 1905 established a printing
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 81
business of his own at No. 57 Roberts street. He has since enlarged
his plant to meet the growing demands of his trade until he now
employs a force of ten people and has a splendid equipment in his
establishment, including two monotypes, Goss newspaper press, two
jobbers and one pony cylinder press. He does a general line of book,
job and newspaper printing and for the past nine years has published
the Quincy Evening Telegram, an enterprising daily paper. The
excellent equipment of his office, the high standards of his work, his
reasonable prices and his earnest efforts to please his customers have
secured to him a most liberal and gratifying patronage and his
business is now one of substantial proportions.
In 1905 Mr. Spargo was united in marriage to Miss Mabel L.
Clark, of Stoughton, Massachusetts, and they have become parents
of five children, Esther, Edgar, Richard, Frances and Ruth.
CHARLES S. UPHAM.
Commercial enterprise finds in Charles S. Upham, of Stoughton,
a worthy representative. He is now the treasurer and manager of
the Upham Brothers Company, long one of the old established shoe
manufacturing concerns of the city. Throughout his business career
he has displayed a progressiveness and initiative that enabled him
to keep his establishment in touch with the most improved processes
of manufacture and the output has therefore found a ready sale on the
market. Stoughton numbers Mr. Upham among its native sons. He
was born in January, 1864, and is a son of Alfred and Mary
(Churchill) Upham, who were also natives of Massachusetts. The
father became a shoe manufacturer and devoted his entire life to that
line of business activity. He originally worked in shoe factories in
the employ of others and eventually, in company with his brother
Charles, organized the Upham Brothers Shoe Company, now known
as the Upham Brothers Company. He devoted his time and at-
tention to the development and control of the business throughout
his remaining days, his death occurring in 1907. His wife passed
away in 1904.
Charles S. Upham was a school boy of Stoughton and when his
textbooks were put aside entered the factory with his father and
acquainted himself with the various phases of the business. After
a brief period he was made a member of the firm, being admitted
to a partnership on attaining his majority, and throughout all the
Digitized by
Google
82 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
intervening years he has been active in the management and control
of the business and is now officially the treasurer and manager of
the Upham Brothers Company, which is a close corporation, its
entire stock being owned by only four members. The company is
now engaged in the manufacture of high priced ladies' shoes and
produces about one thousand pairs per day. They also make men's
shoes to some extent. The attractiveness and excellence of their
product has insured a ready sale on the market and their business
has enjoyed a substantial growth.
In January, 1889, Mr. Upham was united in marriage to Miss
Myra Tenney, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Lunt) Tenney, the
former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Maine. They be-
came early residents of Stoughton, where the father engaged in busi-
ness as a shoe manufacturer. He passed away in 1900 but the mother
is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Upham have become the parents of a
daughter, Dorothy, who was bom in December, 1890.
Politically Mr. Upham maintains an independent course, con-
sidering the capability of a candidate rather than his party ties. He
has served as school commissioner and his aid and influence arc
always given on the side of progress and improvement in relation
to the material, intellectual, social and moral welfare of the com-
munity. He has membership in the Chicatawbut Club and his
social qualities make for personal popularity among his wide ac-
quaintance.
HARRY ALBERTUS WHITING.
Through the course of an active business career Harry Albertus
Whiting has been identified with manufacturing, with farming and
dairying and is now active in the field of insurance, real estate and
banking. Each hour in his life has seemed to mark oflf a full-faithed
attempt to know more and to grow more and his activities have con-
stantly broadened in scope, volume and importance. Mr. Whiting
is one of the native sons of Massachusetts, his birth having occurred
in Pondville, Norfolk, on the 4th of April, 1872. His parents were
Albertus James and Mary Smith (Pond) Whiting, the former a son
of James Cole and Nancy J. (Rhodes) Whiting, while the latter
was a daughter of Smith and Jerusha (Gerould) Pond.
In the district school at Pondville, Harry A. Whiting began his
education, which he continued in the Wrentham and Norfolk high
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 83
school, followed by a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business
College which he completed by graduation on the 17th of May,
1893. He was employed on a farm until seventeen years of age and
afterward was connected with a grocery store and a postoffice for
three years before entering business college, thus gaining broad and
varied experience along business lines and gaining knowledge that
has proven of value to him in later years. Following his graduation
from the commercial college he entered the treasurer's department
of the Pope Manufacturing Company at Boston, with which he was
connected until September, 1895, when he was obliged to leave his
position on account of ill health. In April, 1896, he purchased a
farm in South Walpole, Massachusetts, and there engaged in the
raising of poultry and fruit and in the conduct of a dairy business
until March, 191 2, or for a period of sixteen years. At the latter
date he purchased the insurance agency of John S. Allen of Wal-
pole, which at the present time is conducted under the name of the
Walpole Insurance Agency. He also has important interests in
other connections, being president of the Walpole Cooperative Bank,
of which he was the first clerk and treasurer, serving in 191 2 and
1913, while since 1912 he has been one of its directors. He was also
temporary clerk of the Walpole Trust Company during preliminary
organization and he is a member of the executive committee of the
Walpole Real Estate Association, Incorporated. His interests are
thus important and of a broad scope and his activities have con-
tributed to general development and progress as well as to indivi4ual
success.
On the 8th of April, 1896, at South Walpole, Massachusetts,
Mr. Whiting was united in marriage to Miss Florence Adelaide
Bullard, a daughter of Charles H. and Mary E. (Thorndike) Bul-
lard, of South Walpole, Massachusetts. They now have two chil-
dren, Verna Mary and Edith Alberta.
In politics Mr. Whiting is a republican and for twelve years
served as secretary of the party organization. From 1901 until 1909
he filled the oflUce of assessor of taxes and was collector of taxes and
town collector from 1909 until 1913. In the latter year he was called
to the position of town treasurer, in which capacity he is still serving,
and since 1910 he has also filled the office of justice of the peace. He
is president of the Walpole Board of Trade and a member of the
Walpole Men's Club. His religious faith is that of the Congrega-
tional church and he is serving as deacon in Walpole. Fraternally
he is connected with the Masons and belongs to Saint Albans Lodge,
A. F. & A. M., of Foxborough. He Js also a past master of Norfolk
Digitized by
Google
84 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
and Middlesex Pomona Grange No. i and a past master of Walpole
Grange No. 215 of Walpole. He Ukewise belongs to Reliance
Lodge, No. 137, L O. O. F., of Walpole. His identification with
any movement or activity indicates his belief in its efficacy as a
factor in good government or as an element for individual progress
and uplift. His has been a useful and active life fraught with good
results and he has achieved his purpose and accomplished the objects
for which he has labored.
HENRI L. JOHNSON.
Henri L. Johnson has passed the eighty-first milestone on life's
journey but in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime, keeping in
touch with the trend of modern thought and progress. He is serv-
ing as the president of the Stough ton Historical Society and few men
are as well informed concerning events which have formed the his-
tory of Norfolk county and of the state. He was born in Stough-
ton in August, 1836, a son of Lewis and Esther (Talbott) Johnson,
who were likewise natives of Stoughton, the former born in 1800
and the latter in 1803.' The father was a farmer by occupation and
also worked in the shoe factories of this section. He continued a
resident of Stoughton throughout his entire life, passing away in 1867,
while his wife, surviving for three decades, was called to her final
home on the 15th of October, 1897.
Henri L. Johnson, spending his youthful days under the parental
roof, is indebted to the public schools of Stoughton for the educa-
tional advantages which he received in his youth. He then went to
work in the shoe factories and was employed along that line until
about 1869, when he entered into partnership with Henry B. Crane
under the firm style of H. B. Crane & Company for the manufacture
of shoes. They conducted the business for three years, or until 1872,
when they consolidated their interests with the Upham Brothers
factory and the firm style of Upham Brothers & Company was then
assumed. The business was carried on under that style until the
early '90s, at which time their interests were incorporated and en-
larged. Mr. Johnson has been connected with the business through-
out the entire period and is the only one living of the original firm.
There are but four members of the company, Albert A. Mead being
the president, Charles S. Upham; treasurer, with Mr. Johnson and
Dennis Toomey as stockholders. They concentrate their efforts
Digitized by
Google
HENRI L. JOHNSON
Digitized by
Google
T'"i r'Ev.' vor.^'
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 87
largely upon the manufacture of ladies' high priced shoes and the
output is about seventy-five dozen per day. Formerly they made
men's shoes but have largely discontinued their work in that con-
nection. The business has always remained one of the important
productive industries of Stoughton and throughout all these years
Mr. Johnson has occupied an important position in connection with
the shoe trade of the city — a trade that has been one of the important
sources of progress and prosperity in the community.
On the 24th of April, 1859, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage
to Miss Louise M. Atherton, of New York city, a daughter of Hiram
and Hannah (Stoddard) Atherton, who were natives of Massachu-
setts. The father became a shoe manufacturer and spent the greater
part of his life in North Bridgewater, now Brockton, Massachusetts,
where he passed away in 1849 at the age of forty-seven years. His
widow survived until 1897 and had reached the eighty-sixth mile-
stone on life's journey when called to her final rest. Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson became the parents of two children : Helen L., the widow
of A. S. Metcalf. who died in August, 1914, Mrs. Metcalf now
making her home with her father; and Frank Lewis, who was acci-
dentally killed August 4, 1896.
In religious faith Mr. Johnson is a Universalist and has ever been
a broad-minded and liberal man. Politically he has maintained
an independent course and has ever stood for high ideals in citizen-
ship. In 1869 he represented his district in the state legislature.
Since the organization of the Historical Society he has been con-
nected therewith and for fifteen years has been its honored president,
a position which he still occupies. He is a representative of one of
the oldest families of the city and there are indeed few who equal him
in knowledge concerning all that has had to do with shaping the
annals of Stoughton. He is honored and respected by all who know
him and most of all by those among whom he is best known.
FRED P. CHAPMAN.
Fred P. Chapman, president of the Franklin Yarn Company,
conducting an extensive business at Franklin, Massachusetts, was
born February i, 1866, in the city in which he still makes his home,
his parents being Elisha P. and Elizabeth Johan (Stewart) Chap-
man. The father is a native of Brooklyn, Connecticut, and a
representative of one of the old families of that state of English
Vol. n— 5
Digitized by
Google
88 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
lineage. The first of the name in the new world were three brothers
who came to America during the early part of the seventeenth
century. Elisha P. Chapman was a successful grocer who began
business in Franklin in the early '60s and was accorded a liberal
patronage throughout the entire period of his connection with the
district. He retired from active commercial pursuits in 191 2 and
is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil in a well earned rest.
His wife came of Scotch ancestry and was born at Orapreto, Rio
Janeiro, Brazil. She passed away leaving two children, Fred P. and
Hamilton J., the latter a resident of Rutherford, New Jersey.
Fred P. Chapman is the younger and in the public schools of
his native city began his education. He afterward attended Dean
Academy of Franklin and Tufts College of Boston, Massachusetts,
and started out in the business world on his own account when twenty
year of age. He was first employed as instrument or location man
for the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad Company in the Indian
Territory. He assumed the duties of the position in the fall of 1886
and continued in the service of the railroad company for a year
and a half, gaining valuable knowledge and experience during his
sojourn in the southwest. He next became paymaster for the Ray
Woolen Company of Franklin, Massachusetts, which constituted
his initiation into the woolen mill business. He continued with the
Ray Company until about 1901 and was advanced from time to time
until he became superintendent and agent for the company. In 1902
the Franklin Yarn Company was organized and Mr. Chapman be-
came its first president and has since occupied that position. Through
the intervening period of sixteen years his constructive effort, his
administrative direction and executive force have constituted most
salient and important elements in the unbuilding of the business,
which has now reached extensive and gratifying proportions and
largely stands as a monument to the ability of the president.
On the 1 6th of June, 1890, Mr. Chapman was married in Frank-
lin to Miss Clara Craig, a native- TxfWalpole and a daughter of
Charles B. and Melvina (Jenks) Craig. They have become parents
of three children, Gertrude C, Boyd Palmer and Donald B., all born
in Franklin.
Since age conferred upon Mr. Chapman his right of franchise
he has been a stalwart champion of republican principles, and while
he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, he served
for twelve years as a member of the school board of Franklin and
the cause of education found him a stalwart champion. He was at
one time water and sewer commissioner of Franklin and he also
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 89
represented his district in the general court of Massachusetts in 1910
and 191 1. Fraternally he is a Mason, having been initiated into the
order in Excelsior Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Franklin, in 1888. He
has filled all of its chairs and is a past master. His religious faith
is that of the Universalist church and he was formerly clerk of the
church. He never becomes connected with any movement or organ-
ization but what his cooperation is sought in its management and
control — a merited recognition of his ability, forcefulness and re-
sourcefulness.
EMERY BENTON GIBBS.
Emery Benton Gibbs, an active representative of the Boston bar,
living in Brookline, was born in Byron, Oxford county, Maine, on
the 23d of October, 1862. He is a descendant of Mathew Gibbs,
planter, who settled at Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1650 and in
1 65 1 wedded Mary Bradish, of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Another
of the ancestors in a later generation was Jacob Gibbs, who lived in
Framingham in 1740, and owned land on both sides of the river where
later the Shepard paper mill was built — a site that was afterward
taken by the city of Boston for its water system. Still another
ancestor was Joseph Gibbs, a lieutenant of the Continental army,
who marched to Concord with his company on the 20th of April,
1775, and Pelatiah Gibbs, who served throughout the Revolutionary
war. The grandmother of Emery Benton Gibbs in the paternal line
was Polly (Stearns) Gibbs, the daughter of Phineas Stearns, who
was one of the members of the Boston Tea Party and also an officer
in the Continental army, being in command of the Continental forces
on Dorchester Heights when the British evacuated Boston. Emery
B. Gibbs is the son of Phineas Stearns Gibbs, who married Mary
Catherine Meserve, a descendan:t of Clement Meserve, of Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire, who there located in 1673. He was one of
the Meserve family of the Island of Jersey, where the family record
is complete since 1308. This family is noted for the large number of
judges, judge advocates and attorney generals that it has contributed
to the public service.
Emery B. Gibbs pursued his early education in the proverbial
"little red schoolhouse" and afterward spent three terms as a student
in the Hebron Academy. He then took up the profession of teaching,
which he followed in the public schools, spending one year as
Digitized by
Google
90 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
principal of the Buckfield high school, after which he entered the
Coburn Classical Institute, from which he was graduated in 1884,
He next became a student in Colby College and received the Bach-
elor of Arts degree upon graduation with the class of 1888. He then
entered the Boston University Law School and received the LL. B.
degree in 1891. Born upon a farm, he worked in the fields all
through his school and college vacations and his first professional
activity was in the field of teaching, which he followed with success
in both the ungraded country schools and in village high school and
again as principal of Somerset Academy. He regarded this, how-
ever, merely as an initial step to other professional labor and was
admitted to the Suffolk bar in 1891. He has since engaged in the
practice of law. He served for many years as a bail commissioner of
Norfolk county, Massachusetts, and was appointed by the United
States district court referee in bankruptcy for the county of Norfolk
in 1898 and has occupied that position continuously to the present
time. He has also been appointed to sit as master in many cases in
the United States courts and in the state courts. In addition he has
acted as trustee of the Babcock Hill Land and as one of the trustees
of the Boston Baptist Social Union, which under the will of Daniel
Sharp Ford was given the Social Union building, formerly the
Youth's Companion building, and also a large trust fund with which
the Ford building was erected.
With various public activities Mr. Gibbs has been prominently
associated. He is identified with the republican party and he was a
member of the Brookline town committee from 1894 ^^ ^9^0, serving
as its secretary in 1895. He has done much to further municipal
affairs in Brookline and to solve important questions of town gov-
ernment. He was the first one to have the civil service extended to
include Brookline and regulate the appointment of policemen and
firemen, securing to both tenure of office. He was also one of the
first to secure pensions for men disabled in the service and a retiring
pension as well. On his initiative the office of town engineer was
created and that of town accountant. Mr. Gibbs served for many
years on the Committee of Thirty to consider and report to the town
on all annual appropriations. He has acted as moderator of the
annual town meeting and in 191 6 was town meeting member from
Precinct No. 3, under the Brookline modified form of town govern-
ment. He has also been called upon for judicial service, representing
the town of Brookline in 1897 in the great and general court of
Massachusetts.
On the 13th of January, 1892, in Yarmouth, Maine, Mr. Gibbs
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 91
was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Barbour, a daughter of Henry
N. and Mary (Chapman) Barbour. They have become parents of
two daughters : Elisabeth, who is now a student in a school of design
in New York city; and Mary Karolen, who is attending Wellesley
College as a member of the class of 1921.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Baptist church,
their membership being in Brookline, and Mr. Gibbs served as
treasurer of the church in 1892-3, as superintendent of the Bible
School in 1899- 1900 as member of the board of deacons and trustees
from 1907 until 19 14 and on the building committee to erect the
present meeting house at the corner of Beacon and Park streets in
Brookline. He is also a charter member of the New England
Baptist Hospital, of which he has served as trustee since 1895 and
of which he was president in 1898 and 1899. He is likewise a charter
member of the Lord's Day League of New England and has been a
director since its organization in 1892. He likewise belongs to the
Boston Baptist Social Union and was its president in 1908 and 1909.
Fraternally he is connected with the Delta Kappa Epsilon and is
well known in Masonic circles, holding membership in Beth-horon
Lodge of Brookline since 18192. He served as master of the lodge
in 1907-8, was senior grand deacon of the grand lodge in 1909,
district deputy grand master of the Fifth Masonic District in 191 2
and 19 13 and became deputy grand master in 19 14. He belongs to
the Boston City Club and he is thus well known in connection with
activities which have had much to do with the material, intellectual,
social, political and moral reform, advancement and progress of
the community.
JAMES EDWARD PENDERGAST.
Although a native of Dedham, James Edward Pendergast has
spent the greater part of his life in Norwood, where he is now filling
the dual position of town accountant and town clerk, having been
called to the former position by appointment in June, 191 1. He was
bom in 1877, a son of Patrick J. Pendergast, who is a native of
County Waterford, Ireland, born in 1851, but during his infancy
he was brought by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Pendergast, to
the new world, the family home being established in Norwood,
where the grandparents passed away. The father is still a resident
Digitized by
Google
92 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
of Norwood, but his wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret
Cornick, departed this life in 1892.
James E. Pendergast became a pupil in the public schools of
Norwood, where he mastered the branches of learning that usually
constitute the public school curriculum. When his textbooks were
put aside he accepted a position as a grocery clerk and was thus
identified with commercial interests of Norwood for nineteen years.
In June, 191 1, he was appointed to the office of town accountant
and in January, 19 15, the office of town clerk was created and the
duties added to those of town accountant, so that he is now serving
in both positions. He is likewise known in the financial circles of
the city as a director of the Norwood Cooperative Bank.
On the 27th of June, 1901, in Walpole, Massachusetts, Mr.
Pendergast was united in marriage to Miss Nora G. Dalton, a
daughter of the late Patrick Dalton, and their children are Richard,
Jerome, Mary, James, William, John and Nora.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church
and Mr. Pendergast is identified with the Ancient Order of Hiber-
nians. His political allegiante has always been given to the demo-
cratic party and he stands stanchly in support of its principles and
does all in his power to promote the success of the party. He is
well known in Norwood, where practically his entire life has been
passed, and the circle of his friends has constantly increased as the
circle of his acquaintance has broadened.
JUDGE EVERETT C. BUMPUS.
Judge Everett C. Bumpus, classed with the eminent American
lawyers and jurists, his public service also entitling him to rank with
New England's most prominent men, was born in Plympton, Mas-
sachusetts, on the 28th of November, 1844, ^^d for more than a half
century has been an active representative of the bar of Quincy. He
is a son of Cephas C. and Amelia D. (Foster) Bumpus. Both the
Bumpus and Foster families were established on American soil at
an early period in the colonization of the new world, the Bumpus
family having been founded in Plymouth in 1620. In the Revo-
lutionary war record appears the name of Captain Bumpus, a mem-
ber of this family and representatives of the name were also officers
in the War of 18 12. Cephas C. Bumpus was born at Plympton, Mas-
sachusetts, while his wife was a native of Kingston, Massachusetts.
Digitized by
Google
JUDGE EVERETT C. BUMPUS
Digitized by
Google
-.(- w , V-
,,..^ t^'"
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 95
He was for many years connected with the railway business but at
the time of the Civil war put aside all business and personal con-
siderations to espouse the Union cause and served for three years as
a captain in the Fourth Massachusetts Infantry and also in the Thirty-
second Massachusetts Infantry and still later in the Third Artil-
lery. His son, Edgar L., who also became a captain in the Union
army, was killed during Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea.
Following his return from the war Captain Cephas C. Bumpus
was continuously in office in Boston to the time of his death, which
occurred about 1897.
Judge Bumpus, leaving high school at the age of sixteen years,
enlisted for active service in the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment
and later was connected with the Forty-fourth Regiment. At the
age of eighteen he was made an officer in the Third Artillery and
in 1865 was promoted to the rank of captain of his company, with
which he remained on active duty until mustered out in September
of that year. Following his return from the war, Judge Bumpus
took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He
first located for practice at Weymouth, Massachusetts, and was well
known as a trial justice until 1872. In that year he was made justice
of the district court of Norfolk and a decade later was called to the
office of district attorney for Norfolk and Plymouth counties, which
position he continuously filled until 1887, when he declined future
service of that character. He then entered upon the active practice
of law, specializing in public franchises, and later he became com-
missioner of important water cases in Massachusetts and in fact
throughout New England, being considered a leader in that class of
work. In 1908 he was made one of two American commissioners
to negotiate the Panama treaty, involving the examination of titles
to the earliest settlement of Panama. Later he was employed by the
department of state to act in reference to the boundaries of waters
between the United States and Canada and about 191 1 he devoted his
energies to the preparation of a series of legal articles for a business
men's encyclopedia. He became one of five men who organized the
selling of the Encyclopedia Britannica in the United States. At
the present writing he is serving as city solicitor of Quincy. Th^
extent and importance of his public service places him with those
men to whom the community, the state and the country owe much.
His work has been of great benefit and the results achieved have fcon-
tributed to the welfare of the country.
On the 22d of September, 1868, Judge Bumpus was united in
marriage to Miss Emma F. Russell, who passed away in 1887. They
Digitized by
Google
96 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
were the parents of four children. Arthur L., the eldest, is now a
minister of the Episcopal church at Brooklyn, New York. Everett
Chauncey, who became blind at the age of six years, attended Har-
vard University and was admitted to the bar, ranking first in a class
of fifty members. He died in 1901. EdwarxL^, born in 1874,
also a graduate of Harvard, went to the defense of his country as
a soldier of the Spanish-American war and was promoted to the j
rank of captain for bravery and gallantry in China. He was killed at
Balanga Samar in the Philippines, where the entire company was ,
annihilated. Christine L., the youngest of the family, is the wife
of E. W. Remmick, a resident of Brookline, Massachusetts. For
his second wife Judge Bumpus chose Mary Louise Bates, of Canan-
daigua. New York, who died leaving two children, Morris E. and
Foster C. The former is a graduate of Williams College and a
member of the bar and is now a lieutenant in the United States army.
The latter is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at An-
napolis and is serving in the navy with the rank of lieutenant, senior
grade.
Judge Bumpus was formerly a member of the Union, Algonquin
and St. Botolph Clubs of Boston and now holds membership in the
Loyal Legion, the Papyrus Club and the Curtis Club. His political
endorsement has always been given to the republican party. He
became a resident of Quincy in 1865 and has here since made his
home, endeared to his fellow citizens by reason of a pleasing per-
sonality, while the importance of his professional and public serv-
ice has given him high rank at the bar and in connection with state
and national interests.
ORLANDO McKENZIE.
Orlando McKcnzie is well known by reason of his active legis-
lative experience and also by reason of his business enterprise, which
places him with the substantial citizens of Foxboro. He has long
been engaged in blacksmithing and at the same time he is carrying
on an automobile business, handling the Oldsmobile cars. He was
bom in Nova Scotia, April 23, 1868, a son of Eben and Rebecca
(McDonald) McKenzie, who were natives of Scotland. The father
was a farmer by occupation and in early life crossed the Atlantic
to the new world, settling in Massachusetts. He afterward removed
to Nova Scotia, where he engaged in farming for twenty years. He
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 97
now makes his home at Peabody, Massachusetts, where he is living
retired, enjoying a well earned rest. His wife passed away in 191 2.
Orlando McKenzie was largely reared in Nova Scotia and
mastered the branches of learning taught in the public school there.
He afterward learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has followed
throughout practically his entire life. In 1885 he took up his abode
at Medfield, Massachusetts, where he resided for four years, and
in 1889 he removed to Norfolk, where he operated a blacksmith shop
until 1906. He then disposed of his business at that place and re-
moved to Foxboro, where he has since carried on a shop, and in
connection therewith he conducts an automobile business, handling
the Oldsmobile cars. He is alert and energetic, carrying forward
to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and a spirit of
unfaltering enterprise has been one of the strong and salient char-
acteristics in his growing advancement.
Mr. McKenzie was united in marriage to Miss Agnes F. Crane,
of Medfield, on the 4th of June, 1889, a daughter of William and
Ella M. (Richards) Crane, who were natives of New Hampshire
and of Medfield, Norfolk county, Massachusetts, respectively. The
father arrived in Massachusetts in early life and worked at his
trade, that of a hatter, in the straw shops. He was also a newspaper
correspondent for a long time and he became widely known in his
section of the state. He passed away October 6, 191 2, having for
five years survived his wife, whose death occurred on the 2d of
August 1907. Mr. Crane was a veteran of the Civil war. When
the country became involved in hostilities between the north and the
south he enlisted as a member of the "Boys in blue" of Company E.
First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, with which he served for four
years. He was wounded in battle and always felt the effects of the
injury which he thus sustained. After the war he established his
home at Medfield, Massachusetts, where he continued to reside until
called to his final rest. To Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie have been born
four children : Leola F., born June 11, 1891 ; Ethel V., who was born
October 24, 1892; Russell E., born December 21, 1895; and Harold
E., born August 17, 1899. The birth of Mrs. McKenzie occurred in
Medfield, Norfolk county, March 4, 1869, and she has always resided
in this county.
Both Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie are loyal members of the Congre-
gational church and he is identified with several fraternal orders,
belonging to the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. In the first named society he holds office and
at all times he is a worthy exemplar of the spirit of the craft. His
Digitized by
Google
98 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has
taken a deep interest in public affairs. He is now filling the position
of chairman of the board of selectmen of Foxboro and has acted in
that capacity for about eight years, his record being at all times most
creditable. He has also served as clerk and treasurer of the town
of Norfolk and at the present writing is chairman of the board of
Overseers of the poor and also of the board of water commissioners
and a member of the board of health. He is likewise serving on the
republican town central committee. Still higher political honors,
however, have been conferred upon him, for in the fall of 1904 he
was elected to the state legislature from Norfolk and served for
one year. During that period he had the pleasure of establishing
the town of Plainville through the promotion of legislative enact-
ment. In 1 914 he was again elected to the legislature from Foxboro
and again served for one year, leaving the impress of his individuality
upon important legislative measures enacted during that period. He
stands at all times for progress and improvement in public affairs and
cooperates heartily with those well defined plans which have pro-
duced results of far reaching and lasting benefits.
GEORGE R. WHITING.
George R. Whiting, who is engaged in the manufacture of wool
shoddy at Franklin, was born March 24, 1852, in the city which is
still his place of residence. His parents were Daniel Peter and
Lydia (Briggs) Whiting, both of whom were natives of this state,
the former born in Franklin and the latter in Norton. The Whiting
family has been represented in Norfolk county for more than two
centuries. The early representatives of the name lived in South
Franklin and were owners of a farm of two hundred acres there.
George R. Whiting has in his possession a deed bearing the date
1 71 7, in which the king of England granted this land to the family.
Several branches of the family are still living in Norfolk county,
where the name has figured prominently through many generations.
The grandfather, Joseph M. Whiting, had a family of two sons,
Daniel Peter and Joseph Milton, and a daughter, Ruth. His son,
Joseph Milton, was a farmer and box manufacturer until his death
and the daughter became the wife of Winslow Cook and continued
her residence in Franklin until she was called to her final rest.
Joseph M. Whiting, the grandfather, devoted his life to general
Digitized by
Google
GEORGE R. WHITING
S74344A
Digitized by
Google
TFi n^v/ vcr:>
PUBLIC li3;;a;;y
M i.
^ ■ I ' >- "^
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY lOl
agricultural pursuits and also conducted the first grist mill in Frank-
lin which he operated for a number of years. His landed possessions
comprised two hundred and fifty acres which he brought under a
high state of cultivation, and in addition to tilling his fields and oper-
ating his grist mill he conducted a sawmill. His life was thus one of
marked activity and usefulness.
His son, Daniel Peter Whiting, remained in his father's employ
for a number of years and afterward followed in his business foot-
steps by giving his attention to farm work and also to industrial
activities. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he turned his
attention to box making, in which he engaged until about twenty
years prior to his death. During his last two decades, however, he
gave his entire attention to farming. He was one of the stanchest
supporters of the republican party. Nothing could cause him to
deviate from that course and yet he did not seek nor desire office as
a reward for party fealty. His religious faith was that of the Con-
gregational church and permeated his entire life in its every rela-
tion. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lydia Adeline Briggs,
was a daughter of Emerson and Lydia Adeline (Richardson) Briggs,
of Norton, Massachusetts, whose family numbered ten children.
Her father was a farmer and hollowware turner, in which connec-
tion he manufactured trays and dishes from wood. He also became
the owner of a grist mill and, prospering in his undertakings, he en-
gaged in loaning money. The Briggs family was also one of the
oldest and most respected families of Norfolk county. In the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Whiting there were ten children: Sam-
uel, who died at the age of seventy years; Lydia, now the widow of
Bennett R. Harris, of Franklin; Martha, who passed away at the
age of seven years; Alfred D., who reached the fifty-first milestone
on life's journey; George R., of this review; Etta Eva, who died at
the age of twenty years; Isabella F., now the wife of Edgar Kings-
bury, of Medfield, Massachusetts; Abbott D., who died at the age of
fifty-eight years; Clara, who is now the wife of Charles E. Wood-
ward, of Franklin; and Joseph M., the third in order of birth, who
passed away at the age of seventy-two years.
George R. Whiting pursued his early education in the public
schools of Franklin and afterward continued his studies in Dean
Academy, where he was a pupil through three winter sessions. In
his youthful days he worked with his father upon the home farm,
assisting in the development of the fields until he reached the age
of twenty years, when he started out in business independently. He
began the manufacture of wool shoddy, building a factory at South
Digitized by
Google
102 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Milford, in which he personally installed the machinery. Since that
time he has engaged in the manufacture of fine wool shoddies and
extracts. While thus engaged he lived with his father upon the home
farm and managed the farm until his father's death. He later built
a mill at Unionville which he still operates under the firm name of
George R. & A. D. Whiting. He still owns the old home prop-
erty and gives personal supervision to its cultivation but does not
reside upon the place at the present time, making his home at No.
40 Cottage street, in Franklin. He thoroughly understands every
phase of shoddy manufacturing and his business has been carefully
and wisely directed, so that substantial results have accrued.
On the 4th of January, 1893, Mr. Whiting was united in miar-
riage to Miss Mary Woodman Sprague, a daughter of George W.
and Olive (Osmund) Sprague, who were residents of East Bridge-
water but formerly resided at Scituate, Massachusetts. Her father in
early life had been lighthouse keeper at Scituate Point and later he
was a shoe cutter at Brockton and at Bridgewater, but both he and
his wife have now passed away, their remains being interred in the
Bridgewater cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Whiting was born a
daughter, Gertrude Sprague, who is now the wife of Bertram
Turner, of Franklin, Massachusetts, and has one child, who was born
on her father's birthday in 19 17 and was named George Whiting
Turner. In January, 191 1, Mr. Whiting was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife, who passed away in that month. On the 24th
of July, 1917, he married Lilla Malora Marble, a daughter of
Newell Marble, of Ashburnham, Massachusetts.
Mr. Whiting is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Royal Arch
chapter and the Knight Templar commandery of Milford and he
also has membership in Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine at
Boston. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church
and his entire life has measured up to its standards and teachings.
His political allegiance is given the republican party and he is now
a member of the board of selectmen of Franklin, of which he is
serving as chairman. He is one of the most respected and prominent
business men of Franklin and still manages his factory interests,
although not so active as formerly. His success permits of greater
leisure and he has time to indulge in those things which are matters
of interest to him. He occupies a fine home in Franklin and still
owns the original farm property, which has long been in possession
of the family. In his business career he has been actuated by a
laudable purpose and ambition that have brought excellent results
and the course which he has ever pursued has been one which would
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 103
bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. Those who know him,
and he has a wide acquaintance, speak of him in terms pf highest re-
gard, recognizing the fact that his course has ever reflected credit
and honor upon an untarnished family name.
WILLARD HENRY BENNETT.
Willard Henry Bennett, a carpenter and builder carrying on
business at Wrentham, where he was born February 20, 1857, is a
son of Henry Albert and Charlotte Thomas (Potter) Bennett. The
father was born at Wrentham, November 2, 18 14, while the mother's
birth occurred at Pawtuxet, Rhode Island, May 3, 1813. Mr.
Bennett was a cabinet maker by trade and in following that pursuit
provided for the support of his family.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Willard H.
Bennett largely devoted his time to the mastery of the branches of
learning taught in the Wrentham schools and thus .qualified for
life's practical duties and responsibilities. He afterward began work
at the carpenter's trade and the thoroughness of his instruction and
the breadth of his experience made him thoroughly qualified for
work of that nature. Later he took up building operations on his
own account and has since been known as one of the leading carpen-
ters and builders of Wrentham, where many evidences of his handi-
work can be seen in the substantial structures of this section of the
county. He thoroughly understands the scientific phases which un-
derlie his work as well as all of the practical duties in connection
with carpentering and building and his thoroughness and efficiency
have been the means of bringing to him a continually growing
patronage.
On the 5th of June, 1878, in Wrentham, Mr. Bennett was united
ip marriage by Rev. William R. Tompkins to Miss Ida Lunette
Powers, who was born at Blakes Hill, Wrentham, February 25,
1856, a daughter of James R. and Martha Miranda (Wolcott)
Powers. The father was engaged in the dry goods business, follow-
ing that pursuit for many years at Wrentham. Mrs. Bennett was
educated in the public schools of Wrentham, and took up the pro-
fession of teaching, which she followed in Cumberland, Rhode
Island, and also in the Wampum school of Wrentham. To Mr. and
Mrs. Bennett have been born three children. Philip Albert was
bom July 4, 1879. Harry Potter, born September 3, 1883, married
Digitized by
Google
104 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Isabel Talbot Landre, by whom he has two children, Willard Potter
and Ralph L., and is now engaged in the foundry business. Raymond
Sayles, born December 13, 1892, is in France as a member of Com-
pany I of the First Regiment of the American Expeditionary Force.
Mr. Bennett is serving as one of the town assessors and no trust
reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. He
is always loyal to the best interests of the community which he repre-
sents and his standards of life are high. His position on the tem-
perance question is shown by the fact that he votes with the prohibi-
tion party and that he is interested in the moral progress and devel-
opment of his community is shown in his active work in the Original
Congregational church, of which for twelve years he was deacon. His
life has always been actuated by high and honorable principles and
his fellow townsmen attest his genuine worth and bear testimony
to the advanced standards which actuate him in all of life's re-
lations.
JAMES D. BOSWORTH.
James D. Bosworth, president of the Emerson Coal & Grain
Company, Incorporated, at East Weymouth, has been identified with
the business since 19 14 and since that date has contributed in no
small measure to its successful management. He was born in Paw-
tucket, Rhode Island, November 23, 1872, and is a son of William
H. and Anna O. (Davis) Bosworth, who are natives of Rhode Island.
The father has always been engaged in the leather business in Paw-
tucket, Rhode Island, carrying on his interests independently until
the last few years, but is now connected with the firm of Carter,
Rice & Company of Boston. He makes his home in Somerville,
Massachusetts, where he and his wife are most pleasantly located.
James D. Bosworth was reared and educated in Minneapolis,
Minnesota. He then took up electrical engineering and followed
that pursuit for a quarter of a century, carrying on business on
his own account most of the time after leaving school. He still
does work as an electrical engineer to some extent in addition to
his other business interests. On the 4th of April, 1914, he came to
East Weymouth and purchased an interest in the Emerson Coal &
Grain Company, thus becoming associated with T. H. Emerson.
He has since been active in this line but is now associated with W.
H. Bartlett, who purchased Mr. Emerson's intferest. They continue
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 105
to carry on the business, however, under the name of the Emerson
Coal & Grain Company, Incorporated. They have large mills
and have built up a gratifying business as grain merchants and
they also handle hay and coal, receiving a liberal patronage in each
line.
On the 19th of October, 1907, Mr. Bosworth was united in
marriage to Miss Mabel D. Decoster, a daughter of George H. and
Lucy (Blanchard) Decoster, the former a veteran of the Civil war,
now residing in West Acton, Massachusetts. He was born in Ver-
mont and has spent his entire life in New England. His wife passed
away in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Bosworth reside at No. 678 Broad
street, where he has recently purchased a fine modern residence, and
their home is the abode of warm-hearted hospitality.
Mr. Bosworth belongs to the Masonic fraternity and his political
belief is that of the republican party, while his religious faith
is that of the Christian Science church. These associations indicate
much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his
conduct, and at all times he commands and enjoys the esteem and
confidence of his fellow citizens, who recognize his loyalty to the
best interests of the community and who find in him a progressive
and representative business man.
D. W. TOOMEY.
D. W. Toomey, superintendent of the shoe manufacturing plant
of the Upham Brothers Company and one of the stockholders in
the business, was born in Randolph, Massachusetts, July i, 1861,
a son of Eugene and Ellen (Coughlin) Toomey, natives of Ireland.
The father came to America in early life, arriving about 1852, at
which time he established his home in Randolph. Later he re-
moved to North Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where he resided for a
few years, and then established his home in Stoughton, Massachu-
setts, about 1868. He secured employment in the shoe factories of
the city and remained in Stoughton until called to his final rest in
1876, when he was sixty-one years of age. His wife passed away in
the '80s.
D. W. Toomey was reared and educated in Stoughton and be-
gan work in a shoe factory, continuing in that line until 1900, dur-
ing which period he was thoroughly mastering the various branches
of the business and gaining knowledge and experience which qual-
Digitized by
Google
106 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
ified him for his present position. In the year indicated he was called
to the position of superintendent of the shoe factory of the Upham
Brothers Company, where he has been employed from the age of
sixteen years. He knows every feature and phase of the busmess
and he has become a member of the firm, purchasing stock therein.
He is well qualified for his present responsibilities and is making
a most excellent record by the capability with which he directs the
operations of the plant.
Mr. Toomey is of the Catholic faith and politically he maintains
an independent attitude. He has .been prominent in community
affairs and his aid and influence are always on the side of progress
and upbuilding. He served for three years on the school board,
acting as chairman for one year, is a member of the board of trade,
which he joined on its organization and in which he has taken an
active part through service on important committees. He belongs
to the Red Cross and has done valuable work in raising funds, act-
ing as chairman of the local chapter. He likewise did important
service in connection with the raising of the campaign fund for the
Young Men's Christian Association and was also treasurer thereof.
He is much interested in outdoor sports and turns to these for rest
and recreation when leisure permits. With him, however, busi-
ness responsibilities and public duties take precedence of pleasure
and he cooperates heartily in every movement that has to do with
the welfare and progress of his community, while at the present
time he feels the deepest concern in relation to public affairs in
general and does everything in his power to uphold the policy of
the government in its relation to the war.
MINOT P. GAREY.
Active and alert in business affairs, Minot P. Garey is well known
through his connection with real estate and insurance interests at
East Weymouth, where he was born July 24, 1855. His parents,
Andrew J. and Ellen S. (Pratt) Garey, were natives of Saco,
Maine, and of East Weymouth, respectively, the latter belonging to
one of the old families of Norfolk county, her parents having also
been natives of East Weymouth. Andrew J. Garey was a carpenter
and shoemaker by trade. In 1861 he was called upon to mourn the
loss of his wife, after which he responded to the country's call for
troops, enlisting in Company A of the Twelfth Massachusetts Volun-
Digitized by
Google
. . I
- I
MINOT P, GAREY
Digitized by
Google
f^BLlC LIBHARY
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 109
teer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. He
participated in a number of hotly contested engagements and on one
occasion was wounded in the arm, after which he never again had the
use of that member. After being wounded, he returned home on a
furlough and in 1864 he was nfiarried to Susan Ford Gannet They
became the parents of two children: Frank, who died in infancy;
and Dr. Charles W. Garey, of Quincy, Massachusetts. There were
also two children born of the first marriage, Minot P. and Sarah W.,
the latter the wife of Frank W. Browne, residing in Cohasset, Mas-
sachusetts. Following his return from the war, Andrew J. Garey
was a member of the state police force for twelve years and for
several years he occupied the position of postmaster of East Wey-
mouth. He later served as a town officer for several years and at
length retired from active life. He passed away on Thanksgiving
day of 1896, when sixty-two years of age.
Minot P. Garey was reared and educated in East Weymouth and
in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for six
years. He also worked to some extent in shoe factories and later
learned the shoe and boot cutting business, which he continued to
follow for seventeen years. At a subsequent date he engaged in
selling books for a year and then turned his attention to the insurance
business, while later he broadened the scope of his activities to in-
clude the real estate business. He has since conducted a real estate
office and has negotiated many important property transfers. He
also writes a large amount of insurance annually and his business
has reached gratifying proportions. He is also serving as justice of
the peace and for twenty-one years has been notary public. Since
1897 he has occupied his present office and directly opposite is a
residence which his grandfather erected in 1838. In addition to his
other activity Mr. Garey does considerable probate work and he is
one of the valued and representative business men of East Wey-
mouth.
On the 3d of February, 1877, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Garey and Miss Annie H. Vining, a daughter of James H. and
Mary (Richards) Vining, who were natives of East Weymouth.
The father was a tack maker by trade and later engaged in shoe
making, while during the last quarter of a century of his life he was
a boot cutter. He passed away in April, 1903, having for twelve
years survived his wife, whose death occurred in 189 1. To Mr. and
Mrs. Garey were born two children : Fred V., who was born August
25, 1881 ; and Mary Humphrey, born November 16, 1887. The son
was graduated from Harvard with the class of 1902 and is now
Digitized by
Google
no HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
teaching high school in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He is also a
musician of considerable ability and talent and has charge of the music
in that school, while from the age of sixteen years he has played the
organ in churches. He married Miss Anna B. Bates and they have
three children, Doris B., Carl B. and Freda V. Mary Humphrey
Garey is the wife of Styles A. Fisk and they have one child. Styles A.,
Jr. They reside at No. 619 Commercial street, in East Weymouth,
and Mr. Fisk is assistant lecturer for the Southern Pacific Railway
Company.
Mr. and Mrs. Garey own and occupy a beautiful and attractive
residence at No. 45 Randall avenue. His political faith is that of
the republican party, while his religious belief is that of the Con-
gregational church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in
which he has taken the degrees of lodge, chapter, council and com-
mandery, and he is also identified with the Sons of Veterans. He is
serving as one of the trustees of the East Weymouth Savings Bank
and is the secretary of the town planning board. He manifests the
deepest interest in all that has to do with community progress and
upbuilding and has lent active aid and support to many plans that
have been of great benefit. His business affairs have been wisely
and carefully directed and his sound judgment has enabled him to
avoid all unwarranted risks and also the unrestricted progressiveness
which often leads to failure. On the other hand, his business dis-
cernment and sagacity are sound and his efforts, intelligently di-
rected, have brought to him substantial success.
ALBERT C. MASON.
Albert C. Mason is a well known business man of Franklin,
where he is conducting a well appointed drug store. He is descended
from some of the oldest and most prominent families of Massa-
chusetts. His birth occurred in Swansea, Massachusetts, October
10, -1868, his parents being Gideon P. and Ruth Ann (Luther) Ma-
son. The ancestry in the Mason line can be traced back to Benjamin
and Ruth (Rounds) Mason, the former a son of Sampson Mason,
who was the original American immigrant, coming to this country
and settling in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1649. He was mar-
ried there in 1653 and died September 15, 1676, while his wife, who
bore the maiden name of Mary Butterworth, passed away August
29, 1714. Benjamin and Ruth (Rounds) Mason were the parents
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY m
of Charles Mason, who was born August i6, 1713, and on the 17th
of September, 173 1, was married to Keziah Miller, who was born
August 3, 1 71 5, and passed away on the 5th of June, 1797. Their
son, Noble Mason, was born November 23, 1747, and was married
to Lydia Thurber, who was born November 26, 1750, a daughter
of James and Lydia (Harding) Thurber. Her father was born
June 28, 1721, and died September 19, 1805, while her mother was
born August i, 1697. As stated, their daughter Lydia became the
wife of Noble Mason and they made their home at Taunton and at
Swansea, Massachusetts. Noble Mason died August 13, 1827, hav-
ing for a quarter of a century survived his wife, who died January
17, 1802. They were the parents of Aaron Thurber Mason, grand-
father of Albert C. Mason, of this review. Aaron T. Mason was
born March 15, 1778, and married first Mary Bullock and second
Patsy Peck, who was born February 9, 1794. The ancestry of the
Peck family can be traced back through twenty generations to
Joseph Peck, Esq., of Belton, Yorkshire, England, who flourished
in 1638. Patsy (Peck) Mason was a granddaughter of Jonathan
and Ruth (Wheeler) Peck, who were married February 22, 1759.
The former was born January 17, 1734, and the latter on the 19th
of September, 1739. Jonathan and Ruth (Wheeler) Peck were the
parents of Gideon Peck, who was born August 2, 1766, and on the
17th of March, 1791, was married to Lydia Bullock, who was born
March 23, 1765. Gideon Peck died December 20, 1843, and his
wife's death occurred November 30, 1846. As stated, they were
the parents of Patsy Peck, who became the wife of Aaron Thurber
Mason. They resided in Attleboro and Rehoboth, Massachusetts,
and his death occurred August 17, 1848, while Mrs. Patsy Mason
passed away May 21, 1884. Their family included Gideon Peck
Mason, the father of Albert C. Mason of this review. Gideon Peck
Mason was born September 6, 1832, and his death occurred Feb-
ruary 25, 1905. He resided at Swansea, Massachusetts, and he mar-
ried Ruth Ann Luther on the 12th of January, 1859. She, too,
was born at Swansea, March 12, 1832, and through the Luther line
she traced her ancestry back to Nathaniel and Sarah (Gallup)
Luther. The former was born May 10, 1733, and the latter on the
2ist of November, 1733. They were married June 12, 1756, and
resided in Swansea, Massachusetts. They were the parents of
Samuel Luther, who was born November 27, 1760, and on the 3d of
October, 1784, married Patience Hill, who was born January 22,
1767, and was a daughter of Caleb and Mary (Luther) Hill. Her
parents were married July 29, 1766. Mr. Hill was born June 25,
Digitized by
Google
112 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
1728, and died in May, 1799. His daughter Patience became the
wife of Samuel Luther and they resided at Swansea, Massachusetts,
where Mr. Luther's death occurred March 20, 1826, while his wife
died January 22, 181 6. Their family included Thomas P. Luther,
who was born January i, 1805, ^^^. who on the loth of February,
1832, married Adeline Peck, who was born January 21, 1810, and
was a granddaughter of Ambrose and Polly (Lindley) Peck. The
former was born November 17, 1747, and died April 9, 1819, while
Mrs. Polly Peck was born September 2, 1754, and died between
1 810 and 1 819. Ambrose and Polly (Lindley) Peck were the
parents of Robert Peck, who was born January 10, 1782, and died
in February, 1832, while his wife, Mrs. Polly (Millard) Peck, was
born in 1783 and was a daughter of Aaron and Ruth (Ingalls)
Millard. The latter was born June 30, 1749, and died after 1777.
Polly (Millard) Peck, their daughter, died August 14, 1859. Robert
and Polly (Millard) Peck had also made their home at Swansea,
Massachusetts. They were the parents of Adeline Peck, who, as
previously indicated, became the wife of Thomas P. Luther. They
were married February 10, 1832, and made their home at Swansea,
Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Thomas P. Luther
died May 20, 1884, having for many years survived his wife, who
died December 16, 1840. They were the maternal grandparents
of Albert C. Mason of this review, their daughter, Ruth Ann Luther,
having become the wife of Gideon P. Mason. She was born March
12, 1832, her marriage was celebrated January 12, 1859, and she
passed away March 2, 1907, while Gideon Peck Mason died Feb-
ruary 25, 1905. He was a farmer of Bristol county, Massachusetts,
spending his entire life near Swansea, and he and his wife were
well known and highly respected people of that locality.
Albert C. Mason, whose name introduces this review, was reared
and educated at Swansea, Massachusetts, and at Warren, Rhode
Island. After completing his studies he turned his attention to
the drug business, becoming a clerk in that line when eighteen
years of age. He has since concentrated his efforts and attention
upon the drug trade and became a registered pharmacist on the 21st
of March, 1892, in Massachusetts, while in 1893, he was licensed
as a registered pharmacist in Rhode Island. He took up his abode
in Franklin in January, 1891, and was employed in the drug store of
Howard S. Wilkes for two years, on the expiration of which period
he purchased the business of his employer in partnership with
Eben H. Googins. Their business association continued for three
years, at the end of which time Mr. Mason bought the interest of
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 113
his partner and has since conducted the business alone. He has a
first-class store, carries a large stock and enjoys an extensive and
well deserved patronage, the integrity of his business methods and
his unfaltering enterprise commending him to the confidence and
support of the general public.
On the 9th of October, 1897, Mr. Mason was united in marriage
to Miss Mabel Munson, a daughter of Theodore H. and Lovicy F.
(Maker) Munson, who were natives of East Machias, Washington
county, Maine. Her father was a sea captain, devoting his entire
life to the sea. His death occurred June 7, 1877, while his wife died
August 6, 1907, having survived him for thirty years. In the
Munson line the ancestry is traced back to Joseph and Sarah (Morse)
Munson of Scarboro and Machias, Maine. The latter was born Jan-
uary 23, 1722, and they were married June 24, 1749. Joseph and
Sarah (Morse) Munson were the parents of John Munson, of
Machias, Maine. He had married Sarah Niles, who was born
April 26, 1764. They were <he parents of Jeremiah Munson, who
was born March 14, 1789, at Whiting, Maine. He was married
in May, 18 15, and died September 10, 1870. His son, Theodore
Hill Munson, was born at East Machias, Maine, October 13, 1817,
and married Lovicy F. Maker, as previously stated, their daughter
Mabel Munson becoming the wife of Albert C. Mason. The mother
of Theodore H. Munson was Mary Hill and was a descendant of
Joseph and Sarah Niles (Smith) Hill. Joseph Hill was born
September 25, 1743, and his wife was born March 7, 1736. They
resided at East Machias, Maine, and he died October i, 1812, while
his wife's death occurred June 15, 181 1. Their son, Enoch Hill,
was born November 23, 1775, and married Hepsibah Gardner, .1
daughter of David and Zorish (Huntley) Gardner, the former born
May 9, 1750. They were married August 18, 1771. Hepsibah
Gardner, as stated, became the wife of Enoch Hill. They, too,
made their home at Machias, Maine, and his death occurred Feb-
ruary 8. 1850, while his wife died March 11, i860. Their daughter
Mary became the mother of Theodore H. Munson, who married
Lovicy F. Maker and thus brought into the family relationship
another of the old families of New England. The ancestry of the
Maker family is traced back to John Maker, who was born Sep-
tember 30, 1759, and died February 14, 1829. He had passed his life
at Cutler, Maine. His wife bore the maiden name of Molly
Gray aijd was born November 4, 1763, a daughter of Reuben and
Abigail (Black) Gray. Her father was born May 7, 1745, and
died March 11, 1832, while her mother was born May 31, 1745,
Digitized by
Google
114 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
and died August 24, 1820. Their daughter Molly became the
wife of John Maker and died January 12, 1840. Mr. and Mrs.
John Maker were the parents of Reuben Maker, who was born Feb-
ruary 20, 1797. He married Betsey Ramsdell, who was born Sep-
tember II, 1802, and was a daughter of Bartlett and Emma (Bean)
Ramsdell. Bartlett Ramsdell was a son of Nehemiah and Rebecca
(Chamberlain) Ramsdell. Nehemiah Ramsdell was born Novem-
ber 13, 1734, and his wife in 1736. Their son Bartlett was born
February 18, 1770, and on the 14th of April, 1796, married Emma
Bean, who was born December 6, 1773, and died July 22, 181 4,
while his death occurred January 25, 1832. Bartlett and Emma
(Bean) Ramsdell were the parents of Betsey Ramsdell, who was
born September 11, 1802, and on the 22d of March, 1819, became
the wife of Reuben Maker. They resided at Cutler, Maine, and
Reuben Maker passed away November 10, 1875, while his wife sur-
vived until January 10, 1897. Their daughter, Lovicy Maker, be-
came the wife of Theodore H. Munson and they in turn were parents
of Mabel Munson, the wife of Albert C. Mason.
Mr. and Mrs. Mason occupy a very attractive residence at No.
67 Alpine street in Franklin, theirs being one of the finest homes
of the town. Fraternally he is a Mason of high rank, having attained
the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and he is also a mem-
ber of the Mystic Shrine. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party. He is interested in all that has to do with the
progress and welfare of his community and gives his hearty co-
operation to all plans and measures for the general good. At the
same time he has carefully and wisely directed his business affairs
and success has attended his efforts in this connection.
HARRIE F. GRAY.
Harrie F. Gray, occupying the position of treasurer of the Fox-
boro Savings Bank and well known as a representative of financial
interests in his section of Norfolk county, was born January 12, 1869,
inFoxboro, his parents being Lewis E. and Sarah M. (Curtis) Gray,
who are natives of Massachusetts, the former having been born in
the eastern part of the state, while the latter was born in Stoughton,
Norfolk county. It was in the year 1849 that Lewis E. Gray es-
tablished his home in Foxboro, where he was employed in the mills
for several years. He then engaged in business on his own account
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY US
and was associated with his son Harrie in the news business for thirty
years and four months. The father retired, however, a few years
before from the active management of the business. He is still well
known in financial connections as the president of the Foxboro Sav-
ings Bank and both he and his wife are numbered among the most
highly esteemed and valued residents of the city in which they
reside.
Harrie F. Gray, spending his youthful days under the parental
roof, was educated in the schools of Foxboro and when his textbooks
were put aside he became connected with his father in business, an
association that was maintained until March i, 191 5. On April 20,
1 9 16, he became an active factor in the conduct of the Foxboro Sav-
ings Bank, assuming the duties of treasurer, in which capacity he has
since served, making an excellent record in this connection. This is
one of the old established banking institutions of Norfolk county,
having been organized and incorporated in 1855. Today there is a
million dollars on deposit in this bank. Aside from Lewis E. Gray,
who is the president, the other officers are: Horace G. Smith and
Jarvis Williams, vice presidents; and Harrie F. Gray, treasurer.
Since entering upon active connection with this bank the last named
has bent every energy toward the mastery of the principles of the
banking business and is now bending his activities to constructive
effort, administrative direction and executive control.
On the 26th of January, 1898, Mr. Gray was united in marriage
to Miss Mary J. Lindley, a daughter of Captain Henry C. and
Mary J. (Perry) Lindley, the former a native of Watertown, Mas-
sachusetts, while the later was born in Rochester, this state, and in
early life became a resident of Foxboro. Mr. Lindley enlisted from
Foxboro for active service in the Civil war and was also a veteran
of the Mexican war. He was a carpenter by trade and when not
engaged in the military service of his country followed building
operations, doing active work in that connection. Both he and his
wife have departed this life.
Mr. Gray has long figured prominently in association with pub-
lic affairs. He is connected with the electric light department of
the city as a member of the prudential committee and he was con-
nected with the fire department for thirty years, acting as engineer
during a part of that time. He has also served as clerk and treasurer
of the water district for a number of years and he cooperates heartily
in all well formulated plans and projects for the advancement of
municipal interests and for the upholding of civic standards. He
belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees of lodge.
Digitized by
Google
116 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine, and he is also identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political faith
is that of the democratic party and he has served as chairman of the
democratic town committee for a number of years. He has never
deviated from a course which he has believed to be right between
himself and his fellowmen, and the sterling worth of his character
has commended him to the confidence and respect of all with whom
he has been associated.
JOSEPH R. McCOOLE.
Norfolk county on the whole has been favored in the class of
men who have occupied her public positions. There are few who
have not been loyal to trust and capable in the performance of the
duties that devolve upon them. Proving most efficient and trust-
worthy is Joseph R. McCoole who is now register of probate and
insolvency and makes his home in Dedham, where he was born in
1879. His father, P. J. McCoole, was a native of Somerville, Mas-
sachusetts, born in 1857, and his life record was ended in death in
1886. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Ann J. Carlin, was born
in Dedham and, long surviving her husband, passed away in the year
191 5. They were the parents of three sons, the brothers of Joseph
R. McCoole being: George F., who is now living in Quincy; and
John A., of Dedham.
In the public schools of his native city Joseph R. McCoole mas-
tered the elementary branches of learning and afterward took up
the study of law, being graduated with the class of 1908 from the
Young Men's Christian Association Law School, now the North-
eastern College of Law, in Boston. Prior to his graduation, begin-
ning in 1895, he had become a clerk in the office of the register of
probate and insolvency in Dedham. Ten years later, on the ist of
June, 1905, he was appointed assistant register and held that office
until November, 191 3, when he was elected to the position of register,
assuming the duties of the office on the ist of January, 1914. When
a candidate for register of probate and insolvency he received the
unanimous endorsement of the Norfolk Bar Association. He has
made a most excellent record in office and his ability is attested by
the stanch and liberal support which he received when a candidate
for the position.
On the 25th of June, 1907, in Dedham, Mi*. McCoole was united
Digitized by
Google
JOSEPH R. McCXX^LE
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 119
in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Harris, a daughter of John A. Harris,
and they have one child, Pauline. The religious faith of Mr. and
Mrs. McCoole is that of the Catholic church and he is identified
with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters.
He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His
political support is given to the republican party and he has been
an active worker in its local ranks, doing all in his power to promote
its growth and insure its success. He is now serving as vice presi-
dent of the Norfolk County Republican Club. Mr. McCoole is
widely known and he has a social, genial nature which wins him
friends wherever he goes. All who know him, and he has a very wide
acquaintance, speak of him in terms of high regard, enjoy his com-
panionship and regard him as one of the most capable men in public
office in this section of the state.
PROFESSOR ARTHUR W. PEIRCE.
Professor Arthur W. Peirce, head master of Dean Academy at
Franklin, was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, June 3, i860, a
son of John Winslow and Anna Lydia Peirce. The father was also
a native of Arlington and was a representative of one of the old
families of Massachusetts, being a descendant of John Peirce, of
Watertown, who settled there in 1630 on coming from England to the
new world. Representatives of the family took active part in win-
ning American independence during the Revolutionary war, Solo-
mon Peirce, the great-great-grandfather of Professor Peirce, hav-
ing served with the rank of captain in the colonial army. He par-
ticipated in the battles of Lexington, Bennington and Bunker Hill,
engagements that contributed to the final victory which crowned the
American arms. John Winslow Peirce was a successful coal mer-
chant and also a prominent and influential citizen, being called upon
by his fellow townsmen to represent them in the state legislature in
1872. He was elected upon the republican ticket, and was long a
very active and earnest supporter of republican principles. He
died in Arlington in 1885, when but fifty years of age. His wife
was a native of Watertown, Massachusetts, and was a descendant of
John Pierce. She came from the same ancestral line as her hus-
band but her branch of the family spelled the name Pierce, while
the original spelling was Peirce. The death of Mrs. Peirce occurred
in 1863, leaving Professor Peirce as the only surviving member of
Digitized by
Google
120 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
the family. There had been another son, who died, however, at the
age of four years.
After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public
and high schools of his native city. Professor Peirce of this review
continued his studies in Tufts College of Boston and won his Bache-
lor of Arts degree upon graduation with the class of 1882. In 1900
the honorary degree of Litt. D. was conferred upon him by Tufts
College of Boston. Following his graduation he took up the pro-
fession of teaching, becoming connected with Goddard Seminary of
Barre, Vermont. There he continued in that position until 1891,
when he was made principal of Goddard Seminary, remaining at
the head of the institution until April, 1897, when he came to Frank-
lin, Massachusetts, to assume the position of head master of Dean
Academy. For twenty-one years he has remained in this position
and his eflforts have ever been stimulated by the most earnest desire
to advance the interests of the school and promote the efficient meth-
ods of instruction. His work has been attended by most gratifying
results and the consensus of public opinion places him among the
able educators of New England. In addition to his work in the
teaching profession he is a director of the Franklin Bank of Frank-
lin, is president of the Universalist Publishing Company of Boston
and is a trustee of Tufts College of Boston.
On the 25th of June, 1903, Professor Peirce was married to Miss
Lydia Paine Ray, a daughter of Joseph G. and Emily (Rockwood)
Ray, representatives of a very old and prominent family of Franklin.
Professor Peirce always votes with the republican party but has
never held office of a purely political nature. He has served, how-
ever, as president of the Franklin Library Association and has been
an active worker in the Universalist church, serving for years on its
parish committee. He is well known in club circles as a member
of the Boston City and of the Boston University Clubs.
THOMAS PAUL MURRAY.
Thomas Paul Murray^ filling the office of town treasurer at Ded-
ham, was born in East Boston on the 2d of February, 1852. His
father, David Murray, was a native of County Cork, Ireland, born
on the I St of April, 18 19. He came to the United States in 1847
with his wife, who in her maidenhood was Ann O'Leary. In 1849
they established their home in Dedham, where their remaining days
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 121
were passed, the death of the father occurring in 1892, while the
mother passed away in 1886.
Reared under the parental roof, Thomas Paul Murray pursued
his education in the schools of Dedham until he reached the age of
fifteen years and then started out in the business world, securing em-
ployment in a cotton mill at Readville, Norfolk county. After re-
maining there for a year he sought employment in a woolen mill in
Hyde Park, near Readville, where he also remained for a year. He
then returned to Dedham and for seven years was connected with
a grocery store, after which he spent a year in a grocery house in
Stoughton, Norfolk county. Again he returned to Dedham and
accepted the position of manager of a grocery store, of which he
thus had charge for three years. On the expiration of that period
he purchased the business and also bought an adjoining lot, on which
he erected a business block and opened another store. In 1906
he sold out his block and his business and has since that time largely
devoted his attention to real estate activity and to the insurance
business, as well as to official duties which have devolved upon
him. Since 1886 he has been a director and the treasurer of the Ded-
ham Cooperative Bank.
On the 24th of September, 1886, in Franklin, Norfolk county,
Massachusetts, Mr. Murray was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
Ann Frances Dowling, a daughter of the late Dennis Dowling. To
them have been born five children, as follows: Thomas Paul, whose
birth occurred on the 24th of September, 1887, ^^^ who passed away
in 1902; Mary Theresa, the wife of Martin A. Carney; Sarah Dow-
ling; Veronica Paul; and Leo Joseph whose natal day was March
18, 1906.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church.
Mr. Murray belongs to the Society in Dedham for the Apprehension
of Horse Thieves. His political allegiance is given to the democratic
party and he has been called to serve in various positions of public
honor and trust. For twenty years he has filled the office of justice of
the peace. In March, 1884, ^^ was elected a selectman of Dedham
and occupied that position for eleven consecutive years or until 1895,
serving as chairman of the board of selectmen, while in 1893 and
1894 he was chairman of the board of assessors. He was also for a
period of seven years a member of the board of overseers of the
poor. From 1895 ^^^^^ ^9^^ Mr. Murray was not in public office,
but in the latter year was elected a member of the board of sewer
commissioners and was made its chairman. It was this board that
prepared the report on which the present sewer system has been
Digitized by
Google
122 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
established, and in 1901 and 1902 the board built eleven miles of
sewer. Mr. Murray continued upon the board until March 1910,
when he resigned to accept the office of town treasurer, to which he
had been elected in 1910. In January, 1910, he was called to the
office of deputy sheriff of Norfolk county and is now filling both
positions — that of deputy sheriff and that of town treasurer. His
official duties claim his entire time and attention and are discharged
in a most capable, faithful and acceptable manner.
ERNEST B. SOUTHWORTH.
A prominent figure in the business circles of Stoughton is Ernest
B. Southworth, a forceful and resourceful man, who is now occupy-
ing the responsible position of manager with the George E. Belcher
Last Company and is thus controlling the activities of many em-
ployes in what is one of the largest and most important productive
industries of the city. He was born in Stoughton, April 18, 1872,
his parents being Gurdon and Sarah B. (Staples) Southworth, the
former a native of Stoughton, while the latter was born in Lunenburg,
Massachusetts. The father was a manufacturer of machine screws
and later purchased an interest in a bakery business at Stoughton,
becoming a member of the firm of Staples & Southworth. He was
also prominent in community affairs and served as one of the select-
men of his town, while for two terms he represented his district
in the state legislature, giving thoughtful and earnest consideration to
the vital questions which came up for settlement during that period.
At length he sold his bakery business and became interested in the
Packard Dressing Company, with which he was identified to the
time of his death, which occurred in March, 1912, when he was
sixty-five years of age. His widow is still living.
Ernest B. Southworth supplemented his public school educa-
tion, acquired in Stoughton, by a course in the Bryant & Stratton
Business College at Boston and later entered upon his business career
as an employe in the office of the Stoughton Rubber Company.
There he remained for twenty years and, advancing step by step
through successive promotions, was holding the position of superin-
tendent at the time when he resigned on the ist of April, 1909, to
take his present position as manager with the George E. Belcher
Last Company. Theirs is the largest manufactory in the world de-
voted to the making of men's welt lasts, and the fact that Mr.
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 123
Southworth has been chosen manager of this plant is indicative of
his marked ability, resourcefulness and executive power.
In April, 1898, Mr. Southworth was appointed registrar of
the town of Stoughton and still occupies that position. He belongs
to the Chicatawbut Club, of which he was treasurer from 191 1 until
1916. He is well known as a Mason, having taken the three degrees
in Rising Star Lodge, F. & A. M., in May, 1901. He has passed
through all of the chairs of the lodge and was worshipful master in
1907, occupying the position for two years. . Following the death of
his father, who had been treasurer of the lodge for twenty-five
years, Mr. Southworth of this review was elected to the position
and is still acting in that capacity. In 1904 he became a member
of Mount Zion Chapter, R. A. M., and the following year was elected
to office in that organization and became high priest in 191 3. In
1915 he was elected treasurer, again succeeding his father in the
office in the chapter. He belongs to Brockton Council, R. & S. M.,
and to Bay State Commandery, No. 38, K. T. His religious faith is
that of the Congregational church and his political allegiance is
given to the republican party. Aside from his other business con-
nections he is the treasurer of the Pequa Press of Stoughton. His
activities are wide and varied, bringing him into connection not only
with important business interests but with those agencies which have
to do with the development of high standards among men in all
relations of life. The integrity of his purpose and the result of
his activities have placed him with those men of Norfolk county
who represent the highest type of American manhood and chiv-
alry.
JUDGE CORNELIUS E. HALE.
Judge Cornelius E. Hale, who on the 26th of December, 191 6,
was appointed special justice of the district court of western Nor-
folk and who since 1906 had figured as a representative member of
the Norfolk county bar, his developing powers bringing him to a
prominent position in the ranks of the legal profession, was born in
Walpole, Massachusetts, August 15, 1874, a son of Timothy and
Joanna Hale. He acquired a public school education in Walpole
and afterward studied under tutorship. He also took up the study
of law under private instruction and while thus engaged provided
for his expenses by service as a telegraph operator.
Digitized by
Google
124 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
In June, 1906, having thoroughly qualified for the profession,
Judge Hale passed the required examination and was admitted to
the bar. He at once entered upon practice, and while advancement
in the law is proverbially slow, no dreary novitiate awaited him.
His practice steadily grew as he demonstrated his ability to suc-
cessfully solve intricate legal problems. He prepared his cases with
great thoroughness and the public recognized his painstaking
efifort and his loyalty to the interests of his clients. But while his
devotion to his clients' interests has become proverbial, he has always
recognized the fact that he owes a still higher allegiance to the
majesty of the law. He continued in active practice until December
26, 19 1 6, when he took his place upon the bench as special justice of
the district court of western Norfolk and is now making an ex-
cellent record in that connection.
On the 24th of September, 1907, Mr. Hale was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary E. Delaney, a daughter of Daniel Delaney, and
their children are Timothy J., Cornelius E., Jr., Joanna and Mary M.
Judge Hale is well known by reason of his active and important
service in behalf of the town of Walpole, where his entire life has
been passed. He served as selectman of the town from 1905 until
1910 and was chairman of the board of selectmen in 191 1. He
was also overseer of the poor of the town of Walpole from 1905 until
1910. He has ever been keenly interested in all those things which
have to do with the welfare and progress of the community in which
he resides and his efforts have been of a practical character, far-
reaching and resultant.
GEORGE NELSON GASKILL.
George Nelson Gaskill, who for many years was actively identi-
fied with business interests in Franklin but is now living retired, en-
joying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves, was born
in Bellingham, Norfolk county, on the 29th of April, 1847, his
parents being William and Abigail (Hubbard) Gaskill, the former
a native of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and the latter of Franklin,
Massachusetts. The paternal grandfather, who also bore the name
of William Gaskill, was but two years of age when his parents, Mr.
and Mrs. William Gaskill, removed to Pelham, Massachusetts, and
there he resided until his death, devoting his life to the occupation
of farming. His wife bore the maiden name of Phoebe Cook and
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 125
was a native of Cumberland, Rhode island. When William Gaskill,
father of George Nelson Gaskill", was a young man he established
his home in Bellingham, Massachusetts, and purchased a tract of
land, concentrating his energies upon its cultivation and development
until his death, which occurred on the 14th of January^ 1855. His
widow survived him for almost two decades and died on the 9th of
February, 1874. They were laid to rest in Franklin cemetery. In
their family were three children: William Henry, who died in in-
fancy; Sarah A., who resided in Billerica, Massachusetts, and passed
away February 13, 1913; and George Nelson of this review.
In the district schools George N. Gaskill began his education,
thus pursuing his studies until he reached the age of twelve years.
The father had died when the son was but eight years of age and
the mother removed with her family to Woonsocket, Rhode Island,
when he was a little lad of twelve years. It was subsequent to that
time that he attended the high school of Woonsocket for two years,
after which he started out to provide for his own support and
has since depended entirely upon his own resources. Whatever suc-
cess he has achieved or enjoyed is the direct result of his persistent
and earnest labors and his honorable dealing. He remained in the
employ of others until he had attained his majority, working at dif-
ferent times at the trades of carpentering and butchering and also
as a farm hand. When he reached adult age he went to Boston and
pursued a course in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, from
Avhich he was graduated the following year. He then took up his
abode in Franklin and secured employment in a box factory being
for many years foreman for E. L. & O. F. Metcalf. In that year,
in connection with his brother-in-law, Alfred Clark, Jr., he estab-.
lished an ice and lumber business which they conducted success-
fully until 1903, building up a trade of substantial and gratifying
proportions. In the year indicated Mr. Gaskill sold his business and
retired from active life, since which time he has enjoyed a rest which
he truly merits. He owns a nice home at 125 East Central street
and is most comfortably situated in life.
On the ist of January, 1871, Mr. Gaskill was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ann Eliza Clark, a daughter of Alfred and Polly
(Wright) Clark, both of whom were natives of Franklin. Her
father was a son of Nathan and Nancy (Payson) Clark, and was a
butcher and farmer of Franklin, there carrying on business until
his death, when his remains were interred in the Franklin cemetery.
The father of Mrs. Gaskill devoted his attention for many years to
the ice trade in Franklin and was one of the representative business
Digitized by
Google
126 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
men of the city. The mother of Mrs. Gaskill traced her ancestry
back to an American Revolutionary soldier, Seth Wright, who was
buried in the Franklin cemetery. Her grandfather was Solomon
Wright, a farmer of Bellingham. To Mr. and Mrs. Gaskill has been
born a daughter, Edith Clark, who is now the wife of William B.
Sommers, a banker living in New Haven, Connecticut, by whom
she has one child, Rudolph Terrill, who is chief yeoman on the'
German interned boat, Amerika. He married Gladys M. Harding,
a daughter of Russ and Nellie Harding, of Franklin.
Mr. and Mrs. Gaskill attend the Universalist church. They are
people of the highest respectability and enjoy in unusual degree the
warm regard and friendship of those who know them. In politics
Mr. Gaskill is a republican, giving stanch support to the party, and
for seven years he filled the office of overseer of the poor. He is a
self-made man and his life should serve to inspire and encourage
others, showing what may be accomplished through determined ef-
fort when guided by souiid business judgment. His has been a most
active and useful career and the most envious cannot grudge him
his success, so honorably has it been won and so worthily used.
ALBERT F.NORRIS.
Such business enterprises as that of the Norris Noiseless Pedal
Action Company, of which Albert F. Norris was the president, lend
a substantial quality to commercial and industrial activity that has
made Stoughton a fast growing center of trade. Never fearing to
venture where favoring opportunity led the way, Albert F. Norris
made steady progress in his business career and yet passed over
the pitfalls into which unrestricted progressiveness is so fre-
quently led. His activities were ever guided by a sound judgment
that proved a balance wheel to his initiative and enabled him to
focus his energies where fruition was certain. His life record began
in August, 1 841. He was born in New Hampshire of the marriage
of Sabin C. and Sarah (Fletcher) Norris, the former a native of
Vermont, while the latter was born in Brookline, New Hampshire.
Albert F. Norris was a descendant in the seventh generation of an-
cestors who had lived on this side of the Atlantic and was thus con-
nected with some of the oldest families of New England. His father
was a farmer and manufacturer, conducting a wood-working factory,
and throughout the greater part of his life he resided in New Hamp-
Digitized by
Google
APTH. LENOX AVD
R L
Digitized by
Google
ALBERT F. NORRIS
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
MRS. ai-b:-:I':t -'\ i j o r r i s
Digitized by
Google
in
■'?-S.i:;:
^O^^
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY I3l
shire, to which state he removed in his boyhood days. He died in
1868, while his wife long survived, being called to the home beyond
in 1903.
Reared under the parental roof, there was no unusual circum*
stance or event to vary the routine of life for Albert F. Norris in his
boyhood days, his attention being largely given to the acquirement
of a common school and academic education. When his textbooks
were put aside he took up machine work, becoming a machinist and
following that pursuit for ten years. At the time of the Civil war he
did not go to the front but was on active duty with the Home Guards
in Philadelphia. In 1865 he became a resident of Massachusetts,
taking up his abode in Boston, where for seven years he was in the
employ of the Grover & Baker Sewing Machine Company. He then
turned his attention to the manufacture of pianos and was engaged in
that business for twenty-five years as a member of the firm of Norris
& Fletcher. They were builders of the Norris & Fletcher piano and
placed upon the market an instrument that became very popular.
Mr. Fletcher at length retired from the business and was succeeded
in the firm by Charles A. Hyde, after which pianos were manu-
factured under the name of Norris & Hyde. Mr. Norris was con-
tinually striving to improve the output of the factory and his study
of the different parts of the piano at length led to his invention of
the Norris noiseless pedal action, which he began to manufacture in
Boston in 1900. The invention met a long- felt want of the piano
trade and after a brief period Mr. Norris admitted his son, Clifton
H., to a partnership in the business. In 1910 the plant was removed
to Stoughton, at which time they purchased the French & Ward
factory buildings, and through the intervening period they have
developed important interests in Stoughton. The company has ex-
tended its output to include various lines of pianoforte hardware, in-
cluding the patented detachment and toe-cap pedals, dowel guides,
player action pedals and trap work and various other patented and
important supplies for pianoforte manufacture. The Norris com-
pany was the first concern in the trade to manufacture pedal actions
exclusively and they sell direct to piano manufacturers, their patrons
being among the best known piano builders of the country. They
are used on the Chickering, Miller, Emerson and McPhail pianos
and many others of reputable make and excellence. Theirs is a
large factory, splendidly equipped with the latest improved ma-
chinery for doing work of the character required, and their business
is now being carried on at Stoughton under the most favorable con-
Tol. n— T .
Digitized by
Google
132 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
ditions, so that the output is steadily increasing. They also maintain
offices in Boston.
In July, 1867, Mr. Norris was united in marriage to Miss Georg-
iana Bisbee and to them was born a son, Clifton H., whose
birth occurred in November, 1875, and who is now a most progres-
sive and enterprising business man — the president and owner of the
Norris Noiseless Pedal Action Company. The wife and mother
passed away in June, 191 1, at the age of sixty-seven, after an illness
that covered fifteen years. Mr. Norris was again married in Sep-
tember, 191 2, his second union being with Julia Quincy Adams,
a daughter of John Quincy Adams, a book publisher of Boston, who
was widely known all over the United States and whose sons are now
carrying on the business on Boylston street in Boston, being publishers
of standard medical works.
Mr. Norris was a member of the Methodist church and his po-
litical support was given to the republican party. He also belonged
to the Board of Trade of Stoughton and he was identified with the
National Association of Piano Merchants of America, an organiza-
tion which covers the entire country and holds its annual meetings
at various points in the United States. Mr. Norris attended the last
two meetings, one held in Chicago and one in San Francisco. These
meetings are for the purpose of advancing the interests of the piano
trade and are of great benefit to this line of business. In a summary
of the life of Albert F. Norris it might well be said of him that his
was a progressive spirit ruled by more than ordinary intelligence
and good judgment, combined with a deep earnestness, impelled and
fostered by indomitable perseverance, while his native justice ex-
pressed itself in correct principle and practice.
CHARLES STANTON HILL.
Charles Stanton Hill, an attorney at law, who attacks any knotty
legal problem with an energy and enthusiasm that promises success
in the attainment of his purpose, has practiced at the Boston bar
since 1897. At the beginning of his legal career he was a young
man of twenty-seven years. His birth occurred in Auburn, Maine,
December 10, 1870, his father being Charles Wesley Hill, who was
a native of Milo, Maine, and a representative of old families of
Maine and New Hampshire, founded in America by an English
ancestor who came to the new world at an early period in the col-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 133
onization of this country. Members of the family participated in
the French and Indian war and in the Revolutionary war. One
of the ancestors of Mr. Hill of this review was in command of Fort
Constitution at Portsmouth, and many were prominent and active
throughout colonial days, while others have left the impress of
their individuality upon the history of New England since the es-
tablishment of American independence. Charles Wesley Hill was
in the wholesale dry goods business in Lewiston and at Portland,
Maine, and was very successful in the conduct of his business affairs.
During the period of the Civil war he volunteered for active serv-
ice but through physical inability was unable to go to the front.
However, he had three brothers who fought for the cause of thd
Union, all rendering distinguished service to their country. One of
these was Brigadier General Jonathan Hill, another was Major
Benjamin J. Hill and the third was Colonel Hollis B. Hill, all three
of whom served throughout the entire period of hostilities. Gen-
eral Hill lost his right arm in the second battle of Bull Run. Charles
Wesley Hill was a stanch republican in his political views and was
a very active supporter of the principles in which he believed. He
did everything possible to promote the success of his party and to
advance those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic
pride. He served on the city finance board, was a member of the
school committee for a number of years and after a life of intense
activity and usefulness, covering a period of fifty-six years, passed
to the home beyond in July, 1893. ^^^ wife bore the maiden name of
Mary Greenhalgh and was a representative of an old English fam-
ily that for generations lived near Manchester, England. Her
father was the Rev. Thomas Greenhalgh, who had the reputation
of being in his day one of the most eloquent preachers in New Eng-
land. He came to America in 1820. In his youth he learned the
calico printing business and with two companions who came to
America with him he established the first calico printing manufac-
tory in the United States, opening the plant at Springfield, Maine.
His daughter, Mrs. Hill, is still living and is a resident of Brook-
line, Massachusetts, making her home with her son, Charles Stanton
of this review, who is an only child. Mrs. Hill is a direct descendant
on the maternal side of General Charles O'Hara, who was her great-
grandfather. It was General O'Hara, to whom General Cornwallis
delivered his sword to be surrendered to Washington, thus bringing
the Revolutionary war to a successful termination.
Charles S. Hill was educated in the public schools of Auburn, in
the Edward Little high school and in the Wesleyan University of
Digitized by
Google
134 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTi'
Middletown, Connecticut, being graduated from the last named
in 1892 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. He next entered Harvard
College, where he pursued a two years' course in 1895 and 1896, and
in 1897, having thus qualified for admission to the bar, was licensed
to practice and opened his office in Boston, where he has since been
actively and continuously engaged in professional work, specializing
in late years in equity and corporation law. Prior to entering Har-
vard he was sub-master in the Edward Little high school of Auburn,
Maine, filling the position for two years, from 1893 until 1895, and
from his earnings he paid his tuition in the university. During the
second year of his practice he was appointed attorney for the estate
of John W. Keely, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, die well known
inventor and scientist, who startled the world by inventing a motor
and a series of mechanical devices that it was believed would rev-
olutionize the motive power of the world. These inventions re-
ceived patents from all nations and experts of London and Paris and
other world capitals recognized their worth and practicability. A
company was organized and over three million dollars worth of
stock was sold. On^taking charge of the estate Mr. Hill made per-
sonal investigation and study of the wonderful invention and after
thorough and lengthy research discovered the fraudulence of the
inventions and immediately set forth to abolish the business and to
prevent the further sale of stock. This brought forth a storm of
protest from the oflicers of the company and stockholders, who
firmly believed in the genuiness and the merit of the invention, with
the result that the matter was brought into the courts and after
many weeks of battle, in which he was opposed by the leading attor-
neys of the country, including John B. Johnson, Mr. Hill won his
case, proving conclusively the fraud. During this period he was
also offered a large sum to drop the case, but he declined to make
his honor a marketable thing. In following this course he saved
millions of dollars to the then eager investors and the case brought
him international fame, for its progress was recorded daily in all of
the leading journals not only of America but of Europe as well.
During his residence in Boston since his admission to practice he has
built up a steadily increasing clientage that has connected him with
much litigation of a most important character.
On the 22d of October, 1908, Mr. Hill was married in Boston
by Father Richards in the Church of the Immaculate Conception
to Miss Efllie Palmer, a niece of Governor John Palmer, of Illinois,
who was at one time a candidate for president, and a daughter of
the Rev. Elihu and Mary (McCue) Palmer, the former a Baptist
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 135
minister and a representative of an old Kentucky family. At the
time of their marriage Mrs. Effie Hill was a resident of Denver.
She is widely known in musical circles, having been educated for
grand opera by leading masters of Paris, London and other European
cities. She has taken a very active part in promoting musical inter-
ests of Boston and has often appeared in connection with the lead-
ing musical events not only of this city but in other cities as well.
In his political views Mr. Hill is a stalwart republican and
has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to concentrate
his efforts and attention upon his professional interests, which have
been of a character that has made continuous demands upon his
time and energies, while his developing powers have placed him in
the front rank among the distinguished lawyers of Boston. He has
ever been careful to conform his practice to the highest standards
of professional ethics. He gives to his clients a service of great
talent, unwearied industry and rare learning, but he never forgets
that there are certain things due to the court, to his own self-respect
and, above all, to justice and a righteous administration of the law
which neither the zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of success per-
mit him to disregard.
JOHN M. CROWLEY, M. D.
Dr. John M. Crowley, actively engaged in the practice of medi-
cine at Franklin, was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, February
II, 1877, a son of Michael and Ellen (Kelley) Crowley, who were
natives of the Emerald isle, the father having been born in Dunman-
way, Ireland, and the mother in the city of Cork. They came to
America as young people, the father being sixteen years of age when
he crossed the Atlantic, and they were married in New Hampshire.
Later in life the father engaged in gardening, making his home for
many years at Hanover, New Hampshire, where he passed away
in 1897, ^^ ^he age of sixty-seven years. His widow still survives
and is now living in Franklin, Masachusetts. They had a family
of four children: Jeremiah B., who is the secretary and treasurer of
the Western Bell Telephone Company at St. Louis, Missouri; John
M., of this review; and Nora and Cornelius B., who are residents
of Franklin.
In his boyhood days Dr. Crowley attended the high school of Han-
over, New Hampshire, from which he was graduated and later he
Digitized by
Google
136 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
completed a course in Dartmouth College of Hanover when nine-
teen years of age, being graduated in 1896. He spent three years in
hospital work at the Children's Hospital, St. Elizabeth's Hospital
and St. Mary's Hospital of Boston, Massachusetts, thus gaining broad
knowledge and experience. In March, 1899, he located for private
practice at Franklin, where he has since remained and his business
has become of a most important character, his patronage being very
extensive.
In November, 1900, Dr. Crowley was united in marriage to Miss
Catherine G. Casey, of Boston, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James
J. Casey of that city. To them have been born four children but one
son has passed away. Walter, born in 1905, in Franklin, is attend-
ing high school. Ellen C, born in 1907, and Joseph B., born in
1 910, are also students in the schools of Franklin. The deceased
son of the family was John, who was born in 1902 and died in 1910.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic
church and Dr. Crowley is a member of the Knights of Columbus and
of the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political support is given
the republican party and he has served as a member of the board of
health since 1905 and has been chairman of the board since 1910.
He is a director of the Red Cross chapter at Franklin.
ALONZO F. BENNETT.
Alonzo F. Bennett, deceased, was an honored veteran of the Civil
war and for many years was actively engaged in business as a jewelry
manufacturer. At length he retired and established his home at
Wrentham, his native city, there spending his remaining days. He
was born February 13, 1841, and was a son of Isaac F. and Lydia
(Hayden) Bennett. The father was also a native of Wrentham and
was a descendant of one of the pioneer families of New Hampshire.
It was in that state that Isaac Bennett, grandfather of Alonzo F.
Bennett, was born and while living among its granite hills he learned
the cabinet maker's trade, after which he removed to Wrentham,
Massachusetts, where he and his wife, who bore the maiden name
of Elizabeth Randall, reared their family of thirteen children.
Their son, Isaac F. Bennett, was born in Wrentham, September 10,
1 8 10, and pursued his education in the public schools. He after-
ward learned the blacksmith's trade and also that of toolmaker in
connection with the jewelry business. He was employed in that
Digitized by
Google
ALONZO F. BENNETT
Digitized by
Google
TKl NEV/ YCRK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
P
L
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 139
capacity in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, but finally retired and
made his home with his son Alonzo throughout his remaining days,
passing away in 1897, while his wife survived until January, 1903.
They had a family of six children, namely: Ellen F.; Bradford A.;
Alonzo F., of this review; Charles H.; Daniel; and Alice.
Alonzo F. Bennett was reared and educated in Wrcntham and
in his youthful days became familiar with all the duties and labors
that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he develops the fields. He
was still quite young when he entered the employ of Sturdy & Shep-
ardson, jewelry manufacturers, who at that time were conducting a
factory at Wrentham Centre. After continuing with that firm for
about two years Mr. Bennett went to North Attleboro, where he se-
cured a position with the firm of E. Ira Richards & Company. He
was employed in connection with the jewelry trade until after the out-
break of the Civil war. In 1862 he responded to the country's call for
troops, enlisting as a member of the Forty-fifth Massachusetts Vol-
unteer Infantry, in which he held the rank of sergeant. He partici-
pated in several very hotly contested engagements, including the
battles of Kingston and of Goldsboro, North Carolina. When the
war was over and the country no longer needed his military sup-
port he returned to his home and resumed work at his trade in North
Attleboro, where he continued in the manufacture of jewelry for
seventeen years. It was in 1872 that he engaged in the jewelry busi-
ness on his own account in connection with Charles P. Young under
the firm style of Young & Bennett, at which time they occupied the
basement in the Whiting building on Broad street. There they con-
ducted their interests together until 1888, when the partnership was
discontinued and later Mr. Bennett engaged in no business enter-
prises, save that for five years he was a silent partner in the firm of
Riley, French & HeflFron. After selling his interests at North Attle-
boro and retiring from active connection with the jewelry business
he again took up his abode on a farm at Wrentham, there spend-
ing his remaining days.
On the 8th of October, 1888, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage
to Miss Mary AUston Morss, a daughter of William and Jane D.
(Goss) Morss, who are natives of Marblehead, Massachusetts. The
father was a contractor and builder and removed from Marblehead to
Melrose, Massachusetts, where he has since resided. For some time
he has now lived retired from active business. His wife is also living.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett became the parents of two children : Helen F.,
who is a graduate of Wellesley College and is at home; and Alice,
who is also a graduate of Wellesley and is the wife of A. H. Ewing,
Digitized by
Google
140 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
who was formerly a minister of the Episcopal church but is now
engaged in teaching in the Huntington school.
The husband and father passed away October 9, 1905, after a
short illness, and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread
regret. In politics he was always a stalwart republican, giving
unfaltering support to the principles of the party, and his religious
faith was that of the Episcopal church. He guided his life accord
ing to its teachings and his sterling worth commanded for him the
respect and goodwill of all. Mr. Bennett always found his greatest
happiness at his own fireside. His every thought was for the hap-
piness and welfare of his family, who at his death lost a loving hus-
band and devoted father. One of the local papers at his demise spoke
of him as: "one of the most prominent residents of Wrentham,"
and said : "There was no more genial or more universally esteemed
man in this section. Lighthearted and cheery himself, he com-
municated cheerfulness to all whom he met. In his business life he
was thorough and reliable and gave all his ability to the mattep in
hand, no matter how small or trivial it might be." Thoroughness
was always one of his strong characteristics and thus it was that he
accomplished what he undertook. His death has been the occasion
of sincere sorrow and his memory is still cherished by all who knew
him. Mrs. Bennett occupies a fine residence which was built
by the French refugees two hundred years ago and her home is sur-
rounded by a tract of land of sixty acres which is very valuable and
productive.
HORACE W. LOWE.
Horace W. Lowe, a well known business man and representative
citizen of Stoughton, is senior partner in the firm of Lowe & Powers,
undertakers. He was born in Canton, Norfolk county, March 20,
1862, and is a son of Edmund A. and Susan E. (Withington) Lowe,
the former a native of Canton, while the latter was born in Maine.
The father became an engineer and was employed by various firms.
He continued a resident of his native city until 1872, when he re-
moved to Stoughton, where he spent his remaining days. His
widow survives and has now reached the notable old age of ninety
years.
In taking up the personal history of Horace W. Lowe we pre-
sent to our readers the life record of one widely known in Norfolk
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 141
county. He spent his youthful days largely in the acquirement of a
public school education in Canton and in Stoughton and later made
his preliminary step in the business world as an employe of his
uncle, Phineas Withington, who was engaged in the furniture and
undertaking business. He bent his energies to a thorough mastery
of the trade and displayed marked efficiency and capability in
mastering the business. After a time he was admitted to a partner-
ship by his uncle and their association continued for a number of
years with mutual pleasure and profit. At length, however, Mr.
Lowe purchased the interest of his uncle, who retired from business,
and he then admitted Webster Smith to a partnership and later M.
F. Powers. This association was maintained for a long period or
until the death of Mr. Smith in October, 1916. The firm name is
now Lowe & Powers and in January, 1917, Mr. Lowe and Mr.
Powers admitted their sons to a partnership, so that Millard D.
and Arthur W. Lowe and John J. Powers are now members of the
firm. The three sons are also proprietors of the business conducted
under the name of the Electric Knife Sharpening Company. The
three young men own together a third interest in the undertaking
business, each having a ninth share, in addition to their interest in
the Electric Knife Sharpening Company. The firm of Lowe &
Powers enjoys an extensive patronage, theirs being the only under-
taking establishment in Stoughton.
On the 20th of June, 1883, Mr. Lowe was married to Miss
Florence C. Drake, a daughter of Luther W. and Hannah (Swift)
Drake, who were natives of Sandwich, Massachusetts, and removed
to Stoughton, where they resided for twenty years or until Mr.
Drake was called to the home beyond. The father was a glass
cutter by trade and worked for many years for the Boston Sand-
wich Glass Works, but on establishing his home in Stoughton gave
up his trade. He died in the year 191 3, while his widow survives
and now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Lowe, who have a
family of two children, the sons previously mentioned — Millard D.
and Arthur W., both of whom are yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Lowe votes with the republican party and fraternally he is
a prominent Mason and is also connected with the Odd Fellows. He
has membership in the lodge, chapter and council and in Bay State
Commandery, K. T., all of Brockton, while his connection with
the Mystic Shrine is that of a representative of the Temple
at Boston. He likewise has connection with both the Odd
Fellows lodge and the Rebekah degree at Stoughton. He belongs
to the Board of Trade and is interested in all that has to do with
Digitized by
Google
142 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
the progress and unbuilding of the community in which he makes
his home. His religious faith is that of the Universalist church and
his life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles,
which have made him a man whom to know is to esteem and honor.
He has a wide acquaintance in Stoughton and throughout his sec-
tion of Norfolk county and enjoys the warm regard of all with
whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. His
business today extends not only over Stoughton but also over Canton
and Sharon and he has made for himself a creditable place as a
representative of commercial interests in his part of the county.
HOMER V. SNOW.
Homer V. Snow has lived practically retired since 1892 but for
many years was prominently identified with the manufacturing in-
terests of Franklin, where he was a partner in a firm that conducted
the leading hat manufactory of this section of Massachusetts. His
business enterprise, his keen discernment and his indefatigable en-
ergy were salient elements in the development of an extensive trade
and as the years passed he acquired the success that now places him
among the men of affluence in Norfolk county.
Mr. Snow was born in that section of Mendon which is now East
Blackstone on the nth of September, 1837, and is a son of Cyrus
B. and Catherine M. (Moore) Snow, the former a native of Easton,
Massachusetts, while the latter was born in Holden, Massachusetts.
The father was a manufacturer of straw goods in Franklin, where he
established his home about 1841. He continued in business for
many years and then removed to California, where he lived retired,
making his home in Santa Cruz throughout his remaining days, his
death occurring in 1885. He had long survived his wife, who de-
parted this life in 1848.
Homer V. Snow was reared and educated in Franklin, and when
fifteen years of age began work in connection with straw manufac-
turing and throughout his entire business career was active in that
field of labor. He early thoroughly acquainted himself with every
branch of the business, advancing from one position to another as he
gained knowledge and experience. In 1861 he went to New York
city, where he was identified with a straw manufacturing enterprise
until 1874. He then returned to Franklin and became one of the
organizers of the firm of Hubbard, Snow & Bassett, which erected
Digitized by
Google
HOMER V. SNOW
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 1^5
a large factory that is now operated under the name of the Golding
factory. It is the largest in this part of the country and Mr. Snow
continued actively in business until 1892, when he retired. The com-
pany engaged in the manufacture of ladies' and children's straw and
felt hats and built up a business of extensive and gratifying propor-
tions, their trade covering a wide area and increasing with the pass-
ing years. Mr. Snow was familiar with every feature of the man-
ufacturing end of the business and his initiative spirit enabled him
to institute various new methods and processes which resulted benefi-
cially in the development of the trade. After withdrawing from
the factory at Franklin he was in business in Boston for one year
but has lived practically retired since 1892, enjoying a rest which
he has richly earned and well deserves.
In June, 1861, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Snow and
Miss Hattie Pillsbury and to them were born two children: Walter
H., a resident of Boston; and Mattie S., the wife of Walter T. John-
son, living in Newark, New Jersey. The wife and mother passed
away in March, 1880, after a long illness. On the 21st of December,
1881, Mr. Snow was again married, his. second union being with
Sara S. Thompson. They now have one child, Florence H., who
is general secretary for the Smith College Alumni Association, at
Northampton, Massachusetts, of which institution she is a grad-
uate.
Mr. Snow served as assessor of Franklin for some time and has
ever been interested in the matter of making Franklin an ideal
municipality, cooperating heartily in many well defined plans and
movements for the general good. His religious faith is that of the
Christian Science church and his political belief that of the re-
publican party. He owns twenty-seven acres of valuable land on
Park road, in the midst of which he has erected an attractive resi-
dence, and here he is spending the evening of his days, his being
**the blest accompaniments of age — honor, riches, troops of friends."
WALTER L. SARGENT, M. D.
Dr. Walter L. Sargent, a member of the surgical staflP of the
city hospital at Quincy and actively engaged in the general practice
of medicine in the city since January, 1905, was born in Concord,
New Hampshire, August 27, 1877, ^^^ >s a son of Walter C. and
Charlotte (Calderwood) Sargent, the former a native of Quincy,
Digitized by
Google
146 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Massachusetts, while the latter was born in Maine. The paternal
grandfather, Ezekiel Sargent, was proprietor of a stone quarry in
Quincy at an early day and his son, Walter C. Sargent, engaged in
the granite business there. The latter afterward removed to Con-
cord, New Hampshire, where he continued in the same line, and
still later became a resident of Munson, Massachusetts, where he
passed away in 1890. His widow yet survives and is now living in
Quincy.
Walter L. Sargent, in the acquirement of his education, attended
the public schools of Concord, New Hampshire, of Montpelier,
Vermont, of Munson and of Quincy, Massachusetts, and later was
graduated from Adams Academy with the class of 1895. He then
entered Williams College, in which he completed his course as a
member of the class of 1899, and in preparation for a professional
career he matriculated in the medical school of Harvard Univer-
sity and won his degree in 1903. He afterward spent two years in
the Boston City Hospital, gaining that broad and valuable experi-
ence which only hospital practice can give. In January, 1905, he
opened his office in Quincy, where he has since remained, concen-
trating his efforts and attention upon the general practice 'of medi-
cine and surgery. His pronounced ability has brought him suc-
cess in large measure and in addition to caring for an extensive
private practice he is also serving on the surgical staff of the City
Hospital. His professional standards are high and he puts forth
every effort that will raise him to the level thereof. He belongs to the
Norfolk South District Medical Association, to the Massachusetts
Medical Association and to the American Medical Association and
through the proceedings of those bodies, as well as by private study
and reading, he keeps abreast with the advanced professional thought
of the day.
In 1908 Dr. Sargent was united in marriage to Miss Clara Ade-
laide Pease, of Lee, Massachusetts, a daughter of Moses H. and
Adelaide M. Pease. Tliey now have two children, Morgan and
Eliot, aged respectively seven and six years.
Dr. Sargent is a well known representative of Masonry, holding
membership in Rural Lodge, F. & A. M. ; St. Stephen's Chapter, R.
A. M.; and Boston Council, R. & S. M. Dr. Sargent belongs to the
First Parish Club and in these associations are found the rules which
govern his conduct and guide him in the various relations of life.
Something of the nature of his recreation is indicated in the fact
that he is a member of the Wollaston Golf Club. His political alle-
giance is given to the republican party and his religious faith is in-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 147
dicated by his membership in the Congregational church. A pro-
gressive man, his spirit of enterprise has to do with public interests
and duties as well as professional activity.
GEORGE W. ABELE.
George W. Abele, of Quincy, actively engaged in the practice of
law as an associate in the firm of French, Abele & Allen, of Boston,
his native city, was born on the 22d of February, 1875, ^ ^^^ ^^
Francis I. and Anna Matilda (Gerber) Abele, the former a native
of Boston, while the latter was born in Ohio. Francis I. Abele was
a son of Francis I. Abele, Sr., who became a resident of Boston in
early life. He soon took up the business of a machinist and is now
residing in Quincy at the age of eighty years.
George W. Abele pursued his education in the public schools
of Boston and attended the Roxbury Latin school, while later he
pursued his classical course at Harvard, winning the Bachelor of
Arts degree in 1897. He then matriculated in the law department
and was graduated in 1900 with the LL. B. degree. He has since
practiced in Boston, where he was first associated with William W.
Jenness, taking over his practice on the death of Mr. Jenness in
1905. He is now associated in his law work with Asa P. French
and the firm occupies a prominent position in the ranks of pro-
fessional circles in Boston. Mr. Abele also maintains an office in
Quincy and his practice is very extensive and of a most important
character.
In 1910 Mr. Abele was united in marriage to Miss Lora M.
Hunt, of Quincy, and in the social circles of the city they occupy a
position of leadership. Mr. Abele belongs to Rural Lodge, F. & A.
M., and has also taken the degrees of the chapter and the Knight
Templar Commandery. He is a member of the Boston City Club,
of the Neighborhood Club of Quincy, and he attends the Unitarian
church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party
and he served for three years as a member of the city council of
Quincy, while for two years he was a member of the city planning
board. He is now a trustee of the Thomas Crane public library and
acted as chairman of that board for two years. His endorsement of
any measure ensures to it a strong following, for it is a recognized
fact that his aid and influence are always given on the side of prog-
r<*ss and improvement. Along strictly professional lines he is iden-
Digitized by
Google
148 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
tified with the Quincy Bar Association, the Norfolk County, the
Massachusetts State and the American Bar Associations and col-
leagues and contemporaries attest the fact that he is an able and con-
scientious minister in the temple of justice.
LEWIS E. GRAY.
Lewis E. Gray is one of the honored and venerable citizens of
Foxboro, where he is occupying the position of president of the
Foxboro Savings Bank but is not active in its management and con-
trol. He has passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey, his
birth having occurred in Easton, Massachusetts, on the 20th of Jan-
uary, 1842, his parents being Lewis and Louisa (Packard) Gray.
The father was a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, while the
mother was born in Easton. Lewis Gray, Sr., early learned and
followed the harness maker's trade and after leaving Cambridge re-
moved to Easton, where he resided until 1849, when he became a
resident of Foxboro, Norfolk county, and there engaged in the har-
ness making business throughout the remainder of his active life.
He continued a resident of Foxboro until called to his final rest in
May, 1877, and his widow also remained there until she, too, passed
to the home beyond in April, 1890.
Lewis E. Gray was reared and educated in Foxboro and began
work in a paper box factory, being connected with that line of busi-
ness continuously for twenty-nine years. He then engaged in the
conduct of a book store and news business, remaining active in that
field of commerce for a similar period. He was associated in the
undertaking with his son and at length retired but has continued to
make his home in Foxboro. In the meantime he had become one of
the investors in the Foxboro Savings Bank and is now its president,
with his son Harry as the treasurer. Mr. Gray is not active in the
management of the bank, for he prefers to live retired, enjoying
a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits.
In July, 1865, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
M. Curtis a daughter of Ephraim and Melinda (Wood) Curtis,
the former a native of Stoughton, Massachusetts, while the latter
was born in Middleboro. Mr. Curtis was a farmer by occupation and
devoted the greater part of his life to general agricultural pursuits
at Stoughton. He died about 1860 and was long survived by his
widow, who passed away in September, 1887. To Mr. and Mrs.
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 1^9
Gray have been born two children: Harrie F., who is now treasurer
of the Foxboro Savings Bank; and Hattie C, the twin of Harrie
and the wife of Franklin A. Pettie, who is tax collector of Foxboro.
The religious faith of Mr. Gray is that of the Congregational
church and its teachings have been the guiding element in his life.
His political endorsement has been given to the republican party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has always
been a stalwart champion of its principles and has done everything
in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He
served for ten years in the office of town clerk, while for four years
he was assessor. He has always loyally stood for those interests
which he has believed to be for the benefit and upbuilding of his
community and has been actuated in all that he has done by a public-
spirited devotion to the general good. His life has been honorable
in its purposes, worthy in its motives and, holding friendship invi-
olable^ he has retained the warm regard and high respect of all who
have known him.
WALTER WATSON CHAMBERS.
Walter Watson Chambers, member of the bar and now filling the
office of register of deeds at Dedham, was born in Boston in 1876
and comes of a family of English lineage, his paternal grandfather
spending his entire life in England. His father, Henry James
Chambers, was born in Kent, England, in 1842 and remained a resi-
dent of that country until he reached the age of thirty years, when
in 1872 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He then
established his home in Boston, where he was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Hole. In the year 1880 they removed to Dedham,
where Mr. Chambers passed away in 1907. His widow survives and
is yet a resident of Dedham.
Walter W. Chambers was but four years of age at the time the
family home was established in Dedham, so that his early educational
privileges were those afforded by the public schools of the city in
which he still resides. In early manhood, after carefully reviewing
the broad field of business with its almost limitless avenues of oppor-
tunity, he determined upon the practice of law as a life work and
completed a course in North Eastern College with the class of 1905.
The following year he was admitted to the bar in Boston and has
since engaged in the practice of his profession in Dedham, winning
Digitized by
Google
150 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
a good clientage that has identified him with much important liti-
gation heard in the courts of his district.
On the 15th of September, 1909, Mr. Chambers was united in
marriage in Amherst, Massachusetts, to Miss Elizabeth Smith, a
daughter of the late William E. Smith, and they have become the
parents of two sons, John Walter and William Henry.
Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are active and faithful members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is connected with
the Masonic lodge, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit
of the craft. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and he is a member of the Norfolk County Republican Club.
For twenty- three years he has been connected with the office of
register of deeds and was appointed assistant in November, 19 16. In
June, 191 7, he was appointed to the position of register of deeds of
Norfolk county and was elected to that position in November, 1917, .
his preliminary service having proven his fitness for the position
and his loyalty to the trust reposed in him. He is making a credit-
able record in this position by his promptness and his systematic
discharge of the duties that devolve upon him and he is firmly
established in public regard as one of the representative and valued
residents of Dedham and of the county.
JAMES O. CHILSON.
James O. Chilson is one of the valued and respected citizens of
Franklin, now living retired in the city in which for many years he
was an active business man. He was born in South Bellingham,
March 28, 1837, ^^^ has therefore passed the eighty-first milestone on
life's journey. The family name appears to be another spelling of
the ancient English Chilton, the second syllable of which means town,
and a number of towns and parishes in England still bear the name.
The coat of arms of the Chilton family of Wye, in County Kent,
and of Cadiz, Spain, is: Argent, a chevron gules with a bordure
gobonated or and azure. Crest: A griffon passant sable bezantee.
Walsingham Chilson, the immigrant ancestor of all of this sur-
name in Norfolk /county, came doubtless from Kent, England, and
settled at Marblehead before 1647. The records show that he was
witness in a case in court in 1647 and that he owned a swamp lot in
1649. He and his wife, Mary, sold land in Marblehead to Francis
Johnson, July 13, 1655. John Chilson, their only known child,
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
-,:;!
I
^pTC"". LIT"'' " •" *'' ^
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 153
was born probably in England or possibly in Marblehead or at
Lynn, Massachusetts. He married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Jenks,
and resided at Lynn. Their children were as follows: John, who
married Elizabeth Jenks; Walsingham; Joseph; Sarah, who married
Pebruary 2, 1693-4; and William, who wedded Jane Rhodes.
Of this family Walsingham Chilson (H) was born in 1681 and
died at Bellingham, Massachusetts, January 15, 1760. About 1738
he settled at South Bellingham and lived in the vicinity of Scott or
Chilson Hill. He was a housewright and a farmer and his home-
stead is now owned by a lineal descendant, James A. Chilson. Be-
fore his death he deeded to his son Joseph all his property, including
about four hundred acres of land near Hoag Lake. He was a
tythingman in 1742 and in 1744 was on the school committee. The
same year he was employed by the town to repair the meeting house
and in 1738 he with others appeared in court to protest against the
interference by the town in church affairs. He was married October
20, 1709, to Susanne Edmunds, at Lynn. Their children were:
Joseph; Dorcas, who died November 18, 1743 ; John, who died Octo-
ber 7, 1741 ; Mary, who died July 14, 1736; Sarah, who died July 19,
1747; and Susanne, who was rtarried May 9, 1744, to Jonathan Bos-
worth.
Joseph Chilson, son of Walsingham Chilson (H), was born at
Lynn and died at Bellingham, February 8, 1778. He removed with
his parents to South Bellingham and conducted a blacksmith shop
on the road from Bellingham to Woonsocket. It was customary
for the town to post the town warrants on the front of his shop, as it
was a much frequented place. He was employed by the town to
enlarge the pound. He served as town clerk from 1745 to 1764.
His name, as well as his father's, often appears on the records of the
town. He was married November 23, 1744, to Mercy Shuttleworth,
who was born at Wrentham, February 8, 171 6, and died August 8,
1747. On the 15th of November, 1747, he married Lydia Pratt,
who died March 29, 1789. He had one child of his first marriage,
Martha, born April 13, 1746. The children of his second marriage
were: Joseph, born July 17, 1751; John, born February 3, 1754;
Joshua, born July 8, 1756; Jedediah, born April 18, 1758; and Mary,
born June 23, 1761.
John Chilson (II), son of Joseph Chilson, was born at South
Bellingham, February 3, 1754, and died there December 5, 1830.
He was brought up on his father's farm and attended the common
schools. He was a prosperous farmer, keeping forty head of cattle.
At one time he engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods in the old
Digitized by
Google
154 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
stone mill near his house. In the early part of 1800 this mill was
burned and later a sawmill was erected near Hoag Lake but was
destroyed in 18 16 and replaced by a new mill, which was only re-
cently demolished. He served in the Revolution in Captain Jesse
Holbrookes company, which marched on the Lexington alarm April
19, 1775; also in Captain Amos Ellis' company, Major Seth Bui*
lard's regiment (Fourth Suffolk) in 1780 and marched to Tiverton,
Rhode Island, on the alarm in 1780. He was also in Captain Hol-
brook's company. Colonel Wheelock's regiment, in 1776, in Warwick,
Rhode Island. His death was caused by a fall backward over a pair
of bars, breaking his neck, and he was laid to rest in the old cemetery
at South Bellingham. He was very kind-hearted and generous,
giving largely to all worthy public enterprises and private needs.
He was one of ten who contributed the necessary funds to complete
the town house March 15, 1800. On the 3d of January, 1782, he
married Mrs. Abigail Draper, who was born in 1756 and died June
29, 1834. Anna Chilson, the eldest of their children, was born Oc-
tober 3, 1783, and was married February 12, 1804, to Colonel Joseph
Rockwood and they had nine children, namely: Lucena Rockwood,
born October 18, 1806; Preston, born August 2, 1808; Artman, born
December 23, 18 10; Susan, May 15, 1813; Maria, October 13,
1815; Joseph Munroe,*July i, 1818; John, January 25, 1821; Emily,
June 2, 1823; and Abbie, born May 30, 1826. Ichabod Chilson, the
second child of John Chilson, was born August 29, 1785, and was
married in 1808, to Deborah Holbrook. They had four children:
Sullivan; Jonathan, born January 30, 1810; Draper, March 29, 181 1,
and died October 29, 1815 ; and Caleb Adams, who was born January
2, 1 813, and died November 9, 1816. John Chilson, the third mem-
ber of the family of John Chilson (II), was born January 2, 1788,
and died February 12, 1789. John, the fourth member of the fam-
ily, was born October 25, 1790, and died March 14, 1841. He was
married November 29, 1823, to Elmira Cook and they had two chil-
dren: John Draper, born October 29, 1824; and Lucius Addison,
born May 31, 1830. Nabby, the fifth member of the family of John
Chilson (II), was born June 27, 1793, and was married December
8, 1 81 6, to Captain Amos Hill. Martin, bom April 25, 1797, was
married January 3 18 19, to Lavina Scott. Orrin was the youngest
member of the family.
Orrin Chilson was born in South Bellingham, July 26, 1799, and
there passed away September 6, 1863. He attended the district
school and worked with his father on the farm. At the latter*s
death in 1830 he assumed the management of the farm and became
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 155
a progressive and successful agriculturist. He also slaughtered beef
for the local market. In politics he was a whig and in religious faith
a Baptist. His ideals were high and his conduct above reproach.
By reading and observation he kept well informed and was a liberal
minded man. His home was noted for its hospitality. At Franklin,
in 1825, he married Diadema Cook, who was born May 5, 1808, a
daughter of Reuben and Nancy (Whipple) Cook, who were of
English descent, and the former was a son of Silas Cook. The fam-
ily lived originally at Pelham, Massachusetts. The parents of Mrs.
Orrin Chilson made their home at Bellingham, where Mr. Cook
rollowed the occupation of farming, and later Reuben Cook lived
for many years upon a farm near the village of Franklin. In the
family of Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Chilson were ten children. Martha
Whipple, who was born March 20, 1826, and died in 1854, was
married on the nth of November, 1846, to William E. Hubbard,
of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and had one son, Edward Living-
stone Hubbard, who was born February 22, 1849. Reuben, the sec-
ond member of the family, was born October 13, 1828, and was
married February 3, 1853, to Hannah J. Cook, of South Bellingham.
He served as postmaster and was also a merchant of Bellingham
and later became a farmer of East Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where
he passed away. He had a son, Irving Elwood, who was born Jan-
uary 29, 1854, and who married Carmilla Carroll and had one child,
Homer Lyon, while the other children of his family were: Carrian
Thnrber, who was born June 14, 1856, and died January 29, 1890;
Worthy Cook, who was born July 28, 1858, and died April 30, 1875;
Ann May, who was born April 2, 1861, and died February 20, 1863;
Bernard Burnside, who was born June 6, 1864, and married Alida
Blanchard, their daughter, Mildred Beatrice, being born December
21, 1896; Etta Frances, who was born in 1866, and was married June
12, 1888, to Robert Lee Hawkins, their children being Ida Louise
Hawkins, who was born April 11, 1889, and died August 27, 1905,
and Florence Ida Hawkins, born June 27, 1906; Wilmar Grant, who
was born January 3, 1869, and died September, 1872; Bertha Avis,
who was born June 8, 1872, and died July 15, 1872; Luther George,
who was born September 24, 1873, and died in 1874; Mattie Jane,
who was born February 20, 1875, and died on the 30th of April of
that year.
Orrin Chilson, the third member of the family of Orrin Chilson,
Sr., was born October 6, 1830, and engaged in the butchering busi-
ness at South Bellingham until his death, which occurred September
18, 1901. On the 27th of September, 1858, he had married Almira
Digitized by
Google
156 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Belinda Cook and their children were: Austin Burnside, who was
born October 13, 1861, and was married October i, 1890, to Carrie
Louise Grant, by whom he had two children — Stanley Grant, born
July 30, 1 89 1, and Grace Louise, born December 27, 1897; and
Minnie Bell, born August 24, 1865.
Diadama Cook, the fourth member of the family of Orrin Chii-
son, Sr., was born October 28, 1832, and died in March, 1880. She
was the wife of Frederick A. Sherburne, a farmer and straw worker
of BelHngham.
Libbeus, the fifth member of the family, was born March i,
1835, and died in December, 1906. He was a boot maker of South
Bellingham and he married Eliza J. Warring, of Hopkinton, by
whom he had one child, Loring, and after the death of his first wife
he married Louise Weldon and they had a daughter. Pearl, who be-
came the wife of George Taylor and had a daughter, Lillian.
James Olney, whose name introduces this review, was the sixth
member of the family.
Lewis M., born in 1842, died December 14, 1901. He was mar-
ried December 6, 1865, to Frances M. Sherman, of South Belling-
ham and their children were: Ida Lewis, born October 10, 1874,
and married February 19, 1902, to Fred Orrell; Nettie Frances,
born September 4, 1877; and Lester Sherman, born March 28, 1891.
Mary E., the eighth of the family, died in infancy in 1846.
Eliza Ellen, the ninth member of the family, was born May 29,
1848, and became the wife of Edwin Cook, of South Franklin, and
now resides in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Their children are:
Lloyd Milton Cook, born August 22, 1872, and married November
12, 1901, to Cora May Adams; Ethel Cook, born September 14,
1874; Maud Eliza, born July 9, 1880, and married October 28,
1904, to Rufus Daniels Billings, by whom she has one child, Almira
Cook Billings, born March 5, 1906; and Cheney Edwin Cook, born
December 14, 1882.
Mariana Chilson, the youngest member of the family of Orrin
Chilson, Sr., was born February 7, 1850, and now resides in Woon-
socket, Rhode Island.
James Olney Chilson, the immediate subject of this review, was
born at South Bellingham, March 28, 1837, and attended the pub-
lic schools in the home district until he reached the age of eighteen
years, after which he continued to work for his father upon the farm
until he attained the age of twenty. At that time he went to work
for his brother Orrin, who was a butcher and cattle trader, and in
that employ drove a provision cart in connection with the other work
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 157
of the trade. After the death of his father, he and his brother Lewis
conducted the home farm until 1866 and in that year he went to
Franklin, where in company with Joseph W. Heaton, his brother-in-
law, he bought out the meat market of the firm of Curtis & Marsh.
This they conducted for four years, under the style of Heaton &
Chilson, and in 1870 Mr. Chilson purchased his partner's interest
and soon erected a building for the accommodation of his large
and increasing trade. He also dressed cattle for the wholesale trade
and was very successful. In 1891 he sold his business to Richardson
& Emerson and retired from active business life save for the super-
vision which he gives to his investments in real estate. He resides
on Dean avenue in Franklin. He has built and sold several cot-
tages and houses in Franklin and in fact has erected over twenty
buildings in the vicinity, including four of the finest homes in Frank-
lin, but has sold most of them.
On the loth of May, 1864, Mr. Chilson was married to Miss
Melansa Grant Metcalf Heaton, who was born at Franklin, Sep-
tember 4, 1843, a daughter of Samuel and Tirzah (Carleton) Heaton,
who were farming people of South Franklin until their death, when
they were laid to rest in the cemetery at West Wrentham. Mrs.
Chilson was the youngest of thirteen children, all of whom have
passed away, George, Albert, Joseph W., Henry, Charles, Nellie
and Melansa all having been laid to rest in the Franklin cemetery,
while the others were buried at West Wrentham. The Heaton
family is of English descent although the father of Mrs. Chilson
was born in Massachusetts and the mother in Vermont. To Mr. and
Mrs. Chilson were born the following named. Eva Mabel, born
July I, 1865, was married June 22, 1887, to Edward Bertham Sher-
man, postmaster of Franklin, and their children are: Florence Sher-
man, born August 4, 1889; Ralph Chester, July 26, 1891; Howard
Allen, who was born April 12, 1893, ^^^ ^^^^ J^^Y ^9) ^9^5; Dean
Carlton, who was born September 9, 1895; ^^d Eva Maud Sherman,
born December 12, 1896. Annie D'Ette, the second child of Mr. and
Mrs. Chilson, was born March 14, 1869, and died June 19, 1874.
Florence Chester, born January 2, 1873, died on the 17th of June,
1874. James Carlton, the fourth member of the family, was born
May 13, 1877, and was married June 21, 1904, to Emma Helen
Gertrude Dalton and their children are: Carlton Leroy, born March
27, 1905; James Walter, born May 2, 1906; and Robert Olney, Jan-
uary 2, 1908. Dean Leroy, the next member of the family of Mr.
and Mrs. James O. Chilson, was born February 18, 1880, and was
married July 27, 1904, to Edna Estelle Hursh. Their children are:
Digitized by
Google
158 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Frances Hursh, born July 26, 1905, and died December 8, 1906;
and Margaret Elizabeth, born August 23, 1908. Walter Olney,
the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. James O. Chilson, was born Sep-
tember 9, 1888, and died October 20, 1888. The death of the wife
and mother, Mrs. Melansa Chilson, occurred September 30, 191 7,
and her demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for
she had endeared herself to many friends in the community and in
the church through her lovable disposition, her neighborly thought-
fulness and her charming domesticity. She was a consistent mem-
ber of the Universalist church and a helpful member of the Ladies'
Social Circle. On the 24th of May, 1914, Mr. and Mrs. Chilson
had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, an occasion that
was greatly enjoyed by the many friends who were in attendance.
Mr. Chilson also belongs to the Universalist church, and his life has
been guided by its teachings. For many years he gave his political
allegiance to the democratic party and now maintains an independ-
ent attitude in politics. He is a charter member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows at Franklin and for forty-nine years has been
identified with the Masonic fraternity, at all times exemplifying in
his life the beneficent spirit upon which the organization is founded.
He served on the board of assessors for ten years and has always
stood for progress and improvement in public affairs.
His life has been crowned with substantial and honorable suc-
cess. He built up a profitable business through indefatigable en-
ergy and honorable dealing and is now enabled to enjoy all of the
comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He has remarkable activ-
ity and command of his faculties for one of his years and this is un-
doubtedly due in considerable measure to the fact that he has never
used tobacco in any form. He is one of the most respected men
of the community, an upright life having gained for him the con-
fidence and goodwill of all who know him, and there is no one more
worthy of mention among the representative residents of Norfolk
county than James O. Chilson.
THOMAS STRETTON.
Honored and respected by all, Thomas Stretton occupies an envi-
able position in the business and manufacturing circles of Stoughton,
not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but also
owing to the straightforward business policy which he has ever fol-
Digitized by
Google t
THOMAS STRETT(3X
Digitized by
Google
. _^.
— ' ■ '
t:-
*
r ^
'iK
PoL
L.i
«^ i-.i
LI
; RY
AT'
f
I.; ^
'■ >
-• N D
lii^^iL.^
r^Ui'.uAAiOWa 1
K
•■ J
"*""
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 161
lowed. It is true that he entered upon a business already established,
but in developing and enlarging this he has shown initiative and en-
terprise and is today president and treasurer of the Charles Stretton
& Son Company, controlling one of the most important manufac-
turing interests of Stoughton.
Mr. Stretton was born in England, November 12, 1852, and is a
son of Charles and Priscilla (Warren) Stretton, who were also
natives of that country, where they resided until 1853, when they
brought their family to the new world, establishing their home in
Philadelphia, where they remained until 1866. They then removed
to Canton, Norfolk county, Massachusetts, where the father was
employed in the woolen mills until 1869. In that year he estab-
lished a knit goods business on his own account and admitted his
two sons, Thomas and John, to a partnership in the business, which
was located at Canton. There they remained until 1891, when they
removed the factory to Stoughton. At Canton they had made hand-
knit goods but on locating in Stoughton they began the manufacture
of underwear exclusively. It was at this time that the father retired
from active connection with the business, which was then taken over
by the two sons. The father continued to reside in Canton through-
out his remaining days and there passed away in January, 1908, hav-
ing for many years survived his wife, who had died in 1856.
Thomas Stretton was less than a year old when brought by his
parents to the new world. He pursued his education in the schools
of Philadelphia and of Canton and when but nine years of age
began work in a factory. He has been identified with factory inter-
ests for fifty-six years and for a long period was associated with his
father and brother in the conduct of the business of which he is
now the head. His brother passed away in 1907, leaving Thomas
Stretton as the sole proprietor of the business, which, however, is
conducted under the name of the Charles Stretton & Son Company.
In January, 1909, the factory was destroyed by fire and in the same
year he erected his present factory, which is a large and very modern
building three stories in height. It is light, well ventilated and has
every safeguard. With the building of the new factory the busi-
ness was incorporated, at which time C. W. Jones became associ-
ated with Mr. Stretton as assistant treasurer and manager of the new
company. Their output includes one hundred and twenty-five dozen
garments per day, mostly union suits. The company is represented
upon the road by five traveling salesmen, who cover the entire
country, selling to the large retail and department stores. Their
business is constantly growing, a large force of workmen being con-
Digitized by
Google
162 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
tinually employed in the factory, and they also have a considerable
number of hands in other towns who are making fancy hand-knit
goods.
On the 2d of November, 1880, Mr. Stretton was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sarah F. Gay, a daughter of Ellis and Laura (Sinclair)
Gay, who were natives of Canton, Massachusetts, and of Vermont
respectively. The father was a fisherman and engaged in that busi-
ness during the greater part of his life. His labors, however, were
ended in death, January 21, 1903, and his wife passed away in
1869. Mr. and Mrs. Stretton became the parents of three children:
Charles E. and Dorothy, both of whom died in infancy; and Marion
S., the wife of Paul A. Esten, a chemist in the employ of Mr. Stret-
ton in Stoughton.
Mr. Stretton, aside from his manufacturing interests, is a direc-
tor of the Stoughton Trust Company. He belongs to the Universalist
church and he gives his political endorsement to the republican
party but does not seek office as a reward for party fealty, preferring
to concentrate his efforts and attention upon other interests. He
belongs to the Chicatawbut Club and fraternally is a prominent Ma-
son, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite,
while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands
of the desert. He is widely known in this as well as in business con-
nections and he ranks with the representative and honored residents
of his city. Step by step he has advanced, never fearing to venture
where favoring opportunity pointed out the way. In other words he
has never manifested that hesitancy which so often blocks progress but
has been alert to the chances of the hour and his activities have largely
been of a character that have not only contributed to his individual
success but have also promoted the prosperity of the community.
RALPH P. ROWE.
Ralph P. Rowe is an expert machinist, occupying the responsible
position of manager at the factory of the George E. Belcher Com-
pany. He accomplishes with thoroughness everything that he under-
takes and his diligence and determined spirit have been salient
features in his business advancement. He was born in Portsmouth,
New Hampshire, June 28, 1882, and his parents, Samuel and Henri-
etta (Brackett) Rowe, were also natives of that city. The father
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 163
was a carpenter by trade and was connected with building operations
during much of his active life. He removed eventually to Sharon,
Norfolk county, Massachusetts, where he is now living retired at
the age of fifty-seven years, the activity of his former years supply-
ing him with a competence that is sufficient to meet all of his needs.
His wife passed away in 191 2.
Ralph P. Rowe largely acquired his education in the Green-
wood school at Hyde Park and also spent five years in study at Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire. He afterward learned the machinist's
trade, for which he had a natural predilection, and in the develop-
ment of his native powers he has attained a skill that places him in
the foremost ranks among the expert machinists of this section of
the state. He served his apprenticeship with the American Tool
& Machine Company of Hyde Park and his training was most
thorough. On the 7th of May, 1906, he came to Stoughton and
entered the employ of George E. Belcher in the machine shop. From
that time on the business grew steadily and under the management of
Mr. Rowe has become one of the largest enterprises of this kind in
the country. They now concentrate largely upon the manufacture
of gigs, gauges, fixtures and tools and the high standard of their
output has insured for them a constantly increasing trade. They
have ever regarded satisfied patrons as their best recommendation
and there are none who have used their goods who are not willing
to speak a favorable word for them. Mr. Rowe is thoroughly famil-
iar with every phase of the business by reason of practical experience
and he is a man of determined purpose in whose vocabulary there
is no such word as fail. He accomplishes what he undertakes and
does it by direct methods that neither seek nor require disguise. He
thoroughly understands the. scientific principles which underlie his
work as well as the practical phases of the business and his knowledge
and skill have constituted two of the moving forces in the success
of the George E. Belcher Machine Company.
On the 6th of December, 1903, Mr. Rowe was married to Miss
Grace S. Crocker, a daughter of William B. and Sarah (Sinclair)
Crocker, the former a native of Kentville, Nova Scotia, while the
latter was born in Scotland. It was about 1887 that they became resi-
dents of Norfolk county, Massachusetts, establishing their home in
Sharon. The father is a box maker by trade and for the past ten
years has held the position of foreman of a box factory. To Mr.
and Mrs. Rowe has been born one child, Natalie Osgood, whose
birth occurred April 10, 191 1.
Prior to his removal to Stoughton, Mr. Rowe resided in Sharon,
Digitized by
Google
164 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
where he was employed by the government in the repairing of
lighthouse appliances in connection with signal service work. At
one time he was manager of the old Sharon ball team, which at that
period enjoyed an enviable reputation. He has voted with the re-
publican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.
His religious faith is that of the Congregational church. He is ever
ready to extend a helping hand where aid is needed and he is a loyal
exemplar of several fraternities. He has membership with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a past grand of his lodge.
He likewise belongs to Rising Star Lodge, F. & A. M. ; to Cyprus
Commandery, No. 39, K. T., of Hyde Park; and to Apollo Temple
of the Mystic Shrine at Boston. His friends, and they are legion,
find him a congenial companion, for he is a man of kindly disposition,
with a saving sense of humor, and yet possessing the ability which
enables him to meet every responsibility that devolves upon him.
REV. JOHN B. HOLLAND.
Rev. John B. Holland, pastor of the Sacred Heart Catholic
church on Washington street in Weymouth, was born in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, November 8, 1855, a son of John and Isabella
(Murphy) Holland. His parents were natives of Ireland and when
young people came to the new world. The father located for a
time in Montreal, Canada, and when eighteen years of age crossed
the border into the United States, making Boston his destination.
He was a gas fitter by trade and he resided in Boston throughout his
remaining days, passing away in July, 1907. His wife's death
occurred in 1905.
Their son. Rev. John B. Holland, was reared in this state and
pursued his early education in the public schools of Boston, passing
through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school.
He then engaged in clerking for about ten years in that city after
which he became a student in St. Charles' College at Ellicott City,
Maryland. Returning to the north, he then entered St. John's
Seminary at Brighton, Massachusetts, in which he spent five years as
a student in preparation for the priesthood and was ordained in De-
cember, 1892. He then came to Weymouth, Massachusetts, and
took up his priestly work in the Church of the Sacred Heart. He
has here since remained, covering a period of twenty-four years, and
he has the entire confidence and love of his people. A parochial
Digitized by
Google
REV. JOHN B. HOLLAND
Digitized by
Google
PCl-,.,. ^
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 167
school has been maintained, called the Sacred Heart School, which
has an attendance of seventy-three pupils. The school is compara-
tively new and a grade is added each year. The present church edi-
fice is a fine large brick building which was completed in 1883. The
present convent, however, is one of the old colonial structures, being
one hundred and twenty years old. It was formerly the old Wales
Hotel, famous in stage coach days. It was used as a parish house
for the whole south shore, which comprised a considerable territory,
including Cohasset and Hingham.
Rev. Holland is acting as one of the trustees of the public library
and is its oldest member in years of continuous service. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party, but he concentrates his
efforts and attention largely upon the upbuilding of the church and
the spiritual advancement of its members. The church has three
hundred and forty-three families, or sixteen hundred and forty peo-
ple, under its charge, the parish covering Weymouth Landing and
East Braintree.
GEORGE I. PECK.
George I. Peck is a grocer of Franklin, but the kind of grocer
that he is tells the story of his success. At the outset of his career,
actuated by a spirit of enterprise, he started upon an upward path
that has placed him in the front rank among the progressive business
men of this section of the state; and the plans and methods that he
has followed cannot fail to prove of interest and should serve as a
stimulus to effort on the part of others. Mr. Peck was born at
Warren, Rhode Island, March 24, 1863, and is a son of George B.
and Cordelia (Adams) Peck. In the paternal line he comes of
English ancestry, the family having been founded in America by
seven brothers who came to the new world at an early day. George
B. Peck was also a native of Rhode Island and became a successful
farmer, devoting many years to agricultural interests. Later he was
a resident of Franklin and became superintendent of the Franklin
Poor Farm. He married Cordelia Adams, a native of Pennsylvania
but a representative of one of the old families of Rhode Island of
English lineage that was planted on American soil at an early period.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Peck have passed away. They had a family
of four children, of whom George I. Peck was the youngest.
During his youthful days the public schools of Warren numbered
Digitized by
Google
168 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
George I. Peck among their students. He also continued his ed-
ucation in Massachusetts after the removal of the family to this
state and when a youth of sixteen years he started out to provide for
his support independently. He first entered a meat market in order
to learn the business and he remained in active connection with the
meat trade in the employ of others for six years. He then began
clerking in a grocery store and in 1886 he took up his abode in
Franklin, where he secured employment with T. M. Turner, senior
partner in the firm of Turner & Company, then proprietors of the
leading grocery house of the city. They were carrying on business
in the same store that Mr. Peck now occupies. He remained with
the company for twelve years or until 1898, when he embarked in
business on his own account. The building which he occupies has
been used as a grocery store since 1850. In 1898 the stock was owned
by the firm of Turner & Brimblecomb, who in that year sold out to
E. L. Metcalf, who removed the goods to another building. In
October of the same year Mr. Peck leased the building and as senior
partner in the firm of Peck & Field embarked in the grocery trade
on his own account. Success attended the new undertaking and the
trade constantly increased. In May, 1902, Mr. Peck purchased the
interest of his partner and has developed his business until he has
the leading establishment and is known as the master grocer of
Franklin. Not all days in his career have been equally bright, for
on the 8th of December, 1909, the store suffered a severe loss by
fire, but Mr. Peck at once resumed operations, securing temporary
quarters in the store of the Franklin Job Print in Central Square.
As soon as the old building was remodeled and repaired he again
occupied it and he is now doing a business that amounts to more
than sixty thousand dollars annually. Moreover, the trade is steadily
increasing and he today employs eight salesmen, who give the best
possible service and attention to the customers. He ever demands
courtesy as well as efficiency on the part of employes and is most
careful in the selection of the personnel of the house. The store
is light and sanitary. The front is finished with solid French plate
glass and the inside finished in cherry. Large, commodious counters
are systematically arranged and many roll-top bins provide storing
places for dry vegetables, in addition to which there are many
spacious spice, tea and coflfee bins and cans, with an improved electric
coffee grinder. Near the center of the store is a five-tub glass-front
butter box, with cheese and lard compartments, such as is seen only
in the leading stores of the large cities. Fresh vegetables are kept in
sanitary, dustproof, glass-covered receptacles and in fact "sanitary"
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 169
seems the watchword of the establishment. In addition to staple
and fancy groceries and fresh vegetables, the second floor of the
building is used for garden and field seeds and household utensils, and
this branch of the business is proving a source of continued profit.
Mr. Peck has introduced most systematic methods in handling orders
and his delivery wagons visit outlying districts twice a week. ' An
extensive line of goods sent out by the leading wholesale houses and
manufacturers of the country is carried in this establishment, which
r^jnks as the leading grocery house of Franklin and one of the best
in all New England.
On the 24th of August, 1883, Mr. Peck was united in marriage
in South Framingham to Miss Alice G. Moffet, a native of Ashland,
Massachusetts, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Moffet, rep-
resentatives of an old family of this state. They have one son, Wil-
Ham L. Peck, who was born in Foxboro, Massachusetts, and is a
most enterprising young man, now associated with his father in
business.
In his political views Mr. Peck is a republican and is serving
as secretary of the Franklin board of health. He is a member of
Excelsior Lodge, A. F. & A. M., also of Miller Chapter, R. A. M.,
and the Knight Templar commandery. Mr. Peck is truly a self-
made man and one who deserves all the credit that the term implies.
He started out empty-handed and by persistent effort and intelligent-
ly directed industry has worked his way steadily upward. Oppor-
tunity has ever been the call to action with him and his ready
response has brought most desirable results, placing him among
the prosperous and leading merchants of his section of the state.
LEWIS F. FALES.
Lewis F. Fales, actively identified with industrial interests in
Walpole, where he is conducting a large foundry and has built up a
business of substantial proportions, was horn in Boston, February
28, 1861, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Wiggin) Fales, who were
also natives of this state, the former having been born in West Wal-
pole and the latter in Dedham.
Spending his youthful days in his parents' home Lewis F. Fales
attended the public schools of Walpole and after his textbooks were
put aside made his initial step in the business world. His natural
predilection was toward mechanical lines and he received his train-
Digitized by
Google
170 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
ing in that direction and eventually worked up to his present position
as a well known manufacturer of machinery in Walpole. He has an
extensive machine shop and foundry, splendidly equipped with
everything necessary to turn out the class of work to which he gives
his attention, and the excellence of the output has won for him a very
extensive and well deserved patronage. He is a thoroughly reliable
business man, energetic and progressive, and he is at the head of a
business which now constitutes one of the important industrial
interests of Walpole.
On the 14th of October, 19 14, Mr. Fales was married in Franklin,
Massachusetts, to Miss Sarah MacKinnon, a daughter of John and
Catherine MacKinnon. They are well known in Walpole, where
they have an extensive circle of friends, and the hospitality of their
own home is greatly enjoyed by those with whom they have been
brought in contact. Mr. Fales has become recognized as one of the
substantial and valued citizens of his community, and while he has
never been active as a holder of public office, he is interested in all
that pertains to the general welfare and his aid and support are given
on the side of progress and improvement.
MICHAEL F. POWERS.
Michael F. Powers, who is engaged in the undertaking business
in Stoughton, is also active in community affairs and is now serving
as chairman of the library board of trustees. He was born September
6, 1859, in the city which is still his home, his parents being John
and Hannah (Welch) Powers, who were natives of Ireland. The
father came to America about 1848 and established his home in
Stoughton, where he was engaged in shoe manufacturing through-
out the remainder of his life, passing away March 2, 1902, when he
had reached the age of seventy years. For a few years he had sur-
vived his wife, whose death occurred in April, 1899.
Michael F. Powers was reared and educated in Stoughton, com-
pleting a course in the high school by graduation with the class of
1878. He started upon his business career as an employe in shoe
factories and was thus occupied until 1894, when he became associated
with the firm of Withington & Lowe, furniture dealers and under-
takers. He has since followed that line of business and in 1905 he
became a partner in the undertaking firm of Lowe, Smith & Powers,
his partners being Horace W. Lowe and Webster Smith. On the
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 171
I St of October, 19 15, Mr. Smith passed away and. the business has
since been carried on by the surviving partners under the firm style
of Lowe & Powers. Their place of business is located at No. 14
Porter street and they are accorded a liberal and well deserved
patronage.
In April, 1886, Mr. Powers was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Glennon, a daughter of Kieran and Elizabeth (Kelly) Glennon, who
were natives of Ireland and in early life crossed the Atlantic to the
United States. The father engaged in shoemaking throughout his
remaining days and both he and his wife have now passed away. To
Mr. and Mrs. Powers has been been born one child, John J., whose
birth occurred August 6, 1887, and who is now in partnership with
his father.
Interested always in community affairs, Mr. Powers has co-
operated in many well defined plans and purposes for upbuilding
the city and advancing its interests. He is now chairman of the
board of trustees of the public library and has been a member of
the board for thirty-four years. He has also been one of the park
commissioners for twelve years and has done much valuable work
in these connections in upholding the best interests of the city. He
belongs to San Salvador Council, No. 200, of the Knights of Colum-
bus and is a past grand knight of the order. He is likewise a past
chief ranger of Stoughton Court of the Catholic Order of Foresters
and he has membership with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and
is president of the Holy Name Society. His religious faith has
always been that of the Catholic church and his political support
has been given to the democratic party since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise. He is a broad-minded man, actuated by a
spirit of advancement in all that he undertakes, whether for the
benefit of his individual interests or of the public welfare.
WILLIAM T. DONOVAN.
William T. Donovan, well known in real estate circles in Quincy,
where he has conducted an office since 191 1, was born on the 29th
of November. 1880, in the city where he still resides, being one of a
large family. His parents were Timothy J. and Mary (Denward)
Donovan, who were natives of Ireland and in young manhood and
womanhood came to the new world. They were married on this side
Digitized by
Google
172 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
of the Atlantic and the father was employed as a tool sharpener in the
quarries. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Following his graduation from the high school of Quincy,
whereby he was well qualified for life's practical and responsible
duties, William T. Donovan turned his attention to the real estate
business, being associated with a large brokerage concern in Boston
for seven years. He afterward spent ten years as a government sten-
ographer and as private secretary to the admiral of the United States
navy at the Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation in Quincy, and in
191 1 he opened a real estate office for the conduct of an independent
business and has since specialized in- the brokerage business in con-
nection with the handling of property. He is thoroughly versed con-
cerning realty values in this section, knows what is upon the market
and has made judicious investments for his clients and at the same
time has negotiated many important realty transfers.
On the 29th of April, 1908, Mr. Donovan was united in marriage
to Miss Grace L. Connolly, of Maiden, Massachusetts. They are
members of St. John's Catholic church and Mr. Donovan is con-
nected with the Knights of Columbus, with the Ancient Order of
Hibernians and other organizations. In pelitics he maintains an
independent course, voting for men and measures rather than for
party. He served for two years in the city council, filling the office
in 1906 and 1907, during which period he exercised his official
prerogatives in support of many well devised plans and measures
for the general good, as he is ever interested in the development and
upbuilding of the city in which he lives.
ENOCH WAITE, Sr.
In the death of Enoch Waite, Sr., Franklin lost one of her valued
and representative citizens. He was long identified with its manu
facturing interests and his activities were always of a character that
contributed to general progress and prosperity as well as to indi-
vidual success. Moreover, his worth outside of business connections
was widely recognized. He was born in England on the 25th of
April, 1835, and his life record covered the intervening years to
the 1 2th of February, 191 2, when he was called to his final rest. His
parents were Joseph and Hannah Waite and the former was engaged
in the manufacture of felt for King George in England but in early
Digitized by
Google
EX(K'H WAITK, SR., AND KNOCK E. WAITE, JR.
Digitized by
Google
TJ'i r.T.V YC.-K
f'oBLlZ LiDr.ARY
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 175
manhood bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for
the new world, where he continued in the same line of business, be-
coming the first manufacturer of felt in America. After having es-
tablished his business and made preparations for the reception of his
family he sent for his wife and children, who joined him in his Mas-
sachusetts home. He continued a resident of this state until called
to his final r6st in 1888, when seventy-seven years of age. His widow
survived him for about four years and died in 1892 at the age ot
ninety-one years.
Enoch Waite, Sr., who was one of a family of ten children, at-
tended school at Newmarket, England, but his educational oppor-
tunities were extremely limited, for at the age of eight years he began
to provide for his own support, working at felt manufacturing. He
was fifteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to the United
States and he started upon his business career in the new world as an
employe at the old Bay State Mills at Lawrence, Massachusetts. In
1856 he removed to Johnson, Rhode Island, where he established a
mill for Judge Pitman's son for the manufacture of felt carpet and
devoted two years to that business. He later became a resident of
Lowell, Massachusetts, where he was employed in the Middles
Mills until 1861. In that year he became a resident of Winchester
and began operating a mill for F. M. Allen. This mill was devote
to the manufacture of fibrilla, an article made from tow and used
during the Civil war as a substitute for cotton. After peace was de-
clared there was no further use for the product and the mill was
closed. Mr. Waite afterward had charge of a mill in Charlestown
devoted to the manufacture of felt carpet, but after two years spent
in that connection he returned to Lawrence and engaged in the manu-
facture of glove linings. A little later he took up his abode at Wren-
tham, where he managed a mill owned by the Elliot Felting Com-
pany and devoted to the manufacture of felt table and piano covers
as well as other lines of felt goods.
In 1874 Mr. Waite came to Franklin and started in business on
his own account, manufacturing felt cloth. The enterprise prospered
from the beginning and after two years he admitted A. H. Morse
to a partnership in the business. They were thus associated until
1 88 1, when they severed their business connection and Mr. Waite es-
tablished what is konwn as the City Mills, which he conducted for
three years. He afterward opened a felt mill for F. B. Ray, called
the Union Mill, and about the same time embarked in business in
partnership with Bannigan, who was known as the rubber king of
Lawrence, Massachusetts. They were proprietors of the Lawrence
Digitized by
Google
176 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Felting Mills and their business association was continued until
1888, when Mr. Waite disposed of his interest to Mr. Bannigan,
after which he conducted a mill independently. He also purchased
a privilege in the Rockville Mill from Mr. Richardson, of Medway,
and converted the plant into a felt mill, which he turned over to the
managament of his son. Mr. Waite, Sr., became president and man-
ager of the Waite Felting Company of Franklin and continued in
those official connections for a number of years. Later he merged
his factories into the business combine known as the American Felt
Company, but continued to conduct the factories until his death. For
many years he figured most prominently as the leading felt manu-
facturer of the country and his thorough training and long experience
well qualified him for the important work which he did in that con-
nection.
Mr. Waite was united in marriage to Miss Anna Pearson, a
daughter of Joseph Pearson, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, who was
a mason by trade and spent his entire life in Lawrence. To Mr. and
Mrs. Waite were born three children, of whom the eldest died in
infancy. The daughter, Adella Marion, is the wife of C. F. Nye, of
Brookline, Enoch E. is the third in the family and is his father's
successor in business. Mr. Waite had been previously married, his
first union being with a Miss Ladd, of Mercer, Maine, by whom he
had one son, Perley Arthur, who was connected with his father in
business for many years and who died in 19 13. The first wife of
Mr. Waite passed away at the birth of her son and was laid to rest
in a cemetery at Mercer, Maine. When death called Enoch Waite,
Sr, his remains were interred in the family burying ground in
Lawrence. He is still survived by his widow, who yet makes her
home in Franklin.
His religious faith was that of the Universalist church and in
politics he was a stanch republican but was never an office seeker, his
business making too heavy demands upon his time to allow of active
work in political circles. There was no feature of felt manufautur-
ing with which he was not thoroughly familiar and his initiative
spirit prompted him to introduce many improvements in methods,
while at all times he held to the highest standards concerning the
products which he placed upon the market. He thus continued the
business in which his father engaged, becoming the pioneer in that
field in America, and the name of Waite has always been prominendy
and honorably associated with the trade on this side the Atlanric.
Mr. Waite was long accounted one of the representative residents
of Franklin, honored and respected by all for what he had accom-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 177
plished. He started out to provide for his own support when a little
lad of but eight years and his success was the direct result of per-
sistent and well directed energy.
ENOCH E. WAITE, Jr.
Enoch E. Waite, Jr., now largely devoting his attention to the
management of property interests left by his father, Enoch Waite,
Sr., whose history is given above, was born in Franklin on the 22d
of July, 1866. He attended the Franklin schools until he reached
the age of fourteen years and afterward became a student in the
Mitchell Military School of Billerica, Massachusetts, which he at-
tended for three years. He then entered his father's employ and
worked with him until 1907. He was afterward with the American
Felt Company through the succeeding five years and acted as assist-
ant superintendent both for his father and for the American Felt
Company. At his father's death both of his old mills were shut
down by the American Felt Company. Enoch E. Waite, Jr., is
familiar with every branch of the business, having had the most
thorough training along that line from the time when he put aside
his textbooks and entered upon the work to which the greater part
of his life has been devoted. Since the death of his father he has
given his attention to property interests and has also engaged in
teaming and in the sale of wood.
On the I St of January, 1891, Mr. Waite was united in mariage
to Miss Mary Alice Follette, a daughter of James and Anna (Hazel-
ton) Follette, who were natives of Providence, Rhode Island, and of
Cumberland Hill, Massachusetts, respectively. Both are now de-
ceased, their remains having been interred in West Wrentham. The
father was a farmer and devoted many years to the work of tilling
the soil there. Mr. and Mrs. Waite became the parents of three
children: Enoch Emmons, who enlisted in the United States Navy
and is on Commonwealth pier on a receiving ship ; Newman F., who
died at the age of fifteen years; and Francis H., at home.
Mr. Waite holds membership with Waunawauk Tribe, No. 83,
I. O. R. M. In politics he is a stanch republican but not an office
seeker although he keeps well informed on the question and issues
of the day and gives earnest and active support to all plans and
measures for the general good. His religious faith is that of the
Universalist church and its teachings guide him in all the relations
Digitized by
Google
178 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
of life. The Waite family has long been represented in this part
of the state and the name has ever been a synonym for progressiveness
in business and in citizenship.
FREDERICK S. LANE.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a
more enviable position in business and financial circles in Foxboro
and Norfolk county than does Frederick S. Lane, the treasurer of
the Cooperative Bank of Foxboro. He was born in Norton, Massa-
chusetts, May 8, 1849, and is a son of Calvin W. and Abba A.
(Stanley) Lane, who were also natives of Massachusetts. The father
was a carpenter and builder and followed his trade for many years
but eventually became connected with the Union Straw Works, hav-
ing charge of their buildings for an extended period. He removed
to Foxboro in 1851 and continued to make his home here throughout
his remaining days. Both he and his wife have passed away.
Frederick S. Lane was reared and educated in Foxboro and when
he had completed the work of the public schools he took up the
occupation of bookkeeping, which he followed for a long period.
He was also identified with business interests as superintendent in
straw shops for a time and later he engaged in the straw business on
his own account in partnership with others. At length he organ-
ized the Foxboro Electric Company and was part owner of the
business for some time but eventually sold out to the Union Light &
Power Company. He has ever been a forceful and resourceful man,
recognizing and utilizing opportunities that others have passed heed-
lessly by. He has watched every indication pointing to success and
as the years have passed he has constantly broadened his activities,
which have brought not only substantial results for himself, but have
also constituted elements of public progress. He was the first presi-
dent of the Norfolk & Bristol Street Railway Company and in 1889
he became one of the organizers of the Cooperative Bank, of which
he has since served as treasurer and clerk. The bank has dues and
capital amounting to three hundred and ninety-six thousand dollars,
profits amounting to ninety-five thousand dollars, a guaranty fund
of about seven thousand dollars and a surplus of thirteen thousand
dollars. The other officers of the bank are: F. A. Pettee, president;
and Forrest Bassett, vice president.
Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Bonney on
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 179
the 23d of October, 1873, a daughter of Hiram and Johanna
(Grover) Bonney, who became early residents of Norfolk county,
where the father engaged in business ^s a straw worker throughout
his entire life. Mr. and Mrs. Lane have become the parents of
three children: Harry A., who is chief engineer with the Baltimore
& Ohio Railroad Company, with headquarters in the city of Balti-
more, Maryland; Clifford W., who is superintendent of the wood
treating plant for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; and Mildred,
the deceased wife of S. Sibthorpe, of London. She was the mother
of four children, three daughters and a son.
In religious belief Mr. Lane is a Universalist and politically he
is a republican. In 1908 and 1909 he was called upon to represent
his district in the state legislature and served throughout those ses-
sions. He has also been a member of the Grange and of the Knights
of Honor and he likewise has membership in the Norfolk Club.
He is the president of the Cemetery Association and he is interested
in al^ those forces which work for the upbuilding and development of
the community in which he resides. Fraternally he is connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past grand of
his lodge, and he is a past master of the Masonic lodge and a past
high priest of the chapter, loyally adhering to the teachings of the
craft.
HENRY T. RICHARDSON.
Henry T. Richardson, attorney at law and the president of the
Norfolk County Bar Association, makes his home in Brookline but
practices at the Boston bar. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, De-
cember 20, 1 87 1, and is a son of Joseph H. Richardson, who was a
native of Medway, Massachusetts, and descendant of one of the
old families of this state, of English origin. The founder of the
American branch of the family was John Richardson, a son of
Joseph Lovell Richardson. The family was established in America
in the early part of the seventeenth century and representatives of the
name have since figured prominently in connection with many events
which have left their impress upon the history of the state. Joseph
H. Richardson, the father of Henry T. Richardson, was a Civil war
veteran, having served for four years in the Union army as a member
of the Sixteenth Massachusetts Infantry with the rank of corporal.
He participated in a number of hotly contested engagements and was
Digitized by
Google
180 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
wounded on four occasions, one of these being in the battle of Gettys-
burg. After the war he removed westward to Chicago, where he
engaged in the restaurant business, but his establishment was de-
stroyed during the great fire of October, 1871, after which he re-
turned to the east and took up his abode in Medway, Massachusetts.
Later he removed to Brookline, where he resided for a number of
years, but passed away at Danvers, his death tfiere occurring in De-
cember, 191 2, when he had reached the age of seventy-two years. He
married Annie Eliza Tucker, a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, and
a daughter of the Rev. Joshua T. Tucker, a Congregational clergy-
man, who was descended from an old Massachusetts family livinj^
at Holliston. Mrs. Richardson passed away in Medway, Massa-
chusetts, in 1882, at the age of thirty-seven years. By her marriage
she has become the mother of three children, but two of the number
are now deceased.
Henry T. Richardson, the only surviving member of the family
pursued his education in the public schools of Medway and after
graduating from the high school he started out to provide for his own
support when a youth of eighteen years. He turned his attention to
newspaper work, becoming a reporter on the Milford Gazette and
also representing in a repertorial capacity the Maiden News and the
Boston Globe. While thus engaged he devoted every leisure mo-
ment to the study of law and in January, 1893, was admitted to the
bar, after which he entered upon the active practice of his profession
in Boston, where he has since remained, giving his time, thought
and energy to the important duties which have devolved upon him in
connection with the general practice of law. He has made a steady
progress in his chosen calling and his high standing is indicated in
the fact that he is now the president of the Norfolk County Bar Asso-
ciation. He also belongs to the Massachusetts State Bar Association
and the American Bar Association. In addition to practicing in the
state courts he practices also in the United States circuit and district
courts. Aside from his professional interests he is a director and
clerk of the Manhattan Market Company of Cambridge and a
director and clerk of the Edward T. Russell Company, Inc., of
Boston.
On the 7th of September, 1893, in Boston, Mr. Richardson was
united in marriage to Miss Myra Dickinson, a native of that city
and the adopted daughter of the Rev. Charles A. and Esther G.
(Goodrich) Dickinson. They have become parents of five children:
Esther A., who was born in Boston, October 20, 1894; Philip and
Donald, twins, born in Brookline, April 20, 1900; Ruth, born in
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 181
Brooklihe December 30, 1905; and Barbara, born in Brookline, July
4, 1912.
In his political views Mr. Richardson has always been a republi-
can, giving stanch support to the party, yet has never been an aspirant
for office. He is interested in many projects having to do with the
public welfare and stands stanchly for those interests which are a
matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He is a member of the
Mercantile Library Association of Boston, of which at one time he
served as president, and for many years was one of its trustees. He is
also a member of the Boston Congregational Club, which has hon-
ored him with its presidency, and of the Boston City Club. He has
membership in the Harvard Congregational church of Brookline
and in the Brookline Historical Society, in the work of which he
takes a most active and helpful interest. He is equally efficient in
his work in behalf of civic interests and he attacks with enthusiasm
every public interest with which he becomes connected. His worth
as a citizen is widely acknowledged and his ability has made for
leadership in public thought and action. His endorsement of any
measure is sure to secure for it a large following and his support of
any public project is given as the result of careful consideration of
the questions and a firm belief of the value of the cause.
HENRY W. WINSHIP.
Henry W. Winship, who is engaged in the drug business at
Stoughton, was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, October 27, 1882, a
son of Charles V. and Alice E. (Ward) Winship. The father is a
native of Sharon but the mother's birth occurred in Stoughton.
Charles V. Winship devoted many years of his life to shoe manufac-
turing and in early manhood became a resident of Stoughton, where
he has since made his home but is now living retired, enjoying the
fruits of his former toil in a well earned rest.
Henry W. Winship was but two years of age when the family
home was established in Stoughton and when a lad of six years he
became a pupil in the public schools, mastering the work of successive
grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of
1900. He soon afterward made his initial step in the business world
and in fact had been employed in a drug store before his graduation.
After his textbooks were put aside he continued in active connec-
tion with the drug trade and for two years he was a student in a col-
Digitized by
Google
182 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COtJNTY
lege of pharmacy in Boston. In 1905 he took the required examina-
tion whereby he became a registered pharmacist. For several years
he was in the employ of Dr. Swan, of Stoughton, and for a time con-
ducted the drug store owned by the Doctor. In 1906 he bought the
business, which he has since conducted. He had had experience
as a drug clerk in different stores while a college student in Boston,
and his preliminary training had well qualified him for the duties
which now devolve upon him. He carries an extensive stock of
drugs and druggists' sundries and his store presents a neat and attrac-
tive appearance by reason of its careful arrangement. A liberal
patronage is enjoyed by Mr. Winship, who now ranks with the lead-
ing and representative merchants of the city.
On the 27th of October, 1904, Mr. Winship was joined in wedlock
to Miss Catherine R. Wales, and they have become the parents of
two children: Henry W., who was born January 10, 1907; and
Evelyn, born in July, 1915.
Mr. and Mrs. Winship are members of the Universalist church
and he is identified with several fraternal organizations, including
the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the New England Order of Protec-
tion and the Owls. In the Masonic fraternity he has taken the degrees
of lodge and chapter. He is also a member of the Chicatawbut
Club. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and
he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship but does not care for
public office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his busi-
ness affairs. He formerly conducted drug stores in Norwood and
Mansfield, Massachusetts, before his father retired and still has an.
interest in those establishments but concentrates his efforts and atten-
tion largely upon his store in Stoughton and in this connection is con-
trolling a business enterprise of large and gratifying proportions.
FRANK A. SHINER.
Manufacturing interests of Norfolk county find a worthy repre-
sentative in Frank A. Shiner, who is devoting his attention to the
manufacture of box toes for shoes, in which connection he has built
up a business of substantial proportions. He was born in Wrentham,
Norfolk county, in December, 1857, a son of Alexander and Elmira
(Burnor) Shiner, the former a native of Canada, while the latter
was born in Vermont. The father devoted his life to agricultural
pursuits and in 1849 he became a resident of Norfolk county, Mas-
Digitized by
Google
FRANK A. SHINER
Digitized by
Google
:r;ARY
'^X AND
i » .^JJ
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 185
sachusetts, where for a time he was employed as a farm hand; but
carefully saving his earnings, his industry and economical expendi-
ture at length brought him the capital that enabled him to purchase
land, after which he operated a farm of his own for a number of
years. In 1861 he responded to the call of his adopted country for
aid and joined the Union army as a member of Company I, Eight-
eenth Massachusetts Infantry, with which he served until he sus-
tained a wound in the second battle of Bull Run. He had previously
taken part in a number of hotly contested engagements and in this
one he fell before the enemy's bullets, his wound causing him the
loss of one of his arms. He afterward returned to Wrentham, wher'
his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1898, while
his wife passed away in 1877.
Frank A. Shiner, spending his youthful days under the parenta'
roof, obtained his education in the public schools of Wrentham and
when his textbooks were put aside secured employment in a felt
mill, where he remained for seven years. He afterward worked in
a straw hat manufactory for twenty-two years, his long retention in
the service of one company indicating most clearly his capability, his
fidelity and his trustworthiness. He then began hat manufacturing
on his own account, but three months after establishing his business,
his factory was destroyed by fire. He then turned his attention to
soap manufacturing and chemical business in Franklin and after
operating along that line for one year sold his interest. He next
engaged in his present line of business, organizing the Ray-Shiner
Manufacturing Company for the manufacture of box toes. They
have conducted the business continuously since July i, 1908, and
their patronage has steadily grown until their trade is now very
substantial and gratifying.
In June, 1883, Mr. Shiner was united in marriage to Miss Mary
E. Briggs, a daughter of Richard A. and Annie (Joslin) Briggs,
who were natives of Rhode Island and in early life became resi-
dents of Norfolk county, Massachusetts. The father worked in the
mills for many years and both he and his wife have passed away,
Mrs. Briggs being called to her final rest in January, 1917. Mrs.
Shiner departed this life in November, 19 16, after a year's illness.
Fraternally Mr. Shiner is connected with the Masons, the Odd
Fellows and the Elks and in his life exemplifies the spirit upon
which these organizations are founded. His political allegiance is
given to the republican party and his religious faith is that of the
Universalist church. His has been an active, useful, upright and
honorable life and the steps in his orderly progression are easily
Digitized by
Google
186 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
discernible. Actuated by a laudable ambition, he has worked his
way steadily upward and today is closely and prominently con-
nected with manufacturing interests at Franklin.
ALFRED L. SOULE.
Alfred L. Soule is a prominent representative of commercial
activity in Stoughton, where he is engaged in the wholesale paper
trade. He is a native son of the city in which he makes his home
and here he has spent his entire life. He was born in November, 1880,
of the marriage of John and Manatta (Cobbett) Soule, the former
a native of Mansfield, Massachusetts, while the latter was born in
Easton, Massachusetts. Mr. Soule was for many years engaged in
clerking and later turned his attention to the manufacture of paper
boxes, in which business he continued for a number of years. He
located in Stoughton at a very early period in its development and in
fact was reared and educated in the town, where he still resides.
His wife passed away in June, 1898.
After acquiring a public school education Alfred L. Soule started
upon his business career as an employe in the factory of the J. G.
Phinney Counter Company, with which he remained for three years.
He afterward occupied the position of shipper with the Stoughton
Rubber Company for one year and later engaged in clerking for
ten years but throughout the entire period was actuated by the laud-
able ambition of some day engaging in business on his own account.
With that end in view he carefully saved his earnings and on the ist
of January, 1916, opened the wholesale paper house of which he is
now the head. In the interim he has built up a business of gratifying
proportions and is now enjoying a large and growing patronage, his
trade coming from all the surrounding towns and also from various
points in New Hampshire. Thoroughly reliable in his business
methods and progressive in all that he does, he has gained a liberal
patronage and his patrons are ever willing to speak a good word
for him, recognizing in him a wide-awake, alert and enterprising
business man and one of unquestionable reliability.
In October, 1902, Mr. Soule was united in marriage to Miss
'Grace M. Cutting, a daughter of Burton and Annie (Crofts) Cut-
ting. The former was born in Berlin, Massachusetts, and the
mother's birth occurred in Watertown, this state. Mr. Cutting was
an expressman of Boston for twenty-five years and on the expiration
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 187
of that period removed to Stoughton in 1898. Since that time he has
been connected with the grain trade in Stoughton and he has now
reached the age of seventy.
Mr. Soule and his wife are members of the Universalist church
and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, in which he has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge,
being the youngest past grand of the organization. He is also a
member of Perseverance Lodge, No. 97, of the Order of Rebekah.
His political endorsement is given to the republican party. He
closely studies the vital questions and issues of the day and his posi-
tion upon any important question is never an equivocal one. Mr.
Soule deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a
business way. Starting out in life without financial assistance from
anyone, he has made for himself a creditable place in commercial
circles through the strength of his character, through his determined
purpose and is creditable ambition. His advancement proves what
can be accomplished through individual effort and his record also
indicates the fact that success and an honored name may be won
simultaneously.
LESLIE S. WIGGIN.
Leslie S. Wiggin, embalmer and undertaker and one of the repre-
sentative citizens of Norfolk county, making his home in Franklin,
was born in Medway, Norfolk county, August 28, 1883, and is a
son of George A. and Alma M. (Farrington) Wiggin. The mother
is also a native of Medway and is a representative of one of the old
and prominent families of Norfolk county. The father was born in
Franklin. In early life the parents attended school in Norfolk county
and, having arrived at years of maturity, were here married. They
began their domestic life in the county, where they have since re-
mained. In early manhood the father engaged in the manufacture
of shoes and later he entered the straw working business, which he
still follows. He and his wife now make their home in Medfield, and
they have an extensive circle of warm friends in this locality. To
Mr. and Mrs. Wiggin were born eight children, five of whom are
yet living: George Farrington, a resident of Medway; Kenneth, of
Medfield; Mrs. Grace Crown, also living in Medfield; Esther, whose
home is in Medfield ; and Leslie S., who was the second in order of
birth.
Digitized by
Google
188 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
In his youthful days Leslie S. Wiggin attended the public schools
of Medway and afterward learned the shoe manufacturing business
through practical experience, being employed along those lines for
a time. Eventually he gave up work of that character to enter upon
the furniture trade. He continued to work for others in the furniture
and undertaking business from 1901 until 191 2, when he bought out
the undertaking business of his uncle, Alfred Farrington, at Franklin
and has since carried on the business successfully. His patronage
has steadily grown and he is today the leading undertaker of his part
of Norfolk county. He has splendid equipment, including an up-
to-date auto funeral car and several fine motor cars used in con-
nection with the conduct of funerals.
Fraternally Mr. Wiggin is connected with the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks and also with the Masonic fraternity. While
still a young man, he has made notable success and has won his ad-
vancement through his persistency of purpose and straightforward
dealings. He stands high in business circles and he has the social
qualities which have made for personal popularity among those with
whom he has been brought in contact.
M. J. ZINNER.
The rubber manufacturing interests of the country are largely
concentrated in New England and active in this field of labor is M.
J. Zinner, who is now the manager of the raincoat department of the
Stoughton Rubber Company, which is a branch of the United States
Rubber Company. He is thoroughly familiar with his line of trade
and is thus well qualified for the important responsibilities that de-
volve upon him in this connection. He was born in Dresden, Ger-
many, August 24, 1869, and is a son of Joseph H. and Eleanor
(Weiss) Zinner, who were also natives of Germany. The father
was a practicing physician of that country and served as an army
surgeon in 1866 and 1872. He also occupied the position of coroner
there for sixteen years. His death occurred in 1899, while his wife
passed away in 1904.
M. J. Zinner remained a resident of his native land through the
greater part of his minority and pursued his education largely in the
schools of Dresden. In 1885, when sixteen years of age, he crossed
the Atlantic to the United States and landed at New York, where he
remained for a short time. He afterward went to Chicago, where
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 189
he continued for a brief period and then resumed his westward
journey with Omaha, Nebraska, as his destination. Later he re-
turned eastward to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked at his trade of
designing in connection with the tailoring business and also did the
practical work of tailoring in these di'flferent cities. He was em-
ployed in Cleveland for two years, after which he returned to New
York and entered a designing academy. Later he again went to
Cleveland, where he took a position as designer in a merchant tail-
oring establishment, being there employed until 1891, when he be:
came connected with the Mechanical Rubber Company of Cleve-
land, a branch of the United States Rubber Company. About 1900
he was transferred to Stoughton, Norfolk county, where he has since
been located, and was made manager of the raincoat department
at this place. His long experience in connection with the rubber
trade has well qualified him for the duties that devolve upon him in
this connection and he is a valued representative of the company by
reason of his skill and efficiency.
On the 25th of January, 1898, Mr. Zinner was united in marriage
to Miss Jennie Metzel and to them have been born three children:
May Joyce, who is the wife of S. T. R. Wienrt, and they reside with
her father; Gertrude, the wife of Ernest J. Hodges, living in
Boston; and Joseph H., who is attending school.
Mr. Zinner is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the
Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Foresters. He
likewise is a valued and prominent member of the Chicatawbut Club,
of which he is the secretary, and in politics he is a stalwart republican.
He is interested in all public and community affairs and has served
on the food production and conservation committee of Stoughton
and on the Red Cross committee. He cooperates heartily in all move-
ments which are looking to the advancement of the interests of the
government in connection with the prosecution of the war and his
public-spirited devotion to American interests is a matter well known
to all with whom he has come in contact.
GEORGE R. ELLIS.
George R. Ellis, attorney at law of Foxboro and prominent in the
affairs of his community, doing much to shape public thought and
action, was born in the city of Boston, July 29, 1876, a son of Judson
and Elizabeth (Smith) Ellis, the former a native of Nova Scotia,
Digitized by
Google
190 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
while the latter was born on Prince Edward Island. In early life
Judson Ellis took up his abode in Boston, where he worked at the
cabinet maker's trade until 1884. He then removed to Foxboro,
Norfolk county, and purchased a little farm which he continued
to cultivate and improve and at the same time carried on carpenter-
ing up to the time of his death, which occurred July 5, 1894. His
wife survived him for about seventeen years, being called to her final
rest on the 20th of June, 191 1.
George R. Ellis spent his youthful days in his parents' home and
enjoyed the educational training offered by the public schools of
Boston and of Foxboro. He attended the Quaker Hill school and the
high school of Foxboro and was thus well qualified for life's practical
and responsible duties. He afterward started upon his business
career as an employe of the New Haven Railroad Company in 1893,
accepting a position as clerk and telegraph operator. He continued
with that road in various capacities for twenty-one years. He then
left the employe of the railroad company on the 4th of February,
1914. In the meantime laudable ambition had prompted him to
prepare for activity along other lines. He had pursued an evening
course of study in the Young Men's Christian Association Law
School, beginning in 1908 and completing the course by graduation
in 1912. He was admitted to the bar on the 21st of February, 1913,
and then opened an office in Foxboro. The following year he was
elected to the positions of town treasurer and town clerk and has since
served in the dual capacity, making a most creditable record by his
prompt and faithful service in both connections. He has also acted
as clerk and treasurer of the lighting district of Foxboro since March,
1910, and he filled the position of assessor in 1907. Over the record
of his public career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of
evil, for he has been most diligent, systematic and efficient in the
discharge of all the duties that have come to him. He remains active
in the practice of law and he is also the president of the Foxboro
Realty Company. He is clerk and a member of the board of trustees
of the Foxboro Savings bank and also clerk of the Savings Bank
Corporation.
On the 26th of October, 1898, Mr. Ellis was married to Ada S.
Hayes, a daughter of Hiram and Harriett (Rose) Hayes, the former
a native of Granby, Connecticut, while the latter was born in Water-
bury, Connecticut. Her father devoted his life to the occupation of
farming in his native state but is now living retired. The mother
passed away in 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have become parents of
a son and a daughter: Arthur H., who was born April 25, 1906; and *
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 191
Grace S., who was born October 7, 1903. Both are now attending
school.
Mr. Ellis is well known as a loyal representative of the Masonic
fraternity and is now serving as secretary of St. Albans Lodge, F. &
A. M., of which he is a past master. He is also district deputy grand
master of the Twenty-eighth Masonic District of Massachusetts.
He is likewise connected with Keystone Chapter, R. A. M., and he
belongs to Excelsior Lodge, L O. O. F. He is likewise treasurer of
the local Board of Trade. He has been a member of the town re-
publican committee and served as its secretary for a number of
years. His life has been actuated by the teachings of the Congrega-
tional church, of which he is a loyal adherent. Those who know him,
and he has many friends, esteem him for his genuine worth and his
marked devotion to duty in office and in every relation of life.
JOHN C. ERASER, M. D.
Dr. John C. Eraser, who since 1876 has been engaged in the prac-
tice of medicine at East Weymouth, was born in Antigonish, Nova
Scotia, August 2, 1853, a son of John and Mary (Chisholm) Eraser,
who were natives of Scotland. The father came to America in 1832,
settling in Antigonish, where he engaged in farming. He met with
substantial success in his undertakings and continued to make his
home in that locality until his demise, which occurred in August,
1883. His widow survived him for a decade and a half, passing
away in September, 1898.
Dr. Eraser of this review was reared and educated in Nova Scotia.
After completing his literary course by graduation from a college
there he entered the Harvard Medical School in 1873 and was grad-
uated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College with the class of
1876. The same year he located for practice in East Weymouth,
where he has since maintained his office, and throughout the inter-
vening period, covering more than forty-one years, he has enjoyed
a large practice that indicates him to be one of the most capable
physicians in eastern Massachusetts.
In July, 1880, Dr. Eraser was married to Miss Mary A. Boyle,
a daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Cullen) Boyle, the former
a native of Ireland, whence he came to America in early life, settling
at East Weymouth, where he engaged in the confectionery business
throughout his remaining days. He died in 1906 while his wife was
Digitized by
Google
192 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
called to her final rest in 1903. To Dr. and Mrs. Fraser have been
born five children: Mary G., who is now the wife of Dr. Whelan,
of Hingham, Massachusetts; Archibald McKay, a practicing physi-
cian, who is now a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the United
States army; Katherine E., at home; Somers, a physician of Boston,
who is now serving with the rank of captain at Camp Devens at
Ayer, Massachusetts; and Irene A., who is a teacher in a high school
at East Weymouth. Dr. and Mrs. Fraser afforded their children
good educational opportunities and all are college graduates.
Dr. Fraser is a Catholic in religious faith and holds member-
ship with the Knights of Columbus. Politically he maintains an
independent course. He has served on the school board for six years
and is medical examiner for Norfolk county. He is also president of
the Norfolk South District Medical Society and is a member of the
Massachusetts Medical Association, the American Medical Associ-
ation and the Massachusetts Medical Legal Society. He is now serv-
ing on the exemption board and his progressiveness in citizenship is
manifest in his active identification with many interests that are look-
ing to community welfare and national interests.
HON. GEORGE ALBERT WALES.
Hon. George Albert Wales is one of the valued and well known
citizens of Stoughton. He has been identified with its manufacturing
interests, has served as postmaster and has also represented his dis-
trict in the state legislature. He was born March 26, 1858, in the
city which is still his home, his parents being George and Emily F.
(Richards) Wales, the former a native of Stoughton, while the latter
was born in South Weymouth, Norfolk county. The paternal grand-
father, Martin Wales, was also a native of Stoughton, so that the
family has been represented in the city through five successive gener-
ations. George Wales, Sr., engaged in the manufacture of boots and
shoes and was also a retail shoe dealer of Stoughton, being thus con-
nected with the commercial and manufacturing interests of the city
throughout his entire life. He was regarded as one of the best judges
of shoes and leather in the state and was also accounted one of the
foremost salesmen in connection with the trade. He conducted an
extensive business during the period of the Civil war but lost heavily
through those to whom he had extended credit in the southern states.
His wife's people were all manufacturers and leather dealers, so that
Digitized by
Google
GEORGK A. WALES
Digitized by
Google
I
THE r:£V,' YORK
PUBLIC LIDLA'/.V
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 195
the name of Wales has been long and closely associated with the
leather trade and shoe manufacturing interests of eastern Massachu-
setts. George Wales, Sr., departed this life March 4, 1904, when he
had reached the age of sixty-nine years, and his wife died in Decem-
ber, 1864, when but twenty-nine years of age. He later married
again and by that union there was one daughter, Emily F., who still
resides in Stoughton.
George A. Wales, the only child of the father's first marriage,
was reared and educated in Stoughton and supplemented his public
school training by a course in a commercial college at Boston, being
thus thoroughly qualified for life's practical and responsible duties.
He chose the occupation to which he had been reared. He went
to work in a shoe factory and started out by mastering the tasks of
the workman at the bench. In fact he learned the shoemaker's
trade in every detail before leaving school. A year after leaving
school he became ill and had to abandon work in the shoe factory.
He then turned his attention to the grocery and provision business,
which occupied his attention for two years. This enabled him to be
out of doors much of the time and in that way his health became re-
stored. He then returned to the shoe factory, entering the employ
of Wallace & Elliott, with whom he continued for a year, at the end
of which time he was given charge of a depai'tment, being then but
eighteen years of age. He continued to act in that capacity for
twenty years and during that period the output was increased to one
hundred dozen pairs of shoes per day. Desirous of engaging in
business on his own account, however, he eagerly embraced the op-
portunity and formed a company under the style-of the Wales-French
Boot & Shoe Company, of which he became the president and man-
ager. This business was continued for four years, at the end of
which time they sold out. Mr. Wales then went to Campello, South
Brockton, Massachusetts, where he was associated with the George
Keith Shoe Company, manufacturers of the Walk Over shoes. His
identification with that house covered two years.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Wales was appointed post-
master of Stoughton, which position he acceptably and creditably
filled for thirteen years or until February, 191 5. During that period
the rural and city delivery was started and the business of the post-
ofRcc at Stoughton was greatly increased. He was also in charge
of the postal savings and of the city delivery and in fact the interests
of the ofl[ice more than doubled during his administration. He
proved adequate to the demands made upon him, however, and
placed the business of the oflfice upon a very substantial basis. In
Digitized by
Google
196 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
19 17 he was elected from his district to the state legislature, repre-
senting Randolph, Stoughton an4 Sharon in the general assembly.
He made an excellent record and was connected with much con-
structive work of the house. He has long been actively identified
with public and political affairs and his influence has always
been on the side of progress and improvement. He has served on
many important committees and no project or plan for the general
good has sought his assistance in vain. His service in the state legis-
lature in 1 9 17 was not his first experience in this connection, for in
1895-6 he had also been a member of the house of representatives,
having been sent from the district comprising Walpole, Sharon,
Avon, Stoughton and Randolph. He continued his activity in con-
nection with business interests of his town, becoming one of the
organizers of the Stoughton Cooperative Bank, of which he remained
a director and the auditor for many years. He is still one of the
stockholders.
In May, 1881, Mr. Wales was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Eliza Kellogg, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Capen) Kellogg,
who were natives of West Brookfield and of Stoughton respectively.
Mrs. Wales was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, where her parents
had located in early life. Her father there worked at the trade of
harness making and carriage trimming and afterward engaged in
business along those lines on his own account. He died in May, 1875,
and his widow survived only until December, 1880. Mr. and Mrs.
Wales have become the parents of two children. The elder, Helen
L., is the widow of Frank S. Farrell, a chemist of note and also a
musician, who lived for only twenty- four hours after his marriage.
Mrs. Farrell is a graduate of Wellesley and also took special work
at Harvard University, Massachusetts Agricultural College, Boston
University and Cornell University. This with two years of prac-
tical laboratory work as assistant chemist in a large chemical man-
ufacturing company particularly fits her for her present position
as instructor in science at Bradford Academy. The younger daugh-
ter, Ethel Frances, is the wife of Walter F. Edwards, who is a first
lieutenant of the National Army, now stationed at Camp Devens at
Ayer, Massachusetts. They have one child, Margaret Louise.
Mr. Wales has ever been most deeply and helpfully interested in
matters of general concern in Stoughton and Norfolk county. He is
a representative of one of its oldest and most prominent families and
his ancestors have been prominent factors in molding public thought
and action and in directing public interests here. His people for
generations have been well known manufacturers of shoes and leather
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 197
goods. At the time of his grandfather's death he was president of
a railroad, president of one bank of Stoughton and director of two
others. All this he had accomplished in the course of his life, for he
started out in the business world empty-handed and it was through
the force of his character, his determined purpose and his unfaltering
energy that he gained the prominent position which he occupied in
business and financial circles — a position which won for him the
honor and respect of all who knew him. The house in which
Mr. Wales' father was born is one of the old mansions of Stoughton
and is situated in the heart of the town.
George A. Wales of this review has always been interested in the
old Stoughton Grenadiers, one of the old-time military organizations
of Norfolk county. He is also a member of the Stoughton Historical
Society and is keenly interested in everything that has to do with the
perpetuation of the records which mark the progress and upbuilding
of this section of the state. Like his grandfather, he has become a
factor in financial circles of his native city. He was one of the organ-
izers of the Stoughton Cooperative Bank, served as one of its di-
rectors for a long period and was its auditor for many years. He
still remains one of its stockholders. Fraternally he is connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Masonic
lodge and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which
these organizations are based. He is also a member of the Stoughton
Board of Trade and has been interested in the many projects which
the organization has put forth for the welfare of the city. He is
a man of fine personal appearance, of genial manner, of cordial
disposition and of genuine worth, and all who know him attest the
fact that his friends throughout Stoughton and Norfolk county are
legion.
HARRY L. HOWARD.
Harry L. Howard, prominently identified with business, profes-
sional and political interests in Walpole, was born on the 6th of,
August, 1874, in Salem, Massachusetts, his parents being Eben S. and
Ann M. (Welch) Howard, the latter a native of Shapleigh, Maine.
The father was for forty years engaged in the grocery business in
Peabody, Massachusetts, and in that city Harry L. Howard pur-
sued his public school education, while later he attended the Salem
Commercial School at Satem, Massachusetts, and afterward be-
came a student in the Northeastern College of Law. He has figured
Digitized by
Google
198 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
prominently in musical and business circles and in professional con-
nections since his school days were over. He was in early man-
hood a flutist in an orchestra at Syracuse, New York, and afterward
became teacher of flute in the Southern College of Music in Colum-
bus, Georgia. He then devoted a number of years to the business
of expert accountant and became accountant for the J. S. Fisher
Lumber Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later for Hassett
& Hodge, carriage manufacturers of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and
for the Consolidated Phosphate Company of Boston. He was also
at one time president of the Medfield Electric Light & Power Com-
pany and was afterward accountant for the Norfolk Western Street
Railway Company, of which he became a director.
In 1900 Mr. Howard was admitted to the bar and in 1898 was
appointed by Governor Walcott as clerk of the district court of
western Norfolk, which position he still occupies, his incumbency
covering twenty years. In 1904 he was elected town clerk of Wal-
pole and has been reelected at each subsequent annual election since
that time. In 191 5 he was elected water commissioner of the town
of Walpole and is serving at the present date. In August, 191 7, he
was appointed by Governor McCall as government appeal agent.
His public service has been of an important character and the en-
dorsement of his work has come to him in his frequent jeelections.
He is also identified with financial interests of eastern Massachu-
setts as a director of the Medfield Cooperative Bank, in which posi-
tion he has continued since 1907.
On the 14th of July 1903, in New York city, Mr. Howard was
united in marriage to Miss Nellie F. Mahoney and to them have
been born four children: Harry F., Theodore R., Ruth L. and
Phyllis E.
Mr. Howard is a member of the Walpole Board of Trade, of the
Norfolk Republican Club and has served on the republican town
committee. His military experience covers three years' service with
the Massachusetts Militia of the Second Corps of Cadets at Salem,
Massachusetts, and he did actual service in the Spanish-American
war of 1898. Fraternally Mr. Howard is connected with the Elks
lodge of Norwood. He also belongs to Orient Lodge, A. F. & A. M.,
of Norwood ; Hebron Chapter, R. A. M., of Norwood ; DeMolay
Commandery, K. T., of Boston; and the various Scottish Rite bodies,
including Massachusetts Consistory, S. P. R. S., in which he has
attained the thirty-second degree of Masonry. He is also identified
with Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Boston and is very
prominent and widely known in Masonic circles. His business abil-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 199
ity and his official activity have brought him prominently before the
public and all who know him speak of him in high terms by reason
of his genuine personal worth, capability and fidelity to duty.
GEORGE P. MASON.
George P. Mason was for many years actively identified with the
business interests of Franklin and at a later period continued his
residence there, although he had retired from business. He was born
in Warren, Rhode Island, on the 2d of March, 1855, a son of Charlei
and Eliza (Peck) Mason, both of whom were natives of Swansea,
Massachusetts. In young manhood the father learned the mason's
trade and removed to Warren in order to engage in business there.
In 1876 he removed to Cornish, New Hampshire, where he fol-
lowed general farming for a number of years, but his last days were
spent in Franklin, Massachusetts, where he passed away on the nth
of September, 1896. His widow survived him for a few years, her
death occurring in Warren, Rhode Island, on the 23d of November,
1902. In their family were four children, of whom the eldest,
Phoebe, died at the age of four years, while Charles C. passed away
in Franklin, Massachusetts, on the 6th of March, 1892, and Edmund
G. now makes his home in Raynham, Massachusetts.
The third of the family was George P. Mason, whose name intro-
duces this review. He was largely educated in the public schools
of Warren, Rhode Island, passing through consecutive grades to
his graduation from the high school. He remained at home until he
reached the age of twenty years and then removed to Franklin, where
he conducted a market in partnership with his father-in-law, Charles
W. Clark, until 1888. In that year he went to Boston, Massachusetts,
as manager of a wholesale beef house and his business ability is in-
dicated in the fact that he was retained in that connection for eighteen
and a half years or until his health failed and he was obliged to discon-
tinue business. He then returned to Franklin in 1909 and spent his
remaining days there, passing away on the 4th of May, 1914, when in
the sixtieth year of his age.
On the 3d of January, 1876, Mr. Mason was united in marriage
to Miss Mary J. Clark, a daughter of Charles W. and Elmira
(Albee) Clark, of Milford, Massachusetts. Her father was born in
Franklin, where he remained during the greater part of his life, en-
gaged in the market business. He died May 21, 1892, after which
Digitized by
Google
200 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Mrs. Clark lived with her daughter, Mrs. Mason, until called to her
final rest. She passed away in Brighton on the 12th of November,
1909.
Death again entered the Mason home when Mr. Mason de-
parted this life in 19 14. He had been a loyal member of the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to Excelsior Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and also to
Miller Chapter, R. A. M., of Franklin. His life was an exemplifica-
tion of the beneficient spirit of the craft and his genuine personal
worth as well as his business ability and his loyalty in citizenship
gained for him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he
was brought in contact.
CHARLES ALBERT TURNER.
Charles Albert Turner has continuously served in public office in
Dedham since 1902 and his record is characterized by marked devo-
tion to duty and by notable efficiency. A native of Maine, he was
born in Salem on the 3d of March, 1855, his parents being Horatio
Gates and Justina (Heath) Turner. The father was born in Salerti,
Maine, January 14, 1829, and in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1851,
he wedded Justina Heath, also a native of Salem, Maine. In 1873
they became residents of Dedham, where they now reside. The
father was for half a century engaged in street paving as a con-
tractor in Boston. During the period of the Civil war he responded
to the call for troops and enlisted as a member of Company E,
Forty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, with which he
served for a year. He was sent home in a very serious condition as
a typhoid fever patient, lying in a dirty box car all the way from
New Orleans to Boston for a period of six days and six nights. Such
a condition naturally aggravated the disease and his health was so
seriously impaired that he was no longer fitted for active service.
Charles Albert Turner spent his youthful days in Charlestown,
Massachusetts, to the age of eighteen years and was a pupil in the
public schools. From the time he left school he was connected with
his father in the contracting business, to which he devoted his ef-
forts and his energies from 1874 ^^^^^ 1896. In the latter year he
was badly injured in an accident that disabled him for five or six
years. In 1902 he was called to public office, being elected to the
board of assessors of the town of Dedham, and he served as a member
and clerk of the board until 191 2. In the latter year he was elected
Digitized by
Google
CHARLES A. TURNER
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 203
collector of taxes for the town of Dedham and has been reelected at
each succeeding election since that time, so that he has now filled the
position for six years. Also since 191 2 he has served as clerk
of the board of sewer commissioners of Dedham, and he is inter-
ested in all that pertains to the progress and development of the
county seat and cooperates most heartily in plans and measures which
advance public progress. He has been treasurer of the Dedham
Board of Trade since 1904, in which year it was organized, and at
no point in his career has he hesitated to give strong endorsement
and active cooperation to every plan or purpose which he believes to
be for the benefit of the city and its upbuliding.
On the 22d of May, 1878, in Dedham, Mr. Turner was united
in marriage to Miss Abbie Jane Gould, a daughter of Ebenezer
Gould, now deceased. They have become parents of a daughter,
Laura Frances, now the wife of Edward H. King, a resident of Reid-
ville, one of the suburbs of Boston.
Politically Mr. Turner is a republican and fraternally he is
connected with the Masons. He is a past rffcster of Constellation
Lodge, F. & A. M., is also a Knight Templar and a Noble of the
Mystic Shrine. He is the secretary and treasurer of the Society in
Dedham for the Apprehension of Horse Thieves and he is a member
of the Mill Village Old Home Association. All this indicates th*
nature and breadth of his interests and his activities. He is a man
of progressive spirit, alert and enterprising, constantly reaching out
along lines of helpfulness, and his worth as an individual and as a
citizen is widely acknowledged.
COLONEL EDWARD MARK OILMAN.
Colonel Edward Mark Oilman is the president and treasurer of
the Reversible Collar Company and is thus active in the control and
management of one of the important manufacturing interests
of Boston, conducting business at No. 95 Milk Street. His
identification with the interests of Norfolk county comes
from the fact that he makes his home in Brookline. He
was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, September 26, 1862,
and is a son of the late Horace Way Oilman, who was also a
native of the Old Granite state, born December 6, 1834, and a de-
scendant of one of the colonial families of New Hampshire, the
ancestral line in America being traced back to 1636, when two
Digitized by
Google
204 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
brothers of the name, Stephen and Moses Oilman, crossed the At-
lantic to the new world, settling first at Unity, New Hampshire.
Colonel Edward Mark Oilman of this review is a direct descend-
ant of Stephen Gilrtian. Both brothers took an active part in the
colonization of the new world, particularly in the development and
upbuilding of New Hampshire, and history mentions them as being
among the most active, forceful an representative citizens of their
time. Later some of their descendants participated in the Revolu-
tionary war, in the French and Indian war and in. the War of 1812.
They were generally recognized as a family of marked military spirit
who never hesitated to defend the interests of their country and sev-
eral of the family won distinction in connection with American
wars, while others were prominent in directing the destinies of state
and nation in other ways.
Horace Way Oilman, father of Colonel Oilman, was a well known
and successful manufacturer of Nashua, New Hampshire, and de-
voted the greater part of his life to the manufacture of surface coated
paper and cardboards. His business affairs were most carefully,
wisely and profitably conducted, yet he never concentrated his efforts
and attention upon the attainment of wealth to the exclusion of other
interests with which the duty of every individual has to do. He
served in the constitutional convention of his state and did every-
thing in his power to uphold the political and legal status of the
commonwealth and to advance the civic standards. He was a Mason
of high rank, attaining the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite
and the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite. He was equally
prominent and active in connection with religious work and was wide-
ly known throughout the country by reason of his prominence in the
councils of the Methodist church. He was born on the 6th of De-
cember, 1834, and passed away in Springfield, Massachusetts, in
1894, ^t ^he age of sixty years, while on a visit to his son. His wife,
who in her maidenhood was Adaline Woods, was also born in New
Hampshire, and was descended from a family that was established
on American soil in 1638. The first ancestor settled in Massachu-
setts but afterward removed to New Haitipshire, and his descendants,
loyal to the cause of his adopted land, participated in the Revolution-
ary war and in the War of 181 2. Mrs. Oilman spent her last days at
the old homestead in Nashua, New Hampshire, passing away in
1906. The family numbered five children, but only two are yet living
Edward M. and William Virgil, the latter now a resident of Brook-
lyn, New York.
Colonel Edward M. Oilman devoted his youthful days largely
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 205
to the mastery of a public and high school education at Nashua, New
Hampshire, being graduated from the high school with the class of
1882. He afterward attended the Bryant & Stratton Business Col-
lege and thus further qualified for life's practical and responsible
duties. After completing his studies he secured a position in the
Citizens Bank of Wichita, Kansas, acting successively as messenger,
clerk and bookkeeper. He remained in that institution for seven
years and then resigned his position to return to his old home. He
has since been identified with the interests of New England, entering
its business circles in connection with the Springfield Glazed Paper'
Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, which business was owned
by his father and an uncle. Colonel Oilman served as vice president
and general manager and continued in connection with the business
for six years. He then came to Boston and on the ist of January,
1897, established his present business under the name of the Reversible
Collar Company, of which he is president, treasurer and general
manager. He is conducting an excellent business in this connection
and his trade has been steadily growing, the enterprise having be-
come one of the profitable concerns of the city.
On the 24th of November, 1885, Colonel Oilman was united in
marriage in Nashua, New Hampshire, to Miss Mary Frances Wal-
lace, a native of that city, born February 21, 1862, and a daughter
of James F. and Julia (Green) Wallace, both of whom have now
passed away. Both were born in Nashua and were descendants of
old New England families of English descent. To Colonel and Mrs.
Oilman has been born a son, Francis Davidson, whose birth occurred
in Nashua, New Hampshire, May 17, 1888, and who is now asso-
ciated with his father in business as secretary of the company.
Colonel Oilman was at one time a member of the Governor's
Foot Guard of New Hampshire and was appointed colonel on the
ist of January, 1889, by Governor David H. Goodell, serving with
that rank for two years, being the youngest man to hold the po-
sition in the state. He also filled office in connection with the city
government of Springfield, being elected to serve for the years 1889
and 1890, but on account of his removal to Boston he resigned the
office. In politics he has always been a stanch republican since at-
taining his majority and has ever been deeply interested in political
questions and problems of the day in all civic matters. In Masonry
he has taken the degrees of the lodge, the chapter and of the Scottish
Rite up to and including the thirty-second degree in the consistory.
He is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is
that of the Methodist church and he is well known in club circles,
Digitized by
Google
206 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
holding membership in the Boston City Club, the Unitarian Club
and the Boston Yacht Club and also in the Nashua Country Club.
His has been an active, useful and well spent life. Starting out in
early manhood dependent upon his own resources, the success he
has achieved is the direct result of his persistency of purpose and in-
defatigable energy. While he has won a substantial measure of
prosperity through the conduct of his business affairs, he has never
allowed these things to so monopolize his time and attention that he
has had no opportunity to cooperate in interests and projects for the
public good. On the contrary, he has given of his time, his thoughts,
his energy and his means to advance the public welfare and his
efforts in this connection have been far-reaching and beneficial.
E. GRANVILLE PRATT.
E. Granville Pratt still remains an active member of the bar of
Quincy and of Boston although he has now passed the eighty-fourth
milestone on life's journey. Old age need not necessarily suggest
idleness nor want of occupation. There is an old age which grows
stronger and brighter mentally and morally with the passing years
and gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the ben-
efit of others. Such is the record of Mr. Pratt, who in spirit and
interests seems yet in his prime. He was born in Weymouth, Mas-
sachusetts, July 4, 1833, a son of Ezra and Everline L. (Vining)
Pratt, both of whom were natives of Weymouth and representatives
of old colonial families, the Pratt family having been there estab-
lished in the early part of the seventeenth century. The father was
a stone contractor and devoted his life to that business.
The son acquired a public school education in Weymouth, sup-
plemented by study in the Worcester Academy, and later he became a
student in the Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, New Hamp-
shire. A review of the broad field of business with its limitless and
varied opportunities led him to the determination that he wished
to make the practice of law his life work and he began reading in
the oflSce and under the direction of Judge Jesse E. Keith, of Abing-
ton Center. He was admitted to the bar in the latter '50s and loca-
ted for practice in his native city, but on the ist of December, 1862,
removed to Quincy, where he has since followed his profession and
made his home. He also practiced in Boston in connection with
John Quincy Adams for many years and later he established an
Digitized by
Google
E. graxvillp: pratt
Digitized by
Google
L
T.-» KE'.V YC;-:
puBui: LiDL;.;".Y
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 209
office independently in Boston at No. 28 School street, but contin-
ued throughout the period to reside in Quincy. He has been con-
nected with much important litigation heard in the courts and he
has done important work in maintaining the high legal standards
which constitute the foundation of stability and progress in every
community. He has always remained in the general practice of law
and his clientage has been extensive and of an important character.
Mr. Pratt served on the school committee for many years, acting as
its chairman for several years, and the cause of education has ever
found in him a stalwart champion. His activities have reached out
to the general interests of society with a recognition of the duties and
obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship, and he has be-
come a cooperant factor in many movements which have been di-
rectly beneficial to city and state.
On the 1 8th of Deecmber, 1879, Mr. Pratt was united in mar-
riage to Miss Henrietta Bowker Spears, of Quincy, a daughter of
Seth and Elizabeth (Bowker) Spears. Mrs. Spears was born in
Springfield, Vermont, and is a representative of one of the old colo-
nial families. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pratt are members of the Uni-
tarian church. Mrs. Pratt is directly descended from the Henry
Adams and the John Baxter families and is a valued member of
the Daughters of the Revolution, having been historian of the chapter
with which she is identified for twenty-one years. She is also very
active in the Woman's Club of Quincy and in the First Parish church.
Mr. Pratt was grand dictator of the Knights of Honor of Massachu-
setts. He still keeps in close touch with many public interests as
well as professional activities and through fifty-five years Quincy
has numbered him as an honored resident, identified with all those
interests which have to do with public progress and the welfare of
the community.
WILLIAM J. HARKINS, M. D.
Dr. William J. Harkins, physician and surgeon of Quincy, in
which city he was born April 6, 1886, is a son of William and Mary
Harkins. The father was a contractor who died in 1910, but the
mother is still living. Dr. Harkins after attending the public
schools of Quincy, continued his education in the Adams Academy,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1905. He later spent
one year in the Vermont University and was graduated from the
Digitized by
Google
210 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Vermont Medical College with the class of 191 1. Thus well equipped
for the practice of his profession, he turned his attention to a special
line and devoted one year to study in the Eye and Ear Infirmary of
Boston. He afterward had two years' hospital experience, which
was of the greatest benefit, and in 191 3 he opened an office in Quincy
where he has since specialized in the treatment of diseases of the eye,
ear, nose and throat. He has served on the staff of the Massachusetts
General Hospital, also of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital
and of the Quincy Hospital. He has manifested notable skill in his
chosen field of labor and his efforts have been attended by the most
gratifying results when viewed from both a financial and profes-
sional standpoint. He has membership in the Massachusetts Medical
Association, the American Medical Association and the New Eng-
land Otological Association.
On the 14th of May, 19 16, Dr. Harkins was united in marriage to
Miss Carrie M. Dow, of Lynn, Massachusetts. Fraternally he is
connected with the Knights of Columbus. Politically he maintains
an independent course and religiously he is connected with St John's
Catholic church. His interests and attention, however, largely con-
centrate upon his professional duties, the responsibilities and obliga-
tions of which he fully realizes. He is thoroughly acquainted with
the broad scientific principles which underlie his work and continued
study and reading keep him in touch with the most advanced inves-
tigation and discoveries of the profession. He has developed ability
of a high order and he ranks with the eminent specialists in his
particular field in New England.
GEORGE FRANK BARRY.
George Frank Barry, superintendent of the Franklin Town Farm,
in which connection he is giving general satisfaction, was born in
Machias, Maine, on the i ith of February, 1889, a son of Henry and
Sarah (Huntley) Barry, who are natives of the Pine Tree state,
where the father followed farming for many years. He is now living
retired and still makes his home in Maine. During the period of the
Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, going to the
front with a Maine regiment.
George Frank Barry spent the period of his boyhood and youth
in Machias, Maine, and there attended school. He took up the occu-
pation of farming, to which he had been reared, early becoming
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 211
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the
crops. In 1910 he removed to Massachusetts and worked on the
town farm for two and a half years. On the expiration of that
period he was given the position of superintendent of the Franklin
Town Farm and has continued to act in that capacity through the
intervening period. The farm comprises one hundred and five acres
of land and is in an excellent state of improvement and cultivation.
Mr. Barry is very practical and progressive in his methods of con-
ducting the place and his labors are bringing excellent results.
On the 23d of April, 1912, Mr. Barry was united in marriage to
Miss Florence Summers, a daughter of Albert and Margaret
(Stewart) Summers, who were natives of Prince Edward Island and
of Nova Scotia respectively. Removing to Massachusetts, the father
was employed as a conductor on street cars at Lowell. He is now
deceased but the mother is still living.
In his political views Mr. Barry is, a republican and he is serving
as poundkeeper of the town of Franklin and also as special police
in addition to discharging his duties as superintendent of the Frank-
lin Town Farm. His religious, faith is that of the Congregational
church and his life measures up to high standards of manhood and
citizenship, his genuine worth being recognized by all with whom
he comes in contact.
MILLARD D. LOWE.
Millard D. Lowe is one of the progressive young business men
of Stoughton, now at the head of the Electric Sharpener Company
as its manager. He is a native of the city in which he still resides,
the day of his birth being June 12, 1888. He is a son of Horace W.
and Florence C. (Drake) Lowe, who are mentioned at length on
another page of this work. Spending his youthful days in the home
of his parents, he had the benefit of instruction in the public schools
of Stoughton and was thus well qualified for life's practical and re-
sponsible duties. He started upon his business career in connection
with his father, who has long been identified with the undertaking
business in Stoughton, and eventually he was admitted to a partner-
ship in the business, in which he now owns a ninth interest. In 1910
he bought out the factory of the Electric Sharpener Company, adopt-
ing the present name at that time. He purchased this business from
his uncle, P. M. Worthington, and in 1916 he admitted his brother,
Digitized by^
Google
212 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Arthur W., and John J. Powers to a partnership. The three young
men are also associated with the undertaking business of the firm of
Lowe & Powers, of which their fathers are the leading members.
The Electric Sharpener Company is engaged in the manufacture of
convex and electric sharpeners and the value of their output is indi-
cated in their rapidly growing trade. They have ever recognized
the fact that satisfied customers are their best recommendation and
they have put forth every effort to please their patrons. They man-
ufacture any size, style or grade of sharpener desired and for many
purposes and their output is now being distributed over a wide terri-
tory.
On the 1 2th of June, 191 2, Millard D. Lowe was united in
marriage to Miss Iva G. Burrell and they reside at No. 49 Grove
street, where the factory is also maintained. Mr. Lowe now em-
ploys two men and in addition the three proprietors of the business
are active in the work carried on. Fraternally Mr. Lowe is con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and that he is
appreciative of the social amenities of life is indicated in his mem-
bership in the Chicatawbut Club. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party, and while he is thoroughly informed concern-
ing the leading questions and issues of the day and earnestly desires
the success of his party, he does not seek nor desire office. His
religious faith is that of the Congregational church and finds ex-
pression in his life, for he is a young man honorable and upright,
whose entire career commands for him the respect and confidence of
those with whom he has been associated.
J. HERBERT LIBBY, M. D.
Dr. J. Herbert Libby, a Harvard man who has attained enviable
rank as a physician and surgeon of East Weymouth, was born in
Denmark, Oxford county, Maine, February 14, 1867, his parents
being Isaiah Cole and Hannah F. (Marr) Libby, who were like-
wise natives of the Pine Tree state. The father was employed by
the Boston Ice Company as foreman for thirty years. About 1872.
he removed to the city of Boston, where he continued to make his
home until called to his final rest on the 15th of October, 1897, ^^'
ing accidentally killed by one of the men working under him. His
widow survives and is now living in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Dr. Libby was reared and educated in Cambridge, Massachu-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 213
setts, supplementing his public school course by study in the Cornish
Academy at Cornish, Maine, where he continued as a student for
two years. He afterward returned to Boston and entered the Bryant
& Stratton Commercial College, from which in due course of time
he was graduated. He started upon his business career as an em-
ploye of the firm of H. A. Hartley & Company on Washington street
in Boston and remained for four years with that firm, which was en-
gaged in the wholesale and retail carpet trade. He determined,
however, to devote his life to professional activity and entered a
preparatory school on Boylston street in Boston, after which he be-
came a student at Harvard and completed his course in the medical
college with the class of 1892. Locating for practice in Boston, he
there remained for a year and a half, after which he opened an office
in East Weymouth, Norfolk county, where he has remained con-
tinuously since August 25, 1895. In the intervening years he has
built up a large and lucrative practice and is regarded as one of the
most successful and capable physicians of the county. He keeps in
touch with the advanced thought of the profession through wide
reading and study, is most conscientious in the performance of his
professional duties and is interested in everything that tends to bring
to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life.
On the 25th of September, 1889, Dr. Libby was united in mar-
riage to Miss Annie J. Price, a daughter of Richard E. and Margaret
(Moulton) Price, the former a native of London, England, and the
latter of Wales. It was about 1867 that Mr. Price came to the new
world, settling in Boston, where he worked at the tinsmith's trade
for a time. He then began the manufacture of milk pans and milk
cans and milk coolers and continued in that business for a number of
years. In 1900 he removed to Litchfield, Maine, where he has since
made his home, but his wife passed away in August, 1892. Dr.
and Mrs. Libby have one child, Channing Price, who was born July
15, 1901, and is attending high school.
Dr. Libby is a school physician of East Weymouth, a position
which he has occupied for five years. He belongs to the North
Norfolk District Medical Society, which is a branch of the Mas-
sachusetts Medical Society, of which he is also a representative.
He likewise has membership in the American Medical Association.
Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. In Masonry he has taken high rank and is
now a Knight Templar and a member of the Mystic Shrine. Politi-
cally he is a stalwart republican and his religious belief is that of the
Digitized by
Google
214 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Congregational church. His life, actuated by high and honorable
principles, has won for him the regard, confidence and goodwill of
all who know him and in all things he measures up to the highest
standards of manhood and citizenship. He is a self-made man in
that his advancement is the direct outcome of well defined plans
and purposes and indefatigable energy. Making good use of his
time, his talents and his opportunities and actuated by laudable ambi-
tion, he has steadily progressed and today occupies an enviable posi-
tions as one of the foremost representatives of the medical profession
in his section of Norfolk county.
ATWOOD L. BOGGS.
Atwood L. Boggs is closely associated with that development
which is fast making Stoughton an important manufacturing cen-
ter, with its trade connections reaching out to every section of the
country. Mr. Boggs is now the president and treasurer of the Per-
fection Cooler Company, with which he has been identified since
1909. He was born in Warren, Maine, in July, 1868, and is a son
of Benjamin D. and Estella S. (Young) Boggs, who are also natives
of Warren and are representatives of some of the oldest families
in the state. Ancestors of A. L. Boggs resided in Maine as early as
1632. Benjamin D. Boggs was a farmer by occupation, following
that pursuit during the greater part of his active life, but for a brief
period was engaged in the wholesale grocery trade. At the time of
the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations
and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting for three
years with a Massachusetts regiment. He did active duty at the
front during that period, participating in a number of hotly con-
tested engagements. He now resides in California, where his wife is
also living.
Atwood L. Boggs was reared and educated in Warren, Maine,
and in early life learned the shoe manufacturing business. After
three years devoted to that work he went upon the road as a trav-
eling salesman, starting at the age of twenty years. Mr. Boggs won
success as a traveling salesman and continued upon the road until 1909,
when he purchased the controlling interest in the Perfection Cooler
Company, then doing business at Haverhill, Massachusetts. He
removed the business, however, to Boston and in 19 12 established the
plant at Stoughton, where he has since been engaged in the manufac-
Digitized by
Google
ATVVOOD L. BCKiCiS
Digitized by
Google
T-Fi r£v, y^,^
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 217
ture of water coolers used in offices and stores. The output of the
plant is shipped all over the world. The company has recently pur-
chased a large plant at Michigan City, Indiana, more extensive than
the Stoughton plant. Their sales have reached an annual figure
of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, but in 191 8 they expect to
do a business of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. They
put out twenty-five thousand coolers in 191 7 and expect to double
this in the present year and hope to make their sales reach one hun-
dred thousand in 1920. Their product is of the highest standard of
coolers and as it gives uniform satisfaction the business is growing
rapidly.
In April, 1906, Mr. Boggs was united in marriage to Miss Alice
J. Hall, a daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (Hall) Hall, who
are natives of Nova Scotia and are still residing there. Mr. Boggs
belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees
of lodge, chapter, council, commandery and Mystic Shrine. He is
also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, hav-
ing membership in the lodge at Rochester, New York, for twenty
years. Politically he is a republican but not an office seeker. His
religious faith is that of the Congregational church. He is highly
esteemed in Stoughton, where he has developed a business of sub-
stantial proportions that has become recognized as one of the im-
portant manufacturing interests of the city. His home is at 47 Mason
Terrace in Brookline.
RUSSELL GLIDDEN PARTRIDGE.
Russell Glidden Partridge, well known as a corporation lawyer
and active member of the bar of Boston, maintaining his residence
in Dedham, his native city, was born in 1886, a son of J. Lester and
Helen Frances (Clark) Partridge. The father was born in Thomas-
ton, Maine, in 1844 and, removing to Dedham in early life, was
there married in 1879. His death occurred in February, 191 5, and in
his passing Dedham mourned the loss of one of its representative
men. He had been a traveling salesman for fifty years and was
widely and prominently known throughout the state. He possessed
a social, genial nature which made for popularity wherever he went
and to this he added marked business talent for the line of activity to
which he directed his attention.
Russell G. Partridge was a pupil in the public schools of Ded-
Tol. II— U
Digitized by
Google
218 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
ham and also attended school at Lakeville, Connecticut. Later he
entered Harvard and was graduated with the class of 1908. He
thus gained a broad literary foundation upon which to build the su-
perstructure of professional knowledge and in 1910 completed a
course in the Harvard Law School, thus qualifying for active prac-
tice at the bar. Opening an office in Boston, he engaged in general
practice and in October, 191 5, he became the attorney for the United
Fruit Company. He has since been active at the bar of Boston and
has won very favorable criticism by reason of the thoroughness and
care with which he has prepared his cases, while his retentive mind
has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues.
Mr. Partridge gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and is thoroughly informed concerning the vital questions and
issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office. Fraternally he
is a Blue Lodge Mason and his only club associations are with the
Dedham Republican Club, of which he served as president for a
year and as secretary and treasurer for a year. His religious faith
is that of the Congregational church. A lifelong resident of Dedham,
he is widely and favorably known by reason of attractive social qual-
ities which make for personal popularity as well as by reason of his
professional attainments.
FREDERIC COPELAND COBB.
Frederic Copeland Cobb, treasurer of the Dedham Water Com-
pany and since 1914 moderator of his native city, was born in 1868,
a son of Jonathan and Martha Sigourney (Wales) Cobb. His father
was born in the year 1829 and was assistant register of probate and
insolvency, succeeding his father, Jonathan Holmes Cobb, in the po-
sition of register. He served for about forty-four years, beginning
in i860, in the two offices, filling the position of register for about a
quarter of a century. The Cobbs come of English ancestry. The
grandfather, Jonathan Holmes Cobb, was born in Sharon, Massachu-
setts, and immediately following his graduation from Harvard Col-
lege took up his abode in Dedham, where his remaining days were
passed, his death there occurring in 1882. Jonathan Cobb also con-
tinued a lifelong resident of Dedham, where he passed away April 13,
191 3. His wife, a native of Boston, died in the '70s.
Frederic C. Cobb pursued his early education in public and
private schools of Dedham, and on attaining his majority turned his
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 219
attention to bookkeeping. Since February, 191 2, he has been treas-
urer of the Dedham Water Company and active in the management
and successful control of the business. He has on various occasions
been called to public office and his record is in harmony with that
of his ancestors, who were always characterized by marked devotion
to the general good. In 1900 Mr. Cobb became clerk of the board of
sewer commissioners of Dedham and continued to fill that office until
191 2. During the last three years of that period he was acting super-
intendent. He was also collector of taxes for Dedham from 1903
until 1912 and he served as town clerk in the year 1912. In 1913 he
was made a member of a committee of twenty-one, now called the
warrant committee, and in March, 1914, he was elected moderator
of the town of Dedham and at each annual election since that time
has been again chosen for the office, the duties of which he has most
efficiently and promptly performed. Aside from his business interests
as treasurer of the Water Company he is auditor of the Norfolk
Mutual Fire Insurance Company and also of the Dedham Mutual
Life Insurance Company.
On the 1 6th of November, 1907, in North Adams, Massachusetts,
Mr. Cobb was married to Miss Gertrude E., daughter of Charles W.
Billings, and they have become parents of a son, Jonathan Billings,
born November 11, 1913. The religious faith of the family is that
of the Unitarian church.
Fraternally Mr. Cobb is connected with Constellation Lodge,
F. & A. M., and is a past district deputy grand master of the twenty-
fifth district. He is also a past master of his lodge and is a most
worthy exemplar of the craft, faithfully adhering to its tenets and
its teachings. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party, of which he has ever been a stalwart champion. Those who
know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, esteem him as a man of
genuine worth and one who is most devoted to the interests of his
community.
WILLIAM FRANCIS KING.
William Francis King is an honored veteran of the Civil war
and is actively identified with farming interests in Norfolk county,
making his home at Acorn Place in Franklin. He was born in the
township of Wrentham on the 5th of September, 1839, and is there-
fore approaching the seventy-ninth milestone on life's journey. His
Digitized by
Google
220 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
parents were David and Lucy (Maker) King. The father was a
native of Paisley, Scotland, and was a son of John King, who was
a weaver of that country, where he spent his entire life. David
King remained a resident of the land of hills and heather until he
reached the age of nineteen years. He came to the United States in
1 8 19 and after a short time spent as a farm hand in New Hampshire
removed to Massachusetts and a few years later took up his abode in
the town of Wrentham, Norfolk county. He set up looms in eighteen
mills in that section and was employed as superintendent of weav-
ing in various mills until he reached the age of about forty-seven
years, when he took up his abode upon his farm in Franklin and
there resided until his death, which occurred September 30, 1865.
The mother of William Francis King was born on Cape Cod. Her
father was a sea captain and was of Scotch descent. Both of her
parents lie buried at Brewster, where for many years they had made
their home and where the family had lived through several genera-
tions. Solomon Maker, the maternal grandfather of William Francis
King, was a veteran of the War of 181 2. He married Chloe Nick-
erson, who was also of Scotch descent and who resided at Brewster,
on Cape Cod. Their daughter Lucy became the wife of David King
and her death occurred when their son, William Francis, was less
than two years of age, her remains being interred in the family plot
in City Mills cemetery. By her marriage she had become the mother
of seven children: William, who died in infancy; Emeline S., now
deceased, who was the wife of Charles Johnson and lived first
at Natick, Rhode Island, while later their home was established
in Hartford, Connecticut; Warren N., who was a mason by trade
and lived at Franklin, at Medway and at Canton, Massachusetts ; John
who had been overseer of a mill at Medway and at Stony Creek, Mas-
sachusetts, and when he passed away was laid to rest at Medway;
Margaret, who died in childhood; Chloe, who spent her entire life
in Norfolk county; and William Francis, of this review.
When the last named was four years of age the father married
again, his second union being with Lucy Fisher, a daughter of
Daniel C. and Lurania Fisher, who were pioneer residents of
Franklin. Her father was a cabinet maker and had been born upon
the farm which is now owned by William F. King of this review.
His father also bore the name of Daniel C. Fisher and had taken up
his abode upon this farm, receiving the title from George III, king
of England. When David King married Lucy Fisher the title to the
farm property came to her and they resided upon the farm until they
were called to the home beyond. To the father's second marriage
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 221
there was born one child, Elizabeth, who died at the age of five
years,
William Francis King pursued his education in the district
schools of City Mills until he reached the age of fourteen years,
after which he was employed upon the home farm by his father and
early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and
caring for the crops. When eighteen years of age he assumed the
management of his property, owing to his father's feeble health, and
since the father's death he has come into possession of the place,
which he now owns and which is cultivated under his direction.
In 1863 Mr. King responded to the country's call for troops, en-
listing as a member of Company I of the Eighteenth Massachusetts
Infantry, with which he saw active service at the front throughout
the remainder of the war. He participated in the Battle of the
Wilderness and in the engagements at Petersburg, Weldon Railroad,
Peebles Farm, Stone Creek, Hatcher's Run, Popple Springs and
Appomattox, and when the war was brought to a successful termina-
tion by the Union troops he was honorably discharged and returned
to his home.
Mr. King had previously married. On the 2d of July, i860, he
wedded Laura Anna Lawrence, a daughter of Addison C. and Olive
(Hill) Lawrence, who were natives of Wrentham. Mr. and Mrs.
King became the parents of three children: Lucy Maribel, who was
born April 8, 1863; David A., who is now proprietor of a meat
market at West Medway; and William W., who is a piano finisher
in Boston. The wife and mother passed away at City Mills, March
29, 1875, and her remains were interred in the cemetery there. On
the 6th of July, 1879, Mr. King was again married, his second union
being with Abby Elizabeth Morey, a daughter of William W. and
Lydia (Converse) Morey, who were natives of New Hampshire.
They resided later, however, in Massachusetts, establishing their
home at Brockton. There was one child born of this marriage,
Ruth Elizabeth, who is now the wife of Augustin D. Hancock, of
Franklin.
Mr. and Mrs. King are consistent members of the Baptist church
and guide their lives according to its teachings. His political alle-
giance is given to the republican party, which he has supported since
casting his first presidental vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860. He
has never been a politician in the usually accepted sense of office
seeking but he served as state inspector of animals for sixteen years
and did valuable service in that connection. His home farm was
once the site of the Thomas Barrett grammar school, where Horace
Digitized by
Google
222 HISTORY O^ NORFOLK COUNTY
Mann was a pupil. The farm comprises one hundred and forty
acres of valuable and productive land and is a pretty place, con-
stituting one of the attractive features of the landscape. It is care-
fully cultivated and systematically managed under the direction of
Mr. King, who has spent his entire life in this section of the state
and is one of the honored and valued residents of the town of Frank-
lin, Norfolk county.
ALBERT D. WILLETT.
A most interesting record is that of Albert D. Willett, who has
lived to celebrate his golden wedding and whose life has been one
of activity and usefulness, gaining for him the respect and confidence
of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
He was born in Annapolis county. Nova Scotia, on the 6th of
February, 1838, so that he has now reached the eightieth milestone
on life's journey. The Willett family has been represented in
America since the early part of the seventeenth century, the immi-
grant ancestor having come from England. He became the first
mayor of New York city and Albert D. Willett is among his direct
descendants. His grandparents were Andrew and Sybil (Harts-
horn) Willett, the former a farmer of Walpole, where he was born
and made his home for many years.
. The parents of Albert D. Willett were George and Lucy (Bent)
Willett. The former was born at Walpole and pursued his educa-
tion in its public schools. On attaining his majority he went to Nova
Scotia, where he worked at carpentering throughout the remainder
of his days save for a period of two years during the boyhood of
Albert D. Willett, when he again lived in Walpole, but later he re-
turned to Nova Scotia and was identified with building operations
there until his demise. His wife was a native of Nova Scotia, and
when they were called to their final rest their remains were interred
in the cemetery at Tupperville in Annapolis county. In their family
were eight children : Susan, the deceased wife of Samuel Gardner,
of St. John, New Brunswick; Harriett, who became the wife of
Captain Joseph Pritchard, of St. John, and has passed away; Joseph
Avard, who made his home in Nova Scotia and has departed this
life; William Fletcher, who was a resident of Tupperville and has
passed away; Sybil Julia, the deceased wife of Edward Fisher, of
St. John ; Lucy Jane, the deceased wife of Stephen Edwin Bent, a
Digitized by
Google
ALBERT D. WILLETT
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 225
resident farmer of Nova Scotia; Gilbert Ray, a twin brother of Al-
bert D., who lived in Tupperville and at St. John but has departed
this life; and Mr. Willett, of this review.
In the schools of Nova Scotia, Albert D. Willett pursued his
education until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he and his
brother returned to Walpole and he became a student in the schools
of that city. He pursued his education for two years in Walpole
and afterward accepted a position in a twine factory, where he was
employed for thirteen years, gradually working his way upward
in that connection. During the succeeding decade he was employed
in a carding mill and afterward he took up carpentering and assisted
in building the Stone school. He later became a janitor of the school
and occupied that position for thirteen years. Since 1898 he has been
engaged in the insurance business. His has been an active and useful
life and his entire career has been characterized by fidelity to duty,
by indefatigable energy and persistency of purpose.
On the loth of December, 1867, Mr. Willett was united in mar-
riage to Miss Lillian E. Brummit, a daughter of Frank E. and Lucy
{Allen) Brummit, the fromer a native of Lester, Massachusetts, and
the latter of Walpole. Both have long since passed away. Mr. and
Mrs. Willett have become the parents of a son and a daughter:
George F., who is now one of the principal directors of the American
Felt Company of Norwood, having become a multimillionaire; and
Jessie, who is the wife of S. E. Bentley, of Walpole.
In his political views Mr. Willett is a republican, having sup-
ported the party since age conferred upon him the right of fran-
chise. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and his religious faith is that of the Congregational church,
which has always guided him in every relation of life and made him a
man whom to know is to respect and honor. He has many friends in
Walpole, where so many years of his life have been passed, and his
course has ever merited the confidence and respect which are uni-
formly given him.
CLARENCE A. HIGHT.
Clarence A. Hight has carved his name high on the keystone of
the legal arch of Massachusetts, As a member of the firm of Cool-
idge & Hight he is engaged in the practice of law in Boston and is
regarded as one of the foremost representatives of the profession
Digitized by
Google
226 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
practicing in that city. He makes his home in Brookline and is. a
native of Scarboro, Maine, where he was born June 26, 1868, his
parents being Horatio and Clara E. (Milliken) Hight, who were
also natives of the Pine Tree state, where they spent their entire lives
and for many years the father was connected with the United States
customs service. He was stationed in Portland, Maine, for a long
period and there passed away in 1899. At the outbreak of the Civil
war he had responded to the country's call for troops to preserve the
Union and had become a second lieutenant in the Twelfth Maine
Infantry, with which he served with honor and distinction, partici-
pating in a number of memorable engagements which brought him
the brevet of captain at the close of the war. His widow still survives
and is yet a resident of Portland. In their family were four children :
Le Roy, a resident of Augusta, Maine; Clarence A.; Francis, whose
home is in Winchester, Massachusetts; and Louis F., who died
when about nineteen years old.
In his youthful days Clarence A. Hight was a pupil in the public
schools of Portland, Maine, and after mastering the branches of
learning therein taught he became a student at Harvard and com-
pleted his classical course in 1889, ^^ which time the Bachelor of
Arts degree was conferred upon him. He had determined to make
law practice his life work and with that end in view he entered the
law class and was graduated in 1892. The same year he opened an
office in Portland, Maine, where he remained in active and suc-
cessful practice until 1899, when he removed to Boston and has since
been a representative of the bar of that city. He first became associ-
ated with A. A. Strout, of Boston and Portland, in the legal depart-
ment of the Grand Trunk Railway offices and there continued as
assistant until 1898, when he was appointed New England solicitor
of the Grand Trunk Railway System and so served until January,
1 917, when he resigned on account of the pressure of other business
In 1899 ^^ formed a law partnership with William H. Coolidge
and through the intervening period the firm of Coolidge & Hight
has been regarded as one of the most prominent and representative
law firms of Boston. Mr. Hight is devotedly attached to the pro-
fession, is systematic and methodical in habits, sober and discreet in
judgment, calm in temper, diligent in research and conscientious
in the discharge of every duty. His colleagues at the bar entertain
the highest consideration for his integrity, his impartiality, his love
of justice and strong common sense, which mark his career as a lawyer
and as a man. Mr. Hight belongs to the Boston Bar Association, the
Massachusetts State Bar Association and the American Bar Associa-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NO^^OLK COUNTY 227
tion. He has largely concentrated his efforts and attention upon
corporation law and he is now attorney for various large corpora-
tions having headquarters in Boston.
On the 9th of November, 1892, Mr. Hight was united in marriage
to Miss Emily L. Coyle, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Coyle,
of Portland, Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Hight attend the Episcopal
church, and his political support is given to the republican party.
He is a member of the town meeting board of Brookline and, ap-
preciative of the social amentites of life, he has membership in the
Harvard and the Exchange Clubs of Boston, the Brookline Country
Club, and the Cumberland Club of Portland. He has a very wide
acquaintance and his marked professional ability and personal worth
have given him firm hold upon the regard and confidence of his
fellow citizens.
DANIEL B. REARDON, M. D.
Dr. Daniel B. Reardon, whose professional activity has included
active service in France with the First Harvard Unit in the present
war, was born in Quincy, where he still makes his home, his natal
day being October 5, 1878. His parents were Bartholomew W.
and Catherine Agnes (Donavan) Reardon, the former a native of
Ireland, while the latter was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The
father was a stonecutter by trade, following that occupation through-
out his entire life. His widow still survives and is yet a resident of
Quincy.
Reared under the parental roof, Dr. Reardon spent his youth in
the acquirement of a public school education in Quincy and later was
graduated from the Adams Academy with the class of 1894. He
made his initial step in the business world in connection with the
New York & New England Railroad Company, occupying a posi-
tion in the statistical department for four years. He afterward
spent one year as a student in Harvard College and then matriculated
in the medical school of Harvard University, being graduated there-
from with the class of 1903. He later served as surgical house offi-
cer in the Boston City Hospital for two years, gaining broad and
valuable experience in that connection. On the ist of May, 1905,
he opened an office in Quincy, where he has since practiced, devoting
his attention both to medicine and surgery. In the latter field he
has developed notable skill and is now surgeon of the Quincy City
Digitized by
Google
228 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Hospital, of which he is also one of the trustees. In 191 5 he went
abroad, spending four months with the British army as a member
of the First Harvard Unit in France, twenty miles behind the firing
line, holding the rank of captain. He returned in October, 1915,
to resume the private practice of medicine, in which he has since
been engaged, and the patronage accorded him in very extensive. He
is now a captain in the Medical Reserve Corps United States Army.
On the 2d of June, 1908, Dr. Reardon was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Cashman, of Quincy, and they now have three children,
Paul, Mary and George, aged respectively seven, five and one years.
The doctor and his wife are communicants of St. John's Catholic
church and he is connected with the Knights of Columbus and also
with the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is likewise a member of
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he has membership in
the Granite City Club and in the Neighborhood Club. Along
strictly professional lines he is connected with the Norfolk South
District Medical Association, of which he was the secretary and
treasurer for two years, and with the Massachusetts Medical Associa-
tion and the American Medical Association. His practice exempli-
fies the latest discoveries and researches of the profession that have
to do with the laws of health and with advanced surgical work and
in all that he undertakes he is actuated by a laudable ambition to
reach the highest degree of efficienty possible.
ROSWELL K. STEVENS.
Roswell K. Stevens has been active as a contractor of Franklin
for the past thirty-two years and has built up the most extensive
business of that character in the town. His birth occurred at North
Blue Hill, Maine, on the 30th of October, 1856, his parents being
Gideon H. and Celesta A. (Perkins) Stevens, who were also natives
of that state. Their children were three in number, namely: Edson
J., who is a resident of California; Roswell K., of this review; and
Elizabeth, who became the wife of George Richards, of Franklin,
Massachusetts, and has passed away. Gideon H. Stevens, the father
of this family, was a ship carpenter by trade and died at Kittery,
Maine, at the age of twenty-eight years, his remains being interred at
Thorndike, Maine, where his parents also lie buried. His widow
afterward became the wife of Rufus K. Ballard, a carpenter of Vas-
salboro, Maine, and a little later they removed to Dorchester, Mas-
Digitized by
Google
ROSWELL K. STEVENS
Digitized by
Google
r^i
VIW
Yv
r %
— — ;
PUBi.!
J Li
kj i. I
-^. i
.Y
AF^rv
LL-
'/
lii-Lyili^
f^^
ii>>.
J .',
.^S
h
L
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 231
sachusetts, there residing until 1872. In that year they took up their
abode in Franklin, where Mr. Ballard was engaged in carpenter
work to the time of his demise. Both he and his wife were buried
in the Franklin cemetery. Their only child died in infancy.
Roswell K. Stevens pursued a common school education in Dor-
chester, Massachusetts, until twelve years of age and subsequently
was employed by the Jordan Marsh Dry Goods Company and other
concerns of Boston for a few years. He then began work as
a carpenter in Franklin and was thus employed during the summer
months, while in the winter seasons he worked in straw shops. His
time was occupied in that way until he had reached the age of thirty
years, when he embarked in business on his own account as a con-
tractor and has since devoted his attention to the building of dwell-
ing houses, his activities in that connection extending over a period
of thirty-two years. He now enjoys the most extensive business of
that character in Franklin and his success is the merited reward
of industry, perseverance, sound judgment and well directed energy.
Mr. Stevens has been married twice. On the 24th of November,
1877, he wedded Miss Clara Rounds, a daughter of Sylvanus and
Amanda (Cooper) Rounds, farming people of Attleboro, Mas-
sachusetts, both of whom are deceased, their remains being interred
at Franklin. The last years of their lives had been spent on a farm
near that town. Roswell K. and Clara (Rounds) Stevens had one
son, Shirley, who married Addie Curtis, by whom he had one child,
Dorothy, who now makes her home in Franklin. William Curtis,
the father of Addie (Curtis) Stevens, is still living in Franklin, but
his wife has passed away. In 1908 Roswell K. Stevens was called
upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, her death occurring on the
20th of December of that year and her remains being interred in the
Franklin cemetery. On the 21st of December, 1910, Mr. Stevens
was again married, his second union being with Miss Cora Wilson,
a cousin of his first wife and a daughter of Edward A. and Anna M.
(Cooper) Wilson. The father is still living and makes his home
with Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, but the mother is deceased and was
buried at Attleboro, Massachusetts.
In his political views Mr. Stevens is a stanch republican, having
supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of fran-
chise. He served as a selectman of Franklin for six years and for
two years acted as chairman of the board, making a creditable
record in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Ma-
sons, belonging to lodge, chapter and commandery, and he is also
affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved
Digitized by
Google
232 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Order of Red Men, the Grange and the New England Order of
Protection. His religious faitn is that of the Methodist church.
He owns a handsome residence in Franklin and enjoys an enviable
reputation as an enterprising, progressive and esteemed citizen of his
community.
WALTER AUSTIN.
Walter Austin, a capitalist of Dedham and one of the represen-
tative citizens of eastern Massachusetts, was born in Honolulu in
1865 and is descended from English ancestry, the family, however,
having been represented in Massachusetts through many generations.
The first of the name in America came from England in 1638 and
settled at Charlestown, Massachusetts. James Walker Austin, father
of Walter Austin, was born in "Charlestown in 1829 and in the year
1855 he married Amanda Elizabeth Sleeper, a daughter of the Hon.
John S. Sleeper, of Roxbury. It was in the year 1849 that James
Walker Austin was graduated from Harvard and in 1852 he went
to California. Not long afterward he sailed for Honolulu, where
he resided for twenty-two years, being actively engaged in the prac-
tice of law during that period. He became a man of marked
influence in Hawaiian aflfairs and was speaker of the house in Hono-
lulu and was also judge of the Hawaiian suprenie court under King
Kamehemeha. He passed away in Southhampton, England, in 1895
and his widow, surviving him for six years, departed this life in
Marion, Massachusetts, in 191 1.
Born in the Hawaiian islands, Walter Austin when seven years
of age became a pupil of Chauncy Hall, a private school in Boston,
and after the completion of his preparatory course entered Harvard,
completing his classical work in 1887. He then became a law
student at Harvard and was graduated from the law department
with the class of 1890. He at once entered upon active practice, in
which he continued for fifteen years, but practically retired from
active connection with the profession in 1905 and has since given his
attention to the direction of his invested interests.
In 1897, in Orange, New Jersey, Mr. Austin was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mabel Lindsley Frazar, a daughter of Everett Frazar,
deceased, who was a merchant in Japan for many years and was the
official representative of Korea in the United States for an extended
period. Mr. and Mrs. Austin have become parents of two sons and
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 233
a daughter: Lindsley, who was bom in 1900; John, born in 1905;
and Dorothy.
The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Austin is that of the Uni-
tarian church. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and he has served as selectman of Dedham, recognizing at all
times the duties and obligations of citizenship and taking active
part in those community interests which work for the advancement
of civic standards and improvement. He is now identified with the
Massachusetts State Guard as a member of the First Motor Corps.
Fraternally he is a Mason and he is a well known member of the
Union Club of Boston.
WALTER SANGER CRANE.
Walter Sanger Crane is occupying an enviable position in finan-
cial circles in Boston and is accounted one of the valued residents
of Dedham. He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1868, a
son of Joshua Crane, who was born in Boston in 1828 and departed
this life in Dedham in 1905.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Walter S.
Crane acquired a public school education in Brookline and then
entered Harvard, where he completed his literary course by gradua-
tion with the class of 1890. He then went west, where he engaged
in contracting work for a New York firm, devoting his energies to
that business until 1898, when he returned to Boston and for five
years was identified with various business interests. He has for more
than a decade, figured prominently in financial circles, having be-
come one of thejncorporators of the Mutual National Bank of Boston
and of the Metropolitan Trust Company. He was vice president of
the original bank and is vice president of the latter corporation, thus
taking active part in directing its policy and shaping its activities.
He is bending his energies to executive efifort and administrative con-
trol and has made for himself a most creditable position in the finan-
cial circles of the city.
In politics Mr. Crane is a progressive republican. His interest
in community aflfairs is indicated in the fact that he is assistant treas-
urer of the Massachusetts General Hospital, a position which he has
occupied since 1914. He stands for all that has to do with general
progress and improvement and his efforts in behalf of public welfare
have been of a most practical and resultant character. His religious
Digitized by
Google
234 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
faith is that of the Unitarian church and in club circles he is well
known, having membership in the Harvard Club of Boston, the
Algonquin Club, the Dedham Country & Polo Club, the Dedham
Club and the Beverly Yacht Club.
On the 5th of February, 1895, Mr. Crane was united in marriage
to Miss Sarah F. Piatt, of Columbus, Ohio, and their children arc
Walter S., Dorothy, Francis Valentine and Sarah Lucy. Mr. Crane
finds his recreation in yachting and golf and turns from the stress
of important business interests and responsibilities to these phases
of outdoor life.
HENRY M. STOWELL.
Henry M. Stowell, of Walpole, who for a quarter of a century
has been connected with C. F. & G. W. Eddy, Incorporated, of
Boston, wholesale dealers in hay and grain, whom he represents as
buyer, was born in Petersham, Massachusetts, January 8, 1868, a
son of James H. and Lucy A. (Patch) Stowell. He attended the
public schools of Petersham and afterward had the benefit of instruc-
tion in the Worcester Academy. Since putting aside his textbooks
he has been identified with the hay and grain trade and his position
in business circles is indicated by the fact that he has remained for
twenty-five years in active connection with C. F. & G. W. Eddy, In-
corporated, of Boston, — a fact indicative of his capability, fidelity
and enterprise.
On the 15th of April, 1891, in Walpole, Mr. Stowell was united
in marriage to Miss Annie P. Pierce, a daughter of George A. Pierce,
of Walpole, where he resided for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Stowell
have become the parents of two children : Raymond M., who mar-
ried Louise Coggswell, of New Bedford, Massachusetts; and James
A., who is an ensign in the United States navy.
Mr. Stowell is identified with Reliance Lodge, L O. O. F., in
which he has held nearly all of the offices, including that of noble
grand. He is also a trustee of the order, a position which he has
occupied for ten years, and is now acting as chairman of the board of
trustees. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. In
politics he is a republican and from 1898 until 1906 he served as
water commissioner of the town of Walpole and from 19 10 until
191 6 was a selectman, serving as chairman of the board in 191 1, 191 2,
19 1 3, 191 5 and 1916, or through the entire period of his connection
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 235
with the board save two years. His official record is indeed credit-
able and his devotion to the general welfare has been manifest in
many tangible ways. Aside from his business interests as repre-
sentative of the Boston firm he is a director of the Foxboro Coopera-
tive Bank. He makes his home in Walpole, where he is widely and
favorably known, having an extensive circle of warm friends there.
JAMES PERCY ROBERTS.
Among the well known members of the Dedham bar is James
Percy Roberts, who maintains an office in Dedham and also in
Boston, making his home, however, in the former town. He was
born in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1874 and is a representative
of one of the old families of the state. His paternal grandfather
was James Roberts, who died in North Reading, Massachusetts, in
^875. James Pascoe Roberts, father of James Percy Roberts, was
born in Penzance, England, in 1841 and came to the United States
with his parents in 1850, the family home being established in Salem,
Massachusetts. Throughout the greater part of his active life he
engaged in the coal business in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He mar-
ried Louisa C. Wardwell, a daughter of Benjamin F. Wardwell, and
took up his abode in Andover, Massachusetts. His wife was a repre-
sentative of one of the old families of Andover, her first American
ancestor being Samuel Wardwell, who was one of the victims of the
witchcraft illusion in Salem, he being convicted on the testimony
of one "who had visions." The death of James Pascoe Roberts
occurred in 1883 and his widow, surviving him for about a third of
a century, died in 1915.
James Percy Roberts, after attending the public schools of An-
dover, continued his education in the Punchard high school of his
native town. He graduated in 191 1 from the Northeastern College
of Law at Boston, with the degree of LL. B. He then opened an
office in Dedham and also in Boston and has devoted his attention
to professional activities in the two cities, being recognized as one
of the able representatives of the Bar in eastern Massachusetts. Along
with those qualities indespensable to the lawyer — a keen, rapid, logi-
cal mind plus good business sense and a ready capacity for hard work,
he brought to the starting point of his legal career certain rare gifts
— eloquence in debate and a strong personality. A thorough grasp
Digitized by
Google
236 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTS'
of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles are factors
in his effectiveness as an advocate.
On the ist of January, 191 1, in Dedham, Mr. Roberts was united
in marriage to Miss Myrtle Freeman, a daughter of the late Leonard
A. Freeman, D. D., pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dedham.
They have two sons: Philip, who was born February 21, 191 2; and
Paul, born December 19, 1913. The parents are members of the
First Baptist church of Boston and Mr. Roberts is identified with
the Twentieth Century Club of Boston. His military record covers
service as cadet captain of the Punchard School Cadets at Andover
and in Dedham Company of the State Guard. His political views
are those of an independent progressive and he keeps in touch with
the vital problems and questions of the day, giving his support to the
principle of free speech through the Open Forum National Council
and the Ford Hall Meetings in Boston which he believes are factors
in good citizenship and in promoting a more sympathetic under-
standing between the many racial groups in America. Aside from
his law practice he is a trustee of the Colonial Associates of Boston, a
real estate trust, and he is also secretary of the Boston Baptist Social
Union. During the war he is in Washington as a solicitor with the
United States Fuel Administration. His native talents and his ac-
quired powers fit him for leadership in all that he undertakes and
his life record is an indication of the fact that power grows through
the exercise of effort.
REV. CORNELIUS I. RIORDAN.
Rev. Cornelius I. Riordan, pastor of the Immaculate Conception
Catholic church of East Weymouth and of St. Jerome church of
North Weymouth, was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, January 10,
1853, ^ son of Patrick and Mary (Dempsy) Riordan, who were
natives of Ireland. They came to America in 1846, settling in Lowell,
Massachusetts, where they resided throughout their remaining
days, the death of the father occurring in 1875, while the mother
passed away in 1905.
Rev. Cornelius I. Riordan in 1883 entered St. Joseph's Seminary
at Troy, New York, and spent one year there. He was afterward for
four years a student in St. John's Seminary at Brighton, Massachu-
setts. In 1887 he was ordained to the holy priesthood and after fill-
ing various positions as assistant pastor for eighteen years was given
Digitized by
Google
REV. CORNELIUS T. RIORDAN
Digitized by
Google
T:b r:Lv; yc:;k
PUBLIC LiD:.Ay;Y
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 23y
charge, in January, 1905, of Rockport parish and there remained
until 1 91 4, when he was transferred to East Weymouth.
The first Catholic services within the boundary limits of Wey-
mouth were held in East Weymouth in a house which occupied the
site of the present Eagle House on Commercial street. This was
prior to the year 1850, at which time it seemed that the largest pro-
portion of the Catholic people of the town resided in East Weymouth,
so that Fathers Roddan and Lynch first celebrated mass in the house
above mentioned. But the year 1850 found the Catholics using the
hall over the little schoolhouse which then stood on School street
but has since been moved and is now used as a blacksmith shop at
the corner of Commercial and High streets. In 1859 Father Roche,
then in charge of this mission, erected the first Catholic church in
Weymouth, at what is known as Gravel Hill, a point supposed to be
the most central and best suited to accommodate the Catholics of all
parts of the town. In November, 1868, the church was destroyed by
fire and the way was open for the building of another church, which
was undertaken by Father Hugh P. Smyth, who a short time before
had been appointed pastor of Weymouth and the whole district of
the South Shore and Plymouth. Various districts wished to have the
church located in their midst and Father Smyth promised that the
district which collected the most money should have the church.
However, he hoped to erect a church for each of the three districts
of South Weymouth, Weymouth Landing and East Weymouth.
The South Weymouth church was completed in 1870, and for Wey-
mouth Landing, Father Smyth purchased an old tavern, and for
East Weymouth temporarily secured in 1871 what was known as
Randall's Hall, over the shoe shop next to the present church. At
length the work of building the present church was begun, the cor-
ner stone being laid August 10, 1873, and the church dedicated
November 23, 1879, by Archbishop Williams, under the title of the
Immaculate Conception. The architect was P. C. Keeley of Brook-
lyn, New York. In 1881 a chapel was erected at North Weymouth
and dedicated by Archbishop Williams under the patronage of St.
Jerome. At that time Father Smyth found the work of attending
so many churches too much for one pastor and so East and North
Weymouth were set apart as a separate parish and Rev. Jeremiah
E. Millerick was appointed the first pastor in October, 1882. He
remained until 1887, when he was appointed to the pastorate at
Wakefield and Rev. Daniel S. Healv succeeded him. Father Healy
died in July, 1802, and was succeeded by the Rev. James W. Allison,
who remained in charge until his death on the 9th of December,
Vol. II— U *
Digitized by
Google
240 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
1914. On the 2ist of the same month Rev. Cornelius I. Riordan was
appointed to the church and is assisted by Rev. Carl F. Dunberry
and Rev. William J. O'Brien. The chapel at North Weymouth was
burned and Father Allison undertook to build a new church, but
death claimed him and the building was completed by Father Rior-
dan. It is a fine building of old Gothic style and was erected at a
cost of forty thousand dollars. The church is located on Broad
street and the parochial residence at 795 Commercial street Father
Riordan is doing excellent work for the church and its activities are
well organized.
HON. LOUIS ATWOOD COOK.
The sudden death of Louis Atwood Cook on the i6th of May,
19 1 8, brought great sorrow to his many friends in Norfolk county.
He was a native of the old Bay state, having been born in Black-
stone, Worcester county, Massachusetts, May 4, 1847, a son of Louis
and Orinda (Ballou) Cook and a descendant of Walter Cook, who
came from England and settled in Weymouth, Massachusetts, in
1643: His early education was acquired in the common schools of
his native county, after which he attended the Phillips Exeter
Academy and at the age of twenty-two began teaching in Belling-
ham, Norfolk county. Later he was principal of the Bates grammar
school of South Weymouth, having in the meantime taught at Black-
stone, Smithfield and other places.
In November, 1879, Mr. Cook was elected representative to the
general court and in 1880 and again in 1889 and 1890 he was chosen
to represent his district in the state legislature. In the meantime
he studied law and was admitted to the bar in Plymouth county on
the 13th of November, 1884. Soon afterward he became the senior
partner of the law firm of Cook & Coughlan and practiced his pro-
fession in that connection for several years. In January, 1897, he
became clerk of the courts in and for Norfolk county and for more
than twenty years he served as special justice of the district court of
East Norfolk. He continued as clerk of the court to the time of
his death. For twenty-six years he was the moderator of the Wey-
mouth town meetings.
In 1876 Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda A.
Clark, of Weymouth, and to them was born a daughter, Florence
M., who is a teacher at Greenville, North Carolina, and two sons:
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 241
Louis A., who is assistant clerk of Norfolk county; and Sidney R.,
editor of the Canadian Monthly.
Mr. Cook was always interested in the affairs of Weymouth and
had served as park commissioner and school committeeman and was
a trustee of the Tufts Library. He belonged to the New England
Historical and Genealogical Society," the Weymouth Historical So-
ciety, the Dedham Historical Society and at the time of his death
was president of the Historical Society of Mendon. His interest in
historical matters was evidenced by the membership which he held
in those organizations and he was chosen by the publishers as his-
torian of this volume and devoted much time to research work, con-
tinuing his duties in that connection until his death. His friends
were many and the warmest regard was entertained for him by all
who knew him.
TIMOTHY FRANCIS DALY.
Timothy Francis Daly, attorney and counsellor at law at Stough-
ton, was born in Holbrook, Massachusetts, April 6, 1883, a son of
Patrick and Ellen Daly. In the acquirement of an education he
attended the Holbrook public schools and was graduated from the
Holbrook high school with the class of June, 1901. Determining
upon the practice of law as a life work, he then entered the Boston
University Law School, from which he was graduated cum laude
with the LL. B. degree in 1904. At once he entered upon the active
practice of his profession, which he has since followed, and he has
been connected with much important work of the court.
On the 26th of November, 191 3, in Stoughton, Mr. Daly was
united in marriage to Miss Mary Estelle Hatch, a daughter of Ben-
jamin F. and Mary Hatch, the former now deceased. They have
become the parents of two sons and one daughter, Francis, Joseph
and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Daly attend the Immaculate Conception
church at Stoughton and he holds membership with the Knights of
Columbus, serving for the fifth term in the office of chancellor. He
is also connected with the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters,
of which he is a past chief ranger. He is likewise identified with
Chitcatawbut Club, with the Stoughton C. A. A and the Stoughton
Board of Trade, associations that indicate much of the nature of his
interests. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting
for men and measures rather than party. Since 191 3 he has filled the
Digitized by
Google
242 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
position of town moderator of Stoughton, making a most excellent
record in this connection by the practical and effective methods which
he has inaugurated in promoting the public* welfare.
ALBERT A. MEAD.
Albert A. Mead, whose record is that of business enterprise, in-
telligently directed, has worked his way steadily upward until he
now occupies a creditable and enviable position in manufacturing
circles in Stoughton as the president of the Upham Brothers Com-
pany. He was born November 17, 1872, in Stoughton, his parents
being A. W. and Mary E. (White) Mead, who were also natives
of Stoughton. The father early took up the business of shoe making
and eventually became a shoe manufacturer, spending his entire life
in Stoughton, where he passed away in July, 1886, at the age of
thirty-nine years. His widow survived him for three decades and
passed away in July, 191 6, at the age of sixty-seven years.
Albert A. Mead made his initial step in the business world after
completing a public school education at Stoughton by entering the
dry goods store of George Monk, with whom he remained for six
years. He then accepted a position as traveling salesman with the
Upham Brothers Company, shoe manufacturers, and contributed
in large measure to the development of the trade by his ability as a
salesman. Later he was admitted to the firm and the business was
incorporated under the name of the Upham Brothers Company, of
which Mr. Mead became the president. They control one of the
important productive industries of the city, having a well equipped
factory and turning out about one thousand pairs of ladies' high
priced shoes per day. In addition they also manufacture men's
shoes to some extent but largely concentrate their efforts and atten-
tion upon the former line and their business has now reached gratify-
ing proportions.
In June, 1902, Mr. Mead was united in marriage to Miss Lily
Proctor, of Camden, New Jersey, a daughter of Thomas and Henri-
etta Proctor, who were natives of England and came to America in
early life, settling in New Jersey, where the father engaged in the
provision business for many years. He died in 1915 but his wife is
«till living.
Mr. Mead is a director of the Stoughton Trust Company and has
been identified with various interests of public concern in his native
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 243
city. He is now serving as one of the trustees of the public library
and for two years has been the president of the Stoughton Board of
Trade. He is also a member of the Chicatawbut Club and har a
genial social nature which has won him many friends. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party, which he has supported
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and his re-
ligious faith is that of the Universalist church. Men who meet him
recognize him at once as a "square" man, one in whose record there
is nothing sinister and nothing to conceal, a man whose life has been
guided by strength of purpose and honorable motives and whose
success is the direct outcome of perseverance, determination and
laudable ambition.
CHARLES HENRY FRENCH.
Charles Henry French is a well known manufacturer of Canton
who is honored and respected by all, not alone by reason of the
success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward busi-
ness methods he has always followed. It is true that he entered upon
a business already established, but in controlling and enlarging this
many a man of less resolute spirit would have failed. His training
was thorough and his entire record has been marked by close appli-
cation, earnest study of every phase of the trade situation and initia-
tive spirit.
Mr. French was born in Canton on the 17th of April, 1848, a
son of Charles Howe and Almira K. (Everett) French. He acquired
a public school education in his native city, supplemented by study
in the Chauncey Hall school of Boston, Massachusetts, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1866. He then took up the busi-
ness of woolen manufacturing as an employe in the factory of French
& Ward at Stoughton, Massachusetts, in the year 1867. The firm
was at that time composed of his father, Charles Howe French, of
Canton, and Henry Ward, of Stoughton. Mr. French of this review
bent his energies to the thorough mastery of every phase of the busi-
ness and thus continually broadened his capacities and powers. In
1889 he succeeded his father and still carries on the business in con-
nection with his brother, Abbott E. French, and Robert Ward, of
South Orange, New Jersey, the latter a son of Henry Ward. Thus
the business remains in possession of the families of its two founders.
Mr. French is well known as a worthy representative of the woolen
Digitized by
Google
244 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
manufacturing industry of New England, the house enjoying an
unassailable reputation for the integrity of its business methods and
the quality of the goods turned out. He is also well known as a
representative of financial interests, for he was formerly president
and director of the Neponset National Bank of Canton, occupying
the dual position from January, 1889, until April, 1916, when the
bank was sold and merged into the Canton Trust Company.
On the 13th of September, 1875, ^^ Canton, Massachusetts, Mr.
French was united in marriage to Miss Teresa Isabel Noyes, a
daughter of Samuel Bradley and Georgiana (Beaumont) Noyes.
They have three sons: Charles Howe, Malcom Bradley and Norman
Beaumont.
In politics Mr. French is a progressive republican but has never
been an aspirant for office. He belongs to Blue Hill Lodge, F. & A.
M., of Canton; Mount Zion Chapter, R. A. M., of Stoughton; and
Cyprus Commandery, K. T., of Hyde Park. He likewise belongs
to the Appalachian Mountain Club of Boston, to the Unitarian
Club of Boston and has membership in the First Unitarian Congre-
gational church of Canton. His activities have always been along
those lines which call forth the best in the individual and which
work for the uplift of the community, and his aid and cooperation
can always be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the
general welfare.
CHARLES B. TUPPER.
Charles B. Tupper, alert and energetic, is actively and success-
fully engaged in the livery and transfer business in Franklin: He
was born in Belgrade, Maine, April 3, 1859, and is a son of George
L. and Ruth (Clement) Tupper, who were likewise natives of the
Pine Tree state. The father followed the occupation of fanning,
in Maine, but at the time of the discovery of gold in California he
made his way to the Pacific coast, where he remained for three years,
searching for the precious metal in the hope of winning a fortune in
the mines. On the expiration of that period he returned to Maine and
devoted his time and attention thereafter to general agricultural pur-
suits, his life's labors being ended in death in February, 1884, when he
was fifty-six years of age. He had long survived his wife, who passed
away in 1862.
Charles Bi Tupper was reared and educated in Maine and when
Digitized by
Google
50
>
w
>
r
Digitized by
Google
ti:k i:lv/ vc; ^ I
ii.
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 247
but thirteen years of age began providing for his own support by
work as a farm hand. In 1880 he removed to Woonsocket, Rhode
Island, and there spent five years as a teamster. On the expiration
of that period, having carefully saved his earnings, he engaged in
the livery and teaming business on his own account, continuing there
for fifteen years. In 1903 he removed to Franklin, Norfolk county,
Massachusetts, where he established a livery and transfer business,
which he has continuously conducted to the present time, covering
a period of fifteen years. He has been very successful in the con-
duct of the business and is accorded a liberal patronage.
On the 3d of April, 1885, Mr. Tupper was united in marriage to
Miss Minnie Blanchard and to them have been born seven children:
Geneva, Florence, Ethel, Raymond, Gertrude, Harold and one
child who died at the age of three days.
Mr. Tupper is one of the selectmen of Franklin and has made
an excellent record in oflice. He gives his political allegiance to
the republican party, while in religious faith he is a Universalist.
Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. His has been an active life and whatever success he has
achieved or enjoyed is attributable entirely to his persistent, earnest
effort. Starting out to provide for his own support when a little lad
of but thirteen years, he has made steady advancement and is today
at the head of a profitable and growing business. Aside from con-
ducting his livery and transfer business he is also engaged in buying
and selling second-hand motor cars and thus adds materially to his
income.
FREDERIC WILLIAM KINGMAN.
Frederic William Kingman, a director of the Agricultural
School at Walpole and prominently known in educational circles
throughout the state, was born July 27, 1868, at Bridgewater, Mas-
sachusetts, a son of William B. and Georgianna (Jackson) King-
man. The father was born at West Bridgewater in 1839, and the
mother in Halifax, Massachusetts, in 1846. They were married in
1865 a^d lived in Bridgewater until 1881. From that time until now
they have resided at West Bridgewater. The ancestry can be traced
back to Mayflower origin, Professor Frederic William Kingman be-
ing a direct descendant of John Alden, Samuel Fuller and also Rob-
ert Cushman.
Digitized by
Google
248 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
. In the acquirement of his early education he attended the schools
of Bridgewater and West Bridgewater and completed the high
school course by graduation on the 6th of April, 1883. He after-
ward pursued a two years' post graduate course in West Bridgewater
high school and a four years' course in the Bridgewater Normal
School, from which he was graduated June 26, 1889, and his colle-
giate work was done at Harvard, where he won the Bachelor of Arts
degree June 30, 1910. In early manhood he took up the profession
of teaching and was principal of the grammar schools at Hyannis
and West Barnstable in 1889-90. From September until November
of the latter year he taught at South Easton, Massachusetts, and
from 1893 until 1896 he occupied the position of clerk in the road-
way department of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-
way Company, having in the meantime, from 1890 until 1893,
engaged in private teaching and study. In 1896 he accepted the super-
intendency of the schools of Barnstable, Massachusetts, where he re-
mained for nine years or until 1905, and in 1900-01 he taught Latin
in the Hyannis Normal School. In the same year he was elected
to the presidency of the Barnstable County Teachers' Association.
From 1905 until 1908 he was superintendent of schools at Med-
field and at Walpole and from the latter year until July i, 1916, con-
tinued as superintendent of the Walpole schools, save that he had a
leave of absence from October, 1909, until July, 1910. In the latter
year he returned to the superintendency at Walpole and also be-
came teacher of economics and French in the Walpole high school,
continuing at the head of instruction in those branches until 1913.
On the ist of March, 1916, he became director of the Norfolk
County Agricultural School and is today giving a splendid account-
ing for his stewardship in this connection. In 1912 and 1913 he was
a director of the Walpole Cooperative Bank and in 19 17 became
vice president of that institution.
On the 30th of June ,1898, Mr. Kingman was united in marriage
to Miss Bertha Kent Cushman, a daughter of Representative Alfred
W. Cushman. Mrs. Kingman is also of Mayflower origin, being a
direct descendant of Robert Cushman and Mary Allerton. She was
a teacher in the schools of Hyannis from 1890 until 1898 and was
graduated from the Quincy (Mass.) Training School under the
superintendency of George I. Aldrich. To Mr. and Mrs. King-
man has been born a daughter, Harriet Cushman, whose birth oc-
curred in Walpole, August 6, 1908.
Mr. and Mrs. Kingman are identified with the Unitarian church
and he is identified with several fraternal organizations. In 1903
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 249
he was noble grand of Cape Cod Lodge, L O. O. F., and in 1917
was master of Walpole Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. He
is now overseer of Norfolk Pomona Grange, No. 27. He is also
connected with the Fraternal Lodge, F. & A. M., of Hyannis. He
is a member of the Honor Society of the College Teachers of Edu-
cation, of the Massachusetts and New England Association of
School Superintendents, the Massachusetts Vocational Agricul-
tural Instructors Association and the Massachusetts Schoolmas-
ters' Club. He has been an advocate of woman suffrage and
prohibition from early manhood and of proportional representation.
His fellow townsmen have frequently called upon him for public
service of an important character. From 1902 until 1905 he served
as a trustee of the Hyannis public library and in 191 5 was chair-
man of the advisory committee of the Norfolk County Farm Bureau.
He was a trustee of the Norfolk County Agricultural School from
November, 191 5, until February, 191 6, and he was appointed a
member and clerk of the local exemption board for Division 34,
comprising Dedham, Norfolk, Norwood, Walpole and Westwood.
He is a member of the Walpole Town Planning Committee. He
stands for the highest ideals in manhood and citizenship and has b£en
a close student of many vital public problems, thus keeping in touch
with the trend of modern thought.
JOSEPH F. GOLDEN, M. D.
Dr. Joseph F. Golden, a successful physician and surgeon of
Stoughton, who for the past four years has been chairman of the
board of health, was borri in Boston, April 26, 1888, and comes of
Irish ancestry. His parents, Michael J. and Annie M. (Owens)
Golden, are natives of the Emerald isle, whence they sailed for the
new world about 1877. The father took up his abode in Boston,
where he and his wife have since made their home.
Dr. Golden acquired his education in parochial schools of his
native city and in the Boston College, after which he matriculated in
the Tufts College as a medical student^ winning his professional
degree in 191 1. He afterward spent a year and a half in St. Eliza-
beth's Hospital, after which he located for the private practice of
medicine in Stoughton, where he has since remained. His ability
is attested by the liberal practice accorded him. He is most conscien-
tions in the performance of all his professional duties and he has
Digitized by
Google
250 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
put forth every effort to increase his efficiency by broad reading and
study. He thus keeps in touch with the latest scientific thought and
research and he has become the loved family physician in many a
household of Stoughton.
In June, 1916, Dr. Golden was united in marriage to Miss Stella
C. La Garde, a daughter of Archie M. and Annie (McCormick)
La Garde, who are natives of Massachusetts, the father having been
born in North Easton, while the mother's birth occurred in Stough-
ton. Mr. La Garde is a railroad engineer and has resided in Stough-
ton for many years. Dr. and Mrs. Golden have become parents of a
daughter, Anna Marie, born February 23, 1917.
Dr. Golden is chairman of the board of health of Stoughton,
a position which he has occupied for the past four years. He is
also town physician and school physician and along strictly profes-
sional lines he has membership with the Massachusetts Medical
Society. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus,
the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Ancient Order of Hibernians
and the New England Order of Protection. His religious faith is
that of the Catholic church. Politically he has always been a demo-
crat and is now serving as chairman of the democratic town central
committee. He is a young man of enterprise who exerts consider-
able influence over public thought and action, standing at all times
for those interests which he believes are progressive factors in
municipal welfare.
MICHAEL J. COSTELLO.
Michael J. Costello, town clerk of Franklin, where he is also en-
gaged in the clothing business, was born in County Mayo, Ireland,
May 15, 1871, a son of John and Mary (Mallahy) Costello, who in
1872 crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Southbridge,
Massachusetts, where the father engaged in business. Later he re-
moved to Norfolk county, and here he still makes his home but has
now retired from active business life. His wife is also living and
they are well known residents of Norfolk county.
Michael J. Costello was the second in order of birth in their
family of seven children, three sons and four daughters. In his
boyhood days he was a pupil in the schools of Franklin and later he
started out to provide for his own support. He followed various
lines until eventually he found one that was entirely congenial, when
Digitized by
Google
MICHAEL J. CX)STELL()
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 253
he became connected with the clothing and men's furnishing goods
business. He secured a clerkship in a store of that character and,
working his way upward, he thoroughly learned the business. In
1904, having carefully saved his earnings, he was enabled to engage
in business on his own account, and as he had gained a wide and favor-
able acquaintance during the period of his employment in Franklin,
he decided to start in business in the town, believing that he might
gain many patrons. Gradually his trade developed until he has
one of the leading men's furnishing goods stores of the town and is a
most popular merchant, being accorded a very liberal patronage.
His store is large and is supplied with an extensive and well selected
line of goods. His patronage has now reached very gratifying pro-
portions and he is classed with the leading and representative busi-
ness men of the community.
On the 26th of June, 191 2, Mr. Costello was united in marriage
to Miss M. Lillian Dowd, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William
Dowd. In 1915 Mr. Costello was elected town clerk of Franklin
and is still filling that position in a most creditable and capable
manner. He belongs to the Roman Catholic church and fraternally
he is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Massachusetts
Order of Foresters and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
Energetic and far-sighted^ he accomplishes what he purposes through
his determination and indefatigable energy and step by step he has
worked his way upward, enjoying in full measure the confidence
and high regard of those with whom he has been associated.
REV. ORA A. PRICE.
Rev. Ora A. Price, pastor of the Congregational church at South
Weymouth, was born in Hocking county, Ohio, October 23, 1885,
a son of John W. and Mary E. (Shurtz) Price, who are natives of
Pennsylvania and of Ohio respectively. The father was but four
years of age when his parents removed with their family to central
Ohio, making the journey westward with ox team. When he be-
came old enough he turned his attention to farming and successfully
followed agricultural pursuits for many years, becoming the owner
of three hundred acres of as valuable land as could be found in Ohio.
He is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil, his
previous activity supplying him with all of the necessities and many
of the comforts of life. He makes his home in Logan, Ohio, and
Digitized by
Google
254 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
has reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. During the
period of the Civil war his patriotic spirit was thoroughly aroused
and he responded to the country's call for troops, giving three years'
active service to the defense of the Union as a member of Company
K, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded on
the last day of the war by a sharpshooter and was unconscious for
several days but ultimately recovered. On another occasion in a
battle he had his clothes perforated by seven bullets but escaped
bodily injury.
Ora A. Price was reared and educated at Logan, Ohio, where he
completed a high school course. He also attended normal school
with the intention of taking up the professionxOf teaching. Later
he entered Marietta College and completed his course there in three
years. He taught in the Greek department while attending college
and also after completing his individual work as a student. In 191 1
he came to the east and assisted in the work of the Congregational
church at East Boston, trying to decide whether he wished to enter
upon the work of the ministry permanently. He finally decided
to do so and became a student in the Andover Theological Seminary,
from which he was graduated in 19 14, while at the same time he
continued his preparation at Harvard, and was also graduated from
the theological department of that university in 1914. During the
last year of his college course he engaged in preaching. In 1914 he
accepted the pastorate of the Congregational church at West Glou-
cester, where he remained for one year and five months. He then
came to South Weymouth, where he has since continued, and as
pastor and preacher he is greatly beloved by his people. He has
thoroughly organized the work of the church here and his efforts
are being attended with excellent results for the moral progress of
the community.
On the 31st of December, 1913, Mr. Price was united in marriage
to Miss Jennie Whitcraft, a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Lan-
ning) Whitcraft, who are natives of Ohio. The father was engaged
in the pottery business and is still active in that work. Mr. and
Mrs. Price have become parents of one child, Richard A., who was
born December 31, 19 15.
In politics Mr. Price maintains an independent course but
is active in all matters of citizenship, standing loyally for what he
believes to be the best interests of the community and common-
wealth. He is not identified with any lodges but while in college
became a member of the Phi Beta Kappa. He worked his way
through school, as his father wanted him to become an agriculturist
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 255
and declined to furnish the necessary funds for an advanced educa-
tion. Undeterred by parental objection and feeling that he must
have educational training to make anything of himself in life,
Mr. Price persevered and year by year advanced and his persistency
of purpose led him at length to his graduation from Harvard. He
is doing excellent work in his present pastorate, the church showing
a healthful and substantial growth.
JAMES YOUNG NOYES.
James Young Noyes, a prominent figure in insurance circles and
president of the Norfolk and Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
panies, treasurer of the Norfolk Mutual and a director of the Salem
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, was born in Newburyport, Mas-
sachusetts, March 7, 1864, and traces his ancestry back to Nicholas
Noyes, who was a son of William Noyes and was born at Choulder-
ton, Wiltshire, England, in 1614. He came to America in 1633,
when a yoiing man of but seventeen years, and established his home
at Newbury, Massachusetts, where he probably spent his remaining
days. The parents of James Young Noyes were Joseph Hale and
Abby Maria (Young) Noyes, the former a direct descendant
through his mother, Mary Hale Parish, of Miles Standish.
In the acquirement of his education James Y. Noyes attended
the public schools of Newburyport and of Dedham, being graduated
from the Dedham high school with the class of June, 1881. In July
of that year he made his initial step in the business world, becoming
a clerk with the house of Talbot, Wilmarth & Company, wholesale
dealers in woolens at No. 87 Franklin street, Boston. He there re-
mained until the following December and then accepted a clerical
position in the office of the Norfolk and Dedham Mutual Fire In-
surance Companies, being the only clerk of the corporation at that
time. Through the intervening period, as the result of the faithful
performance of the duties which have devolved upon him, he has
contributed to the continued growth of the business of the company
and in 1898 he was elected secretary of both companies, following
the demise of Elijah Howe, Jr. In May, 1906, he was elected presi-
dent of both companies and was also elected the treasurer of the
Norfolk Mutual Company at the same time, succeeding the Hon.
J. White Belcher, of Randolph, in that position. He is likewise a
Digitized by
Google
256 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
director of the Salem Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Salem,
Massachusetts, which position he has occupied since 1914.
On the nth of October, 1894, in Dedham, Massachusetts, Mr.
Noyes was united in marriaeg to Miss Ada Withington Bigelow, a
daughter of Henry C. and Maria E. (Fuller) Bigelow. Her people
were formerly from that part of Needham now called Wellesley, re-
siding at what is known as Fuller's Corner.
Mr. and Mrs. Noyes are members of the First Congregational
church of Dedham, in which he is holding the office of deacon. He
is well known in Masonic circles, having been master of Constella-
tion Lodge, F. & A. M., at Dedham from 1898 until 1900. He is
also a member of Hyde Park Chapter, R. A. M., and of Cyprus
Commandery, K. T, of Hyde Park. His political endorsement is
given to the republican party and he was formerly a member of the
town committee and also president of the Dedham Republican Club.
Since 191 5 he has been a trustee of the Dedham public library and
he belongs to the Society of Mayflower Descendants. He turns to
motoring and outdoor sports for recreation but concentrates the
greater part of his efforts and attention upon the important business
interests which have largely been developed through his initiative
and powers of coordination of business elements and possibilities.
He has aided largely in the expansion of the interests of the Norfolk
and Dedham Mutual Insurance Companies, building up the organi-
zations until their ramifying interests today cover a broad territory.
FRED C. PHILLIPS.
Fred C. Phillips is contributing to that result which is fact
making Stoughton a most important manufacturing and commercial
center, with its ramifying trade interests reaching out to all sections
of the country. He is actively engaged in the manufacture of screw
machine products and the spirit of enterprise and initiative which
underlies his work in producing most substantial and gratifying re-
sults. Mr. Phillips is a native of Massachusetts, his birth having
occurred at North Wilbraham on the i6th of July, 1884. He is
a son of Moses and Viola (Hall) Phillips, who were natives of
Massachusetts. The father was a barber by trade and followed that
business throughout his entire life, death terminating his labors in
1887. His wife survived him for about twelve years and died in
1899.
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 257
Fred C. Phillips, spending his youthful days in Chicopee, Mas-
sachusetts, pursued his education there and then started out in the
business world in a machine shop. He learned the trade of tool
making and remained in the employ of others for eight years but was
ambitious to engage in business of his own account and through that
period carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry
had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to start in business
for himself. He entered into partnership with Harry Mellor, or-
ganizing the Mellor Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Mas-
sachusetts. This association was maintained for one year, at the end
of which time Mr. Mellor's health failed and he sold his interest in
the business to George Brown. Eight months later, however, Mr.
Brown's health also failed and Mr. Phillips then took over the man-
agement of the business, which he continued to conduct for two and a
half years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and re-
moved to Stoughton, Massachusetts, on the i6th of November, 191 1.
He embarked in business on his own account with four machines at
the Norris Pedal Company, with one boy as assistant. He has made
a success from the beginning and soon his business outgrew his first
factory, which was inadequate for the demands of the trade after
three and one-half years. He then built a large modern factory at
No. 471 Washington street and employs twenty people. His busi-
ness extends all over the United States and screw machine products
of his manufacture are found in all sections of the country. Mr.
Phillips has ever been actuated by a spirit of indomitable enter-
prise and determination and will brook no obstacles that can be over-
come by continued effort and honorable purpose.
On the 1 8th of July, 1914, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage
to Miss Ethel Pratt, a daughter of George W. and Carrie (Pierce)
Pratt, the former a native of Chelsea and the latter of West Towns-
end, Massachusetts. They became early residents of Stoughton,
where they still make their home. Her father is serving as assessor,
as selectman and overseer of the poor and has taken a very prominent
and active part in public affairs. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips has
been born one child, Beatrice H., whose birth occurred January 8,
1916.
The parents are members of the Congregational church and in
politics Mr. Phillips maintains an independent course, voting ac-
cording to the dictates of his judgment with little regard for party
ties. Fraternally he is widely known through his connections as a
member of the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. His has been an active and useful life in
Digitized by
Google
258 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
which he has accomplished substantial results that place him among
the leading business men of his community. He is yet a young
man and there is no doubt as to his further advancement, for his
salient characteristics are those which make for continued success.
CHARLES CALVIN SUMNER.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill
afford to lose — men who have made for themselves a creditable posi-
tion in the life of their community by reason of the fact that they
have been progressive in business and in citizenship have stood for
those things which are most worth while. Such was the record of
Charles Calvin Sumner, of Foxboro, who spent his entire life in the
city of his birth. He was born in May, 1837, his parents being Cal-
vin and Hannah (Gay) Sumner, who were also natives of this state.
The father w^s born at Foxboro and the mother's birth occurred in
Sharon, Norfolk county. Calvin Sumner devoted his life to farm-
ing and to merchandising and continued a resident of Norfolk count}'
until called to his final rest. Charles C. Sumner was reared at the place
of his nativity and hfS educational privileges were those which
qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. When his
textbooks were put aside he secured employment in the straw fac-
tories of this part of the state and was thus employed for many years.
He afterward engaged in the express and stage business for several
years and later turned his attention to the grocery trade, which
claimed his time and attention for about six years. On the expira-
tion of that period he became connected with the livery business and
for a long period conducted a well equipped livery barn. During
the last three years of that time he had a partner, Eugene E. Kirby,
who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. Sumner continued
to reside in Foxboro throughout his entire life and had reached the
•age of sixty-eight years when in August, 1905, death summoned
him.
It was in August, 1854, that Mr. Sumner was united in marriage
to Miss Abbie M. Clark, a daughter of Everett and Chloe (Clark)
Clark, the former a native of Wrentham, while the latter was born
in Medway, Norfolk county. Mr. Clark was a machinist of Med-
way and for many years continued his residence there, passing away
in 1840, while his wife survived until about 1865 and was seventy-
eight years of age at the time of her demise.
Digitized by
Google
CHARLES C. SUMNER
Digitized by
Google
t t::e I;i:v/ yo:;K
PliLuC LiuRARY
A-^' ■' ■ LtN^'X AND
1^ t
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 261
Mr. Sumner was a devoted follower of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and was likewise a member of the Grange. His
religious, faith was that of the Universalist church, while politically
he was an earnest republican, supporting the party from the time that
age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He served as one of
the selectmen of Foxboro for three years but whether in office or out
of it was always loyal to the best interests of the community and
stood for public progress and improvement in many ways. His life
had no spectacular phases. He devoted his attention to his business
interests and did with thoroughness everything that he undertook.
He commanded the respect and confidence of his fellowmen by
reason of his fidelity to duty and by his loyalty to his professions,
and thus it was that when he was called to the home beyond his
death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
CARL BOWEN JOHNSON.
Carl Bowen Johnson, editor of the Sentinel, published at Frank-
lin, Massachusetts, was born in Putnam, Connecticut, September
14, 1859, his parents being Harrison and Annette L. (Bowen) John-
son. The father was the first lawyer of Putnam, Connecticut, and
at one time represented his district in the state legislature. He was
a stalwart republican, giving unfaltering allegiance to the party to
the time of his xieath, which occurred in 1883. His wife was a
direct descendant of Rev. John Williams of Deerfield fame, and
was a daughter of Colonel Matthew Bowen, one of the largest land-
owners of Woodstock, Connecticut, and a cousin of the late Henry
C. Bowen, editor and founder of the New York Independent.
Carl Bowen Johnson attended the grammar and high schools of
Putnam, and in early manhood turned his attention to the profession
of teaching and also to newspaper reporting. During the period of
the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago he was the special
representative and writer in the city for the New York Independent.
He has been engaged in newspaper work for forty years and for
twenty-three years has been identified with the Sentinel, which he
is now editing.
On the nth of November, 1896, in Putnam, Connecticut, Mr.
Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Fisher, a daughter
of the late Judge Oscar Fisher, of Woodstock, Connecticut. She is
a graduate of Wheaton College of Norton, Massachusetts, was a
Toi. n— 13
Digitized by
Google
262 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
special student at Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts^
and was the former president of the Alden Club, associated with
the Federation of Women's Clubs, at Franklin. To Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson have been born two sons, Kenneth Bowen and Malcom
Fisher.
Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a Mason, having taken the degrees
of lodge and chapter. He is a member of the Franklin Business^
Association, of which he was formerly the vice president, and he is
a deacon of the Congregational church. He was also a member of
the school committee of Franklin, Massachusetts, for four years and
during three years of that time served as its chairman. His political
endorsement has always been given to the republican party.
JOHN HENRY ASH, M. D.
Dr. John Henry Ash, a well known representative of the medical
profession at Quincy, where he has practiced for more than a quarter
of a century, was born in North Weymouth, Massachusetts, April
17, 1870, his parents being Richard and Mary (Dolan) Ash, both
of whom were natives of Ireland. The father crossed the Atlantic
to America in 1852 and about the same time the mother made the
voyage to the new world. They were married in Holyoke, Mas-
sachusetts, and in 1859 removed to North Weymouth. Mr. Ash
was identified with shoe manufacturing and devoted his life to that
business in Weymouth.
Dr. Ash of this review, after mastering the branches of learning
taught in the public schools of Weymouth, determined upon the
practice of medicine as a life work and in preparation for his pro-
fessional career entered Harvard, completing a course in the medi-
cal department with the class of 1892. He then opened an office in
Quincy, where he has since remained, and his ability is attested by
the liberal practice now accorded him. Professional advancement
is proverbially slow and yet it was not long before Dr. Ash had
demonstrated his capability of coping with the intricate and in-
volved problems of medicine and surgery. He has ever been most
careful in the diagnosis of his cases and his judgment is seldom if
ever at fault in foretelling the outcome of disease. Moreover, he
has been deeply interested in anything that tends to bring to man the
key to the complex mystery which we call life and has remained a
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 263
close student of his profession, broad reading and study keeping him
informed concerning the latest scientific researches.
On the 2 1 St of November, 1894, Dr. Ash was united in marriage
to Miss Alice T. Keohan, of Weymouth, and they have become the
parents of seven children. Richard, the eldest, is a graduate of
Tufts Medical College of the class of June, 19 17. He volunteered
and was commissioned first lieutenant in the U. S. A. Medical Re-
serve Corps and instructor at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Alice T.
is a school teacher. Mary, Kathryne, Helen, Monica and Dorotha
are all at home. The religious faith of the family is that of the
Catholic church and they are communicants of St. Mary's.
Dr. Ash's attitude upon the temperance question is indicated by
the fact that he is a member of St. Mary's Total Abstinence Society.
Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Catholic
Order of Foresters. His political allegiance is given to the demo-
cratic party where national issues are involved, but at local elections
he maintains an independent attitude. He has served as a member of
the school committee, also as a member of the board of health, is a
trustee of the Crane Library and for three years has occupied the
position of city physician. Along strictly professional lines he has
connection with the Norfolk South Medical Society, of which he
is the president, the Massachusetts Medical Association and the
American Medical Association. He maintains his residence in
Quincy with a summer home at Houghs Neck, Massachusetts. With
the interests of his city and its public welfare he has long been closely
identified, his aid and influence being on the side of progress and
improvement, of advancement and upbuilding. He has ever held
to the highest standards in his profession, recognizing fully the obli-
gations and responsibilities that devolve upon the physician and,
working his way upward step by step, he occupies a prominent place
among the leading physicians and surgeons of his section of the
state.
CHARLES H. LAWRENCE.
Charles H. Lawrence, who is engaged in the restaurant business
in Franklin, where his birth occurred October 23, 1879, is a son of
Charles A. and Susan M. (King) Lawrence, who were also natives
of Franklin. The father is a painter and has also worked in the
Digitized by
Google
264 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
straw shops but has given the greater part of his time and attention
to the painting trade. He is now sixty-eight years of age. In 1917
he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away
on the I St of October at the age of sixty-three years, after an illness
of two weeks.
Charles H. Lawrence was reared in Franklin and is indebted to
its school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed.
After his textbooks were put aside he began work at the painter's
trade and later followed several occupations, but in May, 1903, em-
barked in the restaurant business, in which he has since continued.
He conducts a good establishment of this character and is liberally
patronized. He caters to the best class of trade and has won a
reputation for serving excellent meals.
In October, 1903, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss
Eva B. Everett, a daughter of Oliver and Delia Everett, who were
early residents of Wrentham, Massachusetts. Her father died in
1900, while her mother survived until 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence
have become the parents of one child, Marion Everett, who was bom
September 5, 1904.
Mr. Lawrence is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and also of the Improved Order of Red Men. He likewise
has membership with the Universalist church and with the Franklin
Business Men's Association. Politically he is a republican but not
an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and efforts upon
his business affairs, which are being carefully and successfully con-
ducted and are bringing to him a substantial measure of success.
He is well known in Franklin, where his entire life has been passed,
and he now owns a nice residence here in addition to his business.
ERNEST M. FULLERTON.
Agriculture has always been regarded as the initial movement in
the development of any region, and while the earlier settlers of New
England turned their attention to the tilling of the soil, many gen-
erations have lived and flourished since agriculture was the chief
occupation of the people of Massachusetts. With the passing years
they have more and more largely concentrated their efforts upon
manufacturing and now the products of the factories of this state
are sent not only into every section of the country but into all foreign
lands. In the last few years Stoughton has undergone a marked
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 267
transformation through the establishment of many productive indus-
tries in her midst. Well known in manufacturing circles of Stoughton
is Ernest M. Fullerton, the proprietor of the business which is con-
ducted under the style of F. E. Benton & Company, manufacturers
of shoe last findings at No. 26 Brock street.
He was born in North Bridgewater, now Brockton, Massachu-
setts, September 10, 1872, a son of Daniel F. and Phoebe (Turner)
Fullerton, who were also natives of the old Bay state, the former hav-
ing been born at North Bridgewater and the latter at Stoughton.
The father engaged in the shoe stitching business and took contract
work from all the different factories, continuing in that line of ac-
tivity throughout his entire life. He was a veteran of the Civil war,
serving for three years as a member of Company D, Seventeenth
Regiment of Maine Infantry. He was a musician with that regiment
and remained at the front throughout almost the entire period of
the war. His death occurred April 25, 1881.
Ernest M. Fullerton spent his youthful days in Bridgewater and
Stoughton and mastered the branches of learning taught in the pub-
lic schools of the two cities. He was nine years of age when he came
to Stoughton with his mother following the father's death. He
early started upon his business career, entering the employ of F.
E. Benton, for whom he worked in different capacities, promotions
coming to him as he proved his capibility of mastering the tasks that
had already been assigned to him. He finally went upon the road as
a traveling salesman for Mr. Benton and later he became connected
with the Phinney Counter Company of Stoughton, with which he
continued for a year. He then returned to the service of Mr. Benton,
with whom he continued until the death of the latter in January, 1917.
At that time Mr. Fullerton and his mother bought out the business
with which he had so long been associated and with which he was
familiar in every detail. He has since conducted the business and
now employs eighteen people. His trade is substantial and is con-
stantly growing, the output of his factory being sold all over the
United States and in many foreign countries. This is the largest
concern of the kind in the United States, making a full line of shoe
last findings. The house sustains an unassailable reputation for the
integrity of its business methods and in all of his trade relations Mr.
Fullerton is just with creditor and with debtor alike.
On the 1st of August, 1906, Mr. Fullerton was married to Miss
Sarah E. Johnson, a daughter of Hiram and Mary A. (Shaw)
Johnson, who were natives of England and came to America in early
life, at which time they took up their abode in Ludlow, Vermont.
Digitized by
Google
268 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Later they removed to Franklin, Massachusetts, and subsequently
established their home in Stoughton, where Mr. Johnson was em-
ployed as overseer in the woolen mills. For twenty years he was
connected with the firm of French & Ward. His wife died in 1907
and he afterward returned to Vermont, where he passed away in
1910. To Mr. and Mrs. Fullerton have been born three children:
Donald F., who was born January 13, 1909; Bernice M., born
January 28, 1910; and Laurence E., born April 4, 1914.
The parents are members of the Universalist church and Mr.
Fullerton has membership with the Sons of Veterans. His political
endorsement has always been given to the republican party and he
was at one time a member of the republican town committee. He is
interested in the success of his party and does all in his power to
secure the adoption of its principles yet he has never been a politician
in the sense of office seeking. On the contrary he has preferred to
give his undivided time to his business affairs and his thorough capa-
bility and reliability were attested by his long connection with the
house of which he is now the head. He ever enjoyed the full con-
fidence of Mr. Benton and was legitimately the successor to the
business, which he had so largely aided in building up.
REV. JAMES F. STANTON.
Rev. James F. Stanton, pastor of the Immaculate Conception
Catholic church at Stoughton, was born in Grafton, Massachusetts,
February 13, 1867, ^^^ is a son of Richard and Ann (Horrigan)
Stanton, who were natives of Ireland. The father came to America
in 1854 ^^^ settled at Newton, Massachusetts, where he was em-
ployed as an engineer for several years. In 1869 he removed to
Needham, Norfolk county, where he turned his attention to farming
and throughout his remaining days gave his time and efforts to
agricultural pursuits. He passed away in May, 1892, at the age of
sixty-one years, while his wife long survived him and departed this
life in July, 1913.
Rev. Stanton was largely reared in Needham and through the
period of his early boyhood was a pupil in the public schools there.
He was graduated from the high school with the class of 1883 and
afterward entered Boston College, being numbered among its
alumni of 1887. He next entered St. John's Seminary at Brighton,
Massachusetts, where he pursued his theological course and having
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 269
thus qualified for holy orders was ordained to the priesthood on the
2oth of May, 1892. He was then stationed at Roxbury, Massachu-
setts, as pastor of St. Joseph's church, continuing there until 1893,
when he was assigned to duty at Norwood, Massachusetts, in charge
of St. Catherine's parish. He continued at Norwood until Novem-
ber, 1907, when he came to Stoughton, where he has since had charge
of the Immaculate Conception church, with Rev. P. J. Scanlon as
his assistant. The church is located at the corner of School and
Canton streets, with a parsonage at No. 177 School street. There is
also a parochial school in connection with the church on Canton
street and a gymnasium on Atherton street.
Mass was said in Stoughton as early as 1840, but the Catholic
residents within the township were too few in number to support a
church or a resident priest. The more devout members of the flock,
however, frequently went as far as Quincy to hear mass on Sunday
morning. When Father Rodden of Quincy visited Stoughton in
1848 he could not find more than fourteen Catholics in the locality.
The diocesan records state that in 1849 Father Fitzsimmons cele-
brated mass in an old historic house owned by Robert Porter and
known as the Austin house. Father Flatley and Father Callahan
visited Stoughton in the early '50s. Between the years 1850 and i860
the number of Catholics in Stoughton rapidly increased and Father
Flatley made preparations for the building of a church. He bought
a half acre of land at the corner of Canton and School streets and
erected a neat little wooden church of Roman design, which was
ready for occupancy in November, 1859. Right Reverend Bishop
Fitzpatrick oflSciated at the dedicatory service and Rev. John J.
Williams preached the sermon. It was not until 1861 that mass
was held regularly in Stoughton and not until 1872 that the first
resident pastor took up his abode in the town. This was Father
Norris, who devoted the latter part of life to the spiritual care of
the orphans in the House of the Angel Guardian at Roxbury, Massa-
chusetts. In 1878 Rev. James M. Kieley succeeded him as pastor
in Stoughton and for thirty years continued his work. He was a
stanch advocate of the temperance movement and realized what great
harm the liquor traflSc was working to the young men of the town.
With whole-souled energy he threw his influence against the sale of
liquor and the influential citizens say that it was he who kept the
town free from saloons for many years. When he was at length re-
lieved of his labors in Stoughton he was succeeded by the Rev.
James F. Stanton, who is now in charge of the Immaculate Concep-
tion church. The Catholic population of Stoughton now numbers
Digitized by
Google
270 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
about twenty-five hundred and under the guidance of Father Stan-
ton the work of the church is being carried steadily forward, being
well organized in every department.
HON. JOSEPH L. WHITON.
Hon. Joseph L. Whiton, mayor of Quincy, is giving to the city
a businesslike and progressive administration that has brought about
many needed reforms and introduced many valuable improvements.
His record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a^ prophet
is never without honor save in his own country, for Mr. Whiton has
been called to the highest position within the gift of his fellow towns-
men in his native city, his birth having occurred in Quincy, February
28, 1873. His parents were Joseph L. and Mary A. (Litchfield)
Whiton. The father was born in Quincy in 1844 and the mother is
a native of Boston. The Whiton family in its ancestral line can be
traced back to the period of early settlement in Plymouth, while the
Litchfield family was established in Boston in 1630. Isaiah G.
Whiton, the maternal grandfather, was born in Hingham, Massa-
chusetts, and took up his abode in Quincy in the early '30s. He
established the first shoe factory in the city, conducting business under
the firm style of Whiton & Lincoln. He was also a sail maker and
he was a stockholder in one of the first whaling vessels that sailed
from Quincy. Throughout all the intervening years the Whiton
family have taken active part in the work of general progress and
improvement. The father died in October, 191 1, but the mother is
still living.
Joseph L. Whiton acquired a public school education, supple-
mented by study in the Adams Academy, and, following in the foot-
steps of his father and grandfather, turned his attention to shoe manu-
facturing as an employe in a factory in his native city. He after-
ward became identified with the wholesale shoe business in Boston
as a traveling salesman and during the past ten years he has special-
ized in rubber footwear. He is widely known through business con-
nections and in all that he undertakes in that way displays an alert
and progressive spirit productive of excellent results.
Mr. Whiton is also widely known as the efficient mayor of his
native city, having been elected to the office on the 19th of December,
1916, by a majority of one hundred and sixty-nine, so that he is now
serving for the second year of his term. He was elected under Plan
Digitized by
Google
HOX. JOSEPH L. WHITOX
Digitized by
Google
t^
^i.
; '<
Y
m-
D
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 273
A. This was not his first oflicial position, however, for he was a
member of the city council for ten years and was president of the
council for five years. During his administration as mayor he has
put the city upon a business basis, closely watching every detail that
has to do with the conduct of public interests and at the same time
giving due importance to those points which are most effective in
advancing general welfare. He has introduced motor equipment
into the fire fighting service and has spent over one hundred thousand
dollars in street repair work. He has also installed a new fire alarm
system and he built the most modern fire alarm building in the
United States. Various other evidences of his public spirit could be
cited as tangible proof of his marked devotion to the general good.
He was instrumental in securing four hundred thousand dollars
from the government to widen Washington street and he was also
the moving spirit in securing the erection of five hundred single
houses for employes at the great new Victory plant of the Fore
River Shipbuilding Company, a work for which he deserves much
praise. He has closely studied the housing question and put forth
every effort to give employes comfortable and sanitary homes when
the new plant was erected and brought many people to the city.
On the 3d of October, 1895, Mr. Whiton was married to Miss
Edith Woodbury, of Francestown, New Hampshire, and they now
have three children, Mary, Minnie Norton and Edith Louise, all at
home. Fraternally Mr. Whiton is a Mason, belonging to Rural
Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; to St. Stephen's Chapter, R. A. M.; and to
Quincy Commandery, K. T. He is likewise a member of the Granite
City Club, of the Yacht Club and is president of the G. A. R. Aid
Association. He is likewise an honorary member of the Fore River
Club. He is a Unitarian in religious faith, having membership in
the First Parish church. In politics he is an independent republican,
usually voting with the party yet not considering himself bound by
party ties, and at all times he places the general welfare before
partisanship and the interests of the city before personal aggrandize-
ment. One of the old historic homes on Quincy Point is owned by
the family and this house was built more than one hundred and
twenty years ago and was the first erected on Quincy Point below
the First Parish church. This estate once was the original Quincy
Point. Upon this place is an old dike which is supposed to have
been used as a means of fortification against the Indians. In 1904
Mayor Whiton built a fine residence, which he now occupies and
which is located at 29 Whiting Road. Mr. Whiton has always been
a resident of Quincy and it is his object as its chief executive officer
Digitized by
Google
274 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
to keep the city in touch with the most advanced ideas and methods
of city building, planning and improvement. His labors have been
directly beneficial and his purposes have been accomplished with
little opposition, for the value of the methods which he has instituted
and the plans which he has advanced have been at once recognized.
CHARLES C. HANDY.
Charles C. Handy, who for twenty years has devoted his time and
attention to the banking business, has through the steps of an orderly
progression reached the responsible position which he now occupies
as treasurer of the East Weymouth Savings Bank. A native son of
Massachusetts, he was born in the historic old city of Salem on the
5th of October, 1876, his parents being Kelley and Lucy Ella (Swan)
Handy, the former a native of Yarmouth county. Nova Scotia, while
the latter was born in Salem. Kelley Handy arrived in Salem in the
late '60s. He was a carpenter and builder by trade and successfully
followed that pursuit, being closely associated with building opera-
tions in Salem throughout his remaining days. His death occurred
in November, 1910, when he had reached the age of sixty-four years,
but his wife had long since passed away, having been called to her
final rest in 1885.
Charles C. Handy spent his youthful days in his father's home
in Salem and the public school system of the city afforded him his
educational opportunities. When his textbooks were put aside he be-
gan earning his living as a bookkeeper and was employed in various
ways during the succeeding three years. In 1897 he made his
initial step in connection with the banking business, entering the
Salem Five Cent Savings Bank as a messenger and there remaining
until July, 1898, when he entered the National Webster Bank of
Boston as messenger. In that institution he worked his way up to
the position of receiving teller and remained with the bank until
July, 1910, when he was appointed a bank examiner for the state
of Massachusetts by the state bank commissioner. He continued to
occupy that position until May, 19 17, when he resigned and Re-
moved to East Weymouth to accept the position of treasurer of the
East Weymouth Savings Bank, which was organized in 1872 and is
one of the old and substantial financial institutions of this part of
the state, having now been in successful existence for more than
forty-five years. Their deposits at the present time amount to one
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 275
million, six hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars. The president
of the bank is Fred L. Alden, a shoe manufacturer. Mr. Handy as
treasurer is active in the management of the bank and the safe con-
servative policy followed by the institution has always awakened
public confidence.
On the 19th of June, 1907, Mr. Handy was married to Miss
Anna F. Bird, a daughter of Charles and Anne (Howe) Bird, who
were natives of New Hampshire. The father became a driver and
sea captain at East Boston and he resided in Boston until his death.
His wife passed away in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Handy have two
children: Robert C, born in March, 1908; and Richard H., born
in April, 1916. By a former marriage Mrs. Handy had one son,
Lpwis B. White, who was born in 1905.
Mr. Handy is the vice president of the Men's Club of East Wey-
mouth, composed of business men of the town, and is also identified
with the Now and Then Association of Salem, also drawing its
membership from the business men of that city. He is likewise a
member of the Bank Oflicers' Association of Boston and of the Sav-
ings Bank Oflicers' Club of Massachusetts. Mr. Handy is also
identified with th** ^ '^^ Masons at Salem, which was
started in 1792 and is one of the oldest lodges of the state. His re-
ligious belief is that of the Universalist church. Politically he is
a republican and served on the city council of Salem from 1903 until
1908. He has always been interested in community affairs but has
not been active as an oflSce seeker, yet cooperates heartily in all well
defined plans for the upbuilding of city or state.
HARRY J. GEB.
Harry J. Geb, who is engaged in dealing in motorcycles and
bicycles and also handles auto tires and accessories, was born in
Racine, Wisconsin, June 20, 1884, ^^^ from the age of two years
has lived in Franklin, his parents being Jacob and Margaret (Huff)
Geb, the former born in Sioux City, Iowa, while the latter was a
native of Reed City, Michigan. In early life the father went to
Racine, Wisconsin, where he worked in the mills for a number of
years, and then made his way to the Atlantic coast, settling at Hamp-
den, Massachusetts, where he worked in the carding room in a woolen
mill. In 1886 he came to Franklin and secured a position in the
Ray Woolen Mills, now the American Woolen Mills. He was
Digitized by
Google
276 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
there employed for nearly twenty years, after which he engaged in.
business on his own account as a partner of Fred P. Chapman. This
was about the year 1902. They began the manufacture of yam under
the firm style of the Franklin Yarn Company and conducted the
business successfully until their plant was destroyed by fire. They
then erected a modern cement building and have since carried on
the business, which now furnishes employment to one hundred and
twenty-five workmen. They operate both day and night forces and
the business has reached very gratifying proportions.
Harry J. Geb was reared in Franklin and the public schools
accorded him his early educational privileges, while later he attended
the Lowell Textile School at Lowell, Massachusetts. There he
learned the business of designihg woolen goods and after his coarse
was completed he accepted a position in the Saranac Mills at Black-
stone, Massachusetts, as assistant designer. He continued in that
position for four years and then returned to Franklin, accepting the
position of designer in the Hayward Woolen Mills. In this capacity
he has since continued and at the present time he is also engaged
in dealing in motorcycles, bicycles, automobile tires and accessories,
in which connection he has built up a trade of substantial and gratify-
ing proportions.
On the 1 6th of September, 19 13, Mr. Geb was united in marriage
to Miss Sara Costello, a daughter of John and Mary Costello. Mr.
and Mrs. Geb are Catholics in religious faith and he is identified
with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters.
His military connection is that of corporal of Company G of the
Thirteenth Regiment of the Massachusetts State Guard. His
political faith is that of the republican party and he has always given
stalwart support to its principles. He has led an active and useful
life and his ability has brought him into prominent industrial and
commercial relations in Franklin.
KARLE H. GRANGER, M. D.
Dr. Karle H. Granger, who for a quarter of a century has been
engaged in medical practice in South Weymouth, Massachusetts,
brings to bear upon the investigations and solutions of professional
problems a highly trained intellect and skill in scientific thinking.
He was born January 6, r868, in Barnard, Windsor county, Vermont,
a son of Nathan H. and Rose M. (Frazer) Granger. The father
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 279
was born February i6, 1844, in Randolph, Vermont, and passed
away at the early age of thirty-four years on June 16, 1878, being
long survived by his widow, who died October 5, 1917. Nathan H.
Granger was a successful traveling salesman during his whole busi-
ness career and was very prominent in Masonic circles. In 1868 he
removed to Ames, Iowa, where he continued to make his residence
during the remainder of his life, his death occurring at Algona,
Iowa.
Karle H. Granger was reared in Ames, Iowa, where he attended
school in the pursuit of his education, completing his earlier training
by a course in the high school, from which he was graduated in
1885. He then entered Ames College, from which he received his
degree in 1888, and in 1889 returned to Vermont and matriculated
in the medical department of Dartmouth College, graduating in
1892. In the following year he located in South Weymouth and
his present extensive practice proves that he made no mistake in
deciding upon this city as his field of labor. He has continued as a
physician and surgeon and has a very extensive practice, his patients
thoroughly appreciating his splendid knowledge, his effective
methods and his pleasant, confidence-inspiring ways. His earnest
efforts along professional lines have borne good fruit and are not
only recognized by the public but by his colleagues, who have high
regard for him because he most rigidly adheres to the ethics and
standards of the profession.
On the 13th of February, 1894, Dr. Granger was married to Miss
Mary C. Briggs, of Randolph, Massachusetts, a daughter of H.
M. and Anna M. (Panting) Briggs. The father was born in Ran-
dolph, the mother's native place being Prince Edward Island. Dur-
ing his entire active career Mr. Briggs has followed mercantile pur-
suits and is now so engaged, residing in Dorchester. Mrs. Briggs is
also living. Dr. and Mrs. Granger have two children: Harry
Inwood, born April 24, 1897; and Frederick Gordon, born July 22,
1899.
Dr. Granger has always shown a deep interest in the progress
and development of South Weymouth, particularly along educa-
tional lines and has served as physician for the town schools of the
fourth ward and as town physician. He is a member of the Massa-
chusetts Medical Society and through this connection keeps in con-
tact with the latest medical proceedings and discoveries which have
been made of late years, thereby improving upon the valuable expe-
rience which he gained in former years while in attendance at Bos-
ton hospitals. Moreover, Dr. Granger was an educator for a number
Digitized by
Google
280 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
of years, this fact being largely responsible for the interest which
he yet retains in the betterment of the schools. For four years he
was a teacher in the public schools of Iowa and for three years acted
in the same capacity in the state of Massachusetts before entering
upon his medical career. Fraternally Dr. Granger is prominent,
taking a deep interest in Masonic work, belonging to Pilgrim Lodge
of Harwich, Massachusetts. He also is connected with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge of South
Weymouth and the encampment of East Weymouth. The brotherly-
principles underlying these organizations he practices in his every-
day life and uses them as his guide in his conduct toward his fellow-
men. Along religious lines he affiliates with the Universalist
church. Dr. and Mrs. Granger reside in a comfortable home at No.
129 Pleasant street and there extend hospitality to many friends, who
appreciate them for their sterling qualities of character, their sin-
cerity, their geniality and the warm-hearted, friendly understanding
which they extend to all who desire their friendship. Mrs. Granger
is very prominent in the Rebekah branch of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, having served as state president of the assembly in
1916 and 1917.
JOHN G. PHINNEY.
No history of the business development of Stoughton would be
complete without extended reference to John G. Phinney, now de-
ceased, who during the course of an active businese life was prom-
inently connected with the manufacturing interests of Stoughton and
also of Boston. His plans were always well defined and carefully
executed and his business principles were those which would bear
the closest investigation and scrutiny. He thus made for himself an
honored position in commercial circles and enjoyed in unqualified
measure the trust and confidence of those who knew him. He was
born in Stoughton on the 17th of August, 1843, ^ son of Sylvanus
C. and Mary (Russell) Phinney. The father was a native of Maine
and established his home in Stoughton at an early day. There he
engaged in the manufacture of boot counters, soles and heels and
devoted his entire life to that undertaking, his life's labors being
terminated in death in 1871. His wife has also passed av^ay.
Reared at the family home in Stoughton, John G. Phinney be-
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 281
came connected with the manufacturing interests of his father, under
the style of S. C. & J. G. Phinney, and throughout his entire career
he concentrated his efforts along that line. His activity constituted
an important element in the growth of the trade and he remained
in the business until called to his final rest in February, 1888. Fol-
lowing his death the business was incorporated under the name of
the J. G. Phinney Counter Company and so continued for about
twenty years, when the business was closed out. It had long re-
mained one of the foremost manufacturing concerns of the city, con-
stituting an important element in the continued growth of Stough-
ton's trade relations. Mr. Phinney also operated a leather store on
Summer street in Boston and was likewise engaged in the manu-
facture of lasts as a member of the firm of Walker & Phinney. He
was a man of resolute will who carried forward to successful com-
pletion whatever he undertook. He recognized that when one
avenue of opportunity seemed closed he could carve out other paths
whereby to reach the desired goal and his perseverance and energy
enabled him to overcome all difficulties which he encountered.
It was in July, 1868, that Mr. Phinney was united in marriage to
Miss Mary E. Lunn, who was born in South Easton, Massachusetts,
in July, 1846, a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Newcomb) Lunn,
the former a native of England and the latter of Maine. The father
was brought to the new world in infancy, the parents starting from
England with their family, but one died while en route. Not long
afterward Mr. Lunn was left an orphan and was adopted by the
ship's captain, who resided at Easton, Massachusetts. After at-
taining man's estate he became a thread manufacturer of South
Easton, where he conducted that business for several years, and
later he turned his attention to the manufacture of shoes, continuing
his residence in South Easton throughout his remaining days. Death
called him in 1870 and his wife survived until 1887. To Mr. and
Mrs. Phinney were born two children: John W., at home; and
Frank F., who resides in Warren, Massachusetts, where he is en-
gaged in the manufacture of the Warren steam pumps.
Mr. Phinney was a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity.
He belonged to the Congregational church and his political alle-
giance was given to the republican party, which found in him a
stalwart supporter. He was interested in everything that pertained
to the welfare and progress of his community and gave active sup-
port to many movements that were of great benefit to Stoughton.
He erected a large and handsome residence at No. 81 Sumner street,
which is occupied by his widow. The name of Phinney has long
Digitized by
Google
282 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
been an honored one in Stoughton and the memory of Mr. Phinney
is yet cherished and revered by those who knew him while fie was
still an active factor in the world's work.
LUCIUS W. DANIELS.
The history of agricultural development in Norfolk county would
be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make refer-
ence of Lucius W. Daniels, who has long followed farming on
Pond street in Franklin. He is now in the seventh-ninth year of
his age, his birth having occurred on the 5th of April, 1839, at the
place where he still resides, his parents being Fisher and Ann
(Eames) Daniels. The latter was a direct descendant of Thomas
Fames, who was the first man shot by the Indians at Boggsto Brook,
in East Medway, now Millis. He had come to the new world on
the Mayflower and was one of that number of men who constituted
the toll that civilization always seems to claim when settlement is
extended into new territory. The immigrant ancestor of the Daniels
family was Joseph Daniels, who first appeared in Medfield among
the subscribers "towards building a new college at Cambridge" in
1678. His son, Joseph Daniels, Jr., married Bethiah
and had six children, Samuel, Joseph, David, Hannah, Ezra and
Sarah.
David Daniels was born in 1699 and to him and his wife Mag-
dalen were born several children. The father died November 19,
178 1, when eighty-two years of age, and the mother passed away
October 13, 1780. Their son, Seth Daniels, was born October 30,
1737, and married Unite, daughter of Deacon Daniel and Elizabeth
Thurston, of Franklin. He occupied the farm and house that after-
ward came into possession of his grandson, Fisher Daniels. He died
November 16, 1785, when almost forty-eight years of age, and his
wife passed away in October, 1821, at the advanced age of about
seventy-three years. They were the parents of four children : Julia,
who died at the age of sixteen; Joseph, who was born October 14,
1771 ; Susanna, who became ^he wife of Job Carpenter and died in
early life; and Julia, who was the second wife of Job Carpenter and
removed to Sutton.
Joseph Daniels of that family married Susan Fisher, a daughter
of Joseph and Susan Fisher, on the 4th of September, 1793. He occu-
pied the old homestead and also conducted a small store. Here he
Digitized by
Google
MR. AXI) MRS. LITIUS W. DANIELS
Digitized by
Google
T-K :;^v/ vcrK
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 285
passed away July 19, 1828, and his wife died on the 17th of Febru-
ary of the following year. They had a family of thirteen children.
Seth, born September 14, 1794, married Huldah Harris and removed
to Oxford. He was a deacon of the Congregational church and
passed away February 22, 1878. Fisher, born August 2, 1796, mar-
ried Eunice Adams and after her death married Ann Eames, of
Hopkinton. He followed school-teaching through the winter months
for many years and in the summer devoted his attention to farming.
His death occurred March 10, 1874. Julia Maria Daniels, the next
of the family, was born August 17, 1800, and became the wife of
Rev. J. R. Cushing. Albert Early, born September 25, 1802, mar-
ried Olive Hills, a daughter of Joseph and Deborah Hills. He be-
came an extensive straw board manufacturer and was prominent in
public affairs, filling many offices. Carolina Melita, born October 24,
1804, became the wife of Fisher A. Kingsbury and died December
31, 1854. Willis George, born October 22, 1806, was the next of the
family. Susan Fisher, born October 6, 1808, became the wife of
Albert Cleveland and died February 6, 1834. Hiram Abiff, born
October 30, 1810, removed to Amoskeag, New Hampshire. Martha
Carpenter, born March 9, 1813, became the wife of John W. Mason,
of Boston and died June 3, 1845. Darwin Joseph, born January 12,
181 5, became mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire, and died
August 15, 1865. Harriet Louisa, born May 25, 1817, became the
wife of Rev. M. Blake, D. D. Charles Adams, born August 30,
1820, makes his home in Milford, New Hampshire.
Lucius W. Daniels pursued his education in the high school of
Franklin and afterward in the New Hampton Academy of New
Hampshire. Reared to the occupation of farming, he early became
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the
crops and throughout his entire life has devoted his energies to that
line of work. He has also engaged in lumbering and his has been an
active and useful life, in which he has accomplished substantial re-
sults. Not all days in his career have been equally bright, for at times
trouble has come to him. On the 15th of August, 1886, his barns were
destroyed by fire, causing a loss of about ten thousand c^ollars. At
that time he had much hay burned and four horses and thirteen cows
were also victims of the fire. On the whole, however, Mr. Daniels
has prospered in his undertakings owing to his indefatigable energy,
his close application and his persistency of purpose.
On the 3d of September, 1861, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Daniels and Miss Sarah Helen Warfield, a daughter of Eben War-
field, at Franklin. They have become the parents of four children.
Digitized by
Google
286 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Mary L., who was a missionary and was sent out by the American
Board of Missions to Harpoot, Turkey, where she labored for twenty-
five years, passed through the Armenian massacre of 1895 but escaped
with just one suit of clothing. The others of the family are Hattie
A., Ernest D. and Edith N. The son, Ernest D., married Gertrude
Goodwin, of Boston.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational
church, to which they have loyally adhered, Mr. Daniels doing
everything in his power to promote the growth of the church and
extend its influence. He is a member of the Grange and has held
most of its offices. In politics he is a republican and for two years
served as selectman and for a similar period was assessor. He was
likewise trustee of the town library and he has ever been interested
in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his community,
giving active support to many plans that have been of great benefit
in the upbuilding and development of his section of the county.
HENRY ELLIS RUGGLES.
Henry Ellis Ruggles, of Franklin, for thirty years a member of
the Massachusetts bar and since 1898 special justice of the district
court of western Norfolk, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, July
25, 1858, a son of Calvin H. and Maria C. (Streeter) Ruggles and a
descendant of George Ruggles, who settled in Boston in 1632. His
ancestors were especially interested in abolition or the anti-slavery
movement. George Ruggles, of Boston, was one of the first settlers
of that city and his descendants in Boston and Roxbury were very
active in town affairs. The name of Ruggles is often found as that
of one of the selectmen and Ruggles street is named in honor of the
family.
Henry Ellis Ruggles, pursuing his education, attended the Up-
ton high school and afterward entered the Phillips Exeter Academy
of Exeter, New Hampshire, from which he was graduated in 1877.
He next attended the Williston Seminary of Easthampton, Massa-
chusetts, and in early manhood he took up the profession of teaching,
which he followed in the public schools of Uxbridge and of Frank-
lin, Massachusetts. For a time he was also employed in the manu-
facture of straw hats, but desiring to became a member of the bar,
pursued his reading with that end in view and in January, 1888,
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 287
was admitted to practice at the Massachusetts bar. He has since been
engaged in the general practice of law and is perhaps best known as
a successful jury lawyer. In 1898 he received the appointment for
life to the position of special justice of the district court of western
Norfolk. His reasoning is strong and logical, his arguments clear
and convincing and he seldom fails to win the verdict desired. Aside
from his connection with the practice of law he has been a trustee
of the Wildey Savings Bank of Boston, Massachusets, since 1894, and
he is a director of a number of private corporations.
Mr. Ruggles has been married twice. He first wedded Carrie E.
Douglass, of Lee, Maine, their marriage being celebrated in Boston,
September 8, 1882. She died in Franklin, March 11, 1894, ^^^ ^^ ^^^
27th of October, 1896, in Woburn, Massachusetts, Mr. Ruggles mar-
ried L. Maud Weston, a daughter of Israel A. and Elizabeth A.
(Davis) Weston, whose ancestors were early settlers of New Hamp-
shire. Of the second marriage there has been born a son, Stanley
Weston, whose birth occurred in Franklin, October 16, 1898.
Mr. RugglesJs prominently known in fraternal circles. He has
membership with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Patrons of
Husbandry. He has been especially active in the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and was grand master of the grand lodge of
Massachusetts in 1894 ^^^ grand patriarch of the grand encamp-
ment, I. O. O. F., of Massachusetts in 191 1. He was also representa-
tive from Massachusetts to the sovereign grand lodge in 1900, 1906,
191 2, 1916 and 1917 and is the present representative. He is a direc-
tor of the Odd Fellows Hall Association of Boston, is vice president
of the Odd Fellows Home of Massachusetts and has been one of its
trustees since 1895. He is also chairman of its committee of invest-
ments and finance. Politically Mr. Ruggles gave his support to the
republican party until 1888. He then supported the democratic
party until 1896, when he returned to the republican ranks, where he
has since been found. In 1892 he represented his district in the
Massachusetts house of representatives and was town clerk of Frank-
lin from 1890 until 1892, inclusive. In 1902 he was made a member
of the board of selectmen of Franklin and occupied that position for
two years. He belongs to the Republican Clubs of Norfolk county
and of Massachusetts, also to the Norfolk County Bar Association,
the Massachusetts State Bar Association and the Franklin Business
Association, having been president of the last named in 1905.
Among his strictly personal characteristics are his fondness for deep
sea sailing and for flowers. His religious faith is that of the Univer-
salist church. His interests are broad and varied and he has had
Digitized by
Google
288 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
much to do with shaping public thought and action in his com-
munity and has left the impress of his individuality and ability for
good upon many lines of public progress.
EUGENE E. KIRBY.
Eugene E. Kirby, engaged in the^ conduct of a livery business in
Foxboro, where he was born December 25, 1867, ^^ a son of Jeremiah
and Mary (McFarland) Kirby, who were natives of Ireland. The
father was born in County Kerry, but in early life bade adieu to the
Emerald isle and crossed the Atlantic to the new world, establishing
his home at Millville, Rhode Island, where he resided for a year and
a half. He then came to Foxboro, where he engaged in railroad
work throughout the remainder of his life. He passed away on the
3d of May, 1915, having for a decade survived his wife, who died in
March, 1905.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Eugene E.
Kirby pursued his education in the schools of Foxboro and then
secured employment in connection with the livery business, spend-
ing some time in that way for three different men. In September,
1905, he purchased his present business, which he has since conducted.
His barn is called the Cohasset Stable. He also conducted a livery
business at Oak Bluffs, on Martha's Vineyard island, for three years.
He then bought the barn there and continued to operate it until
1915, when he sold the business and turned his attention to the auto-
mobile business at that place, where he now operates a large garage
and also conducts an auto livery. He likewise is proprietor of the
only livery in Foxboro, and also the only auto livery and he enjoys
an extensive patronage. He closely studies the needs and wishes
of his patrons and his business is steadily growing by reason of the
fact that he puts forth every effort to please his customers and to
give them the service required.
In November, 1888, Mr. Kirby was united in marriage to Miss
Ann C. Barton, a daughter of Andrew and Julia Barton, who were
natives of Ireland. They came to America in early life and estab-
lished their home in East Foxboro, where the father worked on the
railroad section for a number of years. His remaining days were
passed iti Foxboro and both he and his wife have now departed this
life. Mr. and Mrs. Kirby became the parents of three children:
Mildred, who is the widow of William Engley and resides with her
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 291
father; Eugene E., who is twenty-seven years of age and is in his
father's employ; and Sumner Barton, seventeen years of age, now a
high school pupil. Mrs. Engley has one child, Clair, nine years
of age.
Mr. Kirby belongs to several fraternal organizations, having
membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Benev-
olent Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose as
well as with the Knights of Columbus. His religious faith is that
of the Catholic church, to which he loyally adheres. Politically he
is a democrat and gives unfaltering support to the party. He belongs
to the Oak Bluffs Rod and Gun Club, an association that indicates
soniething of the nature of his interests and the way in which he
spends his time when leisure permits. He has made a: creditable
record in business by his close application and persistency of pur-
pose and his success is the direct outcome of energy and indefatigable
industry.
JAMES MEADE.
James Meade is the proprietor of one of the important manufac-
turing enterprises of Stoughton, conducted under the name of The
Meade Rubber Company. The establishment is devoted to the
rubberizing of fabrics and hospital sheetings and to the manufacture
of rubber heels and soles. The business was established in 1916 and
although it is one of the newer productive industries of the city has
already made for itself a substantial position in business circles. Mr.
Meade came to the head of this concern with long experience gained
in other connections. He was born in Stoughton on the 3d of March,
1868, and is a son of Richard and Mary (Shields) Meade, who were
natives of Ireland. In early life they came to America and were
married on this side of the Atlantic. After reaching American
shores they established their home in Stoughton and Mr. Meade
was employed in shoe factories throughout his remaining days, his
death occurring in 1885. His widow survived him for about six
years, passing away in 1891.
James Meade spent his youthful days in Stoughton, where he at-
tended the public and parochial schools and thus acquired the edu-
cation which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties.
When his textbooks were put aside he sought employment in rubber
factories and has continued in the same line of work to the present
Digitized by
Google
292 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
time. One clement of his success is the fact that he has always re-
mained in the field of activity in which he embarked as a young
tradesman. He has mastered every phase of the business and for a
long period he was superintendent of the Plymouth Rubber Com-
pany at Canton. When he resigned his position there to return to
Stoughton and establish his present business, the employes of the
plant, numbering two hundred, met to offer their kindest felicita-
tions and show their respect to him. They were joined by many of
the leading citizens of the town, who made the event one of unusual
interest. On that occasion the factory employes who had long known
Mr. Meade as their boss and overseer, presented him with a hand-
some gold watch suitably engraved, and this possession he prizes
most highly. In The Sentinel Observations, published at Canton,
appeared the following editorial concerning the occasion and indi-
cating the spirit in which it was held: "That was a wonderfully in-
teresting and peculiarly satisfactory affair on Saturday evening when
the workers of the Plymouth Rubber Company of Canton paid their
tribute to their retiring superintendent, James Meade, in Foresters
Hall. Nothing just like it has ever been held in this town. Here
were some two hundred men of all nationalities, working men gath-
ered to pay tribute to one who had been for fifteen years their boss
and overseer. In that time it is reasonable to presume that Mr.
Meade, had he been a good superintendent as there is no doubt that
he was, had been obliged to be strong and strict in his application
of efficiency and business principles to the work that he was called
to do. Such efforts are usually conducive to the inculcation of
jealousies and hard feeling that are constantly the result of misunder-
standing of attitudes in an establishment and the lack of appreciation
of the requirements of the place which such a position requires. It
is a position that often leads to hard feeling and grudges for honest
decisions made and for admonitions that may be and usually are
just and warranted. When therefore one sees in place of bitterness
and ill-feeling such a unanimous and hearty expression of goodwill,
yes, even loving respect and hearty commendation given without the
expectation of favor in return, then we may well say that the occa-
sion is rare and unusual. To attain such an end one must be a rare
man and well equipped with those kindlier and unusual attributes of
good-heartedness that deserve mention and attention. The man him-
self must be a man of broad sympathy and real good-heartedness to
have won all these men and these tributes. Such a man we know Mr.
James Meade to be and the personal friends of Mr. Meade, leading
citizens of the town, who were privileged to be present in large
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 293
numbers on this evening, were unanimous in their appreciation of
the splendid meaning of this recognition of him on the part of the
men of whom such fine sentiments were hardly to be expected. In
these days of the harsh snapping of the line that is apt to be drawn
between the employer and the employe it is indeed refreshing to see
so fine a showing of respect and regard between the front office and
the work bench and machine. It was only made possible by the
fact that here we find a man who is broad minded, generous in his
sympathies and helpful in his attitude. It is given to few men to be
endowed with those virtues in a degree such as is vouchsafed to Mr.
Meade and we are glad that Stoughton is able to boast such a man
as its home product, that we are to have him as one of our leading
employers of labor in the future and that he has definitely decided
against other influences to settle his future in the town. His decision
I believe bodes well for Stoughton as a growing town. That he will
succeed we have no doubt and also that in his success he will give
to the community a large share not only of increased business pros-
perity, but also the benefits that such a man of kindly attributes can
add to the community welfare. Not much danger of labor troubles
when such a man goes out to do business."
With his return to Stoughton, Mr. Meade established The Meade
Rubber Company and began the manufacture of rubber heels and
soles and also the putting of a rubber surface upon fabrics and hos-
pital sheetings. He has a well equipped plant supplied with the
latest improved machinery for doing work of this character, and
already his business has grown to substantial proportions.
In July, 1 89 1, Mr. Meade was united in marriage to Miss Mary
E. Mahoney, a daughter of John and Barbara (Crawford) Ma-
honey, who are natives of Ireland and of England respectively. The
father, born on the Emerald isle, was brought to America during
his infancy by his parents. He became a leather heel manufacturer
in Stoughton, devoting many years to that business, but for the past
seven years he has been retired. His wife also became a resident
of the new world during her infancy and she, too, is yet living. Mr.
and Mrs. Meade have become the parents of four children, namely:
B. Evangeline, now twenty-four years of age; Mary Elizabeth,
aged twenty-two; Evelyn, eighteen years of age; and J. Miles, a
youth of sixteen years. The family are communicants of the Catholic
church and they reside at 53 Sumner street, where they have a
pleasant home. They have gained many friends during the period
of their residence in Stoughton and the hospitality of the best homes
is freely accorded them. Mr. Meade is a democrat in his political
Digitized by
Google
294 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
views and has served for twenty years on the democratic town central
committee. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Colum-
bus and with the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order
of Hibernians. He is a man of kindly spirit and genial disposition
who wins friends wherever he goes. In his business, justice and
consideration for others are evenly balanced qualities and both in
business and private life he is continually extending a helping hand
to those who need assistance. All who know James Meade speak of
him in terms of the highest regard and are proud to count him as
a friend.
ISAAC NEWTON LEWIS, A. M., LL. B.
Isaac Newton Lewis, teacher, author, lawyer, traveler and patriot,
of Walpole, Massachusetts, was there born on Christmas day of 1848,
a son of Sergeant William and Judith M. (Whittemore) Lewis, the
former a native of Walpole and the latter of Boston, Massachusetts.
The father was an officer of the old Walpole Light Infantry and an
able musician, being the first bass violinist and organist of the Second
Congregational Church and Society of Walpole, of which he was
one of the founders. His wife was a physician of unusual worth and
ability. They were the parents of nine healthy and robust children,
the eldest being John W. Lewis, of Norwich, Connecticut, a music
teacher and composer of wide reputation, and the youngest being
Miss Mary F. Lewis, regent of the Nelly Custis Lewis Chapter,
D. A. R., and vice president of the Wednesday Club. Another mem-
ber of the family is James A. Lewis, bugler and band musician of the
Forty-fourth Regiment, M. V. M., in the Civil war, and three of
his grandsons are now serving their country under the same flag in
the present grave struggle for freedom, thus making an unbroken
patriotic service to the country by this old New England family from
its very foundation to the present time.
The first of the family to permanently settle in America were
William Lewis and his wife. Amy, who came to Roxbury in 1635
from i^outhern Wales and England, where their three elder children
had been born. A former generation is said to have crossed the chan-
nel from eastern France as William and Marie Lewis in the latter
part of the sixteenth century to escape religious persecution. Colonel
Fielding Lewis, who married General Washington's sister Betty-
Major Lawrence Lewis, who married Nelly Parke Custis, and
Digitized by
Google
ISAAC NEWTON LEWIS
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 297
Francis Lewis, the noted son of liberty and signer of the Declaration
of Independence, are all said to be of the same family. After some
years in Roxbury, where he was admitted a freeman and started the
church of Rev. John Eliot, William Lewis left to found the town of
Lancaster, Massachusetts, where he was third in point of wealth and
where he died four years before the town was burned by the Indians
in King Philip's war. His son, John Lewis, who was also one of the
founders of the town and also one of the first cloth manufacturers in
America, upon the destruction of the town sought in 1678 a safer and
more peaceful home near the old Whiting mill in East Dedham,
Massachusetts, where in 1680 he died and where his name is still per*
petuated in the old street called Lewis Lane. Two of his sons, John
and Lieutenant Barachiah Lewis, in their youth had the rare fortune
of being the pupils of Rev. Joseph Rowlandson, the sole graduate of
Harvard College in the class of 1652, as well as thorough training in
military discipline in Indian warfare, so that during the King Wil-
liam and Queen Anne wars they saw constant service, being often the
sole dependence of the helpless governor of the province in the several
campaigns from 1706 to 17 10, when in the last Old Port Royal (Nova
Scotia) campaign Lieutenant Barachiah finally fell, a sore and widely
lamented sacrifice to personal heroism, when only forty-seven years
old. He left a large family, but many of his numerous and dis-
tinguished descendants, like the Rev. Rufus Ellis of the First Church
of Boston and the Rev. George Ellis of the Charlestown Harvard
church, have to their credit since then notably served their country in
other callings. The prompt and unselfish patriotism, the strong and
noble part taken by Lieutenant Barachiah Lewis in protecting at his
own loss and sacrifice the homes and lives of the distressed first settlers
here led Isaac Newton Lewis of this review some years ago to design
and erect to his memory on Lewis square in Walpole, a spot dedicated
to liberty and given years before by the Revolutionary war patriot,
Isaac Lewis, a bronze equestrian statue. This public-spirited act
was at once warmly commended and the spot has ever since been
visited and respected by military and naval officers as a notably
precious and sacred shrine of true soldierly devotion to humanity
and heroic deeds.
Isaac Newton Lewis spent his entire childhood in his native town,
where he attended its public and private schools, often teaching
therein, until 1868, when he entered the Eliot high school of Boston,
Massachusetts, to prepare for Harvard College. There also he
taught and had among his classmates William Thomas, son of Judge
Thomas, with whom he entered Harvard in 1869. He was grad-
Digitized by
Google
298 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
uated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1873. Among his college
classmates were Dr. Maurice Richardson, Judge Robert Grant,
Charles Theodore Russell, Dudley Pickman, Grant Walker and
others of like note. Among his instructors were Professors Pierce,
Bowen, Goodwin, Lowell, Shaler, Childs, Trowbridge, Dunbar,
Seaver, Peabody, Holmes and their distinguished associates. Imme-
diately on graduation from college Mr. Lewis visited England,
France and Germany for post-graduate investigation and study.
On his return he received from Boston University the degree of
LL. B. and was at once admitted to the bar in Boston. In 1877 the
same university conferred upon him the first degree of A. M. ever
granted by that institution. He at once opened the law office in
Boston which he has occupied continuously for over thirty years.
In 1876 he was appointed a justice to hear and determine cases and
soon after a justice with large civil jurisdiction, a commissioner and
a notary public, which offices he has since filled continuously. He
has often been town and city counsel and has enjoyed a wide prac-
tice and a generous share of such desirable positions as are attainable
by honorable and honest lawyers. Among his many trusts was a
large Worcester county estate on which Napoleon Bonaparte was to
live. He has always labored to originate and stimulate industrial
and domestice enterprises in both city and country, early organizing
both the Norfolk and the Middlesex Publishing Companies, which
beside their other activities owned and published some eight country
newspapers, serving four years as their president and director. He
also early became clerk and director of the Neponset Reservoir
Company and other large water power corporations and the presi-
dent of both the Maple Grove and the Walpole Plain cemeteries,
both of which he had organized and financially aided ; and meantime
he had taken some five journeys abroad, one entirely around the
globe, in their behalf.
On the 19th of April, 1899, Mr. Lewis was married to his cousin,
Miss Etta A. Lewis, the daughter of James and Eveline Lewis, of
Newark, New Jersey, and since then they have made their principal
home at the Castle in Walpole, an old estate continuously in the
family's possession since 1740.
The military experience of Mr. Lewis covers service as drill
master, since 1874, in academy and high schools, where Prince
Charlie and others of noble blood stood shoulder to shoulder with
Yankee boys, and as commandant of the Washington Guards and as
captain of the minute men of the present grave struggle for freedom
for all nations. In politics he has always been a stalwart republican
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 299
— ever since its first candidate, John C. Fremont, was placed in the
field. He has rendered substantial service also as a teacher, school
committeeman and as a trustee of the public library and in the last
named position is still serving. To the library he has donated from
time to time many useful and costly books and appliances, including
some from members of the family of Sir Robert Walpole, for whom
the town was named. Sir Spencer Walpole and the present Lord
Orford Robert Walpole. In religion Mr. Lewis is strictly orthodox,
though his financial support embraces all sects. He is also a mem-
ber of the Norfolk Bar Association, president of the Francis Lewis
Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and of the First
Historical Society of Walpole, both of which he early organized
and equipped with rare manuscripts, books, charters and collections
beginning with the year 1200 A. D. He is also a member of the
Authors Club and of the Royal Societies Club of London^ England,
the Art Club, a life member of the American Historical Associa-
tion, of the Society of Colonial Wars and of the New England His-
toric-Genealogical Society, of the National Geographic Society, in
which he had the pleasure of helping toward the discovery of the
North Pole in 1909 by Peary, and of the Military Efficiency Asso-
ciation, with present headquarters at Harvard University.
It is unnecessary here to mention the public-spirited labors and
the many public gifts of Mr. Lewis or of his public-spirited celebra-
tion held in honor of Shakespeare, Martin Luther and Sir Robert
Walpole, earl of Orford, a life-size oil portrait of whom he gave
to his native town ; his gift of a granite receiving tomb for Sir Spencer
Walpole and the gift of two fully equipped cemetery lots for fifty-
six neglected Revolutionary war patriots. In regard to his literary
works, the following certainly deserve mention here: In Me-
moriam; Pleasant Hours in Sunny Lands; History of Walpole,
Massachusetts; Addresses on Sir Robert Walpole and Rev. Phillips
Payson; The Influence of Harvard College in Our Early English
Settlements; Minute Men and Other Patriots of Walpole, Massa-
chusetts, 1775-1783; Undaunted; Her Triumph; The Brazen Per-
jurer; An Ungrateful Public; and The Patriot's Call.
As a man of fine feeling and scholarly attainments, with whom
association means inspiration, expansion and elevation, Mr. Lewis
has done much to arouse and promote public-spirited citizenship
and manly worth and has always been among the foremost against
ignorance, mendacity, lawlessness and crime. In him the loftier
spirit and principles of our rugged forefathers have never weakened.
Life is as sweet, heaven as bright, God as good whatever comes.
Digitized by
Google
300 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Cheerfulness, courage and hope have in him crowned a useful and
worthy life. "The first of all the virtues of this world," says Plato,
•*is loyalty in need and danger." That his ever been this man's life.
**Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for a
friend" is the vital record of scripture — the unfailing test of all
human worth and effort.
PATRICK HENRY MAHONEY.
Patrick Henry Mahoney, a prominent and well known business
man of Wrentham, where he is conducting a real estate and insurance
office was born in Walpole, Massachusetts, September 3, 1878, and is
a son of William and Margaret (Landres) Mahoney, who were na-
tives of Ireland. The father came to America when thirteen years of
age and located in Walpole, Massachusetts, where he attended the
public schools. He later established a mattress factory in Walpole
and successfully conducted the business for many years or until his
death, which occurred on the 24th of October, 1903.
Spending his. youthful days in his father's home, Patrick H.
Mahoney attended the public schools of Walpole until he has passed
through consecutive grades to the high school..' He afterward pur-
sued a course of study in the Bryant & Stratton. Commercial College
at Boston and he entered upon his business career in the capacity of
a private secretary. He has been identified with the real estate and
insurance business since 1909, in which year he established an oflSce
at Boston and also at Walpole. He conducted his interests in the
two cities until 1915, when he removed to Wrentham, where he has
ifince remained. He has built up a large clientage in both depart-
ments and the extent of his business makes his one of the important
interests of the kind in Norfolk county.
On the 29th of June, 191 5, in Arlington, Massachusetts, Mr.
Mahoney was united in marriage to Miss Anna J. Moakley, a
daughter of James and Mary Moakley, of Lexington, Massachusetts.
Mr. Mahoney is a member of the Catholic church and is identified
with Walpole Council of the Knights of Columbus. He is also a
member of the Norwood Lodge of Elks and is president of the
Wrentham Board of Trade. In politics he maintains an independent
course. His military career covers service with the Wrentham
Home Guard. He has done important work in public connections,
having become a member of the Walpole school committee in 1906
Digitized by
Google
PATRICK H. MAHONEY
Digitized by
Google
'..... .-• '■•^ .>uAilouS
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 303
and serving in that capacity until 191 5, acting as clerk of the school
board for five years. From 19 10 until 19 14 he was a member of the
Walpole board of assessors and also acted as clerk of that board. In
19 1 7 he was secretary of the Wrentham Public Safety Committee.
In a word, he is deeply interested in all that pertains to general
improvement and his progressiveness has been manifest in substantial
and beneficial results. At the same time he manifests unfaltering
enterprise in business affairs and there is no phase of insurance with
which he is not familiar, while his knowledge of the real estate
market is most comprehensive. His diligence and perseverance have
been salient features in his growing success and he is today one of
the leading business men of his section of Norfolk county.
FRANK SMITH.
Frank Smith, of Dedham, Massachusetts, widely known as the
former president of the Bay State Historical League, was born in
Dover on the nth of June, 1854, a son of Albert Leland and Sarah
Elizabeth (Howe) Smith. He is a descendant in the eighth gen-
eration of Robert Smith, who was one of the founders in 1639 of
Exeter, New Hampshire, and whp was several times commissioned
by the general court for "the settling of small aflFairs." His son,
Asahel Smith, the direct ancestor of Frank Smith of this review,
settled in Dedham in 1671 and became a prominent man of the town,
was representative to the general court and chairman of the select-
men, as well as the first town treasurer. Frank Smith has written
biographical sketches of his forbears which include more than two
hundred and fifty Puritan ancestors, most of whom came to America
before 1640. Through these lines he is connected with the leading
events in the history of the country. He has kinship with prominent
authors, statesmen, inventors, financiers and philanthropists. He
has sixteen ancestors who served in the Revolutionary war. The
town of Dedham organized in 1644 the first free public school in the
world to be supported by general taxation and six of Mr. Smith's
ancestors voted to organize the school.
After completing a public school education in his native town
Frank Smith was for many years a member of the firm of Thomp-
son, Brown & Company, educational publishers of Boston. In this
connection he was instrumental in bringing out some of the popular
textbooks of the day, especially those having to do with mathematics.
Digitized by
Google
304 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
He is the author of the History of Dover, the first volume of which
is narrative and the second geneaological. He is likewise the author
of "Dover Farms," *The Founders of the First Parish," and many
historical pamphlets.
On the 17th of October, 1888, Mr. Smith was married to Jennie
G., a daughter of Samuel F. and Hannah (Ellis) Allen. She died
November 21, 1893, and on the 9th of June, 1897, Mr. Smith was
married to Lillian Ellis, a daughter of John Leonard and Lucy
(Ellis) Fisher, of Westwood. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the first
couple married in the town. Mrs. Smith's ancestors, both paternal
and maternal, were prominently connected with Dedham from the
first settlement of the town in 1636. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two
children : Ellis, a student in the College of Business Administration
of Boston University; and Sarah, a pupil in the Dedham high school.
Fraternally Mr. Smith is connected with Constellation Lodge,
A. F. & A. M., of Dedham and is most prominently known in con-
nection with his work as a representative of historical societies. He
is the president of the Dover Historical Society, was the former
president of the Bay State Historical League and vice president of
the Dedham Historical Society. In politics he represents a long line
of democrats. His great-grandfather voted for Thomas Jefferson,
his grandfather supported Jackson and his father was also an ardent
democrat, while Mr. Smith of this review cast his maiden vote for
Samuel J. Tilden. He was a member of the Massachusetts general
court in 1888 and for ten years he served as superintendent of schools
in Dover. He has also served on many important committees since
becoming a resident of Dedham. He is a member of the standing
committee of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, represent-
ing Captain John Williams, who fought at the Lexington Alarm,
Bunker Hill and in fact throughout the entire Revolutionary
struggle.
EZRA H. STETSON.
The name of Stetson has become known throughout the world
in connection with shoe manufacturing and an immense volume of
business has been built up under the style of the Stetson Shoe Com-
pany, with Ezra H. Stetson as its president. This constitutes one of
the most important features in the manufacturing interests of South
Weymouth, while the offices of the company are maintained at 183
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 305
Essex street, Boston. Mr. Stetson was born in Sumner, Maine,
November 23, 1850, and is a son of Josiah T. and Cynthia A. (Cobb)
Stetson, who were natives of Maine. The grandmother in the ma-
ternal line was a member of the Hersey family and had twelve chil-
dren. Josiah T. Stetson devoted his life to the occupation of farm-
ing in Maine and was reared upon the old homestead property which
he operated after attaining his majority. His entire life was passed
upon that farm, where he was born in January, 1821, and where his
death occurred in November, 1910. For a decade he had survived
his wife, who died in 1900.
Ezra H. Stetson was reared and educated in Sumner, Maine, at-
tending the graded schools of that place, while later he became a pupil
in the high school at Buckfield, Maine. He resided upon the home
farm with his parents until he had attained his majority and he is
still the owner of that property. After reaching adult age, however,
he removed to South Weymouth, Norfolk county, Massachusetts,
where he took up his abode in 1871 and entered the employ of
Lysander Heald, the father of his present partner. Later he became
connected with the firm of H. B. Reed & Company, manufacturers
of shoes, and occupied the responsible position of superintendent of
their factory for five years. In 1885 he entered into partnership
with A. C. Heald for the manufacture of shoes. They opened a
small factory and began operations on a limited scale but developed
their interests until they have built up the now famous business
which has made the Stetson shoe known all over the world. Their
plant is today extensive and stands as a monument to the progressive-
ness, business enterprise and executive force of Mr. Stetson and his
associates in the undertaking. Mr. Stetson has traveled for the house
much of the time through all these years and has visited every state
in the Union and many foreign countries.
In July, 1896, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stetson and Miss
Hattie Wright, who passed away ten years later, in 1906. In August,
1917, he was again married, his second union being with Louise
B. Winslow. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding mem-
bership in the lodge, chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine, and
he is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
His political belief is that of the republican party, while his re-
ligious faith is that of the Congregational church. He is interested
in many of the forces which make for the benefit of mankind and
the upbuilding of city and state and at the same time he has con-
centrated his efforts and attention so largely upon business affairs
Digitized by
Google
306 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
that success in notable measure has come to him. His is a progres-
sive spirit ruled by more than ordinary intelligence and good judg-
ment. An indomitable perseverance fosters and impels a deep
earnestness and the native justice of his character expresses itself in
correct principle and practice.
F. MORTIMER LAMB.
Among those whose names have found place among the leading
artists of New England and whose canvases are dear to the hearts
of their possessors, more than passing mention should be made of
F, Mortimer Lamb, whose landscapes have been exhibited and have
won prizes in many of the leading cities of the country. Mr. Lamb
is a native son of Massachusetts, his birth having occurred in Middle-
boro on the 5th of May, 1861, his parents being Amasa A. and
Ardelia A. ( Monk) Lamb. The father was a native of North Easton,
Massachusetts, while the mother's birth occurred in Troy, New
York. Amasa A. Lamb was a carriage painter by trade and arrived
in Stoughton in 1863. While his painting contributions were mostly
to the mechanical art, he gave more or less attention to the painting
of pictures and scenery. He had the distinction of putting upon the
road probably the first moving picture show ever displayed in this
country. It was called a Diorama and was built and made entirely
by himself. He drew and painted all the figures, cutting them out
with a jack knife, and he constructed the mechanism in such a way
that they were a moving mass. He went upon the road with that
show in 1 86 1. After locating in Stoughton he was employed to
some extent in shoe factories, but in 1869 he purchased a shop and con-
tinued in the carriage painting business. His artistic nature, how-
ever, found expression and he became well known as a scene painter
and also as a painter of various patriotic pictures, one of which,
his ^^Emancipation," attracted wide attention and is now in the
possession of the Stoughton Historical Society. His death oc-
curred in November, 1909, while his wife passed away about a year
before, in August, 1908. Mrs. Lamb was also a painter and decorator
and did much work of a superior quality. She was also for twelve
or fourteen years at the head of the public schools of Stoughton.
F. Mortimer Lamb spent his youthful days in Stoughton, where
he attended the public schools, reaching the third year in the high
school. His parents recognized^ however, that he would not become
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 311
a scholar in the sense of mastering the contents of books, for through-
out his school days his books were decorated with drawings and they
decided to see what the art schools would do for him. Accordingly
when he was seventeen years of age he entered the Massachusetts
Normal Art School of Boston, which has produced some of the most
distinguished painters and sculptors not only of this country but of
the world. He spent five years as a student there and was graduated
with the class of 1883. He had been in the school only a brief period
when he won leadership in his classes. After two years in the
Normal Art School he began teaching in the evening schools in
South Boston, Maiden, Woburn and Brockton and for twenty years
has been principal of the Evening Drawing School in Taunton. Fol-
lowing his graduation from the Normal Art School he taught
in the School of Art of the New England Conservatory of Music
and he also entered the Boston Art Museum, where he studied for
three years. He afterward went to Europe and for two years was a
student in Julien's Studio in Paris under Boulanger and Le Fevbre.
Following his return to his native country he opened a studio in
Brockton, Massachusetts, and at the same time he continued his in-
struction in the Evening Drawing School of Taunton, which has
developed the powers of some of the eminent artists of America, this
being regarded as one of the best evening schools of the country.
For three years Mr. Lamb also conducted a studio on Beacon street
in Boston, but throughout the entire period he was making his home
in Stoughton and at length determined to establish his studio at
home, which he did, doing all his work in the city in which he has
practically spent his entire life. He has a fine residence at No. 59
Grove street, which was erected by his father in 1869. Mr. Lamb
has won wide fame as an animal and landscape artist and his canvases
are seen in all parts of the United States, and a considerable number
have been sent abroad. Today his pictures are sold to a large extent
in Philadelphia. They have been on exhibit at the Chicago Expo-
sition and at the Chicago Art Institute, at the California Midwinter
Exposition, the Detroit Museum of Fine Arts, the New York Society
of American Artists, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and
the Boston Art Club. He was awarded the gold medal at the
Twentieth Century Exposition in Boston in 1900 and won the silver
medal at the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco in 191 5.
On the 23d of November, 1906, Mr. Lamb was united in mar-
riage to Miss Anna R. Farrell, a daughter of John and Rosa (Sheri-
dan) Farrell, and a relative of General Phil Sheridan. Her parents
were natives of Ireland, the father born in County Longford and the
Vol. n— 15
Digitized by
Google
312 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
mother in County Cavan, and they came to America in early life.
Mr. Farrell was employed in the shoe factories of Stoughton for
many years and finally removed to Illinois, settling near Chicago,
ivhere he carried on agricultural pursuits for a time. He then re-
turned to Massachusetts and established a grocery store at Canton,
Norfolk county. Later he again took up his abode in Stoughton,
where he devoted his attention to crimping boots and to farming.
He died in 1904. Mr, and Mrs. Lamb became parents of two
children but lost both in infancy.
In politics Mr. Lamb has always maintained an independent
course. His religious faith is that of the Universalist church and
he is a broad and liberal minded man who keeps in touch with the
trend of modern thought and activity but who devotes the greater
part of his attention to his art, his developing powers having placed
his name high on the roll of the leading artists of New England.
He is a life member of both the New York Water Color Club and
the American Water Color Society of New York, and also belongs
to the Artists Guild of Chicago.
JOHN W. McANARNEY.
John W. McAnarney, a distinguished representative of the
Massachusets bar, practicing at Quincy and at Boston, is heard as
well in various courts in this and other states. Massachusetts num-
bers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Stough-
ton on the 22d of January, 1867, his parents being Thomas and
Bridget T. McAnarney, who came to the United States from Ire-
land, their native country, in the early '50s. The father was a boot
maker and in following that pursuit provided for his family.
John W. McAnarney acquired his education in the public
schools of Abington, supplemented by a short course in an academy
at Braintree, Massachusetts, after which he devoted two years to
study under private tutors. Deciding upon the practice of law as a
life work, he began reading in the ofpce and under the direction of
the firm of Cotter & Jenney at No." 209 Washington street, Boston,
and in July, 1888, he was admitted to the bar. For two years there-
after, however, he remained with his preceptors, but in 1890 re-
moved to an office in the Sears building. In the year of his admis-
sion he had opened an office in Quincy, where he has continuously
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 313
made his home, but has also maintained his office in Boston. He is
well known as an advocate, having specialized in the trial of cases,
but for seventeen years he has never taken part in the trial of crim-
inal cases. He has been connected with much important litigation
and is now attorney for the Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation,
the Bay State Street Railway Company, the Granite Manufacturing
Association and many other corporations. He has practiced all over
Massachusetts and in six or seven other states, and he is often heard
in the United States courts in important cases. While he has con-
tinued in general practice, the nature of his law business has con-
stantly changed until he is now retained in connection with most
important interests. He, has comprehensive knowledge of the prin-
ciples of jurisprudence and of precedent and is never surprised by
an unexpected attack of opposing counsel, for he prepares for the
unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out
of them.
On the 15th of September, 1897, Mr. McAnarney was united in
marriage to Miss Mary Webb, of Quincy, a daughter of William
and Hannah Webb. They had one child, Mary W., who was born
May 6, 1900. Mrs. McAnarney passed away January 3, 1903.
In religious faith Mr. McAnarney is a Catholic and has mem-
bership with the Knights of Columbus and the Massachusetts or-
ganization of Catholic Foresters. He is also connected with the
Ancient Order of Hibernians and with the Scottish Clans and he
has membership with the Sons of Veterans, his father having served
as a soldier of the Civil war. He is likewise identified with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Quincy and along more
strictly social lines he is connected with the Quincy Yacht Cluby the
Granite City Club, the Neighborhood Club, all of Quincy, and the
Boston City Club. In politics he is independent. For nine years
he filled the office of city solicitor of Quincy and his membership
associations along professional lines are with the Norfolk County
Bar Association, of which he is the vice president, the Massachusetts
Bar Association and the American Bar Association. For the past
twelve years he has been president of the Quincy Bar Association,
of which he was one of the organizers, and upon the death of Wil-
liam G. Pattee, its first president, he was elected to the office, show-
ing his high standing among his colleagues and contemporaries in
professional circles in the city of his residence. Mr. McAnarney
was called upon to deliver the address upon the dedication of the
new Quincy courthouse and he has been closely associated with many
Digitized by
Google
314 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
events of public interest and at all times is active in support of plans
and measures for the general good, keeping in close touch with the
vital and significant problems of the day.
DANIEL J. DALEY.
Daniel J. Daley, a prominent attorney of Boston residing in
Brookline, was there born June 19, 1877, and is a son of Daniel J.
and Annie (O'Leary) Daley, both of whom came to America from
Ireland, where they were born. They crossed the Atlantic in early
life and became residents of the village of Brookline, where Mr.
Daley afterward engaged in contracting and building for a number
of years, conducting a profitable business. The parents were mar-
ried in Brookline and continued their residence there until called
to their final rest.
Daniel J. Daley, their only child, attended the public schools of
Brookline and later became a student in the night high school and
eventually matriculated in the Northeastern College, in which he
prepared for his professional career, being graduated on the com-
pletion of the law course in 1905 with the LL. B. degree. The
same year he began practice in association with Sherman L. Whip-
ple, a leading attorney of Boston, and this connection has since been
maintained. Mr. Daley is an able lawyer, thoroughly versed in the
principles of jurisprudence, is strong in argument, clear in his rea-
soning and logical in his deductions. He has been connected with
much important litigation and his ability has placed him in the
front rank among the leading attorneys of the city.
On the 1 2th of April, 1899, Mr. Daley was united in marriage
to Miss Mary F. Crager, of Boston, a daughter of Eugene G. and
Margaret Crager. Ten children have been born to them. Florence
M., born in Brookline in March, 1900, is attending Notre Dame.
Frank M., born in 1901, is a student in St. John's College. Harry
B., born in Brookline in 1903, Daniel J., born in 1905, George Wash-
ington, born February 22, 1907, Eleanor Margaret, born in 1909, and
Sherman Whipple born in 1910, Walter C, born in 191 2 and Jack,
in 191 3, are all attending school. Frederick G., born in 191 5, com-
pletes the family.
Fraternally Mr. Daley is connected with the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks. He is a Knight of Columbus of the fourth
degree and is also connected with the Massachusetts Catholic Or-
Digitized by
Google
DANIKL .1. DALKV
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 317
dcr of Foresters. He belongs to the City Club of Boston, to the
Boston City Bar Association, the Boston Chamber of Commerce
and the Boston Press Club. A prominent democrat, he has served
as a member of the board of assessors of Brookline, occupying that
position from 1904 until 1914, when he resigned. He was the dem-
ocratic candidate for Congress in 1910 against Senator John W.
Weeks. He has been one of the active party workers in Boston for
many years and was a delegate to the democratic convention in Bal-
timore which nominated President Woodrow Wilson. He closely
studies the leading questions and issues of the day and upon political
problems brings to bear the same habits of keen analysis which char-
acterize his conduct of his law practice.
CHARLES BUMPUS HUSSEY, M. D.
Dr. Charles Bumpus Hussey, a physician and surgeon, actively
and successfully engaged in practice in Franklin, was born in China,
Maine, on the 31st of July, 1873. His father, the late Jedediah F.
Hussey, was also a native of China and came of English ancestry,
the family having been established on American soil at an early
period in the colonization of the new world by three brothers who
crossed the Atlantic on the good ship Ann. Jedediah F. Hussey in
young manhood engaged in agricultural pursuits and in later life
turned his attention to the plumbing business. In 1892 he established
his home in Franklin, Massachusetts, where he continued his resi-
dence to the time of his death, which occurred May 12, 1914, when
he had^ reached the age of sixty-seven years. He married Ella
Bumpus, a native of China, Maine, and a representative of one of the
old families of the Pine Tree state, of English lineage, a family that
was founded in America in 1620, the first American ancestor settling
at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Mrs. Hussey still survives and is now
living in Franklin. In the family were two children, the younger
being Dr. Fredericl^. Hussey, of Providence, Rhode Island.
The elder son. Dr. Charles Bumpus Hussey, was educated in the
public and high schools of China, Maine, and following his gradua-
tion there continued his studies in the Coburn Classical Institute at
Waterville, Maine, from which he was graduated with the class of
1 89 1. He then spent one year in Harvard and completed his medi-
cal course in the University of Vermont by graduation with the class
of 1895, at which time his professional degree was conferred upon
Digitized by
Google
318 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
him. In the succeeding summer he entered upon active practice at
Franklin, Massachusetts, in connection with Dr. Gregory A. Martin,
with whom he was associated until 1900, when he went to London
for post graduate work, spending six months there. Upon his return
he resumed practice in Franklin, where he has since continued. He
has not specialized along a certain line but has given his attention to
general practice and is the loved family physician in many a house-
hold of Franklin and vicinity. He belongs to the Thurber Medical
Association, the American Association of Progressive Medicine,
and in the former he served as president in 1892 and 1893.
On the 3d of December, 1906, Dr. Hussey was united in mar-
riage in Franklin, Massachusetts, to Miss H. Mabel Turner, a native
of Franklin and a daughter of Thaddeus and Harriet (Corley)
Turner. Dr. Hussey gives his political support to the republican
party, of which he is a stanch advocate, and he is now serving as a
member of the Franklin Board of Health but otherwise has never
sought or filled political positions. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to lodge and chapter, and is a past master of
Excelsior Lodge. He is also connected with the Ancient Order of
United Workmen. He is widely and favorably known in these
organizations and to the general public as well and he commands the
confidence, goodwill and respect of all with whom he has been
associated.
GEORGE MOWRY GRAVES.
George Mowry Graves, purchasing agent for Bird & Son, paper
manufacturers, since the ist of April, 1893, and prominently
known in connection with the paper trade of eastern Massachu-
setts, was born in Millbury, Massachusetts, January 26, 1873, a
son of Parley Whitteniore and Emily A. (Greene) Graves. The
ancestry of the family is traced back to Thomas Graves, who was
born in RatcliflF, England, June 6, 160?, and in 1636 became a resi-
dent of Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was a mariner and became
master of the first American-built vessel, the Tryall. He was after-
ward commissioned a rear admiral in the British navy and was
killed in action with the Dutch, July 31, 1653. The line of descent
comes down through liis son, Joseph Graves, who was born April
13, 1645, ^^d was a soldier of King Philip's war, his death occurring
June 5, 1676; John Graves, who was born May 10, 1674, and died
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 319
April 9, 1762; John Graves, who was born January 27, 1720; David
Graves, who was born October 13, 1768, and died April 12, 1815;
Ira Graves, who was born September 7, 1794, and died January 10,
1873; and Parley Whittemore Graves, who was born July 12, 1827,
and died December 15, 1906. The last named married Emily A.
Greene, who traces her ancestry from Ebenezer Greene, of Thomp-
son, Connecticut, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The
next in the line of descent was Samuel Greene, the father of Emily
Almira Greene.
George Mowry Graves was a pupil in the public schools of Mill-
bury, Massachusetts, and in Hinman's Business College of Worces-
ter, from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. Enter-
ing upon his business career, he has throughout the entire period
been identified with the paper trade and since the ist of April, 1893,
has been purchasing agent for the firm of Bird & Son, paper manu-
facturers. As the years have passed on he has also extended his busi-
ness connections and is now president of the Corey-Whiting Cran-
berry Company of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is secretary and treas-
urer of the Felt Manufacturers Association of Boston, is chairman
of the felt division and director of the Canadian Pulp & Paper
Association of Montreal, Canada, and is a director of the Walpole
Cooperative Bank. His broad experience, his sound business judg-
ment and his indefatigable enterprise have made him one of the
prominent and representative business men of his section of the state.
On the 30th of October, 1901, Mr. Graves was united in mar*
riage to Miss Maude C. Ryan, a daughter of William and Hughena
(Ross) Ryan. They have become parents of two children, Nancy
Whittemore and Constance Ross Graves.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Unitarian church.
Mr. Graves has always been deeply interested in community affairs
and has served as chairman of the board of selectmen of Walpole for
two years — 1906 and 1907. He has also been a member of the school
committee since 191 3. Fraternally he is connected with Orient
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Norwood; Hebron Chapter, R. A. M., of
Norwood; Cyprus Commandery, K. T., of Hyde Park; and Aleppo
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise belongs to the Economics
Club of Boston, the New England Purchasing Agents' Association
of Boston and the Norfolk Golf Club of Islington, Massachusetts.
Actuated by a laudable ambition, he has embraced every opportunity
for advancement in his business career, and recognizing the fact that
power grows through the exercise of effort, he has so directed his
labors that his strength and resourcefulness in business affairs have
'Digitized by
Google
320 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
constantly increased. At the same time he has recognized his duties
and obligations in citizenship and has manifested an appreciation
for the social amenities of life in his connection with fraternal and
club organizations.
GEORGE E. EMERSON, M. D.
For over a decade Dr. George E. Emerson has been engaged in
medical practice in South Weymouth and has received due recog-
nition of his talents and experience, having a notable and extensive
practice. He was born in New Hampton, New Hampshire, Novem-
ber 6, 1880, and is a son of George A. and Luzetta (Draper) Emer-
son, the mother also a native of that state and the father of Maine.
George A. Emerson is a lawyer by profession and was successful in
this line, his ability being widely recognized by the general public
as well as by his professional friends. He was in the service of the
government for a time, his duties calling him to all parts of the
United States. In 1892 he located in Massachusetts and selected
Everett as a place of residence, while he practiced in Boston, gain-
ing a position of prominence at the Boston bar. In 1907 he gave up
his law practice and proceeded to Bristol, New Hampshire, where
he has since resided. He is an honored veteran of the Civil war,
having served for about a year with the Forty-second Massachusetts
Infantry, and the patriotic spirit of the family is proved by the fact
that five of his brothers took part in the same conflict. While in the
field he was taken sick and the effects of this illness have always re-
mained with him. His wife is also living. She is a daughter of
Jason C. Draper, one of the founders of the well known firm of
Draper & Maynard, famous manufacturers of gloves and sporting
goods at Plymouth, New Hampshire.
George E. Emerson was reared in Massachusetts, was a pupil in
the grammar and high schools of Everett, Massachusetts, and also at-
tended the Tilton Seminary of Tilton, New Hampshire, for one year.
After due preparation he entered Harvard University and matricu-
lated in the medical department, graduating with the class of 1903.
Putting his theoretical knowledge to the test, he engaged in hospital
work until 1907, gaining valuable knowledge from the many intricate
cases which came under his attention. During all this time he re-
mained as much a student as he had been in the university and his
experience well qualifies him for the large practice which he now
enjoys. In 1907 he came to South Weymouth, Norfolk county,
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 323
Massachusetts, and has for the last eleven years continued in this city.
Dr. Emerson keeps continuously in contact with the latest discoveries
in the world of medical science and is never at a loss to institute the
latest and best adapted method a case demands. He is studious and
yet not a bookman and is practical, his treatment being based upon
actual experience.
In February, 1907, Dr. Emerson married Miss Myra Pearl Hill,
a daughter of Frank and Clara (Scribner) Hill, the fomer a native
of Northfield and the latter of Franklin, New Hampshire. In his
earlier years Mr. Hill was engaged in the grocery business, but for
a number of years past has been engaged in the lumber trade. He is
one of the prominent dealers in this line, being president of the
Asquam Lumber Company of Ashland, New Hampshire. His wife
is also living. To Dr. and Mrs. Emerson were born three children:
George Frank, born January 8, 1912; Eleanor Pearl, who was born
June 28, 1913, and died March 4, 1914; and Roger Hill, born July
20, 1915.
Dr. Emerson has taken part in the public life of his city and as
chairman of the board of health has done much toward improving
the sanitary conditions of South Weymouth. He keeps in contact
with his colleagues through his membership in the Norfolk South
District Medical Society, the Massachusetts State Medical Society
and the American Medical Association. Although both he and his
wife were born and reared in the Methodist faith, the Doctor affili-
ates with the Universalists. Politically he is a republican but he
has not taken an active part in the game of politics although he is
is conversant with the questions and issues of the day. Fraternally
he is a member of the Masonic order and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. Along professional, social and fraternal lines he has
made an enviable place for himself and the respect which is accorded
him as a 'physician, as a public-spirited citizen and as a genial
and pleasant gentleman is well merited. He and his family occupy
a handsome modern residence at No. 52 Columbian street. South
Weymouth, and here he also maintains his office.
GILBERT HARRIS.
Gilbert Harris, a wide-awake and enterprising business man, is
now superintendent and one of the stockholders of the Shawmut
Woolen Mills of Stoughton. A native of Rhode Island, he was born
at North Smithfield, January 14, 1874, and is a son of Orlando and
Digitized by
Google
324 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Nellie (Brown) Harris, who were also natives of Rhode Island.
The father was a farmer throughout his entire business life, which
he passed in Rhode Island. He is now living retired and makes his
home at Woonsocket, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and
richly merits. His wife passed away in 1897.
Gilbert Harris largely spent the period of his boyhood and youth
in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and after mastering the branches of
learning taught in the public schools he started out in the business
world as an employe in a woolen factory when a lad of twelve. He
worked at a knitting machine and has since continued in this line of
business, gaining knowledge, experience and efficiency as the years
have passed. In 1893 he established his home in Stoughton and
entered the employ of the firm of French & Ward. He worked in
a comparatively minor position in the factory of which he is now
superintendent and his advancement to his present position has come
in recognition of his faithfulness and capability as the years have
passed by. He assisted the firm in establishing their business and
remained with the house until 19 16, when the Shawmut Woolen
Mills were organized, Mr. Harris becoming one of the organizers
and stockholders of the company, which is devoted to the manufac-
ture of knit cloth, Jersey sweaters and other goods of similar char-
acter. R. H. Wimer is the treasurer of the company and A. S.
Perskey is the president. Their output averages six thousand yards
of cloth per week and three hundred dozen bathing suits per week.
They are also making seventy-five thousand tights for the govern-
ment. Their trade has reached very gratifying and satisfactory pro-
portions and the business- is today one of the important productive
industries of the city.
In May, 1894, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Ada
M. McLean and to them have been born three children: Prescott
W., Marjorie A., and Gilbert D. The parents are members of the
Congregational church and fraternally Mr. Harris is connected with
the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Red Men. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party, but while he keeps well
informed concerning the questions and issues of the day, he does not
seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and atten-
tion upon his business affairs, which are rapidly developing. The
Shawmut Woolen Mills did a business of five hundred thousand
dollars in the year 1917 and at their factory, which is located at
No. 208 Canton street, they employ fifty people. This establish-
ment is largely a monument to the enterprise, business capacity and
progressive spirit of Mr. Harris, who, starting otit to provide for
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 325
his own support when a little lad of twelve years, has steadily
worked his way upward. His work originally was of a minor char-
acter but as the years passed on his efficiency increased as the result
of his close application, his indefatigable energy and his earnest
desire to master the duties entrusted to him. Thus he has steadily
progressed and each forward step has brought him a broader out-
look and wider opportunities until today he stands with the well
known and prominent manufacturers whose interests constitute the
basic element of the progress and prosperity of Norfolk county.
ABBOTT D. WHITING.
Abbott D. Whiting, deceased, was well known as a representative
business man of Franklin, being prominently connected with manu-
facturing interests for a number of years. He was born in Unionville,
in the town of Franklin, Norfolk county, October 6, 1859, and was
a son of Daniel P. and Adeline (Briggs) Whiting. He supple-
mented his preliminary education, acquired in the public schools of
Franklin, by study in Dean Academy and later he went to Phila-
delphia, where he was employed as a salesman for one year. He also
worked in Boston for some time and afterward acted as street car
conductor in both New York and Boston. He then returned to
Franklin and accepted a position as superintendent with his brother,
George R. Whiting, with whom he remained in this business associa-
tion for many years. He afterward went into partnership with his
brother in the ownership and conduct of a shoddy mill at Union-
ville and continued in the business up to the time of his death, being
thus well known as one of the leading manufacturers in his part of
the county.
On the 2ist of June, 1888, Mr. Whiting was united in marriage
to Miss Nellie S. Dascomb, a daughter of Moody K. and Martha R.
(Farmer) Dascomb, who were natives of Maine, the former having
been born in Carthage and the latter at Temple. The father was a
farmer by occupation and also engaged in market gardening in
Maine, where he resided to the time of his death. He came to
Massachusetts to visit his daughter, Mrs. Whiting, and when at her
home became ill and passed away December 26, 191 7, at the age
of eighty-four years. He had long survived his wife, whose death
occurred in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Whiting were the parents of two
Digitized by
Google
326 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
children: Martha A., who is secretary to the superintendent of
schools at Melrose; and Bernice D., at home.
Mr. Whiting had some farming interests at Franklin and also
at Mendon, Massachusetts, and his investments in real estate in-
cluded several residences. By reason of his well spent life, his inde-
fatigable energy and his persistency of purpose Mr. Whiting secured
a measure of success that enabled him to leave his family in com-
fortable circumstances when on the 22d of August, 19 17, he passed
away at the age of fifty-seven years. He was a loyal member of the
Masonic fraternity, having attained the Knight Templar degree,
and he belonged also to the Business Men's Association. His re-
ligious faith was evidenced by his membership in the Congregational
church and his political faith was that of the republican party. In
every relation of life he commanded the respect and goodwill of
those with whom he was associated and his history is one well worthy
of emulation, for it indicates what may be accomplished when deter-
mination and energy point out the way.
WALTER S. PINKHAM.
Walter S. Pinkham, an attorney practicing at the bar of Boston
but making his home in Quincy, has been closely associated with the
work of development and progress in the latter city, while figuring
as one of the foremost representatives of the legal profession in the
former. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, August 21, 1865,
and is a son of George F. and Ellen J. (Olney) Pinkham. The
father, who represented one of the old colonial families of Massa-
chusetts, is engaged in the real estate business. The mother is a
descendant of Thomas Olney and the family name has long figured
upon the pages of Massachusetts' history. In the year 1870 George
F. Pinkham removed with his family to Quincy and, continuing
active in the field of real estate, he laid out Wollaston, a suburb of
the city, and otherwise contributed to the development and progress
of Quincy through the avenue of real estate activity.
Walter S. Pinkham was graduated from the schools of Quincy
and also from the Adams Academy with the class of 1882. He after-
ward entered Harvard, where he completed his classical course in
1887 and was a law graduate of 1890. Having thus qualified for
the bar, he opened an ofl5ce, where he has since followed his pro-
fession and is regarded as one of the strong and capable members
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 327
of the bar of that city, connected with much prominent litigation and
widely known as a safe counselor as well as a strong advocate.
Throughout the entire period Mr. Pinkham has made his home in
Quincy and with its aflfairs has been closely associated as an advocate
of all those interests which uphold civic standards and promote pub-
lic progress. He has served as a member of the city council and was
its president in 1898. He was city solicitor in 1914 and 1915 and for
many years he has been closely associated with its educational inter-
ests as manager of the Adams Academy. He is also a member of the
legislative committee of the Massachusetts Conveyance Association
and is a member of the grievance committee of the Massachusetts
Bar Association. Aside from his professional and public interests
he is connected with the business affairs of Quincy as a director of
the Wollaston Cooperative Bank.
In 1900 Mr. Pinkham was united in marriage to Miss Isabella
Southworth Foote, of Quincy, a daughter of Allan R. and Emma L.
Foote. The children of this marriage are Marjorie, Alden S. and
Doris. Mr. Pinkham has always given his political allegiance to
the republican party and keeps thoroughly in touch with the vital
and' significant problems of the age. He is prominent in Masonic
circles, being a past master of Wollaston Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and
now president of the Masters' Association of the Southeastern Dis-
trict. He served as district deputy grand master in 19 13 and 19 14.
He belongs also to St. Stephen's Chapter, R. A. M., and to Quincy
Commandery, No. 47, K. T. He attends the Baptist church and is
interested in all those forces which work for righteousness and up-
lift. His identification along strictly professional lines is with the
Bar Association of the City of Boston, the Norfolk County Bar As-
sociation, the Massachusetts State Bar Association, the Massa-
chusets Conveyance Association and the Quincy Bar Association.
He is also identified with the Harvard Club and the social qualities
of his nature have won him an extensive circle of friends in this sec-
tion of the state.
DENNY W. LIVERMORE, M. D.
High professional attainment finds expression in the life work of
Dr. Denny W. Livermore, who has been most conscientious in the
performance of all of his duties in connection with the practice of
medicine and surgery and who at all times is intensely interested
Digitized by
Google
328 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
in everything that tends to bring to man the key to the complex
mystery which we call life. A native son of Massachusetts, he was
born at West Brookfield, in Worcester county, July 12, 1872, his
parents being S. D. and Harriett F. (Wood) Livermore, the former
a native of Vermont, while the latter was born in West Brookfield,
Worcester county, Massachusetts. S. D. Livermore was a cabinet
maker by trade and about 1840 renaoved to Worcester county, where
he followed his trade for more than a third of a century or until
1875, when his health failed him and he retired from active life,
there passing away on the 6th of November, 1878. His widow long
survived him, her death occurring on the 27th of March, 1901.
Denny W. Livermore was reared and educated in his native city
and also attended the Warren high school. After his textbooks were
put aside he turned his attention to mechanical pursuits and was em-
ployed in that way for several years. He was also connected with
the corset business for a period but in 1902 he determined upon the
practice of medicine as his further life work and with that end in
view matriculated in the Boston University School of Medicine as a
member of the class of 1906. He completed his full course, was
graduated and opened an office in Boston, where he remained in
practice until 191 1, when he removed to Foxboro, Norfolk county,
where he has since remained. He is now accorded a large and lucra-
tive practice at this place and has among his patrons many of the
best and most prominent families of his section of Norfolk county.
His standards are high and he eagerly grasps every opportunity to
raise himself to their level.
On the loth of May, 1893, Dr. Livermore was united in marriage
to Miss Jennie S. Knowlton, a daughter of Charles T. and Jane
(Sholes) Knowlton, who were natives of Concord, New Hampshire,
and of Charlestown, Massachusetts, respectively. The father was
superintendent of a condensed milk factory owned by W. K. Lewis
of Boston and about 1870 he removed to West Brookfield, Massa-
chusetts. Throughout the period of the Civil war he was an engi-
neer in the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans and although not a
soldier was taken prisoner and was incarcerated for about eighteen
months. He died in July, 191 2, having for more than two decades
survived his wife, who passed away in 1890.
Dr. Livermore is a member of the Congregational church and
his political belief is that of the republican party, which he has sup-
ported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Along
strictly professional lines he has connection with the Massachusetts
Homeopathic Medical Society and is one of the most prominent
Digitized by
Google
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY 329
representatives of that field of practice. He holds to the highest
standards, putting forth every eflfort that will enhance his ability
and promote his effectiveness in checking the ravages of disease. His
work has been highly commendable and has received the endorse-
ment of colleagues and contemporaries as well as of the general
public.
CHARLES CLIFFORD PAYSON.
Charles Cliflford Fayson, operating an important trade as a mem-
ber of the firm of Clark, Fayson & Company at No. i8 Fostoffice
Square, in Boston, his native city, was born February i, 1877, a son
of Gilbert Russell Fayson, who was likewise a native of Boston and a
representative of one of the old families of Massachusetts, of English
lineage. The founder of the family in the new world was Edward
Fayson, who niade the voyage across the Atlantic in the early part
of the sevententh century. Gilbert R. Fayson was for many years
engaged in the dry goods commission business in Boston, becoming
a well known figure in commercial circles of the city. He died in
the year 1891 at the age of fifty-one years and is still survived by
his widow, who in her maidenhood was Althea Train, a native of
Framingham, Massachusetts, and also connected with one of the old
families of the state, of English origin. By her marriage she be-
came the mother of four children.
Charles C. Fayson, the youngest of the family, was educated in
the Hopkinson School of Boston and at Harvard, being graduated
from the university with the class of 1898, at which time the Bach-
elor of Arts degree was conferred upon him. Following his gadua-
tion he became connected with the firm of IngersoU, Amory & Com-
pany, cotton brokers, with whom he continued until July i, 1917,
and during that period became familiar with every phase of the cot-
ton trade, and at the latter date the present firm of Clark, Fayson &
Company was established, being the outgrowth of the old firm. He
ranks high among the leading cotton merchants of Boston, con-
trolling a business of large extent, and all of his undertakings have
been characterized by a spirit of undaunted enterprise that allows
no obstacle or difficulty to bar his path.
On the 26th of June, 1905, Mr. Fayson was married in Brook-
line to Miss Ethel Williams, who was there born, her parents be-
ing Charles A. and Ella (Winslow) Williams, who were repre-
Digitized by
Google
330 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
sentives of old and prominent families of Brookline. Mr. and Mrs.
Payson have become the parents of three children : Althea, who was
born in Brookline, November 24, 1906; Hilda Williams, born in
Brookline, April 10, 1909; and Beatrice, born in Brookline, October
12, 1914.
The military chapter in the life record of Mr. Payson covers
three years' service in the Massachusetts National Guard as a mem-
ber of the Light Field Artillery. His political allegiance has been
given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right
of franchise. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church,
and in club circles he is well known as a member of the Harvard
Club of Boston. He resides at No. 14 Allerton street, in Brookline,
and his position in business and social circles is an enviable one. His
career has been marked by steady progress since he made his initial
step in the business world and his success is the direct outcome of a
wise utilization of the innate powers and talents with which nature
endowed him.
Digitized by
Google
INDEX
Abbott, Solon 60
Abele, G. W 147
Ash, J. H 262
Austin, Walter 232
B
Barber, J. E 26
Barr, 0. J 39
Barry, G. F 210
Bartlett, W. H 62
Bennett, A. F 136
Bennett, E. P 60
Bennett, W. H 103
Bogg8,,A. L 214
Bosworth, J. D 104
Bowler, E. H 49
Boyden, P. S 28
Bumpus, E. C 92
Burton, A. W 16
Capen, S. H 22
CTiambers, W. W 149
Chapman, F. P 87
Chilson, J. 150
Clapp, Edwin 56
Cobb, F. C 218
Cook, L. A 240
Corson, D. W 68
Costello, M. J 250
Crane, W. S 233
Crowley, J. M 135
Daley, D. J 314
Daly, T. F 241
Daniels, L. W 282
Darling, G. G 14
Dean, C. 1 72
Donovan, W. T 171
Fairbanks, H. 74
Fales, L. F 169
Tarrell, C. T 63
Fisher, N. W 53
Fisher, W. M 8
Fraser, J. 191
I-Yench, C. H 243
Fullerton, E. M 264
Gallison, A. J 42
Garey, M. P 106
(iaskill, G. N 124
Geb, H. J 275
(iibbs, E. B 89
Gilraan, E. M 203
(iilmore, W. K 32
Golden, J. F 249
Granger, K. H 276
Graves, G. M 318
Gray, H. F 114
Gray, L. E 148
Grover, Edmund 46
H
Hale, C. E 123
Handy, C. C 274
Hanley, M. W 11
Harkins, W. J 209
Harris, Gilbert 323
Hight, C. A 225
Hill, C. S 132
Holland, J. B 164
Howard, H. L 197
Humphrey, H. D 79
Hussey, C. B 317
Johnson, 0. B 261
Johnson, H. L 84
E
Ellis, G. R 189
Ely, F. D 5
Emerson, G. E 320
Vol. n— !•
King, W. F 219
Kingman, F. W 247
Kirby, E. E 288
331
Digitized by
Google
332
INDEX
L
Lamb, F. M 306
Lane, F. S 178
Lawrence, C. H 263
Leonard, F. D 36
Lewis, L N 294
Libby, J. H 212
Livermore, D. W 327
Lowe, H. W 140
Lowe, M. D 211
M
McAnaraey, J. W 312
McCoole, J. R 116
McDermott, T. S 47
McKenzie, Orlando 96
Mahoney, P. H 300
Mason, A. C 110
Mason, G. P 199
Mead, A. A 242
Mead^, James 291
Murray, T. P 120
N
Norris, A. F •. 126
Noyes, J. Y * 255
(yLoughlin, Patrick 37
P
Partridge, R. G 217
Payson, C. C 329
Peck, G. 1 167
Peirce, A. W 119
Pendergast, J. E 91
Phillips, F. C 256
Phinney, J. G 280
Pinkham, W. S 326
Powers, M. F 170
Pratt, E. G 206
Pratt, W. H 15
Price, 0. A 253
Purington, F. H 7
R
Reardon, D. B 227
Richardson, H. T 179
Riordan, C. 1 236
Roberts, J. P 235
Rowe, R. P 162
Ruggles, H. E 286
S
Sargent, W. L 145
Shiner, F. A 182
Smith, Frank , 303
Smith, G. H 71
Snow, H. V 142
Soule, A. L 186
Southworth, E. B 122
Spargo, W. G 80
Stanton, J. F 268
Stetson, E. H 304
Stetson, J. H 64
Stevens, R. K 228
Stowell, H. M 234
Stretton, Thomas 158
Sumner, C. C 253
T
Toomey, D. W 105
Tupper, C. B 244
Turner, C. A 200
U
Upham, C. S 81
V
Vye, F. W 55
Waite, Enoch 172
Waite, E. E 177
Wales, G. A 192
Whiting, A. D 325
^Vhiting, G. R 98
Whiting, H. A 82
Whitman, H. T 31
Whiton, J. L 270
WTiittle, C. P 21
Wiggin, L. S 187
Willett, A. D 222
Winship, H. W 181
Winter, Murray 73
Z
Zinner, M. J 188
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Googlr^ j
.vA^ / ,i 195?
''iS
Digitized by
Google
^aid^
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11