■■■;■ \W0M£ F "(X CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 189I BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE ^J>a*r Due JUN-l^ttS* 'K? ^ - — - OHt — - ' 1 1 Cornell University Library F 72B8 093 + Our country and its people a descriptiv 3 1924 028 817 678 olin Overs Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028817678 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County MASSACHUSETTS PREPARED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE THE FALL RIVER NEWS AND TAUNTON GAZETTE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF HON. ALANSON BORDEN OF NEW BEDFORD The Boston History Company, publishers i8go UN I VERS I "l Y (-URAUY f\h%ZJ &(* YTI «:}iH VI Hi) INTRODUCTORY. In undertaking the preparation of a work on Bristol County, as a successor to such books of local history as have been issued, the editors and their assistants fully realized their position and the burden of re- sponsibility they were assuming. It was clearly comprehended that if a favorable verdict was expected from readers it could be secured by nothing less than a publication that would stand among the best of its kind, containing a comprehensive and reasonably correct historical and biographical record of the county, in which most of the objectionable commercial features of many local works should be eliminated. An earnest and conscientious effort has been made by all who have shared in the long task to reach this high standard. Local history bears to general history a similar relation to that of a microscopical examination and one made by the naked eye. In other words the former must take cognizance of a multitude of minute details which of necessity must be passed over in the latter. Minor facts of little value in themselves, often assume great importance when considered with their attendant circumstances and surroundings. It is the gathering, compilation, and arrangement of these numberless de- tails that demand patience, time, and skill. Descriptions of local events, unless of paramount importance, frequently went unrecorded in early years, thus doubling the task of obtaining them at the present time. The placing on record of hundreds of dates and thousands of names is alone a long and arduous task and one demanding the utmost watchfulness and care to prevent error. Harsh criticism will, there- fore,, be tempered with mildness by the fair-minded reader who may find a single error among a myriad of correct statements. In the preparation of this volume it was not expected that very much new material would be discovered. The historical field, par- ticularly outside of Fall River, has been many times worked over, iv INTRODUCTORY. though frequently in a fragmentary or disconnected manner. The dominant purpose has been to so compile and arrange the story of the settlement and growth of the county as to give the reader a continuous narrative and save him the task of searching through many incomplete volumes in scattered libraries for what he may here find. Chronolog- ical sequence has been preserved in the narrative as far as consistent, in the belief that through this method the reader will be better enabled to follow the course of events as a whole. This plan has been followed even to the insertion in the body of the work of records of most of the settlements outside of the three cities, and the formation of and early events in the towns and villages of the county, leaving for treatment in the final gazetteer of towns only some of the features of modern development and their present condition. Separate chapters have been given to only a few of the broader and more important subjects of the learned professions, etc. To the Indian occupants of this region and their relations and wars with the white settlers, only brief space has been accorded. The subject was long ago substantially exhausted and scores of volumes are found in all libraries, written by men who made a life study of the natives, to which all readers can have access. In the chapters devoted to the history of Fall River an effort has been made to cover the field in the most satisfactory manner. The ample space given to this part of the work is justified by the fact that less historical work has been done in past years relating to that town and city, than in other parts of the county. The loss of records and newspaper files in the destructive Fall River fires has added greatly to the difficulties of this part of the task, and can also with propriety be offered as a mild apology for lack of detail and completeness in some features of this department. It is impossible to perform the otherwise pleasant task of expressing gratitude to the many who have given substantial aid during the prepa- ration of this work; but it will, it is hoped, not be considered invidious on the part of the editors, to mention by name a few of those who have given unselfishly of their time and ability, and their historical treasures. Among these are Benjamin BufEnton, George A. Ballard, Arthur B. Brayton, and others of Fall River; George B. Richmond, Robert C. Ingraham, and others of New Bedford; Edwin A. Tetlow, Nathaniel J. W. Fish, and others of Taunton, and many persons in the various towns of the county. Besides these and many other individuals who cannot be named, INTRODUCTORY. v generous aid is acknowledged from the heads of city departments, village clerks throughout the county, pastors of churches, school super- intendents and principals, librarians and their assistants, and a multi- tude of others. To all these the gratitude of editors, publishers and readers is due. Especial thanks are due to H. Perry Smith, W. Stanley Child and L. Y. Richardson, for their indefatigable services in gathering most of the material used in the volume, and for individual assistance in its com- pilation and editorial labor. CONTENTS. xi PART II. BIOGRAPHICAL ._ 701-799 PART III. PERSONAL RERERENCES 1-362 INDEX, GENERAL.. _ 363 409 INDEX, PART II _.409 INDEX, PART III 409-418 PORTRAITS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. Abiel Codding — portrait facing 176 Taunton in 1728 — map between 216 and 217 George A. Washburn — portrait facing 273 Richard Henry Hall — portrait . _ facing 290 Henry G. Reed — portrait __ -facing 297 Nathaniel J. W. Fish— portrait facing 305 New Bedford in 1762— map 317 New Bedford in 1795— map __. 331 New Bedford in 1810 — illustration facing 336 New Bedford — Custom House Corner — illustration _ 342 New Bedford in 1815— map , 346 New Bedford in 1834— map 347 Thomas Mandell — portrait _ facing 351 Sylvanus Thomas — portrait facing 353 New Bedford in 1850— map _ 370 Rufus A. Soule — portrait,. facing 418 Fall River in 1812 — map... between 424 and 425 Richard Borden — portrait _ 432 David Anthony — portrait 452 Oliver Chace — portrait. _ 454 Jesse Eddy — portrait 461 Nathaniel B. Borden — portrait 471 Nathan Durfee — portrait 473 Jefferson Borden — portrait. 482 Fall River— Main Street before the Fire of 1843— illustration _ _ 489 Fall River— View of the Burned District, after the Fire of 1843— illustration 490. xii CONTENTS. Stephen Davol— portrait . — '91 William C. Davol— portrait - 493 Thomas J. Borden — portrait _ . . . - ^0" Fall River City Hall— illustration __ ...- 512 James Buffinton — portrait - *>27 Fall River Post Office— illustration --545 Weaver Osborn— portrait, facing 577 James M. Osborn— portrait, facing 578 Jonathan Slade— portrait . ..facing 591 Jonathan T. Lincoln— portrait _.. -- ..facing 600 Dr. Robert T. Davis— portrait _ ._ facing 615 John C. Milne— portrait facing 621 Franklin L. Almy— portrait facing 622 Alanson Borden — portrait __. facing 643 Si meon Borden— portrait facing 657 George B. Richmond — portrait '. .facing 658 Robert Treat Paine — portrait.. facing 666 Dr. Foster Hooper— portrait . ...facing 682 S. O. Bigney — portrait facing 703 Capt. Herbert A. Clark — portrait _ facing 712 William W. Crapo — portrait. facing 7l9 William F. Drown— portrait facing 721 Lloyd S. Earle — portrait ..facing 723 John H. Estes — portrait __ _ facing 726 E. Williams Hervey — portrait _ facing 733 Everett S. Horton — portrait __ facing 735 Andrew J. Jennings — portrait facing 739 Austin Messinger — portrait _ facing 745 Obed Nye — portrait facing 749 Charles S. Taber—portrait __ ..facing 753 Dr. Charles L. Seip — portrait __ facing 760 A. Homer Skinner — portrait facing 763 Job Sweet — portrait _. facing 769 Rev. John Westall — portrait _ _ facing 773 Thomas Wilcox — portrait _ facing 775 Dr. James M. Aldrich — portrait _ facing 779 Stephen A. Brownell — portrait __ _ facing 785 Dr. John H. Abbott — portrait _. facing 795 CONTENTS CHAPTER I. Descriptive of the Subject 1-6 CHAPTER II. From 1637 to 1685 ___ _._ 7-34 CHAPTER III. Indian Troubles ._ 36-44 CHAPTER IV. From 1685 to 1776 44-96 CHAPTER V. FROM 1776 TO 1815. War of the Revolution— War of 1813... .96-139 CHAPTER VI. FROM 1815 TO 1860. General County Progress __ 140-168 CHAPTER VII. FROM 1860 TO 1898. The Civil War and Later History .168-185 CHAPTER VIII. Gazetteer of Towns 185-314 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. Early Settlement ___ 215-228 CHAPTER X. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. Early Settlements and Land Grants -- 229-237 CHAPTER XI. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. Occupations and Locations of the Pioneers _ , 237-247 CHAPTER XII. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. Early Public Proceedings and Private Industries _ 248-264 CHAPTER XIII. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. In the Eighteenth Century 264-271 CHAPTER XIV. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. In the Nineteenth Century 271-248 CHAPTER XV. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. From 1860 to the Present Time 284-315 CHAPTER XVI. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD _ 316-328 CHAPTER XVII. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD— Continued 328-337 CONTENTS. ix CHAPTER XVIII. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. In the War of 1812 __ 338-343 CHAPTER XIX. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. From 1815 to City Incorporation 344-369 CHAPTER XX. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. Under City Government 369-379 CHAPTER XXI. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. Since the Civil War -1865-1898. _ _ 380-393 CHAPTER XXII. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. Schools — Newspapers — Fire Department — Board of Trade, etc 393-410 CHAPTER XXIII. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. Manufactures _ 410-421 CHAPTER XXIV. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. Original Purchases and Settlement 422-447 CHAPTER XXV. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. Early in the Century _ 447-460 x CONTENTS CHAPTER XXVI. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. A Period of Rapid Growth 46(M81 CHAPTER XXVII. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. From 1830 to City Incorporation _ _481-508 CHAPTER XXVIII. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. A Chapter from the Village Records _509-524 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. As a City 525-554 CHAPTER XXXI. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. Industries _ _ 554-601 CHAPTER XXXII. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. Educational Institutions _ _ 602-619 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. The Newspaper Press, Fire Department, Civil List, etc 620-642 CHAPTER XXXIV. THE BAR AND JUDICIARY OF BRISTOL COUNTY 643-678 CHAPTER XXXV. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN BRISTOL COUNTY 679-699 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER I. DESCRIPTIVE OF THE SUBJECT. Bristol county is situated in the southeastern part of Massachusetts and is bounded on the north by Norfolk county, on the east by Plymouth county, on the south by Rhode Island and the ocean, and on the west by Rhode Island. It contains about six hundred square miles of terri- tory. The surface of this county presents a variety of features. In general terms it may be described as nearly level in the northern and western parts, and hilly or rolling and in places rocky in the southern, central and western parts. This general statement is modified in many more or less limited sections by the existence of topographical features ranging from moderate hills to level areas. As a whole the soil is not above medium for agricultural purposes, though in some parts it is ex- ceedingly productive. Beginning with the oldest settled region, that of Taunton, along the river of that name, the surface is generally level, and the statement applies to the greater portion of the eastern and northeastern towns. It is in this region that is found much of the superior farming land of the county. In Mansfield and some of the adjacent territory the soil is light and thin and rather unproductive. Westward from New Bedford, in the towns of Dartmouth and West- port, the surface is rolling or hilly and the soil generally above the average of the county. The same is true of a large part of the western towns — Swansea, Somerset, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Dighton. In the central part are seen numerous great bowlders of granite, indicating the general character of the rock formation and suggesting glacial action in past ages. Bog iron ore is found in several localities, notably in Freetown, and in the early years of the county was extensively dug and worked, as described in later chapters, I 2 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In the northeastern part of the county, in Taunton and Raynham, is an extensive cedar swamp, which still remains largely in its primitive condition. The original forests included large areas of white pine, with lesser tracts covered with oak, maple, beech, chestnut, ash and some other hard woods. Considerable areas that were long ago cleared, and were not found adapted to profitable cultivation, are now covered with a later growth of brush. The principal river of the county is Taunton River, Taunton Great River, as it is termed to distinguish it from Little Taunton, or Mill River. The larger stream has its rise in Plymouth county, flows west- erly and then southwesterly across Bristol county and empties into Mount Hope Bay. The ocean tide flows to East Taunton, and the head of navigation for sailing vessels is at Weir village, a suburb of Taun- ton city. Mill River is the outlet of Scadding's Pond in the northern part of Taunton, and flows south to its junction with Taunton River near the city of Taunton ; it supplies excellent water power to many manufac- tories. Three-Mile River is formed by the waters of Wading River, flowing southerly across Mansfield and Norton, and Rumford River, flowing southerly across Norton. It has a southerly direction through the villages of Oakland and Westville, in the westerly part of Taunton, and from there forms the boundary between Taunton and Dighton for a short distance and empties into Taunton River. It furnishes valuable water power in the villages named. Ten-Mile River is formed by the waters of Bungay River and Seven- Mile River in Attleborough, ' and constitutes the boundary between Seekonk and Rhode Island for a number of miles. Palmer River rises in the town of Rehoboth and flows southwesterly across the town emptying into Warren River in the town of Swansea. The Segregan- set River rises in Taunton and flows southerly across Dighton, empty- ing into Taunton River in the latter town. In Westport are the east and west branches of Westport River, extending northerly far into the town and receiving the waters of Shingle Island River and other smaller streams. Slocum's River is a broad stream in the south part of Dart- mouth into which flows the Pamunsett River and other smaller streams Aponagansett River and harbor are also in the south part of Dartmouth • The postal authorities have changed the spelling of this name, when applied to post-offices leaving off "ugh," but the original spelling is retained in this work. DESCRIPTIVE OF THE SUBJECT. 3 emptying into Buzzard's Bay. The county is drained in many localities by small brooks, which, with the rivers described, supplied water power in past years to many industries. Bristol county scenery is beautified by many ponds, or lakes, principal among which ace the Watuppa Ponds, of Fall River; Watson's Pond and Sebatia Lake, in Taunton; Winnecontiet Pond in Norton; Wilbur Pond in Easton ; Reservoir Pond in North Attleborough, and many of less importance. The shore line of the county abutting on Buzzard's Bay is indented with New Bedford Harbor, Clark's Cove, the broad mouths of the southern rivers already named and many coves and in- lets that lend peculiar beauties to the scenery. This coast and the harbors have been the theater of large commercial interests, as will appear in later chapters. Bristol is one of the three counties into which Plymouth Colony was divided in 1685 by an act from the first section of which the following is taken: It is ordered by this Court, and the Authority thereof; that there shall be in this Colony three Counties, and that in each County there shall be kept annually two County Courts, which Courts shall be kept by the Magistrates living in the several Counties or by any other magistrate that can attend the same, or by such as the General Court shall appoint from time to time, and to make a Court, there shall be present not less than three Magistrates or Associates, and in no case shall judgment be given without there be two consenting, or the major part of more than four Judges ; and in the absence of Governor or Deputy Governor, the eldest Magistrate shall be President of the Court; which Court shall have, and hereby have power to order the choice of Juries of Grand Inquest and trials in their several Counties, and to constitute Clerks and other needful Officers ; the County Treasurer to be appointed and allowed of by said Court annually. It is Ordered, That each County Court shall have and hereby have power to Hear Try and Determine according to Law all matters, Actions, Causes and Complaints, whether Civil or Criminal, in any Case not extending to Life, Limb or Banishment, or matter of Divorce. A part of the third section of the act reads as follows : It is further Ordered, That Bristol, Taunton, Rehoboth, Dartmouth, Swansey, Little Compton, Free Town, Sowammit, Pocasset, Punkatest, and all such Places, Towns and Villages as are or maybe settled on said Lands shall be a County, Bristol the Cormty Town, and the said County shall be called the County of Bristol; In which County shall be kept two County Courts annually at the County Town ; one on the third Tuesday in May, and the other on the third Tuesday in November. Under the provisions of this act the machinery of the county govern- ment was started in 1685, nearly fifty years after the first settlement OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was made within its limits. In 1746 the area of the county was con- siderably reduced by the establishment of a new boundary line be- tween Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which assigned to the latter what are now the townships of Bristol, Barrington, Little Compton and Warren. Taunton was then made the shire town, the county re- taining- its former name. Bristol county contains seventeen towns and the cities of Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford, with a population, according to the State census of 1895, of 219,019. The list of towns and cities, and the popu- lation of each, according to the last census, is as follows : Acushnet, 1,115 Attleborough, 8,288 Berkley, 955 Dartmouth, 3,107 Dighton, 1,797 Easton, 4,452 Fairhaven, 3,338 Fall River, 89,203 Freetown, 1,405 Mansfield, 3,722 New Bedford, 55,251 North Attleborough, 6,576 Norton, 1,614 Raynham, 1,518 Rehoboth, 1,810 Seekonk, 1,465 Somerset, 1.983 Swansea, 1,627 Taunton, 27,115 Westport, 2,678. The number of legal voters in the county in 1895 was 42,495. Of these towns there were in existence at the time of the erection of the county only five, as follows: Taunton, Rehoboth, Dartmouth, Swansea and Freetown. From these the other existing towns have been set off as follows : " Norton, March 17, 1710. Mansfield, April 26, 1770. Easton, December 21, 1725. Dighton, May 30, 1712. Berkley (from Dighton and Taunton), April 18, 1735. Raynham, April 2, 1731. Taunton, March 3, 1639. Rehoboth, June 4, 1645. Dartmouth, Oct. 5, 1652. Swansea, March 5, 1668. Attleborough, October 19, 1694. June 14, 1887. Seekonk, February 26, 1812. North Attleborough, New Bedford, February 23, 1787. Fairhaven, Feb- 22, 1812. Acushnet, February 13, 1860. Westport, July 2, 1787. Somerset, February 20, 1790. DESCRIPTIVE OF THE SUBJECT. 5 Freetown, ( _ „ _. „ July 1683 I Ver ' Februar y 26 - 1803 -' The population of Bristol county on various census dates has been as follows : 1776 1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 26,700 31,709 33,880 37,168 40,908 49,592 60,195 76,192 93,794 1870 1880 1890 1895 102,886 137,040 186,465 219,019 The valuation during the present century by decades is shown in the following figures : 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 $234,410.27 $321,036.24 $398,581' $11,346,916 $19,493,685 $39,243,510 1860 1870 1880 1895 $66,294,256 $80,425,791 $100,029,138 $170,682,508 At the present time Bristol county contains sixty-five post-offices; the list is as follows, with the towns in which they are situated : Acushnet — Acushnet, Long Plain. Attleborough — Attleborough, South Attleborough, Hebron ville, Dodgeville. Berkley — Berkley, Myricks. Dartmouth — Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, South Dartmouth, Non- quitt. Dighton — Dighton, North Dighton, West Dighton, Segreganset. Easton — Easton, North Easton, South Easton, Eastondale. Fairhaven — Fairhaven. Fall River— Fall River, Flint Village, Steep Brook. Freetown — Freetown, East Freetown. Mansfield — Mansfield, East Mansfield, West Mansfield. New Bedford — New Bedford, Clifford, Shawmut. North Attleborough — North Attleborough, Attleborough Falls, Adamsdale, Oldtown. Norton — Norton, East Norton, Chartley, Norton Furnace, Barrows- ville. Raynham — Raynham, North Raynham, Judson. Rehoboth — Rehoboth, North Rehoboth, South Rehoboth, Harris. Seekonk — Seekonk. 1 A town called Wellington was formed from Dighton June 9, 1814, but the two were reunited on February 22, 1826. On June 16, 1827, Wellington was recreated, but existed only one year, when it was again annexed to Dighton. The name under which Fall River was incorporated was Troy. On February 12, 1834, the original name of Fall River was adopted 6 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Somerset — Somerset, Pottersville. Swansea — Swansea, North Swansea, South Swansea, Hortonville, Swansea Center. Taunton— Taunton, East Taunton, Oakland, Walker (the last two supplied from the Taunton office). Westport — Westport, Westport Point, North Westport, South West- port, Central Village. This territory of Bristol county was formerly occupied mainly by the Wampanoag Indians, who were at one period one of the most numerous and powerful of the Massachusetts tribes of the Algonquin nation ; their domain extended over nearly the whole of southern Massachusetts from Cape Cod to Narragansett Bay, along whose shores were the powerful Narragansetts, and their numbers at one period reached 30,000. When the English first came among them a recent malignant disease had carried off all but about 300 ; these were ruled over by the great sachem, Massasoit, the loj'al, kindly friend of the white pioneers. Massasoit died in 1661, about twenty years after the first permanent settlements were made on Bristol county territory by white men. At his death he left two sons, Alexander (Wamsutta, his Indian name), and Philip (or Metacomet, his Indian name). The former died in 1662 and Philip, the younger, became sachem of the Wampanoags, and made his reign momentous with deeds affecting the condition of the early settlers. His death took place in 1676, just at the close of his bloody war upon the white people. The Pocassets were a tribe inhabitating the territory of Tiverton, Somerset, Swansea, and apart of Rehoboth; they, like the Namaskets, and other tribal divisions, were under the supreme rulership of Massa- soit, and later of Philip. Through that old sachem and his sons, Wam- sutta (Alexander), and Philip, the title to the lands in which we are directly interested in this work became vested in the English settlers by purchase, as described in the next chapter. FROM 1637 TO 1685. CHAPTER II. FROM 1637 TO 1685. The first of the purchases from the Indians of territory that was sub- sequently included in Bristol county was the Pole settlement, or Titi- quet Purchase, made by Elizabeth Pole (Pool) in 1637. ' In Gov. John Winthrop's journal for that year is found the following: This year a plantation was begun at Tecticutt, by a gentlewoman, an ancient maid, one Mrs. Poole. She went late thither and endured much hardship and lost much cattle. In 1638, one year after Miss Pool's purchase, the Cohannet Purchase was concluded by forty- six purchasers, the title coming directly from Massasoit. Confirmatory deeds for both of these purchases were made in 1686, from which the following two brief pertinent extracts are taken : Know ye that whereas it doth appear to ye said Josiah, Peter and David, both by Indian and English testimonys, that Mrs. Elizabeth Pole, formerly of Taunton, in ye government of New Plymouth, aforesaid, did for and in Behalf of the said Town of Taunton purchase the .lands of Tetiquet in ye year one thousand, six hundred, thirty and seven. And again : Be it known to all men by these presents: That whereas, The Governor, and associates of this his Majties Colony, being as- sembled together in General Court, in the year of our Lord 1640, did grant unto Mrs. Elizabeth Pool, Mr. Nicholas Street and some others, and to such as they should associate with them, a tract of land for a plantation, called by the natives Cohannet, as by the Records of ye said Grant with the explanation thereof doth and may ap- pear, which hath now for upwards of forty years been settled and brought into a Township — known by the name of Taunton, etc. Further description of these purchases and their settlement is given in the chapters devoted to Taunton history in this volume. The pur- 1 As early as 1621 Edward Winslowand Stephen Hopkins made a journey through this region, an account of which is accessible to all readers. They stopped at the Indian village of Tetiquet, on the site of North Middleborough. Those men were representatives of the Plymouth govern- ment on a friendly visit to Massasoit. There was, however, no permanent settlement made until ten years later, according to the best authorities. 8 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. chases included all of the northeastern part of what became Bristol county, constituting the towns of Taunton, Easton, Norton, Mansfield, Dighton, Berkley, and Raynham. The Cohannet Purchase was con- veyed to forty-six purchasers. The next purchase in the order of time comprised the territory now included in the towns of Rehoboth, Seekonk, Pawtucket and Providence, the latter two in the State of Rhode Island, and was made from Mas- sasoit in 1641 ; the tract was ten miles square. The second purchase in this connection was the tract called by the English, Winnamoiset, in- cluding a part of Swansea and Barrington, the latter in Rhode Island. The third and last purchase in this connection included what are now the towns of Attleborotigh and North Attleborough, and Cumberland in Rhode Island; this became known as the North Purchase. On the 30th of March, 1668, Philip, son of Massasoit, confirmed to Rehoboth the purchase of "eight miles square," giving the town a quit claim deed. The next purchase of lands from the Indians was made on the 29th of of November, 1652, when Massasoit and his son Wamsutta (or Alexan- der), conveyed by deed to William Bradford, Capt. Miles Standish, Thomas Southworth, John Winslow, John Cooke, and their associates of the Plymouth Colony, all the territory "lying three miles eastward from a river called Cushenegg to a certain harbor called Acoaksett to a flat rock on the westward side of said harbor." In this purchase was included all "the rivers, creeks, meadows, necks, and islands that lie in and before the same, and from the sea upward to go so high that the English may not be annoyed by the hunting of the Indians in any sort of their cattel." These bounds are apparently very indefinitely stated, but they answered the purpose of the purchasers. This was the Dart- mouth Purchase, and the price paid was thirty yards of cloth, eight moose skins, fifteen axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pair of breeches, eight blankets, two kettles, one cloak, two pounds in wampum, eight pair of stockings, eight pair of shoes, one iron pot, and ten shillings in other commodities. How ridiculous this price for such a princely domain ! The subdivision and settlement of this purchase is described in the next chapter and in the history of New Bedford herein. The purchase from the Indians of ancient Assonet, or Freetown as the English named it, was made on the 2d day of April, 1659, in accordance with a promise said to have been extorted from Wamsutta son of Massasoit, on the 24th of November, 1657, which was put in FROM 1637 TO 1685. writing that at some future time he would sell the territory to one John Barns, a somewhat dissolute liquor seller who had a debt charged up against Wamsutta. When the deed was made the debt was to be canceled. Massasoit had long refused to part with this part of his do- main; he was growing old and had seen his lands going from him, piece by piece, to the aggressive white men, and perhaps began to re- alize how trifling was the return for his possessions. So the good old chieftain, in his last years, refused to part with Assonet, and his son respected his father's wishes as long as he could withstand the press- ure. But the handwriting was on the wall. The number of pur- chasers of Assonet was twenty-six and their names are as follows: Capt. James Cudworth, John Daman, Henry Howland, Josiah Winslow, sr., Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. Ralph Partridge, Timothy Foster, George Watson, Nathaniel Morton, Richard More, Edmund Chandler, Samuel Nash, Constant Southwortb, John Barns, John Tisdall, Humphrey Turner, Walter Hatch, Samuel House, Samuel Jackson, Not one of these purchasers ever settled on his land. The territory bought was divided into as many lots as there were purchasers and as- signed one to each as follows : Love Brewster, William Paybody, Christopher Wadsworth, Kenelm Winslow, Thomas Bourne, Job Waterman. 1 1. Timothy Foster. 10. Love Brewster. 2. Humphrey Turner. 11. Richard More. 3. Christopher Wadsworth 12. Walter Hatch. 4. Edmund Chandler. 5 Samuel House. 6. Henry Howland. 7. George Watson. 8. Ralph Partridge. 13. Thomas Southworth. 14. William Paybody. 15 Josiah Winslow, sr.' 2 16. John Waterman. 17. William Randall. 19. Constant Southworth. 20. Thomas Bourne. 21. Samuel Nash. 22. John Barns. 23. John Tisdall. 24. Kenelm Winslow. 25. Capt. James Cudworth. 26. John Daman. 9. Capt. James Cudworth. 18. Nathaniel Morton. 1 In this and other lists of names taken from the records, the orthography of the ancient docu- ments is followed. In other parts of the text the modern and correct spelling is adopted, as a rule. 2 Settled upon before 1670 by William Makepeace, a cooper of Boston, who was drowned in Taunton River within a few years. It was probably (according to Gen. E. W. Peirce), partly in the fifteenth and partly in the sixteenth lots that the reservation was made to the Indian Tabadacason for the Indians that kept the ferry, and the daughters of the red heathen soon proved a snare to their white Christian neighbors, as will appear from the Plymouth Colony record, under date of October 29, 1672, as follows: " William Makepeace, sr., living at Taunton River, for lascivious attempts towards an Indian woman, was sentenced by the court to be whipped at the post, which was accordingly performed. And the said Makepeace for. selling strong liquors to the Indians was fined five pounds." 2 10 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Assonet Purchase included what are now the towns of Freetown (called Freeman's Land by the pioneers), Fall River, taken off in 1803, and a small part of Fairhaven, set off in 1815. Besides the reservation for the Indians who kept the ferry, before mentioned, another was made in Assonet for Pianto, to be used for planting land, the title of which was to end with Pianto's death. The first named reservation is thought to have been a point of land lying between Taunton River and Barnaby's Cove. Another reservation was made in what is now the easterly part of Fall River, to which reference is made in the history of that town. Assonet Neck was conveyed November 12, 1767, by Constant Southworth, treasurer, to George Shove, James Walker, James Tisdale, Walter Dean, William Harvey, and Richard Williams. In July, 1682, the following order was passed: "This Court orders the land called Assonett Necke, being purchased by some of Taunton, that the said tract of land shall be in the township of Taunton." This was the last grant to Taunton. The territory now included in the town of Dighton was formerly known as the South Purchase. The first deed of any part of this ter- ritory from Philip was dated September 28, 1672, and conveyed a tract of land three miles in extent along the river and running back into the forest four miles. The price paid for this was ,£143, and the convey- ance was made to William Brenton, James Walker, William Harvey, Walter Deane, Richard Williams and John Richmond, "all of the town of Taunton. " The deed of the second section of the South Pur- chase was dated October 1, 1672; this tract was one mile wide on the river and extended back four miles. It was conveyed for £47 to Con- stant Southworth, treasurer of the Plymouth Colony, and he at once transferred it to a committee of the associated proprietors who assigned the deeds to the proprietors, seventy-seven in number, whose names are given in connection with the history of Dighton in later pages. What was known as the " Shawomat Lands," was a part of Free- man's Purchase, and became a part of Swansea upon its incorporation in 1668. The original record book of these lands is in existence, the first page bearing the following: "This Book was begun in ye yeare, 1680, By Incrase Robinson, Clark for Said Purchasers." These lands con- stitute what is now Somerset and were purchased by thirty-one pro- prietors, besides a share to the the governor and one to Capt. Benjamin Church. The division of this purchase and what it included is de- scribed in the later history of Somerset herein. FROM 1637 TO 1685. 11 The white pioneers to this immediate region found it almost wholly a wilderness. The Wampanoags, like their red brethren in other parts of the western world, were not noted for industry. Such tilling of the soil as was absolutely necessary to grow their limited supplies of vege- tables was done by the squaws, while the haughty opposite sex fol- lowed the chase and the war path. There were rich lands in some sections along the larger rivers and around the heads of bays and coves, free from forest and covered in summer with luxuriant grass. These constituted the so called " meadows " of the white settlers. In the forests the Indians annually burned the leaves in the spring, thus keeping down the natural undergrowth and forming great parks of scattered trees of large growth; only the low and wet grounds escaped these fires. Through these open forests travel was easy and delightful. The planting by the Indians was largely done only in the most favorable localities, where the surface was level and the soil productive. One of the larger of these plantations was situated, according to tra- dition at least, to the south and west of the Dighton Four Corners; it was a level tract about a mile in extent from east to west and contained several hundred acres. Another similar tract was situated on what is known as Gardner's Neck in Swansea. There also was situated an In- dian village and cemetery. One-third of this clearing is said to have been planted in rotation each year, leaving two thirds to recuperate for two years. The vegetables grown were corn, beans, squash and a root resembling the artichoke. Numerous Indian relics have been found at this point. During the period of nearly fifty years that elapsed between the date of the first purchase of Bristol county territory from the Indians and the erection of the county in 1685, settlement in various localities was considerably advanced, the towns of Taunton, Rehoboth, Dartmouth and Swansea were formed, and progress was made in clearing and till- ing the soil and in establishing primitive manufactures. The first set- tlements were made in Taunton, and there in 1639-40, almost coinci- dent with the date of transfer of Cohannet to the forty- six purchasers, was built a dam and a mill for grinding. This primitive mill was sit- uated at the falls near what is now Cohannet street. 1 The mill was 1 These facts are fully established ; first, by a reference made in 1639 by Miles Standish and John Browne, in describing the boundaries of Miss Pool's land, "to the mill," on Mill River, the stream having already been given its appropriate name. Further proof is also contained in an ancient document dated 1711, signed by one hundred and seven Taunton residents, which says, among other things :, " We have heard and some of us our fathers have told, that the very reason 12 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. owned by Thomas Linkon in 1649, who moved his family thither from Hingham in 1652. In the last named year, also, the first iron manu- factory in Bristol eounty ' was established in Taunton. In this early industry were associated all of the prominent residents of that town, including Miss Pool, and many persons in Dorchester, Salem, Boston, Newport and elsewhere. For the further history of the settlement and growth of this town and city, the reader is referred to later chapters devoted wholly to that subject. The next settlement was made in the territory of the original Reho- both. That region was formerly called "Seacunck," or "Seakunk," whence the name of the present town of Seekonk, which was a part of the original Rehoboth territory. The Plymouth Records (Vol. ii, p. 67) show that one John Hassell (afterwards spelled Hazell) was living in " Seacunk," in 1642 and then took an oath of allegiance to the king. A warrant was issued on August 2, of that year, "to fetch John Has- sell, that lives at Sickuncke, to answer his contempts at the General Court; which was made and signed by all the assistants present," as shown in the volume above referred to, page 55. This man had lands granted to him in 1669, and was a large owner previous to that year. In 1644 Rev. Samuel Newman and various other persons removed from Weymouth into Rehoboth territory, most of whom were members of Mr. Newman's church. These people held two or more meetings in the preceding year, the first of which was held at " Weimoth the 24th of the 8th month, 1643." At this " general meeting of the plantores of Seacunk," orders were passed regulating the number of lots in their grant to sixty -five, or sixty, in case some of the grantees failed to go ; regarding planting, fencing, etc. If a family failed to remove to the new territory " by this time twelvesmonth," they were compelled to " f orfite their lottes againe to the plantation." The second meeting was held on the 10th of December, at which Richard Wright was em- ployed to build a corn mill; servants after four years to be entitled to the privileges of other inhabitants ; the teacher to have a certain portion of corn from each settler, etc. On July 5, 1644, the inhabitants met near what is now East Provi- dence, and signed the following compact : of building our town where it is, was that small river to set our grist mill on and there hath been one from the beginning of the town." 1 In writing of Bristol county territory previous to the formation of the county, the reader will understand that the name of the county is applied for the sake of clearness and to avoid the necessity for reiteration of the expression, " what became Bristol county," or a similar reference. FROM 1637 TO 1685. 13 We, whose names are underwritted. being by the providence of God, inhabitants of Seaconk, intending here to settle, do covenant and bind ourselves one to another, to subject ourselves to nine persons .... and to asist them according to our ability and estate, and to give timely notice unto them of any such thing as in our conscience may prove dangerous to the plantation, and this combination to continue until we shall subject ourselves jointly to some other government. Thus was formed an independent body, subject only to the regula- tions imposed by the nine men, who were to be empowered with judicial and legislative functions. It was a perfect democracy. The following document, copied from the Proprietors' Records, is self-explanatory and of great interest in connection with settlement in the western part of the county : About the year 1643, a joint agreement was made by the inhabitants of Sea conk alias Rehoboth, ffor the bringing in of their estates; that soe men's lotments might be taken up according to person and estate, as alsoe for the carrieing on of all pub- lick chardges both for present and future ; furthermore the means and interest of what is heare expressed is that by which lands, now granted by the Court of Plym- outh to the towne, is to be divided according to person and estate, as is expressed in the following list: £ s. d. 1. Mrs. Bur .... 100 00 00 Ruth Ingram accepted in her place 2. Widdow Walker 50 00 00 3. John Read 300 00 00 4. John Cooke 300 00 00 which still is in the town's hands. 5. The Schoolmaster 50 00 00 6. Will Cheesbrook 450 00 00 7. Mr. Winchester 195 00 00 8. Richard Wright 834 00 00 9. Mr. Newman 330 00 00 10. Will Smith.. 196 10 00 11. Walter Palmer.. 419 00 00 12 James Clark, now John Perrum's 71 00 00 13. Ralph Shephard, now Jas. Redewaye's - 121 10 00 14. Zachariah Roads 50 00 00 15. John Mathewes 40 00 00 16. John Perrum 67 00 00 17. John Millar 69 10 00 18. Saml. Butterworth 50 00 00 19. George Kendrick... 50 00 00 £ s. d. 20. Abram Martin 60 10 00 21. The Teacher.. 100 00 00 22. Edward Seale 81 00 00 23. John Browne 50 00 00 24. Mr. Howard 250 00 00 25. Mr. Peck _ _. 535 00 00 26. Mr. Obed. Holmes, now Robt. Wheaton's 100 00 00 27. Edward Smith 252 00 00 28. Job Lane, now Robert Abell's _ 50 00 00 29. Thomas Hitt ,. 101 00 00 30. James Walker, now John mtche's 50 00 00 31. Thomas Blyss 153 00 00 32. The Governor's lot, now Richard Bullock's... 200 00 00 3i. Isaack Martin, now Thom- as Wilmot's . 50 00 00 34. Robert Morris 94 10 00 35. Ed. Bennet, now Richard Bowen's, Jr.... 134 10 00 36. The Pastor 100 00 00 37. Mr. Henry Smith 260 00 00 38. Mathew Pratt 239 00 00 14 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. £ s. d. £ s - d - 39. John Megg's 120 00 00 49. John Houlbrook, now Nich- 40. Thorn. Clifton, now Ste- olas He's 186 10 00 phen Payne's, Jr.. 160 00 00 50. Robert Titus, now Robert 41. Joseph Torry, now John Jones's 156 10 00 Peck's 134 00 00 51. William Sabin 53 00 00 42. Thomas Cooper 367 00 00 52. Stephen Payne 525 00 00 43. Robert ffullor 150 00 00 53. Mr. Browne .... 600 00 00 44. John Allen _. 156 00 00 54. Ed. Patteson, now John 45. Ralph Allen_ 270 00 00 Woodcock's.. 50 00 00 46. Ed. Gilman, now Joseph 55. Peter Hunt 327 00 00 Peck's 306 00 00 56. Robert Martin... 228 10 00 47. Thomas Houlbrook 186 10 00 57. Robert Sharp, but now 48. William Carpenter 254 10 00 Rice Leonard's... 106 00 00 58. Richard Bo wen 270 00 00 This action was probably taken before any other division of land was made, unless perhaps it was that assigning house-lots. A subsequent meeting of the proprietors was held, the date of which was destroyed in the records, at which it was voted that nine men should be chosen to order the general affairs of the plantation; they were given power to sell the lands "in lots of twelve, eight, or six acres, as in their dis- cretion they think the quality of the estate of the person do require." This provision applied to the house-lots. Also that no person should sell his improvements "but to such as the town shall acept of; " also it was voted "that the meeting-house shall stand in the midst of said town." The nine men thus appointed were the predecessors of the Selectmen, if, indeed, the title should not apply to them also. This office in the early years was one of great importance, and it is not quite certain when the first general law relating to it was passed, but probably there was no law actually requiring the towns to choose these officers until 1662; the records, however, contain many references to Selectmen prior to that year. In 1658 it was enacted by the General Court that one or two of the Selectmen, whom the court should appoint in each township, be empowered to administer an oath, grant executions, etc. Again, in 1657, the five Selectmen of Taunton are referred to by name. It is not until 1666 that lists of Selectmen for the several towns are given in the Plymouth Records.' 1 The first section of the law referred to reads as follows: " It is enacted by the court, that in every town in this jurisdiction there be three or five selectmen chosen by the town out of the free- men, such as shall be approved by the court, for the better managing of the affairs of the respective townships, and that the selectmen in every town or the major part of them, are hereby empowered FROM 1637 TO 1685. 15 A town meeting was held in Rehoboth on the 31st of June, 1644, at which lots were drawn for a division of the woodland between the plain and the town. Fifty-eight shares were drawn as follows : 1. Mr. Winchester. 2. Mr. Leonard. 3. Peter Hunt. 4. William Cheesborough. 5. Ralph Allin. 6. John Holbrook. 7. John Perram. 8. The schoolmaster. 9. Matthew Pratt. 10. William Carpenter. 11. Ephraim Hunt. 12. Samuel Butterworth. 13. Edward Patterson. 14. James Browne. 15. Richard Bowin. 16. Mr. Newman. 17. Mr. Peck. 18. Walter Palmer. 19. Abraham Martin. 20. John Sutton. 21. Robert Morris. 22. John Matthews. 23. Isaac Martin. 24. James Walker. 25. Robert Titus. 26. Edward Seale. 27. George Kendrick. 28. (obliterated). 29. Thomas Bliss. 30. The pastor's. 31. Stephen Payne. 32. Edward Smith. 33. William Smith. 34. James Clark. 35. The Governour. 36. Edward Bennett. 37. Obadiah Holmes. 38. Mr. Browne. 39. Thomas Cooper. 40. Thomas Holbrooke. 41. Thomas Hitt. 42. John Allin. 43. John Meggs. 44. William Sabin. 45. Mr. Henry Smith. 46. Zachary Roades. 47. Edward Gilman. 48. Thomas Clifton. 49. Joseph Torrey. 50. Thomas Dunn. 51. Robert Martin. 52. Widow Walker. 53. John Miller. 54. Mr. B (obliterated). 55. 57. 58. The Teacher. John Cooke. Ralph Shepherd. John Read. to hear and determine all debts and differences arising between person and person within their respective townships not exceeding forty shillings; as also they are hereby empowered to hear and determine all differences arising betwixt any Indians and the English of their respective town- ships about damage done in corn by the cows, swine, or any other beasts belonging to the inhabit- ants of the said respective townships, and the determination of the abovesaid differences not being satisfied as was agreed, the party wronged to repair to some magistrate for a warrant to re- ceive such award by distraint." This act, as seen, gave the Selectmen considerable judicial power. Their oath of office was as follows: " You shall, according to the measure of wisdom and discretion God hath given you, faithfully and impartially try all such cases between party and party brought before you, as also give summons respecting your trust according to order of the Court as Selectmen of the Town of for this present year. So help you God." Besides the duties thus described the Selectmen in early years were required to take notice of those persons who did not attend church, unless prevented by good cause; to see that no single person was suffered to live by himself or in any family but such as they should approve of; to vigilantly watch over their neighbors' doings; to see that children were taught the common branches of education by their parents or masters; to bind out neglected children; to make provision for the poor, etc. Their rule was almost autocratic. 16 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Up to July, 1644, there had been three separate allotments of land made in Seekonk, and on the 5th of that month it was ordered that all who had allotments in either of the three divisions "presently to be laid out by Mr. Oliver and his partner, Joseph Fisher," and who did not pay for the surveys either at Boston or Dedham by the 28th of the following October, should forfeit their lands so laid out. The nine men chosen on the 9th of December, 1644, to direct public affairs were the following: A'exander Winchester, Richard Wright, Henry Smith, Edward Smith, Walter Palmer, William Smith, Stephen Payne, Rich- ard Bowen and Robert Martin. On the 10th of the succeeding Janu- ary, at a meeting of the townsmen, it was agreed that eighteen men should forfeit their lands for not fencing them, " or not removing their families according to a former order." These men were the following: Ralph Shepherd, James Browne, Mr. Leonard, The Governor's lot, Matthew Pratt, Thomas Dunn, John Meggs, Thomas Cooper, John Sutton, Mr. Peck, Obadiah Holmes, James Walker, Edward Gilman, Thomas Holbrooke, John Holbrooke, Mr. Browne, Edward Patteson and Ephraim Hunt. Probably these, men conformed to the require- ments and retained their lands. At the same meeting all those men having lots on the neck of land were required to " fence so much as the number of his acres cometh to," by the 15th day of the second month, or pay two shillings for every rod not fenced. The care with which the welfare of every settler was watched is shown in the following agreement made on the 17th day of February, 1644: . . that whoever hath not convenient land to plant, for present getting of corn, shall be allowed to plant so much as they can break up this year, and shall have it six years, and then to fall to the town again, either upon Manton's neck, or else upon the back side of the lots on the southeast side of the town. At another meeting it was ordered that the recording of any man's land in "the town book shall be to him and his heirs a sufficient as- surance forever." Thus far the inhabitants of this large tract of territory considered themselves residents of Seekonk, and the meetings all bear that date. Though they purchased their land of the Plymouth Colony, yet their compact made when they became inhabitants of Seekonk indicates that they felt a large measure of independence. They were subsequently claimed by both the Plymouth and the Massachusetts Colonies. In 1645 they submitted to the jurisdiction of the Plymouth Court and were FROM 1637 TO 1685. 17 incorporated with the name Rehoboth, which was given by Mr. New- man, the pastor. Following this important action, the records contain the following list of names with the register of their lands; many of these have al- ready been mentioned, but there are also many new ones, who became settlers somewhere in the territory of the towns into which Rehoboth was afterwards divided: Mr. ' Alexander Winchester, Robert Morris, Mr. Howard, Peter Hunt, William Chesborough, Ralph Allin, John Holbrooke, John Peram, The Schoolmaster, Matthew Pratt, William Carpenter, Samuel Butterworth, Edward Patteson, James Browne, Richard Bowen, Mr. Samuel Newman, Mr. Peck, Abraham Martin, John Sutton, John Matthewes, John Fitch, Robert Titus, George Kendricke, Robert Sharp, Thomas Bliss, The Pastor, Stephen Paine, Edward Smith, James Clarke, William Smith, The Governour, Edward Bennett, Obadiah Holmes, Mr. John Browne, Thomas Cooper, Thomas Holbrooke, Thomas Hett, John Allin, John Meggs, William Sabin, Henry Smith, Zachary Roades, Edward Gilman, sr., Thomas Clifton, Joseph Torrey, Widow Walker, Richard Ingram (now Ingra- ham), The Teacher, Thomas Loring, Ralph Shepherd, John Reade, John Miller, Richard Wright. The date of the registry of Robert Fuller's land was not until 1652. Meetings of the inhabitants continued to be regularly held and such orders were passed as seemed necessary for the regulation of town af- fairs. On the 16th of March, 1645, it was agreed "that all the fence in the general field shall be fenced by the 23d of the present month;" a penalty was attached to neglect of this work. On the same day Mr. Browne, Stephen Payne, Mr. Henry Smith, Robert Martin, Thomas Cooper, William Carpenter, and Edward Smith were named as "towns- men" for one year. On the same day the town was ordered divided in- to two parts "for the making of the foot bridges and the keeping of them, and the highways leading to them to be done by the whole town. " On the 9th of June, 1645, " lots were drawn for the great plain, be- ginning upon the west side; and he that is first upon the west side shall be last upon the east." Fifty-eight persons drew these lots, who 1 The title "Mr." in early times carried with it considerable honor, and was not indiscrimi- nately applied, as at present. 3 18 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. were nearly the same as given in the preceding list of those who drew the original shares. Again on the 18th of February, 1646, another drawing was made " for the new meadow, and to be divided according to person and estate, only those who were under .£150 estate to be made up to ,£150." Forty-six lots were drawn, the list containing the names of Nicholas Ide, Ademia Morris, James Redwaie, Robert Abell, John Dogget, that have not before appeared. At a town meeting held June 22, 1658, lots were drawn "for the meadows that lie on the north side of the town." In the list of forty- nine persons who drew these lots appear a few names, among them Thomas Wilmoth (Wilmarth), Robert Wheaton, John Millard, jr., and John Millard, sr., Richard Bullock, Anthony Perry, Daniel Smith, Nicholas Peck, Rice Leonard, Robert Jones, Francis Stevens, John Woodcock, Edward Hall, Roger Amadowne, Will. Bucklin. Finally and to complete these numerous lists of the pioneers of old Rehoboth, we have the following names "of the inhabitants and proprie- tors of the Towne of Rehoboth having Rights and Titles to the Meas- uages, Tenements and Lands contained in the quit-claim deed of William Bradford to the town of Rehoboth, which hath been reade and allowed in a full Towne Meeting. February the 7th, 1689:-" Mr. Samuel Angier, Decon Thomas Cooper, Joseph Peck, sen'r, John flitch, John Woodcock, sen'r, Serj. Thomas Reade, George Kenricke, Nichollas Ide, sen'r, George Robinson, sen'r, Robert Wheaton, Richard Martin, John Peren, Jonathan ffuller, sdn'r, Enoch Hunt, John Hunt, Ephrahim Hunt, Rice Leonard, Sam'l Butterworth, Philip Walker, ffrancis Stevens, sen'r, John Ormsby, Nathaniel Chaffee, John Redway, Sam'l Carpenter, John Tittus, Samuell Tittus, Joseph Tittus, John Carpenter, Thomas Grant, John Willmath, Samuel Blise, Jonathan Blise, Joseph Buckland, Samuell Paine, Joseph Browne, William Carpenter, jr., Isack Allen, Thomas Willmath, jr., John Woodcock, jun'r, Iserall Woodcock, Thomas Woodcock, Jonathan Woodcock, Samuel Newman, jr., John Kinsley, Joseph Peck, jun'r, Hezekiah Pecke, Richard Bowen, Thomas Bowen, sen'r, John Marten, Jonah Palmer, jun'r, Samuel Cooper, Nathaniell Perry. John Daggett, Thomas Cooper, Joseph Daggett, Nathaniell Daggett, Nathaniell Whitaker, Eprahim Wheaton, Abiah Carpenter, James Carpenter, Samson Mason, Joseph Mason, Joseph Buckland, jun'r, Baruk Buckland, Silas Titus, Nath. Paine, jun'r, FROM 1637 TO 1685. 19 Samuel Sabin, Serj. Preserved Able, Daniell Reade, Israll Reade, James Sabin, John Sabin, Noah Sabin, The Hieres of Thomas Ken- rick, Samuel Robinson, Mosses Reade, Mr. Christopher Sanders, Jonah Palmer, sen'r, Samuell Palmer, Noah Mason, Samuell Mason, Nicholas Ide, jun'r, Sam'l Millerd, sen'r, Sam'l Millerd, jr., John Hall, Timothy Ide, Jonathan ffuller, jun., Jeremiah Wheaton, John Shawe, Joseph Sabine, Richard Whiteaker, Samuel Bullock, Thomas Ormsby, Thomas Man, Robert Millerd, sen'r, Mr. Henry Sweeting, Jathniell Peck, Joshua Smith, John Smith, Richard Evens, James Thurber, Sam'l Bowen, Jonathan Willmath, John ffrench, Joseph Borsworth, William Robenson, Josiah Carpenter, ffrancis Stevens, jun'r, Richard Bowen, jun'r, Joseph Millerd, Benjamin Millerd, John Bowen, Benjamin Robinson, David Newman, David ffuller, John Jenkins, John Jonson, Daniell Shepard, sen., David ffreeman, James Wilson, James Welch, John Bullock, John Callender, John Bartlet's heires. Thomas Cooper and Na- thaniel Cooper, sons of Nath. Cooper, The Heires of Benjamin Buckland, Samuell ffuller, The Heires of Eldad Kins- ley, Orphans. Jonathan Carpenter, David Carpenter, Sollomon Carpenter, Zacheriah Carpenter Abraham Carpenter, The Heires of Joanes, Daniell Sabm, son of Nehemiah Sabin, John ffuller, Abiall ffuller, Benjamin Paine, Robert George Robinson, Jr., Isake Mason, Thomas Bowen. At a town meeting held December 10, 1650, the county rate was agreed upon and also it was voted " to have a convenient way, four rods wide (to be made by Edward Smith), to be for the town's use or any that shall have occasion to pass from town to Providence, or to Mr. Blackstone's. " There were already complaints from the Indians, and at a town meet- ing held March 15, 1651, it was agreed that Peter Hunt should accom- pany Mr. Browne to Plymouth to make agreement about the Indian complaints. In that year Stephen Payne and Richard Bowen were chosen deputies for the Plymouth Court; Walter Palmer and Peter Hunt, grandjurymen; William Smith and John Read, surveyors or highways. At a meeting held December 12, 1653, it was vo.ted " that the price of 20 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. corn should be 5s. ; wheat 5s. ; rye 4j. ;■ and Indian corn 3s. (provided that the corn be current and merchantable corn.") On June 26th, 1655, it was agreed in town meeting " that Mr. New- man, our teacher, should have fifty pounds a year, and those seven men whose names are hereto appended were chosen a committee for the levying of a rate according to person and estate for the raising of said maintenance." The men were Joseph Peck, Thomas Cooper, Richard Bowen, Stephen Payne, Robert Martin, Peter Hunt, William Sabin. This Rev. Samuel Newman founded, very soon after his ar- rival in Rehoboth, what is now the First Congregational Church in East Providence, and the General Court granted ,£250 for building a meeting-house; of this sum they relinquished .£50 to aid in building the church at Palmer's River, on three acres of land given by Jethniel Peck, Capt. Samuel Peck, and Jonathan Bliss. The church was not built or organized until 1721, the society then comprising ten members. The original Rehoboth (or Seacunk), remained territorially intact until 1667, when a division took place, caused, as very many early ones were, by religious differences; this resulted in the withdrawal of a party of Baptists from Parson Newman's church and the founding of the First Baptist Church in Swansea, and the later incorporation of the town, as set forth in the following documents : Whereas, Liberty hath been formerly granted by the Court of jurisdiction of New Plymouth, unto Capt. Thomas Willett and his neighbors of Wannomoisett, to be- come a township there if they should see good, and that lately the said Capt. Willett and Mr. Myles, and others, their neighbors, have requested of the Court that they may be a township there or near thereabout, and likewise to have granted unto them such parcells of land as might be accommodate thereunto not disposed of to other Townships; this Court have granted unto them all such lands that lyeth between the Salt water Bay and coming up Taunton River (viz.), all the Land between the Salt water and river and the bounds of Taunton and Rehoboth not prejudicing any man's particular interest, and forasmuch as Rehoboth hath meadow lands within the line of Wannamoisett, and Wannamoisett hath lands within the line of Rehoboth, lying near the south line of Rehoboth — if the two townships cannot agree about them amongst themselves, the Court reserves it within their power to determine any such controversy. 1667, March. The Court hath appointed Captaine Willett, Mr. Paine, Senr., Mr. Brown, John Allen, and John Butterworth, to have the trust of admittance of Town Inhabitants into the said town, and to have the disposal of the Land therein, and ordering of other the affairs of said Town. The Court doe Allow and Approve that the Township Granted unto Capt. Willett and others, his neighbors, at Wannamoi- sett and parts adjacent, shall henceforth be called and known by the name of Swan- sea, FROM 1637 TO 1685. 21 The township of Swansea, thus granted, originally included what are now the towns of Somerset, Barrington, and a large part of Warren, R. I. ; the two latter became a part of Rhode Island when the bounds between that State and Massachusetts were fixed. In 1669 a tract of land called Papasquash Neck, with the exception of one hundred acres, was annexed to Swansea, and on August 11, 1670, the bounds between Rehoboth and Swansea were finally fixed. On November 1, 1679, the bounds between Swansea and Mount Hope were fixed. Shortly after the granting of the township, Capt. Thomas Willett made three proposals to his associates regarding admission of settlers, as follows : 1. That no erroneous person be admitted into the township as an inhabitant or sojourner. 2. That no man of any evill behaviour or contentious persons to be admitted. 3. That none may be admitted that may become a charge to the place. These proposals were replied to by the assembled church, specif- ically and in detail, defining the meaning of each proposition. In brief, the inhabitants explained that none who were not heretics, or who would not deny the magistrates' power to punish evil doers, or refuse to keep the Sabbath and support the church, should be excluded. This reply was signed by John M}des, pastor, and John Butterworth, and was accepted and ratified. Thereupon the following proceedings took place : At a town meeting lawfully warned, on the two and twentieth day of the twelfth month, commonly called February, in the year of our Lord 1669, it ;s ordered that all persons that are or shall be admitted inhabitants within this town, shall subscribe to the three proposals above written, to the severall conditions and explanations therein expressed before any lot of land be confirmed to them or any of them. We, whose names are hereunder written, do freely, upon our admission to be in- habitants of this town of Swansea, assent to the above written agreement, made be- tween the church now meeting here, at Swansea, & Capt. Thomas Willett & his as- sociates, as the s a agreement is specified & declared in the three proposalls afore written, with the several conditions & explanations thereof concerning the present & future settlement of this town. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed. This was signed by fifty-five persons. From that time forward town meetings continued to be held and the usual regulations for the simple government of the community were established. From the records of town proceedings prior to the erection of Bristol county,, the following is taken : At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned y" 19 th of May, 1670, John Myles, jun r ., is 22 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. chosen Clerk for this present year. John Allen, senr., is chosen Deputy, Nath 1 . Chafy constable, Samuel Luther grandjuryman, Benj. Alby waywarden, for the en- suing year. Mr. James Brown, Nicholas Tanner, and John Allen, sen'., were chosen selectmen for ye ensuing year. At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned on ye 11 th of May 1671, Mr. James Brown was chosen Deputy, and Hugh Cole grandjuryman, and John Martin Constable. Nathaniel Peck, Joseph Carpenter, and Zechariah Eddy were chosen waywardens. Mr. James Brown, Hugh Cole, and Samuel Luther were chosen selectmen. At a. Town-meeting lawfully warned November ye 8 lh , 1671, John Allen, Snr., Hugh Cole, Nicholas Tanner, & Nathan 1 Peck are chosen Raters for a Town Rate. At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned on ye 21 May, 1672, Mr. Brown was chosen Daputy & Thomas Barnes constable. Thos. Lewis grandjuryman, Nath 1 . Chafy & Jonathan Bozworth, & Hezekiah Luther, surveyors of highways; Mr. Brown, Thos. Luis were chosen selectmen. 1670. It was ordered yt whatsoever inhabitant shall absent himself from any Town-meeting to which he shall at any time hereafter be Legally warned, he shall forfeit for every such absent four shillings. It is ordered that all lotts & divisions of land that are or shall be granted to any particular person shall be proportioned to the threefold rank underwritten, so that where those of the first rank have three acres, those of the second rank shall have two, and those of the third rank shall have one. Those admitted to the first rank are recorded as Mr. ; the others with no title. These were landholders without rank. 1671. Those of ye first rank shall pay three pounds twelve shillings apiece, and those of the second rank shall pay two pounds eight shillings apiece, and those of the third rank one pound four shillings apiece. The Baptist Church to which Swansea was granted made little prog- ress until after Philip's war, and Mr. Myles during most of three years previous to 1679, preached in Boston. In September of that year, after a vote to remove the church to the lower end of Meadow Neck was rejected, a vote was passed "that a meeting-house of forty feet in length and twenty-two in breadth and sixteen feet between joints be ' forthwith built." From this and other records it appears that the place of meeting was changed. Mr. Myles died in 1683, and was succeeded, July 22, 1685, by Rev. Capt. Samuel Luther, just after the incorpo- ration of the county. 1 1 The subsequent history of this early church is briefly as follows : Rev. Luther died in 1716, and it was during his ministry that the meeting-house was removed to near Myles's Bridge. It is thought that the membership at that time reached about two hundred, scattered through what are now Rehoboth, Middleborough, Bellingham, Haverhill, Taunton, Warren and Som- erset. Other energetic pastors followed and the church prospered. The first deacons were not chosen until 1718, when John Thomas, Nathaniel Luther and Richard Harding were placed in that FROM 1637 TO 1685. 23 Seekonk township remained a part of Rehoboth until 1812; it was in that part of Rehoboth territory that the early settlements were made and it remained an active and prosperous part of the region until the establishment of the new State line, which robbed it of the very por- tion that had invited the pioneers. Turning now to the southern part of Bristol county, we find that the large tract that comprised the old town of Dartmouth was divided into thirty-four shares, which were distributed among the same number of shareholders, among whom were three women. This territory included the present towns of Dartmouth, Westport, New Bedford, Fairhaven and Acushnet — all of the county south of Freetown and Fall River; and also a part of the present towns of Tiverton and Little Compton down to 1746, as shown by the Rhode Island records. A part of the original thirty-six proprietors became actual settlers. The date of the purchase from the Indians was, as before stated, November 29, 1652. The following document from the records of deeds of the Plymouth Colony, book 2, page 107, gives the names of the proprietors: The names of those who by order of the purchasers met at Plymouth the 7th day of March, 1652, who by joint consent and agreement of the said purchasers are to have their parts, shares or proportions at the place or places commonly called and known by the names Acushena, alias Acquessent, which entereth at the western end of Weeckatay and to Coaksett, alias Acoakus, and places adjacent, to extend three miles to the eastward of the most easterly part of the river or bay called Coaksett, lying on the west side of Point Pritt 1 and to the most westermost side of any branch of the aforesaid river, and to extend eight miles into the woods, the said tract or tracts of land so bounded as above said, which is purchased of the Indians, which were the right proprietors thereof, as appears by a deed under their hands, with all marshes, meadows, rivers, waters, woods, timbers, and other profits, privileges, emunities, commodities and appurtenances belonging to the said tract or tracts above expressed, or any part or parcel thereof to belong unto the parties whose names are underwritten who are in number thirty-four whole parts or shares, and no more, to them and their heirs and assignees forever. Mr. William Bradford, one whole part or share. Captain Standish, Mr. John Alden, Mr. Collier and Sarah Brewster, Mr. Howland and William Bassett, George Morton, Manasses Kempton, James Hurst, John Dunham, sr., John Shaw, sr., Fran- office. In 1788-89 the condition of the church was depressed; but renewed interest was awakened when the church in Warren was burned by the British on May 25, 1778, and its congregation re- turned to the parent society in Swansea. A great revival followed and about 1781 the remains of the Oak Swamp church came into this fold. In 1786 the Warren church returned ' o its own juris- diction and rebuilt their church. It should be remembered that this was the first Baptist meet- ing-house in Massachusetts and was probably built in 1717; up to 1846 it was doubtless the oldest church edifice in Bristol county. In later years the society declined and at the present time the church is not in active existence. 1 Gooseberry Neck (Point Prill). 24 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cis Cooke, John Cooke, Joshua Pratt, George Soule, Constant Southworth, Miss Jen- nings, Steven Tracye, John Faunce, Henry Sampson, Philip Delanoye, Miss Warren, Robert Bartlett, William Palmer, Edward Dotye, Samuel Hickes, Peter Brown, Francis Sprague, Moses Simons, Samuel Eaton, Thomas Morton, Samuel Culbert, Edward Holman, Edward Bumpus. In all thirty-four shares. 1 On the 8th of June, 1664, this tract of territory was established as the town of Dartmouth, and four years later, on the 3d of June, 1668, the bounds of the town were fixed. The town remained intact until the erection of New Bedford, February 23, 1787. The records of early settlement in some parts of old Dartmouth are fragmentary and meager. The Baptists and Quakers of the settlement firmly resisted the imposition of a tax by the Plymouth Court for the support of min- isters in addition to the province tax, though they faithfully met the latter. The Plymouth authorities moreover were troubled that stated preaching was not maintained according to the established Puritan faith. This called forth the following order in 1671: In reference unto the town of Dartmouth it is ordered by the court that whereas a neglect the last year of the gathering in the sum of fifteen pounds according to order of court to be kept in stock towards the support of such as may dispense the word of God unto them, it is again ordered by the court that the sum of fifteen pounds be this year levied to be as a stock for the use aforesaid, to be delivered unto Arthur Hathaway and Sergeant Shaw, to be by them improved as opportunity may present for the ends aforesaid. This order did not accomplish the desired end and three years later, " the Governor, Mr. Hinckley, the treasurer, Mr. Walley, Lieut. Mor- ton, and John Tomson did engage to give meeting with others to propose and endeavor that some provision be made for the preaching of the word of God amongst them." Even the destruction of the set- tlement in this town by the Indians was turned by the Plymouth Court into an evidence of the wrath of the Almighty against the people for their neglect to worship in the Puritan faith, and the following order was issued: ' It shouldbe stated in this connection that as early as 1602 Bartholomew Gosnold, with a party of adventurers, sailed from Falmouth, England, in the ship Concord, with the purpose of establishing a plantation on the American coast. Rounding Cape Cod and naming it from the abundance of fish he saw near the shores, he landed on the west end of the island which he called Elizabeth, in honor of his queen. This island is now known as Cuttyhunk. On an islet in a small pond on that island he built a fort and. storehouse, and a flat-bottomed boat in which to reach them. Meanwhile Gosnold took a few of his companions, crossed the bay and landed near Round Hill, where they were cordially received by the Indians, who made their visitors presents o£ "skins of wild beasts, tobacco, sassafras root, turtles, hemp, artificial strings colored (wampum) and such like things." This was the advance guard of English immigration to these shores'. This party of explorers returned to England to relate the story of their adventures and did not return. FROM 1637 TO 1685. 25 This court taking into their serious consideration the tremendous dispensation of God towards the people of Dartmouth in suffering the barbarous heathen to spoil and destroy most of their habitations, the enemy being greatly advantaged thereunto by their scattered way of living, do, therefore, order that in the rebuilding and re- settling thereof that they so order it as to live compact together, at least in each vil- lage, as they may be in a capacity both to defend themselves from the assault of an enemy, and the better to attend the public worship of God, and ministry of the word of God, whose carelessness to obtain and attend unto we fear may have been a prov- ocation of God thus to chastise their contempt of His gospel, which we earnestly de- sire the people of that place may seriously consider of, lay to heart, and be humbled for, with a solicitous endeavor after a reformation thereof, by a vigorous putting forth to obtain an able, faithful dispenser of the word of God against them, and to encourage them therein; the neglect whereof this court, as they must and God will- ing, they will not permit for the future. Very little success attended the efforts of the court in this direction, though they were persistent and long continued. The Quakers and Baptists were of stern, unyielding character and would not give up their faith, as shown further on and in the history of New Bedford herein. The following extracts are from the records : May 22, 1674. At a town meeting the 22nd of May in the year 1674 John Cook was chosen debity Arthur Hathaway Grandjuryman William Jad Constable John Russell iams Shaw and William Palmer selectmen. Daniel Wilcox, Peleg Sherman and Samuel Cudbard surveyors and James Shaw clerk. [This record is much muti- lated.] July 22, 1674. At a town meeting 22d July 1674 it is ordered that all our town meetings doe beginne at ten of ye clocke and to continue until ye moderator doly release the town not exceeding four of ye clock. It is all so ordered that all such persons as doe necklectt to a yeer all the town meetings shall forfitt to the town 1 shilling and six pence a pece and for coming to meeting to latt three pence an hour. It is also ordered that the town clarke shall gather up all aforsaid finnes and shall have ye on hallfe of them for his pains and in ceace any doe refuse to pay them re- turne the neame to ye town. Henry Tucker Joseph Tripp and Jeames Shaw are chosen reatters for this follow- ing year. The ministerial controversy is hinted at in the following : Feb 4, 1685. At a town meeting held in Dartmouth 4th of Feb. 1685 John Cook Seth Pope and Joseph Tripp are chosen A jants to apear at month Court Next to be holden at New Plymot and there to mak answer to said Court in the Town's be- half for the Towns not making a Rate of twenty pounds this year for the incorreg- ment of a minister to preach the word of God amongst them. Although the date of the following is a little past the year of the formation of the county, it is proper to give the following record at this point: i 26 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. May 24, 1686. At a town meeting the 24 May, 1686, John Cook chose Debity Jo- seph Seth Pope and four others, Deline, Selectmen, James Sisson Constable. Recompense Grand jury men. John Spooner, John Shearman and George Cadman surveyors of the highways. It is also ordered that all our Town meetings shall be held at or near the mill in Dartmouth until the town sees cause to order it otherwise. According to one of the papers left by Elisha Leonard and now in the New Bedford Library, this mill was built at what is now known as Smith's Mills, or North Dartmouth. A share in Dartmouth was given to George Badcock and Henry Tucker for building a mill and they made an agreement which is referred to in the following: Voted: that the articles of agreement made between George Badcock and Henry Tucker of and concerning building of a Grist Mill in Sd Dartmouth, and Ralph Allen, Samuel Hix, John Russell and Arthur Hathaway as agents for the Proprie- tors bearing date June 20th, 1684 and a confirmation of Sd agreement dated Feby 6th 1684-5 be established good. In January, 1694, 200 acres more of land were given towards these mills. Henry Tucker gave his lands to Abraham, but probably did not retain interest in the mills, as George Badcock 1 in his will gave this property to his son, Return Badcock. The latter seems to have wasted his fine property, selling it out to various persons, and finally in Sep- tember, 1702, mortgaged his mills, house and forty acres of land to two women in Boston for a debt of ^106, 16s. 8d. ; the morgage men- tions the old grist mill and a fulling mill. The mortgage was pur- chased in 1705 by Seth Pope for ^40 and was sold May 4, 1707, to Eliashib Smith for ^52 ; the latter took possession and operated the mills for many years. In his old age he turned the property over to his son, Joseph, from whom it gradually slipped away and passed through possession of many owners in later years. Following is a list of persons' names who had taken the oath of fidelity, the freeman's oath, as recorded in May, 1686: John Cook, Deliverance Smith, Lettice Jeney, John Russell: Sq., Shearman, George Cadman, John Smith, Howland, James Triple, Samuel Jene: Sener, John Earl, Samuel Jeney, Jr., Arthur Hathaway, Ralph Earl, Jun., John Hathaway, William Woods, Ralph Earl, son of Wm. Josiah Smith, James Sampson, Earl, Joseph Russell, John Shearman, James Sisson, Stephen Peckham, Seth Pope, John Spooner, William Macomber, 1 This appears to have been the original spelling o£ the name, Babcock. FROM 1637 TO 1685. 27 Joseph Tripp, Jonathan Russell, Jonathan Delano, Thomas Taber, Samuel Cornwell, Hezekiah Smith, Nathaniel Soule, John Terry, Eleazer Smith, Return Badcock, William Spooner, Samuel Willcocks, James Franklin, Samuel Spooner, William Wood, Anthony Savory. In reading the late history of New Bedford, Fall River and Dart- mouth herein, many of these names will be found among the later prominent families of the two towns and vicinity. Another list of proprietors and early settlers of Dartmouth is in existence which is worthy of preservation here, as follows : Abraham Akin, Jacob Akin, John Akin, Jonathan Akin, Joseph Akin, Abraham Allen, Benjamin Allen, Ebenezer Allen, George Allen, Increase Allen, John Allen, Joseph Allen, Josiah Allen, Noah Allen, Noel Allen, Philip Allen, William Allen, Zachariah Allen, William Almy, Caleb Anthony, Abraham Ashley, Jethro Ashley, Nathaniel Babbitt, Benjamin Babcock, George Babcock, Benjamin Baker, Ebenezer Baker, Jabez Barker, Joseph Barker, Stephen Barker, William Barker, Richard Beden, Sampson Beden, Jeremiah Bennet, John Bennett, Stoten Booth, Benjamin Borden, Edward Borden, John Borden, Joseph Borden, William Borden, John Briggs, Thomas Briggs, Henry Brightman, Thomas Brightman, Ezekiel Brownell, George Brownell, Mehitable Burrill, Jonathan Butts, George Cadman, George Cadman, William Cadman, Abraham Chace, Benjamin Chace, David Chace, Jacob Chace, Jonathan Clark, Thomas Coleman, Hannah Cornell, John Cornell, Samuel Cornell, Thomas Cornell, Samuel Cornish, Benjamin Cory, Caleb Cory's heirs, Thomas Crandon, Consider Crapo, Peter Crapo, Abishai Delano, Jethro Delano, Jonathan Delano, Nathan Delano, Nathaniel Delano, Seth Delano, Thomas Delano, Charmont Demoranville, Josiah Demoranville, Louis Demoranville, Nehemiah Demoranville, John Dennis, Jeremiah Devoll, Mary Devoll, William Devoll, Akin Durfee, Benjamin Durfee, Briggs Durfee, John Earl, Ralph Earl, William Earl, William Earl's heirs, John Fish, Thomas Fitch, Edmund Freeman, Thomas Getchell, Henry Gidley, Benjamin Gifford, Christopher Gifford, Enos Gifford, Jeremiah Gifford, Joseph Gifford, Levi Gifford, Robert Gifford, 28 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. William Gifford, Beriah Goddard, John Hammond, William Hart, Benjamin Hathaway, Elisha Hathaway, James Hathaway, Jethro Hathaway, John Hathaway, Jonathan Hathaway, Meltiah Hathaway,. Seth Hathaway, Sylvanus Hathaway, Thomas Hathaway, Thomas Hathaway (2d), Jonathan Head, Gabriel Hix, Joseph Hix, Mary Hix, Samuel Hix, Experience Holmes, Abner Howard, William Howard, Benjamin Howland, Gideon Howland, Giles Howland, Henry Howland, Nathaniel Howland, Nicolas Howland, Zoeth Howland, Samuel Hunt, Valentine Huttlestone, Job Jenne, John Jenne, John Jenne, Jr., Lettice Jenne' s heirs, Luther Jenne, Mark Jenne, Samuel Jenne, Seth Jenne, Samuel Joy, James Kempton, Manasseh Kempton, Jacob Kenny, John Kirby, Nathaniel Kirby, Robert Kirby, Isaac Lake, Joseph Lake, Nathaniel Lake, John Lapham, Nicholas Lapham, George Lawton, Abial Macomber, Ephraim Macomber, John Macomber, Samuel Macomber, Thomas Macomber, William Macomber, Edmund Maxfield, John Maxfield, Timothy Maxfield, Zadock Maxfield, Samuel Mendall, Jonah Merrihew, Joseph Merrihew, Peter Merrihew, Job Milk, Lemuel Milk, Seth Morton, Abner Mosher, Benjamin Mosher, Constant Mosher, Daniel Mosher, Hugh Mosher, John Mosher, Jonathan Mosher. Joseph Mosher, Maxson Mosher, Nicholas Mosher, Samuel Mott, Nathan Nye, Micah Parker, Joseph Peckham, Stephen Peckham, Samuel Perry, David Petty, Edmund Pope, Isaac Pope, Seth Pope, Ichabod Potter, John Potter, Nathaniel Potter, Stephen Potter, Stokes Potter, Eleazer Pratt, Jonathan Ricketson, Timothy Ricketson, William Ricketson, Samuel Rider, William Rider, Daniel Rogers, Philip Rogers, George Rowse, John Russell, John Russell, Jr., Jonathan Russell, Joseph Russell, Joseph Russell, Jr., Thomas Russell, Henry Sampson, James Sampson, James Sampson, Jr., Joseph Sampson, Stephen Sampson, Daniel Shearman, Edmund Shearman, Job Shearman, John Shearman. Joshua Shearman, Peleg Shearman, Philip Shearman, Samuel Shearman, William Shearman, Daniel Shepherd, John Shepherd, James Sisson, Eleazer Slocum, Giles Slocum, Mary Slocum, Peleg Slocum, Benjamin Smith, Deliverance Smith, Eleazer Smith, Eliashap Smith, Gershom Smith, Henry Smith, Hepsibah Smith, Hezekiah Smith, Humphrey Smith, Increase Smith, FROM 1637 TO 1685. 29 Judah Smith, Mary Smith, Peleg Smith, Amos Snell, Benjamin Sowle, George Sowle, Jacob Sowle, John Sowle, Jonathan Sowle, Nathaniel Sowle, Timothy Sowle, William Sowle, Benjamin Spooner, Isaac Spooner, John Spooner, John Spooner, Jr., Micah Spooner, Nathaniel Spooner. Jr,, Samuel Spooner, Seth Spooner, Walter Spooner, William Spooner, Joseph Stafford, John Summers, Jacob Taber, Jacob Taber, Jr., John Taber, Jonathan Taber, Joseph Taber, Philip Taber, Philip Taber, Jr., Stephen Taber, Thomas Taber, Thomas Taber, Jr., William Taber, Jonathan Tallman, Ebenezer Tinkham, John Tinkham, Peter Tinkham, Elisha Tobey, Elnathan Tobey, Jonathan Tobey, William Tobev, Zaccheus Tobey, John Tompson, Abial Tripp, Benjamin Tripp, Ebenezer Tripp, James Tripp, John Tripp, Joseph Tripp, Peleg Tripp, Richard Tripp, Timothy Tripp, Abraham Tucker, Henry Tucker, John Tucker, Joseph Tucker and sons, Christopher Turner, Benjamin Wait, Reuben Wait, Thomas Wait, Richard Ward, Thomas Ward, Moses Washburn, Peter Washburn, Eli Waste, Nathan Waste, Joseph Weaver, Bartholomew West, Samuel West, Stephen West, Joseph Whalen, George White, John White, Rogers White, Samuel White, William White, Scipio Wilbour, Stephen Wilcox, Daniel Wilcox, Jeremiah Wilcox, Samuel Wilcox, Samuel Willis, Joseph Wing, Matthew Wing, Daniel Wood, George Wood, George Wood, Jr., William Wood. The bounds of Freetown as originally established were not changed until Fall River was set off in 1803; but the line between Freetown and Tiverton was fixed in 1700. The town was incorporated in July, 1683. Each lot, or "freeman's share," in this old township was bounded on one end by the river, and on the other by the headline of the original purchase ; the lots were intended to be one hundred rods wide, but there was considerable variation, on account of differences in values of various localities. Prominent among the purchasers of Freetown was Capt. James Cud- worth, whose name has been mentioned in this chapter. Born in 1612 he came to Plymouth in 1634 and soon took up his residence in Scit- uate, where he was honored with several important offices ; he was for a period lieutenant-governor of the colony and early in King Philip's 30 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. war was commander-in-chief of the forces of both Plymouth and Mas- sachusetts Colonies. His Freetown lot was settled by his grandson, James Cudworth, and parts of it remained many years in possession of members of the family. James Cudworth died in 1729. Thirteen whole lots and part of the fourteenth in the division of the Freemen's Purchase were in what is now Fall River, and are described in the history of that town in later chapters. The fifteenth lot was drawn by Josiah Winslow, sr., youngest brother of Gov. Edward Winslow. On April 8, 1661, he sold ;t to Will- iam Makepeace, a cooper, who is elsewhere noticed as undergoing pun- ishment for " lascivious attempts towards an Indian woman." He was drowned in August, 1681. The sixteenth lot, drawn by John Waterman, was settled soon after King Philip's war by Lieut. Job Winslow, from Swansea, who occupied it until his death, July 14, 1720. He was a prominent citizen in both Swansea and Freetown and held several public offices. Samuel Jackson, of Scituate, probably sold his right in the seven- teenth lot to William Randall, from whom in 1678, the title passed to Nicholas Cotterell, of Newport. In 1683 and 1690 most of the lot be- came the property of Lieut. Thomas Terry, whose sons settled there. Parts of it have always remained in the family. The eighteenth lot was drawn by Nathaniel Morton, colonial secre- tary 1647-85, who sold to John Hathaway, sr., of Taunton, in March, 1671; John Hathaway, jr., soon settled there and remained until his death about 1730. He held the office of constable and selectman, and was the earliest tavern-keeper in Freetown, his license bearing date June 5, 1684. The nineteenth lot was the share of Constant South worth, before mentioned, who was a prominent citizen and office-holder. The lot was settled by John Bailey, from Weymouth, about 1682. He was selectman in 1685, and died June 22, 1686. Thomas Bourne had the twentieth lot ; he was a resident and promi- nent citizen of Marshfield and died May 11, 1664, the lot passing then to his son, John Bourne, who, on March 4, 1678, gave it to his daugh- ters, Anna, wife of John Bailey, and Martha, wife of Valentine Decro. The twenty-first lot occupied the southerly part of the site of Assonet village and was drawn by Samuel Nash. The twenty-second lot, drawn by John Barns, included part of the site of Assonet village; it was bought in 1666 by Hugh Cole, of Swan- FROM 1637 TO 1685. 31 sea, who sold it in 1685 to Benjamin Chase, a cooper, who settled there about twenty-six years after the purchase from the Indians. Mr. Chase died about 1731. The twenty-third lot, drawn by John Tisdall, was settled by Joshua Tisdale, who died there about 1714. This lot included a part of the site of Assonet village, and parts of it remained in possession of mem- bers of the family a hundred years. Joshua Tisdale was town clerk of Freetown four years, a selectman six years, and assessor three years. He caused to be built the lowest dam on Assonet River, and there operated an early grist mill. The ledge of rock near the Assonet depot took the name from him of "Joshua's Mountain." John Tisdall, the father, was a prominent man ; he removed to Taunton, where he was made selectman in 1672 and held the office until his death in June, 1675; he was slain by the Indians in the war. The twenty-fourth lot was drawn by Kenelm Winslow, a brother of Governor Winslow. It was settled by Nathaniel, son of Kenelm, and Josiah, a grandson of the same; the latter remained there until his death April 3, 1761. About the year 1695 he built the dam used in recent years by his descendants, and erected a saw mill. Josiah Winslow was selectman five years, assessor seven years, and was a militia captain. The twenty-fifth lot was settled by James Cudworth, before men- tioned, a grandson of Capt. James Cudworth, the purchaser. The set- tler remained there until his death in 1729. John Daman drew the twenty-sixth lot; he died about June, 1677, and the lot passed to his heirs who, in 1713-14, sold it to Timothy Lin- dall of Boston ; it remained in that family until the Revolution. The foregoing pages of this chapter show that through the open- handed acts of Massasoit and his sons, and the adventurous spirit of the English immigrants, settlement was considerably advanced through- out most of the territory that became Bristol county before the county was formed. Those pioneers laid firmly and honorably the foundations of civil government. A most excellent authority 1 has written upon this subject, that " nowhere upon the face of the globe has the princi- ple of self-government, the capacity and right of men to make laws for themselves and regulate their municipal affairs, been so fully illustrated as in the early history of New England. The most perfect democra- cies that mankind has ever shown are found in the early New England » Hon. William W. Crapo. 23 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. towns." These are very broad and remarkable statements, but they are amply substantiated within the limits of Massachusetts — even within the limits of Bristol county. The proper conduct of public business was constantly uppermost in the minds of all citizens, and consequently it was well performed in every detail. Behind every action was a broad reliance upon the providence of God. Their religious tenets, if at times over- strict or almost tyrannical, were a never failing guide to right action as they saw it. In acquiring their lands of the natives they un- doubtedly endeavored to deal justly and reciprocate the kindly treat- ment received from the owners; but influences were early at work under which continued and permanent peace was found to be impossi- ble. If the conduct of the settlers at certain times seemed unjustifiable, as far it related to their dealings with the Indians, we must remember that they were surrounded by circumstances and conditions very diffi- cult to understand and appreciate in modern days. On the other hand, it is not strange that the natives fought for their hearthstones ; civilized people have done no less. Neither is it strange that their methods of warfare were unlike those of the white men ; they were savages at heart and by nature, whatever may have been their attitude towards the early-coming English, and the consequences of their campaigns, blood- thirsty and unrelenting though they were, were just what should have been expected of them. The oncoming struggle between the Indians and the white settlers was one of the unavoidable movements of the armies in the grand march of civilization.' The same causes that sent to our shores the Puritan pioneers im- pelled the persecuted Quakers (as they were commonly known) to seek on this side of the ocean, relief from religious intolerance. Many of these settled within the limits of Bristol county, particularly in the old town of Dartmouth, where they and their descendants have exerted a powerful influence upon the development of that region. The first 1 Rev. Mr. Wood, writing upon the Plymouth colonists, says: " Many have supposed that our fathers treated very unjustly the natives whom they found on this soil; and sometimes Will- iam Penn and Roger Williams are applauded as standing higher than others in this respect. It is believed, however, that the Pilgrim fathers were no less desirous, than the worthies just men- tioned, of acting towards the Indians upon the principle of the Golden Rule. Gov. Winslow ' 1676, says: ' I think I can clearly say that, before the present trouble broke out, the English did not possess one foot of land in this Colony but what was fairly obtained by honest purchase of the Indian proprietors.' The prices paid seem to us now as absurdly small; but the lands sold of little value to the few scattered natives, who wished to use them only for hunting and fi VT and, in a large measure, they retained these privileges after the surrender of their titles t 'trf ' soil. Lest they shold be wronged by individual whites, it was ordered that no person shoulrl D & chase, or receive as a gift, any land of the Indians, without consent of the court " FROM 1637 TO 1685. 33 Quakers arrived in Massachusetts in 1656 in the persons of two women. As a foretaste of the persecutions to which the sect was to be subjected in this country, persecutions very similar and in many instances more severe than those from which they had fled, these women were at once arrested and placed in the Boston jail. This was the beginning of a period of conflict between the Puritans and the Quakers which was, to a great extent, one-sided and during which the Quakers suffered many indignities and actual injury and punishment. The details of this con- flict as a whole would fill a volume and cannot be given in these pages. It must suffice that for such offenses as disturbing public worship, speaking falsely of their neighbors, resisting officers, having in their possession papers and writings " both false and pernicious to the gov- ernment," etc., many were punished by fines, imprisonment and public whipping. Other towns in the county contained a large Quaker ele- ment, and while their peculiar faith, their policy of resistance to tax- ation for support of the ministry, and non-resistance, were antagonistic to the principles of the colonial government, their good citizenship at all times and in all places, speaking in general terms, cannot be ques- tioned. Their refusal to pay church assessments led to almost endless difficulty in which they were sufferers, and which did not end until well into the present century. Intimately associated with the religious aim and purposes of the pio- neers were the first measures adopted for educating their children in the simple primary branches. It is to the great honor of Massachu- setts that her people were the first to actively promote free public edu- cation. The well known act of June 14, 1642, was mandatory for the establishment of schools, as seen in the following: That in every town the chosen men appointed for managing the prudential affairs of the same, shall henceforth stand charged with the care of the redress of this evil [the lack of educational facilities] and for this end they shall have power to take account from time to time of their parents and masters, and of their children, espe- cially of their ability to read and understand the principles of religion and the capital laws of the country, and to impose fines upon all those who refuse to render such account to them when required ; and they shall have power to put forth apprentices the children of such as they shall find not to be able and fit to employ or bring them up. This action was taken to improve a condition of " great neglect in many parents and masters in training up their children in learning." The act from which we have quoted was supplemented in 1647, by 5 34 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. another (Mass. Col. Records, vol. %, p. 203), which contained the fol- lowing : It is therefore ordered, that every township in this jurisdiction, after the Lord hath increased them to the number of fifty householders, shall then forthwith ap- point one within their towne, to teach all such children as shall resort to him to write and reade, whose wages shall be paid either by the parents or masters of such children, or the inhabitants in generall, by way of supply, as the major part of those that order the prudentials of the towne shall appoint; provided, those that send their children be not oppressed by paying much more than they can have them taught in other townes. Here was the germ of the free school principle; and towns in the colony and the county, after its formation, were reasonably zealous in carrying out the provisions of these acts. It may be added here that all school affairs came before the towns until 1789, when the district system was adopted, the towns still retaining the controlling power. The district system was continued until 1864. Meanwhile the districts gradually gained prestige until in 1817 they could, as corporations, own their school houses and other property, contract with teachers through prudential committees, etc. When the district system was dropped, general school committees were chosen in the towns. CHAPTER III. INDIAN TROUBLES. The primary causes of the bloody conflict known as King Philip's war must be sought far back of the outbreak of hostilites in 1675, and need not be discussed at length here ; the details are a part of the gen- eral history of New England and they had their birth in conditions and circumstances that were unavoidable. While the conflict might, per- haps, have been postponed by a different course of action on the part of the authorities and settlers of the Plymouth Colony, it was undoubt- edly inevitable sooner or later. In the early years military affairs received due attention and the citi- zen soldiery were usually in readiness to respond to a call to arms- but for a long period substantial peace was maintained. The possibility of trouble with the Indians was always present, and the Pequot war INDIAN TROUBLES. 35 which was chiefly confined to Connecticut and was concluded before settlement began in Taunton, was an object lesson of importance to the settlers. It soon became evident after the assumption of the sachem- ship of the Wampanoags by Philip, in 1662, that he was not likely to maintain the friendly relations with the English so firmly established by his father. He was jealous of the progress of the settlers in occu- pation of the lands they had purchased, and early began plotting with the Narragansetts and other Indians for their extermination. When he was sent for, in 1662, to appear at Plymouth and give an account of his actions, he professed nothing but friendliness for the colonists and a desire to continue the amicable relations established by his father and brother, and signed a treaty of submission. Five years later, in 1667, he was again called upon by the authorities to explain reports that he had adopted measures to join the French or the Dutch against the English. Once more he made ample professions of friendship and was permitted to depart and peace reigned about three years. Early in 1671 he began hostile demonstrations on account of alleged injury done to his planting lands by the settlers. The Plymouth government there- upon sent a request to Boston for aid in an endeavor to pacify the chief The request was granted and word was sent from Boston to Philip to meet certain men from there, with others from Plymouth, at Taunton, and consult upon the differences. This commission consisted of Will- iam Davis, William Hudson and Thomas Brattle, on the part of Massa- chusetts, and Governor Prence, Josiah Winslow and Constant South- worth, with some others, from Plymouth. The meeting took place on April 10, when word was received from Philip that he was at Three- Mile River, about four miles south of the village, and wished the gov- ernor of Plymouth to meet him there. This request was refused, and James Brown and Roger Williams were sent back with word to Philip that he must come on to Taunton Green, the place appointed for the meeting. These messengers found Philip with a considerable retinue of Indians, in war paint, as if expecting a battle. Philip consented to repair to the village if hostages were left with his party, and Brown and Williams remained. The chief with a part of his -men then moved forward as far as the grist mill (see history of Taunton herein), having posted sentinels in his rear, and sent for the governor to meet him there. The Plymouth men were now exasperated and would have attacked the Indians but for the interposition of the Massachusetts men, and Philip was finally prevailed upon to proceed to the village, 36 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. upon a stipulation made by him that the conference should be held in the meeting-house, the English on one side and he and his men on the other. It was a memorable gathering and upon its conclusions hung momentous events. There is no doubt that at that time the wily chief was maturing plans to unite all the Indian nations of New York and New England against the colonists, which, had they been successfully consummated, might have changed the whole course of events. Philip at first denied all hostility to the English, insisting that his warlike preparations were made for attack upon the Narragansetts ; but when he was confronted with proofs that he was on the best of terms with that nation, he reluctantly admitted the truth. He was then required by the commissioners to make reparation for past injuries and to give security for his peaceful attitude in the future. The latter only he agreed to do, and he and his council signed a humiliating treaty of submission, acknowledging his folly and wickedness and agreeing to give up his "English arms" to the "government of New Plymouth." The treaty was signed by him and five others. It is not strange that this agreement was broken by the Indians. While they might, but probably would not, have kept faith as to their peaceful actions in the future, it might have been foreseen that they would never give up their arms without a struggle. Guns and powder and lead were almost a necessity for the natives in the chase, and in the following June it was learned that Philip was influencing his subjects to secrete their arms; such as had been surrendered were distributed among the towns. The Council of War met on the 23d of August, 1671, a part of the proceedings of which was the sending of letters to Philip requiring him to come forward and submit to the provisions of the treaty before noticed, and to the authorities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island invoking their cooperation against the Indians. Philip did not reply to this summons, but went to the Massachusetts author- ities and entered complaint against the Plymouth government. This resulted in the meeting of commissioners from Massachusetts and Con- necticut, and others, with the Plymouth authorities, for " a fair and deliberate hearing of the controversy between our colony and the said sachem, Philip, he being present, at which meeting it was proved by sufficient testimony to the conviction of the said Philip and satisfaction of all that audience, . . that he had broken his covenant made with our colony at Taunton in April last in divers particulars, as also carried very unkindly unto us divers ways." A series of articles of agreement INDIAN TROUBLES. 37 were then drawn and read to Philip, in which he acknowledged his al- legiance to the English king; agreed to pay^lOO in three years; would refer any difference between himself and the English to the governor of Plymouth for settlement;- would not make war without the gover- nor's consent, and would not sell any of his lands without approval of the Plymouth government. The sachem and seven of his council signed these articles, but evidently with a mental reservation; they continued their plots and schemes. The peace thus secured was only temporary. The war-cloud hung constantly in the sky, and minor in- cidents of hostilities kept the settlers in continual apprehension of the terrible outbreak that finally came. While it is both impracticable and unnecessary to here present a de- tailed history of this war, a brief review of the important events in which the settlers of Bristol county took part is admissible. The con- test began with the plundering of houses in what is now Swansea (then in old Rehoboth), on Sunday, June 20, 1675, while the families were absent at meeting, and the first bloodshed followed in the same locality on the 24th. That day had been set apart for fasting and prayer on account of anticipated suffering, and as the people were returning from meeting they were fired upon by the Indians and one man killed, while others were wounded. Two men were then sent away for a surgeon and both were killed. In another part of the town six others were killed. Such was the beginning in Bristol county territory of a terrible harvest of death and destruction. , On Sunday previous to the outbreak a message of alarm was sent to Plymouth and the governor ordered the captains in the town to march their companies to Taunton and assemble on June 21, where Major Bradford would receive them. The first relief received by the Swansea settlers was a company of seventeen mounted men from Bridgewater, who arrived at a fortified house at what is Gardiner's Neck on the 22d. In this house were collected sixteen men and fifty-four women and children, who were defended until reinforcements came, when the non- combatants were sent into Rhode Island. Besides the mounted men there were at Swansea a company of infantry under Capt. Daniel Henchman; a company of volunteers under Capt. Samuel Moseley, and a company under Capt. James Cudworth, of Scituate. On the 26th several companies of troops left Boston and arrived just before night at the scene of the war. On the 27th a party of Indians burned the houses of John Tisdall, sr., and James Walker in Taunton, and killed 38 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Tisdall, and John Knolles and Samuel Atkins of Eastham. 1 Tisdall's house was near Assonet, Walker's on the west side of the great river and probably down Three-Mile River. Taunton being on the direct road from Boston to Swansea and Mount- Hope, was made a place of rendezvous for various bodies of soldiers and several houses were trans- formed into garrisoned refuges. A body of troops under Major Savage marched from Swansea and Rehoboth in pursuit of Philip, and not overtaking him, proceeded to Taunton, arriving July 17, where they found "eight garrisoned houses." 2 Returning to the consideration of affairs in Swansea, the combined forces there were placed under command of Capt. James Cudworth. The house of Rev. John Myles (or Miles), standing near a bridge over Palmer's River, about three miles north of Warren, was strengthened against attack and there the troops assembled. 3 The Indians were growing bold and bloodthirsty, lurking so near this house that they were enabled to shoot two of the sentinels; no one was safe away from his dwelling. Early in the strife, when a detachment of Prentice's cavalry, accompanied by Captain Church, was on a march forward, they had no sooner crossed the Miles bridge than they were fired upon from ambuscade and William Hammond, a pilot, was killed, and Quartermasters Gill and Belcher wounded. The troopers were panic- stricken and fled in disorder. On the 29th of June a body of Indians came into view, whooping at the white men and challenging a fight. Captain Moseley and his company accepted the challenge, rushed furi- ously upon them, driving them about a mile and killing half a dozen. Ensign Savage was wounded in this sortie. Philip was now closely pressed and prudently abandoned his seat of operations, hastened down into the Pocasset country, where he joined 1 At the March court of 1676-7 three Indians named Timothy Jacked (alias Canjuncke), Nassam- aquat and Pompacanshe, were indicted for killing these three men and were tried by a jury. The verdict was peculiar; as to the first two named it was, " We find they are very suspicious of the murder charged on them. And in the reference unto Pompacanshe, we find nothing against him." They were all " sent out of the country speedily " by the court. 2 Baylies's Memoirs of Plymouth Colony. 3 There were three principal garrison houses maintained in old Rehoboth during the war- one was i n what is now Attleborough, called Woodcock's garrison; another on the south end of See- konk plain (now Seekonk Common), and the third the one above noticed at the bridge. The Woodcock garrison was named from John Woodcock, who built the house and kept a tavern in it. Several other houses were occupied temporarily as garrisons. Capt. Benjamin Church in his writings, mentions a Major Brown's garrison, and Mr. Baylies in his Memoirs notices a garri- son at the house of one Bourn, at Mattapoisett, twelve miles from Swansea; the latter was un- doubtedly at what is now Gardiner's Neck. INDIAN TROUBLES. 39 with those and the Seaconnet Indians and began a campaign of blood and fire, laying waste Dartmouth, Freetown, Westport, New Bedford, Compton and Tiverton. 1 Earl)' in July Captain Church induced the commander in Swansea to send Captain Fuller and thirty six men to Pocasset and make and effort to treat with the Indians. This was after the brave man had endeavored to incite the troops to a hot pursuit of Philip. When Fuller and his men arrived at their destination they divided into two parties, were pursued by the Indians and barely escaped death or capture. In the old town of Dartmouth there were three garrisons ; one was on the north bank of the Aponagansett River, known as Russell's gar- rison. 2 Another was the Cooke garrison, at Oxford village, in Fair- haven, the walls of which were in good preservation until recent times. A quarter of a mile distant was the house of John Cooke, from whom the garrison took its name ; he was a prominent settler and land owner of Dartmouth, who died in 1695. The third garrison was on Palmer's Island, between New Bedford and Fairhaven, which became a conven- ient and comparatively safe place of refuge. Regarding the destruc- tion of Dartmouth by the Indians, Drake wrote as follows: They burnt nearly thirty houses in Dartmouth (a place in New Plymouth Colony), killing many people after a most barbarous manner, as skinning them all over alive, some only their heads, cutting off their hands and feet; but any woman they took alive they defiled, afterward putting her to death by some of these or the like ways. The scattered condition of the inhabitants of Dartmouth rendered them easy prey to the savages, and few escaped to the garrisons. Dartmouth was not required to furnish soldiers during this war on account of her maintenance of the garrisons, and for several years after peace came the town was not taxed because of the great suffering of the inhabitants. On the 18th of July an expedition was sent against Philip, who was located in a swamp in what is now Tiverton. The English, discovering a few Indians at the edge of the swamp, rushed recklessly forward ; the Indians retreated, thus drawing on the soldiers until they reached 1 Captain Church says: "The enemy were not really beaten out of Mount Hope Neck, though it was true they fled from thence, yet it was before any pursued them. It was only to strengthen themselves and to secure a more advantageous post." 2 Russell's garrison was situated "about a mile from the mouth of the river on land now (1892) owned by Capt. Charles Gift ord. The cellars are still as clearly defined as when visited by Drake in 1827. . Years ago there were walls of rude masonry about four feet high, with an exit on the northeast corner, leading to a brook near by."— Ellis's History of New Bedford, p. 25. 40 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. an ambuscade, when fifteen were shot down, and they were compelled to retreat for the day. Fortifications were then built around the out- skirts of the swamp, with the hope of starving the Indians into sub- mission. One night near the last of the month Philip and his subjects suddenly fled, reached the opposite shore in canoes and made their way into the Nipensic country (now in Worcester county), where he joined with other tribes and swept through the Connecticut valley, burning villages, devastating homes and slaying settlers. In the mean time the colonial soldiery had reached the Narragansett country and extorted a treaty of friendship from Canonchet, the powerful chief of that tribe. The news of this event reached Philip and spurred him on to greater activity in his war of extermination. While these operations were in progress to the westward, the Massa- chusetts and Plymouth authorities were unremitting in their efforts to adequately prepare for further warfare with the Indians. On the 9th of September, 1675, commissioners of each colony met at Boston, and the representatives of Plymouth Colony made a statement, "Shewing the manner of the beginning of the present war with the Indians of Mount Hope and Pocasset." A general declaration of war was then signed by the commissioners under which combined action could be secured. An order of the General Court was issued on the 4th of Octo- ber, 1675, appointing James Cudworth to the "office of a Generall, or Commander in Cheife, to take the charge of our forces that are or may be sent forth in the behalf e of the Colonie against the Enemie as occa- tion may require." The proportion of men to be furnished by each town was also fixed and further appointments of officers made. Early in December the following order was issued : Gentle, You are hereby to requre your men pressed, to be in reddiness to march soe as they attaine to meet at Providence on the 10th of Dec. next, and in order thereunto, that they rendevous on the seaventh of the said month att Plymouth, on eighth att Taunton, att Rheoboth on the 9th, and Providence on the tenth, as afore- said, And that you see that they not only be able and fitt men, but alsoe well fitted with clothing nessary for the season, and provided with knapsack and ammunition, according to order, viz. : Halfe a pound of powder and 4 pounds of bullets to each man. Fayle not. The last important attack made by Philip in the interior was that upon Hatfield, Mass., on October 29, when he with his one thousand warriors was repulsed with heavy loss. He was now alarmed and moved hurriedly into Rhode Island, where he joined the Narragansetts, who united with him, regardless of their recently made treaty. Philip INDIAN TROUBLES. 41 now had a force of about three thousand warriors. Proceeding to the site of South Kingston, R. I., where there was a fort in a large swamp, and where winter provisions had been gathered, he awaited the expected oncoming of the English. About fifteen hundred colonial troops marched forward amid the snows of winter, on the 12th of December, and soon arrived at Wickford, R. I. From that time to the 18th re- connoitering was kept up and a number of Indians were captured. As soon as a body of Connecticut forces arrived, the forward movement was begun and on the 19th the siege of the Indian fort commenced. It was a feeble palisade and in a few hours five hundred wigwams and the store of provisions were in flames; hundreds of men, women and children perished in the fire. Quarter was neither asked nor given and a thousand warriors were slain and several hundred made prisoners. The Engjish lost eighty-six killed and one hundred and fifty wounded. Canonchet was killed, but Philip escaped and again fled to the Nip- mucks, whence he started on another campaign of slaughter and de- struction in the spring. Weymouth, Groton, Medfield, Lancaster and Marlborough, and Warwick and Providence in Rhode Island, were at- tacked and within a few weeks the war extended over a space of three hundred miles. But notwithstanding this temporary success and the terrible consequences thereby entailed, there could be but one end to the struggle of savagery against civilization. From March until the last of August, 1676, important events in the war took place within or near the limits of Bristol county. On Sunday, March 26, was fought within the original bounds of the county and near Pawtucket a bloody battle between the English under Capt. Mi- chael Peirce, of Scituate, and the Indians led by Canonchet. The brave captain was killed with nearly all of his command, and the In- dian losses were even greater. The Indians were now largely divided into smaller parties, roving about among the settlements, lurking in concealment and killing settlers whenever an opportunity offered. For example, Woodcock's garrison, in Rehoboth, before mentioned, was attacked in April; one of Woodcock's sons was killed in a field, an- other workman was wounded and the son's house was burned. Wood- cock swore lasting vengeance against the savages and many fell at his hands after that. There were only fourteen persons living at Wood- cock's settlement at that time, most of whom were members of his own family and those of his sons and daughters/ ■ A meeting of the Council was held in Boston on June 17, 1676, at which an order was issued C 42 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Two days after Peirce's fight and on March 28, a party of Indians crossed the river and burned about forty houses, thirty barns and two mills. These houses stood around what is now Seekonk Common. Only the garrison house and one other were left standing. Robert Beers, an 'irishman and a bricklayer, was killed on that occasion. Tra- dition credits Philip with being present at the burning of the village. The Narragansett chief, Canonchet, was captured on the 9th of April. Jealousy arose among the Indians, some of the tribes, among them the Narragansetts, charging their misfortune to Philip's ambition and then deserting his cause. The end of the struggle was approach- ing. On May 24 Capt. Thomas Brattle, of Boston, with about fifty mounted men and a small force of infantry marched to Pawtucket Falls, where they discovered a body of Indians on the opposite side of the river. The cavalry found a fording place further up the stream, crossed over and fell upon the unwarned savages, killing several and capturing others. Some time in the same month, four men of Taun- ton, viz., Sergt. James Phillips, James Bell, Henry Andrews and Ed- ward Babbitt, were killed, leaving thirty-two fatherless children. On June 19 Swansea was again attacked by the Indians and nearly all of the remaining houses were burned. On the 26th of that month Hezekiah Willett, son of Capt. Thomas Willett, was captured and after cutting off his ears and nose the savages set him free. He probably soon died from his injuries. On the 6th of August an Indian arrived at Taunton and offered to conduct soldiers to a party of the enemy who could be easily captured. Twenty men volunteered and proceeded to what is known as Lockety Neck (now in Norton) and captured the whole party of twenty-six Indians. On the 1st of August Philip's wife and his son, aged about trine years, were taken prisoners by the Eng- lish, with several other women and children, an event that crushed the heart and life of the sachem. On Saturday, August 12, early in the morning, Philip was shot by a faithless Indian near Mount Hope, and Captain Church cut off his head and it was carried on a pole to Plym- outh Philip's great warrior chief, Annawan, now became sachem that a body of soldiers should " repair to Dedham on 2d day next early, and range the woods to and again for the discovery, distressing and destroying the enemy." This action was taken on account of information received "that the Indians are skulking to and again about Wrentham Woodcock's, or Mount Hope." These orders were carried out. 1 " The death of Philip occurred in this wise: An Indian deserter came to Capt. Church in Rhode Island, and told him that Philip was at Mount Hope, at the same time offering to guide him to the place and help to kill him, for the sachem had killed his (the informant's) brother and it was his duty to kill the murderer. This was the 'faithless Indian ' who shot Philip. The INDIAN TROUBLES. 43 but his career in that capacity was brief. On the 28th of August he was captured by Captain Church 1 at a place known as Annawan's Rock, in the easterly part of the town of Rehoboth. This event ended the war. King Philip's war was most disastrous to all New England, and the energies and progress of the colonists were crippled for a number of years. In Massachusetts and Plymouth Colonies thirteen towns were destroyed, six hundred houses burned, and about six hundred persons killed; the property destroyed had an estimated value of $750,000. There is a sequel to the story of this war that is not a subject for gratifying contemplation. Notwithstanding Captain Church's pledges to Annawan that he would intercede with the English authorities in his behalf, which pledges he kept, the old warrior was beheaded, with others of his tribe This is not all. Nearer the close of hostilities there were at Russell's garrison about one hundred and fifty Indians who had surrendered to Captain Eels and Ralph Earl, upon solemn promises that they would be protected ; these Indians were encamped in the woods near the garrison when Captain Church and his men arrived on the scene. In the face of the promises made, and the em- phatic protest of Captain Church, these Indians were carried off to Plymouth and after a sort of trial were condemned and sold into slav- ery. This unwarranted and unjust act has received condemnation from some of the greatest minds of the country and needs no further consid- eration here. An order was issued in June, 1676, that an account of the particular disbursements caused by the war should be sent in to the July court, so that there might be a "right proportioning of the whole charge upon the several towns." The amount of disbursements sent in was .£3,692 16.y. %d. In 1677 the conquered lands of Showamet and Asso- net were ordered to be sold and the proceeds divided among the towns. In 1680 the Mount Hope lands were sold to John Walley, Col. Nathaniel barbarous law of .England that a traitor should be quartered was carried out in the case of Philip. Church's Indian executioner performed that service with his hatchet."— Lossing's Cyclo- pedia of U. S. History. 1 Col. Benjamin Church was born in Duxbury, Mass., in 1639, and died January 17, 1717, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, at Little Compton, R. I. He married Miss Alice Southworth, and had five sons and a daughter. His daring and intrepidity can scarce find an equal in our annals. He was particularly distinguished .in Philip's war, and was afterwards sent on an expedition against the Eastern Indians. (Church's History of Philip's war.) William Church, esq., ot Providence, R. I., and Church Gray, esq., of Seekonk, are lineal descendants of this hero, the for- mer by the father's and the latter by the mother's side. 44 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Byefield, Stephen Burton and Nathaniel Oliver, of Boston, who estab- lished a settlement there which was incorporated the same year as the town of Bristol. A period of thirteen years of peace began. CHAPTER IV. FROM 1685 TO 1776. The inborn, unconquerable spirit of determination and perseverance of the pioneers of Bristol county, their hopefulness, and their ambition lifted them above the discouragement and suffering of the late war, and under the white banner of peace they soon began a sure, if slow, march of progress. Such increase of population was made throughout the colony during the decade following the close of King Philip's war, that its division became a necessity in order to secure proper local gov- ernment in the various sections. Accordingly, on June 2, 1685, Plym- outh Colony was divided into the counties of Plymouth, Barnstable and Bristol. The towns then composing the latter were Taunton, Rehoboth, Dartmouth, Swansea, Bristol, Tiverton, Little Compton, and Freetown, and the plantation of Cumberland Gore, and Attleborough , in the order of their formation, as described in Chapter II. A consid- erable part of this territory was afterward set off to Rhode Island (1746). Industrial operations within what finally-became Bristol county were still confined to a few saw and grist mills, the Leonard iron works in Taunton (see history of Taunton in later chapters), and the working in small shops of shoemakers, blacksmiths and hatmakers. There were only two schools in this territory, one in Taunton and one in Rehoboth. There were several church societies, the pastors of which made teach- ing the young, to some extent, a part of their occupation. In the same year of the county incorporation Nicholas Peck, Thomas Leonard and Joseph Church were appointed to hold in Bristol county courts similar in character to the old Court of Common Pleas. Bristol (now in Rhode Island) was made the shire town of the county. Taun- ton was very displeased, and with reason, at the way in which the county was constituted. Thomas Leonard and Nathaniel Williams deputies to the court, were requested " to do their utmost endeavors to FROM 1685 TO 1776. 45 get this town free from under ye county of Bristol which the town always have been unwilling to submit unto." The people claimed that "neither Court or Deputies had power to sell us or our privileges to Bristol no more than to sell us to the French;" that the "county rates have been made upon us with an excess above our due pro- portion," etc. The deputies were unable to accomplish what they were hoping for. Again, in 1693, another attempt was made in the interest of Taunton as seen in the following: This 11th day of May, 1693, the town hath voted: Whereas we the inhabitants of Taunton judging it to be for ye public benefit of ye province that at least one of ye Superior Courts, if not some of ye Inferior Courts, be kept at Taunton, it being so much in ye centre of ye colony, and ye greatness of our number, compared with our neighbor towns, do order the selectmen to write a petition to ye next General Court to be held by ye Governor, Council and Representatives, that we may have one or more of ye Courts here in Taunton. Notwithstanding the strong petition embodying excellent reasons for a change made by the Selectmen (as further shown in the chapter re- lating to the courts and bar of the county), the request was without result, and Taunton waited more than fifty years for what she was en- titled to when the county was incorporated. Soon after the accession of William and Mary to the throne of Eng- land what is known as King William's war was begun between England and France, and the colonies were soon involved. Almost at the com- mencement of the conflict, in 1689, the inhabitants of Bristol county were called upon for men and money. The Indians were easily incited to join the French, and unprotected settlements on the Maine coast were attacked, and Dover, N. H., was partially destroyed. The colo- nies were greatly alarmed and feared a repetition of their previous ex- periences. In April, 1690, an order was issued by the Council of War commanding that a " watch be forthwith kept in every towne & village of this Colony of so many persons as the towne or village shall appoint. " This order was obeyed in Taunton and at other points in this county. Captain Church, the famous Indian fighter, was induced to take com- mand of an expedition and volunteers were called for. The quota to be furnished by each town was fixed by the court, and if they were not forthcoming they were impressed. The records abound in impress warrants and inspection returns of arms and munitions. Any person being impressed and refusing to join the troops was to be fined four pounds, or otherwise to be committed to prison. A levy was made in 46 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. October, 1689, upon the towns for support of the war, which was fol- lowed by others during the contest. Among the numerous expeditions were two of importance, one by way of Lake Champlain to attack Montreal, and one made up of a naval force, to proceed up the St. Lawrence to attack Quebec. Both failed. Many other minor expedi- tions were fitted out for defense of places along the coast, or to retaliate for the barbarities of the Indians. While no actual depredations were committed within the limits of Bristol county in this war, many eastern villages suffered severely. This struggle closed with the treaty of Ryswick, September 20, 1697. The period of quiet was of short duration, for what is known as Queen Anne's war began in 1702, and peace was not again declared until 1713, with the treaty of Utrecht. In the beginning of the conflict the French and Indians appeared in the exposed parts of New England and, while no important consequences followed, there was much dis- tress in many localities and great expense entailed. Major (as he then was) Benjamin Church comes again into prominence in connection with this war, and other Bristol county men took an active part, among them Capt. Thomas Leonard, of Taunton, and numerous inferior offi- cers. The two principal campaigns of the war were those of 1707 and 1711, in both of which there was a considerable number of Bristol county men in the rank and file, a large portion of them being impressed into the service. At the close of the war New England entered upon a period of about thirty years of comparative peace and quiet. What is known as the old French and Indian war began in 1744 and although it bore little relation to the immediate region in which we are here interested, Massachusetts was among the foremost colonies to take an active part in the conflict. Louisburg fell before Governor Shirley and his troops after a two months' siege, beginning March 24 1745. A few Bristol county men took part in this war, which was con- cluded by a peace treaty made in 1748. There was some further trouble in 1749, during which provincial troops were sent to the frontier where the territory between the St. Lawrence and New England was still claimed by both French and English. A troop of horse under Capt. Zephaniah Leonard, of Taunton, accompanied a part of those forces. The last colonial war began in 1754 and continued until the so-called treaty of Paris in 1762, to which we must give brief space. In this struggle for conquest the Indians, as usual, bore a conspicuous part. FROM 1685 TO 1776. 47 The white English population in the colonies was then a little over a million, while the French were 100,000 strong and occupied the region of Nova Scotia, the St. Lawrence, the great lakes, with a line of trading posts through the valley of the Mississippi to the Gulf; they had gained great influence with the natives and, while there was out- ward peace, the old differences were inwardly chafing and only a spark was needed to again light the fires of war. In New England the In- dians began their common course of plundering and murdering inhabit- ants in the frontier settlements. An expedition was sent against them as early as 1754, in which was Capt. Thomas Cobb's company, which went from Taunton and was made up of Bristol county men. In 1755 Massachusetts voted twelve hundred men for two expeditions, one against Crown Point and the other to Nova Scotia. Taunton was the military headquarters for this region, and two companies went from this county to Nova Scotia and one to Crown Point; the former were commanded respectively by Capts. Nathaniel Gilbert and Job Smith, and the latter by Capt. Richard Godfrey. In August, 1757, Fort Will- iam Henry, at the head of Lake George, N. Y., was invested by twelve thousand French and Indians under the brilliant Montcalm, and was destroyed. During that year a company went from Bristol county under Capt. Joseph Hall ; another under Capt. Ebenezer Dean, besides parts of other organizations. In the succeeding years of the war Mas- sachusetts continued to send forward large numbers of soldiers, more or less of whom in each year were from Bristol county. Quebec was captured in 1759; Fort Niagara fell before Sir William Johnson, while the French were driven from the Lake Champlain region by General Amherst, who captured Montreal in September. The conquest of Canada was complete. During this extended period of alternating intervals of war and peace many and important changes took place in Bristol county. On Oc- tober 19, 1694, the Rehoboth North Purchase was incorporated as the town of Attleborough, and on September 10, 1697, the bounds between these two towns were established. This North Purchase comprised the large tract of territory lying north of Rehoboth and including what became the towns of Attleborough and North Attleborough as at pres- ent constituted, Cumberland, R. I., and a tract one and one-half miles wide extending east and west, and a part of Wrentham an d Foxborough . In 1661 Capt. Thomas Willett was employed by the inhabitants of Re- hoboth to purchase this tract from the Indians, which he did, and the 48 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. title remained with him from April 8, 1661, to April 10, 1666, when he assigned it to the Plymouth government ; on the same day agents of the colony deeded it to the eighty-two purchasers, with the exception of certain reservations, viz. : ' "A farm granted before to Major Josiah Winslow, a farm granted to Capt. Thomas Willett, and two hundred acres of land to Mr. James Browne about Snake Hill, and ten acres of Meadow thereabouts ; and the Meadow called Blackstone's Meadow the West Plaine; and the South Neck the quantity of two hundred acres; and fifty acres granted to Roger Ammidown with four acres of meadow ; and three acres of meadow to Nicholas Ide ; and half an acre to George Robinson ; also some Meete proportion of lands for the Indians at Sin- nichiteconett, for the use of the said Indians." This latter reservation was afterwards laid out and recorded to the Indians. For his good of- fices in making the purchase Captain Willett was granted the farm just named, consisting of five hundred acres, "on the easterly side or end of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever." He was also voted a gratuity by Rehoboth." Several divisions of land were made on the North Purchase previous to 1673, the first one on June 22, 1 658. On April 18, 1666, a committee, of which Captain Willett was one, was appointed " for the settling and 1 While this tract is commonly represented as having been a part of the old town of Reho- both, John Daggett, the historian of that town, insists that such was not the case; that this im- pression has gained currency through a misapprehension of phraseology in the records; that its boundaries were always kept distinct, and that it was for a period known as Rehoboth simply because it had no other specific name. Mr. Daggett wrote: "The vote of the town of Rehoboth regarding the North Purchase annexation was: ' To bring the inhabitants thereof into some law- ful jurisdiction for their safety.' This' rather carelessly expressed vote meant they were to be subject to the town government of Rehoboth, and entitled to its benefits and privileges. Under this peculiar arrangement, its settlers voted in that town, and one of its inhabitants was once elected a representative." 2 Capt. Thomas Willett, the first on the list of purchasers of the North Purchase, came to this country about 1630 when he was still a young man. He was a merchant, and before his emigra- tion had become acquainted with the Pilgrims at Leyden, which led to his departure for America. Settling first at Plymouth, he was soon sent by the Company of Plymouth to superintend their trading house at Kennebec. In 1647 he succeeded Miles Standish in command of the Plymouth military company. He was governor's assistant from 1651 to 1665, when he was sent by the Plym- outh Court with commissioners to New York, then just surrendered by the Dutch to assist in organizing a new government. So popular was his work there that he was chosen the first Eng- lish mayor of New York city, and was re-elected. Soon after the settlement of Rehoboth he re- moved to Winnamoisett (now a part of Swansea), where he passed most of the remainder of his life. Captain Willett and Rev. John Myles, the first Baptist minister in New England are hon- ored as the principal founders of Swansea. Captain Willett cultivated friendly relations with the Indians, as far as he was able, which gave him an influence that was of prime importance in making purchases of lands. He was twice married and had several children. He died Aup- * 4, 1674, and was buried at the head of Bullock's Cove in what is now Swansea. His share in th' North Purchase was sold by his son to John Wilkinson. FROM 1685 TO 1776. 49 stating of the late purchased Lands on the north side of our town." This committee reported as follows: The Committee that was chosen b}' the town April 18th, 1666, at a town meeting, for the stating and settling of the late purchased lands, upon the North side of our town, the aforesaid committee being met together this twenty-third of April, we see cause that there shall be seventy-six whole shares and equal purchasers in the afore- said Lands, and six persons that have half shares, which we see cause to add to the seventy six whole shares, so that the whole number of shares amounts to seventy- nine shares. Following is a list of those persons who drew for a division on the North Purchase March 18, 1668-69 : Will. Buckland, James Gillson, Israil Peck, Anth. Perry, Eldad Kingsley, Tho. Cooper, Jr., Mr. Myles, Richard Bemis, Jr. , John Fitch, Joseph Carpenter, Preserved Abel, John Woodcock, John Allen, Sr., Nich. Ide, Capt. Willet, James Reddeway, Sam. Newman, Stephen Paine, Sr., Jona. Palmer, Robert Miller, Tho. Willmot, Gilbert Brooks, Wid Carpenter, Left. Hunt, Jaret Ingraham, Francis Stephens, John Read, Jr., Following is a list of the purchasers or proprietors made under date of May 28, 1672: John Titus, Joseph Buckland, John Ormsby, Children's lands, Nathl. Paine, Goody Hide, Rice Leonard, John Allin, Jr., Nicholas Peck, Ichabod Miller, Jr., Robert Wheaton, John Doggett, Deacon Cooper, Phillip Walker, Tho. Read, Joseph Peck, John Read, Sr., Jonathan Bliss, Roger Amidowne, Stephen Paine, Jr., Thomas and Jacob Ormsby Richard Bullock, Daniel Smith, John Kingsley, Obadiah Bowing, John Peren, Sr., Robert Joanes, Mr. Newman, Rich. Martin, John Butterworth, George Kendrick, John Lowell, Thomas Grant, Mr. Brown, Nath. Peck, George Robinson, Jonathan Fuller, Jonathan Bosworth, Sam. Peck, Robert Fuller, Nath. Paine, Jr., Richard Whittaker, Sam. Carpenter, Edward Hall, Nicholas Tanner, John Savage, Will. Saben, Will. Carpenter, Sampson Mason, John Peck, Ben. Buckland, Hen. Smith, Sam. Luther. Capt. Thomas Willett (one share, John Wilkinson's). Mr. Stephen Paine, Sen., two shares (one that was his own and one that was ap- pointed for John Martin). 7 Mr. Noah Newman, 1 share. Lieut. Peter Hunt, 1 share. Mr. James Browne, 1 share. Samuel Newman, 1 share. John Allen, Sen., I share. 50 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John Woodcock, 1£ shares. Thomas Estabrooke's -& share (bought of Roger Amidowne). Thomas Willmot, 2 shares (one he bought of Jo. Carpenter and one of his own): Sampson Mason, 1 share. Anthony Perry, 1 share. John Butterworth, 1 share (this sold to Daniel Jenkes, excepting the meadow). Philip Walker, 1 share. John Ormsby, 1 share. Richard Martin, 1 share. Stephen Paine, Jun., 1 share. Robert Jones, 1 share. Obadiah Bowen, 1 share. John Pecke, 1 share. James Redeway, 1 share. Samuel Carpenter, 1 share. John Titus, 2 shares (one that he bought of his mother-in-law, Abigail Carpen- ter, and one that was his own). Mr. John Myles, 1 share. William Carpenter, 1 share. Joseph Pecke, 1 share. Thomas Cooper, Jun., 1 share. Ensign Henery Smith, 1 share. Thomas Cooper, Sen., 1 share. Samuel Pecke, 1 share. William Buckland, 1 share. Joseph Buckland, 1 share. Benjamin Buckland, 1 share. John Reade, Sen., 1 share. John Reade, Jun., 1 share. Nicholas Pecke, 1 share. Elizabeth, Hannah, and Lydia Winches- ter, 1 share ; this sould to Daniel Shep- ardson. Daniel Smith, 1 share. Jonathan Bliss, 1 share. Rice Leonard, 1 share. William Saben, 1 share. John Perrin, Sen., 1 share. George Kendricke, 1 share. George Robenson, 1 share. John Doggett, 1 share. John Fitch, 1 share. Richard Bowen, Jun., 1 share. Elizabeth Bullucke, 1 share. John Miller, Jun., 1 share. Robert Fuller, 1 share. Robeat Wheaton, 1 share. Ester Hall, 1 share. John Miller, Sen., 1 share. Jaret Ingraham, 1 share. John Kingsley, 1 share. Gilbert Brooks, 1 share. Thomas Reade, 1 share. Thomas Grant, £ share. Jonathan Fuller, 1 share. James Gillson, 1 share (bought of Samuel Saben). Samuel Luther, 1 share (this share sold to Mr. Philip, Squire). Nicholas Tanner, 1 share. John Allen, Jun., 1 share. Preserved Abell, 1 share. Francis Stephens, 1 share. Nicholas Ide, 1 share. Richard Whittaker, 1 share. Nathaniel Pecke, 1 share. Israel Pecke, 1 share. Jonah Palmer, 1 share. Robert Miller, 1 share. Nathaniel Paine, 1 share (£ of it he bought of Richard Bowen, Sen. , and the other of Jeremiah Wheaton). Joanna Ide, of New Norwich, halfe a share. John Savage, \ share. Thomas Ormsby, \ share (bought of Richard Bowen, Sen.). Jacob Ormsby, \ share (that was his mother's). John Polley, 1 share (that he had of his father, Jon. Bosworth). William Allen, of Prudense, 1 share he bought of Nathaniel Paine. John Lovell, 1 share. Eldad Kinsley, 1 share. A good deal of difficulty was met in making satisfactory divisions of FROM 1685 TO 1776. 51 the lands of the Purchase, particularly the meadow lands, and many votes were passed relative to the matter before the incorporation of the town. On the same day when the last foregoing list was prepared, it was voted "that for the comfortable and peaceable settlement of the lands and meadows of the north side of the town ; whereas there has been great dissatisfaction in respect of the unequal division of mead- ows; and, forasmuch as there was a committee chosen in the year 1668 for the bounding of the meadows between the Tens, there shall be a new committee added to them, to make diligent search and take a de- liberate view of the meadows and swamps within all the several Tens, with power to add to those Tens which needed amendment and bound them all," etc. On February 18, 1684, it was voted that there should be a division of fifty acres to the share on the Purchase, and William Carpenter, sur- veyor, was chosen to lay it out. This division was made June 29, 1685, and was " fifty acres of upland among eighty- three persons." Again, on October 31, 1699, two divisions were voted, viz. : Fifty acres to a share in both divisions, twenty five acres to each division. For this the lots were drawn on November 7 of that year. The petition for town incorporation was signed by John Woodcock, Daniel Shepperson and John Callender and is dated October 17, 1694. The last provision of the act of incorporation has a bearing upon the relations of the North Purchase with Rehoboth, and is as follows : Provided, also, That the Inhabitants of the said place do continue under the power and direction of the Selectmen, Assessors, and Constables of Rehoboth (whereunto they were formerly annexed) as well referring to any assessments and arrears thereof, as all other things proper to the duty of Selectmen, Assessors, and Constables respectively; until they are supplied with such officers among them- selves, according to the directions in the law in that case made and provided. 1 The first town meeting records of Attleborough in existence are for May 11, 1696, two years after incorporation; at that time John Wood- cock and John Rogers were chosen agents "to manage our concerns in matters relating to that part of our township commonly called the Mile 1 Previous to this the North Purchase was within the jurisdiction, but not merged in the limits of Rehoboth. The inhabitants were subjected to the municipal authority, and had, for the time, all the rights of freemen of that town. It was, properly, a plantation of Rehoboth. It was ordered by Plymouth Court to be within the jurisdiction of that town until it should be incorporated, "July S, 1671." The "court have ordered that the North Purchase (so called) shall lie unto the town of Rehoboth until it comes to be a township; and in the meantime to bear the seventh part of all the rates that shall be levied for the public charges of that town; and when the sa id purchase shall become a township by itself, then the said township of Rehoboth to be eased in their rates." — Old Colonial Records. 52 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Half." Three assessors were chosen at that meeting: I. Wood- cock, Thomas Tingley and Samuel Titus. At the next town meeting, November 23, 1696, a subscription was made "by way of free gift to- wards the building of a meeting house," on which the names of John Woodcock, John Lane, George Robinson and David Freeman appear for one pound each, and Israil Woodcock and Thomas Woodcock, ten shillings each. At the meeting of March 22, 1697, the fqllowing officers were chosen: "Mr. John Woodcock, Anthony Sprague, Daniel Jenks, Jonathan Fuller, Thomas Tingley, selectmen; Anthony Sprague, town clerk; I. Woodcock, constable; Nicholas Ide and Joseph Cowel, sur- veyors; Henry Sweet, tithingman; Thomas Tingley and Samuel Titus, fence-viewers; John Woodcock, Anthony Sprague, and Daniel Jenks, assessors; John Lane, grand-juryman; Benjamin Force, for the jury of trials in April next at the Quarter Sessions at Bristol." The regular town meetings continued, at which necessary regulations were voted, to some of the more important of which brief reference may be made. In 1698 strict orders were issued against permitting any " foreign Indian or stranger" from coming into the town "being armed under hunting pretences." Persons were forbidden also from harbor- ing such Indians, measures that were made necessary by frequent in- sults and injuries that had been suffered to some extent ever since the close of Philip's war, from strolling natives. On the 4th of March, 1699 or 1700, in town meeting, Daniel Shep • person gave a piece of ground for a site for a pound " at a place com- monly known and called Red Rock Hill, by the roadside by a pine-tree, which pound is to be built thirty feet square and finished by the last of June, 1700." In 1700 a vote established " a training-place to be on the south side of David Freeman's house, between the two ways, viz., the Bay road and the road that leadeth to Nicholas Ide's house. " In 1702- 03 Nicholas Ide and Anthony Sprague were chosen a committee with the Selectmen, "to agree in behalf of our town concerning the lines and bounds between Attleborough, Dorchester and Wrentham." The records of the proprietors' books of the North Purchase begin in 1672, and from that time forward were separately kept. These records contain little of particular importance for many years after that date. On September 16, 1707, it was voted " that the committee, with the surveyor, shall lay out all needful highways for the proprietors in said purchase, and make restitution to persons whose lands are taken for this purpose in any of the undivided lands." A large part of the high- FROM 1685 TO 1776. 53 ways in this town were thus laid out by the proprietors, associated with the Selectmen. In November, 1708, a committee was chosen to aid in determining the northerly bounds of the Purchase. This began the long and vex- atious dissension on this subject, which was not finally settled until many committees were appointed, meetings held, and at last an agent sent with a petition to England. 1 On July 21, 1714, it was voted that two acres of land " on the hill before Dr. David Freeman's, where the burying place now is, shall be laid out for a burying place for Attleborough. " Attleborough, as originally constituted, was first settled by William Blackstone, who came to America about 1625, and was also the first settler on the site of Boston. He had been a preacher in the estab- lished church, but came over here to escape religious intolerance and bigotry. The same causes drove him from Shawmut (Boston) to search for a new retreat. The peninsula of Boston was then called Blackstone's Neck, and in 1634 he sold his rights there, receiving ,£30. He first settled on the banks of the Pawtucket River, but in 1635 re- moved still farther into the wilderness, settling within the bounds of old Attleborough, on the east side of the Pawtucket, at the place which now bears his name. This was about ten years before the beginning of permanent settlement in Rehoboth and a few years before that of Providence. The title to his lands there was respected by the Plym- outh government, and was recorded to him after his death. On July 4, 1659, he married Mrs. Sarah Stevenson, widow of John Stevenson, of Boston. Mr. Blackstone died May 26, 1675, just before the begin- ning of the Indian war. 1 The proceeding relative to this boundary continued until past the middle of the present century, entailing a vast amount of trouble and expense. As early as 1720 a hundred acres of undivided land was voted to be sold "to defray the expenses of defending the northern line." On January 3, 1750-51, Col. Thomas Bowen, Maj. John Foster and Capt. Samuel Tyler were chosen a committee, to prepare a petition to the General Court " that some effectual method may be taken for the perfecting of a straight line from the middle of Accord pond (so called) west- ward to that station which is three English miles south of the southermost part of Charles river, agreeable to a settlement made by the government of New Plymouth and the Massachu- setts in the year 1640." This petition "was sent and the matter finally settled. Many persons who had settled on lands claimed in this town were ejected. The cause of the whole difficulty is said to have been a divergence made by the commissioners of the two colonies in 1G40 in the line between the colonies. Starting at a certain point and intending to reach by a straight line the most northerly point of Plymouth Colony on the easterly side of Rhode Island, they found when they had reached a point about three miles from their destination, that their course would carry them too far to the south. Then, instead of rectifying their whole line, they made an angle and took a new course directed more to the northward so as to reach the intended point. 54 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The first settlement within the bounds of the present Attleborough was made by John Woodcock, whose name has been so frequently mentioned. He located in the neighborhood where Hatch's tavern stood in recent years, where he and his sons settled soon after the first division of 1669. There he built and kept a public house, became a large land owner and farmer. His license, dated July 5, 1670, was as follows: John Woodcock is allowed by the court to keep an ordinary at the Ten-Mile River (so called), which is in the way from Rehoboth to the Bay, and likewise enjoined to keep good order, that no unruliness or ribaldry be permitted there. Woodcock was twice married and had a large family, among whom were several sons, one of whom was killed by the Indians, as before related. His death took place October 20, 1701, after a long life of usefulness as a pioneer and unyielding warfare upon the Indians. Woodcock sold two hundred and ten acres of land " at a place com- monly called Ten-Mile River by a highway called Wren tham Lane," etc., with buildings, to John Devotion, who took possession in April, 1694. On July 10, 1711, this man sold the farm to John Daggett, of Martha's Vineyard, with twenty-five acres on Nine- Mile River and one whole share in the undivided lands in Attleborongh. This John Dag- gett was the first of that name to settle in the town. In April, 1722, Daggett sold the homestead to Alexander Maxcy; it subsequently passed to his son Levi and from him to Col. Israel Hatch. The old Woodcock garrison house stood until 1806. The fine water power at Attleborough Falls attracted early settlers, among whom was John Daggett, of Rehoboth, who laid out lands at that point and in October, 1677, sold fifty acres to his brother, Thomas Daggett, of Martha's Vineyard. Edward Hall, formerly of Taunton and later of Rehoboth, owned fifty acres there at an early date, which descended to his son John, who sold it to John Stevenson and Samuel Penfield; the latter sold it in 1686 to Thomas Daggett, of Edgartown, and Joseph and Nathaniel Daggett, of Rehoboth. The two last named were sons of the first John Daggett, of Rehoboth. This land was di- rectly around the falls, and included a water privilege. The first mill built there was for grinding corn, and was owned at one time by Joseph Daggett; it was probably the first mill in the town. In 1703 the town voted that he should have the water privilege, free of taxes "until a corn mill has the constant custom of three-score families, and if a saw mill be built, that, to bear his equal share in public charges in said town." FROM 1685 TO 1776. 55 Another early settler there was Thomas Butler, and there were two others of that name in the town. Families from Rehoboth settled early in the southeast corner of the town, and the vicinity of the city was occupied by some of the early comers. Edward and Nathan Richards were the first of this name to settle in Attleborough. They were the sons of John Richards, of the fourth generation from the first John, son of Thomas, who was the first of the name in this country. Edward Richards was born in Dedham in 1724, settled in Attleborough and became a prominent citizen, especially during the Revolutionary period. The committee chosen by the town for the convention held at Concord in October, 1779, consisted of Mr. Richards, Levi Maxcy and Col. Stephen Richardson; Mr. Richards held other public positions of honor. He had four sons, one of whom was Calvin, father of Manning Richards, one of the earliest jewelry manufacturers in the town, and grandfather of Hon. H. M. Richards. Calvin had another son who bore his name, who was associated with his brother Ira in large manufacturing interests in the town. Ira Rich- ards (son of Calvin) was father of E. Ira and Josiah D. Richards, and died at the age of fifty-three years after a very active and useful life. Other members of this family have been prominent in the affairs of Attleborough, as further noticed in Part III of this work. The Blackinton family were among the early settlers of Attlebor- ough, Pentecost Blackinton coming from Marblehead about 1700. His son Peter was grandfather of William, who was a Revolutionary sol- dier and a gun manufacturer. After the war he was associated with his son William in cotton mills, first at North Attleborough, and later at Falls village. He was father of Col. Willard Blackinton, a leading manufacturer many years, postmaster, a member of both branches of the Legislature, and a public-spirited citizen. Ebenezer Daggett was for many years one of the conspicuous cit- izens of the town. He was largely interested in the manufacture of cotton goods, was a public-spirited citizen, and at the time of his death a member of the State Senate. His sons, H. N. and H. M. Daggett, became owners of the cotton mills at the Falls, and made print cloths a number of years. The firm was dissolved about 1856, and H. N. Daggett subsequently established the manufacture of braid, which was very successful. The names of many other settlers of the town will appear as we proceed. The inhabitants of Attleborough early provided for religious instruc- 56 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tion. The town remained one parish until April, 1743. The first set- tled minister was Rev. Matthew Short, who was called in October, 1711; he was to have fifty pounds a year for the first six years, but re- mained only four years, removing to Easton. The first meeting-house was built in 1710, ' but was not wholly finished until 1714. The site was given by Lieut. Moses Read. As early as 1705 eighty pounds had been granted towards building a minister's house ; this was not all collected until 1707-8. In 1710 it was voted that this property should be " given to the first minister who shall serve the town seven years in the office of minister." Ebenezer White was the second regular minister, preaching from July, 1715, until his death, September 4, 1726, thus acquiring title to the ministerial lot. Other later grants of land in this town were made to ministers. In November, 1734, Noah Carpenter, sr., and Caleb Hall, out of good-will towards the "church and congregation of said Attleborough, called by the name of Presby- terians," gave them a tract of about forty rods of land "where the new meeting-house now stands." This new meeting-house was built in 1728. Habijah Weld was the third minister, and served the congregation from 1727 until his death in 1782. Upon the division of the parish in 1743 the west part constituted the First, and the east the Second parish. Among other early ministers of the First parish were Revs. Wilder, Thomas Williams, Charles J. Warren, John D. M. Bailey, S. B. Morley, B. C. Chace, H. P. De Forest, John Whitehill and others. In the Second parish a meeting was held in June, succeeding the division, "to consider and see what the parish will do, in order to place a meeting-house for the public worship of God. " It was voted to set their church " where the roads meet or cross each other." Rev. Peter Thacher was called as the first pastor, and served until 1784. Before the close of 1743 it was voted to build a meeting-house thirty- five feet square, and " high enough for one tier of galleries." Another vote changed the size to 45 by 35 feet. On October 16, 1744, it was voted "to have a burying place in the meeting-house lot, and that it should be at the northwesterly corner of said lot." This was the first public burying ground in East Attleborough. Other early pastors in i At a town meeting, February 9, 1709-10, voted to build a meeting-house thirty feet square and sixteen feet between joints, and to set it upon a piece of land on the east side of the countrv road near to the house of Christopher Hall, and to get the timber for said house, and to frame and raise it by the 1st of June next. FROM 1685 TO 1776. 57 this parish were. Revs. Ebenezer Lazell, Nathan Holman, John Fergu- son, Jonathan Crane, Charles D. Lothrop, Francis N. Peloubet, Samuel Bell and others. The second house of worship was built in 1825. What was known as the North Baptist Church has a history traceable back to 1747. It was for many years of the Congregational faith, and on January 20, 1747, "set apart their esteemed Brother, Nathaniel Sheppard, by solemn ordination, as their pastor." He died April 14, 1752. The society had a feeble existence until 1769, when it was changed to "a Baptist Church, in what is called open communion." At that time there were six male and four female members. The first meeting- house was finished in 1784, and the second one was built in 1817. Abra- ham Bloss preached from 1767 till his death, September 16, 1769. Other early pastors were Elder Job Seamans, Elder Abner Lewis, Elder James Read, Revs. Stephen S. Nelson, Silas Hall, Williams Phillips, Jonathan E. Forbush, Reuben Morey, William H. Alden, G. F. Warren, J. F. Ashley, Abijah Hall. The South Baptist Church was established in 1760, but its early records are not in existence. A meeting-house was built, and the so- ciety continued to about 1800, when it was dissolved. The educational interests of Attleborough were, of course, under care of the authorities of Rehoboth until the incorporation of the former town. Early in the history of Rehoboth one of the citizens was in- structed to write to a young man in Dorchester "to signify to him that it is the town's desire that he would be pleased to come up and teach school." The people were soon informed by the men in authority that they had agreed with Edward Howard to teach school "at twenty pounds a year and his diet, besides what the Court doth allow in that case." In the spring of 1699 Thomas Robinson taught a reading and writing school for boys only, and in the next winter Robert Dickson was engaged to teach "both sexes of boys and girls to read English and write and cast accounts," for which he was to be paid thirteen pounds, one-half in silver and the other in "good merchantable board at the current and merchantable price." These' were among the very early schools of the county, outside of Taunton, and were established in obedience to the law of 1647, which provided for taxing the people for free public schools. In 1744 towns containing one hundred or more families were compelled to support a teacher who had a knowledge of Greek and Latin in addition to English branches. The first records regarding schools in Attleborough after the town 58 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was incorporated, is under date of March 20, 1716, when it was " voted and agreed upon that Deacon Daggett should be schoolmaster." In December of that year Josiah Jacques was employed for one year as schoolmaster at " twenty pounds in current money of this province, or proportionately for less time, if he should not stay so long." This school was probably in what became South Attleborough. In 1717 Thomas Cathcart, of Martha's Vineyard, taught school for thirty pounds. At this time, and for many years later, the schools were taught in dwellings. The population of the town in 1717, including the Gore (as Cumberland was then called), did not exceed five hundred, and one school sufficed. In December, 1718, the town voted "that ye school should be kept seven months in one quarter of ye Town at a time, and that Quarter shall have power to place the school as they shall think most proper and convenient." A committee of five was chosen to divide the town into quarters, with power to designate in which quarter the school should be first kept, etc. The committee were H. Peck, Ensigns Whipple and Read, John Lovell and Samuel Day. There is no report of this committee on record, nor notice of material change in the schools until 1737, when the town was divided into four districts — northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast. George Allen taught school in 1724, 1726, 1728 and 1732, his pay rang- ing from thirty to fifty pounds "and his diet." In 1735-6 there was probably no school, as a vote on the subject is recorded in the negative. John Gratorex, Benjamin Ide and John Robbins, jr., were teachers at about that period. In 1745, one year after the passage of the law establishing free schools, it was voted in January "to choose a com- mittee to divide the town into five parts and the Gore to be one part. Voted that the school be kept in two places, six months each in each part, during the next two years and six months." At about the same time the town exhibited praiseworthy enterprise in voting ' ' thirty pounds old tenor money to encourage ye keeping of women schools. " As population increased better school facilities were gradually provided as necessity required, until 1771, when, in November, a committee was chosen "to divide the town into twelve parts, and appoint the places where the school shall be kept." This committee performed its task but made the number of districts thirteen. Among other early teachers were Elisha May and Ephraim Starkweather. In 1776 it was voted ' ' to divide the school money, that each may have his part. " The num- ber of districts (or " quarters," as they continued to be called) was kept FROM 1685 TO 1776. 59 at thirteen until after the close of the Revolution, when, in 1789, it was " voted to make twenty quarters." In 1788 the first division of school money was made on a basis of the number of scholars. The twenty quarters continued until 1808, when the town was divided into eighteen "districts," the boundaries of which are given in the records. The records previous to 1804 do not give the location of any school- houses. In that year money was raised for building purposes, and the first house erected was probably in the Old Town district. The next one was built soon afterwards at the Falls, and ere long all the districts were thus provided. During forty years after the Revolution the ap- propriations for " tuition and schooling " were made per capita on chil- dren from four to sixteen years of age. From seventy-five cents in 1801, the sum was increased to one dollar in 1807, and so remained un- til 1820. The details of the gradual growth of the town school system during the last fifty years — the increase of appropriations from one dol- lar to eight dollars, the building of school-houses and increase in num- ber of scholars, are given in the various school reports. The old dis- trict system continued until 1883, when it was abolished by a State law. High schools were established in 1867 in both Attleborough and North Attleborough, which have been efficiently conducted ever since, as indicated in later pages. The next town incorporation in Bristol County was that of Norton, the first steps towards which were taken November 27, 1707. Up to that time most of the territory (which formerly included the present towns of Mansfield and Easton) constituted what was known as the Taunton North Purchase. (See History of Taunton herein.) The purchase was made June 6, 1668, of Thomas Pence, Josiah Winslow, Thomas South worth and Constant South worth, "the country's agents," by the following persons : Richard Williams, Walter Dean, George Macey, James Walker, Joseph Wilbor, William Harvey, Thomas Leonard, John Turner, Henry Andrews, John Cob, George Hall, John Hall, Nicholas White, Jr. , Hezekiah Hore, Alice Dean, Israel Dean, Robert Crossman, Shadrack Wilbor, Thomas Caswell, John Macomber, John Smith, Edward Rew, John Parker, Samuel Paule, John Richmond, Samuel Williams, Christopher Thrasher, Mrs. Jane Gilburt, George Watson, Samuel Smith, James Burt, Richard Burt, JohnTisdell, Sr., JohnTisdell, Jr., James Phillips, Edward Bobbot, 60 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Samuel Hall, James Leonard, Sr., Nathaniel Williams, Thomas Williams, Nicholas White, Sr., Thomas Lincoln, Sr., John Hathway, Thomas Harvey, Sr., Jonathan Brigs, Nathaniel Thayre. Increase Robinson, Thomas Lincoln, Jr. , John Briant, Peter Pits, Thomas Harvey, Jr. Jonah Austin, Sr., The first town clerk of Norton was John Briggs, for one year, and he was succeeded by George Leonard, who held the office three sep- arate terms, the last one 1743-50. The first Selectmen were George Leonard, John Wetherell and Thomas Stephens, 1711. The history of the settlement of this town down to the date of the first petition for its formation as a precinct, is largely embodied with that of Taunton. Forty-three of the settlers in the North Purchase made petition in 1707 through their chosen agents, George Leonard and Nicholas White, to the old town of Taunton "to bound us out a presink for the maintain - nence of a minister ; and that, when we have procured a minister to dispence the word of God amongst us we might be freed from paying to the minister & Schoolmaster at town," etc. The signers of this petition were the following, as copied from the records: George Leonard, Nicholas White, John Lane, Thomas Braman Sen., Thomas Stevens, Selvanis Camble, John Briggs, John Hodges, Nathaniell Hodges, Samuell Hodges, Jabez Pratt, Thomas Braman Jun,, William Hodges, Robert Tucker, Ephraim Grover, Mathew White, Seth Dorman, Ebenezer Hall, John Caswell Jun. , Benjamin Caswell, John Wetherell, Ebenezer Edy, Samuel Brintnell, John Caswell Sen., Eliezer Fisher, Richard Briggs, William Wetherell Sen. , Eliezer Edy, John Cob, Andrew Grover, Peter Aldrich, Israel Fisher, Thomas Grover, Nathaniel Fisher, Joseph Briggs, Benjamin Williams, Nathaniell Harvey, John Briggs Jr., Nicholas Smith, John Newland, William Cob, Benjamin Newland, John Skinner. Another petition followed this one, dated March 23, 1708, in which was set forth the difficulty of traveling so far to public worship, and praying for a division to be so made that "the military line may be the bounds of the precinct, which is hurt's brook, and from the mouth of sd. brook to the bridge neer william wetherell, and from sd. bridge north Eastardly to the north-purchase line; so that we may not have one line for the military and another for the minister." FROM 1685 TO 1776. 61 This was signed by George Leonard, John Wetherell and Nicholas White. The old town did not readily grant these requests, and on Oc- tober 20, 1708, the General Court was similarly petitioned and a hear- ing on the subject granted October 22 for " the second Tuesday of the next session of the sd. court." The precinct was finally formed Sep- tember 19, 1709, and an order was passed by the Council and Assembly March 17, 1710-11, to the effect that "the North Precinct in Taunton be, and hereby is granted to be a Town, distinct from the Town of Taunton, by the name of Norton." The act of incorporation was passed June 12, 1711. William Wetherell, who came from England as a cabin boy, was in old Taunton in 1643. In 1659 he had a division of land made to him, and in 1672 was among the proprietors of the Taunton South Purchase, including what is now Dighton and a part of Berkley. This William Wetherell was the first permanent settler within the bounds of Norton. The Proprietors' Records of Taunton show that on April 29, 1669, he sold some land on Mill River, which embraced " five acres, more or less, which was granted to him by the town for a home-lotte." On the same day was laid' out to him sixty acres of land in four lots on the easterly and northerly side of Winneconnet Pond. There he probably built a house in that year. His name appears in 1675 in the list of Taunton proprietors, and also several times in the Grand Inquest between 1650 and 1690. He was constable between 1672 and 1676 and representa- tive to the Plymouth Court in -1671 and 1685. June 2, 1685, he was licensed "to retaile cider, beeir, and strong liquors," and probably kept a public house on what is now the Bay Road. He was wounded in King Philip's war, and has had many descendants in the town. The next settler in the North Purchase was Thomas Brintnell, who located in 1685 in that part which is set off as Mansfield. The grant of two hundred acres of land at Stony Brook to two brothers, Thomas Leonard, sr., and James Leonard, sr., in 1695, was made for their "in- couragement to set up and build a forge to make iron at said place ; " it was "to be built and in some considerable forwardness " before De- cember 1, 1696, or the grant would be revoked. These Leonards were given also the privilege of selecting their next share in the North Pur- chase land " in the best of iron oare that they can find," and they could also dig ore on any other man's land by " paying the owner of such land one shilling a tun for every tun of iron-oare they shall dig." George Leonard, son of Thomas, established a forge, or "bloomery," 62 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. as it was called, nearly in front of the site of the old Leonard mansion. This enterprise, and the vigor and energy with which the Leonards pushed forward all their affairs, gave a great impetus to the improve- ment of a region that was then mainly a wilderness. As late as 1724 the town voted five shillings for each wild cat killed, which enactment continued ,t wo years. The records show the follow- ing on this subject: March ye 1st, 1724-5.— Joseph Godfrey, John Caswell and Ebenezer White Brought Each of them a wild-cat's Head to me, and I cut the Ears off from them ; and the towne of Norton was to pay five shillings a head for each of them. Per me, George Leonard, clerk. Oct. 6, 1725.— Voted to Raise five shillings more in said Rate to pay to Thomas Skinner, Sen., for a wild-cat's head, which he ciled. A premium was also paid for "blackbird's heads, and jayes and woodpeckers. " A quaint record, relating partly to schools in this town, is found under date of September, 1741, when it was voted "to raise ^40 for the Suport of the scoole, and for the birds' and squirls' heads, and the poor." As late as April, 1803, it was voted " to give 25 pence for every old crow that should be killed in the town of Norton, and carried to the Town Treasurer." Brief notes of a number of settlers earlier than 1711, have been con- densed from Clark's excellent history of this town. Peter Aldrich, one of the original members of the First Church, was married here in 1702, and had three children. Deacon John Andrews, born about 1686, is supposed to have been a grandson of Henry Andrews, one of the first settlers of Taunton. John Austin, son of John Austin, jr., was born July 1, 1671, and lived in the east part of the town. Thomas Braman may have been a son of Thomas, sr., who was in Taunton in 1653; he died June 7, 1709, and had a son, Thomas, jr., who lived in this town. Daniel Braman was also son of Thomas, sr. , born October 11, 1688 and lived where his father first settled. Deacon John Briggs son of Richard Briggs, of Taunton, probably lived near the Center, as he was several times chosen " dark of ye market." He had brothers, Joseph, born June 15, 1674, and Richard, born January 12, 1679. Samuel Briggs was an early settler, married Mary Hall, had several children and died about 1705. Sylvanus Campbell became a settler before 1700. John Cobb may have been son of John Cobb, of Taunton, and was born March 31, 1678. William Cobb was probably his brother and FROM 1685 TO 1776. 63 settled in the easterly part of the town. Joseph Dunham lived early at Lockety Neck. Ebenezer Eddy, son of John Eddy, of Taunton, and grandson of Samuel Eddy, of Plymouth, settled near the site of Crane's Depot. Eleazer Eddy, born October 16, 1681, was his brother. Four Fisher families, Samuel, Eleazer, Israel and Nathaniel, brothers, sons of Daniel, of Taunton, were all early settlers. Four brothers named Hodges, sons of John, of Taunton, and grandsons of William, who was at Taunton in 1643, were early settlers; their names were John, born April 5, 1673; Nathaniel, born April 2, 1675; Samuel, born May 20, 1678; William, born June 6, 1682. John Lane was son of Andre*w and grandson of William who came to Dorchester in 1635-36. Benja- min and John Newland, brothers, were early settlers, as was also Jabez Pratt, who was a son of Jonathan, and Isaac Shepard, son of Thomas. Thomas Stephens, son of Richard, of Taunton, was born February 3, 1674, and probably lived near the center of the town. In 1712 he had laid out to him land on Lockety Neck near the confluence of Rum- ford and Wading Rivers. Robert Tucker was a resident as early as 1698, and John Smith was an early settler. The settlement of William Wetherell has been noticed ; he had a son of the same name, born about 1050, who lived on the homestead, and another named John, born in 1664. The latter had a son of the same name, born October 8, 1688, who is said to have been the first white child born in the town; he also lived on the homestead. Hon. George Leonard was son of Judge Thomas Leonard, and grand- son of James, the pioneer. This family trace their ancestry back to Lennard Lord Dacre, who was descended through two lines from Ed- ward III of England. The Norton Leonards were very large land owners and exercised a powerful influence upon the settlement and de- velopment of this town. The records show that Norton sent part of a military company to aid in the old French and Indian war (1756-63) of which John Caswell was ensign. The men from Norton were Thomas Braman, drummer, Philip Atherton, Jeremiah Campbell, Micajah Dorman, Abijah Fisher, John Fisher, Eleazer Fisher, John Forrest, Isaiah Forrest, Samuel Forrest, Thomas Grover, Zephaniah Lane, Ephraim Thayer. Major Hodges, who died in the service, was a Norton man. In Capt. Nathan- iel Perry's company of Easton (then a part of Norton), employed in defending the frontier in 1754, were Jonathan Eddy, William Rogers, Levi Lane, Samuel Pratt, Elijah Smith, John Thayer, George -Weth- 64 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. erell, Elisha Thayer and Ephraim Briggs. The town also sent into that war a company with Capt. Nathan Hodges in command, twenty- four of whom were from Norton, and another under Capt. Joseph Hodges in which were about the same number from this town. In Capt. Job Williams's company, of Taunton, nine Norton men, enlisted in 1760, and in that and the following year ten men went from this town to aid in the conquest of Canada. Coincident with the formation of the town took place the organiza- tion of the Congregational (Unitarian) Church, over which Rev. Sam- uel Phillips was pastor, beginning in 1710. For the maintenance of the minister a subscription paper was drawn up, dated January 5, 1710, which was signed by fifty- two residents, each of whom donated a piece of land ranging in extent from twelve acres by John Pool down to half an acre by each of several others. A number of the subscribers were residents south of the south line of the Purchase. The following shows where the land was laid out and its extent: All these severall parcells of land mentioned in this paper is Granted to the first minister that shall settle in the work of the ministry in the north precinct, on both sides of the way that goeth from Nathaniel Hodges' to the meeting-house in said precinct, and on both sides of the way that leadeth from the meeting-house in said precinct to Samuel Hodges' house, and partly on the northerly side of said meeting- house, running up towards the land of Major Leonard, to be laid out as may be most convenient for the first minister that shall settle in said precinct. The whole sum granted is seventy-three acres and three-quarters, on the sixty-four acre division. Judge Thomas Leonard, father of George, gave by his will, dated January 27, 1711-12, to the first minister who shall be "orderly settled " in the western part of Taunton North Precinct and continue there in the ministry seven years, twenty acres of land ; if he continued four- teen years, he was to have twenty acres more, and if he did not remain fourteen years, then the second minister remaining seven years was to have the second twenty acres. Rev. Mr. Phillips was never ordained and soon departed; he was succeeded by "Mr. Joseph Avery," who was given "15^. a sabbath, for the time he shall trantiently Preach among them, before they have come to any certaine Bargain with him." A fund of ,£32 was raised by tax in 1710-11 to help build a house for the minister, to which sixty- six inhabitants contributed. In the list are a few names of early settlers not yet given, among them Samuel Blake, sr., Samuel Alline, Robert Woodward, Jeremiah New- land, Joseph Eliot. Thomas Hervey, sr., and Jonathan Lincoln. The house was built on the minister's lot. Mr. Avery was not permanently FROM 1685 TO 1776. 65 engaged until September, 1714. In the work of building the house and possibly in clearing the land, many of the inhabitants contributed sums of money, bricks, quantities of grain, and labor. Mr. Avery continued pastor until 1748 and died in Norton in April, 1770. Mr. Joseph Palmer was setttled as the next pastor in 1753 and served until his death in 1793, receiving ^80 salary, and preached until his death, February 13, 1835. Other early pastors were Revs. M. Briggs, Will- iam P. Tilden, Frederick Hinckley, George F. Clark, Daniel C. S. M. Potter, Isaac Kelso, John B. Willard, J. E. Bruce, S. C. Beach and L. W. Manning. The first meeting-house was built in 1710 and was occupied until 1753, whon the second one was erected. This was used until 1836, when the present house took its place. The old Baptist Church of Norton was organized in 1761. In that year are records of several baptisms, " by immersion." A covenant was signed March 24 by twelve persons, of whom five were women, and William Carpenter was chosen elder. The old society was in reality a continuation of an organization of certain dissenters who left the First Church during the ministry of Mr. Avery. The old church was dissolved October 13, 1835, and on the same day the present society was organized. The first pastor of the new organization was Rev. Henry C. Coombs. 1 1 Other churches of Norton are the Trinitarian Congregational, organized on April 3, 1832, ■with twenty-two members, eleven of whom withdrew from the original church before described. Measures were at once adopted to build a house of worship, which was accomplished through the liberality of the members and particularly of Laban Wheaton and his son, Laban M. Wheaton. The house was dedicated January 1, 1834. The building was enlarged in 1836. In 1857, either by donation or purchase, all pews previously owned by individuals became the property of the church. In 1878 a chapel (formerly the Wheaton Seminary) was finished and on September 18 was given to the church by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. In 1882 the same generous woman made exten- sive changes in both the church and chapel buildings, adding a tower clock, etc. The original members of the society were the following : Nathan Perry, Leavit Bates, Hannah Bates, Lysan- der Makepeace, Sarah Makepeace, John Patten, Nancy Patten, Phoebe Patten, Lvdia Shepard, Elizabeth Briggs, Rhoda Lothrop, Jesse Blandin, Laban M. Wheaton Eliza B. Wheaton, Josiah King, Clarissa King, Mason Stone, Abigail M. Stone, Harriet Patten, Polly Goodwin, Allen Tucker, Emma Field. The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Norton was organized May 3, 1850, with the following members : Rev. S. P. Snow (the first pastor), Maria J. Snow, Joseph Snow. Nancy Snow, David Cummings, Roxalana R. Cumiuings, Albert S. Tucker, Abigail Tucker, Jonathan J. Stanley and Polly Jones. A meeting-house was built and dedicated May 8, 1854. In 1874 Rev. E. D. Hall, of East Attleborough, began holding Methodist services near Lane's Station in Norton and a Sunday school was soon organized. Interest increased and work was begun on a chapel in November, 1875; it was dedicated in February, 1876. A separate church or- ganization was effected June 10, 1876, and on July 23, Rev. George W. Brewster held the first quarterly conference of the new society. The church afterward accomplished a great amount of good. The Catholic Church in Norton was built in 1865 and for many years was supplied with preach- ing by pastors from Taunton and North Attleborough. 9 66 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The' inhabitants of Norton, in common with those of other parts of Bristol county, took an early interest in educational affairs. On April 28, 1719, the town " made chois of Thomas Skinner, sen., to Be thare schoolmaster and to beginn at ye first day of June, 1719, and to continu one quarter, and his salary not to Excead two pounds for said quarter." In 1720 Jeremiah Bassett was employed as teacher at thirty pounds a year, one-third in money, "first beginning at the public meeting- house, the school to be moving if continued the other part of the year." If this school continued the other three-quarters of the year it was to be kept at other specified points in the town, a practice that was fol- lowed several years. In 1721 Mr. Bassett's entire salary was paid "in ye Produce of ye Towne." The same was true of Simeon Wetherell, who taught in 1723; he was to " keep school at his father's or his own house, to teach children to Reed, Right and Cifer." The next teacher was probably Othniel Campbell, of Taunton. On July 13, 1724, it was voted "that the scholl shall be Kept ye next quarter in that part of the town which Goes by the name of Winecunet." Other teachers in early years were John Sumner and William Cas- well, both employed in the fall of 1724; Josiah Briggs, 1727; Mr. Bacon, 1733; Mr. Vesey, 1736; Deacon John Briggs, 1751 ; Samuel Dean, 1755. The school records are very fragmentary and during many years relate almost wholly to the pay of the various teachers, and pay to families for "dieting" them. After the close of the Revolution, under the first school system, the town increased its number of schools to meet the necessities for educational privileges, built new and better scho ^ houses and was, of course, able to obtain teachers with higher qualifications. A notice of Wheaton Seminary is left for later pages. The establishment within the limits of this town of the Leonard forge has been mentioned. It was one of the earliest industries of any importance in Bristol county. It had a large business for that period in smelting iron, which continued down to about the close of the last century. The late Judge Leonard built a grist mill nearly on the site of the old forge in 1805, which was in operation more than a quarter of a century, and in 1855 George L. Barnes, a descendant of Major George Leonard, who had come into possession of the Leonard homestead erected a saw mill and shingle mill near the forge site. In recent years this property passed to the Norton Steam Power Company, which is noticed further on. There was a saw mill as early as 1710 on Meadow Brook, owned by FROM 1685 TO 1776. 67 James Leonard and John Austin ; it may have been the first one in the town. Samuel Clapp and his son Jonathan owned it for some years succeeding 1746 and, in 1771, it passed to John Cook and Samuel God- frey. It burned about 1819 and was rebuilt by its then owner, James Godfrey; subsequently Benjamin and Moses Lincoln owned it. George Leonard had a "corn-mill" in 1714 on Wading River at the site' of Barrowsville ; it was probably the first one in this town. Nathan- iel Leonard, son of George, owned it from 1716 to 1761, previous to which a saw mill had been added. On January 12, 1770, George Leon- ard, son of Nathaniel, sold the property, with one hundred and thirty- five acres of land, to Jonathan and John Amory. After other changes of ownership the mills were conveyed, in 1790, to Ephraim Raymond, who soon afterward built a forge and continued its operation a number of years. Prior to 1745 Jonathan Hodges built a mill on Goose Brook where he carried on the business of "fulling, dyein'g, and dressing cloth. " This was the first business of the kind in the town. A very early saw mill was built on Burt's Brook by Dea. John Andrews, and about 1790 William Carpenter established a nail cutting business on the westerly side of Rumford River. The first tannery in the town of which there is record was built about 1740 by Deacon Benjamin Copeland, between the house occupied in recent years by Thomas Copeland and Mulberry-Meadow Brook; it went to decay about 1845. About 1758 David Arnold established a tannery on Burt's Brook. Another tannery was built before the Revo- lution near Rumford River by a Mr. Bassett. The water privilege of Rumford River, in the Center village, was owned in early years by Ebenezer Burt, who sold, in 1744, to William Stone forty and one-half acres of land there and in 1766, sold to Nathaniel Stone (son of Will- iam) the remaining rights and privileges on the stream. The Stone family owned the property many years and operated a forge, a saw mill and a grist mill. In 1812 Deacon Daniel Lane and his sons re- built the saw mill, having previously acquired the property. The sons, associated with others, built a cotton factory in 1828, which passed to Laban M. Wheaton in 1846 and was operated by him until his death. Nathan Smith bought it in 1864 and began manufacturing cotton bat- ting. In 1867 Story & Talbot leased the mill and successfully carried on wool scouring therein. Mr. Talbot soon became sole proprietor. Other later manufactures in this town are noticed farther on. 68 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Among early physicians in Norton were Dr. Samuel Caswell, who, in 1723, bought land and was called a " practitioner of Physick. " Dr. Nicholas White, son of Deacon Nicholas White, born about 1705, prac- ticed and lived sometimes in the north a'nd sometimes in the south part of the town; died June 29, 1751. Dr. William Ware, son of John, of Wrentham, born in July, 1697, kept a public house, 1728-40, and practiced. Dr. John Wild, jr., son of John. Dr. Lewis Sweeting lived a part of the time in what is now Mansfield. Dr. Geoge Wheaton, son of Ephraim, born August 18, 1728, began practice in Norton before 1750, and was a prominent citizen. Dr. Gideon Tiffany, son of James, jr., born September 19, 1737. Dr. Adam Johnstone, a native of Scot- land, settled in Norton about 1772. Dr. Daniel Parker settled as early as 1773, was a surgeon in the army. Others were Drs Nathaniel Cook, Timothy Smith, Nathan Babbitt, born in Norton, March 6, 1755 ; Samuel Morley, son of Samuel, graduated at Yale in 1777 ; Lewis Leprite, a Frenchman, settled about the close of the Revolution and was promi- nent; Leavit Bates settled in the town about 1796; Guilford Hodges was practicing in 1803; Asa M. Adams settled about 1819; Richard F. Sweet settled in 1831 and died in 1841 ; Ira Barrows, born in Attle- borough, located in Norton in 1841, removed to Providence in 1851 ; Benjamin M. Round, George H. Randall, George W. Wild and others later. The next town in Bristol county to be incorporated after Norton was Dighton. This, as the reader has already learned, was the South Pur- chase of old Taunton, which was bought in two sections, the first for ,£143 and the second for ^47. The first section was to be three miles on the river and extending back four miles ; the second was one mile wide on the river and four miles long. After the territory was pur- chased from the Indians in 1672 it was retransferred to a committee representing the proprietors named below. On December 30, 1684 these proprietors by vote chose John Richmond and John Hathaway "to see this writing signed, sealed and delivered before a magistrate." When the lots were surveyed seven highways were laid out, running westerly from the river two miles into the forest, with a public landing at the river end of each. The north and south roads were laid out later. Following are the names of the associates : Mr. George Shove, Samuel Pitts, Ester Gallop. Israel Deane, Nicholas White, Sr., Joseph Hall, ' Henry Andrews, Samuel Hall, James Leonard, Jr.. FROM 1685 TO 1776. 69 Jonathan Briggs, Mr. Giles Gilbert, John Turner, Hezekiah Hoar, Richard Stacey, John Hall, John Macomber, Sr. James Phillips, John Hathaway, John Dean, Joseph Wilbore, Aaron Knap, Peter Pitts, Thomas Gilbert, Richard Burt, John Tisdale, Sr. Christopher Thrasher, John Pool, Edward Bobbett, Edward Rew, Thomas Caswell, William Witherell, Henry Andrews, Jr. , James Leonard, Sr. , Thomas Lincoln, Sr. , Thomas Lincoln, Jr., Francis Smith, James Burt, Jonah Austin, Sr. , George Watson, Thomas Leonard, Nathaniel Williams, Robert Thornton, Thomas Deane, Joseph Williams, John Tisdale, Jr., James Tisdale, John Hodges, Shadrach Wilbore, John Smith, Sr. , Thomas Harvey, Sr., Samuel Smith, Robert Crossman, Sr. William Paul, Samuel Holloway, Malachi Holloway, John Lincoln, Richard Stephens, Joseph Willis, Mary Street, Nathaniel Thayer, Increase Robinson, Thomas Harvey, Jr., Isaac Deane, Ezra Deane, Thomas Williams, William Witherill, Jr.. Richard Briggs. Samuel Williams, James Walker, Jr., Peter Walker, Israel Thrasher, Samuel Macey, Nicholas White, Jr., Jared Talbot, John Smith, Jr., John Macomber, Jr., Thomas Amesbery. The names of the committee are these : George Macey, James Walker, Walter Deane, John Richmond. The first settlement of white men in this town was made around the Indian clearing mentioned in an early chapter, and probably by squat- ters who removed before the outbreak of the Indian war of 1675. Soon after the close of that conflict permanent settlement began by immi- gration from Taunton. The name of Capt. Jared Talbot is frequently mentioned in the old records and he was one of the very earliest settlers. The marriage record is of "Jared Talbot and Rebecca Hathway" in 1687. A son was born to them March 26, 1688, who died within a few weeks, and another was born April 4, 1690. Their other children were Josiah, Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Seth, Rebecca, Ebenezer and others to the number of fourteen, several of whom died in infancy. Three other heads of families were contemporary with Talbot, namely, Ephraim Hathaway, Edward Babbitt and Nicholas Stephens; these had respect- ively eleven, nine and nine children. James Walker, one of the early settlers of the South Purchase, was born in 1619 and came from England with his brother William, stop- ping first in Taunton. He was father of five children who survived 70 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. him— James, Peter, Eleazer, Hester and Deborah. He was one of the six proprietors of Assonet Neck, was a large landowner and interested in early manufactures. His son James lived at the Weir in Taunton and kept a public house; he was father of six sons and five daughters. In his will he left to his son David " two lots in Dighton where he now dwells," and to his son Josiah three upper lots. Peter Walker, son of the first James, was an iron manufacturer in company . with James- Phillips. According to a history of the family, his iron works were on an island mentioned in his will as " a little island joining to Nicholas Stevens." The island is formed by the Three-Mile River at North Dighton. The name of Walker is a prominent one in the history of the town and a number of the family have been conspicuous in public affairs. Among other family names that were prominent before the Revolu- tion were those of Shove, Gooding, Hathaway, Pitts, Stephens, Atwood, Deane, Ware, Briggs, Pool, Whitmarsh, Waldron, Jones, Andrews, Fisher, Paull, Williams, Westcott, Austin, Babbitt, Goff, Ide, Burt, Nichols, Crane, Hoar, Smith, Perry, Baker, Simmons, Phillips, Pierce, Shaw, Luther, Cleveland, Vickery, Lincoln, Peck and Francis. Thomas Coram was one of the early residents of this town and one of the very first to engage in ship-building, which later became a large industry. He came over to Boston when twenty-five years old, married and subsequently returned to his native country. He organ- ized a colony that settled Nova Scotia and founded Halifax, and was instrumental in colonizing Georgia. William Ellery was a resident of Dighton during the Revolutionary war, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence; when the British entered Newport in 1776 Ellery found refuge with Capt. Rufus Whitmarsh, near the Lower Four Corners ; he resided there a number of years and died February 15, 1820. Hodijah Baylies and his brothers William and Thomas S. were sons of Nicholas, who was an iron manufacturer of Taunton, lived in Dighton and were prominent men. Hodijah Baylies was a graduate of Harvard in 1777, enlisted in the army as lieutenant, was an aid of Gen- eral Washington and otherwise distinguished in the service. When the United States constitution was ratified in 1787 Major Baylies was ap- pointed collector of customs in Dighton and held the office until 1809. 1 i The collectors at Dighton following Mr. Baylies were Nathaniel Williams, 1809-23; Hercules Cushman, 1823-25; Seth Williams, 1825-29; Dr. William Wood, 1829-33; Horatio Pratt 1833-34 In the latter year Dr. P. W. Leland was appointed and the office was removed to Fall River FROM 1685 TO 1776. 71 He was appointed judge of probate in 1810 and held the office until 1834. He was father of four children and died in 1843. Dr. William Baylies, born November 24, 1743, was his brother and practiced med- icine in Dighton many years. He became one of the most distinguished men of the town and held several public offices. William Baylies, LL.D., born in Dighton September 15, 1776, was his son. He was prominent as a lawyer and statesman. Dr. Baylies was one of the original proprietors of the old Dighton and Berkley bridge, the com- pany having been incorporated in 1801. The building of that bridge was persistently opposed by persons along the river who were inter- ested in shipping. There were at that time, according to a protest issued against building the bridge, " sixteen coasting vessels owned and employed above the place where the bridge is intended to be built. " Taunton was the principal objector to the bridge. The old bridge was demolished in 1853 and was rebuilt in 1873. The early records of this town were very poorly kept and only com- paratively few of the early settlers can be traced. Besides those named there are found prior to the incorporation of the town in 1712, David Walker, Edward Shove, Ebenezer Pitts, Samuel Talbot, Nathan Walker, John Burt and Abraham Hathaway. Jared Talbot's house stood near the public burial ground, on the hill on the east side of the Bristol and Taunton road. He was the second town clerk, the first having been Joseph Deane ; he was a prominent citizen and one of the fifteen signers of an agreement made in 1708 with the inhabitants on the east side of the river to build a separate meeting-house and support their own minister. At that time Assonet Neck was a part of Taunton, having been annexed in 1677, and constituted part of the lands for- feited by King Philip; it was purchased from the government by Rev. George Shove, James Walker, James Tisdale, Walter Deane, William Harvey and Richard Williams, and was annexed to Taunton in July, 1682, and in 1799 was set off to Berkley. On May 30, 1712, the town of Dighton was incorporated and Assonet Neck became a part of it. The town was named in honor of Frances Dighton, wife of Richard Williams, one of the original proprietors of the South Purchase. Previous to 1709 the few inhabitants of what is now Dighton were compelled to attend meetings at Taunton. Among the few very early records is the following, under date of December 19, 1709: At a legal meeting of the South Precinct in Taunton, voted that Capt. Jared Talbot, JosephDeane, Richard Hopkins, Ebenezer Pitts and John Crane, shall be a commit- 72 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tee to treat with and make a full agreement with Mr. Nathaniel Fisher in behalf of the precinct to be our minister during his lifetime. In 1710 it was " voted by us of the South Purchase to allow Joseph Pool, Thomas Jones, and Matthew Briggs sixteen pounds and ten shil- lings for seting [seating] at the meetinghouse." Rev. Nathaniel Fisher was paid ,£43 for each of his first three years; ^50 for each of the next three years and ^60 for the next three. The agreement to this effect was made June 28, 1710, and was signed by Jared Talbot, Richard Hopkins, Joseph Deane, John Crane and Ebenezer Pitts, who were, of course, all early settlers. Mr. Fisher was the sole minister of the town for more than half a century. It will be borne in mind that when Dighton was well started in its cor- porate existence it was divided into two parts by the river, the terri- tory on the east side extending north as far as the site of the old meeting-house on Berkley Common. This was inconvenient, as seen by the following vote of December 21, 1713: Voted, to make two towns; that on the west side of the river Capt. Talbot gives the land to set it on, Joyning the road, near the meeting-house; the one on the east side of the river, Edward Paull gives the land to set it on. Voted also that the Selectmen should exact [i. e., survey] the lines of the township, set up stocks and whipping-post, and make the towns. The east side of the river was not, however, made into a separate town until more than twenty years later. A public ferry was maintained across the river about half a mile be- low the site of the bridge; the ferry was, in 1715, placed in charge of Jared Talbot and Abraham Hathaway for three years. La,ter another ferry was established a mile farther down the river. The bill of town charges for 1712 amounted to ^87 12s. 5d. In- cluded in it are three items amounting to just ten pounds for "dieting " the schoolmaster ; so we know there was a school in the first year of the town's existence. The town officers for 1712 were as follows; Town clerk, Joseph Deane; selectmen, Col. Ebenezer Pitts, Edward Paull and James Tisdale; constables, John Burt and David Walker; asses- sors, Samuel Waldron, Daniel Axtel and Abraham Shaw; treasurer Ensign John Crane; tithingmen, John Wood and Isaac Hathaway; sur- veyors for ways, Abraham Hathaway, John Wood; fence viewers Thomas Burt, Isaac Pool ; field-drivers, John White and Richard Wood- flax- culler, Joseph Maxfield. The records of the town for many years contain little of interest to FROM 1685 TO 1776. 73 the general reader. Public affairs were not complicated in those days in that region and the thoughtful men chosen to administer them found little difficulty in promoting the general welfare of the community. In the year 1727 the town fixed the following prices for produce, as was customary in other towns at that period : Winter wheat, 6 shillings and 6 pence per bushel; corn, 2 shillings, 6 pence; oats, 1 shilling, 5 pence ; bayberry, 14 pence per pound (for producing a vegetable wax) ; butter, 10 pence per pound ; bar iron, 2 pounds, 3 shillings per hundred ; tobacco, 3 pence per pound. In 1733 it was unanimously voted that the representative, Edward Shove, "should Exhibit a petition to the great and general court for so much un propriated lands as they in thare great Wisdom shall think fit to be for supporting the school in said Dighton." Another school entry of 1734 is as follows: At the above said meeting the town vote that the selectmen should hier a scool- master to teach children to Reed and Wright and sifer. By the year 1751 the population had so much increased that it was voted to build three school houses ; two of these were sixteen feet square, and one twenty feet. From that time forward the town was gradually divided into more districts and better school houses erected as they were needed. In 1767 the old meeting-house on the hill was burned by an incen- diary fire. The erection of a new house had been discussed for some time, the old one being too small. As usual, there were differences of opinion as to the best site for the new building, and it was finally found necessary to leave the question to referees. The names of five men were accordingly drawn from the juror box in Attleborough, who acted in the matter. After hearing arguments, they decided on Buck's Plain in preference to the old site and there the church was built ; it was 55 by 45 feet, with 24-foot studs. The sum of ,£500 was appropriated by the town for building expenses. In after years the structure was cut down in height and used for a town hall. When a new town house was built the old one was sold. Rev. Nathaniel Fisher, the first pastor of the Congregational Church, was succeeded by Rev. William Warren in 1802. Later pastors were Revs. Preston Cummings, Ezra Newton, E. Sanford, E. Dawes, E. J. Morse, William B. Green. The brick edifice was built in 1826. The Second Congregational Church was organized in 1768, principally to satisfy those persons who objected to the change of site of the old 10 74 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. church to Buck Plain. The church edifice was erected near the Lower Four Corners, but the oncoming- of the war and scarcity of money caused it to be left unfinished. After the war Col. Sylvester Richmond and Joseph Atwood gave ■ two tracts of land to provide a ministerial fund, and in February, 1797, the society voted to sell the timber on the land, which was done, and $600 of the proceeds used in improving the church. Rev. Abraham Gushee was ordained pastor in 1803. When the orthodox Congregationalists and the Unitarians separated, Mr. Gushee joined the latter and the congregation worshiped in that faith from that time. The church edifice was extensively remodeled in 1861. The town of Easton was the next one incorporated in Bristol county, the date being December 21, 1725. It was formerly a part of Norton, of which it was made the East Precinct in 1718 for the maintenance of a separate minister and church. The first town meeting in Easton was held March 2, 1726, and the following officers elected: John Phillips, town clerk ; John Phillips, Josiah Keith, and Benjamin Drake, select- men; the same men were chosen assessors; Israel Randell, constable; Ephraim Randell, treasurer; Seth Babbitt and Benjamin Kinsley, sur- veyors of highways; Israel Randell, tithingman; John Daily and Timothy Cooper, hog reeves; Thomas Manley and Ephraim Hewitt, fence viewers. The name of this town was derived from its geograph- ical position as the East Precinct of Norton; hence, East Town, or Easton. There were a few families of so-called squatters within the limits of Easton previous to the division of lands on the North Purchase in 1696. Among these were Clement Briggs, William Hayward, William Man- ley, Thomas Randell, sr. (or Randall), Thomas Randall, jr., John Phillips, Thomas Drake, and possibly a few others. The first settle- ments were made on or near the site of South Easton village. At the time of the incorporation of the town there were or had been about sixty families in the town. Of these Clement Briggs is regarded as the first settler. He bought a full share of land in 1694, coming hither from Weymouth with his step-father, Thomas Randall. He was for a period part owner of a saw mill which the Randalls built and erected the first grist mill in the town ; these mills were at the Green. William Manley was in the town as early as 1694 and was the ances- tor of all the Manleys in this section. He settled at South Easton and with his three sons owned lands at North Easton. William Hayward was also in the town in 1694, his homestead being FROM 1685 TO 1776. 75 near Simpson's Spring; he died March 26, 1697, leaving children Ruth and William. Thomas Randall, sr., came from Weymouth with his son, Thomas, as early as 1694, and bought half of the share that Clement Briggs had previously purchased of Benjamin Dean. The fifty-first share was set off to them, which included the Green. The half north of the mill stream was owned by the first Randall and there he and his sons built the saw mill. He was father of what has been the most numerous fam- ily in Easton. His son Thomas took up twenty-six acres of land in North Easton village, having previously acquired eleven acres. There he built either the second or third saw mill in the town. He became a large property owner and was designated in 1727 to set up a public stocks. John Phillips came in from Weymouth with Thomas Manley, the two dividing the fifty-second share, his half being north of Manley's and including the Morse privilege. Thomas Drake, father of John and Benjamin, had a home in the town as early as 1695, at South Easton. These seven families were probably the only settlers prior to 1696. Benjamin Drake, son of Thomas, and ancestor of the many Drakes of Easton, settled in 1700, purchasing fifty acres of land lying south and southwest of the old burial ground at South Easton. His brother John bought part of a share of Ephraim Hewitt in 1702. Ephraim Hewitt owned land in the town in 1701 and settled probably the next year. Samuel Kinsley purchased his home lot in 1701 and built the house the next year; he was father of eight children, James Hodge settled as early as 1704. William Manley, jr., was of age in 1700 and settled on his father's place. Thomas Manley, his brother, built a house on the upper half of his father's place ; he was father of six sons and seven daughters. Ephraim Marvel settled before 1710, but little is known of him. Ephraim Randall, son of Thomas, received half of his father's homestead, east of the river. Thomas Pratt came from Middleborough in 1710; the homestead continued in the family until recent years. George Hall, son of Samuel, one of the original proprietors of the North Purchase, settled. as early as 1708; he was a carpenter and became owner of part of a saw mill built by Josiah Keith. John Daily settled before 1708 and had an interest in the saw mill at the Green in 1713. Daniel Owen, sr., came from Taunton before 1710; his son of the same name lived on the homestead after his father's 76 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. death. Nathaniel Manley, son of William, sr., probably came in with his father. Joseph Crossman settled in 1713. John Whitman came and built on land laid out to his father in 1701. Isaac Leonard came from Bridgewater in 1713 and bought land on the site of the Novelty Works at North Easton ; he was probably the discoverer of bog iron ore in this town. Edward Hayward settled about 1713 and was the first justice of the peace in Easton. Seth Babbitt came from Taunton about 1715 and settled in the extreme southwest part of the town. Erasmus Babbitt, brother of Seth, settled a little later near his brother ; he was a joiner. Samuel Kinsley, jr., settled probably in 1713 south- east of the Cranberry Meadow. William Hayward, son of the William before mentioned, succeeded to the homestead soon after 1718; he is believed to have been the first child born within the limits of Easton. Josiah Keith bought, in 1717, over two hundred acres on the easterly side of Mulberry-Meadow Brook and built his house at the same time; he kept an inn as early as 1724 and also built a saw mill before that year. Benjamin Selee came here in 1716, remained about ten years and removed to Norton. John, his brother, was the ancestor of the Easton families of that name; he settled in 1718. William Thayer, a weaver, settled as early as 1720; in 1724 he gave land to a company on which to build a saw mill, the first in that section. The stream was then called Dorchester Meadow Brook; his son Jonathan succeeded to the estate. John Newland, of Taunton, settled in 1717, in the extreme southwest part of the town. Benjamin Drake, son of the Benjamin before noticed, was born in Easton in December, 1700; his home was at Easton Center. William Phillips, a son of Captain John, settled before 1720 on a homestead lying "on both sides of the road that leads from Joseph Crossman's to Boston;" he was a carpenter. Samuel Smith, jr., lived in 1718 "at Poquanticut," meaning the northwest part of Easton; he soon moved away. Eleazer Gilbert bought Smith's land and long lived there. John Phillips, jr., son of Captain John, settled on land on Washington street, where his son Ebenezer, the Baptist deacon lived. Benjamin Kinsley, son of Samuel, sr., became owner of the homestead. John Austin had a lot laid out to him in 1719 and built his house soon afterward not far from the site of No. 3 school house. Samuel Waters settled probably in 1722 in the northeast section of the town. Benjamin Fobes settled in 1721 on what is now Pine street; he was town clerk three separate terms. Mark Lothrop settled on land laid out for his father, Samuel Lothrop ; the name was formerly spelled Lathrop. FROM 1685 TO 1776. 77 Eliphalet Leonard was son of James, of Taunton, before mentioned, a man of prominence and operator of the " bloomery " in that town. When iron ore was discovered in Easton he purchased thirty-five acres of land of Nathaniel Manley, where Stone's Pond is situated, including a house in which the son, Eliphalet, afterwards lived. He also pur- chased three acres of "iron mine" near Lincoln Spring. A forge was built before 1723. Eliphalet Leonard became a leading and public- spirited citizen and died in 1786. Benjamin Williams, son of Benjamin, son of Richard, settled about 1725 on land on Mulberry- Meadow Brook, taken up by his father in 1700. He and his brother John were the earliest members of the Will- iams families to settle here. Benjamin was an inn-keeper in 1726-30. When he gave up this business John took it up and carried it on until his death in 1756. John was one of the builders of the furnace at Fur- nace Village. Joreph Drake, nephew of Benjamin, before noticed, set- tled in 1723. Thomas Manley, sr., was a grandson of an original settler and kept an inn. Samuel Phillips, son of Captain John, was one of the last settlers before the town was incorporated. Besides these. Elder William Pratt bought land in the town in 1711, and Rev. Matthew Short came in 1722. While many of these names of pioneers have passed out of the town history, the descendants of others have contributed each in his way to develop and advance the interests and welfare of the community. The men of Easton bore an honorable part in the French and Indian war, for which Capt. Nathaniel Perry raised a company and aided in defending the frontier. His company numbered ninety-six men, seven- teen of whom were from Easton. Captain Perry saw considerable act- ive service before his death in 1756 ; two of his sons served with him. In 1755 six men were in the army from this town and participated in the battle of Lake George ; two others were in Capt. Richard Godfrey's company and a number more in other organizations. When Fort Will- iam Henry at Lake George was menaced by Montcalm, twenty-eight men enlisted in Capt. Ebenezer Dean's Taunton company. In April, 1658, twenty-four Easton men enlisted under Capt. James Andrews for the disastrous Crown Point campaign, and in the same year eleven others enlisted. Another expedition for Crown Point and Ticonderoga was organized in 1759 and ten Easton men joined it, under Capt. Lem- uel Bent, while a few others joined other companies. During the re- maining years of that war enlistments' from this town kept fully abreast 78 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of those in other localities and the records give account of many deeds of heroism and suffering in which Easton men participated. For a short period prior to 1696 the few families of Easton were compelled to attend meeting at Taunton, a distance of twelve miles. In that year they petitioned for the privilege of attending at Bridge- water, which was granted. The foundation of the first Easton church dates back to 1713, when there were twenty-six families already settled. The leading spirit in the movement was Elder William Pratt, one of the early settlers. To remunerate him, Thomas Pratt, John Phillips, Thomas Randall, Israel Randall and Ephraim Randall (spelled Randell in the early records) granted him twenty-two acres of land "to be taken out of the second and third Divisions of Land in said North Pur- chase of each of us. " This grant is dated September 11, 1713. Thus Elder Pratt was settled as the first minister of the town ; he died Jan- uary 13, 1714. Several petitions were sent to the General Court, pre- vious to the town incorporation, for the formation of a precinct includ- ing the territory of the present towns of Easton, Norton and Mansfield; one of these was sent in 1707 and one in the next year, both of which were refused. All of the petitions for and against the formation of new precincts and towns indicate that the dwellers in what became Easton, at least, were willing that the whole Purchase should be made a town, with a meeting-house in the center; but were unwilling that the west part should be made a precinct with the meeting-house so far distant that they could not well attend it. The west precinct was, however, formed, but with a provision that "the East End of the North Purchase shall have half the said Purchase as their Precinct where [when] they are able to maintain a minister." In 1715 an abortive effort was made to organize the east end of the Purchase into a town, and in October, 1717, the General. Court reported favor- ably upon a petition for its formation into a precinct, appointing a committee to establish the division line. The committee reported May 13, 1718, and from that time forward until the incorporation of the town, meetings were held and business conducted under the name of the " East Precinct of Norton." This precinct, owing to the failure of the court to confirm the division line, did not obtain a legal exist- ence until 1722. A meeting-house was built prior to this date and probably as early as 1713, near the eastern bounds of the precinct. Rev. Matthew Short succeeded Elder Pratt as pastor, beginning in 1723 and continuing until his death in April, 1731. FROM 1685 TO 1776. 79 The location of the meeting-house, although it was central as far as population was concerned, was far from the geographical center. This fact led to agitation and dissension, beginning in 1728, which continued many years, finally divided the church and threatened a division of the town itself. When an attempt was made to make improvements in the old church, it was opposed by the inhabitants of the west end, led by Josiah Keith and Benjamin Williams; in June, 1728, they secured a vote for appointment of a committee "to appoynt a place for and where and when their should be a new meeting-house erected." The committee comprised seven men, all of whom were from the eastern part of the town. In December they naturally reported in favor of the old site, and the strife began. Rev. Joseph Belcher was the next pastor and served the church from 1731 to 1744; he resided in the town about ten years thereafter, but his mind became impaired and he fled from his creditors in 1754. Rev. Solomon Prentice succeeded in 1747 and during his pastorate the church conflict ran its course. He was a positive, aggressive man, in- troduced many reforms, partially reorganizing the church, provided a ' written covenant, which the society had thus far been without, began new records, stimulated over-zealously the activity of the organization and was conspicuous in a contest that is memorable in the annals of the county. In January, 1745, the people in the west part of the town were strong enough to get a vote "to Build a publick meeting-House for ye publick worship of god in this town, in ye senter or within twenty Rods of ye senter. ". The center part of the town had already been ascertained. Here the matter rested four years. In 1749 agitation was revived, the western inhabitants now being willing that the house should be built "on ye half-acre of Land that Capt John Phillips had laid out for yt use, which is near one half mile east from the center of said town." It was voted to raise ^1,500 old tenor with which to build a house. These votes were passed by a large majority, many voting favorably who later opposed the finishing of the edifice, among them the Rev. Mr. Prentice. The new house was raised in four days, beginning April 23, 1750, after much opposition, and as the work pro- gressed through that year the strife increased. It was even proposed in town meeting, September 4, to divide Easton into two towns by a north and south line, and on November 5 it was voted that the com- mittee might pull down the old building when they thought proper, which was done on the 12th. On the 16th a meeting was held and it 80 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was voted (23 to 13) by the eastern inhabitants that they would not hold meetings in the new building. A petition was now issued, bearing fifty signatures, asking Mr. Prentice to hold meetings in dwellings until a house could be built at the Green, which he did for a time. Petitions from both factions were sent to the General Court and in February, 1751, a committee was appointed to examine into the situation. Mean- while the Prentice party had determined to build a house of their own, on the northeast part of the Green ; but the work was stopped by a Court order, pending the report of the committee; the report was dated April 12, 1751, and was in effect that the new church stood in the best place for accommodation of the whole town and recommended that the town refuse to pay Mr. Prentice his salary unless he preached there. He thereupon asked for a dismissal. The strife continued and a council of churches was called in to settle the matter, but without any permanent results. It seemed that it was impossible to heal the breach, and the Prentice party, which included a majority of the church members, proceeded to build the second church, which was partially completed and services held there about July 1, 1751. The opposition now attacked Mr. Prentice with a catalogue of eleven charges, which he and others replied to at a meeting held at Joshua Howard's house. Other meetings were held and finally the Prentice faction called for another chufch council, which met September 24. Its action and report came near settling the whole difficulty, but the cause of the trouble was too deep-seated and agitation soon began again. In February, 1752, Eliphalet Leonard and eleven others of the east party asked the Selectmen to call a town meeting to see if the town would not set off "the easterly half of said Easton from the Centre thereof," to join with a part of Bridgewater and form another precinct or town. The meet- ing was held but the town refused to take such action. Again the council of churches met (it having retained its nominal existence) on April 21, endeavored to harmonize the opposing forces and appointed June 12 as a day of fasting and prayer over the trouble ; but even for this commendable purpose the rival parties refused to come together. A final attempt at reconciliation was made early in July, but without avail. Mr. Prentice continued to hold services until November 5 while the minority began to consider plans for permanent separation, a factor in which was the relative merit of the Presbyterian and the Congregational systems. In October the church adhering to Mr. Prentice voted to re- FROM 1685 TO 1776. 81 nounce Congregationalism and take up " the Ancient and Renowned chh of Scotland," and continued their worship in the unfinished house on the Green. But this prolonged feud had greatly weakened his in- fluence, as well as the cause of religion in the town. Mr. Prentice's wife adopted the belief of the Anabaptists, still further discouraging him, and her course led to meetings of that sect being held in his own house. This gave rise to antagonism on the part of some of the elders of his own church, greatly aggravated his troubles -and caused a com- plaint to be made to the Presbytery, which convened in Easton, No- vember 12, 1754, and called the pastor before it. The result was his - suspension. He died in Grafton May 22, 1773. Rev. George Farrar began preaching in Easton in January, 1754. His call was made a subject of renewed dissension between the Pres- byterians and the old church. Petitions and counter-petitions went up to the General Court, a committee was appointed which rendered a report adverse to the Prentice church, and so the warfare went en for thirteen years, its details being altogether too voluminous for repro- duction here. On August 17, 1763, Rev. Archibald Campbell was or- dained pastor of the Congregational society, continuing until 1782, when he was succeeded by Rev. William Reed, who preached until his death in November, 1809. Rev. Luther Sheldon followed in October, 1810, and was pastor until 1838. His administration was also marked by much dissension in the church, caused chiefly by his refusal to exchange pulpits with neighboring Congregational ministers. In November, 1838, forty-one members of his church withdrew and organized the Evangelical Congregational Society of Easton. In 1816 the old meeting-house was removed and used for a town hall, and a new one built near the same site. This was remodeled and re- dedicated in 1845. This parish subsequently became distinctly Uni- tarian. Rev. William H. Taylor succeeded Mr. Sheldon in 1839; other pastors of the early period were Revs. Paul Dean, William Whitwell and George G. Withington. Mr. Sheldon continued pastor of the Evan- gelical society until his death in 1866, and was succeeded by Rev. Ly- man Clark and others. The church edifice was burned in 1882 and re- built the next year. The only other church organized in Easton before the Revolutionary war was a Baptist, which was formed in 1762 at North Easton. Rev. Ebenezer Stearns was ordained pastor. It had a hard struggle, pro- testing against being assessed to support the ministry of the town li 82 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. meeting-house, and suffering legal prosecution therefor; in the action the society was successful and was exempted from the tax. In 1794 the church was absorbed by the Methodists, which is noticed further on. The act incorporating Easton made provision for educating children. Section 2 reads as follows : And that the inhabitants of the said town of Easton do, within six months from the publication of this Act, procure and maintain a. schoolmaster to instruct their youth in writing and reading ; and that thereupon they be discharged from any pay- ments for the maintenance of the school at Norton. The first action taken under this provision was at a town meeting held March 31, 1727, where, after considerable opposition, it was Voted and agreed to give three pounds to a schoolmaster for one year to teach youths to Read and to write and to keep it at his own House, and to find himself diete. This was not a very encouraging proposition for a teacher ; moreover, it was the only one made for a school in thirteen years. At the town meeting in November, 1727, the people "Voted and Dismissed paying the Schoolmaster." This was Thomas Pratt, the first teacher, who was thus summarily disposed of. No further public action on the sub ject was taken until 1736, when it was "voted and agreed that the Town shall be provided with a schoolmaster." This was not acted upon. In 1740 a similar vote was passed to " raise fourty pounds for to support and uphold a school in Easton in ye 1740." In 1742 it was voted " not to raise any money to support school." In the next year legal action was taken against the town for not providing means cf edu- cating children and a fine was imposed, which was paid in the latter part of the year. Other similar prosecutions were brought against the town in 1747, 1750, and 1756, after which a more liberal spirit was shown. In 1746 it was decided to have three schools, one in the south- west, one in the southeast, and one in the northwest part; one teacher probably taught alternately in the three places. In 1754 the town was divided into four quarters, which was the inception of the district sys tem. In addition to these four quarters there was set apart in 1768 a center district. Ten years earlier, in accordance with a law of 1747 a grammar school was opened, which was taught many years by Joseph Snell. Under the Prudential Committee system, beginning in 1758 and as necessity demanded, new districts were formed, school houses erected, and efficient teachers employed, as shown in the various re- ports. FROM 1685 TO 1776. 83 The early industries of Easton were the Randall saw mill, before mentioned, which was doubtless built before 1700 at South Easton, and was owned by Timothy Cooper in 1726. The grist mill, built there by Clement Briggs before 1713, also passed to Cooper in 1723; it was subsequently owned by Ephraim Randall and his son Timothy, and was demolished and rebuilt in 1750. Timothy Randall owned it as late as 1781. The Leonard forge at the foot of Stone's Pond, in operation 1724, and Josiah Keith's saw mill were probably built a little earlier. Shares of this mill property were sold at various dates to dif- ferent persons and it was finally abandoned before 1771. The iron business started by Capt. James Leonard at the site o.f North Easton village was in operation in 1723 and became well known as the Eliphalet Leonard forge. Excellent iron was made from the bog ore brought from near Lincoln Spring and elsewhere. The business passed in 1782 to Jacob Leonard, son of Eliphalet, and later to Isaac Leonard, son of Jacob. The forge had several other owners in whole or in part. Some time before 1771 Eliphalet Leonard, jr., built a forge on land deeded to him in 1765 on what has been known as the Marshall place. It is claimed that here steel was first made in this country; also that firearms were made before or during the Revolutionary war. In 1787 Jonathan Leonard built a steel furnace there, and another in 1808. About 1793 the third Eliphalet Leonard (brother of Jonathan) built a dam and a forge, with trip hammer and a nail shop, at the same place. He became bankrupt in 1801 and the property passed in 1803 to Oliver Ames. In 1724 a forge was built at Cranberry Meadow by a company con- sisting of Timothy Cooper, John Dailey, Edward Hayward, Jonathan Hay ward and Benjamin Fobes; ore was discovered near by. The busi- ness was not profitable and passed in 1727-29 to Josiah Winslow of Bridgewater. Eliphalet Leonard next owned it and sold out to Edward Hayward. It was subsequently demolished and James Dean built a hammer shop and carried on blacksmithing until 1750. On June 9, 1724, William Thayer, then living near the mill site on the north road to Brockton, gave to a company land for a dam and saw mill. These were built and passed through various hands previous to 1800. West of the site of the Ames office in North Easton was once a dam where Thomas Randall built a saw mill as early as 1728 ; this passed to his sons John and Samuel. A grist mill was built there previous to 84 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1760. These mills had various owners and managers, the grist mill finally passing to Jonathan Randall who operated in until his death in 1805; in 1813 it was sold to Oliver Ames. The saw mill was discon- tinued about 1780. In 1742 a saw mill was built on Mulberry-Meadow Brook at Furnace Village by Eleazer Keith, Silas Williams and Benjamin Williams. In 1765 it had been transformed into a grist mill and was deeded at that time to Lemuel Keith, who owned it until later than 1800. A saw mill was the first industry on the Morse privilege at South Easton and was built by Daniel Williams between 1739 (when he bought the land) and 1747. Williams probably operated it until his death in 1782. Eliphalet Leonard owned it in 1792 and sold it in 1797 to Josiah Copeland. Another dam was built above the Morse privilege, but as far as known its power was not used. The furnace business at Furnace Village originated in the association of eight men, who built a dam in 1751 and erected a furnace on what is now Beaver Brook. The furnace was completed in the next year. With various changes of ownership and in the business and products, it has been in existence ever since. Cannon were made there for the American army in the Revolution. The owners in 1798 were Samuel Leonard, of Taunton, Josiah Dean, of Raynham, and Thomas Green, a merchant of Easton; they sold out to John Brown, of Providence. Other early saw mills were built at the Cranberry Meadow dam, by James Dean and Matthew Hay ward, 1750; on the Furnace dam at Furnace Village by Matthew Hayward, 1757; at what has been called the Picker place by George Ferguson earlier than 1759; in Poquanticut by John Selee or his son Nathan ; on the road westward from No. 10 school house by Lieut. Samuel Corey about 1770. There was also a grist mill at the foot of Stone's Pond before 1800. James Dean made brick as early as 1754 on his land, and Edward Williams had an early tannery near Furnace Village. In 1760 Lieut. Joshua Howard built a dam on Gallows Brook for power to operate a flax mill. To increase his power he dug a ditch from Cranberry Meadow, but was not allowed to keep it open, as it damaged the sup- ply of Dean's pond. In 1792, however, Josiah Copeland and Calvin Brett built a mill on this dam, which was operated fpr a period and abandoned. These many industries in operation in Easton previous to the beginning of this century, indicate that it was a busy community. The town of Raynham formerly constituted the East Precinct of FROM 1685 TO 1776. 85 Taunton, the formation of which and much of the early history is given in the chapters relating to that town. Raynham was incorpo- rated April 2, 1731, and, according to custom, a provision was inserted in the act of incorporation ordering " that the inhabitants of the said town do, within the space of three years from the publication of this act, procure and settle a learned and orthodox minister of good con- versation, and make provision for his comfortable and honorable sup • port, and likewise provide a school master to instruct their children to read and write." The council ordered Ebenezer Robinson, one of the prominent set- tlers, to warn a meeting of the citizens to choose town officers. At that meeting Samuel Leonard, jr., was chosen town clerk; John Staples, Samuel Leonard and Ebenezer Robinson, selectmen; Elijah Dean and Thomas Baker, tithingmen. John White was chosen clerk of the mar- ket in 1732. On account of the small size of the town, no representa- tive was chosen for thirty years after its incorporation. Raynham was first settled in 1652. Under date of October 21, of that year, the following appears in the Taunton records: "It was agreed and granted by the town to the said James and Henry Leonard and Ralph Russell, free consent to come hither and join with certain of our inhabitants to set up a bloomary work on the Two-Mile river." It was also " agreed and granted, by a free vote of the town, that such particular inhabitants as shall concur with said persons in their design shall have free liberty from town to do so, to build and set up this work, and that they shall have the woods on the other side of the Two Mile River, wheresoever it is common on that side of the river to cut for their cord wood to make coals and also to dig and take mine or ore at Two Mile meadows, or in any of the commons appertaining to the town where it is not proprietary." This action led to the establishment of the famous Leonard iron works, which continued in possession of the family for a century, and which are sufficiently described in the history of Taunton herein. Among other families that settled within what became Raynham were the Washburns, Kings, Deans, Shaws, Halls, Gushees, Williamses, Gil- mores, Andrewses, Hathaways, Whites, Tracys, and Knapps. Josiah Dean was one of the leading men of his time, was elected to Congress early in the century and was otherwise honored. Raynham suffered very little during the King Philip war, a circum- stance that is credited to the kindly influence of Philip who had received 86 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. favors from the Leonards. The people, however, provided against in • cursions by fortifying houses and procuring arms. A house belonging to Samuel Leonard, which stood a few rods from their forge, was sur- rounded by palisades, and a fort was constructed. Among the early settlers who graduated from colleges in this town were Zephaniah Leonard, 1785; Joshua Leonard, 1788; John Hatha- way, 1793; William Augustus Leonard, 1793; Jahaziah Shaw, 1792; Mason Shaw, 1795; Lloyd Bowen Hall, 1795; Abiel Williams, 1795; Abraham Gushee, 1798; Samuel King Williams, 1804; Jonathan Gil- more, 1800; Philo H. Washburn, 1801; John Gilmore Dean, 1806; Melvin Gilmore, 1805; Silas Hall, 1809; Eliab Williams, 1821; Abiel Williams, 1835. Most of these became lawyers, physicians or preach- ers, and some attained distinction. Among the Raynham men who were prominent in the early militia were Col. Noah Hall, Col. Warren Lincoln, Lieut. -Col. Zephaniah Leonard, Lieut. -Col. Jonathan Shaw, Lieut. -Col. William L. Wilbur, Senior Maj. John Gilmore, Maj. Jon- athan Shaw, Maj. Eliab B. Dean, Maj. William D. Robinson. All of these were officers of the Third Regiment, Second Brigade, Fifth Divi- sion, excepting Major Dean, who was in the cavalry. Merchants of the past have been Nehemiah Jones, who kept a store at the Center many years; Samuel Robinson traded at North Rayn- ham, Abisha Lincoln, North Raynham, who built in 1825 a store still standing, which has been in the family ever since. Sylvanus Make- peace at Prattville, and Edward Wilbur at the Center, who erected the store building where Elmer Lincoln (present postmaster) has been a merchant thirty years. At the south end were David Dean and Chaun- cey G. Washburn. Dr. Seth Walker was an early physician, and Dr. Walker settled in the town in 1815 and acquired an extensive practice. Dr. Elisha Hay- ward came in 1820. Jonathan Shaw was a justice of the peace many years, living at the north end. Capt. Samuel Wilbur was a justice and deputy sheriff. Col. Zephaniah Leonard held the office of sheriff about thirty years, and was succeeded by his son, Horatio, who held the of- fice thirty-five years. Benjamin Shaw had a saw mill in 1700 on the Fowling Pond stream ; he was also a shareholder in the iron works and was ancestor of the Taunton Shaws. In 1770 James Presbo had a grist mill near the Shaw mill. His son Zadoc was associated with Capt. Israel Washburn in operating a furnace at the same dam for manufac- turing hollow ware; this business continued many years, the ore being FROM 1685 TO 1776. 87 dug on the banks of the river. Captain Washburn became owner of the Presbo grist mill in 1784, died in 1796 and left the property to his son, Dr. Seth Washburn ; it subsequently passed to his son, Franklin Washburn. The first meeting-house in the town was partly finished two years before the incorporation. On the 10th of May following, the date of the first town meeting, it was voted to pay all expenses incurred by indi- viduals in building this house, and a tax for that purpose was levied. John Wales was the first pastor. A Congregational Church was organ- ized on the 19th of October, 1731, by the following persons, who were dismissed from the Taunton church for the purpose : Abraham Jones, John Staples, John Leonard, Samuel Hacket, sr., Joseph Jones, Samuel Leonard, Seth Leonard, Samuel White, Ebenezer Campbell, John White, Gabriel Crossman, Jonathan Hall, Thomas Baker, Samuel Hacket 2d, Hannah White, Mary Hacket, Katherine Leonard, Hannah Campbell, Susannah White, Hannah Staples, Mehitable White, Ruth Crane, Elizabeth Shaw, Mary Jones, Joanna Leonard, Abigail Hall, Lydia Britton, Patience Hacket, Sarah Hall, Rebecca Leonard and Abigail Baker. Mr. Wales continued over the church thirty-four years and was succeeded in July, 1776, by Perez Fobes, of Bridgewater. He was a learned man and continued over the church forty- five years, and was followed in 1812 by Rev. Stephen Hull. The first meeting-house was built about a fourth of a mile east of the forge and cost $1,400. The second house was built in 1773 by Israel Washburn, by whom the pews were sold to the people ; it stood in the center of the town on land purchased by Amariah Hall. A steeple and bell were added in later years. The existing church was built in 1832 and dedicated in 1834. No other church was organized in the town until after the Revolution, as related further on. In the promotion of early educational affairs a Mr. Fisher was em- ployed as schoolmaster in 1742, though there was, perhaps, a previous school. In 1744 John Lea taught seven weeks for sixteen pounds and sixteen shillings. The school was kept at different points in the town, as was customary in early times, until about the time of the Revolution after which the town was divided into districts and school houses pro- vided as needed. The act of incorportion of the town of Berkley was passed April 18, 1735, the preamble reading as follows: Whereas, The southerly part of Taunton and the northerly part of Dighton ,on 88 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the east side of the Great River, is competently filled with inhabitants, who labor under difficulties by reason of the remoteness from the places of public meeting in the said towns, and have therefore made application to this court that they may be set off a different and separate parish, and be vested with all the powers and privi- leges that other towns in this province are vested with, etc. The town was named in honor of Lord Berkley, the noted bishop. A legal town meeting was held May 12, 1735, at the house of Elkanah Babbitt, and Gershom Crane acted as moderator. The following offi- cers were chosen, who were to serve without compensation: Abel Burt, town clerk; Nathaniel Gilbert, John Burt and Gershom Crane, selectmen ; Joseph Burt, John Paull and Benjamin Babbitt, assessors; The family names that are most prominent in this town are those of Gilbert, Paull, Burt, Crane, Babbitt, Nichols, Andros, Tobey, French, Tubbs, Dean, Sanford, Hathaway, Axtell, Briggs, Chace, Shove, New- hall and Pierce. Many of these have become obsolete here, but their descendants are doing their lifework either here or elsewhere in the country and usually with credit and honor. Other names that belong among the list of inhabitants of Berkley are found in a petition pre- sented to the town in 1798 for the annexation of Assonet Neck. An attempt was made to consummate this annexation in 1752, when the town of Berkley voted "to grant the request of a number of the inhab- itants of Assonet Neck to be inhabitants of the town of Berkley; " but for some reason this effort failed. The petition in question was signed by the following: James Dean, Joseph Dean, David Dean, Benjamin Dean, Aaron Dean, Walter Dean, Ezra Dean, David Dean, jr., James Dean, jr., George Shove, Asa Shove, John Boyce, Enoch Boyce, Daniel Lew, Henry Lew, Samuel Shove, Ebenezer Pierce, jr., Eben- ezer Phillips, Darius Phillips, William Cotton, John Lew 2d, John Jones, Jonathan Bryant, William Shove. The Neck was annexed to Berkley in 1799 and these inhabitants became, of course, citizens of the town. Among the early town officials whose names have not yet been mentioned are those of George Caswell, John Briggs, Samuel French Ebenezer Winslow, Abel Crane, William Nichols, Samuel Tubbs, John Crane, Samuel Gilbert, Samuel Tobey, Jedediah Briggs, Jacob French Stephen Webster, Ebenezer Myrick, Levi French, John Babbitt Israel French, and others, all of whom were prominent in the com- munity in early years. To these may be added the following who re- ceived college education : Silas Tobey, Rev. Alvin Tobey, Rev. James Barnaby, Rev. James Sanford, Rev. John Sanford, Rev. Enoch San- FROM 1685 TO 1776. 89 ford, Rev. Silas A. Crane, Benjamin Crane, Daniel Crane, George Hathaway, Rev. William M. Cornell, Rev. Daniel C. Burt, Rev. Thomas T. Richmond, Rev. James Nichols, Charles G. W. French, Richard S. S. Andros, Rev. Levi French, Milton Andros, Dr. Edward Crane, Dr. P. Chester Porter, Dr. Shadrach Hatheway, William M. Cornell, a physician and author; Jabez Fox, clergyman and editor; Gardner Dean, a noted evangelist; James Nichols, clergyman and pro- fessor in Union College. Some of the early votes of the town are important in this connection; for example at the second town meeting, held October 6, 1735: Voted, To hire a scholar to preach in the town for the space of a quarter of a year. Fifty pounds was voted to be raised to pay this "scholar" and for other uses. Voted, To hire no schoolmaster. At another meeting the same month in was Voted, That the three selectmen go and hire Mr. Tobey, if they can agree with him, to preach in our town of Berkley one-quarter of a year. Voted, To build a meeting-house in our said town of Berkley, forty feet long, thirty-four feet broad, and eighteen feet stud. Voted, That Gershom Crane, John Paull, Joseph Burt, and John Burt, under John Burt, procure the timber, divide the work, and proportion it among the inhabitants equally, and that each man who labors on said meeting-house shall be allowed four shillings per day, and lads or boys proportionally, as the committee shall see fit. Mr. Samuel Tobey was employed as minister, and in the following year (1736), it was Voted, That Elkanah Babbitt, Gershom Crane, John Paull, Abiel Atwood, and Abel Burt be a committee to let out our meeting-house as cheaply as they can to finish after a decent and comely fashion or manner. Voted, To raise six hundred pounds on our said town, to enable the committee which was chosen to finish said meeting-house. Samuel Tobey's ministry continued until his death in 1781, when he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Andros, who was ordained in March, 1788; he occupied the pulpit for forty-seven years. He was a very able man and was twice elected to the Legislature after he left the ministry. Other early pastors of this Congregational society were Revs. Ebenezer Poor, J. U. Parsons (dismissed in 1840), Charles Chamberlain and others. Three church buildings have been erected by this congregation, all standing on the site still occupied.' 1 A division took place in this society in 1848, about twenty members withdrawing to organize the Trinitarian Congregational Society; they built a meeting-house and installed Rev. L. R. 12 90 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John Crane was probably the first school teacher employed in this town, and Jonathan Crane also filled the same position, both for short periods and for small pay. The town afterwards employed Rowland Gavin, an Englishman of good ability, who taught at different points in the town in such buildings as he could secure for the purpose. Soon after the settlement of Rev. Mr. Tobey, before noticed, the condition and character of the schools was greatly improved. In 1763 the town began the erection of school houses, and winter evenings were utilized by some of the young men who had profited by the instruction of Mr. Gavin. Soon after 1787, largely through the efforts of Rev. Mr. An- dros, a still greater impetus was given to the schools, and in 1793 the town was divided into four districts, later into five, then into six, and after the annexation of Assonet Neck the number was seven. In 1794 the town voted ,£120 to the four districts with which to build school houses. In 1800 the number of scholars in the town between the ages of four and sixteen was over 400, and from that time down to the pres- ent the necessary schools have been maintained throughout the town, though in recent years the attendance has declined. Among early teachers who should be mentioned were Capt. Joseph Sanford, Rev. Levi French, Col. Adoniram Crane, and Capt. Giles G. Chace. Later ones were James, John, Enoch, Alpheus, and Baalis Sanford, brothers, Silas A. Benjamin, Ebenezer Hervey, William M. and B. L. Cornell, brothers, David French, Darius Phillips, Daniel S. Briggs, Enoch Boyce, Thomas C, Dean, Dr. S. Hathaway, Walter D. Nichols and others. Berkley is almost wholly an agricultural town, and not one of the best in that respect. It is without water power and therefore no man- ufacturing of much account has been carried on within its limits. Ship-building was carried on in early years to a considerable extent as noticed farther on. Mansfield was the last town to be incorporated in Bristol county be- fore the beginning of the Revolutionary war and within the period covered by this chapter. The district or precinct of Mansfield was formed April 26, 1770, and the town was incorporated August 23 1775 Previous to that time it was part of Norton and originally was within Eastman pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. James A. Roberts who continued until 1873 In the spring of that year the First Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, a large part of Mr Roberts's congregation joining it and occupying the same church until 1875 when they built an edirice. There is also a Methodist Church near Myrickville (Myricks) in the eastern part of the town in the district annexed to Berkley in 1878. FROM 1685 TO 1776. 91 the bounds of the North Purchase, which has been described. As early as 1732 a number of families, among them the Grovers, Skinners, Well- mans, Leonards, Williamses, and others in this region to the number of nearly thirty, determined to separate themselves from the Norton church. A meeting was held to vote on the question in the Norton church, which was one of a number held for the same purpose, and a majority favored the creation of a new parish. Other meetings fol- lowed, being held at the house of David Wellman, where arrangements were made for raising money by tax with which to build a meeting- house, which was soon begun ; the votes at these meetings were re- corded by Benjamin Williams, clerk. At a meeting held June 30, 1732, " for to do what may be proper as to the hiring a minister to preach in said precinct, and to raise money to pay him, and to do what may be proper concerning finishing the outside of the meeting-house," held at Isaac Wellman's house, Ephraim Leonard was chosen moderator; Thomas Skinner, Deacon Nicholas White, and Ephraim Grover were chosen to hire a minister, and twenty pounds was voted to be raised for paying the minister. Evidently the matter was not promptly car- ried out, for a meeting was held June 27, 1733, with the same objects in view, and Capt. Ephraim Leonard, Andrew Grover and Ephraim Grover were given power to hire a minister for the remainder of the year. In the following year the Rev. Abial Hayward was unanimously chosen minister of the church, at a salary of one hundred pounds. When Deacon Nicholas White, Ephraim Grover 1st, and Benjamin Williams were appointed a committee to treat with the minister, a pro- test was for some reason entered which was signed by the following names : Samuel Brintnell, Thomas Skinner, John Skinner, Isaac Well- man, Solomon Skinner, Ebenezer Brintnell, Samuel Wellman, John Skinner, Joseph Skinner, Nathaniel Brintnell, Ebenezer Skinner, Ben- jamin Wellman, Samuel Skinner and Benjamin Skinner. When this action became known to Mr. Hayward he declined to accept the call, and in May, 1735, Rev. Atherton Wales was called; he also declined, and a call was sent to Rev. Samuel Tobey, with the same result. At last, in September, 1736, Rev. Ebenezer White accepted the position and he was ordained. The following persons withdrew from the Nor- ton church at this time and probably all united in forming the Mans- field Congregational Church, with others not known : Nicholas White, John Hall, Thomas Skinner, sr., John Skinner, sr., Ephraim Grover, sr., Benjamin Williams, Seth Dorman, Josiah Pratt, Thomas Fille- 92 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. brown, Joshua Atherton, Stephen Blanshar, William Pain, Benjamin Lam, William Dean, Jonathan Pratt, Joshua Williams, Andrew Grover, Thomas Grover, sr., Ezra Skinner; most of these were heads of fami- lies and many of the names are still familiar in the town which their descendants have aided in developing. Rev. Mr. White was dismissed in 1760, and in the following year Rev. Roland Green was called, to begin a pastorate continuing forty- seven years, until 1808. From the year 1764 to 1768 one-third of the town meetings of Norton were held at the North meeting-house, but in 1767 it was voted to hold no more there, and the North Precinct inhabitants thereupon petitioned the General Court to be set off as a district, which request was granted March 11, 1771. This gave them all the privileges and powers of a town excepting the election of a representative. The first town meet- ing was held in March, 1771, with William Dean moderator. Isaac Dean was then chosen clerk; Dr. George Wheaton, Benjamin Williams and Thomas Skinner selectmen ; Samuel White, Dr. George Wheaton and William Dean, jr., assessors; Benjamin White, treasurer; Alfred Leonard and John White, wardens; Nehemiah White and Benjamin Sweet, hog reeves. At the next meeting Job Hodges and Reuben Titus were chosen to keep the river clear for the passage of fish during the ensuing year. Thus was commenced the simple government of the town. Ephraim Leonard was the most distinguished of the pioneers of what became Mansfield town. He resided at East Mansfield on the easterly side of the road near the Flint saw mill. He was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1747 and continued in office until after the Revolution, was a leader in public affairs in the town, a man of piety and greatly esteemed. If not the earliest, Thomas Briggs was nearly the earliest settler in Mansfield territory, his home being in the northeast part. The land grant to Briggs reads as follows : One hundred and fifty acres of land is granted to Thomas Briggs, son of Clement Briggs deceased, and twenty acres of meadow, if it may be had in the place desired which is in the -way to Deadum from Taunton, betwixt a pond and a mill river which comes to Taunton, between Taunton and Massapauge Pond. This grant was dated June 7, 1659. A grant was made also to John Bundey, but he probably did not settle in the town. John Caswell settled at East Mansfield and his son John lived near FROM 1685 TO 1776. 93 him; he was lieutenant in the army and died December 18, 1773. He was father of ten children. Benjamin Caswell and James Caswell also it is believed lived at East Mansfield; the name has disappeared in the history of the town. Seth Dorman settled at East Mansfield and was one of the members of the original church. Joseph Elliot also lived at East Mansfield and died in 1752. Thomas Brintnell and his family made a settlement in the north- westerly part of the town, a few rods east of Wading River and near what was known as the Obadiah Brintnell place ; he was from Boston and left numerous descendants who have been prominent in the town. Samuel Buzby lived at East Mansfield, married Elizabeth Caswell and had eight or nine children. Capt. Samuel Brintnell, son of Thomas, lived in his father's house, and became one of the leading men in the community, holding several offices; he was thrice married and in his will names six children. His son of the same name took the homestead. Thomas Grover, born in March, 1668, settled at West Mansfield, and in ( that region settled also his brothers, Andrew and Ephraim ; their names appear frequently in early records. John Hall lived near Cobbler's Corner, where the first "corn mill" was situated. He had an interest at one period in the grist mill. Ephraim Sheldon lived at West Mansfield a short time and removed to Attleborough. Thomas Skinner settled at West Mansfield, was one of the original members of the Mansfield church and at one period was schoolmaster. His brother John also lived at West Mansfield. Deacon Nicholas White built the house on Hall street, Mansfield, occupied fifteen years ago by Chailes N. Hall; he was a very promi- nent citizen in early times; was selectman eleven years, a member of the General Court, and much respected. His brother, Marcus White, settled near by. Deacon Benjamin Williams, grandson of Richard and son of Joseph, lived on the place occupied in recent years by his descendant, Henry Williams. He was a native of the town, a man of large influence in the town, held various offices and enjoyed the respect of the com- munity. The first lawyer to settle in the town was David Gilbert, who lived on South Main street, Mansfield, was town clerk, and at one period had a large practice; he also held other offices of honor. Among later 94 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. lawyers of prominence were Horatio Pratt, who began practice about 1830; Erastus M. Reed, born in Taunton in 1830, began practice in Mansfield in 1856 and rose to the position of special justice of the Dis- trict Court. Dr. Samuel Caswell, a "practitioner of physick," was the first physician in Mansfield ; he died about 1747. Dr. Nicholas White, born in 170S, practiced in Norton and Mansfield and died in 1751. Dr. Lewis Sweeting also had a practice extending into both towns ; he was one of the Mansfield Committee of Safety in 1776. Other early phy- sicians were Drs. George Wheaton, Jonathan Pratt, born 1729, lived southeast of the Center, died in 1771 ; Dr. Hezekiah Skinner, lived at West Mansfield many years and had a large practice; Dr. Roland Green, son of the second minister; Dr. Charles Talbot, removed to Dighton; Dr. Benjamin Billings, Dr. William G. Allen, and others. Deacon Otis Allen was a prominent pioneer, clerk in the cotton mills and a respected citizen. Ebenezer Williams was a large landowner in the town, prominent in town and parish affairs; died in 1851. John Rogers, began early in life the collection of straw braid from women residents, and later manufactured straw goods successfully; he held various offices, the highest of which was State senator. Some other citizens of the town who are worthy of mention for their connection with business or public affairs, are Elijah Hodges, a leading Democratic politician; Jacob and Darwin Dean, William B. Bates, Benjamin Bates, Elkanah Bates, son of Elkanah, James Green, Capt. Ellis Fairbanks, Elijah Copeland, an extensive farmer, Elbridge Sweet, farmer and mill-owner at West Mansfield, Isaac Skinner, Gardner Chillson, and others. Samuel Bayley lived in the east part of the town, married Elizabeth Caswell, and had eight or nine children. Dr. Jonathan Pratt, born October 17, 1729, lived southeast of Mansfield Center. Rev. Richard Briggs was the next minister of the Mansfield Church after Rev. Mr. Green, before noticed; he preached from 1809 to 1833 and was succeeded in 1835 by Rev. James H. Sayward. In 1838 the following named persons withdrew from the church to form what was called the orthodox Congregational society. The compact was as follows. We, the undersigned, do hereby agree to form ourselves into a society or associ- ation for the purpose of procuring and supporting orthodox preaching in this place. Isaac Skinner. Elijah Copeland, Nelson Paine, FROM 1685 TO 1776. 95 jr., jr., Daniel Williams, Julius Skinner, Daniel Williams, John Rogers, Elijah Copeland, Benjamin Williams, David Williams, Harvey Corey, Amasa Copeland Apollos Skinner, Apollos Skinner, jr., Elkanah Bates, Isaac Paine, Isaac White, Hermon Hall, Erastus Grover, James E. Paine, James L. Corey, James H. Bailey, Leonard Corey, Loring C. Shaw, Avery O. Dunham, Nahum Williams, Homer Skinner, John E. Corey, William A. Paine, Avery D. Allen, Joseph S. Corey, Elisha Hodges, Alvin Robinson, Adoniram Skinner, Hosea Grover, William White, Ruel Mills, Willard Billings, Levi Skinner, Jacob Bailey, Charles B. Corey, Joseph Skinner. Isaac Skinner, jr., Elias Skinner, Jacob A. Blake, William B. Baker, Amasa Pratt, Amasa Grover, Almond Copeland, Otis Allen, Charles Turner, Jesse Hodges, Luther E. Skinner, George E. Bailey. This list adds largely to the names of residents in the early part of the present century. The new society was promptly organized and began holding meetings in the school house near the old church. Rev. N. Holman, of Attleborough, was the first pastor, and was succeeded in 1839 by Rev. Mortimer Blake. In that year a new meeting-house was built, which has since been enlarged and improved. The first meeting-house in the town was never wholly completed. At a meeting held in 1758 "the very worshipful Col. Ephraim Leonard, Esq.," and Lieut. Joseph Pratt were voted the privilege of building private pews in the church. A part of the ministerial land was on the so-called Dorchester Plain, and was granted by the proprietors of "Taunton North Purchase for the maintenance of the Congregational ministry." It was divided between Norton and Mansfield January 9, 1778 ; there was also a tract of ministerial land in Taunton cedar swamp. In 1765 measures were adopted to build a new meeting-house ; this was accomplished, the structure standing near the former site and being 60 by 44 feet. The work was carried on by a committee consisting of Capt. William Dean, Deacon Benjamin Skinner, Nathan Williams and Job Hodges. The site of the meeting-house was subsequently changed to the west side of Union street. The town meetings were held in the church a great many years, until the building of the new town house in Mansfield village, which was erected in 1882-3. It is a fine stone structure. Early manufactures of Mansfield were confined to a few saw and 96 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. grist mills and the shops of small mechanics for making shoes, harness, tin ware, etc. ; but in comparatively recent years the town has become a leader in Bristol county in the variety and extent of her industries. All these are properly noticed in later pages. The first record of importance relating to schools in the town is the following under date of November, 1771: Voted, that the one month's school which has been lately kept at the dwelling- house of Nathan Williams, jr., should be reckoned to the whole district, and go towards the present year's schooling. They voted not to have three schools at once during the present winter, but they did vote to have schools. Voted to have the schools kept at or near the same places where they were kept last year. Previous to this date the educational affairs were, of course, directed by the authorities of Norton. In 1775, the year of town incorporation, fifteen pounds only were voted for the support of schools. After the close of the Revolution, when the town was divided into districts, edu- cational facilities were greatly improved, the later aspects of which are noticed farther on. CHAPTER V. FROM 1776 TO 1815 War of the Revolution — War of 1812. The causes leading to the appeal to arms by the American colonists against the mother country are well understood and need not be con- sidered here. Their existence began years before the first gun of the Revolution was fired, and continued until the forbearance of the people was exhausted, and they rebelled. The famous Declaration of Rights, prepared in Philadelphia in 1774, was sent to the English Court, to be received with only ridicule and threats. The battle of Lexington where was "fired the shot heard 'round the world," was fought on the 19th of April, 1775— a battle of insignificant proportions, but most momentous as the beginning of eight years of conflict which was to close with the founding of the greatest republic the world has ever seen. Bristol county, as we have seen, was quite thickly settled, much of FROM 1776 TO 1815. 97 its territory cleared and cultivated, and twelve of its towns erected, at the beginning of the Revolutionary war. It may be truthfully stated in general terms, that this county was prompt to respond to the call to arms, voted men and money liberally to aid the patriot cause, and gave to the American armies many men of heroism and distinction. There were loyalists among the inhabitants, as there were in every New England community, some of whom fled to British territory, and some were arrested and imprisoned. But their numbers or their deeds were not in any sense remarkable, considering the numbers of inhabitants and the large Quaker element in this vicinity, who were non-combat- ants. The then existing villages of New Bedford and Taunton were the military headquarters for this region, and the more important proceed- ings and events connected with the war that took place therein are fully chronicled in the history of those places in later pages. No attempt is made in this work to do more than give a brief account of the strictly local aspects of the conflict in the various towns of this county. Taun- ton was the principal military center, as it had been in preceding wars, and there patriotic meetings were held in the fall of 1774 where intense enthusiasm was manifested. On November 9 of that year, a meeting of the commissioned officers of the " 3d regiment of the county of Bris- tol" was held, at which the regiment was divided "by the name of the East and West Division." The East Division contained Taunton, Easton, and Raynham; the West the remainder of the county. In the East Division was "ye Troop in Taunton, Captain Nathaniel Leonard, Capts. Simeon Williams, John Reed 2d, Israel Dean 2d, Cornelius White, James Leonard, Ebenezer Dean," "ye Troops in Raynham," Capts. Elijah Leonard. Israel Washburn, "Ye Troops in Easton," Capt. Zephaniah Keith, Capt. Abiel Mitchel. On the 22d of April, 1775, three days after the battle of Lexington, the Massachusetts Congress resolved, among other war measures, that it was necessary for the colony to raise 13, 600 men, of the 30, 000 necessary for public defense. Under the resolution Bristol county raised a regi- ment, which was placed under command of Col. Timothy Walker. In the spring of 1776, the militia of Bristol county was entirely reorgan- ized pursuant to orders of the General Court, and George Godfrey, of Taunton, formerly colonel of the East Division of the Third regiment, was commissioned brigadier-general over the Bristol county brigade, consisting of four regiments, as follows: First regiment, Thomas Car- 13 98 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. penter, of Rehoboth, colonel ; second regiment, Edward Pope, of Dart- mouth, colonel; third regiment, George Williams, of Taunton, colonel; fourth regiment, John Daggett, of Attleborough, colonel. This brigade performed efficient and honorable service throughout the war; no one of its regiments was called upon for distinct service, apart from the brigade. When certain services were required, or additional men needed, orders came down to General Godfrey from his superiors, the various quotas were raised in the town, or the specified services were performed by designated companies in a regiment forming part of the brigade, or by a regiment enrolled from the brigade, commanded by officers detailed from the brigade. As the war progressed, and necessity arose for blankets, clothing, etc. , requisitions were made for them on the several towns of the State. For example, January 20, 1777, a requisition was made for 5,000 blankets; Taunton's proportion of these was forty, and other towns in the county in like ratio. It may be justly claimed that Bristol county made the first actual war movement of the Revolution, a movement antedating the battle of Lexington by ten days. On the 9th of April, 1775, an expedition was planned to march to Assonet village (Freetown) under Col. John Dag- gett, of Attleborough, to seize arms and munitions, and capture royal- ists said to be harboring there. Most of the body of this expedition were from Attleborough and that vicinity. Arriving at their destina- tion, there were captured, substantially without bloodshed, forty stand of arms, a quantity of ammunition, and a number of men were com ■ pelled to swear allegiance to the patriot cause. Colonel Daggett was a representative to the Congress of 1775. In March, of that year, Attleborough appointed a Committee of Corre- spondence and Safety, as was done in all other towns ; bounties were voted by the town, which gradually increased in amount, largely through the enormous depreciation in the currency. In February, 1781 there was voted "the sum of 3,000 dollars hard money, for the pur- pose of raising men for three years." In 1775 Attleborough had thirty- seven men in Capt. Moses Wilmarth's company ; sixty-two in Caleb Richardson's company, eleven in Moses Knapp's company. In Jabez Ellis's company of minute men, 1775, ninety-one men; Stephen Rich- ardson's minute men, forty men; George William's company, 1777, eighty-five men; Samuel Robinson's company, militia, 1778, 'thirty- three men; Alexander Foster's company, 1778, sixty-three men; Sam- uel Robinson's company. 1778, seventeen men ; Elisha May's company, FROM 1776 TO 1815. 99 1778, twenty-seven men; Samuel Robinson's company, 1780, fifty- three men. Another company in 1780 contained thirty-two Attle- borough men; Samuel Robinson's company, 1781, thirty-nine men; Enoch Robinson's company, 1780, forty-one men; Moses Wilmarth's company, 1781, fifty-three men. The old town of Dartmouth adopted measures as early as 1774 to up- hold the cause. On July 18, of that year, Walter Spooner, Benjamin Akin, William Davis, William Tallman, Maj. Ebenezer Willis, Jireh Willis, Seth Pope, Seth Hathaway and Hannaniah Cornish were ap ■ pointed a committee to report the sense of a meeting on the public situation. The report stated that they were grieved at the necessity for doing anything unfriendly to Great Britain, but resolved to not purchase goods made in Great Britain or Ireland, or any foreign teas, etc. Thomas Kempton was captain in August, 1775, of a company of fifty eight men, all but three of whom were from Dartmouth. Captain Kempton was a descendant of Manasseh Kempton, one of the early pro- prietors of Dartmouth. One of two other companies was commanded by Captain Egery, of Fair Haven, and the other by Benjamin Dilling- ham, of Acushnet, both of which towns, and also New Bedford, were then in Dartmouth. This old town, as will be seen in the History of New Bedford herein, was intensely active during the struggle, and suffered accordingly through the British invasion of 1778. The town of Rehoboth began on July 25, 1774, to appropriate money for the use of the general Congress in the sum of " £5 3s, Sd., it being Rehoboth's proportionable part of the money to be ordered out of the treasury by the selectmen. " It was voted also to purchase no goods imported from Great Britain after August 31, of that year. Major Timothy Walker and Capt. John Wheeler were "delegates to the proposed Provincial Congress " of October, 1774. On May 26, 1775, it was voted to raise two companies "to be ready on any special alarm; " one of these was to be raised in the easterly and one in the westerly part of the town. In November, 1775, it was "voted to bor- row four pieces of cannon of Capt. John Lyon and Mr. Nathan Dag- gett." The sum of ^60 was appropriated for "mounting said cannon and providing ammunition and other utensils." In the same month the town voted "it expedient to fortify Hog-pen Point." This was in Seekonk. Saltpetre- making was encouraged, and a factory was established in what is now Seekonk. The customary bounties were voted to soldiers. Companies, or parts of companies, were under com- 100 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. mand of Capts. Samuel Bliss and John Perry, in 1775. Captain Bliss's company contained thirty-five men besides officers, and Captain Perry's company thirty-one men. Col. Timothy Walker, in command of a regiment, belonged in Rehoboth, and also a part of the following offi- cers: Staff -officers— Timothy Walker, colonel; Nathaniel Leonard, lieutenant-colonel; Abial Mitchell, major. Captains — John Perry, Samuel Bliss, Silas Cobb, Francis Liscomb, Marcy Williams, Peter Pitts, Caleb Richardson, John King, Oliver Soper, Samuel Tubbs, jr. , Mason Shaw, Jacob Fuller, Daniel Parker. Lieutenants — John Paine, Aaron Walker, Isaac Smith, Matthew Randall, Samuel Lane, Enoch Robinson, Noah Hall, Simeon Cobb, John Shaw. From the time that the British first took possession of Rhode Island, in December, 1776, until they evacuated it, more than two years later, the militia of this town and its vicinity were subject to frequent drafts of men, and were often called out on alarms. One company, if not more, marched from this town to Rhode Island in October, 1777, and served one month in Spencer's so-called "secret expedition." In the list of the six-months men, raised to reinforce the Continental army in 1780, were forty-one Rehoboth citizens, who marched to West Point. A list of names that has been prepared of soldiers from Rehoboth during the war, contains one hundred and four names. The old town of Dighton acted promptly in repudiating the purchase of British manufactures. On December 26, 1774, a committee was ap- pointed ' 'to carry into execution the resolves of the Continental Congress. " The following were the committee: Sylvester Richmond 3d, Rufus Whitmarsh, Peter Pitts, Joseph Gooding, Dr. William Baylies, William Brown, Abiezer Phillips, George Codding, David Walker, Samuel Phillips, William Gooding, James Dean, John Richmond and John Simmons. Minute men were raised in 1775, and the customary moneys voted for war purposes. On May 20, 1776 (some weeks previous to the Declaration of Independence), it was voted "that if ye Honourable Congress should for the safety of the United Colonies declare them in- dependent of the King of Great Britain, they, the said inhabitants, will solemnly engage with their lives and fortunes to support them in the measure." In July, 1775, a bounty of £o was voted to volunteers in addition to the bounty provided by the province. In the town of Norton it was voted on January 16, 1775 "to adhear to the advise and Recommendations of the association of the Continen- tal Congress." A committee of safety was appointed, consisting of FROM 1776 TO 1815. 101 John King, Benjamin Morey, William Smith, Isaac Smith and Israel Trow. The alarm from Lexington reached Norton on the day of the battle, and Capt. Silas Cobb and Capt. Seth Gilbert, each with a squad of men, started for the scene on the same day. Cobb had eighteen, and Gilbert fifty-two men. Many men from this town enlisted in Easton companies, noticed further on. Capt. Isaac Hodges marched with a company upon the occasion of the Tiverton alarm, and again a larger one went with him upon the before-mentioned secret expedition of September-October, 1776. Capt. Israel Trow took a squad of men to Rhode Island in December, 1776, and commanded a company there in 1777, as also did Capt. George Makepeace. In 1778 Capt. Joseph Cole's Bridgewater company had a number of Norton men. In Capt. Joseph Franklin's company, of Rehoboth, also were a few men from this town. In 1780 Capt. Israel Trow marched with a full company to Rhode Island, and Capt. Smith also commanded a company there at that time. Capt. John Allen was in command of a company, or part of a company, in that campaign. In December, 1780, sixteen Norton men enlisted for three years, and in the same year eight men went in Capt. Jabez Barney's Swansea company. In the summer of 1781 the town was called upon for 6,768 pounds of beef and a large quantity of clothing and blankets. A Norton artillary company was organized in 1776, with George Makepeace captain. The town of Easton had two military companies at the beginning of the war. It has already been stated, on a preceding page, that Elipha- let Leonard, jr., was making firearms at this time in his Easton forge. The first monthly roll on record was that of Abiel Mitchell's company, which, at the time of the first alarm, contained forty-seven men, chiefly from the eastern part of the town. Another was immediately organ- ized under Macey Williams, containing fifty men. Other companies, and parts of companies, were successively enlisted in this town through- out the continuance of the war. The Committee of Correspondence and Safety for 1776 consisted of Joshua Phillips, Seth Pratt, Lemuel Willis, Joseph Gilbert, Thomas Manley, jr., Abisha Beach and Edward Hay ward. The town voted that this committee should " Incorage the manufac- ture of Sault Peter in this town. " Other captains of companies were James Perry, Matthew Randall, Josiah Keith and Ephraim Burr. A comparison of the muster rolls on record from Easton with the tax lists shows that nearly every able-bodied citizen of the town, as well as 102 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. many boys, served their country in the war; quite a number died in the service, but the experience of the large majority, of course, was confined to responding to the calls of occasional alarms and to drill. The officers of prominence from the town were Capt. Elisha Harvey, Capt. James Keith, Col. Abiel Mitchell, Capt. James Perry, Capt. Mat- thew Randall, Capt Josiah Keith, Capt. Macey Williams, Capt. Ephraim Burr. On the 21st of April, 1775, the town of Swansea voted "that 40 guns, 250 lbs. powder, 750 lbs. of lead, and 600 flints be provided." Fifty men were promptly enlisted to be ready "at a moment's' warning." A penalty of five shillings was imposed for " wasting a charge of pow- der." In 1777 twenty pounds bounty was voted in addition to what was paid by the government for three years' men. Numerous war measures and votes were adopted by this patriotic town in support of the army during 1778-9. In May, 1789, it was voted "that there be a guard on each of the necks for the safety of the good people of this town; that each man have four dollars for each night's service. " In the same year twenty two men were "voted to guard the shores." What is now Somerset was then a part of this town and the settlement along the river was at that time at the zenith of its importance. The Bowers and Slade families had large shipping interests and whaling was carried on to some extent. Shipping, mercantile and manufactur- ing industries were all paralyzed by the war. In the old town of Freetown, which then included what became Fall River, a company of minute men under Capt. Levi Rounseville re- sponded to the alarm from Lexington ; Samuel Taber and Nathaniel Morton were lieutenants; John White and Consider Crapo, sergeants; Joshua Lawrence and Seth Hillman, corporals. The privates were Phillip Taber, Uriah Pierce, Benjamin Lawrence, Abiel Cole, Consider White, Jesse Keen, Jacob Benson, John Clark, John Braley, Percival Ashley, Ichabod Johnson, Micah Ashley, Seth Morton, Jeff. Sachems Israel Haskell, Louis De Moranville, Abram Ashley, Charles De Mor- anville, Aaron Seekel, Abner Hoskins, Benjamin Runnels, Thomas Rounseville, Peter Crapo and Joseph Hackett. In Captain Rounse- ville's company raised for the Ninth Regiment were many of these same men and others from the town, numbering in all thirty -nine- among the names not mentioned above were the familar ones of Bor- den, Bowen, Ingraham, Mason, Parker and others. A company under Capt. Benjamin Reed responded to an alarm in December 1776 and a FROM 1776 TO 1815. 103 company of local militia containing thirty-four men served in Rhode Island in July and August, 1780, as did another company under Capt. Joseph Horton, in which Percival Ashley and Peter Crapo were lieu- tenants. Throughout the war the whole eastern part of the county manifested commendable patriotism. In Raynham, which received such high praise from General Cobb for its action in Shays's insurrec- tion, it was voted on August 5, 1774, to pay its proportion of the ex- penses of the Continental Congress amounting to 14?. 6d. A Commit- tee of Safety was appointed consisting of Israel Washburn, Joshua Leonard, Benjamin King and Elijah Leonard. From that time onward through the conflict the town liberally voted money for soldiers' boun- ties and for clothing, blankets, etc. In 1778 there was raised $35,416 for the soldiers, and $24,000 with which to purchase 6,000 lbs. of beef; this was in the depreciated currency of that time. In 1781 one hun- dred hard dollars were offered as bounty for three year enlistments. War measures adopted in Norton, before noticed, involved Mansfield, which was set off from that town in 1770. There were, however, a number of distinct votes by the town of Mansfield, offering the usual bounties to soldiers and for supplies to the army. A meeting was held in the town in June, 1777, to "present tories. " In Berkley the full complement of men was sent to the army in proportion to population. In 1776 there was voted ^75 10.?. bounty in addition to what the gov- ernment paid, for soldiers sent into New York. Col. John Hathaway commanded a regiment. The number enlisted from the town is not known, but there were several Revolutionary pensioners, among them Capt. Joseph Sanford, Josiah Macomber, Samuel Paull, William Evans, Ezra Chace and Paul Briggs. The foregoing summary indicates that Bristol county as a whole ex- hibited active and unremitting loyalty to the patriot cause in the strug- gle for freedom. Her geographical situation was such, with her extensive seaboard and large harbors and river, that the inhabitants were constantly under a burden of anxiety or suffering from actual alarms or incursions. The most important event that took place in the county during the war, was the invasion and destruction of Dartmouth on September 5, 1778. This memorable event is fully described in the accompanying history of New Bedford, which was a terrible sufferer at the hands of the British at that time. The whaling industry, which employed fifty vessels in 1775 at New Bedford alone, was hopelessly crippled, settlements were destroyed, trade, manufacturing establish- 104 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ments and shipping- burned, and settlers killed. It was severe punish- ment visited upon the old town in retaliation for her zealous activity in privateering during the early years of the conflict, in which her vessels preyed upon British merchantmen and war craft. In 1780 the General Court made an appropriation for the sufferers in Dartmouth of ^1,200. The proclamation of cessation of hostilities was issued to the Ameri- can army on the 19th of April, 1783, just eight years from the date of the battle of Lexington. The country was left in an impoverished con- dition ; business interests of all kinds were paralyzed ; money was very scarce, and the prices of all commodities high. During the war much suffering and imposition was averted in many towns by the action of Selectmen in fixing prices that should be charged for the necessaries of life ; ' but these restrictions were removed after the close of the conflict, when the currency was depreciated to an unprecedented extent and gold and silver were almost unattainable. But recuperation was rapid, particularly on the seaboard. In New Bedford and at other points where the whaling industry had been fol- lowed, with its many kindred occupations, shops and warehouses were soon busy in fitting out vessels and ere long a large fleet was abroad in quest of the great inhabitants of the deep, the capture of which returned enormous profits to owners, masters and crews. In the interior of the county manufacturers in various lines, tradesmen and farmers turned again with hopeful hearts to their vocations and under the banner of peace made the region a scene of busy activity. 1 Following is a scale of such prices established by the Selectmen of Dartmouth in 1779: £ s. d. Good merchantable imported wheat, per bushel 7 6 Indian corn, per bushel 4 Good fresh pork, well fatted, per pound 4& Men's best shoes, made of good neats leather, per pair 8 Imported salt, per bushel 10 Good West India rum, per gallon by the hogshead 6 8 Good New England rum, per gallon 3 In Good Muscovado sugar, at the place where it is first landed, per lb 8 Good English hay, per ton 4 jq n Horse-keeping with good English hay, per night, or 34 hours 2 The best broadcloth manufactured in this town, per yard 14 n Mowing and reaping and other labor, from 25th March to last of September Per day ' 3 6 Good coffee, per pound 14 DIET AT PUBLIC HOUSES. For a dinner of boiled and roasted meats and sauce, equivalent 14 A common dinner " n 1 A common supper and breakfast, each " ft n A night's lodging 4 FROM 1776 TO 1815. 105 An event of considerable importance, bringing in its train a transient and insignificant war cloud, took place in Bristol county soon after the close of the Revolution. This was what is known as Shays's rebellion of October, 1786, an occurrence of warlike aspect that is unique in the history of the country. The principal actors in the brief drama from this county were Col. David Valentine, of Freetown (now Fall River) and Col. David Cobb, then officiating judge of the Common Pleas Court. The underlying causes of this insurrection were the heavy State debt under which the people were burdened (then about $5,000,- 000) a continental debt of a like sum, and $1,250,000 due to the armies, with consequent heavy taxation. Towns had been greatly embarrassed by the numerous requisitions for men, money and supplies ; gold and silver money was very scarce and the paper currency was enormously depreciated. Legal process had been commenced against delinquents in every town and hundreds of cases where attachments had been made were on the dockets of the courts. Bristol county was no exception. In August, 1786, citizens of nearly forty towns in Worcester county met in convention to discuss the situation, and resolutions were adopted asking the General Court to "relieve the people of their burden." Other similar gatherings were held in various counties where resolutions were adopted similar to the above, with others asking for a revision of the constitution; protesting against the sitting of the Legislature in Boston and passing onerous tax laws ; in favor of abolishing the Com- mon Pleas Court and the Senate ; against exorbitant court fees ; for re- moving sheriffs and large salaried officers, etc. While these were not visionary causes of dissatisfaction to the people, the changes demanded were palpably impracticable. In this county there existed strong feel- ing regarding the cases in court. Citizens of Rehoboth invited ' ' all the towns to assemble and co-operate in an appeal for relief and redress of grievances," and other evidences of deep dissatisfaction were apparent. Finally one Daniel Shays, of Pelham, who had been an American offi- cer at Bunker Hill but had resigned, assumed leadership of a party of disaffected citizens. Associated with him were Col. Eli Parsons, Maj. Luke Day, Capts. Job Shattuck, Oliver Parker, Thomas Grover, and other leaders of the movement in western counties, with Col. David Valentine, of what is now Fall River, as the local leader. Operations began under these men in western counties. In Great Barrington, Berkshire county, eight hundred of Shays's forces assembled and prevented the sitting of the court, forcing the judges to sign a 14 106 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. pledge not to sit in court until the public grievances were redressed. The jail was broken open and prisoners released. At Northampton one thousand five hundred and fifteen men took possession of the court house and prevented court from sitting. In Worcester a similar course was allowed, as well as at other points in New England, the tales of which were spread broadcast. The government authorities in Bristol county were not so easily over- come as elsewhere. Fortunately we have an authentic and clear ac- count of what took place on that October day on Taunton Green, in the report of General Cobb to Governor Bowdoin, dated October 20, from which the following is taken : Sir: — As the Honorable Supreme Court returned immediately from this town to Boston, Your Excellency must have been informed of the successful protection that government received here from the militia of this division. . . . On Sunday evening preceding the sitting of the court, I took possession of the court house and the piece of artillery here with a small company of volunteers of this town. On Monday morning this company were greatly increased in number, and in the afternoon of the same day, were reinforced by the two full companies of militia from the faithful town of Raynham and a small company of volunteers from Rehoboth. Lieut. Col. Orr, with a detachment from the 3d Regiment of Plymouth Brigade, arrived in the evening at the meeting-house in this town. This body by the active and spirited exertions of the commander came to my assistance much sooner than was expected. The leaders of the insurgents, during the day, were traversing the county to col- lect their force and frequently threatening that through slaughter they would possess themselves of the court house this night. This gave me no uneasiness as I was secure of my numbers and knew theirs to be trifling. But during the night and on Tuesday morning a report prevailed that a large number were coming from the county of Worcester to join the disaffected here. As it was possible this report might be true, I thought it prudent to call on three companies of the adjoining militia to re-enforce by Wednesday morning. This day the insurgents collected their force and took up a rendezvous within a mile and a half of this place, but finding their numbers insufficient for an attack they dispersed at sunset with orders to assemble at the same place the following morning. Their leaders in the course of the night were to ransack all parts of the county so as to collect every possible addition to their force. Their numbers at this time were ninety-eight in arms and forty-three without. On Wednesday forenoon these companies of militia that had been ordered the pre- ceding day joined me ; these with what were on the ground before made the govern- ment troops 375, rank and file. About 10 o'clock, being informed that the insurgents were on their march, I or- dered the following disposition of troops, viz. Lieut. -Colonel Orr with part of his detachment on the right — the two companies FROM 1776 TO 1815. 107 from Raynham on the left — the Field piece with its company of volunteers in the Centre — composed the front line. The remainder of Col. Orr's detachment with the Rehoboth troops and two companies of militia formed the rear line. The other com ■ pany of militia was posted at the door of the court house. Soon after this order was completed the insurgents came on the Green with military parade, and with more insolence than force, formed their line directly in front of mine, and not more than thirty yards distant. Their numbers were one hundred and forty-eight in arms, in- cluding officers, and thirty-four without arms. That fear and rage with which they had alarmed the county for some days past, appeared to have vanished, and the sight of government in force made them as peaceful a set of rioters as ever with so much impudence advanced so near their enemy. They continued in the same position almost three hours, and after presenting a petition to the Supreme Court and receiving their answer they retired in the same manner they came on. Their commander wished me a good night, as he went off the field, promised to return the next day with petitions that would be more agree- able to the Honorable Court, but before they had marched a mile he dismissed them from further service. Although the insurgents were dispersed yet I conceived it necessary to continue the troops during the morning session of the court, and accordingly they were not discharged until Friday noon. The behavior of both officers and men during their continuance here, would have done honor to much older troops. They retired from the town without the least in- jury to person or property. Some of the militia that were called upon on this occa- sion, turned out with alacrity and spirit, — but the exertions of the little town of Raynham deserves every praise from government. Such was the modest report of the heroic Judge Cobb. While Col. Valentine's party, with and without arms, were demoralized after the first parade and interview with the judge on the Green, and their leader fled to England for safety, Shays and his insurgents were carry- ing on their operations in other sections. When he attemped to seize the arsenal in Springfield in January of the next year, the Legislature declared martial law and- four thousand troops were called out under command of Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Lincoln. He proceeded to Spring- field and the insurgents were soon subdued. Shays finally fled to Ver- mont and Canada, and his principal officers also left Massachusetts. After a year in seclusion Shays returned to New York, was ultimately granted a pension for Revolutionary service, and died in Sparta, N.Y., in 1825. The insurgents were all pardoned. While these important events were taking place, considerable prog- ress was made in the older towns, the organization of which has already been described. In Freetown as early as 1699 an effort was made to- wards the establishment of a church in connection " with some of our 108 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. neighbors in tanton; " nothing was accomplished until 1702, when in town meeting Robert Durfee was made an agent to obtain a minister who would also teach a school. Two years later William Way accepted the place; but he was not entirely satisfactory, although he remained until 1707, when he was dismissed and the Court of Sessions directed the town to provide itself with "an able, learned orthodox minister." It required three more years to comply with this order, and in 1710 Joseph Avery was employed. At the same time the first meeting- house was built "upon a lot of land that Samuel Lynde, of Boston, had promised to give to the town on which to erect a meeting-house and a school-house, and to be used also for the purpose of a burial ground and a training field. " ' Mr. Avery remained only a short time and in October, 1714, was ordained pastor of a church in Norton. After two or three attempts had been made to secure a satisfactory minister, a choice was made in June, 1713, of " Jonathan Dodson to be minister of the gospel for this town until there is a supply from England." This action led to a controversy, precipitated by several prominent citizens who applied to Rev. Thomas Craighead to accept the pastorate and promised to support him. At a town meeting to settle the matter, held February 9, 1717, a majority of twenty-eight to three voted in favor of Mr. Craighead. Dissension followed and he had to appeal to the law to collect his salary. Many of the inhabitants now united with the Friends, who built a meeting-house in 1725, opposite the site of the present Crystal Spring Bleachery in Freetown. For many years thereafter that sect had the largest congregation in the town. Forty or fifty years later the old house was removed to the north part of the town and continued in use by the Friends nearly 'seventy years, when it was demolished, and the one erected that is still standing. It was not until 1747 that another minister was settled in the town, in the per- son of the Rev. Silas Brett, who was compelled to enter into an agree- ment to not go to law to collect his salary. He continued to about 1775, and the society having declined, no pastor was settled until 1809, when Rev. Joseph P. Tyler was called and a Congregational meeting- house was built in Assonet village ; this is still in existence, but in re- modeled and improved form. Three Calvinistic Baptist Churches have had an existence in this town. One built a house in the southern part of Assonet village and 1 This old meeting-house stood on the east side of the main road leading from Fall River to Freetown, where the old burial ground is situated- FROM 1776 TO 1815. 109 Revs. David Simmons, Philip Hathaway, and others were early min- isters. The society subsequently changed their title to "Christians," but continued to use the meeting house until about two years before its demolition, when they built a new one which both societies occupied. The Second Calvinistic Baptist society was formed in that part of the town set off to Fall River and still exists as the First Baptist Church of that city. The third one was in the east part of the town, what is now called East Freetown, the site of the meeting-house being a little east of the village. Four churches of the Christian Baptist denomination have had an ex- istence in Freetown, three of which were in East Freetown, and each erected a meeting-house. After the employment of William Way, the first minister, to teach the children in " Reading and Righting," as before noticed, the public records show that no further proceedings took place in that direction until the spring of 1718, when Jacob Hathaway was made "agent to seek for a schoolmaster." ' Thomas Roberts was found and employed "to keep school at three places," for which he received £36 for one year. He continued about three years and was succeeded by William Caswell. In 1722 it was voted " the school be removed three times in the year; the first remove to be had at the meeting-house; the second remove to be had at the lower part of the town; thirdly, to be removed to the upper part of the town." In the same year it was voted " the school houses to be set at the middle of each half of the town from the meeting-house or centre." In 1727 it was voted to erect two school houses ; these were built and in 1758 were sold at auction, one for five dollars and the other for two dollars. Meanwhile the town had pur- chased, in 1746, a new school house of Ephraim Tisdale, and in 1748 voted " to build a new school house of twenty-four feet in length and twenty feet wide, upon the town land in the centre of the town, near or upon the spot on which the old school house stands. " This land lay within the northernmost limits of Fall River. In January, 1755, it was voted to dismiss the former committee that was chosen to build the middle school house, and then " made choice of Nathan Simmons to finish sd house. " March 15, 1762, it was " agred with Capt. Elisha Parker to- build a school house in New Freetown, 18 feet long and 14 feet wide, in the most convenient part of sd town, for 21 pounds 6 shil- 1 The reader will And further reference to early Freetown schools in the history of Fall River herein. 110 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. lings lawful money, to be completed be the 1st of Oct. next." This school house was probably situated at what has been known as Mason's Corner. In April, 1768, it was voted "that the selectmen supply the town with a grammar schoolmaster as soon as may be." On the 17th of May, 1773, the town voted to build a school house at Assonet village on the site of the one erected in 1746, which had recently been burned ; this building was sold at auction in August, 1809, for $40. In July, 1781, it was voted that " the upper school house at Assonet be a work- house to put the poor in, and Capt. George Chase chose to be overseer. " The cost of supporting the poor that year was $416. In the next year it was voted that " the poor of Freetown that are upon the town should be put into the school house near Assonet bridge, except the Widow Davis' family." This was reconsidered and the poor were let out to the lowest bidder, as was customary in early years. In December, 1791, the town was divided into seven districts. Of these districts Nos. 1 and 7 were in what became Fall River ; district 4 at Assonet ; district 5 included Slab Ridge, Quanapaug, and the Backside; district 6, to in- clude all the inhabitants " to ye eastward of Bolton's cedar swamp, and also to include ye family of Benjamin Westcoat, Mr. Rounseville, Thomas Rounseville, and Philip Rounseville." At the same time the number of weeks of school in each district was fixed. From this time forward the schools of the town were inspected with commendable reg- ularity by committees, and the buildings kept in good repair. In 1809 and 1810 the sum of $457.91 was appropriated for the schools. Among those who were prominent on the committees were Col. Benjamin Weaver, Col. Nathaniel Morton, Capt. Charles Strange, Job Morton, Simeon Borden, Dr. John Turner, Abraham Ashley, Joshua Lawrence, Edward Chase, Maj. Joseph Weaver, Capt. Benjamin H. Lawton, Ed- mund Peirce, Lynde Hathaway, Hercules Cushman, Job Terry, Silas Terry, Earl Sampson, and others. Among the many teachers of the town during the last century and the first quarter of the present century may be named William Gaige (1725), Israel Nichols (1733), James Tis dale, Shadrach Winslow, Joshua Howard Brett, and others in later years. There were two dams built across the Assonet River in early years, the first about 1695, for supplying power to a saw mill, and later to a grist mill and fulling mill ; the second in 1704, for the forge that was operated for nearly a century, and later a grist miil, a cutlery manu- factory, and a nail factory. A third dam was that at Assonet village, FROM 1776 TO 1815. Ill built about 1710, for a grist mill, and in later years a saw mill, rhingle mill, etc. Another dam was built where the bleachery of recent years stands, and where a grist mill, a trip-hammer and a nail factory were operated. The next dam constructed was probably the one where the so-called Howland saw mill stood. The dam near Maple-tree Bridge was erected about 1827, where a grist mill, and later a box-board fac- tory were operated. On Mill Brook, emptying into the Assonet, mills of various kinds were early operated; a saw mill was among them, just within the Fall River bounds, and lower down the stream was a saw mill, and a grist mill and subsequently a small foundry; next a bleach- ery, where the Crystal Spring Bleachery is situated. On the site of the Crystal Spring Bleachery reservoir was in early years a cupola furnace, afterwards used for a bleachery and burned at a later date. On what was Fall Brook, in the easterly part of the town, was erected, about 1784, a blast furnace, where smelting and the manufacture of hollow ware was carried on. The original proprietors were Capt. Levi Rounse- ville, Philip Rounseville, and Capt. Abraham Norton, of East Freetown ; Capt. Job Peirce and Joseph Leonard 2d, of Middlebourough ; and Seth Keith, of Bridgewater; the ore was taken from Middleborough. A settlement gathered there which was known as Furnace Village. In 1811 James Alger, of Bridgewater, Gen. Cromwell Washburn, of Taun • ton, and Col. Samuel Fobes purchased three-fourths of the furnace, and in 1814 Mr. Alger bought the other quarter; at the same time General Washburn sold his share to Alger & Fobes, who operated the furnace, two saw mills, a grist mill, a store, etc., and did a large business. The property changed owners in 1818 and was operated as the Providence Foundry Company. A sash and door factory succeeded and later a saw mill. Higher up the stream near the depot site, was once a dam and a saw mill ; still higher up were two other dams where box-board mills were operated. At the lowest dam, near the stone bridge, was estab- lished a grist mill and a box-board mill. The early physicians of Freetown were Dr. Richard Winslow, who was probably the first; Dr. Job Turner, in that part which became Fall River; his son, John, jr.; Shadrach Winslow, born December 17, 1750, a graduate of Yale, and taught school in Freetown; Joshua How- ard Brett, another school teacher, who practiced medicine; Jesse Bul- lock, a native of Rehoboth, died December 31, 1805 ; William Carpen- ter, a native of Rehoboth ; Nicholas Hathaway, practiced in the town nearly twenty years and moved away in 1817; Seth P. Williams, a 112 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. native of Dighton, began practice here in 1817; Thomas Bump, began practice about the same time and continued nearly sixty years, mean- while holding many public offices. Bradford Braley, began in 1816 and continued to his death in 1873; Barnaby W. Hathaway, Thomas C. Nichols, Henry H. Sproat. The old town of Rehoboth was also making progress during the period under consideration in this chapter. In 1784 it was voted " in addition to the money already granted for schooling £20 for a gram- mer school." In 1787 it was voted that the Selectmen be instructed " to remove the powder and other town stock, that is now at Col. Thomas Carpenter's as soon as conveniently may be. " The town rec- ords for March, 1788, contain a list of those who took the oath of allegiance to the commonwealth, they having been implicated in the Shays insurrection ; they were as follows : Joseph Porter, Simeon Round, Nathan Hix 2d, Cyril Smith, Hezekiah Smith, Oliver Smith, Benjamin Bowen, Jacob Cole, Ezra Thayer, Jacob Bliss, Irael Hicks, Abiel Horton, Joseph Bowen, James Cole, Timothy Fuller, Jacob Bliss, jr., Square Goff, jr., Benjamin Monroe Jabez Round 3d, Charles Round, James Martin, Isaac Burr, Laben Briggs, Amos Cole, William Fairbrother, Laben Lake, Nathaniel Thurber, Daniel Short, James Bullock, Nathan Newman, Samuel Carpenter, Jarvis Peck, Luke Bowen, Asa Bowen, John Hopkins. The First Congregational Church in Rehoboth was organized in 1721 by ten members as follows: David Turner (pastor), Elisha May, Thomas Ormsby (deacons), Jethniel Peck, Samuel Peck, Benjamin Wilson, Solomon Millard, Samuel Fuller, William Blanding and Jo- seph Willson. The people built a church that year in the Palmer's River neighborhood. This society was incorporated in 1759 as the Sec- ond Precinct of Rehoboth. Rev. Robert Rogerson was the second pas- tor, called in 1759. In March, 1773, it was "voted that the old meeting- house should be sold or pulled down, provided that a new one can be built upon the plane near Timothy Readways." This was on the site of the village cemetery ; the new house was built in the following summer. In 1792 the inhabitants of the precinct were incorporated under the name of the Catholic Congregational Church and Society. Mr. Rogerson was succeeded by Rev. Otis Thompson in 1800, and later pastors were Revs. FROM 1776 TO 1815. 113 Thomas Vernon (1826), John Chester Paine (1838), Charles P. Grosve- nor (1847), Walter P. Doe (1857), and later acting pastors covered the period to 1864, followed by Francis H. Boynton, Thomas Henry Johnson and others. The Old Oak Swamp Church was gathered together originally under the faith of the Six- Principle Baptists, by Rev. John Comer, who was installed pastor in July, 1732. Elder Samuel Maxwell succeeded in 1745. A little later he became a Congregationalist and the society waned. The few who held together called Elder Richard Round, who had organized a church in the northeast part of thetown; he continued to 1768. The original church building stood at the junction of two roads at South Rehoboth. After Elder Round's death the society adopted open communion and Jacob Hix was installed pastor. Other early elders were Charles Luther, during whose pastorate a house of worship was built and the old one became a barn ; Joseph Blackmar, M. E. Gammons, Luther Baker, James Pierce, J. W, Osborne, William Miller and others. The church is now substantially extinct. The so-called Hornbine Church of the Six- Principle Baptist sect was formed in the southeast part of the town and ordained Samuel Morton pastor in 1753. A little later Elder Morton Pierce was installed as colleague and continued to preach forty years. Other early elders were Thomas Seamans, Preserved Pierce, William Manchester, Joseph Blackman, Otis Potter, and various supplies. The church building is still in existence. The Irons Church, Free Will Baptist, in the north part of the town, was organized in October, 1777, with thirty-one members. James Sheldon was ordained pastor in 1780. The list of subsequent elders was a long one and not of great importance. The society finally be- came extinct. The Six-Principle Baptist Society, organized in 1740 in the northeast part of the town, had its house of worship on the site of the school house ; it fell into decay about 1824 and a new one was built on the corner of the road to Norton. In 1826, when Lorenzo Dow Johnson, an eloquent Methodist minister, went there to preach, the declining society was revived and began worship in that faith. The existing edi- fice was built in 1843. The society finally became merged in the Wes- leyan Methodist Church and in 1840 Rev. William Cone was called to preach. He succeeded in uniting with the church a class originally formed in 1798 by Rev. John Broadhead, greatly strengthening it. 15 114 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Union Baptist Church (Anawan), was formed by a few members of the Congregational society who were unwilling to change when that society left the old meeting-house in the cemetery lot to occupy the new one in the village. These joined with several Baptist families who were members of the church on Long Hill in Dighton, meetings began in 1840, and in that spring the Union Baptist Society was organized. A meeting-house was built on land on the Providence and Taunton road. In the year 1788 the town voted "to provide a work -house for the accommodation of the poor of this town." The schools also received due attention during this period. In 1787 it was voted to " raise ,£120 for schooling, _£20 to be applied towards the support of a grammar school." In the year 1792, ;£150 was appropriated and it was voted that "the selectmen be empowered to procure such grammar schools as shall answer the law, in the different parts of the town, for learning the Greek and Latin languages. " From that time forward the schools of the town were liberally supported. The appropriation for 1795 was £175; 1796 to 1806, $666.66; in 1807-10 inclusive, $700, and in 1811, $800. In February, 1794, it was voted "to remonstrate with the legisla- ture of Rhode Island against a bridge being built over Kellogg's ferry, near Warren." In 1795 an attempt was made to incorporate the west precinct into a separate town, but the vote was in the negative. This undertaking was ultimately accomplished in the formation of Seekonk. The Orleans Cotton Factory in Rehoboth, situated on Palmer's River at the head of tide water, was built in 1811 by a company which was afterward incorporated as Palmer's River Manufacturing Company. The principle stockholders were Asa Bullock, Barnard Wheeler and Capt. Israel Nichols, of Rehoboth; Thomas Church, John How and Capt. Benjamin Norris, of Bristol; and Richmond Bullock 'of Provi- dence. The business was continued several years, when the factory was leased to Nathan Sweetland until about 1822. At that time the whole property was sold to Ebenezer Ide and others. The business was continued under the style of the Ide Manufacturing Company until 1825, when the company became embarrassed and, the real and personal property was sold separately. David Wilkinson and others purchased the real estate, put in forty-eight looms and sufficient spindles, assum- ing the name of the Orleans Manufacturing Company. They made fine cloth for calicoes. About 1830 David Wilkinson & Company failed FROM 1776 TO 1815. 115 and the property passed to Benjamin Peck and others. In November, 1832, the principal building was burned, and rebuilt. The Rehoboth Union Manufacturing Company, consisting of Dexter Wheeler, Richard Goff, Stephen Carpenter, Thomas Carpenter, James Carpenter and Peter Carpenter, built a cotton factory in 1809. In 1832 about fifteeen hands were employed in making yarn. Later this mill passed to Nelson and Darius Goff and Stephen Carpenter. Joseph Goff had a fulling mill at the Goff homestead in Rehoboth in 1776. Richard Goff, son of Joseph, was the first to manufacture cot- ton in that vicinity. He was followed by Nelson and Darius Goff. This town is now, as it always has been, largely an agricultural dis- trict, and the few business industries are noticed in the later Gazetteer of Towns. The old town of Dartmouth made history for itself that is not with- out interest and importance before and during the Revolutionary period. As already stated many of the early inhabitants of this town were Quakers, and others were Baptists, both of which sects were firm in their determination to pay no tax for the support of ministers of the gospel. The Quakers were recognized as a religious body in 1683, and their first meeting house was built in 1699, on the site ever since occu- pied by them at Aponagansett. Laws were passed in 1692 and 1695 requiring all towns to provide learned orthodox ministers. In 1704 the town was indicted for not complying with the law. A minister was chosen whose orthodoxy was questioned by the government, but he was satisfactory to the inhabitants and they so plainly informed the Quar- ter Sessions held at Bristol in 1705. In order to settle all similar ques- tions of orthodoxy, a law was passed in 1715, which provided substan- tially that the ultimate determination of who should be ministers should rest with the General Court. Dartmouth resisted and still claimed the right to choose her own ministers. At the March town meeting of 1723 Nathaniel Howland was chosen minister over Samuel Hunt, a Presbyterian, by a majority of fifty-five to twelve votes. In 1722 the Assembly passed an act to raise ^100 in Dartmouth and £1% lis. in Tiverton for the support of ministers. This was the culmination of the struggle. Dartmouth refused to pay the tax; voted money to pay charges of the Selectmen incurred in the contest, and finally voted them a certain sum " each of them, a day for every day they lie in jail on the town account. " Only five taxpayers opposed the appropriation of -£700 to protect the Selectmen. This defiant attitude attracted at- H6 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tention and was promptly punished by the authorities ; the Selectmen were imprisoned in Bristol jail, where they stubbornly remained about eighteen months; their names were Philip Taber and John Atkin of Dartmouth, and Joseph Anthony and John Sisson, of Tiverton. Part of these were Quakers and part Baptists. The contest was carried to the English court, where a petition was heard on June 2, 1724, for re- lief from the obnoxious laws. The result was the repeal of the laws and the release of the imprisoned Selectmen. (See History of New Bedford herein). A characteristic feature of municipal government in the very early years, to which we have already referred, was the extent to which it entered into private personal and domestic affairs. This sometimes became irksome and individuals endeavored to shirk obedience to the trivial regulations. For example, the following was inserted in the town meeting warrant for 1751: Whereas the Easterly and Westerly villages in said town, experience teaches, have often neglected and omitted their duty in coming to said meetings to help carry on and manage the affairs of said town, especially in the difficult seasons of the year and foul weather (and not in danger of being chosen to troublesome offices), and so have at such times trusted and almost entirely relied and depended on the Middle village, of which the body of the people therein inhabiting live remote from said bouse, to do all the business of said town, which said Middle village is obliged to do though a hardship, otherwise said town would have incurred many a fine for neglect of duty, the want of grand and petit jurymen, and other ways suffered. To overcome this difficulty it was voted to remove the town-house, which was done ; but in the following year an article appeared in the warrant, as follows : To see if the persons who carried away the town-house will bring it back again and set it up in the same place where they took it from, in as good repair as it was when they took it away, and for the town to act on the affair as they should think proper. This town-house was undoubtedly the one that was ordered built in 1739, "nine feet between joints and twenty-two feet wide and thirty- six feet long." Another quaint example of personal legislation was the ordering of every householder to kill twelve blackbirds between the months of January and May, or pay a penalty for his neglect, and that " a crow should count for three blackbirds." While no community in modern times would be subjected to this class of domination in its public and private affairs, it may be safely assumed that in those times public sentiment was different, and that the inhab- FROM 1776 TO 1815. 117 itants of towns in the last century and the early years of the present one were more closely held to their responsibility as good citizens by the watchfulness and paternal legislation described in all the old town records. The sixth article in the warrant of 1741 enters quite fully into the reasons for establishing a public institution, as follows : That whereas such course does much abound within said town, many running about from house to house to supply their own present want, miserably neglecting their families at home, which is the only cause of many's suffering who are not capa. ble of labor, which practice is to the great detriment of that part of the inhabitants that are industrious and laborious, which pernicious practice, together with spend- ing idly what they have or earn, is a great if not the only cause of scarcity of bread in said town, now to pass a vote at said meeting for the building a work-house in said town for the setting and keeping to work all such persons who misspend their time as above stated, which said vote is thought by all those who request the same cannot be spoken against, except by those which are in danger of breaking into said house themselves. Several attempts were made in early times to divide the county, in some of which the people of Dartmouth were especially active. One of the plans involved joining Dartmouth with Tiverton and Little Compton in a new county. It must not be forgotten that Dartmouth still embraced a vast territory, neither New Bedford, Westport, Fair- haven nor Acushnet having yet been erected. At another time it was proposed to change the county seat to Assonet (Freetown) as a more central point than Taunton. An article in the warrant of 1746 has the following on this important subject: To consult and vote something with respect to petitioning the General Court that we may have a county taken off or made on this side of Assonet River, otherwise we must unavoidably be expressed to go and our children after us, for what we know, to Taunton, which will be upwards of thirty-five miles distance from many of said inhabitants, which will be in the journey extremely tedious and expensive, it being too far to set out from our homes to get there before the court setts, as likewise the largeness of the county aggravates the case by reason that one case must wait for another, and is at times the occasion of adjournment. In the whole, it will be tedious and expensive to plaintiff, defendant, jurymen, and evidences, but more especially to poor widows, who are ofttimes obliged to go several times before an estate can be settled with the judge of probate. This difficulty was overcome after a hundred years of agitation by making New Bedford a half-shire in 1828. Educational affairs were taken in hand in Dartmouth at an early day, but we are not able to trace the record back of March 23, 1734, when the following was voted : 118 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. That such vilage shall have free toleration to elect a schoolmaster for each vilage, to be paid by a rate upon each vilage if the said vilages see cause to elect one, & that vilage which shall clear the town of being fined for want of a grammar school master, by procuring a lawful one, shall receive ten pounds to be paid by the whole town in general & that every person or persons in each of sd vilages shall have free access or liberty to sent their children to sd master for benifitt of the lattin tongue but no other; at an annual meeting in March 1733, voted — That William Lake serve as grammar school master at forty-five pounds pr annum: Voted — That all people who receive benifitt of ye sd schoolmaster, by sending their children, shall frankly give sd master their proportionable part of his diet, washing and lodging — also he shall be removed by order of the selectmen. The oldest record of a Meeting of the Friends in this town is dated April 4, 1699; but meetings had doubtless been held previous to that time. A lot was purchased of Peleg Slocum for one pound, sixteen shillings, the deed dated June 6, 1706, and the first meeting house was built at Aponagansett, where it has ever since been maintained. The building must have been erected before the date of the deed, as there is a record of November 6, 1698-9, as follows: " At the house of John Lapham we, the underwritten, Peleg Slocum, Jacob Mott, Abraham Tucker and John Tucker, undertake to build a meeting-house for the people of God, in scorn called Quakers, thirty-five foot long, thirty foot wide, and fourteen foot studds, to worship and serve the true and living God in," etc. The money for the building was contributed by the people. This Meeting greatly prospered and became one of the largest in this section. Other meeting houses were built as necessity demanded, at Smith's Mills (North Dartmouth), where it has since been main- tained; at Smith's Neck, and at Allen's Neck, all forming one Monthly Meeting. In 1 845 there was a separation in the Meeting, making two organizations. The First Christian Church in Dartmouth was organized May 21, 1790, as a branch of Elder Jacob Hix's church in Rehoboth. Elder Daniel Hix, brother of Jacob, was installed in October, 1781. In 1808 two hundred and sixty-two additions were made to the membership for the year, with a total number of six hundred and ninety-nine, including the branches of New Bedford, Fairhaven, Freetown, Berkley, Long Plain and Rochester. Elder Hix continued pastor until 1834, and had numerous successors ; the society still exists. The Congregational Church was formed in the spring of 1807, and in October Rev. Daniel Emerson was ordained the first pastor; he died about a year later, and from that time until 1816 the church was with- FROM 1776 TO 1815. 119 out a settled pastor, but meetings continued in dwellings and the school house. In April, 1816, Rev. Peter Crocker was called and served until 1821. During his pastorate the meeting-house was built. Other early pastors were Revs. Jonathan Wing, Francis Horton, Thomas J. Richmond, Charles S. Adams, Andrew Bigelow, William Mandell, Melancthon Wheeler, Martin Howard, John Lord, John G. Wilson and others. Industrial operations in what is now Dartmouth have been confined largely to the saw and grist mills of early times, a few of which are still in existence, as noticed further on. The old Smith mills have already been described. What has been known as the Cummings mill (Dart- mouth P. O. ) was built in the early history of the town, and a saw mill was located there. The so-called Allen Howland mill is also an old one. Saw mills were built in early years at Hixville and at other points. Ship-building was formerly carried on to a considerable extent at South Dartmouth, Matthias Thatcher and John Mashon having been identified with it. In Dighton two additional churches were organized during the period under consideration in this chapter. In the year 1771 during a revival in the Rehoboth Baptist Church a number of converts were made who belonged in Dighton. To accommodate these another church was organized in the west part of the town in 1772, under the labors of Elder Enoch Goff. A meeting-house was built in 1780, which had been commenced sometime before. In 1796 a larger and better house was erected about a mile north of the first one, and which has always been known as Elder Goff's meeting-house, although the owners subsequently were of a different denomination. The old society prospered and included members from Freetown, Berkley, Somerset and Taunton. Elder Ephraim Sawyer was the next pastor in 1806, and in 1807 there were one hundred and ninety-one members. Other early ministers were Bartlett Pease, a Mr. Lovejoy (1821), who preached Uuitarian doctrines and created a division in the church, this faction finally obtaining possession. and took the name of the Christian Baptist Society. Other early pastors were Revs. Otis W. Bates, John Reed, J. L. Whittemore, and many other supplies for short periods. In 1842 a meeting-house was begun 'at the Four Corners which was com- pleted in 1845. Methodist meetings were held in this town in 1814, through the influ- ence of Israel Anthony, who had moved in from Somerset. The next 120 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. year Rev. Orlando Hinds was on the circuit and a revival began. A society was soon afterward formed, but the date is not known. The meetings were held in different places until 1830, when a house of wor- ship was begun and finished in the next year; this was superseded by a new building in 1865, and was completed at a cost of f 20, 000, and is still in use. After the close of the Revolutionary war ship-building was actively carried on in Dighton and prospered until the Embargo act put a stop to that and kindred interests. In 1789 the commercial and shipping interests of the town had become so important that Dighton was made a port of entry, and Maj. Hodijah Baylies was appointed collector of customs, holding the office until 1809; the office continued in existence until 1834. Ship-building was begun in this town as early as 1693, when Thomas Coram came over from England to Boston to build ships for several merchants. In 1699 he purchased land on Taunton River in the South Purchase and established a ship-yard at what has been known as Zebulon's Landing. He was an energetic man and did a large business ; but subsequently he became involved in law suits and in 1700 his lands and house, with two new ships, were attached by Stephen Burt, of Berkley. Coram remained in this country about ten years. About the middle of the last century John Reed was ship-building at what has been called Muddy Cove; that was before the bridge was built over the mouth of the cove. This bridge was built in 1772 by Capt. Elkanah Andrews, under whom John Reed was the contractor, and lost his property in the job ; the road was laid out at the same time. Before the beginning of the war of 1812, several other firms carried on ship-building here. Among them were Smith & Wardwell (Josiah Ward well, and his father-in-law, James Smith), whose yard was on the north side of what became known as Whitmarsh's wharf, and Bowen & Hathaway's on the south side (David Bowen, a native of Dighton, and John Hathaway, an influential citizen.) Dighton boasts of some of the earliest cotton mills in the county. A small factory was built on the Three-Mile River at North Dighton in 1809, of which Nathaniel Wheeler was agent ; it was known as Wheeler's factory. Mr. Wheeler was subsequently interested in the first mills in Fall River, whither he removed in 1813. The building in which this early industry was conducted was burned in 1881. In 1810 another and larger mill was built on the same stream a little above the Wheeler PROM 1776 TO 1815. 121 mill. Thomas Baylies, one of the owners, sold the site for the mill and the power privilege, which had descended to him from his father, Nich- olas Baylies. This property became known as the Mount Hope Mill. The business was conducted by several different proprietors, until finally it passed to Chadwick & Co. ; it is still in operation. On the Segregan- set River were a number of very early industries, among them what was known as the White-Birch cotton factory, which was probably built a little earlier than the Wheeler mill ; there is only a saw mill now on that site. A little above was the old saw mill of Simeon Will- iams, and near by the lap -mill of Joshua Williams, in a building which had previously been occupied by Isaac Babbitt for making plugs for ship-carpenters. About the beginning of the last century Matthew Briggs came from England, bringing machinery for a gristmill, and a forge, which were set up on the pond west of the brick meeting-house. The property remained in that family many years, but the site is now occupied by only a saw mill. Other industries of Dighton are noticed farther on. The formation of the first Baptist Church in Massachusetts in Swan- sea, in 1663, by Rev. John Myles (Miles) has already been noticed. Mr. Myles, although a Baptist, was a broad-minded man and admitted to communion all persons who " by a judgment of charity, we conceive to be fellow-members with us in our head, Christ Jesus, although dif- fering from us in such controversial points as are not absolutely and essentially necessary to salvation;" so the covenant read. The suc- cessors of Mr. Myles were Calvinistic Baptists and the church covenant was changed to harmonize therewith. The organization of this society called forth opposition from the or- thodox churches of the colony, who solicited the court to proceed against it. Later on each of the members of this church was fined five pounds for " setting up a public meeting without the knowledge and approbation of the court; " they were at the same time advised to re- move their meeting to some other place where they might not preju- dice any other church. Under this order Mr. Myles removed from Rehoboth (Swansea territory), to New Meadow Neck (now Barrington, R. I. ). A meeting-house was built there soon after. The subsequent history of this first church is given in preceding pages. It is referred to here again as a probable indication that the building of the meeting-house on the lower end of New Meadow Neck was a reason why the inhabitants of the " easternmost part of the town up- 16 122 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. held a religious meeting " at a more accessible point and finally organ- ized a Non-Sectarian Church in 1693; this is termed in the records a "Church of Christ in Swansea." To this organization all Christians were welcomed, and in 1725 it was decided to receive members by only "laying on of hands." Among the very early pastors were Job and Russell Mason, while meetings were frequently during many previous years conducted by the members themselves. In 1693 Thomas Barnes was ordained pastor, the society was formally organized and he con- tinued until 1706, when he died. Joseph Mason succeeded Mr. Barnes and the church prospered. He was succeeded by his nephew, Job Mason, in 1738, who preached until 1775, his colleague being his brother Russell from 1752; the latter continued in the pastorate until 1799. Benjamin Mason, a cousin of Russell, assisted him from 1784, and in 1812 became pastor. Later pastors were Philip Slade, Benjamin Taylor, Richard Davis, James J Thatcher, Isaiah Haley, Jonathan Thompson, H. P. Guilford, and others. The records show that some kind of a meeting-house was built before 1719, when it was proposed " to make some addition to the meeting-house." This was not done, and soon afterward a new building was erected. It was occupied until the completion of the present edifice in 1833. No other church was organized in Swansea before the close of the war of 1812-15. It is not known just when the first school was taught in Swansea territory, but it was doubtless before the town organization. On De- cember 19, 1673, it was "Voted and orderered, nemine contradicente, that a school be forthwith set up in this town for the teaching of gram- mar, rhetoric, and arithmetic, and the tongues of Latin, Greek and Hebrew; also to read English and to write, and that a salary of forty pounds per annum in current country pay, which passeth from man to man, be duly paid from time to time, and at all times hereafter, and that John Myles, the present pastor of the church here assembling be the schoolmaster." This was the foundation of the school system of the town. In 1698 Jonathan Bosworth was employed as teacher at a salary of ,£18, one-fourth in money and the remainder in provisions "at money prices." The early schools were more or less intermittent and according to custom were taught in different parts of the town. In 1702 the town was fined five pounds for not having a school and thereupon employed John Devotion at £\% and diet, and ^20 for keeping a horse ; his pay was raised to £\§ the next year. In 1709 he was employed for six years, at the expiration of which he was again FROM 1776 TO 1815. 123 hired for twenty years more. From that time onward the records and reports contain the division of the town into districts, the building of additional school houses, and the employment of more efficient teachers. What has always been known as Miles's Bridge was one of the earliest structures of the kind in this part of Bristol county. It probably was first constructed in the early part of the last century, for it is referred to in the statutes in 1736-7 as Miles's Bridge in a country road which had already fallen into decay, and the towns of Swansea and Barring- ton were ordered "to build a good and substantial cart bridge across the said river in the country road aforesaid where the said bridge did stand." In 1749 an act was passed permitting the town to raise funds by a lottery for rebuilding this bridge. The present iron bridge was erected in 1878. There has never been much water power in this town and industrial operations have been and still are limited in number and importance. A few saw and grist mills were in operation in early years, but all have passed away. More recent industries are noticed farther on. When the present century opened, prosperity in Bristol county had regained its normal condition to a considerable extent. From the ter- rible blow when seventy vessels were destroyed in Buzzard's Bay in 1778, maritime affairs had slowly risen towards their former im- portance. The first renewal of the whale fishery after the war was the sailing of the sloop Hero, Capt. Joseph Delano, in 1785, and before 1800 the fleet of Dartmouth whaling and merchant vessels numbered about fifty. With general development and growth through this region better means of travel and transportation were demanded, and a stage line was established in 1800 between Boston and New Bedford, via Taunton. Stages left Major King's tavern in Boston every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 3 o'clock a. m., and returning left New Bedford on the alternate days at the same hour. They passed through Sharon, Easton and Taunton, changing horses each way at the latter place. Stages were placed on the line from Boston to Newport in 1808, leaving both ends of the route every day excepting Sunday at 5 a. m., going through Taunton, Berkley, Dighton, Troy (Fall River) and over the Stone Bridge ' at Tiverton, arriving at 6 p. m. Prior to this date 1 The bridge at that point was built of wood and several times swept away previons to 1810. In 1807 a determined effort was put forth to have a permanent stone structure built. Eight hun- dred shares of stock were issued, at$100 a share, making a capital of $800,000 and the bridge was built under superintendence of Maj. Daniel Lyman. It was finished in 1810, was damaged and 124 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. stages on this line passed through Attleborough. This line continued until 1814, and others are noticed farther on. The time at length arrived when the peaceable conditions existing between England and America were disturbed. Stipulations of the treaty of 1783 had repeatedly been disregarded by the mother country, frontier posts were still held by British soldiery and it seemed impossi- ble for England to recognize the sovereign rights of the new nation that had once been her subject. The conflict raging between England and France gave opportunity for many acts of injustice. In 1806 Eng- land declared the continental coast under a strict blockade; a few months later Napoleon issued a decree placing the entire British coast in a sim- ilar condition. These acts (which practically forbade neutral vessels from entering their ports) bore heavily upon the commerce of New England, where the maritime interests were largely dependent upon the markets of the Old World. Moreover, British cruisers waylaid American vessels, under claims of the right of search, and took Amer- ican seamen into their service. Such injustice was unbearable. 1 In 1807 an embargo was proclaimed, and British ships could not enter American harbors. The Massachusetts governor immediately issued an order calling out 11,075 men to be ready to march at short notice. Under this order the Bristol county brigade provided one regiment of two battalions ; one company of cavalry, and one company of artillery — a total of five hundred and eighteen men. The maritime interests suffered terribly from the date of the establishment of the embargo and Bristol county actively opposed its continuance, as well as the war that was felt to be imminent. In 1809 Congress repealed the embargo act and substituted a rule of non- intercourse with England and France until they should remove the restrictions upon trade. This was done by France in 1810, but not by England until June, 1812, when it was too late to avert war; indeed, there were other grievances that would in any event have prompted America to a declaration of hostility. Again the Bristol county brigade was placed on a war footing, and as early as September 18, 1812, brigade orders were issued for the assembling of the various companies and regiments upon Berkley Com- mon on the 26th of October. New Bedford received crushing blows at repaired in 1817, and again seriously damaged in 1868, when about $250,000 was expended in re- pairing it. > It was stated by Mr. Lyman, U. S. Consul at London, that in 1811 there were 14,000 Americans serving under compulsion in the British navy. FROM 1776 TO 1815. 125 the very outset of the war. During the three months immediately suc- ceeding the beginning of hostilities eight vessels belonging to that port were captured by the enemy, the cargoes of which had a value of $218,000. Privateering was rampant, an American fleet of two hun- dred and fifty-one vessels being engaged in the work, besides many private armed craft. Only one privateer belonged to this county — the Governor Gerry of Fairhaven. On June 14, 1813, New Bedford village was invaded by a body of British troops, the public buildings were surrendered, twelve vessels in the harbor were burned or partly burned, and other extensive damage done. Indeed the whole New England coast swarmed with British frigates, gun brigs and privateers, and it is little wonder that bitter opposition to such a war existed. 1 It was one of the unavoidable conditions that one section of the country should be forced to bear the greater share of the burden of the strug- gle. One harrowing detail of the war was the confinement of a very large number of American sailors who had been impressed into the British navy, in Dartmoor prison, where they suffered the most in- human barbarities. Many of these prisoners were of the number serv- ing on English ships under compulsion, who refused to fight their own countrymen ; hence their incarceration. Twenty-one of those hapless prisoners were from New Bedford ; four from Fairhaven ; one each from Acushnet and Westport. A number of other Bristol county men were confined in other English prisons during a part of the war period. For the defense of New Bedford and the coast in that vicinity, there were stationed there an artillery company under Capt. Samuel Stall ; a company of infantry under Capt. Nathaniel Nelson ; a small com- pany of " sea-fencibles " in barracks in Fairhaven, where two other companies were formed in September, 1812, one under Capt. John Alden, jr., and the other under Capt. Joseph Bates, sr. All the troops in New Bedford in 1814 were under command of Lieut. -Col. Benjamin Lincoln, who rose to be a major-general. What was known as the Head-of -the River company (Acushnet) was stationed along the harbor shore under command of Capt. Reuben Swift. There were also a Fairhaven company under Capt. William Nye; a Dartmouth company under Capt. Bradford Howland; a Westport company under Capt. Jonathan Davis, which took part in the war. Parts of two companies 1 It is on record that the Legislatures of several eastern States not only condemned the war with England as "unpatriotic, impractical and unjust," but took measures for protection against the "violence and tyranny of the United States government." 126 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. from Freetown, one commanded by Capt. Lynde Hathaway, and the other by Capt. Simeon Ashley, formed part of the coast guard in 1814. A company of artillery was sent to New Bedford from Norton in June, 1814, consisting of about one hundred men, under command of Capt. Isaac Lane. On October 3, 1814, a company from Providence requested liberty to build a breastwork on land belonging to Seekonk and Rehoboth at a place called "Kettle Point," and solicited assistance from the citizens. "By vote, granted the request of said committee so far as related to Seekonk and chose a committee of seven to request the citizens to assist in raising the fortification. " Recruiting stations were opened in several of the towns early in the war and enlistments were quite numerous. Many of the towns voted sums of money to pay volunteers and to contribute their share of am- munition and equipments. In July, 1814, Capt. Noah Reed's company was ordered to New Bed- ford for coast guard service. In that company were thirteen Easton men, including Captain Reed, Lieut. Simeon Drake, and Sergt. Joseph Hayward, jr. The company comprised seventy-seven men, thirty-two of whom were from Attleborough, sixteen from Norton, fourteen from Mansfield and one from Westport. Capt. Isaac Lothrop's company of forty-three men, some of whom were prominent citizens of Easton, and others from that section, was ordered into service near Boston. An- other company of Easton men performed coast guard duty at Plymouth from September 26, to October 18, 1814. There were thirty three men in this company. The war closed with a treaty of peace signed at Ghent, December 24, 1814. The settlement was greeted in this country with criticism and ridicule, for it demonstrated that nothing had been gained by a conflict which had cost thirty thousand lives and a million dollars in treasure. Even the protest against impressment of American seaman was waived in the treaty, and little remained for the glory of the country but the memory of the heroism displayed by our sailors and soldiers. But peace, under any conditions, was welcomed throughout the land, and the event was properly celebrated in New Bedford, Taunton, Fall River, and elsewhere in this county. The close of the war found the country again in poverty, with extremely high prices for all commodi- ties, and money very scarce. The New Bedford Mercury of January 15, 1813, gives the following prices at Boston, at that time: Flour FROM 1776 TO 1815. ,127 $12.50 per barrel; sugar 18 to 24 cents per pound; butter 15 to 16 cents per pound; corn $1.20 per bushel; pork $17 per barrel; mess beef $9.50 per barrel; molasses 70 cents per gallon ; sperm oil $1.40 per gal- lon ; whale oil 70 cents per gallon ; sole leather 22 cents per pound ; rye $1.50 per bushel; Virginia coal $18 per ton; Hyson tea $1.45 per pound; Jamaica rum $1.45 per gallon; Holland gin $2.50 per gallon. The following table gives the prices of many of the necessaries of life at each semi decade, from 1795 to 1815 inclusive : 1795 1800 1805 1810 1815 Beef No. 1, bbl. $13.00 $8.00 $10.00 $10.00 $12.50 Coffee.lb .21 .25 .31 .24 .23 Corn, Northern, bush 1.00 .75 1.25 1.15 1.00 Cotton, lb .33 .40 .25 .16 .20 Duck, Russia, bolt __ 16.00 16.00 20.50 30.00 31.00 Flour, bbl 12.00 10.00 13.00 8.25 9.25 PorkNo. 1, bbl 18.00 17.00 16.50 19.00 25.00 Rice, cwt 7.00 4.50 6.50 4.00 3.63 Rye, bush .... 1.16 1.00 1.33 1.75 1.12 Salt, Liverpool coarse, hhd._._ 4.75 5.75 4.00 7.00 Sugar, Mus., cwt 14.00 14.00 14.50 12.50 16.00 Tea, Hyson, lb.... 1.33 1.34 1.20 1.00 1.75 Tobacco, leaf _. 6.87 5.00 8.00 8.00 7.00 Barley, bush _ _ .79 1.00 .87 1.08 Six new towns were erected in this county during the period under consideration in this chapter. Two of these, New Bedford (1787) and Fall River (1803), are elsewhere treated. The first of the other four to be incorporated was Westport, which was set off from Dartmouth in 1787. Small additions have been made to the area of this town, from Dartmouth in 1793 and 1805, and from Portsmouth, R. I., in 1861. A warrant was issued to William Almy by Benjamin Russell directing him to warn the inhabitants of the new town to the first town meeting. This was held at the house of William Gifford, August 20, 1787, and William Almy was chosen moderator. The following officers were then elected: Abner Brownell, town clerk; William Almy, Richard Kirby and Edward Borden, selectmen ; Richard Kirby assessor ; Thomas Tripp, Stephen Cornell and Pardon Brownell, fence viewers; Abner Brownell treasurer; Stephen Davis and Barjonas Davol, surveyors of lumber ; Thomas Tripp and Stephen Cornell, field drivers ; Nathaniel Kirby, poundkeeper; Benjamin Brownell, sr., sealer of weights and measures; Benjamin Cory, sealer of leather; Abner Brownell, warden; Caleb Earl and Edward Boomer, tithingmen ; Stephen Davis and Bar- 128 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. jonas Davol, measurers of wood; John Tripp 2d, and William Almy, hog reeves; Benjamin Davis, innkeeper; Israel Brightman, Jonathan Davis, Wanton Case, Jonathan Taber, Capt. Sylvanus White, George Lawton, Job Almy, Pardon Brownell, Samuel Willcox, Peleg Cornell, jr., and Lemuel Milk, surveyors of highways. A committee, consisting of Stephen Peckham, Wesson Kirby and William Davis, was chosen to settle between this town and Dartmouth in New Bedford. The meeting then adjourned to reconvene September 20, "at the dwelling house of Joseph Gifford, inkeeper." William Almy was chosen delegate to the convention of 1788 for ratifying the United States Constitution. At a meeting held April 7, 1788, a committee, consisting of William Almy, Wesson Kirby and Edward Borden, was chosen to act in rela- tion to selecting a site and building a town house. This committee reported at a later meeting that " at Stepen Kirby 's, Northeast corner of his Land adjoining the Road," was the best site and that the town should acquire sixteen square rods of land at that point. The report was favorably received and a building committee appointed, consisting of George Lawton, Wesson Kirby and William Hicks. Before the building was begun the site was changed to the ' ' southeast corner of Ichabod Potter's land." The committee was then instructed to have the house ready for the annual meeting in March, 1789, if possible. It was accordingly built and occupied more than a century. The records for 1788 show accounts of Stokes Potter, Abiel Macomber and Edward Borden, for the care of certain paupers. Among the early settlers in Westport territory, some of whom may have been mentioned in the history of Dartmouth and New Bedford were Capt. Sylvester Brownell, Elkanah Tobey, James Richmond' Samuel Brownell, John Babcock, Andrew Hicks, Jairus Clark, John Hix, Peleg Sisson, Jonathan and George Mosher, Thaddeus Reynolds. Howland Tripp, Sanford Brightman, David Brownell, Jacob Hicks, Jacob Chase, John Allen, William Davis (the first representative to the General Court), William Almy, Abner Brownell, John Mosher, Abner Gifford, Isaac Cory, John Anthony, Tillinghast Almy, Nathan C. Brownell, Anselm Bassett, James H. Handy, Nathaniel Kirby, Abner B. Gifford, William White, Frederick Brownell, and many others whose families are noticed in Part III of this work. Before the incorporation of the town, and as early as 1762, the militia of old Dartmouth had become so numerous as to be divided into five FROM 1776 TO 1815. 129 companies, one of which, without doubt, belonged mostly to the terri- tory of Westport. The captains of the five companies were Ebenezer Akin, Job Almy, Ezekiel Cornell, Benjamin Sherman and Elkanah Winslow. In 1781 there were nine companies in Dartmouth. That part of this force belonging to Westport territory was then officered by Capt. Robert Earl; Lieut. Sylvester Brownell, Ensign John Hix. In July, 1788, Robert Earl was promoted to major of the Second Regi- ment of the Bristol County Brigade, and Lieutenant Brownell to cap- tain of the Westport Company, In 1787 (the year of incorporation) a small village was in existence at the head of the east branch of Westport River, and another at Westport Point. " The people are much divided in religious sentiments. There are five meeting-houses: Two for Friends, two for Baptists and one for Methodists. The village at the head of East or Nochacuck River is about eight miles from New Bedford, eight from Franklin, and twenty- one from Newport. Formerly considerable quantities of timber were obtained from this town. The whale fishery is now an important branch of business; eight whaling vessels now go out from Westport Point. There is a cotton mill in this town having 3,072 spindles, which in 1837 consumed 300,000 pounds of cotton." ' The territory of Westport was for many years under religious influ- ence of the Friends, so many of whom settled in old Dartmouth. The Friends' Meeting at Central Village was separated from the Dartmouth Meeting in 1766, under the name of the Acoaxet * Monthly Meeting. Some years later the title was changed to Westport Monthly Meet- ing. A house of worship was built in 1814, which is still standing, though in a remodeled form. The first members were Ichabod Eddy, Joshua Devol, Mercy Devol, Israel Wood, Philip Tripp, Margaret Tripp, Christian Brightman, Sarah White, all of whom were, of course, early settlers. Other churches were not organized in the town until after 1815. In early years a considerable whaling business was done from West- port waters, as already indicated. Other fisheries have in the past con- stituted a profitable source of income, and are carried on to the present day. The first schools were established long before the incorporation of the town, as noticed in the preceding history of Dartmouth. The town of Somerset was set off from Swansea and incorporated February 20, 1790. The " Shawomat Lands," or Shawomat Purchase, 1 Barber's History of Massachusetts. 2 Indian name of Westport. 17 130 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. which included the territory of Somerset, has been described in an earlier chapter. The number of, owners was thirty- one, besides Gov- erner Winslow and Capt. Benjamin Church, and their first meeting was held March 6, 1677, at Plymouth. There the territory was divided into thirty-one shares, one of which was to be laid out " in a conven- ient place for the minister, and to be perpetually for the use of the ministry." The "little neck called Boston neck," and the "great neck," and the " lands lying in Taunton river from the said neck to Taunton bounds," were also divided into thirty-one shares, "each share extending in length from sd river till it comes to the highway which is to be left between these lands and the two miles which belong to Swansey. " Capt. John Williams, Isaac Little and Thomas Linkcon were chosen a committee to call the first meeting of the purchasers. The old record book of the proprietors is in existence and contains on the first page the following : This Book was Begun in ye yeare 1680, By Increase Robinson, Clark for The Said Purchasers. Samuel Sprague was clerk a little later and inscribed the list of pur- chasers as follows : Heare foloth ye names of ye purchars of Shawomat Neck, viz. : Richard Dwelby, Isaac Buck, Daniel Damon, Nathaniel Winslow, Samuel Prince, W. Briggs, Jr., C. Briggs, Jonathan Aldin, Capt. John Williams, Isaac Little, Edward Grey, M. Hallo- way, John Briggs, Richard Winslow, Thomas Linkcon, John Swift, Capt. Fuller, John McNuckley, Jonathan Jackson, Richard Pronby, Ephraim Littelle, Samuel Littelle, John Mendall, William Hatch, William Poaks, Joseph Wod, Daniel Wod (Wood), Cornelius Briggs, Increase Robinson, Thomas Peirce, John James, Governor Winslow, and Capt. Benjamin Church. The first town meeting in Somerset was held "at the school house near Capt. Robert Gibbs," on December 15, 1790, with Jerathmel Bow- ers, moderator, and the following officers were chosen: Daniel Wilbur, David Luther and Theophilus Shove, selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor; Preserved Peirce, treasurer; Jonathan and Aaron Baker, constables; Capt. Job Slead and Allen Chase, fence viewers; Philip Bowers and Daniel Chase, jr., field drivers; Peleg Chase and Nathan Chase, hog reeves; Thomas Marbel, surveyor of plank and timber; Ezra Chase, cutter of staves. One of the prominent early settlers of a name that has been conspic- uous in Somerset and Fall River ever since was William Slade, who lo- cated there in 1680; the meetings of the proprietors were held at his FROM 1776 TO 1815. 131 house after they were discontinued at Plymouth. He was a farmer and operated the well known Slade's ferry across Taunton River. He mar- ried a daughter of the Rev. Obadiah Holmes, of Rehoboth, and died in 1729. He had sons, Jonathan, Edward and William. The ferry was kept in this family until the bridge was built in 1876, a period of more than two hundred years. The ferry was last operated by William L. Slade. Among names of settlers are those of Sylvanus Soule, William Chase, Nathaniel Winslow, Samuel Shearman, Joshua Eddy, William Anthony, John Eddy, John Winston, Joseph Chase, William Chase, jr., Jonathan Slade, Jerathmel Bowers, Jonathan Bowers, Daniel Wilbur, David Luther, Theophilus Shove, Jonathan and Aaron Baker, William Reed, Philip Bowers, John Wilbur, James Sherman, Nathaniel Lewin, Bill- ings Coggshall, Gardner and Israel Anthony, Nathaniel Lyons, Clark Purinton, Asa Pierce, William Barton, Francis Bourne. Among later residents before the middle of the century may be mentioned Elijah Barker, Bradford Buffinton, John C. Brown, Daniel Chace, Benjamin Chace, Hiram Gardner, David Anthony, Jonathan Buffinton, Joseph Gray, Daniel Earle, P. S. Gardner, Henry L. Gibbs, Samuel and Rob- ert Gibbs, John Hood, Anthony Harts, Barton Luther, John Lee, Nathaniel Mason, Nathaniel Monroe, William Slade, Nathan Slade, L. Shearman, William and Hanson Wilbour, and others. One of the first public measures adopted by the proprietors was in relation to providing schools for their children, The records contain an entry for March, 1735, showing that " Wm. Hart, schoolmaster," was paid "for boards, nails, and workmanship to repair the house on the fourscore acre lot." It cannot now be stated how long previous to that date schools had been taught in the town On February 11 1743, the following entry was made: Received of the Purchasers and Proprietors full satisfaction for my Salary for about fifteen years Last past as a Schoolmaster for Shewammock purchase only re- maining due to me the sum of fifty-one pounds sixteen shillings and eight pence old Tenor on Dec. 27 last. Witness my hand. Wm. Hart. This document carries the school record back to about 1728. In 1746 a "warrant was lawfully called to know the minds of the meeting whether a small addition to the school house where the master lives is not needful, as many in the Purchase cannot send their great children when the school comes to their turn, and could have an opportunity of having them taught in the evenings if the school-house were con- 132 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. venient, which at present is not." The warrant was signed by John Peirce and Job Chase. A later vote was " to build an addition with a chimney to the house"; it was also voted to have "a small cellar under the same." In 1751 William Hart was still teaching the school on the Purchase, and a vote was put "whether William Hart the School- master should have one Hundred fifteen pounds old tenor for ye year ensuing. Voted in the niggetive. " In 1769 a new school house was built to supersede the old structure. From that time forward school facilities in the town gradually improved, the town was divided into districts and houses were built as necessity demanded. The earliest religious body in the territory of Somerset was the Friends. At a quarterly meeting held in Rhode Island, September 13, 1732, Samuel Aldrich reported that he had been among the Friends in Swansea (in what is now Somerset) and "find them very unanimous therein." It was thereupon agreed by the meeting that a Monthly Meeting should be established at Swansea, to be held on the second da} T of the week in each month. The first meeting was held in the next month and John Earle was chosen clerk. This society has con- tinued its existence to the present time. The meeting-house is situated in the south part of the town. The First Baptist Church of Somerset was organized November 8, 1803. When Nathaniel Lyons settled in the town in 1796, being a con- sistent Christian and finding no church of the Baptist creed, he began holding meetings in his own house ; a little later they were held in the school house and were well attended and occasionally were addressed by a regular minister. The result was the organization of the society. A house of worship was finished during the year 1804; Asa Pierce was the first clerk and William Barton the first deacon. For about three years after the organization the church was without a pastor, but in 1806 William Barton, jr. , was appointed preacher, and was succeeded in June, 1809, by Bela Jacobs, one of the constituent members of the church. He preached about two years and was followed by Mr. Bar- ton, who again ministered about two years. In 1823 Elisha Slade, one of the church members, was appointed preacher, who, after seven years' service, was regularly ordained and continued over a period of twenty years, during which the society greatly prospered. The church united with the Warren Association and thus continued until 1836, when it joined the Taunton Baptist Association. The society has worshiped in three different buildings; first in the school house; next in the present FROM 1776 TO 1815. 133 house, which was vacated for about thirteen years, the society occupy- ing meanwhile a smaller structure on Main street, which was built dur- ing the ministry of Mr. Slade and dedicated in June, 1830. In 1844 the former house was refitted and improved and again occupied. At dif- ferent times since the building has been extensively improved. Later pastors after Mr. Slade were Revs. Benjamin C. Grafton, E. K. Fuller, Charles Randall, J. C Morrell, Samuel J. Carr, George Daland, T. C. Tingley, L. L. Fittz, T. M. Butler, Gideon Cole, F. A. Pease, W. A. Crafts, A. D. Spalding, J. R. Vary and T. O. Harlow. The Methodist Episcopal Church in South Somerset is one of the oldest societies of this denomination in Bristol county. Preaching in this faith began in 1800 by Rev. Joseph Snelling, then on the Warren Circuit, at the invitation of John Wilbour, who then lived in that local- ity; the meetings were held at Mr. Wilbour's house. Soon a class of seven persons, most of whom resided in Swansea, was formed, and in 1802 the church was organized. Measures were adopted in 1804 for building a house of worship; in this work Dr. John Winslow, of Swan- sea, and Capt. William Read, who had retired from the sea, took an active interest. The latter donated a beautiful site on the northwestern corner of his farm and there a plain structure was erected. It was dedicated by Rev. Alexander McLane, and for forty- five years was a conspicuous object in the beautiful landscape. This became one of the prominent societies in the ever- varying circuit, and at a later date be- came a charge, with a stationed minister. In 1841 the Methodist Epis- copal Church in Somerset village was organized, after which date the old church has been known as the South Somerset Church. In 1849 the old edifice was demolished and the present one erected on the site; a parsonage was built in 1861. The church was largely altered and im- proved in 1870. In early years ship-building was extensively carried on at Somerset; twelve vessels were constructed in the five years previous to 1837, and in the ten years beginning with 1849, this business was still more ex- tensive. Several large government vessels were constructed at the yard on the site of the Mount Hope Iron Works. One of the early in dustries was an anchor forge, which stood on the site of the Old Colony Nail Works. Stone and earthen ware have been extensively manufac- tured, as described further on ; at one period there were seven potteries in existence. The town of Fairhaven was originally a part of the town of New 134 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bedford (incorporated 1787) and much of its early war history is in- cluded in the later chapters devoted to that town. The Indian name of this region was Sconticut, a name perpetuated in that of Sconticut Neck, which stretches from the southeastern part of the town into Buz- zard's Bay. Settlements were made on the site of Fairhaven village coincident with those of New Bedford, and shared to some extent in the early whale fishery and other industries of the latter place. It was, however, only a small hamlet for a number of years, the first record of the laying out of a street appearing in 1790, and the first church was not established until 1794. The village remained confined to a few wharves and short streets up to about 1830. Among the very early settlers here were Seth Pope, Thomas Taber, Jonathan Delano, Isaac Pope, Lettice Jenny, Samuel Jenny, Mark Jenny, Valentine Huddle- stone, Samuel Spooner, William Spooner, John Spooner, Joseph Tripp, Daniel Sherman, Edmund Sherman and John Davis. Many of these names are familiar in the history of the town in a later period. The first settlers were scattered over the territory from the Neck to what became Acushnet. There was a garrison on the bank of the river in old war times, and a blockhouse. This was known as Cook's garrison. One of the earliest purchasers of land was William Wood, who came from Little Compton in 1700 and purchased of Philip Taber a tract ex- tending from the so called Bread and Cheese road at Oxford village, just north of Fairhaven village, to the land of Elnathan Pope on the south. The southern boundary of this tract was the northern limit of the twenty- acre lot afterwards laid out for the original Fairhaven vil- lage. The house on this tract became the Wood homestead and was probably built soon after the close of the Indian war. A road was laid out in 1730 extending down upon Sconticut Neck. On March 28, 1745, a road was laid out from "Abraham Russell's wall to the county road a little northward of the Friends' meeting-house." This is supposed to be the road running from Naskatucket northwesterly towards Acushnet. The old road from Fairhaven to Oxford, previous to the construction of the Mill bridge about 1795, extended to the northeast from a point near the corner of Center and Green streets and opened into what be- came Rotch street. A deed conveying land from William Wood to Elnathan Eldridge bears date December 12, 1760, and describes land including a large part of the territory at that point. Thirty building lots were laid out west of Cherry street, including one for a common. The firm of El- FROM 1776 TO 1815. 135 nathan Eldridge & Co. kept store near the Point wharf from 1765 to 1780. An early tavern was on the corner of Oxford and Main streets, and another was situated near by. Early industries were hat-making by Cornell Wilkey, later by Bartholomew Taber, and plane-making by Nicholas Taber & Sons. Reuben Jenney was a shipper, and a tanning business was conducted by Joseph Hathaway. Lewis Taber moved to Oxford in 1764, and at that time had only a few neighbors. One of the earliest real estate transactions was the sale of a lot with an eighth part of a wind mill, from Richard Delano to Isaiah Eldridge, the price being ,£120 ; also the house and lot formerly owned by Kelley M. Huttlestone, part of a warehouse and lot and a wharf at what is now the foot of Washington street. A number of the very old dwellings are still standing and bear historical importance. Fairhaven in the Revolution was second in importance only to New Bedford. The British invaders of September, 1778, swept over this territory, destroying and burning buildings, but were finally driven out through the bravery of Maj. Israel Fearing and his men. Regarding this affair a letter from Major-General Grey to Sir Henry Clinton con- tained the following: The only battery they had was on the Fairhaven side, an inclosed fort with eleven pieces of cannon, which was abandoned and the cannon properly demolished by Capt. Scott, commanding officer of the artillery, and the magazine blown up. In the year 1790 was made the twenty acre purchase from Elnathan Pope on which the old part of the village was laid out. The following streets were laid out on the tract : Water, Middle, Main from Washing- ton to the south end of the Purchase, Center, from Middle to Main, Union from Main to Water, Washington from Main to the river. Center street from Main to Green was probably laid out earlier and formed a part of the road to the Head-of-the-River. Proprietors of land on these streets were Abisha Delano, Reuben Delano, west side of Middle street, two lots; Noah Allen, three lots; Ephraim Delano, Jonathan Negus, Thomas Taber, Isaiah Eldridge, two lots; Richard Delano, Caleb Church, Thomas Nye, John Wady, three lots; Jonathan Hathaway, Eleazer Hathaway, Nathaniel Delano. On the west side of Main street to Middle, Abisha Delano, Isaiah Eldridge, two lots ; Ephraim Delano, Jonathan Hathaway, Nathaniel Delano, Eleazer Hathaway, Noah Allen, John Wing and Thomas Nye. On the east side of Main street; Thomas Taber, Jonathan Negus, John Wady, two lots; Caleb Church, Reuben Delano, two lots ; Noah Allen, three lots. 136 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In 1795 a street was improved from Fairhaven to Oxford, which was, of course, a part of Main street; the Mill bridge was probably built in that year. The New Bedford bridge was incorporated in 1796. The land east of Main street was owned by William Roteh of New Bedford and remained in that family a number of years, during which there were no streets across it. The building of the New Bedford bridge checked the growth of Oxford, which previous to that time was an act- ive rival of the village across the river. The records of this town for the first few years of its existence are lost. The New Bedford Gazette of February 21, 1812, contained the following: The bill for establishing the town of Fairhaven was taken up and passed to be en- grossed, in concurrence with the Senate, two hundred and thirty-three to one hundred and eighty-eight. This Gazette was a strong Democratic organ, and the political situa- tion rendering its continuance in New Bedford unpleasant and probably unprofitable, it was removed t) Fairhaven, where it flourished until about 1813, as the Bristol Gazette. Daniel Gleason, jr., published it for a time and was succeeded by Paul Taber. The Selectmen of the town for 1816 (the first of which there is record), were Bartholomew Akin, James Taber, Joseph Whelden. The town clerk was Levi Jen- ney. Some of the early town meetings were held in the Methodist church at the Head-of-the-River; in 1818 they were held in the Con- gregational church in the same locality, and so continued to about 1831. In 1828 money was raised for the purchase of a burial ground and for building one-half of the stone bridge at the Head-of-the-River. Previous to 1794 there was no church organization in the town, the inhabitants going to the old church at the Head-of-the-River. In 1794 was organized the Second Church of Christ in New Bedford, which later became the First Congregational Church in Fairhaven. The cov- enant was signed by twenty-four persons, fourteen of whom were males. The old church edifice, on the corner of Main and Center streets was erected about the same time. Isaiah Weston was ordained pastor in February, 1795, and preached until 1808. The church was at first Arminian in doctrine, but in 1807 a great revival took place, which had a powerful influence upon the organization. In 1811, on account of internal differences, a number of members withdrew and organized what was termed the Third Church, the meetings of which were held in a small building used for school and church purposes. The two FROM 1776 TO 1815. 137 societies, however, reunited in 1820. Abraham Wheeler was called as pastor in 1813 and was succeeded in 1820 by Paul Jewett. On January 9, 1823, the church voted to ask Rev. William Gould to continue as minister, which he did for about seventeen years. A complication of affairs relating to Mr. Gould caused a division of the society in 1841 and the Center Congregational Church was organized and erected an edifice on the corner of Center and Walnut streets, which was afterwards occupied by the Methodists; the society disbanded in 1848. In 1844-5 the old church erected the brick edifice now in use. Rev. Jacob Roberts succeeded Mr. Gould and later pastors have been Revs. John Willard, Avery S. Walker, Winfield S. Hawkes, William Carruthers, and others. On April 13, 1798, a meeting of citizens was held at which it was agreed to build " an academy between the villages of Oxford, fifty feet and half by twenty-four feet and half, two story high." The agree- ment was signed by Isaac Sherman, Benjamin Lincoln, Levi Jenne, Noah Stoddard, Nicholas Stoddard, Killey Eldridge, Thomas Delano, Jethro Allen, Joseph Bates, Robert Bennet, Reuben Jenne, Nicholas Taber and Luther Willson. This school was established and in 1802 was taught by Richard Sawyer, and later in the year by John Nye and Abiah Haskell. For a number of years this was the principal place of instruction in the town, and the building served also for public and religious meetings. Rev. Mr. Gould, pastor of the Congregational Church, established a young ladies' boarding school, which had an ex- cellent reputation. The high school was established in 1851, as no- ticed farther on. Ship -building was an early industry in Oxford village and Fairhaven. About 1800 Abner Pease built near his homestead several ships and smaller vessels. At a later date the business was conducted by John and Joshua Delano at the Union Wharf ship yard; they were followed by Elias Terry and Fish & Huttlestone. Vessels were also built on Main street and on Ford street. In connection with this industry the Fairhaven marine railroad was constructed, for drawing up ships for repairs. The kindred industries of coopering for the whaling business, sail-making, sperm candle-making, etc., were among former manufac- tures. One candle manufactory was at the head of Middle street and and another on Ford street. The first whaling vessels were undoubtedly fitted out at Oxford village, as the deed from William Wood to Elnathan Eldridge (1760) for land in that village, reserved "that part of the same where the try house and Oyl Shed now stands." Thomas Nye, 18 138 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Judah Paddock, Bartholomew Taber and James Hathaway were early interested in the business; some of the early whaler captains were Thomas Nye, Ephraim Delano, John Delano, Elnathan Delano, Joseph Tripp, Isaiah Eldridge, Salathiel Eldridge and. Benjamin Jenney. The town of Seekonk was set off from Rehoboth and incorporated February 26, 1812. The first town meeting was held in the old meet- ing-house on March 16, 1812, with Caleb Abell, moderator. Peter Hunt, Worcester Carpenter and Allen Monroe were chosen selectmen ; Capt. Allen Cole, treasurer. Oliver Starkweather was the first repre- sentative. Much of the early history of this territory is included in that of Rehoboth in preceding pages. Among the early settlers, some of whom have been mentioned, were those above named and George W. Walker, Calvin Martin, Robert Daggett, Weston Carpenter, Jo- seph Brown, Seth Whitmarsh, Amos Read, Nathaniel Viall, James Ellis, Joseph Bucklin, Lewis Wade, Caleb Mason, James Bliss, Charles Peck, Caleb Chaffee, the Medberry family and others. At the first town meeting it was voted that a committee be appointed to act with one from Rehoboth, to make a settlement with the older town ; the committee were Calvin Martin, James Ellis and Benjamin Ormsbee. At a later meeting in that year the Selectmen were made overseers of the poor. On November 12, 1812, a committee was ap- pointed "to divide all public personal property that belongs to the towns of Seekonk and Rehoboth, and poor persons, agreeable to the act of the General Court of this commonwealth incorporating Seekonk; " the committee were James Ellis and Deacon Joseph Bucklin. The schools in this region were under the town care of Rehoboth pre- vious to the town incorporation. In October, 1812, the sum of $350 was voted for the support of schools; in 1813, $350; in 1814, $350, and from 1815 to 1824 $400. A new town house was built in 1814 and occupied for the first time November 7 of that year. 1 The Congregational Church was organized about 1644, by the orig- inal proprietors of the town, many of whom came in with Rev. Samuel Newman, whose life has been described in the Rehoboth history. The early records of the church were probably destroyed in King Philip's 1 The change in the boundary line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, made in 1868, took a part of the territory of Seekonk including East Providence in the last named State, leav- ing Seekonk almost wholly an agricultural community. The Congregational and Baptist Churches were within the territory transferred, with the town hall, about all of the manufactur- ing interests, two-thirds of the valuation, more than two-thirds of the population, and about one- half the area. This action was strenuously opposed by the inhabitants, but without avail FROM 1776 TO 1815. 139 war, when most of the houses in this vicinity were burned. Among the early pastors were Revs. Noah Newman (son of Samuel), Samuel Angier, Thomas Greenwood, John Greenwood (son of Thomas), John Cams, Ephraim Hyde, John Ellis, John Hill, James O. Barney, Samuel E. Evans, and others. A meeting was held to consider the organization of a Baptist Church " in the First Precinct of Rehoboth " on December 5, 1793, which was adjourned from time to time until November 27, 1794, when a church was formed called the Baptist Church of Jesus Christ of First Precinct of Rehoboth, the covenant being signed by the following persons: Caleb Mason, Charles Peck, John Brown, John Medberry, Miles Shorey, Ezra Kent, John Perry, Molly Walker, Abigail Winsor, Abigail Wilson, Syblelngraham, Sarah Shorey, Hannah Hays, Eunice Hading, Rebecca Braly, Susanna Mason, Molly Cole, Silence Carpenter, and Johanna Mason. In March, 1795, Brother John P. Jones was ordained to the work of the general ministry. Upon the formation of the town the name of the church was changed to the Baptist Church of Seekonk. In 1862, when the boundary was changed, the church withdrew from the Taunton Asssociation and joined the Warren Association. In 1879 a new church was erected. 1 In concluding this chapter the reader is asked to bear in mind that in another part of this volume are given records of many hundreds of the representative families of all the towns of Bristol county, greatly adding to the details of settlement and development of the various communities. 1 The Hebron Church in Seekonk was organized in December, 1827, and an edifice erected directly on the line between this town and Attleborough. It was sold and removed in 1870, and a new one built, which stood wholly within this town. It was burned in 1875 and at once rebuilt. 140 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER VI. FROM 1815-1860— GENERAL COUNTY PROGRESS. There was general business depression throughout the country dur- ing a few years after the close of the last war with England; but Bris- tol county suffered less from it and recuperated more rapidly than many other localities. In the larger business centers of Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River were already firmly implanted the germs of in- dustries that in later years were to stimulate and foster the growth of those places and enrich the inhabitants. The iron industry, success fully founded in Taunton in 1656, was in full operation during the period in question by Joseph Dean (the Dean Iron Works) ; works were also in operation in Whittington (Whittenton), in Norton, Raynham, and Dighton. Cotton spinning and cloth making were in progress at Whittenton in 1807, and in Dighton and Attleborough about the same time, while before the war closed this industry was established in Fall River. In 1821 the Fall River Iron Works was incorporated, inaugu- rating a period of rapid development. The Bedford Bank was opened in New Bedford in 1803 (the first one in the county), passed out of exist- ence in 1812 by expiration of charter, and was revived in 1816. The first newspaper in the county was established in the same village in 1792, called the New Bedford Mercury, and the whaling industry, which had been almost destroyed by the war, increased from seven vessels arrived in 1816 to thirteen in 1817, and rapidly advanced from that time forward. As before stated, many attempts were made in past years to divide the county, or change the boundaries of the towns, or change the county seat, most of which fortunately were abortive. Reference has already been made to the dissatisfaction felt by the people of Taunton with the county organization at the very first, which ultimately led to the establishment of the county seat at that place. Again, as far back as 1741, the old town of Dartmouth, then including all the south part of the county, voted on "whether it be the town's desire to come under FROM 1815 TO 1860. 141 the government of Rhode Island, and it passed in the affirmative by a clear vote." A determined effort was made in 1817 for a division of the county, in which movement New Bedford was foremost; but the inhabitants of that aspiring village could not induce sufficient surrounding influence to carry the measure through. On December 16, 1817, a vote was taken in Fall River "with regard to Joining the Town of New Bedford in forming a New County, and it was Unanimously Voted that the Town should have nothing to do with them in regard to joining them, and that the selectmen should make it known by writing to them that we disapprove" of the undertaking. This was the latest effort in this direction. During the progress of the war of 1812-15 differences arose between the north and south parts of Dighton, which resulted in the incorpora- tion of the north part as the town of Wellington on June 8, 1814. The bill was advocated before the Legislature by the people of the north part, which comprised about three-fifths of the population and the larger part of the manufactures. The dividing line, after leaving the Segreganset River, followed the east and west road most of the dis- tance to the Rehoboth line. The Buck Plain church, in which the town meetings had been held, was within the Wellington bounds, and the Dighton meetings were therefore held in the school house a little east of the Lower Four Corners. This new arrangement soon became unsatisfactory to the people who had most earnestly advocated it ; taxes in the new town were higher than before, and dissension soon arose over the cost of supporting the poor, and other town matters. Finally a petition dated May 30, 1825, signed by Josiah Reed and ninety-eight others, was sent to the General Court for a reunion of the two towns. At the same time a similar petition was sent from Dighton signed by Hodijah Baylies and fifty-four others. The Legislature was favorable to the petitioners and the towns were united February 22, 1826. Strange as it may seem, this town of Wellington was revived on June 16, 1827, for one year, when it went permanently out of existence. Quite early in rhe present century the Bristol County Bible Society was formed and for many years performed its beneficent work. The record book has disappeared and no history of its early operation can be given. What was called its "first annual meeting " was held in September, 1839, but this was evidently under a reorganization, as the society was certainly in existence much earlier. The receipts for 1838 142 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. are given as $570.78. A Bible Society was organized in New Bedford in 1817. As the country was cleared of forests and the agricultural interests made progress, the farmers of the county felt the need of a union that would bring them into closer contact with each other for mutual con- sultation and improvement. The general feeling led to the organiza- tion in Taunton, on June 21, 1820, of the Bristol County Agricultural Society. At the meeting on that date a constitution was adopted, a committee appointed to further mature the details of the organization and issue, an address setting forth its purposes, consisting of Samuel Crocker, of Taunton; Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth, and Thomas Kinni- cut, of Seekonk. The first election of officers took place at the annual meeting of 1821, as follows: Samuel Crocker, president; Rev. Otis Thompson, Rev. Pitt Clark, of Norton; Nathaniel Morton, of Free- town; and Thomas Almy, of Dartmouth, vice-presidents; Horatio Leonard, of Raynham, recording secretary; James L. Hodges, of Taunton, corresponding secretary; Peter Thatcher, treasurer. A com- mittee, consisting of Francis Baylies, Samuel Crocker and James L. Hodges, was appointed to visit the various towns and solicit mem- bers and aid ; this committee was enlarged the following year to one member from each town. The necessary sum of money to provide for a creditable exhibition was not raised until April, 1823, and the first exhibition was held in October of that year. An act of incorporation was passed the same year, which gave the society authority to hold $20,000 in real estate; this sum was raised to $100,000 of property by an amendment of 1875. Through the succeeding seventy-five years to the present time this society has held its existence and has been a means of great benefit to the farmers and tradesmen of the county. Many of the strongest men of the community have held its offices and contributed to its growth. At the first exhibition in 1823 the amount of premiums was only $161, and the total expenses $200; ten years later the premiums offered reached $260, and the growth continued slow for many years During the first ten years of its existence the exhibitions were held in Taunton; in 1834 in Attleborough ; in 1835 in Mansfield; in 1837 in Taunton again, and so it removed from year to year. For several years after 1840, when the society had greatly de- clined in its annual peregrinations, exhibitions were held in Taunton ; in 1854-55 in New Bedford ; in 1856-57, in Fall River, the membership constantly increasing, without a corresponding increase of funds. In FROM 1815 TO 1860. 143 1853 the funds were increased to $3,000, bringing the State bounty up to $600, where it has since remained. In 1858 it was voted to take up a permanent location, and in the following year the existing site was purchased in Taunton for $5,000 and spacious buildings erected, which have been added to and improved from year to year, until the grounds are now perfectly adapted to their purposes. On its fiftieth anniver- sary the receipts reached $11,600. There is probably no more prosper- ous agricultural organization in the State. During the passing years of the first quarter of the present century increasing dissatisfaction was felt in the southern part of the county, and in some of the western towns, with the location of the county seat in Taunton, and various efforts were made for a change. Many petitions were sent to the General Court, particularly by the towns of Dartmouth and New Bedford, praying that some of the terms of court be held in Dighton or Freetown, or some other place more accessible to the people in that region. The situation, however, remained un- changed until 1828, when, on March 13, New Bedford was made a half-shire town and the first term of court was held there on the 9th of June, in the town hall. The court house and jail were subsequently built as described farther on. The building of the jail in New Bedford created considerable public disturbance. Taunton and New Bedford were then thriving, growing places, while Fall River was still a struggling, though very active vil- lage with less than four thousand inhabitants. New Bedford de- manded the jail, for one reason, her maritime interests brought in a large class of more or less desperate characters, which would supply a majority of the criminals for the institution. Fall River, with com- mendable ingenuity, at least, offset the pretensions of New Bedford by asserting that through the great influx of foreigners attracted thither by the employment offered them in the mills, a high carnival of crime might at any time be inaugurated which a few New Bedford sailors could not hope to emulate. This was a somewhat startling claim, aside from its importance as a factor in procuring the jail for the village, and led to the taking of a census to learn what was the actual prospect of riot and ruin from the foreign element. The census showed that of the working population employed in the mills, seven hundred and three were native Americans and only forty two were foreigners. So New Bedford got the jail. The scourge of Asiatic cholera which swept over the country in 1832 144 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. created intense anxiety in this county, particularly in Fall River and New Bedford, where the malady would be most likely to come in and gain a foothold. But prompt action on the part of the authorities in those places, as well as in Taunton, averted the appalling effects of the epidemic that were felt in other places. Vigilance commitees were appointed, stringent quarantine and sanitary regulations adopted, and the county as a whole suffered only slightly from the scourge. As the population of the county increased and trade and manufac- turing industries multiplied, facilities for travel and transportation were greatly improved. When the old stage line, which, prior to 1808, ran from Boston to Newport via Attleborough, was changed to run through Taunton, Berkley, Dighton and Fall River, Taunton was without public conveyance to Providence; but in 1822 a stage line was established starting from the then stage headquarters at Indian Tav- ern, Boston, running to Taunton, Providence and thence to Bristol. In 1826 mail and passenger stages ran between Taunton and Boston every day in the year, and lines to other points of less importance were soon established. Soon after the close of the war of 1812 transportation facilities to and from New Bedford were largely increased. In 1818 regular steamboat service was begun between that village and Nantucket, with the steamboat Eagle, a famous craft, which connected with a Boston stage line. Fall River had little public communication with neighboring towns until 1827, when the steamer Hancock began running daily to Provi- dence. Previous to that year there had been a little intermittent steamboat communication with other points, and sailing craft were employed, subject to wind and tide. The village was still small, hav- ing only fifty dwellings in 1820. A baggage wagon went once or twice a week to Boston, carrying yarn and bringing back merchandise. The steamboat line to Providence continued through later years under auspices of the Fall River Iron Works Company, as described in the history of the town. All of these comparatively primitive modes of conveyance were soon to give place to travel and freighting by the steam power of the loco- motive. Among the very earliest railroads in this country was one extending from Providence to Boston, passing through Attleborough and Mansfield, which was in operation in June, 1835. The opening of this road was a death-blow to the old and long-prosperous stage line, FROM 1815 TO 1860. 145 and others soon followed. It was now seen that a straight road of fif- teen or eighteen miles in length would give Taunton steam connection with the State capital, and a line of road was promptly built between that place and Mansfield, the first train of cars running over it on July 27, 1836. In that year a survey was made for a railroad to connect Taunton with New Bedford, and the estimated cost was placed at $285,230; a later survey raised this estimate to $400,000. In 1838 the Legislature passed an act incorporating Alfred Gibbs, Joseph Grinnell, James B. Congdon and their associates as the Old Colony Railroad Corporation, for the purpose of building this line. At the first meet- ing the title of the company was changed to the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad Company. A large share of the stock was promptly subscribed and in 1839 the following persons were chosen directors: Joseph Grinnell, Thomas Mandell, William W. Swain, William A. Crocker, Alfred Gibbs, Pardon G. Seabury and David R. Greene. Joseph Grinnell was elected the first president. Construction was at once begun and the road was opened to the public on the 1st day of July, 1840. Meanwhile a charter was granted for a railroad from Fall River to Providence in 1835, which was renewed in 1845, and on December 30, of that year, a meeting was held at Warren, where arrangements were discussed for the construction of the line. The work was long delayed and the rdad was not opened for business until in 1863. In June, 1845, Fall River was connected with the New Bedford and Taunton line at Myricks, and at a subsequent date a branch from this road was laid direct to Taunton, passing through Dighton. ' While these evidences of general progress were coming into being, a period of business depression and financial stringency was opening which involved the whole country. A change made in the money policy of the government, over-production and speculation brought their usual consequences. As far as relates to Bristol county, the severest effects of the stringency was felt in Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford. 1 In April, 1865, an act was passed under which the Old Colony and Fall River Railroad Com- pany, and the Newport and Fall River Company were given authority to join and form one cor- poration named the Old Colony and Newport Railway Company. What was known as the New- port Branch road was opened for business in November, 1863. The so-called Warren and Bristol branch of the system was opened in 1865. What is known as the Attleborough branch, running from Taunton to Attleborough and there connecting with the Boston and Providence road, was opened in about 1869. The several consolidations of recent years are matters of only general in- terest. All lines passing through Bristol county are now operated by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Company. 19 146 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In the latter place, which suffered the most, the period of distress be- gan earlier than in most localities, and a public meeting was held Jan- uary 16, 1834, to consider the deranged condition of the money market, the proceedings of which were reported to the government authorities at Washington by Hon. John Reed. 1 On February 22, 1834, a memorial was sent to Mr. Reed, which was signed by eight hundred and thirty-two citizens of New Bedford, two hundred and nineteen of Dartmouth, four hundred and seventeen of Fairhaven, two hundred and eighty- seven of Wareham, one hundred and seventy- five of Roches- ter, and one hundred and thirty-six of Westport. The memorial set forth the distressing conditions in the county, urged the speedy establishment of a national bank, claiming that such an institution would restore credit and prosperity. This period of "hard times" continued to seriously affect the business interests of the country for several years ; but in Bristol county the growing manufactures of Taunton and Fall River, and the whale industry of New Bedford were all resting upon founda- tions of wealth and energy that might be disturbed, but could not be wholly destroyed, and recovery was more rapid than in many places. One more town was added to the subdivisions of Bristol county dur- ing the period considered in this chapter. This was Acushnet, the territory of which was originally a part of Dartmouth; it was set off as part of New Bedford in 1787 and so remained until the formation of Fairhaven in 1812, when it became a part of that town. The subject of dividing Fairhaven was discussed a long time before it was accom- plished. The inhabitants of the north part were dissatisfied with the then existing conditions, believing that as their section was only sparsely settled, they did not receive a fair share of school moneys, and their tax rates were high. Moreover, the building of the new Presbyterian church on a site just north of the Woodside Cemetery, instead of the former site, was another potent grievance. This building was subse- quently burned, and meetings were then held in Fairhaven village, still more to the inconvenience of the people in the north part of the town. 1 In his presentation of the resolutions of the meeting Mr. Reed said " that while in the full tide of success, suddenly and unexpectedly they [the linhabitants of New Bedford] have been plunged into almost overwhelming distress; that trade and confidence are in a great measure de- stroyed and business stopped; that they cannot fulfill their engagements, because they cannot sell their property for cash, or obtain any loan of money; many worthy and hitherto prosperous men have been ruined, and the future presents prospects awfully alarming and distressing. They believe the present calamity and distress are mainly owing to removing the deposits and the measures resulting from the removal." FROM 1815 TO 1860. 147 Rev. Israel Washburn, who was born in Acushnet territory in 1796, and owned a farm there, was a man of strong and aggressive character and became a zealous advocate of the creation of a new town. His name is found heading a petition presented to the General Court in the winter of 1858-9, for this purpose, which went before a legislative committee. No action was taken other than its reference to the suc- ceeding court. The petitioners then gave their energies to preparations for successfully carrying the matter through the next session. An article in the warrant for a town meeting in Fairhaven on April 4, 1859, asked for action on the above named petition "now referred to the next Legislature," and it was voted that the chairman nominate a committee of five to determine a line of division of the town and re- port. This committee were Isaac Wood, Arthur Cox, Jonathan Cowen, Cyrus E. Clark (postmaster in Acushnet forty years), Charles H. Adams and John Ellis. The report was dated June 2, 1859, and the committee was instructed to appear before the Legislature and pre- sent the facts of the case. This they did, and also presented another largely- signed petition in favor of the division from the inhabitants of the southern part of Fairhaven. The legislative committee to which the matter was referred reported favorably and the act incorporating Acushnet was passed February 13, 1860. The first town meeting was held in the village engine house and Jones Robinson was chosen mod- erator; the following officers were elected : Jabez Wood, town clerk, collector and treasurer; Cyras E. Clark, Benjamin Wilson and Benja- min White, selectmen, assessors and overseers of the poor; Jabez Wood, Rev. Philip Crandon and George P. Morse, school committee; Philip A. Bradford, constable. This town is principally an agricultural district, but in early years the Acushnet River supplied power for a considerable number of mills of different kinds. The first fulling mill in this section was established early on the stream above the village, the building being used later for a saw mill by the Acushnet Saw Mill Company. A saw and a grist mill were in early years situated here, and later a fulling mill and carding factory which were operated by William Rotch and afterwards by Morgan & Lund as a paper mill. A mile farther up the stream was an early saw mill, which passed to possession of Phineas White who built a cotton mill there in 1811; associated with him were Capt. Jo- seph Whelden and Ansel White. The business prospered and Captain Whelden withdrew and built a stone cotton factory a mile up the 148 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. stream. Another saw mill was built on a stream emptying into the Acushnet near Captain Whelden's mill. Ansel White withdrew from his interest in the first cotton mill and built another in connection with a saw mill on the stream to the westward of Long Plain. The cotton manufacturing business has all passed away. Ebenezer Leonard car- ried on boat building many years, constructing a large number of whale boats for New Bedford, whither they were transported on trucks. Other industries have been the extensive manufacture of can- dle and soap boxes and the cutting of box- boards. There was a saw and grist mill on the Long Plain road, where a box factory was oper- ated in late years, which were followed by a fulling mill. Much of the general history of this town is included in later pages of New Bedford history. In this town is situated one of the oldest burial grounds in the county, where stand six or seven hundred stones bearing names and dates and very many more without. There is the resting place of many of the very earliest settlers of old Dartmouth. The land for this ground was given by John Jenne (or Jenney, as now spelled), a name that has always been familiar in this section. The ground was greatly improved and enlarged some years ago, and Humphrey Swift presented to an association formed for the purpose of caring for it several acres of land in rear of the original tract ; this addition was divided into lots, the first ones of which was taken by Mr. Swift, Capt. James R. Allen and Rodolphus Swift. A strip of land was also purchased on the west for an avenue. On one side of this was what was once the Mendell family tomb, which was brought from the Mendell homestead, two miles northeast of the village and is now a public vault. On this acre was erected the first Congregational meeting-house in old Dartmouth. There were many Friends among the early settlers in this region who probably established a Meeting, which was about the first in the southern part of Bristol county; they also doubtless built the old meet- ing-house which stood on the site of Aponagansett meeting-house, be- yond the Head-of-the-River: it was built in 1699. A body of early Presbyterians built the first church on Acushnet territory, but in just what year is not now known. It stood at the old cemetery, just back of the central entrance. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Hunt, who died in the town when he was forty-eight years old, and was succeeded by Rev. Richard Pierce, A. M., and he by Rev. Israel Cheever, who resigned in 1752. The next pastor was Dr. Samuel West, who was a famous figure in Revolutionary times and died in September 1807. FROM 1815 TO 1860. 149 From 1803 to 1829 the society was greatly reduced and the Methodists occupied the church until 1811. At that time the Congregationalists made an unsuccessful attempt to revive the society. Rev. Sylvester Holmes began a pastorate about 1829, the membership increased and it was probably during his ministry that the Congregational system was instituted. Mr. Holmes remained only a short time and was succeeded by Rev. Pardon T. Seabury. In 1830 the society built a meeting- house on the west side of the river and the old building was demolished in 1837. The meeting house of the Friends stood on the site of the present one on land conveyed in trust to the society by deed dated November 11, 1727 ; the house was built that year. When it fell into decay the new church took its place. The Christian Church at Long Plain was organized as a result of meetings held by Elder Daniel Hix, who was pastor of a nourishing church at Hixville, before described. The first meeting where the building of a meeting house was considered was held October 8, 1795. A lot was selected and the building erected near the present one ; it was probably completed in 1796. Elder Hix preached two Sundays in each month for a period, but for a number of years the services were intermittent and various elders occupied the pulpit from time to time. The society was finally compelled to go out of existence. The Friends' Society at Long Plain was formed about the middle of the last century, and their meeting-house was built on land deeded to them on October 10, 1759; it was much improved in 1855. The Meth- odist church at the village was organized as a class in 1807, but serv- ices had been held from the beginning of the century. As before stated the meetings were held several years in the Presbyterian church, but in 1811 they built a house for themselves. This was occupied until 1853, when the present one was built. On the 16th of October, 1838, the Baptists of this vicinity organized a church and Ira Leland was or- dained pastor, the meetings being held in the old Christian church. In 1847 a new edifice was erected. In 1856 a Union Society was formed to accommodate many believers who did not care to join the Baptists or other societies, and this Baptist congregation became a part of it, but for only a short time. The list of pastors is a long one. In this Union Society was the Methodist Church of Long Plain, which was formed in 1856, with Rev. Philip Crandon as pastor. A small chapel was built and occupied until 1862, when the present edifice was erected. 150 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. After the division of Fairhaven, Acushnet was separated into school districts and three excellent school houses were erected, while the others were placed in good condition. Several thriving private schools have been taught in the town. Other institutions are noticed in the later Gazetteer. In describing the development in various directions in most of the towns in the county during the period treated in this chapter, we may begin with Dighton, where in early years, as well as at the present time, there were a number of important industries. The Segreganset River, nearly the whole course of which flows through this town, has supplied power for numerous manufactures, most of which were situated near its junction with Taunton River. Some of the earliest of these have been mentioned. A fulling mill was in operation early in the century just below the site of the Briggs forge. A little below the east and west road leading to the Upper Four Corners a stone building was erected in 1822 by Capt. David Perry for a machine shop, which was subsequently used for a tack factory by various proprietors. A fourth of a mile lower was an early linseed oil mill ; it did not prosper and was said to have been bewitched by a woman who was at enmity with the owner. Later a tub and pail factory was operated in the building in the upper part and a blacksmith shop in the lower. It was finally burned and a saw mill built on the site by Joseph Briggs. One-half mile below this privilege was the tack factory of Nathaniel Leonard & Son, built about 1845, and containing twenty-two machines. It passed to control of the tack combination and the work ceased. Below the Leonard factory and on the road forming the former bounds between Dighton and Wellington was the well known Simmons grist mill which went out of use many years ago. On what has been called the Sally Richmond Brook were formerly a number of established industries, among which was a shingle mill and a forge on the west road, the first owned by Gen. William Peck, and the forge, which was a little below, by Matthew Briggs. A number of still later manufacturing establishments have had an existence in this town, which are described in the next chapter. In Mansfield in 1837 the Calvin Baptists organized a church and built a meeting-house in the center of the town. No regular minister was settled until 1853 when Rev. Welcome Lewis was engaged. A Society of Friends was formed in this town in 1809 and built a neat meeting- house which is still in use. In 1830 a Christian Baptist Church was FROM 1815 TO 1860. 151 organized and a small house of worship built at West Mansfield; sub- sequently a new edifice was erected near the railroad station. The Mansfield and Foxborough Society of the New Jerusalem was organized in 1838 and meetings were held in dwellings of members. In 1871 a meeting-house was built on a lot donated by Dr. William F. Perry, on the south side of West street. The Emanuel Methodist Church was organized in 1860 with sixteen members. Meetings were held in a hall until January, 1861, from which date to 1864 no services were held. They were then revived in the old meeting-house for two years, when there was another interruption until 1871. In 1877 a house of worship was built on a lot donated by Charles T. Borden, which is still in use. Prominent among the early enterprising business men of this town was Solomon Pratt, who opened a general store in the village, the first in the place. He also engaged largely in the iron business, mining the metal and delivering it to various persons who took it to their homes and worked it into hand-made nails, which were returned to him. He also bought of the makers large quantities of straw braid for hats and bonnets, which were woven by women for a distance of thirty miles around. In one year the braid purchased by him made fifteen thou- sand bonnets. In 1811 was built what was called the Middle Factory by a corporation, of which Mr. Pratt was a member, for the manufac- ture of woolen cloths. This property was later sold to Mr. Pratt who operated it with his sons, Charles and Harrison. In 1830 the factory was burned without insurance ; but Mr. Pratt courageously rebuilt the mill, filling it with machinery made in Taunton, and in the first year after made sufficient money to pay for the whole. Mr. Pratt was also partner with Elkanah Bates in operating the factory which was known as the knife shop. In 1857 an association was formed for the man- ufacture of jewelry, then the leading industry of the neighboring town of Attleborough. A building was erected in the village, and soon afterward leased to a firm from Attleborough who occupied it and did a successful business several years. The property was finally sold to Merritt Brothers, manufacturers of Attleborough, who were very suc- cessful in the making of tortoise shell jewelry. Mr. Merritt subse- quently withdrew and formed a partnership with John Shepardson for the manufacture of solid and plated jewelry, which business was later moved to Attleborough. Mr. Draper then took as partner D. S. Spaulding, for making shell jewelry, and the business was finally car- ried on by Mr. Spaulding alone. 152 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In 1842 Robert McMoran and Robert Fulton began the manufacture of shoe knives and awls on Water street and built up a large business; the firm dissolved in 1862 and Mr. Fulton continued alcne. Mr. Mc- Moran formed a partnership with George A Robinson and William N. McMoran and carried on the same business at West Mansfield. Mr. McMoran soon after died and the business was continued by the firm of George A. Robinson & Co. Upon the death of Mr. Fulton, in 1865, the works were operated three years by his executor, when Matthew George, who had married Mrs. Fulton, succeeded to the business. Later industries are noticed further on. In the town of Somerset, adjoining Dighton, several churches have been organized. since the close of the war of 1812-15. The first regular Methodist services in Somerset village were held in 1841 in a sail loft on Burgess's wharf, by Bryan Morse, a local preacher. A protracted meeting followed, resulting in a revival, and a society was organized and a meeting-house built in 1842. Rev. Levi Daggett was the first minister appointed by the conference. In 1860 there was a disruption in the church and twenty-one families withdrew to organize the Con- gregational Church. The First Christian Church was organized in 1841, and is still in ex- istence. The First Congregational Church was formed of the twenty- one families that withdrew from the Methodist society in 1860, as before stated, and meetings were held for a time in Central Hall. A Cono-re- gational minister was invited and preached about a year before the formal organization of the society took place in 1861. A council was held and twenty-two members presented themselves to form the society. The hall was used for services until 1865, when a church was completed and dedicated. Among the early pastors were Revs. N. Richardson Nelson Clark, L. S. Coan, E. J. Geddings, J. C. Halliday, and others! St. Patrick's Catholic church in this town was erected in 1875. The business interests of Somerset were not very important until after the middle of the present century, if we except the manufacture of pottery ware. At Pottersville this industry was established many years ago by the Chase family and has ever since been continued. The Somerset Pottery Company was incorporated in 1847 with a capital of $25,000; in 1882 there was a change in the corporation and the capital was increased to $30,000 and a large product was turned out. The capital was subsequently doubled, the business greatly extended and stove linings, fire brick, etc., added to the product. In 1891 the plant FROM 1815 TO 1860. 153 passed to the control of the Somerset and Johnsonburg Manufac- turing Company and the manufacture of enameled brick was made an important part of the business. In August, 1897, the name of the corporation was changed to the Somerset Enameled Brick Com- pany. W. H. Sanford has been at the head of the business for many years. Meanwhile, in 1893, the firm of Synan Bros., who had been connected with the above described works, began the manufacture of stoneware and in 1896 built their present pottery at Pottersville. Previous to 1850 a considerable business was done in Somerset in oysters and it has continued to some extent to the present time. About 1850 James Hood began a large ship-building business, but in 1854 a large vessel on the stocks was burned, probably by an incendiary, and the work was given up. In 1853 a company was formed for the manu- facture of ship anchors and other large forgings; its title was the Som- erset Iron Works Company and William S. Sampson was agent and treasurer. Buildings were erected and the plant fully established, but after two years of unprofitable business it was abandoned. Nails are manufactured there at the present time. In 1855 Albert Field and Job M. Leonard purchased the property and fitted it up for the making of nails and as a rolling mill, under the title of the Mount Hope Iron Company. A successful business was conducted until 1866, when most of the buildings were burned. The company at once erected larger and more convenient structures and within a year the new mill was running. In 1871 the property was sold to persons in the interest of the Parker Mills, at Wareham, and it was operated about eight years with O. W. Washburn, agent and treasurer. The later depresssion in the iron business caused a suspension of work in 1878, and in 1881 the plant of the Old Colony Iron Company, of Taunton, was purchased, the machinery of the Mount Hope Company was removed to the works of the Old Colony Co., where the business continues, with J. M. Leon- ard, treasurer. About two hundred and fifty hands are employed in making nails and iron plates. About the year 1854 the Boston Stove Foundry was established ; it was not successful financially until about 1867, when it was taken in hand by the Somerset Co-operative Foundry Company, composed mainly of practical workmen, and given new life. This company was succeeded by the Somerset Stove Foundry Company and a large business was built up and continued until early in 1897, when the plant was burned ; it was at once rebuilt and the business continued. 20 154 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Churches organized in Attleborough during the period under con- sideration in this chapter were as follows: The First Universalist, August 17, 1816, incorporated in the following year. The first minis- ter was Rev. Richard Carrique. A meeting-house was built in 1818 on the old post road near the First Congregational church. About 1835 some of the members began holding services at North Attle- borough and they subsequently purchased a lot and built a meeting- house there in 1841, on the site still occupied by the society. The old building at West Attleborough was sold when the society became re- duced in numbers and it was removed by the Methodists to North Attleborough; later on it was burned. In 1881-2 a beautiful new edifice was erected by the society at a cost of $30,000: The Hebronville Church was gathered by Rev. Thomas Williams after his dismission from the Baptist Church in the West Parish in 1827. A small meeting-house was built on the line between Attle- borough and Seekonk. The Free Evangelical Church at North Attle- borough was organized in April, 1858. The existing church edifice was built in 1874. St. Mary's Catholic Church was formed at Attle- borough Falls in 1850, but later was removed to North Attleborough, where a more commodious house of worship was built and but recently completed. 1 The villages in the town of Attleborogh are known all over the United States as a great jewelry manufacturing center. There were, however, in early years, a few other industries of importance. Jewelry manufac- ture began in a small way before the close of the Revolution, but the business did not reach great proportions until about the middle of the 1 For tetter convenience of the reader a number of the churches of Attleborough may be disposed of here. The first services in the Episcopal faith in this town were held at North Attle- borough in 1858. On March 30, 1859, the Grace Church parish was organized and services con- tinued by various ministers in both the North and East villages. The corner stone of the present church was laid June 14, 1872, the rectory being built in the following year. The Hebronville Methodist Church was organized in April, 1875, in Hebron Hall, where services were held until their edifice was finished in 1883. Its cost was $18,000. An African Methodist Church was formed in 1871 and a small church building was erected; this burned and the present one succeeded. Attempts made at various times to form a Congregational Church at Attleborough Palls finally resulted in the organization of the Central Congregational in March, 1874, under the ministry of Rev. George H. Tilton. Simultaneously steps were taken which resulted in the erection of the present edifice. The organization of the Murray Universalist Parish took place in 1875, under ministration of Rev. Franklin C. Flint. The present church edifice was built in 1884-5. The Centenary Methodist Church was organized March 10, 1866, and the first meeting-house was built in the same year on the site of the present one. This building was burned December 23 1883 and the present edifice was erected immediately after. St. John's Catholic Church was organized in 1883 and the house of worship was begun in the winter of the same year, and was dedicated in 1885. FROM 1815 TO 1860. 155 century. Edward Price came from England and was manufacturing buttons about the beginning of the century, first at Attleborough and later at North Attleborough. Engaging in cotton manufacture in 1811 he was unsuccessful, and was then employed by Col. Obed Robinson and Otis Robinson, who began making buttons in 1812. Firms after- wards engaged in this business were Richard Robinson & Co., making glass buttons, Robinson, Jones & Co., who in 1826 began making gilt buttons; in 1827 they built a factory at Robinsonville and brought their product to high excellence. This business is now carried on by D. Evans & Co., making fine goods, principally uniform buttons. Cotton goods were made in Attleborough as early as 1809, probably, when Chester Bugbee, John Richardson, George Blackinton, David Shepard, Ebenezer Draper, Lemuel May and Samuel Lifft transformed the old Beaver Dam factory into a cotton mill with twenty looms and five hundred spindles. The financial stringency of 1817 checked the business and the factory soon passed to Lemuel May and Daniel Cobb, who continued its operation to 1828 and were succeeded by Capt. Bug- bee and William Haven; their factory was burned in 1833. The Falls factory, so called, was built and began operation in 1809 by the Falls Manufacturing Company; it was burned in 1811, but was at once re- built and a business begun that employed forty hands. The factory was enlarged in 1831 by the erection of a large stone structure, and con- nected with it was a grist mill, machine shop, saw mill, etc. At that time the business was in the hands of Jonathan and George Bliss. The electric light and power station now occupies the site of these works. The Mechanics' Factory was erected in 1811, just below the Farmers' factory, the first firm operating it being Ingraham, Richardson & Co., who were followed by Whitaker, Richardson & Co. ; it then went to the Mechanics' Manufacturing Co., and later to Samuel and Jesse Car- penter. Under their management forty looms and ten hundred and thirty-six spindles were operated. In 1854 Lewis S. Foster and John K. H. Nightingale (Foster & Nightingale) purchased the property, made extensive additions and long carried on a successful business. The building was subsequently burned, and having been rebuilt came into the hands of Watson & Newell, jewelry manufacturers, who are still in business. The Farmers' Factory was established in 1813 by the Farmers' Man- ufacturing Co. In 1834 it was successfully operated by Jonathan and George Bliss. The so called City Factory, South Attleborough, was 156 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. built in 1813, burned in 1826, and was immediately rebuilt. It con- tained twenty looms and seven hundred spindles, and was operated by Daniel Reed & Co. About coincident with the establishment of these mills Ebenezer Tyler operated the Dodgeville Cotton Factory in Attle- borough, and about 1815 sold an interest to Nehemiah Dodge, whose son, John C. Dodge, was made superintendent. In 1840 the son bought out the father and continued alone, enlarged the mill, and in 1854 it was sold at auction to B. B. and R. Knight. In 1870 Stephen A. Knight was admitted and the establishment was incorporated as the Hebron Manufacturing Company, with mills at both Dodgeville and Hebron- ville ; the first of these was long known as the Atherton Factory, which was established on the Ten- Mile River in 1812, at what was known as Chaffee's Mills, where was an early saw and grist mill. There the Atherton Manufacturing Company, under lead of Thomas Harkness and Thomas J. Stead (Harkness & Stead), of Providence, operated forty-two looms. The Lanesville Mill (present Adamsdale factory) was built in 1826 on Abbott's Run, for the manufacture of print cloths ; it was burned in 1880 and rebuilt. It is now operated as a yarn mill by John Adams. Handel N. Daggett was the first to successfully manufacture braid in this country. In 1848 he was engaged in Attlebo rough in making shoe lacings and candle wicking. Later he braided covering for hoop skirts. Up to 1861 good braid had not been made in this country, the goods being imported. The war created a demand for domestic braid and Mr. Daggett began its production, first at Attleborough, then at Farmers' and after 1865 at Attleborough Falls. He was associated with John C. Morse until 1869, when an interest was taken by Austin Dun- ham, of Hartford, and George S. Moulton, of New York. From 1873 to 1879 he was ajone, at which date the Gold Medal Braid Company was formed, and the business is still successfully continued, with M. I. Furbush superintendent. Col. William Blackinton began the manufacture of power-loom shut- tles at Attleborough in 1827 and continued it until his death; in 1842 the firm became Wm. Blackinton & Sons. The business is still carried on in a small way. Manning Richards began the manufacture of jewelry about 1810 on the Cumberland road, but soon removed to North Attleborough, where he continued the businers with pronounced success. He was father of H. M. Richards. In 1821 the firm of Draper, Tifft & Co. (Josiah Draper FROM 1815 TO 1860. 157 John Tifft, Ira Richards) began this business. Everett, Dean & Co. (A. M. Everett, G. A. Dean, R. Bliss, S. L. Morse, E. S. Capron) be- gan jewelry manufacture in 1856. Their shop was burned in 1858. Mr. Morse and Mr. Capron sold out in 1858 and B. B. Day came into the firm in 1859, the style changing to Everett, Day & Co. ; the firm subsequently became Day, Bliss & Dean, and later G. A. Dean & Co., who are still in business. Later jewelry manufacturers are noticed in the next chapter. In early years nail making was carried on extensively in this town, John Richardson, John Fuller and William Blackinton being interested in the business. Roger Farnum had a distillery about the beginning of the century on the south side of Elm street ; the building was blown down in the gale of 1815. About opposite on the north side of the street was an early tannery. Near by on the east side of the river David Whiting turned hubs. H. F. Barrows • began jewelry manufacture in 1853 at Attleborough Falls, and became the senior member of the successful firm of H. F. Barrows & Co. This firm name still continues. F. G. Whitney and E. W. Davenport began in 1849 and in 1852 built a shop. Mr. Whit- ney built a large brick factory on Chestnut street in 1876, which was burned in 1882 and immediately rebuilt; he was succeeded by his sons in 1886, but subsequently went out of business. In 1830 Richards & Price began jewelry manufacture, but continued only a few years. Dennis Everett and Otis Stanley were manufactur- ing in 1831 at South Attleborough, but removed to the north village. Harvey M. and Edmund Ira Richards began in 1833 under the style of H. M. & E. I. Richards; the next year the name changed to Ira Rich- ards & Co. by the admission of Ira Richards. There have been many changes in this firm, but mainly by the admission of new members of the Richards family. The business of the firm has always been among the most successful of Attleborough enterprises. The firm is now G. I. Richards & Co. Stephen Richardson & Co. (Stephen Richardson and Abiel Codding) began jewelry manufacture, and in 1840 went into the factory of Calvin Richards. Mr. Codding left the firm in 1839; in 1848 Mr. Richardson built a shop, Samuel Miller having joined with him in the firm of Rich- ardson & Miller. Miller withdrew in 1856, and in 1859 Clarence H. Richardson, son of Stephen took an interest. In 1870 the factory burned and was not rebuilt. W. H. Robinson began in 1837, and soon 158 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. took in S. L. Daggett under the style of Daggett & Robinson. Mr. Daggett retired and William Guild came in in 1840 and in 1850 the the style of Robinson & Co. was adopted. Charles E. Hayward was one of the pioneers in this business at East Attleborough, and in 1851 located at Attleborough where, with Archibald Thompson, S. M. Lewis and S. N. Carpenter, he formed the firm of Thomson, Hayward & Co. Later Mr. Thompson took the business and C. E. Hayward started another industry under the firm name of Hayward & Briggs. Benjamin S. and Joseph J. Freeman began in 1847 at the Falls. This business is still continued by B. S. Freeman & Co. J. F. Sturdy & Co. started soon after the Freeman Brothers, organizing first as Dra- per, Sturdy & Co. in 1849 (J. F. and J. H. Sturdy and Herbert M. Draper), and beginning at Robinsonville. They introduced the man- ufacture of rolled gold plated work into this tdwn, which attained great success. The firm of White & Shaw, of South Attleborough, was or- ganized in 1852. H. D. Merritt and J. B. Draper formed the firm of Merritt & Draper in 1855, removed to Mansfield in 1870, and returned in 1872. In July, 1854, the firm of George K. Davis & Co. (C. E. W. Sherman), began on Ten-Mile River; the firm dissolved in a few years and Mr. Sherman built a shop on Elm street and in 1875 took in his son, William W. Sherman. The business of this firm was the collec- tion and purchase of waste and sweepings for refinement. It is con- tinued as Charles E. W. Sherman & Sons. In September, 1857, in the midst of the great financial depression, the firm of Skinner, Viall & Co., of which J. M. Bates was a member, began jewelry making over Blackinton's shuttle shop. At the end of a year Mr. Bates sold out and formed the new firm of Bates, Capron & Williams and located in the Falls factory ; two years later Bates sold out to William Sherman and the company removed to Mansfield, where business was soon abandoned. Mr. Bates continued in the business until 1867 with success, and then took in George M. Bacon. The firm was successful and subsequently introduced the manufacture of watch cases, filled and solid. This business continues under the style of Bates & Bacon, although Mr. Bates is out of the firm. Charles H. and Albert W. Sturdy formed the firm of Sturdy Brothers in 1859 and for a number of years were very successful manufacturers of plated goods. The firm sold out January 1, 1885, and were suc- ceeded by Blake & Claflin (James E. Blake, Edward P. Claflin). The firm is now J. E. Blake & Co., Mr. Blake having purchased Claflki's F|ROM 1815 TO 1860. 159 interest in 1896. He built a new factory in 1898. V. H. Blackinton began making jet jewelry in 1857 and built up a successful industry; it is still conducted at the Falls by V. H. Blackinton & Co. The firm of Short, Nerney & Co., started in 1862, continued a large business in the manufacture of optical goods through several changes in the member- ship of the organization; the firm is now the Bay State Optical Com- pany. Other prominent manufacturers of jewelry in this town in past years were Codding & Smith, started before the beginning of the Civil war; J. J. & J. M. Richards, started as E. S. Richards & Co., in 1864; J. W. Luther & Co., began as James W. and John W. Luther, brothers, in 1865 and are still making pearl goods; F. S. Draper & Co., started in 1865; A. Bushee & Co., began making cheap jewelry in 1868 and still continue; W. & S. Blackinton, founded a firm in 1869 and removed to Providence; Sadler Bros., started in 1863 at South Attleborough and recently erected a new building; Horton, Angell & Co., firm organized in 1870, became very successful in the manufacture of specialties which they controlled and are still in business; Young & Bennett, firm organ- ized in 1870, North Attleborough ; the firm is now Young & Stern ; E. Whitney & Co. , at the Falls, started at the Falls ; Stanley Bros. , be • gan in 1871, now in business at North Attleborough; E. N. Cummings & Co., started 1871; Hayward & Witherell, began in 1873, and were succeeded by P. E. Witherell ; the business is still in existence ; R. F. Simmons & Co., began about 1873 and still continue; Bliss Brothers & Everett, began in 1873, succeeded by -Bliss Brothers who are still in business; Watson, Newell & Co., successors of Cobb, Gould & Co., be- gan in 1874 and still conduct a large business; R. B. McDonald, started in 1874 and is still rnnning ; Joseph J. Doyle, 1875; John Etzensperger, 1876, in North Attleborough; Nerney & Lincoln, 1876, are now in business; S. E. Fisher & Co., 1887; G. K. Webster Co., changed to G. K. Webster in 1883 ; Codding Brothers, 1878; Marsh & Bigney, be- gan in 1879; S. W. Gould & Co., 1880; J. M. Fisher & Co., 1879; L. E. Sadler, 1880; W. G. Clark & Co., 1881; D. F. Briggs, 1882; Daggett & Clap, 1882; H. H. Curtis & Co., 1883; Riley & French, 1883; F. S. Gilbert, bought tools, etc. of F. G. Pate & Co., and began in 1884; J. N. Hugo & Co., successors of Knight & Berry, 1885; Bennett & Halli- day, followed by T. J. Halliday & Co., first began in 1885; Wheaton & Richards, 1886; R. Blackinton & Co., started in 1863; E. I. Franklin & Co., began in 1874; Sandland, Capron & Co., started in 1876; Dem- arest & Brady, dates from 1877; Mason, Draper & Co., began in 1870; 160 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Smith & Crosby, in the east part, established 1872; W. H. Wilmarth & Co., East Attleborough, began in 1872, succeeded in 1894 by the W. H. Wilmarth & Co. corporation; Streeter Brothers, began 1867; Daniel H. Smith began in 1867 in company with S. M. Carpenter, S. M. Morse and Hartford H. Capron as D. H. Smith & Co. About two years later Mr. Smith became sole proprietor, who continued successfully to 1888 ; E. V. Jenney, successor of C. W. Chase & Co. ; J. N. Thomson & Co., and others. Silver ware was successfully manufactured at North Attleborough a number of years, beginning in 1866 by William D. Whiting, who or- ganized the Whiting Manufacturing Company. The Attleborough Bank was chartered in 1836, and in 1858 removed to North Attleborough, where it has since been a successful institution, of which Edward R. Price was cashier many years. The First National Bank of Attleborough was organized in 1875, with a capital of $100,000. J. M. Bates is president ; Homer N. Daggett, cashier. In 1810 Ephraim Raymond and his son-in-law, Josiah Dean, of Rayn- ham, built a cotton factory in Norton which was operated by the Nor- ton Manufacturing Company. In 1721 Mr. Raymond bought the Dean interest and between that year and 1833 sold part of it to Samuel Crocker and Charles Richmond, amounting in all to seven-eighths of the whole. In October, 1833, Albert Bowen bought a quarter interest and in 1837 the Norton Manufacturing Company was incorporated. After the failure of Crocker & Raymond this property was sold at auction. In February, 1844, the Wheaton Manufacturing Company was incor- porated by Albert Barrows, Samuel B. King, and Laban Wheaton ; the business was sold in 1865 to the Newbury Manufacturing Company, who made cotton goods until 1871, when the property was sold to La- fayette Godfrey. He sold in 1875 to the Stafford Manufacturing Com- pany, of Fall River. A fulling mill and grist mill were established in Norton as early as 1783 by Nathan and Edward Babbitt and Annes Newcomb, on Canoe River. After several changes the property passed to Thomas Danf orth who, in 1811, sold to Jonathan Smith, Simeon Presbrey, jr., Daniel Presbrey, Stimson Austin and Alanson Cobb, reserving three eighths of a water privilege, and they built a cotton mill. This passed through several owners' hands down to 1822, when Nathaniel Newcomb bought the whole and made yarn and batting. The factory burned in 1831 and was rebuilt. The grist mill went out of use about 1814, and the fulling mill about 1820. FROM 1815 TO 1860. 161 Ansel Keith and Jonathan Smith began the hat -making business in 1808 and George Gilbert commenced making bonnets about the same time. Thomas Danforth 2d and Hiram H. Witherell were also engaged in the latter business from 1833 to 1844. In September, 1850, the Nor- ton Straw Manufacturing Company was organized by the Wheaton Manufacturing Company and others ; the company dissolved in 1854 and the Norton Straw Company was formed. In 1855 by another change the Norton Manufacturing Company was formed ; the business ceased in 1857. In the last year named the manufacture of matches was begun by Austin Messinger ; he did the work by hand and sold his prod- uct about the country. The business rapidly increased and was soon carried on by power. Andrew H. Sweet took an interest and attended to the sales. The Wheaton Female Seminary, in Norton, was founded in 1834 by Laban Wheaton in memory of his daughter. The endowment fund was increased by his son, Laban M. Wheaton, and after his death his widow made large additions. While not a large institution, this seminary has always exerted a healthful influence upon the cause of education in the vicinity. In the town of Easton the Methodist movement began in 1790, but the first church was not organized until 1796, in the northeast part of the town. The first Methodist church was built on Washington street on the site of the later one; it was occupied until 1830 and was then replaced by a new one. The first regular pastor was Nehemiah Coy. About 1843 a part of the congregation, who had become dissatis- fied with the Episcopal part of the church government, withdrew and formed a Protestant Methodist Society. In 1861 the older church was divided, the pastor, Rev. L. B. Bates, going with those who preferred to have services held in the village. This body built a church on Main street and worshiped there until 1876, at which time they moved into the building formerly occupied by the North Easton Unitarians, which was presented by Oliver Ames. These Methodist societies were subse- quently united. The first Catholic church in Easton was built in 1850 on land donated by Oliver Ames & Sons. It was called "the chapel." The present church was built in 1865. The North Easton Unitarian Society was organized in 1857 and for a number of years only transient services were maintained. Rev. William L. Chaffin was called in 1868. In August, 1875, the society first occupied the beautiful church built and presented by Oliver Ames. 21 162 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Some of the early iron industry of this town has received notice. When the town was incorporated in 1725 there were two, possibly three, forges in operation — one at what was known as Cranberry- Meadow Pond and the other the well-known Leonard forge at North Easton. There were also the usual number of saw mills in various parts of the town, which gradually went out of use as the timber dis- appeared. There was at least one grist mill. The forge first named continued in operation to about 1750, when a saw mill took its place, and about the same time a furnace was established at Furnace Village. There Capt. James Perry made cannon and balls for the Revolutionary army, It subsequently passed to Gen. Shepard Leach. In the north- east part of the town the iron business continued through the last century and before its close two forges were in operation. In 1775-6 Eliphalet Leonard, as before noticed, began the manufacture of steel in Easton. He was grandson of James, the founder of the first forge, and was led to experiment in steel working by the demand for that article in the manufacture of firearms. In 1787 Jonathan Leonard, son of James, erected a furnace capable of making three tons of steel at one operation, and in 1808 he built another with three times this capacity. The Leonards also made firearms. Other early industries of this town were the linseed oil factory of Calvin Brett, 1792; a saw mill operated by Josiah Copeland at South Easton about the beginning of the century; the factory for making cotton yarn and afterwards of cloth, established about 1805, which continued until 1834, when E. J. Morse & Co. began making cotton thread there. On the Dean grist mill site was started a forge about 1810 by Elijah Howard & Co. ; a destructive fire closed the business, but the same company engaged in making nails, continuing to about 1823. About 1825 Elijah Howard and Capt. Barzillai Dean established a cotton fac- tory; after Captain Dean's death in 1848 the building was occupied for a machine shop. On the next privilege below was a saw mill, a card- ing mill and a fulling mill in early years. Later on satinet cloth was made and cotton yarn. Asa R. Howard made hoes there at one period, and in 1848 Solomon W. Morse bought the whole privilege and engaged in the manufacture of cotton cloth. He subsequently sold to E. J. Morse. At about the beginning of the century at Furnace Village Gen. Shep- ard Leach successfully operated a furnace. In 1837 Capt. Lincoln FROM 1815 TO 1860. 163 Drake established a malleable iron works under the firm name of A. Boyden & Co. In 1840 Daniel Belcher, who had superintended the business of Mr. Drake, bought the property and continued the business many years. Near by was the foundry of L. S. and A. L. Drake, who succeeded Capt. Lincoln Drake in 1872. An oil mill was in operation here about 1830, and in 1854 Keith, Rotch & Co. operated a thread fac- tory. In 1844 Lewis and Edward D. Williams built and operated the first belt saw mill in this vicinity. In the south part of the town, in 1828, J. and H. M. Poole began making mathematical instruments. The excellence of their work gave them extended reputation. John M. Poole succeeded in 1878. Shoe manufacturing has been carried on to a considerable extent in this town. Guilford White engaged in it in 1850 ; Horatio Thayer and Nathaniel R. Packard later, and Lewis Thayer from 1856 to 1870; Irving and Emory Packard began in 1864. Early in this century there were several industries in the northeast part of the town, among them a grist mill, a knife shop, run by John Ames, and a hoe shop by Nathan Pratt in later years. Near the site of the Ames office was a grist mill and still lower was the cotton man- ufactory of the Easton Manufacturing Company. ' At the lower end of Stone's Pond steel manufacturing was conducted at the beginning of the century, and a grist mill and nail factory were established later. William G. Andrews and Elijah Howard began making cotton yarn and afterwards made sheeting. Gurdon Stone and Jason G. Howard were later connected with the latter business. In 1839 the making of tacks was begun there and subsequently E. J. W. Morse made knitting cotton ; in 1852 Mr. Howard sold the property to Oliver Ames and it became a part of the great shovel works. At the. lower end of what has been known as Shovel Shop Pond there were in early years a dam and grist mill, a nailer's forge and an iron forge and trip-hammer. This property was purchased by Oliver Ames, the founder of the shovel business. He built a new dam there and continued the line of manufacture he had previously carried on in a small way some years before farther up the stream. Mr. Ames pur- chased also land farther up the stream, and in 1852, when the factory at the lower end of the pond proved too small for the growing business he built a two-story building five hundred and thirty feet long, and additions and other structures were subsequently made. The property of the first Oliver Ames passed to his sons, Oakes and Oliver, reserving 164 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a life interest and a share in the profits; it was then that the firm of Oliver Ames & Sons was formed. Oliver Ames, sr., died in 1863. In 1876 the firm reorganized as a corporation with the name, Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation. The business is one of the most important in Bristol county. In 1854 the firm of E. W. Gilmore & Co. was organized (Oakes and Oliver Ames being partners), for the manufacture of strap and T-hinges, occupying the building formerly occupied by the Ames company. In 1871 Mr. Gilmore purchased the Ames interest and built the large works since occupied by him. In 1851 the firm of A. A. Gilmore & Co. was formed at North Easton for the manufacture of fine calf-skin boots; the business continued to 1879. In 1855 William Andrews be- gan shoe manufacturing with Ward L. Foster, but the business failed in 1857. Pratt, Foster & Co. manufactured in the same building for a period. George Brett was also engaged in the same line for about ten years. In 1865 John B. King and P. A. Gifford began making shoes; in 1871 Mr. King bought his partner's interest. Later manufactures here are noticed in the Gazetteer. The churches were organized in the town of Westport during the period now under cbnsideration. The earliest of these was the First Christian Church which was formed under ministration of Elder Daniel Hix at the Head-of-the-River. The house of worship was built in 1823-4. This ancient church is now closed. From it sprang the Sec- ond Christian Church, which was organized in 1838 and soon built a meeting-house; this was replaced by a new one in 1876. The society is still in existence. The Third Christian Church is at Central Village, and was organized in 1830; the meeting-house was built in 184s! There is also a Christian Church at Brownell's Corner, which was or- ganized in 1843, and the meeting-house was dedicated on July 4 of that year. The First Christian Church at North Westport was organized in 1858, under Elder William Faunce. The meetinghouse was completed a little before the organization of the society. The Pacific Union Congregational Church at the Head-of-the-River was formed as a result of preaching in 1852 by Rev. J. B. Parris in Washington Hall ; he had already preached in the old Christian church about two years. He continued his ministry in the hall until Decem- ber, 1855, when the Union church building was finished. In March 1864, a meeting was held and the articles, confession of faith and cove- nant of a Congregational church were adopted. The edifice was built FROM 1815 TO 1860. 165 by subscription to stock, and cost about $4,000. The site was donated by James B. Congdon. At a meeting held in April, 1859, a committee was appointed with authority to sell to the Pacific Union Society the house of worship and site. This was done and the formal organization of the church society took place May 31, 1858. In the town of Swansea there is little to record here excepting the formation of several churches. The earliest one was the Six- Principle Baptist, organized about 1820 by Elder Philip Slade. The society is practically out of present existence. The Union Meeting, which dedicated its house of worship about 1830, was subsequently dissolved. Rev. D. McCoy began preaching in Swansea village in 1845 and continued to 1847. He was rector of the Church of the Ascension, Fall River, and it was due to his labors that Christ Church was organized, on January 7, 1846. The church edifice was built largely by subscriptions from outside of the community and was consecrated December 2, 1847. The Universalist Church of Swansea and Rehoboth has been in exist- ence nearly forty years at Hortonville. Services have never been regu- lar for any long period together. The Baptist Church in Raynham was organized in 1839 and the house of worship built within a few years. Rev. Ebenezer Briggs was the first regular pastor. In 1828 was formed what was called the Second Congregational Society, which was governed by the Unitarian form and included twenty- five members of the older Congregational society. After worshiping for a time in a hall a meeting-house was erected on land given by Elias Hall, and Rev. Simeon Doggett was engaged as pastor. After about ten years the services were discontinued. The Baptist Church in Raynham was organized in 1811, meetings being held at the house of Asa King. In 1815 Rev. Ebenezer Briggs, of Middleborough, began preaching here one-fourth of the time, and thus continued for fifteen years; from 1830 to 1843 he preached here half of the time. In 1842 the meeting-house was built. The church was legally organized April 6, 1837. A parsonage was erected in 1855. The Union Church at North Raynham was organized in 1875, and received a liberal bequest from Martin Luther Hall, of Brookline, a native of this town. A handsome edifice was built in 1876. The town of Fairhaven passed through a period of prosperity and growth during the first half of the century. In 1832-3 there was a large advance in building operations and many substantial residences 166 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. were erected in the village. In the latter year William, Walnut and Green streets were accepted, and Washington and Union as far east as Green. The first fire engine was purchased in 1836. In 1850 River- side Cemetery, a beautiful burial place, was presented to the public by Warren Delano, jr. In 1854 the Fairhaven Branch Railroad was opened. While the whaling industry was profitable the village was a busy place, but with its decline, population and wealth decreased. In 1832 was incorporated the Fairhaven Institution for Savings, which has had an honorable existence ever since. The Washington Street Christian (Unitarian) Church of Fairhaven was formed by a few persons who became dissatisfied with the prevail- ing Calvinistic doctrines; they were under the leadership of Elder Moses Howe. Meetings were held in Academy Hall and the organiza- tion took place on November 30, 1820. In the next year Elder Charles Morgridge was ordained pastor. On December 7, 1832, the church was organized as the Washington Street Christian Church, and on De- cember 15 of that year the meeting-house was dedicated. Among early pastors were Elders William H. Taylor, Joseph H. Smith, David Mil- lard, Charles Galligher, Thomas Danes, and others. In 1841 thirty- three persons left the church to unite with several Methodists and form the nucleus of the Second Advent Society. In 1865 a reorganization of the church took place, in which the Scriptures were declared to be a sufficient rule for faith and practice. On December 28, 1829, a number of Fairhaven Methodists who had attended the New Bedford Church, requested the building of a chapel. The request was granted and the house was opened in June, 1830. The society continued as a branch of the New Bedford Church until 1832, when it became a separate or- ganization. The meeting-house was used until 1849, when the edifice of the Center Congregational Church was purchased and subsequently greatly improved. As before noted, the Second Advent Society was formed in 1842, the first meetings being held in a dwelling What was known as Swain's Hall was purchased later and transformed into a house of worship. Although there were many Friends in this town from the earliest times, there was no meeting-house within Fairhaven limits until 1849, when the plain structure on Bridge street was built. In the town of Dartmouth several churches have been organized which have not been noticed. The South Dartmouth Baptist Church was formed as a branch of the New Bedford Society in 1831, and a FROM 1815 TO 1860. 167 meeting-house was built. The society is now out of existence. The Second Christian Church was organized in February, 1836, and for many years the society flourished ; but internal dissension and other causes led to its substantial extinction. A Methodist class was formed at the head of the Aponagansett River in November, 1837, and in the following year a church was organized as a branch of the Allen Street Church, New Bedford. Preaching in recent years has been maintained only a part of the time. The Smith Mills Christian Church was formed in December, 1838, previous to which date the meeting-house was built. The society is small and serv- ices transient. The Christian Church at Bakerville was organized in April, 1865, the meeting-house having been erected the year before. The industrial and trade interests of this county passed through their severest financial struggle in 1857, when the whole country experienced a stringency in money and business centers that has been unparalleled since. Many mills in the cities of Fall River, New Bedford and Taun- ton were closed and failure of business firms was common. That those cities could rise from such a period of depression as they did and so soon recover their former prosperity and activity was due to the daunt- less business courage and enterprise of their citizens and the very ex- tensive manufactures therein established. A law of 1856 authorized the county commissioners to borrow on the credit of the county, in addition to the amount of debt already author- ized, not more than $60,000 to be expended in enlarging and improving the House of Correction, or in building a new one. By an act of April 8, 1856, jurisdiction was ceded to the United States over Egg Island Shoal, in New Bedford harbor, and also over any of Clark's Point that might be acquired by the government for building forts, arsenals, dock yards, wharves, etc. By an act of April 4, 1860, the charter of the Fall River and Warren Railroad, issued in 1857, was revived, and the company required to have one track laid by May 1, 1863. In the same year the North Attle- borough Branch Railroad Company was incorporated by E. Ira Richards, William D. Whiting, Josiah D. Richards, and Stephen Richardson 2d. The capital was placed at $100,000. This road was constructed under that act. On April 3, 1860, the Taunton Steamboat Company was incorporated by George Godfrey, Charles R. Atwood, J. S. Rounds, Allen Presbrey, and their associates. The capital stock was $25,000. 168 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. On the 14th of April, 1862, an act was passed incorporating the Bristol County Central Agricultural Society, giving it authority to hold $25,000 in real estate. CHAPTER VII. FROM 1860 TO 1898— THE CIVIL WAR, AND LATER HISTORY. Bristol county was prompt to act in loyal support of the government in the great civil war for the preservation of the Union. While every town in the county contributed its full share to the armies in the field, the three cities of Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton were, of course, the centers of military activity during the struggle. The principal events that took place in relation to the war in those places are properly noticed in succeeding chapters. In New Bedford on the morning of April 16, 1861, only four days after the attack upon Fort Sumter, the New Bedford Guards, Co. L, Third Regiment of Massachusetts Infan- try, were ready for the field. This regiment arrived at Fortress Mon- roe on the 20th of that month to begin its term of three months' service. Among its field and staff officers from New Bedford were the colonel, the major, the adjutant, the surgeon and others. In Taunton, likewise, on the 16th of April, 1861, Co. G of the Third Regiment marched from Taunton, and on the 19th another company was enrolled which subsequently became Co. D of the Seventh Infantry. In Fall River similar action was taken and a war meeting was held on the 19th of April, where patriotic resolutions were passed and speeches made. On the 24th the city appropriated $10,000 for the aid of soldiers for three months' service and their families. Meanwhile enlistments were pro- gressing. Fall River was third in the list of applicants in the State to Governor Andrew for permission to raise military companies. On the 29th of April the mayor was requested to apply to the State authorities for two hundred muskets for the two companies already formed. These companies were mustered into the service June 11, and became A and B of the Seventh Regiment, commanded by Colonel D. N. Couch of Taunton, and Lieut. -Col. Chester W. Greene, of Fall River. In the Third Regiment, before mentioned, there was, besides the New Bed- FROM 1860 TO 1898. 169 ford Guards, the "Assonet Light Infantry," from Freetown, commanded by Capt. John W. Marble. This organization was mustered out July 23, 1861. Companies D, E, I and M, re-enlisted for three years and remained at the front. When the call for troops was made in 1862, to serve nine months, the remainder of the regiment volunteered and left Boston for Newbern, N. C, on October 22, 1862, under command of Col. Silas P. Richmond, of Freetown. After its period of honorable service, participating in the battles of Kingston, Whitehall and Golds- boro, the regiment was mustered out June 26, 1863. The same promptitude shown in the cities at the beginning of the war was seen in the villages and rural districts of the county. The sound of martial music was heard on every hand, and shops and farms were left by the stalwart men of every community to join the swelling ranks of the army. Meanwhile organizations for relief of soldiers' fam- ilies and for the mitigation of hardship in the field were rapidly formed. A Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Society was formed in New Bedford soon after the departure of the first company, which continued in existence until about the close of the conflict and accomplished a vast amount of good. In Fall River as early as April 27, 1861, a Ladies' Sewing So- ciety was organized for the benefit of soldiers and their families, of which Mrs. Richard Borden was president, with a committee of arrange- ments including twenty- two prominent women of the city. This society retained its organization until July 28, 1865, and during that period re- ceived more than $3,000 in cash, which was judiciously expended for materials to be made up for soldiers. Similar societies with different names, but all animated by the same purpose, were formed at other points in the county. In the Seventh Regiment of Infantry were many full companies from this county. Companies A and B were from Fall River ; C, D and F from Taunton; G from Easton; H from Mansfield; I from Attlebor- ough. A large portion of the field officers were also from Bristol county. The regiment was mustered in on June 15, 1861, and served to June 27, 1864, when it was mustered out at Taunton, having been given a royal welcome home. The Eighteenth Regiment contained many Bristol county men, most of Co. B being from Taunton. Its term of three years' service, begin- ning August 27, 1861, was an honorable one. Co. C of the Twenty- Second Regiment was also mainly from Taunton and the regiment had quite a number of other Bristol county men ; it was mustered in on October 5, 1861, for three years. 22 170 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Twenty third Regiment had Co. D from New Bedford and a considerable number of other enlistments from this county; it served three years from November, 1861. In the Twenty-sixth Regiment was Co. G of Fall River and other separate enlistments; it was mustered in on October 18, 1861, for three years. While the Twenty- ninth Regiment was not made up of Bristol county men, excepting to a small extent, it went out under command of Brig. - Gen. E. W. Peirce, of the Massachusetts volunteer militia, and left an honorable record. General Peirce was a native of Assonet village, and is still living. The Thirty-third Regiment had Co. I, from New Bedford, and about forty men from Taunton, with smaller numbers from Fall River and other points in the county. It went out under command of Col. A. G. Maggi, of New Bedford, and was mustered in August 5, 1862. The Thirty-eighth Regiment, mustered in August 24, 1862, for three years, contained one company, H, raised mainly in New Bedford, Dart- mouth and Westport, with small numbers from elsewhere in the county. Co. F, of the Thirty-ninth Regiment, was from Taunton, and there were individual enlistments in other companies. The regiment was mustered in on September 4, 1862, for three years. The Fortieth Regiment contained one full company from this county; it was Co. H, raised mostly in Attleborough. Small numbers of enlist- ments were made in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and other towns. It was mustered in for three years on September 5, 1862. Co. A of the Forty-first Regiment was raised in New Bedford and commanded by Capt. John F. Vinal. It was mustered into the service November 1, 1862. In June, 1863, the regiment was transformed into a permanent mounted regiment and was thenceforward known as the Third Massachusetts Cavalry. The Forty-seventh Regiment was raised for nine months' service and left Boston, November 29, 1862, serving almost wholly in the defenses of New Orleans. Co. C was from Attleborough, and Co. D from New Bedford. The Fifty-fourth Regiment was the first organization of colored sol- diers to leave the State. It contained Co. C from New Bedford, and a number of enlistments from Fall River and other points. The organization of eight companies of the Fifty-eighth Regiment was completed April 25, 1864, and they left the State on the 28th ; it was mustered out July 14, 1865, after the close of the war. Co. B was FROM 1860 TO 1898. 171 from Taunton, and Co. E from New Bedford, with a considerable num- ber of enlistments from Fall River and other towns. Besides these organizations containing full companies from this county, Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford sent large numbers of men to the front in the Fifth and Sixth Batteries of Light Artillery; the Second and Third Regiments and the First Battalion of Heavy Artillery, all of whom contributed their share to the ultimate triumph of the Union arms. The figures given in this chapter show the part taken by the various towns of the county in furnishing men to the armies. Fall River supplied 1,845 men and 497 served in the navy. The soldiers' monument in Oak Grove Cemetery bears an honor roll of 163 names of fallen heroes. The city expended exclusive of State aid, on account of the war, $107,828.03, besides large sums for the aid of soldiers' families, which were repaid by the State. The mayor during the war period was E. P. Buffinton, a man of patriotic instincts, and he was supported by a Board of Aldermen including in its membership many substantial and generous citizens, whose acts indicated their de- votion to the Union cause. The city of Taunton furnished a total of 1,652 men to the armies, in- clusive of 159 to the navy, and expended on account of the war $196,- 719.23. A bronze memorial tablet in the City Hall, erected in 1888, bears the names of 141 men who fell in the service of their country. The city of New Bedford furnished 3,200 men to the army and navy, which was 1,100 over all demands. It expended during the four years for the families of volunteers $125,495.85, and besides this expended on war account $177,000. The soldiers' monument in this place was erected and dedicated July 4, 1866, at a cost including the site of over $13,000. The other towns of the county furnished the number of men as given: Acushnet, 58, with 7 to the navy; Attleborough, about 400; Berkley, 37; Dartmouth, about 141; Dighton, 105; Easton, 334; Fair- haven, 142; Freetown, 80; Norton, 66; Raynham, 39; Rehoboth, ; Seeekonk, 47; Somerset, 116; Swansea, 129; Mansfield, 267; West- port, 258. Bristol county, and particularly New Bedford, contributed largely to the navy during the Rebellion, which sent 1,336 men into that branch of the service, many of whom were officers of distinction. These men served on about fifty different vessels, some of which were among the most noted of the war. The city of New Bedford also contributed a 172 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. large number of old vessels which were purchased by the government for the celebrated Stone Fleet, and were gathered in the lower harbor on November 15, 1861. On the 20th the fleet sailed and arrived at Port Royal December 11. Most of the vessels were afterward taken into Charleston harbor where they were loaded with stone and sunk, effectually blocking the entrance. The payment of bounties in the county was liberal in the extreme and continued from early in the war until near the close. Legislation was promptly enacted at various times, enabling cities and towns to raise money for this purpose, and to aid the families of soldiers in the field. The news of Lee's surrender reached this county early in the morn- ing of April 10, 1865, and the event was celebrated in cities and vil- lages by ringing of bells, firing of guns aud other demonstrations of joy. But this general feeling of joy was soon turned to sadness by the news of the assassination of the nation's ruler, which reached the com- munity early on April 15. Public meetings and services partaking of a religious character were held in many churches and resolutions ex- pressive of the deep sorrow felt were adopted. The most important event that has taken place in Bristol county since the close of the Civil war was, perhaps, the formation of the town of North Attleborough — the last town to be erected in the county. The large size of the original town of Attleborough, the existence of the two thriving villages of Attleborough and North Attleborough, and the magnitude of the manufacturing interests of the town, were the principal causes of the division. The act authorizing the division was passed June 14, 1887, and was accepted by the inhabitants of the town on July 30 of the same year. The first town meeting was held under a warrant dated August 13, 1887, and William Henry Kling was chosen moderator, and Patrick F. Grady, clerk pro tern. The following offi- cers were then elected: Charles T. Guild, town clerk; Arthur E. Cod- ding, treasurer; Charles T. Guild, Stephen Stanley and Gamaliel B. Draper, selectmen ; E. Carlisle Brown, Stephen Stanley and Gamaliel B. Draper, overseers of the poor; Dr. H. C. Bullard, Dr. James R. Foster, Dr. Thomas P. McDonough, board of health; James W. Riley, George F. Stone, Eben L. Sylvester, Edward C. Knapp, Christopher Dobra, constables; Henry S. Kilby, Thomas P. McDonough, Harvey Clap, school committee; Theron I. Smith, James A. Codding, Joseph G. Barden, sinking fund commissioners; George W. Cheever Patrick FROM 1860 TO 1898. 173 F. Grady, William H. Kling, auditors; Charles T. Guild, collector, and other minor officers. A committee of eight persons was appointed to prepare a code of by- laws, and the treasurer was authorized to make a temporary loan in anticipation of the tax for the year. J. G. Barden, John T. Joyce and Otis Sadler were appointed a committee to consider the feasibility of purchasing a poor farm; the number of votes polled was four hundred and forty-one. At a later date this matter was placed in the hands of a committee of fifteen. The date for the annual town meetings was fixed for the second Mon- day in March and the beginning of the financial year on February 1. At the annual meeting for 1888 the Selectmen were authorized to con- tract with the North Attleborough Steam and Electric Light Company for public lighting for three years; the school commissioners were authorized to supply a school superintendent, and the appropriations for educational purposes included $1,700 for general expenses, $1,100 for text books and supplies, $700 for incidentals, $500 for repairs, and $1,500 for the superintendent's salary. Other appropriations were $3,800 for the poor; $4,000 for highways and bridges; $5,000 for cur- rent and incidental expenses; $4,000 for street lighting; $1,000 for grading and curbing sidewalks; $800 for the library; $6,000 for the re- duction of the public debt, and other minor expenses. As a result of the before mentioned action in relation to a poor farm, a purchase was made and in 1889 a committee of five was appointed to act as a building commission for an almshouse, to report on plans, cost, etc., at a future meeting; this committee were J. G. Barden, C. T. Guild, Stephen Stanley, B. Porter, jr., and Ebenezer French. The plans reported for the poorhouse called for a building with a central part 33 by 39 feet; wings 24 by 26^ feet; to be built of wood at a cost of about $10,000. The site selected is an elevation about three- fourths of a mile east of the village. The total appropriations for the year 1888 were $51,440, of which $15,600 was for the schools. The school system of North Attleborough village and at the Falls is practically one, and is under charge of the North Attleborough school superintendent. In 1890 the appropriation for educational purposes amounted to $18,400. In 1892 a school build- ing was erected on Mt. Hope street, under the direction of a committee consisting of T. I. Smith, Stephen Stanley, Thomas Fox, W. H. San- derson, James A. Codding; for this building an appropriation of $15,- 174 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 000 was made in October, 1891. School appropriation for 1897 was a little more than $20,000. On June 30, 1891, it was voted that the village should establish mu r nicipal electric lighting and power. It was also voted that the town purchase the franchise and property of the North Attleborough Fire District ; the waterworks at the cost of construction and the real estate at $6,500. The North Attleborough Fire District No 1 was a corpora- tion formed in 1871, before the division of the town, and in 1884 estab- lished and owned the waterworks. This Fire District was constituted of school districts Nos. 1 and 4 of Attleborough, and was organized under the statutes by J. D. Richards, F. G. Whitney, Charles E. Smith, W. D. Whiting, Henry Rice, S. Bowen, S. Richardson, H. F. Barrows, O. M. Draper, Arthur Codding, jr., and E. Ira Richards. At the time of organization the facilities for fire protection were in charge of a chief engineer, four assistants, five engine men, twenty fivehosemen, twenty hook and ladder men. The first meeting of the district was held Oc- tober 14, 1871. When it became desirable that the town should con- trol these matters, a committee was chosen from the Fire District, July 28, 1892, and given power to sell all the rights and property of the dis- trict to the town for $216,662,48, made up of the following assets: Property — Cost of construction, $145, 697,17; tools, fixtures and supplies, $1,692.12; sinking fund, $30,873.19. Total appraisal, $179,962.48. Real and personal, $18,000; tax 1892 and uncollected tax, $17,500; cash, $1,200. Total assets, $216,662.48. This proposal was accepted by the town authorities and the purchase was made. By a vote of April 16, 1892, an addition was made to the waterworks building for a lighting plant, and in that year the sum of $38,300 was appropriated to extend the water system through Attleborough Falls and Robinson - ville. In the same year an appropriation of $52,000 was made for the purchase of the water works, and a loan, called the North Attleborough Water Loan, was obtained to the amount of $50,000 on four per cent, bonds. In 1893 an additional pump was installed at a cost of $6,000. In 1893 the water works construction fund was $145,697.17; tools, fix- tures, etc., $1,692.12; sinking fund, $30,873.19. The total valuation of the Fire District property was $216,662.48. In that year $50,000 in four per cent, bonds were issued as the North Attleborough Electric Light Loan, and a municipal light board was chosen in 1894. In the latter year an expert engineer was employed to make plans for a sewer system for the place. By the year 1895 the municipal electric light FROM 1860 TO 1898. 175 plant was in operation and in that year about $9,000 was appropriated for its maintenance. What was known as Union Improvement District, in North Attle- borough, was established in 1875; its main purposes were to have charge of a public library, and through the union of school districts Nos. 1 and 4 as such Improvement District, to erect and maintain street lamps, establish and maintain libraries, build sidewalks, employ watchmen and police, etc. For many years this organization was a source of great benefit to the town. After the division was made all the rights and property of the district were transferred to the new town. The North Attleborough Fire Department, as at present organized, dates from 1891. The large extension of the water system rendered it possible to depend almost wholly upon hose companies and hook and ladder companies for protection from fire. The department now con- sists of a chief engineer, two assistant engineers, forty-one firemen, and three permanent drivers, with two stations, and a fire alarm telegraph. There are one hundred and fifty-eight hydrants in use by the water de- partment, which are used in case of fire by two hose companies and two hook and ladder companies. North Attleborough is now fortunate in the possession of a perma- nent home for its library through the generosity of Edmund Ira Rich- ards and wife. This handsome brick structure was dedicated on the 20th of September, 1895, on which occasion Hon. John D. Long deliv- ered an appropriate oration. The building was opened for the issue of books on the 22d. The library is maintained by the village government at a cost of $2,000 annually. The parks of North Attleborough are the result of liberality and enter- prise during the past fifteen years. In 1883 the old burial ground near the railroad station on Washington .street had fallen into neglect and the bodies therein were removed to Mt. Hope Cemetery. The cost of this work was about $900, of which the Richards Brothers subscribed $100 and H. F. Barrows the remainder. It was proposed to use the vacant land for school purposes, but this plan was abandoned and it lay idle until 1894. In that year H. F. Barrows agreed to give the town $1,000 on condition that the town accept the so-called Park Act and apply the money to the improvement of this tract as a part of a park system of the town. This generous offer was at once accepted and a board of park commissioners appointed. The tract was improved in various ways and was given the name of Barrows Park. 176 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In 1885, by a bequest of R. F. Simmons, the town came into posses- sion of $3,000 on condition that it " lay out, grade and curb " a certain piece of land known as Simmons Pai-k, the work to be done under superintendence of J. Nisbet, of Pawtucket, R. I. A quit-claim deed of the land was obtained from the original owners, and the work of improvement of the park began. The grade was suitably established, trees were planted and walks constructed during that year and further improvements have since been made. At the annual town meeting of 1895 the school committee of this town submitted statistics showing the need of additional accommoda- tions for scholars, particularly for the north part. A committee was appointed to investigate the matter, and at a town meeting held July 8 the committee reported recommending the erection of a new six room building. Thereupon the town voted to appropriate $25,000 for a new building and a site was chosen and purchased. The committee were C. S. Brewster, Stephen Stanley, W. H. Kling, Frank E. Horton and Dr. T. P. McDonough. Plans were procured for the structure, con- tracts were let for heating and ventilation, an architect employed and preparations made for erecting the building. At this juncture the committee felt that they needed $3,500 more for the proper completion of the building and so reported at a town meeting. A vote was taken by which the town refused to appropriate more funds, and the com- mittee was discharged, after having expended about $7,000. Under these conditions the school committee was compelled to hire a room for the Seventh grade in the Bank Street school, and another for the overflow of the Third grade, Bank street, so that the schools could be opened in September, 1896. There are now in the town one high school, five grammar schools, grades 7-9; nine intermediate schools, grades, 4-6; twelve primary schools, grades 1-3 ; and five mixed schools, making a total of thirty- two. There are twelve school buildings. The village of North Attleborough is an active and thriving manu- facturing and trade center, a large part of the jewelry manufacturers having been noticed in the preceding pages of Attleborough history. The village has two banks: The Attleborough Savings Bank, incorpo- rated in 1860. It is under the management of a board of seventeen trustees and has deposits of about one and a quarter million dollars ; undivided profits $100,000. The present president is Abiel Codding; vice-president, George A. Dean; treasurer, Edward R. Price. North -£ '^-iC / tC^c^e- Z>y> ty OB mi £ Sens. JTsv York. FROM 1860 TO 1898. 177 Attleborough National Bank was incorporated in 1885 with a capital stock of $150,000 and succeeded to the business of the old Attleborough National Bank. The bank opened for business in August, 1885, with H. F. Barrows, president, and E. R. Price, cashier. The North Attleborough Evening Chronicle was established as a weekly newspaper in 1870 and has passed through several changes in management. A daily edition was subsequently started, which is proving successful under the present proprietorship of H. D. Hunt. There are in the town of North Attleborough nine churches, a part of which have been noticed in preceding Attleborough history ; others are the old North Baptist Church, organized in 1769, although its existence as a congregation is traceable back to 1747. It was for many years of the Congregational order. Rev. Nathaniel Shepard was the first pastor. In 1769 it began under Baptist faith. The first meeting- house was finished in 1784. The present edifice was erected in 1816. The Free Evangelical Church was organized in April, 1858. A suit- able church was built in 1873-4. The First Congregational Church, at Oldtown is the oldest religious organization in the town, dating back to the original settlement, as elsewhere noticed. The Trinity Congrega- tional Church was organized in 1891 and the edifice was completed in 1895. St. Mary's Catholic Church was organized in 1850 at Attlebor- borough Falls, and the society subsequently removed to North Attle- borough, where it has since been maintained. The Central Congrega- tional Church is situated at Attleborough Falls and was organized May 5, 1874. Grace Episcopal. Church in North Attleborough village was organized March 30, 1859. The First Universalist Church was organ- ized in 1818. The first edifice was built at Oldtown; the present one in 1841. There are in this village nearly thirty jewelry manufacturers and several other industries of considerable importance. Attleborough Falls is practically a suburb of North Attleborough. It has a post-office, a church, and a few general stores. It is on the electric railway from Attleborough to Plainville and is a station on the Walpole and Wrentham branch of the Old Colony Railroad. Here is situated the Daggett Braid Factory, established by Handel N. Daggett early in the century, and now under management of the Gold Medal Company. Adamsdale is a hamlet in the extreme southwest part of the town, near Abbott's Run, where are located a church, a school house, and near by a station on the railroad. The place was formerly called 23 178 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lanesville, and takes its present name from an Adams family. John F. Adams now operates a cotton yarn mill here. Oldtown, known in former years as The City, is in the southwest part of the town, and has a church, a school house and a few residences. The agricultural interests of the town are not extensive, and are de- clining. In the southern part of the town are the grounds of the At- tleboroughs' Agricultural Association, formerly the Farmers' and Me- chanics' Association, which was organized in 1869, and soon thereafter erected an exhibition building. Improvements have since been made in various directions and the grounds and track are now among the best in this section. Annual fairs are held with success. There has been very little change in the town of Swansea since the close of the war, and the present conditions in the town are shown in the later Gazetteer. Swansea village has a newspaper, the Swansea Record, which is one of the five papers published in this county, all containing the same general matter, with change of local news and heading. The Record was started by Samuel E. Fiske in 1885, and the local editor was Jeremiah Gray, until his recent decease, when he was succeeded by Thomas S. Weeks. The beautiful new stone town hall, the gift of Frank Shaw Stevens, 1 was dedicated with interesting ceremonies on September 9, 1891. Job Gardner acted as president of the day, and John S. Brayton, of Fall River, was the orator. Other speakers were Maj. James Brown, Jona- than M. Wood, Edwin L. Barney. The deed conveying this property to the town contained the following clause: This conveyance is made upon the express and precedent conditions that the building which said Frank S. Stevens is erecting or has erected upon said land for a Town Hall and Public Library, and which is conveyed by him as a free gift to said Town as part of the premises included in this conveyance, shall be devoted to public purposes and forever used as a Town Hall and Public Library by the inhabitants of the said Swansey, etc. The building is constructed of rough field stones, taken from the farms of Mr. Stevens, and is situated nearly opposite the former resi- dence of the donor. It is admirably adapted for its purposes. Rehoboth, one of the towns that was in existence when Bristol county was erected, and the second town formed in the colony, the 1 Mr. Stevens has since died, and in his will bequeathed $10,000 with which to build a library building, on land donated by Mr. Stevens's wife, near the town hall. Mr. Stevens left, also $20,000 for the erection of an Episcopal church on the site of the present one. A biographic sketch of Mr. Stevens is printed in Part III of this volume. FROM 1860 TO 1898. 179 date being 1644, celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1894. At the annual meeting of the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society, held in March of that year, Esek H. Pierce, one of the trustees of the society, made a motion that this celebration should take place. A committee was thereupon chosen, consisting of Esek H. Pierce, Nathaniel B. Horton, George N. Goff, William W. Blanding, Reuben Bowen and John C. Marvel to take such further action as seemed advisable. A meeting of the stockholders of the society was held in July, when it was voted to hold the celebration and $200 was voted for the purpose. A commit- tee was appointed to carry out the celebration, consisting of Esek H. Pierce, Nathaniel B. Horton, Edgar Perry, George N. Goff, William W. Blanding, Gustavus B. Peck and Elisha Davis. The day set for the event was October 3, 1894, and it passed off in a highly interesting and successful manner. The town entertained nearly 2,000 guests from throughout the county and many from beyond its limits. Edgar D. Perry, of Boston, secretary of the committee of arrangements, delivered a very interesting address of welcome, and was followed by an address from Thomas W. Bicknell, in recognition of the various towns that have sprung from old Rehoboth. Edwin L. Barney, of New Bedford, then delivered a historical address, and Thomas W. Bicknell read an original poem. Other speakers were Chief Justice Albert Mason, John W. Davis and others. The name of Darius N. Goff has been mentioned in connection with the manufactures of Rehoboth, from which was developed the great worsted braid works of D. Goff & Sons, whose product is known throughout the world. In the later years of his life Mr. Goff also estab- lished the weaving of mohair plush in this country, previous to which it had all been imported. The business of the Goffs was removed to Pawtucket in 1846, and there continues. Mr. Goff died at his home in Pawtucket, R. I., April 14, 1891, closing a life of great and successful activity. In expression of his affection for the place of his birth Mr. Goff, in 1884, purchased and gave to the town of Rehoboth the site for a Memorial Hall, on the homestead estate which had been in the family since 1714. Under his auspices and with liberal aid from the people of the town, a handsome edifice was erected at a cost of $14,000 on the immediate site of the old Goff inn. The building was begun in 1884 and was dedicated as the Goff Memorial Hall on May 18, 1885. The farm now in possession of George N. Goff, which is the old homestead, has never been deeded since 1716. 180 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Rehoboth has a newspaper, the Rehoboth Sentinel, which is one of five started by Samuel E. Fiske in this county, all of which contain the usual general matter, with local news and change of heading for the several towns where the papers are located. Two churches were organized in Dighton after the close of the war of the Rebellion. One of these was the Second Methodist Society at Dighton Four Corners, which was formed in 1866. James A. Dean was engaged to preach at that time in a school house, and the building then known as Dighton Academy was purchased by a stock company and remodeled into a church. The formal organization of the church took place on May 13 of the year named, with a membership of twenty- three. The society is still in existence. The Universalist Church, which began its existence at Dighton many years ago, flourished a number of years, and among its prominent members were Anthony Reed, Joseph Pitts, Capt. William Cobb, and his two brothers, Capts. George and Benjamin Cobb, Maj. Charles Whitmarsh, Bradford Pratt and W. B. Whitmarsh. The society fell into decline and the chapel which had been built was sold and converted into what was pretentiously called the Dighton Academy. This insti- tution soon failed and the building was sold to the Methodist society, as above stated. 1 The paper mill at North Dighton was established in 1850 by Caleb M. and Lorenzo Lincoln. A few years later the former died and the firm name was changed. to L. Lincoln & Co. The mill was twice burned, the last time in 1881, and the present brick structure erected. The privilege here is owned by the Dighton Manufacturing Company, incorporated in 1822 for the manufacture of cotton goods. This com- pany in recent years leases all of its privileges, The Dighton Furnace Company, although organized before the war, in 1857, was not incorporated until 1870. Its capital is $70,000, and manufactures largely stoves and ranges. The North Co operative Stove Foundry was incorporated in 1886; the capital is $11,500, and its busi- ness is indicated by its title. In 1866 a company called the Dighton Rolling Mill Company erected a building and began business, with Enoch Robinson, jr., president and Capt. William Cobb, treasurer; the capital was $44,000, which 1 Besides the churches in this town which have been described,- there is a Christian Church at North Dighton, one in the west part of the town in which Elder Goff formerly preached, and two others. Of these no records are in existence. FROM 1860 TO 1898. 181 was increased in 1868 to $80,000. The business was not profitable and within a year or two the works were closed and the buildings subsequently burned. A building was erected in Dighton in 1861 for a woolen cloth mill and a company was formed with a capital of $40,000, which was in- creased to $50,000 and later to $75,000. This venture also proved un- successful, and after a partial fire in 1867 and upper wooden story was added to the brick walls and a furniture making business started by a new organization with capital of $60,000. This also proving unprofit- able, the manufacture of white lead was tried. In all of these ventures Captain Cobb was a large owner. In May, 1878, the building was again partially burned, and after being restored was occupied by the color- grinding works, which are still running. On the site of the present stove-lining works was first a steam saw mill and sash and door factory. The building burned while occupied by Shove & Sturtevant and was rebuilt for the same business by a stock company. It proving unprofit- able, the manufacture of tacks was begun by the Union Manufacturing Company, of which Captain Cobb was president, to be succeeded in 1861 by Stephen Rhodes. In 1865 a new organization, the Dighton Tack Company, was formed with capital of $80,000. This business was merged in the Atlas Tack Company and the works closed. Progress in the town of Mansfield during the past thirty years has been marked. In 1863 Francis G. Hodges, of Attleborough, began making bracelets in Henry Kingman's barn. A few years later, having seen a specimen of horn jewelry, he experimented in making various articles from cattle's horn and went with his samples to New York. He was the pioneer in that line. The venture was successful, and he formed the firm of Kingman & Co., taking in Frank Shaw, of New Jersey, and two others. The business grew rapidly and was soon as- sumed by the firm of Kingman & Hodges (the latter having been one of the first firm), who bought of the Charles Morse estate the so-called middle factory and there continued a large business until 1876, when the demand for that kind of goods ceased. Mr. Shaw meanwhile formed a partnership with Willard O. Capron and Harrison A. Williams for the manufacture of fine jewelry, occupying what was formerly known as the lower factory. In early years Simeon White began the manufacture of shoe nails and tacks in Mansfield. The industry prospered and at his death was continued by his son, F. A. White. His brothers, Charles P., Hiram 182 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Adoniram J. and Henry, were afterwards associated in the large business. The basket industry was a large one in his town for many years and was carried on by a large number of men and firms. Among large manufacturers were James L. Hodges, Henry Shepard, Isaac G. Hodges, James E. Paine, V B. Hodges, and others. The Manton Steam Windlass Company accepted the offer of a site for a works made by S. A. Green, and began their business in 1883. A little after 1870 John Birkenhead removed to Mansfield from Canton and began manufacturing taps and dies, and later added the making of lathes. About 1870 F. W. Cabot removed his coffin trimming man- ufacture from Attleborough, purchasing the lower factory on Rumford River. S. W. Card began making taps and dies about twenty-five years ago, afterwards built a new shop and took as partner David E. Harding. Other former industries were the foundry built by William Bird, the works of the American Awl Blade Company, Hartwell's thread factory and Flint's saw mill, while present establishments are noticed in the later Gazetteer in this volume. The census of 1895 gives the population of Bristol county as 219,019. Various causes have combined in past years to intermingle with the stock of the original settlers and their English and American succes- sors, a large and somewhat varied foreign element, which is particularly conspicuous in the three cities of the county. The nationality most largely represented is the French Canadian, and of these the city of Fall River has a greater number than any other Massachusetts com- munity. New Bedford also has about five hundred families of this nationality, and there are many in Taunton. By far the larger portion of this immigration has taken place since the close of the Civil war; its principal attraction was the great number of cotton and other mills which offered work to men, women and children. Opinions naturally differ greatly as to the desirability of having in any community so large a foreign element of whatever nationality. This is a phase of the sub- ject that need not be discussed here. It is sufficient to state that the French Canadian in this county has in the main proven himself a use- ful, prudent, orderly citizen, but devoted at first to his native customs, his religion, and his native tongue. The first French family settled in Fall River about 1859, but it was not until seven or eight years later that they came across the border in large numbers. At that time they settled in Fall River, New Bed- FROM 1860 TO 1898. 183 ford and a few other points. During the period since 1870 their num- bers have rapidly increased. A very large part of the French inhabit- ants belong to the Catholic Church. The first French Catholic church in Fall River, Ste. Anne, was built in 1870 on Hunter street. A French pastor had held services a few years previous to that date. The Notre Dame de Lourdes Church was organized in 1874, in the eastern part of the city, and has just completed a costly stone edifice. St. Matthew's Church is located at Mechanicsville, and the French Con- gregational Church was organized in 1886. All of these are liberally supported. During the same period two or three French religious organizations were established in New Bedford. In 1873 a weekly newspaper in the French language was established in Fall River with the title L'Echo du Canada; it was owned and edited by Dr. Alfred Mignault, who practiced medicine about ten years, and H. Beaugrand. After several changes in proprietorship this journal was succeeded by Le Protecteur Canadien, which was edited by contribu- tors. Meanwhile Le Charivari, a comic paper, and L'Ouvrier Canadien were started in 1874. These were published by Remi Benoit. In 1876- 77 Mr. Beaugrand published La Republique, and other papers are noticed in Fall River history. Many social and benevolent societies have been founded by the French in this county, the most important, perhaps, being the St. Jean Baptiste Society, established in 1874. The inhabitants of this nation- ality have become to a considerable extent influential in politics and are recognized in the distribution of minor offices. In some parts of the county there are considerable numbers of Portu- guese and Italians. The former have been attracted chiefly by the shipping interests and opportunities for small farming, and have there- fore settled mostly in New Bedford and Fall River. Their families find employment in many instances in the mills. Neither they nor the Italians have become intermixed to an appreciable extent with the English-speaking people. The Irish nationality is numerously repre- sented throughout the county, as it is in all parts of the United States. The later history of the three cities shows the number of their churches parochial schools, and other institutions, all of which are rapidly in- creasing in membership and influence. One of the most significant indications of material progress in this county in quite recent years is the rapid extension of electric railways, not only in the cities and larger villages, but from one prominent busi- 184 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ness center to another, even when 'they are far apart. The first of these long lines in the county was built between Fall River and New Bedford, a distance of about fifteen miles. Previously to that time passengers between those cities were compelled to wait for the infre- quent steam trains and pay a fare of seventy-five cents. Now, rapid- running cars start from either city every half hour and the fare is only twenty- five cents. Other similar lines, which are more fully noticed farther on, connect Fall River with Taunton and with Newport and intermediate points; Taunton with Brockton and Providence; New Bedford with Padanaram and Acushnet; Attleborough with North Attleborough and other points, and still other lines are projected and will be built in the near future. Since the close of the Civil war the three cities of the county have all made marked progress, a statement that is especially applicable to Fall River, where has always existed a remarkable spirit of loyalty and zealous activity among leading men for the advancement of the com- munity. The population of that city in 1865 was only 17,525, since which date, a period of thirty years to the last State census, it has risen to 89,203, and is now (1898) about 100,000. During the same period New Bedford more than doubled its population, gaining from 20,853 in 1865 to 55,251 in 1895. The growth of Taunton has been proportion- ately less. Meanwhile many rural towns and some of the smaller villages have declined in population to some extent. This is a condi- tion that is not confined to Bristol county or the State of Massachu- setts ; it has prevailed throughout New England, and is due principally to the modern desire of young men to escape from farm labor and gather in cities and villages and engage in what they erroneously think is more genteel labor. The hard conditions of agriculture in recent years in many regions has also contributed to the same end. It has been extremely difficult, under modern methods of living and domestic economy, to make farming profitable in many localities ; a fact that has led to the actual abandonment of farms in some parts of the county, though not to nearly so great an extent as many persons have believed! The same conditions have conspired to attract a large foreign element in the rural population, whose simpler and more economical ways of living enable them to gain more than a livelihood from a sterile farm. Bristol county now. has a public debt of $630,000, which all matures before 1906. The debt has been largely increased within the past few years by the erection of the two new court houses. The receipts for GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 185 the year 1897 were $322,479.64, aside from temporary and permanent loans. The sum of $200,000 was raised by taxation. The assets of the county, real estate, law libraries, furnishings, amount in value to $1,389,500. CHAPTER VIII. GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. Rehoboth. — This was the second town formed in Bristol county. It originally consisted of a great tract of " common land " called Seacunck, and was incorporated with its present name June 4, 1645. On June 6, 1649, the bounds were to be established, and on May 5, 1668, the town of Swansea was set off. On August 11, 1670, the bounds between Re- hoboth and Swansea were established. July 7, 1682, the North Pur- chase was granted to Rehoboth and the bounds were established July 7, 1682. On October 19, 1694, the North Purchase was set off as the town of Attleborough. September 10, 1697, the bounds between Re- hoboth and Attleborough were established. On February 16, 1812, the town of Seekonk was set off. The population according to the State census of 1895 is 1,810, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 357. The town forms a part of the Twelfth Congressional District, and with Attleborough, North Attleborough, Norton and See- konk, constitutes the First Representative District, with 4,663 legal voters, entitling the district to two representatives. The town is sit- uated in the western part of the county and is bounded on the north by Attleborough, on the east by Dighton, on the south by Swansea, and on the west by Seekonk. There are four post-offices in the town — Rehoboth, North Rehoboth, South Rehoboth and Harris. The largest settlement in the town is Rehoboth, a pretty hamlet in the center of the town, containing a store, grist mill, market, blacksmith shop, a Congregational church, the Goff Memorial Hall (elsewhere described), and the new car barns of the Brockton, Providence and Taunton Electric Railroad Company, which passes through the village and has recently been opened for travel. A newspaper, called the Rehoboth Sentinel, is published here by Samuel Fiske, which is one of 24 186 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. several in the county, all containing the same general news, with a change of heading and local news in each. A Baptist church stands about a mile northeast of the village, a Methodist church in North Re- hoboth, and a Baptist church at South Rehoboth. The old Irons church still stands near the Attleborough line, but is not in use. The store in Rehoboth village was formerly conducted by J. C. Marvel, who was preceded by his father, William Marvel 2d. There is a saw and grist mill two miles north of Rehoboth village at a place called Perrysville, which was operated many years by Otis Perry. There is also at that point a wooden ware manufactory operated by Charles Perry & Co., and one mile west of the village is a jewelry manufactory recently es tablished. The town almshouse is situated two miles south of Rehoboth on the Harris road. The town contains fifteen schools which are well maintained. Harris is a mere settlement where there is the post-office and a store. The post-office takes its name from Congressman B. W. Harris. There was formerly quite a flourishing hamlet here, around the old Orleans Mills, which were burned. At the site of North Rehoboth post-office there was formerly a large general mercantile business carried on, which extended over a consid- erable territory ; it was conducted by Granville Stevens. At Annawan there is a little settlement where there is a Baptist church and a hotel. Mixed farming is carried on in this town, but the principal agricul- tural interest is market gardening, raising strawberries and producing milk, all of which go to the Providence market. Among prominent farmers may be mentioned James Eddy, George N. Goff, A. A. Read, Thomas E. Corey, Fred M. Corey, Warren N. Sweet, Samuel T. Pierce, William Gladden, George H. Goff 2d, and Orrin H. Keith. Dartmouth. — This town was formed from so-called "common land " on June 8, 1664, and included the territory called Acushena, Ponagan- sett and Coakset. The bounds of the town were defined June 3, 1668. From this territory New Bedford was set off February 23, 1787, West- port July 2, 1787; New Bedford then included what are now Fairhaven and Acushnet. In February a small part of Dartmouth was annexed to Westport, and another tract was likewise set off March 4, 1805. On March 20, 1845, a tract was annexed to New Bedford, and another on May 3, 1888. Dartmouth is bounded on the north by Fall River and Freetown, on the east by New Bedford and Buzzard's Bay, on the south by Buzzard's Bay, and on the west by Westport. It has four post- GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 187 offices, viz., Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, South Dartmouth, and Nonquitt. There have been post-offices in the past at Aponagansett and Hicksville, but they are closed. The population of the town by the census of 1895 is 3,107 ; the number of legal voters in that year was 811, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 713. Dartmouth forms a part of Congressional District No. 13, and constitutes the Third Bristol Senatorial District and the Sixth Representative District. Russell's Mills (Dartmouth P. O.) is a hamlet in the southern part of the town, containing a grist mill known as the Allen Howland Mill, a saw mill, a store, a blacksmith and a wheelwright shop. Mills have been in existence here from the very early history of the town. A Christain Church is maintained here. Padanaram (South Dartmouth P. O. ) is a small village situated in the southeastern part of Dartmouth on Aponagansett harbor. It has a population of'4l0, and contains two stores, salt works on either side of the river, one conducted by Nathaniel Howland, the other by Myron Potter, a Methodist church, a Christian, and formerly a Baptist church, a hotel, and blacksmith and wheelwright shops. A Free Public Library is maintained, for which John South worth donated $5,000 for a stone building and $3,000 for books. This was a point of considerable ship- building in early years ; many vessels sailed from here and various in- dustries were carried on. Capt. Jireh Sherman was an old-time merchant here. In recent years this has become a popular summer resort and is now connected with New Bedford by electric cars. Smith's Mills (North Dartmouth P. O.) is a hamlet centrally located in the town, on the electric railroad between New Bedford and Fall River. It has a population of 285. It was one of the earliest settled points in this region. Farmer merchants were William and John Cum- mings, who also owned the mills, Hiram Whalon and Abner P. Barker. The place now contains two stores, a grist mill and saw mill, two black- smiths and two wheelwrights, a Christian Baptist and a Quaker church. Nonquitt is a hamlet and post-office situated on Buzzard's Bay in the extreme southeastern part of the town. In recent years it has attained considerable popularity as a summer resort and a large hotel was erected, which was burned and has not been rebuilt. Hixville is a small settlement in the northern part of the town. A post-office was formerly maintained, but it has been abandoned. It contains a Christian church, a saw mill and blacksmith shop. Aponagansett is a small hamlet at the head of the river and harbor 188 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of that name, in the southern part of the town. It has no business interests of account. A Quaker church is located here. Each of the hamlets named above has a school near at hand. The town of Dartmouth is almost wholly an agricultural district, the mercantile and manufacturing interests being less than they were many years ago. The farmers produce considerable milk for the New Bedford market and mixed farming is followed. Among prominent farmers of the town may be mentioned Andrew H. King, Silas Faunce, Warren Seabury, George Hicks, Pardon Brownell, William Davis, Zachariah Spooner, James E. and Henry T. Allen, John O. Slocum and Edward Cook. The southern section of this town, bordering on Buzzard's Bay, has become a desirable location for summer residents, and at Bay View, Nonquitt near Padanaram, and at Saltus Point at the lower end of Smith's Neck, many cottages have been erected. Swansea. — This was the fourth town formed in Bristol county, and was originally a part of Rehoboth, and also a part of the Indian lands called Wannamoisett, which extended over the Rhode Island line. The incorporation of the town took place March 5, 1668, when it included the territory of the present town of Somerset, the town of Barrington and the greater part of Warren in Rhode Island. On July 5, 1669, a neck of land called Papasquash Neck, excepting one hundred acres, was annexed to the town. On August 11, 1670, the bounds between Swansea and Rehoboth were established. On February 20, 1790, Somer- set was set off, leaving Swansea with its present area. The town is bounded on the north by Seekonk, Rehoboth and Dighton, and on the east by Dighton and Somerset, on the south by Somerset and Mt. Hope Bay, and on the west by Rhode Island. The census of 1895 gives the population as 1,627, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 353. The town forms a part of the Thirteenth Congressional District, and with Somerset and Wards 8 and 9 of Fall River constitutes the Eleventh Representative District, with 6,827 legal voters, entitling the district to three representatives. There are five post-offices in Swansea, namely, Swansea, North Swansea, South Swansea, Hortonville and Swansea Center. The town supports ten schools. Swansea village is pleasantly situated on the southern border of the town and has a population of 590. It contains three stores, a black- smith shop, a wagon shop, a shoemaker shop, and newspaper, the Swansea Record, which is one of a number, all published in this GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 189 county, started in 1885 by Samuel E. Fiske, the heading and local matter being different in each, while the same general matter is used in all. A half mile from the village is a bleachery and dye works on the site of a former paper mill. James Lloyd Wellington, M. D. , practices medicine here and has during the past fifty -five years — a professional career that probably is not equaled in length by any other in the county. A new town hall, built of rough stone work, was erected in 1800, on the site of the former Union church; it was a gift of Frank Shaw Stevens, a sketch of whose life is given in another part of this work. Barneysville is a hamlet in the extreme northeastern part of the town on Warren River, where there has always been a large fishing in- dustry. In early years considerable ship building was carried on here by Mason Barney. A jewelry manufactory is located here and one store and post-office (Hortonville). North Somerset is a hamlet that is practically one with Barneysville. It has a Baptist church and the post-office. Hortonville is situated in the northern part of the town, where a post-office was procured by Nathaniel B. Horton. It has a Universal- ist church, three stores and a wagon maker. Swansea Center is a hamlet with post-office, two stores and the First Christian church. South Swansea is a small settlement where there is a post-office and a store. Considerable gardening is done in this town for Fall River and Providence markets, and milk is produced and sold in Fall River. Much of the land in the northern part is poor and stony and large tracts are covered with trees and undergrowth. The south- ern part is very fertile. Among prominent farmers are E. C. Gardiner, Job Gardiner, jr., Frank S. Stevens, James Easterbrook, James Eddy, Job Gardiner, sr. , Samuel Gardiner, James Newhall, Leland Gardiner, Frank G. Arnold, Philip Manchester. A large Portuguese element has come into the town, settling chiefly in the northern part. A large business is done in growing hot-house products for the Boston market. The village population according to the last census is for North Swan- sea, a73; South Swansea, 162; Swansea Center, 313; Swansea vil- lage, 590. Freetown. — -This was the fifth town formed in Bristol county, and was originally known' as Freeman's Land, or the Freemen's Purchase, and included the present town of Fall River, set off February 26, 1803. On June 17, 1700, the bounds between Freetown and Tiverton were 190 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. established. On June 15, 1815, a small part was annexed to Fairhaven. The State census of 1895 gives the population of Freetown as 1,405, and the number of registered voters in 1897 as 299. The town forms a part of the Thirteenth Congressional District, and with Acushnet, Dartmouth and Fairhaven constitutes the Sixth Representative Dis- trict, with 2,409 legal voters, entitling the district to one representative. The town is situated on the eastern border of the county, centrally north and south, and is bounded on the north by Berkley, on the east by Plymouth county, on the south by New Bedford and Dartmouth, and on the west by Dighton and Fall River. There are two post- offices, Freetown and East Freetown. The largest village in Freetown is Assonet (Freetown P. O.), which is pleasantly situated in the northern part of the town and contains three general stores, in one of which is the post-office, a blacksmith shop, paint shop, livery stable, and the gun works of N. R. Davis & Son, who conduct a large business in the manufacture of sporting goods ; this is the largest industry in the town and was started years ago in a small way. The Assonet River flows through the village and on it are located the large slaughter house of D. M. Anthony & Co., of Fall River; a saw and waste mill and an old grist mill. There are two churches in the village, a Congregational and Christian, and two miles north on the Taunton road is the old Friends' meeting-house. Near this are two buildings which, under the auspices of the Fall River Boys' Club, are used as orphan homes. One of these was established by George W. Dean, who gave his farm for the purpose; the building and site of the other were purchased from Mrs. Job Dean. These, how- ever, have not been very extensively used since the completion of the Boys' Club building in Fall River. The grist mill near Assonet was long owned and operated by James Winslow, great-grandfather of J, H. Winslow, who now conducts a general store in the village. The new town hall is also in Assonet village. A free public library is maintained, called the Gilbert H. Hathaway Library. Mr. Hathaway made a be- quest of f 1,000 for this purpose, and the additional expense was met by the town and by private subscription. There are seven schools in the town, three of which are in the eastern and three in the western part. A newspaper is published by Samuel E. Fiske, the Freetown Journal. There are four railroad stations in the town— Crystal Spring, on the Newport branch; Assonet on the same; Braley's Station and East GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 191 Freetown on the Taunton division. At East Freetown, in the extreme eastern part, is a small settlement, with three saw mills, a blacksmith shop, a school and two churches. Braleytown, or Braley's Station, is a mere hamlet in the extreme southern part with a church and a blacksmith shop. The town farm is situated one mile northwest of Assonet. Much of the land in Freetown is now covered by forest and undergrowth and was once under cultiva- tion. Mixed farming is carried on, but the principal occupation of the farmers is market gardening and milk producing for the larger markets. As an indication of the decline of general farming it may be stated that many farmers import hay for cattle to produce milk. Among the rep- resentative farmers of this town may be mentioned G. M. Nichols, J. W. Winslow, George D. Williams, David B. Evans, Kenelm Win- slow, Marcus Woydell, Ambrose D. Winslow, Phineas D. Fletcher, Charles E. Hathaway, Andrew Webster, David Terry, Anthony D. Hathaway, Albert White, and Marcus M. Rounseville. Attleborough. — This was the sixth town formed in Bristol county, the date being October 18, 1694, when it was taken from Rehoboth as the North Purchase. On September 10, 1697, the bounds between Attleborough and Rehoboth were established. February 18, 1830, the bounds between Attleborough and Wrentham were fixed and a part annexed to Wrentham. On June 14, 1887, the town was divided and North Attleborough erected. The town is in the Twelfth Congres- sional District, and with North Attleborough, Norton, Rehoboth and Seekonk, forms the First Representative District, with 4,663 legal voters, entitling the district to two representatives. It is the northwest corner town in Bristol county, and by the State census of 1895 contains a population of 8,288, with 1,511 registered voters in 1897. The Provi- dence division of the Old Colony Railroad crosses the town, and the Attleborough branch road extends from Attleborough village to Taun- ton. There are four post-offices in the town, namely, Attleborough, South Attleborough, Hebronville and Dodgeville. Attleborough is a large and thriving village, centrally located in the town, with a population of about 6,000. Its reputation, with that of North Attleborough, is world-wide as one of the largest jewelry manu- facturing centers of the country. Most or all of these industries have been adequately described 'in these pages. In Attleborough are six churches, besides the All Saints' Mission. Of these the Davis Centenary Methodist was organized in May, 1866, 192 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and the building erected the same year and dedicated February 23, 1869. It was burned December 23, 1883, and the present edifice erected in 1885. The First Congregational Church is situated at Old- town and dates from the first settlement of the town and has been noticed in earlier pages. The town was divided into two parishes in April, 1743, and in the same year a meeting-house was commenced "on the plain where the roads meet or cross each other." In 1825 this structure gave place to another, which is now the Second Congrega- tional church. The First Baptist Church in the town was formed in the last century, and when North Attleborough was set off, in 1887, was taken into the new town. The First Baptist Church of Attleborough was organized October 5, 1895, and now worships in a building on North Main street. The Central Congregational church at Attleborough Falls (North At- tleborough) was dedicated May 5, 1874. The Hebronville Methodist Church was organized in 1875 and erected a meeting-house in 1881. Other churches in the town are St. Stephen's Catholic at Dodgeville; Zion A. M. E. Church at Attleborough; St. John The Evangelist, Attleborough ; Murray Universalist (before noticed). The town of Attleborough has thirty-five schools, as follows: One high school, eight grammar schools, eighteen primary schools, three semi-graded schools, four ungraded schools and one kindergarten. The total enrollment for 1897 was 2,028, an increase from 1888 of about 600. There was expended for all schools in 1897, $32,695.25. In 1895 there was about $10,000 expended on new buildings and repairs. Attleborough village has an excellent water supply system, which had its inception in 1873. The town acquired the works in 1892, since which year large extensions have been made. The increase in con- sumption from 1893 to the present has been as follows: 1893, 217,860 gallons; 1894,271,606; 1895,306,357; 1896, 315,612; 1897, '352,086. The old cement pipe has been largely supplanted by iron pipe and other modern improvements made. The Attleborough Steam and Electric Light Company was incorpo- rated in 1887. The plant was originally built at North Attleborough, but in 1888 was removed to Farmers, a suburb of the village. The company supplies electric lights for the village and power for various industries. The Attleborough Gaslight Company is still in existence and supplies lights and gas for domestic purposes. In December, 1883, a public meeting was held and the Attleborough GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 193 Free Public Library Association was founded, succeeding two or three small circulating libraries. It received support from voluntary sub- scriptions during about four years, and at the first town meeting after the erection of North Attleborough, in 1887, the library came under public control with a board of nine trustees. Attleborough has an efficient fire department, the apparatus consist- ing principally of two hose carts and a hook and ladder truck, with ample hose, ladders, etc. The water pressure in the mains is sufficient to throw powerful streams wherever needed. There are four fire de- partment houses, two of which are in the village, one at South Attle- borough and one at Farmers. The Gamewell fire alarm system is in use. The Attleborough Advocate was established as a weekly newspaper in 1875 by David L. Lowe, who was succeeded by E. H. Sweet & Co., and later by Sweet & Sturdy. The publication of a daily edition was begun in 1889, with the title, Attleborough Daily Sun. The two editions were continued for a time, but the weekly subsequently ceased publi- cation. The daily has passed through several changes of management, and in 1898 the Sun Publishing Company was incorporated. The ed- itor was John W. Waters. The Sun is Republican. The corporation publishes, also, the Jeweler's Herald, a weekly. The village in this town next in importance to Attleborough village is South Attleborough, situated in the western part of the town and is connected with North Attleborough by electric cars. It is a small hamlet containing a post-office, a church, school house, a few stores, and a few industries. Among these is the tannery of William Coupe & Company and three jewelry manufacturers, Sadler Brothers, William P. Shaw & Company, and another. Hebronville is a small village in the southern part of the town with a station on the railroad, a post office, a church (Methodist), a school, and a few shops. There is a large foreign element in the population employed mostly in the cotton mills of the Hebronville Manufacturing Company. These mills employ about 600 operatives, have 21,760 spindles. The company conducts a general store. This company operates also a cotton mill at Dodgeville, a small hamlet on the rail- road about a mile northeast of Hebronville. These mills contain 23, 168 spindles, and the company has also a general store here. Briggs Corner is a settlement in the southeast part of the town where there is a school house, a church, and the carriage manufactory of Darius Briggs. 25 194 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The principle interests of this town among- agriculturists are in the vicinity of South Attleborough. Market gardening is carried on to a considerable extent, with general farming. Attleborough village is connected by three electric car lines with North Attleborough, Plainville and Pawtucket. On the night of May 18, 1898, Attleborough village suffered an un- paralleled calamity in the burning of a large number of her' manufac- turing establishments, causing a loss of nearly three-quarters of a million dollars and destroying the industries of some fifteen firms and individuals, engaged principally in the manufacture of jewelry. These were located in buildings which were generally covered by insurance, saving about $80,000 of the loss. About 1,500 employees were thrown out of work. The heaviest losers were the firm of Bates & Bacon, $250,000, and W. & S. Blackinton, $150,000; other losses were Daggett & Clapp, $30,000; J. T. Inman & Co., $20,000; C. H. Allen & Co., $10,000; Bay State Optical Co., $30,000; S. O. Bigney &Co., $40,000; W. E. Heyward, $20,000; Williams Seamless Wire Co., $10,000; Reg- nell & Bigney, $20,000; Attleborough Manufacturing Co., $15,000; J. C. Cummings & Co., $15,000; Henry Wexel & Co., $15,000. Imme- diate preparations were made by most of these manufacturers to resume business and the burned buildings are rapidly being replaced by new structures. Norton. — This was the seventh town formed in Bristol county and was set off from Taunton on March 17, 1710. On June 12, 1711, a bill to perfect the grant was passed. Easton was set off from Norton in December, 1725. On the 26th of April, 1770, a part of Easton was constituted the District of Mansfield. Easton is a part of the Twelfth Congressional District, and with Mansfield and Raynham, forms the Second Representative District, with 2,459 legal voters, entitling the district to one representative. The State census of 1895 gives the population of the town as 1,614, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 348. There are five post-offices in Norton, namely, Barrows- ville, Chartley, East Norton, Norton, and Norton Furnace. The principal village in the town is Norton, which is centrally situ- ated and within a short distance of the Taunton division of the rail- road, on which there is the station called East Norton ; the population is about 450. This is and long has been a considerable industrial point, the principal present manufactures being the woolen mills of G. H. Talbert, near by which a plant is now in process of erection for GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 195 the extraction of grease from wool; this will be operated by the J. T. Moss Wool Treating Company. One mile west of the village is the box-board factory and planing mill of A. H. Sweet, who manufactures all kinds of wooden and pasteboard boxes. There are in the village two blacksmith shops, one wheelwright, and a mile south at Crane's Station is another. Wheaton Seminary, which is elsewhere described in this work, is situated here. About seventy students is the average attendance. A good public library is maintained which, with the books, was a gift to the town by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. It was erected in 1887. The town-hall is in the village and was a gift from Miss Har- riet A. Newcomb, in 1881, in behalf and in memory of her father, Nathaniel Newcomb. The building is an ornament to the town. The mercantile business is confined to one store. There are three churches, Trinitarian, Unitarian and St. Mary's Roman Catholic. The Norton Bulletin is a weekly newspaper, published by Samuel E. Fiske, and printed in Fall River. Chartley is a small village in the west part of the town. It contains a post office, a general store, two school houses, a wheelwright and blacksmith shops, a Methodist church, and two jewelry manufactories. The W. A. Sturdy Manufacturing Company make a general line of jewelry, employing about ninety men. They succeeded W. A. Sturdy, who established a jewelry business before the Civil war, but later dis- continued it and again began in 1893. The other jewelry factory is operated by Freeman, Daughaday & Company and employs eighty-five men. This firm succeeded Engley, Freeman & Co. This establish- ment is situated on the site of the Chartley Iron Works, elsewhere described, built in 1696 by Thomas and James Leonard. On the cor- ner stone of the building is a tablet ordered by the town authorities stating this fact. Between Chartley and Norton is the Sweet paper- box factory on the site of the old Messinger match factory. On the same road is the power station and car barn of the new electric road, extend- ing from Norton to Attleborough, opened in 1898. Other roads are contemplated which will connect the village of Norton with other points. A line is now in operation extending from Easton to Taunton and passing through this town. At Norton Furnace, in the extreme south part of the town is a post- office, two large ice houses and a small settlement. In former years the Norton Copper Works and the Norton Furnace Company were im- portant industries, but the former removed to Worcester, and the latter to near Boston. 196 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Barrowsville in the southwest part of the town, is a small settlement where there was formerly a considerable industrial and business inter- est. A destructive fire in 1890 left the place in a paralyzed condition. There is here a post-office, ice houses, and a station on the Attlebor- ough branch of the railroad. East Norton is a post-office and station on the Taunton division of the railroad, where there are two grain stores, three school houses, two saw mills, and a few shops. The principal farming interests are general crops, while many are engaged in poultry raising for the Boston market, arid dairying. Among leading farmers may be mentioned C. G. Clapp, W. E. Payson, L. B. Dean, J. S. Wood, George E. Smith, Arthur E. Sweet, Jacob A. Leon- ard, O. H. Lane and C. D. Lane. Dighton. — This was the eighth town formed in Bristol county, it having been set off from Taunton and incorporated on the 30th of May, 1712. It has passed through several minor territorial changes, the first of which took off a part for the formation of Berkley on April 18, 1735. On March 2, 1743, the bounds of the town were reported by a committee. January 8, 1745, the bounds were established. On Feb- ruary 26, 1799, a small part was annexed to Berkley, and on June 9, 1814, the north part was set off as the town of Wellington. On Feb- ruary 12, 1824, the bounds between Dighton and Wellington were established and a small part annexed to Wellington. On February 22, 1826, Dighton and Wellington were reunited as Dighton and' the act was accepted on February 26 of that year. On April 4, 1854, a small part was annexed to Somerset, leaving the town with its present area. The census of 1895 gives the population as 1,797, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 398. It constitutes a part of the Twelfth Congressional District, and with Berkley and the First and Sixth wards of Taunton forms the Fifth Representative District, with 2,237 legal voters, entitling the district to one representative. The town has four post-offices, namely, Dighton, North Dighton, West Dighton, and Seg- reganset. It is centrally situated in the county and is bounded on the north by Taunton and Rehoboth, on the east by Berkley, on the south by Somerset and on the west by Rehoboth. Dighton village, or South Dighton, has a post-office, three churches (Methodist, Baptist and Unitarian), three stores, two hay, grain and coal dealers, a wagon maker, a stove lining works, established many years ago by Gideon Francis ; a color works now operated by Mason, GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 197 Chapin & Co., of Providence; and a stove foundry which has been in operation nearly ten years. Former merchants in this village were E. F. Andrews, Charles E. Whitmarsh, and his father at a still earlier period, Allen Ingalls, William Phillips and H. N. Walker. A news- paper is published called the Dighton Rock, which is one of several printed in Fall River by Samuel E. Fiske and circulated in various towns. It has already been stated that Dighton was a port of entry and had a custom house until 1834, when it was removed to Fall River. A con- siderable cotton manufacturing industry existed here in early years, and ship-building was carried on to some extent. The old Dighton Universalist Church was organized in the latter part of the last century and the church building still standing was dedicated in 1802. North Dighton is a small village in the extreme northeast part of the town, a part of which is in the First ward of Taunton, the several in- dustries of which have been described. There was formerly a cupola furnace here, which is not now in operation. The Dighton Furnace Company has an important industry, and the paper mill of L. Lincoln & Co. does a large business. The North Dighton Co-operative Stove Foundry was incorporated in 1886. There are four churches, Baptist, Congregational, Catholic and Methodist. There are two stores and blacksmith and wagon shops. West Dighton is a small settlement in the west part of the town, with post-office, a Baptist church and two stores. Segreganset is a new post-office near Berkley station, on the railroad; it has no business in- terests. For many years a wooden bridge has spanned Taunton River from Berkley to Dighton, which was superseded by a fine structure in 1897. The farming community is very largely engaged in strawberry growing for the Boston market and many foreigners have taken up the poorer lands of the town in recent years. Easton — This was the ninth town organized in Bristol county, was formerly a part of the Taunton North Purchase, and was set off from Taunton December 21, 1725; its territorial boundary has not since been materially changed. It is in the Twelfth Congressional District, and with Mansfield and Raynham, constitutes the Second Representative District, with 2,459 legal voters, entitling the district to one represent- ative. The town lies in the extreme northeast corner of the county and is bounded on the north by Norfolk county; on the east by Plym- outh county, on the south by Raynham and Norton, and on the west 198 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. by Norton and Mansfield. The State census of 1895 gives the popula- tion as 4,452, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 1,012. There are four post-offices in the town, namely, Easton, Eastondale, North Easton and South Easton. The most important village in this town is North Easton, the popu- lation of which is given as 2,937. It is situated in the northeast part of the town on the line of what was the central division of the Old Colony Railroad. The village is pleasantly situated in near proximity to Brockton, with which and with Taunton it is connected with electric cars. The village contains six churches, Methodist, Swedish Lu- theran, Swedish Methodist, Catholic, Unitarian and Baptist. The two Swedish churches have come into existence mainly to accommodate a large element of that nationality which has been attracted to the place by the profitable field for their skilled labor in the Ames Shovel Works. The schools of the village are liberally supported and a handsome high school buildipg, erected in 1896, was presented to the community by Oliver Ames, whose death took place in July before the building was dedicated. This is called the Oliver Ames High School. There are seventeen stores in the village, including hardware, clothing, dry goods, groceries, confectionery, etc., and the usual complement of shops of various kinds. There is a newspaper printed once a week, named the Easton Bulletin and edited by Orville Tilden. The Ames Free Public Library was founded by Oliver Ames and opened in March, 1883. It occupies a handsome stone building in which more than 10,000 volumes are placed. Near the library building is the Ames Memorial Hall, erected in 1881 by the children of Oakes Ames as a memorial to their father. The Oliver Ames High School was a gift to the town by Oliver Ames and was dedicated December 12, 1896, with impressive exercises. The Easton High School was founded in March, 1868, under the principal- ship of Rev. George G. Withington. The other principals to the pres- ent time have been E. H. Peabody, C. M. Barrows, C. C. Sheldon, Charles R. Ballard, and M. C. Lamprey. A training school and even- ing schools are maintained. The cost of the schools for the year 1897 was almost $20,000. The number of schools in the town is ten besides the high school. North Easton has many fine private residences among which are those of the Ames, Gilmore, French and Lothrop families. North Easton has a number of important manufactures, the princi- GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 199 pal one being the Ames Shovel Works, founded in 1852 by Oliver Ames, and now employing several hundred hands. This establishment is known throughout the world. Other industries were the cutlery factory of Capt. John Ames; a grist mill near the site of the present shovel works; another near the present site of the Ames office; still lower down was the cotton mill of the Easton Manufacturing Com- pany. At the lower end of Stone's Pond steel was being manu- factured at the beginning of the century. A grist mill was soon built at that point and later a nail factory. Elijah Howard and Will- iam G. Andrews began manufacturing cotton yarn here, and later be- gan making cotton cloth. This business was carried on by different proprietors until 1839, when tack machines were put in. Edward J. W. Morse subsequently rented a part of the works and manufactured knitting cotton. In 1852 the works were acquired by Oliver Ames, as before stated. Near this place in early years was also a mill for break- ing flax. At the lower end of what is now called Shovel-shop Pond was a dam with a grist mill, nail shop, and a forge This property was also purchased by Oliver Ames. In 1852 the old factory became too small for the business and Mr. Ames erected a stone building five hundred and thirty feet long and two stories high, to which additions were subsequently made. The manufacture of hinges was begun in this town in 1854 by E. W. Gilmore, in association with Oakes and Oliver Ames. In 1871 Mr. Gilmore purchased the Ames interest and then built the large works which he now occupies, moving thither in 1872. When the hinge trust was formed the business was absorbed by it and the factory is now used for the manufacture of wire for hanging pictures. In 1851 A. A. Gilmore & Co. (Oakes A. Ames and Elisha T. An- drews) began the manufacture of fine calfskin boots and shoes. Oakes Ames succeeded to the interest of Oakes A. Ames, and in 1870 Messrs. Gilmore and Andrews acquired his interest. This business was aban- doned in 1879. In 1855 Ward L. Foster and William Andrews be- gan making shoes; this business closed in 1857. The firm of Pratt, Foster & Company manufactured for a period in the same building. In 1863 George Brett manufactured shoes in the same building. In 1865 John B. King and P. A. Gifford began making boots and shoes. The New England Novelty Company is now engaged in the man- ufacture of screw drivers, cutlery, hinges, etc., South Easton, Eastondale, and Easton Center are so closely con- 200 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nected that they are practically one settlement. Easton Center is a small hamlet with a station on the railroad. Here is a cluster of houses, a blacksmith shop, a school house, and an Evangelical Congre- gational church. South Easton is a small village on the line of the Taunton and Brockton electric railway. It formerly had the old thread factory of E. J. W. Morse & Co., who removed to Roxbury in 1893. The principal industry at the present time is the manufacture of heels for shoes. The Ross Heel Company has employed as many as three hundred hands, but now has about sixty. A new shoe factory has re- cently been started by Theodore Darling. J. F. Randall also manufac- tures heels, employing about twenty hands, and J. O. Dean & Company conduct a grist mill. About two miles southwest of the settlement is a large incubator manufactory conducted by J. Rankin & Company, who also are extensive poultry raisers. The village has a post-office, carriage shop, grist mill and a general store. This store was formerly conducted by the Copelands (Horatio Copeland, the father, and George Copeland, the son), who sold the business to H. Y. Mitchell. Easton- dale is a scattered settlement along the Brockton turnpike, containing a post-office, wheelwright and paint shop, and a general store con- ducted for many years by J. W. Howard & Son. The old Morse shoddy mill was situated here on what is still called the Shoddy-mill Pond. At what is known as Square-Top neighborhood, which is prac- tically a part of North Easton, is the heel factory of Willis Drew, em- ploying one hundred hands. A Methodist Church building is also lo- cated here. The principal farming interests of Easton are the production of milk, market gardening and poultry raising. Among the leading farmers are Gilbert Phillips, Albert Ashley, John B. Marshall, W. H. McCloud, H. W. Willis, John Beattie, William P. Howard,' W. E. Drake, L. Howard, the Morse brothers and L. C. Randall. Raynham.— This was the tenth town formed in Bristol county and was set off from Taunton April 2, 1731. It forms a part of the Twelfth Congressional District, and with Easton and Mansfield constitutes the Second Representative District, with 2,459 legal voters, entitling the district to one representative. The State census of 1895 gives the pop- ulation as 1,518, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 295. The town contains three post-offices— Judson, North Raynham and Raynham. The town is situated in the northeast part of the county and is bounded on the north by Easton ; on the east by Plymouth county; GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 201 on the south by Plymouth county and Berkley, and on the west by Berkley and Taunton. .The largest settlement in the town is Raynham Center, which con- tains a post office, the old Charles B. Gardner tack factory, which is now the Diamond Tack and Nail Works ; a shoe manufactory recently started by William O. Snow and T. B. Johnson; two general stores, blacksmith and wheelwright shops, one Congregational church, one school. Some years ago the village was quite a shoe manufacturing center, but the business is practically abandoned, with the exception of one factory mentioned above. There is a large saw mill and box-board factory about two miles northwest of the village, another two miles northeast, and another one and one half miles south, the latter operated by G. B. and E. Williams. There is a saw mill two miles to the north- east of the village. The town -hall is located at this point, a frame one story structure. In this is a library which is free and supported by in- dividual subscriptions. The Raynham Enterprise is a weekly news- paper, published by Samuel E. Fiske. North Raynham is a hamlet in the north part containing two general stores, post-office, blacksmith and wheelwright shops, a railroad station, two school houses, a Congregational church. The Brockton and Taun- ton electric railway passes through the place, along the line of which the village is scattered. James R. Tracy operates a saw mill. A short distance east of the place is a considerable settlement of colored people, who are mostly small farmers. In the extreme southeast part of the town is a hamlet formerly called Taral, the name of the post-office now being Judson. There is a Bap- tist church here and a school house, but no business interests. As will be seen the town of Raynham is largely an agricultural dis- trict, the farmers being engaged in mixed farming, market gardening, the raising of small fruits and the production of milk for market. Among the prominent farmers are J. P. Spinney, Joseph Gregory, Andrew Hall, Nathan Shaw, Gustavue L. Dean, Braddock Fields Charles D. Lincoln, Edward H. Lincoln, David Dean, William S. Briggs, H. W. Crane, T. C. Hall, P. K. Dean, Henry Dean, Jesse King, Brad- ford B. King. The herring fishery has always been a prominent industry in Rayn- ham. Two fishing privileges for the Taunton River are sold each year, which in some years have brought $500 each, but in late years have brought much less. In 1897 the two sold for f 150. 26 202 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. There are eight schools in the town, the cost of maintaining which in 1897 was $4,794.10. Berkley. — This was the eleventh town formed in Bristol county, its territory formerly lying in the older towns of Dighton and Taunton, from which it was taken and incorporated on April 18, 1735. Since that date there have been several minor territorial changes. On Feb- ruary 26, 1799, a small part of Dighton was annexed, and on February 6, 1810, certain lands in Berkley belonging to Taunton were annexed ; other Taunton lands were annexed on March 3, 1842. By act of April 1, 1879, Myricksville, or Myrick's Station, in Berkley, and a strip of land about a mile in width and two miles long, which were formerly within Taunton limits, were annexed to Berkley as a result of several urgent petitions. When the amount that this land should pay on the town debt of Taunton was fixed at $800, it was at once raised by private subscription, and the act was accepted by the town on the 12th of April, 1879. Berkley forms a part of the Twelfth Congressional District, and with Dighton and the First and Sixth wards of Taunton, constitutes the Fifth Representative District, with 2,237 legal voters, entitling the district to one representative. The State census of 1895 gives the pop- ulation as 955, and in 1897 there were in the town 223 registered voters. There are only two post-offices in the town, Berkley and Myrick's, and the business interests are not important. The larger of the two settle- ments is Myrick's Station, the post-office name of which was until recently Myricksville. The village has one general store, a wagon shop, a blacksmith shop, a Methodist church and the station at the junction of the Newport branch and Taunton division of the Old Colony system. The village school is kept in a building which was formerly occupied by a private school conducted by a Professor Spaulding, which he called the Myrick's Academy. A saw mill is operated on the out- skirt of the settlement, a box factory and a feed mill. The general store in the village is the only store in the town. The building in which it is conducted was erected for the purpose by Gideon Myrick, who previous to that time kept a store in the basement of the " Brown house," where a merchant named Smith afterwards carried on business. Gideon Myrick was succeeded by George S. Macomber; he by Benja- min Taylor, and he by George B. Burt. Mr. Burt was followed by Benjamin S. Haskins, he by George R. Macomber and Pardon A. Manchester. In 1881 the business passed to Rescum Macomber, who GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 203 still retains his interest, the management being in the hands of Rufus Macomber. Samuel E. Fiske publishes the Berkley Gleaner, which is one of several newspapers issued by him in the towns of this county. Berkley village is a small hamlet in the center of the town, where is located the town hall, two churches, Congregational and Methodist, and a post-office. There are seven school houses in the town. The town farm is situated on Assonet Neck road near Hospital Hill. West Berkley is a small settlement of a few houses, a Friends' meet- ing-house and school house. The decline in the farming interest of this town has been gradual and steady. The production of hay, and of milk for market, and the growing of strawberries and other small fruits and vegetables are the principal agricultural industries. Among the representative farmers may be named, Noah Strange, J. Forest Staples, Edward Allen, Joseph Howland, Elkanah Pierce, George W. Macom- ber, C. F. Paull, and Edward Dean. Scattered about the town are many Portuguese families who are engaged mainly in growing small fruits. A large ship-building industry was carried on in early years, by such men as Samuel Tobey, its pioneer, about 1790, Ebenezer Crane, Darius Newhall, Nehemiah Newhall, Edmund Burt, Ephraim French, Henry Crane, George Crane, Simeon Briggs, Edward Babbitt, and others. The first bridge across Taunton River in the town was built in 1806 ; it was a toll bridge. The first free bridge, built by the county, was finished in 1827. A third one has been constructed in recent years. Mansfield. — This was the thirteenth town formed in Bristol county, and was set off from Norton April 26, 1770, as a district. On August 23, 1775, the district was made a town by a general act. It forms a part of the Twelfth Congressional district, and with Easton and Rayn- ham constitutes the Second Representative District, with 2,459 legal voters, entitling the district to one representative. The State census of 1895 gives the town a population of 3,722, and the number of regis- tered voters in 1897 was 764. Mansfield has three post offices, Mansfield, East Mansfield and West Mansfield. The largest and most important village in the town is Mansfield, which is situated in the northern central part. It has for many years been an important industrial center. Early in the present century Simeon White began making shoe nails and tacks at White- ville, which eventually became a large industry under direction of his sons. There is at the present time no business interest of importance at that point. 204 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The making of baskets has always been a prominent industry and is still extensively carried on by J. A. Blake, Elmer M. Shepard, who buys largely from small manufacturers and supplies the Boston market ; Isaac Hodges, James L. Hodges, who is one of the largest makers in the town ; James E. Paine, C. L. Corey, David Green and Alexander Palmer, at Robinson ville ; Benjamin Treen, at West Mansfield; Fisher Brothers, at the Center. One of the leading interests of the town has been the manufacture of soap. Fifty years ago Capt. Schuyler Shepard began the business, which is continued by his son, Albert S. Shepard. Other soap manufacturers are J. W. Cobb and the Jinks Soap Manu- facturing Co. Inducements were made which brought to Mansfield, in 1887, from Lynn a large shoe manufacturing business, carried on by Rumsey Brothers. A large factory was built in 1888 and the business is now conducted by Burpee Rumsey, as a branch of the Lynn factory. An- other shoe manufacturing business has recently been established by the Mansfield Shoe Company. The manufacture of shoe knives and awls has been largely carried on since 1842, when Robert McMoran and Robert Fulton began the busi- ness. The firm was dissolved in 1862, Mr. Fulton continuing the busi- ness. Mr. McMoran and his son-in-law, George A. Robinson, and his grandson, William N. McMoran, established another factory at West Mansfield. This business is now conducted under the name of George A. Robinson & Co. Other cutlery manufacturers are Matthew George, John Murphy, W. W. Taylor. Near the line of the railroad Gardner Chilson built a foundry in 1846. It is now operated by the Chilson Furnace Company. Some years ago William Bird built another foundry, now operated by J. E. and W. H. Rider. Other foundries in the town are those of the Mansfield Co- operative Furnace Company and Patrick Shields. The straw braiding business was established in 1835 by John Rogers, but finished goods were not made until 1840. Abont ten years later Mr. Rogers built a factory and operated it until 18C6, when his son, John W., with J. F. Comey and D. E. Harding, succeeded, under the firm name of Rogers, Comey & Co. The name was changed later to Comey & Company who continued the business. Some twenty years ago John Birkenhead came from Canton and be- gan the manufacture of spindles; he continued several years. S. W. Card began making taps and dies about fifteen years ago, and later GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 205 took as partner David E. Harding, the firm name being S. W. Card & Co. They were burned out in 1890, rebuilt and continue the business. Jewelry manufacturing has in recent years become a large industry, having originated with Sturdy Brothers, of Attleborough. They were followed by Merritt & Draper, who began making shell jewelry. This business is now conducted by D. S. Spaulding, of whom a sketch ap- pears in another part of this work. Mr. Merritt formed a partnership with John Shepardson in the making of plated and solid jewelry, but subsequently removed to Attleborough. Other jewelry manufacturers now in business are Cobb, Evans & Co., S. A. Evans, C. D. Lyons, and Fred S. Bliss. The water power for the supply of some of these industries is fur- nished by Rumford River (sometimes called Ten-Mile River) and Canoe River. Flint's saw mill, which stands on the site of the old Hartwell thread factory, is operated by B. K. and B. Flint. Mansfield has two banks, the Mansfield Co-operative Bank, which was organized February 22, 1883 ; chartered and began business in the same year. The other is the private banking house of Alfred B. Day & Company (Alfred B. Day and Charles C. Haggerty), which was estab- lished in 1891. A newspaper named the Mansfield News was established in 1873 by Pratt & Clarke (S. B. Pratt and E. W. Clarke), the latter being editor. In November of the same year the management changed and Thomas S. Pratt became proprietor, with E. S. Clarke, assistant editor. In 1881 T. S. Pratt and William White became owners of the establish- ment, under the firm name of Pratt & White. This firm was succeeded by the present proprietor and editor, William White. The paper is an independent Republican journal and has a large circulation. An edi- tion for Foxborough is published and called the Foxborough Times. Mansfield village has six churches, three in West Mansfield, and one in East Mansfield. Those in Mansfield are the Baptist, Emanuel Methodist, First Universalist, Orthodox Conrgegational, Society of the New Jerusalem, and St. Mary's Catholic. Those in West Mansfield are the People's Free Evangelical, Friends' and First Christian. The one in East Mansfield is the First Methodist. The new town hall in Mansfield was dedicated in 1883, the town hav- ing appropriated $10,000 for the erection of the structure, and $5,000 having been donated by W. O. Grover, of Boston. The building com- mittee were A. C. Hardon, E. M. Reed and A. V. Rogerson. 206 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mansfield has ample railroad facilities, being connected with Boston, Providence, Taunton and Framingham. Electric roads are contem- plated for construction in the near future to many near by points. The village is supplied with pure water by the gravity system, which was introduced in 1887, the supply being taken from Cate spring, situated about two miles east of the place. The Mansfield Public Library was established in 1884 and has about 3,000 volumes. The educational facilities of Mansfield consist of eight schools and a high school, all of which are liberally supported by the community. West Mansfield is a small village in the western part of the town and practically connected with Mansfield village. Most of the prominent industries that have been established there have been noticed. The place contains three churches, post-office and one store; two black- smiths, one carriage maker, several basket manufactories, before no- ticed, a school house, a cutlery manufactory, etc. On the site of the cutlery manufactory formerly stood the woolen mill of Marcus Williams. Upon Wading River, which flows through the western part of the town, formerly stood Sweet's flour mill, long operated by Elbridge Sweet ; it was burned and not rebuilt. East Mansfield is a hamlet in the east part of the town containing a post-office, school house, one church, a basket manufactory, the plan- ing mill of B. K. & B. Flint, the monumental works of F. W. Burt, and two or three stores. Robinsonville is a hamlet in the northwestern part of the town with unimportant interests. Whiteville is a small village in the northeast part of the town, where considerable industrial interest was in existence years ago. In past years efforts have been made to mine coal and iron in this town, which undoubtedly exist in large quantities, but the question whether they can be successfully produced is still unsettled. General farming is followed throughout the town, and market gardening is car- ried on to some extent. The growing of nursery stock has in recent years become an industry of considerble importance. Westport.— This was the fourteenth town formed in Bristol county. It was formerly a part of old Dartmouth and was set off and incorporated July 2, 1787. On February 25, 1793, a small tract of Dartmouth was annexed ; a second tract was annexed on February 28, 1795, and a third on March 4, 1805. The change made in 1862 in the boundary between GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 207 the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island added certain lands to this town. The boundary between Fall River and Westport was finally fixed June 14, 1894. Westport is the southeast corner town in the county and is bounded on the north by Fall River, on the east by Dart- mouth, on the south by Buzzard's Bay, and on the west by Little Comp- ton and Tiverton, R. I. The town contains a population of 2,678 by the census of 1895, and 511 registered voters by the census of 1897. It forms a part of the Thirteenth Congressional District, and with the First and Second wards of Fall River forms the Ninth Representative District, with 5,402 legal voters, entitling the district to two represent- atives. In earlier years Westport had a considerable whaling industry, its fleet comprising eight vessels, which sailed from Westport Point about the year 1849. The town now has five post-offices, namely, Head of- Westport, Westport Point, North Westport, South Westport, and Cen- tral Village. Westport Point is a hamlet at the extreme end of the point of land extending south between the east and west branches of Westport River. It has a population of 172, and contains a Methodist church, a school, two stores, and the Hotel Westport, built in 1888, and has always had an important fishing industry. This is an important summer resort and many cottages have been built. Central Village, as its name would indicate, is situated in the central part of the town and has a population of 91. It contains the town hall, one store, Christian church, and a Friends' meeting-house. Westport Factory (Westport P. O. ) is a considerable hamlet on the line between this town and Dartmouth, and on the electric railroad between Fall River and New Bedford ; its population is 1,922. It takes its name from the fact that there has been a cotton factory there many years, which is now used for the extensive manufacture of carpet warp, wrapping twine, bats and lamp wicking. The business, as now con- ducted, was established in 1854 by William B. Trafford, E. R. Lewis and G. W. Lewis. It is now conducted by G. W. Lewis, William C. Trafford, Andrew K. Trafford and the estate of William B. Trafford and the estate of E. R. Lewis, who died in July, 1897. A second mill, manufacturing the same product, is situated a little farther down the stream, which was started by the same firm in 1872. About two hun- dred hands are employed in both. The company also conducts the only store in the place. There is a union grammar school here for this town and Dartmouth, with two departments; one church of the Chris- tian denomination. 208 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. At the head of the Westport River is a hamlet, the post-office bear- ing the name, Head of- Westport, where there are a number of dwell- ings, three school houses, two blacksmith shops, two general stores and a Congregational church. There is a grist mill at the head of the river. South Westport is a small settlement and post-office in the southwest part of the town; its business interests have never been important. North Westport is a small settlement in the extreme north end of the town, with population of 392. It contains two stores, a church and a few shops. There was formerly a post-office at Westport Harbor, a settlement at the mouth of the harbor in the southwest part. As thus indicated, Westport is largely an agricultural district in which mixed farming and a little dairying is carried on. Many acres are overgrown with trees and brush and a few farms have been abandoned. Some of these have in recent years been taken up by Portuguese settlers. A public library is maintained at the Head-of-Westport and one at Central Village. Somerset. — This is the fifteenth town formed in Bristol county. It was originally called the Showamet Purchase and was a part of Swan- sea, from which it was set off on February 20, 1790. There was no territorial change until April 4, 1854, when a small part of Dighton was annexed. The population by the census of 1895 is 1,983, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 422. The town is situated in the central western part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Dighton, on the east by Taunton River, on the south by Mt. Hope Bay, and on the west by Swansea. It is a part of the Thirteenth Con- gressional District, and with Wards 8 and 9 of Fall River, and the town of Swansea, constitutes the Eleventh Representative District, with 6,827 legal voters, entitling the district to three representatives. Taunton River is navigable for vessels of considerable burden far past the eastern boundary of Somerset, which in past years gave the town quite a degree of commercial importance and activity. There were 1,200 tons of shipping here in 1840 and in the five years preceding 1837 there were built twelve vessels. The town has also had important manufacturing interests, some of which are still continued; in about the middle of the century there were seven stoneware potteries in oper- ation in the town. Two fishing privileges are sold annually, and the catch varies from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 a year. Somerset contains two post villages, one of which takes the name of GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 209 the town and the other is Pottersville. The village of Somerset is on the Taunton River, in the northeastern part of the town, and has four churches, Methodist, Baptist, Congregational and Catholic, all of which have been noticed. The educational advantages are excellent, con- sisting of a high school, a grammar school and two common schools. There is a Methodist church at the village and another south of the village, which is the third one on that site, one having been demolished and one burned; a Baptist church, a Congregational church and St. Patrick's Catholic church. A fire company is maintained with a steamer and a hook and ladder company. The Somerset Stove Foundry, described in earlier pages, was burned in 1897 and rebuilt. There are six stores of various kinds and a few shops. A library was established in 1897, which is free to the public, and now contains about 1,000 volumes. The first board of trustees were Abbie Morrill, Jane E. Bowers and Julia E. Hathaway. Pottersville is centrally situated and has a Friends' church and a Christian church and school. There is a small store, two earthenware potteries, one stoneware pottery, one enameled brick works, and a blacksmith shop. W. F. Hathaway, John B. Sanford, Benjamin Chase and Dennis Cartwright were former merchants here. A part of the ship-building of early times was carried on at Town Landing, where Joseph Gray built the last brig in 1822. South Somerset is a small settlement in the southern part of the town, with a store and a Methodist church. The principal agricultural product of Somerset is hay, and small fruits are grown. There is a large foreign element in the population, which has come in in recent years. Fairhaven. — This was the seventeenth town organized in Bristol county. It was set off from New Bedford on February 22, 1812, and then included the territory of the present town of Acushnet, which was organized February 13, 1860. Fairhaven is bounded on the north by Acushnet, on the east by Plymouth county, on the south by Buz- zard's Bay, and on the west by Acushnet River. In June, 1815, small part of Freetown was annexed, and on April 9, 1836, a small part of Rochester was annexed. The population in 1895 was 3,338. The only post-office is Fairhaven in the village of that name, which is situated in the southwestern part of the town, directly opposite the city of New Bedford. The number of legal voters in 1895 was 893, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 684. Fairhaven, Freetown, Acushnet, 27 210 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Dartmouth constitute the Sixth Representative District of Bristol county, with 2,409 legal voters, entitling the district to one representa- tive. Fairhaven contains the First Congregational Church, organized in 1794; the Washington Street Christian (Unitarian), November 30, 1820; a Methodist Episcopal Church, December, 1819 ; the Friends' meeting house, built in 1849 ; a Second Advent Society, formed in 1841 ; and an Episcopal chapel, which has been recently formed as a branch of Grace Church in New Bedford. What is now the National Bank of Fairhaven was incorporated as the Fairhaven Bank in June, 1831, with the following officers: E. Sawin, president; D. M. B. Thaxter, cashier; E. Sawin, F. R. Whitwell, Asa Swift, Nathan Church, Lemuel Tripp, Abner Pease, William P. Jen- ney, Wilson Barstow, and Timothy J. Dyer, directors. The capital was then $100,000 and is now $120,000. In 1864 the bank was reor- ganized as a National bank. The Fairhaven Institution for Savings was organized in 1832 with the following incorporators : Ezekiel Sawin, Asa Swift, jr., Nathan Church, Lemuel Tripp, Phineas Terry, Duncan M. B. Thaxter, I. F. Terry, George Hitch, Sylvanus Allen, Philemon Fuller, jr., James Tripp, Joshua Hitch, James Tripp 2d, Joseph Bates, James Neil, Hiram H. Stackpole, W. Barstow, F. R. Whitwell, Noah Stoddard, Jabez Delano, jr., Joseph Tripp, Levi Jenney, A. P. Wilcox, Z. M. Allen, Enoch S. Jenney, James Wing, Philip Nye, Ansel Allen, Ansel Gibbs, William P. Jenney, William L. B. Gibbs, Rowland Rog- ers, Lebbeus Bailey, Bartholomew Taber, John Howland, Abner Pease, Elihu Wood, jr., O. S. Irish, Arthur Cox, Rowland Gibbs, Franklin Bates, Joseph Whelden and Sampson Perkins. The land on which the beautiful Riverside Cemetery was established, a tract of about fourteen acres, was originally a part of the Jonathan Nye farm, and was purchased in the winter of 1846-7 by Warren De- lano, jr., and in the following spring work was begun on the ground to fit it for a burial place, under Mr. Delano's direction. Improvement continued until the summer of 1850 when, on the 7th of July, the cemetery was dedicated. Since that time the grounds have been greatly beautified in various ways. The Fairhaven Improvement Association had its inception at a meet- ing held December 4, 1882, at which the project was discussed. A public meeting was called for January 25, 1883, when a large number joined, and on the 29th of that month a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The association was incorporated in 1885. It has been pro- GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 211 ductive of great benefit to the community through the planting of large numbers of trees, the establishment of public bath houses, the founding of a bureau of information, establishment of a drinking fountain, etc. The last report of the School Committee of this town makes the as- sertion that the schools are not surpassed by the schools of any other town in this Commonwealth. The schools now include the Rogers School, the High School, the Oxford School, and one each at Naska- tucket and New Boston. These employ seventeen teachers, eight of whom are in the Rogers School. Under a recent statute the towns of Fairhaven, Acushnet and Mattapoisett form a district, with Edward B. Gray, district superintendent. The Rogers, the Oxford and the High School buildings are creditable to the town. The school enrollment is very large in proportion to the number of inhabitants. Fairhaven has been blest to an extraordinary degree by the residence within its limits of Henry H. Rogers. The Rogers School, above mentioned, was presented to the town by him in 1885, the gift repre- senting a building which cost, probably, $100,000 or more. The beau- tiful and costly Millicent Library building was founded and given to the town by Mrs. William E. Benjamin, Mrs. Bradford F. Duff, Mary H. Rogers and H. H. Rogers, jr., children of H. H. and Abbie P. Rogers. The site was acquired in the fall of 1890 and the corner stone of the building was laid September 21, 1891. The structure was ded- icated January 30, 1893. This splendid gift is a memorial to a daugh- ter of Mr. Rogers and bears her name. Moreover, the present beautiful town hall, which has a valuation of about $150,000, was a gift to the town from Mr. Rogers, through his wife, Abbie P. Rogers, whose death took place three months prior to the public presentation on Feb- ruary 22, 1894. This stone structure is a fine specimen of architectural work and admirably adapted to its purposes. With the decline of the whaling industry Fairhaven lost much of its industrial importance. Those remaining may be briefly noticed. The Boston and Fairhaven Iron Works was incorporated in 1863 and was succeeded in 1879 by the Fairhaven Iron Works. This corporation was followed by the present Fairhaven Foundry Company, which built its present plant in 1894. About thirty hands are employed in general foundry work. The American Tack Company was incorporated in 1867, occupying a building on Fort street, erected for the manufacture of sperm candles. The business was prosperous and a number of other large structures were afterwards erected. The works were merged in 212 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the Atlas Tack Company, a syndicate formed in 1891. The firm of Thatcher Brothers, glass manufacturers and cut glass makers, is the successor of George T. Thatcher, who founded the business about 1890. The firm employs sixty-five hands and the beautiful ware produced has an extended reputation. The Fairhaven Star is a Republican newspaper that is a credit to its publisher, Charles D. Waldron. He founded the paper in 1891, as a small advertising medium. It met with a warm welcome and was three times enlarged within the first year. One of the most important pieces of public work ever undertaken in Bristol county is now in progress in the construction of the splendid stone and steel bridge between New Bedford and Fairhaven. The act authorizing this work was passed in August, 1893, permitting the ex- penditure of $350,000. In 1895 this sum was increased to $450,000, and in 1898 another increase brought the gross sum authorized up to $800,000. The first contract for construction was let to Stewart & McDermott, of New York, in August, 1896; other contracts have since been let to various firms. The bridge has a draw of 290 feet width, over the middle of the river, instead of in the old channel covered by the draw. The entire deck of the bridge is covered with asphalt; double car tracks, two 8 foot sidewalks and two 25-foot driveways ex- tend through the bridge. This bridge is a long-needed and valuable improvement, and reflects credit upon all who have been instrumental in securing it. Seekonk.- — This was the eighteenth town formed in Bristol county and was set off from old Rehoboth on February 26, 1812. There was no territorial change in the town until April 10, 1861, when a part of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and certain lands over which Seekonk claimed jurisdiction, lying east of a line to be determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, was annexed. This was created a municipal district on January 29, 1862, which district passed out of existence when the town officers of Seekonk were elected and qualified. Seekonk is on the west border of the county, north of the center, and is bounded on the north by Attleborough, on the east by Reho- both, on the south by Swansea, and on the west by Rhode Island. It constititues a part of the Twelfth Congressional District, and with Attleborough, North Attleborough, Norton and Rehoboth, forms the First Representative District, with 4,663 legal voters, entitling the dis- trict to two representatives. The population according to the State GAZETTEER OF TOWNS. 213 census of 1895 was 1,465, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 197, showing that it is the smallest town in Bristol county in point of the number of inhabitants. It has only one post-office, which bears the name of the town, though the hamlet at that point has long been known as Luther's Corners. This place is in the southwest part of the town and contains a general store, a blacksmith shop, a Congrega- tional church, a graded school and the large ice houses of M. A. Smith. On the outskirts of the village is the large Hopkins stock farm, where market gardening and the breeding of blooded stock is carried on. Two miles south on the Taunton and Providence turnpike is the town hall, and near it a small store. South Seekonk is a small settlement in the south part of the town where there is a public hall, a school house, but no business interest. The Providence division of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad passes across the northwest corner of the town, and there are two stations, called Perrin's Station and Perrin's Bridge Station. They are without business interests. It will be seen that Seekonk is almost wholly an agricultural district, and the city of Providence being near at hand, an excellent market is accessible for garden vegetables and small fruits, the growing of which and the production of milk con- stitute the principal industries of the farmers. Among the leading farmers are George Clarke, David W. Peck, George West, Cornelius Peck, Olney Greene, Cortlandt Bradley, John Greene, Frank West, Horatio Carpenter, Herbert Cushing, Thomas and Walter Gladding, Miles Carpenter, and Jerome Farnum. Acushnet. — This was the nineteenth town formed in Bristol county and is the youngest town in the county with the exception of North Attleborough. It was originally a part of old Dartmouth until the erection of New Bedford, when it became a part of that town. It so remained until the formation of Fairhaven February 22, 1812, when it became a part of that town, from which it was set off and incorporated February 13, 1860. On April 9, 1875, a small part was annexed to New Bedford. The State census of 1895 gives the population as 1,115, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 247. The town forms a part of the Thirteenth Congressional District, and with Dartmouth Fairhaven and Freetown constitutes the Sixth Representative District with 2,409 legal voters, entitling the district to one representative. Acushnet is situated in the southeast part of the county and is bounded on the north by Freetown, on the east by Plymouth county, on the 214 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. south by Fairliaven, and on the west by New Bedford. It has two post-offices, Acushnet and Long Plain. The village of Acushnet is in the southern part of the town on the New Bedford line and at the head of Acushnet River. The larger part of its business interests are on the New Bedford side. On the Acush- net side of the line is a general store, a provision store, a blacksmith and a paint shop, and the old Acushnet saw mill, operated by the Acushnet Saw Mill Company in manufacturing boxes. Over the line in New Bedford is the post-office, three general stores, a hardware store, two blacksmith shops, a soap works, carried on by Thomas Her- som & Co , and one of the two school houses in the village, the other being across the line. The old Acushnet Congregational church, the history of which has been given herein, is also on New Bedford terri- tory. On the road to Long Plain is a general store where Capt. David Cochran formerly carried on business. John R. Davis was a former merchant for many years in Acushnet village. About one mile north- east of Acushnet on the road to Long Plain is a second box factory. Beside the church mentioned there are two others in the village, a Methodist and a Quaker. The hamlet and post-office of Long Plain is situated about five miles northeast of Acushnet and contains two general stores, a graded school and three churches, Methodist, Baptist and Friends'. Caleb Slade was a former merchant here. Two miles from Acushnet village is a small settlement called Perry Hill, where is a Methodist church, a school and a blacksmith shop. The last town organized in the county is North Attleborough, which is sufficiently described in the preceding chapter. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 215 CHAPTER IX. THE CITY OF TAUNTON— EARLY SETTLEMENT. The territory of Taunton and its vicinity was visited by white men from England at a date almost contemporaneous with the landing of the Pilgrims. As early as 1621 Edward Winslow and Stephen Hopkins passed a night in the Indian settlement of Tetiquet, on the site of the present village of North Middleborough, in Plymouth county. They were on a visit to Massasoit as agents of the Plymouth Colony, and their route took them through the territory of Taunton and Dighton. A record of their journey was kept and is in print in numerous places. In 1623 Winslow made a second visit to Massasoit, and was accom- panied by one John Hampden. For our present purpose we need copy only a brief extract from Winslow's description, which relates to Taun- ton River and its banks : The ground is very good on both sides, it being for the most part cleered. Thou- sands of men have lived there, which died in a great plague not long since and pity- it was and is to see so many goodly fields and so well seated, without men to dress and manure the same. Upon this river dwelleth Massasoyt : It cometh into the sea at Narrohiganset Bay, where the Frenchmen so much use. A ship may go many myles up it, as the Salvages report and a shallop to the head of it : but so f arre as wee saw wee are sure a shallop may. As we passed along wee observed that there were few places by the River but had beene inhabited, by reason whereof much ground was cleare, save of weeds, which grew higher than our heads. There is much good timber both Oake, Walnut-tree, Firre, Beech and exceeding great Chestnut-trees. The country in respect to the lying of it, is both Champanie and hilly, like many places in England. In some places its very rockie both above ground and in it : And thongh the country bee wilde and overgrowne with woods, yet the trees stand not thicke, but a man may well ride a horse amongst them. What more quaint, picturesque or truthful description of this region, as it appeared to those early travelers, can the dweller of to-day in Taunton ask? It is not strange that to this beautiful section came some of the English immigrants who had temporarily located at Dorchester, Salem, Charlestown, Cambridge and other of the early settled locali- ties; but it is not until the year 1637 that authentic history of Taunton 216 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. begins. In the journal of Gov. John Winthrop for that year is found the following: This year a plantation was begun at Tecticutt, by a gentlewoman, an ancient maid, one Mrs. Poole. She went late thither and endured much hardship and lost much cattle. This "ancient maid" was less than fifty years old at that time and wrote her name, '' Pole;" her brother William was one of the forty-six original purchasers of ancient Cohannet (the Indian name of Taunton). The Pole settlement, or Titiquet Purchase, antedated all other settle- ments in this immediate vicinity and led to the founding of the town. The Tetiquet Purchase laid easterly of the Eight- Mile Square Purchase (Taunton), and for some years had no really definite bounds. The easterly boundary established in 1663 was as follows: That the path which goeth from Namassakett to Assonett river, be theire bounds on the southwest, and soe by a line from thence to Baiting Brooke a North line till it meets with the opposite line called the long square. This line, with slight changes, constitutes the present easterly bound- ary of Taunton. The so-called " Shute Farm " and the so called "Pole Plain," in the easterly part of Taunton, are shown on the accompany- ing outline map. Their ownership and occupancy have for two hundred and sixty years been associated with the honored name of Elizabeth Pole, the pioneer of Taunton territory. All through the records of the early history of Taunton the name of Elizabeth Pool is conspicuous. The following is a copy of a confirma- tory deed given in 1686 : Know ye that whereas it doth appear to ye said Josiah, Peter and David, both by Indian and English testimonys, that Mrs. Elizabeth Pole, formerly of Taunton, in ye government of New Plymouth, aforesaid, did for and in behalf of the said Town of Taunton, purchase the lands of Tetiquet in ye year one thousand, six hundred, thirty-seven. On March 3, 1639, the General Court enacted the following: That they will see Mr. Hooke, Mr. Streete and Mrs. Pole shall have competent meddow and uplands for farms, layed forth for them, about May next, by Captain Standish and such others with him as shall be especially assigned thereto. At that date Miss Pool was living on her farm at Littleworth, in the Tetiquet Purchase. (See map.) In May, 1639, her land was laid out as above indicated, and included her "Home lott fifteen acres to be next unto Mr. Hooke's house as also to the mill six acres." The offi- ft % mm- ^r*. £&. tMff b r i i ' r £*4 \^^ J&sil*as rtPtfr rf^ r * v ^vi «iv f/TOvdns outgrowth of the efforts made for several years previous in Whittenton. What was known a the Union Society was formed November 14, 1867, and just before the close of that year Rev Isaac Dunham of Westport, was called to preach. The final organization of the church tool place April 2, 1868, with twenty-four members. In January, 1873, Rev. H. Morton Dexter wa called to the church and served to November, 1878. In March of the next year he was succeedei by Rev. John W. Ballentine, who continued to 1881. Rev. Edward N. Pomeroy followed April 1888. and was succeeded by Rev. A. L. Howard King to December, 1891. Rev. Edward Herricl Chandler was installed in November, 1892. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 277 Sproat, secretary. The society gave its first concert in February, 1822. The population of the place was then about four thousand five hundred, and singers of ability were not very numerous, but the concert was in every way successful. In the following June the society performed an oratorio in the Congregational church, which was warmly commended. One of the early members of the society was Zephaniah L. Hodges, who was a skilled mechanic as well as musician and built the first or- gan used in the Broadway church, and, aided by Nathan Fisher, the one first used in St. Thomas church. When many of the original members of the society passed away there was decline of musical en- thusiasm ; but the musical spirit of the place again asserted itself in the formation, in 1836, of the Mozart Society, which had a successful career for several years and in turn declined. In 1847 the Beethoven Society was revived and has continued its good work until the present time. Taunton has had at different periods several excellent bands and is amply represented in this direction at present. The next church organization in Taunton as to date of formation was the Universalist, which was the outgrowth of preaching by Rev. Mr. Carrique in 1825-26. Other pastors also preached that faith at different times between 1826 and 1830, mostly in the old town hall. In February, 1825, twenty -two persons obtained an act of incorporation. The first settled pastor was Rev. John B Dods, who remained from 1831 to 1835. From that date to 1839 there were no regular meetings held, but in the latter year a reorganization was effected and Rev. Will- iam Fishbough was called to the church ; he resigned in 1844. In 1842 a church edifice was built on the corner of Spring and High streets, which was occupied nearly forty years. Rev. W. R. S. Mellen had the next brief pastorate and was followed by Rev. George W. Quinby from October 1846, to November, 1851. Succeeding pastors were Revs. J. S. Brown, James E. Bruce, U. M. Fiske, Charles Mellen, Everett L. Conger, Russell P. Ambler, Alpheus B. Henry, Washington W. Hooper. During Mr. Ambler's pastorate the old church was demolished and the present edifice erected on the site. The business interests of Taunton required more extensive banking facilities by the time now under consideration, and in 1829 the Cohan- net Bank was incorporated; it began business in 1831, with the follow- ing directors: John Mason Williams, Daniel Wilmarth, jr., William Reed, Henry Washburn, William A. F. Sproat, William Hodges, James W. Crossman, Benjamin Ingell and Frederick Crafts. John 278 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mason Williams was chosen president, and his successors were James W. Crossman and William A. F. Sproat. Hiram M. Barney was cash- ier. This institution succumbed to the hard times of 1837-8. The Bristol County National Bank was incorporated in 1832, with capital of $100,000, which has been increased as necessity demanded until it now is $500,000. It was organized as a national bank in 1865. The first president was William A. Crocker, who was succeeded by Nahum Stetson, Theodore Dean, Hezekiah W. Church, Seth L. Cush- man, who took the office in 1887. The list of directors from the organ- ization to the present is as follows: Charles Richmond, Nathan Lazell, William A. Crocker, Peter H. Pierce, Samuel L. Crocker, Artemas Hale, Charles Babbitt, Jesse B. Smith, Sylvanus L. Mitchell, Philander Washburn, Barney Dean, Horatio Pratt, Jesse Hartshorn, Nahum Stetson, Benjamin B. Howard, Oakes Ames, Francis Williams, Willard Lovering, Robert S. Dean, Charles Porter, Henry Washburn, Horatio L. Danforth, James W. Crossman, Samuel B. King, W. W. Fair- banks, Lovett Morse, F. S. Monroe, James M. Williams, H. M. Pool, H. W. Church, Elisha T. Wilson, Theodore Dean, Edwin Keith, Cromwell Leonard, Salmon Washburn, Charles Foster, Oliver Ames, sr., Oliver Ames, jr., Albery Field, Laban M. Wheaton, James H. Anthony, Sylvanus N. Staples, William Latham, N. Bradford Dean, Josiah L. Bassett, William O. Snow, Joseph E. Wilbar, Henry W. Morse, Seth L. Cushman, Philander Williams, Thomas L. Church, Charles D. Stickney. ' 1 The Machinists' National Bank of Taunton was organized in 1847 with a capital of $50,000 ; it was reorganized on March 4, 1865, as a national bank and took its present title. The capital has been increased until now it is $200,000. The presidents have been William Mason, Marcus Mor- ton, James P. Ellis, Charles R. Vickery, Edward King, William C. Davenport. Cashiers, Edward R. Anthony, Charles R. Vickery, Benjamin C. Vickery, Edward King, William C. Davenport, John H. Dalglish. The directors to the present time have been as follows : H. W. Church, Jesse Hartshorn, George B. Hood, C. T. James, Cyrus Lothrop, 2d, Willard Lovering, Nathaniel Mor- ton, Horatio Gilbert, William Mason, Marcus Morton, Simeon Presbrey, Horatio Pratt, Isaac Pierce, Samuel C. West, Albert Barrows, Artemas Briggs, A. J. Barker, Edmund H. Bennett, Horace Lewis, Nathan Rand, Thomas R. Drake, George B. Atwood, James P. Ellis, Charles R. Vickery, Charles L. Lovering. Samuel Colby, B. Church Vickery, Samuel L. Crocker, Albert Alden, Nathan Wilmarth, Lemuel L. White, Zacheus Sherman, Edward King, William H. Bent, Edward B. Maltby, Thomas J. Lothrop, Abel W. Parker, William C. Davenport, A. Gilbert Williams, Henry F. Bassett. Taunton has two prosperous Savings Banks, the first of which was organized by an act of in- corporation March 2, 1846, with the name, Bristol County Savings Bank. The presidents of this institution have been Silas Shepard, Joseph Wilbar, Joseph E. Wilbar. Vice-presidents, Charles R. Vickery, William H. Fox. Treasurers, George B. Atwood, Charles H. Atwood, Alfred C. Place. Deposits in this bank have been made as follows : 1853, $300,000 ; 1863, $650,000 ; 1873, $2,700,- 000; 1883, $2,780,000; 1893, $4,100,000. The Taunton Savings Bank was organized in 1869 with the following members: Willard THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 279 There was no Methodist society in Taunton until 1830, when the First Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the Weir. The so- ciety was energetic and its interests were vigorously promoted, and for more than sixty years has flourished and accomplished a vast amount of good. The pastors that have officiated in the church include the following: Rev. Messrs. S. W. Coggshall, E. B. Bradford, Lewis Bates, J. D. Butler, D. Webb, J. Parkinson, William Livesley, J. M. Worcester, Paul Townsend, S. C. Brown, George M. Carpenter, San- ford Benton, Henry Baylies, Charles Nason, J. T. Benton, N. P. Phil- brook, J. D. King, Charles H. Titus, L. B. Bates, Charles Young, Angelo Carroll, E. McChesney, Horace A. Cleveland. Charles W. Gal- lagher, Samuel McBurney, Hopkins B. Cady, Edward C. Bass, George- W. King.' The parishes of the Roman Catholic Church in Taunton belong to the diocese of Providence. The first service in this faith of which there is record held in this place was conducted by Father Woolley in 1827, but there was no permanent minister until 1830, when Rev. John Curry celebrated mass in a private dwelling. A subscription was soon started for purchase of a lot and building a church, resulting in obtaining, be- fore the close of 1831, the site near the intersection of Washington street and Broadway; there the old St. Mary's was at once erected. This sufficed until 1849 when, under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Richard L. Lovering, Lovett Morse, Henry G. Reed, C. J. H. Bassett, A. King Williams. Ezra Davol, Robert S. Dean, Francis B. Dean, Henry C. Perry, Nathan S. Hoard, Edward Mott, Saul W. Eddy, Par- ley I. Perrin. The presidents have been: Willard Lovering, John E. Sanford, and George M. Woodward, John E. Sanford again Vice-presidents, Charles L. Lovering. Treasurer, Henry R. Wood. The deposits now reach nearly $2,000,000. Besides these stable financial institutions Taunton has the Mechanics' Co-operative Bank, or- ganized September 17, 1877, with an authorized capital of $1,000,000 ; and the Taunton Co-opera- tive Bank, organized February 20, 1880, with the same authorized capital ; and the Weir Co-opera - tive Bank, organized July 11, 1884, with the same capital. 1 Besides the First Methodist Church above described, there are three others in Taunton, the first of which is the Central Methodist, on Cohannet street, which was organized in 1853, to accom- modate the thickly settled part around its site. The church edifice was erected at once after or- ganization and was dedicated May 1, 1854. Its pastors have been Rev. Messrs. William H. Stet- son, Charles H. Titus, Mr. Atwater, S. F. Upham, J. A. M. Chapman, James Mather, John How- son, E. H. Hatfield, F. Upham, John W. Willett, H. D. Robinson, A. Anderson, A. P. Palmer, O. H. Fernald, J. E. Hawkins, Edward Edson, George W. Hunt, W. J. Smith, Augustus W. Kingsley. Grace Methodist Church was organized December 3, 1874, and occupied a brick edifice corner of Weir street and Somerset avenue, which was formerly the property of a Free Baptist society. The building has since been greatly improved and a beautiful chapel erected, which was a gift of the late Fannie Washburn Montgomery. The pastors have been the Revs. Samuel McKeown, William T. Worth, Samuel J. Carroll, Edwin D. Hall, E. F. Jones, W. J. Yates, E. L. Hyde, H. B. Cady, E. F. Clark. The Tremont Street Methodist Church was organized April 22, 1888, and its building was ded- icated July 23, 1890. Its pastors have been Revs. Jordan C Wells, John S. Bell, Joseph Simpson. 280 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Wilson, who came in 1846, a lot on the opposite side of Washington street was purchased and a brick church commenced; but when the walls were partly up they were pronounced unsafe and the work was abandoned. Rev. Daniel Hearne succeeded Dr. Wilson and in 1854 zealously undertook the erection of the present stone church; he died before the work was completed. Rev. Thomas H. Shahan followed, continued the great task, and in 1868 the fine building was complete. Rev. Edward J. Sheridan succeeded Rev. Shahan in 1871. * There were provided in the early years of Taunton village, but just when is not now known, primitive means for extinguishing fires. Reg- ulations were enforced providing for the keeping of buckets by citizens and later for the purchase of an engine and the formation of a regular company. The oldest known record of the Taunton fire department is a roster of Union Engine Company for 1837, which is here preserved in full : James W. Crossman, chief engineer. Henry Sproat, first asst. engineer. Samuel O. Dunbar, second asst. engineer. Hiram M. Barney, third asst. engineer. Lamed Wilmarth, fourth asst. engineer. Hartwell C. Cushman, clerk. Horatio Gilbert, suction hose man. Lemuel M. Leonard, suction hose man. Alfred S. Baylies, suction hose man. John W. Washburn, suction hose man. Eben S. Read, suction hose man. Benjamin Pettie, leading hose man. Zachariah Macomber, leading hose man. James M. Davies, leading hose man. David M. Barker, leading hose man. Isaac Carrier, leading hose man. Abraham Pierce, leading hose man. Daniel Cheney, leading hose man. Allen, James, Anthony, James H., Amsbury, Israel, Arnold, Lemuel, jr., Atwood, Charles R, Austin, John, Cushman, Leonard, Eddy, Samuel A , Edge, Thomas P., Field, Henry, Francis, Peleg, Members: Babbitt, Charles, L. , Bosworth, Gardner L., Bosworth, Ichabod, Beecher, Benjamin, Bradford, Seth, Brown, Stephen C. , Morse, Lovett, Olney, Charles R., Paul, John, Pierce, Chase R. , Pitts, Abner, jr., Cooper, William, jr., Crocker, George A., Crocker, Samuel L., Crocker, William A., Crandell, Wm. B., Crossman, Wm. W., Stakkey, George F., Townsend Almon, Sweet, Albert, Warren, William, Washburn, Bradford A., 1 The Church of the Sacred Heart is located at the Weir and was established in 1873. A church edifice was at once commenced and was dedicated in November. 1875. The first pastor of this church was Rev. H. J. Smyth. The Church of the Holy Family, at East Taunton, was first occupied in 1858, Rev. Father Ahearn officiating. The pulpit has usually been supplied from the Weir church. The Church of the Immaculate Conception, at Whittenton, was organized in January, 1883, and Rev. James F. Roach was the first pastor. A large parochial school is connected with the church. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 281 French, Sumner, Porter, Charles, Washburn, Salmon, Hall, Levi, Phillips, Nathaniel, Washburn Albert G. , Hall, John W. D., Ransom, Chandler R., White, Harrison G. O., Hall, Charles P., Reed, William, jr., Wilmarth, George L., Holloway, Isaac G. , Reed, Jason M., Wilcox, Isaac, Holloway, John, Ryder, Earl E. , Wilbour, George F. , Howard Ansel, Seaver, Leonard, Wild, Samuel, jr. , Leonard, George 2d, Shaw, Albert, Woodward, Solomon, jr., Mason, Aruna, Sproat, Theophilus A. , Woodward, Silas. It will be seen by the reader who is at all familiar with the names of citizens of Taunton of a half century ago, that most of the leading men of the village at that time were enrolled in this early fire company. The chief engineers of the department as far as known have been as follows: Samuel O. Dunbar, 1844-46. Abram Briggs, 1857-58. Lovett Morse, 1847. William Mason, 1858-61. Albert E. Swasey, 1848. Edward Mott, 1861-81. William Mason, 1849-55. Abner Coleman, 1881 to the present Tisdale Francis, 1855-57. time. Every member of that old company was obliged to have a leathern bucket hanging at all times in his entry, where he could grasp it at the first alarm and fly to the scene of the fire, where all would form in line to the nearest water and pass bucketsful to the fire. The records show that Oregon engine was purchased in January, 1847, and placed in the old railroad engine house. The first captain was James M. Cook. The engine was moved into the brick building formerly used as a school house, November, 1847. A steam fire engine of Amoskeag make was purchased for Niagara company and arrived January 31, 1865; cost $3,600. In February, 1866, the steamer Ed- ward Mott arrived in the city and is still in use. On April 28, of the same year, steamer King Philip arrived; it is now out of commission. On January 1, 1867, Niagara company was reduced to twelve members and began to receive pay. On May 20, 1857, Niagara, Hancock and Alert companies were disbanded and new organizations formed. On February 19, 1869, a hook and ladder truck arrived and the company formed was named Volunteer No. 1. The water supply in former years was taken from reservoirs located at prominent points in the city. There are seven of these now in existence in good condition, which can be used in emergencies. On August 22, 1872, steamer Old Colony arrived and is stationed at East Taunton, and in 1874 steamer Charles 36 282 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Albro was stationed at Britanniaville. The fire alarm telegraph was established in 1871. A Hayes aerial truck was purchased in 1894. The Central engine house was erected in 1869, and there are two other brick and four wood stations. The hose apparatus now consists of No. 3, at Weir station; No. 5, at Olney street station; No. 6, at Westville; No. 7, at North Dighton; No. 8, Oakland station; No. 9, at East Taunton. Since the establishment of the water works, most fires have been extinguished without the use of engines, within the water limits. A hook and ladder truck is stationed at the Bay street station, and an other at the Weir station. The village and city of Taunton has suffered from fires of considera- ble magnitude. One of the first recorded was the burning of the prop- erty of Dr. Foster Swift in 1797, on which occasion he publicly thanked his neighbors for aid in saving a part of his house and furniture ; his barn and other property was destroyed. The Whittenton factory was burned in 1811, and on March 18, 1835, a fire caused a loss of about $10,000, burning William Washburn's furniture warehouse and one or two other buildings. On September 23, 1838, a more destructive fire burned the store of Daniel F. Leonard, tailor, and the buildings from Weir street to Charles Babbitt's block on the south side of Main street from Fayette (School) street to Trescott street on the north side, and up Fayette street to Nathaniel Phillips's house. In this fire the town suffered a great loss in its town records covering a period of two hundred years, and the library of Francis Baylies, in which were many valuable manuscripts. The money loss was about $110,000. Other notable fires were those of June 1, 1843, loss $25,000. June 24, 1848, the Bristol County House was burned. June 7, 1850, Union Hall, a planing mill and other buildings destroyed. March 19, 1858, George A. Crocker's residence burned. November 27, 1859, extensive fire on the south side of Main street and on Weir street, loss $150,000. October 1, 1861, oil cloth works burned. January 8, 1866, Porter Brit- annia works destroyed. January 7, 1868, William Mason's machine shop burned. November 10, 1869, William R. Potter's machine shop burned. June 23, 1871, Gilmore & Stanley building destroyed. No- vember 23, 1873, paint shop Taunton car works destroyed. June 13, 1875, stable and seventeen valuable horses of the Bristol County Agri- cultural Society burned. September 22, 1874, planing and saw mill of George B. Williams burned. July 8, 1878, Taunton tack works partly burned. August 7, 1881, Old Colony iron works at East Taunton de- stroyed. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 283 The year 1853 saw the introduction of gas lighting in the city through the incorporation of the Taunton Gas Light Company, which took place on February 15 of that year; the capital was $45,000, and the first board of directors were Gardner Warren, Samuel L. Crocker, W. W. Fairbanks, Albert Field, H. B. Witherell, William Mason and Lovett Morse. The capital was soon increased to $60,000 and in 1872 to $80,- 000. W. W. Fairbanks was president of the company from 1853 to 1855 ; Lovett Morse, 1855-56 ; Albert Field, 1856 to 1868 ; John E. Sanford, 1869 to the present time. 1 The last public event in Taunton previous to the opening of the Civil War was the formation of the Old Colony Historical Society in the winter of 1852-53. Upon request of a number of interested persons an act of the Legislature was approved under date of May 4, 1853, of which the following is a copy : Nathaniel Morton, Samuel Hopkins Emery, Hodges Reed, their associates and successors, are hereby made a corporation by the name of the Old Colony Historical Society, for the purpose of preserving and perpetuating the history of the Old Colony in Massachusetts, and of collecting and holding documents, books and memoirs re- lating to its history, with all the powers and privileges, and subject to all the liabil- ities contained in the 44th chapter of the Revised Statutes of the Commonwealth, and for the purpose aforesaid, may hold real and personal estate to an amount not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars. A meeting of the incorporators of the society was held February 23, 1854, where the first officers were chosen, as follows: President, Na- thaniel Morton ; vice-presidents, Samuel Hopkins Emery, John Daggett (of Attleboro) ; directors, Rev. Mortimer Blake of Mansfield, Samuel L. Crocker of Taunton, Ellis Ames of Canton, Henry B. Wheelwright of Taunton, William R. Dean of Boston, and Caleb Swan, M. D., of Easton; recording secretary and librarian, Edgar H. Reed; correspond- ing secretary, John Ordronaux ; treasurer, Hodges Reed. Since its organization this society has accomplished a vast amount of labor in its chosen field and promises well for the future. Through liberal contri- butions of the owner, Joseph Dean, and many others, the society came into possession of the fine stone building on Cedar street, Taunton which was given the name Historical Hall, and made the storehouse of 1 In this connection may be noticed the organization of the Taunton Electric Lighting Com- pany in June, 1882, with a capital of $15,000, which has been increased to $50,000. It was the third electric lighting company in Massachusetts. The incorporators were M. M. Rhodes, William E. Fuller, D. L. Mitchell, A. J. Barker, N. Paige and their associates. The business of this company has been promoted with energy and the city is generously illuminated by its operations. 284 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. its accumulated treasures. The hall was dedicated October 11, 1886, and in the next year the Legislature increased the property-holding privilege of the society to $50,000. CHAPTER XV. THE CITY OF TAUNTON FROM 1860 TO THE PRESENT TIME. The time had now arrived when the country was to be thrown into the horrors of civil war. On the very eve of that event an effort was made, after much public and private discussion, to transform the village of Taunton into a city. The first act of the Legislature providing for a city charter was passed March 31, 1860, but the proposition was re- jected when voted upon by the people on April 30. The second act for the same purpose was passed May 11, 1864. The organization of the city government is noticed further on. The population of the village in 1860 was 15,376, according to the United States census. The place was enjoying a full tide of prosperity in all material aspects. Between the time of the establishment of early industries that have been mentioned, and the date of outbreak of war, a great number of important and successful manufacturing establish- ments, covering a wide variety of products, had been founded, all of which are properly noticed later in this chapter. Schools and churches had multiplied and the social conditions of the place were excellent. The general history of the war so far as Bristol county was inter- ested in the great struggle, has been written in an earlier chapter. In the various military organizations from this county that participated in the war for the Union, there were men from Taunton in proportion to her population whose general military record is a wholly honorable one. How promptly Massachusetts responded to the first call of the govern- ment for military aid, through the stirring orders of the patriotic Gov- ernor Andrew, is well known. Among the troops mustered on Boston Common on April 16, 1861, under orders from the governor issued on the previous day, was Co. G, Fourth Regiment, M. V. M. (the Taun- ton Light Guard), under command of Capt. Timothy Gordon; first lieutenant, Zacheus Sherman; second lieutenant, Frederick Harrington; THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 285 sergeants, Mason W. Burt, William H. Bartlett, Charles H. Paull, George A. Washburn; corporals, Isaac D. Paul, James Brown, Edward J. Vose, Willard D. Tripp. The company included fifty-six privates and one musician. The two full regiments constituting the force for which requisition had been received left for Fortress Monroe on the 17th of April and disembarked on the 20th. Co. G had the right of the line, Captain Gordon being the senior officer, and therefore his company acquired the honor of being the first northern troops to enter Virginia for that war. Co. G returned home after three months of active ser- vice, but again volunteered under the call of 1862 for nine months men, with the Fourth Regiment, and performed effective service in the De- partment of the Gulf. Co. K of this regiment was also almost entirely composed of Taunton men. The Fourth Regiment was mustered out August 28, 1862. During April, 1861, two other companies were enrolled in Taunton, which became companies D and F of Seventh Regiment. This organ- ization remained in Camp Old Colony from the last week in May to July 12, 1861, when it departed for Washington to begin its honorable career in the field. Co. D was commanded by Capt. Joseph B. Leon- ard, and Co. F by Capt. Zeba F. Bliss. The Seventh Regiment was mustered out July 5, 1864, on Taunton Green. Besides these two com- panies there were two sergeants, one corporal and forty privates from Taunton in this regiment. Co. B of the Eighteenth Regiment of infantry was raised in Taunton, and in that regiment were also from this city Assistant- Surgeon Abiel W. Nelson, Capt. George C. Ruby, and twelve privates. The Eighteenth was mustered into the service August 24, 1861, and mustered out Sep tember 2, 1864, with an honorable record. The Twenty second Regiment of infantry was mustered into the serv- ice October 5, 1861, and was mustered out October 17, 1864, after a long and honorable career. Its major was Mason W. Burt, of Taunton, and among its captains were George A. Washburn, William D. Hatch and John Rock, of this place. Co. C was almost wholly composed of Taunton men, and there was a considerable number of individual en- listments in the regiment. Co. F of the Thirty-ninth Regiment of infantry was from Taunton, and there were a number of individual enlistments in that regiment. It was mustered into the service September 4, 1862, and mustered out June 2, 1865. 286 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Co. B of the Forty- eighth Regiment was composed of Taunton men, with Robert Crossman 2d, captain. The organization of eight com- panies of this regiment was perfected April 25, 1864, and it was mus- tered out July 14, 1865. Besides the foregoing more important and numerous complete or nearly complete organizations in the army from Taunton, there were, of course, a great number of enlistments in other infantry, artillery, cavalry and naval organizations, of which only a brief summary can be given here. In the Third Regiment (three months) were seven pri- vates; in the Fifth Regiment, two corporals, one musician and ten privates (100 days' service); in the Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Twenty- second unattached companies were a total of nine privates (100 days' service); in the Ninth Regiment were four piivates and one musician; in the Eleventh Regiment were three privates ; in the Twelfth Reg- iment, eleven privates ; in the Thirteenth Regiment, twenty-four pri- vates; in the Fifteenth Regiment, seven privates; in the Sixteenth Regiment, three privates; in the Seventeenth Regiment, ten privates; in the Nineteenth Regiment, two corporals and nine privates; in the Twentieth Regiment, James H. Spencer, captain, one musician and seventeen privates; in the Twenty-fourth Regiment, three sergeants, two corporals, fourteen privates; in the Twenty-sixth Regiment, two privates; in the Twenty seventh Regiment, one private; in the Twenty- eighth Regiment, one corporal and seventeen privates ; in the Twenty- ninth Regiment, Willard D. Tripp, lieutenant-colonel, John P. Pizer, captain, four lieutenants, two sergeants, four corporals, one musician and twenty- one privates; in the Thirtieth Regiment, one private; in the Thirty second Regiment, one lieutenant, six sergeants, four cor- porals, one musician, and thirty- one privates; in the Thirty-third Regiment, James Brown, major, one lieutenant, four sergeants, three corporals, one musician, thirty-two privates ; in the Thirty-seventh ' Regiment, one captain, two lieutenants, one sergeant, three musicians and ten privates; in the Thirty-eighth Regiment, one second lieuten- ant, five privates; in the Fortieth Regiment, six privates; in the Fifty- fourth Regiment, one private; in the Fifty-sixth Regiment, one second lieutenant, one corporal and eight privates; in the Fifty- seventh Reg- iment, one musician, one private; in the Fifty-ninth Regiment, five privates; in the Sixty-first Regiment, one corporal and two privates; in the Sixty-second Regiment, one corporal and seven privates. Be- sides these enlistments in the infantry branch of the service, Taunton THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 287 sent about seventy-five men into the artillery branch and about the same number into the cavalry. In the regular army forty-three men enlisted, and in the naval service eighteen officers served and one hundred and one seamen. The total cost of the war in money to Taunton was $196,719.23. The total number of men furnished was 1,652, including 159 men assigned to the navy. On the grounds of Post 3 of the G. A. R., in May- flower Hill Cemetery, is a handsome monument erected to the memory of the brave men who went out to battle for their country. The credit for this monument rests chiefly with William H. Bartlett, whose efforts led to its erection. The first steps were taken in May, 1871, and from that time forward money was raised by various methods until 1886, when the necessary fund was collected and the monument was erected and dedicated on September 5, 1887. The total sum raised for the work was $3,278. 53. The monument cost $2,353, and the dedication, $514.20. During the war period public improvements were largely neglected in all northern communities and Taunton was not an exception; but with the close of the conflict money was plenty and under the fictitious impulse given to all kinds of business through the enormous demands of the army, public and private enterprises were undertaken covering a wide range of industries and demanding heavy investments. Man- ufactures in Taunton. were greatly stimulated and all trade operations extended until they were choked a few years later by the inevitable re- action from the war inflation. A city ordinance of 1866 gave the Public Library of Taunton a formal existence, through the consolidation of the earlier libraries known as the Taunton Social Library, with 4,060 volumes, the Young Men's Library, with 1,775 volumes, and the Agricultural Library, with 173 volumes. The Taunton Social Library was founded in 1825, and for many years received liberal contributions of money and books and accomplished a great amount of good in the village. Within the past recent years many improvements have been made in the public library to render it of more general benefit in the commu- nity. The sources of income since 1866 have been annual appropriations ($5,000 at present), the dog tax, the interest on the King fund, and minor miscellaneous receipts. Several private donations of books have been made in recent years. The librarians have been as follows: 1866-68, Benjamin F. Presbrey; 1869-75, Edwin Manly; 1875, Lemuel 288 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. T. Talbot; 1875-76, Walter S. Biscoe; 1876-95, Ebenezer B. Arnold; 1895-98, Joshua E. Crane. Among the more important public improvements introduced soon after the close of the war was the street railway, the company being or- ganized in 1871, with a capital of $40,000. William C. Lovering was chosen president ; H. M. Lovering, treasurer; Orville A. Baker, clerk; Henry G. Reed, A. J. Barker, William C. Lovering, William H. Phillips, Henry M. Lovering, P. I. Perrin, H. M. Church, Charles Foster, N. H. Skinner and S. N. Staples, directors. George C. Morse was super- intendent until January, 1894, when he was succeeded by George F. Seibel. The tracks of the company were extended through many of the most important streets of the city to the extent of about ten miles. In 1892-3 a large part of the stock of the company changed hands, and in March of the latter year a reorganization was effected under the fol- lowing officers: John N. Beckley, of Rochester, N. Y., president; Sylvanus M. Thomas, treasurer; Orville A. Barker, clerk; and aboard of directors including John N. Beckley, Ira L. Otis, and Arthur G. Yates, of Rochester; S. M. Thomas, George A. Washburn, O. A. Barker, George N. Elms, Henry M. Lovering and H. F. Bassett, of Taunton. The right was obtained from the city by the new company to operate its roads by electricity, which was at once introduced. The company has since greatly extended its lines of tracks, which now reach all important parts of the city and a number of outlying points. To complete these extensions the capital stock has been increased until it is now $350,000. The Dighton, Somerset and Taunton Street Railway Company was incorporated in 1895 with a capital stock of $60,000, which was after- wards increased to $175,000. The road was completed and put in oper- ation the same year, extending through to Fall River. The establishment of the Taunton Water Works soon followed. For many years the need of a more adequate and better water supply for the city, for both drinking and fire-extinguising purposes, had been felt and frequently urged in public and private. Wells, public reser- voirs and private cisterns proved insufficient in several important in- stances of destructive fires, and the annual messages of mayors and reports of chief engineers repeatedly advised the construction of water works. This was the case in 1873 and the city government became aroused on the subject and appointed the following committee to learn " whether any step can be taken to provide a better supply of water in THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 289 case of. fire:" Aldermen John Holland and Charles H. Atwood and Councilmen Benjamin L. Walker, Henry S. Harris and Onias S. Paige. Little was accomplished at that time. In 1874 William C. Lovering was sent to the Senate and placed on the Committee on Drainage and Water Supply, and clearly saw the need of the city in this direction. In 1875 the Board of Health seemed to realize for the first time the necessity of a larger water supply for the purpose of flushing sewers and drains. In that year the plan of adopting the well-known Holly system of pumping from some good source of supply was urged, and Mr. Lovering advised the immediate steps to obtain rights to the Mid- dleborough Ponds or Taunton River, and recommended the issue of thirty-year bonds and the creation of a sinking fund to provide for their payment. Measures were thereupon adopted to obtain a preliminary survey, and on April 7, at a meeting of the City Council the mayor was given authority to petition the General Court for permission to issue twenty-year bonds to the amount of $200,000. This was done, and on the 15th of May, 1876, ground was broken for the filter basin on the southerly side of Taunton River. Laying of pipe was commenced on July 10 of the same year, and on the 30th of November the engine and pumps were completed ; a public test was made on the 2d of December and resulted in unqualified success. The totol cost of the works up to that time was $203,936.83. On the 6th of October, 1875, Marcus M. Rhodes, Parley I. Perrin and Henry S. Harris were elected water com- missioners. Mr. Rhodes was succeeded by Henry M. Lovering and Mr. Harris died March 16, 1891, and was succeeded by Silas D. Pres- brey, M. D. Subsequently the State Board of Health recommended the abandonment of Taunton River as a source of water supply, and on October 8, 1891, an order was presented to the council and referred to the committee on water supply to the effect that the committee, in con- junction with the water commissioners, consider the matter of taking the water for the city from Lakeville Ponds. Application was made to the Legislature and authority obtained for increasing the water debt to not more than $500,000, and after mature deliberation it was deter- mined to undertake the great work. Bids were called for for laying a thirty-inch main, and the work was given to Kenneth McKay and Lu- ther Dean. Work laying the large pipe began August 1, 1892. This task was finished on June 24, 1893. At the same time the laying of a twenty-four inch pipe was begun to carry water pumped from Asso- wampset Pond to Elder's, which was completed August 9. A contract 37 290 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was let to L. M. Witherell for building the engine house for $10,747. January 18, 1893, a Milwaukee firm contracted to supply a pumping engine of 5,000,000 gallons daily. The connections from the thirty- inch line from Lakeville were completed in August. Elder's Pond is now used as the storage reservoir and settling basin, while the Asso- wampset furnishes the real supply. The cost of the Lakeville exten- sion was nearly $228,000; of Assowampset Pond and connection with Elder's, $111,874.35. The water supply is now ample and of high de- gree of purity. The daily average consumption is now nearly 150,000 gallons. The ordinary range of pressure at the Square is forty to fifty- pounds. About one thousand five hundred meters are now in use, and between seven hundred and eight hundred hydrants. During the period under consideration in this chapter there were a few additions to the churches of Taunton. The Advent Christian Church was formed in 1879, with a small congregation, but has no church edifice as yet. The First Presbyterian church was organized by the Presbytery of Boston October 29, 1885, with thirty-four members. On April 23 of the next year Rev. Donald McDougall was installed pastor. The con- gregation occupied the Cedar Street chapel until the completion of their church, which was dedicated October 26, 1888. It is a beautiful stone edifice and was erected at a cost of about $20,000. Several of the churches of Taunton have chapels connected with them which largely extend the field of their usefulness. The one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Taunton was appropriately celebrated on June 4 and 5, 1889, a full account of which was prepared and published in a large volume with which most of the inhabitants of the place are familiar. This was, perhaps, the most important event in the history of Taunton after it became a city. A committee was appointed to consider this matter on July 20, 1885, consisting of William E. Fuller, Henry Williams, Edmund H. Bennett, Timothy Gordon, Charles A. Reed and James H. Dean. The commit- tee held its first meeting October 3, 1885. On April 7, 1886, a com- mittee of conference was appointed by the municipal government con- sisting of Mayor R. Henry Hall, Aldermen Daniel Carey and Henry W. Colby, President George H. Rhodes of the Council and Councilman John H. Eldridge. The first meeting of the joint committee was held April 20, 1886, when the date for the celebration was fixed for June 4 and 5, 1889. The committee representing the city was changed from n &$ SZ~£/l'iilf 30722 ffi"'& r - Pj£?Z& THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 291 year to year until the date of the event. Henry W. Colby was chosen poet for the celebration and on February 4, 1889, John E. Sanford was chosen toast master. February 23, Henry M. Lovering was chosen chief marshal. Richard Henry Hall was appointed president of the day, with six vice-presidents from the city and one each from Norton, Dighton, Easton, Raynham, Berkley and Mansfield. Twenty sub- committees were appointed to take charge of the various features of the celebration. The programme for the first day consisted of the Gloria from Mozart's Twelfth Mass, by the Beethoven Society; prayer; address of welcome by Mayor Hall; historical address by Edmund H. Bennett; poem by Henry W. Colby; closing hymn and benediction. A banquet was given at the close of the exercises. On the second day a procession consisting of nine divisions, which marched through the principal streets, and the day closed with a display of fire-work-. The entire proceedings were of a most interesting character, and resulted in a revival of historical interest throughout the vicinity. In the year 1896 measures were adopted to provide more ample ac- commodations for the various city officials, resulting in the erection of a handsome granite front to the old brick city building at a cost of $50, - 000. In this nearly all of the city offices are now located in commodi- ous apartments, perfectly adapted in every respect to their various purposes. Taunton Manufactures. — From its earliest history Taunton has been an important manufacturing center. The building of the first dam on Mill River near what became Cohannet street, and the first mill in 1639-40, has already been noticed. Thomas ' Linkon (Lincoln) became owner of this mill in 1649, and in 1652 removed his family hither from Hingham. He died in 1683 and the property passed to his sons, John and Samuel. In 1698-9 Robert Crosman purchased it for ;£60, and in the same year the old dam and mill was rebuilt and a fulling mill added. These industries continued to 1823, when they gave place to others to be noticed. The first record of a saw mill is under date of January 3, 1659, though there were probably earlier ones. On that date Henry Andrews and John Macomber were given liberty to " erect or set up a saw mill on the Mill River if it be not found hurtful to the grist mill." The mill was soon afterwards built. The founding of the first iron industry in the town, the Taunton Iron Works, by Thomas Lincoln in 1656, has been partially described. After 292 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE passing through numerous changes in ownership and management, down to 1777, Josiah Dean then became owner of a controlling interest and converted the bar iron forge into a rolling mill and nail works; copper bolts for ship builders were also made. At his death in 1818 he was succeeded by his son Josiah, who a few years later was followed byMaj. Eliab B. Dean, another son. The latter in 1825 changed the nail works to an anchor forge and the business was continued by his son Theodore about forty years. Within recent years the buildings were demolished, and the remains of the dam and foundations are all that remains of the ancient Taunton Iron Works. The Whittington Iron Works were established by James Leonard, sr. , who had been connected with the Taunton Iron Works a number of years, on Mill River, where he built a dam for the purpose on the site of the Whittenton Mills Company's works. He purchased ten acres of land there in 1666. The forge was in operation in 1678 with James Leonard and his three sons, Joseph, Benjamin and Uriah in charge; a a grist mill was also built there. The father died in 1691, and the works passed one quarter to Joseph and the remainder to Uriah. Later they were operated by Capt. James Leonard, nephew of Uriah, who in 1737 took Capt. Thomas Cobb as partner, and by Capt. James, Capt. Abiather, Zadoc and Apollos Leonard, and John McWhorter, and finally in 1789 passed to Samuel Leonard, youngest son of Judge Zephaniah Leonard. The grist mill was owned by Jonathan Leonard, who died in 1779, leaving it to his son, Lee Leonard. He sold the mill and fifty acres of land, in 1810, to Crocker, Bush & Richmond, closing out the Leonard interest to the Whittington Iron Works and privilege. Samuel Crocker, Thomas Bush and Charles Richmond, who had been employed by Samuel Leonard, believed that the power on Mill River might be used to better advantage than previously, and accordingly leased the power, and in 1805 built a nail mill, where nails were crudely cut and then headed by hand. In 1807 they added a story to the build- ing and began spinning cotton yarn, which was woven into cloth by farmers' wives and daughters. This building burned in 1811 and the proprietors at once erected another cotton mill on the site. Mr. Bush died in 1817, and a few years later Crocker & Richmond put in power looms, and laid the foundation of their great manufacturing enterprise. Meanwhile another nail factory was built on the east side of the dam, where in 1821 nails were being made by improved machinery. What was known as the Chartley Iron Works were built in the west THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 293 part of Taunton (now Norton) and are described in a preceding chap- ter. Richard Stevens, an early settler and a prominent citizen, in con- nection with his son and others, built a small forge about 1696 for mak- ing charcoal iron on Three- Mile River near the site of the North Digh- ton furnace. In 1739-40 Boland and Laughton of Boston, having pur- chased a part of the iron works, leased the interest of Stevens's Sons in the dam, falls, etc., at _£7 a year (they reserving the right to run their grist mill), and increased the capacity of the iron works. Many years later these Boston men conveyed the forge property to William Laughton, jr., nephew of the one just named. Boland and Laughton were tories in the Revolution, and much of their large property was confiscated. The Stevens forge was the first iron works on Three- Mile River prior to and below the Baylies plant, and the descendants of Richard Stevens kept an interest in the grist mill many years. The last one was Elijah Stevens, Richard's great-grandson. What was known as King's Furnace, at East Taunton, was the fifth iron works and the first hollow ware factory in the old colony. It was built by a stock company comprising John King, Ebenezer Robinson, Benjamin Hodges, Elkanah Leonard (grandson of James), Samuel Tubbs and William Tubbs. This furnace was completed in 1724-25. After several changes in ownership it passed to Gen. Cromwell W. Washburn and Col. Nathan King, who rebuilt it in 1816 and carried on a large business. The works were on Littleworth's Brook, on which Capt. William Pole and his sister Elizabeth had a grist mill more than two hundred and fifty years ago. The sixth of the old iron works was on the Mill River below the site of the Reed & Barton works, and was established by Capt. Zephaniah Leonard, son of Stephen, son of James, in 1739-40. These were known as the Hopewell Iron Works, and were succeeded by a rolling and slit- ting mill, built near the same dam in 1775-77 by John Adams, who had been a merchant in Taunton. The slitting mill was unsuccessful, and in 1782 the property passed to Josiah Dean and Samuel Leonard, who continued the business several years. The works were finally aban- doned. There were a fulling mill, grist mill and saw mill a short dis- tance above these works, which in time gave place to the Reed & Bar- ton Britannia Manufactory. On the site of Westville, on Three-Mile River, nearly two hundred years ago were Andrew's Mills. Capt. John Andrew owned the saw mill, and his son-in-law, Nathaniel Lincoln, the grist mill. In the same 294 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. locality in 1739 was a forge owned by Boland & Laughton for manufac- turing iron from an iron mine in that vicinity. Thomas Baylies, a young "iron master" from London, was engaged as manager of this forge. He died in 1756, aged forty-one years, and Nicholas Baylies, who had been in the iron business at Uxbridge, came on the next year to settle his brother's affairs. This resulted in his taking his brother's position in the forge and removing his family to Taunton, his residence being near the Dighton line. In 1776, when the property of Boland & Laugh- ton was confiscated, Mr. Baylies saved and succeeded to the iron works ; he also purchased the Andrew Mills and other property near by. His youngest son, Hodijah, succeeded to the iron works and for many years did a large business. In 1809 he sold out to John West, a paper manu- facturer, who built a paper mill on the north side of the river, the first one in the old town. In 1823-24 he, in association with Crocker & Richmond, built a cotton mill on the iron works site Mr. West died in 1827. After several changes in the management the paper mill ma- chinery was sold to Caleb H. and Lorenzo Lincoln for their North Dighton mill. Crocker & Richmond operated a cotton mill until their suspension in 1837, and ultimately, after several changes, it passed to Lovering Brothers, who converted the mill into a yarn mill to supply their Whittenton factories. There were four rolling and slitting mills in Taunton about a century ago, one of which was on Mill River, near the Weir street bridge, owned by Simeon Tisdale and others. In 1797 it was sold to Samuel Leonard and Samuel Fales and in 1806 was discontinued. Another was built in 1762 by Capt Thomas Cobb on the site of the brick mill and was operated about forty years by various owners. Another was operated by John Adams in 1776 at Hopewell and continued about thirty years. The other was built about 1800 by Samuel Leonard at the dam north of Britannia street, and Samuel and William A. Crocker, sr., became partners. After the death of the junior partner, W. A. Crocker, in 1805, and Samuel Leonard in 1807, Crocker, Bush & Rich- mond succeeded to the business. The mill was afterwards utilized by the Crocker Brothers for making copper cylinders and zinc plates; later it was changed to a furnace for making small iron ware by Ben- jamin Ingell, and was finally purchased by Reed & Barton. The old brick mill location on Mill River was a part of the property sold by Rev. Samuel Danforth soon after his settlement in 1688. He had a grist mill at the dam and a malt house, which passed to his son, Samuel, by will. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 295 In 1760 Samuel Danforth, jr., sold to Capt. Thomas Cobb, of Attle- borough, his "new dwelling house," grist mill, fulling mill, dam, and appurtenances, with four acres of land, for .£465. Captain Cobb re- turned to Taunton in 1762 and built a rolling and slitting mill at the Danforth dam, and continued the business till his death in 1779, leav- ing the property to his son, Jonathan. He died in 1801, leaving the property to his son, Jonathan B. Cobb. The latter sold the property in 1803 to Samuel Fales. Job King occupied the old Danforth fulling mill some years for cutting nails. Crocker & Richmond, before mentioned, purchased a large part of the site of these Cobb mills and privilege, cleared away the old build- ings and in 1823 erected a brick mill for making print cloths for the new calico works. The property was merged into the Taunton Man- ufacturing Company and so remained until 1834, when a division was made and the brick mill reverted to Messrs. Crocker & Richmond. In the memorable panic of 1837, they, with many others, were forced to suspend. A few years later Mr. Richmond repurchased the brick mill and resumed business. In 1845 he built another mill for the manufac- ture of cotton ginghams. The old mill was partially burned in 1815, was rebuilt in 1846, and in 1848 passed out of Mr. Richmond's control. In 1848 the Dean Cotton and Machine Company, Nahum Stetson, president, and R. S. Dean, agent and treasurer, was organized with a capital of $100,000. This company carried on a profitable business. In 1876 the Taunton Cotton and Machine Company was organized with a capital of $65,000; Nathan S. Williams, president, F. B. Dean, agent and treasurer. The business continued several years. The brick mill has been closed a number of years and the new mill was used for a tack factory by L. A. Rounds until his death. In 1806 Silas Shepard, a cotton manufacturer from Wrentham, pur- chased from Samuel Fales his share in the Mill River privilege before mentioned, and in association with Samuel Leonard and Samuel Crocker built what was called the Green Mill, which was the first cot- ton goods manufactory in Taunton. The yarn there produced was placed out in hundreds of families for weaving into cloth. In 1818 an addition was built to the mill and a crude power mill was introduced. In 1824 this mill became a part of the new print works operated by the Taunton Manufacturing Company and its successor the Bristol Print Works. In 1844 the old mill was converted into a bleachery and became a part of the Taunton Paper Manufactory. It was ultimately demolished. 296 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. On Littleworth Brook, in the east part of the town, more than a century ago stood Cain's grist mill, owned by Joseph Dean, sr., Caleb Turner and Moses Cain. In course of time this old mill passed through several changes of ownership, and finally to Robert Dean, a Taunton merchant, and son of Joseph, sr. In May, 1812, a stock company was formed, consisting of Robert Dean, Jesse Hartshorn, Joseph Dean, jr., William Strobridge and Caleb Turner, with a capital of $16,000, to build what was known as the Dean Cotton Mill. This was the third cotton mill in Taunton. William Reed, sr., and Cyrus Caswell became stockholders, and the capital was increased to $25,000. This mill was operated until 1838 when it was purchased by James Sproat and Eleazer Richmond and used as a box-board and stave mill. Mr. Rich- mond succeeded his partner and continued the business until his death in October, 1876, when he was followed by his son, Charles R. Rich- mond. The Taunton Manufacturing Company, which has been mentioned, was organized in January, 1823; capital $200,000 real and $400,000 personal estate. Incorporators named were Samuel Crocker, Charles Richmond, Israel Thorndike, Edmund Dwight, John McLean, Harri- son G. Otis, William H. Eliot, William H. Prescott, Israel Thorndike, jr., Samuel Henshaw, Harrison G. Otis, jr. The business authorized was " rolling copper and iron and manufacturing cotton and wool." Samuel Crocker was president and treasurer the first ten years of the business. The property of the company comprised the Whittenton Cotton Mills, nail works, dwelling houses, privilege, etc., the Hope- well Mills property, dwellings, etc., the brick mill property, machine shop and dwellings, and the extensive Calico Printing Works, with a large tract of land. . In the first year of its business a dividend of twelve per cent, was paid; in the second year fifteen per cent, and the third year twenty per cent. In 1827 it was voted that the business be conducted under the firm name of Crocker, Richmond & Co. ; also to fill the rooms at Hopewell Mills (made vacant by the removal of the nail machines to Whittenton and East Taunton) with cotton spindles and machinery. Under the auspices of this company the Calico Printing Works were started in 1823 by Crocker & Richmond, hundreds of skilled workmen were imported and buildings erected from time to time until a space of about four acres was covered. The business proved an unsatisfactory investment, and in 1833 it was voted to close it as soon as practicable. ^ THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 297 In 1834 Charles Richmond retired from the company, taking the brick mill property, machine shops, etc., for his share. In 1835 James K. Mills & Co., who had been associated in the older company, retired and received the Whittenton Mills as their share. Meanwhile, in 1833, the Bristol Print Works were organized and purchased the entire print works of the Taunton Manufacturing Company. The business was not profitable under a low tariff, and was brought to a close in 1845. In 1840 the entire property of the Taunton Manufacturing Company had become reduced through exchanges and sales to the franchise of the Hopewell Mills and appurtenances, owned by Harrison G. Otis and others, which were operated a year or two and were transferred to Cyrus Lothrop of Easton. About one hundred years ago, on Mill River, a little below the old grist mill and saw mill dam before mentioned, stood a small, so-called cutting mill, owned by Samuel Leonard, where nails were cut and headed by hand. This was the first nail-cutting machine in Taunton. There Charles Richmond conceived the plan of building a cotton mill, and accordingly purchased the old Leonard & Dean slitting mill, and the saw mill dam and privilege above. The dam he soon afterwards raised ten feet. His cotton mill, which was completed in 1818, was of stone and brick, and one hundred feet in length. The basement was used for a machine shop and nail factory. In 1821 Mr. Richmond built another mill of about the same size near by, both containing one hun- dred and fifty looms Horatio Leonard & Co. built a small rolling mill at the west end of the dam, which was operated a few years. Those Hopewell Mills were merged in the capital stock of the Taunton Man- ufacturing Company in 1823, as before stated, and in 1844 passed to Cyrus Lothrop. After his death, May 21, 1854, the property passed to Charles Albro, the former superintendent, who manufactured cotton fabrics about forty years. In 1888 the mills were transferred to L. Beebe & Co. of Boston. The extensive silver and plated ware manufactory of Reed & Barton was founded in 1835 by Henry G. Reed and Charles E. Barton. The britannia business in Taunton was begun early in the century by Isaac Babbitt, in a small shop near his jeweler's store, in rear of the Union block site. He was an ingenious mechanic, and manufactured domestic utensils of britannia ware, which found a ready sale. Form- ing a partnership with William W. Crossman, another mechanic, they leased a room and power in Roswell Ballard's fulling'mill, on the site 38 298 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the Field Tack Works. There Babbitt & Crossman produced, in 1824, the first britannia articles made in the United States — inkstands, shaving boxes, looking-glass frames, etc. Metal for teapots and other articles was afterwards rolled in plate. The business met with success, and to give them larger accommodations a brick factory was built in 1827 on School street. ' In 1828 William Allen West and Zephaniah A. Leonard associated with Mr. Crossman, as Crossman, West & Leonard, Mr. Babbitt remaining as metallurgist. In that manufactory Henry C. Reed and Charles E. Barton began their apprenticeship in 1828. To obtain more economical power, the company erected, in 1830, a brick factory on the west side of Mill River, which long remained a part of the Reed & Barton works, and organized the Taunton Britannia Manu- facturing Company. After a few years of unsuccessful experimenting to compete with imported goods, the company closed business, leaving a portion of their machinery in custody of their apprentices, Reed and Barton. These young men, armed with practical experience, ability and industry, and with small capital, and the services of an agent, hired a part of the building and power in 1835. They were success ful. Associating with themselves Gustavus Leonard, they rented the buildings, machinery and privileges, and extended their operations under the firm name of Leonard, Reed & Barton. The business was now no longer a doubtful experiment, and their product rapidly at- tained a high reputation. This was largely extended by an exhibition of their wares in the American Institute in 1838, where it came into successful competition with foreign goods. The Institute awarded them a gold medal. Mr. Leonard died in April, 1845, and Henry H. Fish took his place in the firm. In 1859 George Brabrook, who had been connected with the business of the firm, was admitted as a partner. Mr. Barton died September 13, 1867, andMessrs. Reed, Brabrook and Fish purchased the interest of their late associate, still retaining the widely- known name of Reed & Barton. Mr. Fish died January 13, 1882, and his sons, George H. and Frank L. Fish, took the management of their father's interest in the business. In 1889 the manufacture of sterling silverware was added. This is now one of the largest and most success- ful establishments in this line of business in the United States. In 1888 the Reed & Barton Corporation was incorporated with a capital of $600,000. The Whittenton Mills were incorporated with the Taunton Manu- facturing Company in 1823, under management of James K. Mills & THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 289 Co., of Boston. In 1831-2 a new stone mill was built, in which were placed seventy looms, for the manufacture of finer grades of goods. In May, 1835, Mills & Co. closed their connection with the Taunton com- pany and resumed proprietorship of the mills.. In September, 1836, Willard Lovering took the agency of the Whittenton Mills, and becom- ing a joint proprietor, made many improvements in the manufacture of goods. In January, 1839, the older mill referred to was destroyed by fire. Under Mr. Lovering's management the business proved suc- cessful, but the Boston firm, having embarked in other unfortunate en- terprises, closed their business in 1857, under the financial pressure of that year. In 1858 Mr. Lovering and his son purchased all the prop- erty of the Whittenton Mills corporation, and inaugurated a period of of remarkable business and manufacturing success. A few years be- fore the death of Willard Lovering, December 15, 1875, his sons, Charles L., William C. and Henry M. Lovering, became proprietors of the mills. In January, 1880, the Whittenton Mills Manufacturing Com pany was incorporated with a capital of $600,000. Officers, William C. Lovering, president; Charles L. Lovering, treasurer; Henry M. Lov- ering, agent and clerk. The history of the Oakland Mills begins with the purchase, by Capt. Silas Shepard, in 1827, of a privilege on Rumford River, three miles west of the Center, where he built a dam and a stone factory, which were completed in 1828. There,,for several years, he made cotton yarn. In 1831 he added looms and began weaving cotton cloth, which he changed several years later to the manufacture of cotton, or Canton flannel. He took his son-in-law, Lewis R. Chesbrough, into partner- ship, and under their management the mills were enlarged. Captain Shepard died in December, 1864, and the business was continued a few years by his partner. In 1869 Amos F. Howard and son purchased these so-called Oakland Mills, made extensive improvements, added new machinery, and in 1880 built a new structure, 138 by 68 feet, and another 46 by 35 feet, doubling the capacity of manufacture. Both of the Howards died in 1881, and the mills passed to the management of Joseph S. Tidd, son-in-law of Amos F. Howard. A certain grant obtained in 1813 by Stephen King, to build a dam across Taunton River a short distance above the site of the Old Colony Iron Works, was soon purchased by Horatio Leonard & Co. (Crocker & Richmond), who removed the dam to its later situation and in 1824 built a fo-rge for making charcoal iron. Coal became expensive, and 300 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in 1827 expert English iron workers were employed and the manufac- ture begun with bituminous coal, while facilities for making nail plates and shovels were extended. Increase and Charles Robinson came from Bridgewater in 1828, but the former returned the next year and was succeeded by his brother Enoch. The works suspended about a year during the panic of 1837. In 1844 the Old Colony Iron Company was organized with a capital of $260,000; Samuel L. Crocker, president; Charles Robinson, treasurer. The works were mostly burned August 7, 1881, and the business closed. In 1826 the firm of Crocker Brothers (William A., Samuel L. and George A. ) was formed for the manufacture of copper on Wading River in Norton, a privilege formerly owned by Crocker & Richmond for the same purpose. In 1831 those three men, with Daniel Brewer and Na- thaniel Crandell and associates, were incorporated as the Taunton Cop- per Manufacturing Company, with capital of $200,000. The works were doubled in capacity and variety of product, and in 1849 a large plant was built at Weir village. A very large business was carried on and the capital increased to $600,000 and again to $900,000. This was reduced in recent years on account of reverses to $450,000. Between 1854, when William A. Crocker died, and 1884, most of the energetic men who had been connected with the works passed away, and in the year last named a reorganization was effected and the capital reduced to $252,000, with George N. Woodward, president, Henry F. Bassett, treasurer, and a new board of directors. The Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company began business in 1846 and was incorporated in the next year by William A. Crocker, Willard W. Fairbanks, William Raymond Lee and their associates, with a capital of $50,000. Mr. Crocker was chosen president and Mr. Fair- banks agent and treasurer. After several changes in officers down to 1862, Samuel L. Crocker was elected president and served until his, death, February 10, 1883. The capital was increased from time to time until in 1864 it was $218,500. Nahum Stetson succeeded Mr. Crocker as president. This was among the first locomotive works in New England and soon gained a high reputation. In 1883 the com- pany added to its business the manufacture of the Huber printing press. The site of the well known A. Field & Sons' Tack Works includes that of Deacon Roswell Ballard's fulling mill, on Spring street, in which Albert Field leased a room in 1827 and began with two machines making shoe nails and tacks, which he carried to his customers by THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 301 team. From this small beginning the business and plant were ex- tended until finally an area of two acres was covered by the various buildings. The Taunton Tack Company was organized in 1854 by a few practical tack makers and others, with capital of $20,000. The directors were Daniel Reed, jr., Joseph Dunbar, Robert Crossman 2d, Gideon Perkins, jr., and Charles Foster; the latter was elected pres- ident, Mr. Crossman, secretary, and Mr. Perkins, agent and treasurer. In 1855 the company was incorporated with Gideon Perkins, jr., Dan- iel Reed, jr., Philander W. Dean, James C. Brown and Albert Hunter, directors; James C. Brown, president; Daniel Reed, jr., treasurer. The capital was increased in 1870 to $60,000 and the works removed to new buildings on Weir street, and the manufacture of rivets and bolts added. In 1873 the capital was again increased to $120,000. A fire in July, 1878, partially destroyed the works, and they were rebuilt. Both this industry and the A. Field & Sons' works were, in 1891, merged with the Atlas Tack Company, of Boston. The founder of the Mason Machine Works, in Taunton, was William Mason, a skillful practical mechanic, who was engaged in building ma- chinery in different locations about ten years before he erected the first structure on the site of the present plant in 1845. His reputation for skill and reliability was already established and he had no difficulty in obtaining capital for extending his business. He had obtained valuable patents on his self-acting cotton mule, and soon had a large industry under the style of William Mason & Co. The buildings erected com- prised a foundry 100 by 50 feet; a smithy 100 by 30 feet, and a machine shop 315 by 45 feet, three stories high, and all equipped with the best of tools. Later an additional shop was built, 100 by 56 feet. In 1852 preparations were made for locomotive building and the first one was turned out in the following year. Through various improvements and the general excellence of the work these engines soon became known as favorably as the Mason cotton machinery. The financial crisis of 1857 and the failure of Boston partners caused a suspension of the works a few months, but a settlement was effected in 1858, under which the business was renewed under Mr. Mason's name. In 1861 he accepted a contract to manufacture 100,000 Springfield rifles for the government but the order was afterwards reduced to 30,000, after costly machinery had been designed and made for the work, involving heavy loss. After the close of the war the works were operated to their fullest capacity in building locomotives, cotton machinery and other products, and the 02 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. plant was greatly extended by 1880. Mr. Mason died May 25, 1883, mt the great business continues to the present time as a corporation, nth Frederick Mason, president, and William H. Bent, treasurer. An early industry was the Presbrey Stove Lining Company, estab- ished in 1826, and incorporated in 1866 with capital of $28,000; the rorks cover an area of two acres. The Crucible Company was established about sixty years ago, by )harles R. Vickery, Charles R. Atwood and Joseph Dixon. To extend he business they removed it to Weir village and in 1851 were incor- porated as the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, with capital of $30,- 00, for the manufacture of plumbago crucibles. What are known as Sproat's Mills, manufacturing box-boards and tail kegs, were built by James Sproat in 1837. He died in 1857 and yas succeeded by his son, James H. Sproat, who died in 1890. Since hen the mills have been operated by James C. Sproat. The Taunton Oil Cloth Company was incorporated in 1850, with apital of $25,000; the first president was Charles Robinson. A suc- essf ul business in the manufacture of oil cloth has ever since been car- ied on. The manufacture of stoneware pottery was carried on as early ,s 1772 by Maj. William Sever, opposite his residence, on the historic To. 2 Landing Place, before described. There the first stoneware nade in Bristol county was turned out. Much of the clay was brought py the Gayhead Indians. The business was afterwards conducted by ds sons, John and William, until about 1830. In 1845 Dea. Lemuel Leonard built a small foundry below Whitten- on Mills for casting stoves and small ware. His son, Lemuel M. ,eonard, was afterwards associated in the business and the foundry sras enlarged. After Deacon Leonard's death, in 1868, the son built a arger plant on Wales street and continued its operation until his death, a 1876. The Leonard Co-operative Foundry Company was organized a 1877 with capital of $25,000. In 1891 it was reorganized as the New England Stove Company. The Anthony & Cushman Tack Company was founded in 1864, when he works below Weir village were started. The business increased nd in 1882 was removed to what was formerly the Bay State Screw Vorks on Court street. The manufacture of brick has been an extensive industry in and round Taunton for many years. The largest company in this business 3 the Taunton Brick Company, organized in 1868, with capital of 175,000. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 303 Besides these numerous industries in Taunton, most of which were established in years long past, there are many others of comparatively recent origin. Among these may be mentioned the Elizabeth Pool Mills, on Adams street, incorporated in 1877, the capital of which is now $100,000. The product is fine cotton flannels. The Canoe River Mills, built on the west side of the river in 1882. The Nemasket Mills, incorporated in 1891, with capital of $300,000; this mill building is four hundred feet long, three stories, the product being cotton cloth. The Eagle Cotton Mill Company was incorporated in 1860 with capital of $60,000. The Cohannet Mills were incorporated in 1874 with capi- tal of $100,000, and a brick mill was at once built 330 by 50 feet, two stories, for spinning cotton yarn; capital increased in 1881 to $200,000 and a second mill erected. In 1890 a third mill was built at Weir vil- lage larger than either of the others. The capital is now $600,000 and the largest business of this kind in New England is carried on. The West Silver Company, successor to the Porter Britannia Com- pany, is a successful industry. M. M. Rhodes & Sons began the man- ufacture of shoe buttons and eyelets in 1861. Horatio L. Cushman & Co. have been in the same business since 1882. Prominent brick man- ufacturers not mentioned before are the Weir Brick Co., John W. Hart & Co., the Williams Brick Co., and A. B. Staples. Other important industries are the New Process Twist Drill Co., incorporated 1888; the Champion Ring Traveler Manufacturing Co., the Union Stove Lining Co., the Cobb Stove and Machine Co., the New England Stove Co., the Weir Stove Co., White, Warner & Co., stoves, D. A. Trefethen, brass founder, with a number of carriage makers, box manufacturers, sash and door makers, and the usual smaller shops. The Nemasket Mills were incorporated in 1891 ,and in 1892 a brick mill was finished at East Taunton, 427 by 187 feet, three stories. The capital is $400,000. The mill has 35,000 spindles and employs about three hundred hands. Lewis Williams has been president, and Abbott F. Lawrence, secretary and treasurer, from the first. Directors, Nomus Paige, Frank L. Cady, Abbott F. Lawrence, William H. Bent, Charles L. Macomber (also agent and manager), Arthur M. Alger, Lewis Williams. The Corr Manufacturing Company is also located at East Taunton, and was incorporated in 1895, and their building erected in 1896. Peter H. Corr has been president from the first, and Herbeit H. Shum- way, treasurer and agent. The capital is $400,000 and four hundred and ten operators are employed in the production of cotton cloth. The 304 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. mill has 41,000 spindles and 1,856 looms. Directors, Peter H. Corr, Herbert H. Shumway, Arthur M. Alger, William H. Bent, of Taunton, C. H. Sears, J. E. Osborn, of Fall River, C. H. Hutchins, of Worces- ter. It is not known just when the post-office was first established in Taunton. The earliest record accessible shows Nicholas Tillinghast as postmaster from March 20, 1793, to July 1, 1803, when he was succeed- ed by Samuel Hodges. He held the office less than a year, and was succeeded January 1, 1804, by James Hodges. He was postmaster six years and was followed on December 8, 1810, by James L. Hodges, who held the office about sixteen years, and was succeeded on Septem- ber 9, 1826, by Joseph L. Lord. The later postmasters have been as follows: Charles R. Vickery, March 23, 1835; William Brewster, May 12, 1849; Abijah M. Ide, jr., July 1, 1853; Joseph E. Wilbar, December 18, 1861; Abijah M. Ide, January 15, 1866; Samuel O. Dunbar, April 22,1869; Elias E. Fuller, March 26, 1873; W. F. Kennedy, 1885; Elias E. Fuller, 1889; Sumner B. Sargent, 1893; W. E. Dunbar, 1897. The present government building was erected on what has been known as the "city hall lot," which was presented to the government by the municipality. The appropriation for the building was made in 1895, and the contract was let on June 18 of the same year. The post- office was opened in the building July 14, 1 897. Board of Trade. — During several years prior to 1897 the merchants of Taunton considered and discussed the desirability of having an organ- ization in the city for mutual benefit and the general business welfare of the place.. Early in March, 1897, about thirty men met and took the initiative towards the formation of such an organization. Dudley M. Holman was chosen chairman of the meeting and Bion C. Pierce sec- retary. A committee, with Frederick S. Hall chairman, was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws. After several other meetings the organization of the Taunton Board of Trade was perfected with the following officers; President, Frederick S. Hall; vice presidents, Peter H. Corr, S. F. Hammett and Porter W. Hewins; secretary, Dudley M. Holman; treasurer, Orville A. Barker. The executive committee com- prised these officers and H. H. Shumway, Bion C. Pierce, Alfred B. Williams, M. C. Golden, J. B. Murphy, William M. Lovering, A. C. Bent, H. F. Bassett and T. F. Cavanaugh. The board has a membership of more than two hundred and fifty and is destined to greatly benefit the city. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 305 TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS. 1665-94, 1708, 1725, 1740-1820, 1821-34, 1835-44, 1845, 1846-54, Shadrach Wilbore, John Wilbore, Benjamin Wilbore, James Williams, jr., Alfred Williams, Edmund Anthony, Francis S. Monroe, James P. Ellis, TOWN CLERKS. 1855-58, 1858-62, 1862-65, William Brewster, Henry C. Porter, James M. Cushman, appoint- ed September, 1862, and held office to the termina- tion of the town govern- ment. TOWN TREASURERS. 1757, Samuel White, 1764-75, Benjamin Williams, 1775, George Godfrey, 1805-22, Samuel Crocker, 1822-25, John Seaver, 1825. William Reed, 1826, James L. Hodges, 1827-34, John Baylies, 1834-38, Calvin Woodward, 1838^4, Edmund Anthony, 1847-53, Charles Porter, 1853-54, James P. Ellis, 1855-56, George B. Atwood, 1857, Joseph E. Wilbar, 1858, Samuel M. Tinkham, 1859-63, Philip T. Brewster, 1863-64, George A. Washburn. MAYORS. 1865-67, Edmund H. Bennett, 1868-69, Stephen H. Rhodes, 1870-72, Daniel L. Mitchell, 1873, William H. Fox, 1874-76, George H. Babbitt, 1877-79, Onias S. Paige, 1880-82, Charles F. Johnson, 1883, Horatio L. Cushman, 1884-85, Charles F. Hanson, 1886-89, Richard Henry Hall, 1890, Arthur M. Alger, 1891-93, Francis S. Babbitt, 1894, Willis K. Hodgman, 1895, Charles A. Reed, 1896, Benjamin Morris, 1897-98, Nathaniel J. W. Fish! ALDERMEN— (By Wards). 1865. 1 Edgar H. Reed, 2 Anson J. Barker, 3 Nathan Rand, 4 Thompson Newbury, 5 Nathan S. Williams, 6 Lebaron B. Church, 7 Cornelius White, 8 Charles L. Lovering. 39 1866. 1 Edgar H. Reed, 2 Anson J. Barker, 3 John B. Chase, 4 Thompson Newbury, 5 Silas S. King, 6 Lebaron B. Church, 7 George G. Walker, 8 Charles L. Lovering. 1867. 1 Stephen H. Rhodes, Abram Briggs, 2 Parley I. Perrin, 3 John B. Chase, 4 Thompson Newbury, 5 Silias S. King, 6 Lebaron B. Church, 7 George G. Walker, 8 Nathaniel Leonard. 306 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1868. 1 Leander Soule, 2 Parley I. Perrin, 3 Daniel L. Mitchell, 4 Thompson Newbury, 5 Silas S. King, 6 Lebaron B. Church, 7 George G. Walker, 8 Paran F. Smith. 1871. 1 William Tinkham, 2 Parley I. Perrin, 3 Joseph Murphy, 4 George F. Seaver, 5 Jahaziah S. King, jr., 6 James M. Evans, 7 Stephen Pierce, 8 Charles L. Lovering. 1874. 1 Charles Husband, 2 Charles H. Atwood, 3 Joseph Murphy, 4 Lebaron B. Church, 5 Frederick L. Bos worth, 6 John H. Eddy, 7 James G. Walker, 8 James A. B. Woodward. 1877. 1 Horatio L. Cushman, 2 William H. Bent, 3 Thomas O. Falvey, 4 Cornelius Wood, 5 Charles R. Richmond, 6 A. Lyman Willard, 7 Franklin Pratt, 8 Charles E. Dean. 1880. 1 Martin J. Lincoln, 2 Walter S. Sprague, 3 Thomas O. Falvey, 4 Nathan S. Williams, 5 Benjamin S. Bosworth, 6 William S. Baker, 7 Joseph W. Hathaway, 8 John C. Macdonald. 1869. 1 William Tinkham, 2 Parley I. Perrin, 3 Daniel L. Mitchell, 4 Thompson Newbury, 5 Silas S. King, 6 Jacob Burt, 7 A. H. Champlin, 8 Charles L. Lovering. 1872. 1 Albert D. Davol, 2 Parley I. Perrin, 3 Henry M. Lovering, 4 George F. Seaver, 5 Jahaziah S. King, jr., 6 Henry J. Fuller, 7 Ezra P. Woodward, 8 William W. Swan. 1875. 1 Henry S. Harris, 2 William L. Walker, 3 Onias S. Paige, 4 Nathan S. Williams, 5 John W. Hart, 6 Alfred Paull, 7 Abel W. Parker, 8 Ruel Harvey. 1878. 1 Horatio L. Cushman, 2 William H. Bent, 3 Thomas O. Falvey, 4 Cornelius Wood, 5 Charles F. Johnson, 6 A. Lyman Willard, 7 Franklin Pratt, 8 Elijah Tolman. 1881. 1 Martin J. Lincoln, 2 Walter S. Sprague, 3 Michael J. Hoye, 4 James Y. Anthony, 5 Benjamin S. Bosworth, 6 William S. Baker, 7 Joseph W. Hathaway, 8 Elijah Tolman. 1870. 1 William Tinkham, 2 Parley I. Perrin, 3 Joseph Murphy, 4 George M. Woodward. 5 Silas S. King, 6 John H. Church, 7 Leonard L. Short, 8 Charles L. Lovering. 1873. 1 James H. Codding, 2 Charles H. Atwood, 3 Joseph Murphy, 4 Lebaron B. Church, 5 Frederick L. Bosworth, 6 Alfred Paull, 7 James G. Walker, 8 John Holland. 1876. 1 William B. Murphy, 2 William L. Walker, 3 Asaph L. Bliss, 4 N. Bradford Dean, 5 John W. Hart, 6 Alfred Paull, 7 Abel W. Parker, 8 Wilbur F. Allen. 1879. 1 Otis Washburn, 2 Walter S. Sprague, 3 Joseph Murphy, 4 Charles E. Richmond, 5 Charles F. Johnson, 6 A. Lyman Willard, 7 Henry S. Culver, 8 Moses Nelson. 1882. 1 Martin J. Lincoln, 2 Walter S Sprague, 3 Michael J. Hoye, 4 Henry D. Atwood, 5 Benjamin S. Bosworth, 6 A. Lyman Willard, 7 Henry S. Culver, 8 Samuel Lane. THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 307 1883. Walter S.Sprague.chair- man. 1 Albert D. Davol, 2 Walter S. Sprague, 3 Michael J. Hoye, 4 Cornelius Wood, 5 Benjamin S. Bosworth, 6 George W. Barrows, 7 Joseph S. Tidd, 8 Frank L. Fish. 1886. Daniel Carey, chairman. 1 Daniel Carey, 2 Henry W. Colby, 3 Benjamin Morris, 4 Leonard B. Higgins, 5 Abiel B. Staples, 6 Charles Thornton, 7 Nathaniel J. Crossman, 8 John O'Hearne, jr. 1889. Edward H. Temple, chairman. 1 Edward H. Temple, 2 Charles S. Anthony, 3 Benjamin Morris, 4 A. Gilbert Williams, 5 Arthur R. Williams, 6 G. Arthur Lincoln, 7 George N. Elmer, 8 William McAusland, 1892. Albert M. Clark, chair- man. 1 Edgar T. Crossman, 2 Albert M. Clark, 3 Thomas F. Hoye, 4 Willis K. Hodgman, 5 Charles L. Johnson, 6 John L. Thomas, 7 Henry A. Short, 8 William H. Gaffney. 1884. Joseph S. Tidd, chair- man. 1 James H. Bosworth, 2 Everett D. Godfrey, 3 Benjamin Morris, 4 Arthur M. Alger, 5 Alexander H. Williams, 6 George Willbur, 7 Joseph S. Tidd, 8 George B. Harvey. 1887. Henry M. Colby, chair- man. 1 John H. Eldridge, 2 Henry W. Colby, 3 Benjamin Morris, 4 Leonard B. Higgins, 5 Arthur H. Williams, 6 Francis S. Babbitt, 7 Alfred B. Stall, 8 John O'Hearne, jr. 1890. Edward H. Temple, chairman. 1 Edward H. Temple, 2 Albert M. Clark, 3 Benjamin Morris, 4 A. Gilbert Williams, 5 Arthur R. Williams, 6 G. Arthur Lincoln, 7 Henry S. Culver, 8 William M. Lovering. 1893. Willis K. Hodgman, chairman. 1 Richard E. Warner, 2 Charles L. Godfrey, 3 Thomas F. Hoye, 4 Willis K. Hodgman, 5 Charles L. Johnson, 6 Edward P. Padelford, 7 Albert M. Paull, 8 William H. Gaffney. 1885. Everett D. Godfrey, chairman. 1 Daniel Carey, 2 Everett D. Godfrey, 3 Benjamin Morris, 4 Leonard B. Higgins, 5 Alexander H. Williams, 6 George E. Wilbur, 7 Nathaniel J. Crossman, 8 George B. Harvey. 1888. John H. Eldridge, chair- man. 1 John H. Eldridge, 2 Charles S. Anthony, 3 Peter H. Corr, 4 Leonard B. Higgins, 5 Arthur H. Williams, 6 G. Arthur Lincoln, 7 Arthur B. Stall, 8 John O'Hearne, jr. 1891. G. Arthur Lincoln, chairman. 1 Edgar T. Crossman, 2 Albert M. Clark, 3 Thomas F. Hoye, 4 Willis K. Hodgman, 5 Charles L. Johnson, 6 G. Arthur Lincoln, 7 Henry A. Short, 8 Frank L. Fish, 1894. Richard E. Warner, chairman. 1 Richard E. Warner, 2 Charles L. Godfrey, 3 John O'Hearne, jr., 4 George L. Walker, 5 Edward A. Dean, 6 Edward P. Padelford, 7 Joseph M. Philbrick, 8 William H. Gaffney. 308 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 1895. Nathaniel J. W. Fish, chair- man. 1 George E. Dean, 1 2 Edward A. Dary, 2 3 John O'Hearne, jr., 3 4 Nathaniel J. W. Fish, 4 5 Edward A. Dean, 5 6 Marcus A. Dary, 6 7 Joseph M. Philbrick, 7 8 Charles J. Nichols. 8 1896. Nathaniel J. W. Fish, chair- man. George E. Dean, 1 Edward A. Dary, 2 John O'Hearne, jr., 3 Nathaniel J. W. Fish, 4 Edward A. Dean, 5 Allen P. Hoard, 6 John Pring, jr., 7 Charles J. Nichols. 8 1898. 1 Calvin D. Pratt, 2 Frederick M. Atwood, 3 John J. Kavanaugh, 4 George L. Walker, 5 John T. Sharkey, 6 Edward C. Paull, 7 James F. Heath, 8 Noah Lemaire, 1897. George E. Dean, chair- man. George E. Dean, Frederick M. Atwood, John L. Gaffney, Enos D. Williams, Charles J. Nichols, Allen P. Hoard, James F. Heath, Noah Lemaire. COUNCILMEN— (By Wards). 1865. Horatio Pratt, president. 1 John T. Carter, Nathaniel S. Mason, Henry A. Thayer, 2 John E. Sanford, James H. Sproat, Nathan Clark, 3 Edwin Keith, E. Dawes Tisdale, J. W. L. Wilbur, 4 Horatio Pratt, Marcus M. Rhodes, Charles Foster, 5 John W. Hart, Job M. Godfrey, Elisha Williams, 6 Frederick Hathaway, John Paull, Artemas Briggs, 7 Ezra P. Woodward, George G. Walker, Joseph W, Hathaway, 1866. Charles Foster, president 1 Nathaniel S. Mason, Jonathan J. Stanley, L. J. Wilmarth, 2 John E. Sanford, Nathan Clark, William R. Davenport, 3 Edwin Keith, J. W. L. Wilbur, William B. Murphy, 4 Charles Foster, Edmund W. Porter, Andrew H. Hall, 5 George Williams, Ebenezer Padelford, H. K. Southworth, 6 W. B. Presbrey, W. H. Phillips, Joseph L. Presbrey, 7 Stephen Pierce, Zenas F. Bliss, E. P. Woodward, 1867. John E. Sanf ord.president. 1 J. J. Stanley, L. J. Wilmarth, Leander Soule, 2 John E. Sanford, William R. Davenport, James H. Dean, 3 Edwin Keith, William B. Murphy, William H. Brown, 4 E. W. Porter, Andrew H. Hall, C. E. Stephens, 5 J. L. Macomber, George Williams, Elkanah Pierce, 6 S. N. Staples, B. H. Baker, John H. Church, 7 Leonard L. Short, N. B. Pratt, Alexander H. Champlin, THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 309 8 Nathaniel B. Leonard, James D. Albro, Ruel Harvey. 1868. John E. Sanford, president. 1 J. J. Stanley, Horace M. Hall, Charles Husband, 2 John E. Sanford, William R. Davenport, James H. Dean, 3 Edward Galligan, H. M. Lovering, Connor Brady, 4 Charles Foster, Edmund W. Porter, Thomas R. Bearse, 5 George Williams, J. L Macomber, J. C Haskins, 6 S. N. Staples, Alfred Paull, Samuel Miller, 7 Leonard L. Short, N. B. Pratt, 8 Moses Nelson, Philip A. Frazier, Nathan Lawrence. 1871. John E. Sanford, president. 1 John E. Sanford, Peter M. Vaughn, Job B. Crossman, 2 Charles E. Monroe, Horace Lewis, William B. Sproat, 3 William H. Baker, James A. Tinkham, Dennis J. Mehegan, 4 David D. Perkins, Harrison G. O. White, Crawford M. Fairbanks, 8 James D. Albro, John Radley, Ruel Harvey. 1869. John E. Sanford, president. 1 Silas Dean, Albert D. Davol, William M. Cowing, 2 John E. Sanford, William R. Davenport, James H. Dean, 3 Edward Galligan, Henry M. Lovering, James Hanrahan, 4 Charles Foster, Thomas R. Bearse, Nomus Paige, 5 Julius C. Haskins, John A. Williams, Isaac W. Leach, 6 Sylvanus N. Staples, Billings T. Presbrey, Henry J. Fuller, 7 Peter C. Thayer, Joseph W. Hathaway, William L. White, jr., 8 Philip A. Frazier, Charles D. McDuffie, William W. Swan. 1872. John E. Sanford, president. 1 John E. Sanford, Peter M. Vaughn, Job B. Crossman, 2 Horace Lewis, Charles H. Atwood, Francis S. Monroe, 3 James A. Tinkham, Onias S. Paige, Dennis J. Mehegan, 4 James H. Dean, Erastus Morse, Edmund W. Porter, 8 Ruel Harvey, John Radley, Moses Nelson. 1870. John E. Sanford, president. 1 Albert D. Davol, S. H. Rhodes, D. W. Wastcoat, 2 John E. Sanford, William R. Davenport, Charles E. Monroe, 3 H. M. Lovering, Charles Gallagher, William H. Baker, 4 David D. Perkins, George F. Seaver, Nomus Paige, Erastus Morse, 5 John A. Williams, G. H. Holloway, John W. Hart, 6 Henry J. Fuller, Billings T. Presbrey, James M. Evans, 7 William L. White, jr., Stephen Pierce, George A. Crane, 8 William W. Swan, John C. Macdonald, Palmer Lincoln. 1873. James H. Dean, president. 1 John E. Sanford, Henry S. Harris, William B. Murphy, 2 John E. Brown, C. E. Richmond, William L. Walker, 3 Onias S. Paige, Edwin Keith, James McCarty, 4 James H. Dean, Edmund W. Porter, Samuel R. Townsend, 5 Alexander H. Williams, 310 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 5 John W. Hart, George H. Holloway, Lysander Soper, 6 Henry J. Fuller, Charles H. Paull, Benjamin B. Hathaway, 7 George A. Crane, Nicholas N. Crapo, Ezra P. Woodward, 8 William W. Swan, John C. Macdonald, William Robert Williams. 1874. James H. Dean, president. 1 Henry S. Harris, William B. Murphy, Otis Washburn, 2 William L. Walker, John E. Browne, Charles E. Richmond, 8 Onias S. Paige, Saul W. Eddy, Owen Galligan, 4 James H. Dean, Samuel R. Townsend, Timothy C. Baker, 5 Alexander H. Williams, Charles H. Macomber, Benjamin S. Bosworth, 6 Charles H. Stevens, James P. Galligan, Frederick Hathaway, 7 Jason Morse, James T. Bassett, Benjamin L. Walker, 8 Henry J. Burbank, Frederick Thayer, Andrew Leddy. 1877. John E. Sanford, president. 1 John E. Sanford, William E. Dean, John J. Barker, 5 Lysander Soper, Oliver A. Pierce, Charles H. Macomber, 6 6 Richard Henry Hall, David B. Cushman, John Tyler Williams, 7 7 James T. Bassett, Abel W. Parker, James G. Walker, 8 8 William Robert Williams, G. Everett Lincoln, John Holland. Charles H. Macomber, Oliver A. Pierce, Charles H. Stevens, Asa Williams, James P. Galligan, James T. Bassett, Benjamin L. Walker, Jason Morse, Frederick Thayer, Manlius B. Leonard, Henry J. Burbank. 1875. James H. Dean, president. 1 Otis Washburn, Shubael P. Bliss, William B. Murphy, 2 John E. Browne, Charles E. Richmond, Everett D. Godfrey, 3 Asaph L. Bliss, James McCarty, Thomas O. Falvey, 4 Timothy C. Baker, James H. Dean, S. R. Townsend, 5 Charles F. Paull, Alexander H. Williams, George P. King, 6 James P. Galligan, Charles P. White, Fredeiick Hathaway, 7 Henry S. Culver, Zephaniah Hodges, Jason Morse, 8 Thomas Leach, Wilbur F. Allen, Charles E. Dean. 1878. John E. Sanford, president. 1 John E. Sanford, William Tinkham, John J. Barker, 1876. Charles E. Richmond, president. 1 Otis Washburn, Horatio L. Cushman, William E. Dean, 2 Charles E. Richmond, John E. Browne, Everett D. Godfrey, 3 J. W. L. Wilbur, John H. Galligan, Patrick Conaty, 4 Timothy C. Baker, Cornelius Wood, Frederick Mason, 5 Alexander H. Williams George P. King, John J. O'Connor, 6 William S. Baker, A. L. Willard, John Welch, 7 Peter C. Thayer, Ebenezer Cobb, Franklin Pratt, 8 John C. Macdonald, William H. Pleadwell, John Power. 1879. Frederick Mason, president. 1 John J. Barker, Charles A. Reed, Martin J. Lincoln, THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 311 2 Charles E. Richmond, Walter S. Sprague, George H. Rhodes, 3 James J. Galligan, James A. Tinkham, Patrick Conaty, 4 Frederick Mason, Elisha T. Jackson, Josiah Kinnicutt, 5 Abiel B. Staples, John J. O'Connor, Arthur W. Macomber, 6 William S. Baker, Abram Simmons, William H. Cushman, 7 Henry S. Culver, Edwin Haskins, Perry E. Pierce, 8 John Power. Nelson Thomas. William H. Rankin. 1880. Frederick Mason, president. 1 Charles R. Mason, James E. Perry, Daniel Carey, 2 George H. Rhodes, Everett D. Godfrey, Gamaliel Lane, 3 Laurens N. Francis, Michael J. Hoye, Benjamin Morris, 4 Frederick Mason, Josiah Kinnicutt, James Y. Anthony, 5 Samuel W. Robinson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Philip Williams, 6 Frank Paull, John C. Chase, Bernard E. Kiernan, 7 Joseph S. Tidd, Hezekiah L. Merrill, Eustus C. Bassett, 2 Walter S. Sprague, George H. Rhodes, Everett D. Godfrey, 3 Henry B. Leach, Francis P. Conaty, John Quinn, 4 Frederick Mason, Josiah Kinnicutt, Edward B. Maltby, 5 Abiel B. Staples, George P. King, Arthur W. Macomber, 6 William S. Baker, William B. Church, James Hunt, 7 Henry S. Culver, Perry E. Pierce, J. F. Dunlap, 8 Thomas R. Bearse, Millard F. Moore, William F. Kennedy. 1881. Frederick Mason, president. 1 Charles R. Mason, James E. Perry, Daniel Carey, 2 George H. Rhodes, Charles A. Monroe, Gamaliel Lane, 3 Benjamin Morris, George A. Congdon, Thomas E. McCormick, 4 James H. Dean, Frederick Mason, Timothy C. Baker, 5 Samuel W. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey, John Murphy, 6 George W. Barrows, John A. McDonald, Charles F. Baker, 7 Joseph Dunbar. Arthur B. Knapp, J. Mordecai Lincoln, 2 George H. Rhodes, Everett D. Godfrey, Alfred C. Place, 3 Owen Galligan, Laurens N. Francis, William C. Lawton. 4 Frederick Mason, Josiah Kinnicutt, James Y. Anthony, 5 Winthrop A. Robinson, Philip Williams, Samuel W. Robinson. 6 William S. Baker, David Padelford, Frank Paull, 7 Joseph W. Hathaway, Perry E. Pierce, Joseph S. Tidd, 8 Thomas R. Bearse, William F, Kennedy, Theodore P. Hall. 1882. William F. Kennedy, president. 1 Charles B. Mason, Daniel Carey, James H. Bosworth, 2 George H. Rhodes, Charles A. Monroe, Gamaliel Lane, 3 Benjamin Morris, William Quillen, James F. Conefy, 4 Charles Foster, Edgar R. Sprague, A. Gilbert Williams, 5 Samuel W. Robinson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey, 6 Charles Baker, George W. Barrows, Thomas C. Marley, 7 Nathaniel J. Crossman, Henry A. Short, Otis A. Thayer, 312 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 8 William F. Kennedy, John Field, John W. Lincoln. 1883. George H. Rhodes, president. 1 Daniel Carey, James H. Bosworth, William H. Wood. 2 George H. Rhodes, Henry W. Colby, Owen Barker, 3 Benjamin Morris, James F. Conefy, George K. Noyes, 4 Charles Foster, Edgar R. Sprague, A. Gilbert Williams, 5 Samuel W. Robinson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey, 6 George E. Wilbur, William C. Bowen, Peter H. Corr, 7 Otis A. Thayer, Nathaniel J. Crossman, Frank K. Chace, 8 John O'Hearne, jr., Thomas B. Cottrell, Edwin M. Hills. 1886. George H. Rhodes, president. 1 William Stoddard, John H. Eldridge, Albert M. Clark, 2 George H. Rhodes, Charles S. Anthony, William G. Sprague, 3 John Geogan, John Kehoe, A. Allen Fisher, 4 Ripley W. Townsend, James H. Dean, John D. Robinson, 8 William F. Kennedy, John W. Lincoln, Charles H. Lincoln. 1884. George H. Rhodes, president. 1 William Stoddard, Daniel Carey, Edgar J. Crossman, 2 George H. Rhodes, Henry W. Colby, Daniel A. Trefethen, 3 George H. Noyes, John Geogan, John Kehoe, 4 Edgar R. Sprague, A. Gilbert Williams, Ripley W. Townsend, 5 Samuel W. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey, Arunah A. Leach, 6 William O. Brown, Peter A. Corr, Edwin A. Tetlow, 7 Nathaniel J. Crossman, Frank K. Chace, Osborn E. Eaton, 8 John O'Hearne, Edwin Hills, Edward M. Williams. 1887. Ripley W. Townsend, president. 1 Clarence A. Peck, John N. Boylan, Albert M. Clark, 2 James H. Lincoln, Charles S. Anthony, William G. Sprague, 3 Thomas F. Hoye, E. Clarence Holt, John M. McCarthy, 4 Ripley W. Townsend, James H. Dean, John D. Robinson, 8 William F. Kennedy, John W. Lincoln. John O'Hearne. 1885. George H. Rhodes, president. 1 William Stoddard, Edgar J. Crossman, John H. Eldridge, 2 George H. Rhodes, Henry W. Colby, Daniel A. Trefethen, 3 John Geogan, John Kehoe, A. Allen Fisher, 4 Ripley W. Townsend, Noah A. Holt, Charles S. Anthony, 5 Samuel W. Robinson, Arunah A. Leach, Charles L. Johnson, 6 Peter H. Corr, Edwin R. Tetlow, Charles Thornton, 7 Frank K. Chace, Alfred V. Stall, Uriel M. Haskins, 8 Edward M. Williams, James T. Claffey, Michael Healey. 1888. Ripley W. Townsend, president. 1 Clarence A. Peck, Herbert N. Pierce, Marcus A. Dary, 2 James H. Lincoln, William G. Sprague, Alden H. Blake, 3 E. Clarence Holt, Thomas F. Hoye, John H. McCarthy, 4 Ripley W. Townsend, John D. Robinson, Frederick V. Brown THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 313 5 Charles L. Johnson, Earl King, Timothy C. Chase, 6 Gustavus T. Fisher, G. Arthur Lincoln, Joseph S. Hunt, 7 Frank K. Chace, Alfred V. Stall, Uriel Haskins, 8 Edward M. Williams, Michael Healey, David D. Babbitt. 1889. Ripley W. Townsend, president. 1 Herbert N. Pierce, Marcus A. Dary, J. Alfred Messinger, 2 James H. Lincoln, Alden H. Blake, Albert M. Clark, 3 E. Clarence Holt, Thomas F. Hoye, John T. Franks, 4 Ripley W. Townsend, Frederick V. Brown, Willis K. Hodgman, 5 Charles L. Johnson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Frederick E. Austin, 6 Gustavus T. Fisher. John A. Macdonald, Edmund A. Fay, 7 Frederick A. Walker, Henry A. Short, David Johnson, 8 George Ellam, John C. Finn, Noah Lemaire. 1892. Henry W. Colby, president. 1 George E. Dean, J. Alfred Messinger, Herbert N. Pierce, 10 5 Charles T. Johnson, George F. Williams, Timothy C. Chase, 6 Gustavus T. Fisher, G. Arthur Lincoln, James H. Cleary, 7 C. T. Scott, Calvin N. Gulliver, Charles I. King, 8 George Ellam, Michael Healey, David D. Babbitt. 1890. Henry W. Colby, president. 1 Thomas Baker, J. Alfred Messinger, Herbert N. Pierce, 2 Henry W. Colby, Edwin A. Dary, Charles L. Godfrey, 3 Edward F. Fitzgerald, John T. Franks, Thomas F. Hoye, 4 John C. Alden, Willis K. Hodgman, Floyd E. White, 5 Frederick E. Austin, Ebenezer A. Dean, Winthrop A. Robinson, 6 Edgar L. Crossman, Gustavus T. Fisher, John A. Macdonald, 7 Henry G. Crapo, F. M. Eddy, Henry A. Short, 8 John A. Abbott, John C. Finn, William H. Gaffney. 1893. Henry W. Colby, president. 1 George E. Dean, J. Alfred Messinger, Herbert N. Pierce, 5 Timothy C. Chase, George F. Williams, Charles L. Johnson, 6 Gustavus T. Fisher, John A. Macdonald, Edward A. Fay, 7 Calvin N. Gulliver, Charles I. King, Frederick A. Walker, 8 George Allen, William McAusland, John C. Finn. 1891. Henry W. Colby, president. 1 George E. Dean, J. Alfred Messinger, Herbert N. Pierce, 2 Henry W. Colby, Edwin Dary, Charles L. Godfrey, 3 Edward F. Fitzgerald, John F. Franks, John P. Gaffney, 4 John C. Alden, Francis W. R. Emery, Herbert H. Field, 5 Ebenezer A. Dean, Joseph R. Dexter, Chester G. Hart, 6 George F. Brammer, Joseph E. Coombs, John L. Thomas, 7 William B. Hathaway, Albert M. Paull, George Williams, 8 William W. Austin. Edward F. Roach, Maurice Rose. 1894. Henry W. Colby, president. George E. Dean, J. Alfred Messinger, George A. Washburn, 314 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 2 Henry W. Colby, Edwin A. Dary, Charles T. Godfrey, 3 Edward F. Fitzgerald, John T. Franks, Matthew Rafferty, 4 Francis W. R. Emery, Herbert E. Hall, George A. Washburn, 5 Ebenezer A. Dean, Joseph R. Dexter, Charles G. Hart, 6 Joseph E. Combs, Marcus A. Dary, Frederick S. Dunbar, 7 William B. Hathaway, Albert M. Paull, George Williams, 8 Francis X. Greenwood, Edward F. Roche, Maurice Rose. 2 Frederick H. Bent, H. W. Colby, George E. Hathaway, 3 Thomas F. Boylan, James F. Morris, Matthew Rafferty, 4 Herbert E. Hall, James W. Hopkins, George A. Washburn, 5 Edward A. Dean, Joseph R. Dexter, Chester S. Hart, 6 Marcus A. Dary, William E. Gregg, Allen P. Hoard, 7 Frank J. Kingsley, Joseph M. Philbrick, Fred J. Stone, 8 Charles J. Nichols, Edward F. Roche, Maurice Rose. 2 Frederick M. Atwood, H. W. Colby. George E. Hathaway, 3 William E. Brady, John L. Gaffney, Matthew Rafferty, 4 Herbert E. Hall, James W. Hopkins, Alfred L. Lincoln, 5 Joseph R. Dexter, Frederick S. Dunbar, George O. Soper, 6 Marcus A. Dary, William E. Gregg, Allen C. Hoard, 7 Franklin K. Chace, William O. Luther, John Pring, 8 James R. Goodwin, Henry A. Guillette, Charles J. Nichols. 1895. Henry W. Colby, president. 1 John F. Barden, jr., Lewis B. Hodges, George A. Washburn, 2 Frederick M. Atwood, Henry W. Colby, Charles W. Rogan, 3 William E. Brady, John L. Gaffney, John J. Kavanaugh, 4 Herbert E. Hall, Alfred L. Lincoln, Enos D. Williams, 5 Frederick S. Dunbar, Winthrop Robinson, George O. Soper, 6 Patrick Henry Galligan, Allen C. Hoard, Edward C. Paull, 7 William O. Luther, John Pring, jr., John E. Westgate, 1896. Henry W. Colby, president. 1 John F. Barden, jr., L. B. Hodges, George A. Washburn, 2 Frederick M. Atwood, Henry W. Colby, Elijah E. Richards, 3 William E. Brady, John L. Gaffney, John J. Kavanaugh, 4 Herbert E. Hall, Alfred L. Lincoln, Arthur C. Leonard, 5 William E. Hart, Walter T. Soper, George H. Williams, 6 Howard L. Phillips, Edward A. Searle, Edward C. Paull, 7 Henry H. Francis, James N. Lincoln, John E. Westgate, 1897. Henry W. Colby, president. 1 Lewis B. Hodges, Charles I. King, Calvin D. Pratt, 2 Henry W. Colby, George E. Hathaway, George A. Washburn, 3 John J. Kavanaugh, Patrick Coyle, Dennis O'Brien, 4 Arthur C. Leonard, William H. Reed, Walter T. Soper, 5 Benj. F. Cunningham, John O'Brien, John T. Sharkey, 6 Edward C. Paull, Edward A. Searle, Henry H. Francis, 7 James N. Lincoln, George W. Richardson, John W. Thayer, THE CITY OF TAUNTON. 315 Frank A. Brown, James F. Goodwin, Edward J. Howard. Henry W. Colby, president. William T. Babbitt, John E. De Blois, Elmer J. Wade, Henry W. Colby, Frederick G. Huntley, Cyrus C. Robbins, . Patrick Coyle, 8 Frank A. Brown, Nathaniel A. Cushman, John H. Hoye. 1898. Harry W. Galligan, James E. Shea, 4 Frank P. Elliott, Arthur C. Leonard, Walter T. Soper, 5 Benj. F. Cunningham, Richard F. Kenefick, John O'Brien, 6 Charles A. Coleman, 8 John H. Hoye, Orville D. Palmer, Herbert O. Woolley. Henry H. Francis, Gilbert H. Padelford, 7 Daniel Gorman, George W. Richardson, John W. Thayer, 8 Charles F. Hayward, Elisha P. White, Herbert O. Woolley, CITY TREASURERS AND COLLECTORS. 1865-91, George A. Washburn, 1891- , Edward H. Temple. CITY CLERKS. 1865-86, James M. Cushman, 1886- , Edwin A. Fetlow. CITY MARSHALS. 1865-67, Robert Crossman, 1868-73, William K. Potter, 1874, John A. Fay, 1875-76, Orrin M. Ingall, 1877-78, George F. Seaver, 1879-83, Alfred B. Hodges, 1884-85, James E. Seaver, 1886-89, Francis L. Dow, 1890, Alfred B. Hodges. At this time the office of Marshal was changed to that of Chief of Police, for which position Edwin H. Evans was chosen. The population of Taunton by decades or semi-decades, from 1790 to the present time, as indicated by the United States census, is given in the following figures : 1790 - 3,804 1800 3,860 1810 3,907 1820 -4,520 1830 6,042 1840 ..7,645 1850 10,441 1855 13,750 1860 15,376 1865 16,005 1870 .18,629 1875 20,445 1880 21,213 1885 23,674 1890 25,448 316 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE CHAPTER XVI. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. For the purposes of this department of the history of Bristol county we may begin with the year 1760, the reader having already been made familiar with the record of the old town of Dartmouth previous to that time. At that date the Russell family had settled and built mills at the point still known as Russell's Mills, and owned a large tract of land which included much of the site of New Bedford city. Joseph and Caleb Russell had a few small vessels on the Acushnet River that were engaged in the infant whaling industry, and there were others on the Aponagansett. The site of New Bedford was a forest. The conception of the possibilities of the whale fishery, men of means and energy to prosecute it, merchants to supply the domestic needs of settlers, crafts- men to hew and build for the founding of a village and a city, all these were wanting. In 1760 Joseph Russell made his first sale of land from his estate of eight hundred acres to John Loudon. This tract comprised only one acre lying just south of the junction of Union and Water streets, and Loudon built a house thereon in 1761, which was destroyed by the British in 1778. Loudon was a caulker, but at one period he kept a tavern. In the spring of 1761 Benjamin Taber purchased land north- ward of the site of the Snell bakery and there erected a structure suit- able for boat building. He constructed the first whale boat in the village. His home was in the building still 'standing on the north side of Union street, the first one below North Water; it was built by Gideon Mosher, who sold it to Taber in 1765. This and adjoining property is still held by the Taber family. In the year 1763 Elnathan Sampson, a blacksmith, purchased the lot next north of Loudon's, and about that point, which was known for a hundred years and more as "the Four Corners," the center of the little settlement gathered. John Allen, a carpenter, bought a lot on the east side of South Water street, extending to the river, and there built a house which was afterwards sold to Barzillai Myrick, a ship-carpenter. Along the County road THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. 317 (now County street) were the farm houses of Joseph Russell, Caleb Russell, Ephraim Kempton and Samuel Willis, while on the river front had been built a wharf and try house. The accompanying rude sketch ft JuJtJ&I- ?- 9K ^Ifjrta A-irS & 7fl $ UlfiJ helps us to comprehend the New Bedford of nearly one hundred and forty years ago; it was drawn by Rev. Ezra Stiles, who visited the locality in 1762. In 1765 a new and important element was introduced in this little community. Joseph Rotch, a Nantucket Quaker, a man of great ability and energy and possessed of ample means, foresaw the future 318 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the whaling industry and the favorable situation of New Bedford, and in the year named settled in the place with his three sons, William, Joseph and Francis. 1 Under the impetus given by this energetic man this little hamlet grew rapidly ; houses multiplied, roads were opened, wharves were built, and population increased. Ship -building was vig- orously prosecuted, the first vessel being built and owned by Francis Rotch and named the Dartmouth. The residence of Joseph, Rotch was situated on the west side of what is now Water street just south of William ; it was burned in the British invasion of 1778. The business activity of the village at that early date is indicated by the fact that at a town meeting in 1768, the people were called upon to consider the matter of " Incouraging our own Manufactures." On March 8, 1769, the roads now known as Union, North Water and South Water streets were laid out. In 1770 the town voted that " there be one Grammar Schoolmaster Provided for said town by the Select- men and by them placed and replaced as they shall judge proper." This is the first record of an educational measure. The fishing interest in early years was very important and its regu- lation was a subject requiring frequent attention from the authorities. For example, on the 21st of , May, 1771, it was voted " to lay a duty of two shillings Lawful Money per Barrel on all fish Seigned within the harbors or coves of this Town this present year and the duty rased thereby to be paid to the Town Treasurer for the use of Said Town. " In 1773 it was voted "that the workhouse in the Town of Dart- mouth be properly Endowed with suitable Utensils for said house and to be regulated according to Law." It was also voted in that year "to raise by way of tax the sum of Eighty seven pounds eight shillings and four pence Lawful money to defray the charges accrued to said town by Building the New Workhouse in Bedford in Dartmouth." This is the first mention of Bedford in the Dartmouth records. The building alluded to stood on the east side of South Sixth street, between Spring and School. Meanwhile the little village was receiving new accessions to its population, industries were multiplying, and by 1775 the whaling fleet had increased to fifty vessels, many of them much larger* than the former ones, while the voyages were farther extended and the product greatly increased. 1 Mr. Rotch's first purchase included ten acres in one piece, and he afterwards bought other tracts. As this land had been held by the Russells, and as this was the family name of the Duke of Bedford, Mr. Rotch applied the name, Bedford, to the village. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. 319 In 1772 Joseph Rotch purchased the first fire engine for Bedford vil- lage. It was called Independence No. 1, and was built by Richard Newsham, in London, England. It was kept on the north side of William street, on the site of the Safe Deposit and Trust Company. It was, of course, a very imperfect fire engine, but it fulfilled its purpose in the village until 1814, and the company that used it continued in existence until 1834. The Bedford Fire Society was formed March 4, 1807, and had general supervision over all affairs pertaining to danger from fire. The prosperity in Bedford was crippled and checked by the breaking out of the war of the Revolution, and before the long struggle ended the business part of the village and a large quantity of shipping were destroyed by the enemy. The history of that war as it related to Bris- tol county at large has been written in an earlier chapter ; it remains only to notice here the more important local events of the conflict. So prompt was the response of Dartmouth when the call to arms was brought through the town by a swift rider, that on April 21, 1775, only two days after the battle of Lexington, three companies of minute men marched to Roxbury and went into camp. In the rolls of these com- panies are found many names that are still familiar in the history of New Bedford and its immediate vicinity. Lexington and Concord were soon followed by the battle of Bunker Hill in June, 1775, and from that time forward the grand march of momentous events was unchecked. No locality suffered more or earlier in the war than the old town of Dartmouth, with its extended shore line and extensive shipping inter- ests, and a large share of the burden of disaster fell upon Bedford vil- lage. Privateering sprang into existence early in the war to prey upon the commerce of the enemy and became a potent factor in the struggle. At the very beginning of hostilities British cruisers swarmed along the American coast and few vessels ventured out of the harbors. This was especially true of New Bedford harbor. The whaling industry was paralyzed, the whale ships lay idle at the wharves, and a host of ener- getic, brave men were without occupation. It is not strange that they, in common with thousands from other ports, turned to the hazardous yet alluring life of the privateersman. The yery first naval exploit and capture recorded in the annals of the Revolution took place in New Bedford harbor, by Dartmouth men, on May 13, 1775, as before related. Passing over many events of the war that belong to general history, we come down to September 5, 1778, when New Bedford and Dart- 320 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. mouth were made to suffer for the part they had taken in the maritime warfare. The people had ample notice that something unusual was to take place. On August 17 a notice was posted by the Selectmen and Committee of Safety, ordering the inhabitants to remove to a place of safety all goods, wares and merchandise that were private property. Persons having charge of public property received the same instruc- tions. The little fort at Fairhaven (now Fort Phoenix) was in a state of defense with eleven iron cannon, a magazine full of ammunition, and a garrison of thirty-two men under command of Capt. Timothy Ingraham and Lieutenant Foster; the barracks would accommodate two hundred men. Two cannon, also, were mounted on Clark's Point. The only other means of repelling an enemy was a detachment of artil- lery consisting of eighty men, under command of Capt. James F. Cushing and Lieuts. Joseph Bejl, William Gordon and James Metcalf. This company had been stationed at the village, but unfortunately a few days before the invasion they were called away to take part in what is called the battle of Rhode Island. Strange as it now appears, many of the people around the harbor thought that these comparatively in- significant defenses would prove sufficient to keep the enemy at bay; but as a measure of prudence some of the vessels with which the har- bor was filled were moved up the river in the fond belief that they would thus be placed beyond harm. Meanwhile in the New London harbor was anchored a formidable squadron of British war vessels, con- sisting of the Carysfoot of forty guns, with Rear- Admirable Gambier and Major- General Grey on board, an 18-ton brig, and thirty-six transports. The troops numbered about four thousand. With favor- able wind this fleet sailed on the 4th of September, for Bedford. 1 A part of the vessels worked to the eastward and landed their troops on Sconticut Neck, but the greater number entered Clark's Cove. When the soldiers were all landed the day was far spent. The whole military force was drawn up preparatory to their destructive raid. 2 A bright moonlight night was ushered in. The enemy marched up the old 1 In a letter to Sir Henry Clinton, September 18, 1778, General Grey said: " By five o'clock in the afternoon of the 8th, the ships were at anchor in Clark's Cove, and the boats having been previously hoisted, the debarkation of the troops took place immediately." 3 In the group surrounding the general was a figure, conspicuous for his manly beauty and martial bearing, who was to fill a pathetic page in pur national history— Capt. John Andre, bearer of dispatches on General Grey's staff, a mere stripling of twenty-seven years when he marched with the British troops through our township. Two years later he was adjutant-general, with the rank of major, on Sir Henry Clinton's staff, and purchased his death and fame by one coura- geous service for his king.— Ellis's History of New Bedford, p. 116. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. 321 middle road and sweeping across the head of the cove, entered the woodland path that led to the town. Reaching the intersecting road (now Union street), the troops divided, one column marching down the river, the other continuing on to the Head-of-the-River and thence southward through Fairhaven to Sconticut Neck. It is probable that the naval forces co-operated to some extent with the land troops. Bedford village was then a cluster of houses bordering the river front; three wharves, Rotch's, Russell's, and McPherson's at Belleville, were important places for fitting out ships; while the warehouses, stores and shops were principally situated east of Water street between Commer- cial and Middle streets, as they now are. Keeping this in mind it will be easy to comprehend the extent of the oncoming calamity. When the troops reached the river front, the firing of buildings be- gan, the distillery and two ropewalks being burned. That distillery stood on the west end of land now covered by the granite building at the head of Commercial street, while the ropewalks were undoubtedly situated near the site of the Second street cemetery and extended to the river. The map of Bedford village, in 1815, shows Butler & Allen's ropewalk immediately south of Rotch's, north of this site. Along the lower streets and wharves now hurried the troops in their work of de- struction, and structures of all kinds were soon enveloped in flames. The brig, No Duty on Tea, was fired and floated from McPherson's wharf and grounded on Marsh island; other vessels drifted on the shores and islands as far down as Fort Phoenix, or sank to the bottom, their wrecks to be removed fifty years later. A little before nine o'clock, and after some of the vessels which had been set on fire on the Bedford side had drifted down towards the fort, the troops which had landed on the east side advanced upon the fort. Two guns were fired at the fleet and after spiking the cannon the garrison retreated north- ward ; their strength being unknown to the British they were not pur- sued, and the whole garrison excepting Robert Crossman, who was wounded, and John Skiff and his father, taken prisoners, escaped to the woods north of Fairhaven ; there they lay until the British had passed them from the Head-of-the River. The British blew up the magazine in the fort, burned the barracks, and then moved northward destroying vessels and stores, finally forming a junction with the detachment from the west side near the head of the Acushnet. Many tragic incidents took place during this memorable night, a few of which may be briefly noted. John Gilbert, who was employed by 41 322 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Joseph Russell, was upon the brink of capture by the enemy, but escaped and met William Hayden and Oliver Potter on the Smith Mills road. After learning of the whereabouts of the troops these two men, armed with muskets, crossed the fields and secreted themselves in the woods bordering what is now County street, near the head of North street. When the British came that way they fired and two of the enemy fell. This was the first blood shed. It was quickly followed by what was the most tragic occurrence of the invasion. Abram Russell, Thomas Cook and Diah Trafford were coming up what is now North street on their way to the woods. They were fired upon by British soldiers, who then advanced with bayonet. Russell was killed immediately, his head, as a record has it, "being entirely cut to pieces." Cook died early the next morning, his bowels being cut open with a bayonet. Trafford was wounded in the leg and died the following day. The three men lay in the road all that night, but were taken into Joseph Russell's barn in the morning. It so happened that on the very day the British landed at Clark's Cove, a part of the artillery company before mentioned, with one gun, under command of Lieutenants Gordon and Metcalf , returned to Bedford from the scene of the battle of Rhode Island, and when the alarm was given was reconnoitering in the vicinity of Caleb Russell's house. It is a tradition that Gordon was attracted into the dwelling by a kettle of hot Indian pudding, and that just as he had seated himself to appease his hunger he was taken prisoner; but he afterwards escaped. As the enemy advanced this little detachment of artillery with their one cannon made the best of their situation as they slowly retreated. At the Head- of- the- River Metcalf was mortally wounded, died three days later, and was buried in the old Acushnet Cemetery. When the work of destruction began the inhabitants fled. The road to the Head-of-the-River (now Acushnet avenue) was a route of escape for many of the fugitives, and their worldly goods, as far as. they were able to move them, were hidden in the adjoining thickets. It is known that many families in the vicinity lost nearly all their possessions. 1 Mrs. Susan Brightman, whose husband was at sea, fled with her four children up the road and beyond the village at the Head of the River, 1 On the east aide of this road is the cellar walls of the cottage, which, with its numerous ad- ditions, was recently owned by Willard Nye, jr. In the days of the Revolution it was the prop- erty of Timothy Tallman, -who lived there with his three brothers, Seth, William and Elkanah. When the invasion took place these grounds were used by their friends as a place of deposit for their household treasures.— Ellis's Hist. New Bedford, p. 122-3. THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. 323 where she turned into a field and found shelter in a sheep shed ; there she waited in fear while the troops went by. On her way back home she met a citizen who was considered rich for those times, who ex- claimed: " Mrs. Brightman, my property is all destroyed, and I am as poor as you are." After accomplishing their destructive work at Acushnet the enemy proceeded down the road to Fairhaven. The first house destroyed there was that of Col. Edward Pope, a prominent and loyal citizen. Next the house of Stephen Hathaway was entered and the soldiers de- manded money and valuables. When those were not forthcoming they proceeded to search the house, forcing open desks and drawers with their bayonets and carrying away property. While these operations were in progress the commander-in-chief rode into the yard, and to him Mrs. Hathaway complained of the actions of the soldiers. He assured her that it was not his intention to have any. of the Friends disturbed and ordered a guard for the house. While there is no doubt that it was the policy of the British to leave the Quakers unmolested, it is still true that many were personally maltreated. Proceeding on southward the soldiers stopped at the house of Thomas Hathaway (known in recent years as the Laura Keene farm), on the west side of the road. Jonathan Kempton, Mr. Hathaway's nephew and ward, was on Sconticut Neck when the troops were passing through Acushnet village, and he hastened home; he was just in time to pack up the silver and other valuables in a small trunk. He met the ad- vance guard at the door, who relieved him of the trunk and took him on board a vessel of the fleet. Setting fire to bedding on the upper floor of the house the troops departed. Kempton had put on two pairs of trousers, hoping to save them both; but he shrewdly offered one pair to the soldier who was guarding him down the lane, if he might escape. The offer was accepted, and young Kempton fled, reaching the house in time to extinguish the fire. Obed Hathaway's store, filled with West India goods, on the east side of the road, farther south, was next burned. The same fate befell the house standing at the fork of the road, just south of the site of Riverside Cemetery, where aged and feeble Bartholomew West and his two sons, William and Edward, were living. William was at the village with an ox team and found the house in flames when he returned. Old Mr. West was carried out of the threatened building by Hannah Sogg, a domestic in the family. 324 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Still marching on southward, the invaders next burned another store of goods a school house, and then Zeuriah Wood's dwelling, from which the family had fled. Their work of destruction finished, the troops marched a mile below to the place of embarkation of the British army, where they camped until the following Monday morning. Gen- eral Grey's dispatches state that the embarkation was wholly made on Sunday, but they did not sail until Monday, September 7. Sixteen prisoners were taken on board, among whom was a member of the Delano family. The following is from the dispatches of the command- ing general : The wind did not admit of any further movements of the fleet on the 6th and 7th than hauling a little distance from the shore. Advantage was taken of this circum- stance to burn a large privateer ship on the stocks, and to send a small armament of boats, with two galleys, to destroy two or three vessels, which, being in the stream, the troops had not been able to set fire to. This expedition moved up the river on Sunday evening and landed north of Fort Phoenix. Meanwhile a force of several hundred minute men had gathered, who were under command of a colonel who is de- scribed as old and feeble and who announced to his men that it would be useless to attempts a defense of Fairhaven village. The place would probably have been wholly destroyed but for the heroic action of Maj. Israel Fearing, of Wareham. He gathered around him a strong force of the volunteers and posted them in good position to meet the enemy who were seen coming up the bay. The landing was made about 8 o'clock, and their oncoming and the firing of several buildings in their path demoralized the Americans, who prepared to retreat. At this juncture Major Fearing came up in their rear, raised his pistol, and de- clared he would shoot every man who attempted to desert ; then, ap- pealing to their manhood with stimulating words he quelled their fright and inspired them with courage to face the enemy. The British were now at close quarters and into their ranks the volunteers poured a vol- ley so destructive that the enemy fled in disorder to their boats and rowed away to the fleet. The vessels sailed on Monday to Martha's Vineyard and Falmouth, where American shipping was destroyed and money, stock and other property carried away. On the same Sunday morning just mentioned a number of British barges loaded with soldiers were sent to Padanaram, where several houses were burned, most of them the property of those staunch sup- porters of the American cause, the Aikin family. ' It is said that Rich- THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. 325 ard Shearman and Eldad Tupper, both active and conspicuous tories, gave the information as to the attitude of the Aikins which led to this destruction of their property. The desperate condition in which the community was left by this in- vasion is to some extent indicated by the action of the General Court in 1780, when ^1,200 was appropriated for the relief of the sufferers. This sum was paid out by Col. Thomas Kempton, to the following named persons who were designated by the Selectmen: Sylvanus Allen, Sylvanus Allen, jr., Walla Adams, James Aikin, Betsey Cathel (widow), Uriah Dunham, John Gerrish, Samuel Hawes, Sarah Kemp- ton (widow), Lemuel Mendal, Anna Mot, Stephen Merrihew, Mary Negus, Shoebal Peas, Joseph Rotch, Abigail Samson, Reliance Sum- merton, George Whippe, Timothy Ingraham, John Wait, Sarah Shear- man, Seth Reed, Oliver Price, Benjamin Taber, Experience Tripp, George Wrightington, Griffin Barney, Eleazer Hathaway, Micha Hath- away, Gamaliel Briant, Thomas Boland, Freeman Taber, Ephraim Annibal, Elihu Aikin, James Chandler, Charles Church, Sole Cushman, Venture Child, Joshua Doune, Martha Hamblin.' Many of these names are familiar to citizens of Bristol county to-day. Fort Phoenix was rebuilt very soon after the invasion ; it was con- sidered a post of considerable importance and in 1780 was garrisoned by about one hundred men. A letter written by Jabez Delano to Will- iam H. Waterman, April 17, 1874, contained the following statement in this connection : Royal Hathaway stated that Benjamin Dillingham was captain and his father, Eleazer Hathaway, was lieutenant of the company that built Fort Phoenix, and his impressions were that it was begun previous to the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, and that it was about two years in building. 2 Military pay rolls and other papers still in existence show that old Dartmouth furnished at least five hundred men for the army in the war of the Revolution. A large number of seamen must also have gone from this town. It was a loyal community as a whole. While there were tories in the township, they were not numerous in propor- tion to the population, nor especially active. The large membership in the Society of Friends, who were neutral or inactive in the struggle, probably created an atmosphere of disloyalty to the American cause; but the Quakers were far from being traitors; just as far as their relig- ' The spelling of names is according to the records. 2 Ellis's Hist. New Bedford, p. 140. 326 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ious beliefs permitted they were friendly to the American cause and rejoiced in its triumph. The condition of the township after the British invasion was deplora- ble. Warehouses, shipyards, ropewalks, dwellings, barns and ship- ping were gone. Workmen were idle and families homeless. About seventy ships, most of them built by Dartmouth artisans, went up in flames. Despair seized upon the community and time alone could again endow the people with their former courage and energy for the re establishment of their industries and homes. Many of the early settlers of the old town of Dartmouth, as well as of other parts of Bristol county, were Quakers. They were, moreover, the founders of Bedford village and in after years were prominent in its business and social life. They came across the ocean to escape re- ligious persecution, only to meet in many instances treatment no less severe and unwarranted than would have been accorded them in their former homes. They were lovers of peace, devoted to their families and friends, industrious and frugal, of high morality, and in every way useful citizens. It was, perhaps, to be expected that the same spirit existing in England should to some extent prevail in her colonies, and that the religious and political feuds in the old country should follow in the wake of the early vessels that brought our ancestors across the At- lantic. Churchmen, Puritans and Quakers, each at variance with the other, were in turn subjected to persecution, imprisonment, and ban- ishment from their homes. The advent of Quakers in Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth Colonies supplied the opportunity for new persecu- tion of the sect, and they, with Baptists and Episcopalians, suffered similar treatment from the authorities. The laws enforced relating to these non- conformists made it impossible for them to dwell in peace in the colonial settlements, and finally their frequent banishment from the settled centers impelled them to plant their homes in the then unsettled districts. Thus it happened that many found their way into Dart- mouth, where they in course of time became a numerous and influential element in the community and were able to out-vote that portion of the inhabitants who were in sympathy with the Plymouth government. Both Quakers and Baptists resisted payment of taxes imposed by the Plymouth Court for building meeting-houses and maintenance of a ministry with whose creed they were not in harmony ; but the non- conformists suffered the severest persecutions from the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay. The records reveal a number of cases where Quak- THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. 327 ers were hung, publicly whipped, or imprisoned, while others were tied to the tail of a cart and publicly driven from town to town. Baptists were banished and Episcopalians driven to exile. At Plymouth these people received more liberal and humane treatment, although even there the Quakers were far from being a popular element in the colony. The old records of the Friends in Dartmouth are filled with details of accusations, arrests and punishment of Quakers for various offenses against the edicts of the authorities ; but instances were very rare where even, under the bitterest trial, they failed to stand firmly by their faith. To the Quakers of Dartmouth and Tiverton, with aid from the Baptists, belongs the credit of making the first successful appeal for justice to the English government. In October, 1723, John Aikin and Philip Taber, of Dartmouth, and John Sisspn, of Tiverton, Quakers or Bap- tists, were assessors of those towns and refused to collect the tax im- posed by the General Court for the maintenance of the ministers. They were all promptly put in jail. When the case was argued before the King's Privy Council, it was decreed that not only should the officials be released, but that the taxes should be remitted. This event was important in its influence and really marked the termination of perse- cution of the Quakers. In the two wars, which so seriously affected Bristol county, the Quakers were uncompromising in their attitude of non-resistance, as has already been seen, and it was due to their influence that old Dart- mouth was frequently under rebuke of the court for negligence in mil- itary matters. 1 Many cases of arrest and imprisonment are recorded for refusal to enter military service. Their loyalty to their religion caused them much loss of property and distress during the Revolution, besides frequently leading to charges of actual disloyalty to the Amer- ican cause. For such charges there was no ground whatever; if the Quakers would not fight, they at least hoped for the triumph of the colonies. In times of peace their influence was ever exerted for the religious, moral and educational welfare of the community. The formation of the first meeting, or society, of Friends in the town of Dartmouth will be found noticed in the later history of that town, with others outside of Bedford village. A record of October 16, 1728, notes the determination to build a meeting-house at Acushnet, to be "near the bigness of the meeting-house at Pembroke. " This refers to 1 A high military officer writing of Dartmouth in 1690, said: " They have not a man in the town (hat seems in the least to be concerned whether we have any military officers or no." 328 OUK COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the old house removed in 1871. The first meeting-house in New Bed- ford was built in 1785 on the lot donated by Joseph Russell, and was removed to make room for the present brick structure, which dates from 1826. The Monthly Meeting in New Bedford was established in December, 1793, and the first clerk was Thomas Rotch; the first treas- urer was Luthan Wood. In 1793 the Friends living in the eastern part of the town of Dartmouth (now Long Plain, Acushnet and Fairhaven), and those of Mattapoisett, were united with the New Bedford Meeting. This condition continues to the present day. The membership at the beginning was about four hundred. CHAPTER XVII THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD.— CONTINUED. The fires of the Revolution died out in 1783 1 and New Bedford began to rise from its temporary prostration. The town of New Bedford was incorporated in 1787 and the first town meeting was held on the 21st of March in the Congregational church, where the following officers were elected: Selectmen, John West, Isaac Pope, William Tallman; clerk and treasurer, John Pickens; assessors, Bartholomew Aikin, Joseph Taber, Thomas Kempton; surveyors of lumber, Benjamin Taber, Ben- jamin Dillingham, Bartholomew Aikin, Jethro Allen; inspector of fish, Peleg Huttleston; constable and collector, northwest district, Gamaliel Bryant; northeast district, Samuel Bowerman; southeast district, Jo- seph Damon; southwest district, Abishar Shearman; wardens, Maj. George Claghorn, Benjamin Dillingham, Isaac Drew, Amos Simmons; 1 The ship Bedford belonging to William Rotch, jr., who then lived in Nantucket, sailed for London with a cargo of oil in February, 1783. She arrived in the Downs on the day of the sign- ing of the treaty of peace, and was the first vessel to display the stars and stripes to the mother country. Of this event the following is found in Barnard's History of England : " The ship Bed- ford, Captain Moores, belonging to Massachusetts, arrived in the Downs on the 3d of February, passed Gravesend on the 3d, and was reported at the Custom House on the 6th inst. She was not allowed regular entry until some consultation had taken place between the commissioners of customs and the Lords of Council, on account of the many acts of Parliament in force against the rebels of America. She was loaded with 487 butts of whale oil, is American built, manned wholly by American seaman, wears the rebel colors, and belongs to the Island of Nantucket, in Massa- chusetts. This the first vessel which has displayed the thirteen rebellious stripes of America in any British port." THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD. 829 tithingmen, Zadox Maxfield, William Allen, Pardon Taber ; fence view- ers, Samuel West, Silas Sweet, Stephen Taber, Henry Jenne ; cullers of staves, Daniel Ricketson, John Shearman, Benjamin Dillingham; hog reeves, Sampson Spooner, Samuel Tupper, jr., Gilbert Bennit, Daniel Smith, Seth Hathaway. The four districts above mentioned were constituted of the parts of the town separated north and south " by the harbor and river, and east and west by the highway, beginning in the line between this town and that of Dartmouth, at the bridge about twenty rods eastward of the house where James Peckham, deceased, last dwelt, and leading easterly to the bridge at the head of said harbor, and thence still easterly by the dwelling house of Hannaniah Cornish to Rochester line." The first vote of the town of New Bedford for governor gave James Bowdoin, 41, and John Hancock, 171 The sum of $320 was assessed on "the polls and estates for the repair and amendment of highways." In the next year (1788), an additional section of North Water street, the easterly part of Middle street, and North Second street from Middle street north, were opened as highways. From that time forward other streets and highways were opened as necessity demanded, and grad- ually more rapid and frequent mail facilities and better traveling accommodations were provided. For example, in 1793 a post route was established by Samuel Sprague from New Bedford to Barnstable, by way of Rochester, Wareham and Sandwich, returning through Plymouth and Middleboro. Weekly communication was maintained with Boston by stage that left New Bedford every Tuesday morning, arriving in Taunton the same evening. The fare was three pence per mile. With the disappearance of war and the re-establishment of business along the Atlantic seaboard, and particularly owing to the rapid devel- opment of the whale fishery, the little village of New Bedford soon be- came an active and important business center. For twenty-five years prior to the breaking out of the Revolution the whaling industry had prospered; its growth from the smallest beginnings in small vessels, short voyages and imperfect apparatus, during the twenty-five years mentioned, was amazing. There were annually fitted out during the period named for the northern fishery about two hundred vessels ; for the southern fishery about one hundred and forty six, giving employ- ment to 4,500 men. An average of 45,890 barrels of sperm oil and 8,850 barrels of whale oil were taken annually. This fleet sailed from 42 330 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Nantucket, Wellfleet, Dartmouth, Lynn, Martha's Vineyard, Barnstable, Boston, Falmouth, Cape Cod, Swansea, Providence, Newport, Warren, Sag Harbor, New London and New York. From Dartmouth alone there were annually fitted in 1770-75, eighty vessels of 6,500 tonnage, employing 1,040 seamen. During the war this industry was almost paralyzed.- The records show that in 1775-76 only twelve vessels (brigs, schooners, etc.) of the Dartmouth fleet were represented by bonds filed with the State treasurer; no others were recorded during the war. But with the coming of peace the business at once was taken up and soon assumed vast importance. In 1785 the sloop Hero, Capt. Joshua Delano, made a whaling voyage; again in 1787 the same cap- tain made a voyage in the sloop Rainbow. Other voyages were un- doubtedly made about that time from Dartmouth ports. The ship Rebecca made the first whaling voyage to the Pacific, sailing from Dartmouth September 21, 1793, and returned with 750 barrels of sperm oil and 180 barrels of whale oil. The Rebecca was launched near the foot of North street ; she was only 175 tons, but was then considered a large vessel; she was lost in the winter of 1803-4 on her homeward voy- age from Liverpool. The growth of the whale fishery and the development of some other lines of business led to the founding of the first newspaper at a very early date in New Bedford. The first number of The Medley, or New Bedford Marine Journal, made its appearance November 27, 1792, ed- ited and printed by John Spooner, " at his office near Rotch's wharf." The editor said that he " flatters himself, that so long as his exertions tend to scatter the rays of knowledge, of morality, and of refinement among the people, the public will afford him every reasonable encour- agement, in proportion to the utility of his exertions. " The advertise- ments in a few of the early numbers of this pioneer paper are of great interest in this connection. William Rotch, jr., " respectfully informs his customers and friends he has for sa'.e, wholesale and retail, at his store in New Bedford, sail cloth of an excellent quality," and names such other goods as coarse and fine sheeting, large and small looking- glasses, twine and cordage, flour and ship bread, pork and salt, iron, etc. The brig Mary was advertised to sail for Havre de Grace, Cor- nelius Grinnell, master. The sloop Mayflower, Gibbs West, master, was noticed to sail for New York and Chesapeake. Caleb Greene in- forms the public that "he carries on and proposes to enlarge the book- binding business in its several branches." He also sold account books, A c/an*lcx. (Oft- sAiu . a person who was con- victed, in 1693, of "high misdemeanors." He was sentenced to pay a fine of ^150, but managed to escape from the officer having him in charge, and fled to Rhode Island. After a few years, being desirous of returning to the State, Maj. Benjamin Church presented a petition on his behalf to the General Court, proposing that, for the satisfaction of said fine of £150, which was imposed upon him, he would convey to the Province certain lands therein indicated, and praying that on completing a deed for said lands, he should be set at liberty, and be permitted to return to his family. In answer to the petition, it was resolved, in March, 1701, " that the prayer therein be granted," and said Ebenezer Brenton, esq., the said Maj. Benjamin Church, and Mr. William Pa- bodie were appointed " a committee to take care that sufficient deeds of conveyance of the lands be made and executed " by the petitioner. In conformity therewith, the deed was duly executed the 27th of November, 1701. The General Court by resolve of the same year, 1701, granted the land, thus acquired, to Capt. James Church and certain members of his company of friendly In- dians, in consideration of services rendered by them to the Province.— Report of Commissioner John Milton Earle, 1868. These lands were divided in 1707 and confirmed to the Indians in severalty and to their heirs forever. The land was surveyed and the several lots assigned by number to the members of Captain Church's company. Only a small part of the lots was improved or built upon. In 1763 the General Court caused a new survey to be made and a new assignment of lots of those who had died and left no posterity. The tract contained one hundred and ninety acres and sixty-four rods of land, which was thus divided into twenty-eight equal parts. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 427 The fourth lot was drawn by Edmund Chandler. On March 8, 1685, the south half by John Wilbur and wife Hannah, of Portsmouth, " for love and affection for my sister Elizabeth Freelove and husband Morris, part of 4th lott granted unto Edmund Chandler, being J^ of said lot on the south, bounded on the west by Taunton river, north by land of Matthew Boomer, south by land of Christopher Wadsworth, for their natural lives, then to the lawful heirs of Elizabeth." Matthew Boomer, sr., transferred to Matthew Boomer, jr., the south half of the north half of this lot, with dwelling, etc., twenty-eight rods wide, two hun- dred and twenty acres. On June 24, 1677, Matthew Boomer sold to John Reed the north one fourth of this lot, which he had bought of Henry Brightman. The north one-fourth remained in the Reed family until gradually sold off in lots. The homestead stood on the site of St. Joseph's church. The next one-fourth south of the Reed tract remained in the Boomer family until the daughter married Capt. Jonathan Brownell, and was sold to the city of Fall River for the town farm. The fifth lot was drawn by Samuel House. His sons, Samuel and Joseph, sold, on March 25, 1678, the north half to Henry Brightman for £10. At about the same time Brightman and Thomas Cornell bought on this lot and in 1679 Cornell sold his part to George Lawton, jr., of Portsmouth, who probably settled there before 1687. On Octo- ber 31, 1687, Lawton sold for ,£250 to Samuel Gardiner, of Newport, the south half, fifty-eight rods by four miles, with dwellings and other buildings. This land went bock to Lawton in 1694, when Gardiner and others bought on Gardiner's Neck, and in 1694 Lawton sold the same half to Ezekiel Hunt for £200. The old north cemetery is on a part of this lot. The sixth lot was drawn by John Howland who was, probably, the earliest settler thereon, and was succeeded by his brother, Samuel. In 1691 Nathaniel Howland, of Dartmouth, sold to Henry Brightman, of Portsmouth, the south half, bounded south by land of Henry Bright- man, and north by land of Samuel Howland. This lot remained in the Howland, Brightman and Hathaway families, who were intermingled by marriage, until most of it was sold off in house lots. George Watson drew the seventh lot. He was a constable in Plym- outh in 1660 and probably retained this lot as long as he lived, leaving it to his children and grandchildren. On July 20, 1706, John Watson, probably grandson of George, sold his right to Henry Brightman. The eighth lot was drawn by Ralph Partridge. At the division of 428 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 1660 it went to his heirs, and on October 29, 1694, his grandsons Ralph and Peter Thatcher, sold to John Reed, a " cordwainer. " He became an actual settler. This lot lay just north of the Border City Mill site. On July 30, 1713, John Reed, sr., sold to John Reed, jr., the north half of the lot and on the same date also to his son the south half of the south half (one- quarter), reserving the other quarter for himself. Parts of the north half remained in the Reed family until recent years. The ninth lot was drawn by Mr. Timothy Hatherly, who sold his right before the date of division, and it came into possession of James Cudworth, who sold it in 1681 to Simon Lynde of Boston. From him it descended to Samuel Lynde, who gave it to his grandchildren, Thomas and Elizabeth Valentine, from whom it passed to various owners. The tenth lot was drawn by Love Brewster and passed by kinship to his son Wrestling Brewster, who sold the north half to John Rogers, a carpenter. On October 3, 1702, Rogers sold to Edward Thurston, sr., whose son, Thomas Thurston, settled thereon and remained until his death, March 22, 1730. This land has always remained in the Thurston family and is now owned by William Hambly, who married Edward Thurston's daughter, who is sister of the late Anthony Thurs ton. The south half of this lot was purchased by Thomas Durfee of Brewster and John Rogers on May 29, 1676, for ^65, and it was set- tled by. his son, Robert Durfee. Richard More, an early settler of Duxbury, drew the eleventh lot. It must have passed to Richard More, between whom and Hugh Woodbury there appears to have been a dispute as to title, as the rec- ords show a deposition of Benjamin Church, made May 2, 1696, that "I, in company with Hugh Woodbury, at his dwelling in the year 1680, in Freetown, upon the Eleventh lot, lying north of Robert Dur-' fee, was fencing his land and possession thereof. " This indicates that Woodbury was in possession in 1680. Thomas Durfee made a similar deposition. Israel Woodbury died in 1700 without issue and the lot was divided between Hugh Woodbury (probably a second Hugh) and the children of Nicholas Woodbury. Thomas Gage, a cloth dresser and clothier, was an early settler on this lot. The twelfth lot was drawn by Walter Hatch. It lay in the northerly part of Fall River and passed to Joseph Hatch, son of Walter, who sold it, June 8, 1705, to Jonathan Dodson, who became a settler about 1708. He was a prominent citizen and held the offices of town clerk, THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 429 selectman, assessor, representative, etc. This lot was transferred from Jonathan Dodson to his brother, Graham Dodson, from whom it came down to later purchasers. The thirteenth lot was drawn by Thomas Southworth, a brother of Constant Southworth, both of whom came to America with their wid- owed mother in 1628, settling in Plymouth. Thomas was prominent in the militia and both brothers appear to have been leading cititzens. The fourteenth lot, half of which is in Freetown, was drawn by William Paybody (Peabody), but by an order of the Plymouth Court it passed to Benjamin Church. It remained in his possession until it was purchased by Boston men, one of whom was Samuel Lynde. The lat- ter donated two and one-half acres of the lot for the old meeting-house lot, burial ground and training field, as elsewhere described. A large area of territory in the southern part of Fall River was in- cluded in the Pocasset Purchase, described in an early chapter of this work. The first meeting of the proprietors of that purchase was held April 11, 1681, at which Christopher Almy, Job Almy, William Man- chester and Nathaniel Thomas were appointed to lay out lot's. 1 This committee made a report of the first division on February 20, 1682-3. The first twelve lots were in Fall River territory. They were called "great lots," and extended from Taunton River one mile eastward to the Eight-rod Way. At the meeting held June 30, 1696, it was " Or- dered, that a highway 8 rods wide be laid out along the head of the great lots to Punkatest." These twelve lots were drawn as follows: Lot 1. Edward Gray. Lot 7. Christopher Almy. 2. Edward Gray. " 8. Edward Gray. 8. William Manchester. • ' 9. Christopher Almy. 4. Edward Gray. " 10. Daniel Wilcox. 5. William Manchester. " 11. Job Almy. 6. Benjamin Church. " 12. Edward Gray. These lots, with the exception of 7, 8 and 9 were fifty-two rods wide ; 1 We, whose names are underwritten, the purchasers of the Land of Pocasset and places ad- jacent, Do engage ourselves to the Hon. Court of New Plymouth that we will from time to time use our utmost endeavor for the well settling of the Plantation and in order thereunto will be careful to settle, etc. Edward O. Gray (mark), . Nathaniel Shower, Benj. Church, Christopher Almy, Job Almy, Thomas Wait, Daniel Wilcox (mark), — Rec. Mass. Hist. Soc'y, vol. Ill, p. 237. Wm. Manchester. 430 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the others were fifty rods. A highway four rods wide was laid out be- tween lots 12 and 13, which is now State street. The second division included the land between the Eight-rod Way and Watuppa Pond and the Quequechan River, the lots being called the "six-score acre lots," containing each one hundred and twenty acres. The first twelve were in Fall River territory, but the area of land required for the twelve extended a little farther southward than that of the first division, making the angle seen in the southern line on the Fall River map. The second division was as follows : Lot 1. Richard Borden. Lot 6, Job Almy. " 2. John Cook. " 7. Lidy Gray. " 3. John Cook. " 8. Christopher Almy. " 4. William Corey, " 9. Nathaniel Southwick. " 5. Job Almy and Thomas Corey. " 10. Joseph Wanton. [The Six-rod Way extended across " 11. Seth Arnold, this lot] " 12. Edward Gray. The third division included the land which has been called " French- town," between the south pond and Quequechan, and the north pond. It was laid out in 1697, and the first twelve lots were drawn as follows: Lot 1. Christopher Almy, Lot 14. John Cook. " 2. Thomas Hix. •• 15. Richard Burding (Borden). " 3. David Lake. " 16. Naththaniel Blagrove and Ward. " 4. Seth Arnold. •• 17. Thomas and Roger Cory. 5. Constant South worth. " 18. George Brownell. " 6. Job Almy and Robert Negard. " 19. Daniel Wilcox. " 7. Ephraim Cole. •• 20. Edward Gray. " 8. Thomas Durfee and Mathew " 21. Job Almy's daughter. Burding (Borden). " 22. Thomas Cook. " 9. John Pearce and E. Ward. " 23. Samuel Cook. " 10. Joseph Wanton. " 24. Gershom Wardell. 11. Samuel Little. '• 25. Gideon Freeborn. : 12. John Woodman and Joseph An- " 26. Gershom Wardell and Job Law- thon y- ton. " 13 - Ephraim Cole. - 27. Samuel Little. [Between this lot and the four- • ' 28. Samuel Gray, teenth a highway six rods " 29. Job Almy. wide was laid out, which is " 30. John Cook, jr. now the Six-rod Way.] A boundary dispute arose between Freetown and Tiverton soon after their incorporation, which was amicably adjusted in 1700 by a commit- tee consisting of Josiah Winslow, Robert Durfee and Henry Brightman, .THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 431 of Freetown, and Richard Borden, Christopher Almy and Samuel Little, of Tiverton. The division line as determined by this committee is thus described by the Rev. Orin Fowler, writing in 1840-41 : The division line settled by this committee extended by a cleft rock, over which the store of Reed & Bowen now stands [now northest corner of Bedford and Main streets] southwardly to the Fall River, thence the river to be the bound to its mouth, and from the cleft rock easterly about on the line of the present Bedford street. This continued to be the line between these two ancient towns so long as Tiverton belonged to Massachusetts. In 1740 a dispute arose regarding the boundary between Massachu- setts and Rhode Island, and a commission was appointed by the king to determine the true boundary. The commission reported in 1746 and the report was confirmed by the king, but was appealed from by both colonies; the matter was not finally settled until L862. 1 John Borden, the first of this name to immigrate, came from Eng- land in 1635. He settled, probably, near Boston, removed thence to Rhode Island, and from there in 1648-50, to the vicinity of New Lon- don, Conn. His elder brother, Richard, came over at about the same 1 One of the decrees in the king's award mentioned u a certain point 440 rods to the southward of the mouth of Fall River," from which a line was run three miles eastward, forming the north- ern boundary of that part of Rhode Island. In measuring this 440 rods the commissioners of 1746 followed the sinuosities of the shore and thus reached a point from a quarter to a half mile farther north than if they had measured in a straight line. From this point they extended the three-mile line, running it through the southern part of Fall River village, a little north of the line of the present Columbia street. Here was the justification for the complaint of Massachu- setts. In 1844 a commission was appointed consisting of Rev. Orin Fowler, Dr. Foster Hooper and Dr. Phineas W. Leland, who were directed to petition the Legislature to not permit any set- tlement of this question less advantageous to Massachusetts than that granted by the king in 1746. In 1856 the Rhode Island Legislature divided the town of Tiverton, setting off the north part, as Fall River, Rhode Island. The dividing line extended from the south side of the twelfth great lot of the Pocasset Purchase to the Eight-rod Way ; thence it followed the present State line to the South Watuppa Pond, and thence followed high-water mark to the south end of Sandy Pond, and on to the Westport line. Meanwhilein 1844 a commission was appointed which reported on the subject to the Legislature in 1848 ; but owing to the representations of the above- named committee the Massachusetts Legislature refused to ratify the report of the commission, and by agreement of both States the question was referred to the United States Supreme Court. In 1860 the court appointed engineers to settle upon the proper boundary, their decree to take effect in 1862. The full claim of neither State was allowed, but the line was so established as to give undivided jurisdiction over a thickly-populated district, bringing into Massachusetts about eleven square miles of territory, about nine of which, with a population of nearly 3,600 and taxa- ble property with a value of nearly $2,000,000, were within the limits of Fall River city. This ter- ritory contained at that time 631 families, 410 dwellings, six school houses and one meeting-house. On the evening of March 1, 1862, when the change took effect, an enthusiastic municipal celebra- tion was held. The town government of the Fall River of Rhode Island were escorted to the city hall by the national guard, where appropriate proceedings took place, and the Rhode Island clerk presented to Mayor Buffinton the charter, title and records of the acquired town. Con- gratulatory speeches were made by prominent citizens. That this change was of the highest importance to the growth of Fall River as a whole is seen in the rapid upbuilding on the Rhode Island territory since 1862. 433 OUR COUNTY AND, ITS PEOPLE. time, and possibly on the same vessel, and settled on the site of Ports- mouth, R. I., where his son, Matthew, was born in May, 1638. Rich- ard Borden was a prominent man of strong character; his death took place May 25, 1671. His son John was born in September, 1640, and married Mary Earl. His name stands foremost among the sons of Richard, and his de- scendants greatly out- number those of his brothers who settled in New England. He was extensively known among the Friends as John Bor- den of Quaker Hill, Portsmouth, R. I. He died June 4, 1716. Richard and Joseph Borden were sons of this John, the former born October 24, 1671 (the eldest son), and the latter born De- cember 3, 1680. Rich- ard was a large land- holder in Tiverton, though not one of the original purchasers. He and his brother purchased of Col. Benjamin Church twenty-six and one- half thirtieths of the mill stream and mill lot at Fall River, besides several other tracts of land bought of Edward Gray, of Plymouth, who owned nine- thirtieths of the Pocasset Purchase. All of this property passed by will to Rich- ard's four sons, John, Thomas, Joseph and Samuel. Of these Thomas was a Tiverton farmer, a large land owner and interested in the Fall River stream. The latter he gave to his son, Richard, and the Cran- berry Neck property, with other lands to his other son, Christopher. Richard Borden. He died in his forty-third year. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 433 Richard Borden, son of Thomas and grandson of John, was a farmer and mill owner in Fall River. He was born in 1722, and during the Revolutionary war was taken prisoner, with Capt. Benjamin Borden, and carried to Newport. He was soon released on parole. He died July 4, 1795. His son Thomas inherited the homestead, and rebuilt the saw and grist mills that had been destroyed by the British. This and other outlying property had been handed down from generation to generation from the first Richard of Tiverton, and so continued in the family until the formation of the Fall River Iron Works Company in 1831, when the part contiguous to the lower part of the Fall River was sold to that company. He died in 1831. Col) Richard Borden, son of Thomas, grandson of Richard and great-grandson of the first Thomas, was born April 12, 1795. He passed his early years as a farmer and later became identified with many of the business interests of Fall River. While Fall River was still a small village he became interested in maritime affairs and gave renewed impulse to the shipping interests of the locality. From 1812 to 1820 he operated the grist mill which stood near the site of the An- nawan Mill. Another mill was built on the north side of the creek on the site of Annawan Mill, which was known as the Davenport mill, which was owned by Richard Borden, uncle of Colonel Richard; a tramway was built from this mill to the shore and a car ran up and down the incline drawn by a rope wound on a drum. He joined with Major Durfee in constructing several small vessels, the lumber for which was sawed in a mill adjoining the grist mill. He was active in organizing the Fall River Iron Works Company in 1821, which became a successful industry. He held responsible positions among the offi- cers of industrial and transportation companies in Fall River and its vicinity, as noticed elsewhere, and was instrumental in constructing the railroad from Fall River to Myrick's, to connect with the New Bed- ford and Taunton Railroad. He also organized the Cape Cod Railroad Company, of which he was chosen president, and constructed a line of road from Middleborough down the cape as a feeder to the Fall River route. With his brother Jefferson he inaugurated a steamboat line from Fall River to New York in 1847, with an employed capital of $300,000. The fine steamers Bay State, Empire State, and Metropolis were built for this line, and proved very successful from a business standpoint. In the war of 1812 he enlisted as a private and rose step by step to the rank of colonel (March 12, 1828), thus gaining his well 55 434 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. known tittle. In the Civil war, also, he evinced the most enthusiastic patriotism. During his life Colonel Borden was in all respects the foremost citizen of Fall River and accomplished more for its develop- ment than any other man. He died February 25, 1874. Joseph Borden, son of the second Richard, inherited a large estate from his father, including several water privileges on Fall River. He was a clothier and owned and occupied the fulling mill built by Col. Benjamin Church, which stood between what is now Main street and the great falls to the west of that highway. He was born November 4, 1702, and was killed by the machinery of his mill in December, 1736. Among other prominent members of this conspicuous family were Simeon Borden, born June 29, 1798, a distingnished civil engineer and scientific mechanic; died October 28, 1856. His father, also named Simeon, was a very prominent citizen; he foresaw the great future of Fall River ; became a large landowner, and devoted his whole energies to the upbuilding of the place. Nathaniel B. Borden and his son of the same name, both prominently connected with the manufactures and trade of Fall River. Joseph Borden, son of John, born December 3, 1680, married Sarah Brownell. In 1714, the year in which his father made his purchase on Fall River, he built a saw mill near the site of the Pocasset Mill of to-day; this was subsequently moved down the stream near to the head of the great falls. His property extended on the north side of the stream from the county road (now Main street) west to the salt water, and included the privilege of joining dams with his brother Richard, who owned the south side of the stream, together with all his father's share of the first lot of the Freeman's Purchase, lying next to Fall River and extending from Taunton River to the Watuppa Ponds. As pioneers and later important factors in the upbuilding of Fall River, the Durfee family is conspicuous. The elder Thomas Durfee came from England in 1660, and settled in Portsmouth. His son Rob- ert settled in 1686 on a tract of land purchased by his father of William Brewster and John Rogers for £65 ; it was a half part of the tenth lot of the Freeman's Purchase. This was the first settlement by a Durfee on what became Fall River territory. Thomas Durfee, son of the first Thomas had a son named Job, born in 1710, married Elizabeth Chase, and was made a freeman in 1731. He purchased in 1736-7, of Joseph Cook, the nineteenth lot of the Pocasset Purchase on Stafford Road, and there resided until his death in 1774. THE CITY OF FALL RIYER. 435 Samuel Durfee, son of William, who was son of the first Thomas, inherited the large old-fashioned residence on the upper road near the stone bridge, which was owned in recent years by Col. Thomas J. Borden. Benjamin Durfee, son of the first Thomas, married Prudence Earle in 1699, and inherited from his father, besides what he had already given him, large tracts of land that eventually became a part of Fall River. With subsequent purchases he became one of the largest land- owners in this section. He received by gift from his father the land from Rodman street on the north to Osborn street on the south, and extending from the shore to Eight- rod Way; this tract was purchased of William Manchester in 1680 and given to Benjamin Durfee in 1709: it passed to his son, Capt. William Durfee, and from him by will, the south half passed to his nephews, Richard Durfee and James Durfee; the north half to his relative, William Borden. After other changes of ownership it was cut into building lots and has been sold and built upon. Thomas Durfee, son of Benjamin and grandson of the first Thomas, was born November 5, 1721, and in 1747 married Patience Borden, daughter of Joseph Borden. His birthplace was in that part of Tiver- ton which was added to Fall River. He inherited a large landed estate, and the farm on which he lived and died constituted that part of Fall River city lying north of the line of Elm street and south of Turner street, extending from the shore to Watuppa Ponds. 1 He held many important public offices, among them judge of the Court of Sessions for Bristol county. His death took place July 9, 1796. 2 Col. Joseph Durfee was a son of the foregoing Thomas, and was born April 27, 1750, and died December 10, 1841, aged nearly ninety-two years. He inherited a large farm lying with the limits of the present Fall River, known in recent years as the Slade farm. He was a brave 1 The two bodies of water commonly known as the North and South Watuppa Ponds were formerly connected by a narrow, shallow strait, in which were placed stepping-stones for cross- ing on foot. This was called "the Narrows," and is now replaced by an artificial roadway and bridge. 2 Judge Durfee was noted for his lavish hospitality and his home was worthy of a man of his station and great wealth. He early established a park, comprising a number of acres of land be- tween Main and Rock streets, in which he kept a fine herd of deer. At the time of the landing of the British troops here' in 1778, Mrs. Durfee drove the deer into the woods ; they returned after the troops left the place. Among distinguished guests of Judge Durfee was General La Fayette, who presented his host with two fine deer hounds. In the trying years of the Revolution he spent liberally of his fortune for the good of the patriotic cause, and his life as a whole was a career of great usefulness and honor. 4 36 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. officer in the Revolutionary army and was in command at the time the British landed at Fall River in 1778, when the enemy was driven away to his boats with a loss of several killed and wounded. Colonel Durfee, with his relative, Capt. Richard Durfee, and others engaged early in the spinning of cotton yarn, and in that business lost much of his for- tune. Many other male members of the Durfee family have occupied prom- inent stations in private and public life, as will appear elsewhere in these pages. The family became intimately related by marriage with the Borden family ; to both of these families the early development of Fall River was largely due. As will be seen from these brief notes, - and details in later pages, those two families (the Bordens and the Durfees), following in the foot- steps of the pioneers who came from Swansea and Dighton and laid the foundation of the later great manufacturing interests here, were foremost in developing the village and city of Fall River, and there is scarcely a branch of the varied manufacturing and commercial interests of the place in which one or more men bearing one of these names has not been directly and prominently interested. Members of both fami- lies of later years are elsewhere noticed in these pages, as well as other pioneer families who were conspicuous in promoting the growth of Fall River in its early history. In every respect excepting topographically the pioneers of Fall River in its western district were justified in hoping that a prosperous village or city might be founded and stimulated into sturdy growth, at the head of the beautiful Mt. Hope Bay, and along the bank of Taunton River, and beside the tumbling cascades of the Quequechan. If the rocky bluffs and the steep hillside did not offer the most desirable building sites, the enormous descent of water in Fall River ' before it found its way into the bay, spoke eloquently to the pioneers of thousands of horse power to be had almost without price. The Indian name of this little stream, so insignificant in itself, except in its remarkable descent down 1 Fall River is the outflow of the WatuppaPonds, lying eastward of the city and covering an area of about 3,500 acres, which are mostly filled with perennial springs. The fall of this river within a distance of less than half a mile is 132 feet, and within this distance there are eight dis- tinct falls, creating a source of power almost unparalleled within so short a distance. In one place the falls are only 136 feet apart. For most of its length the river flows over a granite bed and part of the distance between high banks of the same rock. An additional fall of two feet was gained by constructing a dam at the outlet of the ponds. THE CITY OF FALL RIYER. 437 the steep hillside, is singularly appropriate — Quequechan, or Falling Water. From the top of the hill, as well as from other elevated points above Taunton River and the bay, the scene is full of native loveliness. The Watuppa Ponds, still retaining their Indian title, are near at hand and surrounded with charming scenery, while to the westward, bay and river and distant landscape unite to form a picture of rare beauty. Into this and the surrounding region came the hardy, God-fearing pioneers, most of whom were tillers of the forbidding soil, intent upon securing homes for themselves and their posterity and so rearing their children that they might honor their parents. For a number of years after the beginning of settlement on the Freeman's Purchase the center of population was near the extreme northern boundary of the Purchase and a little south of the small tributary of Taunton River which has been called Mother's Brook. At the southern boundary Col. Benjamin Church made his improvements and operated his mills, as before stated. To save space and avoid unnecessary repetition, the reader must be referred to earlier chapters for a general history of the early wars and the relations thereto of Freetown and Fall River. According to an ac- count by Gen. E. W. Pierce, a tradition is kept alive that in King Philip's war (1675-76) the inhabitants of Freetown fled in a body to the defenses of Taunton, leaving everything to the enemy. Mr. Lawton, before mentioned as a settler at what is now Fall River, was slain by the Indians and his body left in his dwelling by the panic-stricken people. In King William's war (1689-97) the inhabitants of Freetown were required to supply men, arms and money to the military forces of the colony. The entire militia of the town was organized into a company in June, 1686, which was commanded by Thomas Terry. The follow- ing record of expenses of a soldier named John King, who went out under Major (later Colonel) Benjamin Church, is of interest: Charges to the soulders under Major Church august 27, £ s. d. To 1 gun from John hathway to John King, 1 7 00 To 2 yards Cloth for snapsacks from Benjamin Chase Valued att 5 00 To cash to Cpt Southerd for a hatchet, 1 06 To billiting John King 8 days, 4 00 To 1 pair of shoes from Ralfe aerll to John King, 6 00 438 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In 1690 Freetown men participated in an expedition under Maj. John Walley, as shown in the following order: To the Liftenant or towne Counsill of freetown You are required in their majesties name to take care that the two men you were to provide by order of the Last general Court be in readiness by the sixth of July well armed and fixed and every way provided to march according to order. Hereof fail not. Dated at Bristol the 16th of June 1690 John Walley, Major. Lieut. Samuel Gardiner was recruiting officer for Freetown and in 1690 made the following returns: June the 24. Entered for volunteers William Davis, thomas Traintor, and Joseph Chetiagweatt, Indian, for the town of freetoun, Egainst the common Enemy for the present Expidition for Canady, and tarbo Cary being present for said Expidition. Taken by me, Samuel Gardiner July the fourteenth tarbo Cary and thomas traintor marcht for plimoth but Willi Davis and the Indian went not. Samuel Gardiner. Tallby Jennens (as spelled in the records) and Benjamin Hoppin of Freetown were serving in the army in 1692. The part taken in the early Indian troubles by the settlers in Free- town, including that part of it now constituting Fall River, has been described in another chapter and need not be further dwelt upon here. As has been seen, strife and bloodshed in the King Philip war extended within the bounds of the present town and some of the most sanguin- ary struggles took place near at hand. But the ultimate doom of the native occupants of the soil was sealed long before, when the first white man settled in these colonies and, justly or unjustly, they were conquered and their numbers finally reduced to a few isolated remnants dwelling upon reservations. One of these Indian reservations lies within the town of Fall River and originally belonged to a person who was convicted of " high mis- demeanors." He was sentenced to pay a fine of ^150, but escaped from an officer having him in charge and fled to Rhode Island. After some years and when he was desirous of returning to the State, Col. Benjamin Church presented a petition to the General Court in his be- half. The proposition was made to the court that in satisfaction of the fine, the refugee should convey to the Province certain lands therein, and praying that when a deed of these lands was made, he should be THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 439 permitted to return to his famiiy. In answer to the petition it was resolved in March, 1701, that the prayer be granted, and Ebenezer Brenton, Colonel Church and William Peabody were appointed a com- mittee to see that the transfer of the lands was properly executed. A deed was made on the 27th of November, 1701, transferring the land to Capt. James Church and certain members of his company of friendly Indians, in consideration of their services to the province. In 1763 another committee was appointed to make a new survey of these lands, the bounds to be renewed and a plan made of the same with the subdi- visions, and a new assignment of the lots of those who had died and left no posterity. The reservation of the Fall River Indians is situated on the east shore of the North Watuppa Pond, in the easterly part of the town, about five miles from the business center of the city. A report made by J. Milton Earl, in 1861, under direction of the State government, showed that the number of Indian families on the reservation was 16; the number of males 41 ; number of females 37. Of these 72 were na- tives and 6 foreigners. Of the 72, fifty were less than 70 years old, and 3 were over 70. At the present time there are on the reservation, the widow of William Perry and three small children living there ; they are supported in part by the city. Freetown sent a few men to the army in the French and Indian war (1754-62); among them were Elijah Hatch, Benjamin Butterworth, Joseph Rounsville, John White, Benjamin Porter, Edward Pain, Leon- ard Carlile and Josiah Braman (spelled as in the records). Regarding the last four the following appears in the records : May 3d day, 1756, their Entered into his Majesties' Service out of the first foot company in freetoun, Viz. benjamin porter, Edward pain, Leonard Carlisle, Josiah Braman. At the above date was paid by the town Treasurer of Freetown to £ s. d. Benjamin Porter, old tenor _ _ 11 15 00 Edward Pain, " " _ _ 11 4 03 Josiah Braman _ 50 00 The account of Lieutenant James Winslow, treasurer of Freetown in 1756, shows that he received from David Cudworth, jr., _£75 old tenor to purchase his freedom from the draft and hire a substitute. Charles Cudworth paid £2 8s. to free one of his sons who was drafted, and John Terry paid £8 for a like purpose. James Edmenster bought off his son, Noah, who was impressed, for _£2 8s. 440 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. It should be explained here that from the date of incorporation of Freetown (1683) until about the time of the annexation of the tract from Tiverton in 1747, the militia of the town was enrolled in only one company; about the date last named it was divided into three com- panies the first of which was confined substantially to what is known as Old or West Freetown ; the third company to the new part or East Freetown ; and the second company, with which we are more particu- larly interested here, to the part which was set off in 1803 as Fall River. Following is a list of captains of this latter company, covering a con- siderable period : Ambroze Barnolz, commissioned 17 — ; discharged 17 — . George Brightman, commissioned 175- ; discharged . Jail Hathaway, commissioned July, 1771; discharged Sept. 19, 1775. Thomas Durfee, commissioned July 5, 1776; discharged 177-. Brightman, commissioned 177- ; discharged 178- Joseph Read (3d), commissioned July 1, 1781 ; discharged 178-. Luther Winslow, commissioned June 8, 1789 ; discharged 1793. Ichabod Read, commissioned October 2, 1793 ; discharged December 5, 1796. Benjamin Brayton, commissioned May 2, 1797; promoted to major September 10, 1803. At the beginning of the Revolution these three Freetown companies, with part of a company of cavalry, belonged to the Second Regiment of Infantry, of which Thomas Gilbert, of Freetown, was colonel; James Winslow, of Freetown, lieutenant- colonel, and Benjamin Grinnell, of Freetown, adjutant. The commissioned officers of the Fall River Com? pany were as follows: Jail Hathaway, captain; Stephen Borden and Ambrose Barnolz, jr., lieutenants. The field officers of the Second Regiment were as follows : Thomas Elliot, colonel, commissioned 1762; discharged Sept 19, 1775. Thomas Terry, lieutenant-colonel, commissioned 174-. Ebenezer Hathaway, lieutenant-colonel, commissioned 174-. Abiel Terry, lieutenant-colonel, commissioned 1758 ; discharged 1762. James Winslow, lieutenant-colonel, commissioned July 25, 1771 ; discharged Sep- tember 19, 1775. Joseph Durfee, lieutenant-colonel, commissioned July 1, 1781 ; discharged 1788. Benjamin Weaver, lieutenant-colonel, commissioned July 10, 1788; discharged March, 1793. Thomas Terry, major, commissioned 173- ; promoted to lieutenant-colonel. Abiel Terry, major, commissioned 175- ; promoted 1758. Joshua Hathaway, major, commissioned February 7, 1775 ; discharged in 1778. Joseph Durfee, major, commissioned June 9, 1778; promoted July 1, 1781. Joseph E. Read, major, commissioned June 2, 1808 ; promoted April 14, 1812. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 441 In the other companies of this regiment, and doubtless in the other militia regiments of this section, there were a few men who settled on territory included in the limits of Fall River, who were prominent in the later history of the town. Among these are found the names of Timothy Borden, Noah Borden, David Durfee. The principal event of the Revolutionary war in which Fall River was directly concerned took place in the fall of 1777, when the British made an invasion from the bay. The best and most authentic account of this occurrence and other incidents of local importance was written in 1834 by Col. Joseph Durfee, who was serving as an officer in the American army, and although it has been printed in various publica- tions, there is ample justification for again reproducing it in these pages, omitting from the beginning a little matter descriptive of Fall River in early years : Our country has been involved in three wars since my recollection. The first was with the French and Indians — when we fought for our lives. The French offered a. bounty for every scalp which the Indians would bring them. It was therefore cer- tain death to all who fell into the Indians' hands. I distinctly remember the time when General Wolfe was killed, and seeing the soldiers on their march to reinforce the army. I saw many men enlist into the service, and among them, Joseph Valen- tine, father of William Valentine, of Providence. I was then about ten years of age. The second war was with Great Britain, during the greater part of which I was actively engaged in the service of my country. We then fought for our liberty. We were divided into two parties, called Whigs and Tories — the former, the friends of liberty and independence; the latter, the enemies of both. Before the Revolution broke out, the Whigs were busy in making saltpetre and gunpowder, in making and preparing small arms, in training and learning the art of war. At this time, we of this State were British subjects, and constituted what was then called the Colony of Massachusetts. Conventions were held in the colony to transact the business and consult upon the affairs of the colony. At one of these conventions I received a captain's commission, signed by Walter Spooner, Esq., and took the command of a company of minute men. British ships, commanded by Wallace, Asque and Howe, early in the Revolution were off our coast, in the river and bay, harassing and distressing the towns of Newport, Bristol and other towns on the river. I was called upon with my com- pany and such others as could be mustered to guard the shores and prevent the British from landing, until the colony could raise a force sufficient to protect the in- habitants from their depredations. In 1776, after the battle of Long Island, a reinforcement was called to cover the retreat of the American troops. I was ordered to take command of a company of sixty men and march forward to the army then retreating from New York. These orders were promptly obeyed. With the company under my command, I joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas Carpenter, and by a forced march we 56 442 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. reached the army a few days before the battle at the White Plains. In that engage- ment I took an active part. Soon after my return home from the battle of White Plains, the British landed at Newport, on Rhode Island, and took possession of that town. I was called upon to proceed immediately with my company to assist in covering the retreat of the small forces then commanded by Colonel John Cook from the Island of Rhode Island. This was effected without a loss, though attended with difficulty and delay, as there was then no bridge from the island to the mainland. At that time, the inhabitants in the south part of Massachusetts and Rhode Island were in a critical situation. They were nearly surrounded with British emissaries. A part of the English squad- ron lay off our coast, and their troops had possession of the south part of Rhode Island. Both were harassing our towns, destroying property, and making prisoners of the inhabitants. In addition to this, we had Tories at home, enemies in disguise, who were aiding and abetting the British, while they professed friendship for the cause of liberty, and for those who were shedding their blood to obtain it. Early in spring of 1777, I received a major's commission, and was stationed at Little Compton, in the State of Rhode Island, in the regiment under the command of Colonel John Hathway, of Berkley, Mass. At Little Compton and in that neigh- borhood I continued several months on duty with the regiment, often changing our station, to repel invasion of the enemy and to protect the inhabitants from their fre- quent depredations. In the fall of 1777, I returned home to Fall River. I found the citizens, among whom were my relatives and best friends, exposed and continually harassed by the enemy. I applied to several of the leading and influential men of this place, and proposed raising a guard for the safety and protection of the inhab- itants. They coincided with my views, and the necessity of a guard to protect our defenseless inhabitants. I went to Providence to consult General Sullivan, who was commander-in-chief of all the forces raised in this section of the country, and to ob- tain assistance from him. He approved of my plan to raise the guard, and gave me an order for two whale boats and also an order for rations for twenty men, drawn upon the commissary, then at Bristol. I soon raised a guard, procured the store now standing at the end of the Iron Works Company's wharf in this place for a guard- house, where we met every day, called the roll, and stationed sentinels for the night to watch the movements of the enemy and give the alarm when approached. The orders of the sentinel were peremptory— that if a boat was seen approaching in the night to hail them three times, and if no answer was received to fire upon them. It was not long before one of the guard, Samuel Reed, discovered boats silently and cautiously approaching the shore from the bay. The challenge was given but no answer received. He fired upon the boats. This created an alarm, and the whole neighborhood were soon in arms. I stationed the guard behind a stone wall, and kept up a constant fire upon the enemy until they brought their cannon to bear upon us, and commenced firing grape shpt amongst us-when, as we were unable to re- turn the compliment, it was deemed advisable to retreat. Two of the guard were sent to remove all the planks which laid over the stream for foot people to cross upon, and to cut off, as far as possible, every facility for crossing the stream, except the upper bridge. We then retreated slowly until we reached the main road, near where the bndge now crosses the stream. I then gave orders to form and give them battle. This was done, and never were soldiers more brave. So roughly were the THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 443 enemy handled by our little band of Spartans, that they soon beat up a retreat, leaving behind them one dead and another bleeding to death, besides the wounded, whom they carried away. The wounded soldier, left by the enemy, before he expired, informed me that the number of the enemy who attacked us was about 150, commanded by Major Ayres. When the enemy landed, they set fire to the house of Thomas Borden, then nearly new. They next set fire to a grist mill and a saw mill, belonging to Mr. Borden, stand- ing at the mouth of Fall River. These buildings I saw when' set on fire. When the British troops retreated, as they were compelled to do, from the shots of our little band of volunteers, they set fire to the house and other buildings of Richard Borden, then an aged man, and took him prisoner. We pursued them so closely in their retreat that we were enabled to save the building which they had last fired. The British were fre- quently fired upon and not a little annoyed by the musketry of our soldiers, as they passed down the bay in their boats on their retreat. Mr. Richard Borden, whom they took prisoner, was in one of their boats. Finding themselves closely pursued by a few American soldiers, who from the shore poured in their shot and balls upon them as fast as they could load and fire, and finding themselves in danger from the musketry of these few brave Whigs who pursued them, they ordered Mr. Borden, their prisoner, to stand up in the boat, hoping that his comrades on the shore would recognize him and de- sist from firing upon them. But this he refused to do ; and threw himself flat into the bottom of the boat. While laying there, a. shot from the Americans on shore killed one of the British soldiers standing by his side in the boat. Mr. Borden was obstinately silent to all the questions which were asked him ; so that not being able to make any profitable use of him, they dismissed him in a. few days on parole. This engagement took place of a Sabbath morning on the 25th of May, 1778. The two British soldiers killed in this engagement were buried at twelve o'clock on the same day of the battle, near where the south end of the Massasoit factory now stands. During a considerable part of the month of August following, we were busily en- gaged in procuring arms, ammunition and provisions for the soldiers, and in build- ing flat- bottomed boats and scows for the troops to cross over the river on to Rhode Island, with a view to dislodge the British army, who then had possession of the Isl- and. A barn, now standing near the stone bridge, was occupied for a. commissary store, of which I had the charge until things were in readiness and the troops prepared to cross over to the island, when I left the store in charge of my friend and relative Walter Challoner. In the fore part of August, 1778, the American troops embarked in the boats and scows prepared for them, and landed on Rhode Island, where I joined them, having been appointed a. major in Colonel Whitney's regiment. Our troops were then marched to a spot but a short distance to the north of what is called Butts' Hill, where they encamped for the night with but the canopy of heaven for a covering and the ground for our beds. But we were animated with the hope of liberty — with a belief that we were engaged in a righteous cause— and that He who sways the scepter of the universe would prosper our undertaking. At this time we were anx- iously looking for the French fleet, from which we hoped for assistance against the enemy, whose numerous bodies of troops were before us. Soon the French fleet hove in sight, when the British set fire to the shipping in the harbor and blew up 444 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE most of the vessels within their reach. Not long after the French fleet came up, the British fleet appeared in the offing. Immediately the French fleet tacked about, went out and attacked the British squadron, when broadsides were exchanged, and a bloody battle ensued. A tremendous storm came on, long remembered as the August storm, in which the two fleets were separated, and many who had escaped the cannon's mouth found a watery grave. The French fleet, or so much of it as survived the storm, went into Boston to repair, and the remnant of the British fleet went into New York. Soon after this storm our troops marched in three divisions toward Newport— one on the East road, so called, one on the West road, and the brigade commanded by General Titcomb moved in the center— until we came in sight of Newport, when orders were given to halt, erect a marquee, and pitch our tents. General orders were issued for a detachment from the army of three thousand men, our number being too small to risk a general engagement with the great body of British troops then quar- tered on the south end of the island. Early on the next morning a detachment of troops, of which I was one, was ordered to proceed forthwith and take possession of what was called Hunneman's Hill. The morning was foggy and enabled us to advance some distance unobserved by the enemy ; but the fog clearing away before we reached the hill, we were discov- ered by the British and tory troops, who commenced such a heavy cannonade upon us that it was deemed expedient by the commanding officers to prevent the destruc- tion of many of our brave troops, that we should fall back and advance under cover of the night. Accordingly, when night came, we marched to the hill undiscovered by the enemy. We immediately commenced throwing up a breastwork and building a fort. When daylight appeared we had two cannon mounted — one twenty-four pounder and one eighteen — and with our breastwork we had completed a covered way to pass and repass without being seen by the enemy. The British had a small fort or redoubt directly under the muzzles of our cannon, with which we saluted them, and poured in shot so thick upon them that they were compelled to beat up a retreat. But they returned again at night to repair their fojjt, when they com- menced throwing bomb shells into our fort, which, however, did but little damage. I saw several of them flying over our heads, and one bursting in the air, a fragment fell upon the shoulder of a soldier and killed hinl. At this time we were anxiously waiting the return of the French fleet from Boston, where they had gone to repair. But learning that they could not then return and knowing the situation of the British troops, that they were enlarging and strength- ening their forts and redoubts, and that they had reinforcements arriving daily from New York, it was deemed expedient by our commanding officers, La Fayette, Greene and Sullivan, all experienced and brave generals, that we should retreat to the north end of the island. Accordingly on the 29th day of August, early in the morning, we struck our marquee and tents and commenced a retreat. The British troops followed, and soon came up with our rear guard and commenced firing upon them. The shots were briskly re- turned and continued at intervals, until our troops were joined by &. part of our army a short distance to the south of Quaker Hill, so called, when a general engagement ensued, in which many lives were lost on both sides. At night, we retreated from the island to Tiverton. On the following day we left Tiverton, crossed over Slade's THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 445 ferry and marched through Pawtucket and Providence to Pawtuxet, where we re- mained until our term of service expired. Soon after this, I received a lieutenant-colonel's commission, and took the com- mand of a regiment to guard the sea-shores, and a part of the time my regiment was stationed at Providence. I soon received orders from General Gates, who at that time was principal in command, to march with my regiment to Tiverton and join General Cornell's brigade. The war now raged throughout the country. Old and young, parents and children, all, except the tories, were engaged in the common cause of their country — in breaking the shackles of colonial bondage — in obtaining her liberty and achieving her independence. Old England now began to examine the prospects before her. She found after a bloody contest, what she might and ought to have known before, that her rebellious colonies, as she was pleased to term them, could be ruled, but not ridden upon; that by mild and liberal measures she might have retained a valuable part of her kingdom. She discovered her error too late to profit by it. The brave people of her colonies were resolved to throw off the yoke, and themselves be free. On the 29th day of October, 1779, the British troops left Rhode Island, and the American troops, under the command of Generals Gates and Cornell, marched on to the island and took possession of the town of Newport. On the 29th day of Decem- ber following, my time of service having expired, I returned home to my family. This was the coldest winter known during the last century. The river and bay were frozen over so thick, that people with loaded teams passed all the way from Fall River to Newport on the ice. I continued in the service of my country until about the close of the Revolutionary war, when I removed from Fall River to Tiverton, in the State of Rhode Island, where I lived about thirty years. During this time, I was elected by my fellow citizens to several offices in town, and was a member of the General Assembly for many years. When Thomas Jefferson was elected president of the United States, in 1801, and the Democratic fever raged to the highest pitch, I was then called a Federalist, and having repeatedly sworn to support the Federal Constitution, could not consent to turn my coat wrong side out. I was therefore not permitted to hold any office for some time afterward. But in time this party fever abated, and finally the people united in electing Mr. Monroe, under the general appellation of Federal Republicans. Attempts have since been made to alter the constitution, that noble fabric reared by the Revolutionary patriots, and should they succeed, it will be in my estimation like sewing new cloth to an old garment. All that needs to be added to this graphic account, as far as relates to Fall River in the Revolution, is a record of such public proceedings as took place in the town at various times during the war. On the 15th of July, 1776, a meeting was held at "the Public Meeting House," at which Stephen Borden acted as moderator, and the following document was presented for consideration : Whereas, George the Third, King of Great Britain, in violation of the principles of the British Constitution and of the Laws of Justice and humanity hath by an 446 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. accumulation of oppressions unparalleled in history excluded the inhabitants of this as well as the other neighboring Colonies from his protection ; and Whereas, he hath paid no regard to any of our remonstrances and dutiful petitions for redress of our complicated grievances, but hath purchased foreign troops to assist in enslaving us and exciting the Savages of this Country to carry on a war against us, as also the Negroes' to imbrue their hands in the blood of their Masters in a man- ner unpracticed by civilized nations, and moreover hath lately insulted our colonies by declaring that he will have no mercy on us till he hath subdued us ; and where- as, the obligations of allegiance being prociprocal between the King and his subjects are now dissolved on the side of the colonies by the despotism and declaration of the King in so much that Loyalty to him is Treason against the good people of this Country, And whereas, not only the Parliament, but there is great reason to believe too many of the people of Great Britain have concurred in the above said arbitrary and unjust proceedings against us, and whereas the public virtue of this Colony so essen- tial to its liberty and happiness must be endangered by a future political union with or dependence on a Crown and Nation, so lost to patriotism and magnanimity, We the inhabitants of Freetown in public town meeting assembled for giving instruction to our Representatives by direction from the General Court, do in public town meet- ing vote and declare and direct our representatives to declare in the General Court that we are ready with our lives and fortunes to support the General Congress in declaring the United American Colonies free and independent of Great Britain, and also direct our said Representative to move in .the General Court for the Delegates for this Colony to be directed to move for and give vote for said Independence, pro- vided that the internal police of the Government be always left to the people of said Colony and we declare to all the world that we do not make this declaration out of pride or envy but by the dictates of the Laws of Nature, and appeal to the Supreme Governor of the world for our sincerity in the Declaration. The instructions contained in this document were voted favorably and the meeting dissolved. The public spirit of patriotism exhibited at this meeting may be accepted as an indication of the general feeling throughout the county. On September 6, 1776, it was voted "to add to the soldiers' wages that were going to York out of Freetown three pounds which would make them six pounds a month. " It will not be forgotten that, although there was a generally prevail- ing spirit of patriotism abroad, the colonists had their internal enemies in almost every neighborhood, adherents of the king, the then despised tories. On March 31, 1777, the following is recorded: Legal town meeting. The following Tories were voted for trial: George Bright- man, William Winslow, John Winslow, Jail Hathaway, Solomon Terry, Abiel Terry, William Hathaway, Silas Hathaway, Silas Terry, Ebenezer Terry, Benjamin Thomp- kins, Ralph Pain, Job Pain 2d, George Chase, George Chase, jr., Bradford Gilbert, THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 447 Ephraim Winslow, Ammi Chase, Korah Durfee, Jonathan Dodson, Job Terry, Silas Sherman, Benjamin Cleaveland, Abraham Ashley, John Briggs. On the 11th of November, 1777, Major Morton, Capt. William Read and Jonathan Read were chosen to provide for the soldiers' families. CHAPTER XXV. FALL RIVER EARLY IN THE CENTURY. The close of the Revolutionary war left the country at large impov- erished. Money was lacking for the establishment of trade and manu- factures and for a number of years material progress was slow. There was little opportunity or encouragement for the people except in till- ing the soil. Fall River was a mere hamlet at the beginning of the present century, and the region was without other name than Free- town. Col. Benjamin Church and John Borden were men of energy and doubtless had long prophesied, to some extent at least, the bright future of the locality; but whatever may have been their ambition and hopes, their realization was postponed through well known unavoidable causes. Colonel Church operated his saw mill, grist mill and fulling mill, before mentioned, many years before Fall River as a village had an existence. The fulling mill stood on the south side of the stream near the site of the south end of the present Granite block. Such early mills are always a nucleus around which gather at least a few pioneers ; but in this case there was little settlement for many years to encourage the hope that on the beautiful bay and along the tumultuous stream would rise the thriving city of to-day. As late as 1803, the year in which the town of Fall River 1 was erected, the little village contained only eighteen dwellings and about one hundred inhabitants. 2 On North Main street were six houses occupied respectively by Charles Durfee, Daniel Buffington (spelled also Buffinton), John Luther, Abner Davol, 3 1 In 1804 the name of the town was changed to Troy, and so remained until 1834, as elsewhere described. 3 Rev. Orin Fowler's work. 3 The old homestead of the Davol family was on the North Main road near the site of the Friends' Cemetery. There Pardon Davol, father of Abner, was born March 16, 1743 ; he died November 22, 1808. The son Abner was born February 27, 1772, and died August 5, 1812, at the 448 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John Cook, and Mary Borden. On East Central street lived Nathan Bowen, Perry Borden, Seth Borden, and Elihu Cook. On West Cen- tral street dwelt Nathan Borden and Daniel Borden. On South Main street were the houses of Simeon Borden, Richard Borden, Thomas Borden, Benjamin Brayton and Francis Brayton. Near the shore was one house occupied by Thomas Borden. Here were eighteen families, nine of whom were Bordens. Following is the Act creating the town of Fall River : Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three. An Act to divide the town of Freetown and to incorporate the southerly part there- of into a separate town by the name of Fallriver. Sec. 1st. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled and by the authority of the Same that the Southerly part of Freetown in the County of Bristol as described within the following bounds with the inhabitants thereon be and they are hereby incorporated into a Separate town by the name of Fallriver viz. beginning in Taunton Great river so called and thence runing South Seventy degrees east on the lines dividing the lands belonging to the heirs of Sam- uel Vallentine from the lands of the heirs of William Vallentine and so continuing the Same course about eighteen hundred and sixty rods till it intersects a line run- ning from the town of Dartmouth north twelve degrees east by the easterly of the twentieth great lot owned by Thomas Borden and Richard Borden thence on the line last mentioned to Dartmouth line thence by the lines of the Towns of Dartmouth and Westport to the State of Rhode Island thence on the line of Said state into said river thence by the Channel of said river to the bounds first mentioned. And the said Town of Fallriver is hereby vested with all the powers and priv- iledges rights and immunities to which other towns are entitled by the Constitution and laws of this Commonwealth. Sec. 2. Be it further enacted that the said town of Fallriver Shall pay all the arrears of Taxes which have been assessed upon them together with their proportion of all debts owed by the said town of Freetown prior to the date of this Act and that all questions relative to property already Existing Shall be adjusted and settled in age of thirty years. He married first Mary Durfee, a descendant of the first Richard Borden ; he married second, Betsey Simmons. He was father of five children, the eldest of whom was Benja- min D. Davol, and like his father, was a shoemaker. Pardon Davol'S shoe shop adjoined his house and he carried on what was then a large business in the manufacture of sewed shoes, hav- ing at times several employees. Benjamin D. Davol, born June 7, 1801, was also trained in the shoe business, but he had larger ambition and when about nineteen years old he arranged with his father for the remainder of his time. When he reached his majority he had accumulated a few thousand dollars, and he decided to go into the granite quarrying business, probably through the influence of his maternal uncle, Benjamin Durfee, whose son, Major Bradford Dur- fee, had worked the so-called Big Berry ledge on Pleasant street. He assumed a share in a con- tract for supplying stone to a man in Bristol and subsequently bought a ledge at the head of Bed- ford street. Mr. Davol filled many large and profitable contracts for granite, one of which was for the original city hall, built in 1846. He died November 30, 1861. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 449 the Same manner as if this Act had not been made and that all property rights and credits of said Town of Freetown be received and enjoyed by the Said Town of Fall- river according to their proportion of the Taxes of Said Freetown assessed in the Tax bills. Sec. 3. Be it further enacted that the Said Town of Fallriver Shall take upon themselves and Support one half of all the poor now actually chargeable to Said Town of Freetown and shall also bear and pay one half the expense of supporting such poor persons as may be sent back upon said Town of Freetown from other Towns who removed from said Town of Freetown prior to the passing this Act. Sec. 4. Be it further enacted that of all State and County Taxes which shall be levied and required of said Towns previous to a new valuation of the said Town of Fallriver shall pay four tenths. Sec. 5. And be it further enacted that Charles Durfee Esq. be and he is hereby authorized to Isue his warrant directed to some suitable inhabitant of the said Town of Fallriver requireing him to notify and warn the inhabitants of the said town qual- lified by law to vote in Town affairs to meet at such time and place as shall be ex- pressed in the said warrant to Choose all such officers as other Towns within this Commonwealth are required by law to choose in the months of March or April an- nually and the officers so Chosen shall be quallified as other Town officers are. In the House of Representatives Feby 24th 1803 This bill haveing had three sev- eral readings passed to be Enacted John C. Jones. Speaker. In Senate Feby 25th 1803. The Bill haveing had two Several readings passed to be enacted. David Cobb president. February 26th 1803 By the Governor Approved Caleb Strong. True Copy, Attest John Avery Secy A True Copy, Attest Walter Chaloner Town Clerk The foregoing is a true copy from the Records of the Town of Fall River, Book number 1, pages 1 and 2. Attest: — Arthur B. Brayton. Asst. City Clerk. City of Fall River, Mass. , February 11, 1893. In 1805 the town erected the first town house. It was situated at Steep Brook, at about the center of the town. As the northern part of the town increased in population many attempts were made to have the building removed; but they were unavailing, and the structure was ultimately burned. The second town house was built in 1825, as no- ticed farther on. The natural advantages of Fall River could not long be hidden from 57 450 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. energetic and enterprising men, nor their value underestimated. Con- sequently such men — men possessed of means, business foresight and sagacity, and unconquerable perseverance, were attracted to the place. In 1810 the population of the town had increased to 1,296. Among the foremost was Col. Joseph Durfee, before noticed, who was destined to exert such a powerful influence in the upbuilding of the village. In 1811 Colonel Durfee, with a few other persons, built a small wooden structure on the northeast corner of what are now Globe and South Main streets, for a cotton factory. It was then in the town of Tiverton, Rhode Island, in what is still called Globe Village, now a part of the city of Fall River. This was the earliest cotton factory in the neighborhood ; it was operated until 1829, when it was converted into a print works. ' In the same year (1811) the first post-office was established in Fall River. The office was opened in January and the first mail distributed on February 12. Two years later the office was removed to Steep Brook, which at that time and during a considerable period thereafter, was a strong rival of Fall River for business precedence and prospects. The post-office, however, was re-established at the latter village in 1816, and Abraham Bowen was appointed postmaster. From sources that were authentic Henry H. Earl, who has devoted much time and effort to the study of the history of cotton manufacture, wrote, in 1876, the following brief sketch of the village of Fall River as it existed in 1813. This sketch and the accompanying map of 1812 give the reader a clear comprehension of the condition of the place at that time, and the map shows also the location of most of the eighteen houses before mentioned as having been built prior to 1803: The resident community of Fall River, or Troy, as it was then called, was located about what is now the center of the city, the main street following the line of the present principal thoroughfare northward, and another considerable street trending eastward to the lake. The greater part of the residences were in these two avenues. Within a territory approximating to one and a half miles square, which would be designated at that day the village, were about thirty dwelling houses three saw 1 In soliciting subscriptions to the capital of this initial enterprise, it is related that the most effective argument used was that " cotton cloth would darn much easier than linen." This fact is partially explainable in the light of the conditions then existing. Until the decade from 1780 to 1790, which saw the perfection of the Hargreaves and Arkwright inventions, it was thought necessary to make the warp linen, using cotton only for the weft of the cloth. The reasons for this were that the raw linen material was much cheaper than cotton, and its flbre was longer and could be spun more successfully on the domestic spinning wheels or the mill Jennys. Nearly all the cloth worn by New England people at that time was home-spun and woven, and the wheel and loom were seen in most households. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 451 mills, four grist mills, one fulling mill, a blacksmithy with trip hammer, and several small stores. The population was estimated at three hundred. One small, three-masted vessel, which had been engaged in foreign trade, but was for a short period after the war, hauled up in the creek where the " Old Depot" was afterwards located, and a few small sloops, carrying cord-wood to Newport and Bristol, constituted the local shipping interest. There was no regular conveyance to Providence, and what freight was transferred between the two places went by craft plying between Providence and Taunton, which, in default of wharfage con- venience at the Falls, stopped at the ferry two miles up the river, where all the cot- ton and merchandise was landed for some years. The first craft regularly sailing to Providence was a small schooner, or two-masted lighter, large enough to load ten bales of cotton and a small additional cargo of flour and miscellaneous goods. This was succeeded by the sloop Fall River, of thirty or forty tons capacity, and that again by the sloop Argonaut, and another craft whose name is forgotten, which sus- tained the communication until the steamer Hancock was put on. The religious and educational structures of the village were far from suggestive of their present number, convenience or architectural beauty. " In 1813," says our chronicle, " there was one poor old dilapidated wooden meeting-house, neither plas- tered nor lathed, which stood upon the line dividing the States, occupied occasion- ally. The regular place of worship on the Sabbath was at the Narrows, about two miles east. There was one, and only one, good school-house in the village, which stood on the corner of Annawan and South Main streets." The residences were of the usual simple and plain construction adopted in early New England communities, the most pretentious one being erected by Charles Durfee in 1811, and standing until 1857, when it was burned down. The richest resident from 1813 to 1824 was estimated worth $40,000, " and there were but a small number of this class." The entire valuation for some years did not exceed $500,000, and the total taxation in 1813 was $1,500. The year 1813 saw the founding of two important establishments, which were the substantial pioneers in the cloth- making industry in Fall River, and the active stimulus to the inception of later similar projects. The corporate names of these industrial organizations were the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, and the Fall River Manu- factory. The first named had a capital of $50,000 and the second of $40,000. Both companies were formed in March; the most prominent promoters were Oliver Chace, Nathaniel Wheeler and Eber Slade ; of the other company, David Anthony, 1 Dexter Wheeler and Abraham Bo wen. 1 The conspicuous part taken by David Anthony in the early industrial growth of Fall River merits particular mention here. He was born in Somerset January 9, 1786, and when fourteen years old left the homestead to serve John Bowers, a leading merchant and real estate owner of that town. He soon demonstrated his faithfulness to his employer's interests as well as his native business capacity and was taken into the counting-room where he learned bookkeeping. Tn 1804 Mr. Bowers unexpectedly failed in business and young Anthony was chosen to close up the bankrupt estate. After a short period of school teaching, he worked about two years for 452 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Fall River Mill was finished in October, 1813, and stood at the head of the third fall from tide water; its size was 60 by 40 feet, three stories high and intended for 1,500 spindles. The lower story was stone and the two up- per of wood. The fact that this mill, which was the first in operation in the vil- lage of Fall River, was ready to run sev- en months after the inception of the en- terprise, has suggest- ed that possibly part of the machinery was taken from the Reho- both mill. Avery Borden, ad- ministrator of the es- tate of Simeon Bor- den, on December 13, 1812, obtained con- sent of Court to sell to Clark Chace for $5,500 about six acres of land; the deed was dated March 9, 1813. On this date Chace sold to the following persons : John Martin, Swansea, $110; William Slade 3d, Somerset, $165; Benjamin and Edward John P. Hellen, a crockery dealer in Providence. In 1808 he obtained employment with Samuel Slater, of Pawtucket, in his cotton-spinning mill. There and with the Wilkinson brothers in the same business, Mr. Anthony gained the knowledge and experience which was to prove so useful in future years. In April, 1812, he went to Rehoboth, where Dexter Wheeler and others were operating a small factory. In March, 1813, he settled in Fall River. Joining with Dexter Wheeler, who had operated a small yarn mill by horse power in Rehoboth as early as 1807, they became the leaders in establishing the Fall River Manufactory. From that time forward Mr. Anthony was closely identified with the industrial progress of Fall River. He retired from active business in 1839, but returned to it twenty years later, as appears farther on. He was president of the Fall River Bank from its organization in 1825 for forty years, and was long a deacon of theFirst Congregational Church. He wasthrice married and had seven children. His death took place July 6, 1867. David Anthony. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 453 Bennett, Troy, $110; James Driscoll, Warren, $175; William Reed, Somerset, $55; James Maxwell, Warren, $275; Oliver Chace, Swansea, $550; Charles Wheaton, Warren, $440; Jonathan Bowen, Newport, $220; Avery Borden, Tiverton, $825; Joseph Luther, Swansea, $55; Hezekiah Wilson, Troy, $165; Daniel Buffinton, Troy, $110; Nathan M. Wheaton, Warren, $110; Oliver Earle, Swansea, $55; Robinson Buffinton, Troy, $55; Benjamin Slade, Swansea, $220; Nathaniel Wheeler, Dighton, $550; Joseph Buffinton, Swansea, $55; Sheffield Weaver, Troy, $165; Eber Slade, Somerset, $165; Benjamin Buffin- ton 2d, Swansea, $55. This makes a total sum of $4,685. These men took the whole of the $50,000 of stock. This six acres of land consti- tuted the site of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Company 's Mills. A charter of incorporation was obtained under date of February 22, 1814, and at a meeting of July 25, 1814, a reorganization under the act was effected and the name of the company changed to the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory. In the same month it was voted to increase the amount of capital $16,000, by assessing each share $40. The com- pany built a stone mill, the material being gathered from the near by fields, 108 by 37 feet, four stories high, and intended to contain 2,000 spindles ; its site was at the foot of the fall, near by or directly upon the site of the old saw mill. It began operation about the middle of March, 1814, the building having been finished in the previous Sep- tember. Oliver Chace was chosen agent of the company on March 9, as seen in the following record : Agreed with Oliver Chace to superintend the company's business, as agent for and on behalf of the Committee until the annual meeting in the 6th month next, at two dollars and fifty cents per day, he to find himself horse and to do the company's riding; said company to pay his board and expenses and find the horse provender, etc. , when in their service. Under the same date the following appears in the records : Agreed to build the factory of stone, one hundred feet by thirty-six feet, two sto- ries above the main sill; the windows in the body thereof to be seven by nine glass, and for the loft six by eight. Agreed to have an iron shaft for the water wheel seven inches square in the mid- dle and six at each end, fourteen feet long; said wheel to be fourteen feet diameter and twelve feet float. Agreed to build a machine shop, twenty-five feet by thirty-six, two stories high, and a blacksmith's shop, sixteen by twenty-five feet, with two forges; the two forges to be rented to John Borden, Junior, at one hundred and fifty dollars per year. This John Borden was a son of a blacksmith and was born in Rhode 454 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Island, whence he went with his brothers, Isaac, Asa and Levi, to Waltham and there worked in a machine shop. John probably ac- quired in that place a knowledge of the construction of cotton machin- ery, settled in Fall River in 1813, and he and his brother Isaac, probably, worked on the machinery in the Troy Manufactory. This enterprise was inaugurated at a fa- vorable time, in the war period, and a high degree of success was anticipated by the owners. The mark- ets were closed to for- eign production and prices of goods were inflated by the war prospect ; but the mill was scarcely in full operation when peace was declared, cotton cloth prices fell fifty per cent. , and general business depression prevailed throughout the country. For a few years the mill The following record indicates a necessity for Oliver Chace. paid little or no profit, reducing expenses : Agreed with Oliver Chace to transact the business of the company in behalf of the Directors, and to give him two dollars per day and find him sufficient house room for his family (and garden), and he, the said Oliver, to board the Directors at these meetings, as heretofore, without making any charge to the company ; this until fur- ther agreement. This action was taken on the 30th of December, 1810. The original contract with Mr. Chace 1 was for three years from December 3, 181H, 1 Oliver Chace was a son of Jonathan and grandson of Job, who lived in Swansea, where Oli- THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 455 at "one thousand dollars a year and a convenient house for his family to live in, unless he shall build one sooner, in which case he is to live in his own house." Such remuneration for such service as he gave seems trifling in these later days, but that of the treasurer of the com- pany was even less — "ten shillings per day, he to board himself." Power weaving in Fall River began early in 1817, when Sarah Win- ters started the first loom, Mary Healy the second, and Hannah Borden the third.' 1 Hannah Borden became Mrs. William Cook, and was four- teen years old in 1817 and while she lived had distinct remembrance of this work in its earliest days. There is some uncertainity as to the origin of the first power looms used here ; but they were undoubtedly the invention of Dexter Wheeler. There is existing record that " looms were first built in Fall River by John Orswell [who built the present clock in the Congregational church] and Wheaton Bailey, for the two above named companies, perhaps about the year 1817, each company putting in operation twelve to fifteen." This is believed to be an error as to date ; the machines made by Orswell and Bailey are believed to have been upon the model of the so called Cartwright or Scotch loom, introduced into this country in 1816. The looms invented by Dexter Wheeler were very imperfect, heavy, clumsy, and prone to get out of order; if they wove a yard of good cloth, the next one was likely to be ruined for lack of control of the shuttle. The "dressing was very poor, and at times the yarn would mildew and rot on the beam, causing large quantities to be thrown away, and a consequent great waste of material. 3 ver was born August 24, 1769. He had few advantages in early lite that were not the direct result of his own persevering toil. In 1808 he became interested in the manufacture of cotton in a prim- itive way in Swansea, where was part owner and acted as agent for a small mill. Removing to Fall River in 1813, he was prominent in the organization and building of the Troy mill, as de- scribed. Upon the formation of the Pocasset Company in 1831, he was one of the foremost in the work and for many years thereafter had charge of the corporation, managing its affairs with rare judgment and sagacity. Among other structures built by him was the Wilbur House block, which was intended for stores and tenements. He was remarkable for his sound judgment, in- dustry, integrity and unvarying punctuality. Though apparently harsh and repellent at times, he was known by all who were familiar with him to possess a kindly nature and many other characteristics of the worthy citizen. He was the first of this name to spell it with a " c " instead of an " s." He died in Fall River in 1852. 1 In September, 1891, Susie Chase, widow of Eleazer Chase, stated that in 1820 she went into the "yellow mill" and took the looms of Hannah Borden. Others weaving in the mill were Sarah Winters, 2 looms ; Hannah Reed, 2 looms ; Hannah Borden, 1 loom ; Minerva Warren, 2 looms ; Cobb, 2 looms ; Mary Grinnell, 2 looms ; and a sister of Edward P. Bufflnton> 1 loom. This statement is made upon authority of Henry H. Earl. It is questioned by some well- informed persons, who give Miss Borden credit for doing the first power weaving in the place, s " Fall River and its Industries," Henry H. Earl, 1877. 456 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Brief extracts from the records of the Troy Company are of interest in this connection as showing the aspects and conditions of cotton work- ing at that time : Tune 5, 1820. " Voted that the agent build and put in operation ten pair of water looms, with preparations, besides the present ten now building, if he shall deem it expedient." In September of the same year. The agent was directed to put in "a new flume where the old saw mill stood, and cut down the raceway as low as that of the main stream, and remove the machine shop up to the said new flume, for the purpose of putting in a new water-wheel, to carry machinery for spinning or weaving as he shall think most expedient." In the early years of the industry it was no insignificant matter to dispose of the product of these two mills satisfactorily. The Fall River Mill sold a large part of its product in Philadelphia and through commission houses, while the Troy Company sought a market in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, especially in the first- named State. The obstacles to finding sufficient profitable markets led the companies to establish stores of their own. This feature of the business is mentioned in the following from the records dated October 18, 1819: Voted and agreed to establish a store at Hallowell, in the district of Maine, for the purpose of vending cotton and other goods, for and on account of the Troy Cot- ton and Woolen Manufactory, and that Harvey Chace 1 was chosen agent to conduct the business there, to be paid for his services at and after the rate of $300 per year , his board to be paid by the company. The company's agent was also authorized to make a shipment of cotton and other goods to the State of Georgia this fall (if he thinks it expedient), for the purpose of purchasing cotton and other kinds of southern produce on account of the company. The first dividend paid by the Troy Company was in 1820, amount- ing to $25 a share, and another of the same amount was ordered six months from that date. In September of that month it was voted "to run the mill evenings from the fifth day of tenth month to the first day of third month, 1821, and keep a watch all night for the same term of time." Also, " to stop the practice of making fires in the vicinity of the mill for the purpose of boiling clothes." Perhaps this last order was not effective, for the mill was burned to the ground in the succeed- ing October (1821), only a part of the walls remaining standing. 1 Harvey Chace was a son of Oliver, the agent, and was born in Somerset, Attgust 31, 1797 ; he married first Hannah Wood, and second Anna EaTle. Later in his life he became proprietor "£ the Albion Mills at Valley Falls, R. I., and one of the most successful manufacturers of that State. He was father of James and Jonathan Chace, of Rhode Island. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 457 Measures were at once adopted for rebuilding and machinery was ordered of Harris, Hawes & Co. On September 3, 1822, the agent was instructed to dispose of half the contract, and at the same time it was voted " that the agent be authorized to have what money he may find necessary for the company, if it does not exceed two thousand and five hundred dollars, before our next quarterly meeting." Negotiations were in progress in December, 1821, to lease for a term of five years the Globe Manufactory (Colonel Durfee's early enterprise before described), and also "the Union factory 1 in said Tiverton for one year." It does not appear that the lease of the Globe was obtained, and the company's new mill was ready for operation in the fall of 1823. In 1821 this company had built a small structure where the old saw mill stood, which was called the Little Mill; this was nearly ready for occu- pation when the main building burned, and it was immediately equipped with a few carders and looms saved from the fire, with some additional machinery from the Globe, and put in operation. The later history of these mills is given in the chapter devoted to the cotton industries of the city. The following prices were quoted at Fall River in 1819-20, just pre- vious to the burning of the Troy mill : 1 The following interesting record is in existence regarding that early Tiverton cotton fac- tory: Feb. 10, 1813. The Owners of Shares in the Union Cotton Factory in Tiverton, To The Treasurer and Com- pany, Dr. To the first assessment of two Dollars on a share payable 27th inst. in the following propor- tion, viz.: Shares. Doll. Shares. Doll. John Bowen 11 __ Minton Warren 1 2 Elisha Fuller 15 .. Benjamin Howland 2 4 Samuel Gardner 5 10 Stephen Chase 1 2 Enoch French 3 (i Levi Chase 1 2 Joseph Warren 2 4 Charles Pitman 2 4 Edmund Estes 2 i William B. Canedy 2 4 Samuel Warren 2 4 William Ashley 1 2 William Norton 3 (5 Elijah Blossom, jur 2 4 John Turner 2 4 Elihu Hicks 1 2 Richard Durf ee 2 4 John C. Borden 1 2 Israel Cogshall 1 2 Ferris Parse 2 4 Nathan Borden 1 2 Elizabeth Parse 1 2 Thomas Durfee 2 4 Joseph Thurston 1 2 Thomas Sawyer 1 2 Pardon Cook 1 2 Silas Besse 1 2 John Hicks 1 2 J100 William Boomer 3 6 58 458 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Plain and bleached sheets _ 20c. 7-8 checks - 22 3-4 brown shirtings 14 7-8 " " 16 3-4 blue stripes 19 Nails from Fall River Iron Works, in 1822 : 4 to 20 7c. lb. 3 to 8 8 " Four months credit was generally given. Freight from Fall River to Boston in 1824-5 was fifty cents a hundred pounds. A dividend was paid to the stockholders of the Troy mill in 1824 of $25 a share, in goods at the following prices: 3-4 brown shirtings at 10 cents. 7-8 " " _ atll 4-4 " " _ atl3% 9-8 " " at 15 3-4 Stripes at 14 3-4 Gingham shirtings 14 3-4 Check " 14 7-8 " " 16 4-4 " " 18 Fair quality. The Troy Company acquired its ownership of the upper fall, and relative ownership of the whole water power, through concession by its stockholder, Amey Borden, in consideration of which she received 1,100 shares of the original stock of the company. Mrs. Borden was the widow of Simeon Borden, great-grandson of Richard (one of the two sons of the original John Borden), who became possessed of the twenty-six and one half shares of Colonel Church, giving him owner- ship of the land on both sides of the stream and of the entire fall,. as before noticed. All of this property remained in possession of the Borden family, until it was used for manufacturing purposes, and much of it until later years. In 1825, after mature deliberation, the control of the water power was permanently settled, and the Watuppa Reser- voir Company was organized "to build a new dam above the dam be- longing to the Troy Company, for the purpose of raising the water two feet above the present dam, and to pay the expense of flowage occasioned thereby. " The dam was to be built on property of the Troy Company with its consent. Acts of incorporation were obtained in the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the latter under date of June 20, THE CITY OF. FALL RIVER. 459 1826. The incorporators were David Anthony, Nathaniel B. Borden, Oliver Chace, and Bradford Durfee, as representatives of the Troy- Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, the Pocasset Manufacturing Company, Andrew Robeson's works, the Fall River Manufactory, the Annawan Manufactory, and the Fall River Iron Works Company, all having mills on the stream. The new dam was built in 1832, south of the line of the present Pleasant street, and the damage by flowage of land along both banks of the stream was settled by the company. The dam was built under superintendence of Major Durfee, the stone being laid in cement, thus obviating the difficulty, not previously overcome, of leaching of water through the crevices of masonry. While the foundation was thus being laid for the founding of the later great industries that were to give Fall River a reputation reaching around the world, the war of 1812-15, the general history of which as related to Bristol county has been given in an earlier chapter, swept over the country, with its attendant business disorganization, financial distress, and general inflation in prices of the luxuries and necessities of life. While Fall River, unlike some other parts of the county, did not suffer from direct invasion during this war, its sacrifices in other direc- tions were great. During the seven years succeeding the inception of the cotton business the growth of the village was extremely slow, the census of 1820 showing an increase over that of 1810 of only 298 inhab- itants, while during the next decade the increase was more than 2,500. The early tariff acts were only partially protective of the infant manu- factures of the country, and the disparity between the Americans and the inhabitants of Europe in capital, skill, and practical experience, was too great to be overcome by the insufficient tariff. With the beginning of the war duties were about doubled and the effect was immediate, both in stimulating manufactures and raising revenue. The wheels of industry moved more rapidly in all parts of the country. The people of Fall River were considerably affected by the embargo which pre- ceded the war and in August, 1808, the following is found in the records : Voted, that Charles Durfee, Edward Shove, Benjamin Bennett 2d Be a commite to Draft a petition to the president of the united States Respecting the imbargo. In the same month the following vote was passed : Voted that the Town Shall have their full Surply of Gun powder Bolls and flints agreable to Law. Voted that Charles Durfee be an agent to surply the Town with the afore said Ammonition or Worlike Stores. 460 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE The town records during the period of actual war are singularly- free from references to action relating to the conflict. After peace was declared steps were taken to dispose of guns and munitions belonging to the town, as described farther on. At the close of the war the country at large was in an exceedingly depressed condition, and the growth of the population in Fall River was slow until after 1820, as before stated. In 1816 duties on foreign goods were reduced and British manufactures were in substantial control of our markets from that date until the enactment of the tariff of 1824, which gave liberal protection; this was further increased in 1828, giving a forward im- petus to manufactures of all kinds, and leading to the establishment of many great industrial enterprises in Fall River, which are noticed farther on. In 1820 Fall River was still a struggling hamlet, but in the misty depths of the future, far-seeing men had already perceived its possibilities. The village had no bank until three years later; its first newspaper was not published until 1826; its public schools were few in number and much neglected, owing largely to the great number of private schools, and there was in sight very little to suggest the ap- proaching decade of splendid progress. CHAPTER XXVI. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER— A PERIOD OF RAPID GROWTH. The decade from 1820 to 1830 saw stupendous changes in Fall River. The number of inhabitants increased to 4,159, a gain of 2,564 (as be- fore stated), and by 1840 had reached 6,738. Among these were scores of intensely active, enthusiastic and enterprising men, who were in- spired by a determination to profit by the natural advantages of the village and its vicinity, and the protection afforded by increased duties. During the first decade mentioned there were organized the Pocasset Manufacturing Company, the Annawan, the Massassoit, the Robeson's or Fall River Print Works, a satinet manufacturing company, the Fall River Iron Works, the Watuppa Reservoir Company, and other indus- trial companies of less importance, while extensive additions were made to the older mills. The Fall River Manufactory, before described, THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 461 received the addition of a brick mill, three stories high, in 1827, called the Nankeen Mill, where nankeen cloth was made by Azariah and Jer- vis Shove, until the mill was demolished, together with the "Old Yel- low Mill " (as the first structure of the company was called), to clear a site for the new mill, called the "White Mill," erected by that com- pany in 1839. i In the period under consideration some of the wealth accumulated in New Bedford, in the whaling and kin- dred industries, found its way to Fall River for investment in cot ton manufacture. In 1821 members of the Robeson family ac- quired principal pos- session of land just west of Main street, including the falls, and organized the Po- casset Manufacturing Company, with paid- up capital of $100, 000, and Samuel Robeson as principal owner and president. This company secured the services of Oliver Chace as agent and at once built the so called Bridge Mill, which stood on the site of the old grist mill just north of the stream and in front of the site of the present Granite block site. A thousand spindles were at first put in the south half of the building, while the north half was leased to D. & D. Buffinton for manufacture of warp and batting. Near at hand on the south still stood the old fulling mill, before mentioned, the only one of the kind in the vicinity, Jesse Eddy. 462 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and then operated by Maj. Benjamin Brayton. Both of these struc- tures were burned in the fire of 1843. The Pocasset Company built also a small structure west of the ell of the Bridge Mill in which Job Eddy, of New Bedford, and later Edward and Oliver Hawes, printed calicoes in a small way for a short period. The same company erected in 1825 the building which became known as the Satinet Factory, in the north part of which Andrew Robeson (also of New Bedford), who came to Fall River in the fall of 1824, began a calico-printing business. The capital of this organization was $50,000, which was mainly sup- plied from New Bedford. The south half of the building was occupied by J. & J. Eddy 1 (Jesse and John), in the manufacture of woolen goods, whence came the name, Satinet Factory. This was occupied by them until 1849, when the Wamsutta Steam Woolen Mill was built on Mosquito Island. The Pocasset Company built also, in 1826, a stone structure on the site of the Quequechan Mill called the New Pocasset ; it was leased- by A. & J. Shove, who sublet the north half to Chase & Luther, and both firms began the manufacture of yarn and cloth. In the next year the company erected another stone building which was afterwards known as the Massasoit and later the Watuppa Mill This was a very large structure for that time, with a partition wall extend- ing from top to bottom and with two wheel pits, adapting it for lease to two separate firms. At this time Holder Borden, 2 a young man of 1 Jesse Eddy was born in Northbridge in 1801 and in his young years was engaged in manu- facturing at Woonsocket, R. I. Soon afterward he settled in Fall River and was long a promi- nent figure in the business life of the place. In association with Joseph Durfee he bought land and built a mill near the outlet of the pond on Mosquito Island, for the manufacture of the same kind of goods previously produced by J. & J. Eddy; but as operations were about to begin, Jo- seph Durfee died and work was not commenced in the new mill until January, 1849, with Jesse Eddy proprietor ; his son, Thomas P., was soon afterward taken into partnership, and the busi- ness continued twenty-one years, passing, in 1873, to the sons, Thomas F. and James C. Eddy, who continued under the firm style of Jesse Eddy's Sons. Mr. Eddy was one of the original trustees of the Fall River Savings Bank and many years its vice-president ; also president at a later period of the National Union Bank. He was a man of sterling character and admirable traits as a Christian citizen. a Holder Borden 'was a son of Capt. George Borden, mariner, and was born June 17, 1799. When about eighteen years old he entered the service of David Anthony, in the Fall River Manu- factory. About two years later he removed to Pawtucket, served a period as clerk for the Wilkin- sons, and then as agent of the Blackstone Company for Brown & Ives. Here he soon manifested business qualifications of an exceptional character, noted for their boldness and their success. As a member of the firm of Brown, Ives & Borden, he was one of the lessees of the Massasoit Mill, which was filled with machinery for making cotton cloth at an investment of about $100,000. A little later he became sole owner and successfully conducted the business. He subsequently became interested in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company, the Annawan Mill, the Fall River Manufactory, Fall River Iron Works, etc., and finally was the prime promoter and active manager of the American Print Works, as elsewhere described. The following personal description of this man was written by one fully competent for the task— Henry H. Earl-and THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 463 great business and executive ability and indomitable energy, came into the business life of the village. He leased the large mill building, opened the partition, put in a large quantity of machinery and began manufacturing sheetings, shirtings, Marseilles vestings, stuff for corded skirts, and other fabrics. In that mill and under Mr. Borden's direc- tion, belts were first introduced instead of gearing in cotton manufac- turing, reducing friction, giving a steadier motion, and dispensing with much of the noise. The Massasoit Mill soon acquired an extended reputation; though it contained only 9,000 spindles, it was far in ad- vance of any other then in operation in that respect; its unqualified success was the direct cause of the removal to and settlement in Fall River of many active men, and finally and firmly determined the later industrial trend of the village and city. Soon after the beginning of actual operation by the Pocasset Com- pany, measures were adopted which resulted in the formation of the Watuppa Reservoir Company. On the 13th of June, 1822, the Troy Company instructed James Driscoll, who was one of its directors, to confer with the directors of the Pocasset Company upon the establish- ment of a permanent mark for the height of flowage of the pond. This was the preliminary step that finally resulted in the construction of the new dam, as described in the preceding chapter. Many industries were called into early existence that were in some way connected with cotton and woolen manufactures, particularly in the is given space here on account of the enormous influence exerted by Mr. Borden during his short life upon the industrial growth of Fall River : u He was constantly scheming and planning some- thing new, keeping his counsels to himself until ready for action, then pushing on vigorously to the completion of his project. Not much of a talker, rather slow and deliberate in his speech, he had little patience with discursive remark in others, especially at board and committee meetings, and always demanded close attention to the subject in hand. In person he was tall and slim, in complexion dark and, contrary to the usual custom, allowed his beard to grow for the protection of his throat. In his dress and personal appointments he was extremely careful ; he walked with his head inclined slightly forward. He was a great smoker, and a lover of a good horse— a neces- sity to him in his frequent journeys to and from Providence. Although so full of business, he was as attentive to details as to larger matters, and being somewhat of a nervous disposition, . any inattention or inaccuracy in little things was sure to excite his comment and call forth his displeasure. He possessed the happy faculty of impressing others with his own views and aims, and in consequence was a leader among leaders. Rarely has one so young in years as Holder Borden attained such prominence in a community and held it so securely during his entire career. Rarely has so successful and so brilliant a business life been compassed by fifteen years, especially when those are the first and e&rly years of manhood. Rarely does one from the start combine these three elements of assured success, 'bold energy, untiring industry, and unbending integrity.'" Mr. Borden was attacked by that dreaded disease, consumption, and died September 12, 1837, aged thirty-eight years. Mr. Borden's family was closely connected by marriage with the Durfee family. The widow of his father married Major Bradford Durfee, and three of his sisters married respectively Dr. Nathan Durfee, Joseph Durfee and Matthew C. Durfee. 464 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. production of the fine machinery needed in the factories. As early as 1821 the firm of Harris, Hawes & Co. was formed and occupied two floors of a building erected for their use by the Pocasset Company. On the lower floor was the grist mill of Miller Chace. Harris, Hawes & Co. made much of the machinery for the Bridge Mill and later im- provements in that and the Troy and the Fall River Mills. They sub- sequently removed into the north end of the Satinet Factory and con- tinued under the firm name of O. S. Hawes & Co. Job Eddy removed his calico printing business, before described, to New Bedford and the Satinet Factory was then occupied by certain persons as a bleachery and in 1829 by the Fall River Bleaching and Calendering Company. Just east of the present Watuppa Mill, Edward Bennett & Brother had a carding factory in a small building. During the progress of these improvements near the head of the stream, most of which were instigated by the Pocasset Company, others were projected below. Among these was the Annawan Manufactory, organized in 1825, with capital of $160,000, and a brick building was erected near the junction of Annawan and Pocasset streets, under the superintendency and agency of Major Bradford Durfee. 1 The thirty shares of stock were taken as follows: Abraham and Isaac Wilkinson, 4 shares ; Bradford Durfee, 2 ; William Valentine, 2 ; Joseph Butler, 2 ; Richard Borden, 2; Holder Borden, 4; Benjamin Rodman, 8; Francis Rotch, 1; William B. Rotch, 1; Thomas Swain, 1; William Swain, 1; Charles W. Morgan, 2. It will be seen that nearly half of the stock was taken by New Bedford men. Meanwhile to accommodate the increasing financial transactions of 1 Major Bradford Durfee, son of Benjamin Durfee and Sarah (Borden) Durfee, was born in 1788 and in his early life worked at ship building and kindred occupations. Previous to 1821 the sloops Pall River, Golden Age and Reindeer, and schooners High Flyer, the Irene and Betsey, and others were built and engaged in the coasting or West India trade. In this occupation Major Durfee demonstrated his possession of business ability of a high order. Upon the formation of the Iron Works Company he was chosen superintendent and was in direct charge of the erection of the plant. When the steamboat line was established between Fall River and Providence he- took charge of that also. In 1838 he visited Europe in company with William C. Davol, on a tour of inspection of improved machinery used in various industries. Returning he brought out the Sharp & Roberts self-acting mule, the first one of which was set up in the Annawan Mill, and it was through his sagacious influence that the firm of Hawes, Marvel & Davol was formed for the manufacture of English mules, in which they were very successful. Major Durfee and Mr. Davol also secured abroad drawings for the so-called " egg-shaped " furnace and boiler, a valuable and economical steam producer. In the general development of Fall River and its varied interests, Major Durfee was a leader, and his death was a distinct loss to the community. He was taken suddenly ill soon after the great fire of 1343, from the effects of his exertions on that occasion, and died within twenty-four hours, at the age of fifty-four years. His first wife was Phebe Borden, widow of George Borden, and his second wife was Mary Brayton. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 465 the village steps were taken to organize the first banking institution. A meeting was held at the office of James Ford on January 18, 1825, the proceedings of which are thus recorded: At a meeting of the citizens of the village of Fall River at the office of James Ford, Esq., January 18, 1825, pursuant to previous notice, to take into considera- tion the expediency of establishing a bank in said village, David Anthony being called to the chair and James Ford appointed secretary, it was Voted and Resolved, That a petition be presented to the Legislature, at their present session, for a charter for a bank; That a committee of five be appointed to receive subscription for the stock, and to cause the petition to be presented ; That Oliver Chace, David Anthony, Bradford Durfee, Richard Borden, and James Ford be this committee ; That five cents on a share be paid by the subscribers to defray the expenses that may accrue in obtaining an act of incorporation ; That Oliver Chace be treasurer to receive the above money. A true copy. Attest: M. C. Durfee. The act of incorporation was obtained and contains the names of Oliver Chace, David Anthony, Bradford Durfee, Richard Borden, Na- thaniel B. Borden, John C. Borden, Lucius Smith, Samuel Smith, Clark Shove, Harvey Chace, Edward Bennett, Arnold Buffum, James Ford, James G. Bowen, William W. Swain, Benjamin Rodman, Will- iam Valentine and Holder Borden, the name of the institution being the Fall River Bank. The first meeting of the stockholders was held April 7, 1825, and Oliver Chace, David Anthony, Bradford Durfee, Sheffield Weaver, Edward Bennett, Gideon Howland, Benjamin Rod- man, John C. Borden, and Richard Borden were elected directors. At a meeting held May 3, 1825, David Anthony was chosen president, and Matthew C. Durfee, cashier. This was the only bank of discount in the village for twenty years. The capital was fixed at $100,000, which was increased in 1827 to $200,000; in 1836 to $400,000; in 1844 it was reduced to $350,000, but was increased to $400,000 in 1864 and so re- mains. David Anthony served as president forty years, resigning in 1865, when he was succeeded by Richard Borden. At his death in 1874 he was succeeded by Guilford Hathaway, and he by Ferdinand H. Gif- ford, the present president. Matthew C. Durfee continued cashier un- til 1836, when he resigned and was succeeded by Henry H. Fish, who resigned in 1863; he was followed by George R. Fiske, who was suc- ceeded in 1873 by Ferdinand H. Gifford. The present cashier is George H. Eddy, jr. In 1864 the bank was organized under the Na- tional system with its present title. The first bank ^building was 59 466 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. erected of brick in 1826, on the corner of Main and Bank streets. It was burned by the great fire of 1843, and rebuilt soon afterward. The present bank building was erected in 1892. It was an almost inevitable consequence of the rapidly developing manufacture of cotton cloth in Fall River, that calico printing, which has always been so closely allied with the primary industry, should be introduced and energetically promoted until it became an important factor in the business life of the place. The first efforts to establish this industry here have been noticed in preceding pages. The influence of the Rodmans, of New Bedford, brought to Fall River, soon after their advent and organization of the Pocasset Company, their relative, Andrew Robeson, 1 who has been termed the father of calico printing in Fall River. He was already a practical millwright, having had charge of his father's several flour mills at Germantown, Pa. He kept his residence in New Bedford and drove daily back and forth, frequently over wretched roads and in the worst of weather — experience made endurable by his robust physique and remarkably strong constitution. The first print cloths were made in the Bridge Mill, seven eighths to a yard wide, considerably coarser than the 28 inch 64 by 64 of the pres- ent time, 44 picks to the square inch and of No 20 or 25 yarn. These cloths were bought and printed by Mr. Robeson. His first efforts were confined to the use of simple colors, his help being imported from Eng- land and Scotland; but he possessed the spirit of investigation and kept 1 Andrew Robeson was a native of New Bedford and a prominent member of the old family of that name who were conspicuous in the early history of that place. A considerable part of the active years of his life was passed in promoting the industries of Fall River, more particularly in connection with early calico printing. In the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles he persevered in that business until the name of Andrew Robeson's Prints was favorably known in every trade center of the country. He was not only an energetic, far-seeing and persevering manufacturer, but was also a humanitarian in a broad sense. When he began business in Fall River it was customary to pay operatives in " store pay." He broke away from this pernicious system and paid cash promptly every month . The effects of this action were marked and factory stores soon became a thing of the past. When it was made obligatory by law that children em- ployed in factories should attend school during a portion of each year, Mr, Robeson promptly inaugurated a plan in his works which he believed would be for the benefit of his employees. Dividing them into three classes, he gave each class one-third of each day for study, and estab- lished a school which was taught by Louis Lapham. He was a man of the highst integrity, open- handed generosity and warm sympathy for the oppressed. It was written of him at the time of his death (December 8, 1862,) by one who worked for him as a lad and was his intimate friend during the remainder of his life, as follows: "With heart open to every just and generous im- pulse, he did not merely relieve pressing instances of suffering and want, but he took a higher view of humanity, and sought to remove the causes of suffering and wrong by aiding the op- pressed and instructing the needy and ignorant. He was a firm and liberal friend of the slave and the anti-slavery cause, supported liberty where/er found, and opposed oppression in all its forms." THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 467 abreast of the times in the advancement of the art. Block printing soon came into practice and the number of colors was increased to as many as seven. It was not long before he outgrew his quarters in the Satinet Factory, and in 1826 purchased the land and water power oc- cupied by the later Fall River Print Works, where he erected the nec- essary buildings for the business. To these, needed additions were made up to 1836 when the last structure was built. According to Mr. Earl, it is probable that the first printing machine in the United States was made in Mr. Robeson's works, by Ezra Marble and a Frenchman, both of whom were employed in the blacksmith shop of the works; Mr. Marble came to Fall River from Somerset in 1824, and received his ideas of the printing machine from the Frenchman who had seen one in his native country. The machine was constructed and set up in 1827, and with a few alterations was successfully used a number of years. At a later date Mr. Robeson took his two sons, William R. and Andrew, jr., into partnership, the firm name being Andrew Robeson & Sons. Copper rollers were introduced in 1832, and yard-wide rollers in 1837. Acids in the preparation of colors were first used through the knowledge and assistance of Alvan Clark, who subsequently gained a world-wide reputation as a maker of lenses and telescopes. Block printing continued until 1841, when a strike of workmen forced the further introduction of machines, and the other process was substan- tially abandoned. Considerable difficulty was experienced in the early years of the industry in properly drying the cloth in the large drysheds then in use ; machine drying had not then been introduced. The firm of Andrew Robeson & Sons was eminently successful, and the reputation of their product extended abroad, giving them unlimited credit, which enabled them to start kindred enterprises in a number of other cities. The depression of 1848 found them with a large stock of goods on hand and with extensive and varied business connections. Unable to quickly concentrate their resources, the firm suspended and turned over to their creditors their whole property. This led to the organization of the Fall River Print Works as a corporation, and print- ing continued. Between 1858 and 1864 cotton machinery was intro- duced in the works, the printing machinery gradually removed, and the factory was finally given up wholly to the manufacture of print cloths. This mill ultimately became the Quequechan Mill, described farther on. To conclude a brief account of the Satinet Factory, to which refer- 468 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ence has already been made, it should be stated that the manufacture of that former popular quality of goods, made with cotton warp and wool filling, began by the firm of Samuel Shove & Co., which was composed of Mr. Shove and John and Jesse Eddy; Mr. Shove with- drew in 1834, the Eddys continuing. The first looms were in the third story of the building. John Eddy conducted the manufacture and Jesse the buying and selling, the latter traveling over a wide extent of territory to obtain sufficient wool for the business. The produc tions of this factory became very favorably known and found a ready market; but in. 1843 this kind of goods gave way to cassimere, an all wool fabric. In 1845 the Satinet Factory was demolished to make room for another structure and the business was removed to what was known as Eagle Mill, in Tiverton. The firm of J. & J. Eddy soon afterward dissolved and the factory was carried on by others for a few years, when it was burned. In farther description of the industries founded in Fall River between 1830 and 1840, we must again step aside from the cotton manufactories and kindred works. The Fall River Iron Works was established in 1821. At that time Col. Richard Borden ' was operating a small grist mill near the foot of the stream and building small vessels at the mouth of the creek. His acquaintance was made by Major Durfee, who had 1 Col. Richard Borden, as he was familiarly known, was born April 12, 1795. From 1812 to about 1820 he operated the old grist mill which stood just west of the site of the Annawan Mill. He was the principal promoter of the organization of the Iron Company, which was not only successful in its first and primaryjbusiness, but became interested in many other large industries, among them the Watuppa Reservoir Company, organized in 1826 ; the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory; in the Fall River Manufactory; in the Annawan Mill, built by it in 1825; in the American Print Works, the buildings of which were all erected by this company and leased to the Print Works Company ; in the Metacomet Mill, built in 1846 ; in the Fall River Railroad, opened in 1846, and the Bay State Steamboat Line, established in 1847 ; in the Fall River Gas Works, built in 1847, and in the erection of many buildings for lease to individuals or firms. In all of these extensive connections Colonel Borden was a master mind. No other citizen of Fall River was the recipient of so many honors of responsible office in connection with the industries and insti- tutions of the city. Among the positions held by him were president and director of the Ameri- can Print Works, the American Linen Company, the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, the Richard Borden Mill Company, the Mount Hope Mill Company, the Fall River National Bank, director and treasurer of the Fall River Iron Works, director of the Annawan and Metacomet Mill Companies, president of the Watuppa Reservoir Company, the Bay State Steamboat Company, Providence Tool Company, Cape Cod Railroad Company, and an officer in many other com- panies or corporations. In many of these he exercised a commanding influence, and his judg- ment and counsel were sought for guidance in all important measures. Colonel Borden was a representative of the best type o£ New England Christian man ; he joined tl)e First Congrega- tional Church in 1826, and was later a leader in the Central Congregational Church, and in all Christian movements was an active participant and liberal contributor. His integrity was stamped upon his face and his untiring energy, stability of purpose under discouragement, fair- ness toward all men, and his many other noble qualities cause his memory to be revered. His death took place in 1874. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 469 learned the shipbuilder's trade, and the two became closely interested in the construction of such vessels as were then in demand. This busi- ness was the direct and natural predecessor of the Fall River Iron Works, and to those two men belongs the larger measure of credit for the successful founding of the industry. With them were associated Holder Borden, David Anthony, with William Valentine, Joseph But- ler, and Abraham and Isaac Wilkinson, of Providence. The capital was $24,000, and the $6,000 contributed by the Wilkinsons was soon drawn out of the business, leaving the working capital $18,000. The first works of the company were built on the site of the Metacomet Mill and the product of hoop iron was largely sold in New Bedford for use on oil casks. Bar iron was also produced and the making of nails commenced, with two machines. When a cargo was accumulated Colonel Borden would sail with it in a sloop to New York and up the Hudson to a market. The business was profitable and the plant was enlarged and other products added, until 1840, when the plant was re- moved to its present situation, where wharves were secured, better buildings provided .and more liberal space obtained. Twice the rolling mill has been burned, first on June 2, 1843, and the second time on November 11, 1859. It was immediately rebuilt on. both occasions. When the company was first formed it secured by purchase for $10,000 the section of land lying along the shore to the south and west of the creek, as far as Annawan street on the south and to Canal street on the east; the land south to Ferry street was subsequently secured. Previous to the establishment of a regular line of steamboats between Fall River and Providence by Colonel Borden in 1827, with the steamer Hancock, various attempts had been made in that direction, but with only partial and temporary success. The line mentioned sufficed for the accommodation of the public until after 1840, as noticed farther on. In the newspaper field no other journal was added to the Monitor until after 1830. Another bank was incorporated in the village in 1828, the charter, dated March 11, being granted to Oliver Chace, James Ford, Harvey Chace, Bradford Durfee, John C. Borden, Clark Shove and Hez- ekiah Battelle, as incorporators of the " Fall River Institution for Sav- ings.' Micah H. Ruggles was chosen president of the institution; Harvey Chace, secretary, and there was a board of eighteen trustees as follows : David Anthony, Samuel Chace, Nathaniel B. Borden, John C. Borden, Harvey Chace, Joseph Gooding, James Ford, Bradford Durfee, Richard Borden, John S. Cotton, Clark Shove, Philip R. Bennett, Joseph 470 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. C. Luther, Jesse Eddy, Enoch French, Hezekiah Battelle, Matthew C. Durfee and William H. Hawkins. James Ford was elected treasurer. The bank was opened for business May 28, 1828, and the firrt year's deposits amounted to $3,224, from fifty eight depositors. The first dividend was made in October, 1828, of $13.04. The institution has always been sagaciously managed and has met with great success. Be- tween April, 1837, and October, 1866, there was paid in dividends $1,819,162.31. After 1867 the business of the bank advanced still more rapidly, gaining for several years from a half to three-quarters of a million annually. The first incorporating act gave the bank an exist- ence of twenty years. In April, 1847, by special vote of 'the Legisla- ture the first act was continued without limitation. In April, 1855, the name of the institution was changed to The Fall River Savings Bank. Micah H. Ruggles was succeeded as president in 1857 by Na- thaniel B. Borden, and he by Job French in 1865. William Lindsey succeeded Mr. French in 1882, served to 1888, and was succeeded by A. S. Tripp. He died the same year. In 1889 Crawford E. Lind- sey was elected; he removed from the State and Thomas J. Borden was elected in 1894, and is still in office. C. A. Bassett has been treas- urer since 1877, succeeding Joseph F. Lindsey; he succeeded William H. Hawkins. In respect to the date of its organization what is now the National Union Bank is the oldest financial institution in Fall River and it has had a varied history. Its original charter was dated in 1823 with the name, The Bristol Union Bank, of Bristol, R. I. Its authorized cap- ital was $50,000, with the privilege of increase to $200,000. Beginning business in January, 1824, with a paid in capital of $10,000, this was increased within two years to $40,000. Baranbas Bates and Parker Borden held the office of president in the year 1824, and the latter con- tinued until 1838 ; prior to this date Nathaniel Wardell, Josiah Good- ing and William Coggeshall successfully held the position of cashier, the latter continuing until 1860. Meanwhile, in 1830, the bank was removed to the town of Tiverton, just over the Fall River line and its name changed to the Fall River Union Bank. In 1837 the bank erected the brick building on the corner of South Main and Rodman streets, and there continued business until 1862. In that year Fall River, R. I., was brought within Massachusetts jurisdiction and the bank was re- moved to the southwest corner of what is now the city hall. In June, 1865, the bank became The National Union Bank and in 1872 removed THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 471 to No. 3 Main street. David Durfee succeeded Parker Borden as pres- ident in 1838, and was followed by Nathaniel B. Borden" in 1846. Jesse Eddy was made president in 1865, and was succeeded by Cook Borden in 1874. Daniel Chapin was made cashier, succeeding Mr. Coggeshall in 1860. Cook Borden was succeeded as president in 1880 by Daniel Wilbur, who was followed in 1896 by Thomas B. Covel. Daniel Chap- in resigned as cashier in September, 1888, and was succeeded by John T. Burrell, the present incumbent. The capital stock is now $200,000. The loss of news- paper files in Fall River is s serious ob- stacle in obtaining details of the early history of the village. In this part of the present task nothing can supply the place of newspapers which can always be relied upon for a reasonably faithful description of the times in which they were published. This chapter may be appropriately closed with such fragmentary notes as could be drawn from the early broken files of the Monitor, the first Nathaniel B. Borden. 1 Nathaniel Briggs Borden was a descendant in the seventh generation from Richard who came from England in 1635 and was born April 15, 1801, in what became Fall River. He was a son of Simeon Borden and Amey (Briggs) Borden After obtaining such education as he could before he arrived at sixteen years of age, he returned home to begin his busy life. When the Pocasset Manufacturing Company was organized in 1821, in which his father was interested, the young man was chosen clerk and treasurer and held the office until 1838, when he resigned to assume his duties in Congress. During the period of his clerkship with the Pocasset Company he was constantly connected with the extensive building and other operations of that corpora- 472 OUK COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. newspaper in the village, from which the reader will be aided in forming his mental picture of the place during the period under consideration. The Monitor was started in 1826, and from the issue of September 26 of that year we learn that a party from Providence visited Fall River a few days earlier, one of whom was a Providence editor, from whose publish- ed notes of the trip it is learned that the party " passed Slade's ferry, now accommodated with a fine horse-boat in operation. It is propelled by two horses, one on each wheel, on the treadmill principle." Con- tinuing, the editor wrote : We landed on the long and spacious wharf which forms the landing place of the little manufacturing and commercial city of Fall River. . Large lumber vessels were landing the materials for buildings erecting or about to be erected here. An improvement in the ascent leading from the landing is desirable. . Some few years ago we remember passing frequently through this village, which then consisted of seven or eight houses, and saw, a grist mill and one woolen factory, built in 1813. There was one inn and we recollect the good landlady was much surprised that her guests complained of the eggs being hard, though she declared she had boiled them fifteen minutes. In about a quarter of a mile the little stream tributary to Taunton River falls 140 feet, and here is the secret of the wealth and enterprise of Fall River. Art and industry have usurped the plan of nature. The old saw mill is standing, and the yellow factory, but everything else is changed. Within the space of the descent to the river there now stand ten factories, . one 200 and another 181 feet in length. . . There are six cotton mills in operation containing about 10,000 spindles, and three others just commencing operations on a very large scale. One extensive satinet factory which operates fifty looms — two calico printing establish- ments that turn out 200 pieces a day ; three grist mills, two saw mills, five machine shops, six carding machines, and one shingle and lath mill. Just at the mouth of the stream . are extensive iron works, viz., one rolling and slitting mill, one nail factory, one blasting furnace and a forge. The editor noticed many boarding-houses, four meeting-houses, thir- ty-six stores, a tavern " remarkable for its stone sign post 36 feet high," one printingtoffice, three physicians, three attorneys, one brick yard and one bank. He added : tion, in all of which he demonstrated the possession of unusual executive and business ability. He served in many town offices and in 1831, 1834, 1851 and 1864 he was a member of the lower branch of the State Legislature and in 1845 and 1847 was in the Senate of the State. In 1834 he was elected to Congress on the Anti-Masonic and Jacksonian ticket and was re-elected in 1836 ; for this office he was defeated in21838, but was again elected in 1840, and declined nomination for the next term. In 1847 he was chosen president of the Fall River Railroad Company, holding the position until 1854. In 1856 he was chosen mayor of Fall River, and during the trying "hard times " of 1856-7 was untiring in his efforts for amelioration of the distress of the community. He was in the Board of Aldermen from 1859 until his death in 1865, and was president of the Fall River Union Bank and the Fall River Savings Bank at the time of his death, which took place April 10, 1865. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 473 The village contains 700 children under 16 years of age. Building here is a mere pastime. Twenty-five dwelling houses containing 75 families were erected in 1825, and thirty are built and building this year. The number of inhabitants is probably 2,000. Seven sloops belong to the village and are employed in transporting goods and materials. The only fault the historian can find in this description of the Fall River of long ago is its brevity and lack of completeness; it comprises about all that remains of a descriptive char- acter relating to the early village that can be found in the frag- mentary newspaper files now in existence. In one of the very early numbers of the Monitor, published in January, 1826, we find advertisements of a "Grand State Lot- tery," the business of which was transacted in John C. Borden's office; Bennett & Ja- cob (in Borden's new building) general store; James Ford, attorney ; John South- wick, general store, North Main street, opposite the post-of- fice; Reed & Godfrey, general store, nearly 1 opposite the post-of- fice ; Nathan Hall, printer ; Hiram Bliss, grocer ; Samuel S. Liscomb, cabi- net maker, opposite Borden's new building; Gardner Chace, tomb- stones; J. & D. Leonard, painting and glazing, opposite Col. Bradford Durfee's; John South wick, boots and shoes; Robert Chappell, baker, South Main street, a few rods south of Fall River Bridge; D. & D. Buffinton, brushes, South Main street; Perry Davis, oyster house; John 60 Nathan Durfee. 474 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Stetson advertised a boy absconded; Cromwell Bliss, grocer under Blake's hotel; Otis Bliss, West India goods, 3 West Central street; Fall River Bank, M. C. Durfee, cashier; Benjamin Chace, granite stone; Nathan Durfee, 1 drugs, West Central street; Joseph Gooding, watches (at sign of the watch); Harvey Chace, clapboards; Jencks Norton, Philadelphia flour; Sarah M. Gellet, milliner, over Enoch French & Son's store; Reed & Godfrey, hats; Enoch French, 2 lumber; M. Rey- nolds, milliner; Samuel Shove & Co., dry goods, next east of Bennett & Jacob ; Blake & Nichols, dry goods, new store, moved into the Ben- nett & Jacob store; Susan Jennings, and Mrs. Hannah Allen, tailor- ing; John S. Cotton, dry goods, "at the old stand formerly occupied by the Fall River Manufacturing Company " ; Enoch French & Sons, boots and shoes, nearly opposite Blake's hotel; Peleg H. Earl, mer- chant tailor, removed to new store north of Blake's hotel ; William N. Spinney, boots and shoes. The early numbers of the Monitor notice further a private school taught by James Ames, which was removed to the chamber of the school house of J. C. Borden. Tuition was from $1.50 to $3.50 per 1 Dr. Nathan Durfee was a son of Charles and grandson of Hon. Thomas Durfee, and was born June 8, 1799, and married Delane Borden, daughter of George and sister of Holder Borden. He graduated at Brown University in the class of 1834, studied medicine at Harvard, but his tastes led him away from his profession, which he practiced only a short time. He opened his drug store mentioned above in a brick building, the first structure of that material in the town- ship. Later he built his brick residence on the northeast corner of Bank and North Main streets, and kept his store in the first story. Early in the period of rapid growth in Fall River he became interested in various business projects ; was a director in the Iron Works, the American Print Works, the old Fall River Railroad, and the Cape Cod Railroad, and was one of the proprietors of the Bay State Steamboat Line; he was also interested in several of the banks ; was principal owner of the Massasoit Steam Print Mills, which were burned in 1875. After the fire of 1843 he built the Mount Hope block for a hotel. Dr. Durfee held several municipal offices, was representative in the General Court several years, was a large land owner and deeply interested in agriculture, and in all respects honorably filled the measure of good citizenship. He died April 6, 1876. ! The French families of Fall Fall River are descended from Ephraim French, who came from England about 1680 and settled in Raynham. Enoch French settled in Fall River and in 1799 mar- ried Sarah Read ; they had ten children. Enoch French was born in 1779. He learned the tan- ner's business in Read's tannery, which was situated at what is known as French's Hill. In 1820 he opened the first boot and shoe store in Fall River, on the corner of North Main and Central streets, and his sons, Asa, Stephen L. and Job B. served as clerks. In 1828 he moved a few doors west and in 1824 again returned to Main street. The three sons were subsequently associated with him in business, and in 1832 the firm dissolved, Asa taking the tannery, Stephen the shoe manufactory, and Job remaining in the store with his father. Enoch French was an influential and useful citizen ; he was selectman four years, and representative three years ; was one of the corporators of the Fall River Savings Bank, and a member and officer of the Baptist Church more than forty years. After his death his son, Job B., continued the business until January, 1864, when he admitted Edward A. French. Job B. French was a member of the Common Council several years, and representative in 1835 and 1841 ; he was president of the Fall River Savings Bank many years, a director in the Mechanics' Mills and president of the Weetamoe Mills. He died May 13, 1894. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 475 quarter. The Argonaut is noticed as running to Providence, and in a certain week fifteen vessels of all kinds arrived and twelve cleared. A school house had recently been built, and a public meeting was called therein to consult upon additions to the fire apparatus. Six letters were advertised not called for in the post-office. David Seabury & Co. published notice of their partnership to deal in "American, English and West India goods in the store lately occupied by Reed & Godfrey." George Pepall was a fancy dyer, and William R. Pitman noticed his removal from Providence to deal in watches and jewelry. Thomas D wight sold books. In December, 1826, the death of Elder Thomas Simmons, in Rehoboth, was noted, at the age of one hundred and four years and five months; he preached after he was ninety-nine years old. In the spring of 1837 the fact was chronicled that the steamer Marco Bozarris, a new boat, began running between Dighton and New York. Young newspaper men of the present day will be interested in learning /that the first item of local news did not appear in the Monitor until it was more than a year old, when in March, 1827, the incoming of spring was announced. In March, 1827, a long notice appeared in the paper of an attempt to establish an infant school, to be opened " in the cham- ber next door to the post-office for the reception of scholars from 1 to 8 years of age." Tuition, $1.50 per quarter; "books, slates, fuel, etc., 50c." The notice is signed by Arnold Buffum. The Fall River and Providence "Accommodation Stage " was noticed as leaving Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; fare $1,00; D. Borden and A. D. Borden, proprietors. Oliver H. Bush had a brass foundry and copper manufac- tory a few rods south of the bridge. It may safely be assumed that these brief notes of the business estab- lishments of the village include nearly all that were of any particular importance at that time; for the local paper was liberally supported and for that early date the merchants were generous advertisers. A writer in the press of 1826-7 who made a voyage up the river to Somer set, spoke of Fall River as " a city of the wilderness, rising in the midst of hills, trees, and water-falls and rural scenery." Again he wrote, " Industry is the presiding goddess of Fall River; an idle man could no more live there than a beetle in a bee-hive." No more suggestive remark could have been made regarding the character of the inhabitants of the little village.' 1 The first number of the Fall River Monitor appeared on January t), 1826, with Nathan Hall, proprietor ; the paper was only 19 by 24 inches in size, with four columns to the page. In his 476 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE Prior to 1830 there had been four church societies organized in Fall River. The first of these was the First Baptist, which was formed in 1781. There is a record in existence of which the following is a copy : February the 15th day 1781. then was established the 2nd baptis church of Christ in Freetown, In fellowship with Elder Thompson's and Elder Luises Churches. The organization of this society probably took place in the house of Jonathan Brownell, which stood on what is now North Main street, east of the site of the Third Baptist church. At the time of organization there were thirty members, sixteen of whom were males. The first pastor was ordained on May 22, 1783; this was Elder Amos Burrows, the services being conducted in the house of Samuel Warren, by Elders Thompson of Swansea, Burrows of Tiverton, and Goff of Dighton. Elder Burrows remained only one year with the church, and five years later the church chose two of its young men "to improve their gifts in public and to attend meetings where they shall be requested. " The services had thus far been much interrupted, and three years later arrangements were made to obtain more regular worship. On the third Tuesday of May, 1795, these two young men, James Boomer and Job Borden, were ordained, and during the same month Joseph Stillwell and Nathaniel Boomer were invited "to act as deacons until some should be chosen." In 1799 the church joined the Warren Association. For about eight years the two pastors faithfully served the church, when in 1804 Elder Boomer left and Elder Borden remained. On June 13, 1789, a committee meeting was held " concerning the meeting- house." That house at the Narrows was probably opened for worship about 1800, when the name of the church was changed from " The Church in Freetown, Dartmouth and Tiverton," to " The Second Bap- opening editorial the writer expressed his confidence that his paper " will receive a liberal pat- ronage, provided it be conducted on fair principles and contain that variety of intelligence which subscribers have a right to demand." In the fall of 1836 Benjamin Earl began an apprenticeship in the Monitor office and after serving his three years and about six months more as a journey- man, he purchased the establishment, beginning his term as publisher on July 1, 1830 ; he con- tinued until 1838, when he sold out to Tripp & Pearce. During Mr. Earl's ownership of the busi- ness, J. S. Hammond was associated with him and James Ford (the attorney) acted as editor most of the period. During the well-remembered Anti-Masonic era the Monitor wisely took the pro- Masonry side. The firm of. Tripp & Pearce (N. A. Tripp, Alfred Pearce) made their purchase of the Monitor in March, 1838, and three months later Henry Pratt assumed the interest of Mr. Pearce. The firm of Tripp & Pratt continued until 1850, when Mr. Tripp went out to start the Daily Star. In 1841 William S. Robertson entered the Monitor office as apprentice and continued in employ of Mr. Pratt until 1855, when he engaged in business. In December, 1868, he took up publication of the Monitor, which had then been suspended several months. On January 1, 1871. he enlarged the paper and continued it on prosperous lines. The Monitor closed its career in 1898. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 477 tist Church in Tiverton." On November 13, 1802, the records contain this allusion to the new meetinghouse: "Chose George Crocker to have the care of the meeting house." This leads to the conclusion that worship began there between 1799 and 1802. The records for the next twenty-five years are mere fragments. In 1827-29 a great revival took place in which more than ninety persons joined the church. At the same time the name was again changed to The First Baptist Church of Troy, and the second meeting-house was built. The new meeting- house referred to was the one on South Main street, which was subse- quently sold to the Episcopal society ; it was dedicated July 30, 1828. For 1829 Elder Seth Ewer supplied the pulpit, and was succeeded by Rev. Bradley Miner. Rev. Asa Bronson became pastor April 4, 1833, and in the following year, in consonance with the change of the name of the town the church took its fourth title. In 1836 the church be- came one of the constituent members of the Taunton Baptist Associa- tion. The first meeting was held in the new house of worship called the Temple, July 1, 1840, and the house was dedicated September 16, of that year. During the pastorate of Mr. Bronson, continuing eleven years, there were remarkable revivals and 709 were added to the mem- bership. Rev. V. R. Hotchkiss was chosen pastor December 4, 1845. The Temple was conveyed to the Second Church in October, 1847, and the congregation worshiped in Union Hall until the first Sunday in 1850, when they occupied their new church edifice on North Main street. Rev. A. P. Mason succeeded Mr. Hotchkiss as pastor, and was followed for one year (1853) by Rev. Jacob R. Scott. Later pastors have been Revs. Jonathan Aldrich, one year; P. B. Haughwout, 1855- 70; Daniel C. Eddy, D.D., 1871-73; Albion K. P. Small, 1874-83; Rev. T. S. Barbour, 1883-96; Rev. F. H. Rowley, 1897/ 1 From the old Freetown records and other sources considerable knowledge is gained of re- ligious affairs in the territory which eventually became Fall River a century before that town was set off from Freetown In the very early years frequent presentments were made to the General Court by the grand jury for not being provided with a resident minister, according to law. These presentments were considered in town meetings and answering measures adopted. The predominant Quaker element in the town, that was individually and collectively opposed to the establishment and payment of settled ministers, made it extremely difficult to comply with the law in this respect. At a town meeting held in February, 1703, just a hundred years before Fall River was set off, Robert Durfee was chosen agent to endeavor "to bring in a man into town, to educate and instruct children in reading and writing, and dispensing the Gospel to the town's acceptance." This resulted in securing William Way, from Marshfield, whose services as teacher are described in a later chapter relating to schools. Whether he was installed, or how much he preached is not definitely known; at all events he was not satisfactory and went away in 1707. In May, 1709, a petition was sent to the Court asking aid in settling a minister, and twenty pounds were granted under certain restrictions. In March, 1711, Rev. Samuel Dantorth, ot Taunton, pe- 478 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The numerous Quakers in this vicinity held their meetings, without a doubt, from their earliest settlement. They cared little for public church buildings and were entirely content to gather in their own dwellings to worship in their own way. Of those meetings there is, of course, no existing record. It is known that some of their meetings were held in the Troy Mill dye house. When Eber Slade built a boat sufficient for the purpose it was customary for many of the Quakers to go on board at Durfee's wharf and go to Reed's Cove to the meetings in the old Somerset church. The first Friends' meeting-house in Fall River was built about the year 1821 on the site that has ever since been occupied for that purpose on North Main street. At that time it was thought the old building would suffice for the meetings for all time ; but the rapid increase in the sect soon demanded larger accommoda- tions and measures were adopted to meet the necessity. The old build- ing was purchased by the town and removed to Rock street, where it was used for a school house. On the 12th day of September, 1836, the frame of the present building was raised and the structure was finished and opened on the 12th of December of the same year. Two meetings were held on that memorable day and large numbers listened to Lind- ley Murray Hoag, an eloquent minister of the denomination. The interest of the afternoon meeting was enhanced by the funeral services of John Buffinton, a well-known citizen and member of the society. titioned the Court asking that Mr. Avery have compensation for preaching seven Sabbaths in Freetown, which was granted. Again in the same year a like sum was granted to pay Rev. Recompense Wadsworth for preaching; but objections were made by some to a minister having a salary and he was not called. When, on February 2, 1710, the town voted to build a meeting-house 36 feet long, 26 wide, and 18 feet between joints, a committee, consisting of Samuel Danforth, John Sparhawk, of Bristol, and Richard Billings, of Little Compton, was chosen to designate the site for the house. The de- cision was that it should be built on land offered to the town by Samuel Lynde. This comprised two and one half acres on lot 14 of the Freeman's Purchase, in the north part of the present Fall River. Mr. Lynde gave the land to be used for "a meeting-house, burial ground and training field." There the old church was built and accepted by the town in 1714; it stood for about one hundred years but was not occupied by settled ministers probably more than a third of that time. In 1715 Rev. Thomas Creaghead began preaching and continued until 1721. During the succeeding twenty-five years there was no settled minister and repeated presentments were made to the Court. Finally, on September 30, 1747, sixty years after Freetown was organized the Congregational Church was formed and in December of that year Rev. Silas Brett was installed as the first regular pastor. In order to quiet the opposition of the many who were against pay- ing a salary to a minister, Mr. Brett made a written agreement that he would only look for sup- port to free-will offerings. He was given the use of a farm of fifty-three acres lying east of the road and in Fall River territory, where a parsonage was built; the farm was given by William Hall, John Turner, Ambrose Barnaby, and Samuel Read, in trust to the Congregational minis- ters of Dighton, Berkley and Plymouth for their use forever. Mr. Brett preached about thirty years and died at Easton, April 17, 1791. This farm is now part of the estate of the late Samuel Brown, formerly mayor of Fall River. The old church was demolished manv years ago. The land is the property of the city, and its use as a burial ground is abandoned. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 479 Mr. Buffinton was father of Hon. James Buffinton, and Mrs. James D. Burt. There is no other Friends' meeting-house in Fall River. The first Congregational Church was formed at the house of Deacon Richard Durfee, January 9, 1816, with the following list of mem- bers: Joseph Durfee and his wife Elizabeth; Richard Durfee, Ben- jamin Brayton, and Wealthy Durfee, wife of Charles Durfee. It was only a small beginning, but prolific in ultimate results. Benjamin Brayton died December 9, 1829, and leaving no children, he bequeathed the bulk of his property in trust to this young society, as a permanent fund for support of the ministry. About seven years elapsed after the organization before a house of worship was provided or a settled pastor. Regular meetings were held, however, and a part of this period mis- sionary supplies were at hand to preach. Among these were Revs. John Sanford, James Hubbard, AmasaSmith, Reuben Torrey, C. H. Nichols, Curtis Coe, Samuel W. Colburn, Moses Osborne, Isaac Jones, Seth Chapin, Silas Shove, Otis Lane and Loring D. Dewey. About thirty members were added to the society during the first three years after its organization, of whom only four were males. The first steps towards erecting a church were taken in 1819, and the edifice was built in 1821-22; it was dedicated in 1823, and was the second meetinghouse in Fall River, that of the Society of Friends being the first. An addi- tion was made to the building in 1827, and the interior was remodeled in 1856. Extensive improvements were made at later dates. Pastors of this church : Revs. Augustus B. Reed, July 2, 1823; Thomas M. Smith, November 1, 1826; Orin Fowler, A. M., May 22, 1831, to May, 1860. Mr. Fowler was born in Lebanon, Conn., July 29, 1791. Upon his settlement in Fall River he soon became prominent in all move- ments for the welfare of the community and for the advancement of the moral and educational institutions. He served as a member of the State Senate from his district, and before the expiration of his term was elected to the 31st Congress. He is affectionately remembered in Fall River and is entitled to gratitude for writing a short history of the place which has become of great value. Mr. Fowler died September 3, 1852, but had been dismissed from his pastorate in 1850, and was succeeded by Rev. Benjamin J. Relyea; other pastors — Revs. J. Lewis Diman, D. D., April, 1856; Solomon P. Fay, May, 1861; William W. Adams, November, 1863, acting pastor until September 14, 1864, when he was installed pastor, and is now in the thirty-fifth year of his pas- torate. 480 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. While Methodism was preached in Fall River in early years, the or- ganization of the First Methodist Episcopal Church did not take place until twenty years after the formation of the town. In the year 1824 services were held in the village by Rev. Ebenezer Blake, then sta- tioned at what is now South Somerset. In 1825 a class of about twelve members was formed here and John Anthony, afterward a local preacher, was appointed leader. Intermittent services were held, usually conducted by the Somerset ministers, and in 1827 a revival took place and nine persons were baptized on April 1. The services were held in the school house then standing on the corner of South Main and Annawan streets. In 1827 the Conference sent the first regular pastor to Fall River in the person of Rev. E. T. Taylor, widely known as " Father " Taylor, celebrated for his labors in behalf of seamen. A church building was commenced that year, which was dedicated De- cember 25. It was a small structure and stood a little to one side of what is now Central street. Pastors succeeding Mr. Taylor were Revs. E. Blake, 1829; Daniel Webb, 1830; Ira M. Bidwell, 1831-32; Squire B. Haskell, 1833-34; Mark Staple, 1835-37; Hector Bronson, 1837-38; Phineas Crandall, 1839-40; under his administration the debt on the old church was paid off, the building was sold, and a new edifice erected on the site of the present one, near the corner of South Main and Annawan streets; it was dedicated February 20, 1840, by Rev. Orange Scott, who succeeded Mr. Crandall. Rev. Isaac Bonney, 1840- 41 ; Thomas Ely, 1842-43. In the great fire of July 2, 1843, the church was burned, but it was at once rebuilt and was dedicated April 3, 1844, by Rev. Charles K. True, who succeeded Mr. Ely as pastor. Then came Revs. George F. Poole, 1844; James D. Butler, 1845; David Pat- ten, 1847; Daniel Wise, 1849; the congregation was now divided and the Conference returned Mr. Wise and also Rev. Elijah T. Fletcher this resulted in the organization of the Bank Street Church. Succeed ing pastors were Frederick Upham, 1850; Elisha B. Bradford, 1853 John Howson, 1855; Thomas Ely, 1857; Andrew McKeown, 1859 Charles H. Payne, 1861; Henry Baylies, 1863; J. D. King, 1867; A A. Wright, 1870; S. L. Gracey, 1873; Ensign McChesney, 1874; Wat son L. Phillips, 1877; William T. North, 1879; Warren A. Luce, 1882 Dwight A. Jordan, 1883; Alfred E. Drew, 1886; Archibald McCord 1887; Walter J. Yates, 1889; Warren A. Luce, 1892; Stephen O. Ben ton, 1896. The first parsonage, purchased in 1863, was sold in 1871 and the present one erected on Ridge street. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 481 The first Christian Church ' in Fall River was organized in 1829, and in the following year the edifice was erected. This was destroyed by the fire of 1843, and the present one built on Franklin street. The following pastors have served this society: Revs. Joshua V. Hines, Benjamin Taylor, H. Taylor, James Taylor, Simon Clough, M. Lane, A. G. Cummings, Jonathan Thompson, all prior to 1840; P. R. Rus- sell, 1841; A. M. Averill, 1843; Elijah Shaw, 1845; Charles Morgridge, 1847; Stephen Fellows, 1848; David E. Millard, 1852; B. S. Fanton, 1855; Thomas Holmes, 1863; Hiram J. Gordon, 1865; S. Wright But- ler, 1866; M. Summerbell, who served several years. G. B. Merritt and Rev. Charles B. Lusk, the present pastor. CHAPTER XXVII. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER— FROM 1830 TO CITY INCORPORATION. Industrial conditions in Fall River at the beginning of the fourth decade of the present century differed widely from those of the present day. The mill buildings erected prior to that date, and indeed for an- other decade, were small in comparison with the great structures of later times, rarely exceeding 100 b3 T 40 or 50 feet, and two or three stories high. They were built without the use of derricks down to later than 1830, a fact that seems astonishing to the younger gener- ation — the heavy stones that were used in the walls being carried up to the top of the upper stories on hand-barrows or rolled up an incline. In erecting the Annawan and the late mills of the Fall River Manufac- turing Company, Major Durfee created considerable comment and ad- miration by employing oxen to draw the heavy materials upward on the walls. In those days a mill superintendent received only $2 a day, and even that was thought high wages. Doffer boys received twenty-five cents 1 This First Christian Church established a mission in the city, in which the present Boyle Street Christian Church had its origin. The latter was organized in 1876 and is now under the pastorate of Rev. M. W. Baker. The North Christian Church was organized in 1848, and a small edifice was soon afterwards erected. The Church of the New Jerusalem was organized in 1854. The church building on Rock street, was built in 1869. 61 482 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a day and overseers of rooms, $1.25. While the machinery used was substantially of the same kind now operated, it has of course been greatly improved in many directions. The hours of labor were long, beginning at 5 o'clock, in the morning, summer and winter, and con- tinued until 8 o'clock, when half an hour was taken for breakfast; three-quarters of an hour was allowed at 12 m. for dinner, and work was then resum • ed and continued until 7:30, or until dark in the winter. Supper was eaten af- ter that. The male employees in some of the mills were served with New England rum at 11 a.m. The growing man- ufacture of cotton goods and the com- parative difficulty of reaching the markets of those early days, led several firms at other points to estab- lish small print works, the products of which found ready sale. These conditions were influential in prompting Fall River men to engage largely in that branch of the business. Holder Borden was not slow to forecast the future of the calico printing industry, and after his Massasoit Mill was in successful operation, he took the initia- tive, in 1834, in the measures that led to the erection and starting of the American Print Works. This is one of the largest establishments of the kind in the country. It began operating in January, 1835, and continued under the immediate management of Mr. Borden until Feb- Jefferson Borden. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 483 ruary, 1837, when his ill health compelled his retirement and he was succeeded by Jefferson Borden, 1 who acted as agent and manager until February, 1876, a period of thirty-nine years. During that period the American Print Works built up a reputation for efficient management, unyielding perseverance in the face of the most disheartening misfor- tunes, and excellence of product. The works were enlarged in 1840, were incorporated in 1857 and Col. Richard Borden elected president, which office he held until February, 1874. The corporation purchased the Bay State Print Works in 1858, then under management of Thomas J. Borden, and made it a part of the larger institution. In 1867 a por- tion of the original building was demolished and a new structure of Fall River granite begun; but on December 15 of that year, when the building was about finished the whole of the new part and about half of the old was destroyed by fire. This calamity was preceded on the 6th of the same month by the burning of a large part of the Bay State Works. The entire loss was about $2,000,000. The same energy and invincible spirit of enterprise that had organized the company and erected the works were now brought to bear, and the rebuilding of the great structures comprised in the present works was prompt and suc- cessful. The further history of this and other industries, the incep- tion of which has thus far been noticed, is given in a a later chapter. » Jefferson Borden was born in the then village of Freetown, February 28, 1801, and was one of the thirteen children of Thomas Borden, in the fourth generation from John, the founder of the family in Fall River. His father's homestead tract was the old mill lot of sixty-six acres (before mentioned) and his residence was in the vicinity of the present Kilburn, Lincoln & Co.'s machine shops. Jefferson Borden labored on the farm and attended the local school until he was sixteen years old, when he left home and obtained employment in the grocery of William Valentine in Providence. Three years later, in 1819, he returned to Fall River equipped with a good knowl- edge of general business principles and with hopes and ambition almost boundless. His brother Richard was then operating his grist mill and running the sloop Irene and Betsey in connection with it to Canonicut and Providence. During about a year after his return Jefferson joined these expeditions in his brother's interest, when not needed on the farm. In 1830 the two bought the small store of Holder Borden and Jefferson took charge of it. Upon the organization of the Fall River Iron Works he was chosen clerk and retained the position until September of the next year, when he was called to represent the company in its Providence branch. In that responsible position his keen business sagacity, his persistent energy and his intelligent forecast of the mar- kets soon gave the products of the company a wide distribution from that point. He remained there fifteen years, when, in 183?, the increasing ill health of Holder Borden made a vacancy in the management of the American Print Works and he was called to fill it. From that date until 1876, a period of thirty-nine years, Mr. Borden retained active control of the great industry, carry- ing it triumphantly through times of financial distress and building it up from its ashes, inspiring confidence in his associates and achieving for the business permanent success. He became in- terested in many other industries, among them the old Bay State Steamship Company, of which he at one period owned three-fifths of the stock, the Fall River Railroad Company, the Borden Mining Company and others. He was at different periods president of the American Print Works, the Fall River Iron Works Company, the Fall River Bleachery, the American Linen Company, the Troy Cotton and Woolen Company, and director in several other companies. Mr. Borden died in iPall River, August 22, 1887. 484 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Bay State Print Works were situated at Globe Village on the stream that flows out of Cook Pond, now Laurel Lake, to empty into the bay, and was the successor of the first cotton mill established at that point. This mill passed through possession of various persons and to Col. Joseph Durfee, who, in 1820, sold it to Potter & Chatburn, who converted it into a print works. The first prints were made there in 1830. From that date it was enlarged at several different times and was operated in 1833-34 by Holder Borden ; in 1835-39 by the Tiverton Print Works Company, Walter Durfee, agent; in 1843-44 by Prentiss & Marvel; in 1845-53 by W. & G. Chapin, and in 1853-58 as the Bay State Print Works, until purchased by the American Print Works. The building of mills and the establishing of new industries was not so active in the decade from 1830 to 1840 as in the previous ten years ; neither did the population increase so rapidly. Two causes at least tended to produce this result. In 1832 cholera swept over the country, and although Fall River escaped the ravages of the malady almost wholly, its effect upon the general industrial affairs of the whole coun- try were very injurious and no doubt extended to localities that were not great sufferers from the disease itself. The local newspapers of that year contain no reference to deaths by cholera, although there is record of a number of fatalities in the town of Seekonk in September ; indeed Bristol county as a whole seems to have been remarkably free from an epidemic that was terribly destructive in other parts of the country. The other cause of depression alluded to was the financial panic of 1837. While we know that the business interests of Fall River, in common with those of other parts of the country, were depressed by the financial stringency of that period, we are still without much of detail regarding its effects. It is certain, however, that through the great energy of such men as Holder Borden and his associates, the village of Fall River scarcely felt the influence of the "hard times" that almost paralyzed manufacturing operations in many localities. The local newspapers of those times paid little attention to events oc- curring at their very doors, while they gave liberally of their space to foreign news, and we search in vain in such files as are still in exist- ence for information on this point. Of one fact, however, we are assured — this community recovered speedily from the effects of the financial stringency and panic that were utterly ruinous in many places, where speculation in its various forms THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 485 had been rife previous to the crash. Up to that time the business foundations of the village had been securely placed by the forceful efforts of the stalwart men whose names have already been, or will be, noticed herein, and they were not to be permanently or seriously dis- turbed by any ordinary financial shock. While the founding of new industries may have been postponed through the influence of the "hard times," active operation was kept alive in those already established, and within a few years after the crisis had passed, additions were made to several of the older mills and one new one was erected. This returning prosperity is indicated by the following brief item of local news from the Monitor of May 20, 1843 : In passing around our village a few days since we counted forty new dwelling houses in the various stages of building — besides two large churches and a large ad- dition to one factory. . It is understood some forty more will be put up during the season. There is continued call for-tenements. But all such congratulations, and evidences of prosperity, and hopes for the immediate future of the village were soon to be silenced under the weight of a terrible calamity. At about 3 o'clock on Sunday, the 2d of July of that year, while the congregation was still in the churches attending the usual service, an alarm of fire was sounded. Almost simultaneously with the sound of the alarm, in rear of a small carpen- ter shop and between it and a cabinet shop, on the north side of Bor- den street, near the corner of Main, was in flames. The season for several previous weeks had been exceedingly dry; the water in the stream was low and the flume, then undergoing repairs, was empty. At that date the village was sadly lacking in apparatus for extinguish- ing fires; yet the place had thus far almost miraculously escaped ex- tensive conflagrations. There were in 1843 only two hand engines of the old style — the one called Rapid engine No. 1, and the other the Hydraulion, both in a house on Pleasant street, where Niagara engine house stood ; there was also one hook and ladder company. Besides these there were also the Fall River, the Pocasset, the Print Works, and the Troy Forcing Pump companies, so called. It will be seen that this was a decidedly inferior equipment for a community of nearly 8,000 inhabitants. There was, of course, the old bucket brigade, which responded as they could to fire alarms with the buckets kept in their houses or places of business, but they were almost helpless in a great fire. The flames spread with great rapidity and for nearly seven hours the work of destruction went on. At one time there were more than a 486 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. score of dwellings and stores in flames and when the fiery demon was conquered an area of twenty acres in the business heart of the village was covered with ruins in ashes. The burned district extended from Borden street on the south to beyond Franklin street on the north. All the stores in the place, excepting about half a dozen in the suburbs, were in ruins. While the fire was in progress the people of Bristol, ten miles away, put their engine on a sloop and hurried to the scene. The alarm was given at about four in the afternoon. The conflagration com- menced near the corner of Main and Borden streets, in an open space in the rear of a large three story warehouse occupied by Abner L. Westgate. This space was covered with shavings, which were kindled from the firing of a small cannon by two boys. The fire almost instantly communicated with the surrounding buildings, and within five minutes the flames were apparently fifty feet high. Showers of sparks and cinders carried by the heavy wind kindled a nnmber of buildings before they were reached by the body of the flame. The buildings on both sides of the main street were burning, aud the wind was blowing nearly parallel with the street. All hope of controlling the flames and saving the business part of the village was aban- doned. So sudden was the movement of the flames, unexpectedly appearing in dif- ferent localities, that in many cases all efforts to preserve property were ineffectual. The whole space between Main, Franklin, Rock and Borden streets was one vast sheet of flames entirely beyond the control of man. And had not the foe proved the ally, the destruction would have continued until nearly the whole village was in ruins. The change in the direction of the wind was all that checked the flames. While Dr. Archer's house, southeast corner of Main and Franklin streets, was burn- ing, the wind, which had been blowing from southwest, suddenly changed to north- ward, driving back the flames over the burnt district. The house of H. Battell, on Purchase street, was the last one burned, and the only one north of Franklin street. It took fire about 10 p. m. While it was burning a vessel arrived with an engine company from Bristol. The company immediately proceeded to Purchase street, and by their efforts saved the adjoining buildings, and prevented the further prog- ress of the flames. The conflagration had swept over nearly twenty acres of the cen- tral part of the village. ' The following summary of buildings destroyed and trades temporarily dispossessed was published soon after the fire: 2 1 Fowler's History of Fall River, 18H2. 2 In this lire was destroyed the so-called " Skeleton in Armor," which was the subject of Longfellow's well known poem. This skeleton was discovered in 1833 in the soil on or near the site of the gas works in Fall River. The following is a part of the description of this curious relic from the pen of Dr. Phineas W. Leland : "The skeleton was found near the surface in a sit- ting posture, the leg-bones doubled upon the thigh-bones, and the thighs brought up nearly parallel with the body. It was quite perfect, and stood remarkably well the test of exposure. Covering the sternum was a triangular plate of brass somewhat corroded by time, and around the body was a broad belt made of small brass tubes four or five inches in length about the size uf a pipe-stem placed parallel and close to each other. Arrowheads made of copper or brass were also found in the grave with the skeleton. That these were the remains of an Indian THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 487 Number of families residing within the burnt district at the time of the fire 225 Persons belonging to those families _ -_. 1,334 Persons in addition, employed or doing business in the burnt district, but living out, about 600 Number of buildings burned, not including the smaller ones 196 Of which there were used as dwelling houses, and occupied by one or more families each .._ 95 Hotels.. __ __ 2 Churches (Methodist and Christian Union) . . . 3 Cotton factory (Old Bridge Mill) ...,. 1 Carriage factories _ .._ 2 Banks .'._. 2 Cabinet warehouses _ 3 Marble factory 1 Tannery 1 Livery stables _ _ 4 Dry goods establishments destroyed _ . 17 Clothing " " ._ 11 Grocery and provision establishments, including three or four crockery stores connected ; 24 Boot and shoe stores destroyed ___ 6 Hat and cap " " 3 Book and periodical stores destroyed _ _. _ __. 3 Hardware *' " __ _._ 3 Milliners' shops destroyed _ 11 Mantua-makers' shops destroyed 5 Apothecaries' " " _. __ 6 Jewelers' " _ _ 3 Harness makers' " " _ _. 3 Stove and tinware " " _ 3 Brass foundries destroyed __ 2 Blacksmiths' shops destroyed _ . _ _ 3 Machine " " 2 Carpenters' " " _ 8 Reed-maker's shop " _ 1 seemed to be generally conceded ; the configuration of the skull, the position in which the skele- ton was found, and the additional fact that parts of other skeletons were found near the same place renders it nearly certain that these were the bones of an Indian. Whose frame it was will not likely ever be permitted us to know. Whether it belonged to some chief still celebrated in song and story, or to an obscure child of the forest, whose bones and deeds slept in the same un- distinguished grave, we have no means of knowing. Tradition and history are alike silent when interrogated. We would fain believe that these were the remains of some noble old chief, once master of the beautiful rich valley through which the dark waters of the Titicut (Indian name of Taunton River) still roll. We would believe so, for we love to think that humanity once warmed the heart of him whose bones have excited so much our wonder and curiosity. Whoever he was, peace be to his ashes." It is proper to state that other authorities have arrived at very different conclusions as to the race to which this long-buried man belonged, holding that it could not have been the American Indians. The best authorities, however, take the ground that it was the remains of an Indian chief, killed in the King Philip war. 488 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Shoemakers' shops destroyed 7 Plane-maker's shop " - 1 Roll-coverer's " - 1 Turner's " - 1 Painters' shops - - 8 Butchers' " " - - 4 Soap-boiler's shop --- 1 Cigar factory - 1 Restaurants - 7 Bakehouses - - - .2 School house destroyed 1 School rooms besides destroyed 3 Athenaeum 1 Custom house " - 1 Post-office - 1 Auction room 1 Counting rooms - 7 Dentists' " - 2 Stage office 1 Printing offices " - - 3 Lawyers' " - 5 Physicians' offices " - 5 Barbers' shops " - 3 Whole amount of loss on buildings . $264,470 other property ...262,015 $526,485 Whole amount of insurance 175,475 Excess of loss $351,010 This was a disheartening and almost overwhelming calamity, and no more forcible tribute can be paid to the indomitable energy and uncon- querable courage of the people of Fall River than was shown in their rise above their condition immediately after the fire. The ruins were scarcely cold when steps were taken to start the wheels of business and rebuild in better and more enduring form the ruined village. A com- mittee was designated to ascertain the needs of those who were destitute and all such were promptly supplied with clothing, food, bedding, etc. Meetings were held in neighboring and distant communities and sub- stantial aid was forwarded to the authorities. About $60,000 in goods and money were contributed from New York and elsewhere. On the 15th of July the editor of the Monitor, after describing the desolate appearance of the burned district before improvements began, wrote the following: THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 489 Already is the burnt district dotted over with small buildings to answer the im- mediate wants of the people. . . N. B. Borden is preparing to put up a large block on Pleasant street to extend from Main to Second. D. Anthony has already commenced the foundation for a brick block on the corner of Main and Granite streets. Doctor Durfee and Doctor Archer, and Mrs. F. B. Durfee are preparing to erect a three story brick block on Main street to extend from Bank to Franklin street. J. D. Burt is preparing to put up a building on Main street in place of a part of the Union block. A. L. Westgate is erecting a large warehouse on the corner of Main and Borden streets. Main Street, Looking South from Pine, before the Fire. This was less than two weeks after the fire ; and again on the 39th of July we find the following notes in the Monitor: More than fifty buildings are now in progress upon the burnt district, of all sizes and descriptions, from the stately block to the small edifice, erected for the present and immediate wants of the people. On the 9th of December the editor counted more than one hundred and fifty buildings in various stages of progress. On August 10, 1844, the number of buildings erected since the fire was about three hundred, among them being Anthony & Cotton's block, Archer & Durfee's block, French & Sanford's block, N. B. Borden's block, the Pocasset block, the Granite block, the Market block, and five churches. On the 4th of October, 1845, the editor noticed the fact that "the new Market 62 490 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. .V :jth*000; sidewalks, $1,800; streetlights, $500; sundries, $2,546.08; discount, etc., $2,500. A project was inaugurated this year to build or buy an armory for the Fall River artillery company, at a cost of not more than $2,500. The matter was placed in charge of Josiah C. Blaisdell, Horatio N. Gunn and Capt. John B. Sanford. Expenses for 1853: Schools, $10,000; high school, $3,000; highways and sidewalks, $4,500; lights, $500; watch, $2,700; fire department, $4,500; officers, $2,000; poor, $4,000; county tax, $4,653.92; debt and interest, $5,000; sprinkling, $1,000; incidentals, $2,500; discount, etc., $3,000. It will be noted that this is the first year in which the item of sprinkling appears in the records. A committee of nine was appointed in April on the question of providing "a public promenade." At the next meeting the committee reported it expedient to purchase a lot for a park. Following are the names of this committee: P. W. Leland, Richard Borden, Foster Hooper, N. B. Borden, Ellis Gifford, David Anthony, Benjamin W. Miller, Job B. French, J. C. Blaisdell, Charles 524 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE J. Holmes, William Munday, Henry H. Fish and Israel Buffinton. The proposition was made to purchase what was known as the Stevens farm. This purpose was at once effected, the purchase including thirty-two acres, for which was paid $15,000. The foregoing transcription from the village records, with preceding chapters, should give the reader a clear conception of the founding and growth of Fall River in the various phases of municipal and business life. At that date, far back in the past, the place had already acquired its distinctive characteristics that make its history exceptional and gave it far reaching celebrity. We have now reached a point in the story of the general develop- ment of Fall River where the path of progress in governmental affairs turned from the previous inadequate village form to the broader, more comprehensive and effective conditions to be realized under a city charter. With a population of more than 12,000, a valuation of of $8,939,215 (1854), and a gross tax raised of $56,523.70; with fire de- partment, police, churches, schools, and the various institutions that contribute to make the large and thriving New England village, it is not surprising that the community aspired to a city government. At this turning point in the history it may be profitable to briefly study the causes which had been most influential in giving Fall River its im- portance at that time. At first glance it is natural for the reader to number the excellent water power and the favorable situation of the village in relation to communication by water with other localities, among the most potent factors in the growth and material develop- ment of this community. While this assumption would be true to some extent, there was another and a vastly more powerful influence, the working of which during half a century made Fall River what it was in 1854. This was her men — those leaders many of whose names have already been mentioned in these pages. It probably can be truthfully stated, and without unjust diparagement of other communities in Bris- tol county or elsewhere, that in few other limited localities in the Com- monwealth could be found in the early years so large an element of men possessed of all the natural and acquired qualifications necessary to large success in life. This is a sweeping statement, but in the story of the founding of Fall River and its village development is found the proof of its truth. These men who were most influential in advancing that development need not be again specifically named. Their deeds stand forth clear in their life records. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 525 CHAPTER XXIX. FALL RIVER AS A CITY. The subject of city incorporation in Fall River seems to have pro- voked less discussion and to have been under consideration during a shorter period than is usual in similar cases ; the measure was generally favored by the best element in the village and its adoption was accepted as a foregone conclusion. A warrant for a town meeting was issued for January 5, 1854, the purport of one article in which was "to see what action if any the Town will take in relation to obtaining a City Charter." At the meeting it was voted That a committee be raised to petition the Legislature in behalf of the citizens of Fall River for a City Charter, and also that the same committee draft the form of such a charter as they in their judgment may think the wants of the people may re- quire and report at an adjournment of this meeting. The committee appointed in pursuance of the foregoing vote con- sisted of John Westfall, Foster Hooper, Nathaniel B. Borden, Israel Bufnnton, Thomas Wilbur, Robert C. Brown, Eliab Williams, Samuel L. Thaxter and Louis Lapham. The committee reported a charter, which was voted upon, and some minor amendments made, when it was adopted under an act which was approved by the governor April 12, 1854. ' The vote on the measure stood, yeas, 529; nays, 247. The principal provisions of the first charter were for the election of a mayor ; a board of aldermen consisting of six members, one from each ward ; a common council consisting of eighteen members, three from each ward, 1 The corporation of Fall River as it at present exists includes ten so-called villages, which by the rapid development of recent years have become simply sections of a homogeneous munici- pality. These are Steep Brook, taking its name from a stream at that point ; it is the northern part of the city and the site of several manufactories. Globe Village, taking its name from the Globe Cotton Mills and print works at that point ; it is the southern part of the city in what was formerly Tiverton. Bowenville, taking its name from James Bowen, owner of the wharf at that point, where a brick yard was formerly situated. Flint Village, taking its name from the Flint Hills and John D. Flint, who was a large land-owner in that part of the city. Mechanicsville, taking its name from the Mechanics' Mills. Oak Grove, taking its name from the Oak Grove Cemetery. Copicut, the Indian name for the highest point of land in the city. Brookville, on Stafford road, near Rhode Island line Mt. Hope, at the lower fall of the stream from Cook Pond. New Boston, in the north part of the city. 526 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. these two boards in their joint capacity to be designated as the city council; the division of the city territory into six wards; a warden, clerk, and three inspectors of election to be elected annually in each ward; the fiscal year to begin on the first Monday in April; city elec- tion to take place on the first Monday in March ; fixing the mayor's salary at $500, and that of the aldermen at $50, while the members of the common council received no pay; the mayor and alder- men to appoint a constable and his assistants, or a city marshal and his assistants, and a board of assessors; establishing a fire depart- ment ' consisting of a chief engineer, four assistant engineers and as 1 The fire department of the village of Troy, which was established at a town meeting held in July, 1833, pursuant to an act of Legislature of the 16th of June preceding, was abolished by the city charter. In each year prior to that date a board of firewards, consisting of from ten members in 1836, to eighteen in 1831, had been appointed. This board was continued by the act of 1833, and consisted of about twenty members down to 1844 inclusive. The fire of 1843 caused an awakening to the needs of the village in its fire extinguishing apparatus, and at the town meeting of April, 1846, the sum of $3,000 was appropriated for maintenance of the department for the ensuing year. At a town meeting held in May, 1846, a. motion was made by Dr. Foster Hooper, " that for the purpose of sustaining the fire department of the town, and keeping up the organization of the same in an efficient manner, there be appropriated a sum not exceeding $500, to be drawn for by the Board of Firewards and expended in such manner as they shall direct, in giving a public dinner on the 4th day of July next, to all the members of the companies and de- partment of said town." This peculiar measure was not carried out. From 1845 to 1853 inclusive, the board of firewards consisted of only about ten members ; Andrew Robeson was chief engi- neer the first three years ; Foster Hooper, 1847-50 inclusive ; Nathaniel B. Borden, 1851-53 ; James Buffinton, 1853. Additions made to the equipment of the department in 1843 and between that year and 1854, were the purchase of Cataract engine No. 3, with hose reel and 400 feet of hose, costing $1,136, in 1843 ; the purchase in the same year of engine Niagara No. 4, which was rebuilt in 1853 and the name changed in 1855 to Torrent No. 3 ; the purchase in 1846 of engine Ocean No. 5 ; the purchase in 1853 of a double deck engine, which took the name Niagara No. 4, and was the most powerful hand engine ever owned in the city ; it was placed in charge of the then Niagara Hand Engine Co.. and was sold in 1874. In 1853, also, was purchased the hand engine called the Massasoit, of the Massasoit Manufacturing Company. When the annexation of part of Tiverton was made in 1863, another hand engine, called Cascade No. 1, was brought into Fall River ; this was the last hand engine brought into the place. Cataract Hose Co. No. 1, the first hand hose reel company in the village, was organized in 1843 ; in 1851 the town purchased the four wheeled hose reel called Neptune Hose No. 1. This brief summary shows substantially the fire extin- guishing equipment of Fall River prior to the city organization, at which time the following fire department property was owned by the town . Engine house and lot on Central street $ 3,000 Engine house and lot corner Rock and Franklin streets 3,000 Engine house and lot on Pleasant street 3,000 Engine house and lot on Pear street 3,000 Rapid engine and hose carriage 300 Torrent engine and hose carriage 850 Cataract engine and hose carriage 850 Niagara engine (new) 1,500 Ocean engine and carriage 1,000 Massasoit engine 500 Two hook and ladder carriages 250 One bucket carriage 250 Hose (950 feet new) .1400 This makes a total of $18,900 THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 527 many engine-men, hose-men, and hook and ladder-men, to be divided into companies, as the number of engines and the number and quantity of other fire apparatus belonging to the city, shall from time to time require ; providing for the appointment of a chief constable, with gen- eral supervision over assistant constables, police officers and watchmen ; for the appointment in April annually of not more than twenty night watchmen, and an of- ficer of the watch; constituting the may- or and aldermen a | board of health. At the first city | election, held, as be- fore stated, on the 6th | of May, 1854, the fol- lowing officers were elected : Mayor, James Buffin- 1 ton. 1 Aldermen, James Hen- ry, Edward P. Buffinton, Oliver H. Hathaway, Al- 1 van S. Ballard, Edwin | Shaw, Julius P. Champ- ney. Common Council — Rob- ert C. Brown, Henry Wil- bur, Oliver Grinnell, Christopher W. Tillinghast, John Mason, jr., Smith Winslow, William Goodman, Obadiah Chace, Gardner Groves, Nathaniel Bonney, David S. Brigham, Sheffield Brightman, Peter J. Dennise, Henry Diman, jr., Howard B. Allen, William M. Almy, Thomas T. Potter, Albert Winslow. 1 James Buffinton was born in Fall River on March 16, 1810. In his early youth he made a whaling voyage into the South Atlantic and when he returned began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Thomas Wilbur. He subsequently opened a drug store on South Main street and carried on a successful business. He took a deep and active interest in public affairs and his ability and unselfish services were rewarded by his election to many places of honor. Be- sides serving as the first mayor of the city, he was elected to Congress and served from 1855 to 1863, and in 1869 was again elected. His death took placeJMarchi7, 1875. James Buffinton. 528 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen was held on the 15th of May, at which Alvan S. Ballard was chosen clerk pro tern., and the oath of office was administered to the officials. It was Ordered, That a set of rules and orders, presented by Alderman Edwin Shaw, be adopted by this board temporarily. Voted, That a committee of two, consisting of Aldermen Shaw and Henry, notify the Common Council that this board is now ready to meet them in convention for such business as may legally come before the City Council. An adjournment was then taken to the City Hall, to meet in conven- tion. The officers present were marshaled into the City Hall by Col. William Sisson, accompanied by the Selectmen, where a large assem- blage of citizens was in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Chester W. Greene (father of ex- Mayor Greene), chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and prayer was offered by Rev. Benjamin J. Rel- yea. The names of the elected city officers were then called by the clerk and to them the oath of office was administered by James Ford, justice of the peace. Chester W. Greene then addressed the mayor in behalf of the Selectmen, and Mayor BTiffintoh then delivered his in- augural address. The machinery of the new order of government was soon working smoothly. The police force established with the incoming of city government was organized with William Sisson, whose title was chief constable; and Daniel Child, Bowen L. Pierce, Edson V. Chace, Philip Durfee, James E. Watson, Spencer Macomber and Samuel V. Bliffins, assist- ants. The night police consisted of Jeremiah Clark, captain of the watch; Abel Segur, Benoni T. Chace, Job Simmons, Lewis W. Carpen- ter, Jacob B. Dunham, Nicholas Taylor and Gardner Morse, watchmen.' The well-remembered period of financial stringency and distress of 1857 produced effects that were, naturally enough, felt in Fall River with far greater severity than in communities that were depending less upon manufactures. Indeed, no other period of " hard times " through 1 In the several revisions of the city charter and through regulations otherwise provided, the police force of Fall River was gradually augmented and placed upon its present .modern basis. In the beginning of the city's existence the force was small, as already shown, and was directed from the headquarters in the city building. As the city increased in size it was divided into sta- tions, of which there are at the present time four, which are consecutively numbered ; all of these have separate buildings, which are the property of the city. A police patrol was established and a building erected in 1897, at Station No. 1, and in the same year the entire interior of. the old station building was remodeled and finished in oak. The entire police force now numbers 125, who are under control of a Board of Police, who are appointed by the governor, consisting of three members. The rank and file of the force is commanded by the chief, four captains, six lieutenants and six inspectors. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 529 which the village or city has passed, caused more than a fraction of the hardship, anxiety and privation experienced at this time. Nearly all the mills ceased operation, throwing thousands out of employment and depriving them of the small incomes that had enabled them to live. It was almost impossible for men of resources to obtain money, while the poor suffered much distress. A local paper told the story of a laborer, his aged mother and three children, who subsisted for two days on fifteen crackers. In August an order passed the Council that the Committee on Finance be authorized to contract loans for $20,000, in addition to what had already been authorized, and "that the same be loaned by notes of hand, payable on demand, or on time, or by bond or scrip having not more than two years to run. " While the banks weie disposed to aid business men to the extent of their ability, they were forced to avoid the possible dangers the signals of which were clearly apparent on all sides, and contract their loans. A public meet- ing was called for November 11, 1857, "in consequence of an unparal- leled distress now existing in our community." At this meeting such measures for relief of the poor as were practicable were adopted. The city authorities projected new public work and many heads of families were given employment in the cemetery grounds and other public en- terprises. At that time, according to the records, four-fifths of the mills were closed and more than 2,000 persons were subsisting on charity ; this number was daily increasing. So desperate was the pros- pect late in the fall that a proposition was entertained to send all those who were receiving charity to Titicut, where they would become a State charge. Another plan of relief was the establishment of soup houses, while still another was the laying out of many new streets to grade and pave, thus adding to the number of men in the employ of the city. All of these plans were, to some extent, adopted, but at the best the dis- tress and anxiety continued. Still another plan for relief was for the mill proprietors to start their mills and pay their employees whatever they were able under the circumstances. At another meeting held for consideration of the condition of the needy, a committee of nine lead- ing citizens was appointed, who, after due deliberation, reported a plan for the division of the city into thirty districts, each district to include about thirty families and to be under supervision of other committees who were to act in relief measures under orders from the Mayor and Aldermen. This plan was adopted and through its operation the con- dition of the poor was greatly ameliorated. So satisfactory was the 67 530 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. result that a local paper felt called upon to make the assertion that " no city in the Commonwealth has done more in this direction than our own." In November only two mills were in operation, but this num- ber was increased in December. In that month the city government appropriated $1,000 for the city farm, $1,000 for streets, and $500 for the cemetery, to be expended mainly in giving work to the poor. About the close of the year the New York banks resumed payment and the situation was relieved. It need scarcely be stated here that the city of Fall River, although at that time a comparatively small community, had within itself the capacity for recuperation from the effects of such a period of financial and business depression as that of 1857-8, to a greater extent than most similar places in the country. If many of the sturdy pioneers, whose persevering industry and bold enterprise had founded the village and laid broad and sure the foundations of its material growth, had passed away or retired from business activity, their immediate descendants were there, filled with the inherited zeal, and hopefulness, and energy of the fathers. When the tide finally turned and signs of oncoming prosperity were discernible, these men assumed what to the more timid might have seemed enormous risks in order to start the wheels and spindles and open the channels of trade in their city. A year later the consequences of the hard times were little felt and soon became only a memory. Almost coincident with this period of financial stringency, the com- munity was called upon to share in the general anxiety caused by the last visitation of importance of the Asiatic cholera to these shores. The disease made rapid headway in New York city and a few cases appeared in Newport and Providence, causing terror on every hand. The Board of Health in Fall River took the matter in hand with energy, and a Committee of Vigilance was appointed to superintend the quarantine regulations that were adopted. A health officer was designated to stand on the wharf and hail vessels through a speaking trumpet, and if they were from infected localities they were ordered not to land. All vessels previous to landing were forced to undergo fumigation. As an incident of the epidemic of local interest, the steamer Washington came into the bay loaded with passengers fleeing from the disease in New York. She was not permitted to land in Fall River, and pro- ceeded on to Somerset, where she and her passengers were made wel- come. From that time forward until the disease had substantially THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 531 disappeared, the inhabitants of Somerset were compelled to submit to the stringent Fall River regulations if they visited the city. On South Main street a rope was stretched across the way from tree to tree, and passengers by stage from Newport and elsewhere were compelled to submit to fumigation in a near-by building before coming on into the city. But the people of this city, as they had on a former occasion, al- most wholly escaped the disease ; this was doubtless the result of two principal causes — the general healthfulness of the locality and the ex- treme and persistent care and watchfulness of the local health author- ities. It was at about this time that the sewerage of the city upon any ad- equate system was commenced. The local press and the more public spirited citizens had long advocated the necessity for this improvement. When the city was incorporated there were almost no sewers in exist- ence. Although the situation of the city from a topographical point of view is admirable for natural drainage, it began to be apparent that an adequate' system of artificial sewers would soon be an imperative necessity, and the work was inaugurated. ' In the midst of the period of financial stringency which has just been described a portion of the inhabitants of Fall River became dissatisfied with the prospects under city goverment. Whether they feared that the community could not be effectively cared for by the mayor and the city boards, or anticipated a much heavier tax rate under the new order, does not appear; it was probably the latter. In any event a pe- tition was presented in January, 1858, to the authorities to have the city charter surrendered; it was signed by only fifty-six citizens, but it created a temporary sensation. While it was ridiculed in the public press and by many individuals, there was influence in the names of the signers sufficient to cause its reference to the Mayor and Aldermen, and a meeting was called to vote upon the proposition. About four hundred persons attended and the vote taken showed a majority in favor of continuing under the city charter of about two to one. That was the last heard of public opposition to the city government. 1 The present elaborate and effective system of sewers in Pall River has been of slow growth, the greater part of it having been constructed within the past twenty years. Within the past few years it has been greatly extended and improved. From the date of the establishment of the system (1873), up to January 1, 1897, the amount of money expended upon it was $1,514,899.41. Of this amount, $171,600 was expended in 1896, of which sum $100,000 was from the proceeds of a spe- cial loan authorized by the Legislature for the purpose. In the year named sewers were built in twenty-three streets, some of them under great difficulty and at great expense. There are at the present time about forty-three miles of sewers in the city, and about 3,500 sewerage connections. 532 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. As briefly noticed in the first chapter of the Fall River history, the boundary lines between the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island passed directly through the city up to the year 1862. Under that con- dition united effort in any direction for the good of the community as a whole was almost impossible; it was a condition that was intolerable, as well as unjust. When the citizen of to-day compares the former situation and the difficulties and annoyances surrounding the direction of public affairs in which the entire community was interested, to the present conditions, he is led to express astonishment that the change was not brought about earlier than it was. Indeed, for many years persistent efforts were made to effect the desired change ; but, as be- fore described, it required many years and the adjudication of the United States Supreme Court to place Fall River under one jurisdic- tion, and thoroughly unite its material, educational, moral and social interests. The advantages derived by the city at large from the change can be neither defined in detail nor over-estimated in value. It brought under one city government a community hitherto divided in name, but one in every other respect; it brought into the city of Fall River, Massachusetts, an increase of population of about 3,600, taxable property of nearly $2,000,000 value, 410 dwellings, 631 families, 6 school houses, and a large area of territory that immediately began to improve and become a part of a homogeneous whole. The premonitions of internal discord and political strive that pre- ceded the outbreak of the great Civil war were now heard. The gen- eral story of this conflict is told in earlier chapters, leaving only the task of briefly noticing the special part taken by Fall River in the great war. In 1860, just before the actual beginning of hostilities between the North and South, the date of the annual city election was changed from March to the first Monday in December, and the beginning of the school year to the first Monday in January; this arrangement contin- ues at the present time. In the same year an ordinance was passed by the city government for the establishment of a free public library and an appropriation made for its maintenance. The Fall River Athenaeum, established in 1835, transferred its library of about 2,400 volumes to the city, and contributions of books were made by citizens and others. The library was opened May 1, 1861, and during the first year the number of sub- scribers was 1,248, to whom were delivered 30,252 volumes. The attack upon Fort Sumter was made on the seventh anniversary THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 533 of the date of the city charter of Fall River. The population of the city was then about 14,000; the valuation was more than $11,000,000, and the place was starting out upon the period of marvelous develop- ment which was only temporarily checked by the oncoming war. Very soon after the news of the firing upon Fort Sumter was received, a call was issued for a public meeting on April 19, 1861, and on that evening the City Hall was crowded with an enthusiastic assemblage. That was the day of the attack upon Massachusetts soldiers in the streets of Bal- timore, and this community, in common with every other in the Com- monwealth, was thoroughly aroused. The meeting was called to order by Nathaniel B. Borden, who was chosen chairman and made the opening address. Speeches followed by David Anthony, James Ford, James Buffinton, Dr. Foster Hooper, John Collins, John Westfall, J. C. Blaisdell, Dr. R. T. Davis, 1 Walter C. Durfee, and others. Dr. Hoop- er 2 offered the following resolutions: Resolved, That the Government of the Union shall be sustained. That the city government be requested to appropriate $10,000 in aid of those who may volunteer, and for the support of their families. That each volunteer be paid the sum of $20 per month from the city treasury, in addition to what is paid by the government. These resolutions were adopted by acclamation and referred to the City Council, who reported on the 24th as follows: Whereas, etc., In the southern section of our country public law is disregarded, the authority of the United States set at defiance, and armed.forces have been, and are, organizing with the avowed purpose of overthrowing the government as formed by our Revolutionary fathers, and of establishing a new government, in which free- dom of the press, of speech, and of the individual man shall be more restricted — in a word, a government for the perpetuation of slavery ; and Whereas, etc., For the repelling of such forces the standing army being inadequate, the President of the United States has made requisition on the several States for militia; therefore, to the end that said requisition may be more readily answered, Ordered, That to each of our citizens who may join a militia company of our city, organized according to law, pledged to render military service whenever and wher- 1 A portrait of Dr. R. T. Davis will be found in this work, and his biography in Part II. 2 Dr. Foster Hooper was born in Walpole, N. Y., April 2, 1805. He entered college at Burling- ton, Vt., in early youth, graduated as a physician, and settled in Fall River in 1826. He was a man of more than ordinary ability and of very decided character. He soon acquired an exten- sive practice, but still found time to exercise his active public spirit for the general welfare of the community. He had a natural taste for politics and gained a high position in that field. He was a member of the General School Committee in 1830 and was an enthusiastic worker in the cause of education. He was representative in 1831, county treasurer in 1837-39, and State Senator in 1840-42. At the time of his death he was collector of internal revenue for his district. In all of these varied and responsible positions he gained the commendation of his fellow citizens, He died while on a visit to New York city, on October 18, 1870. 534 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ever required, whether by authority of the State or the United States Government, there be paid from the city treasury the sum of fifteen dollars for outfit, when such company shall be mustered into service ; and thereafter, for a term not exceeding three months, fifteen dollars a month, the latter to be applied for the support of the family or dependents, as the soldier may direct; and if, at the expiration of the ser- vice, a balance, or the whole, shall remain unpaid, then payment to be ma'Je to the soldier in person, or his legal representatives; these payments to be made in addi- tion to compensation that may be realized from the United States Government. This order was adopted and the $10,000 appropriation made. Fall River was the third in the list of applicants to Governor Andrew for permission to raise military companies. Enlistments began before the above described action of the authorities, and a company was partly formed under Lieutenant Cushing, who had seen service in the Mex- ican war, and a rifle company was organized by Capt. C. W. Greene, who was later a lieutenant-colonel. These were armed and on June 11 were mustered into service of the United States, as companies A and B of the 7th Regiment, an account of which is given in an earlier chap- ter. The regiment was commanded by Colonel (afterwards General) D. N. Couch, of Taunton, and Lieutenant Colonel Greene of Fall River. A company was also formed from "adopted citizens," but it was not considered expedient to muster them into the service at that time, and on July 5 the city voted each member $12 and the company was dis- banded. In September, 1861, a bounty of $15 was authorized to be paid to each volunteer in a company then forming. The 7th Regiment went to the front and saw active service on bloody fields The first Fall River soldier killed in the war was Nathaniel S. Gerry, a private in Co. A, of this regiment, and the first commissioned officer killed was Lieut. Jesse D. Bullock, Co. B, of the same organ- ization. As the conflict progressed the patriotism of the inhabitants of Fall River gained in strength and every call of the government for aid was promptly met. For example, when the call for 300,000 men was made early in July, 1862, a public meeting was called, at which it was recommended to pay each volunteer for three years' service a bounty of $100. The following resolution also was adopted : Resolved, That our old men contribute of their substance, and our strong young men tender their services ; remembering that if in ancient times " for a good man some would even dare to die,'' surely for the necessary support of a righteous cause there should be no hesitancy because life would be attended by hazard. This and other resolutions connected with military affairs were adopted next day by the city government, and the enlistments went on. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 535 On the 14th of August of that year another citizens' meeting was held, at which it was resolved that " the patriotism of Massachusetts will sustain the government in putting down the rebellion at any cost of men and money." When the call for nine months men was made on the 4th of August, 1862, energetic measures were adopted in the city to fill the quota. On September 1, 1862, the city government voted to pay a bounty of $200 to each nine months volunteer credited to the city quota and appropriated $45,000 for this purpose. Under this call the city furnished companies C and D of the 3d Regiment, and a number of men of the 8th, 43d, 46th, 47th and 48th Regiments of nine months men. Company G of the 26th Regiment was from Fall River, and was mustered into the service on October 18, 1861, and served three years. A large part of companies F and G of the 58th Regiment were from Fall River ; that regiment was mustered in and left for the front the last of April, 1864. Besides these complete or nearly complete organ- izations the city furnished men in greater or less numbers to the 9th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 22d, 24th, 25th, 28th, 29th, 32d, 33d, 37th, 39th, 40th, 54th and 57th Regiments; also the 5th and 6th Batteries of Light Artillery, the 2d and 3d Regiments and 1st Bat- talion of Heavy Artillery, and to the 1st, 2d, 4th and 5th Regiments of Cavalry ; and 497 men from Fall River served in the navy. In all the city furnished 1,845 men to the armies of the Union, thirty-seven of whom were commissioned officers. The honor roll of 163 names that are carved on the soldiers' monument in Oak Grove Cemetery of those who fell in the cause of the country is only a partial list of the hero dead. The amount of money expended by the, city on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was $107,828.03. Besides this there were expended by the city for State aid to the soldiers' families during the war the following sums: In 1861, $7,262.25; in 1862, $29,771.67; in 1863, $36,476.10; in 1864, $34,000; in 1865, $20,000. Total, $127, 510.02. This sum was repaid by the Commonwealth. The mayor through the whole period of the war was E. P. Buffinton, 1 and no man i Edward Purinton Buffinton, son of Aaron and Rebecca Buffinton, was born in Westport, Mass., November 16, 1814. The family settled in Fall River while he was a boy, and he witnessed and shared in the growth of the village and city until it surpassed even his sanguine expectations- He engaged in marketing at an early day at the corner of Main and Pocasset streets, where he continued until the erection of the town and market building in 1846, when he removed to that and continued the business throughout his life. He was a public-spirited citizen, earnest and active in all public affairs and unselfishly devoted to the welfare of the community. In 1852 he was elected a representative, and when the city government was organized in 1864 he was chosen 536 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. could have shown more patriotism, or labored more earnestly and effect- ively, or given more generously of his energy and means for the good of the Union cause. The part taken by the patriot women of Fall River in various meth- ods of aid to the soldiers and their families must not be forgotten.. No sooner had the tocsin of war sounded than the women of the city began their work in this direction. On the 27th of April, 1861, a ladies' sew- ing society was organized, and during the ensuing six weeks the mem bers met daily and worked from morning till night; later they met usually once a week. The president was Mrs. Richard Borden; Mrs. Avis Ames, vice-president; Miss A. C. G. Canedy, secretary. The society continued in existence until July 28, 1865, and of course accom- plished a vast amount of good in supplying the soldiers with necessa- ries which were chiefly sent to the front through the Sanitary and Chris- tian Commissions. In November, 1863, a great fair was held in the City Hall, in the management of which the women were very success- ful. Public improvements of an extensive character were generally aban- doned during the war, and during the early years of the conflict invest- ors of private capital were timid and industrial operations of magnitude were checked. The census returns from 1845 to 1860 show an increase of population in the city of a little more than 1,000 annually on the average. In 1860 it was 13,240; the annexation of Fall River, R. I., in 1862 (the details of which are given elsewhere in these pages), raised the number to 17,461 ; in 1865 it was less than 100 more than this, but from 1865 to 1870 the gain was almost 10,000, the number by that census being 27,191. At the beginning of the sixth decade of the century Fall River was in the enjoyment of prosperity in its several channels of industry. Moreover, the time had arrived when the up-building of new and im- portant industries was to be the work of individual effort and capital to a greater extent than hitherto. Up to that time the Iron Works Com- pany had projected or held large interest in most of the important manufacturing industries of the place. New combinations of individual capital from large and small investors alike were now to take a lead- ing part in manufacturing enterprise, a change that has been justly one of the aldermen. In November, 1855, he was chosen mayor to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of James Buffinton ; in the following year he was elected to the same office; in 1860 he was re-elected and served seven consecutive years, leaving the high and responsible position with a most enviable record. Mr. Buffinton died October 2, 1871. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 537 credited largely to the judgment, foresight and efforts of Hale Rem- ington 1 in consultation with the veteran David Anthony. The result of their combined enterprise was the formation of the Union Mill Com- pany (1859), to the capital of which Mr. Anthony was a large subscriber and was chosen treasurer, Mr. Remington serving as one of the orig- inal directors. The time was propitious and the new manufactory was skillfully directed by the management, resulting in unqualified success. The No. 1 mill was erected on a site then selected by S. A. Chace on the Quequechan River. The capital was $175,000, in shares of $1,000 each, and the stock was pledged by about twenty persons. Erection of the mill began in August and was completed in December, and the whole establishment was in operation in March, 1860. S. Angier Chace was elected president; David Anthony, treasurer ; Simeon Borden, clerk. The No. 2 mill was built in 1865, with about 30,000 spindles, and with- out increase of capital stock. Through financial mismanagement these mills were assumed by the creditors and under reorganization have since been very successful. The early success of the Union Mill Company acted as an incentive to the organization of numerous companies and corporations upon similar lines. Among these were the Granite Mills, incorporated 1863 ; the Robeson Mills, incorporated 1866; the Tecumseh Mills, incorpo- rated 1866; the Durfee Mills, incorporated 1866; the Davol Mills Com- pany, incorporated 1867; the Merchants' Manufacturing Company, incorporated 1866; the Mechanics' Mills, incorporated 1868; other corporations succeeded rapidly. Detailed description of all the foregoing corporations are given in the subsequent chapter devoted to that subject. A new and most prosperous era had begun for Fall River. Aside from the fortunate inauguration of the system of organization in mill corporations just noticed, the projection of so many important industries at that particular time and in a few succeeding years, was to some extent due to the conditions throughout the country at the close of the Civil war. During the stupendous strife the public mind was •Hale Remington settled in Fall River in 1833 and entered the employ of Dr. Nathan Durfee in his drug store. He soon afterward purchased the establishment and largely increased the business especially by adding chemicals and dyestuffs used in manufacturing. Later he engaged in the coal business, and to that in course of time added the insurance business, in all of which he was successful. He was for a short time the agent of the Globe Print Works. His observa- tions of the success resulting in other places from the use of the combined capital of men of small means, led him to consultations with David Anthony upon the subject, as above stated. He died August 4, 1870 538 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. engrossed in the one great question — What of the future of the country? In every city,' village or hamlet the frequent calls to arms, the great sacrifices demanded in men and money, the pitiful news that came up from every battlefield, all served to distract public attention from the ordinary affairs of life. With the coming of peace all this was changed. The welcome event was properly celebrated in all communities, and the people, so long oppressed by the terrors of war, turned joyfully and full of hope to the prosecution of improvements and industries. Freight transportation to and from Fall River had by the time under consideration become enormous in comparison with twenty or even ten years earlier. To supply better facilities for this business the Fall River Steamboat Company was organized in 1866. The propellers Albatross and United States, of between 400 and 500 tons each, were purchased and started upon the route to New York, making two trips each weekly. Upon the formation of the Old Colony Steamboat Com- pany, which is still in successful existence, the boats were sold to that organization and other larger boats were added as business required. When in the spring of 1865 the Fall River and Warren. Railroad, connecting with the Providence and Bristol line at Warren, was open for travel, the steamer Oriole was put on as a ferry boat, connecting this road at its eastern terminus opposite the city with the Old Colony Railroad at their Ferry street depot. When the new bridge at Slade's Ferry was finished, the Old Colony Company having in the mean time purchased the Fall River and Warren line, the road was brought across the river, greatly facilitating both freight and passenger traffic west- ward. It was within the few years after the close of the war also that the parks of the city were established. What is now the North Park orig- inated in a petition dated September 3, 1883, signed by John S. Brayton, and 222 others, asking the city government to set aside for a park a portion of the public land lying near Highland avenue and Brownell street. As a result of this petition it was ordered on October 1 of that year, that all of the unoccupied part of the City Farm (so called), lying west of Highland avenue and bounded on the east by that avenue, west by North Main street, north by Hood street, and south by President avenue, containing about twenty- eight acres, should be set apart and dedicated for a public park to be known as North Park. The other and larger park in the southern . part of the city extends from Main street westward to the bay, contains sixty acres, and has a length of 3,800 feet and a breadth of 800 feet. From the high table THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 539 land of the eastern part at Main street a beautiful and extensive view of the city to the northward and of the river and the Mt. Hope and Somerset shores is afforded. With further artificial improvement which this park will receive in future years, it will become a beautiful and popular resort. Liberal annual appropriations are made from the city funds for park improvement. CHAPTER XXX. FALL RIVER AS A CITY— 1870-1898. Notwithstanding the enormous cost of the Civil war — a financial drain that was felt in every hamlet in the land — there was, as we have seen, seeming prosperity throughout the North during several years after the close of the conflict. The great demands of the government for war materials, which had for five years stimulated many and varied in- dustries and afforded numerous avenues for speculation and wealth- making, and the abundance of money which had poured from the national treasury in payment for supplies and to the vast armies whose rank and file seldom hoarded it, with the high prices ruling for all products incident to the inflated currency, were all causes of an era of prosperity such as the country had not before experienced. Though not by any means dependent upon these conditions, they undoubtedly exerted an influence in the immense and rapid develop- ment of Fall River industries and trade, and her consequent increase in population, in 1870 and the few succeeding years. The number of inhabitants in 1870 was 27,191; the number in 1875 was 45,160, a gain of about 18,000 in five years. In 1880 the number was 47,883, while in 1885 it had risen to 56,863, a gain of about 9,000. From a valuation of $11,522,650 in 1860 there was an increase in 1870 to $23,612,214. This amount was more than doubled in 1875, when the figures were $51,401,467. The number of spindles in operation at the close of the war in 1865 was 265,328; in 1870 there were 544,606; three years later there were 1,212,694 — nearly a million and a quarter and indicating an enormous increase at the very beginning of the period of which this chapter treats. 540 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE The year 1871 saw the incorporation in Fall River of no less than nine cotton mills, with a gross capital of about $6,000,000! It is be- lieved that the history of no other city in the United States will show the founding of so large a number of Stable industrial establishments, with so large an investment of capital in so short a period. This list of corporations includes the King Philip Mills, capital $100,000; Nar- ragansett Mills, capital $400,000; Osborn Mills, capital $600,000; Richard Borden Manufacturing Company, capital $800,000; Slade Mills, capital $550,000; Stafford Mills, capital $800,000; Wampanoag Mills, capital $750,000; Weetamoe Mills, capital $550,009; Chace Mills, capital $500,000. During the-remainder of this decade up to and in- cluding 1879 there were incorporated five other mills as follows: Bar- nard Manufacturing Company, capital $495,000; Flint Mills, capital $580,000; Sagamore Manufacturing Company, capital $900,000; Shove Mills, capital $550,000; Union Cotton Manufacturing Company, capital $750,000, making a further total capital of about $3,000,000. These various corporations are properly described in the chapter devoted to this subject in later pages. In addition to the foregoing two other mill corporations were formed that are not now in operation. The first of these was the Crescent Mills, organized October 25, 1871, with a capital stock of $500,000. A granite mill was built in 1872, and a picker house, and the entire mill was in operation in 1873. The original officers were: Ben- jamin Covel, president; Lafayette Nichols, treasurer; Benjamin Covel, Lafayette Nichols, D. A. Chapin, William B. Durfee, J. F. Nichols, Joseph Brady, David F. Brown, G. M. Haffardsand A. S. Covel, direct- ors. The site of these mills is bounded by the Quequechan, Eight- rod Way (now Plymouth avenue) and Pleasant street, which contained twenty-five acres and has a valuable water front. This property was purchased by the Merchants' Mill Corporation. The Montaup Mills was projected by Josiah Brown for the manufac- ture of bags, duck, and cotton bats. The capital was $250,000, and the original subscribers numbered thirty- five. Their first meeting was held November 14, 1871, and the following board of directors chosen: Josiah Brown, Bradford D. Davol, George B. Durfee, A. D. Easton, William L. Slade, Isaac Borden, George H. Hawes, William Valentine, Holder B. Durfee and Thomas J. Borden. Mr. Brown was elected president, and Isaac Borden treasurer and clerk. The act of incorporation was dated December 1, 1871. Between eight and nine acres of land was THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 541 purchased on the northern side of Laurel Lake, and there a brick mill was at once erected. Weaving was begun in February, 1873. The mill contained 7,200 spindles and 112 looms, which were operated by steam. This mill is now No. 2 of the Osborn Mills Corporation. The banking facilities of the city were increased just before the close of the war by the organization, on January 23,1864, of The First Na- tional Bank of Fall River. This was the first bank in this section of the State to organize under the national bank act. The capital was fixed at $200,000. John S. Brayton was chosen president; Charles A. Bassett, cashier. Mr. Brayton has continued in the office of president to the present time, and Everett M. Cook is the present cashier. In March, 1865, the capital stock of the bank was increased to $400,000 and so remains. The board of directors is as follows : John S. Brayton, D. A. Brayton, jr., James M. Morton, Thomas E. Brayton, Edward L. Anthony, Andrew Borden, John S. Brayton, jr. The new bank build- ing, corner of Main and Bank streets, was erected in 1887. The Union Savings Bank was incorporated in 1869, April 24, with Gardner T. Dean, Edwin Shaw and Lafayette Nichols and associates, incorporators. The organization was effected by electing Augustus Chace president; James M. Morton, jr., secretary; D. A. Chapin, treas- urer, and a board of twenty-five trustees. The bank began business in May, 1869, its office being situated in the southwest corner of the Mar- ket building. In 1872 it purchased property on Main street which it has since occupied. The present principal officers are Jerome C. Bor- den, president; Melvin B. Horton, secretary; Abraham G. Hart, treas- urer. The B. M. C. Durfee Safe Deposit and Trust Company was chartered in 1887, with paid in capital of $100,000, subsequently increased to $200,000, and then to $400,000. It has been a very successful financial institution. The principal officers are John S. Brayton, president; John S. Brayton, jr., vice-president; Arthur W. Allen, secretary and treasurer. In addition to the banks thus far noticed there are in the city four co-operative banks, with authorized capital of $1,000,000 each. They are the Fall River Co-operative Bank, chartered 1888; Lafayette Co- operative Bank, chartered 1894; People's Co operative Bank, chartered 1882; Troy Co-operative Bank, chartered 1880. The remarkable development of Fall River during the decade under consideration was not confined wholly to cotton manufacturing corpo- 542 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. rations. During that period the Fall River Bleachery was incorporated with a capital of $400,000; the Union Belt Company with capital of $48,000; the Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company; Kilburn, Lincoln & Co., capital $80,000. These were soon followed by other miscellaneous corporations. In the course of general legislation of the comparatively recent years, several acts have been passed that had a bearing upon Fall River, and the city charter has been several times revised to bring it to its present effective form. The first revision took place in 1865, when only minor changes were made. In 1879 another revision was made, and the last one in 1886. The subdivision of the six wards into which the city was at first divided into nine, took place under an act of 1881. The several changes in the charter have been in the line of broadening the powers of officials and fixing their responsibility more closely. The date of the municipal election is fixed for the first Tuesday after the first Monday in December, and the fiscal year begins on the first Monday in January. The Board of Health is made to consist of the city physician and two persons to be appointed by the mayor ; this provision went into effect in 1885. In the next year one of the charter changes provided for the appointment or election of a chief engineer who should hold office three years. An act of April 9, 1872, provided for the appointment by the Mayor and Aldermen of a harbor master, and defined his duties ; he exercises general jurisdiction and control over the city wharves, controls the movements of vessels in the harbor, and maintains order along the water front. On June 23, 1874, an act was passed authorizing the city to fund its floating debt to an amount not exceeding $600,000, by the issue of bonds. Again on April 9, 1875, authority was given to fund a debt of $400,000. Various changes have taken place during the passing years along the shore of the bay and the banks of the river, although the general topo- graphy of the region has not seen much alteration. There was in the early years a large pond that covered the site of the City Hall and ex ■ tended nearly to the site of the Troy Mill. The early building of ves- sels by Bradford Durfee has been mentioned; this business he carried on on what is now Central street at the extreme end of the Pocasset Mill site. His vessels he rolled down to the brow of the hill where they were launched in the Fall River Creek. At the end of what is THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 543 now Central street was a wharf; this street extended west to Brayton's stone flour mill, then northward to Davol street, which continued north to the Slade wharf. The Fall River creek flowed eastward out of Taunton River, turned south and again entered the river below. A bridge crossed the creek on Central street, and had a draw. When the Brayton mill was built, vessels came up to it, where a wharf was con- structed. The first railroad depot was built at the end of the tunnel, and the second one at the steamboat wharf for the accommodation of the New York boats. The old depot was eventually abandoned for that purpose and now is in use as a part of the railroad shops. When the road was constructed to Newport, a station was built at Ferry street, and another small one at Bowenville, near the site of the pres- ent fine stone depot at Bowenville, for the accommodation of the north- ern part of the city. An event of the year 1874 that is still remembered with awe and sadness was the burning of the great Granite Mills on the 19th of Sep- tember. On the morning of that day fire was discovered in the mule room on the third floor, which soon spread throughout the six- story structure. There was only one entrance to each of the floors, which was through the tower in the center of the building on the Twelfth street side. As the fire started north of the tower and swept rapidly southward, this avenue of escape for the employees above the third floor was cut off. Many of the hundreds on the upper floors reached the ground by the fire escapes on the front and rear of the building, but a number were badly injured by jumping from the fourth and fifth story windows. A single fire escape on the east side reached to the sloping roof, but it was of no use to the helpless peop 1 e in the sixth attic story. As the devouring flames came on toward them, they rushed frantically for the three windows in the south end of the build- ing. The fire department responded promptly to the call, but its long- est ladder was far too short to reach those widows. Bedding was then hastily gathered and piled on the ground under the windows and blankets were held to break the fall of those who were determined to jump. Many took the leap only to meet death at the bottom. Twenty persons were killed in this terrible calamity and more than thirty others injured. It was an awful but effective lesson ; although this mill was built upon the best plans then in use, it was realized that in future better means of egress and more adequate safety appliances must be provided in all similar structures. Reforms in this respect were at 544 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. once introduced and a repetition of the disaster has not since been feared. An important public improvement in the city was the construction of the Custom House and Post-office building between 1875 and 1880. Originally what is now the customs district of Fall River, including this town and other towns along the Taunton River, was called the District of Dighton, and so continued until April 1, 1834, with Dighton as the port of entry. In 1834 the custom house was removed to Fall River and the name of the village given to the district in 1837. In 1840 there were credited to this district 113 registered, enrolled and licensed vessels, with tonnage of 8,809. The district now includes Fall River, Taunton, Freetown, Swansea, Dighton, Berkley and Somerset, aad there are credited to the district 101 registered, enrolled and licensed vessels, with a tonnage in round numbers of 68,000, making it the largest in New England, excepting Boston. The custom house was located in various places in rented apartments, until with passing years and the great increase of business, more commodious quarters became an imperative necessity. The post-office was established in Fall River in 1811, with Charles Pitman, postmaster, and on February 12 he opened the first mail. Two years later the post-office was removed to Steep Brook, a fact that in- dicates the relative importance of the two points at that time. In 1816 the office was re-established at Fall River and Abraham Bowen was appointed postmaster; he continued in the office eight years until his death and was succeeded by his son, James G. Bowen. The office was at that time kept on what is now the northeast corner of Main and Bed- ford streets. The office was burned in the great fire of 1843, after which a temporary building was used for the custom house and post- office, which stood on the sight of the new Public Library. Later the office was removed to the City Hall, and still later to the Pocasset block, corner of Pleasant and South Main streets ; this was done be- tween 1857 and 1861. The free delivery system was inaugurated in the city on July 1, 1863. The list of postmasters of Fall River succeeding Abraham Bowen, is as follows: James G. Bowen, 1824-31; Benjamin Anthony, 1831-36; Caleb B. Vickery, 1836-49; James Ford, 1849-53 ; James M. Morton, 1853-57 ; Ebenezer Slocum, 1857-61 ; Edwin Shaw, 1681-75; Chester W. Greene, 1875-81; William S. Greene, 1881-85 ; Nicholas Hatheway, 1885-89; John Whitehead, 1889-94; Daniel D. Sullivan, appointed Feb- ruary 1, 1894. William S. Greene, April 1, 1898, soon resigned to take his seat in Congress and was succeeded by George A. Ballard. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 545 The collectors of customs for this district have been as follows: Hodij ah Baylies, 1789-1809, Nathaniel Williams, 1809-1823; Hercules Cushman, 1823-25; Seth Will- iams, 1825-29; William Wood, 1829-33; Horatio Pratt, 1833-34; P. W. Leland, 1834-42; Charles J. Holmes, 1842-45 (deputy collector, Jonathan Slade); Samuel L. Thaxter, 1849-53 (deputy, Benjamin Earl); 1 P. W. Leland, 1853-61 (deputy, Jonathan Slade); Charles Almy, 1861-65 (deputy, Samuel R. Buffinton); James Brady, -jr., 1865-95 (deputies, Samuel R. Buffinton, Isaac Borden, Edward T. Marvel); John Desmond, 1895 to present time (deputy, Edward T. Marvel, who has served thirty- eight years.) ~n Fall River Post Office. When the business of the custom house and the post-office became too large to be efficiently managed in the temporary places theretofore occupied, measures were adopted to secure the erection of a govern- ment building in the city. Through the instrumentality of James Buf- 1 Benjamin Earl was born at Taunton August 7, 1809, and settled in Fall River in 1826. He was a direct descendant of Ralph Earle, who came from England between 1638 and 1638, and set- tled in Portsmouth. William Earle, son of this Ralph, was a prominent man of his time and be- came owner of half a share of the thirty shares into which the land along the Fall River was divided; his farm included what is now a populous part of the city. The father of Benjamin Earl 69 546 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. finton, then member of Congress, an appropriation was secured in 1873 of $200,000, and a committee of citizens was appointed to select a site. The site finally chosen is eligible and convenient. In 1875 a further appropriation was obtained of $40,000, and in 1876 two additional ap- propriations .were made of $25,000 and $20,000 respectively, making a total of $285,000. The erection of the building was begun September, 1875, under direction of Edward T. Avery, superintendent of construc- tion. Further appropriations were made of $70,000 in 1878 ; $85,000 in 1879; $50,000 in 1880, and $28,000 in 1881, bringing the grand total up to $518,000, of which sum $132,856.65 was expended for land. The building was occupied by the custom house in June, 1880, and by the post-office a few months later. It is one of the most beautiful and costly government buildings in the interior cities of the United States. Previous to the year 1871 the water supply of Fall River was inade- quate and unsatisfactory, both for domestic and public uses. It was supplied wholly from wells and springs, many of which had become unfit for use. After the usual preliminary discussion the first Board of "Water Commissioners for the city was appointed in the spring of 1871. The source of supply was self-evident to all; it was the pure, spring fed Watuppa Ponds, which have been frequently mentioned in foregoing pages. The drainage area of these ponds is even as yet -'sparsely set- tled and the soil surrounding the ponds is of such a character as to in- sure exceptional purity of the water flowing over and through it. The area of the watershed is about 17,000 acres and the ponds are capable of supplying daily 35,000,000 gallons. It will be seen that the quantity now drawn daily by the city can be greatly increased with no possible danger of exhausting the supply. An analysis of the water was made in 1870 by Prof. John H. Appleton, which showed that in one gallon there are only 1.80 grains of solid matter, a degree of purity reached in the supplies of very few cities in the country. After preparation of the plans for the works, a road was constructed was Hilliard Earl, who lived in Dartmouth and New Bedford and finally settled in Taunton; he died of consumption at the early age of thirty-seven years. Benjamin Earl shipped as cabin boy at the age of thirteen years, but returned to Taunton and learned the trade of wool carding and cloth dressing; when he came to Fall River in 1826 he was employed in Bennett's wool-carding mill, but in the fall of that year began learning the printing trade in the Monitor office. His pur- chase of that establishment is elsewhere noticed. In 1836 he purchased the book store of S. L. Thaxter and continued that business many years. Mr. Earl was town clerk 1836-46; representa- tive in 1847; deputy collector, 1849-53; in the Common Council 1858 and alderman 1859; city auditor and collector 1863-67; and held other positions of honor. He was long a trustee of the Fall River Savings Bank, and a member and officer in the two Congregational Churches of the city. He married in 1830 Nancy Simmons, and was the father of six children. Mr. Earl died in July, 1882. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 547 in the fall of 1871 extending about a mile and a half to the site selected for the pumping station, and during the year 1872 the foundations of an engine house, boiler house and coal house were built and the super- structures were completed in the following year. The gate house, where the water was taken from the lake, was built 225 feet from the shore, where the depth of the water was about ten feet. The engine house was designed to accommodate four engines, two for high service and two for low service. The first engine, built by the Boston Ma- chine Company, was put in operation January 5, 1874, and the water wa-; supplied to the city on the 8th of the same month. The engine pumped into a 24-inch force main extending from the engine house to the corner of Main and Bedford streets, supplying the low service, i. e. , those parts of the city which can be satisfactorily supplied with neces- sary pressure from a reservoir situated 256 feet above tide water. The more elevated portions of the city are supplied by the high service, through a system of pipes fed by a 16 inch force main, extending from the engine house to the corner of Robeson and Twelfth streets. This part of the service is supplied by a Worthington engine built in 1875. The capacity of the Boston engine was 3,000,000 gallons in twenty-four hours; that of the Worthington engine, 5,000,000 gallons. The capac- ity of both engines has been exceeded during large conflagrations. The tower was built of granite and contains two stand pipes three feet and six inches in diameter, one for each branch of the service. The top of the low-service pipe is forty-eight feet above the highest point of the 24-inch force main; the top of the other pipe is eighty-eight feet above the highest point of the 16-inch force main and both are supplied with waste outlets. The base of the tower is twenty-one feet square to a height of twenty-two and a half feet, surmounted by an octagonal shaft sixty and a half feet high. The pipes occupy the center of the tower and around them winds an iron staircase to the top. The cost of the works to October 1, 1876, was $1,328,456.14. The number of gallons pumped in 1874 was 185,116,305; in 1876, 297,658,014. Under the liberal policy of the city authorities the consumption of the water has rapidly increased to the present time. The net cost of the water works to January 1, 1898, is $2,454,819.85. The bonded debt on that date was $1,925,000, with a sinking fund of the value of $503,747.45. The annual receipts from consumers now amount to more than $150,000. About eighty miles of pipes of the various sizes have been laid in the streets, and there are now 827 hydrants in use and 811 gates. 548 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Under an act of legislature of 1893 an issue of bonds was provided for to the amount of $25,000, of which $19,000 was appropriated by the City Council for water works extensions and $6,000 for the extension of the main in Highland avenue. The heavy freighting business of Fall River incident to the period of rapid development now under consideration attracted attention from the proprietors of the well known Clyde lines of stealers, and in March, 1876, they placed two boats upon the route between this city and Philadelphia. These were the Norfolk and the Defiance. Con- nections were made with the Old Colony Railroad, completing a new and direct freight connection with Boston. A large measure of success attended this enterprise and in the following year the large propeller, Vindicator, was added to the fleet. Vessel capacity is still provided by this company sufficient to meet the demands. Nothing further need be added to the foregoing to prove that the decade from 1870 to 1880 placed Fall River in the fore front of progressive cities and attracted to its future possibilities wide-spread attention and many newcomers, who would still further develop its material resources. Since 1880 there have been incorporated thirteen additional cotton mills and kindred industries as follows: Conanicut Mills, 1880, capital $120,000; Border City Manufacturing Co., 1880, capital $1,000,000; Metacomet Manufacturing Co., 1880, capital $200,000; Bourne Mills, 1881, capital $400,000; Globe Yarn Mills, 1881, capital $1,200,000;' Laurel Lake Mills, 1881, capital $500,000; Barnaby Manufacturing Company, 1882, capital $400,000; Seaconnet Mills, 1884, capital $600,- 000; Hargraves Mills, 1888, capital $800,000; Kerr Thread Company, 1888, capital $100,000; Cornell Mil,ls, 1889, capital $400,000; Sanford Spinning Company, 1891, capital $500,000; Stevens Manufacturing Company, 1892, capital $250,000; Parker Mills, 1895, capital $500,000. All of these are adequately described in the succeeding chapter. In 1880 the Fall River Gas Works Company was incorporated, with capital of $288,000. This was the first direct successor of the gas works that were established by the Fall River Iron Works Company in 1847, and which supplied the city until 1880. Jefferson Borden was the first president of the corporation; treasurer, George P. Brown. Directors, Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, David A. Brayton, David A. Brayton, jr., Richard B. Borden, A. S. Tripp, William B. Durfee. A change in the management of the company took place in October, J 886, when the following officers were chosen: President, THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 549 John S. Brayton; treasurer, Samuel T. Bodine; clerk and manager, George P. Brown; directors, John S. Brayton, A. S. Covel, A. O. Granger, Henry Lewis, Samuel T. Bodine, Randal Morgan, David Patton. In 1896 this company absorbed the property of the Man- ufacturers' Gas Light Company and increased the stock to $450,000, and the following officers were elected: President, John S. Brayton; vice-president, Joseph A. Baker; treasurer, Edward C. Lee; clerk and manager, George P. Brown; directors, Samuel T. Bodine, Randal Morgan, Walton Clark, Oliver S. Hawes, John S. Brayton, Joseph A. Baker, George P. Brown. Among the miscellaneous corporations that were incorporated in the city after 1880 were the following: The Crystal Spring Bleaching and Dyeing Company, incorporated 1881, capital $100,000; Massasoit Man- ufacturing Company, incorporated 1882, capital $150,000; Fall River Machine Company, incorporated 1880, capital $96,000; Jesse Eddy Manufacturing Compauy, incorporated 1886, capital $60,000; Fall River Bobbin and Shuttle Company, incorporated 1893, capital $100,- 000; in the same period the electric light companies and street railway companies were incorporated. To some of these organizations further reference is here necessary. This chapter of final general history of the city of Fall River may be closed with some tables of statistics, which indicate the growth of the community in population, manufactures, etc. The valuation of the city from 1854 to the present time is shown in the following table : Year. Valuation. Tax. Amount raised No. by Taxation. Polls. 1854 __ $8,939,215 $5.80 $56,523.70 3,117 1855 9,768,420 5.60 59,425.15 3,148 1860 _ 11,522,650 7.40 90,124.61 3,238 1865. 12,134,990 16.50 209,27220 4,461 1866. ._ 12,762,534 17.50 232,827.62 4,740 1867 15,220,628 17.00 269,020.95 5,135 1868 17,919,192 14.00 262,872.74 M02 1869 21,398,525 15.60 346,310.09 6,247 1870 - 23,612,214 15.30 374,753.22 6,743 1871 _. 29,141,117 13.00 392,974.15 7,070 1872 37,841,294 12.00 471,835.53 8,870 1873_ 47,416,246 13.00 636,451.61 10,020 1874 49,995,110 12 80 662,486.11 11419 1875 51,401,467 14.50 768,464.37 11,571 1876 48,920,485 15.20 764,629.41 10,519 1877 '. 47,218,320 15.50 753,735.96 10^926 Amount raised No. by Taxation. Polls: 739,518.48 11,564 689,370.32 11,678 702,088.91 12,008 777,546.46 12,091 813,490.93 12,881 836,697.38 12,871 859,013.53 13,212 851,952.59 14,066 852,014.82 14,677 847,442.47 16,198 862,823.98 16,319 931,667 01 17,466 913,894.39 18,756 972,412.69 19,342 1.018,320.00 21,340 1,095 534.00 22,167 1,113,959.86 22,321 1,168,028.66 22,966 550 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Y ear . Valuation. Tax. 1878 42,329,730 17.50 18 79 38,173,510 18.00 1880 "T. 39,171,264 18.00 188 1 41,119,761 19.00 188 2 43,421,970 18.80 1883 - 45,540,835 18.40 1884 45,798,860 18.80 18 85 45,234,150 18.80 1886 - - 45,111.705 18.80 1 88 7 45,576,175 18.40 1888 46,504,585 17.40 1889 - 49,839,641 17.80 1890 _.. 53,395,908 16.40 1891. _ 54,281,930 17.20 1892... 56,065,920 17.40 1893 60,413,805 17.40 1894 63,638,563 16.80 1895 ------ 65,238,178 17.80 In 1849, the number of taxable polls was 1,603. The valuation of real estate was $1,678,603; of personal estate, $1,310,865; total $2,- 989,468. Population statistics from 1810 to the present time are as folllows: 1810 - 1,296 1878... 48,494 1820 1,594 1879 _ ...46,909 1830 4,159 1880 _ 47,883 1840 -- 6,738 1881 ..49,049 1845. 10,290 1882 50,487 1850 - 11,170 1883 ..52,558 1855 12,680 1884 54,001 I860 - 13,240 1885 _ ...56.863 1862'.. 17,461 1886 59,026 1865 - ..17,525 1887 63,961 1870 -- - 27,191 1888 63,715 1871 28,291 1889.... 68,774 1872... , 34,835 1890 .74,918 1873.. 38,464 1891 77,329 1874. ..42,289 1892 83,026 1875 45,160 1893... 87,773 1876 44,356 1894 • 89,576 1877 ..45,113 1895 __ 89,203 Before relating in succeeding separate chapters the history of many 1 The increase in population in 1862 was owing to the annexation of the town of Fall River R. I., which contained a population of about 3,590. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 551 departments, institutions and industries of the city, it may be profit- able to briefly glance backward over a few comparatively recent years of the municipal life. One feature that is always conspicuous in the growth of large business centers is the rapidly increasing public debt; and, contrary to anticipated results from correct business practice by individuals, the rate of increase of public debt is to a considerable ex- tent an indication of the rapidity of the growth of the city in all direc- tions. If this condition does not seem consistent to the uninformed, it is a subject that is clearly understood by the experienced official in any prosperous city. In the annual address by Mayor Greene made in January, 1897, he gave some figures that have a direct bearing upon the financial development of the city within the past twenty years, the value and interest of which fully justify the following quotations : The total indebtedness in 1880, including both municipal and water debt, was $3,145,574.40, and the total indebtedness, including municipal and water and all special loans, bonds for which have been issued up to January 1, 1897, and also in- cluding the entire cost of the armory, which will never appear in any table of indebt- edness, $3,428,788.17. These figures show an increase of valuation of over $33,000,000 and an increase of indebtedness of only $283,213.77, or to give the statement in percentages, an increase of over 87J^ per cent, in valuation and an increased indebtedness of only a fraction over 9 per cent. In 1880 the population was 47,883 and to-day more than 100,000, being an increase of more than 52,000. During this time $1,030,259.66 had been expended for sewers alone, and besides this sum there has been expended a large amount of money in rebuilding the City Hall and other public buildings, school houses and many other important public im- provements. The rate of taxation in 1880 was $18 per $1,000, and in 1896, $17 per $1,000. In the early years of this municipality debts were incurred with considerable free- dom, without providing for payment by creating sinking funds, as is now required bylaw. As an illustration I give the following: Fall River from 1870 to 1880, in- crease of population 76 per cent. ; increase of tax valuation, 59 per cent. ; increase of taxation, 87 per cent. ; increase of indebtedness, 829 per cent. From a standard publication by H. C. Adams on public debts, I find that the aver- age per capita debt of all the cities of the United States was $51.15. Twenty-one of these cities each contain a population of 100,000 and over, and of this number there were but five that fell below the average in their per capita of indebtedness, while many of them passed far beyond that of the average city. I do not wish to quote the names of the cities, but the per capita of indebtedness of some of the highest ranges as follows: $216,69, $157.87, $129.88, $127.84, $127.43, $90.71, $90.38, and $89.39. The per capita indebtedness of the city of Fall River is about $35. In 1874 sinking fund commissioners were elected by the City Council, but up to 1875 nothing definite had been done by them, and the debt of the city increased steadily until 1879, when the depression in business, which had been quite general 552 OUK COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. throughout the country for three years, was severely felt by serious business compli- cations in our own city. The valuation had been increased from $23,612,214 in 1870, to $51,401,467 in 1875, when, owing to general business depression, there was a shrinkage in values, and the assessors' valuation was reduced from $51,401,467 in 1875 to $37,001,790 in 1879, thus reducing the amount which could be raised from the tax levy for municipal purposes. The debt increased steadily from $338,589.42 in 1870 until 1879, when it reached the sum of $3,170,784.31. This great increase of in- debtedness from 1870 to 1879 was occasioned by the introduction of water, the con- struction of school houses, engine houses, widening of Pleasant street and many other necessary and important improvements. The water debt was especially authorized by legislative enactment, and up to 1880 bonds were freely issued to pay running expenses as well as cost of construction. In the year 1880, andevery year since, the necessary sum beyond receipts from sales of water, vdrying from $70,000 in that year to $20,000 in 1896, has been placed in the annual tax levy, but the municipal debt, the highest in 1878, $1,576,070.32, had been increased by votes of the City Councils of the preceding eight years, thus increasing the municipal indebtedness $1,237,480 90 or 365 per cent., and had the laws which now exist, limiting the indebtedness according to valuation, been upon the statutes, such a thing could not have been possible without special legislative enactment. This indebtedness has been cheerfully borne by the taxpayers, because it became a necessity, occasioned by the growth and development of the city, although it was a burden which should have been provided for as is the water debt, by the issue of long term bonds. Upon further examination I find the greatest annual increase of indebtedness in the history of the city occurred in the years 1873 and 1874. In 1873 the municipal indebtedness alone, independent of water debt, was increased from $557,895.01 to $978,211.44, or $420,316.43 and in 1874from$978,211.44to$l,434,478.58, or $456,267.- 14, and this debt was carried at rates of interest that would seem appalling to-day. The total amount expended for sewers since the sewer system was established to January 1st, 1897, was $1,514,899.41, and up to this time no system of sewer assess- ment has been established. The following statement shows the amount of the municipal debt from February, 1870, to the present time, with the amount of the water debt from 1873 : Year. Municipal Debt. Water Debt. Total. Feb. 1, 1870.. ._ $338,589.42 1871.... 306,328.77 1872 387.784.71 1873 $557,895.01 $300,000.00 857,895.01 1874... 978,211.44 505,000.00 1,483,211.44 Jan. 1, 1875 1,434,478.58 950,247.23 2,384,725.81 1876 1,518,031.14 1,445,232.33 2,963,263.47 1877 1,479,095.44 1.639,862.33 3.118,957.77 1878 1,576,070.32 1,564,768.72 3,140,839.04 1879 1,549,912.78 1,620,881.53 3,170,794.31 1880 1,487,611.08 1,657,963.32 3,145,574.40 THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 553 Year. Municipal Debt. Water Debt. Total. Jan. 1, 1881 1,436,311.68 1,648,475.35 3,084,787.03 1882 1,363,427.53 1,632,226.45 2,995,653.98 1883 1,287,896.42 1,622,265.25 2,910,161.67 1884 1,241,177.28 1,610,575.81 2,851,753.09 1885 1,161,367.47 1,593,505.49 2,754,872.96 1886.... 1,176,018.24 1576,123.48 2,752,141.72 1887 1,087,553.47 1,549,328.88 2,636,882.35 1888 1,031,280.36 1,519,491.89 2,550,772.25 1889 969,642.52 1,507,563.28 2,477,305.80 1890... 959,693.38 1,490,854.10 2,450,547.48 1891 1,115,796.04 1,476,897.70 2,593,693.74 1892 1,070,228.65 1,455,848.75 2,526,077.40 1893.... 1,377,736.75 1,422,757.10 2,800,493.85 1894 1,501,818.96 1,464,097.48 2,965,916.44 1895 1,543,761.25 1,447,323.52 2.991,084.77 1896 1,734,768.91 1,465,130.98 3,199,899.84 1897 1,894,177.88 1,443,413.88 3,337,591.76 The funded city debt on January 1, 1898, amounted to $2,578,750. The funded water debt on January 1, 1897, was $1,925,000. The total issue of water bonds amounts to $1,900,000. The borrowing capacity of the city for 1896 was $265,462.39. Bonds to the amount of $265,000, bearing interest at 4 per cent, were issued in 1896 as follows: January 1, 1896, Municipal Loan No. 1, 1896, due January 1, 1906, $28,000, credited to the appropriation for street awards. March 1, 1896, Highway Loan No. 6, due March 1, 1906, $102,000, credited to the appropriation for highways. April 1, 1896, Sewer Loan No. 12, due April 1, 1926, $75,000, credited to the appropriation for sewers. April 1, 1896, School house Loan No. 2, due April 1, 1916, $60,000, credited to the appropriation for new school houses. In 1897 the burden of city expense was noticeably increased by the rebuilding of the entire interior of the City Hall. The building is now not only commodious and convenient for its several purposes, but is also most attractive in appearance. Sewer and street improvements in recent years have been very ex- tensive and, on account of the prevalence of rock in the upper strata of the land, very costly. The appropriation for highways alone has ap- proximated $150,000 in a single year, while still larger sums have been expended on sewers. For this latter purpose $100,000 was appropri- ated in 1896, which sum was realized from a loan authorized by a 70 554 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. special act of the Legislature, to which sum $71,500 was added. Sewers were constructed in 1897 in twenty-four streets, among them being the Bedford street storm sewer, which cost $10,000. CHAPTER XXXI. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER— INDUSTRIES. In this chapter, at the risk of some unimportant repetition, an effort has been made to gather and present in such detailed form as the avail- able space would permit, an authentic account of each cotton mill and kindred industry in Fall River, with the addition of such other manufac- turing establishments as are important to this work. These brief sketches have, in nearly or quite every case, been submitted for revis- ion to officials connected with the mills, thus insuring comparative accuracy in their statements. It need not be stated that the cotton manufactories have exerted an enormous influence upon the village and city in every conceivable re- spect, making it known throughout the globe and giving it precedence in this direction over every other city in the Union. Besides their in- fluence upon the development, growth and prosperity of the village and city, which has been set forth in preceding chapters, these great cotton manufacturing corporations have been an all-powerful factor in modifying the general character and nationality of the population as a whole, attracting a very large foreign element, through which churches, schools, dwellings, modes of living, and even the city government itself, have been directly and largely affected in many ways that are self- apparent. In the early years of the industry nearly all of the mill employees were Americans; there were few foreigners in the village. The estab- lishment of the first large print works brought in a considerable ele- ment of English and Scotch. These continued to gradually increase, and after the great fire of 1843, the foreign element was augmented by the arrival of many Irish, who worked in the mills and the Iron Works, and as day laborers. In later years the number of foreigners of vari- ous nationalities rapidly increased, until now they are numbered by THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 555 many thousands, constituting a very large majority of the mill hands. This is a condition the desirability of which cannot be discussed here ; it was a necessary outcome of the business. As a rule these operatives of foreign birth or descent have been amenable to municipal and fac- tory regulations and many have become respectable and useful citizens. While there have been a number of important strikes which temporarily checked and disorganized manufacturing operations, it is doubtful if they have been more numerous than would have been the case among as many American workmen. The wage rate in Fall River has gener- ally been kept as high, or higher, than in other large manufacturing centers, and the domestic and social conditions of the operatives have been correspondingly satisfactory. In very recent years the competi- tion inaugurated through the establishment of many great corporations in the South, where labor conditions are different, has had a marked effect here; the future of this competition is at this time difficult to forecast. Fall River Iron Works. — The original purpose of this company was the manufacture of iron, as its title would indicate, but it began soon after profits were realized to take an interest in the cotton manufac- tures of Fall River. The first suggestion of this undertaking has been ascribed to Bradford Durfee and Richard Borden ; there is little doubt, however, that Holder Borden co-operated effectively with them. This is indicated by the fact that he was agent and in charge of three large manufactories of Abraham and Isaac Wilkinson, at Valley Falls, in Rehoboth (Bristol county), and the Cove factory in Seekonk, and these two men subscribed one- fourth of the capital stock of the new Fall River enterprise. The first meeting for the organization of the com- pany was held at Bradford Durfee's house April 23, 1821. There a constitution was adopted, fixing the capital at $24,000, divided into thirty-two shares ; these were taken as follows: Abraham and Isaac Wilkinson, eight shares; Bradford Durfee, four; Joseph Butler, four; David Anthony, four; Richard Borden, four; William Valentine, four; and Holder Borden, four. David Anthony was elected clerk, Bradford Durfee agent, and Richard Borden assistant agent ; the duties of treasurer were performed by the agent. It was agreed " to erect a rolling and slitting mill, 46 by 48 feet, and 14-foot posts, a nail factory, 30 by 40 feet, and 18-foot posts, and a store 24 by 30 feet, and 14-foot posts, for the purpose of rolling bar iron into hoops, nail and spike rods, and' cut- 556 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE ting plates into nails and spikes, and such other business as may here- after be agreed upon." These buildings were at once erected, the rolling mill just below the dam ; the nail factory on a level with the dam on the privilege now occupied by the Metacomet mill, and the store on Annawan street. The business rapidly developed, in spite of the fact that only $14,000 in cash was paid in and $6,000 of this was soon withdrawn by the Wilkinsons, who became financially embarassed. The partnership continued until February 4, 1825, when the Fall River Iron Works Company was incorporated, and the property of the old copart- nership was divided into thirty-two shares (following the division of that and the present day of interests in vessels) and the same pro rata ownership was afterwards made in steamboats. The charter of the company authorized a capital of $100,000. In October, 1826, Abraham Wilkinson was elected president ; Bradford Durfee, treasurer and agent; Holder Borden, clerk. The same officers were chosen May 7, 1827, excepting that Richard Borden was elected clerk in place of Holder Borden. At the next annual meeting William Valentine was elected president, and Richard Borden, clerk, treasurer and agent, beginning a term of service as treasurer and agent which continued forty-four years and to his death. Major Durfee had declined re-election as treas- urer and agent, having accepted a similar office in the Annawan manufac- tory, which was organized February 5, 1825, by the stockholders of the Fall River Iron Works Company, with Benjamin Rodman and others of New Bedford. A statement made at that meeting shows that there had been no change in the ownership of stock except that Holder Bor- den is said to be the owner of eight shares, while David Anthony's name is not on the list ; Mr. Anthony had probably sold to Mr. Borden. It is probable that this transfer was made soon after the organization of the company, and almost certain that it was before May 3, 1825. One-half of the stock of the Annawan Company was taken by the stock- holders of the Fall River Iron Works Company. On the 12th day of June, 1829, the two Wilkinsons transferred their shares to William Wil- kinson and soon afterwards went into bankruptcy. April 6, 1831, Will- iam Wilkinson sold those eight shares to Samuel Shove, and on the 28th of the same month Mr. Shove sold to Holder Borden three shares; to William Valentine, one and a half shares; to Bradford Durfee, Jo- seph Butler and Richard Borden, one share each ; and to Jefferson Bor- den, one-half share. On February 23, 1829, Richard Borden sold one share to Jefferson Borden. William Valentine was a Providene mer- THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 557 chant, and Joseph Butler was a master mariner of the same place, and both had married sisters of Richard and Jefferson Borden ; Holder Bor- den was the son of Mrs. Bradford Durfee by her first husband ; thus all the stockholders, after ,the purchase of the Wilkinson interest, were related to each other by blood or marriage. At the annual meeting in August, 1829, the officers were re-elected and Jefferson Borden was appointed agent at Providence. In the summer of 1831 a stone store, 50 by 40 feet, was built "between the Annawan blacksmith shop and the wooden building owned by the Iron Works Company." At the same time was begun the construction of the dam which became that of the American Print Works. There was already at this point a small pond, largely of tide water, but also fed by springs and by a small brook; this was enlarged by the erection of the dam and the supply of water increased by digging a canal from the Quequechan River, below the Annawan mill, so that a considerable portion of the water of that river now reaches Mount Hope Bay over the dam or through the flume of the print works. Soon after the commencement of business by the company, wharves were built, and in 1827 the steamer Hancock was purchased and a steamboat route established between Fall River and Providence. In 1832 the Hancock was superseded by the King Philip. In 1845 the Bradford Durfee was built and a few years later the Metacomet, which was followed by the Canonicus, and in 1874 by the Richard Borden. In 1833 the corporation built the marine railway, which was the first of the kind on Mount Hope Bay and Taunton River. The American Print Works had their inception in the spring of 1833, the principal promoter being Holder Borden, who was then operating with success the print works at Globe village. At a meeting held August 6, 1833, it was voted "to erect a building at the new dam near the High Hill, suitable to print calicoes." August 13, 1834, it was voted ' ' that the Agent be authorized to buy or build such machinery as may be necessary for printing calicoes, etc. " The works were ready for operation in the fall of 1834. No capital other than that furnished by this corporatian (the Iron Works Company) was put into the print works until 1876. The owners in the Fall River Iron Works Company received their proportional interest in the Print Works, which was managed as a copartnership until 1857, when that corporation was established and the Iron Works corporation conveyed to it the land, buildings, etc., which were owned by the American Print Works and 558 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. for which, up to the year of its incorporation, it paid rent to the Fall River Iron Works Company. In 1835 a building was erected for nail making, about 80 by 40 feet, and equipped with machinery for the business; this was an addition to the old nail mill of 1821, and was operated until 1844, when the rolling and nail mills were removed to the site they afterward occupied. In 1839 the agent was authorized to build a rolling mill,' a furnace and machine shop, and equip them with necessary power, etc. On Septem- ber 2, 1841, he was authorized to build "anew Madder Dye House, Boiler House, and Dry House for the Print Works." On May 8, 1844, the agent was authorized "to build a fire proof building 60 by 40, and two stories, and to fit up a counting room, for use of this company and the Print Works." The height of this building was soon changed to three stories. In 1844 it was decided to remove the old rolling mill and nail factory and erect a stone building from 170 to 200 feet by about 70 feet, for the establishment of a cotton factory ; this was the inception of the Meta- comet Mill. Major Durfee had seen pillars and girders of iron used in the erection of similar structures in England and was thereby led to propose their introduction in the new mill. The death of Major Dur- fee delayed the completion of this mill for about a year; by a vote of the company it received the name, Metacomet, August 5, 1846. To enable the company to operate the new mill it was voted, January 6, 1845, "to petition the General Court to amend the charter of the com- pany so as to enable it to hold real estate to the amount of $500,000, and personal estate to the same amount to manufacture cotton yarn and cloth and to print cotton cloth. " The petition was granted January 20, 1845. In 1846 the boiler shop was erected and the repair and manufacture of boilers was added to the interests of the Fall River Iron Works cor- poration. In the same year the gas works was built and the city sup- plied with gas by this corporation In beginning the manufacture of gas the company was two or three years in advance of the city of Prov- idence and several years ahead of the erection of gas works in New Bed- ford. In 1846 the large brick edifice in Providence owned by this com- pany was built ; at that time there were only two or three buildings in that city that exceeded it in size and cost of construction. In 1849 the cor- poration took in its corporate capacity $16,000 of the capital stock of 1 This was burned in June, 1843, and at once rebuilt. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 559 the Bay State Steamboat Company, which was subsequently, together with the interest which this corporation had in the Fall River Man- ufactory and the Troy Cotton and Woolen Company, divided pro rata among the stockholders. The brick structure known as the Meta- comet Bank building was erected by this company and subsequently sold to the American Print Works. In 1856 the department for the re- pair and manufacture of machinery was added. Up to the year 1857 the number of shares was thirty-two; in that year the stockholders voted to call the capital stock $960,000 and to increase the number of shares to 960 at the par value of $1,000 each. The first cash dividend declared by this corporation was in 1850. Between that year and 1880, in addition to the stock dividends in the Fall River Manufactory, the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory (in which two corporations the Fall River Iron Works was a large owner), the American Print Works, and the Bay State Steamboat Company, it paid to its stockholders the sum of $3,073,600 in cash. This vast amount of property and money was the accretion of the $14,- 000 originally invested. When the change was made in the number of shares in the corporation (August, 1857), a schedule of the property showed a valuation of $1,200,206.67. Besides its ownership of the en- tire Metacomet Mill, it owned seventy-six and one-half shares of the hundred in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, and twenty-nine and two-thirds shares of the fifty in the Fall River Manufactory. On August 6, 1872, in view of the age of the treasurer, Col. Richard Borden, an assistant treasurer was elected in the person of Philip D. Borden. On August 4, 1874, Philip D. Borden was elected treasurer, in place of Col. Richard Borden, who died July 25, 1874. Philip D. Borden held the office one year and was succeeded by Robert C. Brown. The present officers of the corporation are as follows: President, M. C. D. Borden; treasurer, William J. Harley; agent, James B. Harley; superintendent, Samuel E. Hathaway; directors, M. C. D. Borden, B. H. Borden, John R. Van Wormer. In 1880 a committee was appointed to which was referred the matter of the division of the property of the Fall River Iron Works Company and the formation of new corporations. From the closing paragraphs of that report the following is condensed: Our interests are large and varied. The competition in all kinds of business is now sharp, and in order to be successful, great and increasing care and watchfulness are absolutely demanded in every department; and in order to meet the demands 560 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. now made upon us, your committee are of the opinion that it is for the best interests of the stockholders, that the several departments should be constituted as distinct corporations, and for this purpose recommend that new corporations be formed as follows: Metacomet Mills, capital $288,000; Fall River Machine Company, capital $96,000; Fall River Gas Works, capital $288,000; Fall River Steamboat Company, capital $192,000. After describing in detail the character of the property of these com- panies, the report continued: And your committee further recommend that when the aforesaid corporations are duly formed, the Fall River Iron Works in its corporate capacity become seized and possessed of the stock in the said corporations, and that the same be divided out to the stockholders of record at the date when the same shall be consummated as fol- lows: To each share of stock in the Fall River Iron Works Company — three shares of stock in the Fall River Gas Works, three shares of stock in the Metacomet Mills, one share of stock in the Fall River Machine Company, and two shares of stock in the Fall River Steamboat Company. And your committee further recommend, that when said corporations are organ- ized, as aforesaid, the capital stock of the Fall River Iron Works Company be re- duced from $960,000 to $192,000, and the shares from the par value of $1,000 to $100, and that to each share of the present stock there be allotted two shares of the new stock of the par value of $100 each. If the recommendations of your committee are accepted and the properties divided in accordance with this report, there will be left to the Fall River Iron Works Com- pany the following properties: 776.80 rods of land west of the American Print Works, with all the buildings and machinery thereon; 88.850 feet of wharves; 70.52 rods of land on Annawan street, with the building thereon which is now used as the office of the company ; 15 rods of land and buildings thereon on Spring street ; stock on hand, stock in process, etc. 1 This report was signed by John S. Brayton for the committee. In the year 1886 Matthew C. D. Borden became sole owner of the American Print Works and so continues to the present time. At that time he determined to render himself independent of the print cloth manufacturers. In the year just named he purchased a controlling in- terest in the Iron Works Company and secured adjoining lands. The situation of the buildings of these two great corporations near the water front was convenient for landing coal, cotton, and other materials used for manufacturing print cloths, at the deep-water docks of his own property. To carry out his purposes, Mr. Borden, in 1889, erected No. 1 print cloth mill, 380 by 129 feet, four stories high; in 1893 he 1 This, account of the Iron Works properties is prepared from a paper furnished by John S. Brayton. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 561 built No. 2 mill, 375 by 120 feet, three stories high ; in 1893 he erected No. 3 mill, 309 by 140 feet, four stories high, and in 1894, No. 4 mill was built, 372 by 165 feet, four stories high. These mills combined have 840,000 square feet of floor surface; they are equipped with four triple expansion engines of 9,000 horse power, and forty-five horizontal tubular boilers. The chimney of the plant is 350 feet high and thirty feet in diameter at the base. The combined mills have 265,000 spin- dles, 7,700 looms, and 377 cards. The weekly product is 53,000 pieces of cloth from 1,000 bales of coton. The quantity of coal consumed weekly is 400 tons, and there are 2,700 employees. Returning to the earlier history of the Print Works it must be noted that in 1867 a part of the original building was removed and the erec- tion of a new granite structure begun. On the 25th of December of that year fire destroyed the nearly finished new structure and about half of the old plant. The total loss on buildings and contents of the main plant was estimated at about $1,000,000; there was no insurance. In a year and four months from the date of the fire a new granite structure was finished, the main part of which was sixty feet deep with a frontage of 406 feet, five stories high. The lower floor then accommodated twenty printing machines with a capacity of 80,000,000 yards annually. This main building was flanked by four ells, 310 feet by 80, and 173 by 41, 68 by 40, and 195 by 57 feet respectively. Besides these there were erected two boiler houses, an engine house, a dye house, carpenter shop, chemical shop, etc. In 1876 two substantial brick buildings were erected opposite the main plant, which are connected with the main buildings by a tunnel under the street ; one of these is used for packing and the other for offices. In 1886 Matthew C. D. Borden, by purchase from Thomas J. Borden, as before stated, became sole owner of these works. Under his management since that date the vast business has been remarkably successful. The reorganized corporation was given its present title, The American Print Works. The motive power of the works consists of twenty-one boilers of 2,340 gross horse power; a horizontal engine of 600 horse power, and a beam engine of 300 horse power. The bleaching capacity is 275 tons of cloth weekly, and the weekly production is 75,000 pieces. About 750 hands are employed. The Fall River Manufactory corporation was organized in March, 1813, with a capital of $30,000, the promoters being David Anthony, Dexter Wheeler and Abraham Bowen. A mill, 60 by 40 feet three stories, was erected on the bank of the river from which the city takes 71 562 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. its name. The lower story of the mill was of stone, with wood above. The structure was completed and the machinery, made by Dexter Wheeler, was in operation in October, 1813. Here was inaugurated substantially the first spinning by machinery in what was then Fall River. At first raw cotton was given to the families of surrounding farmers to be hand-picked, and the same course was followed with the yarn to be woven into cloth. A Blair picking machine, the first one used in the place and one of the first imported, was secured in 1814, and power weaving was begun in 1817. Sarah Winters started the first loom, Mary Healy the second, and Hannah Cook the third. The looms, which were the invention of Dexter Wheeler, did their work imper- fectly and the dressing was so poor that large quantities of yarn mil- dewed and rotted on the beams. The number of spindles in this mill was 1,500, with thirty looms; the number of operatives in 1819 was thirty-five. For the accommodation of these and for the agent, the company built a number of tenements at a cost of $1,500 each. In 1820 the company was incorporated with a capital of $150,000. The plant was enlarged in 1827 by the addition of a small brick mill, three stories high, which was known as the Nankeen Mill, and was operated by Azariah and Jarvis Shove in making nankeen cloth. The first structure was called " the old yellow mill," and both were demolished in 1839 to make room for the so-called "white mill," erected in that year. In 1868 this latter mill was burned and in the following year was super- seded by a granite structure 275 by 74 feet, five stories high. It was built directly across the stream and utilized the water fall by two tur- bine wheels of 140 horse power each. These were subsequently sup- plemented by a Corliss engine of 300 horse power. The number of spindles was 25,992, and of looms 600, producing annually 7,000,000 yards of print cloths from 3,000 bales of cotton. The company at that time owned thirty-eight tenement houses. In 1891 the mill was ex- tended fifty-seven feet, increasing its capacity to 37,280 spindles and 1,028 looms, the motive power aggregating 1,150 horse power; 374 operatives were employed, and 14,000,000 yards of print cloth were turned out annually, from 5,000 bales of cotton. The capital of the in- corporation is now $180,000. Dexter Wheeler was president of the company 1813-24; William Mason, 1824-32; Jason H. Archer, 1832- 33; William H. Mason, 1833-59; Richard Borden, 1859-62; David Anthony, 1862-63; Richard Borden, 1863-66; Dr. Nathan Durfee, 1866-74. John S. Brayton has been president since 1874. The treas- THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 5B3 urers have been David Anthony, Holder Borden, Bradford Durfee, S. A. Chace, Andrew Borden, and Horace W. Tinkham. Superinten- dent, B. H. Roberts. Directors, JohnS. Brayton, John S. Brayton, jr., Edward L. Anthony, Andrew Borden, H. W. Tinkham. The Troy Manufacturing Company (now Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory) was organized in March, 1813, the prominent promoters being Oliver Chace, Nathaniel Wheeler and Eber Slade. The capital stock was fixed at $50,000, which was divided into one hundred shares payable by installments. The subscribers were Amey Borden, Clark Chase, Oliver Chace, James Maxwell, Jonathan Brown, William Slade, N. H. Wheaton, Oliver Earl, Eber Slade, Joseph G. Luther, Sheffield Weaver, John Stackford for Charles Wheaton and self, Nathaniel Wheeler, James Driscoll, Benjamin Slade, Moses Buffinton, Nathan Slade, Daniel Buffinton, Hezekiah Wilson, Benjamin E Bennett, Joseph Buffinton, Wealthy Durfee, William Read, Robinson Buffinton, John Martin and Benjamin Buffinton. In this list will be recognized many names of we'll known pioneers in the village. At the first annual meet- of the stockholders, June 7, 1813, James Maxwell, Sheffield Weaver, Nathaniel Weaver, Benjamin Slade and Jonathan Brown were chosen a " standing committee " for the ensuing year. A charter was obtained, dated February 22, 1814, and on July 25 of that year it was voted to change the name of the company to the Troy Cotton and Woolen Man- ufactory; the capital stock was a few days earlier increased to $66,000. The building of a mill was finished in September, 1813, which began operation in March, 1814. It was situated on the Quequechan River, was of stone, 108 by 37 feet, four stories and surmounted by a low hip roof; its capacity was 2,000 spindles. Oliver Chace was the only mem- ber of the company who had practical knowledge of cotton spinning, and he was appointed agent, receiving an annual salary of about $1,000 and "house room" until he should build a home for himself. The treasurer was Eber Slade, and he received ten shillings ($1.66f) per day. It is believed that power weaving was not begun in this mill before 1820. A market for the product was sought in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and especially in Maine. Harvey Chace, a son of the agent and afterwards proprietor of the Albion Mills at Valley Falls, R. I., was put in charge of a store at Hallowell "in the district of Maine," at a salary of $300 a year and his board. Goods were also sent to Georgia in exchange for cotton. The first dividend was de- clared in 1820. In October of the next year the mill was burned and 564 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was rebuilt in 1823. In 1843 an addition of stone, 75 by 47 feet, three stories, was erected, and ten years later the new part was extended eighty' feet and made two stories higher. In 1860 the original mill of 1823 was removed and the part known as the new mill was erected, 296 by 70 feet, five stories. In 1897 the plant was operating 44,144 spindles and 932 looms, and producing annually 15,000,000 yards of print cloth from 5,500 bales of cotton. In 1862 the company was reorganized and the capital increased to $300,000, in six hundred shares of $500 each. The treasurers of this company in order of succession have been as fol v lows: Eber Slade to 1824; Harvey Chace, 1824—43; Stephen Davol, 1843-60; Thomas J. Borden, 1860-76; Richard B. Borden, 1876 to date. No president was elected under the original corporation. Since 1862 the following persons have been president: Col. Richard Borden, Jef- ferson Borden, John S. Bray ton. Superintendent, William E. Sharpies. Directors, John S. Brayton, B. D. Davol, Thomas J. Borden, John S. Brayton, jr., Richard B. Borden. This company now has a capital of $300,000; operates 21,744 mule and 22,400 frame spindles, and a total of 1,004 looms. Very much of the early history of the Pocasset Manufacturing Com- pany has already been given in a preceding chapter. Its progressive and active enterprise was a powerful stimulant to the cotton manufac- turing business in Fall River in early years. It will be remembered that it was incorporated in 1822 with eight original stockholders as follows: Samuel Rodman, Abraham Bowen, Oliver Chace, Clark Chase, William Slade, N. B. Borden, Nathaniel Wheeler and Edward Bennett. The original capital was $400,000, which was increased in 1849 to $800,000; the present capital is $600,000. The Quequechan Mill was built by this company and began operation in 1826. The Pocasset Mill began operation in 1847. It is a stone structure, 208 by 75 feet, five stories high; this was the first of the so called wide mills. It orig- inally contained about 20,000 spindles, the motive power being steam and water. At the present time the mills of the corporation contain 77,220 spindles and 1,951 looms, turning out annually 25,000,000 yards of cloth from 10,000 bales of cotton. The number of employees is 720. Thomas E. Brayton has been president of the corporation since 1891 ; W. Frank Shove is clerk and treasurer. The directors are Samuel W. Rodman, B. R. Weld, of Boston ; Joseph F. Knowlejs, Thomas S. Hath- away, of New Bedford; B. D. Davol, Thomas E. Brayton and Edward L. Anthony. Superintendent, Daniel Gilligan. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 565 The Annawan Manufactory was incorporated February 8, 182/5, with a capital of $150,000. This enterprise has been already alluded to in the account of the Fall River Iron Works, which sold the water privi- lege to the Annawan corporation. The mill was erected under super- vision of Major Bradford Durfee, who was chosen the first agent. The thirteen original stockholders were Abraham and Isaac Wilkinson, Bradford Durfee, William Valentine, Joseph Butler, Richard Borden, Holder Borden, Benjamin Rodman, Francis Rotch, William B. Rotch, Thomas Swain, William Swain and Charles W. Morgan. After the division of the interests of the Fall River Iron Works Company, in 1880, this corporation became a separate industry. The original cap- ital has been increased to $160,000 and the number of spindles to 10,064, and of looms to 232. President, JohnS. Brayton; treasurer, W. Frank Shove; directors, John S. Brayton, Richard B. Borden, Holder B. Dur- fee, John S. Brayton, jr., W. Frank Shove. Superintendent, Thomas F. Connors. Conanicut Mills. — In 1840 Oliver Chace, son of the pioneer of the same name, built a mill in what was then Tiverton, just over the line of Fall River, in the territory since absorbed in the city of Fall River. The mill was situated on the outlet of Cook Pond (Laurel Lake). It is of stone, 193 by 45 feet, four stories. Mr. Chace operated it as a thread mill about twenty-five years and in 1866 it passed to possession of the American Print Works. A stone addition, 108 by 50 feet, four stories, was erected and the plant equipped for the manufacture of print cloth. In 1880 the property was purchased by Crawford E. Lindsey and others, and a company was formed with the above title, and incorporated in February of that year, with capital stock of $80,000; this was increased in 1882 to $120,000. The new organization added a weave shed, 88 by 48 feet, one story, and raised the engine house ell two stories for the further accommodation of carding and spinning machinery. The capacity was at first about 9,000 spindles and 190 looms, and the num- ber of hands employed about 100. By the additions mentioned and subsequent improvements the number of spindles has been increased to 16, 388 and of looms to 370; operatives to 160. The annual product is 2,500,000 yards of cloth from 1,500 bales of cotton. An electric plant, one of the first in the city, was added in 1880. The first board of direc- tors, elected February 9, 1880, was as follows: Edmund W. Converse of Newton, Mass., Charles L. Thayer, of Boston, and William Lindsey, James S. Anthony, Elijah C. Kilburn and Crawford E. Lindsey, of 566 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Fall River. Mr. Converse was elected president, and Crawford E. Lindsey, treasurer. Mr. Converse died January 6, 1894, and was suc- ceeded by his son, Edmund W. Converse. The original stockholders numbered fourteen and are now twenty-three. Present directors, E. W. Converse, C. E. Lindsey, J. H. Chace, C. E. Barney, C. A. Brown. Superintendent, George F. Tryon. The Metacomet Mill was erected by the Fall River Iron Works Com- pany in 1847, below the lower fall. It is of stone, 247 by 70 feet, five stories high, with \ basement. It was designed and equipped for the manufacture of print cloths. It contained 23,840 spindles and 591 looms, carried by a single Corliss engine of 375 horse power. The company built also fifty-six tenements. When the great changes took place in the property of the Iron Works Company in 1880, as before described, this corporation was organized as a separate industry. Its capacity has since been increased to 29,712 spindles, and it now has 716 looms. John S. Bra}'ton has been president of the corporation since 1880. W. Frank Shove is the present clerk and treasurer, and the directors are John S. Brayton, R. B. Borden, Robert C. Brown, Clark Shove, John S. Brayton, jr., W. Frank Shove. Superintendent, Thomas F. Connors. About 9,000,000 yards of cloth are made annually from 3,500 bales of cotton. The American and other Print Works. — The inception and early his- tory of calico printing in Fall River has been given in a preceding chapter. As there stated, it was largely due to Andrew Robeson and was successfully carried on many years by him and his sons. After their suspension in 1848 the establishment was carried on about twelve years by Andrew Robeson, jr., for the corporation called the Fall River Print Works. The mill was converted into a cotton mill and in 1879 passed to a corporation called theQuequechan Mills, which is elsewhere described. The second calico print works within the present territory of Fall River was situated in what was then Tiverton, at Globe Vil- lage. The small cotton mill, established there in 1811 by Col. Joseph Durfee, passed through several hands and in 1829 was purchased by Potter & Chatburn and converted into a print works. After that it was enlarged from time to time and was operated with varying success in 1833-34 by Holder Borden; as the Tiverton Print Works in 1835-39; by Walter C. Durfee, 1839-42; by Prentiss & Marvel, 1843-44; by W. & G. Chapin, 1 845-53 ; as Bay State Print Works, 1853-58, when it was purchased by the American Print Works and operated by them THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 567 until 1876. It was sold in 1880 and the site is now covered by the Glebe Yarn Mills, elsewhere described. The American Print Works began operation under management of Holder Borden in January, 1835, running then only four machines with an average production of 2,000 to 2,500 pieces per week. When Mr. Borden retired on account of ill health in 1837 Jefferson Borden was elected agent and principal manager, which he continued until 1876 and was succeeded by Thomas J. Borden. The works were enlarged in 1840 by which the product was about doubled. In 1857 a charter of incorporation was obtained and Col. Richard Bor- den elected president, continuing in the office until his death in 1874. In 1858 the Bay State Print Works was purchased by this corporation, largely increasing the production. In 1867 a part of the buildings of American Print Works were taken off and a new structure of Fall River granite was commenced; but on the 15th of December, when the new building was about finished, a fire broke out in one of the old buildings, destroying the whole new part and about half of the old. But with un- daunted energy rebuilding was immediately begun and in a year and four months from the date of the fire the present splendid structure was completed and filled with machinery. It presents a front on Water street of 406 feet, is 60 feet deep, and in the center of the front rises a handsome tower 110 feet high. In the main room on the lower floor is space for twenty printing machines, with capacity of 80,000,000 yards of calico per annum. The other floors of the main building are equipped for all the various operations connected with the business. The other principal structures connected with these works are four ells on the west, two five stories high and two three stories, and all built of granite; a boiler house 100 by 50 feet, three stories, and another 195 by 55 feet, two stories; an engine house 50 by 30 feet, two stories; a dye house 100 by 50 feet, two stories ; a capenter shop, dye houses, chemical shop, etc. In 1880 these works were incorporated as the American Printing Company and passed to the sole possession of Mat- thew C. D. Borden, as before described in this chapter. The present officers of the corporation are M. C. D. Borden, president; B. H. Borden treasurer. Agent and superintendent, James B. Harley; directors, M. C. D. Borden, B. H. Borden, John R. Van Wormer. The Quequechan Mills were established in 1859 in one of the large buildings then belonging to the Fall River Print Works, in which were placed about 6,000 spindles. This number was increased in 1865 to 11,000, and in 1867 it was again increased to 12,800. In the following 568 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. year the corporation was reorganized. After the failure of the Print Works the mill was operated for the creditors with Andrew Robeson 3d as manager until 1879, when the property passed to the corporation called the Quequechan Mills, with Mr. Robeson treasurer, and Henry G. Fenner, superintendent. They resigned in January, 1881, and D. H. Dyer became ; treasurer and general manager. This enterprise proved unprofitable and the property was sold and is now in use for other purposes. In the year 1852 the American Linen Manufacturing Company was incorporated with a capital of $350,000. Col. Richard Borden, Jeffer- son Borden, Oliver S. Hawes and Lazarus Borden were the chief pro- moters of the enterprise, which had for its object the manufacture of fine linen fabrics on a larger scale than had before been attempted in the United States. Large stone buildings were erected at the foot of Ferry street, comprising a mill 301 by 63 feet and four stories high, and other structures. This mill contained 10,500 spindles and 300 looms. Lazarus Borden was chosen agent of the company, and was sent to Europe for the purpose of securing skilled operatives. It was at once found necessary to import several hundred tons of flax fibre. The mill was pushed to completion and the first product marketed in 1853. Is met with a ready sale, but before the mill was in fall operation the demand which had previously exceeded the supply, declined by reason of the introduction of thin woolen and cotton fabrics at a less cost. In 1853 a charter was granted under the present name of The American Linen Company. In 1858 the machinery was removed from the mill to the smaller buildings, where the manufacture of linen was continued on a limited scale until 1864. The main building was en- larged by the addition of a story and equipped for the manufacture of cotton print cloths. In 1866 mill No. 2 was erected of stone, 39-3 by 72 feet, five stories high, and like the other buildings was surmounted by a pitch roof. On June 29, 1876, the two upper stories of this mill were burned, and the experience gained by that event caused the company in rebuilding to adopt the flat roof. In 1879 it was discovered that through the neglect of certain formalities in connection with the accept- ance of the second charter, the company was not in legal possession of the plant. A legislative enactment, therefore, revived the American Linen Manufacturing Company for a period long enough for proper conveyance to be made, which was done in the next year. In 1883 a story was added to the picker house building and ten years later Mill THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 569 No. 2 was extended eighty feet. An electric light plant was added in 1896. At that time the mills contained 92, 720 spindles and 2, 250 looms, moved by one pair of Wright engines, one pair of Buckley engines, and one single Corliss engine, a total of 2,200 horse power. Apparatus for condensing salt water has been recently introduced. The employees numbered 925, and the output was 21,000,000 pieces of print cloths an- nually, from 3,500 bales of cotton. , The company owned 110 tenements for employees and the capital stock had been increased to $800,000. Col. Richard Borden was president of the company in 1852-75; his brother Jefferson in 1875-87. On November 2, 1887, he was succeeded by John S. Brayton who has since held the office. Walter Paine 3d was treasurer 1852-79; Philip D. Borden, 1879-96; he was succeeded in 1896 by James E. Osborn. The following have been directors: Col. Richard Borden, Thomas Kimber, jr., Lazarus Borden, Oliver S. Hawes, Philip D. Borden, J. S. Young, George B. Durfee, Azariah S. Tripp, Jonathan Chace, of Valley Falls, R. I., Edward Pearce, Thomas Harris, Nathaniel Lindsey, William Lindsey, Samuel M. Brown, Edward Pearce, jr., of Providence, Junius P. Prentiss and Horace M. Barnes, of Bristol, R. I. The number of stockholders is 290. James P. Hilliard entered the employ of the company in 1853 as engineer, became superintendent a few years later and remained in that position until 1889 ; Daniel E. Chace, the bookkeeper, has been in the office forty two years. 1 The Robeson Mills are named from Andrew Robeson, of New Bed- ford, who, for several years prior to his death in 1862, had contem- plated the erection of a cotton mill and had discussed the subject with William R. Robeson, Samuel Hathaway and Linden Cook. In 1865 it was determined to build a mill on land belonging to the Rodman estate on Hartwell street. At the meeting for organization, December 1, 1865, Andrew Robeson (son of the before mentioned Andrew), Charles P. Stickney, Samuel Hathaway, William C. Davol, jr., Linden Cook, Samuel Castner and Josiah Brown were chosen directors. Samuel Hathaway was elected president and Linden Cook treasurer. The company was incorporated February 14, 1866. In that year a brick mill, 222 by 72 feet 10 inches, three stories with French roof, was built and equipped with American machinery; it began operation in March, 1867. In 1875 the roof was removed and the walls carried up two stories, with flat roof. The capacity of the mill was increased to 21,- 632 spindles and 552 looms, turning out annually 6,500,000 yards of 1 Contributed by John S. Brayton. 72 570 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. print cloths 64 by 64, from 2,500 bales of cotton. The number of spindles was subsequently increased to 23,712, and of looms to 650. The power is a Corliss engine of 1,000 horse power. In 1897 the num- ber of employees is 230. The company built thirty-three tenement houses, which were afterwards sold. The original capital stock is re- tained. Samuel Hathaway was president from 1866 to 1873; Charles P. Stickney from 1873 to 1878; Linden Cook from 1878 to 1882; Dan- forth Horton from 1882 to 1884; Lloyd S. Earle, 1884; C. M. Hatha- way, 1884 to 1895; Charles B. Luther, 1895 to 1898. The treasurers have been Linden Cook and Louis Robeson, who took Mr. Cook's place when the latter was made president ; C. M. Hathaway, who resigned in 1898, and the office is now administered by Mr. Luther. Directors, Robert T. Davis, Nathaniel B. Horton, John H. Estes, David J. Bur- dick, C. M. Hathaway, Charles B. Luther. The Granite Mills had their inception from Charles O. Shove, who, with Edmund Chase, in the early part of 1863, took the preliminary steps for organization. A charter was obtained under date of March 3, 1863, naming William Mason, Southard H. Miller, Charles O. Shove and their associates as incorporators of the Granite Mills, with capital stock of $225,000. William Mason was elected president; Charles 0. Shove, treasurer; and William Mason, John S. Brayton, Edmund Chase, Samuel Hathaway, Charles O. Shove and Charles P. Stickney, directors. A site on Twelfth street was purchased and a granite mill built 328 by 70 feet, five, stories high. Owing to prevailing business uncertainty at that time machinery for only half the capacity of the mill was contracted for; but in May, 1864, it was determined to in- crease the capital stock to $400,000 and complete the equipment of the plant. In July, 1864, the capital was further increased to $415,000, but in 1871 was reduced to $400,000. Owing to delay in receiving ma- chinery and the very high price of cotton, the mill did not commence operations until January, 1865, and the first lot of cotton rhade into cloth netted the company a loss of $60,000. But the times changed and a profit soon began to be realized, the indebtedness was paid up, and success was so marked that in 1871 it was determined to build an- other mill near the first. This mill was of granite, 378 by 74 feet, five stories, and equipped with all modern facilities. On the morning of September 19, 1874, a fire broke out in the mule room of Mill No. 1, which was soon beyond control, and in the ensuing panic many per- sons threw themselves from the upper story. Twenty-three persons THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 571 were killed in the calamity and thirty-three wounded. The mill was at once rebuilt with every possible safeguard against fire. In 1893 Mill No. 3 was erected, of granite, 237 by 127 feet, two stories, used for spinning, and one 234 by 127 feet, two stories, used for weaving; also a picker room 127 by 44 feet, one story. The product of the Granite Mills is largely fine yarn cotton goods to order. Mill No. 1 contains 30,688 ring spindles and 912 looms; No. 2 contains 26,288 ring spindles, 20,808 mule spindles, and 1,032 looms; No. 3, 19,712 ring spindles, 22,808 mule spindles and 1,032 looms. The engines have a total of 4,000 horsepower. The operatives number 1,200; the company built 100 tenements. William Mason was president until 1892 when he was suc- ceeded by John S. Brayton. Charles O. Shove was treasurer until 1875 when he was succeeded by his son, Charles M. Shove. The orig- inal stockholders have increased in number to nearly 240, and the cap- ital to $1,000,000. Directors, John S. Brayton, John P. Slade, Edward E. Hathaway, Robert Henry, Edward Shove, Charles M. Shove. The Tecumseh Mills came into existence in response to the unusual demand for cotton fabrics just after the close of the war. The enter- prise had its inception in 1865, but the first meeting for organization did not take place until February 17, 1866 ; at that meeting a charter dated February 8, 1866, incorporating Augustus Chace, James W. Hartley, John P. Slade, J. T. Lincoln and Cook Borden, the original promoters of the undertaking, and their associates as the Tecumseh Mills Company, was accepted. The capital stock of $350,000 in shares of $1,000 each, was taken by eighty nine subscribers. Land was pur- chased on the Quequechan River a short distance above the Troy dam and Mill No. 1, constructed of granite, 196 by 72 feet, five stories high, with a pitch roof, was erected and put in operation the same year. It contained 20,048 spindles and 480 looms, driven by steam engines of 400 horse power. A few years later an addition, 63 by 51 feet, and four stories high, was buitt and the weaving and speeder facilities thereby increased. In 1872 it was decided to build another factory and accord- ingly, the capital stock having been increased to $500,000, Mill No. 2, of granite, 200 by 75 feet, five stories high on the south side and six stories on the north, with pitch roof, was erected on land purchased adjoining to Eight Rod Way, and one-eighth of a mile from Mill No. 1. It contained 21,860 spindles and 534 looms, driven by a 400-horse power engine. In 1895-6, without increase of capital stock, Mill No. 3 was built just north of Mill No. 2. It is of granite, 310 by 100 feet, 572 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE three stories high, with flat roof. It was devoted exclusively to weav ing, the operations of Mill No. 2 being confined to the preliminary pro- cesses. The total spindles of the plant was in 1897 75,856. The out- put in 1897 consisted entirely of odd goods, the number of employees being 600, with a weekly pay roll of $5,000. Augustus Chace was president of the company till 1886, when he was succeeded by Jerome C. Borden. Isaac B. Chace, the first treasurer, was followed by Simeon B. Chase and later Frank H. Dwelly took the office. The number of stockholders has increased to about 250. Directors, David T. Wilcox, John Southworth, Simeon B. Chase, George E. Hoar, Jerome C. Borden, Leontine Lincoln, Frank H. Dwelly, superintend- ent, Robinson Walmsley. Durfee Mills. — The plans for the erection of these large cotton mills were formulated by Bradford M. C. Durfee, David A. Brayton and John S. Brayton. The original meeting of persons interested in the estab- lishment of this enterprise was held December 10, 1866. An organiza- tion was effected at a subsequent meeting, held January 8, 1867, when B. M. C. Durfee was elected president, and David A. Brayton, treasurer. The charter of incorporation was granted February 15, 1866, and the mills were named in honor of the late Major Bradford Durfee, the prominent manufacturer of Fall River and father of B. M. C. Durfee, who originally was the largest stockholder in the corporation. The capital stock was $500,000 in 500 shares of $1,000 each, and still con- tinues the same. Land was purchased for a site for the mills, west of the locality afterward known as Eight-Rod Way, now called Plymouth avenue. A great deal of filling had to be done on the land chosen for a site to adapt it to the purpose designed. It now presents a neat and attractive appearance ; the entire area of the mill site being eleven acres and seventy-six rods. No. 1 Mill, 376 feet long and seventy-two feet wide, with five stories and an attic story, was built of granite in 1866. The engines were started for the first time January 1, 1867, and cotton was put into the mill a few weeks later. The first cloth was woven early in the month of March and the entire mill was in full operation in November, 1867. The corporation was under excellent management; hence the business prospered from the beginning. In 1871 No. 2 Mill was erected of the same material and the same dimen- sions as No. 1 Mill. The capacity of the mills. was now doubled and the facility for the manufacture of print cloths greatly increased. The plant was further enlarged in 1880 by the erection of Mill No. 3, or THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 573 annex, 177 by 44 feet, with five stories and an attic story. These large mills, built of granite, with symmetry of proportion, presented an im- posing appearance, and along the entire front on Pleasant street is a neat and substantial iron fence 650 feet long, which adds to the attract- iveness of the surroundings. Two stories were added to the ell of No. 2 Mill in 1884 and new boilers were placed in No. 2 Mill the same year. This mill was remodeled internally and very much improved in 1885 and new machinery added; the mill was stopped nearly seven months while these alterations were being made. Section A of the cotton house was built in 1886 and the remaining sections were completed in 1887. This cotton house is 264 feet long and 93 feet wide. The foundation of No. 2 weave shed was built in the fall of 1891. An addition was made to the boiler house of No. 1 Mill and boilers put into it in 1891 and 1892. The No. 2 Mill weaveshed building, two stories high, was erected in 1893 upon the foundation prepared for it two years before. No. 1 Mill was remodeled internally and a large amount of new ma- chinery was put into it in 1894, and during the time this work was in progress this mill was stopped about seven months, and No. 3 Mill, on account of these extensive alterations and improvements, was stopped for about five months. The cloth hall and repair shop building, 280 feet long by 96 feet, two stories high, was erected in 1895. The No. 2 Mill engines were compounded in 1897 and ten new boilers were sub- stituted for old ones in this mill the same year. The motive power of No. 1 Mill is a cross compound engine with cylinders 30 inches by 56 inches, with 72 inch stroke, developing about 1,594 horse power. The motive power of No. 2 Mill is a cross compound engine with cylinders 30 inches by 56 inches, with 60-inch stroke, developining 1,326 horse power. No. 3 Mill has a pair of simple condensing engines, with cyl- inders 24 inches in diameter, with 48 inch stroke, developing about 539 horse power. The Durfee Mills thus erected and equipped, produces print cloths, and also odd widths and weights and some wide cloths. About 1,100 operatives, 540 males and 560 females, are regularly em- ployed. The annual output is 6,250,000 pounds of print cloths, besides someyarn. The annual consumption of cotton is about 7,924,000 pounds, and the mills contain 129,152 spindles. The capital stock ($500,000) is held by the members of the family of the incorporators, and other members of the Brayton family. The Durfee Mills have prospered since the time they were started in 1867. Bradford M. C. Durfee was president from the time of the organization until his death in 1872. 574 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John S. Brayton has been president since that date. David A. Bray- ton was treasurer from 1867 to the time of his death in 1881. Since that date his son, David A. Brayton, jr., has been treasurer. The fol- lowing named persons have been directors since the organization : B. M. C. Durfee, David A. Brayton, John S. Brayton, H. A. Brayton, Israel P. Brayton, David A. Brayton, jr., John J. Brayton and Brad- ford W. Hitchcock. Superintendent, Joseph H. Potter, jr. 1 The organization of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company was due to the energy of William H. Jennings, who secured subscriptions to capital stock of $800,000 within two days. The company was organ- ized October 24, 1866, and permanent organization was effected No- vember 2 of that year. W. H. Jennings was chosen treasurer and James Henry, W. H. Jennings, Augustus Chace, L. L. Barnard, Robert S. Gibbs, Charles H. Dean, Crawford E. Lindsey, Robert E. Remington and Lafayette Nichols, directors. At a later meeting James Henry was made president. A site was purchased of the heirs of Nathaniel B. Borden and others and ground broken for a granite factory 397 by 92 feet and eight inches, five stories, with capacity for 54,324 spindles and 1,242 looms. The machinery arrived from England the latter part of 1867 and the first cloth was made in February, 1868. The company purchased twelve acres of land and erected one hundred tenement houses, many of which were subsequently sold. At a special meeting January 2, 1871, it was voted to build an additional structure. This was completed early in 1872 and was a little more than half the size of Mill No. 1. There were then under one roof 85,570 spindles and 1,942 looms. Iu the spring of 1893 the adjoining property of the Crescent Mills was purchased, bringing the total number of spindles to 125,000, looms 3,200, hands employed 1,300, with product of 38,000,000 yards of print cloths and odd goods. The total horse power employed was then 2,400. Electric lighting was introduced in Mill No. 2 in 1894. Mr. Henry continued as president until his death, April 18, 1893, when James M. Osborn assumed the office. He was succeeded by Edward B. Jennings. Mr. Jennings was treasurer until his resignation on ac- count of ill health in 1882. He has been succeeded by Simeon B. Chase, 1882-85; Alphonso S. Covel, 1885-87, and he by Andrew Borden. The number of shareholders was originally sixty-five and is now more than four hundred Besides those named the list of directors includes the following: Samuel Waddington, William M. Almy, Andrew J. Bor- 1 From paper prepared by John S. Brayton. THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 575 den, Simeon B. Chase, Adoniram J. Chace and Alphonso S. Covel. J. E. Osborn is treasurer, pro tern. Directors, Edward B. Jennings, Rich- ard B. Borden, Robert Henry, Robert T. Davis, George S. Davol, Thomas E. Brayton, Andrew J. Jennings, James E. Osborn. Superin- tendent, John Gregson. The Davol Mills Company was organized December 1, 1866, the whole capital stock of $400,000 being subscribed by nineteen persons; the name was given in honor of William C. Davol. A site was selected on the west side of the Quequechan and ground broken April J, 1867. The mill was completed and the first cloth turned out March 11, 1868. The mill proper forms two sides of a quadrangle, the picker, engine and boiler houses occupying the other two sides. All of the buildings are brick, the mill five stories high, and including its two sections is 457 by 73 feet. The product is shirtings, sheetings, silesias and fancy fabrics. The enterprise proved unprofitable and in 1888 the capital stock was reduced to $100,000, and then increased to $300,000 by the addition of new capital; in 1889 it was further increased by $100,000. In the mean time the mill was overhauled and remodeled, new machin- ery put in and other improvements made, by which the capacity was increased from 34,000 to 46,000 spindles and from 767 to 1,158 looms. From that time the stock paid dividends. The company now employs 450 hands, produing sateens, twills and fancy patterns to an annual amount of 8,000,000 yards, from 4,500 bales of cotton. William C. Davol was president of the corporation from 1866 to 1884; Frank S. Stevens, 1884-85 ; Arnold B. Sanford, 1885-92, when Frank L. Fish, of Taunton, was chosen. William C. Davol, jr., was treasurer 1866-80; Frank S. Stevens, 1880-84; Charles M. Slade, 1884-85; Bradford W. Nichols, 1885-87, when George H. Hills succeeded. Directors, Frank L. Fish, of Taunton; John S. Hicks, of New Bedford; W. S. Granger, of Providence; S. B. Chase and Dr. George S. Eddy, of Fall River; Charles R. Batt, N. J. Rust and W. R. Chester, of Boston; superintend- ent, Timothy Sullivan. A special charter for the Mechanics' Mills was granted May 25, 1868, to Thomas J. Borden, Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden and their asso- ciates. The corporation organized July 1, 1868, and the following offi- cers were chosen: Thomas J. Borden, president and agent; D. H. Dyer, clerk and treasurer; Thomas J. Borden, Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden, Job B. French, Southard H. Miller, B. M. C. Durfee, Tilling- hast Records, James M. Morton, jr., and A. D. Easton, directors. 576 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The mill site was chosen in the extreme northern part of the city, the first to locate at a distance from the stream, and around it in course of time gathered the settlement that became known as Mechanicsville. The capital stock was $750,000, which was taken by 328 persons. Water for this mill was obtained by digging a well eighteen feet in diameter inside. The erection of the mill was begun in the summer of 1868, and by June, 1869, it was finished and the machinery in place. The mill was erected 375 by 92 feet, five stories high. A wharf, 400 by 100 feet in size, was built on the western side of the grounds, for landing coal, etc. The mill contained 53,712 spindles and 1,248 looms; this equipment has been somewhat increased, the present number of spindles being 57,856 and of looms, 1,616. Thomas J. Borden resigned as president in 1871 and assumed the office of treasurer. From 1871 to 1888 Stephen Davol was president. Thomas J. Borden succeeded and is still in office. In 1876 Mr. Borden resigned the treasurership and was succeeded by George B. Durfee. He was succeeded in 1876 by Frank S. Stevens, who resigned two years later and H. N. Durfee was chosen. He resigned in 1892 when the present treasurer, Edward Shove, was elected. Directors, Thomas J. Borden, John S. Brayton, Richard B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol, Edward S. Adams, Edward Shove; superintendent, Felix Crankshaw. The first steps toward the organization of the Weetamoe Mills were taken by D. Hartwell Dyer who, in 1870, opened books for subscrip- tion to a capital stock of $550,000. Offers were made of $100,000 in excess of this sum and the number of accepted subscribers was 275. The meeting for organization was held in December of that year at which Louis L. Barnard, Job B. French, Jonathan I. Hilliard, Josiah C. Blaisdell, William Lindsey, Francis B. Hood, Henry C. Lincoln, Elijah C. Kilburn and D. Hartwell Dyer were chosen directors. Louis L. Barnard was elected president and D. Hartwell Dyer, treasurer. This was the last company in Fall River incorporated by special act, the date of which was February 4, 1871. * Land on the bank of Taun- ton River was purchased for a site, near Slade's ferry, and another tract for tenement houses. Work on the mill was begun in March, 1872, and within ten months the plant was in operation. The mill is of brick, 320 by 74 feet, five stories with basement ; an ell was built for engine, etc. The machinery included 34,080 spindles and 800 looms, driven by a 500 horse power engine. The number of operatives was 1 Since that time all mill incorporations have been effected under a general act. l^t^U^r C^S^oi^^iy^ THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 577 300 and the annual product 8,000,000 yards of print cloths from 3,000 bales of cotton. The mill was lighted with gas made on the premises. The company built sixty-five tenements for its operatives. In 1893 a weave shed was built of brick, 96 by 94= feet, two stories, with capacity for 300 looms. At present the number of spindles is 44,120, and of looms 1,131, with three engines of gross 1,100 horse power. Number of hands 400, producing annually 15,000,000 yards from 5,000 bales of cotton. Louis L. Barnard was president 1870-75; Job B. French, 1875-94; William Lindsey, 1894-98; George H. Eddy, incumbent. Mr. Dyer was treasurer, 1870-75; William Lindsey, 1875-92; Enoch J. French, incumbent. In 1876 the number of stockholders was 300; at present, 325. Directors, George H. Eddy, Josiah C. Blaisdell, Francis B. Hood, Elisha B. Gardner, John P. Nowell, George N. Durfee, Will- iam Lindsey, Enoch J. French. Superintendent, Richard Thackeray. > The Richard Borden Manufacturing Company had its inception early in 1871. The capital stock was fixed at $800,000, which was all taken by twelve persons, and on May 9 the charter was granted. At the first meeting of the organization Thomas J. Borden was elected treasurer and clerk, and Richard Borden, Philip D. Borden, Thomas J. Borden, Richard B. Borden and A. S. Covel, directors. At a subsequent meet- ing of the board Richard Borden was chosen president ; at this meeting also it was voted to purchase certain real estate of Colonel Borden, known as the Borden farm, lying south of the Quequechan, and two acres adjacent belonging to Cook Borden. Portions of this tract were subsequently sold for sites for the Chace and the Tecumseh Mills. The mills of the Richard Borden Company were erected under supervision of Thomas J. Borden, and were in full operation in February, 1873. The original number of spindles was 42,528, which was soon increased to 44,892; the number of looms was 1,032, which has been increased to 2,148. No. 2 was erected in 1889, 338 by 93 feet, increasing the num- ber of spindles to about 120,000. The annual production is 25,000,000 yards from 10,000 bales of cotton. Upon the death of Colonel Borden in 1874, his son, Richard B. Borden, was elected president of the cor- poration, and continued in the office until the latter part of 1876, when his brother, Thomas J., resigned as treasurer and Richard B. took that position and Thomas J. was made president. Directors, Thomas J. Borden, Jerome C. Borden, Edward P. Borden, Richard B. Borden. Superintendent, William Evans. The Osborn Mills were projected by Weaver Osborn, after consulta- 73 578 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tion with his fellow townsmen, Alexander D. Easton, James T. Milne and Joseph Healy. The capital stock of $500,000 was subscribed by thirty-five persons before the close of the day on which the books were opened. The first meeting of the subscribers was held October 9, 1871, and organized a company with Weaver Osborn, Joseph Healy, James T. Milne, Benjamin Hall, Andrew J. Borden, Joseph Osborn, Joseph E. Macomber, George T. Hathaway, John C. Milne, D. Hart- well Dyer and Edward E. Hathaway, directors Weaver Osborn, from whom the corporation took its name, was subsequently elected pres- ident, and Joseph Healy, clerk and treasurer. A charter was obtained February 1, 1872. A tract of land was bought in the southern part of the city for a mill site and five acres for tenement houses. The mill building was completed in March, 1873; it is of granite, 318 by 74 feet, five stories and basement, with flat roof. Its capacity is 37,232 spindles, and 932 looms. The power is supplied by a double Corliss engine of 500 horse power. It employs 425 hands and turns out annually 11, 000,000 yards of print cloth, 64 by 64, from 4,250 bales of cotton. The company built twelve houses. In 1886 the capital stock was increased to $600,000 and the Montaup Mill, a brick structure 244 by 74 feet, five stories high, with flat roof, on adjoining land, was purchased and added to the plant. This mill was built for the manufacture of seam- less bags, cotton bats and ducks, but the enterprise proved unprofit- able. One story was added and it was given the name Osborn Mill No. 2, and equipped with machinery for the manufacture of the finer grades of twills, sateens and nainsooks. In 1890 a weave shed 72 feet square and one story high was built in connection with Mill No. 2, with capacity of 100 looms. By this addition the capacity of the whole plant was increased to 22,680 mule, 47,520 ring spindles, and 1,848 looms. The number of operatives in both mills is 750 and the annual product, 19,500,000 yards of print cloths, odds and fine goods, from 8,000 bales of cotton. Gross horse power, 1,750. Weaver Osborn was president until his death in 1894, and was succeeded by James M. Os- born and he by John C. Milne. Joseph Healy is treasurer. Besides those already mentioned the following directors have served the cor- poration: Frank S. Stevens, Charles P. Stickney, George W. Gibbs, Charles H. Dean and Thomas Almy. Joseph Watters has been super- tendent of these mills from the date of organization. The number of stockholders in 1876 was 206 and in 1897, 275. Directors, John C. Milne, Edward E. Hathaway, John H. Estes, George H. Durfee, Jo- seph Healy. £i±he?77ja7?-J 3 /!a7z7- ffr-aru.r# ffs. u {/ZrtsW/^ THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 579 The Montaup Mills were founded for the manufacture of seamless bags, ducks, and cotton bats, which was then a new industry in Fall River. The inauguration of the enterprise was due to Josiah Brown. A capital stock of $250,000 was subscribed by thirty-five persons and a meeting was held November 14, 1871, where the following directors were chosen: Josiah Brown, Bradford D. Davol, George B. Durfee, Alexander D. Easton, William L. Slade, Isaac Borden, George H. Hawes, William Valentine, Holder B. Durfee and Thomas J. Borden. Josiah Brown was elected president and Isaac Brown treasurer. The company was incorporated December 1, 1871. Nearly nine acres of land was purchased on the northern shore of Laurel Lake and a mill built of brick, 272 by 74 feet, four stories, with an ell for picker house 77 by 29 feet and three stories. The machinery was American except- ing the speeders, and includes 7,200 spindles and 112 looms, driven by engine of 350 horse power. Gas for lighting is made on the premises. Operations began early in 1873, employing 125 hands, and producing annually 600,000 two bushel bags. The company built six houses con- taining thirty-six tenements. In 1876 the number of stockholders had been increased to seventy five and as transatlantic shipment of grain had been introduced, the demand for bags declined, rendering the busi- ness of making bags unprofitable. In 1886 the plant was sold to the Osborn Mills and became known as Osborn Mill No. 2; the machinery was removed, the mill enlarged by adding one story and equipped for making finer grades of twills, sateens, etc. A preliminary meeting was held May 23, 1871, at which Stephen Davol, John D. Flint, William H. Jennings, Lloyd S. Earle, Walter C. Durfee and Robert T. Davis were present, and steps were taken for the founding of the Wampanoag Mills. On May 31, a capital stock of $400,000 having been subscribed, the company was organized by the election of Walter C. Durfee, treasurer, and R. T. Davis, John D. Flint, Walter C. Durfee, Stephen Davol, Foster A. Stafford, Simeon Borden, George H. Eddy, Alphonso S. Covel, Lloyd S. Earle, William H. Jen- uings and John H. Boone, directors ; at a later meeting Robert T. Davis was chosen president and is still in office. Fifteen acres of land on the Quequechan River was purchased and on the 1st of April, 1872, within ten months from the date of laying the corner stone, a mill of granite, five stories high, 298 by 74 feet, was in operation ; it was equipped with 28,000 spindles, which number was afterwards increased to 33,000, and 704 looms, producing 8,000,000 yards of print cloth per 580 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. annum. The company subsequently purchased three acres more land and built ten large tenement houses, with a house for the superintend- ent. The capital was increased in 1877 to $500,000 and No. 2 Mill was erected of granite, 328 by 74 feet, five stories high and flat roof; it contained 34,000 spindles and 900 looms. In 1887 the capital was again increased by the addition of a 50 per cent, stock dividend to $750,000. In 1891 the mill were overhauled and a granite weave shed 275 by 96 feet, two stories high, added to the north end of Mill No. 1. This in- creased the capacity of the whole plant to 92,904 spindles and 2,111 looms ; the power is a Corliss engine of 800 horse power in Mill No. 1, and a Harris-Corliss of 1,000 horse power in No. 2. The mills employ 850 operatives, and the annual product is print cloths, odds and wides to the amount of 30,000,000 yards from 11,000 bales of cotton. The two mills are lighted by gas made on the premises and the weave shed by electricity. Walter C. Durfee resigned the treasurership in 1891 and was succeeded by Effingham C. Haight. Other directors not yet mentioned have been Thomas Almy, Daniel Wilbur and Simeon B. Chase. Present directors: Robert T. Davis, Walter C. Durfee, John D. Flint, Franklin L. Almy, George H. Eddy, John H. Boone, Edward B. Jennings, Effingham C. Haight. Superintendent, L. B. Sanford. The project of founding the Narragansett Mills was inaugurated by Daniel McGowan, James Waring, Alexander D. Easton, and others. The meeting for organization was held June 12, 1871, when Alexander D. Easton, James Waring, Foster H. Stafford, Daniel McGowan, Robert Adams, Samuel Watson, David T. Wilcox, Holder B. Durfee, William Valentine, James P. Hilliard and Robert Henry were chosen directors. Mr. Easton was chosen president at a later date and James Waring clerk and treasurer. The company was incorporated July 5,-1871, with a capital of $350,000, which was increased a few days later to $420,000. A tract of land was purchased in the northern part of the city on North Main street, the building of a mill was begun and it was finished in December of the following year. The structure is of brick, 300 by 75 feet, five stories and basement, with flat roof, and contained at first 27,920 spindles and 700 looms. The product was print cloths, 64 by 64, and corset jeans. In 1882 an addition was built for a machine shop and cloth room. In 1895 a weaye shed of brick, 120 by 70 feet and two stories high, was erected. This increased the plant's capacity to 15,912 mule, 28,608 ring spindles, and 1,217 looms; the power is from a tandem compound engine of 1,200 horse power ; 450 hands are em- THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 581 ployed and the product is 13,000,000 yards of sateens, corset jeans and fancy weavings annually, from 5,500 bales of cotton. Mr. Easton re- signed the presidency of the corporation in 1876 and was succeeded by Holder B. Durfee; he held the position to 1878, when Robert Henry assumed it and was succeeded in 1889 by Edward S. Adams. Mr. Waring was treasurer until he was compelled by ill health to resign in 1897; he was succeeded by Isaac A. Brown. Among later directors have been Samuel Waddington, William Beattie, George W. Nowel and Charles L. Porter. The original number of stockholders was 157; it is now 306. Present directors: Edward S. Adams, George H. Hauer, Charles L. Porter, James Hunter, Isaac A. Brown, John H. Thompson, Providence, R. I. ; Abrahan Steinway, New York, N. Y. Superin- tended John Harrison. The company which founded the Crescent Mills (before alluded to as having been purchased in 1893 by the Merchants' Mills corporation) was organized and incorporated in 1871 with capital stock of $500,000, which was subscribed by thirty persons. A site was obtained in the eastern part of the city on the Quequechan River, near the terminus of the Fall River Railroad. Ground was broken in October of that year and by December of the next year the mill was erected and equipped. It is of granite, 339 by 74 feet, four stories and attic above the basement. The picker house is 85 by 50 feet and five stories. The machinery introduced comprised 33,280 spindles and 744 looms, driven by a steam engine of 450 horse power. The mill was not in full opera- tion until the fall of 1873; the product annually was about 6,000,000 yards of 4-4 fine brown sheetings and special styles of fine goods for printing and converting, involving a consumption of 3,500 bales of cotton. The original officers of the company were Benjamin Covel, president; Lafayette Nichols, treasurer; Benjamin Covel, Lafayette Nichols, Daniel A. Chapin, William B. Durfee, J. F. Nichols, Joseph Brady, David F. Brown, G. M Haffards and Alphonso S. Covel, direct- ors. In the spring of 1893 this property was purchased by the Mer- chants' Mills corporation, as before stated. The Flint Mills were organized in February, 1872, with a capital of $500,000, which was increased in October, 1872, to $580,000. The act of incorporation, dated February 28,. 1872, names John D. Flint, Stephen C. Wrightington, Simeon Borden, William H. Jennings and their as- sociates as constituting the corporation. The number of original sub- scribers was about 200. John D. Flint was elected president; Stephen 582 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. C. Wrightington, treasurer; John D. Flint, Dr. Robert T. Davis, Stephen Davol, William PI. Jennings, William T. Hall, Daniel McGowan, Gar- diner T. Dean, S. C. Wrightington, William Carroll and Cornelius Hargraves, directors. Mr. Wrightington resigned in March and George H. Eddy was elected treasurer. The name of the corporation was given in honor of the president and the settlement that gathered in the vicinity of the mill became known as Flint village. Land for the mill site was purchased on the upper part of the Quequechan River and there a granite mill was built 300 by 94 feet, five stories and basement. The machinery was for the manufacture of print cloths 64 by 64. The mill contained 45,360 spindles and 1,008 looms, driven by an engine of 650 horse power. The mill began running in April, 1873, and employed 450 operatives, turning out an annual product of 12,500,000 yards. The company owned sixty-two acres of land and built forty-two ten- ements. On Saturday October 28, 1882, fire destroyed the mill, ex- cepting the engine and boiler house. It was at once rebuilt on the same site, five stories with an ell 115 by 52 feet and three stories added; the height of the ell was increased by two stories in 1895. At the present time there are in the mill 50,816 spindles and 1,164 looms, driven by a 1,200 horse power engine. The are 550 operatives, the product consuming about 7,500 bales of cotton. An electric plant was put in when the mill was rebuilt. George H. Eddy was treasurer until 1878, and was succeeded by John D. Flint, and Stephen Davol took Mr. Flint's place as president. In 1879 Mr. Flint resumed the pres- idency and B. D. Davol became treasurer, in which office he remained to 1882, when he was succeeded by William S. Potter. The number of stockholders is 450. The present directors are John D. Flint, George H. Eddy, F. L. Almy, B. D. Davol, Charles L. Porter, Junius P. Pren- tiss, William S. Potter. Superintendent, William H. Eddy, The Shove Mills were brought into existence through the enterprise of John P. Slade, Charles O. Shove, George A. Chace and Joseph Mc- Creery. The original subscribers to the stock numbered thirty- one and their meeting for organization was held March 4, 1872. The com- pany was chartered April 2, with capital of $550,000, and received its name from Charles O. Shove, who was chosen the first president. John P. Slade was made treasurer, and Charles O. Shove, Joseph McCreery, George A. Chace, Lloyd S. Earl, William Connell, jr., Nathan Chace, Isaac W. Howland, Josiah C. Blaisdell and John P. Slade, directors. Land was purchased on the west side of Laurel Lake, just within the THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 583 line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and an additional tract on the Rhode Island side for tenement houses, the tract comprising 122 acres. The mill was finished in 1874; it is of granite, 339 by 74 feet, five stories and basement, with flat roof. The machinery was in full operation in April, 1875, and includes 37,504 spindles, and 960 looms, with Harris-Corliss engine of 500 horse power. It employs 425 operatives and turns out 11,500,000 yards of print cloths, 64 by 64, an- nually. The mill is heated by steam and lighted by gas made on the premises. The company built forty-eight tenements all of which have been sold. In 1880-81 Mill No. 2, of granite, 194 by 75 feet, three stories, was built on the Rhode Island side of the line, and devoted to spinning; its capacity is 22,280 spindles, with Corliss engine of 350 horse power. It was one of the first of the mills lighted by electricity, and Mill No. 1 was also provided with electricity in 1892. In 1893 the old engine was replaced by a Watts- Campbell of 1,500 horse power, which is sufficient to move the above mentioned machinery and also the 800 looms placed in a weave shed 184^ by 120 feet, two stories and basement, built in 1897. The total capacity of the three mills is now 70,688 spindles and 2,100 looms; 800 operatives are employed, produc- ing annually 25,000,000 yards of odd counts from 10,000 bales of cotton. Charles O. Shove was president of the company until his death in 1875; John P. Slade from 1875 to 1880, and was succeeded by Charles M. Shove. Mr. Slade resigned the treasurership in 1874 and was succeeded by George A. Chace; in 1884 he was succeeded by Cyrus C. Rounse- ville. Succeeding boards of directors include the names of Henry C. Lincoln, Howard B. Allen, Edmund Chase, Joseph E. Macomber William Mason (of Taunton), Asa Pettey, and Clark Shove. Present directors: Charles M. Shove, John P. Slade, Isaac W. Howland, George W. Slade, Fenner Brownell, Cyrus C. Rounseville, Edward Shove. Superintendent, Robert Stewart. The Fall River Bleachery, an establishment closely identified with the cotton industry, was projected by Spencer Borden, who in 1872 submitted his plans to the Wamsutta Mills of New Bedford. They and other capitalists in Fall River and in the adjoining State of Rhode Island, favored the enterprise and committees were appointed to select a site; after examination the lower privilege of the so-called Sucker , Brook, in the southeastern part of the city, was chosen. Some of the leading promoters of the enterprise took steps to secure the necessary land for the control of the water privilege and books were opened for 584 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. subscription. The stock was so rapidly taken that it stood at $1.10 be- fore the plant was commenced. Prominent among the subscribers were Jefferson, Philip D. and Richard B. Borden, Stephen Davol, Frank S. Stevens, Crawford E. Lindsey, Charles P. Stickney, George B. Durfee and Walter Paine 3d, of Fall River; Thomas Bennett, jr., William J. Rotch, E. D. Mandell, E. C. Jones, William W. Crapo, Charles L. Wood, Andrew G. Pierce, J. Arthur Beauvais, E. L. Baker, Jonathan Brown, jr., Charles L. Hawes and David B. Kempton, of New Bedford; T. P. Sheperd & Co., John C. Waterman, George Bridge and Arnold Peters, of Rhode Island, and others. Jefferson Borden was chosen president of the company; Spencer Borden, agent and treasurer; Thomas Bennett, jr., Richard B Borden, Bradford D. Davol, Crawford E. Lindsey, Philip D. Borden, George B. Durfee, Charles P. Stickney, directors. The bleachery had twelve kiers, or a capacity of twelve to thirteen tons per day, and the water supply and equipment all of the very best. The buildings were so arranged that the capacity of the works could be doubled without additional con- struction, excepting dry sheds. The capital of the company is $400,- 000. President, James Marshall; treasurer, Spencer Borden; superin- tendent, Jefferson Borden, jr. ; directors, R. B. Borden, B. D. Davol, Spencer Borden, James Marshall, Robert Bennett, Henry H. Crapo, Gardiner C. Sims. Sagamore Manufacturing Company. — The Sagamore Mills were in- corporated in the spring of 1872 with a capital of $500,000. The in- ception of the enterprise was due to Francis B. Hood and Louis L. Barnard. After the organization was perfected, Mr. Barnard was elected president of the corporation, and Francis B. Hood, treasurer. The original directors were L. L. Barnard, Francis B. Hood, J. C. Blaisdell, J. W. Hartley, Charles McCreery, J. J. Hilliard, Joseph Bor- den, W. M. Almy, D. Hartwell Dyer and J. T. Wilson. A tract of land on Taunton River, a short distance above Slade's ferry, was pur- chased and work on the mill began in July, 1872. The structure was of brick, 320 by 73 feet, five stories with basement. Its capacity was 37,672 spindles and 900 looms, which were driven by a 400 horse power engine. The mill was started in July, 1873, and employed 425 oper- atives, producing annually 10,500,000 yards of print cloths from 4,000 bales of cotton. The mill continued under the original management four years, when it changed hands, the new officers being James A. Hathaway, president ; George T. Hathaway, clerk and treasurer. In THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 585 1879 the company failed and the property passed to the creditors, and a reorganization was effected under the title, Sagamore Manufacturing Company, with capital of $500,000, which has since been increased to $900,000. A second mill was built in 1882, giving both mills a capac- ity of 84,692 spindles and 2,042 looms. In 1884 Mill No. 1 was burned and a new one was erected in 1888, containing 40,638 spindles. The capacity of the mill is 27,000,000 yards annually. Theodore Dean, of Taunton, was president of the reorganized corporation until his death, and was succeeded by Charles J. Holmes. Hezekiah Brayton is treas- urer. Superintendent, George Whittaker ; directors, Moses W. Rich- ardson, of Boston ; Gilbert Allen, New Bedford. Mass. ; John S. Bray- ton, D. Hartwell Dyer, Charles J. Holmes, John D. Flint, David A. Brayton, jr., H. A. Brayton. The Border City Mills were founded through efforts of George T. Hathaway in consultation with S. Angier Chace, Chester W. Greene and James A. Hathaway. Subscriptions were solicited to a capital stock of $1,000,000, which was taken by about 150 persons. A meet- ing for organization was held April 29, 1872, and the following direct- ors were elected: S. Angier Chace, Stephen Davol, Chester W. Greene, Elijah C. Kilburn, Charles P. Stickney, Alexander D. Easton, George T. Hathaway, John M. Dean, William E. Dunham, James E. Cunneen and Horatio N. Durfee. Subsequently S. Angier Chace was chosen presi- dent and George T. Hathaway treasurer. The company was incorpo- rated June 3, 1872. Thirty acres of land was purchased in the northern part of the city, on the Taunton River, where there was a good wharf privilege. Two brick mills were erected — No. 1 was 318 by 73 feet, five stories, started operation in 1873; capacity 35,632 spindles and 880 looms. Mill No. 2, 329 by 73 feet, five stories with basement, began operation in March, 1874; capacity the same as No. 1. These mills turned out annually about 20,500,000 yards of print cloths from 9,000 bales of cotton. The company owned twenty blocks containing 158 tenements. No. 1 Mill was subsequently rebuilt, giving the two mills 76,000 spindles and 1,850 looms. In the financial irregularities of 1879 these mills went into the hands of their creditors and a reorganization was effected under the title, Border City Manufacturing Company. The capital is now $1,000,000 and the mills contain 40,684 mule and 79,680 frame spindles, with a total of 2,937 looms. John S. Brayton is president; Edward L. Anthony, treasurer; superintendent, Gilbert P. Cuttle; directors, John S. Brayton, Thomas E. Brayton, Charles J. 74 586 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Holmes, Gilbert Allen, C. E. Barney, Francis A. Foster, Edward L. Anthony. The Barnard Manufacturing Company was organized October 14, 1873, through the efforts of Louis L. Barnard, Stephen Davol, William H. Jennings and Nathaniel B. Borden, with a capital of $330,000. A tract of land on the Quequechan was secured and the foundation of a mill begun on October 20. Work on the structure was commenced April 7, 1874, and in August it was ready for the machinery. The first cotton was put through the cards in November, weaving was begun in December, «nd the entire mill was in operation in April, 1875. The mill, is of granite, 280 by 74 feet, five stories high on the north side and seven on the south side, with flat roof. It contained 13,520 frame and 14,880 mule spindles and 768 looms. Corliss engines of 500 horse power supply the power. The annual product is 9,000,000 yards of 28 inch 64 by 64 print cloths, from 3,500 bales of cotton. This was one of the first Fall River mills to adopt the ring spinning frames with Sawyer spindles, instead of mules, for the production of warp yarn. Although this mill was intended for the production of print cloths, the call for irregular counts demanded a diversified product and the Bar- nard was the first Fall River mill to manufacture odd goods. The capital stock was increased in December, 1895, to $495,000, and a weave shed 364 by 148 feet, capable of accommodating 1,900 looms, was erected. The mill spindles were also increased at that time. The looms of the old mill were moved into the new weave shed and seventy- two 40-inch revolving flat cards were placed in the old mill to replace the 168 Welman stripper cards; 550 38 inch plain looms were put in the weave shed in addition to the 1,008 looms moved from the old mill. The plant now contains 17,360 mule and 42,200 ring spindles, 810 30- inch looms and 875 38-inch looms; employs 550 hands. The annual product of print cloths, sateens, twills and plain cloths of various kinds was equivalent to 23,205,000 yards of 28-inch 64 by 64 cloth, requiring 8,000 bales of cotton. The motive power is one pair of Corliss engines of 800 horse power and a Watts Campbell compound engine of 1,200 horse power. Isaac L. Hart was the first superintendent ; he died in January, 1882, and was succeeded by William Hathaway. The presi- dents of the company have been Louis L. Barnard, elected 1873; Will- iam H. Jennings, 1880; James M. Aldrich, 1885; Bradford D. Davol, 1896. Treasurer, Nathaniel B. Borden. The following have been di- rectors: Louis L. Barnard, Stephen Davol, William H. Jennings, Alex- THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 587 ander D. Easton, Robert T. Davis, Simeon Borden, Dr. James M. Al- drich, AlphonsoS.Covel, Nathaniel B. Borden, John Campbell, Cornelius Hargraves, Joseph A. Bowen, Henry C. Lincoln, Leontine Lincoln, Simeon B. Chase, Bradford D. Davol, William H. Jennings, jr., William G. McLane, Simeon Borden, jr., Dr. Nathaniel B. Aldrich, Arnold B. Chace, William H. Gifford, William R Huston, and William Huston of Providence. The Stafford Mills corporation was organized December 12, 1870, with capital stock of $500,000. Foster H. Stafford was chosen pres- ident and agent and Shubael P. Lovell, treasurer. Mr. Stafford, with Samuel Hathaway, Charles P. Stickney, Robert T. Davis, William C. Davol, William L. Slade, Danforth Horton, Edmund Chase and Weaver Osborn, were elected directors. March 18, 1871, this corporation was dissolved and the twenty-two subscribers reorganized under a special charter granted to Charles P. Stickney, Samuel Hathaway, Foster H. Stafford and their associates as the Stafford Mills, with capital of $550, - 000; this capital has since been increased to $1,000,000. The old board of officials was elected, and the new corporation was named in honor of the president. Land was purchased at White Brook and work on the mill began in April, 1871 ; parts of the machinery were started in the following January. The mill is of granite, 374 by 70 feet, five stories, with an ell for engine house, etc. Considerable delay was encountered in starting on account of difficulty in getting foreign machinery. The mill contained 34,928 spindles and 860 looms, turning out 10,000,000 yards of 64 by 64 print cloth annually. The capacity was subse- quently increased to 40,016 spindles and 1,124 looms. In 1886 Mill No. 2 was built with same material and dimensions as No. 1, with capacity of 42,784 spindles and 1,068 looms. The motive power is two Corliss engines of 900 and 1,000 horse power respectively. The num- ber of employees is 800 and the annual product about 30,000,000 yards. The company loaned capital to owners of land in the mill neighbor- hood, who built houses and leased them to the company; 124 tene- ments were thus built and leased, and the loaned capital was repaid within a few years. Foster H. Stafford, the first president, died in 1891, and was succeeded by Robert T. Davis. Shubael Lovell, the first treasurer, was succeeded in 1882 by Albert E. Bosworth; he by Effing- ham C. Haight in 1888, and he by Frank W. Brightman in July, 1890. Besides those mentioned the following have been in the board of direc- tors: William Mason, Iram Smith, Frank S. Stevens, James M. Os- 588 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE born, Robert Henry, Edward E. Hathaway, Charles B. Luther, John C. Milne. Present directors: R. T. Davis, Robert Henry, John C. Milne, Edward E. Hathaway, F. W. Brightman, S. W. Hathaway, Charles B. Luther. Superintendent, S. W. Hathaway. The King Philip Mills enterprise was projected in the spring of 1871 by Crawford E. Lindsey and Elijah C. Kilburn, of Fall River, and Jonathan Chace, of Valley Falls, R. I. The capital of $500,000 was subscribed by forty- seven persons and at the first meeting for organi- zation, July 14, 1871, Jonathan Chace, James Henry, S. Angier Chace, Crawford E. Lindsey, Philip D. Borden, Charles O. Shove, Elijah C. Kilburn, Azariah S. Tripp, Benjamin A. Chace, Simeon Borden and Charles H. Dean were chosen directors and Elijah C. Kilburn, treas- urer. Crawford E. Lindsey was elected president. The company was incorporated September 15, 1871, and purchased twenty one acres of land of the Dodge farm, and fifteen acres adjoining of the the Slade Mills Company, in the southwest part of the city. A mill was built of granite, 320 by 92 feet, four stories high in front and five in rear; it was completed in the fall of 1872, but was not in full operation until late the following summer. Its capacity was 37,440 spindles and 776 looms, with a Harris-Corliss engine of 550 horse power. The number of operatives was 425 and the product 5,500,000 yards of fine wide sheetings, fine muslins, jaconets, etc., from 3,000 bales of cotton. In 1881 the capital stock was increased to $1,000,000 and Mill No. 2 erected of granite, 380 by 92 feet, five stories high. This and the mills subsequently erected were lighted with electricity, the company build- ing the necessary plants. In 1888 Mill No. 3 was added to the plant, a brick structure 288 by 100 feet, two stories and basement, exclusively for weaving. In 1892 still another weave shed, known as Mill No 4 was built of granite, 406 by 127 feet, two stories and basement. These various additions to the original plant increased the total capacity to 124,000 spindles and 2,800 looms. The number of hands was now 1,100 and the annual product 19,000,000 yards of fine goods and lawns, consuming 6,000 bales of cotton; 2,400 horse power was required to drive the mills. During its early years the company built many houses, most of which were subsequently torn down or sold. Crawford E. Lindsey was president of the corporation until 1883, when he was succeeded by Robert Henry, and in 1885 Charles J. Holmes assumed the office. Elijah C. Kilburn, the first treasurer, died in 1885 and was succeeded by Simeon B. Chase. Besides the names above mentioned THE CITY OF FALL RIVER. 589 the following have been directors : William Lindsey, Robert Henry, Edwin Shaw, Charles P. Dring, Daniel Stillwell and Joseph Beauvais. From forty-seven original stockholders the number has increased to 400. Present directors: Charles J. Holmes, George A. Ballard, Leon- tine Lincoln, Charles E. Fisher, Henry H. Earl, Oliver S. Hawes, Simeon B. Chase, William F. Draper and Francis A. Foster. Superin- tendent, P. A. Matthewson. The Chace Mills corporation was organized and incorporated in 1871 with a capital stock of $500,000, the promoters of the enterprise being Augustus Chace, George W. Grinnell, Cook Borden, Joseph A. Baker and J. M. Earl. A granite mill, 377 by 74 feet, six stories, was erected in 1872, on Rodman street. An ell in rear three stories high is occu- pied by the engine and picker room. Mill No. 1 contained at first 42,000 spindles, which number was increased to 50,000. In 1894 a story was added to the ell, for an additional picker room, and in the following year Mill No. 2, granite, 310 by 120 feet and two stories, was erected. The first floor of this structure is devoted entirely to weaving, and the second to weaving, spinning and carding. It con- tains 25,000 spindles. Engines of 1,950 horse power drive the mills. The number of operatives is 675, and the product print cloths, bleached goods and twills. Augustus Chace was president of the corporation until his death in 1886, when Edward E. Hathaway was chosen. Joseph A. Baker has been treasurer from the beginning. The list of directors includes the names of Augustus Chace, Cook Borden, James Henry, Robert K. Remington, William Mason, Charles P. Stickney, James F. Davenport, Howard B. Allen, Adoniram J. Chace, Edward E. Hathaway, George W. Grinnell, Jerome C. Borden, John H. Estes, William A. Abbe and David P. Davis. The stockholders number about 300. Present directors: Edward E. Hathaway, George W. Grinnell, Jerome C. Borden, John H. Estes, Joseph A. Baker. Superintendent, John C. Smith. The Laurel Lake Mills corporation was organized in 1881 by John P. Slade, R. T. Davis, M. D., and Henry C. Lincoln. Mr. Slade was elected president. The mill contained 860 looms, and 34,038 spindles. The capital was $400,000. The number of spindles has been increased to 56,368, and the capital stock to $500,000. The product is satin cloth, and consumes about 8,500 bales of cotton annually. In 1896 an addi- tion was built to the mill, 93 by 161 feet in size. John P. Slade, presi- dent, and Abbott E. Slade, treasurer, have held their offices since the 590 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. incorporation. Superintendent, John R. Mason. Directors, John P. Slade, Charles M. Allen, P. D. Conant, Lemuel N. Slade, Allen L. Luther, M. G. B. Swift, John B. Huard, Abbott E. Slade, Nathan M. Wood. The Wyoming Mills were established by Augustus Chace and Will- iam B. Trafford in 1845. Mr. Chace managed the mills until his death, when he was succeeded by his son, Judson Chace. The product was cotton twine, batts, and carpet warp. The business gradually declined and the plant was finally sold at auction and operated for a time as a yarn mill. In 1894 the property was purchased by James Marshall, who converted it into his great hat manufactory. The Fall River Spool & Bobbin Company, partially organized in June, 1875, perfected its organization July 11, 1878, and was chartered July 13 of that year. The president was Cook Borden; treasurer, George S. Davol; clerk, B. D. Davol. The mill and ' buildings were erected and occupied in December, 1875, and gave employment to 150 men. The original capital stock was $40,000, which was reduced to $21,000 when the organization was perfected. At a reorganization in December, 1892, the establishment took the name of The Fall River Bobbin & Shuttle Company, with a capital stock of $100,000. G. W. Pratt, president; William H. Perry, treasurer; William G. Hodges, secretary. The Union Belt Company was formed as a corporation with a capital of $24,000 in the latter part of the year 1871, with the following officers: President, R. B. Borden; treasurer, A. S. Covel; agent, William H. Chace; directors, R. B. Borden, T. J. Borden, Walter Paine 3d, B. D. Davol and William Chace. Mr. Chace was a practical belt maker, and to him was due the establishment of the industry. The company leased a large brick building erected by the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, and a very extensive business was built up. Mr. Chace had the direct management of the business until his death, September 8, 1892. The product now consists of superior grades of belting, top roll covers, loom fittings, straps and pickers. The capital stock is now '$48,000. The first meeting for the organization of the Seaconnet Mills was held February 18, 1884. The corporation was capitalized at $400,000, and shortly after securing its charter began the erection of a large granite mill on East Warren street in Flint Village. The mill was ready for operation in February, 1885, when 920 looms and 35,000 spindles were started. The first officers were: President, Henry C. Lincoln; treas- M'Hugh Woodbery )' Bnsto1 - . s ' ' Christopher Almy I John Linkhorn j wiu Palmer I. Litt]e Compton. Not here. Richard Haskins ^ Taunton. Saml Shelly Nicholas White ) Henry Sweeting I A P- 13, 97. Philip Commin, Dartmouth. 2 days Israel Reed y Rehoboth. Ralph Paine Freetow n. A p. 97 not here Thomas Ormsby J Christ'p Alien : 646 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Jurors for Tryals. Abraham Hathaway | Abraham Hathaway, Foreman. Jonath: Briggs L Taunton. John Smith John Allen ] Isaac Chapin I Bristol. Dismis Tho. Briggs 1 John Barnee In Maj. Bradford Case >■ Dartmouth. Samuel NewMan, Jun'r. 1 Joseph Earl Nath: Whittiker ^ Rehoboth. John Irish ) LiWe Compton John French j John Coe ) William Chase > Sworn Edward Adams put in Maj. Brad- Joseph Kent, Jun f Swanse y- fords case.' At " His Majesties Court of Common Pleas held at Bristol, July 14, 1696," and "again, January 12, 1696-7. Present John Saffin, Esq., President. Justices present Capt. Jno. Brown, Capt. Thomas Leon- ard, Capt. (Nicholas) Peck Esqr." The next record is of " His Majestyes Superior Court of Judicature holden at Plimouth for the Countys of Plimouth on the second Tues- day of March, 1696-97." The actions tried were chiefly for debt and trespass, and cases of appeal from lower courts and single justices. In 1698-99, January 10, is noted the holding of the " Inferior Court of Common Pleas at Bristol. " The names of attorneys found in that connection are John Spurr, Eliezer Carber. On April 11, 1699, the name of Robert Crossman appears as attorney; and October 10, 1699, that of Nich. Moorey. On January 9, 1699-1700, the Inferior Court met at Bristol, with the same justices as before. Then follows this record : Nicholas Moorey pit*, versus Henry Gashett, Def. The pit* bringeth his action of Case to ye Damage of fifty pounds for that the s d Gashett did deceitfully and insuf- ficiently Build the Hull and Head of the Barque Goodspeed in Taunton, the work- manship of said vessell not being done and p'formd workmanlike. The defend* by his attorney pleaded that the writt might abate for the uncertainty thereof, the Court allowed the same and gave judgment that the defend* have his bill of costs. Costs allowed. £ 03 00 10 which cost was by the pit* payd to the defend*. Attest Jn° Cary, clerk. Then Henry Gashett pit' brings action to recover 5 pounds 5 shillings justly due, as he saith for 3 weeks, 3 days work done and performed (faithfully) by s d Gashett and his bro. David Gashett, beginning sometime in the mo. of May, was in year 1696-97 upon ye Hull of a certain vessel described as in the writt. Def pleads pit* did not work no time faithfully. Verdict against Pit*. He appealed to Superior Court. THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 647 Already Taunton had made vigorous efforts to the end that some of the courts should be held there. The following vote shows this fact : This 11 th day of May, 1693. the town hath voted: Whereas we the inhabitants of Taunton judging it to be for ye public benefit of ye province that at least one of ye Superior Courts, if not some of ye Inferior Courts, be kept at Taunton, it being so much in ye centre of ye colony, and ye greatness of our number, compared with our neighbor towns, do order the selectmen to write a petition to ye next General Court to be held by ye Governor Council and Representatives, that we may have one or more of ye Courts held in Taunton. The Selectmen sent up a strong petition, giving in detail the reasons why Bristol was no more entitled to the courts than Taunton, and why for the convenience of the settlers they should be held in Taunton. A part of these reasons are stated in the following from the petition : Most of the actions and lawsuits arising in any Town in this County (except in Bristol itself) are concerning the titles and bounds of lands, in which cases the most ancient inhabitants are best witnesses, having been present at the bounding of most lands, and whose memories are our best records, through the brokenness of ancient times. These ancient witnesses are too old to travel twenty miles to Court, and the presence of a grave ancient person orally attesting to what he knows and explaining his testimony, is of far more advantage to a case than some shattered evidence he sends from home in writing. 6th. Taunton is nearer to Boston than Bristol is by twenty mils at least, which will save so much riding through very bad way for the honored judges of the Circuit in case the Superior Court be removed from Bristol to Taunton. Upon these grounds our Town humbly desires that they may enjoy at least one or more of the quarter Sessions and one Superior Court be removed from Bristol to Taunton. Subscribed in behalf of town by James Leonard, Henry Leonard, Thomas Dean, Shadrach Wilbore, Peter Walker, Selectmen. The efforts of the Taunton men were unsuccessful and the town had to wait more than fifty years for its courts. It was some years after the settlement of the colony before the shire was introduced as a territorial subdivision and a part of the governing power through its inhabitants. So long as the assistants or the General Court were able to discharge the functions of a higher judiciary for all important cases, and the colonial marshals could execute their processes town government sufficed ; but with the increase of settlements and the vast expansion of business, arose an important demand for a dis- trict between the province and the isolated committees. The judicial system of the shire was reorganized under the second charter in 1691 and brought into closer harmony with the cotemporary English model. For example, the criminal jurisdiction and the ministerial or general 648 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. administration business of the old County Court were transferred to the so-called "Quarter Sessions," or, as it was subsequently styled, the "General Sessions of the Peace." In addition to its judicial work, this court performed the duties of the modern Board of County Commission- ers. While during the first stage in the evolution of the Massachusetts shire (1636-43) the general functions of the County Court were rudi- mentary; during the second stage (1643-91) and the third (1691-76) the status of that court as a county board of civic administration rapidly increased in importance. From the evidence thus far adduced it is clear that the three courts (the Superior Court of Judiciary, the Court of the General Sessions of the Peace, or the Quarter Sessions, and the Inferior Court of Common Pleas) were in full operation very soon after the erection of Bristol county. The officer of the County Court was the marshal, superseded after 1791 by the sheriff and clerk. The latter, in addition to his duties in keeping the judicial records, was ex officio recorder of the county, thus performing the duties of the modern county clerk.' The jurisdiction of the old County Court extended over all criminal matters the punishment of which did not extend to loss of life, member, or banishment. Aside from the earlier records before quoted from, the first recorded proceedings of this court are for the year 1702, from which the following extracts are taken as showing the character of cases and measure of punishment prevailing at that period: On the 14th of April, 1702, William Earle, of Swansea, being presented for pro- fane swearing and summoned to appear to answer for the offense, came and pleaded the province law, to wit, such offenses must be proved against the offender within thirty days after the offense is committed, was admonished therefbr and dismissed. July 14, 1702. " Samuel Waldron, of Taunton, being presented for not attending public worship of God on the Lord's day, appeared upon the summons and pleaded 1 The office of constable was an important one in the early history of the county. During the colonial period it was considered a post of honor and responsibility, as representing the civil government and being the chief exponent of law. Only trustworthy and respectable persons were chosen, and such as they frequently shrank from the duties of the position. Hence, fines were imposed in cases where men refused to take the office without sufficient excuse. In Taun- ton in 1696, John Deane, Isaac Deane, James Leonard, jr., and Richard Godfree, ji'., were com- pelled to give their reasons for declining to serve as constables. In those days office-seeking was not the mad scramble that now prevails. 1 1 Even the office of governor sought the man and not the man the office. The General Court of Plymouth passed the act, that whoever refused the office of governor should pay twenty pounds sterling, unless he was chosen two years successively, and whoever refused the office of counselor or magistrate should pay ten pounds. Edward Winslow, in 1683, was chosen governor, Mr. Bradford having been governor about ten years, and now, u by importunity," writes Win- throp, "gat off." THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 649 thai he was of the way of the Church of England, but did not go to hear Mr. Dan- forth. but to other meetings as often as he could, was admonished for his neglect, and dismissed with paying costs, taxed at two shillings." "Samuel Watfield, Keeper of the jail at Bristol, having served the year past in that office for the sum of five pounds, desires to have an order passed this Court to the County Treasurer for the receiving of the said sum; it was passed accordingly.'' April 13, 1703. "Ordered that Capt. Samuel Gallup have and receive of the County Treasurer eight shillings for his trouble, expense, and pains in going to Swansey to fetch the order for the Thanksgiving, and notifying the people in Bristol thereof the day before." Captain Gallup was then sheriff of the county. April 13, 1713. " Frank Townsend being bound by the way of recognizance to ap- pear at this Court upon complaint of his wife, who complains that he had left her, and had taken another woman to be his wife, and he being convicted thereof by his own confession, it is ordered that he be whipt twenty lashes on his bare back, well laid on, and to stand committed until sentence be performed." John Weaver, in court, "owning that he had been guilty of a breach of the Sab- bath by husking corn on the Lord's day; ordered to pay a fine of ten shillings, as the law directs, and costs of Court." The colonial office of king's attorney was the direct predecessor of our district attorney and its requirements and duties were similar. Samuel Howland, of Bristol, was appointed to that office at each term from 1702 to 1746. The dispute between Massachusetts and Rhode Island over the boundary line, which began in 1740, and ended in 1746 by setting off to the latter State, Tiverton, Little Compton, Bristol, Warren, Barring- ton, and Cumberland, has been described in earlier chapters of this work. By that change Bristol lost its status as the county seat of Bristol county, Mass., and made the selection of a new one imperative. Accordingly an act was passed under date of November 13, 1746, estab- lishing the county seat at Taunton, and providing for the removal of records, etc., to the new location. 1 The sheriff was directed to transfer all prisoners from his majesty's jail in Bristol to Taunton, and " there put them under safe custody in some proper place until the county shall provide a jail." Little faith need be put in the tradition alluded to in the foot note on this page, for it is clearly shown in the papers of the Leonard family, written by Judge George Leonard, that the removal of the records was accomplished by Mr. Leonard, who with Thomas 1 " There is a tradition that the people in Bristol who had the custody of the court records refused to give them up, and that James Williams, of Taunton, was deputed to get them by stratagem. He is said to have succeeded in his efforts, brought the records to Taunton, and that he was rewarded for this act by being appointed county register, an office now called register of deeds, which office he, his son, and his grandson held successively for a period of ninety-five years."— Writings of John S. Brayton. 82 650 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Foster and John Shephard, was appointed to that service in the third section of the act establishing the new county seat. 1 Following is an account of the bill of expenses of the committee in going to Bristol " By order of the Great and General Court, and removing the records from Bristol to Taunton, November, 1746 " : £ s d Cash pd. at mr. Robins ye Tavern, by Shepard _ 6 6 Cash pd. at Bristol at potters ye Tavern by Foster _ 6 6 pd. at Do. at mr. troup's by Col. Leonard . - .-1 pd. at Child's ye Tavern at Swansey by Col. Leonard - 16 pd. at harden' s in Do. by Sheppard 1 2 8 pd. at Capt. wheeler's in Rehoboth - - - - pd. at hill's in Do. by Sheppard __ -0 3 6 pd. at Brig's in Do. by Sheppard 18 8 pd. by Shepard 29* by Foster - - 1 5 Given on ye Road by Capt. Sheppard . 6 8 \ 15 2 By foster -.6 6 U 74 By Col. Leonard 2 -)8 7 1 13 6 Appended is the following report of the committee: Nov. 18th, 1746, Delivered the Records of ye County, viz. of Deeds, &c. to mr. Thomas Troop, the Late Registre of Deeds, at ye house of ye Honorable Seth Will- iams, Esqr. at Taunton, & have taken bonds with Surtys for his keeping ye books & his offce also at Taunton till ye further order of ye General Court, or till a Registre be chosen, ye Same day Committed the Books of Record and papers belonging to ye Probate Register to Stephen paine, Esqr., at the house of Samuel white, Esqr., and have taken Bonds with Surties for ye Safe keeping sd. Books & papers in sd. Town. ye same day appointed mr. Nathaniel Fales Clerk of ye Inferior Court of Comon Pleas & Court of General sessions of ye peace, who yus sworn to ye faithful dishard of sd. office & Committed ye Books & papers belonging to sd. Courts to ye sd. Nath'll Fales, at ye house of ye Honorable Seth Williams, Esqr., & have taken Bonds with Surtys for his Safe keeping sd. Books in the Town of Taunton, &c, the same day appointed James Williams, Esqr., Treasurer for sd. County, who has Rec'd the pa- pers & all accounts, & was Sworn to ye faithful discharge of sd. office." On the 9th day of December, 1746, was held the first session of the Court of Common Pleas in Taunton, the Hon. Seth Williams, George Leonard and Stephen Paine, presiding. The Court of Sessions, then consisting of all the justices of the peace, 'They, "or the major part of them, shall cause them [the records] immediately to be con- veyed to the said town of Taunton, and there safely deposited under the care of the same persons as heretofore, or others, as said committee shall judge best."— Section 3 of act creating the county seat. THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 651 sat on the same day, the following justices being present: Seth Will- iams, Thomas Terry, George Leonard, Timothy Fales, Samuel White, Thomas Bowers, Stephen Paine, Ephraim Leonard, John Foster, Ed- ward Hayward, Samuel Howland, Samuel Leonard, John Godfrey, Stephen White, Sylvester Richmond, jr.— fifteen in all. Timothy Fales was appointed clerk of both courts and took the required oath. As will be seen a little further on, about the first business of the court was to provide the county with a jail and a court house. The proceedings in the early courts are replete with interest to the student of .history, but they cannot, of course, be followed in detail in these pages. In a chapter prepared by John S. Brayton, for a former historical work on Bristol county, is found the following quotation from writings of John Adams, in which he refers in somewhat strong lan- guage to one of the chief justices, which is worthy of further preserva- tion: 8th day of June, 1762, Went to Taunton Court, the land of Leonards, three Judges of the Common Pleas of that name, each of whom has a son, who was bred at college. The Hon. George Leonard, the first Justice, seems to be arbitrary. He committed two old gentlemen, who were nearly eighty years old, to the custody of an officer only for speaking loud, when they were both deaf and not conscious that they did speak. A check, a reproof, an admonition would have been enough. He was unwilling that the Sessions should adjourn for an hour to take the verdict of the Jury, in a trial upon a presentment for a riot, but would have that jury kept together all night till the Court should set again next morning. No other Court in the Province, superior or inferior, would have thought of keeping the jury up. He broke in most abruptly upon Bob Paine: He did not think it was right to run out against the King's witnesses ; for his part, he did not like to hear it three or four times over ! Thus the haughty tyrant rules the country ! The three judges named Leonard to whom Adams referred were George, his brother Ephraim, and his cousin Zephaniah, who were con- temporaneous judges of the Court of Common Pleas. This family was remarkable for the number of its membership in the judiciary, no less than seven having been elevated to the bench. These were Thomas, the son of James and the progenitor of the Leonards in this part of the country, who was followed by his son George, and he again by his son George, while still a third George was thus honored. Ephraim, great- grandson of the first James, was another; Zephaniah, also a great- grandson of James, and the father of Zephaniah, named Stephen. Another somewhat peculiar cause was tried in March, 1773, which indicates that betting on election is not wholly an outgrowth of mod- 652 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE em times. Nehemiah Liscome, of Taunton, according to the record, sued Jerathmeel Bowers, of Swansea, in plea of trespass, " that where- as, on the 11th day of March last past, at Taunton, a certain discourse was had between the said Nehemiah and Jerathmeel concerning the election of the person who should be chosen to represent the town of Taunton at the next election." Bowers made a promise that if Liscome was elected representative he would give him one hundred gallons of Jamaica rum, and if Liscome was not elected, he was to give Bowers fifty dollars. Liscome was elected and demanded his quantity of the popu- lar beverage. Bowers refused to pay and the suit was brought to re- cover it or its value jn money. The verdict was for the defendant. When the fires of the Revolution swept over the country the colonial courts were dissolved and were not reorganized for more than a year. In some localities the absence of courts of justice was supplied by the establishment of local tribunals. For example, at a town meeting in Attleborough it was voted to have a Superior and Inferior Court in that town, and four men were chosen to serve as superior judges and seven as judges of the Inferior Court. During the war of the Revolution, after the courts were reorganized, a large share of their business was in connection with the offenses of the class of persons called tories — those who showed by their acts that they were unfriendly to the colonists in the struggle for freedom. On the 12th of March, 1776, a large number of these loyalists gathered and prevented the court from meeting in the Taunton court house, and the court was compelled to seek other quarters. If a man was suspected of sympathizing with the enemy he would be brought before a Com- mittee of Correspondence and Safety, which was formed in every town. This committee would send the suspect before the Court of Sessions, where he would be ordered to enter into a recognizance in the sum of .£200 not to join the enemy or render him any assistance. In 1777 the same Jerathmeel Bowers, who refused to deliver the promised rum to Liscome, and who was at that time one of the justices of the Court of Sessions, was convicted by the committee of " undervaluing the paper currency of the United States and refusing to take the same, and for saying that he would rather give one thousand dollars than to have any soldiers raised in Swansea. " He was ordered to be committed to the gaol and there remain till he was discharged by the order of the State. At the next term of the Court of Sessions he was ordered discharged on his own recognizance. Bowers was elected representative from Swan- THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 653 sea to the General Court in 1783, upon which the selectmen of Reho- both and other persons living in Swansea sent up a petition that he should be excluded from the seat, as "he had not shown himself friendly in the late struggle with Great Britain," and also that he was disqualified by a resolve of a former General Court. The matter being referred to a committee of the House it was reported that " by a resolve of the General Court passed April 7, 1777, the said Jerathmeel Bowers was disqualified from holding any post of honor or profit in the com- monwealth, which resolve in the opinion of the committee was still in force, and that Mr. Bowers was therefore disqualified from holding a seat." Bowers quitted his seat. The foregoing will serve merely as an example of almost innumera- ble cases bearing the same general characteristics. The colonists in their struggle for independence were most jealous of any defection from their ranks and looked with suspicion upon even an appearance of neutrality. The attack upon the courts of Bristol county, in Taunton, which has passed into history under the title of Shays's Rebellion, which took place in 1785, while the community was still smarting from the wounds of the Revolution, has been suffciently described in an earlier chapter and need not be further considered in this place. While directed against the courts, its causes may be sought not alone in the existence of those tribunals or their proceedings, but in various other directions wherein discontent was bred. In 1821 the judicial system of Massachusetts was organized substan- tially as it exists at the present time, and the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth was established. The governor was to ap- point " four meet persons " to be justices, who, in the quaint language of the statute, " shall be men of sobriety of manners and learned in the law." Of the four justices first appointed, John Mason Williams, of Taunton, was appointed associate in 1820, and chief justice in 1839; Charles Henry Warren, of New Bedford, appointed in 1839, and Har- rison Gray Otis Colby, appointed in 184-5. Judge Williams was on the bench twenty-four -years, during five of which he was chief justice. He was a man of great legal learning, unimpeachable integrity and purity, great dignity of demeanor, and unfailing in courtesy. Judge Colby re- mained on the bench only two years. For eighty-two years all the courts of Bristol county were held in Taunton. In the old records of the town of Dartmouth are found fre- 654 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. quent petitions to the General Court praying that certain terms of the court might he held in Dighton or some place farther south, giving as reasons that the distance to be traveled by the inhabitants of Dart- mouth to reach the courts was so great as to cause much inconvenience and hardship. Finally in 1828 a petition for this purpose was success- ful. The act establishing New Bedford as a half -shire town passed the Senate February 29, 1828, and the House on March 13 of that year. The first term of the Court of Common Pleas in New Bedford was held on June 9, 1828; it sat in the town hall on Second street, no court house having yet been provided. Judge Williams presided, and the following cases on the criminal docket were disposed of: Samuel P. Martin and six othecs, for a riot in Seekonk; verdict, not guilty. Simeon Tisdale, for larceny in Taunton ; verdict, not guilty. All the courts in New Bedford continued to be held in the town hall until the court house was completed, as described a little farther on. The last term of the Court of Common Pleas for Bristol County was held in New Bedford, the term closing on the 27th day of June, 1859. Regular sessions of that court had been held either at Taunton or New Bedford for 113 years, with the exception of the brief interval before noticed. At the time of its organization the Court of Common Pleas was distinctively a county court, its three justices being residents of the county. All of the justices were present at the sessions of the court and shared in its business. In 1810 the State was divided into circuits, the Southern circuit being composed of the counties of Nor- folk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes and Nantucket. This con- tinued until the reorganization of 1821, under which this court became a State Court. On the 1st day of July, 1859, the Court of Common Pleas was abolished, and was succeeded by the present Superior Court. No other change was made until March 19, 1877," when the justices of the Superior Court were authorized by statute to adjourn any of the established terms of that court from Taunton to Fall River. The first session of this court was held in that city on June 27 of that year. JUDICIAL OFFICERS OF BRISTOL COUlSTY. Of the judges of the Provincial Superior Court of Judicature, three- John Walley, John Saffin and Nathaniel Hubbard— were at some time citizens of Bristol county prior to the decree of the royal commission made in 1741 , appointed to determine the line between Rhode Island and Massachusetts, before mentioned. John Walley removed to Bris- THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 655 tol from Boston in 1680, was appointed judge in 1700, and died in Bos- ton in 1712. John Saffin was a native of England and settled in Scit- uate about 1650; he afterwards removed to Boston and about the year 1688 settled in Bristol. He was appointed judge in 1701 and died in Bristol in 1710. Nathaniel Hubbard belonged in Bristol, and was ap- pointed judge in 1745; he died there probably in 1747. Of judges of the Supreme Judicial Court, Marcus Morton, of Taun- ton, was appointed in 1825, and James Madison Morton, of Fall River, in 1890. Of the Superior Court for the Commonwealth, Lincoln Flagg Brig- ham, of New Bedford, was appointed associate in 1859, the chief jus- tice in 1869; Chester Isham Reed, of Taunton, was appointed in 1867; Robert Carter Pitman, of New Bedford, was appointed 'in 1867; Henry King Braley, of Fall River, appointed in 1881. The judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for Bristol county were as follows : John Saffin, appointed Dec. 7, 1692. Thomas Leonard, Dec. 7, 1692. Nicholas Peck, Dec. 7, 1692. John Browne, Dec. 7, 1692. Thomas Leonard, Dec. 7, 1692. Nathaniel Byfield, Aug. 7, 1701. Ebenezer Brenton, June 29, 1702. Benjamin Church, Sept. 30, 1708. Henry Mackintosh, Dec. 28, 1709. Nathaniel Payne, Aug. 24, 1710. Simon Davis, Jan. 1, 1713-14. George Leonard, Dec. 10, 1715. Nathaniel Blagrove, Mar. 19, 1723-4. Seth Williams, June 23, 1724. Samuel Vyall, Dec. 2, 1724. George Leonard 2d, Dec. 18, 1725. Thomas Church, Aug. 22, 1729. Seth Williams, Dec. 12, 1729. Job Almy, Dec. 11, 1740. Stephen Paine, Feb. 8, 1745-6. Ephraim Leonard, June 27. 1747. Samuel Willis, April 18, 1749. Timothy Fales, May 23, 1760. James Williams, May 23, 1760. Zephaniah Leonard, Jan. 24, 1761. ElishaTobey, June 18, 1766. William Spooner, 1781. Thomas Durfee, 1781. Benjamin Williams, 1781. William Baylies, 1781. David Cobb, 1781. George Leonard, 1781. Nathaniel Hubbard, June 18, 1728. The special justices of the Inferior Court appointed at various times were: Perez Bradford, Dec. 11, 1740. Job Almy, Jan. 9, 1735-6. Samuel Willis, June 27, 1747. Thomas Bowen, Aug. 12, 1749. John Godfrey, Aug. 17, 1749. Samuel Willis, Jan. 24, 1761. Samuel Willis, Nov. 24, 1761. Thomas Gilbert, Feb. 17, 1763. Thomas Durfee, 1775. Nathaniel Hubbard, April 5, 1745. Thomas Terry, June 27, 1747. George Godfrey, 1775. David Cobb, of Taunton, 1781 Ezra Richmond, 178J. Shubael Peck, 1781. Samuel Tobey, 1781. Apollos Leonard, 1781. 656 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The chief judges of the Common Pleas Court, established in 1782, were: Samuel Tobey, appointed in 1795. Laban Wheaton, chief justice, 1810. Stephen Burbank, 1795. Samuel Fales, 1810. Edward Pope, 1796. Seth Washburn, 1810. SamuelFales, chief justice, 1805. Samuel Guild, 1811, Elihu Slocum, 1807. Seth Washburn, 1819. Daniel Perry, 1807. Apollos Tobey, 1819. Samuel Guild, 1807. Jonathan Ingall, special justice, 1822. James Godfrey, 1807. Elihu Slocum, special justice, 1822. The judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas were: Seth Washburn, sessions justice, appointed in 1814. Apollos Tobey, sessions justice, appointed in 1814. REGISTERS OF PROBATE. In Bristol. In Taunton. Stephen Burton, 1686-92. George Leonard, 1749-8S. John Cary, 1692-1715. Dr. William Baylies, 1783-1812. Ebenezer Brenton, 1715-17. Francis Baylies, 1 1812-21. John Cary, 1717-21. David G. W. Cobb, 1821-33. Stephen Paine, 1721-49. Anselm Bassett, 2 1833-51. Henry Williams, 1851-53. John Daggett, 1853-64. Austin S. Cushman, 1864-69. William E. Fuller, 1869-. Arthur M. Alger, incumbent. The special justices of the Common Pleas Court were : Elisha Morey, appointed in 1796. Alden Spooner, 1803 James Williams, 1799. Samuel Fales, 1804. The judges of the General Sessions of the Peace, after its reorganiza- tion in 1807, and of its successor, the Court of Sessions, were : Josiah Dean, chief justice, appointed in Seth Washburn, 1811. 1807. Elihu Slocum, 1811. Nathaniel Morton, jr., 1807. Laban Wheaton, chief justice, 1819. 1 Francis Baylies was a son of Dr. William Baylies and grandson of Samuel White, the first Taunton lawyer ; he was born October 16, 1784, and began practice in Taunton in 1810. Besides his incumbency of the office of register of probate (which his father filled before him), he served in Congress six years, and during Jackson's administration was appointed on a mission to Buenos Ayres. Mr. Baylies was noted as a historical writer and the author of a Memoir of Plymouth Colony in two volumes, and other valuable works. His death took place October 88, 1852. 2 Anselm Bassett was born in 1784 and graduated from Brown University in 1803. Having studied law and been admitted to the bar, he settled in Taunton and gained a large general prac- tice. He died September 9, 1863. He was father of Charles Jarvis Holmes Bassett, who was long cashier and president of the Taunton Bank and an excellent financier. ffu2>?77niz72 7 J fwh!-(?rizi>ure Co. s. (J iXv^. S-^-«^_ THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 657 The judges of Probate and Insolvency for Bristol county have been : Nathaniel Byfield, appointed October 33, Nathaniel Byfield, Dec. 9, 1715. 1702. Ben]amin Williams, 1778. Nathaniel Blagrove, Sept. 27, 1729. Benjamin Williams, 1780. Nathaniel Hubbard, April 5, 1744. George Leonard, 1785. George Leonard, Feb. 16, 1747-8. Seth Padelford, 1793. George Leonard 2d, Nov. 24, 1761. Hodijah Baylies, 1811. George Leonard, 1775. Oliver Prescott, 1 1836. George Leonard, 1776. Edmund H. Bennett, 2 1859. Nathaniel Paine, Aug. 24. 1710. William E. Fuller, 1884. Sheriffs.— Nathaniel Paine, May 27, 1692; Samuel Gallop, from December 22, 1692, to June 30, 1710; William Troop, December 10, 1715; Seth Williams (Taunton), March 31, 1718; Charles Church (Dighton), April 16, 1718, to June 22, 1733; Sylves- ter Richmond (Dighton), January 14, 1746, to November 24, 1761; Zephaniah Leon- ard (Raynham), 1774; Horatio Leonard (Raynham), 1809; Noah Claflin (Attle- borough), 1812; Horatio Leonard, 1813; Horatio L. Danforth (Taunton), 1845; Lyman W. Dean (Attleborough), 1852; Robert Sherman (Pawtucket), 1853 ; George H. Babbitt (Taunton), 1855 ; Chr. B. H. Fessenden (New Bedford), 1863 ; William S. Cobb (New Bedford), 1869; Andrew R. Wright (Fall River), 1878; Edwin H. Evans, incumbent. Clerks of Courts.— Timothy Fales, 1702; Timothy Fales, 1746; Samuel Fales 3 (Taunton), 1774; from October, 1897, to October, 1804, John Tucker signed records of the Supreme Judicial Court; October, 1804, Nathaniel Fales; 1813, Nathaniel Fales; 1816, James Sproat (Taunton); October, 1822, James Sproat 4 (son of the 1 Oliver Prescott was born in Middlesex county, Mass., November 25, 1806, was educated at Harvard and after teaching: tor a time in the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, he studied law in the Cambridge Law School and in the office of Lemuel Williams, New Bedford, and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1832. He was appointed j udge of probate, in 1836 and held the office until the court wa&abolished in 1859. In 1846 he was appointed police court judge of New Bedford and held the office until 1858, when he resigned. He was a good lawyer and enjoyed the entire con- fidence of the bar and the public. 2 Edmund Hatch Bennett was born in Manchester, Vt., April 6, 1824, and was educated in the academies of that State and the University of Vermont ; from the latter institution he received the degree of LL.D. in 1873. After a short period of teaching in Virginia he studied law in Bur- lington in his father's office, and was admitted to the bar in 1847 ; in the following spring he set- tled in Taunton, forming a partnership with Nathaniel Morton, and later with Henry Williams, and finally with Henry J. Fuller. He was elected the first mayor of Taunton city in 1865 and was twice re-elected. He was a thorough and persistent student of law as a science, and in the years 1870, 1871 and 1872, lectured on various subjects in the Dane Law School of Harvard University. From 1872 he was connected with the law school in Boston University, and in 1876 was chosen its Dean. He edited law books to the number of about one hundred volumes, and for several years was one of the editors of the American Law Register. 3 Samuel Fales was a native of Bristol, R. I., and graduated from Harvard in 1773, and besides the office above mentioned, was appointed chief justice of the old Court of Common Pleas. He was succeeded in the'office of clerk by his son, Nathaniel. Judge Fales died in Boston January 20, 1818, aged sixty-eight years. * James Sproat (the second one above mentioned, and father of William A. F. Sproat) was born in 1758 and settled in Taunton. Aside from his position as clerk of the courts be was not in public life. His father (James) was a man of fine appearance, "an eminent practitioner at the bar," and noted for his ready wit. He died November 12, 1825. 83 658 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. former); April, 1856, William A. F. Sproat, (Taunton); January 7, 1857, John S. Brayton, (Fall River) ; January 5, 1864, Simeon Borden, (Fall River) ; Simeon Borden. REGISTERS OF DEEDS. Thomas Troop, chosen before 1741. Benjamin K. Sayer, Southern District, James Williams, 1780. 1859. Alfred Williams, 1822. Joseph E. Wilbar, Northern District, Alfred Williams, Northern District, 1838. 1862. Benjamin T. Congden, Southern Dis- George B. Richmond, Southern District, trict, 1838. 1885. Charles C. Sayer, Northern District, Nathan D. Chace, of Fall River, 1894. 1862. King's Attorneys.— Samuel Howland, 1702-46; Samuel White, 1747-69; Daniel Leonard, 1769 to the Revolution. County and District Attorneys. — Marcus Norton, appointed 1812; Nicholas Tilling- east, 1818; John Mason Williams, 1819; James Ellis, 1821; Horatio L. Danforth, 1830; James Ellis, 1831-2; Charles H. Warren, 1833-39. During Mr. Warren's in- cumbency the State was divided in 1834, into four districts — Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western. John H. Clifford, 1840-49 ; Harrison G. O. Colby, 1850-51 ; Horatio Pratt, 1852-53; Lincoln F. Brigham, 1854-59; George Marston, 1862-78; Hosea M. Knowlton, 1880-94; Andrew J. Jennings, 1895 to the present time. In 1849 a fifth district, the Middle, was added to the former four. In 1855 the sixth district was added, the Southeastern ; in 1856, the Northwestern was added, and in 1859, the Suffolk district was added, making the present eight. There are three District Courts in Bristol county, as follows: First — William H. Fox, justice; Erastus M. Reed and Frederick S. Hall, special justices; and Albert Fuller, clerk; held at Taunton and Attleborough, with jurisdiction in Taunton, Rehoboth, Berkley, Digh- ton, Seekonk, Attleborough, North Attleborough, Norton, Mansfield, Easton and Raynham. Second — John J. McDonough, justice; Benjamin K. Lovatt and George Grime, special justices; Augustus B. Leonard, clerk; held at Fall River, with jurisdiction in Fall River, Freetown, Somerset and Swansea. Third — Frank A. Milliken, justice; A. Edwin Clarke and James L. Gillingham, special justices; Thomas J. Cobb, clerk; held at New Bed- ford, with jurisdiction in New Bedford, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Dart- mouth and Westport. Fall River Bar Association. — This association has had an existence of over ten years, the date of its agreement being January 1, 1887. In that agreement its purposes are stated as the "prosecution of literary and educational pursuits and the establishment and maintenance of a THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 659 place for a reading room and law library, and the promotion of the interests of the Fall River bar." The agreement is signed by Josiah C. Blaisdell, Jonathan M. Wood, James M. Morton, Andrew J. Jen- nings, Henry K. Braley, Milton Reed, James F. Jackson, Edward Hig- ginson, David F. Slade, Alfred H. Hood, John W. Cummings, Arba N. Lincoln, M. G. B. Swift, John J. McDonough, Dennis V. Sullivan, H. A. Dubuque, T. F. McDonough, S. W. Ashton and Nicholas Hath- away. The association was incorporated March 31, 1887. At the first meet- ing, held January 1, 1887, Arba Lincoln was elected temporary clerk. A code of by-laws was prepared and adopted on the 24th of January. The first board of officers was composed as follows: President', James M. Morton; vice-president, Jonathan M. Wood; treasurer, Arba N. Lincoln; executive council, Henry K. Braley, Milton Reed, John W. Cummings, James F. Jackson, H. A. Dubuque; secretary, John J. McDonough. It was largely through the efforts of this association that Fall River now has a beautiful and costly court house, the site of which was se- lected by the association and recommended to the County Commission- ers. On the 14th of December, 1887, a fee bill was adopted, which has been of great benefit to the members of the bar. In September, 1890, Mr. Morton resigned the presidency of the association, and Jonathan M. Wood was elected on the 5th of the following February; Milton Reed was the second incumbent of the office of vice-president, succeed- ing Mr. Wood when he was elected president. On the 22d of January, 1891, the association adopted a resolution recommending the appointment by the governor of Henry K. Braley to fill the vacancy on the bench of the Superior Court, caused by the promotion of Judge Lathrop to the bench of the Supreme Court. A committee of seven members was appointed to wait on the governor and urge the appointment; success attended these efforts, and a dinner was subsequently tendered Mr. Braley in Boston. On the 14th of October, 1893, John J. DcDonough resigned the office of secretary and was succeeded by Arthur S. Phillips, who still holds the position. The officers of 1894 were as follows: President, Jonathan M. Wood; vice-president, Milton Reed; secretary, Arthur S. Phillips; treasurer, Arba N. Lincoln. At the death of Mr. Wood the office of president was left vacant. Otherwise the present officers are as above named. The association has been conspicuously identified with the 660 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. establishment of an excellent law library in the new court house, while its influence upon the bar at large has been salutary and elevating in a marked degree. New Bedford Bar Association. — This association was organized April 16, 1894. The first officers chosen were as follows: President, E. L. Barney; secretary, F. A. Milliken, who still holds the office. Upon the death of Mr. Barney, Alanson Borden was elected president. The first vice-president was Charles W. Clifford, who is still in the office; treasurer, Lemuel Le Baron Holmes. Council, Thomas M. Stetson, William W. Crapo, Alanson Borden, Hosea M. Knowlton, Lemuel T. Wilcox, William C. Parker and Emanuel Sullivan. On the 6th of May, 1895, the association established a fee bill. As an organization it has been instrumental during its brief existence in procuring the passage of the act of 1894, chapter 423, establishing a law library in New Bedford, which is now located in the court house and is supported by a county appropriation of $1,000 a year. The library comprises about 2,000 volumes. The association was instru- mental also in procuring full length portraits of Chief Justice Lincoln F. Brigham, Timothy G. Coffin and John H. Clifford, which are now in the Supreme Court room. Court Houses, Houses of Correction, Jails, etc. — The first measures for providing Bristol county with a court house and jail were adopted in "his Majesty's Court of General Sessions of the Peace, begun and held at Taunton," on the 9th day of December, 1746. On that occasion the following orders were recorded : Ordered by the Court that the School House in Taunton shall be for the present impressed for a Gaol and that Samuel Leonard, John Godfrey and Samuel White, Esqrs. , be a committee to see that the said School House be made as secure as may be for the safe custody of all persons that may be committed thereto with the utmost dispatch, and that Seth Williams the second shall take care to secure the two prison- ers now in custody and all others that shall be committed in the meantime. Ordered by the Court that Seth Williams, George Leonard, Samuel Leonard, John Godfrey, and Samuel White, Esqrs., be a committee to look out a suitable place for the standing of a Gaol and County House in the town of Taunton, & know what the land for erecting said houses on may be purchased for and make report of their doings thereon at the adjournment of this Court. This committee found what they believed to be a suitable site for the buildings, which was described in their report made on the second Tuesday in January, 1747, as "towards the upper end of the old Train- ing Field a little below where they used to dig gravel and is to be THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 661 sixty foot square." The report further stated " that the most suitable place for setting a Gaol and Gaol House be on the land of Samuel White and Mr. Simeon Tisdale at a place near the spring (so-called), adjoin- ing to the way that leads from said Tisdale's to Mr. Crossman's grist mill. " The report was approved and accepted and John Foster, Syl- vester Richmond, jr., and John Godfrey were appointed a committee "to provide materials and build a County house and Gaol and Gaol keeper's house with suitable dispatch." These buildings were de- scribed in the order as follows : The Gaol to be thirty foot long and fourteen foot wide two story high and four- teen foot stud, to be studded with sawed stuff of six inches thick to be framed close together with a chimney in the middle suitable for a Gaol. The house of the prison keeper to be seventeen foot wide and twenty-three foot long, two story high besides the entry between the Gaol and dwelling house and to be fourteen foot stud with a suitable chimney and cellar. On the 28th of January, 1747, George Leonard, Ephraim Leonard and John Foster, esqrs., were appointed a committee to receive deeds from the proprietors of Taunton. In the court records of June, 1747, is found the following: Upon the Court's receiving a subscription of many of the inhabitants of the Town of Taunton, amounting in the whole to the sum of nine hundred twenty-two pounds, fifteen shillings, old tenor, from the subscribers' committee, for building a Court House, ordered that the same shall be accepted, and that the committee appointed by this court shall be joined with the aforesaid committee of the subscribers in build- ing the Court house as projected by the subscribers, and what further may be sub- scribed on the land given by the proprietors and inhabitants of the Town of Taunton, and as has been accepted by the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, holden at Taunton, by adjournment in January last. The site thus chosen for the court house was land considerably in front of the site of the third court house, and that for the jail was land in rear of the site of the Bristol County Bank building. That this first court house was not a very substantial building is shown by an order made at the October term of, 1753, which directed Seth Williams " to endeavor to secure the roof of the county house from leaking, by cov- ering the heads of the posts with sheet lead given for that purpose, or by any other way or means that may be effectual for the purpose afore- said. " At that time it appears that the structure was not wholly com- pleted, for at the March term of 1754, Seth Williams, George Leonard and Zephaniah Leonard were appointed a committee "to finish the court house in Taunton and arch the court chamber overhead, fix the 662 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. justices' seats on the north side of the chamber, and lath and plaster the same and alter the stairs, if the committee shall think best." This court house was occupied until 1772. A court order of December 17, 1771, directed as follows: That a court house be built, to be forty-eight feet square and twenty-four feet post, and George Leonard, jr., Benjamin Williams, Robert Treat Paine and Daniel Leonard, Esquires, or either two of them, are appointed a committee to proceed and erect a court house and to dispose of the now standing court house by sale thereof or by taking it down and disposing of the timber. A town meeting; was called to act upon the proposition of granting twenty feet more of land on the rear of the original site, and the grant was made. The committee then proceeded to erect the second court house, removing the old building across the street to the head of what is now Court street ; there it was occupied as a dwelling for a time and was finally removed to Leonard street. The second court house was occupied for its purpose until 1826, when it was removed to Court' street and became a tenement. On the site was erected the third court house, of brick, by Abieser Dean, in 1827. This was used for court purposes until its recent removal to Court street, leaving the site vacant for the erection of the present splendid granite structure, the corner stone of which was laid with Masonic ceremony on June 30, 1892.' Under the court orders relative to a place of confinement for prison- ers, before mentioned, an order was made at the August court of 1749, " that eleven hundred pounds, old tenor, be paid to the committee for the gaol to enable them to complete and finish it." At the September term of 1751, the following order was made: Ordered, that the committee for the jail deliver to the sheriff or to his order, the northwest room below and room above it and the southwest room below and room above it and the southeast room above, with one-half of the cellar under the other part of the house, together with the yard fenced in for the prison yard, and that the southwest room below and above with the southeast room above are determined for and shall be known to be his Majesty's Jail in Taunton in and for the County of Bristol and that the northwest room, below and above, with the liberty of using the stairs, be for the use of the keeper of said Jail, during the Court's pleasure. At the December term of that year it was ordered " that the north- 1 There was a one-story brick "county building," so called, occupying about forty feet in length, in the rear of the second wooden court house, used as a registry building, where Colonel George Leonard, Dr. William Baylies, Hon. Francis Baylies, Capt. D. G. W. Cobb, and James Williams, the father and son, had their offices, which was taken down when the brick court house was built. — Emery's History of Taunton, p. 538. THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 063 east room below and room above it, with the southeast room below, adjoining to the Jail and under the same roof be for the House of Cor- rection for the County of Bristol, till the further order of the Court. " At the June term of 1753, George Leonard, Timothy Fales and Samuel White were appointed a committee to "endeavor the more thorough strengthening and securing the Gaol, that, if possible, prisoners may not be able to make their escape by reason of insufficiency thereof." This jail, with such minor improvements as may have been made during the period, was used until 1785. In that year the court ordered the erection of a new jail and the Legislature authorized a county tax of $1,500 for the purpose. The second jail was built on the site of the first one ; it was not very well adapted to its purpose and was in use only to 1817, when, on the second Monday in June, the Court of Com- mon Pleas, sitting in Taunton, ordered the erection of a stone jail. Seth Washburn and Apollos Tobey were appointed a committee to superin- tend "the business of its erection." The site is described in the deed (signed January 30, 1818) as "near Cobb's Slitting Mill." This jail was probably completed in 1819 or 1820. Gilbert Briggs, of Dighton, had charge of the stone work and Abiezer Dean 2d, of Taunton, the wood work. Abiezer Dean 1st was the first jailer and held the position until his death in 1826 ; .he was succeeded by his son Abiezer for three years and he by another son, Joseph, until 1836; Jacob L. Porter to 1841; Elias A. Morse to 1854; Isaac G. Carrier to his death in 1886, when, on Tebruary 8, the sheriff, Andrew R. Wright, took the place. The stone jail stood at the junction of what are now Washington and Court streets, and was in use until 1873, when the present edifice was erected. Previous to the completion of the court house in New Bedford all of the local judicial proceedings were held in the old market building, or town hall, on Second street, used in recent years as a police station. In June, 1828 (the same year in which New Bedford was made a half- shire town of Bristol county) the county commissioners purchased a piece of land belonging to the estate of Abraham Russell, with an area of about an acre and a half, for a site for the public buildings. It is the ground on which the old part of the present jail and house of cor- rection are situated, and at that time fulfilled the stipulated require- ments of being far enough "removed from the bustle and noise of the village, and yet sufficiently central for the general convenience of those having business at court." 664 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The first structure erected on this site was a stone jail, which was completed and ready for occupancy on Monday, October 5, 1829. This jail was very substantially constructed upon plans embodying the best and safest arrangements for confinement of prisoners then employed in similar institutions. There were thirty-two cells for solitary confine- ment, with apartments for imprisonment of debtors, accommodations for keeper, etc. The yard was inclosed with a high wall, and within the inclosure prisoners were to some extent employed. The appropria- tion for building the jail was $13,236.30. The New Bedford court house was not completed until 1831, and with the exception of interior improvements, remains the same as when built. The courts of Bristol county were held in Taunton and New Bedford until 1877. On the 19th of March of that year, as before stated, the justices of the Superior Court were authorized by statute to adjourn certain of the established terms of that court from Taunton or New Bedford to Fall River. To provide accommodations for such courts the county commissioners made the necessary arrangements to occupy a large hall, with adjoining apartments in the new Borden block, which were suitably fitted up and furnished. The court room thus provided was admirably adapted to its purpose and occupied more than ten years. The first session of the court held in Fall River was on June 27, 1877, Hon. P. Emory Aldrich presiding, and was devoted wholly to the dedi- cation ceremonies of the new court rooms. Addresses appropriate to the occasion were delivered by several members of the bar, and a re- sponse was made by the presiding judge. The present splendid court house in Fall River was erected partly through the efforts of the Bar Association and leading citizens of the city, who secured the passage of a law in 1887, authorizing the County Commissioners to build a new court house at a total cost not exceeding $100,000. In 1888 this sum was increased to $175,000, to which was subsequently added an appropriation of $50,000. The site purchased was the former Richard Borden homestead, fronting 303 feet on North Main street. The building was commenced in 1889, the corner stone being laid on the 8th of August of that year, with appropriate cere- monies. It is of granite backed with brick and is 110 feet in length, 80 feet wide at the ends and 55 wide in the central part. The building contains the court room on the second floor, 48 by 56 feet in dimen- sions, apartments for the clerk of the courts, the grand jury, district THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 665 attorney, witnesses, etc., and in the basement are six substantially constructed cells. On the third floor is the library room, reading rooms, etc. This court house is remarkably well adapted to its pur- poses, and is an honor to the progressive city. The corner stone of the present splendid court house in Taunton was laid June 30, 1892. The building stands on the site of the former court house, which was removed to its present site fronting on Court street and in rear of the new building. To enlarge the site for the new struc- ture, land adjoining the old site was condemned by the County Commis- sioners under authority of chapter 259, act of 1889. Opposition to this action by owners of the land caused delay; but on September 21, 1891, the contract for the erection of the building was awarded to Beattie & Wilcox, of Fall River, at $198,950. The dedication of the completed court house took place on March 4, 1895. The building is a fine example of architecture, is constructed of granite, its interior perfectly adapted to its purposes, making it one of the noteworthy court build- ings of the State. PERSONAL NOTES. In the brief notes in these pages upon the lives of many prominent members of the judiciary and the bar of Bristol county, the editors have not attempted the impracticable task of giving adequate or merited biog- raphies of the many deceased men of eminence in the profession. The list is intended merely as a record for reference, with such few words of comment upon the characteristics of the men as are permissible in the allotted space. Among them were men who would have been distin- guished in any walk of life, who have left imperishable records of honor- able labor on the bench, or of brilliant success in the legal arena and the political field. It is clear from even these brief and imperfect records that the bench and bar of Bristol county, in far past years, was of high character and composed of men of eminent qualities, great average learn - ing in their profession, and natural talents that enabled them to attain high station. ' It is quite definitely settled that the first lawyer in practice in Taun- 1 Comment is frequently heard from lawyers, and particularly from the older ones, upon the general high character and ability of the members of the bar in early years, when compared with those of the present day. Such comparisons are, in fact, wholly unjust to the local bench and bar of these times. The legal profession as a whole has steadily advanced in all respects— in charac- ter, in ability, in courtesy, and in general citizenship; the same is true of the medical profession and of men following other walks in life. Such advancement is the natural outcome of progress- ive civilization, and it would be deplorable were it otherwise. 84 666 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ton was Samuel White. He was born in Weymouth, Mass., April 2, 1710, and graduated from Harvard College in 1731. He soon afterward received the appointment of sheriff and during his term gave diligent attention to the study of law. About 1739 he appeared in Taunton as a practitioner, and from that time forward the record of his life shows that he was equal to every demand of his profession. In 1744 he was commissioned a justice of the peace for Bristol county, and when Taun- ton became the county seat, in 1746, he was appointed king's attorney of the Court of Sessions, which office he retained until his death. Out- side of his profession he was prominent in public affairs, and served from 1749 to 1753, from 1756 to 1759, and in 1764-5 as representative, and was a member of the Governor's Council in 1767-69. His death took place March 20, 1769. Robert Treat Paine was a colleague of Mr. White and attained high professional distinction. He was born in Boston March 12, 1731, and graduated from Harvard in 1749. After some years spent in teaching and travel he began the study of law in 1755 and was admitted to the bar in 1757. He began practice in Boston, but removed to Taunton in 1761, and soon his great mental endowment, his profound knowledge of the law, and his thoroughness in practice brought him a large busi- ness. In 1770 the prosecution of Captain Preston and others for the Boston massacre was conducted by him with great ability. With the breaking out of the Revolution he warmly espoused the cause of the colonists and won immortality as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1779 he was a member of the State Constitutional Convention and was a member of the committee which prepared the draft of the constitution. In 1777, upon the acceptance of the consti- tution, he was made the first attorney-general of the State, an office which he retained thirteen years, when he was appointed one of the justices of the Superior Court ; this high office he held fourteen years and resigned. He was a delegate to the first Congress in 1774, and was afterwards repeatedly elected to that office. In 1777 he took a seat in the Legislature by vote of both houses, and many other high positions were tendered him, in all of which he demonstrated his pos- session of the highest qualifications. Upon the death of Samuel White the court appointed Daniel Leonard king's attorney. This man is described by John Adams as " a scholar, a lawyer, and an orator, according to the standard of those days. As a member of the House of Representatives, even down to the year 1770, '/ JZt/llt, THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 607 he made the most ardent speeches in that House against Great Britain, and in favor of the colonies. His popularity became alarming. . Not another lawyer in the province, of whatever age, reputation, or station, presumed to ride in a coach or chariot." As against this opin- ion it is recorded that later in life Mr. Leonard became a decided loy- alist; this rendered him unpopular in Taunton and he removed to Boston. In 1776 he went to England and was appointed chief justice of Bermuda; there he died June 27, 1829. Seth Padelford, LL.D., was a leading member of the early Bristol county bar and a native of Taunton, were he was born in December, 1751. He graduated at Yale College in 1770. He at once turned his attention to the study of law, probably with Timothy Ruggles, of Hardwick, as Mr. Padelford began practice in that place. He opened an office in Taunton early in the Revolutionary period, 1775-6. He espoused the cause of the colonists and in 1776 was appointed attorney- general of the county (an office now known as district attorney). In 1777 he purchased the homestead formerly occupied by Daniel Leon- ard. In 1783 he was appointed county treasurer, and in 1794 was ap- pointed judge of probate, which offce he held sixteen years and until his death in 1810. He was very highly esteemed as a member of the bar. Marcus Morton, LL.D., was one of the most distinguished citizens of the Commonwealth. He was born in Freetown, Mass., February 19, 1784. He graduated from Brown University in 1804, and began the practice of law in Taunton in 1707. Besides gaining prompt recog- nition at the bar, he gave considerable attention to politics, adhering to Democracy during his life. In 1811-12 he served as clerk of the State Senate. From 1817 to 1821 he was a member of congress and shared in discussing the Missouri Compromise. In 1823 he was a member of the Executive Council. In 1824 he was elected lieutenant- governor and re-elected. In the same year he was appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court and took his seat July 5, 1825. He was elected governor by the people in 1839 and by the Legislature in 1842. On May 1, 1845, he was made collector of the port of Boston, holding the office four years. He evinced active sympathy with the Free Soil movement in 1848, and in 1853 was a delegate to the Constitutiona 1 Convention. In 1858 he was again sent to the Legislature. In all of these public stations Governor Morton found eminent favor in the eyes of his fellow citizens and discharged his many duties with honor to 668 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE himself and for the welfare of the Commonwealth. For several years he was one of the overseers of Harvard University. His death took place on Februay 6, 1864. Nathaniel Morton, son of Gov. Marcus Morton, was born December 3, 1821, in Taunton, and died February 12, 1856, giving only about ten years of his short life to the profession which he honored. He gradu- ated from Brown University in 1840 and from the Harvard Law School in 1843. Beginning practice in his native town, he soon attained high rank. It was said of him by one who knew him well, that he " had in its strictest sense a legal mind. He grasped the essential points of a case instinctively and presented them with a smooth, easy, insinuating address that was exceedingly effective." His early death took from the Bristol county bar one whose future was most promising. James Brown was born in Swansea, September 19, 1828, and after obtaining an academic education, entered Brown University and grad- uated in the class of 1850. In college he was an intimate friend and room mate of John S. Brayton,of Fall River. Mr. Brown was admitted to the bar in 1852. He was honored by his fellow citizens with a seat in both houses of the Legislature, and afterwards served honorably in the war of the Rebellion, coming out with rank of major. His profes sional life in Taunton extended over a period of more than forty years, and he was numbered among the more successful in his profession. He died February 19, 1893. Chester Isham Reed was born in Taunton November 25, 1823, and was a son of William and Elizabeth Deane (Dennis) Reed. He was educated in Bristol Academy and Brown University, his college course being cut short by adverse circumstances of his father. His law study was pursued in Gardiner, Me., completing which he returned to Taunton and began practice. For a year or more he acted as editor of the Old Colony Republican. In 1848 he. became partner with Anselm Bassett, the register of probate, and the firm of Bassett & Reed for fifteen years bore an excellent reputation. At the age of twenty-six years Mr. Reed represented Taunton in the Legislature and in 1858 and again in 1862 he served in the State Senate. In 1864 he was elected attorney-general by the Republicans, which position he held until his appointment to the Superior Court in 1857. At this time he removed to Dedham, where he passed most of the remainder of his life. He resigned the judge- ship in 1870 and thereafter devoted himself to his profession. He died September 3, 1873. THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 669 Henry Williams was a distinguished member of the local bar and a descendant of Richard Williams, one of the first settlers of Taunton. He graduated from Brown University in 1826, and became an enthu- siastic and persistent student of law. He became eminent as a chamber counsel, gaining the whole confidence of his clients, and always dis- couraging litigation where compromise was possible. In 1833 he was a member of the House of Representatives and in 1835-6 he was in the Senate. He represented his district in the Twenty-sixth and Twenty- eighth Congresses, and in 1851 was appointed register of probate. As a public citizen he was prominent and highly respected. David Leonard Barnes practiced law in Taunton from 1783 to 1793, when he removed to Rhode Island and was there appointed district judge of the United States Court. Mr. Barnes was a son of Rev. Da- vid Barnes, a minister of Scituate, and graduated from Harvard Col- lege in 1780. It was in his office that Judge S. S. Wilde, the distin- guished jurist, studied law in 1789. Mr. Barnes died in 1812. Nicholas Tillinghast was prominent in the bar of Taunton in the early years of the present century. He was son of Judge Nicholas Tillinghast, of Providence, and received the honorary degree of M. A. from Brown University in 1793 and from Harvard in 1807. James Ellis was born in Franklin, Conn., May 23, 1769, graduated from Brown University in 1791, and studied law in Providence and in Taunton with Judge Padelford. He opened an office in what is now Seekonk and obtained a lucrative practice. Three times before 1820 he was chosen senator from this county ; in that year he was appointed county attorney and settled in Taunton, where he passed nearly all of the remainder of his life. Horatio L. Danforth, son of William, was born in 1801, graduated from Brown University in 1825, and studied law with Francis Baylies. He served twelve years, 1829-41, as county treasurer, and was ap- pointed high sheriff in 1844. A few others of the prominent members of the bar of Tauton have already been noticed, and many who have been prominent in more recent years are sketched in Part II of this volume. Asking the reader's attention to the old town of Dartmouth and the city of New Bedford, it is found that soon after the formation of Bristol county, and in 1690, Seth Pope was appointed the first justice of the peace of Dartmouth. It is probable that some of the duties of this office had previously been performed by some specially chosen person. 670 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. On May 27, 1692, Governor Phipps appointed justices of the peace for Bristol county as follows: John Saffin, of Bristol ; John Brown, of Swan- sea; Thomas Leonard, of Taunton ; Joseph Church, of Little Compton; Seth Pope, of Dartmouth. The latter held the office by renewed ap- pointments until 1717, and was also selectman about seven years. Thomas Taber was a justice of the peace of the old town, appointed June 29, 1702, and held the office of selectman. The third justice was Samuel Willis, appointed June 7, 1826, and held the office many years. On April 18, 1749, he was appointed justice of the County Court of Common Pleas, his associates at that time being Seth Williams, of Taunton ; George Leonard, of Norton, and Ephraim Leonard, of what is now the town of Mansfield. He died October 3, 1763, and is buried in the old cemetery of Acushnet. One of New Bedfard's earliest county judges was Edward Pope, who was borri February 25, 1740, and died June 10, 1818. He was a prom- inent citizen in the early history of the village and much respected for his learning and ability. He also held the position of collector of cus- toms for that district. Aside from being active in politics, he was esteemed for his social qualities. Timothy Gardner Coffin was born in Nantucket in 1790, was educated in Brown University, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1811. He began practice in New Bedford and soon gained a wide and enviable professional reputation. He never held public office, preferring to de- vote his entire energies to the profession he had chosen. He died Sep- tember 19, 1854. Lemuel Williams was a New Bedford lawyer of marked ability and was in practice during the first quarter of the present century. In 1828 he was associated with Charles H. Warren. Subsequently this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Williams removed to Worcester. Mr. Warren, just mentioned, was an early and brilliant lawyer and held the office of district attorney several years prior to 1836. He was sub- sequently appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas (see list of officials). Upon his retirement from the bench he was elected presi- dent of the Boston and Providence Railroad and filled the position until his death. John S. Russell was born in 1797 and studied law with Lemuel Will- iams in New Bedford. After his admission to the bar he began prac- tice in Taunton, but later returned to the former place and there con- tinued in practice until his death in 1834. He was noted for his knowl- edge of law and his unquestioned integrity. THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 671 Harrison Gray Otis Colby was born in Hallowell, Me., in 1807. He became a student in Brown University in the class with John H. Clif- ford, afterwards governor of Massachusetts, and graduated in 1827. At the time of his admission to the bar he took up his residence in Taunton, but subsequently (1838) removed to New Bedford and at- tained a high professional standing. He was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1845 and made a very successful jurist; but the office was not satisfactory to his tastes and he resigned it in 1847. He was appointed district attorney in 1849 and held the office till 1851. In 1838 he represented Taunton in the Legislature and New Bedford in 1841 and 1843. He was a ready writer and gained considerable lit- erary reputation. His death took place in New Bedford February 21, 1853. Thomas Dawes Eliot was born in Boston March 20, 1808, and grad- uated from Columbia College in 1825. His legal study was finished in New Bedford with Judge Charles A. Warren, with whom he formed a partnership at his admission to the bar. After Mr. Warren was elevated to the bench, Mr. Eliot's business became very large and his professional standing high. He was celebrated in the litigation between the de- nomination of Friends, where the title to Quaker meeting-houses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island was in question, and other causes of great importance. He served in the House of Representatives and the Senate. In 1854 he was elected to an unfinished term in Congress and aided in the organization of the Republican party in 1855. He de- clined a unanimous nomination for the office of attorney-general of the State, after which he was again elected to Congress serving till 1869. He died June 14, 1870. John Ham Williams Page was a New Bedford attorney who gained a more than respectable position at the bar. He was born in Gilman- ton, N. H., and graduated from Harvard College in 1826. After hav- ing charge of the Friends Academy until 1829 he resumed law study in the Dane Law School, Cambridge. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1832, and began practice in New Bedford, where he soon acquired a high reputation especially for his wise and successful application of the law to business affairs. He subsequently removed to Boston. Joshua Clapp Stone was born in Boston August 28, 1825, graduated from the Dane Law School and studied law in New Bedford with J. H. W. Page, beginning in 1846. In 1853 he became associated with Lin- coln Flagg Brigham and the connection continued until the. elevation 672 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the latter to the bench. After a period spent in Boston Mr. Stone became a partner with William W. Crapo, which continued until his death January 2, 1869. He was at one time justice of the Court of In- solvency for Bristol county, and was in the Legislature in 1866-7. John Mason Williams was born in Taunton June 24, 1780, and grad- uated from Brown University in the class of 1801. He studied law with Seth Padelford and began practice in New Bedford in 1804. In 1816 he returned to Taunton. He was appointed associate justice of the Court of Common Pleas and upon the death of Chief Justice Ward, in 1839, was named his successor. This position he held until 1844, when he resigned, and went to Boston to reside. In 1856 he retired from active life and returned to New Bedford where he died December 28, 1869. "He was known as an honest man, true and steadfast to his convictions, devoted to his profession and as a judge was held in the highest esteem by the ablest men of the bar." John Henry Clifford was born in Providence, January 16, 1809, and graduated from Brown University in 1827. He was admitted to the bar in 1830 after completing his legal study under direction of Timothy G. Coffin in New Bedford, and Theron Metcalf at Dedham. Mr. Clif- ford practiced his profession in New Bedford from the time of his ad- mission until his death. During that period he had as successive part- ners, Timothy G. Coffin, H.G.O. Colby and Lincoln F. Brigham. His first appearance in public life was as representative of New Bedford in the Legislature. In 1836 he became one of the aides de-camp of Gov- ernor Everett, and before the latter went out of office in 1840 he ap- pointed Mr. Clifford district attorney for the Southern district, an office which he filled with marked ability, for nearly ten years. In the mean time, in 1845, he was elected to the State Senate. In 1849 he was ap- pointed attorney general of the State, and in the following year was engaged in that most memorable trial of Prof. John W. Webster for the murder of Dr. George Parkman. In 1852 the Whig party nomi- nated him for governor of the State, and although he received nearly 25,000 more votes than either of the opposing candidates he was not elected by the people. When the Legislature met he was chosen to the office by both branches and was inaugurated January 14, 1853. He declined a renomination and his successor called him to his former office as attorney-general, which he held until 1858. In 1862 he ac- cepted an election to the State Senate and was chosen president of that body. In 1867 he accepted the position of president of the Boston and THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 673 Providence Railroad Company. Besides these public stations Gov- ernor Clifford was honored with numerous positions of honor and trust. After a brief visit to Europe in quest of renewed health, Governor Clifford died in New Bedford just after his return on January 2, 1876. The following tribute to Governor Clifford was offered by a dis- tinguished statesman of Virginia (the Hon. Alexander H. H. Stuart) when his death was announced at the annual meeting of the Peabody trustees at the White Sulphur Springs, in Virginia, in August, 1876 : There was a quiet dignity and grace in every movement, and his countenance beamed with intelligence and benignity. To a, mind of great power he united a heart which throbbed with generous impulses, and a happy facility of expression which gave a peculiar charm to his conversation. There was a frankness in his bearing and a genial urbanity about him which at once commanded confidence and inspired good will. Every one who approached him felt attracted by a species of personal magnetism which was irresistible. George Marston was born in Barnstable, October 15, 1828. He studied law in the Harvard Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1845. When he settled in New Bedford in 1869 he had already ac- quired distinction as a lawyer through his incumbency of the office of district attorney for the Southern district, and upon the death of Joshua C. Stone, of the firm of Stone & Crapo, Mr. Marston formed the firm of Marston & Crapo. Mr. Marston was register of probate in Barnstable county in 1853-54 and judge of probate from 1854 to July, 1858. From 1860 to 1869 he was district attorney for the Southern district; this position he resigned upon his election as attorney general in 1879. He declined a renomination for the latter office in 1882, and from that time devoted himself to his profession. He died at his res- idence in New Bedford August 14, 1883. Lincoln Flagg Brigham was born October 4, 1819. When partially fitted for college he entered the counting room of a Boston merchant where he remained two or three years, and then finished his collegiate course, graduating from Dartmouth in 1842. He studied law in the Dane Law School to January, 1844, and afterwards with Clifford & Colby in New Bedford; he was admitted to the bar in 1845 and in the same year became a partner with John H. Clifford. When the latter was elected governor he appointed Mr. Brigham district attorney, which office he held until his appointment as associate justice upon the establishment of the Superior Court. In January, 1869, he was ap- pointed to the chief judgeship of the Superior Court. He removed 85 674 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. from New Bedford to Boston in 1860, and retired from public life in 1890. Robert C. Pitman was a native of New Bedford and there received his education. He was admitted to the bar in 1847 and for some years was a partner with Thomas D. Eliot. In 1858 he was appointed judge of the Police Court and held the office until 1864. In 1869 he was ap- pointed a judge of the Superior Court and held office until his death in March, 1891. Upon his retirement as judge of the Police Court he was elected to the State Senate, where he showed himself possessed of the qualifications of the successful statesman. Edwin L. Barney was a native of Bristol county, and was born in Swansea, April 1, 1877. He received his early education in High School and Brown University, and studied his profession in Yale Law School and afterwards in the office of Timothy G. Coffin in New Bed- ford. He was admitted to the bar in October, 1850, and continued in active practice in that city until his recent death. v In 1851 he was ap- pointed master in chancery, an office which he held more than forty years. He was elected to the State Senate in 1865 and 1866. He served as judge advocate on General Butler's staff from 1869 to 1875, and was chosen city solicitor several times. Mr. Barney was a man of strong character and largely endowed with natural qualifications for the legal profession. He commanded a large practice many years and achieved a good measure of success. His death took place in 1898. Though not in any sense a great lawyer, it is not out of place to mention here the career of William H. Johnson, of New Bedford. He was a negro and born in Richmond, Va., July 16, 1811. He was born a slave and became very useful to his master as a jockey, in which he was very successful, winning large stakes in riding his master's horses. In the last race he rode the winning was about $50,000, for which he received $250. He made his escape on a sloop with his mother and reached Jamaica, L. I., where he worked at farming. Later he worked in the Astor House, New York, first as dishwasher and afterwards as waiter. His master came North after him, but he escaped on a sailing craft to New Bedford. After a period in various kinds of menial em- ployment, he worked as janitor in a number of law offices. This led him to read and study, and he was ultimately admitted to the bar, some thirty years before his death. He was shrewd in an argument, and devoted much attention to the temperance cause. He was a mem- ber of the City Council in 1880, when he contested for his seat, and was THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 675 re-elected. He was the second colored attorney in the county and was much respected. While the bar of Fall River has in the past included many lawyers and judges of high character and sterling ability, the location of the early courts in Taunton and New Bedford drew by far the larger num- ber to those cities, until comparatively recent years. Of those who practiced in Fall River in the far past existing records are meager. John Jason Archer was born in Fall River, July 26, 1845, and was a son of Dr. Jason H. Archer, a successful physician of that city in the first half of the present century. The son graduated from Brown Uni- versity in the class of 1866, soon after which he was appointed instruc- tor in English literature in the Annapolis Naval Academy, but failing sight from an attack of measles compelled him to abandon that occupa- tion. Returning home he began the study of law, and after admission to the bar, began practice in Fall River ; for a number of years he was a member of the firm of Archer & Jackson. He received the appoint- ment of associate justice of the District Court and was prominent in educational affairs. He died October 31, 1882, in the midst of a useful' life. James Ford, whose name the reader has frequently found in the preceding history of Fall River, was born in Milton, Mass., August 3, 1774. He graduated from Brown University, studied law in 1817, re- moved to Taunton and continued study with Judge Morton. Admitted to the bar in 1818, he became a partner with Judge Morton and in 1819 settled in Fall River. He was a member of the Legislature in 1825. He was a public spirited citizen and took a deep interest in public affairs in the village and city. He served seven years on the school commit- tees; and, with perhaps three exceptions, administered the oath of office to the members of the city government up to the time of his death, and was several times elected an alderman. He was one of the charter members of the Mount Hope Lodge of F. and A. M. , and always man- ifested a lively interest in this ancient and honored order. He was postmaster four years, and one of the founders of the Franklin Savings Bank, was special police justice for twenty years, for twelve years was one of the inspectors of the State Almshouse, and for twenty-five years he edited the weekly Monitor. He was an excellent lawyer and good citizen. He died July 27, 1873, lacking only one week of seventy-nine years of age. Eliab Williams was for nearly half a century a leading practitioner 676 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the Bristol county bar and a prominent citizen of Fall River. He was born in Raynham in 1803, and at the age of fourteen entered Brown University and graduated in the class of 1821. He was forced by his limited resources to abandon his plan of immediately studying law, and took up teaching as private tutor in a wealthy Virginia family. There he learned that the long period of exclusive law study before admission to practice that was obligatory at the north was not necessary in that State; he could secure admission by a successful examination before the Court of Appeals. This would enable him to study law and at the same time pursue his vocation of teacher. Purchasing the necessary books, Mr. Williams began a regular course of study, and at the age of twenty-one he went to Richmond, where he passed a successful ex- amination and was admitted to practice in the courts of that State. Returning home and not yet being qualified to practice in Massachu- setts, he began study in the office of Marcus Morton, teaching a part of the time to meet the necessary expense. He was admitted to the bar of Bristol county in 1825 and settled first in Dighton. In 1827 he removed to Swansea. Six years later, in 1833, largely through the influence of Hezekiah Battelle, Mr. Williams settled in Fall River and became his partner, a connection that continued twenty years. During all that period the firm of Battelle & Williams was one of the best known in the southern part of the State and its clientage was large. Outside of the profession which he honored, Mr. Williams was identi- fied with the Fall River Savings Bank as trustee, vice-president and counsel from the time of its organization. He was a man of high character and pure life. His death took place April 14, 1880. Hezekiah Battelle, long the law partner of Eliab Williams in Fall River, was a graduate of Brown University in the class of 1816, and studied law in the office of Hercules Cushman, then the leading attor- ney of the town of Freetown. Upon his admission to the bar he be- came partner with Mr. Cushman, but for only a few years, when he removed to Swansea and there practiced until 1827, when he settled permanently in Fall River and for many years was one of the foremost men of the bar.. He was especially noted for his careful preparation of cases and his general knowledge of the law. Mr. Battelle was rep- resentative in the Legislature of 1838 and 1848 and was actively inter- ested in the settlement of the boundary between Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He was actively interested in the organization of the Unitarian Church of Fall River, and in all matters relating to the moral THE BAR AND JUDICIARY. 677 and religious welfare of the community he unselfishly participated. He died January 22, 1872, at the age of eighty-two years. Frederick A. Boomer was born in Tiverton, R. I., April 8, 1821, and died in Fall River, July 22, 1871. He was in early life engaged in teaching and the acquirement of his excellent education. After grad- uating at the State Normal School in Bridgewater and teaching sev- eral years, he was advised by friends to study law, which he did in the offices of David Perkins and of Judge Lapham. Upon his admission to the bar he practiced for a time in Tiverton, and from that town was twice elected to the Legislature. Settling in Fall River, his former experience as a teacher led him to take an active interest in the develop- ment of the school system, and he served several years on the School Committee. He was three times elected city solicitor, the last time in 1870, when failing health forced him to resign before the expiration of his term. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the General Court. He was a director of the Pocasset National Bank from its organization until his death. Mr. Boomer is remembered as an example of the true Christian gentleman, and although only fifty years old at the time of his death, he had firmly established himself in the esteem of the com- munity. Cyrus Alden was born in Bridgewater, Mass., May 20, 1785, and was fifth in descent from John Alden, the Pilgrim. He graduated from Brown University in 1807, and finished his law studies in the office of Judge Baylies, in Taunton. He began practice inWrentham, but soon afterward removed to Boston where he remained until 1827, when he settled with his family in Fall River. During the next twenty years he had a fair share of the legal business of the village, and was noted for his tenacious memory and skillful handling of the interests of his clients. He died in March, 1855. Louis Lapham, whose name appears frequently in the history of Fall River, was born in Burrillville, R. I., in 1810. His parents were poor, but he acquired a good English education and learned the printer's trade. He had a natural taste for politics and in early life became an active Democrat. He came to Fall River about 1840, where his readi- ness in public debate, and his activity in public affairs gave him con- siderable prominence. In his desire to better his prospects he studied law and was admitted to practice. In 1852 he was appointed judge of the Police Court and held the office until 1873, when the court was abolished. He was one of the original Free Soilers and prominent in 678 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. that party in Fall River. He wrote much for the early newspapers and much to the satisfaction of his political friends. He died in March, 1881. Charles Holmes, father of Hon. Charles Holmes, was for many years one of the leading lawyers of Fall River He was thoroughly educated in his profession, and was in every way a public spirited and honored citizen. John Daggett was a prominent lawyer and citizen of Attleborough, and something of his career has been given in the preceding history of that town. He was born in Attleborough, son of Thomas Daggett, of Martha's Vineyard. He graduated from Brown University in the class of 1826, and soon afterwards began the study of law in the office of Joseph L. Tillinghast, in Providence. He spent the second year of study with J. J. Fiske, of Wrentham, and finished with a course of law lectures by Theron Metcalf, of Dedham. At that place he was ad- mitted to the bar in 1830, and at once began practice in his native place. He held several political offices of importance; was representa- tive four years, beginning with 1836; was elected to the State Senate in 1850, and was a member of the House in 1860. He was a successful attorney when he was in active practice, but gave much of his time to historical research and wrote upon historical subjects. Washington Hathaway was an early lawyer in Freetown, son of Joseph Hathaway, and born September 4, 1777. He was a graduate of Brown University, and began law practice about 1802; he died Feb- ruary 10, 1818. Other early attorneys of Freetown were Hercules Cushman, settled there in 1813; George B. N. Holmes, a native of Rochester, Mass., settled in the town about 1810. Rufus Bacon, El- nathan Hathaway, Ezra Wilkinson, who removed to Seekonk and thence to Dedham; William H. Eddy, and Joseph Hathaway. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 679 CHAPTER XXXV. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN BRISTOL COUNTY. In the early years of the history of Bristol county medical science was in its infancy in comparison with its condition at the present day. While disease in all of its varied forms was as prevalent as now, in- deed, much more so in many localities, the sorely-tried physician, how- ever studious and conscientious, labored under disadvantages and re strictions that would seem appalling in these later times. Not only were the possibilities of gaining a broad knowledge of anatomy, physi- ology, and medicine exceedingly limited, but the list of potent remedies was brief and the many great discoveries of medical science and the general knowledge of sanitation and hygiene of later years were un- known. Roots and herbs constituted the foundation of the remedial agencies of the early doctor, and the Indian "medicine man" was frequently called upon for relief in sickness. Methods of medical prac- tice have naturally passed through marvellous changes under the illu- mination of broader scientific knowledge. The "good doctor" of long ago found his professional duties far more onerous, from a wholly physical point of view, than are those of his brother of the nineteenth century. During a period extending over many early years there was frequently only one physician dwelling in a very wide area of country, over which he must ride on horseback, if he had a horse, or travel on foot, regardless of the difficulties of wilder- ness paths, or primitive roads, or inclement weather. But he was not the only sufferer from these conditions; the wearied watcher at the bedside of the failing loved one often listened in vain until it Was too late for the doctor's footstep and the cheering sound of his voice. Life or death frequently depended almost wholly upon the distance and the character of the road between the sick one and the physician. For- tunately for humanity, all this is changed. Medical science, important discoveries bearing upon the proper treatment of disease, more power- ful and certain remedies, broader knowledge of sanitary necessities, all strode forward with the general march of civilization. 680 OUK COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Plymouth had a physician almost from the beginning. His name was Samuel Fuller, and he was also deacon in the Plymouth Church and in every way a good man. His professional skill was such that he was called to Salem in 1829-30. Of this visit a historian 1 has written as follows: The last emigrants are greatly afflicted with disease. Not having sufficient med- ical aid, they write to Plymouth for a supply. Accordingly, Samuel Fuller, one of Mr. Robinson's deacons while in Leyden, comes up among them like a good Samari- tan. Through him an intercouse more cordial than previously takes place between Plymouth and Naumkeag. In 1633 Plymouth was visited with an "infectious fever," and more than twenty persons died, one of whom was the good Deacon Fuller.' In the well known Leonard papers is found evidence that Thomas Leonard, the pioneer, was in some way instrumental in attempts to heal the sick. We quote as follows: Physick sent by Doctor Oaks disposed as follows ; To Edward Hoar, one dose. To Joseph Williams, six doses. To Isaac Cross, on Benjamin Dean's account, one dose. To Samuel Phillips, three doses. To Abel Burt, two doses. To Abigail Hall and her child, each one dose, etc. This list of "doses " is continued almost indefinitely, with the amounts paid by each, ranging from sixpence to two shillings. Dr. Ezra Deane was the first physician in Taunton. He was son of Walter Deane and born October 14, 1680. He was a man of strong character and broad professional knowledge for his time. His daughter Theodora was the mother of Dr. Job Godfrey, 3 who was a successful practitioner for half a century. Dr. Godfrey's second son was also a physician. Other physicians known to have been in Taunton prior to 1800 were Drs. Micah Pratt, who died December 31, 1758; another Micah Pratt, who died October 5, 1765, probably father and son; Samuel Caswell, died August 13, 1755; Ephraim Otis, who practiced in Scituate and Taunton, and died 1816; Joseph Wetherell, died about 1748; Philip Padelford, died August 27, 1815. Other early physicians of Taunton 1 J. B. Felt. 2 Nathaniel Morton's " New England Memorial." 3 The inscription on Dr. Godfrey's monument reads: " A man of great worth, whose physical, intellectual and moral powers were remarkably adapted to his sphere of action. Fifty years of unexampled labor and success were testimonials of his excellence un the healing art, while his zeal to promote the general good was a proof of his benevolence. His heart was alive in all of the relations of life. Honor, punctuality and justice marked his steps. The voice of pain and disease from the obscurest penury reached his ear and commanded his skill. He was justly en- titled to the distinguished appellation of the disinterested physician — a father of the poor. He died August 26, 1813, aged seventy years." THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 681 were Dr. Amos Allen, died in 1836; Dr. Foster Swift, who practiced in the early part of the present century ; Dr. George Leonard, son of Sam- uel Leonard, was long a successful practitioner and died in February, 1865; Dr. Ebenezer Dawes, practiced half a century from 1813; Dr. Alfred Baylies, and others. While these physicians were ministering to the needs of the people in Taunton and its vicinity, others came slowly into other parts of Bris- tol county. Dr. Samuel Burg was the first to settle in the old town of Dartmouth of whom there is any record. He died September 18, 1748, aged forty years. Dr. Daniel Hathaway was an early physician in that town and died in 1772. Dr. Elisha Tobey practiced in Dartmouth and died May 10, 1781, in his fifty-eighth year; he lived in Acushnet vil- lage. Dr. Samuel Perry, a man of considerable professional repute, died April 15, 1805, in his seventy-fourth year; he also lived near Acushnet village. His son of the same name was a well known phy- sician, and another son, Dr. Ebenezer Perry, both practiced in New Bedford. Dr. Samuel West, of New Bedford, was born June 12, 1774, and died June 15, 1838. Dr. William Cushin Whittridge, a native of Tiverton, a college graduate, became an eminent physician of New Bedford, where he settled in 1822, after practicing for a period in Tiverton. Dr. Alexander Read was a leader in the profession of Bris- tol county; he was born in New Milford July 10, 1786, and died in New Bedford November 20, 1849; he was a graduate from Dartmouth College. Dr. Elijah Colby was a native of Concord, N. H., born June 16, 1798, and died in New Bedford August 30, 1856, in which place he settled in 1830. Dr. Julius Stewart Mayhew, born February 17, 1787, died in New Bedford September 20, 1859; he was a graduate of Har- vard. Dr. Paul Spooner was born in Fairhaven June 12, 1786, and died July 18, 1862; he opened an office in New Bedford in 1807 and was in practice upwards of fifty years. Other physicians of New Bed- ford in early years were Dr. Aaron Cornish, died April 7, 1864; Dr. Lyman Bartlett, born in Conway, Mass., in 1808, settled in New Bed- ford about 1834, and gained a large practice; died June 6, 1865. Dr. Andrew Mackie, a native of Wareham, born January 24, 1794, grad- uated at Brown University; practiced in Plymouth and New Bedford; died May 2, 1871. Dr. Henry Johnson, died in New Bedford in 1880; and Drs. John H. Jennings, Charles Lamson Swasey, William A. Gordon, John H. Mackie, William Howland Taylor, and others. One of the early prominent citizens of Fall River was Dr. Phineas 682 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. W. Leland, a native of Grafton, Mass., where he was born in 1798 Though a well educated physician, having studied with Dr. George C. Shattuck, of Boston, and received his degree of M. D. at Bowdoin Col- lege in 1826, he substantially abandoned practice about 1834, at which time he settled in Fall River. In the year just named he was ap- pointed collector of customs for this district and held the position for about twenty years. Dr. Leland was a man of affairs, a public spirited citizen, and took an active part in education. In the fall of 1842 he was elected to the State Senate, which was the only purely political office he ever held. His literary tastes were highly cultivated and he was prominent in the Fall River Athenaeum and in the founding of the Public Library. He edited the Fall River Patriot, founded in 1836. He died January 22, 1870. No physician in Bristol county is more worthy of memtion here than Dr. Foster Hooper, who stood in the front rank of the profession in Fall River nearly fifty years, and was also prominently identified with the growth of the village and city in all its various departments. Dr. Hooper was born in Walpole, N. H., April 2, 1805, and graduated from the Burlington ( Vt. ) College early in his life. He settled in Fall River in 1826, and soon acquired an extensive practice, in which he was more than ordinarily successful. While he never failed to give his best energies and unfailing attention to the call of his profession, he found opportunity to greatly aid in promoting the general welfare of the community through active participation in public affairs. He was a member of the School Committee in 1830, representative in 1831, county treasurer in 1837-39, and State senator in 1840-42. Dr. Hooper was also chairman of the Board of Firewards in 1845-47 and chief en- gineer in 1848-50. At the time of his death, October 18, 1870, he was collector of internal revenue for this district. Dr. Jason H. Archer was born in Wrentham, where he spent his youth and prepared for college. He entered Brown University in 1812, and graduated in 1816. He at once began the study of medicine with the celebrated Dr. William Ingalls, of Boston, and after completing his studies, settled soon in Fall River, where he became a successful prac- titioner and a leading citizen. He took an active part in public and political affairs, and was elected the first president of the Massasoit Bank. He returned to his native place in 1852 and died there in Jan- uary, 1864. Medical Societies. — A century and a half passed away after the J. FOSTER HOOPER, M.D. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 683 beginning of settlement in the territory of which this work treats before there was a distinctive organization of medical men for mutual profes- sional benefit. During all that long period the medical profession was almost wholly untrammeled by laws or regulations, and although, as has been seen, there were many men of high intellectual powers and liberal education among the early physicians, there were at the same time numerous ignorant and frequently unscrupulous persons who picked up a fragmentary knowledge of herbs and the commonest rem- edies, ignorant of diseases and their symptoms, who boldly gave them- selves the title of " Dr." and went about in their misguided ministra- tions, to the great injury of their victims. With increase of population and in the number of reputable physicians, it was seen that the only method of correcting the existing professional evils was through organi- zation. The feeling led to the formation of the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1781. Its purposes were to "elect officers, examine and license candidates, hold real estate, and continue a body politic and cor- porate by the same name forever." It was intended that the society should include every regular physician practicing in the Common- wealth, who should be admitted under certain regulations which would insure in the membership a general high plane of professional ability and dignity. The Massachusetts Medical Society includes under its jurisdiction seventeen district societies, which appoint their own officers and estab- lish regulations for their own government as far as they do not conflict .with the by-laws and regulations of the parent society. In these pages we are directly interested in only two of these district societies, both of which are in Bristol county. The Bristol North District Society was organized June 20, 1849, and "consists of all the fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society resid- ing in the city of Taunton, and in the towns of Seekonk, Attleborough and now North Attleborough, Rehoboth, Norton, Mansfield, Easton, Raynham, Berkley, Freetown, Somerset, Dighton, Swansea and none other. " When the change was made in the line between Massachu- setts and Rhode Island, in 1862, by which Pawtucket and a part of Seekonk (now East Providence) were ceded to Rhode Island, the fel- lows of the State society living in that territory lost their membership in the district society and became non-resident fellows of the Massa- chusetts Medical Society. The first meeting for the organization of this society was held at At- 684 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE tleborough on January 20, 1849, at which the following physicians were in attendance: Drs. Benoni Carpenter, of Pawtucket; Seba A. Car- penter, of Attleborough ; James B. Dean, of Taunton; Johnson Gard- ner of Seekonk ; Thaddeus Phelps, of Attleborough ; Menzies R. Ran- dall, of Rehoboth; Phineas Savery, of Attleborough; Caleb Swan, of North Easton. Several of these had been in practice in their respect- ive towns for many years. Dr. Menzies R. Randall was chosen chair- man of the meeting, and Dr. Benoni Carpenter, secretary. A commit- tee to prepare by-laws for the society was chosen, consisting of Drs. Carpenter, Gardner, and Phelps ; their report was accepted and adopted. The following were then chosen the first officers of the society: Pres- ident, Dr. Seba Carpenter; vice-president, Menzies R. Randall; secre- tary and treasurer, William F. Perry (not before mentioned) ; libra- rians, Phineas Savery and James B. Dean. Following is a complete list of the members of the North District Medical Society from the date of its organization to 1898, with the dates of election, and in many instances the dates of deaths: Admitted to Name. Residence. Died. M. M. S. 1852 Alba, Edwin Mason, Attleboro', afterwards Williamsport, Pa 1862 Allen, William George, Mansfield 1852 Aspinwall, Thomas W., Seekonk _ _ 1867 1883 Atwood, Charles Augustus, Taunton _ 1882 Baker, Harry Beecher, Dighton ._. 1869 Bassett, Elton James, Taunton ._. 1879 Battershall, Joseph Ward, Attleborough 1850 Blanding, William, Rehoboth 1857 1893__..Briggs, C. A., Freetown .... 1852 Bronson, John Richardson, Attleborough 1869 Brown, Henry N., North Attleborough 1878 Brown, John Peaslee Taunton 1871 Bullard, Herbert Cutler, North Attleborough _ .... 1871 Burden, Frederick Lysande.r, _ . North Attleborough 1859 Burge, William B., Taunton .... 1848 Carpenter, Benoni, Pawtucket, R. I 1877 1863 Carpenter, Marcus S., Mansfield __ 1845 Carpenter, Seba A., Attleborough _. 1890.... Carroll, W. E., Taunton 1848 Chace, John Bowers,.. Taunton 1881 1839 Clapp, Sylvanus, Pawtucket, R. 1 187- 1866. ...Cobb, John Edward, Taunton 1896 1858 Cogswell, George Badger, .North Easton _. _ THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 685 Admitted to Name. Residence. Died. M. M. S. 1888 Copp, Owen, Taunton - 1898 Cusick, T. F., Taunton 1844 Dean', James Britton, .._ Taunton - -- 18 — 1896. ... Dean, Ralph D., Taunton - 1866 Dean, Asahel Sumner ...Taunton - 1885 Drew, Charles Aaron, _ . Taunton - - 1883 Ellis, George Livingstone, Taunton afterwards Middleborough 1897 Fish, J. Euclid, ...Taunton - 1856 Fobes, Joseph Bassett, Taunton afterwards Bridgewater 1840 Foster, James Wolcott, North Attleborough 1887 Fox, William Yale, Taunton 1869... Gage, William Hathorne, Taunton 1882 Galhgan, Edward Francis, Taunton... _ 1843 Gardner, Johnson, Seekonk afterwards Providence, R. I. 1869 1882 Gerould, Joseph Bowditch, North Attleborough 1858 Godding, William W., Taunton 1823 Gordon, William, Taunton 1852 1882 Golden, Michael Charles, Taunton 1886 Goss, Arthur V Taunton _ 1835 Gushee, John Hathaway, Raynham 1843 Hatch, Joseph H Attleborough 1855 1882 Hewins, Parke Woodbury Taunton 1882 Holden, Charles Sumner, Attleborough 1855 Holman, Silas Atherton, Taunton 1866 Howard, George C, _ ...Attleborough _ _. 1848 Howe, Charles, Taunton _ 1866 Hubbard, Charles Thacher, Taunton _ 1883 Hubbard, Frank Allen, Taunton ... 1861 Hubbard, Henry Babcock, Taunton 1870 1876 Hutchinson, Marcello, Taunton 1877 Kilby, Henry Sherman, North Attleborough 1854 Kimball, Daniel F , ..Rehoboth _ 1852 King, Dan Taunton and Greenville, R. I 1864 1852 Knapp, Ephraim,.. Attleborough 1860 1853 Larkin, Silas S., Attleborough 1829 Leonard, George, _ Taunton 1865 1882 Mackie, George, ...Attleborough 1885 Mackie, Laura V. Gustin, Attleborough 1862 Manly, Edwin, " Taunton __ 1890 McCarthy, Thomas H., North Easton 1854 McCormick, Edward George, . .Taunton 1895 Mehegan, Daniel J Taunton 1893 Milot, A. F., Taunton ._ 1877 Moore, Frederick C, Taunton _ 1852 Morton, Lloyd, Pawtucket, R. I... 1890 68fi OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Admitted to Name. Residence. Died. M. M. S. 1895 Murphy, Mrs. E. J., .... 1859 Murphy, Joseph, Taunton - 1882 Murphy, Joseph Briggs, Taunton 1854 Newman, Albert,. Taunton afterwards Kansas 1841 Nicholas, Joseph Dean, .Taunton 1879 1852.... Nicholas, Thomas Gilbert Freetown 1883 1864 Paige, Nonius, .Taunton -. 1869 Paun, Amos Bosworth, East Taunton, Middleborough 1867 Payne, Amasa Elliot, Taunton, afterwards Brockton... 1885 Perry, Martha, Taunton _ 1835 Perry, William Frederick, Mansfield 1873 1853 Phelps, Elisha, North Attleborough .... 1841 Phelps, Thaddeus, North Attleborough 1889 1865 Presbrey, Silas Dean, ._ Taunton 1852 Randall, Daniel F. , Rehoboth, afterwards Chesterfield, N. H -. 1896 1852 Raadall, George Henry, North Rehoboth 1832 ... . Randall, Menzies Rayner, North Rehoboth 1882 1863 Ransom, Nathaniel Morton, Taunton 1879 Richmond, George Barstow, Dighton 1889 Roberts, George Kerr, Attleborough. 1876 Robinson, Walter Scott, Taunton 1896 1885 Round, Arthur Morey, Norton 1867 Ryan, James C Taunton afterwards East Abington . 187- 1843 Sampson, Ira, Taunton. 1871 1841 Savery, Phineas, Attleborough 1853 1865 Sproat; Henry Hamilton, Freetown 1892 1833.... Swan, Caleb,... Easton 1870 1835 Talbot, Charles, Dighton 1880 1852 Thompson, Charles K., Attleborough 1876.___Tilden, Frank Elmer, ..North Easton... .... 1880 Totten, John Edmund Attleborough 1866 Turner, Obed C, Attleborough _ .... 1892 Washburn, Elliott, Taunton 1846 Wellington, James Lloyd, Swansea 1869 Whitney, James Orne, Pawtucket, R. I. 1881 Wilmarth, Alfred Warren, Taunton 1834 Wood, Alfred, Taunton 1875 Yale, Joseph Cmmings, Taunton The by-laws first adopted by this society directed that quarterly meetings should be held on the third Wednesdays of June, September, December and March, the last one being the annual meeting at which officers were elected. It was also provided that the meetings should be THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 687 held alternately in Taunton and Attleborough ; this provision was, how- ever, changed in 1854, so that meetings were held "at such places as by vote it shall determine. " Both of these articles were amended in September, 1854, providing for only two meetings each year, the annual meeting in March and the semi-annual in September. The last meet- ing held in Attleborough was on September 10, 1873, after which all meetings were held in Taunton. In September, 1875, a new code of by-laws was reported by a committee appointed for the purpose, which conformed with the then existing regulations of the State society. Among the changes was an article providing that the annual meeting should be held between the 15th of April and the 15th of May, and if not otherwise ordered, it should be on the third Thursday of April. If in any year that day fell less than ten days before the annual meet- ing of the State society, then another day was to be fixed by vote or by the president. These regulations are still in force. The records of procedings of the numerous meetings of this society show that a vast amount of benefit must have been derived by mem- bers from the discussions held and papers read upon important medical subjects and cases. The Bristol South District Medical Society was organized under a charter granted by the State society councilors on April 3, 1839. Fol- lowing is the record : To Alexander Read, Andrew Mackie, Paul Spooner, Samuel Sawyer, Julius A. Mayhew, William C. Whitridge, fellows of said society, greeting: Your application, made in due form, requesting that a district or subordinate medical society, residing in the following towns in the county of Bristol, viz. : New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Freetown, Fairhaven, Dartmouth and Westport ; in the county of Plym- outh, Middleborough, Rochester andWareham; in Duke's County, Chilmark, Tis- bury and Edgartown ; and Nantucket was duly considered at a meeting of the coun- cilors held at Boston on the third day of April, a. d 1839, and it was voted that your requests should be granted. Be it therefore known, that pursuant to an act of the Legislature of this common- wealth entitled " An Act in addition to an act entitled • An Act to incorporate certain persons by the name of the Massachusetts Medical Society,' " authorizing the coun- cilors of said society thereunto a distinct or subordinate society by the name of the Southern District Medical Society, is hereby established, to consist of those fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society now residents within the limits aforesaid, for the purpose of electing officers and transacting such other business as they shall deem expedient. In testimony whereof, the president, pursuant to the aforesaid vote of the coun- cilors, has hereunto subscribed his name and affixed the seal of the corporation at Boston this 18th day of April, a. d. 1839. George C. Shattuck, President. Attest: S. D. Townsend, Recording Secretary. 688 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The name of this society was subsequently abbreviated to the Bristol South District Medical Society, and comprises all the fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society residing in the following cities and towns: New Bedford, Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Middleborough, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Wareham, Nantucket, Edgar- town, Tisbury and Chilmark. The objects and proceedings of this organization are almost identical with those of the society before de- scribed. The territory embraced in its jurisdiction extends largely outside of Bristol county, as noted, but the following list of members with places of residence gives a clear understanding of the distribution as far as this county is concerned; the loss of the earliest records ren- ders it impossible to give the names of officers: Adm. Name. Residence. Died. 1853.. ..Abbe, Edward P New Bedford 1854.... Abbe, Burr R., Hartford, Conn 1877.... Abbott, John H., .Fall River 1839 Archer, Jason H., Wrentham 1864 1837 Atwood, George, __ Fairhaven 1839 Bartlett, Francis D Sonth Dartmouth _ 1833 Bartlett, Lyman,. New Bedford. 1865 1867 Bass, William M., Monument 1855.... Brackett, W. T. S., Edgartown 1862 1867 Bowen, Seabury W.,_ Fall River... 1867 Butler, Winthrop, Vineyard Haven 1843.... Clark, Johnson, New Bedford __ 1861 1880 Clifford, Arthur, _ New Bedford 1881 1881....Chagnon, W. J. B., FallRiver. 1847.... Colby, Elijah, New Bedford _ 1856 1846....Comstock, William W., Middleborough _ _. 1878 1829 Cornish, Aaron, New Bedford _ 1864 1865 Cornish, Aaron, New Bedford :... 1857 Cornish, Theodore O., Dartmouth.. _ 1840 Crary, William H. H., ..FallRiver 1853 1865 Cleaveland, Daniel, Middletown, Conn, 1866 Collins, William D., FallRiver .... 1867. ...Clark, J. Laing, Providence, R. I 1847 Davis. Robert T, ..Fall River 1839 Doggett, Perez F Wareham 1875 1851 Dwelly, Jerome, Fall River 1847 Drake, Ebenezer W., Middleborough 1863. ...Eddy, William New York 1866 Eddy, George S.,... Fall River _. 1829 Fearing, Elisha P., Nantucket 1876 1849 Folsom, Levi, New York _. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 689 Adm. Name. Residence. Died. 1861 Fearing, Benjamin Wareham 1839 .... Glazier, Amory Fall River 1852 1835 Gordon, William A., Dartmouth 1882 Gou 1839.... Green, Edward W., Rhode Island 1869 1841 Hardy, Benjamin F., San Francisco 1839.... Haskell, Joseph, Rochester 1873 1854 Holmes, Alexander R. , .Canton 1839. ...Hooper, Foster, Fall River 1870 1859 Hooper, Frederick H.,.._ New Bedford 1866 Howe, Woodbridge R. , Hanover 1887.. ..Hubbard, Levi, California 1859.... Hartley, James W., Fall River 1869 Hough, George T., New Bedford. 1869.... Hayes, Charles New York. 1870 Hayes, Stephen W., ...New Bedford 1871 Handy, Benjamin J., Fall River 1849 Jennings, John H., New Bedford..... 1882 1841 Jones, Alanson S., New York 1877 Jackson. John H, Fall River 1867 Johnson, Henry, New Bedford 1880 1848 King, George Franklin 1842 King, John B., Nantucket 1839 Ladd, Azel P., Iowa 1839. ..Learned, Ebenezer T., Fall River 1851 Leland, Phineas W Fall River 1870 1879 Leonard, Milton H, New Bedford 1831 Lucas, Ivory H , Edgartown 1870 1856 Leach, William, _ .Vineyard Haven 1824 Mackie, Andrew, New Bedford 1871 1850....Mackie, John H., New Bedford 1822 Mackie, Peter, Wareham 1858 1822 Mason, William B., Dartmouth _ 1856 1830 Mayhew, Julius S., New Bedford 1859 1845 Millet, Asa East Bridgewater 1876 McGrath, Eugene J., ._ Fall River 1859 Marrisal, Felix V., Fall River.. 1881 1862 Nelson, Abial W., New London, Conn., _ __ 1866 Noyes, GeorgeH., ...Fall River ._ 1852 Oakes, T. Fletcher, Dartmouth 1875 O'Connell, JohnD., Vineyard Haven 1839 Perkins, John Middleborough _. 1866 1840 Pierce, John Edgartown 1875 Pierce, A. Martin New Bedford _ _ 1867 Prescott, Charles D., New Bedford 1869 Paun, Amos B., ..Middleborough 87 690 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Adm. Name. Residence. Died. 1844 Russell, Henry, Sandwich 1861 Ricketson, Arthur, New Bedford 1873 Redfearn, Joseph, Fall River _ 1879 Richmond, George B., jr.,_ 1836 Sawyer, Samuel, Cambridge 1859 1845 Shiverick, Clement F ...Edgartown 1857 1882 Sherman, Frank M., Dartmouth 1839 Sisson, Benjamin B Westport 1846 Snow, George W., Middleborough 1867 1839 Southworth, Newton, Iowa..' _.. 1863 1851 Spare, John New Bedford _ 1848 Sparrow, William E., Mattapoisett 1821 Spooner, Paul New Bedford 1862 1852 Stickney, Charles B New Bedford 1839 Sturtevant, George Middleborough 1852 1862 Sturtevant, Charles __ Hyde Park _ .... 1857 Swasey, Charles L., ...New Bedford 1846.... Sweat, William W., Mattapoisett, 1873 1856 Sawyer, Frederick A., Wareham _ 1866 Smith, Isaac, jr., _ Fall River 1881 1870 Sullivan, Alexis J., Fall River 1880 1874 Smith, Lawrence S., Watertown 1879.... Smith, H. B. S Middleborough 1878.... Taylor, William H., New Bedford .... 1859 Tuttle, Charles M.,_ Littletown, N. H., 1873. ..Tourtellot, J. Q. A., Fall River 1875 Tucker, Edward T., New Bedford. 1822 Thompson, Arad, Middleborough _ 1843 1867 Vermyne, Jan J. B New Bedford 1840 Washburn, Lemuel W., Wisconsin 1845 1849 Webster, Joseph W.,_ Acushnet 1876 1876 Webster, Joseph, Acushnet 1880 1881.. ..White, A. M. W., ....Fall River 1881 Whitney, E. M., Fairhaven .... 1839 Wells, Thomas T, New York 1842 1838.... Wells, William R., Middleborough 1822....Whitridge. William C New Bedford 1857 1841 Wilbur, Thomas, Fall River 1857 1832....Willard, Henry,: Boston 1855 1842 Winslow, Charles F., Boston.. 1864 Wilson, Benjamin F., New Bedford 1867_...Whittaker, John B., Fall River 1833.... Yale, Leroy M., Tisbury 1849 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 691 Since the year 1880 the following have become members of the society from this county : Adm. Name. Residence. 1881 . . . .Andrew M. W. White Fall River. W. J. Chagnon Fall River. 1883 ... . Charles A. Gould Westport. Frank M. Sherman Dartmouth. Edward M. Whitney, Fairhaven. 1883.... James E. Sullivan, Fall River. Dwight E. Cone, ...Fall River. ' 1885 Nerville Hough, _ New Bedford. Amos P. Webber ..New Bedford. William A. Dolan, Fall River. John W. Coughlin, Fall River. 1886.... John H. Gifford Fall River. 1887 ... . William F. Learned, Fall River. John Gilbert _ Fall River. James H. Kingman, ..New Bedford. Ella L. Dexter,... New Bedford. Andrew B. Cushman New Bedford. 1888. ...W. G. Potter New Bedford. 1889. ...John T. Bullard, New Bedford. Joseph C. Pothier, _ . Ne w Bedford. 1890 Edward W. Dehu, Acushnet. Joshua F. Weeks, William E. Carroll, New Bedford. Edward H. Abbe, .New Bedford. 1891 William Clinton Sheehy, New Bedford. Harry L. Stevens, New Bedford. John M. Mackenzie, Fall River. Arthur I. Connell, Fall River. 1892 R. W.Jackson,. Fall River. Charles Warren White, Fairhaven. Charles A. B. Peterson, New Bedford. 1893 Joseph Pierre St. Germain, New Bedford. Adelbert A. Bryson, Fall River. William E. Synan Fall River. Augustus W. Buck, Fall River. 1894 Caroline Louise Thomas, Fall River. Caroline M. Richards, New Bedford. Anna W. Croacher, New Bedford. Arthur C. Lewis, Fall River. Charles A. Pratt, New Bedford. 1895 Joseph A. Barre Fall River. 1896 ... . Henry L. Dwight, New Bedford. Scott C. Newcomb New Bedford. Stephen Masury Gordon, Fall River. 692 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Adm. Name. Residence. 1897 Charles F. Connor, New Bedford. Silas V. Merritt,. Fall River. William H. Butler, Fall River. Emma H. Wheeler, New Bedford. C. E. Howland, New Bedford. George E. Butler,.. ..Fall River. Andrew L. Grieve, New Bedford. O. H. Jackson Fall River. 1898 C. W. Milliken, New Bedford. Fall River Medical Society. — This society was organized at a meet- ing held in the Board of Trade rooms on November 20, 1889. The early records of the organization are very incomplete; but from them it is learned that the first officers were : President, Dwight E. Cone; secretary and treasurer, A. C. Peckham. In 1890 the following were elected; President, W. A. Dolan; vice-president, W. T. Learned; sec- retary and treasurer, A. C. Dedrick. At the meeting of November 19, 1890, new rules of government were adopted, and an executive committee was added to the officials. In 1891 the society began holding meetings in the residences of members. The officers for that year were: President, W. T. Learned; vice-presi- pent, J. H. Leary; secretary and treasurer, J. H. Gifford. 1892 — President, J. H. Leary; vice-president, A. C. Peckham; sec- retary and treasurer, H. G. Wilbur. 1893 — President, A. C. Peckham; vice-president, J. H. Gifford; sec- retary and treasurer, A. I. Connell. On the 1st of May, 1893, the society for the first time occupied a room of its own, in the Fall River National Bank building. On the 14th of June of that year Dr. H. G. Wilbur was elected librarian. Late in the same year the society was largely instrumental in obtaining from the city authorities a renumbering of all the houses in the city, a task that was finished in 1894. Officers for 1894 — President J. H. Gifford; vice-president, S. W. Bowen; secretary and treasurer, A. I. Connell. 1895 — President, W. E. Synan; vice-president, A. I. Connell; secre- tary and treasurer, E. Harris. 1896 — President, J. M. Mackenzie; vice-president, A. W. Buck; sec- retary and treasurer, E. Harris. 1897 — President, J. W. Coughlin; vice-president, A. M. Jackson; secretary and treasurer, E. Harris. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 693 In November, 1897, the society occupied new and larger rooms in the A. J. Borden building. The meetings of the society are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month excepting July and August. An annual banquet is held to which all the reputable physi- cians of the city are invited. The membership is thirty-one. Hospitals. — Through the unselfish labor of many physicians and the generosity of many men and women, the hospital accommodations and service in the three cities of Bristol county are firmly established and actively supported. By an agreement made on the 1 7th of September, 1885, the Fall River Hospital was founded. The signers of the agree- ment were John D. Flint, John S. Brayton, Charles J. Holmes, James M. Morton, Alphonso S. Covel, Frank S. Stevens, Robert T. Davis, John W. Cummings, Simeon B. Chase, Hugo A. Dubuque, Charles W. Anthony, Arnold B. Sanford, John C. Milne, Henry H. Earl, William S. Greene, Henry K. Braley, Marcus G. B. Swift and James E. Sul- livan. The hospital was incorporated on the 10th of October of that year. John D. Flint was elected the first president; Frank S. Stevens, vice- president. Marcus G. B. Swift was chosen temporary clerk. At the annual meeting held January 28, 1886, Hugo A. Dubuque was elected clerk, and has worthily filled the office to the present time. At the same time 126 new members were elected, among whom were many of the most prominent people of the city. At a meeting held March 25, 1887, it was voted by the board of trus- tees that the Valentine estate, No. 72 Prospect street, and comprising 136 rods of land, a large residence and barn, be purchased for $7,- 000. This purpose was effected and immediate steps were taken to raise funds. In October the "A. B.C. card system" was adopted through which nearly $2,500 was collected. From that time to the present the institution has gathered its resources by varied means, such as excursions, receptions, public entertainments, etc., while the people of the city have contributed in many ways to its support. On the 11th of February, 1888, it was voted by the trustees of the hospital that there be established the Woman's Board of the Fall River Hospital, and forty two names for membership therein were approved. The objects of this board were thus defined : Said Woman's Board, with the advice and co-operation of the medical staff, shall exercise a general supervision of the hospital in its internal management and affairs, and for this purpose may make rules and regulations regarding their own officers, 694 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. committees, and meetings, and the admission of patients, prices of board, and other matters pertaining to the conducting of the hospital ; but all such rules and regula- tions shall be subject to the approval of the trustees. Said board shall select the matron, nurses, and other employees of the hospital, and fix their compensation, etc. The price of a free bed in the hospital was fixed at $5,000, and on the 2d of May, 1888, the institution was opened for public inspection. Mrs. A. E. Andrews was appointed matron. On May 9 of that year the first patient was admitted. On May 19 the first free bed was purchased with the name, " Durfee Mills Bed," by Mrs. Mary B. Young. On the 6th of July, 1888, a school for nurses was established in connec- tion with the institution, which has been of great benefit to the com- munity. On the 1st of January, 1890, the matron resigned and was succeeded by Miss E. F. Cox; she resigned in June, 1893, and was suc- ceeded by Miss M. M. Brownrigg. In 1891 a west wing was built, and in 1897 a maternity ward was added to the facilities of the hospital. The officers of the hospital for 1897 are as follows: President, John D. Flint; vice president, Frank S. Stevens; corporation clerk, Hugo A. Dubuque; treasurer, Charles J. Holmes. It will be seen that there has been very little change in these officers since the founding of the institution. The officers' of the Woman's Board are: President, Mrs. William Beattie; vice presidents, Mrs. James M. Morton, Mrs. John W. Cummings, and Miss Frances J. Runnels; secretary, Mrs. Caroline A. Gee; treasurer, Miss Anna H. Borden. The medical staff of the hospital are the following: Consulting board, Dr. Jerome Dwelly, George S. Eddy, John B. Chagnon; attending physicians and surgeons, Drs. R. T. Thompson, president, S. V. Merritt, secretary, J. A. Barre, S. W. Bowen, A. W. Buck, D. E. Cone, A. I. Con- nell, W. A. Dolan, S. M. Gordon, B. J. Handy, A. C. Peckham, W. E. Synan; Homoeopathic, Drs. D. A. Babcock, Lucy C. Hill, D. W. Vander Burgh; specialists, Dr. A. J. Abbe, diseases of the eye; Dr. G. L. Rich- ards, diseases of the ear, throat and nose. Emergency Hospital, Fall River. — This hospital is an adjunct of " The Home Training School for Nurses," which was incorporated in June, 1896, though it began its existence in 1894. The incorporators' names are as follows: John H. Gifford, Laura G. Shove, Jessie A. Gage, W. T. Learned, Augustus W. Buck, Arthur I. Connell, Edward H. Kid- der, Ralph W. Jackson, Hubert G. Wilbur, Mary D. Swift, Emily H. Baker, Elizabeth M. Harley, Janet Kerr, Adelaide E. Abbe, Marcus G. B. Swift. The president is Dr. John H. Gifford. The first treasurer THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 695 was Elizabeth H. Brayton, who was succeeded by Laura G. Shove, and she by Elizabeth M. Borden. The first and present secretary is Jessie A. Gage. In the training school experienced and competent nurses are graduated and its success from the first has been marked. In order to broaden its field of instruction the Emergency Hospital was estab- lished and connected with the school in December, 1895. A commo- dious residence was leased and in the care of cases brought there for operation or treatment, under skillful physicians, the nurses of the training school are given exceptional opportunity to advance in their profession. St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford. — This institution was founded on April 12, 1884, after several meetings had been held for the pur- pose. A lot was purchased on the West side of Fourth street, and thereon was erected a large building which was at once opened for hospital purposes. Among those who were prominent in this under- taking were Horatio Hathaway, Edward S. Taber, Charles W. Clif- ford, Mrs. Benjamin Anthony, and others. Like the Fall River hos- pital, a Woman's Board of Managers was created, which directs and controls the internal management of the institution, subject to approval of its acts by the board of trustees. There is also connected with the hospital a training school for nurses, which has met with marked suc- cess. Morton Hospital, Taunton. — This institution takes its name from Gov. Marcus Morton, the distinguished citizen of that city. In 1887, as a re- sult of growing feeling among physicians, and especially in the mind of Dr. S. D. Presbrey, that a hospital was an imperative necessity in Taun- ton, he drew up a paper calling for pledges of ten dollars a year for five years to constitute a fund for a foundation for the project; these pledges were not to be binding unless one hundred were obtained. The plan was received with such favor that nearly two hundred of the pledges came in, thus assuring unlooked for success in the undertak- ing. Besides the funds thus secured Mrs. Susan Tillinghast (Morton) Kimball, of Boston, made a gift, which was the most generous and beneficent ever donated in the city ; this was a pledge of the Morton mansion on Washington street, with its spacious grounds for hospi- tal purposes. The Morton Hospital was dedicated January 3, 1889. Dr. S. D. Presbrey was chosen president of the institution; William H. Bent, vice-president; O. A. Barker, treasurer. A board of trustees was chosen which included many of the prominent men and women of 696 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the city, and Ella Sears was selected as matron. The following were the first board of consulting and visiting physicians: W. S. Robinson, J. W. Hayward, S. D. Presbrey, J. Bassett, Martha Perry, J. B. Mur- phy, B. L. Dwinell, F. A. Hubbard, E. F. Galligan, F. C. Walker, E. U. Jones, W. Y. Fox. Taunton Lunatic Hospital. — Although this is a State institution, a brief notice will not be out of place here. This was the second lunatic hospital established in Massachusetts, and was erected under an act of legislature approved May 24, 1851, which appropriated $100,000 for the purpose, and subsequently added $90,000 more before it was com- pleted. The commissioners were George N. Briggs, James D. Thomp- son, and John W. Graves. When it was determined that Taunton of- fered the best advantages for the site of the institution, by vote of the inhabitants of the town and by voluntary contributions of citizens the sum of $13,000 was given the commissioners with which to purchase the beautiful site on which the hospital stands, embracing about 140 acres of land. The first board of trustees was appointed in July, 1853, and into their hands the building and property was delivered on Feb- ruary 2, 1854. In the following April the hospital was opened for the reception of patients. The original accommodations were for only 250 patients, but subsequent additions give it a present capacity of 650. Several of the leading citizens of Taunton have served on the board of trustees, and the hospital in its general management is among the foremost of similar institutions in the country. Homoeopathy. — The relations existing between the practice of med- icine upon homoeopathic principles and that followed by the so-called Old School, or Allopathic physicians fifty years are within the memory of many living persons. It is remembered that the new methods of healing the sick followed by the disciples of Hahnemann, were for a number of years a subject of ridicule and opprobium among medical men of the other school, as well as of active discussion outside of the profession. Since that period the change in these respects has been great. The new school, its theories and practice made their way rap- idly and are now recognized in every community as worthy of respect and confidence, while the great homoeopathic colleges have sent out many graduates who have attained high professional success, and who have stood and do stand on a level with the best educated men of any school. The first homoeopathic physician to settle in Bristol county was Dr. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 697 Manning B. Roche. He was a pupil of Dr. Constantine Hering, and was a graduate of the Allentown Academy. No one could be a pupil of Dr. Hering and not be thoroughly versed in all that pertains to the education of the physician, and Dr. Roche's education was complete, and especially so in the matter of the Materia Medica. He was a man of strong character, and well calculated to command the respect and attention of those with whom he came in contact. He settled in New Bedford in 1841, and though at first he met with little encouragement, he gradually acquired a foothold and at length obtained a large prac- tice. He retired on account of failing health in 1861, and died at Riv- erside, N. J., July 5, 1862, aged seventy-three years. Dr. Roche met with but little active opposition to his practice, which may have been due to the liberal example of the late Dr. Lyman Bart- lett, who, at the time of his death, had stood for a quarter of a century at the head of his school in this locality. He steadfastly refused to be bound by the rules of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and always met homoeopathic physicians in consultation whenever requested to do so. At this same time, in the northwestern portion of the count)', in the town of Norton, Dr. Ira Barrows was practicing in the old school. But in 1842 his attention was called to the new theory of therapeutics by his friend, Dr. P. P. Wells, now of Brooklyn, N. Y. But he was not a man to take things on any one's statement, and he accordingly ob- tained the "Organon" and Hull's Jahr, and commenced experiments. The results of these experiments filled him with wonder, and he very soon gave in his adherence unreservedly to the new school. In August of 1842 an epidemic dysentery spread very generally over the region around Norton, and Dr. Barrows treated sixty-three cases with the loss of but one — a very wonderful showing for that disease and those times. The knowledge of his method of treatment spread very rapidly over the adjacent towns, and soon his circuit extended to at least twenty miles. He was the pioneer of homoeopathy in Taunton, Middleborough, Raynham, the Bridgewaters, Easton, Mansfield, Fox- borough, Wrentham, Attleborough, Seekonk, Rehoboth, Dighton and Pawtucket. He met with a great deal of opposition from his professional brethren, and was finally, without a fair hearing and on a technical charge, expelled from the Massachusetts Medical Society. This action of the society, and the fact that it was based technically, not really, on "gross immorality," was exceedingly galling to Dr. Barrows, and he 698 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. never could afterwards speak of it with composure. He soon left Nor- ton, and commenced practice in Providence, which he held to the day of his death. He died October 14, 1882, and his funeral, held in church, was attended by crowds of interested professional and lay friends. He graduated at Brown University in 1824, and received his medical diploma from Harvard in 1827. It was not till 1845 that Fall River was settled by homoeopathy. In that year Dr. Isaac Fiske became interested in it, and the more he studied the law and the more he put it into practice the more did he love it, till finally he practiced under its aegis solely. At this time Fall River was a small manufacturing town, with its great possibilities not yet developed, and its population largely made up of those who were connected with the mills. With this class homoeopathy was not popu- lar, and Dr. Fiske met with much and unreasonable opposition in his new practice, both from his professional brethren and the people. But his own high scholarly attainments, his social power, and his love for his newly-found truth, enabled him to overcome all difficulties, and to establish himself in a good practice. Although the town of Taunton had frequent services of Dr. Ira Bar- rows, yet there was no settled homoeopathic physician here till the ad- vent of Dr. George Barrows, in 1846. Dr. Barrows was a graduate of Amherst in 1840, and of Berkshire Medical College in 1843, which he had entered as a sturdy allopath. But his attention had been drawn to homoeopathy by the increased success of his brother since his change of practice, and by the urgency of Dr. William Peck, of Cincinnati. While at Pittsfield he made the change, and openly avowed and prac- ticed the new way. He settled in Taunton after his graduation and although he met with much opposition, he kept on the even tenor of his way and by his professional success and his unfailing courtesy, he reached the measure of his ambition. He died January 19, 1878. These were the pioneer homoeopathists of the county, and they were men worthy of the highest respect outside of the profession which they honored, as well as among their brethren. In 1847, after Dr. Barrows left Norton, Dr. Benjamin M. Rounds began practice in that town and continued there nearly or quite forty years. In 1850 Dr. G. M. Mathes settled in New Bedford. He received his degree from the universities of Halle and Wittenberg in 1836, and studied in Europe two years longer. He began practice in Berlin in 1838 and removed in 1841 to his native place, Schwedt, Prussia. In 1845 he began in- THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 6 " vestigation and study which resulted in his taking up the new practice, and in 1849 came to this country. He was a successful practitioner in New Bedford many years. In 1851 Dr. Charles Harris settled in Taunton. He was a graduate of Berkshire Medical College in 1847. He acquired a good practice, but ill health compelled him to return to Wareham, where he had for- merly practiced. In 1852 Dr. Henry B. Clarke, a graduate of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, began practice in New Bedford and achieved success. In the year 1854 three young physicians, all graduates of the college just named, settled in the three cities of Bristol county, where they were destined to exert a large measure of influence. Dr. John L. Clarke began practice in that year in Fall River and soon took a commanding professional position. In that year also Dr. Elijah Utley Jones settled in Taunton, when he was twenty-eight years of age. During a period of teaching to obtain means for going through college his health failed and he returned to his father's home in Augusta, Me. Finally, con- quering a dreaded lung weakness, he studied medicine in the Maine Medical School, and in February, 1854, entered the Homoeopathic Col- lege of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in the same year and began his long period of successful practice in Taunton. In 1855 he joined the Homoeopathic Fraternity, a small society which ultimately grew into the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society. For fif- teen years he was on the board of management of the latter organiza- tion and seven years was its secretary, and in 1876 was elected its first president. He was the author of the " Early History of Homoeopathy in Massachusetts," a work of great value. He was always a liberal contributor to various publications on medical and other subjects. In 1879 he was appointed lecturer on sanitary science and malarial dis- eases in Boston University medical school. In the eventful year 1854 Dr. Edward Sisson, who had studied with Dr. Manning B. Roche (before noticed), and a graduate of both the Berkshire Medical School and the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, began practice in New Bedford, in which he attained marked success. Other physicians of this school of a comparatively early period were Drs. D. A. Babcock, Joseph W. Hayward, B. L. Dwinell, Thomas A. Capen, David W. Vanderburgh, and Drs. Stone, Finch and Walker. PART II. BIOGRAPHICAL. ^£^^^^ BIOGRAPHICAL. S. O. BIGNEY. Sidney Osborne Bigney is the son of James and Sarah Jane (Black) Bigney and a grandson of Peter Bigney, and was born in Went- worth, Cumberland county, Nova Scotia, November 4, 1854. On the paternal side he comes from old historic and distinguished ancestry, being a lineal descendant of Theodore Agrippa d'Aubigne, an emi- nent author and a brave and dashing soldier, who sided with the Huguenots in the religious wars of France, and who, after the capitula- tion of Rochelle, entered the service of Henry IV of Navarre, who bestowed upon him many high honors; he spent the latter part of his life in Switzerland in active support of the Protestant cause, and left many valuable works, including a universal history. Among the con- spicuous members of this noted family who are closely related to Mr. Bigney are Jean Louis Villain d'Aubigne, statesman; Pierre d'Au- bigne, the French miniature painter; Madam d'Aubigne (Amelia Dautel), the eminent portrait painter; Gaces de la Bigne, the poet; Margerin de la Bigne, writer, theologian, dean of the Church of Mans, and doctor of the Sorbonne ; Charles Francois d'Aubigne, the French engraver and painter and pupil of Edme" d'Aubigne; Mark F. Bigney, born in 1814, poet and formerly managing editor of the New Orleans Times; Dr. P. M. Bigney, of Cincinnati, a war veteran of 1862; and Major Thomas Oozsley Bigney, a Coloradan historian and poet, who distinguished himself in the Civil war, and who is a cousin of the sub- ject of this sketch. Charles Francois d'Aubigne, previously men- tioned, was associated with the famous Fontainebleau group of painters and belonged to a coterie of great masters of landscape painting. Jean Henri Merle d'Aubigne, D. D.,was another noted member of this family, being an eminent Swiss divine, and ecclesiastical historian. He re- ceived the degree of D.C.L. from Oxford, was appointed court preacher 704 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. at Brussels in 1823, and after the revolution of 1830 declined the post of tutor to the Prince of Orange, but became professor of church his- tory at Geneva in 1831 and filled that chair in the theological seminary until his death. His works of world-wide reputation are " Histoire de la Reformation au Siezieme Siecle, 1735-53"; "Germany, Scotland, and a Vindication of Cromwell," 1848 ; " Trois Siecles de Lutte en Ecosse," 1849 ; and "Histoire de la Reformation en Europe au temps de Calvin," 1862-78. On his mother's side Mr. Bigney is of Scotch ancestry, being a lineal descendant of Adam and Charles Black, of Edinburgh, who are well known in connection with Sir Walter Scott's works. The first of the name to settle in Massachusetts were John Black, who was admitted a freeman in 1632, Richard Black in 1637, and Henry Black in 1645. The founder of his mother's family in America was William Black, who was born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1727, emigrated to Haddersfield, England, and came thence in 1774 to Nova Scotia, where he settled on a farm near the town of Amherst, which is still occupied by some of his descendants. Mr. Bigney is a cousin of Senator William R. Black, of Taunton, Mass. , a captain and veteran of the War of the Rebellion, and of Charles Allan Black, M.D., of Amherst, Nova Scotia, who was born in Salem, Cumberland county, Nova Scotia, August 23, 1844. Among others with whom he is closely related are Dr. Joseph Black, the celebrated chemist, who succeeded Cullen in the chair of chemistry at Edinburgh University ; William Black, the noted English novelist, author of "Madcap Violet," " Macleod of Dare," "White Wings," etc. ; James Black, of Lewis burg, Pa. , a nominee for president of the United States in 1872; Jeremiah Sullivan Black, the eminent jurist, United States attorney-general under Buchanan in 1857, and secretary of state in 1860, who exerted himself to prevent the government from falling into the hands of the secessionists; William Black, the Wes- leyan divine, who founded the Wesleyan Church in Nova Scotia and be- came general superintendent of Wesleyan missions in British America; John C. Black, soldier and commissioner of pensions; Rev. John Black, father of John C, a Presbyterian minister of Scotch-Irish extraction; and John Fisher Black, of New Orleans, of Scotch and English ances- try. Through his paternal grandmother Mr. Bigney is descended from the Leslie family, the original progenitor of which was a Hungarian knight named Bartholomew, who appeared in Scotland in 1667, during the reign of Malcolm Caenmore. Mr. Bigney's father and grandfather were both respected farmers in BIOGRAPHICAL. 705 Cumberland county, Nova Scotia, and, anglicizing the name, followed its present spelling. James Bigney, the father, was born in 1809 and died in 187-1. He was a devout Christian, noted for his benevolence and generous hospitality, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all his neighbors. Sidney Osborne Bigney was educated in the schools of his native town. At the age of eighteen, prompted by an ambitious nature, he determined to seek a wider field of usefulness, and coming to North . Attleborough, Mass., he entered the employ of Draper, Pate & Bailey, which subsequently became F. S. Draper & Co. There he mastered the trade of stamping and tool making, remaining eight years. Under the most experienced workmen he acquired a thorough and practi- cal knowledge of the business. In December, 1879, with Charles A. Marsh, he formed the firm of Marsh & Bigney and began manufactur- ing jewelry at North Attleborough in the Stephen Richardson build- ing, which, eighteen months later, was completely destroyed by fire. Undaunted by this disaster they immediately secured a shop in the Robinson building at East Attleborough, and with new samples were in the market on the opening of the season's trade. From the first they displayed that foresight, energy and business capacity which laid the foundation of their subsequent success. In July, 1894, Mr. Bigney purchased his partner's interest and has ever since conducted the busi- ness under the style of S. O. Bigney & Co., he being the sole owner. The particular branch of the industry which commands his attention is the manufacture of ladies' and gentlemen's high-grade rolled-plate, gold-filled, and gold chains, embracing a large and complete line of original designs in guard chains, neck chains, gentlemen's vest chains, silk fobs, charms, etc., with dainty trimmings. These products have materially aided and made possible the proud position of Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the leading States in the Union in the manufac- ture of high-grade chains. The unique trade mark of the firm is a horseshoe with Mr. Bigney's initial B entwined, the whole being in- closed in a triangle, and is emblematical of that good fortune which has attended his fair dealings and business methods. It is so well known by all jobbers in the jewelry trade that it bespeaks a sufficient guaranty for the excellent quality of the goods. On May 18, 1898, the large and commodious manufactory on the corner of Union and Mill streets, Attleborough, was totally destroyed by fire, and in the incredi- bly short time of fifteen days Mr. Bigney established, in the Manuf^c- 89 706 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. turers' building in Providence, R. I., a most conveniently arranged and modern factory, covering between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet of floor space, fully equipped with the latest improved machinery and appli- ances, and employing a full force of skilled operatives. He was the first of the several manufacturers to re-establish business after that dis- astrous conflagration in Attleborough, a fact that speaks eloquently of his indomitable energy, enterprise and courage, and which abundantly demonstrates his wonderful business ability and executive management. Mr. Bigney has been actively and prominently identified with the growth of the town of Attleborough for more than twenty years, being one of its most loyal and patriotic citizens and public spirited men. He was a founder and is now president of the Attleborough Co-operative Bank, is president of the Manufacturers' Agricultural Association and of the Odd Fellows Building Association, and was chairman of a com- mittee to organize a board of trade. During the tariff agitation in 1897 he was chosen by his business contemporaries as chairman of the tariff committee of prominent Attleborough and Providence jewelers, who successfully prepared explanations of the classifications of jewelry under the Dingley law and rendered a universal service by securing an increase of the tariff rate from 35 to 60 per cent. , and also valuable assistance to the New York custom house appraisers in regard to cer- tain importations of jewelry. Much of this was the result of Mr. Big- ney's personal, untiring efforts, and won for him the gratitude of jewelry manufacturers and dealers everywhere. Mr. Bigney is a staunch Republican and has repeatedly declined to become a candidate for election to the Massachusetts Legislature, though frequently urged to accept the honor. Arduous and pressing demands of business have kept him from entering the political arena. He is, however, intensely patriotic, progressive, and enterprising, and active in several fraternal organizations, holding membership in Orient Lodge and the Encamp- ment of the I.O.O.F. of Attleborough and the rank of colonel in the military division of the Knights of Pythias. He has passed through all the chairs in Pythagorus Lodge, K. of P., and is a member of the Grand Lodge. He is an ardent admirer of nature and of horses, sym- pathetic and kind hearted, responding promptly to the calls of distress and injustice, and liberally encouraging every commendable enterprise. As chairman of the literary committee of Attleborough's Fourth of July celebration in 1888 he made, prior to the introduction of Prof. Alonzo Williams, of Brown University, as orator of the day, an in- BIOGRAPHICAL. 707 teresting and thrilling speech, which stamps him as a public speaker of no mean ability. Mr. Bigney was married, June 17, 1876, to Miss Henrietta, adopted daughter of Benjamin Stevens, of Wentworth, Nova Scotia, and they have one son, Harold Osborne Bigney, born in January, 1886. The family attend the Congregational Church, to which, as well as the Attleborough Young Men's Christian Association, Mr. Bigney generous- ly contributes. ALANSON BORDEN. Alanson Borden was born in the town of Tiverton, R. I., near to the Massachusetts line (now in the latter State), on the 7th of Janu- ary, 1823. His father was Isaac Borden, who was a farmer, as was also his grandfather and earlier ancestors, all being of English de- scent. His mother was Abby Borden, a member of a different fam- ily and not related. When he was nine years old his father and grand- father removed with the family, to Venice, Cayuga county, N. Y. ; where they lived many years, the father and mother, however, finally returned to Massachusetts, and' both died in New Bedford. Down to the time of the removal of the family to New York State, Alanson at- tended the school near his home, and after the removal he attended the district schools until he was seventeen years old, when he entered the Academy at Groton, N. Y. A few months later he changed to the Aurora (Cayuga county) Academy, which he attended about two years. It had been his cherished intention to go through college, and during a period of teaching after leaving the Aurora Academy, he began preparation for his college course ; but a combination of circumstances rendered it impracticable for him to carry out his plans, and his further educational advantages were restricted to one year in an academy at Ithaca, N. Y., which he left with an excellent academic education, which was much enhanced by subsequent private study. In 1846 Mr. Borden went to live in New Bedford, resolved to enter the legal profession. He began his studies in the office of Elliot & Kasson and remained there two and one-half years, when he was ad- mitted to the bar and at once opened an office. He has ever since practiced here, though very much of his time and talent has been given to the duties of public office. He was appointed special justice of the 708 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Police Court in 1856, and resigned the office in 1859 ; then he was elected to the State Legislature, serving in that body two years, with the ap- proval of his constituents. Following this he accepted the office of trial justice for juvenile offenders, which was established in New Bed- ford by special statute. In 1864 he was appointed judge of the City Police Court and held the office until 1874, when all of the police courts of the county were abolished and the county was divided into three districts with a judge for each. Judge Borden received the appoint- ment for the Third District, embracing the city of New Bedford, and the towns of Dartmouth, Westport, Fairhaven, Acushnet and Free- town. In the fall of 1864 he became the law partner of the late Judge Robert C. Pitman, and this connection continued for several years, and until the appointment of Judge Pitman to the bench of the Superior Court. In 1876 Judge Borden was elected to the mayoralty of the city and gave his constituents an excellent administration. He has been a member of the school board for many years and was its chair- man three years. Judge Borden has been three times married and is now a widower. His first wife was Mary C. Topham, daughter of Capt. Wm. H. Top- ham, of New Bedford. His second wife was Mary F. Kent, daughter of George Kent, of Washington, D. C. His third was Annie R. Com- merford, daughter of Patrick Commerford, of New Bedford. His children are a son and a daughter by his first wife. The son, William A. Borden, is now in charge of the library of the Young Men's Insti- tute, in New Haven, Ct. The daughter, Laura E., is the wife of Charles H. Lobdell, of New Bedford. Judge Borden has always been especially attached to his home, finding his chief happiness in the family circle around his own fireside. It is very largely from the beneficent and inspiring influences of his domestic life that he attributes whatever measure of success he may have attained in his public career. The career of Judge Borden has been for many years a moral force in the life of his adopted city. He has been deeply interested in the questions of the day and prominent always in those reforms having for their aim the well being of men, and his influence has seemed largely independent of his official position. He will, however, at least by his professional brethren and by public men, be best remembered as the judge of the local court of New Bed- ford and its vicinage. To the bench he brought a thorough knowledge of the principles and practice of law, a fondness for legal research, a BIOGRAPHICAL. 709 sound judgment and a rare kindliness of manners. Few criminals could run the gauntlet of his cross-examination, but heavy fines and long confinements were always held in disfavor, and if there was a gleam of hope of reformation, Judge Borden was always the first to detect it. During the administration of Judge Borden as mayor, every munici- pal service was raised to its highest efficiency and politics as an inci- dent to such service was almost entirely obliterated. In professional practice since his retirement from the bench in the summer of 1897 Judge Borden's attention has been given mainly to cases in the probate and insolvency courts, and in the settlement of estates his counsel and assistance are always in request. He is at this time president of the New Bedford Bar Association. SIMEON BORDEN. Simeon Borden, for thirty- two years the clerk of the courts of Bristol county, was born March 29, 1829, in Fall River, Mass. , where he spent his entire life. His first English ancestor went over to England from Bourdonnay, Norway, as a soldier under William the Conqueror, and after the battle of Hastings (in A. D. 1066) was assigned lands in County Kent, where the family afterward became wealthy and influential, the village where they resided being named Borden. Early in the seven- teenth century John Borden moved to Wales, where his sons Richard and John were married. These sons returned to Borden, in England, and in May, 1635, embarked for America. Richard (1) settled in Ports- mouth, R. I., in 1638. The line of descent from him is (2) John, (3) Richard, (4) Joseph, (5) Abraham, (6) Simeon, and (7) Nathaniel B., who was the father of the subject of this memoir. Nathaniel Briggs Borden was born in Freetown (afterward Fall River), Mass., April 15, 1801. The house in which his birth occurred stood on the west side of South Main street, nearly opposite the south end of the Pocasset Mill, and was celebrated in local annals from the fact that two British sol- diers were shot and killed at its eastern door when the English attacked the village in the Revolutionary war. Simeon Borden (6), father of Nathaniel B., was born in Freetown in 1759, removed to Tiverton, R. I., in 1806, and died there November 27, 1811. His wife, Amey Briggs, a woman of superior business ability and sterling character, 710 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was one of the founders of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manu- factory, in 1814, and died May 26, 1817, leaving five children. Na- thaniel B. Borden was one of the organizers of the Pocasset Manu- facturing Company on August 15, 1821, and served as its clerk and treasurer until 1838. He was president of the Fall River Railroad from 1847 to 1854, and also of the Fall River Union Bank and the Fall River Savings Bank for several years prior to his death, which occurred April 10, 1865. He was for many years town clerk, selectman, assessor, and highway surveyor; a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1831, 1834, 1851, and 1864, and of the State Senate in 1845 and 1847; and was elected to Congress in 1834, 1836 and 1840. He was also mayor of Fall River in 1857 and an alderman from 1859 to 1865. He was four times married : first to Sarah Gray, second to Louisa Gray, third to Sarah G. Buffum, and fourth to Mrs. Lydia A. (Slade) Wilbur. Simeon Borden, the eldest son of Hon. Nathaniel B. and Sarah (Gray) Borden, was of the eighth generation from Richard Borden, the original immigrant. He was the great-great grandson of Capt. Nathaniel Briggs ; the great grandson of Col. Pardon Gray, an officer of the Revolution; a nephew of Simeon Borden, a foremost civil engineer and mathemati- cian; and a kinsman of Job Durfee and his son, Thomas Durfee, both chief justices of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island. After attending the public school Mr. Borden prepared for college under that eminent instructor, Mr. Belden, of Fruit Hill, near Providence, R. I., and in 1846 he entered Harvard, from which he was graduated with honor in 1850, being the first native of Fall River to graduate therefrom. Among his classmates were Charles Hale, editor of the Boston Adver- tiser, consul general to Egypt, and assistant secretary of state ; Everett C. Banfield, assistant secretary of the treasury; Rev. Dr. Joseph H. Thayer, Bussey professor of sacred literature at Harvard and professor at Andover Theological Seminary ; Hon. T. Jefferson Coolidge, U. S. minister to France; Hon. James C. Carter, of the New York bar; Gen. William A. Burt, postmaster of Boston ; and a number of others who have won distinction in civil and professional life. On graduating from Harvard Mr. Borden entered the Cambridge Law School, from which he received the degree of LL. B. two years later. He then spent a year in the law office of William Brigham, of Boston, and was admitted to the bar in 1853 and began active practice in Fall River. The experience gained by long and faithful study, combined with a naturally judicial temperament, soon won for Mr. Borden the respect BIOGRAPHICAL. 711 and esteem of both his fellow citizens and his legal associates. He was the associate counsel and prepared with great ability the case before the legislative committee defending the constitutional line, which sub- sequently became the present boundary line between Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He was also one of the counsel in the important Allen Mason will trial, which he prepared with remarkable skill and care. He was a member of the common council of Fall River two years and its president one year, a member of the board of aldermen for seven con- secutive years, city solicitor two years, member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives two years, a trustee of the Fall River Free Library for seventeen years, one of the commissioners of the sinking fund, a trustee of the Fall River Savings Bank, a trustee of the Taun- ton Lunatic Hospital, and a member of the old fire department, being foreman of Niagara Engine Co. Upon the resignation of John S. Brayton as clerk of the Bristol courts in January, 1864, Mr. Borden was appointed by the justices of the Supreme Judicial Court to fill the vacancy until the annual election, when he was elected for the unex- pired term, and by repeated re elections he continued to hold that office until his death on the 9th of March, 1896. Mr. Borden carried into the performance of public duties the same conscientious spirit and high standard which he exhibited in those of a private nature. He illustrated in civil life the very best New England examples. Possessing a sound legal training, his ability, fidelity, in- tegrity, and unfailing courtesy with which he discharged the arduous and exacting responsibilities of the office of clerk of the courts for nearly a generation, won the unstinted praise and approval of the judi- ciary, the bar, and all with whom he came in contact. He was justly called the model clerk, "and was without an equal in the Common- wealth. " " His records, while elaborate, were simple and concise, and were expressed in clear, vigorous English. Beyond the required duties of his position, by his care and industry, the office has thirty bound volumes of exceptions and briefs of counsel in cases which have been argued before the Supreme Judical Court." He was largely instru- mental in establishing the valuable law library at Taunton. Among the resolutions adopted by the bar of Bristol county immediately after Mr. Borden's death, the following extracts are quoted : " Devoted to the best traditions and loyal to the highest standards in the profession of the law, it was the lifelong purpose and constant effort of our friend and brother to uphold, in connection with the courts 712 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the Commonwealth, the highest conception of professional honor and the noblest type of professional character. "Always glad to welcome to the practice of the profession the young men at the opening of their careers, it was a delight to him to contrib- ute from the abundance of his knowledge and wisdom in order to make the pathway for them easier and pleasanter, asking for and thinking of no return for the help and assistance rendered other than the satisfac- tion which he derived in gratifying his own sympathetic nature." He was a public spirited citizen, taking a deep interest in all worthy movements, and liberally supporting every charitable enterprise. In politics he was a strong anti-slavery advocate and a Republican. He was the first president of the Harvard Club in Fall River. Upon his death he was succeeded as clerk of the courts by his son, Simeon Bor- den, jr. Simeon Borden, only son of Simeon and Irene (Hathaway) Borden, was born in Fall River, June 27, 1860. He attended the public schools of his native city and prepared for college in the high school, from which he was graduated in the class of 1878. The same year he en- tered Brown University and in 1882 was graduated with the degree, A. B. Shortly after graduation he became a clerk in his father's office, and continued in that capacity until 1888 when he was appointed assist- ant clerk of courts. He held this position at the time of Simeon Bor- den's death and was appointed to fill the vacancy until the next election. At this time he was nominated on the Republican ticket for the office of clerk of courts and was elected by a large majority. He has many of the personal characteristics which endeared his father to all who enjoyed his sterling friendship, and is held in high esteem by all of those with whom, by virtue of his public position, he comes in contact. CAPTAIN HERBERT A. CLARK. Capt. Herbert Allen Clark, of Attleborough, who holds the position of regimental quartermaster in the United States volunteer army, is the only surviving son of Samuel W. and Charity H. (Cushman) Clark, and was born in Middleboro, Mass., Feb. 22, 1859. He is descended from the earliest Puritan stock, his maternal ancestor being Robert Cushman, the financial agent of the Plymouth Colony, who joined the Pilgrims in New England in 1621. His paternal ancestor, John Clark, Gube/rnanjff? afn-(j rizi>iLre C&. BIOGRAPHICAL. 713 came to Plymouth about 1623, and besides these Captain Clark is re- lated by ancestral ties to several of the prominent families of the Mas- sachusetts settlements, including that of Gov. William Bradford. His grandfathers, Abisha T. Clark and Elias Cushman, were both respected farmers of Middleborough, where his father, Samuel W., followed the occupation of carpenter and builder until his death in 1883, at the age of sixty-two. His mother, Charity H. Cushman Clark, still survives. Captain Clark was educated in the Middleboro public and high schools, graduating from the latter in 1876. On the 31st of January, 1877, he went to Attleborough, Bristol county, and entered the jewelry manu- factory of Horton, Angell & Co., with which firm he has ever since been connected. This widely known firm was established in 1870 by Edwin J. and Gideon M. Horton and Benjamin J. Angell, under the present style of Horton, Angell & Co. , and from the first has been suc- cessfully engaged in the manufacture of men's and women's gold plated goods, such as cuff and collar buttons, sets, etc. , from the first quality rolled-gold plate. It has gained a national reputation for the high standard and artistic workmanship of its product. As an apprentice during a period of a little more than three and one-half years Captain Clark thoroughly mastered every detail and acquired a practical knowl- edge of the business, and in the autumn of 1880 was made superinten- dent. He filled this position for several years, becoming a partner in the firm on the 1st of January, 1886. Edwin J. Horton had died and had been succeeded by Major Everett S. Horton, his brother, whose sketch appears in this volume; Mr. Angell and Gideon M. Horton died in 1886, but the firm name has remained unchanged, the present part- ners being Major E. S. Horton, Capt. Herbert A. Clark, and Thomas S. Carpenter. In politics Captain Clark is a staunch Republican, yet he has never sought nor accepted public office. He has, however, been somewhat active in local political affairs and is now (1898) a member of the Re- publican town committee of Attleborough. He is one of the most public spirited of citizens, taking a deep interest in all matters affecting the community at large, and liberally supporting every movement which promises reasonable benefit and general good. As a business man he has displayed ability and sagacity of a high order, and is a director of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association and of the Attleborough Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Captain Clark has been prominently and actively connected with mil- 90 714 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. itary affairs during the past eleven years. He became a member and sergeant of Co. I, 5th Regt. M. V. M., at its organization in 1887, and was elected second lieutenant in 1889, first lieutenant in 1892, and cap- tain in 1895. In 1897 he was appointed inspector of rifle practice on the staff of Col. J. H. Whitney. The war between Spain and the United States brought him into the volunteer army as quartermaster of his regiment, which was mustered in as the 5th Mass. Vol. Inf., being ap- pointed quartermaster and mustered into service June 23, 1898. Cap- tain Clark is a thorough soldier, an excellent disciplinarian, and popular with his officers and men. He is a thirty- second degree Mason, holding membership in Ezekiel Bates Lodge, King Hiram Chapter, and Attleborough Council, of Attleborough ; in Bristol Commandery, K. T., of North Attleborough; in Aleppo Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston; and in the Scottish Rite bodies to and includ- ing the thirty- second degree, which were conferred upon him at Provi- dence, R. I., in 1896. He is also a member of Orient Lodge and Gideon M. Horton Encampment, I. O. O. F., and of Pennington Lodge, A. 0. U. W., all of Attleborough. He is unmarried. ABIEL CODDING. Abiel Codding has been for many years one of the foremost business men of North Attleborough. He was born in Rehoboth, January 29, 1817, a son of Abiel and Chloe (Daggett) Codding. The family has been well represented in this vicinity for many years and members of it were among the first settlers of Taunton, Mass. James, one of the first of the name of whom there is any mention, was born in Taunton and was a farmer and soldier in the Continental army. He married Joanna Eddy, and their children were three : David, Abigail, who mar- ried Wheaton Barrows, and Abiel, who was born in Taunton, October 27, 1792. He removed to Attleborough when about fourteen years old and worked on a farm for Seneca Sanford, where he proved himself to be industrious, frugal and temperate. " He became a well -to-do farmer in this town (Attleborough), where he lived more than sixty-three years, leaving an example of industry and sobriety well worthy the imitation of the present generation." At the outbreak of the war of 1812 he was among the first to volunteer his services. He died Octo- ber 3, 1881, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. His wife was Chloe, BIOGRAPHICAL. 715 daughter of Elihu .Daggett, and thirteen children were born of their union. Their third born was Abiel Codding, the subject of this sketch, and about a year after his birth they removed to a farm in East Attlebor- ough. Here Abiel Codding was reared, surrounded by the influences of a New England farm home and receiving the advantages afforded by the schools of that period. He early exhibited a natural aptitude for mechanics and at the age of sixteen entered the jewelry factory of H. M. Richards, with whom he remained three years. At the end of this period, when only nineteen years of age, he began a jewelry busi- ness of his own in association with Stephen Richardson. They con- tinued but a short time and 'Mr. Codding returned to his trade as a journeyman. He gave his whole mind to the details of his work and made many valuable improvements in the different kinds of tools used in the business. In the mean time his old employer, H. M. Richards, had established a plant in Philadelphia and Mr. Codding went there to take a position, but returned in a short time and entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. In 1841 he became interested in this firm and so continued until it was dissolved — over thirty years. Few men attained a greater degree of success than he. In the first place he was naturally a mechanic, and secondly he had to a remarkable degree the power of application. He made many valuable improve- ments in the system of manufacturing and was granted many patents. Although now in his eighty-second year he is still a vigorous man, and well retains his faculties. He was a director of the Attleborough Na- tional Bank of North Attleborough; is president of the North Attle- borough Gaslight Company, of which he was one of the first directors; and president of the Attleborough Savings Bank of North Attlebor- ough. In the estimation of his fellow citizens no man stands higher than he. Mr. Codding has always upheld the principles of the Democratic party, but takes no interest in political affairs and has never sought political preferment. He married, October 28, 1841, Ann Maria Rich- ards, daughter of Calvin and Olive (Blackinton) Richards, of Attle- borough. Five children were born to them; three sons, Arthur E. , James A. and Edwin A,, all engaged in business in North Attleborough ; and two daughters, both deceased. 716 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. HENRY H. CRAPO.— WILLIAM W.- CRAPO. Among the many citizens of New Bedford and Dartmouth who have achieved high honor and whose names are held in respect wherever they are known, are Henry H. Crapo, and his son, William W- Crapo. Born on a Dartmouth farm, from the sterile soil of which his parents could no more than wrest a livelihood, Henry H. Crapo showed his inborn attributes by closing his life in the highest office which the peo- ple of the State of Michigan could confer upon him. He was born in the northern part of Dartmouth on May 24, 1804, and his early years were full of toil. Boys in those times were made useful in some direc- tion at an earlier age than now. He probably developed manly qualities much more rapidly on account of his early labor and privation. With a native thirst for knowledge and perceiving that through the possession of an education he could rise above the circumstances that surrounded him, he made every sacrifice that would further his ambition. James B. Congdon records the fact that he has seen a dictionary in manuscript compiled (not copied) by him in his youth, and it is said that he fre- quently traveled the distance of eight miles from his home to New Bedford in order to learn the meaning of a word or phrase which had puzzled him. Unaided he made himself master of the theory of sur- veying and when there came the long-looked for opportunity to put his knowledge in practice he was not daunted by the fact that he had no compass, and going to a blacksmith shop, he fashioned a crude one for himself. Many other anecdo'tes are told of him, all of which bring into clear retrospection the great force of character and the native ability which he exhibited in surmounting unavoidable obstacles. In course of time he became competent to teach the village school and when a high school was to be opened he determined to apply for the principalship. He knew that the requirements of the law were rigid, and earnestly ap- plied himself to study in order to qualify for the position. J. H,W. Page, then, it is believed, a preceptor in the Friends' Academy, examined him and gave him a certificate of qualification. Mr. Page resided in New Bedford and to meet him the young student walked the distance one evening after his daily labor was finished, and when the thorough exam- ination was completed, trudged homeward the same night, happy in the possession of the coveted prize. At the age of twenty-eight years he removed to New Bedford and became a land surveyor, sometimes acting as an auctioneer. He was BIOGRAPHICAL. 717 soon elected town clerk, treasurer, and collector of taxes, and held these positions about fifteen years, or until the form of the municipal gov- ernment was changed, when he was elected treasurer and collector of taxes, holding the office two years. He was also police justice many years, served on the Board of Aldermen, was chairman of the council committee on junior education, and in this capacity personally prepared the report upon which was based the order for the establishment of the Free Public Library of New Bedford. Upon its organization he was chosen one of the first trustees. In this connection it may be noted that a local newspaper printed the following: " No man connected with the municipal government ever had to a greater extent than Mr. Crapo, the confidence of the people. He was exact and methodical in all matters of record; conscientious and laboriously persistent in the discharge of every duty; clear in his 'method and statements in all that appertained to his official transactions with the town and his towns- men, leaving at the close of his long connection with them, all that belonged to his department as a financial or recording officer so lumin- ous and complete that no error has ever been detected or improvement made upon his methods." In later life, after he had attained the ex- alted positions he was destined to occupy, Mr. Crapo often referred to the training he received in New Bedford civic meetings and offices, and averred that but for this he could not have succeeded in the loftier and more honorable offices which his fellow citizens of Michigan be- stowed upon him. While in New Bedford he was engaged to some extent in the whaling industry, a fine bark, of which he was part owner, being named in his honor, " The H. H. Crapo." He was president of the Bristol County Fire Insurance Compary, and secretary of the Bed- ford Commercial Insurance Company. He was an earnest worker in the State militia and for several years held a commission as colonel of one of the regiments. While an officer of the municipal government he compiled and published the directories of the place for 1836 and 1845. He organized the Horticultural Society of New Bedford and was its first president. In the cultivation of fruits and flowers he was actively interested, and as his position in life grew more secure, de- voted much attention to the cultivation of every kind of fruit and or- namental trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. At horticulture 1 fairs in Boston and> elsewhere he exhibited from his grounds one hundred and fifty varieties of pears of his own propagation, and one hundred and twenty varieties of roses. He became a regular contributor to the New Eng- 718 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. land Horticultural Journal and gained a wide reputation as an authori- ty. After his removal to Michigan he came into possession of a farm of 1,100 acres, most of which he redeemed from swamp by a system of drainage perfected by himself. He engaged in breeding and importing fine blooded stock and in 1863 was elected president of the Genesee County Agricultural Society. During the late years of his life he be- came a regular contributor to the Country Gentleman, and after his death an affecting eulogy of himself was pronounced by the president of the National Horticultural Society at its meeting in Philadelphia in 1869. His removal to Michigan, which took place in 1856, was due primarily to investments in pine lands. He took up his residence in Flint city and engaged largely in the manufacture of lumber; inter- ested capital and built railroads, becoming one of the largest aad most successful business men in the State. He at once took an active inter- est in the municipal affairs of Flint and was elected mayor after a resi- dence there of only five years. In 186a he was elected a State senator to represent Genesee county and ranked with the leading men of Mich- igan in the war Senate. In 1864 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for governor and was elected by a large majority. He was re- elected in 1866, holding the office two terms and retiring in January, 1869. Governor Crapo's administration was remarkably efficient and especialty characterized by his vetoing railway aid legislation and his firm refusal to pardon convicts, except upon overwhelming proof of their innocence or excessive sentence. During his last term he was attacked by the disease which terminated his life within one year. Few men would or could have withstood the intense suffering which he bore and still attended with unceasing zeal, energy and industry to the du- ties of his position. The press paid many tributes to his worth, the Detroit Tribune of July 24, 1869, closing an obituary notice as follows: In all the public positions he held Governor Crapo showed himself a capable, dis- creet, vigilant and industrious officer. He evinced wonderful vigor in mastering details, and always wrote and spoke intelligently on any subject to which he gave his attention. Michigan never before had a Governor who devoted so much personal attention and painstaking labor to her public duties as he did. His industry was literally amazing. He was not a man of brilliant or showy qualities, but he pos- sessed sharp and remarkably well developed business talents, a clear and practical understanding, sound judgment and unfailing integrity. In all the walks of life there was not a purer man in the State. So faithful, so laborious, so conscientious a man in office is a blessing beyond computation in the healthful influence which he exerts in the midst of the too prevalent corruptions that so lamentably abound in the B ft ,'i .-■ ' Ou^ Iaj> ^2 »v) BIOGRAPHICAL. 719 public service. We have often thought that, in his broad and sterling good sense, Governor Crapo closely resembled the lamented Lincoln. He was a man of the people and most worthily represented them. His decease is an occasion for public mourning and the State has very few men like him and can ill afford to spare such an eminently useful citizen. His death will be profoundly deplored throughout our Commonwealth and a general sympathy will be sincerely extended to the bereaved family. Mr. Crapo was a member for many years of the Christian Church. He married, June 9, 1825, Mary Ann Slocum, of Dartmouth. His wife, who shared his earlier struggles with him, was a devoted woman and possessed a strong character, combined with hopefulness and courage. They had ten children, a son and nine daughters. William W. Crapo, only son of Gov. Henry Howland Crapo, was born while his parents resided in Dartmouth, May 16, 1830. His early edu- cation was obtained in the New Bedford public schools; he prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, and was graduated from Yale College in 1852. Very early in life he decided to make the legal pro- fession his life work, and after leaving college began to read in the office of Gov. John H. Clifford, of New Bedford, and later continued at the Harvard Law School, Cambridge. Like his father, he possessed in abundance those qualities of energy and perseverance which aid in making the successful student and his preparation for the legal profes- sion was most painstaking and thorough. He was admitted to the bar in 1855, at once began practice in New Bedford and has, therefore, now completed a period of forty- three years as a practitioner. Very soon after his admission to the bar Mr. Crapo was appointed city solicitor and held the office twelve years, giving the most conscientious and thorough attention and devotion to all his official duties. His first real work in politics was in behalf of John C. Fremont, the first candidate of the Republican party for president, and during the campaign he won a brilliant reputation as an orator. In the same year (1856) Mr. Crapo was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and in the following year declined to become a candidate for State senator, desir- ing to give more attention to his increasing legal business. It was somewhat remarkable that he so soon attained a leading position at the bar, a success which was in large measure due to his exhaustive legal knowledge, his patient industry and unfailing self-reliance. His qual- ifications rapidly gained recognition and he won to an exceptional de- gree the confidence of the citizens of New Bedford. All measures 720 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tending to advance the interests of the village, even during his earliest endeavors to secure a firm professional foothold, found in him an earn- est and unselfish supporter. He was chairman of the commission who were in charge of the first public water supply, and from 1865 to 1875 was chairman of the Water Board. With the breaking out of the Civil war he entered heartily into all measures for the support of the gov- ernment, and during the close of the struggle he gave freely of his time, energy and means for the welfare of the cause. Mr. Crapo has never been a man whom the people were disposed to leave out of public service, and he was elected to the Forty fourth Congress to fill a vacancy, and was re-elected to the Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh Congresses, declining in 1882 to longer accept the nomination. While not attempting in this brief notice to give an adequate account of his work as a legislator, it may be stated that he early took a prominent position in Congress; was a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the Forty- fifth Congress, and of the Committee on Bank- ing and Currency in the Forty-sixth and Forty- seventh. During his last term he was chairman of the last-named committee and much has been said and written in praise of the skillful and efficient manner in which he managed the bill for extending the charters of national banks, a bill which was successfully carried through under his leadership, and against formidable obstacles. In the tariff legislation through which the tax on the capital and deposits of banks was removed, his famil- iarity with the subject was of great service and secured the direct application of the law to the national banks. Mr. Crapo's value in the legislation of the country during the incumbency of the office of con- gressman was recognized not only by his constituents but by the nation. In a short review of Mr. Crapo's life and public services published some time ago, the biographer said : At the age of fifty Mr. Crapo finds himself well started in political life, in the full maturity of his powers and possessing what some politician has so neatly termed the pecuniary basis. In person he strongly resembles his father, a man of hardy intel- lectual physiognomy. The family is of French origin, regarding which there is a romantic tradition. Both father and son have the style of face which is French rather than English. The strong mental as well as physical resemblance of the son to the father is a striking illustration of Galton's doctrine of heredity. Mr. Crapo has achieved remarkable success as a lawyer of finance, and as guardian or trustee of individual estates his high character and business talents have brought to him more interests and cases than he z BIOGRAPHICAL. 721 could attend to. In nearly all of the more prominent business enter- prises of New Bedford his name is found in some capacity, and in the conduct of each his mature advice, his rarely erring judgment and fore- sight, and his entire trustworthiness have been sought and fully appre- ciated. Mr. Crapo has served as president of the Mechanics' National Bank for more than a quarter of a century. He has been prominent in the boards of direction of numerous manufacturing industries, and for many years has been president of the Flint and Pere Marquette Rail- road Company, as well as actively associated with the management of several other railroads. To many other departments of business indus- try he has at some period of his life devoted attention, gaining the ripe experience that comes to men of broad powers. He has always been a Republican and an earnest and influential supporter of his party. That he has not in recent years received the nomination for governor of Massachusetts is due more to his reluctance to the employment of the political methods of the day than to any other cause. He is now in his sixty-ninth year, a man of brilliant intellectual ability, high scholarship, comprehensive legal and business knowledge and enjoying to the larg- est degree the confidence and admiration of the people. The degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Yale College in 1882. Mr. Crapo married, January 22, 1857, Sarah Ann Davis Tappan, and two sons were born to them: Henry Howland Crapo and Stanford Tappan Crapo. WILLIAM FREDERICK DROWN. William Frederick Drown, who died at his home on County street, New Bedford, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, on February 18, 1891, was one of the leading business men of that city. He was born in Rehoboth, December 4, 1815, only son of Ezra and Sally (Lindsey) Drown. The family is of good old Puritan stock, its advent in America dating back to early in the seventeenth century. Mr. Drown's father was born in Rehoboth, February 1, 1788, and was by occupation a farmer. His mother was also a native of Rehoboth, born February 20, 1789. They had seven children, six daughters and a son. Mr. Drown's grandfather, Colonel Frederick Drown, also of Rehoboth, was a prom- inent man in his generation, a soldier of the Revolution, and a man much esteemed by his fellow^citizens. For twenty years he held com- 91 722 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. missions in the military. He served the town of Rehoboth as select-, man and overseer of the poor twenty-three years and as assessor four- teen years. He also represented the town in the General Court for eleven years, viz., 1787-1791, and 1799-1804. He died in the latter year of typhoid fever, having reached the age of sixty-two years. William -Frederick Drown spent the earlier years of his life in Attle- borough, whither his parents had removed shortly after his birth. Here he was educated in the public schools, and in 1838 removed to Middle- borough and engaged in the cotton business. Mr. Drown came to New Bedford in 1843 and opened a retail grocery store, which he conducted alone successfully for five years and then formed a copartnership with his brother-in-law, Sylvanus Thomas, under the firm name of William F. Drown & Company. They branched out into a wholesale business and met with abundant and merited success, for both were men of the highest qualities and natural ability. In 1861 Mr. Thomas withdrew from the firm and the business was conducted by Mr. Drown until 1868, when he retired from active service and during the remainder of his life enjoyed a well earned freedom from the cares and responsibilities of active business. Mr. Drown was one of those men who inspire every one with whom they come in contact with trust, and there was not a particle of trickery or deceit in his composition. By his own energy, thrift, perseverance and good management he built up a competency. He never inherited a single dollar and was entirely the architect of his own fortunes. He had the gift of successful executive management to a large degree and this, combined with sterling good judgment and fine acumen, made him an unusually competent merchant. Mr. Drown was always ready to aid any cause which he thought would contribute to the intellectual and moral advancement and to the material progress of his adopted city. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party, but being of quiet and retiring disposition, never sought political preferment. He was a prominent member of the North Congregational Church, and liberal in his support of its interests. He was one of the first members of the New Bedford Young Men's Chris- tian Association. His character was based upon principles of upright- ness, business honor and sterling integrity, and in all things his influence was to be found on the side of humanity and justice. To a marked degree Mr. Drown won the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens and maintained an enviable position as a high minded and honorable man throughout his entire life. s>JM>f itii^jg-sfteEaitiwj-jM^l kmbrbikeshfd^a-tfovjul^m) WP§\ iBiryjetjRjipq-JacMiiie hsrhs? -bMHi$ft"^iiifen;t!niHe.)5vft$^l6«> #toe;«fijt}le aHgiaali'di§tctj^^ l «fetJfecI)8w©l [ WHls^niLis, ■fawbted.llRSit&aQt fth-ebMftes §9ppefc ^atieggiSa^fefifsF^iyi^ei!^! In ;p©jLjif»s8jhg iSritecpssasteato^ej-. pgfol jeans i^ftdof&ratf&any yfiarfeafof&k iHJfcSigfcwertqifaft* isu tb&iSiffaittHjBf -iviM Pftri-yv saving his3to»nr, ; as $»l^^ity<^e laiure. jtHeoiffia ptttftic, .^r^edv>f(5ttyioJ£il;,„ i andi.enteBgiEJsjp® : i)3aJifcea^;a iSf^of.siBigtiftt^iiyiJWidlgrgai «j$?oejof .abaractet, .*n^«I^jspticl(l M.S)l Dr,«Joh.n(iWws4iaw,Aofeawaiaseft, rM8s$(03Sfcf|ib»jm February 23, ^^jr'rhejyhraF^rfai^wa'apjCD^g MoSfeSie^iSIrtt.rNdvember 5, 1855, W>ba"Was gMadUa^%9piao@^^ijUnii?ar?itytAnolf8j80:and from the Bos- toQv'IJni versitybB1 >riJasia JMoqiasW btiB riJuotni'if-O aril hsH vit' -•:)] 1o itiobhsiq <>e(e asw sH .noiJ-jate-ent ' ■ahqoT". ariJ fo sno ilJnab diff Irinu 5681 nioii hna airlT , .-oawr, J iinniST^H^t iAF^BR€ltWN© l LL. rnBt!i r " : }o r .jnobiasT orii ytljjnigho bbv/ X'j' , rS.TEpiifeNl A^L^oB^diwarEiiHgonel dfjjfcble j most prominent citizens of New Bedford, was born iulWastparh, ^afesj, January 5, 1844. He was a gaafitisQiuof jirah;ajad^fe.t)aMv{Kirby:)-'Brownell and a great grandson oftBenjapin RrowneWaai^AbirgaikjMilk. Ezra P. Brownell, his father, siaiiborniin WieatpocVidnBtbee 10th of August, 1819, attended the com- iiiorj schdols.&n&vPieiKJes'Acaderny, and died September 6, 1870. He vmB'ji meifobesoEtfiiheisebaot committee of Westport for nineteen years fmonBi-S^&t^ 186£-,iia>Srieinftjber of the auditing committee, selectmen of 99 786 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ' the town ten years, chairman of the b.oard seven years, member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for nine years between 1857 to 1869, State senator in 1861, and county commissioner from 1865 to 1868. His wife's maiden name was Ann Maria Allen. Stephen A. Brownell attended the common schools of his native town, was graduated from Pierce Academy at Middleborough, and afterwards taught country school for four terms. From 1864 to 1870 he carried on a general store in Central Village in Westport, serving also as postmaster, and subsequently for six years he was engaged in the live cattle trade, to which was soon added the business of butchering. In April, 1878, he came to New Bedford and entered the wholesale meat house of Pardon Cornell as manager, which position he held for six years, when he became a partner under the firm name of P. Cornell & Co. In ] 890 he succeeded to the business of this firm, becoming the New Bedford agent for P. D. Armour & Co. , of Chicago, under the style of Stephen A. Brownell. In the fall of 1897 a spacious new build- ing was completed on the east side of Front street, between Union and Central streets, and in October of that year John W. Bannister, who had been connected with the business for sixteen years, was admitted to partnership under the present firm name of S. A. Brownell & Co. Mr. Brownell not only represented the largest wholesale meat estab- lishment in New Bedford, but was also prominently and actively identi- fied with various other enterprises of more than local importance. He was a director of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, the New Bedford Co-operative Bank, the Strange Forge Drill and Tool Company, of which he was at one time president, and was a director for three years of the Dartmouth and Westport Electric Railroad Com- pany, and declined re-election. He was also president of the New Bed- ford Board of Trade, and from 1895 until his death one of the proprie- tors of the Mansion House, his partner being Benjamin Dawson. This famous and popular hostelry was originally the residence of William Rotch. It was opened as a hotel December 18, 1828, by J. Webster, and was enlarged in 1887 and again in 1891. Mr. Brownell's political career began when he was a resident of West- port. He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representa- tives in 1870-71. Afterward he took an active interest in public affairs, and his ability and sagacity as a leader won for him both distinction and honor. In New Bedford he was a member of the Com- mon Council in 1886 and 1887, a member of the Board of Aldermen in BIOGRAPHICAL. 787 1888, 1890, 1891 and 1892, and mayor of the city in 1894. In all these positions he not only exhibited the highest qualities of leadership, but served with great fidelity and credit, gaining an enviable reputation as an honest, conscientious, and faithful official. He was justly called the father of New Bedford's extensive public park system, and did more to develop public sentiment in this direction and accomplished more in locating and improving the public parks than any other citizen. And the result of his efforts in this respect during the last fifteen years reflects great credit upon his untiring energy and excellent foresight. In 1898 he was president of the Common Council of New Bedford, and as such he was a member of the School Committee, the Board of Public Works, the Finance Committee, and the Park Board, and a trus- tee of the Free Public Library, and during his term as mayor he was president or chairman of these same bodies. Early in December, 1898, he was again elected to the City Council, and died in New Bedford on the 13th of the same month. In fraternal circles Mr. Brownell was universally popular. He was a prominent thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in Non- quochoke Lodge, F. & A. M., of South Westport, which he was chiefly instrumental in organizing, becoming a charter member and its first secretary, and being one of its past masters. He was also a member of the Cryptic, Capitular, and Chivalric bodies of New Bedford, being at the time of his death generalissimo of Sutton Commandery, K. T., and a member also of Aleppo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. , and Massa- chusetts Consistory thirty-second degree, of Boston. He was a mem- ber of Acushnet Lolge, I. O. O. F., of Stella Lodge, Daughters of Re- bekah, of the A. O. U. W. and the Club of Legislature of 1870. As a citizen he was widely esteemed and respected, public spirited, benevo- lent and popular. Mr. Brownell was married in 1865 to Miss Mary L. Sisson, daughter of Charles R. Sisson, of New Bedford, who, with two children, Albert R. and Mabel W., survive him. THOMAS MANDELL. Thomas Mandell, who was for many years one of the leading citizens and business men of New Bedford, was born in Fairhaven on August 9, 1792, and died in New Bedford, February 13, 1870. In his early tm OUR CO.UM>Vi ; f#NlKItTSl PEOPLE. 3tfelh<£l6eflfred.f6« fertinjeiJas^JeiHi riH^sns&Stfe ^k'fth&Jlf ey#6f-the-RiV*tf, tafl fteiffoirebher Aaehelc&IibtipiAsgdsjitJy 4*fe fei|«jgi^fl teiit)bto%i!e ©afeilyitaek fejffire ^an^gewientlbf i^i^tehdflkfefi^tc&e^vvtoietJife^itieiidLi'ewa'rWtt*! y^nkhsup-csa^aYB WMlp *Hdsi^n»pte5ieia!s&i«'l"*ii¥|ft&iMfc%uiBinag^if4a$itfiL feadkifi?ia«Ta£M &ft$&?p-1sfs ian(ft'ffidfo&gaE5Iyr;rahdtfehfefJ^)dta9 feMSigfrfey -affldld>Hsini^[£itti;itsbovHef tsti§q test^tcPhCAi Iq&;$8©5, deglfflrdjfi& tlte frakieWf.^isPse^d^sfchftf&stedr -aeimH^r&tilimr<$0rjxIri»4^fo o fr ;S ^^'tt^ estate. .ifilrjqoq baa Jnal •i3JtojBjlafid«aiSw«s «m¥ ^e¥fef-^f&? 8 ^iiWfeiSBiee 2 6F^¥ff?dl 6M he iw^4i^ty^fs u Wgdlttbj]$r^Me[)m all but their recipients. " He iflaj HJenfoigstlteri sasi!tlbe)(|Ma3B©li r fible'{ftn4fxHnccessful merchant, but his nierabry^iU HvfeiiB 4He,'Ji«£(rflff>afjahofeEiw>hci9haive been sustained and pfafleraivbyrthis uaaasgeritatiQtta^ni'gdn^lQgjhaDitiesj-'tL., 'jl^dwariiEtjMaftd&lil.fSsfcGff 'BblorAas^'wap bariaiBi^rsaf Bedford, October ■2fip: iS2Jvrandod£e&iifcobifrradli*ieI pJrte&ron bEteeemtjeril li6$i 1897. After -obtainiilgihiis educ^toiM3n'-\£^irfok^rAacdMra»dgAiJi^fltii'lft[£irte young, is&fiyarBa^ki^qtn^^i^lwt^dU^l[a.te^hssl^^\[^h3l^m^nc^.eai)tha title ©dtGhableacBi; lkx«kMr 8dj&Qi-i[sajtdi3sng^^&Mdmwhs. : i>mg>, fcsibachjjfolus&reess sutoirbew afotfcssBlsjaaBdl ttpatuMr. / K@gkeffl'[S,itestth^dli 'St6?^Mri^Mqnd«U iciOte imwfttfef JiimssIferJobBW/FafT ifofasdf j JSfifflj io£/CJrtff1*si Sky /frhe>fbiro i tajaabft -beipgi JobnIiFsfiButtetB&'iQcto gThisipoaiJeetio-n jfoaatibanrtedi «nfeiU)ItSfi6', wh^M^fl^ilmktekdiej± ^dsMydMa^Mlrflomtinfledj^ironeabiiaJlimifeed fast toalii-^Mi: fBabtfitg; tihdJ-j^g-ibi^n^s^eajBar^tfiXitending dsiaf »earfy hMf jafoeMufayo MrifiM«3ldJeHisho»f»d bis>p«)Sjassdioabo^rinan^ a£ ddttBjh%hshari- acteristics aiQdimiasaiiatbi^nefcaiqpaiJiifitatioHs thatihadadisitttngdLDisfalaaftois father. He succeeded in his undertakings, won the respect and confi- dence of the community, and was repeatedly called to responsible posi- tions. At his death ^eyjwfj^ ja^djjf ct^r jng^iej^gmsutta and Hathaway Mills, in the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company, and the Mechanics' -iBkre!§;srfd fcjtruatefjysn tba^n«tK^i«B AMlSaySqga9»iis>£ai:h^>3«»io:iBQ:ee [Sclfc^.o32ii'to$Sefl,ii^-Kftfi9JB«o < t^i«ffl;8^tb3ia&itf tm$$iteijSl stiffed Ahfe: caMto- ( iiteri^iejK)^fe(ft(JmhsBt>yibteft]l^l®«il35»itefcq aiH .i&81 ,(,' isdcnevoVl as;pSor^BaSikmp;^&§t^a^©Hby.mgr^ '9^rJatis/^^U)iiaM*arieegrift»ri9© higims^istfiH&^shsirfealjfej «aaHtsio3; ^0tiifiafitttlgips-o t ^gij&^i(feShMuB4 s^^fte^eafcift^e^BlIiSeiwaeitoeirfi M afefehar 8<^fcr#iij6i8^5att4c}¥^iiljte$ &tf floJlfegemfe-Rhj^ljiigs^telimAoaa- -ffej9hft§):jag)y»-i aeb-jps!- jaetopq&a^qndeaMiaptyiii^ftofgfttee^Jiisaiiiji afeidnfeel teokcm^£aotmail 790 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. shop work, at first for one year in a cotton mill at Waltham, and for a similar period in the gun foundry of the South Boston Iron Works. From there he went to the shops of the Burlington and Quincy Railroad, at Aurora, 111., where he filled the position of foreman. That was in the year 1877. The railroad authorities soon appreciated his worth and he was rapidly advanced until he was elected second vice-president of the road. This high position he filled with great credit until 1890, when he resigned to accept the presidency of the Chicago and Central Union Telephone Companies, and act as the western representative of the American Bell Telephone Company. These positions he held until July 1, 1897, and four days later, on the 5th of July, he met a tragic death. Thus was cut short a career which promised great achievements. Mr. Stone bore the principal part of the burden of the great struggle between the Burlington road and the Brotherhood of Locomotive En- gineers and firemen, the results of which are well known. In that con- flict he demonstrated his fitness for dealing with large problems where great tact and executive ability are required. It was soon after the termination of that strike that Mr. Stone was promoted to the second vice -presidency of the road, in 1888. During his connection with the telephone companies above mentioned he was made a director of the World's Fair, and took an active part as chairman of one of the impor- tant committees. Passing from life at the early age of forty-five years, Mr. Stone had in that comparatively short period attained a degree of material success worthy of three score years and ten, and gained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. GEORGE B. RICHMOND. George B. Richmond, for fifteen years past registrar of deeds for the Southern District of Bristol county, was born in New Bedford on November 9, 1821. His parents were Gideon Richmond, of Dighton, and Rebecca Barstow, of Scituate. He was given superior advantages for those times to obtain an education, attending the Friends' Academy in his native village, Pierce Academy at Middleborough, and entering Brown University, from which he was compelled to retire at the close of two years on account of ill health. Immediately after leaving col- lege he returned to New Bedford and began his business life. His natural tastes led him at the beginning of his career to participate in BIOGRAPHICAL. 791 politics and public affairs, and during most of his life since he has occu- pied a prominent position in this respect. In the somewhat famous qontest between the New Bedford Bridge Corporation and the People, which extended through the period from 1845 to 1855, Mr. Richmond took a very active part and was instrumental in carrying the case through the courts and the Legislature, thus securing what had become an imperative necessity, the widening of the draw in the bridge from thirty-two feet to sixty feet, to accommodate the increasing commerce of New Bedford, whose whaling' fleets were then sailing on every ocean. In 1851 Mr. Richmond was elected on the Whig ticket to the State Legislature and filled the position with credit. In 1861 he was ap- pointed inspector, weigher, gauger and measurer in the New Bedford custom house, which office he held until January, 1874, when he re- signed. Mr. Richmond has always felt a deep interest in the cause of temperance, and in 1867 was nominated by the Prohibition party for mayor of New Bedford; the nomination was again given him in 1868, but he was defeated in both years. In 1869 he was elected and served with marked acceptance in the responsible office in the years 1870, 1871, 1872, 1874 and 1878. During his administration of this office the city gained a flattering reputation through many neighboring States for the efficiency of its government and the high plane of its morality. Particularly was this true from the temperance standpoint, the com- munity having been during that period influential in improving the liquor laws of the Commonwealth ; it was widely cited by temperance advocates as illustrative of the efficacy of prohibitory liquor laws when well enforced. During Mr. Richmond's administration the city was visited by President Ulysses S. Grant, and by King Kalakua, of the Sandwich Islands. A public reception given to each of those distin- guished visitors was gracefully conducted by the mayor, in a manner satisfactory to the citizens and evidently pleasing to the guests. Mr. Richmond's efforts in the prosecution of offenders of the liquor laws in New Bedford were earnestly sustained by the Boards of Alder- men and Councillors, which were composed of citizens of high charac- ter, who were in thorough sympathy with the mayor in all of his efforts for the promotion of good government. Mr. Richmond's administra- tion was also characterized by a large extension of streets, the rebuild- ing of the Fairhaven bridge, and other important public improvements, which contributed in a marked degree to the prosperity of the city. 792 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. On December 31, 1873, just previous to his inaugurationqag£fljia,y{3f[ijft 1874, Governor Washburn appointed Mr. Richmond onenftfedfoe Pcdgte Commissioners of the Commonwealth, which position he h^dewnjtgj^h^) office was abolished. Mr. Richmond has always evinced a dg§ fixSifgffffifc in educational affairs. The beautiful High School buildipgvfrte Jjfggj Bedford was planned and contracted for during his adm-jnigljrfltjgR-tHit 1874, and the foundations were laid in the latter part of ifyqiiz&ffiffim ilk 1880 and 1881 he was a member of the State Senate, repr§?ejwipg)-fh/ft Third Bristol county district. In the last named year hfe£pe$j$iet as, chairman of the committee on public charitable institutions an$ £ t&@ committee on the liquor laws. When the vacancy was m$4%8iPntlh e office of registrar of deeds for the Southern District of BriSjfegJj^to^ in 1883, Mr. Richmond received the appointment. This ofSgpfJ$§ r j}g£ ever since filled to the entire satisfaction of the district. I%[ lf&j&J 8 h^ was appointed by Governor Robinson a trustee of the Westbogiggfe Insane Hospital, and in 1887 was reappointed by Governor &JR§Sj rfrjiij five years ; in 1892 he was reappointed by Governor Russell. } TOVBrn In politics Mr. Richmond has always been an ardent Republ^ajHa^ as before stated, has been unyielding in his adherence to the fiftHSfljp^ prohibition. For many years he was chairman of the Repubj^san i (j>ji}i Committee. In 1888 he was a member of the Republican Sj^itejC^flo tral Committee. In the same year he was chairman of thej Bfljstjft! County Committee of the First Congressional District and alsOjjsjJj^h^ Third Bristol District Senatorial Committee. In the fall of 1888nhft declined all of these positions, desiring to devote his whole time touthfl exacting duties of his office. In 1889 he was elected a director in $feft Bristol County Mutual Insurance Company. He is chairman of $i§ board of trustees of the First Baptist Society, and for five years w#s superintendent of its Sabbath school. He was for many years one <# the board of the New Bedford Port Society and is one of the trustee^ of the New Bedford Five. Cents Savings Bank. For seven years he was president of the local Y. M. C. A. He has been closely identified with many movements for promoting the moral and material welfare of the city and is now one of New Bedford's most respected citizens. Mr. Richmond was married in Middleborough, November 5, 1844, to Rebecca R. C, daughter of Rev. Ebenezer and Rebecca (Childs) Nelson, of Middleborough. They have had seven children, five of whom are living. Mrs. Richmond died July 31, 1863. His second marriage took place at New Bedford, December 15, 1864, to Abby S., BIOGRAPHICAL. 793 daughter of Deacon Nathaniel and Hannah (Smith) Nelson, who died July 30, 1868. His third marriage was at New Bedford, November 3, 1871, to Elizabeth E., daughter of Capt. Charles D. and Mary H. Swift, of New Bedford. THATCHER T. THURSTON. Thatcher Thayer Thurston, managing editor of the Fall River Herald, is a son of Eli and Julia A. (Sessions) Thurston, and was born in Fall River, November 18, 1859. He obtained his rudimentary ed- ucation in the Fall River public schools, and then prepared for Amherst College in the Phillips Academy at Andover ; entering Amherst in 1877, he was graduated with honor in the class of 1881. After graduation he secured a position as a salesman in a New York commission house, where he remained three years and then returned to Fall River, and became identified with the newspaper business, being assistant editor of the Fall River Globe and Fall River correspondent of the Providence Journal for a period of eleven years. During this time his vigorous articles and enterprising work gained for him much favorable mention and in 1895 he was called to his present position as managing editor of the Herald. Although Mr. Thurston's connection with this publication covers but a short time he has already made his influence felt, and by untiring enterprising efforts has secured for his paper a prominent po- sition in the journalistic arena; a position which gives promise of greater things in the future. He was married in February, 1894, to Ada E., daughter of William A. Dunn of Fall River, and one son has been born to them, Elliot Ladd. WILLIAM FRANCIS KENNEDY. William Francis Kennedy, managing editor of the Fall River Daily Globe, is a native of Fall River. He is a son of Matthew and Mar- garet (Donovan) Kennedy, and his father, who was a resident of Fall River many years, was engaged in the cotton manufacturing business, holding positions as overseer in different mills in this vicinity. When William F. Kennedy was an infant the family removed to Taunton where he attended the public and high schools. After leaving school 100 794 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. he secured a position with the Whittenton Manufacturing- Company, with whom he remained in the capacity of clerk and paymaster for a period of eighteen years. During his residence in Taunton Mr. Ken- nedy was always active in political circles and was for a number of years in the city government, being president of the Taunton Common Council in 1884. In 1885 he was appointed by President Cleveland postmaster of the city and served the term of four years. He had always done more or less work for the local papers and thus acquired a taste for and much experience in journalistic work. He finally became representative in this section of the State for the Boston Globe, and his work in this capacity led to his being tendered, in 1890, the position of managing editor of the Fall River Daily Globe, which position he accepted and still holds. Mr. Kennedy has done much during his con- nection with the Globe to give it the title which it justly holds as one of the most enterprising newspapers in this section. HENRY A. NOYES. Henry Andrews NovEswas born in Newburyport, Mass., September 25, 1870, a son of Amos (deceased) and Anna P. (Andrews) Noyes. He received his early education in the public schools of Newburyport and Boston Business College. After graduating from the latter he began his business career as a newspaper man on the Herald in Newburyport, and after remaining about a year on the Herald he went to Lowell with the Morning Mail as a reporter. While in Lowell Mr. Noyes contracted typhoid fever, which unfitted him for business for some time, and on his recovery he became editor of a weekly paper in Newburyport. He then went to Northampton for awhile on the Herald, and then to Brock- ton on the Despatch and Gazette as city editor. This position he held for two years and gave it up and came to Taunton on the News five years ago. The News changed hands soon after his arrival and a position was offered him as editor of the Herald, which he accepted, and has been with them now about four years. At the age of seven- teen and when Mr. Noyes was in Newburyport, he was elected secretary of the Board of Trade of that city, and was the youngest secretary in the State. JOHN H. ABBOTT. M. D. BIOGRAPHICAL. 795 PHILIP D. BORDEN. Philip D. Borden, who died in Fall River May 2, 1896, in the seventy- ninth year of his age, was for many years one of the foremost business men of the city. He was a son of Thomas and Lydia(Durfee) Borden, and born in that part of Tiverton which is included in Fall River, in 1817. At an early age he began work in the Fall River Iron Works and for some years served as private secretary to Holder Borden. Later he was appointed superintendent by the Iron Works Company, and still later occupied a similar position in the American Linen Mill. He was a prompt, active and energetic business man, and during his life held many positions of honor and trust. JOHN H. ABBOTT., M. D. John Hammill Abbott, M. D., of Fall River, is the youngest son of James and Catharine (Henry) Abbott, and was born in Fall River, Mass. , on the 11th of August, 1848. His father was born in Skipton, York- shire, England, in 1813, and came to America with his wife in 1842, settling first in Fall River. Later he became the senior member of the firm of Abbott & Sanders, proprietors of the Crompton (R. I.) Print Works, and subsequently he built a cotton mill in Apponaug, R. I., which was sold to Jordan, Marsh & Co. , of Boston, and which is now the site of the Oriental Print Works. During the latter years of his life he was employed in the establishment of the American Printing Company, of Fall River, where he died, widely respected and esteemed, February 17, 1875. His wife, Catharine (Henry) Abbott, was born in 1810 in Clitheroe, a parliamentary borough in the county of Lancashire, England, and the birthplace and early home of the late Governor Fred- erick Thomas Greenhalge, of Massachusetts. She died in Fall River on the 15th of July, 1893. Dr. John H. Abbott attended the public schools of his native city and of Crompton, R. I., whither his parents removed when he was a boy. He was graduated from the Providence Conference Seminary at East Greenwich, R. I., and then entered the Fruit Hill Seminary, a private institution in North Providence, where he finished his prepara- tory studies. Afterward he was a clerk in the drug store of Jacob Mott in Providence for several years, or until the spring of 1864. This ser- 796 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. vice had a brief interruption, however, when he enlisted in November, 1863, in the 3d Rhode Island Cavalry, from which his release was se- cured on the ground of his youthful age. In April, 1864, he again en- listed in the Union cause, this time in the United States Signal Corps, and served mainly in the Department of the Gulf under Generals Canby, Gordon Granger and Reynolds. He was also on detached service on board the U. S. sloop of war Monohgahela for a time, participating in Farragut's memorable naval battle of Mobile Bay and being present at the siege of Fort Spanish and other movements around Mobile until the surrender of that city. He was honorably discharged as sergeant in December, 1865, and returning to Providence was bookkeeper in his father's cotton mill until early in 1867, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. James R. Birdsall, of Camden, N. J. In the spring of 1868 he was appointed apothecary on board the U. S. ironclad Sau- gus, U. S. navy, and served until December 13, 1869, when he resign- ed. During this service he was attached to the North Atlantic squadron in the vicinity of Key West, Fla. , and Cuba, and became well acquainted with the people and cities of the West India islands. On resigning from the navy Dr. Abbott resumed his professional studies with Dr. Albert C. Dedrick, of Centreville, R. I., and in 1870 he entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. March 9, 1872. He at once began active practice at Centreville, but in September, 1873, established himself in Fall River, where he has ever since followed his profession with uninterrupted success, winning a reputation which easily gives him a leading place among the foremost physicians not only of that city, but also of Bristol county. Dr. Abbott has always been an ardent and staunch Republican, and in the councils of his party has wielded for many years a potent and wholesome influence. He was city physician and president of the Board of Health of Fall River from 1879 to 1882 and a member of the Fall River Common Council from Ward 1 in 1877 and of the Board of Alder- men in 1896 and 1897 from Ward 2. He was a member of the Republican State Central Committee from the Second Bristol district for five years, chairman of the Republican City Committee of Fall River for four years, an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1888, and a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Minneapolis in 1892. He has also been a delegate to numerous Re- publican State, Congressional, and local conventions, and during the BIOGRAPHICAL. 797 three years of Governor Oliver Ames's administration, from 1887 to 1889 inclusive, was a member of his staff with the rank of colonel and assistant quartermaster-general He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, of the Rhode Island Medical Society, and of the South Bristol Medical Association, of which he was president in 1898. In fraternal circles Dr. Abbott's popularity and reputation extends into some of the leading national bodies. He is a thirty- second degree Mason, holding membership in Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, K. T., of Fall River, and in Massachusetts Consistory, of Boston. He was commander of Richard Borden Post, No. 46, Grand Army of the Re- public, for four successive years, an inspector on the staff of Depart- ment Commander John W. Billings in 1880, and a delegate to the National Encampments of the G. A. R. at Portland, Me., and Indian- apolis, Ind. In the Knights of Pythias, beginning as a charter mem- ber of Mount Vernon Lodge No. 157, of Fall River, he has passed through all the chairs of the subordinate and Grand lodges to the post of grand chancellor of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, which he held from February 18, 1891, to February 17, 1892. In 1895 he was elected supreme representative to the Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Pythias for four years from January, 1896, and is now serving in that capacity. He was brigadier- general commanding the Massachu- setts Brigade, Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, for two terms of four years each, serving from July 24, 1889, to July 24, 1897, and in the latter year was appointed brigadier- general and chief engineer on the staff of Major-General James R. Carnahan, of Indianapolis, Ind., commanding the Uniform Rank of the Order. Dr. Abbott is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Pil- grim Fathers, of the New England Order of Protection, of the Benev- olent Order of Elks, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a public spirited, patriotic, and progressive citizen, a man of broad intellectual attainments, a physician of recognized ability and skill, and a firm adherent of those principles which spread the great- est good among his fellow beings. In every capacity he has won an honorable reputation and merited distinction, while in the community where his professional labors have covered a period of a quarter of a century he is highly respected and esteemed. 798 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ROBERT TREAT PAINE. Robert Treat Paine, one of the signers of the Declaration of In- dependence, was born in Boston, Mass., March 11, 1731. His father was Thomas Paine, pastor of a church in Weymouth and later a mer- chant of considerable prominence in Boston; his mother was Eunice Treat, who was the daughter of Samuel Treat and a granddaughter of Samuel Willard, president of Harvard College from 1701 to 1707. Robert T. Paine entered Harvard College and was graduated in 1749. He spent some years in teaching school, and later became a sailing master, making three voyages to North Carolina and one voyage to Greenland in the whaling service. He must have been somewhat un- decided as to his future lif ework, as he left the sea and studied divinity, and in 1755 was a chaplain in the army in the French war. He finally took up the study of the law, reading with Judge Willard, of Lancaster, Mass., and Benjamin Pratt, of Boston. He was admitted to the bar of Suffolk county in 1759. He began the practice of his profession in Boston, but in 1761 re- moved to Taunton, where he rapidly advanced and secured a place in the front rank of the lawyers of that vicinity, and his fine mental en- dowment, his profound knowledge of the law and his thoroughness in practice soon brought him an extensive business. He represented Taunton in the General Court in 1769. In 1770, in the absence of the attorney-general, he conducted the prosecution of Captain Preston and others for the Boston massacre, and exhibited great ability therein. Upon the breaking out of the Rev- olution he warmly espoused the cause of the colonists, and was a dele- gate to the Provincial Congress in 1774 and 1775, a member of the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1778, and won lasting honor as a signer of its Declaration of Independence. He served as a member of the Massachusetts General Court and was speaker of the House in 1777. In 1776 he was appointed a justice of the Supreme Court, but declined the honor. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1779, and upon the acceptance af the constitution was made the first attorney-general of Massachusetts and served as such until February 13, 1790. In 1780 he returned to Boston, where he bought and occupied the Governor Shirley residence on the corner of Milk and Federal streets. In 1790 he was appointed an associate justice of the Supreme Judicial BIOGRAPHICAL. 799 Court, which position he filled with great ability until 1804, when he resigned. He received the honorary degree of LL. B. from Harvard in 1805. He died May 11, 1814. In 1770 he married Sally, daughter of Thomas Cobb, and sister of Gen. David Cobb, of Taunton. PERSONAL REFERENCES. PERSONAL REFERENCES. Abbe, Alanson J., M. D., son of Frederic R. and Mary T. (Thayer) Abbe, was born in Abington, Mass., February 18, 1861. When he was eight years old his par- ents removed to Boston and he obtained . his preliminary education in the Boston Latin School, from which he was graduated in 1877. In the same year he entered Harvard College, receiving the degree of A. B. in 1881. He then entered the Har- vard Medical School, taking the volunteer four years' course and receiving the de- grees of A.M. and M.D. cum laude. During the last year of his medical course he acted as interne (resident physician) at the McLean Asylum. Dr. Abbe located in Fall River shortly after graduation and has since been in eminently successful prac • tice in that city. He has of late years confined his practice to diseases of the ear and eye, in the treatment of which he has acquired an enviable reputation. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and secretary and treasurer of the Bristol South District. He is also a member of the American Medical Association, the Fall River Medical Society and has been on the staff of the Fall River Hospital since its establishment. June 10, 1888, he was married to Louisa L., daughter of James H. Eaton of Andover, Mass. , and they have two children : Alice Thayer, born May 7, 1890, and Frederic Eaton, born May 2, 1892. Adams, Charles H., son of Zenas L. and Sarah C. (Hinckley) Adams, was born in Nantucket, April 30, 1843. His father, who died in New Bedford, November 17, 1883, in his seventy-fourth year, was for many years a successful master mariner and later in life became interested to a large extent in shipping interests in New Bed- ford. He was a native of Cape Cod and a direct descendant of Thomas Adams, brother of John of Quincy ; of a retiring disposition and yet possessed of a fine ex- ecutive and business ability, he greatly endeared himself to all with whom he asso- ciated, and his death was sincerely mourned in business circles. Charles H. Adams was educated in the schools of Nantucket and in the East Greenwich Seminary at East Greenwich, R. I. After leaving school and before he was eighteen years of age, he had formed a copartnership with Otis Churchill in Waterford, Saratoga county, N. Y. , and under the name of Churchill & Adams conducted a milling and lumber business Later this copartnership was dissolved and he engaged in the grocery business in New Bedford in company with his father and brother, Zenas, under the name, Zenas L. Adams & Sons, this copartnership being discontinued after a dura- tion of five years, when he engaged again in the lumber business, this time in Dighton and Swansea, Bristol county, Mass. Later Mr. Adams gave his attention to various mercantile enterprises in Westfield aud Pittsfield, and at the death of his 4, OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE father he returned to New Bedford to take charge of his shipping interests. He has served in the Common Council one term, representing Ward 3; and is a member of Pacific Lodge of Odd Fellows. He married, in 1866, Nannie B. , daughter of Jona- ' than Bisbee of Fairhaven, and they have one daughter, Alice, wife of Nathaniel C. Smith of New Bedford. Adams, George A., was born in Springfield, April 3, 1850. His father, Gardner Adams, was a native of Franklin, Norfolk county, where John Adams settled in 1701. Gardner Adams married Eunice R. , daughter of Alfred and Electa Darling, and through live was identified in mercantile pursuits. George A. Adams was edu- cated in the public schools, Harvard and Tufts Colleges, teaching school two years in Goddard Seminary, Barre, Vt. He was admitted to the bar May 8, 1873 at Ded- ham and opened his practice in Attleborough the same year. November 30, 1871, he married Clara I. Gowen, and they have one daughter, May S., and one son, Charles G. Mr. Adams is one of the conservative men of Bristol county, for nine years member and chairman of the School Committee; five years one of the Select- men; chairman for several years of the Prudential Committee of the fire district; and was representative in the Legislature in 1884-85, serving on the judiciary and probate committees. Alden, Silas, was born in Newton, Mass., July 8, 1809, a son of Paul and Rebecca (Newell) Alden. His father was a farmer and died when Silas was a youth/ Shortly after his mother removed to Dedham, Mass. , where he was educated in the public schools, and when he was sixteen years old he began to learn the carriage trimmer's trade, which he followed for seven years, five years in Dedham and one year each in Boston and New Bedford. At the end of this period he entered a wholesale dry goods store in Boston as clerk, and remained four years. He then started in the re- tail dry goods business in New Bedford, locating on Purchase street, at the present site of Wing's store, and here he conducted a business for upwards of ten years. In 1848 he sold out and went to Worcester county, where he engaged in farming for five years. He then returned to New Bedford, where he has since resided. Mr. Alden has served as superintendent of the poor for seven years, six years as secre- tary of the board, and he has also served on the Board of Assessors for three years. In politics he has always been a staunch Whig and Republican. In 1840 he married Emily, daughter of Francis Howland of New Bedford, and of their three children, two survive: George N. and Ella, wife of James A. Baker of Fall River. Mr. Alden is a member of the most famous of the old Puritan families, being seventh of the line of John Alden. Alger, Arthur Martineau, is a son of Rev. William H. and Anne Langdon (Lodge) Alger, and a direct descendant of Thomas Alger, who settled in Taunton about 1665. He was born in Boston, September 23, 1854; received his early education in the Boston Latin School, and was graduated from the Boston University Law School in the class of 1876. He was admitted to the Suffolk bar in June of that year, and immediately located for practice in Taunton. He was city solicitor of Taunton from 1885 to 1889 inclusive ; alderman in 1885 ; mayor in 1890 ; clerk of the First District Court of Bristol from 1879 to 1893. In the latter year he became registrar of probate and insolvency for the county of Bristol, and now holds that office. He has contributed articles to the American Law Review and the Harvard Law Re- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 5 view, and is also the author of " A Treatise on the Law in Relation to Promoters and the Promotion of Corporations." April 22, 1882, Mr. Alger married Lelia C, daughter of George B. and Elizabeth S. Sanders, of Taunton, who died October 24, 1895, leaving two daughters: Mary Lodge and Anne Langdon. Allen, Henry K. W. , was born on the homestead farm, North Attleboro, March 22, 1818. His father, Josiah Allen, was a native of the same neighborhood, and the family trace their descent from Ephraim Allen, who settled there about 1700. Josiah married Rowena, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Tingley. H. K. W. Allen was educated at Southampton, L. I., N. Y., and spent some three years in the South at Mobile, Ala. In 1843 he married Mary D., daughter of Jacob Blackinton, and they had five sons and two daughters: Henry B., Walter S., Charles J., George W., Albert L., Mrs. Mary E. Grant and Mrs. Frances M. Maxey. Mr. Allen is one of the practical and successful farmers of this town, serving as a member of the Legis- lature, justice of the peace forty-two years, justice of the Magistrate's Court eighteen years, selectman and assessor of taxes for several years. Allen, James Eben, son of John and Eliza W. (White) Allen, was born in Dart- mouth, February 19, 1841. After completing the prescribed courses of the common schools of his native town, he entered Peirce Academy at Middleboro, and was grad- uated in the class of 1865. Mr. Allen has devoted his entire life to agriculture and is one of the best known farmers in this vicinity. He has always taken an active interest in politics in the best sense of the term, and has frequently been elected to public office. He was selectman of Dartmouth for six years and overseer of the poor for nine years. For the past six years he has served as road commissioner, and at present is a special county commissioner. In 1892-93 he represented his dis- trict in the State Legislature, serving on the fish and game committees, and as chairman of the committee on county estimates. Mr. Allen is a prominent Mason, a past master of Noquochoke Lodge, F. & A. M., of Westport; a member of Sutton Commandery of New Bedford, and Aleppo Temple, M S. , of Boston. He married, in June, 1865, Adelaide A., daughter of Capt. James H. and Nancy (Allen) Slocum, of Dartmouth, and of their union four daughters were born: Eliza W., wife of Henry C. Pearson; Abbie E., Nancy S., and Sarah T. For his second wife he married Lula A., daughter of Israel and Lydia (Slocum) Brightman, of Dartmouth. Allen, Capt. James R., youngest son of Prince and Jane (Packard) Allen, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., July 30, 1816. His father died when he was an infant, and his mother, with a family of six children, removed to the town of Acushnet, where she resided until her death. Captain Allen received his early education in the district schools, and at the age of fourteen he began the life of a sailor. His first voyage was as cabin boy on a whaling ship ; he spent nearly forty years at sea, having served in all capacities, the last four or five voyages as master of the vessel. He has traveled all over the world, having made two or three trips around Cape Horn and Cape Good Hope. In 1868 Captain Allen returned home to his farm in Acushnet, where he has since lived a retired life. October 23, 1859, he married Pamelia daughter of Barnabas and Phoebe (Swift) Douglass, and they have four children: Josephine, wife of James L. Humphrey, jr. ; Sarah J., wife of Joseph T. Leonard: Millie D.. wife of Thomas Hersom, jr.; and Leslie C, who resides at home. Captain Allen might have held public office many times, but has declined all 6 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. political honors, preferring to remain an independent citizen. Though well on in years, he is hale and hearty, and bids fair to enjoy for many years to come the uni- versal respect and esteem in which he is held in this community. Allen, Walter S., son of Frederick S. and Susan (Gardner) Allen, was born in New Bedford, July 16, 1858, and is a member of one of the oldest of New England fami- lies, one which has been well represented, and, in fact, always located in this sec- tion. The first of the name was George Allen, from whom Mr. Allen is a direct de- scendent in the eighth generation. George (1), Ralph (2), Ebenezer (3), James (4), Prince (5), James (6), Frederick S. (7), and Walter S. (8). George Allen, who was the progenitor of most of the name in this section, sailed from Weymouth, England, in 1635, and, after remaining a short time in Lynn, removed to Sandwich, of which place he was one of the first settlers. Some of his children bought land in Dartmouth and thus the family took root in this section. Many of them were members of the Society of Friends, and five of the sons of George were collectively fined j£280 for. holding or attending Quaker meetings. On the maternal side Mr. Allen descends from the Nantucket Gardners, also Quakers, who were among the first settlers of the island of Nantucket. Mr. Allen's father, Frederick S., was a native of New Bedford, and a prominent and successful merchant, having been engaged in the whaling business for over fifty years (firm of Swift & Allen). He served at various times in the city government, was a director in numerous manufacturing corporations, and was counted one of the leading business men of the city. For several years he was vice-president of the Five Cents Savings Bank. He died May 10, 1896, in the eighty- ■ fourth year of his age. Walter S. Allen was educated in private schools and at the Friends Academy in New Bedfond, and later he entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Boston, and took the B. S. degree with the class of 1879. In the same year he went abroad to continue the study of chemistry at the University of Leipsic, where he remained two years and then returned to become a special student at Harvard, remaining one year. At the end of this period he accepted a position as instructor in chemistry in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which he filled until 1885, when the State Board of Gas Commissioners was created, and he became secretary of the board. In 1892 he resigned to enter the employ of the Bos- ton Gas Light Co. , as assistant to the treasurer and general manager, and served in that capacity until the fall of 1896. Mr. Allen has for many years been a student of the question of municipal ownership of street railways and gas plants, and has made several European trips to investigate the workings of the different systems in the cities of England and the Continent. In 1897 he became the secretary of a special committee created by the Legislature to investigate the relation of street railroads and municipal corporations. The report of this committee was adopted by the Leg- islature substantially as recommended, the first time recorded when a special com- mittee obtained a bill embodying its recommendations from the Legislature to which it made its report. Mr. Allen is an active worker for the interests of the New Bed- ford Public Library and has been a member of the board of trustees since 1892. He is a member of the Wamsutta Club of New Bedford; the St. Botolph and University Clubs of Boston, and the University Club of New York. Almy, Giles Pardon, son of Giles and Aeria (Slocum) Almy, was born in the town of Dartmouth. Bristol county, Mass., December 14, 1856. His parents were natives PERSONAL REFERENCES. 7 of Dartmouth and his father died when he was but two weeks old. Mr. Almy was educated in the common schools of his native town and at an early age was thrown on his own resources. .He has always been engaged in farming and is now one of the most successful and enterprising in the county. Everywhere he is recognized as a liberal and public-spirited man who takes a deep interest in the development of his native town. Almy, Norman L. , son of Warren W. and Sarah Louise (Gray) Almy, was born in Tiverton, R. I., May 2, 1872. He is a member of a family which, for several gener- ations, has been of prominence in this vicinity. His father, who still resides in Tiv- erton, is a well known and respected citizen of that place. Mr. Almy attended the schools of Tiverton until he was fifteen years old and then came to New Bedford to complete his education in the New Bedford High School. In 1889 he entered the crockery store of Purrington & Brown as a clerk, in which capacity he continued for a period of four years. For two years following he was employed by the reorgan- ized firm of Purrington, Brown & Richards, and then went into the employ of C. F. "Wing, in the wall paper department. In 1896 Mr. Almy married Henrietta C. , daughter of the late Samuel P. Burt of New Bedford. They have one daughter, Madeline Eleanor, and one son, Roger Warren. Amiot, Joseph Edward, son of Joseph and Therese (Leroux) Amiot, was born at St. Simon, P. Q. , Canada, January 24, 1853. He is of French extraction and a de- scendant of Jean Marie Amiot! His father was a notary public, and also owned several farms in St. Simon. As u young man he attended the parish schools of his native town and St. Hyacinthe College. After leaving school he engaged in farming for about two years and then came to the United States, being at that time but six- teen years of age. He settled in Forestdale, R. I. , and learned the weaver's trade. He removed to Fall River in November, 1871, and found work at the Mechanics' Mill, later being employed in the Union Mill. When he first came to Fall River he was obliged to sell a portion of his wearing apparel in order to pay for board. After working in tfie mills for some time he began to learn the carpenter's trade, but in a short time accepted a position in a grocery store. In May, 1873, Mr. Amiot entered the employ of Louis Reeves, a baker, and a year later started a bakery of his own on William street, conducting it three years and then' selling out to engage in the meat market business, which business he conducted for about two years and then started another bakery on Pleasant street, above Mason. In 1886, realizing that he could do better in a business which afforded larger opportunities for the exercise of his ability, he started his present hardware and paint store at 1392-1396 Pleasant street. Mr. Amiot has been very successful. For the past nine years he has paid more taxes than any other French-Canadian in the city. In 1895 he was elected to the Common Council from the Sixth ward, being re-elected in 1896. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., the Knights of Pythias, and St. John the Baptist Society. Septem- ber 29, 1874, Mr. Amiot married Marie Emma, daughter of Peter J. Johnson, of Fall River, and they have thirteen children. Amsden, Henry H., M.D., was born in Concord, N. H., July 15, 1872, a son of Charles H. and Helen A. (Brown) Amsden. He was educated in and graduated from the Concord High School, and in 1896 graduated from Boston University School of Medicine. He began his practice that same year in Attleboro, and is one of the 8 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. progressive men of his profession ; he is medical examiner for the Pilgrim Fathers. Dr. Amsden takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. . Angell, William Henry, was born in Lonsdale, R. I., May 17, 1845, a son of Will- iam W. and Annie D. (Hobbs) Angell. Soon after his birth his parents moved to Providence. At the age of five years they moved to Foxboro, where he received the education given by the public schools, and supplemented this at the local academy known as the "Foxboro English and Classical School." In his nineteenth year he was graduated at the Schofield Business College. After teaching school several terms he engaged in the building business in Providence. In 1869 he was married to Eliza A., daughter of Thomas A. and Lynthia C. Lawton, and they have had three children: Nettie W. (deceased), Annie J., and Mattie M. In 1872 he moved to Mansfield. For fifteen years he engaged in the lumber business, together with con- tracting and building. Since then he has continued his lumber business and dealt extensively in real estate. Mr. Angell was particularly interested in the organiza- tion of the fire department, and was its first chief. In 1890-91 he was a member of the Board of Selectmen. In the following year he was elected on the School Board, and served five years, four as chairman ; and during his term of office was indefatig- able in promoting the welfare of the public schools. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and his fervent love of church and Sunday school is shown by his unceasing activity in the work. Anthony, Everett F., son of Caleb G. and Margaret (McNelly) Anthony, was born in Fall River, April 17, 1857. He obtained his education in the public schools and the Fall River High School, and during part of the time he was attending school was a live and energetic carrier boy for the Fall River Daily News. After leaving school he worked for George H. Hawes, a cloth broker, for one year. In 1874 he became an errand boy for the Old Colony Railroad Company. Being attentive to duty he soon won promotion and passed onward from one post of duty to another until he reached the head of the freight department of the road. In July, 1893, when the Old Colony Company and the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad were consolidated, he became local agent for that company and the Old Colony Steamboat Company, and has since held that position. During his term of service the amount of freight business has greatly increased owing to the rapid growth of Fall River. Mr. Anthony is a member of King Philip Lodge of Masons, Royal Arch Chapter and Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery. He is also a member of Pocasset Council of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Anthony was married to Hannah Davis, of Fall River, in October, 1893. They have one daughter, Elsie D. Anthony. Anthony, James Yale, was born in Taunton, Mass. , July 14, 1846, a son of James H. and Harriet M. (Yale) Anthony. He received his early education in the public schools and Middleboro Academy and then attended a commercial school in Prov- idence, R. I., for a business education, graduating from the latter place in 1866. He immediately went to work for his father as an accountant and surveyor in the lumber business, where he remained until 1868, when he engaged in the tack busi- ness with Mr. Cushman, under the firm name of Anthony & Cushman, which firm continues at the present writing. Mr. Anthony was married in 1876 to Ella W. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 9 Hersey of New York, who died in December, 1885, leaving two children, Ralph, now in Harvard, and Mildred M. Arden, Thomas Hill, was born in Fall River, Mass., February 16, 1861, a son of William and Sarah Jaue (Hill) Arden. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Fall River and at the close of his school life he entered a clothing store as a clerk, where he remained about four years. He then went to the Durfee Manufacturing Company, and stayed about eight years, when at this time he re- ceived an offer from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York to go to work for them, and was appointed an agent for that company in May, 1886, and appointed assistant superintendent in May, 1888, and in 1890 came to Taunton and took charge of the office here and has increased the business every year. July 17, 1884, he married Jennie Ann Bayley of Fall River, and they have two children : Thomas Hill Arden, jr., and Ella Myrtle Arden. Ashley, Jarvis Tabor, son of Tabor and Elizabeth (Woodell) Ashley, was born on the old homestead in the town of Dartmouth, Mass., October 12, 1821. He is a mem- ber of one of the oldest and most respected pioneer families of Bristol county. His education in the schools was meager and confined to the elementary grades. Mr. Ashley began his present life when a boy and has always followed farming as his chosen vocation. In April, 1851, he married Mary A. West of Dartmouth, and they have three children: Merton B., Annie M. and Elizabeth E., wife of George F. Mery. Mr. Ashley has held the office of road surveyor almost continuously for twenty years. Austin, Frederick Ellsworth, was born in Taunton, Mass., August 6, 1865, a son of James and Sarah A. (Godfrey) Austin. His early education was obtained in the Taunton public schools; he fitted himself for Harvard, but on account of ill health was obliged to leave after having been there one year. In 1890 he entered the law office of Charles A. Reed and continued his studies so that in October, 1892, he was admitted to the bar and commenced practice for himself in Taunton, where he still continues to practice. He was in the City Council 1889 and 1890, and for five years was chairman of the Republican city committee; he was also a representative to the Legislature in 1893 and 1894. November 12, 1896, Mr. Austin married Hattie Win- slow, daughter of Charles L. and Ella M. (Ashley) Johnson of Taunton. Austin, Loring M., third son of Reuben W. and Jane W. (Robertson) Austin, was born in the town of Fairhaven, July 18, 1853. After receiving his education from the public schools of his native town, he embarked in the tanning and farming busi- ness, which he followed for fifteen years. He then took up the stone mason's trade, which vocation he has since successfully followed. On August 14, 1871, he married Eunice J., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Tinkham) Ellis, and they had five chil- dren: Myra F. (deceased); Albert L. , born August 19, 1874; Frederick L., born February 22, 1882; Minnie F., born July 17, 1886; and Frank (deceased). Ayer, George A., superintendent for ten years of the City Manufacturing Corpo- ration of New Bedford, was born in Chicopee, Mass., February 8, 1855. He was a son of Albert and Sarah (Ayer) Ayer, both of whom died before he reached the age of sixteen years. Most of his early boyhood was spent in South Hadley, where he worked on a farm in the summer and attended the district schools in winter. He b 10 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was obliged to take entire care of himself, and had few friends to help him. When nineteen years old he decided to learn a trade, and with this end in view went to Holyoke and entered the employ of the Merrick Thread Company in the repair de- partment, where he remained four years and thoroughly learned the machinist's trade. He then went into the thread and yarn department of the same mills, and advanced by successive steps until he became a second hand. He was now offered a position as overseer in the Elizabeth Mills at Hills Grove, R. I., and after a service of three years there went to the Globe Yarn Mills of Fall River to take a similar po- sition, in which he remained two years, and was then made assistant superintendent. One year later he went to Easthampton, Mass., to take charge of the Williston Mills as superintendent, and in 1889 came to New Bedford to accept his present posi- tion of superintendent of the City Manufacturing Corporation. Mr. Ayer is a thor- oughly practical manufacturer, and well equipped by training and natural ability for the responsible duties which devolve upon him.. He is a Free and Accepted Mason, a member of Sutton Commandery, Knights Templar. In 1876 he married Melora A., daughter of John and Abby Thayer, of Belchertown, Mass., and they have two children, Albert J. and Sadie M. Babbitt, Francis Sanford, a son of George H. and Seraphene S. Babbitt, was born in Taunton, December 22, 1843. He was educated in Taunton public schools and Bristol Academy, and at the age of nineteen he enlisted in the 39th Reg., M. V. M., and served from that time (1863) until the close of the war in 1865. On his return from the war he engaged in the manufacture of machinery in Taunton, and contin- ued in this business until 1890. He was a representative in the Legislature in 1882 and 1883; on the Board of Aldermen in 1887; and county commissioner from 1887 to 1893 inclusive. In the fall of 1890 he was elected mayor of the city of Taunton, and served the city in this capacity in the years 1891, 1892, and 1893; was appointed chief of police of the city in 1897, which position he now holds. Mr. Babbitt was married to Abbie L. Hitch, of New Bradford, in 1870, and she died in 1892, leaving one daughter, A. Louise Babbitt. Babbitt, Isaac N., jr., son of Isaac N. and Almira (Morse) Babbitt, was born in Dartmouth, January 14, 1838. His father was a blacksmith by trade and conducted a business in Dartmouth for twenty-five years, later removing to Fairhaven, where he, in company with J. B. Morse, conducted a large business on what was then called Rodman's Wharf, He is still living, having reached the advanced age of eighty- seven years. Isaac N., jr., attended the public schools of Dartmouth until fifteen years of age. When sixteen years of age he learned the blacksmith's trade under his father and followed the business for about six years. At this time he went to Provi- dence, R. I., and began to learn the machinist's trade in a shop owned by E. Shaw. During a part of the Civil war he worked in James C. Bradford's machine shop in New Bedford, building principally turret engines for monitors and other government work, including hydraulic apparatus. In 1865 he secured a position with the Fair- haven Iron Works Company, and for a period ot fourteen years traveled for that cor- poration, setting up Fairhaven presses in printing offices in many of the States and in Canada. He then went into the retail stove and hardware business in Fairhaven, at No. 71 Main street, and continued successfully for twelve years, finally selling out to Forest & Long, who at present conduct the business. Mr. Babbitt's principal busi- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 11 ness interest at present is in the Babbitt Brothers' Loom Crank Manufactory, of which he is treasurer, and associated with four toothers: John W. , Hiram A., Joseph M., and James M. He is a charter member of Concordia Lodge of Free and Ac- cepted Masons, and enjoys an enviable reputation in the community in which he has spent his entire business life for honesty of purp se and strong character. He is a sincere and earnest advocate of tutal abstinence, and has been frequently nominated for State senator, State representative and oLher offices on the Prohibition ticket, in all cases receiving a strong vote, especially in his own town. Mr. Babbitt was married in 1865 to Elizabeth G , daughter of Samuel L. Ward, of Cambridgeport, formerly of Fairhaven, and they have two children. Samuel W. , and Mary R. Baker, Charles A., druggist, was born at Stafford Springs, Conn., February 17, 1833, a son of Henry Church and Eunice (Kingsley) Baker. His father began the business of furniture manufacturing at Stafford Springs, Conn. , an enterprise in which he achieved considerable success and which is still conducted by his descend- ants. On the maternal side Mr. Baker is connected with the family of the Rev. Charles Kingsley of England. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at Monson Academy. He began busines as a druggist in the store of C. H. Grant in his native town, and two years later went to Hartford, Conn., and was a. drug clerk under John H. Pitkin for some time, then entered the employ of Jo- seph T. Brown, the widely known and successful druggist of Boston. He began the drug business for himself on Harrison avenue, Boston. Owing to ill health and a desire to follow his occupation without keeping his store open on Sunday, he sold out his Boston interest in 1858, came to Fall River and opened a drug store at 67 South Main street, where he has since done a very successful business, his store hav- ing sustained a high reputation. He has always kept his store at Fall River closed for general business on Sundays. Mr. Baker was one of the first members of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy at Boston. He is a deacon in the Central Congregational Church of Fall River and deeply interested in church and Sunday school work. He was married in November, 1857, to Melissa D. Harding of Boston, and they have two children : Mary A. and Charles L. Baker, attorney at law. Baker, Charles Lewis, attorney at law, son of Charles A. and Melissa D. (Harding) Baker, was born at Fall River, August 22, 1862. His father, Charles A. Baker, is one of the leading druggists of that city. Mr. Baker was prepared for college in the Fall River High School and entered Brown University, from which institution he was graduated in 1884, with the degree of A. B. , receiving the degree of A. M. in 1887. He then entered Boston University Law School, where he spent two years in preparing for his profession. After completing his studies at that institution he returned home and was admitted to the Bristol bar at New Bedford, in June, 1888. Since then he has been engaged in the practice of law in Fall River. He is a mem- ber of the Fall River Bar Association. Baker, Capt. George Orlando, son of Michael and Jane E. (Dixon) Baker, was born at Bakerville, Bristol county, Mass., April 6, 1835. When a. mere boy he went to sea as a cabin boy and advanced from time to time until he became mate and then master of a vessel. Capt. Baker has followed the sea all his life; he has seen many hard experiences and has several times narrowly escaped death. He is a member 12 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the old school of sailor-captains who are rapidly becoming a mere memory. In 1864, while whaling in the North Pacific, his ship was captured by the rebel priva- teer, " Shenandoah," burned, and he with the rest of the crew were put in irons and carried to an island in the Pacific where they were kept prisoners for six months, being finally rescued by a United States boat. In 1890, after an active life in which he sailed on all the waters of the globe, he retired and took up his residence in South Dartmouth. Captain Baker has been a member for a number of years of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., of New Bedford. He is a trustee of the village library and has been registrar of voters for the past five years. In August, 1876, he mar- ried Mary E., daughter of John C. and Rebecca H. (Smith) Weeks, and they have two daughters: Jane R. and Alice T. Baker, Michael Alexander, son of Michael and Jane Eliza (Dixon) Baker, was born in South Dartmouth, March 20, 1839, and is a member of one of the oldest " Cape Cod families," and his father, who died in the ninety-second year of his age, after an active life mostly spent at sea, was well known in this vicinity as a captain in the coastwise trade. Michael A. Baker, like his father and most of his brothers, chose the sea as an occupation, and, after attending the public schools of Dartmouth for a short time, he shipped on a whaler as a foremost hand, being at this time seventeen years old, and he rose by successive steps to boat steerer, third mate, mate and mas- ter. In this capacity he sailed for twenty years, part of the time from New Bed- ford, for Swift & Akins, and Jonathan Bourne; three years from Chili, South America, and the balance of the period for Wright, Boone & Co., James McKenna, and the Pacific Steam Whaling Company, all of San Francisco, Cal. Captain Baker retired from active service in 1895, having gained a reputation among owners as one of the most capable and reliable captains in the whaling business. He is a member of the Star in the East Lodge of Masons, and the Chapter and Council. He married, in 1883, Sarah S. , daughter of John C. and Rebecca Weeks of Dartmouth, and they had two daughters: Helen E. and Hettie W. (deceased). Baker, Timothy Crowell, dealer in stoves, tinware, etc., was born in South Yar- mouth, Mass. , May 16, 1838, a son of Orlando and Harriet (Crowell) Baker. His early education was received in the public schools and in 1856 he came to New Bed- ford to learn the trade of tin and sheet iron worker, where he remained four years and came to Taunton in 1860 and went to work for I. B. Briggs in the same line. He remained with him until 1895. when he bought out Mr. Briggs and has since carried it on alone. He has added some new lines to the stock and is now one of the leading houses in kitchen furnishings in the city. Mr. Baker was the first master of Charles H. Titus Lodge, F. & A. M., is past high priest of St. Mark's Chapter, R. A. M., a member of New Bedford Council, R. & S. M., and of St. John's Command- ery, K. T. He married Rebecca W., daughter of John and Abby (Hammond) Jen- kins of Taunton, and they have two children: William C. and Charles M. Ballou, Herbert A., manager of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, a son of Warren S. and Sarah (Mowry) Ballou, was born in North Scituate, R. I., February 28, 1848. He attended the public schools of his native town and Rhode Island Sem- inary at North Scituate. After leaving school he was employed for three years as loom fixer in the cotton mills at Olneyville, R. I. In 1869 Mr. Ballou began his long and successful service with the Singer Company in the repair shops at Providence, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 13 R. I., and was bookkeeper for one year there. July 15, 1873, he removed to Fall River, where he has since resided and for twenty-two years has had charge of the company's business. In 1886 his territory was increased and he was given charge of the office and business of the company in Newport, R. I., New Bedford, Mass , sev- eral smaller towns, and a part of Cape Cod peninsula. He has under his manage- ment twenty employees, and sells about 1,400 sewing machines annually. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Ballou was married in 1866 to Emma Ballou of North Scituate, R. I. Bannister, Andrew, farmer and retired weaver and mill overseer, is a son of Will- iam and Mary Bannister, and was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, March 16, 1825. He came to this country in 1844 and settled in Fall River, Mass., where he learned the weaver's trade in the White Mill. Afterward he followed this trade in New Bed- ford and in Biddeford and Saco, Me., but finally returned to Fall River and for seven years was a loom fixer in the Massasoit Mill owned by Dr. Durfee. In 1860 he became overseer of a cotton mill in Dighton, near Fall River, and in 1861 ac- cepted a similar position in the Eagle Mill in Taunton, where he remained twelve years. In 1873 he came to New Bedford as second overseer of Wamsutta Mill No. 3, where he also remained about twelve years, after which he engaged in farming in Dartmouth. In 1893 he moved to a farm at Acushnet, New Bedford, where he has since resided. In politics Mr. Bannister is a Republican. He was a foundation member and one of the first wardens of St. James Episcopal Church, on the corner o£ County and Lmden streets, New Bedford, and one of its building committee. In January, 1847, he married Charlotte, daughter of John Warren, a native of Scotland, and of their nine children three are living, viz. : John W., Mary (Mrs. George Spen- cer), and Sophia (Mrs. Hiram Hime), all of New Bedford. Barker, John W. , son of John and Amy (Howland) Barker, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., May 21, 1819, and was educated in the schools of his native town. After finishing his schooling he entered the employ of Simeon W. Clifford, who was engaged in the meat business in Fairhaven, and with whom he remained for three years. He then accepted a position with the firm of Gifford & Whiting, who were engaged at that time in the meat business in New Bedford. He remained with them for a period of five years, and then accepted a position with his uncle, Isaac Barker. After a service of seven years he formed a copartnership with Samuel Gifford, and under the firm name of Gifford & Barker, conducted a meat business in New Bedford for over thirty years. This partnership continued until 1895 and was then dissolved by mutual consent. In 1867 Mr. Barker married Ruth Pierce, and they have four daughters. Barker, Richard J., lumber merchant, was born in Tiverton, R. I., January 27, 1849, a son of Benjamin and Catherine Jackson (Dennis) Barker. When he was six years old his parents removed to Olean, N. Y. , and he attended the public schools of that town until ten years of age, when his parents returned to Tiverton. He then successively attended the Friends' School at Providence, R. I. ; Eagleswood Military Academy at Perth Amboy, N. J., and the Polytechnic Institute at Troy, N. Y. After spending a short time in the office of Nichols & Barker, lumber mer- chants, of Albany, N. Y., he came to Fall River and established the lumber firm of Barker & Company, which still continues. At first the business was mainly retail, 14 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. but since 1888 has been wholesale. The firm have an extensive trade and deal largely in Southern yellow pine. They have supplied the lumber for forty-one of the cotton mills built in Fall River since 1870, and for numerous other mills m Taunton and New Bedford, Mass., in Burlington, Vt., and Warren, R. I. Mr. Barker was married in 1873 to Eliza H.. daughter of Moses T. and Elizabeth (Tillinghast) Law- ton, of Tiverton, R. I. One son has been born to them, Richard J. Barker, jr., who is engaged in the retail lumber business in Fall River. Barney, Edwin Luther, who died in New Bedford on the sixth day of April, 1897, was mourned as one of the ablest lawyers of the Bristol bar, and at the time of his death, in the seventy-first year of his age, was the oldest practicing attorney in the county. He was a native and lifelong resident of Bristol county, born in Swan- sea, April 1, 1827, a son of Edwin and Abby (Luther) Barney. He was reared on his father's farm and gained a good education in the country schools and at Brown Uni- versity, where he spent one year in the class of 1850. He studied for the law at Yale Law School and in the office of Timothy G. Coffin, of New Bedford, and was ad- mitted to the bar in Taunton when twenty-three years of age. He settled in New Bedford, began earnestly to apply himself to his profession, and being thoroughly instructed in the law and a vigorous, hard worker and reader, soon gained a large clientage. As his name became more prominent he had several law students, most of whom attained success, the most notable example being Mr. Knowlton, who be- came attorney-general of Massachusetts. Mr. Barney was always a Democrat, and during the war a staunch War Democrat, and he served two terms as senator in the Legislature (1866-1867), and was judge advocate on General Butler's staff from 1869 to 1875. He was president of the New Bedford Bar Association from its organiza- tion and held that office until his death. For over forty-five years he was a Mason and had taken all the degrees up to the thirty-second. He was possessed of great tact and skill in presenting a case to a jury, and was associated in the conduct of some of the most famous criminal and damage cases tried in the history of the Bristol bar. He was also a man of dignified mien and sterling personality, being held in the highest esteem by his brother barristers and by the entire community. He married, April 15, 1856, Mary, daughter of Zachariah Hillman, and they had four sons: the two oldest, Benjamin Butler Barney, the present city solicitor of New Bed- ford, and Edwin L. Barney, jr., are members of the Bristol bar, and the latter is assistant clerk of courts, and was born in New Bedford, April 14, 1870, and prepared for College in the New Bedford High School; after three years of private tutoring he entered Boston University School of Law, was admitted to the Bristol bar in May, 1892, and took the degree of LL. B. in June of the same year. He began practice in association with his father and brother, Benjamin Butler Barney, and was appointed assistant clerk of the courts in May, 1896, and has since retained that position. In 1897 he married Annie C. Lincoln, daughter of Francis T. Lincoln, of Providence, R.I. Barney, Frank P., was born in Bristol, R. I., October, 1847, son of John and Nancy Louisa Barney. His father was a butcher and a farmer throughout his life. Mr. Barney was educated in the public schools of Bristol, and also studied and worked with his brother, Charles E. Barney, of New Bedford, Mass., on railroad work for four or five years, starting his business lifein the jewelry trade, which he pursued for nineteen years, wherein he was four or five years associated with W. H. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 15 Wilmarth & Co., of Attleborough, Mass., and where he received a practical knowl- edge of the business and afterwards supplied several patents for the manufacturing of jewelry, as well as on machines for the manufacture of chains, etc. In 1878 he married Ellen F., daughter of Charles D. and Fanny H. Lane, and they have four children: Mildred E., Earl M., Charles F., and Ruth L. Mr. Barney is one of Norton's progressive citizens; his magnificent house and barn, equipped with the very latest of modern appliances, makes his home one of the most desirable and attractive places in the town ; it is on the land which is historically known as the Devil's Foot Prints, which is plainly to be seen now on a few large rocks just back of his residence. His farm is a beautiful one, some one hundred acres or more, and his barn also has accommodations for a dozen horses, box stalls, etc. He takes an intelligent interest in school and church institutions and his town and townspeople. Barrows, H. F., was born in Attleborough, July 22, 1827. His father, Alfred Barrows, was also born in the same town, where his grandfather settled about 1760, and took part in the Revolutionary war. His son, Milton, was a prominent man in South Attleborough. Alfred Barrows married Louisa, daughter of Sylvester Everett, and moved to North Attleborough in 1838, where he engaged in farming and hotel keeping. H. F. Barrows was educated in the common schools, and in 18i3 began the manufacturing of jewelry and was one of the pioneers of the trade in developing fine goods. In 1886 he turned the business over to H. F. Barrows, jr., and Ira Bar- rows, and in 1885 organized and founded the North National Bank of Attleborough, of which he has been president since its foundation. In 1855 he married Henrietta T., daughter of Ira Richards, and they have two sons and three daughters: H. F., jr., Ira, Fannie, Louise and Harriet. Bartlett, Andrew Harrison, second son of Seth S. and Annie C. (Bartlett) Bartlett, was born at Plymouth, Mass. , October 23, 1839. His early education was obtained in the public and high schools, and he was graduated from the latter in 1858. Soon after he shipped aboard a merchant vessel for two voyages as mate. He then went to Lynn, Mass. , to accept a position as finisher in a leather house, and remained seven years. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. L, 4th Mass. Infantry (changed to artillery), and served one year. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned to New Eng- land and was engaged in the wholesale fish business for thirty years. In 1895 he removed to the farm in Dartmouth where he has since resided. Mr. Bartlett is a member of New Bediord Post No. 190, G. A. R. In June, 1874, he married Annie C. Golden, of New Bedford. Bartlett, George F. — The business reputation of the firm of this name has extended to, practically, all points where shipping is an interest; and the name itself was of prominence in the business life of New Bedford for over half a century. Ivory Hovey Bartlett, with his young wife, came to New Bedford in 1819, and established a livery business. He soon gained a good foothold in the town, which at that time offered high advantages to a man of energy, and in a few years he started in the grain trade at the foot of Union street; and this led to his assuming an interest in shipping, which gradually increased to large proportions. It would be well before proceeding to pay some tribute to Ivory H. Bartlett, the man. Throughout his en- tire life he remembered the precept, " The poor ye have with you always." In the 16 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. first winter of his residence in New Bedford, when he himself had hardly gained a start, it is said that he collected over $500 and distributed it personally among the poor, which he continued to do every winter for about forty years, and later he es- tablished soup houses and various like enterprises, in many instances supporting them largely out of his own pocket. When he went to his reward the people realized that they had suffered a great loss. He was always a firm advocate of temperance and refused to allow the sale of intoxicants in his buildings, although this course often meant a loss of money. For many years he was an active member of the North Congregational Church and afterwards of the old Pacific Congregational Church. He died in 1871, having reached his seventy-seventh year. The possession of these qualities did not interfere with the fact that he was essentially a man of business and his various interests developed rapidly. In 1847 he took his second son, Ivory H. Bartlett, jr., into the business and the firm name became I. H. Bartlett & Son, and so continued until 1854, when his third son, George F. Bartlett, was admitted a partner, and it was changed to I. H. Bartlett & Sons. Two younger sons, William H. and Robert W., were also connected with the business for many years. His old- est son, Abner Bartlett, was in charge of the Astor real estate in New York for many years. The commission business of the firm started in 1839, when a representative of the London firm of Langton & Bicknall came to New Bedford to secure a repre- sentative at this port to buy oil. He stopped at the Bartlett residence, selected Mr. Bartlett to execute his commissions, and this was the beginning of a large commis- sion business, as well as of a fifty years' connection with the house above mentioned, for which I. H. Bartlett & Sons frequently purchased as many as ten thousand bar- rels of sperm oil in a year. After their father's death the sons, I. H. Bartlett, jr., and George F. , continued the business and later, upon the death of I. H. Bartlett, jr., in 1880, George F. Bartlett continued under the old name until 1894, when he advertised the dissolution of the firm. George F. Bartlett, third son of Ivory H. and Betsey (Clark) Bartlett, was born in New Bedford in the old Ricketson house, at the southwest corner of Acushnet avenue and Union street. He attended the public and high schools of New Bedford and Phillips Academy at Andover, and, like his brothers, he entered his father's office at an early age and was trained for the position he was to occupy as partner. He is to-day one of the best known of the older business men of the city, but has never held public office, with the exception of six years, 1891-1897, as a member of the Board of Public Works, and a director in the Merchants' National Bank since 1866. He is an industrious and enthusiastic student of geneaology and history and has a carefully preserved collection of historical relics, which will sometime pass into possession of the city. It will be remembered that this firm owned the famous old ship Progress, which figured in the "Arctic disaster of 1871," sailed with the "Stone Fleet," and was finally sold by Mr. Bartlett to Henry E. Weaver of Chicago for the World's Columbian Exposition, where it was exhibited. Mr. Bartlett married, in 185a, G. A , daughter of Gideon Nye of Acushnet, and of their eight children, only three are now living. The genealogy of the Bartlett family is interesting, the original Bartlett in America, Robert, by name, having come to Plymouth Colony in 1623, in the ship Anne. He married Mary Warren and thus joined the two families. His descendants lived in the vicinity of Plymouth several generations, and Betsey PERSONAL REFERENCES. 17 Clark, who married Ivory H, Bartlett, was also directly descended from Puritan stock, having been the granddaughter of Israel Clark of Manonset Ponds. Bassett, John Seabury, was born in Taunton, April 1, 1842, a son of Charles Jar- vis Holmes and Emeline Dean (Seabury) Bassett. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and in 1857 went into what was then the Tauuton Bank as clerk. He remained there two years and then went to Boston as a clerk in a jobbing woolen house, where he stayed five years and then came to Taunton and en- gaged with Davenport & Mason in the express office as clerk ; this was in 1864 and Mr. Bassett has been in the present location ever since and at this writing (1898) is one of the proprietors, his service with that company being a continuous service of thirty-four years. He is a. member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M. October 10, 1867, Mr. Bassett married Marianna C, daughter of Henry C. and Abby F. (Crandell) Perry, and they have one daughter, Kate M. Bates, John T, was born in Boston, November 25, 1831, a son of Ezekiel and Lois (Daggett) Bates. His father was a. contractor in Boston, retiring from active work in 1849 and moved to Attleborough, where he died March 17, 1871. John T. Bates was educated in Boston, learned the hardware business and on June 1 came to Attleborough, where he remained on his father's farm until 1862, when he was ap- pointed assistant assessor of internal revenue. In 1869 he was elected secretary of the Attleborough Loan Association ; in 1876 was elected secretary and treasurer of the Attleborough Savings & Loan Association; in 1871 was elected to the Legisla- ture; in 1889 was appointed town clerk, which office he has filled for eleven years; and in 1887 was elected town treasurer. In 1865 Mr. Bates married Sarah S., daughter of Nathan and Margaret Hawes. Mr. Bates is one of the conservative men of the town, taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institu- tions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. He is a member of Bristol Lodge ; Attleborough Council ; King Hiram Chapter ; Bristol Commandery; Eastern Star; and of the Old School Boys' Association. Bates, Lot Besse, wholesale grocer, is the son of Thomas B. and Sarah D. (Besse) Bates, and a grandson of Barnabus Bates and Lot Besse, and was born in Fairhaven, Mass., December 22, 1841. His father died in 1863 and his mother in 1891. Mr. Bates was educated in the Fairhaven public schools and when fourteen became a newsboy on the railroad, running between Fairhaven and Middleboro. Afterward he entered the fruit store of James B. Watkins in New Bedford as a clerk and re- mained five years, receiving at the start but $6 per month and board. When twenty- one he became a clerk in the grocery store of John Wing of New Bedford, and three years later he accepted a similar position with William B. Dwight, with whom he continued two years. About 1867 he purchased the grocery store of Francis H. Pasell in the same city, which he conducted eight years, when he sold out and en- gaged in the porgie oil business as part owner and agent and treasurer of the St. George Oil and Guano Company of St. George, Me. In 1880 he established a grocery store on the corner of Acushnet avenue and Middle street, which he still continues, having added a wholesale department in 1894. Mr. Bates began active life a poor boy, but by industry, economy, and strict attention to business has accumulated a comfortable property. He is a director of the Union Street Railway Company, the 18 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and the New Bedford and Acush- net Co-operative Banks, and has been treasurer of the Fourth Street M. E. Church since 1887. He served in the City Council one year, and is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., of Adoniram Chapter, R.A.M., and of Sutton Command- ery, K. T. January 8, 1863, he married Emma A. Anderson of New Bedford, who died in 1871, leaving two children: Walter Norton and Emma Kelley. In 1872 Mr. Bates married Mary Phinney Simmons, daughter of William L. Simmons of Tiver- ton R. I., and they have five children living: Mary Simmons, Lot B., jr., Sarah Delano, Clarence Augustus and Mildred. Battelle, Willard, was born in Dover, Mass., January 2, 1822, a. son of Ralph and Patty (Allen) Battelle, and educated in the public schools. In 1841 he started to learn the carpenter's trade, but finding that was not suited to his health he engaged in the manufacture of sash and blinds in Medfield; this he finally closed out on ac- count of ill health and opened a general store in Canton, Mass. In 1859 he came to Taunton and started a flour, grain and grocery store, which he closed out at the commencement of the Civil war. He has remained in Taunton ever since and for twenty-five years or more has been handling an extensive line of periodicals. Janu- ary 23, 1847, he married Lavina Lovell of Millis, Mass. ; they have no children. Bauldry,' Lyman C. , was born in the village of Bourne on Cape Cod, April 2, 1872, a son of Capt. George F. and Nancy (Eldridge) Bauldry. His father was a native of Yarmouth, England, but came to New Bedford in a merchantman when a boy of eleven years and later settled in Bourne, He followed the sea all his life and event- ually became master of a whaling vessel. Lyman C. Bauldry attended the schools of his native town and soon after completing his education formed a copartnership with his brother to conduct a livery business in Fairhaven. He continued in this business four years and then entered the shipping department of the Pairpoint Man- ufacturing Company. After a service of three years he was appointed to his present position as foreman of the tube and cone department of the New Bedford Paper Company. In 1892 he married Julia E. , daughter of Martin V. Cahoon of New Bed- ford, and they have one son, Carleton E. Baylies, John B. , son of John and Mary (Shaw) Baylies, was born in Taunton, August 31, 1822. His father was a prominent figure in Whig politics and afterward a Democrat, and for over thirty years was a deputy sheriff of Bristol county. He also was in charge of the House of Correction for ten years and for several years was a county commissioner. He served on the Board of Selectmen of the town of New Bedford for a considerable period, and died in New Bedford at the age of sixty- seven years, honored and respected by all who had known him. John B. Baylies attended the academy at Taunton and when twelve years old came with the family to New Bedford, where he also attended school. For some time he was engaged in whaling and later went into the employ of George M. Eddy as a clerk. He after- wards formed a partnership with Mr. Eddy and later with Job A. T. Eddy, under the firm name of Eddy & Baylies, conducting a dry goods store on Union street for over thirteen years. At the end of this time he again became associated with George M. Eddy, under the name of George M. Eddy & Co., and conducted a dry goods business for four years under that name. He then established his auction and sec- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 19 ond hand business on Union street and has continued successfully for over thirty- seven years. Mr. Baylies is now one of the oldest active business men in New Bed- ford. Like his father he has been interested in politics, but has never held public office, with the exception of four years as alderman from the Fifth ward. In 1847 he married Mary C. , daughter of Abram Eddy of New Bedford, and they had three sons: Clifford, John and Arthur. Baylies, William, is the second son of John and Mary (Shaw) Baylies, and was born in Taunton. Mass., January 22, 1825. John Baylies was born in pighton, Bris- tol county, in 1796, became an auctioneer and merchant in Taunton, and in 1833 re- moved to New Bedford, where he was keeper of the jail and House of Correction for ten years. He subsequently was engaged in business as an auctioneer and mer- chant in the latter city until his death in 1863. He served as a county commissioner about ten years, was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and was active in the old State militia, being popularly known as colonel. His wife died in 1880. Their children were Charlotte (Mrs. Charles F. Congdon), deceased; John B. and William, of New Bedford; Ellen (Mrs. Benjamim F. Almy), of Johnson, R. I. ; and Mary, Marion and Isabelle, all deceased. William Baylies came with the family to New Bedford in 1833 and finished his education in the private schools and Friends Academy. In 1845 he became a clerk for Alexander H. Seabury & Co. , who had established a large flour, grain and provision business in the present stone building on Front street, foot Of Union, in 1833. In 1859 Mr. Seabury retired from the active management and Mr. Baylies, Albert G. Cory and Nathaniel S. Cannon formed the firm of Baylies & Cannon. Mr. Cory died in 1861, Mr. Cannon in 1876, and Mr. Sea- bury in 1887. The firm name remained unchanged until 1887, since which time Mr. Baylies and two sons, Charles S. and Robert L., have continued the business alone. The original business of the house was to supply whale ships with provisions, but since the decline of that industry a large general wholesale trade in flour, grain, groceries, etc., has been built up. Mr. Baylies is also heavily interested in whaling ships. He is a trustee of the Five Cents Savings Bank and a director of the First National Bank and the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company, and for several years was a member of the New Bedford City Guards. In 1859 he married Emily F. Lea- man of Nantucket, Mass., and they have had five children: William, jr., an artist of New Bedford; Charles S. and Robert L. , who are associated with their father in business; Theodore, a member of the staff of the New Bedford Mercury ; and Frank, who died in 1886, aged fourteen. Beauvais, Joseph Arthur, president of the Citizens' National Bank of New Bed- ford, is the son of Andrew and Patience (Ricketson) Beauvais, and was born Jan- uary 21, 1824, in South Dartmouth, Mass. His maternal grandparents were Clark and Mary (Wood) Ricketson, of that town. Andrew Beauvais, a native of Bordeaux, France, was sent when quite young by his widowed mother to this country, whither his sister, wife of Capt. James Rider, of Dartmouth, had preceded him. This move was to avoid conscription into Napoleon's army, which was then taking boys of twelve years of age to fight in the French army. He was long a commander of packet ships between New York and New Orleans, and later in the South American trade, chiefly with Buenos Ayres. Captain Rider was also a successful ship master, sailing from New York in the New Orleans and European trade. Shortly after 1824 20 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE the two families removed to New York and later to Astoria, Long Island, where Mrs. Andrew Beauvais died. In 1832 Captain Rider retired from his sea-faring life, and the families returned to South Dartmouth, where the former engaged in the whaling business, which he subsequently followed in New Bedford, where his death occurred. After the death of his mother, Joseph Arthur Beauvais became an inmate of Captain Rider's family, and attended the public and private schools of Dartmouth. He came to New Bedford in 1840, attended the Bush Street Grammar School for a time, was graduated from the High School in 1842, and then entered the counting room of his uncle, Barton Ricketson. managing owner of whaling and merchant vessels and of the New Bedford Iron Foundry. He was his uncle's bookkeeper and confidential clerk from 1843 to November, 1851, when he accepted a similar position with J. B. Wood & Co. , who were largely engaged in the whaling industry. He became an owner in their ships, did some business as a broker, and at times was managing owner of several merchant and coasting vessels. In 1860 he was elected treasurer of the New Bedford Tannery Company. He was chosen treasurer of the American Tack Company of Fairhaven in 1867, and for several years has also been its presi- dent. In February, 1872, he left the employ of J. B. Wood & Co. and with T. B. Fuller, organized the private bank of Beauvais & Co. , which was transferred to the Citizens' National Bank in May, 1875. Mr. Beauvais was one of the principal found- ers of this institution and has continuously served it as president. He was one of the organizers and the first president of the Fall River Railroad Company, which built the railroad between New Bedford and Fall River and opened it for travel in December, 1875. He resigned as president in 1877, but has since continued as a director. He was an incorporator of the New Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank, of which he has long been a trustee, and in 1878 was an organizer of the New England Mutual Aid Society, which he served as president until the office was removed to Boston. He has served as president of the New Bedford Real Estate Association and the Weeden Manufacturing Company; as director of the Bennett Manufacturing Company, the Union Street Railway Company, and the Grinnell Manufacturing Company, all of New Bedford, and the Fall River Bleachery, the Sagamore Man- ufacturing Company, the Border City Manufacturing Company, the Globe Street Railway Company, the King Philip Mills, and the Globe Yarn Mills, all of Fall River, and the Taunton Manufacturing Company. In some of these corporations he has declined re-election owing to his desire to decrease his business cares. He was originally a Whig, but has been a Republican since the organization of the party. He was for some time the clerk, and for eight years the Sunday school superintend- ent of the Trinitarian Church, and for many years has been a leading member of the North Congregational Church. In May, 1848, he married Hannah Cotton Parker, daughter of Ward M. and Hepzabeth (Davis) Parker, who died in January, 1879. Their only child, Louise Cecile, married Max Ritter Von Schmaedel, artist of Munich, and died leaving a son, Harold Parker Von Schmaedel. Mr. Beauvais married, second, in June, 1881, Mary Stetson Mendell, daughter of Ellis and Cath- erine (Allen) Mendell, of New Bedford. Beetle, John H., son of James and Ann Amelia (Hathaway) Beetle, was born in New Bedford, August 29, 1855. His father, who died in New Bedford on March 28, 1886, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, was a well known and highly respected PERSONAL REFERENCES. 21 citizen. Although a native of New Bedford, he spent his boyhood on Martha's Vine- yard, but during the balance of his life lived in New Bedford. He early learned the boat building trade and followed it for many years, gaining a high reputation for his product. He was also engaged for some years in business as a ship agent, and served as alderman under Mayor French. He was a quiet man, possessing a dis- like for display, but withal, of shrewd ability and foresight, John H. Beetle was educated in the New Bedford schools, and was graduated from the High School with the class of 1873. He early began to learn the boat building trade under his father, and in 1881 engaged in business as a boat builder on his own account. After his father's death he continued the latter's well established business in company with his brothers, James C. and Charles D. The former retired at the end of the first year, and he continued his association with the latter until 18t»l, when he withdrew from the business. In 1883 Mr. Beetle had commenced to survey lumber and continued this business, while carrying on his boat building interests, and in 1883 was made lumber surveyor for the city, which position he still holds. He has been engaged, to a considerable extent, by the firm of Greene & Wood. He married in 1882, Lot- tie, daughter of Artson K. Dennison of New Bedford, and they have four children : Ruth D., Ralph D., Clara and Carl N. Bennett, John E., one of Dartmouth's representative and most respected citizens, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., December 28, 1851. His early education was obtaiDed in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of twenty-one he began farming on his own account. March 6, 1873, he married Rebecca, daughter of Charles and Rhoby (Allen) Slocum of Dartmouth, and they have one daughter, Alice May. Mr. Bennett is a young man, but enjoys universal respect and esteem in the community. Bennett, Robert Gilbert, undertaker and embalmer, is the son of Robert Bennett and Wealthy Jenney, his wife, and a grandson of Gilbert Bennett of Rochester, and was born at Marion, Mass., August 19, 1840. In 1849 he came with the family to New Bedford, where the father died October 4, 1878, aged seventy-eight, and the mother on April 21, 1891, at the age of eighty-nine years and nine months. He was educated in the New Bedford public schools and at Taylor's Commercial Institute, after which he was successively a clerk in the dry goods stores of Job A. T. Eddy, Benjamin H. Waite, and Edward Haskell. In 1867 he engaged in the dry goods business for himself, which he continued until 1882, when he changed to the fnrni- ture trade. In 1892 he retired from the furniture business, and since then he has followed the profession of undertaker and funeral director, having a first-class estab- lishment at 356 Acushnet avenue. Mr. Bennett belongs to the Knights of Honor, and is an official member of the County Street M. E. Church. June 5, 1864, he mar- ried Mary E., daughter of Peleg and Eliza (Brightman) Gifford, of New Bedford, and they have one daughter, Lillias M. A son. Albert C. , died September, 1869. Bennett, Thomas, jr., who was called the "father of the textile industry in New Bedford," died at the old colonial mansion on County street, where he had resided thirty-four years, April 17, 1898, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. Thomas Bennett, jr., was born in New Bedford, August 16, 1820, in the old Humphrey How- land home on Union street. He was a son of Capt. Thomas Bennett and of Nancy Howland, a daughter of Humphrey Howland. Of the five children born to them 22 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. only two lived to maturity, Robert Bennett of Fairhaven and Thomas Bennett, jr. Capt. Thomas Bennett sailed in the service of the Liverpool line of packets and was captain of the packet ship New York for many years. He spent the latter years of his life at the old homestead in Fairhaven, which has been in the possession of the fam- ily over two hundred years. Thomas Bennett, jr., was educated at the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, and after leaving school entered the counting room of Elisha Dumbar. After Mr. Dunbar's death he filled for seven years a similar posi- tion with Edward C. Jones; at the end of this period he went south to Upson county, Georgia, where he received his training in the cotton manufacturing busi- ness. Being in a cotton growing country he also had abundant opportunity to study the growth of the cotton plant. After three years he returned to New Bedford with the idea of interesting northern capital in starting a cotton mill in the South, but Mr. Joseph Grinnell, and others whom he consulted, preferred that the mill should be built in New Bedford. This led to the incorporation of the Wamsutta Mills in 1847, Mr. Bennett being made agent and superintendent. He continued in these positions until 1874, when, having gained a competence, he retired from the cares of active business. He was one of the first board of directors of the Fall River Bleach- ery and for some time a member of the New Bedford water board. No man stood higher in the estimation of his friends and business associates than he; sterling integrity, progressive ability, and the power of application were attributes of which he more than once proved himself to be possessed. In 1854 he married Sibyl T., daughter of Richard Williams, of New Bedford, and they had two children: Clara Bennett and Williams Bennett, who died in 1875. Bennett, William James, cashier at Fall River of the N. Y., N. H. & Hartford Railroad Co., a son of James W. and Nancy C. (Hathaway) Bennett, was born in Fall River, July 31, 1865. His ancestors for several generations have resided in Bristol county. After completing his education in the public schools of Fall River he was employed by McKenzie & Winslow, grain dealers, and next filled a position in the office of the South Massachusetts Telephone Company. He passed two years in a grocery store, and in 1888 entered the employ of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company as clerk, and in 1892 was promoted to the position of cashier of the freight depot in Fall River. August 26, 1890, Mr. Bennett married Susan H. Lewis, daughter of John A. and Nancy T. (Hathaway) Lewis, of Dighton, Mass. ; they have two sons, Everett Hathaway and William Lewis. Bentley, Samuel E., son of Erastus and Jane (Griffin) Bentley, was born in Jericho, Chittenden county, Vt. , December 22, 1844. His father was a prosperous farmer and during his boyhood he assisted in the farm work and attended the neighboring schools, acquiring a good education. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in Co. K, 5th Vermont Volunteers, and served three years and seven months, participating in most of the "Peninsular Campaign." He was captured May 14, 1864, at Spotsyl- vania, and confined in Andersonville prison eight months, and on March 31, 1865, he was honorably discharged and returned to his home. In the spring of the following year he went to Holyoke, Mass., and entered the carding room of the Lyman Mills. Three years later he sought to better his position by removing to Williamstown, where he became a second hand in the plant of the Williamstown Manufacturing Co., and in 1871 he entered the employ of the Renfrew Manufacturing Co., at Adams, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 23 Mass., as a second hand, and was promoted to the position of overseer of carding, remaining in that capacity until 1878, when he came to New Bedford. For a short time he was employed as a second hand at the Wamsutta Mills and was then ten- dered a position in the Potomska Mills, as overseer of carding, which he accepted and filled five year^. At the end of that period he became superintendent of the plant, and he filled this responsible position very acceptably for eleven years, retir- ing in 1895. He has served as alderman three times, 1895-96-98, and in 1897 was a candidate for mayor. He is a member of Williams Lodge of Masons of Williams- town, Mass., and of R. A. Pierce Post No. 190, G. A. R. Berard, Norbert P., son of Herbert and Cloffe Berard, both natives of Quebec, was born at St. Hugues, Quebec, June 2, 1860, and came to the United States in 1871. He has been a resident of Fall River since 1879. He worked in mills in Woonsocket and Fall River for several years, and in 1882 engaged in the furniture business, which he still conducts successfully. Mr. Berard is a member of several social orders, among them the Ligue de Patriote, the Knights of Pythias, and St. John the Baptist. He is also a member of the Fall River Agricultural Society, and has been its president. He is a stockholder and vice-president of the Lafayette Bank. Mr. Berard married Delia Lamaeroux, and they have eight children, five sons and three daughters: Lydia Z. , Florida, Norbert H., Alphonse A., Hector, Edith, Edward and George. Billings, William Richardson, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. , May 23, 1853. His early education was received in the public schools of Brooklyn, at Allen Brothers' school, Newton, Mass., and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, from which he was graduated in the class of 1871. He then came to Taunton with the Mason Machine Company, where he spent five years in mastering the machinist's trade, and after that, for about two years, was an assistant teacher in the Bristol Academy. In 1879 Mr. Billings was appointed clerk and superintendent of the Taunton Water Works, which position he held nine consecutive years. After a short engagement with the Chapman Valve Company as traveling salesman, he was chosen treasurer of the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company, which position he still holds. In October, 1881, Mr. Billings married Nancy Hull Goldsbury, youngest daughter of Dr. Ira and Martha E. Simpson, and they have one daughter, Grace Sampson Bill- ings. Blackway, Charles William, machinist, a member of the firm of Fyans, Fraser & Black way, was born in Swansea village, Mass., May 8, 1853. His fatter was a na- tive of Philadelphia, Pa., and early in life moved to Swansea where he followed the trade of a shoemaker ; he married Abbie Ann Lewis, whose ancestors for several generations were residents of Massachusetts. When Mr. Blackway was twelve years old his parents came to Fall River. He attended the public schools and at an early age left school to work in Dr. Nathan Durfee's cotton mill in the carding de- partment. He remained there two years and then secured like employment for one year in the American Linen Mill. He worked for a short time afterward in the Me- chanics' Mill and in 1871 decided to learn the trade of a machinist, spending three years as an apprentice in the Mason Machine Works at Taunton and continuing .there six years longer as a journeyman. In 1880 he accepted a position in the em- ploy of the Fall River Machine Company and continued there until 1893 when he 24 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. became a member of, and helped to organize the firm of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway. This enterprising firm is engaged in repairing all kinds of machinery, engines, etc., and in mill work; they also build special varieties of machinery, and are constantly increasing their business and extending and enlarging their facilities for work. Mr. Blackway is a member of various fraternal orders, including the Masonic, Odd Fel- lows and Knights of Pythias. November 24, 1891, he married Anna Maria, daughter of the late Capt. John and Harriet (Lewin) Carr. They have one son, Charles Everett. Mrs. Blackway's father followed the whaling business for many years, being a resident of Fall River. Blackinton, L. A., was born in Attleborough, August 24, 1856. His father, Will- iam Blackinton, was also a native of the same town, where the family were among the pioneer settlers. William Blackinton married Rebecca, daughter of Josiah Allen. He was a large thread manufacturer, and during the panic of 1856 went out of business. In 1858 he associated himself with J. M. Bates, manufacturing brace- lets, which he continued but a short time. In 1869 he began the manufacture of chains, under the name of Blackinton & Sweet, which in 1870 merged into the firm of W. S. Blackinton, and at the present time is among the largest manufacturers of chains in the United States. L. A. Blackinton was educated in Attleborough and the business college at Providence. He traveled as the firm's representative for some years, and in 1880 became one of the members. In 1889 Mr. Blackinton mar- ried Lorena Pray, and they have one daughter, Gladys A. He is » member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. of Boston, and other clubs and societies. Blain, Charles Hodge, manager of Cobb, Bates & Yerxa's business in Taunton, was born in Canaan, Columbia county, N. Y., March 7, 1857. He was educated in Amsterdam (N. Y.) Academy and Schenectady Union College. After leaving col- lege he went to Boston and engaged with Fuller & Bartlett as clerk in the grocery business, remaining with them about four years. In March, 1882, he came to Taun- ton and assumed control of the C. B. & Y. store, which at that time had been started about two months. It is now the headquarters in the city for staple and fancy groceries, and one of the best in the country. In October, 1885, Mr. Blain married Emma J. Burt, and they have three children: Josephine Burt. Margaret Graham, and Graham Burt. Blake, James E., son of James H. and Sarah Blake (ne'e Pitts), was born in Fall River, Mass., in 1826. His boyhood was spent in Dighton, where he received a common school education. Removing to New Bedford in 1840, he entered the em- ploy of Dr. Silas Tompkins and Brother, at the same time continuing his education in a private school. In 1849 the brother withdrew from the firm, and Mr Blake was received into partnership with Dr. Tompkins, becoming sole proprietor after the death of Dr. Tompkins, in 1854. Mr. Blake is the oldest druggist in New Bed- ford. His business career covers a period of fifty-eight years, and is one which challenges emulation. The store on the corner of North Second and Middle streets is an interesting landmark, and for many years has been distinguished by "the sign of the Good Samaritan." The establishment is one of the most extensive to be found in Bristol county, both in the wholesale and retail departments. As a citizen, Mr'. Blake is highly esteemed and respected, and takes a lively interest in all public PERSONAL REFERENCES. 25 affairs. He is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., of De Molay Com- mandery, K T., of the Massachusetts State and American Pharmaceutical Associa- tions, and of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. In 1860 he married Lois Akin Davis, daughter of Humphrey Davis, of Long Plain, Mass., and they have nine chil- dren living, viz., George A., who is associated in business with his father; Clara S. ; Ralph V., a dentist in Boston; James Edwin, jr., who is employed by the drug house of Hall & Lyon, Waltham; Lois D., a stenographer; Herbert T., who is employed by the wholesale drug firm of Peter Van Schaack & Sons, of Chicago; Ada S., a kindergartner ; and Robert P. and Emily S. Blandin, George C, was born in Taunton in 1852, a son of Capt. S. G. and Caro- line French Blandin. His father was a tailor and worked at his trade in Taunton. Mr. Blandin started out in life for himself when only eighteen years of age. His first employment was with Eastman & Co.'s Express business, where he remained six years; afterwards with the Adams Express Co., as messenger on the N. Y., N. H. & H. Railroad; later as agent at New Britain, Conn., for three years ; and for nine years was in charge of the N. Y. & Boston Express Company's office in Fall River. In 1892 he came to Dighton as bookkeeper for the Century Stove Co. In 1881 Mr. Blandin married Fannie Presbrey, and they have one daughter, Maud P. Mr. Blandin is a member of several orders. Bliss, A. H. , was born in Rehoboth, March 28, 1851, a son of Henry E. Bliss, a native of the same place, where his parents were among the pioneers of that town. Henry E. married Cornelia Hale, and was engaged in cotton manufacturing. A. H. Bliss was educated in the common schools and learned the machinist's trade in Providence. In 1873 he came to North Attleborough and entered the employ of F. G. Whitney, remaining with him nine years, and in 1882 he formed a business asso- ciation with F. G. Pate, retiring in 1887, and in 1888 established his present busi- ness, making a specialty of chains. In 1873 he married Catherine Carpenter of Kingston, and they have two sons: Edwin C. and Frank H. Bliss, Everett B. , was born in Attleborough, October 31, 1839, a son of Zeba and Lepha (Peck) Bliss. His father was a contractor and builder and was prominently identified in the milling interests of Maine and Massachusetts; he died in 1858. Everett B. Bliss was educated in the public schools and learned the jeweler's trade with Hay ward & Briggs. In 1873 he established what is now the firm of Bliss Bros., manufacturing jewelers In 1862 he enlisted in Co. M, 40th Mass. Vols., serving in the Army of the Potomac, and siege of Fort Wagner, S. C. , and Florida campaign ; was in action at Ten Mile Run, Lake City, Gainsville, Cedar Creek, and numerous other engagements in Florida; at Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Heights of Peters- burg, and Siege of Petersburg : was under fire ninety days. He was among the leading men to enter Richmond at its capture, and received an honorable discharge in 1865. In 1868 he married Annie M., daughter of Joseph M. Newcomb, and they have two sons: Milford E. and Edward N. Blossom, Eli Walter, a native of New Bedford, Mass., born January 22, 1850. He removed to Westport when he was quite young and received his education in the common schools of that town. Mr. Blossom has devoted his entire life to farming. January 1, 1878, he married Ella J., daughter of William and Nancy E. Young, and d 26 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. they have four children: Mary E., born July 6, 1879; Alice M., born April 21, 1882; Clarissa L., born May 1, 1884; and Susan M., born July 20, 1887. Mr. Blossom is one of Westport's most successful farmers and enjoys the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends. He has been surveyor of highways for the last twenty-five years. Bodge, John P.," agent and treasurer of the Arkwright Mills, is a son of James and Angeline R. (Hathaway) Bodge. His father was a native of New Hampshire and came to Fall River in 1847. The family were early settlers in America, and origi- nally came from the Jersey Islands. John P. Bodge is seventh in the line of Andrew, who settled in Maine in 1706. He was born in Fall River, April 8, 1856, and attend- ed both the public and high schools. After leaving school he secured a position as clerk in the coal office of Joseph A. Bowen, later entering the employ of the Durfee Mills, where he remained as an operative for a period of seven years. He then spent one year as an overseer of carding in the Stafford Mills, at the end of that time going to the Globe Yarn Mills, where he remained seven years. He then accepted the po- sition of superintendent of the Hargraves Mills, which he held for eight years. In April, 1897, he organized the Arkwright Mills, and when the company was incorpo- rated was made agent and treasurer, with Joseph A. Bowen president, and James M. Morton, jr., as clerk of the board. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., and Godfrey de Bouillon Command- ery, Knights Templar; also a member of Fall River Lodge of Odd Fellows, and the I. O. R. M. November 15, 1881. Mr. Bodge married Malvina J., daughter of Clark Freelove of Fall River, and they have one son, L. Clifford. Boomer, Thomas, son of Martin and Amy (Thurston) Boomer, was born in Fall River, May 22, 1857. He is a member of a family which is said by some historians to have been the third to settle in the vicinity of Fall River. His father resided in Fall River all his life, following the occupation of a ship carpenter, and gaining a reputation for industry and integrity. During his boyhood Mr. Boomer attended the public schools, acquiring a good common school education, which was later supple- mented by a course in the Holmes Business College. After leaving this institution he engaged successively in farming, stone quarrying, the moulder's trade, and in the mill business. In 1880 he purchased the farm in North Dartmouth on which he now resides, eight miles northwest of the city of New Bedford. He has served as road surveyor and in other minor town offices. Boomer, Walter Martin, was born in Fall River, Mass., December 24. 1847, a son of Martin and Am}' (Thurston) Boomer. His ancestors were of English descent and were among the first settlers in Fall River. Mr. Boomer was educated in the public schools of Providence, R. I. His first employment was in a machine shop at Fall River. Later he was employed by Oliver Buffinton, a market gardener, for three years. At the end of this time he accepted a position with Joseph Elsbree, where he remained for one year, and then removed to Providence, R. I., and engaged in the jewelry business, which he continued ten years. He was next employed by his broth- er Thomas in the milk business, and after a service of nine years bought his present farm and engaged in marketing butter, eggs, produce, etc. January 6, 1882, he mar- ried Cynthia, daughter of Ebenezer and Hannah (Sherman) Andrews, and they have seven children: C. Amy, Thomas M., Hannah E., Rhoda S., Lena R., Nancy A. and Peleg W. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 27 Booth, James H., merchant, was born in Fall River, May 2, 1867, a son of George and Sarah (Johnston) Booth. His father was a native of Bury, England, and his mother was born in Taunton, Mass.. of Scotch ancestry. George Booth, his father, came to this country early in life, served nearly four years in a Massachusetts reg- iment during the Civil war and participated in many hard fonght battles. James H. Booth was educated in the public schools and spent one year in the high school. When quite young he secured a position in the store of Frank E. Sargent, where he remained seven years, at the end of which time he became a salesman in the store of R. A. McWhirr & Co., remaining three years. In 1892 he associated himself with R. A. Bogle in the dry goods business at 71 South Main street, under the firm name of Bogle & Booth. They met with encouraging success, but on December 28, 1893, their store was partly destroyed by fire, involving a loss of §3,000, which was, how- ever, covered by insurance. They continued in business as a firm until 1897, when Mr. Booth purchased the interest of his partner and has since conducted the business himself. January 15, 1896, Mr. Booth married Belle D. , daughter of Charles H. and Maria C. Dillingham, and they have one son, Charles D. Booth. Mr. Booth is a member of the Royal Arcanum. Borden, Charles F., senior member of the firm of Borden & Remington, is a son of Joseph and Amy (Hathaway) Borden, and was born in Fall River, September 24, 1854. His father was a prominent citizen of Fall River for many years, being su- perintendent of the city farm for several terms and holding the position of superin- tendent of the bleaching department of the American Printing Company for a long period. He also served several terms on the board of aldermen. Charles F. Bor- den attended the public and high schools of Fall River and then was employed for a short time as bookkeeper for Davis Brothers; later he entered the employ of R. K. Remington, who conducted a business in manufacturers', painters' and masons' supplies. This business had been established in 1834 by Hale Remington, who was later succeeded by Shove & Remington, and still later by R. K. Remington, who con- ducted it until his death in November, 1886. Mr. Borden went into the business as an office clerk and bookkeeper, but later became a salesman. At the death of Mr. Remington he formed a copartnership with Edward B. Remington, taking the firm name of Borden & Remington, which still continues. The trade of this concern has increased in proportion to the growth of the city and at present covers a wide area. The office, warerooms and docks are located at the foot of Annawan street. Borden, Edwin, son of Christopher and Lucy H. (Davis) Borden, was born in Tiverton, R. I. (now Westport, Mass.), June 26, 1850. The Bordens from whom he is descended were originally from Normandy, France. There were two brothers, Richard and John Borden, who came to America in 1635, and settled in Portsmouth, R. I. Richard, the progenitor of this family of Bordens, was one of the three men to lay out the original town of Portsmouth, R. I. ; his son Matthew was the first white child born on the island. Richard, of the third generation, was born October 24, 1671; Thomas (4), was born December 6, 1697; Christopher (5); Jonathan (6) ; Abraham (7); Christopher (8), and the subject of the sketch ninth. Edwin Borden received his education at the public schools and the Providence Friends School. He remained at home with his parents until March 2, 1871, when he married Mary E., daughter of William and Nancy (Pierce) Young, and they have five children: 28 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Minnie E.. wife of George S. Lawton; Ida H., William C, Beriah E., and Minerva A. Mr. Borden is an active member of Mount Vernon Lodge No. 157, K. of P., of Fall River. He has always taken an interest in public affairs, but has never aspired to public office. He is a man with many friends and is respected and honored by all who know him. Borden, Gilbert Bennett, retired master mariner, is the son of Richard and Sarah (Chase) Borden, and was born in Tiverton, R. I., February 1, 1827. His family orig- inally came from Wales, Great Britain. Mr. Borden received a common school edu- cation in his native town, and in early life engaged in the whaling business, which he successfully followed until 1889, becoming a. master mariner and vessel owner. He settled permanently in New Bedford on the 1st of February, 1865. In 1889 he was sent by the U. S. government to take charge of the Point Barrow refuge station in Alaska, where he remained three and one-half years. While there he was also appointed deputy internal revenue collector, customs inspector, and an officer of the signal service under Lieut. Greeley of the War Department. Returning home, he was appointed, in 1895, a census enumerator of New Bedford and a special agent to ob- tain agricultural statistics for the State census of that year. He is a prominent Mason, belonging to the Chapter and Commandery, and is a member of the Sons of Temperance. In 1853 he married Amy Hambly of Tiverton, R. I., who died in 1864. In 1865 he married Mrs. Phebe Ann Hobbs of Fairhaven, Mass., and they have one son, Gilbert Bates Borden. Borden, Nathanel Briggs, treasurer of the Barnard Manufacturing Company, was born in Fall River, Mass., February 23, 1844, a. son of Nathaniel Briggs and Sarah Gould (Buffum) Borden. He is seventh in descent from Richard Borden, who came from Kent, England, in 1635, and a few years later settled in Portsmouth, R, I. His father was an eminent citizen of Fall River, having assisted in the organization of the Pocasset Manufacturing Company; he was four years a member of the Lower House of the State Legislature ; three years of the Senate, and served in the Twen- ty-fourth, Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh Congresses as a representative from Massachusetts, being elected first upon an anti-Masonic and Jacksonian platform. During his second term he supported John Quincy Adams in the struggle for the right of petition. Being sent to the State Senate as a Whig in 1851, Mr. Borden, in defer- ence to the overwhelming sentiment of his district, cast the ballot that secured the election of Charles Sumner as United States senator over Robert C. Winthrop, in an exciting contest. Nathaniel B. Borden received his early educational training in the public schools and at Phillips Exeter Academy. He entered Harvard in 1864, but the next year, owing to the death of his father, left college and went to Peacedale, R. I., to learn the woolen business in the mills of Rowland G. Hazard. Subsequent- ly he was in the employ of T. R. Hyde & Co. at Carolina Mills, R. I. In 1866 he entered the office of the Valley Falls Co. , a cotton manufacturing establishment at Valley Falls, R. I. In 1870 he became bookkeeper in the office of the Merchants' Man- ufacturing Company at Fall River, but the next year returned to the Valley Falls Company as superintendent. In 1873 he returned to Fall River, organized the Bar- nard Manufacturing Company and has since filled the position of treasurer of that corporation, which controls a flourishing and prosperous cotton manufactory. Mr. Borden was president of the Cotton Manufacturers' Association of Fall River in 1889 PERSONAL REFERENCES. 29 and 1890, and in the Common Council of tbe city in 1890 and 1891. He became pres- ident of the Children's Home of Fall River in 1889. He is vice-president of the Massasoit National Bank, of the Harvard Club of Fall River, and a member of the Quequechan Club. February 2, 1870, Mr. Borden married Annie E. Brown of Fall River, and they have four children: Nathaniel Briggs, jr., Annie Brown, Arnold Buffum and Louise Gould. Borden, Philip D., civil engineer, son of Philip D. and Sarah F. (Bennett) Borden, was born in Fall River, December 23, 1851. His father was a prominent citizen of Fall River, and was for the long period of forty years superintendent of the Fall River Iron Works Company. Mr. Borden obtained his preparatory education in the Fall River public schools, the Williston Seminary at Easthampton, Mass., and then took a four years' course in civil engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, at Boston. He entered the- engineering department of the city of Fall River June 10, 1873, as assistant civil engineer, and in 1880 was appointed to the position he now holds as city engineer. Mr. Borden is a member of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia and the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. In 1884 he married Abbe E. , daughter of Henry C. and Laura A. Lincoln of Fall River. Of this union is one daughter, Addie. Borden, Richard B., son of Richard and Abby (Walker) Borden, was born in Fall River, February 21, 1834. He is a lineal descendant and eighth of the line of Rich- ard Borden, who came from England in 1635 and settled in Rhode Island early in the spring of 1638. His son Matthew was born there in May of the same year, being the first white child born on the island. Col. Richard Borden, father of the subject of this sketch, was identified with all the leading corporations of Fall River and one of the leading cotton manufacturers of New England for nearly half a cen- tury. He was treasurer of the Fall River Iron Works for many years. Richard B. Borden attended the common schools of Fall River, Middleboro Academy, and the Lawrence Scientific School. He began business life as a clerk in the office of the Metacomet Mills, later going into the office of the Fall River Iron Works. In 1859, having gained a thorough and complete knowledge of the manufacturing business, he secured the agency of the Metacomet Mill, the Annawan Manufactory, and the Fall River Manufactory. From 1873 to 1876 he was the treasurer of the Crescent Mills and retained the agency of the Metacomet and Annawan, and since 1876 he has been treasurer of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Mills and the Richard Borden Manufacturing Company. Mr. Borden is a director in the Troy, Mechanics', Anna- wan, Metacomet, Merchants' and Richard Borden Mills, American Linen Company, Fall River Bleachery and Fall River Machinery Company. He is vice-president and director of the Fall River National Bank, president and director of the Union Belt Company, and vice-president and trustee of the Five Cents Savings Bank. He is also a director in the Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company of Fall River, and the State Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Enterprise Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany, and American Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Borden has been actively and continuously engaged in the cotton manufacturing business perhaps longer than any other man in Bristol county. He is a member and treasurer of the Cen- tral Congregational Church of Fall River, and is known by all as a man of high per- sonal character and unquestioned integrity. He has been a member of the Common 30 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Council for two terms. In 1863 he married Ellen F. Plummer, of Boston. Of this union are four children: Richard P., Charles N., Elizabeth M., and Nellie L. Bouvier, J. A. "Wilfrid, one of the leading druggists of Fall River, was born at St. Hugues, Province of Quebec, Canada December 27, 1809. He attended the West Farnham School, St. Hyacmthe College and the schools of Fall River, the family having removed to that city when he was quite young. Later he took the full course of the Institute of Pharmacy of Illinois, and was graduated from that institution in October, 1892. The following year he went into the drug business, locating at 1715 Pleasant street, but the growth of the business having warranted a better location, he removed to his present store at No. 1729 Pleasant street in September, 1897. Mr. Bouvier is a. member of the Knights of Pythias, the Ligue de Patriote, Order of St. John the Baptist, and Montcalm Circle. He is also a member of the Fall River Drug Association and the New England Retail Druggists' Union. His parents were John Baptiste and Celina (Mathieu) Bouvier, natives of Canada, who came to Fall River in 1887. Bowen, Joseph A., son of Abraham and Sarah Ann Bowen, was born in Fall River, October 10, 1832. He is a member of one of the oldest of New England families, and many of his direct ancestors served in the Indian wars and in the Revolution. His maternal grandfather was Major Joseph E. Read, one of the prominent citizens of fifty years ago, and his paternal grandfather was Abraham Bowen, the agent of the first cotton mill that was built in Fall River in 1813. This gentleman's farmhouse was situated at the corner of Bedford and North Main streets, while his farm extend- ed from Bedford to Elm street and from the bay to Watuppa Pond. Joseph A. Bow- en's father was extensively engaged in the wholesale shipping and commission busi- ness (Read & Bowen), and later engaged in the publishing business. As a young man Mr. Bowen followed the printing trade in his father's office. He was a member of the Common Council in 1862-63, and of the Board of Aldermen in 1869-10. At this time he was chairman of the committee on water supply with power to investi- gate the general subject. The subject was considered with wise care and considera- tion, and affer visiting several cities the committee reported to the council in favor of taking the water from Watuppa Pond. This report was adopted by the city gov- ernment and upon being submitted to the city at a special election met almost unan- imous approval. Mr. Bowen and H. B. Durfee purchased the waterworks lot of fifty acres on their own responsibility, in order to keep it out of the hands of speculators. Their transaction saved the city about $400 per acre. Mr. Bowen was one of the first water commissioners, and was third president of the Fall River Board of Trade, of which he has been a member many years. He is an ardent supporter of all that is designed to further the common good, and a business man of genuine ability. January 19, 1865, he married Miss Fanny M. Corey of Fall River. Their children are Joseph H. and Fanny C. Bowen. Bowen, Seabury. physician and surgeon, was born at Attleborough, Mass., July 22, 1840, a son of Benjamin and Leafa (Clafflin) Bowen. He obtained his prepara- tory education in Attleborough Academy, entered Brown University in 1860, was graduated A. B. in 1864, and received the degree of A. M. from his alma mater three years later. He was graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York PERSONAL REFERENCES. 31 city in 1867, and the same year located in Fall River, where he has since practiced his profession with success. Mr. Bowen is a member of the Fall River Medical Society ; Bristol County Medical Society and Massachusetts Medical Society. He has been on the medical staff of the Fall River Hospital since its origin. In 1871 he married Phoebe V. Miller, daughter of Southard H. and Esther G. Miller of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Florence G. Dr. Bowen served as a trustee of the State Work- house at Bridgewater for several years. He has also held the office of city physician of Fall River Boyden, Clarence Fuller, was born in Attleborough, Mass., March 5, 1846, and is a son of Alexander A. and Harriet G. (Fuller) Boyden. His early education was re- ceived in the public schools. He fitted for college at Stoughtonham Institute, Sharon, Mass., and entered Amherst in 1865, where, he was graduated four years later with class honors. After leaving college he was engaged as a teacher in North Providence, R. I., for a year, after which he commenced the study of law. Owing to the death of his father, he felt obliged to give up his study, and in place of it turned his atten- tion to teaching. In 1872 he came to Taunton as sub-master in the High School, and afterwards was principal of the Weir and the Cohannet Grammar Schools until 1890, when he was elected superintendent of schools. He has succeeded himself each year to the present time. July 4. 1876, Mr. Boyden married Isabel H. Anthony of Taunton, daughter of James H. and Harriet M. (Yale) Anthony. They have no children. Bradford, David L., son of Cornelius and Hannah (Ripley) Bradford, was born in Plymouth, Mass., December 19, 1850. His father was a lifelong resident of Plym- outh, and his ancestry is of old Puritan stock, he being a direct descendant and eighth in the line of Governor Bradford, who came over in the Mayflower. As a boy he attended the public schools of Plymouth and gained his first business experience in the employ of the Plymouth Cordage Company. Later he made a voyage to the Grand Banks in a fishing vessel, and in 1871 came to Fall River, where he has since resided. Soon after his arrival he began to learn the carpenter's trade, working under Lorenzo H. Miller for about three years. He continued as a carpenter and contractor until 1894, when he was appointed to his present position as captain of Quequechan Steamer Company No. 1. Previous to this appointment Mr. Bradford had been a call man for a term of fifteen years, during which time he had gained a thorough knowledge of the workings of the fire department. In 1872 he married Sarah E. Gray, daughter of David I. and Sarah A. Gray, and they have four chil- dren: Laura G. , Edward L., William and Clifford C. Braley, Hon. Henry King, son of Samuel T. and Mary A. Braley, was born in Rochester, Mass., March 17, 1850. His early education was obtained in the common schools of his native place, at Rochester Academy, and at Pierce Academy, Middle- borough. He taught school for several years and studied law with Hon. Hosea Kingman of Bridgewater, being admitted to the Plymouth county 'bar m October, 1873. In December of the same year he began the practice of law in Fall River, being first associated with Nicholas Hathaway, as Hathaway & Braley, and later with M. G. B. Swift, as Braley & Swift. He was city solicitor in 1874, mayor in 1882 and 1883, and is now a justice of the Superior Court. He has been one of the vice-presidents of the Fall River Children's Home, a director of the Globe Yarn 32 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mills, clerk of the Border City Manufacturing Company, and a trustee of the Fall River Savings Bank. He is past grand master of the I. O. O. F., of Massachusetts. April 29, 1875, he married Caroline W., daughter of Philander and Sarah T. Leach of Bridgewater, Mass. Braley, Jasper W. , who for more than thirty-seven years was one of the foremost retail grocers of New Bedford, was born in Rochester, Mass. , in 1819, a son of Ezek- iel and Lucy (Allen) Braley, and his father, who was a farmer, was a lifelong res- ident of Rochester. During his boyhood Mr. Braley attended the schools of the vicinity and worked on his father's farm, and at the age of thirteen he went to Fair- haven and began the shoemaker's trade under John Manter, with whom he remained about three years. He then went to Randolph, Mass., to work in a shoe factory and a year later occupied himself, at his home in Rochester, in making shoes, which he brought from the Randolph factory partially finished and returned completed. In 1837 he followed the example of most of the boys of that period and shipped before the mast on the whale ship " Janus," making a voyage of eighteen months. This was his first and only whaling voyage, but he continued in the coastwise trade for several years, finally becoming a first mate. In 1849 he made his way to California and for two years remained in the northern mines on the American River, shortly after returning to New Bedford, where he engaged in the grocery business with Isaac Terry, under the name of Braley & Terry. They located at the corner of Smith and County streets and after two years Mr. Terry retired, Mr. Braley con- tinuing the business alone until his retirement. At different times the store was moved, first to the present site of Mr. Braley 's residence, at the corner of Sycamore and County streets, and later to the corner of County and Maxfield streets, where it is now conducted by Jasper W. Braley, jr., who came into possession in 1890. On this corner the business has been located for upwards of twenty-five years and has become a landmark in this section of the city. Mr. Braley has never held any public office except that of common councilman, having giving most of his attention to the development of his business. He is a well known and highly respected man and a type of that class of hardy whalemen and " forty-niners " who afterwards became successful merchants. For over twenty years he has been a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows and for many years of the First Congregational Church (Uni- tarian). He is a director of the Co-operative Bank of New Bedford. In 1851 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Nelson Allen of New Bedford, and they had eleven children, six of whom survive: Henry H, a practicing physician in Concord, Mass., Adra C. , wife of Daniel Batchelder, of Centerville, R. I., Anna W., Elizabeth W., Jasper W., jr., and Jessie N. Briggs, Abram Taylor, was born in Taunton, December 17, 1848, a son of Abra- ham and Betsey (Wright) Briggs. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days he went to work for his father to learn the mason's trade in all of its branches. He remained with him for several years and on the death of his father succeeded to the business and has car- ried it on alone up to the present time. November 25, 1879, Mr. Briggs married Mary Ella Wrigley of Brockton, and they have four children: George W., born Feb- ruary 17, 1881; James A., born September 29, 1887; Rufus W., born January 19, 1889; Howard, born May 12, 1890. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 33 Briggs, Charles Henry, merchant, is descended from (1) Clement Briggs, who came from England to Plymouth in the ship Fortune in 1621, settled in Weymouth, and had six children ; (2) John Briggs, who removed to Portsmouth, R. I. ; (3) Job Briggs, who had nine children ; (4) Jeremiah Briggs, born 1721, died September, 1764, married August 5, 1745, Anna Taylor, and had five children, Thomas being the youngest; (5) Thomas, a major in the Continental army in the Revolution, born July 18, 1757, died April 29, 1822, married in 1778 Lucy Shaw, and had four children, Jeremiah being the eldest; (6) Jeremiah Briggs, born October 24, 1778, died December 28, 1856, married, first, March 9, 1806, Sally Almy, and second, June 2, 1810, Diana Coe (died May 12, 1869), and had Sallie Almy (Mrs. Sylvester H. Burgess), born April 6, 1811; Alfred C, born May 25, 1813; Susan Church (Mrs. Jesse Gardner), born May 22, 1818; Betsey Coe (Mrs. Joseph Hicks), born September 10, 1820; and Thomas born June 16, 1822. Alfred C. Briggs learned the trade of cooper in New Bedford, but soon returned to his native town, Little Compton, R. I., and died on his farm in April, 1886. He married first, November 7, 1837, Mary V. Harlow, who died Octo- ber 14, 1839. He married, second, April 12, 1843, Mrs. Elvira M. Cornell, of War- ren, R. I., who died about 1850, leaving two children: Charles Henry, born in Little Compton, R. I., February 13, 1844. and Mary Elvira, born March 26, 1849, who mar- ried Nathaniel Church of Little Compton. Charles Henry Briggs was educated in the common schools of his native town. When seventeen he came to New Bedford and learned the carriagemaker's trade with George L. Brownell. September 26, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E. 3d Mass. Vols., and served nine months; in the fall of 1863 he re-enlisted in the 19th Mass. Vols., unattached, and was discharged at the close of war as orderly sergeant. Returning to New Bedford he resumed his posi- tion with Mr. Brownell until 1869, when he engaged in the furniture- business on a small scale. In 1878 he formed a copartnership with James L. Lawrence, which has since continued under the style of Briggs & Lawrence. They added carpets, dra- peries, etc., to their furniture trade, and now have the largest and best store of the kind in the city, at 197 and 203 Union street. Mr. Briggs is a member of the Vet- eran Firemen's Association, of Acushnet Lodge and Annawan Encampment of Odd Fellows, and of Post 190, G.A R. April 30, 1866, he married Frances A., daughter of Edwin R. Russell of New Bedford. Briggs, George Alfred, civil engineer, is the son of George Briggs, jr., and Cynthia Jones, and was born in Dighton, Bristol county, January 6, 1820. According to tra- dition there came from Yorkshire, England, John Briggs, who settled in Dartmouth, and afterward in Norton; Richard Briggs, in Taunton; and Clement Briggs, on Cape Cod. Mr. Briggs's great- great-grandfather, David Briggs, lived in Berkley; his great-grandfather, Nathan, and grandfather, George Briggs, sr., resided in Dighton, where the latter was especially prominent in settling estates. His mater- nal grandfather, Salathiel Jones, was a captain of militia. Mr. Briggs received a common school education, and through his own efforts secured a thorough and prac- tical knowledge of civil and hydraulic engineering, which he practiced during a portion of his early life, as assistant engineer in making surveys and the construction of railroads, under his uncle, Seth H. Ingalls, one of the foremost structural engineers and architects of his day: In 1845 Mr. Briggs became assistant engineer on the construction of the Bridgewater division of the Fall River & Boston Railroad. Fol- 34 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. lowing this he was successively principal assistant engineer on the surveys for the railroad through West Randolph in 1846; principal assistant engineer in charge of the preliminary surveys for the New Bedford & Fall River and the Taunton & Mid- dleboro Railroads in 1847 ; assistant engineer and draughtsman in charge of the surveys for the New Haven & New London Railroad in 1848 ; assistant engineer on the New Haven & Northampton, and principal engineer in charge of the construction of the Old Town (Me.) extension of the Bangor & Old Town Railroad in 1849; en- gineer and master carpenter on the construction of a wooden bridge, single span, 105 feet long, for this road, and assistant engineer in charge of the State surveys for the European & North American Railway from Bangor to Calais, Me., in 1850; assistant engineer on the location and construction of the New Haven & New Lon- don Railroad from 1850 to 1852 ; and division engineer in charge of the preliminary surveys, location, and construction of the Clinton Line Railroad in Ohio from 1852 to 1855. In 1860 he became assistant engineer on the preliminary surveys for the New Bedford water works, and in 1865 was principal engineer on further surveys for this enterprise ; when the location and construction were commenced in 1866 he was made chief engineer, which position he held until 1871. From 1871 to 1874 he was chief engineer on the construction of the Fall River water works, completing them as he had completed, in 1869, the New Bedford system. Since then he has been engaged in the general practice of his profession in New Bedford and Fair- haven, having resided in the latter place since 1877. From 1861 to 1868 he also served as city engineer of New Bedford, and was selectman and chairman of the board of Fairhaven from 1879 to 1884, and chief engineer of the Coggeshall street bridge between these two places. Mr. Briggs is one of the oldest and best known civil engineers in the southern part of the State. In 1844 he married Sarah Ann, daughter of Nathaniel Stetson, of Fairhaven. She died at Cleveland, Ohio, Decem- ber 16, 1888, leaving Roswell Emmons Briggs, a graduate of the Rensselaer Poly- technic Institute at Troy, and now a civil engineer of Denver, Col. ; Emma O., wife of Daniel A. Wightman, general manager and superintendent of the Pittsburg (Pa.) Locomotive Works ; and Mary Louisa S. (Mrs. Edward Knowles), of Cleveland, Ohio. Briggs, Seth R., was born in Rochester, Mass., February 19, 1819, son of Benja- min S. Briggs, who was born in Mansfield. The family trace their descent from Clement Briggs, who settled in Easton in 1694 (being the grandson of Clement Briggs, sr. , who arrived in Plymouth in the ship " Fortune" in 1621); his son, Seth, being a pioneer in Mansfield. Benjamin Briggs married Caroline, daughter of Jon- athan Cowan, and he was one of the old Quaker stock. S. R. Briggs was educated in the public schools and at Mansfield private schools, afterward learning the ma- chinist's trade. In 1872 he learned the jewelry business and in 1882 bought the hotel property, now known as the Briggs' House, adding the annex and Capron Cottage. In 1872 he married Martha, daughter of Thomas and Matilda Shepard, and they have five children: Frank L., Walter E., Martha S., Caroline L. and Grace H. Mr. Briggs is one of the conservative men of his town; is deputy sheriff ; a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge of Masons, and Knights of Pythias ; and is recog- nized as a man of sterling integrity, who has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Brightman, Abner Potter, son of Samuel and 'Esther G. (Gifford) Brightman, was PERSONAL REFERENCES. 35 born on the old Brightman homestead about eight miles southwest of the city of New Bedford, in the township of Dartmouth, March 28, 1828. His father was born and reared in Westport, as was also his mother. Mr. Brightman has devoted his entire life to agriculture and is a sagacious and successful farmer, greatly respected in the community. January 25, 1855, he married Helen E., only daughter of William and Abbie B. (Macomber) Howland, and they have six children: Zelotes A., William A., Abbie, Norah, Stella M. and Harold W. Brightman, Charles, son of Thomas and Emily D. (Manchester) Brightman, was born in Fall River, Mass?, May 8, 1848. After finishing his education in the public schools of his native city he was apprenticed to the iron moulder's trade and continued to follow this calling, in the employ of others, for nine years. He then engaged in the poultry business which he carried on until 1894, when he removed to Westport and rebuilt the grain mill at that place and has since conducted a large and growing business. On December 24, 1884, he married Annie, daughter of Archibald and Catherine (McAulay) McDonald, and they have seven^ children: Alice M., Oliver T. Omar D., Irviu A., Walter D., Henry and an infant. Brightman, Charles Oliver, contractor and builder, is the son of Oliver P. Bright- man (which see), and was born in New Bedford, Mass., March 28, 1853. He was educated in the public and high schools of his native city and in 1870 went to Provi- dence, R. I., where he learned the carpenter's trade, remaining five years. After- ward he spent three years in Hartford, Conn. , and in 1878 returned to New Bedford, where, in 1879, he engaged in the stair building business, which he had previously learned in addition to his trade. In 1881 he became a general contractor andbuilder, a, business he has since followed with success. Among the numerous structures erected by him are the Wamsutta block, the Haskell & Tripp stores, Adelphia rink, House of Correction, St. Luke's Hospital, the New Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank building, the Emerson building, the Union for Good Works building, the Unitarian Chapel, the Parker House addition, the Slocum building, the Howland and Rotch Mills, the Bennett Mill No. 2, the Columbia Spinning Mills Nos. 1 and 2, and the Samuel P. Richmond, Clarence A. Cook, Charles M. Tripp, Charles S. Kel- ley, Edmund B. Wood and other residences, all in New Bedford; the U. S. Fish Commission buildings at Wood's Holl; the Globe Yarn Mill No. 3 in Fall River; and many other dwellings, blocks, public buildings, etc. He is one of the leading build- ers in southeastern Massachusetts. Mr. Brightman was elected to the City Council in 1887, was for three years a member of the Board of Public Works, served as sec- retary of the New Bedford Republican City Committee for several years, and has been a member of the Massachusetts State Central Committee since 1892. He is also one of the commissioners appointed by the governor to build the new jail in Fall River. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in all the bodies, and is also a member of the Elks and the Wamsutta and Dartmouth Clubs of New Bedford and the Quequechan Club of Fall River. In May, 1876, he married Anna Cronan of Brooklyn, N. Y., and their children are Oliver C, Ella D., and Mar- shall C. Brightman, Charles P. , city treasurer and tax collector of Fall River, was born in that city August 5, 1848, a son of Horatio Nelson, and Rebecca Loraine (Drake) Brightman. His first American ancestor came from England to Rhode Island early 36 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE in the seventeenth century, and soon moved to the site of Fall River, being one of the first settlers in that vicinity. He was a prominent man among the colonists, being a member of the governor's staff. According to the old records he was made a free- man in 1670. Mr. Brightman attended the public schools and while pursuing his studies in the high school, enlisted, in 1864, in the 21st Unattached Company, M. V. M. , in the three months service. When his term expired he returned to school and at the age of eighteen began to learn the trade of a machinist in the shops of Gifford & Houghton in Fall River, following that occupation five years. Through the in- fluence of Congressman Buffinton he was appointed to a- position in the city post- office, where he remained thirteen years.-having in the mean time been promoted to the place of chief clerk. In 1886 he was elected by the City Council to the office of city treasurer and tax collector, which office he has since held by annual re-elec- tion. By virtue of this office he is treasurer of the trust and sinking funds of the city,, and he is one of the trustees of the Fall River Savings Bank, Mr. Brightman was married twice, first, to Susie Harrison, who died fifteen months after marriage. His second wife was Abbie J., daughter of David Albert of Fall River. They have two children : Harold and Gladys Loraine Brightman. Brightman, Philander H., son of EliasP. andDianna A. (Manchester) Brightman, was born June 22, 1839. He attended the district schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to learn the trade of pattern maker, where he remained for a short time, and forming a dislike for this business, resigned his position and shipped aboard the brig Kate Cory, under Captain Weston Tripp, and was twenty-two months on a whaling voyage. In 1861 he returned home and went to California and en- gaged in mining for ten years, when he returned again to Westport and for five years ran a yacht boat. He then established himself in the lumber business, which he conducted until 1884, when the present firm of Brightman Brothers was formed, which copartnership continues as it was then organized. October 30, 1884, Mr. Brightman married Elizabeth A., (born April 2, 1862), daughter of John W. and Elizabeth M. (Hall) Babbitt, of Fairhaven, and they have two children, Ralph H., born August 4, 1885, and Guy L , born June 13, 1887. Brown, John Peaslee, was born in Raymond, N. H., October 12, 1833. His early education was obtained in the country schools and at Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., afterwards graduating from Dartmouth in the class of 1860. After spending a year in the south as a private tutor, Dr. Brown came north and entered Harvard Medical School, graduating from there in the class of 1865. He was immediately appointed assistant physician at the Asylum for the Insane at Concord, N. H., re- maining there until March, 1878, and then came to Taunton to take charge of the Taunton Lunatic Hospital. March 16, 1865, Dr. Brown married Caroline A. Ste- vens of Mount Vernon, N. H., and they have one daughter, Gertrude S. Brownell, Charles H., son of Alanson P. and Mary A. (Sherman) Brownell, was born in Westport, April 23, 1838. His father was also a native of Westport and with the exception of the last two years of his life always resided there, being engaged in farming and in the wholesale and retail meat business for, many years, and a prominent and respected citizen. For a considerable period he served as collector of of taxes and held other minor offices at different times. In the main Charles H. Brownell is self-educated for he attended the schools of the vicinity but a short time PERSONAL REFERENCES. 37 and then began to learn the carriage-making trade under Holder White with whom he remained three years. The very day his time was out he started in husiness for himself and continued for twenty-one-years. At different times he added carriage painting and undertaking to his business enterprises. Mr. Brownell removed to New Bedford in 1879 and established himself in the meat business, and out of this his present grocery business grew. For some time he conducted three stores, but now has only two, one of which is the largest and best appointed retail grocery in the city, and employs a force of several clerks. He has been an intelligent and hard worker in building up his business, for which he is well fitted, having a natural capacity for making friends and for handling men. Some of his present employees have worked for him over twenty years. For some years Mr. Brownell was a mem- ber of Star of the East Lodge, and was a charter member of Noquachoke Lodge, South Westport, but now holds membership in Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Chapter and Commandery and of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows. For two years he represented Ward 3 on the Board of Aldermen. July 20, 1860, he married Mary A., daughter of Benjamin F. Tripp of West-port, and three children have been born to them: Elmer W. (deceased), Elmer W., and Ulysses G. , both in business in New Bedford. Brownell, David, jr., son of David and Ruth (Sisson) Brownell, was born at Ports- mouth, R. I., April 21, 1822. After being educated in the public schools, he worked on his father's farm until 1849, when he took a steamer for California, which trip consumed about six months' time; after a short stay in California he returned to Massachusetts and engaged in farming, which he has since followed. September 24, 1855, Mr. Brownell married Caroline A., daughter of Christopher and Susan (Sanford) Almy. Mrs. Brownell's ancestors were of English descent, and she was born July 13, 1843, in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass. ; they have five children: Deborah Alma, wife of James T. Wilbur ; Carrie Anna, wife of John F. Little, David, George and Edith. Brownell, Ezekiel J., third son of George H. B. and Nancy O. (Rounds) Brownell, was born .in Tiverton, R. I. (now Westport. Mass.), October 7, 1854. His first busi- ness experience after leaving school was in the meat business with his father in Fall River, where he was employed for five years. He then engaged in teaming, which he carried on for a short time, when he was offered a position in a mill as fireman and remained there for about a year. He then spent some three months in Florida, after which he returned to Westport and has since been engaged in farming. On January 23, 1878, he married Mary E. (born in the town of Blackstone, Mass.), daughter of Charles O. and Elizabeth (Fuller) Taft, and they have three children : Vilola W., Nellie M. and Grace R. Brownell, Pardon Cornell. — Prominent among the representative citizens of Bris- tol county is the subject of this notice, who is a son of Ellery and Phoebe (Cornell) Brownell, and was born in the the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., April 14, 1824. His first business experience after leaving the public schools was aboard a whaling vessel, and he was engaged in that occupation for five years. In 1849, dur- ing the gold excitement in California, he spent a year in that State, after which he returned east and engaged in farming, which business he has since followed. Mr. Brownell has always taken an active interest in public affairs, but has never aspired 38 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to public office; he was, however, road surveyor of the town for a time. He has been twice married ; his first wife was Ruth M. Tucker, and of this union were two chil- dren: James Ellery and Mary Almy. His second wife was Ruth J., daughter of David Brownell. Bryant, Thomas Ruggles, jr., son of Thomas R. and Nancy (Sturtevant) Bryant, was born in New Bedford, Mass., February 22, 1828. After obtaining a liberal edu- cation in the public schools he shipped aboard the whaling bark " Herald" for one voyage, then before the mast on the " Elizabeth," with Capt. Michael Baker, for one voyage, and as third mate for one voyage on the same ship. He then shipped as third mate on the bark "Stafford," and later with Capt. Obed Pearce on the bark "Catalpa." During this voyage he was promoted to the position of second mate, and sailed as such until 1871. He then returned to Dartmouth and engaged in farm- ing and in the production of milk for market. He has for many years carried on an extensive milk business and is well known in New Bedford. Mr. Bryant has always been a staunch Republican. He was one of three children, having two sisters who reside with him at the old homestead, near the village of Smith's Mills. The family is an old Puritan one, the first representatives in America settling near the present site of Plympton, Mass., about 1635. Bryson, G. S., D.D.S., was born at Portsmouth, N. H., May 24, 1871, and was educated in the public schools and at Becker's Business College, Worcester. He then entered the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, from which he was grad- uated in 1896. He practiced his profession for five years in Worcester before grad- uating, and acquired a high reputation in that city for dental skill. He opened his office in Fall River, October 1, 1897. He is a member of the C. N. P. Dental Society and of the Royal Arcanum Dr. Bryson' s parents were Robert S. and Emily F. (Tallman) Bryson. The family is American for generations back, and of Scottish origin. Buck, Augustus Walker, M.D , was born at Slatersville, R. I., February 7, 1866, a son of Rev. E. A. Buck and Elmira Walker, his wife. Shortly after his birth the family removed to Fall River, and he has since resfded in that city, being now one of its most prominent and successful physicians. He secured his preliminary educa- tion in the public and high schools of Fall River and then entered Williams College, from which he was graduated in 1888 with the degree of A. B. Following his col- lege course he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania and was graduated in 1892 with the degree of M. D. , shortly after was appointed resident physician to the Methodist Episcopal Hospital at Philadelphia, in which capacity he served one year, returning at the end of that time to Fall River to en- gage in active practice. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Fall River Medical Society, of which he served as president for one year ; also a member and chairman of the city Board of Health. In 1897 he was appointed city physician for a term of three years. This office he resigned in 1898, having been appointed medical examiner for Bristol county by Governor Wolcott. Dr. Buck was married in April, 1896, to Jennie, daughter of Rev. O. T. Lanpher, of Beverly. He is a member of the staff of the Fall River Hospital and visiting physician to the Emergency Hospital. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 39 Buckminster, Joseph, son of David and Dorcas (Scamman) Buckminster, was born in Saco, Me., March 7, 1821. His ancestry is as follows: (1) Thomas Buckminster, a descendant of John Buckminster, of Peterboro, Northamptonshire, England, came to Massachusetts prior to 1639 and settled in Scituate, whence he removed to Boston. He had nine children. (2) Joseph Buckminster, son of Thomas, lived at Muddy River, and died November 20, 1668. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh Clark, and had two children. (3) Joseph Buckminster, son of Joseph, was born July 31, 1666, became a tanner and in 1703 settled in Framingham, where he died, April 5, 1747. He was selectman seventeen years, representative twelve years, and be- came a captain and colonel of militia. May 12, 1686, he married Martha, daughter of John Sharp, who bore him eight children. He married, second, February 7, 1716. (4) Col. Joseph Buckminster, son of Joseph and Martha, was born in 1697. lived in Framingham, was town clerk thirty-two years, selectman twenty-eight years, representative nineteen years, commissioned colonel of militia in 1739, and active in the French and Indian wars and at the opening of the Revolution. He died May 15, 1780. He married Sarah Lawson and had seven children. By his second wife, Mrs. Hannah Kiggell, he had one son (5) Thomas, born August 18, 1751, who became a noted tavern keeper, deacon, selectman, town treasurer, etc. and who died July 7, 1826. He married, first, Hannah, daughter of David Rice, who bore him ten children, and second, widow Keziah (Perry) Bacon, by whom he had three children. (6) David Buckminster, son of Thomas and Hannah, was born March 2, 1786, moved to Saco, Me., and married, first, Eleanor Means, who bore him two children, and, second, Dorcas Scamman, by whom he had six children: Hannah R. (Mrs. Sylvanus Caldwell), Joseph, Anna F. (Mrs. Thaddeus M. Mason), Ellen M., 1st, Ellen M., and George B. Joseph Buckminster was educated in the public schools and at Thornton Academy in Saco, worked as a clerk in a general store four years, and later made four voyages to Europe. February 22, 1845, he set- tled permanently in New Bedford, where he was for five years a clerk in the dry goods store of George M. Eddy. June 17, 1850, with William C. Macy, as Buck- minster & Macy, he engaged in the dry goods business, and after twenty years sold out to his partner. Soon afterward he was elected treasurer of the New England Mutual Aid Society and served five years. Since April 15, 1879, he has been treas- urer of the Liberty Hall Associati6n, and since April, 1881, has served as treasurer of the relief committee of the Union for Good Works, which he assisted in organiz- ing. He was a member of the militia home guards during the Civil war, served as alderman five years, and was a member of the Legislature in 1876 and 1877. He was also in the Legislature in 1875, but owing to a contest was unseated. In politics he has always been a Republican. April 24, 1850, he married Mary J., daughter of John Belcher, of Randolph, Mass., by whom he had one son, Frank L., born in 1852, died in 1869. She died November 11, 1890. Buffington, Arthur E., son of Benjamin T. and Parthenia (Baker) Buffington, was born in New Bedford, December 31, 1850. When he was eight years old the family removed to Swansea, and he was educated in the schools of that vicinity. At an early age he began to learn the mason's trade under his father, and later with Will- iam Andrews, in Providence, R. I. , where he remained three years. Following this experience he returned to his home in Swansea, and, until 1879, was associated with 40 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. his father, their work being principally in Fall River. In 1879 he came to New Bed- ford and began work for William B. Jenney, in 1881 becoming a partner of Mr. Jen- ney, and the association has ever since continued tinder the firm name of Jenney & Buffington. This establishment has taken a place in the front rank of masons and contractors; and has in its history erected many important buildings in this city, among them being the I. O. O. F. building; Winslow building, on the corner of Union and Sixth streets; Monte Pio building; nearly of the plant of the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company; additions to the plant of the Morse Twist Drill Company; and the New Bedford Cordage Company. Mr. Buffington is at present a member of the School Board. He married, in 1881, Carolina F. , daughter of Isaac Peckham of New Bedford, and they have three children: Everett F., Oscar and Dawn Emily. Buffinton, Arthur Lincoln, is descended from one of the early Plymouth colony families. He is the son of Luther Lincoln Buffinton and Elizabeth Ann Earle, daughter of Slade Earle, and was born in Fall River, Mass., July 13, 1870. His grandfather was Israel Buffinton. Luther Lincoln Buffinton, son of Israel, was born in Fall River in 1848, became a carriage dealer and later a general merchant, and died May 4, 1885, aged thirty-seven. His wife, Elizabeth A., died October 11, 1888, at the age of forty-one. In 1883 the family removed to New Bedford, where Arthur L. Buffinton received a public school education, and where, in 1885, he entered the general meat and provision store of Elnathan C. Brownell as a clerk. In 1895 he was admitted to partnership under the firm name of E. C. Brownell & Co. Buffinton, Benjamin, son of Israel and Nancy B. (Lincoln) Buffinton, was born in Fall River, Mass., April 9, 1834. His ancestors for several generations were worthy and consistent members of the Society of Friends and were influential citizens of Bristol county. His father, a most exemplary man, was identified with the growth and prosperity of Fall River for more than half a century and for many years was president of the Massasoit Bank. He was also interested in the cotton industry and owned a large amount of real estate. He was a strong advocate of temperance, an ardent supporter of the anti-slavery cause, and one of the agents of the "under- ground railroad," interested in assisting fugitive slaves from capture by their mas- ters. Benjamin Buffinton was educated in the schools of his native city, and while attending school employed his leisure hours acting as clerk for his father, who was then engaged in the cotton waste business. He remained associated with his father for several years. He served on the State delegation of Fire Commissioners under appointment of Gov. A. H. Rice from 1875 to 1879, and was agent for the overseer of the poor from 1879 to 1881; was on the State detective force from 1881 to 1885; was city assessor from 1885 to 1888 ; member of the Board of Health from 1889 to 1892; and since 1893 has been agent for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Military Aid and for the burial of soldiers of the Civil war. Mr. Buffinton has always been active in politics and has been an influential member of the Republican party for many years. He takes great pleasure in the study of local history and has written many valuable articles on historical subjects relating to Fall River and southeastern Mas- sachusetts. The compilers of this publication are under many obligations to Mr. Buffinton for the assistance which he has so cheerfully given while the book was in course of preparation. In 1862 Mr. Buffinton married Maria Hart of Fall River, and their children are Benjamiu Thomas, a civil engineer, Elizabeth (wife of John B. Durfee), and Clarissa Holmes. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 41 Buffinton, Elisha Wilbur, electrical engineer, son of Bradford and Frances Free- love (Forbes) Buffinton, was born at Somerset, Mass. , March 12, 1844. He attended the district schools and then worked on his father's farm for several years. In July, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, 60th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in the 100 day service. The regiment, under command of Col. Ansell D. Wass, was first sent to Maryland to guard the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the balance of the term of enlistment at Indianapolis, Ind. , guarding the Confederate prisoners at Camp Morton in that city. The regiment returned to Boston, Novem- ber 30, 1864, at the expiration of the term of service. Mr. Buffinton then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years at Somerset, and then moved to Fall River, where in 1882 he entered the employ of the Edison Company for isolated lighting. When the Edison Electrical Illuminating Company began business in Fall River he became the superintendent and filled that position for eleven years. At the expiration of this time he associated himself with William B. Edgar under the firm name of Edgar & Buffinton in the sale of all kinds of electrical supplies, phonographs, etc. They also follow the business of electricians. Mr. Mr. Buffinton is a member and quartermaster of Post 46, G.A.R., and was a member of the Common Council in 1896. In December, 1869, he married Maria F. Braley of Freetown, and they have three children: Fred W., Viola F. and Henry C. Burnham, C. H. , son of George and Amanda Burnham, was born in Hartford, Conn., November 16, 1852, and resided there fourteen years, attending the public schools. He learned the trade of plumber in Fall River with the Fall River Steam and Gas Pipe Co., remaining in their employ eight years. He afterwards worked for different firms for a period of four years, and in 1891 established his present business. He occupies a prominent place among the plumbers of the city, and has done a great deal of plumbing work in residences and mills, being capable of hand- ling contracts of any magnitude. Mr. Burnham married Barbara Francis on Jan- uary 17, 1878. They have one son, George. The family has been American for generations back, but was English originally. Mr. Burnham is a member of Narra- gansett Lodge, F. & A. M., Friendly Union Lodge No. 219, I.O.O.F., and the Royal Arcanum. * Buron, Joseph H., druggist, was born at St. Thomas, P. Q., January 16, 1866, and was educated at Joliette College, from which he was graduated in 1886. Soon after coming to Fall River he began to learn the drug business in Martelle's drug store, and in 1894 started in business for himself, locating at 1653 Pleasant street, where he now conducts a large trade. Mr. Buron represented Ward 6 in the Common Council in 1897. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Citizens' So- cial Club, organized in October, 1897. He is also a member of the Ligue des Pa- triotes, of which he has served as recording secretary for six years. Before engag- ing in the drug business Mr. Buron studied law with Hon. Hugo A. Dubuque for four years. In 1893 he married Rosanna Bisaillon, and they have four children : Rose Alma, Roland, Romulus and Rodrigue. Burrell, John T., was born in Fall River, April 29, 1857, a son of John B. and Eliz- abeth (Richmond) Burrell, she a daughter of Dr. Thomas Richmond of Westport, Mass., and descends from old New England stock, tracing his ancestry both to Gov- ernor Carver and to Colonel Peleg Sherman. John T. Burrell was educated in the f 42 < 'UK COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. public and high schools of Fall River, and found employment in the National Union Bank, being then but sixteen years of age, and there remained in the capacity of junior clerk, later as teller, for a period of eight years, and in 1881 went into the em- ploy of L. Nichols & Co. as bookkeeper. The following year he accepted a position in the Pocasset Bank as teller, and after six years' servi* e again entered the National Union Bank as assistant cashier. Shortly after he was mad. 1 cashier and has since filled that responsible position. Mr. Burrell has served two terms in the Common Council, being elected for 1885 from the Seventh ward and re-elected for 1886. He is a past master of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., and a member of the Chapter and Council. In October, 1882, he married Fannie K., daughter of Rev. W. T. Worth, and they had seven children: Carlton W., Marion T., Harold, John W., Fannie, Sarah and Worth. Burt, Thomas Preston, was born in Berkley, Bristol county, Mass., July 20, 1844, a son of Thomas and Matilda M. Burt. He received his early education in the pub- lic schools of Berkley and finished in the Myricksville Academy at Taunton. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 22d Regiment, M. V. M., for three years and served until September, 1864, when he was discharged for disability from wounds received at Spottsylvania in May of the same year. After his return and he had re- covered his former good health he came to Taunton and engaged in the grocery busi- ness with White & Dean ; later he bought Mr. White's interest and the firm was then known as H. A. Dean & Co. This was followed about two years and he then went into the coal business with T. L. & J. H. Church, remaining about five years with them, and then went with Staples & Phillips in 1875. He remained with them as long as they were in business and when the firm changed to The Staples Coal Co. he went with them for about a year; was then obliged to resign on account of im- paired health. He entered their employ again in 1896 as master of transportation. He was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature from Taunton in 1895-6; and was also town clerk and treasurer of Berkley from 1866 to 1878. In October, 1878, Mr. Burt married C. Augusta Hack, daughter of Nathan E. and Cordania Hack of Taunton, and they have two children : Chester F. and Maud M. Bushee, A. A., was born in Attleborough, September 13, 1843. His father, Will- iam A. Bushee, was a native of Smithfield, R. I., and came to Attleborough, where he was engaged in farming ; he married Fannie Randell. A. A. Bushee was ed- ucated in Attleborough and spent three years in Pawtucket in the employ of Robert Cushman. In 1865 he entered into the jewelry business and in 1867 established the firm of A. Bushee & Co., which has continued up to the present time. In 1872 he built the factory bearing their name and makes a specialty of sleeve and college buttons. In 1810 he married Harriet, daughter of James Engley, and they have two children: William L. and Mary E. Mr. Bushee is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Bushee, Solon D. , was born in Blackstone, Mass., July 19, 1844. His father, Ben- jamin Bushee, a native of Smithfield, R. I., was a wool sorter by trade; he married Mary Blanchard, and died in 1868. Solon D. Bushee was educated in the public schools and in 1861 enlisted in Co. G, 51st Mass. Vols., taking part in the battles of Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsborough and others, receiving an honorable discharge in PERSONAL REFERENCES. 43 1863. In 1869 he came to Attleborough and for thirty years has been engaged in the jewelry business. In 1873 he married a daughter of Henry Sherman. Mr. Bushee is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as superintendent of the streets and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Butler, William Parkinson, was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, January 20, 1846, a son of Robert Higginson and Helen (Parkinson) Butler. He had prac- tically no educational advantages when a boy, the family being large, and when but eight years old he went to work in a printing office and here gained considerable knowledge, although on account of his youth and lack of education his work was largely mechanical labor. In this office was printed the first edition of the " Black- burn Times," and it was he who took the first copy off the press. Later he entered a neighboring cotton mill and learned the weaver's trade, which he followed in Eng- land and America for twenty-eight years. In May, 1879, he came to this country and at once settled in New Bedford, obtaining employment at his trade for three years and then removed to Manville, R. I. After a few years' employment in the cotton mills in that vicinity he returned to New Bedford, and until 1886 was engaged in the mills. In that year he started a small business in tobacco, cigars and notions, which business finally merged into his present hardware business, which is one of the best establishments of its kind in the southern portion of the city. Mr. Butler's success has been entirely due to his own efforts, for he came to this country to his wife's relations without capital. He is a charter member of Alpha Lodge, I. O. O. F., Manchester Unity, and was prominent in its organization. For some time he served as president of the New Bedford Co-operative Society ; he also holds membership in numerous trade and fraternal organizations. In 1868 Mr. Butler married Eliza- beth Sherples, also a native of Blackburn, England, and of their eleven children nine survive: Obadiah, Thomas, Robert, William, Jane H., Bertha A., Walter A., Charles H., and Elizabeth A. Butman, Thomas S. , son of Thomas and Mary L. (Lasky) Butman, was born in Marblehead, Mass., August 28, 1822. His father was a butcher and lived in Marble- head from his birth until 1832, when he removed with his family to Fairhaven. Here Thomas S. attended the schools until he was fourteen years of age, and then made his first sea voyage, sailing from New Bedford in a whaleship. This voyage proved to be a long one, for upon the vessel's return he went into another ship without visiting his home, and so continued eleven years, finally becoming a captain. In those days letters were not so frequently written as at the present time, and so dur- ing his entire absence he neglected to write to his parents, who believed him lost. His account of the homecoming after an absence of eleven years and four months and of the changes which had taken place is most interesting. About the time he returned home gold was discovered in California, and being adventurous he decided to seek his fortune in the gold fields, and after a visit of two months sailed from New Bedford in the bark Winslow. They sailed around the Horn and were six months in making the voyage. He remained in California two years, going through many and varied experiences, and upon leaving again went to sea, sailing from Boston, New York and New Bedford for several years as a captain in the merchant service, and in the mean time conducting a ship-rigging business in Fairhaven. He later went to Port Huron, Mich., in the interests of a Boston firm and tngaged in build- 44 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing ships, which were taken through the Great Lakes and Canada to the ocean and thence to Europe, where they were sold, together with their cargo, which consisted mostly of lumber. At this time Mr. Butman was considered one of the foremost ship riggers in the country. He is now retired and resting, after the labors of an active life. During his residence in Fairhaven he has been repeatedly honored with office and has served at different times as constable, overseer of the poor, truant officer and member of the Board of Health ; he has also served for a period of over twenty-eight years as deputy sheriff of Bristol county. Butts, Erastus Gordon, son of Erastus and Mary A. (Milkin) Butts, was born at Voluntown, Conn., April 9, 1827. He spent his youth on his father's farm and at- tended the common schools in the winter months. In 1845 he embarked on the whaling ship " Philip Tab,'' and for seven years followed the sea, a greater part of the time in the capacity of boat steerer. In 1852 he returned home, learned the car- penter's trade, and has since been engaged in carpenter work and farming. March 15, 1849, he married Rose Bowen, a native of Ireland, and they had seven children: Mary A., wife of Samuel W. Hayden; Eliza J., wife of Albert M. Allen; William Erastus; John F. ; Andrew Almy; Hannah S., wife of John S. Sanford; and Edward Everett. Mrs. Butts died August 20, 1889. Mr. Butts is a member of the Good Templars and the Society of Friends. He began life a farmer's boy with limited education and no capital save his own indomitable energy and perse verance, and has made his way to high standing in the community. Mr. Butts is a sincere and earnest advocate of the cause of temperance. Butts, Thomas Albert, son of Pardon and Clarissa (Cook) Butts, was born in Westport, Bristol county, Mass., September 27, 1841. During his early life he at- tended the district schools and worked on his father's farm. He finally went to sea and has spent many years of his life on merchant vessels, sailing principally from New Bedford. In 1861 he enlisted in the United States Navy and "was honorably discharged in 1863. During his service he was on the sloop of war " Susquehanna," serving with Dupont in the Charleston blockade, and in the bombardment of Cape Hatteras and Port Rio. He also spent some time in gun boats. After his recovery from the illness which had caused his discharge he returned to his native place and has since been engaged in farming. March 16, 1886, he married Mary F., daughter of Gideon F. and Nancy (Hart) Andrews of Dartmouth. Camfill, Robert Emmet, physician and surgeon, was born in Dorchester, Boston, Mass. , May 24, 1872, a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Johnson) Camfill. His father was a native of Ireland and came to this country when very young, settling at For- est Hills, Boston, where he was engaged for some years in the granite and marble business. Dr. Camfill prepared for college in the excellent schools of Boston, and entering Harvard University School of Medicine was graduated M. D. in 1894. During the year and a, half following he served as interne at the Rochester City Hospital at Rochester, N. Y„ and then came to New Bedford to take up his present practice. Although one of the younger physicians of the city, Dr. Camfill is in very successful practice, and is rapidly building up a reputation in his chosen profession. Cannon, James, son of John and Rosanna (Anderson) Cannon, was born in New- port, R. I,, July 2, 1822. He attended the private schools of his native town for a PERSONAL REFERENCES. 45 short time, and when ten years old removed with his father's family to New Bedford, where he also attended school. Two years later the family removed to Fairhaven, where James has ever since resided. He began to learn the cooper's trade at an early age under Charles C. Allen and has followed that business all his life, having made in the old whaling days thousands of barrels for the whale ships He is now retired from active work. Mr. Cannon has been twice married; his first wife was Hannah Tripp, and of this union was one daughter, Alice, wife of Otis Bates. His second wife was Harriet Brazner, whom he married in 1892. Capron, E. S., was born in Attleborough, December 16, 1832, son of Dennis Capron; the family trace their descent from Banfield Capron, who settled in Attle- borough in 1620. Dennis Capron married Louisa, daughter of Leonard Hodges, and through life he was identified as a farmer, whose farm is now incorporated in the city, of Attleborough, and he was prominent in the growth and progress of his town until he died. E. S. Capron was educated in the public schools and in 1850 learned the jewelry business at North Attleborough, with the E. Ira Richards Com- pany. In 1856 he organized the firm of Everett, Dean & Company and in 1859 or- ganized the S. W. Carpenter & Company, merchants, which was changed to Carpen- ter & Capron and continued up to 1881, when he became identified with the Gas Company. In 1852 he married Arabella A., daughter of Levi Gibson of Whiting, Vt, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Edith L. Mooers, wife of Dr. C. A. Mooers of Lawrence, Mass. Mr. Capron is one of the conservative men of his town ; one of the trustees of the Attleborough Savings Bank ; president of the Attleborough'Mutual Fire Insurance Company; superintendent and manager of the Attleborough Gas Company; takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions; has been prominently identified with the growth of his city ; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Capron, Harford A., was born in Attleborough, October 10, 1828, son of Dennis Capron, who was also a native of Attleborough ; the family trace their descent from Banfield Capron, who came from England in 1638. Harford A. Capron was educa- ted in Attleborough and afterward learned the jewelry business, in which he has been engaged for thirty years. In 1872 he organized the firm of Capron & Company, jewelry manufacturers. He retired in 1884. In 1850 he maried Rhoda P., daughter of S. Thrasher. Mr. Capron is one of the conservative men of his town; takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters ; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Card, Walter G., son of George W. and Mahala (Greene) Card, was born in Ark- wright, R. I., April 28, 1859. Like his grandfather, father, uncles and brothers, he has made cotton manufacturing his business during his entire life, having begun work in the mills at the early age of ten. His work, however, was not allowed to interfere with his education, and he gained all the advantage that the day and night schools in the places that his father's residence afforded. He worked in nearly every department, but made a specialty of spinning, and gained a good general knowledge of cotton mills and manufacturing before he was twenty years old. He now began serious study, in order to perfect himself for the position of mill engineer. He came to New Bedford in April, 1879, and entered the employ of the Wamsutta Mills Corporation as assistant engineer, and in 1883 he became chief engineer of the 46 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Oneko Woolen Mills, and later went to the Potomska Mills as assistant engineer, being made chief engineer on the resignation of B. H. Holmes. He remained in this capacity until July, 1888, and then went to the New Bedford Manufacturing Company and Howland Mill as chief engineer and master mechanic. Mr. Card is now serving as engineer and superintendent of the Howland Mill Corporation and Rotch Spinning Corporation. He is a man of good executive ability and is well informed in all that pertains to cotton manufacturing and steam machinery. He is a member of Star in the East Lodge of Masons, the Chapter, Commandery, and Shrine. Mr. Card was a charter member and first vice-president of the first Order of Stationary Engineers in New Bedford, established in 1882. He married, in 1881, Martha J., daughter of William Young, of New Bedford, and they have two daugh- ters: Lucinda M. and Grace E. The Card family is of old New England stock, and many of its representatives were prominent both in colonial history and in the Revo- lutionary war. Carpenter, Thomas S., was born in Taunton, June 21, 1860. His father, William Carpenter, was a native of the same city, and the family trace their descent from William Carpenter, one of the pioneers of Rehoboth, a direct descendant of John Carpenter, who was town clerk of London, England, in 1540. William Carpenter married Sophia K. Carr, daughter of Esek Carr. He was a silversmith. As orderly sergeant of Co. B. , 58th Mass. Vols., he received injuries in the Civil war which finally resulted in his death in 1877. Thomas S. Carpenter was educated in the public schools. In 1881 he commenced to learn the jewelry manufacturing business with Horton, Angell & Co., and was admitted to the firm in 1887. In 1893 he mar- ried Eleanor, daughter of John W. Sills, of Baltimore, Md., and they have one daughter, Dorothy. Mr. Carpenter is one of the conservative men of his town, tak- ing an intelligent interest in its most important industry, and has worked faithfully to elevate the standard of the jeweler's art. Carvill. Zenas V,, one of the foremost dentists of Fall River, was born in Freeman, Me., February 16, 1859, a son of Amos H. and Eliza (Vaughan) Carvill. He obtained an excellent education in the district schools, the Maine State Normal School, and at a fitting school m Pittsfield, Me., and then was engaged as a teacher for some years; in the mean time beginning the study of dentistry under the direction of B. M. Hardy, a. dentist of Farmington, and F. H. Russell, a physician of the same place. After completing his studies he first located at Phillips. Me., where he conducted a success- ful practice, and in addition was treasurer of a local savings bank and a member of the school board, subsequently being chosen superintendent of schools. In 1887 he removed to Fall River and has since built up an enviable professional connection. He has been closely identified with school interests, is a member of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F., and Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, F. & A. M. In March, 1882, he married Hortense H. Teague, who died in January, 1895, leaving three chil- dren: Celia M., Earl A., and Ernest H. Cate, George W. , son of Lemuel M. and Jerusha (Pitkin) Cate, was born in East Montpelier, Vt, February 16, 1859. His father was a farmer, and he attended the district schools and worked on the farm until he was twelve years old, when he en- tered Goddard Seminary at Barre, Vt. , and fitted for college. In 1877 he entered Tufts College and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1881. After gradua- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 47 tion he was engaged as assistant to the professor of chemistry at Tufts College, and the following year was the assistant of S. P. Sharpless, the State assayer of Massa- chusetts. Later he went to Detroit to accept a position as chemist of the Michigan Carbon Works, in which capacity he remained for four years. In 1889 he engaged in the drug business for himself in Worcester, Mass., and two years later came to Fall River. He was employed by J. C. Brady as head clerk for three years and then went into business for himself at his present location on Bedford street. In 1895 he formed a copartnernership with John F Sullivan, which still continues as Cate & Sullivan. This firm are extensive manufacturers of ammonia, biuing, extracts, etc., in addition to their retail drug business. Mr. Cate is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. &A. M., the Chapter, Council, Commandery and Shrine. He is also a member of Fall River Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was elected to the Common Council from the Eighth ward in 1897, and is now serving in that body. August 26, 1884, he married Abbie Isabel, daughter of Gilbert E. and Sarah G. Stimson of Medford, Mass. Century Stove Company. — Of this organization George E. Wilbur is the president and George L. Walker is the efficient treasurer and agent. The plant is equipped with spacious shops and storerooms, that of the moulding room covering an area of 150 by 50 feet, while another building of the same dimensions, two stories in height, is used for office and storage, pattern shops, etc. The stoves manufactured by the Century Stove Company are always of the finest grades in finish, artistic in form and up to date in those qualities so indispensable to perfect heating or baking. Among many of their makes maybe mentioned the celebrated Parlor Century Square, the Parlor and Round Century and Pride Century and " Our Century " in all sizes. A force of sixty-five skilled men find employment in these works. Their trade is confined mostly to New England, yet their stoves and ranges find a ready market in nearly all the States east of the Rocky Mountains. George E. Wilbur, president of the company, is largely interested in stove manufacturing and is the president of the Weir Stove Company of Taunton, and a prominent resident of that city. George L. Walker is also a resident of Taunton and a brother of William E. Walker, general manager of the Weir Stove Co. He is popular in politics and is now serving his second term as alderman, having been first elected in 1894. He is also a veteran of the late war, having served in Co. D, 3d Mass. Vols., and is a member of Bartlett Post No. 3, G. A. R., of Taunton; also Narragansett Lodge, F. & A. M., of Fall River, and Sabolica Lodge No. 225, I. O. O. F., of Fall River. Chace, George Frederic, was born in Taunton, Mass., April 14, 1845, a son of John Bowers (deceased) and Rebecca (Chase) Chace. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton. At the Taunton High School he was fitted for Har- vard, where he entered in 1862, graduating with commencement honors in the class of 1866. After graduating Mr. Chace devoted his time to teaching in high schools and academies until 1888, eleven years of this time being spent in Taunton. In April, 1888, he came into the water board office as clerk of the board and superin- tendent of the water works, and has held the position up to the present time. He is past master of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M. ; secretary of school board ; chairman of high school sub-committee; secretary of local board of civil service examiners; trus- tee of Bristol Academy, and chairman of the Prudential Committee. In 1892 he was 48 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. president of the New England Water Works Association and is also a member of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. February 24, 1870, Mr. Chace married Patia A. Howes of Chatham. Mass., and they have two children: Blanche R., born August 36, 1871, and Frederic I., born April 24, 1874. Chace, Nathan D. , registrar of deeds, and son of S. Angier and Mary M. (Durfee) Chace, was born in Fall River, October 26, 1851, educated in the public schools of his native city, Reed's Ferry Military Academy in New Hampshire, and the Mowry- Goff English Classical School at Providence, R. I. After leaving this institution he went into the coal business in Fall River, which he continued for several years. He was purser for the Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company for twelve years. In 1891 he was chosen registrar of deeds for the Fall River district of Bristol county and served a term of six years ; he has also served as registrar of voters for a period of four years. In January, 1895, Mr. Chace married Annette J. Rowell of Fall River. Chace, William B. M., dealer in real estate, stocks and bonds, was born at Somer- set, Mass., December 5, 1854, a son of Buffiington P. and Caroline (Bowers) Chace. He attended the public schools of his native village, Bristol Academy at Taunton, and East Greenwich Seminary until he was seventeen years of age. At this time he began his business career as a clerk in the store of Warren C. Greene, a ship chand- ler of Providence, R. I. Four years later he was admitted to partnership (Greene & Chace). This partnership continued three years and he then engaged as a traveling salesman for Ryder Brothers, wholesale dealers in salt. In 1881 he came to Fall River and formed a partnership (Durfee & Chace) to engage in the real estate and insurance business and as dealers in stocks, bonds, etc. This firm was dissolved in 1894 and Mr. Chace continued the business alone under the name of W. B. M. Chace & Co. , later admitting W. H. Pierce as a partner. Mr. Chace is one of the leading business men of Fall River ; he is a director of the Pocasset National Bank and of the Sanford Spinning Company. December 5, 1877, he married Charlotte P. White of Tiverton, R. I. Of this union are four children: Lavina W., Ethel M. , Christopher W. and Rodliffe B. Chaffee, Charles F., was born in Pawtueket, R. I., April 3, 1847. His father, Jonathan Chaffee, was a native of Seekonk and through life was identified as a pat- tern maker and farmer; he married Abbie P., daughter of Antiel G. Luther. Charles F. was educated in the public schools, learned the engraver's trade, going to Boston to finish his education and in 1880 came to Attleborough. In 1896 he established the Chaffee Tool Co. In 1871 Mr. Chaffee married Louise S. Gardner, who died in 1873, and in 1881 he married Hattie M. Roberts, and their children are Nellie B. and C. H. Chapman, Edward Thurston, cigar and tobacco merchant, is the son of Alfred M. and Caroline F. (Dunham) Chapman, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., April 30, 1845. Alfred M. Chapman was born in New York city in 1818, came to New Bedford about 1835, and learned the sailmaker's trade. In 1839 he shipped on a whaling vessel and made one voyage. On his return he engaged in manufacturing sails and continued in that business until about 1887, first as a partner of Captain Hunt, afterward as a member of the firm of Chapman & Taber, and latterly as t e senior partner of the firm of Chapman & Shurtleff. Mr. Chapman was first assistant PERSONAL REFERENCES. 49 engineer of the fire department and was one of the organizers of the Firemen's Mu- tual Aid Association, which he served as treasurer for several years. He died May 22, 1891, aged seventy-three, Edward T. Chapman was educated in the New Bed- ford public and high schools, which he left in 1862 to enlist in Co. E, 3d Mass. Vols., City Guards, for nine months. In 1864 he re-enlisted in Co. E, 58th Mass. Vols. , and served at the front until June 2, 1854, when, at Cold Harbor, he received a severe wound which caused the loss of his left arm. He was honorably discharged from the hospital at Reedville, Mass., in 1865, with the rank of sergeant. Mr. Chapman was promoted second lieutenant and acted in that capacity during Grant's Virginia campaign, but never received his commission. Since 1867 he has been engaged in the wholesale and retail tobacco and cigar business in his native city. He is the oldest dealer in tobacco, cigars and smokers' articles in New Bedford, and has oc- cupied his present store, corner of William street and Acushnet avenue since 1887. He is a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, the City Guards Association of New Bedford, Post 1, G. A. R., the Veteran Firemen's Association, and the Elks, Red Men, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, and was aidede camp on General Fairchild's staff, G. A. R. September 13, 1868, he married Elnora D., daughter of Salisbury F. Brown of Westport, Mass., and they have one son, Harry M. , born January 5, 1870, who is associated with his father in business. Chase, B. Chester, son of Benjamin and Lois A. (Smith) Chase, was born at Tis- bury, on Martha's Vineyard Island, Dukes county, Mass., July 3, 1859. He acquired a liberal education in the public schools, and engaged in farming and the production of milk for market. In 1893 he entered into a copartnership with M. M. Davis, under the style of Davis & Chase." At present they conduct one of the largest dairies in the county. Mr. Chase is a young man of integrity and ability, and gains the respect of all who know him. Chase, Charles S., was born in the town of Swansea in 1840, a son of Daniel S. and Belinda Pierce Chase. His father was a merchant in Swansea and Dighton and Charles S. was employed as clerk in his father's store after school hours. He left Dighton Academy at the age of eighteen years to attend the duties connected with his father's business, where he remained until 1861, and then purchased the farm of eighty acres, situated in Dighton, where he now resides. He engaged in raising strawberries and market gardening with a degree of success, which enabled him to gradually enlarge his operations to early fruits; his first shipment to Boston in that line was twelve quarts of strawberries, upon which he realized $1.00 per quart. The business continued to thrive until it was no uncommon thing to witness the shipment of several car loads daily of this fruit. Mr. Chase's principal business is that of con- ducting five large greenhouses, which he established in 1884, wherein he grows mostly roses and smilax. Eighty tons of coal are annually consumed for heating purposes, the greenhouses being equipped with the latest and best heating appli- ances to be found for that purpose. A large force of help is constantly employed about the greenhouses, the farm and other departments of the business. In 1861 Mr. Chase married Mary M., daughter of Jonathan Hale of Swansea, and they have two children: C. Herbert and Delia F. In politics Mr. Chase is an ardent Republican and always taken a great interest in the public affairs of his town ; he has been on the School Committee, and auditor, and for the last five years chairman of the Board g 50 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of Selectmen. In 1894 he was elected a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in the lower house and while there served on the committee of fisheries. He has been chairman of the Republican Committee of the town of Dighton for the past fifteen years, and is still serving in that capacity. Mr. Chase's energies have not all been bent in the direction of his own private affairs, or that of his business and the politics of the town. He is thoroughly alive to every question of public interest, was one of the promoters and : chiefly through him was the Somerset, Dighton and Taun- ton Railroad made an assured fact. Mr. Chase, besides carrying on a large busi- ness, is ever thoughtful of those interests which affect all the people and will be found open to all callers, courteous and ever ready to discuss those interests for the common good, which he stands ever ready to assist in promoting. Chase, William Frederick, was born in New Bedford in the identical house in which he now resides, on the 22d day of December, 1842, a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (West) Chase. His father was extensively engaged in the clothing busi- ness and particularly in outfitting sailors in the palmy days of the whaling industry. He was a captain in the old Volunteer Fire Department, a justice of the peace, councilman for several terms, and held other positions of minor importance. During his boyhood William Chase attended the common schools and after completing his education, became a clerk in the dry goods store owned by William R. N. Sylvester, in whose employ he remained about three years. He then secured employment in the Gosnold Rolling Mills and in time became a foreman in the horse shoe depart- ment, during the Civil war, which occurred during his employment there. Since 1868 Mr. Chase has been engaged in the nursery business, in raising small fruits, and in market gardening. He has served for some time as superintendent of the gardens worked throughout the city, under the auspices of the city government, along the lines of the " Pingree System." To this work Mr. Chase has not only given his best technical ability, but has, as well, taken an active and intelligent in- terest in its development and success, as an educator of the poorer classes in habits of self support. In December, 1866, Mr. Chase married Helen L., daughter of Ru- fus S. Greenman of Norwich, Conn., and they have one son, Charles Raymond Chase. Chase, William Henry, contractor and builder, was born in North Dartmouth, Mass., July 26, 1848, a son of Noble M. and Mercy (Bowman) Chase. His early ed- ucation was received in the public schools and at the close of school days went to New Bedford for a short time to learn the carpenter's trade. Not liking New Bed- ford he went to Fall River, where he remained five years and then came to Taunton about 1870, and went to work for S. B. Simmons, and remained with him five years. He then engaged with Samuel Miller making patterns and after spending some time with Miller and the Weir Stove Co. he started pattern making for himself in 1882 ; but this did not prove satisfactory and he went back to his old trade of building and general jobbing in wood, in which he has been very successful. October 28, 1872, he married Henrietta Weston Smith of East Machias, Me., and they have two sons: Henry Curtis, born July 31, 1876, and Frederick Maxim, born June 25, 1878. Chausse, Joseph, son of Clement and Marguerite (La Forest) Chausse, was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, November 3, 1856. His father was a farmer and during his early boyhood he assisted in the farm work and attended the parish PERSONAL REFERENCES. 51 schools. When fourteen he removed with his father to Baltic, Conn. , and in 1872 to Woonsocket, R. I. In both of these places he attended school and in 1875, having completed his education in the Woonsocket High School, began work in a local retail grocery store owned by A. B. Warfield, as a clerk. Here he remained for a period of ten years and in 1885 came to New Bedford and formed a partnership with L. M. La France for the conduct of a grocery and provision business under the style of .Chausse & La France. They located on Weld street, one door north of the present location of the business, and after an association of two years dissolved partnership, Mr. La France retiring. Mr. Chausse has now been in business on Weld street for thirteen years, and is numbered among the leading retail merchants of the city. He has been active for some time in Republican politics and represented the First ward in the City Council four years. Mr. Chausse has an extensive fraternal connection ; he is a member of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows ; the Royal Arcanum ; French Zou- aves; C.M.B.A., and the St. John the Baptist Association of Woonsocket. In 1875 he married Marie Sauvageau, also a native of Canada, and they had five children : Joseph Arthur, Ovila B., Bertha, Onat and Donat. Church, Horatio Leonard, son of Charles and Nancy (Tabor) Church, was born in New Bedford, Bristol county, Mass., April 20, 1820. After attending the public schools of his native city he sailed in whale ships for a period of ten years, and then began the manufacture of sails in New Bedford, where he was successfully engaged until July, 1894, at which time he retired and removed to the village of Smith's Mills, where he has since resided. Mr. Church was married in August, 1874, to Mrs. Clar- inda B. Channing, daughter of Job and Sarah (Almy) Almy of Tiverton, R. I. Mrs. Church is of English descent, the first representatives of her family coming to this country in February, 1635. Claflen, D. B., was born in Attleborough, July 24, 1825, son of Daniel Claflen, who was also a native of Attleborough, where Daniel, his father, was one of the pioneers. Daniel Claflen, his son, married Lita, daughter of Abiah and Rebecca (Kent) Bliss, and through life was identified as a carpenter and a farmer. He died in 1850. D. B. Claflen was educated in the public schools, after which he gave his attention to farming. In 1857 he married Julia M. , daughter of Daniel R. , and Mary Eddy Clarke, and they have one daughter, Mary M., having lost their only son, Chester B., at the age of twenty-four. Mr. Claflen is one of the conservative men of his town ; takes an active interest in school and church matters ; and has ever advanced the best inter- ests of his town and townspeople, Clarke, Henry W., city auditor, was born in East Braintree, Mass., May 13, 1865, a son of Ralph and Elizabeth Clarke, who came to Fall River from Stockport, Chesh- ire, England, in 1854. They resided for a few years at East Braintree and then re- turned to Fall River, where Henry W. obtained his education t graduating from the high school in the class of 1883. He first entered business as bookkeeper for H. C. Hawkins & Bro., wholesale grocers, and was next appointed a bookkeeper in the office of the superintendent of streets, after a civil service examination, in which he stood at the head of the list. He remained in that position from June, 1890, to March, 1896. In January, 1896, he was elected by the City Council to the office of city auditor. The person holding this office, by provision of the city charter, is also clerk of the Common Council. Mr. Clarke is a member of King Philip Lodge of 52 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE Masons, Friendly Union Lodge of Odd Fellows, and Puritan Lodge of Knights of Pythias. November 9, 1887, he married Helena R., daughter of Charles F. and Addie C. B. Campbell of Fall River. They have two children : Edna Louise and Mazelle Lyndon. Clarke, J. S. B., son of Ralph and Elizabeth (Williamson) Clarke, was born in Fall River, September 29, 1858. His father was in the dry goods and furniture business in Fall River for over twenty-five years and established the business now conducted by J. & J. S. B. Clarke in 1866. As a boy Mr. Clarke- attended the public schools. of Fall River and at an early age began work in his father's store, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business. He remained with his father until September, 1888, when he purchased the business in company with his brother. Mr. Clarke served in ' the Common Council in 1892 from the Fourth ward and was a member of the com- mittee on finance and public property. He was again elected in 1895 and re-elected in 1896, being elected president of the council in the latter year. There were nine Democrats, including himself, and eighteen Republicans in this council, but he was elected president by a good majority. He has always been successful whenever his name was brought before the people and has been tendered the Democratic nomina- tion for mayor. He is a member of the Mt. Hope Lodge of Masons and Manchester Unity Lodge of Odd Fellows ; he is also past chancellor of Puritan Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and a member of the United Workmen and the Firemen's Relief Asso- ciation, having served for seven years as a call man in the fire department. In 1878 he married Sarah, daughter of John Bury of Fall River, and they have two children: Hattie E. and Everett W. Clifford, Charles W. , son of John H. and Sarah Parker (Allen) Clifford, was born in New Bedford, August 19, 1844. He prepared for college in the old Friends Academy, then in charge of T. Prentiss Allen ; at the age of seventeen he entered Harvard College and after winning a flattering record for ability and high scholar- ship was graduated in July, 1865. He had early decided upon the law as his pro- fession and now began his legal studies, under Hon. E. H. Bennett of Taunton, Hon. John C. Dodge of Boston, and later at the Harvard Law School. He was ad- mitted to the Bristol bar in June, 1868, and began practice in New Bedford in the office formerly occupied by his father. He practiced alone until 1869 when the firm of Marston & Crapo was formed, of which he was a member until its dissolution in 1878, since when he has been an active partner of the firm of Crapo, Clifford & Clif- ford, one of the strongest law firms in southern Massachusetts. Early in his legal career Mr. Clifford exhibited a maturity of thought and judgment which made him a wise and valued counselor and which led to his appointment as one of the com- missioners to revise the judiciary system of the Commonwealth in 1876. In 1891 he received the most hearty and nearly unanimous support of the bar of Massachusetts for an appointment as judge of the Circuit Court of the United States. He was a civil service commissioner of Massachusetts, November, 1884, to July, 1888, being one of the original board which established the present system. Mr. Clifford has served as a commissioner of the United States Circuit Court ; a member of the stand- ing committee upon Commercial Law, American Bar Association ; and as one of the standing examiners of applicants for admission to the Bristol bar. He is president of the Southern Massachusetts Telephone Company ; the Masonic Building Associ- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 53 ation; and of the Harvard Club of New Bedford; vice-president of St. Luke's Hos- pital; trusteee of the Swain Free School, the Wamsutta Club, New Bedford Institu- tion for Savings and of several estates ; and one of the advisory committee of the Association for the Relief of Aged Women and the Ladies' branch of the New Bed- ford Port Society. Mr. Clifford has always been loyal in his support of the Republi- can party ; he has served several times as chairman of the Republican City Commit- tee, managed the campaign of Hon. William W. Crapo for the gubernatorial nomination in 1882, has been a member the Republican State Central Committee, and in 1880 was a delegate and assistant secretary to the Republican National Con- vention at Chicago. He is a man of delightful social qualities and is held in high esteem not only by members of the bar but by the entire community. Mr. Clifford married, May 5, 1869, Frances Lothrop, daughter of Charles L. Wood of New Bed- ford, who died April 28, 1872. For his second wife he married, on March 15, 1876, Wilhelmina H, daughter of the late Governor Crapo of Michigan and a sister of his partner, Hon. William W. Crapo. He came of good old Puritan stock, being on his father's side a lineal descendant of Governor Mayhew of Martha's Vineyard, and on his mother's side in the ninth generation of Captain Myles Standish of Plymouth. Clifford, Walter, of the law firm of Crapo, Clifford & Clifford of New Bedford, was born in that city August 11. 1849, a son of John H. and Sarah P. (Allen) Clifford. He obtained his preliminary education in private schools and the Friends Academy, New Bedford. He prepared for Harvard in the Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H., and was graduated A. B. with the class of 1871. In the following year he entered Harvard Law School and was graduated LL B. in the class of 1875. While keeping his connection with Harvard Law School he was for one year a student in the office of Staples & Goulding at Worcester, Mass., and while there was admitted to the bar (June, 1874). The next year he became a law clerk in the office of Marston & Crapo of New Bedford and continued this connection until 1878, since which time he has been connected as partner with the law firm of Crapo, Clifford & Clifford. Mr. Clif- ford served as mayor of New Bedford in 1839-1890. He has been connected with various business institutions as director and has served for several years as vice- president of the New Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank. He is a member of the Somerset and Union Clubs of Boston. Mr. Clifford was married in New Bedford, June 5, 1878, to Harriet Perry, daughter of Charles G. and Sarah (Perry) Randall. Four children have been born to them: John H, Rosamond, Hilda and Randall Clifford. Cobb, Wendell Hamlin, attorney at law, was born in Sandwich, Mass., October 10, 1838, a son of Rev. Asahel and He,len Maria (Hamlin) Cobb. He received his early education in the common schools, attended Paul Wing's Academy, Spring Hill, Sandwich and Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., where he prepared for college. He entered Dartmouth in 1857 and was graduated A. B. with the class of 1861 ; in the same year he began his legal studies in the office of Stone & Crapo in New Bed- ford, was admitted to the Bristol bar in June, 1865, and has ever since been in active practice in New Bedford. Mr. Cobb has been largely engaged before the Court of Commissioners in the prosecution of Alabama and French Spoliation claims at Wash- ington, D. C. He has held the office of city solicitor two years ; was alderman from 1885 to 1888, and again in 1891 ; and has served on the School Committee several 54 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years. He was a partner in the law firm of Marston & Crapo until they dissolved, and later became a member of the firm of Marston & Cobb. On February 19, 1872, Mr. Cobb married* Isabel F., daughter of T. Ruggles and Maria B. Cushman of New Bedford. Codding, Arthur E., was born in North Attleborough, December 31, 1842, and ed- ucated at Attleborough, Middleborough and the schools of Switzerland. In 1868 he was a member of the firm of Codding, Smith & Co., withdrawing from the firm a few years after and organized the firm of Codding & Heilborn Co., manufacturing jewelers, of which he is president. In 1868 he married Alice A., daughter of Lucius Chamberlain, and they have one son, Arthur E. Codding, jr., and one daughter, Annie A. Mr. Codding was elected town treasurer in 1887 and still retains the office. He is a past master of Bristol Lodge, F. & A. M., past high priest of the Chapter and past commander of the Commandery, and has ever received and mer- ited the respect of his associates. Codding, David D., was born in Attleborough, August 25, 1832, a son of Abiel Codding, a native of Taunton, Mass., where his father was one of the pioneer set- tlers of that town. Abiel married Chloe, daughter of Elihu Daggett. David D. Codding was educated in the common schools and in 1848 entered the jewelry trade and in June, 1859, started in business for himself, with his brother-in-law, T. I. Smith, which continued until January 1, 1888, when he retired and entered busi- ness with his son, D. E. Codding, where he continued until 1898. In 1854 Mr. Cod- ding married Pamelia S., daughter of Luther and Mary Kent and they have one son and four daughters: David E., Myra E. Follett, Mary A. Cheever, Ada and Jennie. Coleman, E. P., was born in Taunton, June 14, 1867, and was educated in Taun- ton and learned drafting with the Hubert Printing Press Co., being head drafts- man for some years. In February, 1896, he removed to Attleborough, and accepted the position of treasurer and manager of the Attleborough Steam & Electric Co. Mr. Coleman is a member of King David Lodge; Sons of Veterans; and second lieuten- ant of Co. I, 5th Infantry M. V.M, and is now (1898) in the United States service at Camp Meade, Pennsylvania. Collet, Peter A. A. , physician and surgeon, was born in the parish of St. Henry, Levis county, near QueBec, Canada, May 19, 1847, a son of Peter and Mary (Couture) Collet. He received his preparatory education in the common schools, and at the seminary at Quebec, where he remained four years, and then entered the College of St. Anne Lapocatiere, county of Kamouraska, Canada, remaining two years, when he matriculated in the study of medicine at Lavalle University, city of Quebec, where he took a four years' course, receiving his medical degree, June 30, 1871. He began his practice in his native county, and from there came to Fall River, Febru- ary 1, 1881, and by his skill and ability has built up a large practice. Besides attend- ing to his regular professional labors he was city physician in 1894-97 ; and is a mem- ber of the medical staff of the Emergency Hospital. Since 1896 he has been on the medical staff of the Seaside Home for Children. In 1872 Dr. Collet married Georgie- Anna Verreault, who died in 1878, leaving four children: Lucy, Henry, Leopoldine and Ernestine, the last two having died when young. November 6, 1883, Dr. Collet PERSONAL REFERENCES. 55 married the second time, Malvina Boldue of Fall River, and they have two children, Laura and Louis Philip. Collins, John M., son of Barnabas and Olive (Millar) Collins, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., April 30, 1829. He is » grandson of Richard and Hope (Phillips) Collins, and John M. and Mary (Jones) Millar, the latter married November 9, 1793. Barnabas Collins was ordained to the ministry April 25, 1838. John M. has spent his entire life in tilling the soil and although along in years, is hale and hearty and bids fair to enjoy many years to come. April 29, 1858, he married Patience T. , daughter of Edmond and Lucinda (Tripp) Wordell, and they have four children: Gilbert M., Olive A., John H. and William E. Coupe, William, was born in Pendleton, Lancashire county, England, March 23, 1834, and came to the United States in 1849 with his brother, Joseph J. F. Coupe. He learned the tanner's and currier's trade in South Coventry, Conn., and in 1865 established himself in business at his present location. Starting in a small way, the plant now covers one and one-half acres and employs fifty hands, making a specialty of patent excelsior raw hide, belting lace and all kinds of strapping for cotton, woolen and silk mills ; also the Coupe celebrated lace and green hide leather, all of which are made under the patent taken out by William Coupe. In 1854 Mr. Coupe enlisted in the regular army of the United States, and in 1861 re-enlisted in Co. E, 1st R. I., taking part in the first battle of Bull Run, where he was wounded. When his term expired he re-enlisted in the 1st Mass. Cavalry, being made orderly ser- geant of Co. D, and afterward promoted to second lieutenant' of Co. A, and was taken prisoner at the mouth of Monocacy River, being liberated on parole. He came home and assisted in organizing the North Providence Cavalry, holding the position of captain. Conant, Prelet Drake, was born in Attleborough, September 20, 1822, and was a spinner in a cotton mill while yet a boy. His father died when he was an infant and his mother died when he was twenty years old. Before her death he left the mill and learned the carpenter's trade. He came to Fall River in August, 1843, continu- ing his trade of carpenter. In 1853 he opened a shop in Tiverton, R. I., and began the manufacture of sashes and blinds in a modest way. After five years he moved to larger premises and put in machinery, all his previous work having been done by hand. Two years later he removed to Bowenville, where he did a large business. He had a salesroom at that time where the Borden block now stands. His next stand was on Davol street ; this shop was destroyed by fire and he lost everything, but he soon began again, and after carrying on business on Second street for a time, removed to his present premises on Bedford street. His operations both in the mer- cantile line and in real estate have been very successful, and he retired from active business in the fall of 1886. Mr. Conant married Jane Munroe Rounds of Rehoboth, and they have one daughter living, Mrs. Joseph O. Neill. He has been justice of the peace in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for over fifty years : is one of the old- est Masons of Fall River and has taken all the degrees of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been agent of the Society for Prevention of. Cruelty to Chil- dren for several years. Connell, Arthur Irving, physician and surgeon, was born in Fall River, May 17, 56 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1865, a son of William and Clarissa (Gifford) Connell. His father was superintend- ent of the public schools of Fall River for twenty two years. Dr. Connell obtained his preparatory education in the public schools, graduating from the Fall River High School in 1883. He then entered Brown Universtiy and completed the regular course at that institution in 1887, receiving the degree of A. B. , and three years later the degree of A. M. In the fall of the same year he matriculated at Harvard Medical School and passed three years there. In order to receive the special advantages of the German universities he passed one year as a medical student at Heidelberg, Dresden, Berlin and Vienna, and upon his return to America in 1891 received his degree of doctor of medicine from Harvard. The same year he began his profes- sional career on South Main street, Fall River, where he has since continued. Dr. Connell is a member of the Fall River Medical Society and the Massachusetts Med- ical Society. He is physician to the Fall River Hospital, visiting surgeon to the Emergency Hospital and bacteriologist for the city Board of Health. Connell, Charles W., physican and surgeon, son of William and Clarissa (Gifford) Connell, was born in Fall River, March 10, 1859. His father, William Connell, was superintendent of public schools for a period of twenty-three years, and was a man widely known and popular as an educator. During his administration, and largely through his influence, the plan of furnishing free text books to all children of the schools was put into force in Fall River, which was the first city in Massachusetts to accept the provision of the act of the Legislature, allowing school books to be sup- plied at the public expense. Dr. Connell obtained his preparatory education in the schools of his native city, and was graduated from the high school in 1877. He then entered Brown University and completed the course in that institution in 1881. He taught in the Latin department of the 'Fall River high school five years and in the meantime began the study of medicine. He matriculated at the medical department of Harvard University and received his medical degree in 1887. Since then he has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Fall River. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and the Fall River Medical Society ; a member of the board of trustees of the Emergency Hospital, and a director of the Pocasset hat .factory. His brother, Arthur I. Connell, is also a practicing physician in Fall River. In June, 1893, Dr. Connell married Emma P., daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Borden) Earl. Of this union are two daughters: Clarissa E. and Grace Connell. Cook, Abraham S. — Prominent among the younger men of the town of Dartmouth who have successfully made their own way is Abraham S. Cook. He was born in Dartmouth, Februry 15, 1871, a son of John and Sarah (Durfee) Cook. Most of his education was received in private schools and during his boyhood he was engaged in farm work. At the age of eighteen he began an apprenticeship to the painter's trade under F. T. Akin of New Bedford, and has ever since followed that business, being now connected with the firm of Kern & Wright in New Bedford. He has always been an earnest advocate of Republican principles and has taken an active part in party politics. The Cook family, several branches of which have been identified with the growth of this vicinity, is of good Puritan stock. . Isaac Cook, from whom Abraham S. Cook directly descends, was a captain in the Continental army. Mr. Cook is unmarried. Cook, Alexander O., plumber and stemheater, son of Perry and Lydia (Gifford) PERSONAL REFERENCES. 57 Cook, was born at Tiverton, R. I., May 29, 1827. He is a lineal descendant of Thomas Cook, one of the early settlers of Rhode Island. His grandfather, Joseph Cook, was a farmer at Tiverton, and his father was a carpenter and builder. In his youth Mr. Cook worked on the farm in summer and attended school a few months of the winter. In 1843 he united with the Baptist Church in Tiverton, R. I. In 1844 he came to Fall River and learned the trade of tin plate and sheet iron worker and in the mean time went to night school. He worked as a journeyman until 1851, when in company with John Johnston he bought the business of his employer and established the firm of Cook & Johnston in the stove, sheet iron and tin plate busi- ness on South Main street. In 1860 the firm was changed to Shaw & Cook, which afterwards became Cook, Grew & Ashton. Mr. Ashton died in 1873, when the pres- ent firm of Cook & Grew was formed. In 1870 they added plumbing to their busi- ness and soon had a. large trade in that line. Mr. Cook has confined his attention closely to his business in which he has prospered and is one of the oldest merchants of Fall River. This firm carries on a general plumbing, steam heating, hot water heating, gas fitting and sheet iron business. Mr. Cook united by letter with the Second Baptist Church of Fall River in 1853. He served on several of the commit- tees at different times and in 1880 was elected deacon, serving in that capacity until 1897 when he withdrew with others and formed the Third Baptist Church, where he is now serving in the capacity of deacon and superintendent of the Sunday school. This church is the outcome of a small Sunday school that was started by and through his efforts and those of his associates thirty-six years ago, and has become a flourishing church. He also assisted in forming, in the year 1868, the Fifth Street Sunday school, so called, which to-day is known as the Foster Street Mission and is a branch of the Second Baptist Church of Fall River. In 1853 he married Mary S. Bronson, daughter of the late Rev. Asa Bronson, who was pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Fall River for several years, and who was one of the prominent factors in the rebuilding of the city after the great fire of 1843. Their children are Charles C. Cook, the well known real estate and insurance agent, and Charlotte E. G. (wife of Walter Titcomb). Cook, Charles C, insurance manager, real estate operator and notary public, was born in Fall River, Mass., March 28, 1854, a son of Alexander O. and Mary Sher- wood (Bronson) Cook. His mother was the daughter of Elder Asa Bronson, who was pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Fall River, a very prominent and in- fluential clergyman, deeply interested in the growth and development of the city and a promoter of many interests that contributed to the public good of the community. Mr. Cook obtained his education in the public schools of his native city and very early in life began his business career. He first entered the employ of Cook, Grew, & Ashton, who were engaged in the sale of plumbing and heating material and ap- paratus and mill supplies. His father was senior member of the firm, which carried on a large trade in Fall River and vicinity. Charles C. Cook during his connection with this firm had charge of the mill work and outside management of the business. He sustained this relation to the firm for fifteen years, his active and energetic efforts greatly extending the business and enlarging the trade of the firm and helping to prepare him for other positions of trust and responsibility which he has since held. In 1888 he became general agent for Bristol 'county of the Massachusetts Mutual 58 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Life Insurance Company and devoted himself to the interests of that company for several years. His knowledge of human nature and general adaptability to the busi- ness assisted him in achieving success as a life insurance man. In the mean time he added to his business fire insurance, real estate operations and dealer in local stocks. Since 1894 he has also been district agent, adjuster and general manager for Bristol county of the Travelers Life, Accident and Liability Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn. Mr. Cook, owing to his good executive ability and mature judg- ment has been called upon to become the business manager of several large estates, including the Andrew J. Borden estate and the John Campbell estate. He does all the building and looks after all business connected with these and other smaller es- tates, whose interests are entrusted to him. October 4, 1877, Mr. Cook married Wealthy W. , daughter of Benjamin F. and Margaret (McEwan) Winslow. Cook, Charles Edward, is the son of Edward C. and Ruth (Cook) Cook, a grandson of William Cook, who was engaged in the China trade and later in farming, and a great-grandson of Isaac Cook, who served as a captain in the Revolutionary war. His father, Edward C, a farmer, was born February 14, 1802, and is still living. Mr. Cook was born in Tiverton, R. I., and when eighteen years old removed with his parents to Dartmouth, Mass., where he remained on the farm until he reached the age of thirty. He then came to New Bedford and for ten years was engaged in the meat and produce business where the Standard building now stands. Afterward he became interested in real estate operations, first with S. T. Viall and for several years past with Abbott P. Smith. Mr. Cook was one of the organizers and the first president and manager of the Acushnet Street Railway Company, and after its con- solidation with the Union Street Railway Company he held the position of manager and purchaser for several years. Later he and others built the Dartmouth and Westport Street Railroad, of which he is now a director and vice-president. He married a daughter of Royal Sherman of Dartmouth, where his only son, Edward R., is engaged in business. Cook, William, was born in New Bedford, in August, 1833, a son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Hudson) Cook. During his boyhood he attended the common schools of New Bedford and later an academy at Kingston, Mass. When a young man he went to sea, making one voyage to Calcutta and one to the West Indies. He then went into his father's business, the firm being Cook & Snow, ship agents and outfitters. Alter some time he was given an interest in this firm. In 1863 he enlisted in the Sixth Company of the Unattached Heavy Artillery and was made a junior first lieu- tenant and afterward promoted to senior first lieutenant. He had previously been a member of the City Guards for some length of time and had thus gained experience which fitted him for this position. He served one year and then established himself in the merchant tailoring business in New Bedford under the name of William Cook & Co. ; his business was located on Union street in the building east of the Mansion House, and he afterwards moved across the street to the present First National Bank building. In 1871 he sold out and became a traveling salesman for the Boston firm of Brigham, Jones & Co., woolens and tailors' supplies. He remained in their em- ploy until 1873, when he was appointed a general agent of the Equitable Life Insur- ance Company, which position he held until his death. Mr. Cook was a prominent member of the volunteer fire department and served for some time as assistant en- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 59 gineer. He was a member of many fraternal organizations and of various temper- ance societies. At the time of his death he was district deputy grand master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a man who gained the respect of all and enjoyed the esteem of a wide circle of friends. He was a sincere and earnest advocate of temperance and did all he could to advance the cause in New Bedford. With his pen he was alwas ready and was a frequent contributor to the local press and for some time a correspondent of the Boston Globe. He died on March 20, 1876, in the forty-fourth year of his age. Mr. Cook married, in 1855, Cornelia A., daughter of Otis Seabury of New Bedford, and she survives him. Their children were six: Clarence A., Elizabeth B., wife of W. A. Mackie of New Bedford; Francis A. (de- ceased); Mary T. , wife of James E. Stanton, jr., of New Bedford; Cornelia S., wife of Dr. Harlon P. Abbott of Providence, R. I., and Otis S. Clarence A. Cook, son of William and Cornelia (Seabury) Cook, was born in New Bedford, January 11, 1856. He was educated in the public and the high schools and in H. H. Allen's private school in New Bedford. After leaving school he entered the employ of the New Bedford Copper Company as an office boy and remained in their employ, although not in that capacity, having been successively promoted, until 1876, when he succeeded his father as general manager of the Equitable Life Insurance Society, being asso- ciated in the insurance business with Hon. George B. Richmond under the firm name of Richmond & Cook. In 1878 he went to Boston and entered the employ of Holder & Herrick, dealers in tin plate and sheet iron and Boston agents of the New Bedford Copper Company. He was first employed as bookkeeper, but in a short time went on the road as a traveling salesman, meantime keeping his residence in New Bed- ford. In June, 1891, he was elected treasurer of the New Bedford Copper Company to succeed William H. Mathews. Mr. Cook is a member and vice-president of the New Bedford Board of Trade, trustee of the Institution for Savings and a director of the New Bedford Copper Company ; Union Street Railway Company ; Dartmouth Mills; Bennett Spinning Company ; Lambeth Rope Company; the Masonic Building Association ; and the National Bank of Commerce. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum ; Dartmouth Club, and vice-president of the Wamsutta Club of New Bed- ford and of the Exchange Club of Boston. Mr. Cook married, in May, 1876, Sarah L. Allen, daughter of George F. Allen of California, and they have one daughter, Bertha Allen Cook. Cook, William Henry, city assessor, a son of Benjamin and Margaret (Smith) Cook, was born in Fall River, March 7, 1856. His parents came from Burnley, England, to Fall River in 1848, where William H. Cook received his education in the public schools. At the age of fifteen years he secured employment with Almy & Milne, publishers of the Fall River News ; he remained in their office twenty-two years and during this long period of faithful service became thoroughly trained in the art of printing. Mr. Cook represented Ward 2 in the Common Council in 1885 and 1886, serving on the committees on fire department, printing and streets. In 1893 he was elected city assessor for a term of three years, and at the expiration of that time was re-elected in 1896 for a similar term. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Columbian Club. Cooke, Rev. M. J., rector of St. Patrick's Church, Fall River, was born in Ulster county, Ireland. When eighteen years of age he came to this country to be edu- 60 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cated for the preisthood, and was sent to the Sulpician Fathers' College and Semi- nary at Montreal. Completing the rigid courses of instruction with success, he was ordained to the ministry in that city, December 23, 1876. He acted as assistant in dif- ferent places until 1884, when he took charge of his first pastorate at Harrisville, R. I., where he remained until November 1, 1890, at which date he came to Fall River to take charge of St. Patrick's Church. Father Cooke's congregation numbers about 6,000 souls. He has under his charge two assistants, and a parochial school employing a staff of six teachers and with an average attendance of 400 children. During his pastorate he has thoroughly completed the new church and has also built the Holy Name Hall for the young men of his congregation. The church has pros- pered greatly under his care and he has a host of warm friends throughout the city. Cornell, Charles Frederick, superintendent of public cemeteries, is the son of John M. Cornell, a native of Attleborough, Mass., and Patience S. Tucker, his wife, daughter of Griffin Tucker and Nioba West, of Bristol county. His grandfather, William Cornell, was a farmer and a soldier in the war of 1812. John M. Cornell came to New Bedford in early life, and for seventeen years was sexton of Oak Grove Cemetery. He died in 1891 and his wife in 1895. Charles F. Cornell was born in New Bedford, Mass., November 20, 1837, received a public school education, and learned the painter's trade. When sixteen he shipped on a whaling vessel. Later he was for twelve years in the coastwise merchant service, filling every position to that of master mariner. In 1872 he was appointed sexton of Oak Grove Cemetery, which post he filled until 1894, when he was made superintendent. Since May, 1895, he has been superintendent of the public cemeteries of New Bedford, taking the office when it was created and filling it with credit and satisfaction. He is a mem- ber of the Veteran Firemen's Association; the Knights of Pythias; the Odd Fellows and other fraternal societies. In 1857 he married Azubah Mayo Nickerson of Har- wich, Mass. Cottrell, William T., is a native of Rhode Island, born in Tiverton, May 17, 1843, a son of Benjamin and Ann (Grinnell) Cottrell. He has lived in Fall River almost all his life. He enlisted December 9, 1861, in the R. I. Heavy Artillery, served three years and four months, and then re-enlisted for two and one-half years. He participated in the siege of Morris Island off Charleston and Fort Wagner, Fort Pulaski, etc. , and also in several battles, being mustered out at the close of the war. He is a member of the G. A. R. and of the Pilgrim Fathers. Mr. Cottrell married first, Hannah Leary, who died leaving two children: William and Hannah. His second wife was Josephine Legacy, and they have four children : George, Henry, Norman and Hannah. Mr. Cottrell established his present marble and granite business in 1894 and is known as an expert in his trade as well as a reliable business man. Couch, Leonard Crocker, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 26, 1856, son of Major General Darius N. and Mary Caroline (Crocker) Couch. He obtained his ed- ucation in Norwalk, Conn. He came to Taunton in 1875 and went to the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company to learn the trade of machinist, and by patient and persistent work he soon reached the top and was made superintendent of the locomotive department and also took charge of the draughting room. He remained with them until they stopped building locomotives and then he engaged with the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 61 Fitchburg Railroad as chief draughtsman in their locomotive department, where he remained one year. After the death of Andrew S. Briggs, of Taunton, in 1890, Mr. Couch bought his insurance business and good will, and has continued very success- fully up to the present time. He was married in April, 1882, to Cecilia May Francis, who died May 20, 1894, leaving two children: Cecil Thomas, born May 20, 1883, and Caroline Avis, born April 11, 1885. Mr. Couch is at present a park commissioner of the city of Taunton and a member of the following societies: Aztec Club of 1847 ; Sons of the American Revolution, and Sons of Veterans, U. S. A. Coughlin, Richard Patrick, was born in Whitman, Mass., April 10, 1873, a son of John and Johanna (Grady) Coughlin. He received his early education in the public schools of Whitman and was graduated from the Boston University Law School in the class of 1894. In June of this same year he was admitted lo the bar and started an office for himself in Rockland, remaining there about six months and then came to Taunton in 1895, where his practice has steadily increased and although one of the youngest lawyers here he is not by any means the least successful. Covel, Thomas D., son of Benjamin and Angeline (Baker) Covel, was born in Fall River, June 21, 1850. He attended the public schools of that city and later was grad- uated from Scofield's Commercial School at Providence, R. I. He then was em- ployed for some time as a clerk in a grocery store owned by his brothers, subse- quently securing a position in the office of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactur- ing Company as an assistant. The following year (1873) he formed a copartnership for the conduct of a general hardware business with Mr. Sanford, under the firm name of Sanford & Covel. This association continued until 1884, when Mr. Sanford retired to engage in the manufacture of cotton goods and the present firm of Covel & Osborn was formed by the admission of James E. Osborn. This firm has since conducted an extensive business and for several years has made a specialty of man- ufacturing cotton banding. Mr. Covel is a director of the Arkwright Mills and the Troy Loan Association ; president and director of the National Union Bank and trustee of the Union Savings Bank. In October, 1876, he married Betsey P. Gray, daughter of Franklin Gray of Fall River. Cox, Peter E., was born in England, April 24, 1867, a son of Peter and Theresa (O'Rourke) Cox. He came to America in 1876, settling in Fall River, where he first worked in a cotton mill for three years, and then spent six years in the loom -harness business. In 1888 he embarked in the cigar and tobacco business, of which he has made a great success, being one of the" leading dealers of Bristol county. He was first located on Bedford street and thence removed to his present location at 12 North Main. Mr. Cox has taken an active part in politics since he became of age and has twice been nominated by his party (Democratic) for councilman. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Crandall, George N., was born in Charlestown, R. I., October 27, 1819, a son of George N. and Thankful (Greene) Crandall, and grandson of Oliver Crandall, one of the prominent Quakers of that town. Mr. Crandall's father was a farmer and dealt largely in live stock and sheep; he died in 1856. George N. Crandall was ed- ucated in the public schools and at the age of twenty-one (in 1840) began life in mer- cantile business. In 1841 he established the firm of Crandall & Segar, in Westerly, 62 OTTR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. R. I., and in 1847 purchased Mr. Segar's interest, and disposed of the business in 1849. He then kept a hotel and the post-office in Natick, R. I., two years. In 18)5 he established the firm of Whipple & Crandall, in Attleborough, Mass., and in 1861 purchased Mr. Whipple's interest, disposing of the business in 1866. Mr. Crandall has served as selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor, member of the Board of Health, a special commissioner of Bristol county eighteen years, represented the town in the General Court in 1881, was justice of the peace fourteen years and super- intendent and treasurer of the gas company fifteen years. In 1844 Mr. Crandall married Maria S., daughter of Jesse Babcock, of Kingston, R. I., who died in 1856, leaving one son, George H. Mr. Crandall married second, Frances A., daughter of Dr. Alfred Martm of Attleborough, Mass. Cross, James W., president of the Fall River Rubber Company, was born in Black- burn, England, April 1, 1869, a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Ballard) Cross. He came to America with his parents when six months old, settling in Lawrence, Mass., for a short time and thence removing to Lowell, Mass. He obtained his education in the public schools and early in life was employed by the Lowell Rubber Company, in whose employ he remained eight years. In November, 1891, he came to Fall River to take charge of the company's store, which was established October 1, 1887. Through his energy and business ability he greatly enlarged the business of the store, and in February, 1896, together with others, organized the Fall River Rubber Company, which was incorporated in the same year. This company is engaged in the wholesale and retail trade in all kinds of rubber goods and are constantly extend- ing their business. Before the company was incorporated, J. Francis Hayward was proprietor of the store, and when it was incorporated Mr. Cross was made president and Mr. Hayward treasurer, who remained in that position until his death in 1897, when Mrs. K. W. Hayward became treasurer. Mr. Cross was married, November 9, 1893, to Julia Etta Chace, daughter of Leander F. and Mercy A. Chace of Fall River. They have two children: Eunice Howard and Ida Chace Cross. Mr. Cross is the inventor of a new and useful device for an attachable rubber heel on shoes, and is actively engaged in its manufacture and sale. Crowell, Ezra, was born in Philadelphia, Pa. , May 24, 1829, a son of Ezra and Nancy (Flinn) Crowell. He was educated in the public schools of Centerville, Mass., to which place his parents removed when he was six years old. After leaving school he learned the trade of painting and glazing, at which he worked until 1855, when he came to Taunton and started in business for himself, which he has followed up to the present time (1898), making forty-three years he has been in business for him- self. During this time he has had three partners ; the first was Mr. Lincoln and the firm was Lincoln & Crowell. and when he retired Mr. Hinckley took his place, the firm being Crowell & Hinckley, and in 1875 Mr. Crowell engaged with Mr. Savery under the present style of Crowell & Savery. They carry on a business of hard- ware, paints, oils, glass and paper hangings Mr. Crowell has been married twice, first to Sarah Tripp of Fairhaven, now deceased, and second to Eliza J. Waldron of Dighton. He has two children: William W. and Eva M. Crowell, Henry P., was born in Fairhaven, November 8, 1840, a son of Thomas C. and Sally (Mallowes) Crowell. His father was a sea captain in the coastwise trade and resided in Fairhaven about thirty years. He was lost at sea in November, 1857. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 63 Mr. Crowell attended school until he was fourteen years of age and at seventeen be- gan to learn the moulder's trade, at which he worked during the greater part of his active life, and retired in 1893. He has been a registrar of voters for over twelve years and has also served on the School Committee. In June, 1869, he married Helen Wrightington. On his mother's side Mr. Crowell descends from old Knicker- bocker stock, and on the paternal side is a lineal descendant of Paul Crowell, who was born in England and is recorded as the first white settler in the vicinity of the town of Chatham, Mass. Crowley, John D. , was born in Liverpool, England, in 1820. He received a com- mon school education and then engaged in the purchase and sale of second-hand clothing in his native city. In 1858 he came to America and engaged in the same business in Philadelphia, remaining six years and then returning to Liverpool to look after his original enterprise, which had been continued during his absence. Two years later he closed this business and returned to Philadelphia. He came to Fall River in 1867 and started a store in second-hand clothing and jewelry, at the corner of Annawan and Brady streets ; and in 1873 engaged in the purchase and sale of cotton and woolen stock, new prints, old metals, etc. , at the same location. In 1885 he removed to the present location of the business, 189 Annawan street. Mr. Crowley was an active, conservative and enterprising citizen. His business life was a remarkable example of success due to industry and ability, and at the time of his death, besides business enterprises, he owned fifty-nine tenement houses in Fall River and other real estate, He was a vigorous, intelligent and sincere advocate of temperance, and took a keen and lively interest in all things designed to promote the welfare of the public. He died on April 24, 1897, holding the respect and esteem of all who had known him. Mr. Crowley had married in England in 1849 to Abby McCauliff. Of this union were eleven children: John A., Mary, Annie, Abbie, James D., Daniel A., P. Henry, Michael V., Thomas J., George L. and Louis A. (deceased). Of these, four sons now conduct the business: P. Henry, Michael V., Thomas J- and George L. They are all natives of Fall River. Possessed of thorough business educations and inherited abilities they are conducting the affairs of the business with encouraging success. Cummings, Benjamin, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., on April 7, 1797, and died in New Bedford on September 28, 1863. He was the son of Benjamin and Mehitable (Ryder) Cummings, being the youngest of a large family. In his early years he was engaged in business with his brothers, William and John, in Dartmouth, where they had a large and successful store. On January 27, 1820, being then twenty-two years old, he married Cynthia Smith, daughter of Henry and Mary (Almy) Smith, who owned a large tract of land in Dartmouth on the Paskamanset River, which is still kept in the family. Soon after his marriage he left the store and devoted his atten- tion to his farm and the many business interests connected with it. There was a valuable water power which was used for a saw mill, grist mill, and fulling mill, all of which called for his attention and were successfully managed. At that time the whaling business flourished greatly and naturally attracted him, and he soon began to invest in whaling vessels. He found interest and profit in this, and increased his investments until he was part owner in a large number of whalers, one of which was named for him, and bore as a figurehead a full length likeness of him carved in wood, 64 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. which was thought singularly true to life. He also invested largely in real estate in New Bedford and the accuracy of his, judgment has been indicated in the develop- ment of the city. In 1857 the built the " Cummings Building" on the corner of William and Purchase streets, in which enterprise his brother William joined. At that time the building was the largest and finest in the city, and the wisdom of it from a financial standpoint was doubted by many, but the result proved his judg- ment correct, and his building did much to fix the business center of the city. In 1855 he moved from Dartmouth to New Bedford to the house where his widow still lives, and in which he died seven years later. He had ten children, of whom four daughters and a son are still living. ^His life was one of intense activity and he was just beginning to relax his attention to business at the time of his death. He had found time to be a trustee of Antioch College, in which he was much interested. He liked trees and flowers and all out of door things and took great pleasure and pride in his garden. The old age to which he had looked forward as a time when he could enjoy these things and the property he had accumulated, to which he had looked as a means rather than an end, was denied him, and he died leaving the reputation of an honorable and upright man in whom his family can feel just pride. Curran, J. V., was born in Providence, R. I , May 18, 1861. His father, George E., was a native of the north of Ireland, and came to the United States when a boy and was always identified in railroad matters; he died in 1884. J. V. Curran, at the age of four years, lost his right arm in a railroad accident. He was educated in the public schools and was engaged in the railroad business. In 1880 he was appointed station agent at Hebronville, which position he still holds. In 1889 Mr. Curran mar- ried Mary Cavanaugh, and they have two children : George D. and Mary E. Mr. Curran was appointed postmaster in 1895 ; truant officer ; secretary of American Le- gion of Honor; the Red Men; member of Co. C, of Attleborough, and through his influence a kindergarten has been added to the public schools. He was elected a member of the Attleborough Republican town committee for the year 1899. He has been a delegate of his party both in district and State conventions and in October, 1898, was appointed one of the seven members of the Republican district committee of Bristol county for the term of three years. The Attleborough Daily Sun, under date of March 23, 1898, has this to say of Mr. Curran, among other things: "He cast his first vote in the town of Attleborough, and ever since that time has taken a deep interest in public affairs. He takes to politics as naturally as a. duck takes to water. Possessed of a superabundance of good humqr, even his political opponents are always glad to greet him. Mr. Curran in politics is vigorous and aggressive and infuses much enthusiasm into whatever cause he espouses. He is a wide awake, public-spirited, progressive man, fully alive to the interests of his section of the town." Cushing, John King, retired carpenter and builder, is descended from (1) Thomas Cushing, (3) William Cushing, (3) John Cushing. (4) Thomas Cushing, and (5) Peter Cushing, all of England; (6) Matthew Cushing, who married August 5, 1613, Naz- areth Pitcher, came from England in the ship Diligent in 1638, and commenced the settlement of Hingham, Mass. ; (7) John Cushing, born in 1627, married January 20, 1658, Sarah Hawke, and died March 31, 1708; (8) Matthew Cushing, born February 23, 1665, married December 27, 1694, Deborah Jacob, and died June 23, 1715; (9) PERSONAL REFERENCES. 65 Hezekiah dishing, born March 14, 1703, married July 28, 1726, Lydia Jones, and died January 7, 1790; (10) Nathaniel Cushing, youngest of eleven children, born March 30, 1753, lived in Scituate, and married Alice, daughter of Joseph Cushing; and (11) Warren Cushing, youngest child, born December 14, 1785, married Abigail Gibbs Kemptou, and.died November 8,1827; his wife died in August, 1876. Warren Cushing came to New Bedford about 1812 and engaged in ship building and later in the grocery business. His children were William Thomas, William Warren, John King, Deborah Kempton, Alice Eliza, Ann Sophia, Albert Warren, Thomas Kemp- ton, and Samuel Warren. John King Cushing was born in New Bedford, Mass., November 17, 1816, received a public school education, and when sixteen began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed successfully until about 1878, when he retired. For many years he was an active contractor, building many fine dwell- ings, school houses, the wood work of the present Friends Academy, etc. He was a member of the Common Council at one time, and was a charter member of the New Bedford Guards. In 1885 he married Mrs. Ruth (Potter) Caswell of New Bedford. Cushman, Andrew Bernard, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born at East Freetown, Mass., July 10, 1856. His father, a member of Company C, 18th Mass. Vols., was killed at the battle of Yorktown, May 13, 1862, and at the age of six years he was left fatherless He attended the public schools of his native town and of New Bedford, working' at various pursuits during the vacations and at odd times, and notwithstanding the obstacles which he knew would confront him, decided to study medicine. He began in 1883 under the tutorship of Dr. Stephen W. Hayes, with whom he remained until well grounded, and then entered the medical depart- ment of the University of Vermont, from which he was graduated M. D., July 19, 1886. In the same year he began practice at South Dartmouth, where he has since been successfully engaged. Dr. Cushman is a fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and at present counselor for the Bristol South District. He has served on the School Committee for eight years; is a trustee of the Public Library ; and has always taken an active interest in public and literary affairs. He is a prominent Mason, a member of the Chapter, Council, Commandery, and of Eureka blue lodge of New Bedford. In August, 1887, he married Edith H., daughter of Thomas L. and Mary (Hamblin) Allen. Three children have been born to them: Helen A., Robert W. , and Ruth B. The Cushman family is of old Puritan stock. Dr. Cush- man is a lineal descendant of Robert Cushman, who was born in England and came to Plymouth colony in the ship "Speedwell," among the first settlers. Cushman, Hiram, was born in Billingham, Mass., November 24, 1856. His father, Martin G. Cushman, was a native of Milford, and was identified in the manufacture of shoes and served three years in the war of the Rebellion ; he married Serepta M. Taft and now resides in New Jersey. Hiram Cushman was educated in the public schools and in 1893 came to Attleborough and established his present business of couches, upholstering and carpet cleaning. In 1874 he married Ida Heath, who died in 1881, and in 1887 he again married Lucy M. Amsden. Mr. Cushman is a self- made man, taking an active interest in school and church matters and has ever ad- vanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Cushman, Seth Leonard, a son of Horatio Leonard and Loretta Horton (Rich- mond) Cushman, was born in Taunton, August 13, 1849, and was educated in the i 66 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Taunton public schools. In 1866 Mr. Cushman engaged with the firm of N. H. Skin- ner & Co., dry goods, as assistant bookkeeper, remaining with them about three years, and in 1869 went to the Bristol County National Bank as teller, which position he held until 1881, at which time he was chosen cashier, retaining that position until 1887, when he was chosen president and has remained in that office up to the pres- ent date. During Mr. Cushman's connection with the bank he held many positions of private trust. In July, 1871, he married Mary F. Taylor of Fall River, and they have one son, Elton Gray Cushman. Cuttle, John, was born in Yorkshire, England, April 1, 1829, and educated in the common schools of his native town. He worked in the linen mills until 1851, when he came to this country. He settled first in Schenectady, N. Y. , where he married Maria Moore, who is now matron of the Almshouse, Fall River. Their living chil- dren are Joseph, Mrs. Catherine Keefe, Francis C, John, Thomas and Mary, who acts as secretary for her father. One son, Stephen, died in 1892 at the age of thirty- five; he was a mill overseer and an expert cotton manufacturer. John Cuttle has held many positions of trust in Fall River ; since January, 1894, he has been superin- tendent of the City Hospital ; previous to which he was engaged in the meat and grocery business. He also served for some time as superintendent of a linen mill for the American Linen Company, and was president of the Herald Publishing Company for ten years. He has lived in Fall River nearly fifty years and during this time has gained respect and confidence. He was councilman in 1869 and alder- man in 1870 from old Ward 2. Daggett, Homer M. , was born in Attleborough, January 27, 1821, son of Ebenezer Daggett, who was also a native of Attleborough, and the family trace their descent from Col. John Daggett. Ebenezer Daggett married Sally, daughter of Josiah Maxey, and through life he was one of the leading farmers ; was prominent* in his town and in school and church matters, and filled many positions of honor and trust. He died in 1832. Homer M. Daggett was educated in the public schools, afterward entering the employ of Capron Peck, at Attleborough Falls, cotton manufacturer. In 1845, with his twin brother, H. N. Daggett, he purchased the business in which he remained until 1852, when he went Farmer's Village and manufactured yarns, knitting cotton, etc. In 1860 he entered the Attleborough Bank, at North Attle- borough, and in 1875 he came to Attleborough and organized and founded the First National Bank, of which he has been cashier for thirty years. In 1842 he married Angeline, daughter of Otis Daggett, and they have three children: Homer M., jr., Sanford and Alice A. Mr. Daggett is one of the conservative men of his town ; takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions ; and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Dahl, Thomas S., son of James and Martha (Wing) Dahl, was born in Fairhaven, October 22, 1864. For a number of years his father was a sea captain and later en- gaged in farming. As a boy Thomas S. worked on the farm and attended school. His first business experience was gained under E. M. Dean of Fair Haven, with whom he learned the shoemaking trade. He worked for Mr. Dean for some time and in 1889 purchased an interest in the business, the firm name being then changed to E. M. Dean & Co., which continued until 1894, when Mr. Dean retired. Since that time Mr. Dahl has successfully conducted the business alone, constantly adding PERSONAL REFERENCES. 67 to his resources until he now carries a large stock. He has been a. lifelong resident of Fairhaven and has earned a reputation for honesty of purpose and integrity in business affairs. In 1893 he married Ardra A. Taylor, daughter of George Taylor of New Bedford, and they have one son, Chester W. Dahl. Mr. Dahl is a member of Acushnet Lodge, I. O. O. F. Danielson, Charles R., superintendent of the Sanford Spinning Company, is a na- tive of Sweden, born June 15, 1859. He came to this country in 1863 with his pa- rents. Otto and Christina (Johnson) Danielson. They settled in Pawtuxet, R. I. , where he attended the schools for a. short time and then went into the Pawtuxet Yarn Mills as a carder. Subsequently he worked in mills in Valley Falls, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket. Mr. Danielson came to Fall River in 1892 to accept the position which he still holds as superintendent of the Sanford Spinning Com- pany. Darling, Joseph Monroe, architect, a son of Horatio and Watie (Taylor) Darling, was born in Gloucester, R. I., July 18, 1835, and removed with his parents to Fall River when he was five years old. He was educated in the schools of Fall River and for three years after leaving school worked in Eddy's woolen mill. He then followed the trade of a carpenter and contractor for fifteen years, erecting in the mean time many large dwellings, business blocks and public buildings, including several school houses. For the past twenty five years he has followed the occupation of an archi- tect and has had an extensive business. He has designed numerous public and pri- vate buildings, all of which are noted as fine specimens of architecture. One of the last buildings that he designed and which displays more than ordinary skill and ability is the Boys' Club, a magnificent edifice presented to Fall River by Matthew B. C. Borden, of New York city. Mr. Darling's two sons, Joseph and Frederick, superintend his extensive contract business. His son George is an architect and is associated with his father in business. They have designed most of the new school houses of Fall River and numerous other buildings. Mr. Darling was a member of the City Council of Fall River three years, being a member of the committee that superintended the introduction of the water supply of Fall River. He is a Mason and a member of U. I. O. O. of F. In 1840 he married Hettie A. , daughter of George and Mehitable Reynolds of Rhode Island. They have seven children : Joseph M., George, Annie W., Edward B., Frederick E., Edith M. and Minnie H. Davenport, William Church, son of William Rufus, and Hannah Church (Walker) Davenport, was born in Taunton, July 18, 1854. He was educated at Bristol Acad- emy, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Harvard University, where he remained two years. In 1876, soon afterleaving college, he entered the Machinists' National Bank, and was chosen president of the bank in 1889, which position he still retains. Mr. Davenport is a director in the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Co. , the Taunton Gas Light Co., and the Cohannet Mills, a trustee of the Bristol Academy, member of the advisory board of the Old Ladies' Home, and of the executive committee of the Winthrop Club. October 25, 1881, Mr. Davenport married Anne Fiske Banfield, a daughter of Hon. Everett C. and Anne Schofield (Fiske) Banfield. They have three children living: William Rufus, Everett Banfield and Ruth. Davis, David Perry, born in Somerset village, March 15, 1820, died April 14, 1897. 68 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He was the son of David Davis and Lavinia Keen of Dighton. His father was a carpenter, a sturdy, hard working man, who found little time for anything save labor in the support of his large family of thirteen children, of whom David Perry was the eldest. The common schools in those early days afforded the only oppor- tunity for securing the rudiments of an education. After acquiring only a few of the advantages these schools afforded, Mr. Davis early went to sea, and after serv- ing one year before the mast was raised to first mate and later to captain, in conse- quence of his superior attainments acquired so readily in the knowledge of naviga- tion, and his trustworthiness. These were not the only strong characteristics developed in the young mariner ; he early learned to save his hard earned money and to invest it in sea going vessels until his retirement from the sea in 1863, when he found himself in possession of a modest fortune. He had, in the mean time, be- come interested in the ship yard at Somerset, where an extensive business was car- ried on in that line, one feature being the purchasing and altering of the United States war steamers into sailing vessels for the merchant marine. In this work Mr. Davis was abundantly successful. His ship building operations were continued until 1876, when he retired from active business, investing largely of his means in cotton mill property in Fall River. He was also largely interested in Somerset real estate and shipping interests. Captain Davis was twice married : his first wife was Patience Borden of Fall River, who bore him four children, three of whom survive: D. Borden, Abbie E., wife of Horace E. Slade, and Albert P., a sea captain. His second wife was Ella F. Trewoegy of Surrey, Me., whom he married in 1875, and who with two children survives him, a son, Leon H., a cadet at the military academy at Cheshire, Conn., and Daisy, who conducts a private school in elocution and pre- paratory studies. Miss Davis is a talented young lady, a graduate of Boston Col- lege and the Boston School of Oratory, and has enjoyed a post-graduate course in oratory. One thing worthy of note in this sketch and which may not be out of place is that from his birth and during the seventy-seven years of his life Captain Davis claimed as his home the spot upon which he was born. His father's homestead gave place in time to the residence which he was ever pleased to call home and wherein he peacefully passed away after a most even and peaceful life. Captain Davis was thoroughly domestic and simple in his tastes, loved his home, was liberal at all times in public affairs, a member and supporter of the M. E. Church in Somer- set, and died universally lamented by the whole community. Davis, Luthan Tripp, is of English descent, the first representative of the family coming to this country early in the seventeenth century. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Gifford) Davis, and was born in Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., July 6, 1828 After being educated in the public schools of his native town he began farm- ing, in which business he has always been engaged, with the exception of three years which he spent in California, during the gold excitement. In politics Mr. Davis is a Republican. He was a selectman of the town of Dartmouth for thirteen consecutive years, and has also served as auditor of accounts, overseer of highways and in other minor public offices. He is a member of the South Bristol Farmers' Club. February 15, 1853, he married Nancy J., daughter of William and Fanny (Sampson) Greene, and of their union were five daughters: Emma C, wife of George C. Allen of New Bedford; Elizabeth D., wife of William A. Potter; Alice G., widow PERSONAL REFERENCES. 69 of William N. Weaver; Mehitable Anna, widow of Charles A. Collins; and Lucy H., who died in infancy. Davis, William A. — Probably no resident of the town of Dartmouth has a larger circle of friends and acquaintances than William A. Davis. He is a son of Isaac C. and Julia A. (Baker) Davis, and was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., August 7, 1852. His father was born in Westport, but spent the greater por- tion of his life in Dartmouth, where he was well known to the entire community. After having completed his education in the common schools of Dartmouth and in the New Bedford High School, Mr. Davis engaged in the meat business, in which he has been very successful, and in farming He has also been extensively engaged in the ice business for over twenty years. He married, December 25, 1872, Sophia S., daughter of David R. Wilcox of Dartmouth, and of their union are three chil- dren: Alice P., Isaac C. , and David W. Davis, Zebina Baker, builder, is the son of Samuel M. and Lucy F. (Baker) Davis, and a grandson of Nymphas and Susan (Swift) Davis, and was born in South Dart- mouth, Mass., May 26, 1855. His mother, Lucy F., who died in October, 1897, aged sixty-seven, was the daughter of Michael Baker, a master mariner of South Dart- mouth, where he died in 1861. Nymphas Davis was a farmer and carpenter in Fal- mouth, Mass., and died there, having served as a volunteer in the war of 1812. Samuel M. Davis was born in Falmouth in 1827, and some time prior to 1850 removed to South Dartmouth, where he still resides, and where he has served as selectman, justice of the peace, overseer of the poor, road commissioner, etc. He successfully carried on a large carpenter and building business there without interruption for fifty-four years, retiring from active life in 1898. He is often called the " father " of Nonquit from the fact that he erected fully three-fourths of all the buildings in that place. His operations extended also to Falmouth and other towns. Zebina Baker Davis was educated in the South Dartmouth public schools and at the Wesleyan Academy in Wilbraham, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1885 he established himself in business as a builder in New Bedford. Mr. Davis has always been a resident of South Dartmouth. He is a prominent Mason, holding membership in Sutton Commandery, K. T., and is also a member of the Odd Fel- lows and the Dartmouth CIud. In December, 1878, he married Carrie E., daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth A. (Warren) Howland of South Dartmouth, and they have one daughter, Helen H. Mr. Davis has erected a number of important buildings, including the Sylvia Ann Howland school house, the Union Street Railway car house, numerous fine residences, etc. Davol, Abner P., city assessor, son of Stephen and Sarah F. Chase Davol, was born December 1, 1853. His father was a prominent cotton manufacturer of Fall River. Abner P. was educated in the public schools, spending one year in the high school, and then passed three years in Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass., graduating in 1872. The same year he entered the employ of the Pocasset Manu- facturing Company, for which his father was agent, and his brother, Col. Bradford D Davol, treasurer. For nineteen years he filled the positions of clerk and book- keeper at the Pocasset Mills, and in March, 1895, assumed the duties of city assessor, being elected for a term of three years. He was re-elected in 1898. Mr. Davol was a member of the Common Council from Ward 8, in 1893 and 1894, and was president 70 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of that body both years. He has been a director in the People's Co-operative Bank for six years ; and has long been a member of the Fall River Board of Trade, serv- ing as the treasurer of that body since 1893. June 18, 1879, he married Harriet J., daughter of Ira and Mary (Tracy) Marvel of Fall River. They have two daughters, Alice Tracy and Clara Freeborn Davol. Davol, Bradford D., son of Stephen and Sarah F. (Chase) Davol, was born in Portsmouth, R. I., March 30, 1841. He has, however, always been a resident of Fall River, the family having removed there shortly after his birth. After obtaining an excellent education in the public and high schools, he secured a position in the office of the Pocasset Manufacturing Company as a clerk. Mr. Davol was employed by this concern in the capacity of clerk, bookkeeper and treasurer for a period of thirty- three years. He has been prominent in the manufacturing interests of Fall River during his entire business life. His father was for over fifty years agent and treas- urer of the Pocasset and Troy Mills. Mr. Davol has served three years as council- man, president from May to December the last year, and three years as alderman from the Fifth ward. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M. , and the Chapter and Commandefy. He was second lieutenant three months since 1864, afterwards commissioned by the Commonwealth of Massachusets as first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel of the 3d Regiment, M.V.M. At one time he was president and later treasurer of the Flint Mills, and is now a director of the Pocasset Manufacturing Co. , Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, Flint Mills, Mechanics'- Mills, Fall River Bleachery, Barnaby Manufacturing Co., Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Massasoit National Bank; president and director of the Barnard Manufacturing Co. and the Dighton, Somerset & Swan- sea Street Railway Co. He has seen the city grow from about 13,000 population to over 100,000, and from less than 200,000 spindles to more than 2,800,000. On the 17th of June, 1897, he was appointed chairman of the Board of Police of Fall River by Governor Wolcott. December 1, 1875, he married Cornelia W., daughter of Minor S. Lincoln of Boston. Davol, William C, cotton broker and ex-chief of the fire department, was born in Fall River, July 26, 1841, a son of William C. and Martha (Russell) Davol. His father was one of the most prominent cotton manufacturers of Fall River during his time. The Davol Mills, erected and put into operation in 1866, were named in honor of him and he became president of the corporation. William C. Davol received his educational training in the public and high schools of Fall River, and at Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass. He began his business career in the office of Josiah Brown, a noted civil and mill engineer of Fall River, with whom he remained sev- eral years. He then entered the employ of Marvel & Davol, who were extensively engaged in the manufacture of cotton mill machinery. His father, who was a part- ner of this firm, achieved more than local distinction for improvements in cotton ma- chinery. For a period of fifteen years Mr. Davol was treasurer of the Davol Mills. In 1882 he formed a copartnership with C. V. S. Remington, under the firm name of Remington & Davol, for the conduct of a cotton business. This firm still continues. For twenty years Mr. Davol was chief of the Fall River Fire Department; he was a member of the Common Council in 1873-75. He married Elizabeth G-. Cotton, daughter of John S. Cotton of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Martha G. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 71 Dawson, Benjamin, son of Isaac and Anna (Chappell) Dawson, was born in Lan- cashire, England, January 4, 1837, and after attending the public schools began his life in the cotton mills. In 1858 he came to America and first settled in Harrisville, R. I , where he followed the trade of weaver in a cotton mill until 1864, when he re- moved to New Bedford. Mr. Dawson was employed in the Wamsutta Mills from that time until January, 1869, when he engaged in the retail grocery business, which he continued about fifteen years. In 1885 he established his present wholesale liquor store at the corner of Purchase and Hazard streets, where he has built up the largest concern of the kind in New Bedford. In May, 1897, his eldest son, Joseph, was admitted to partnership under the firm name of Benjamin Dawson & Son. Mr. Dawson has always been a prominent Democrat, and was a member of the Common Council three years, overseer of the poor one year, and an alderman two years. In 1859 he married Helen Lee, a native of England, and they have three children: Jo- seph, John T. and Hattie. Day, Alfred B., was born in Mansfield, Mass., May 26, 1829, a son of Knight and Martha (Grover) Day. His father served in all of the important offices of his town and died at the age of ninety-two years. Alfred B. was educated in Mansfield pub- lic schools and in 1857 went to Wisconsin and started the basket business there. In 1864-5 he was engaged in building line for the Insulated Telegraph Co. through New England, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, and then came east. He was for many years one of the selectmen and assessors of Mansfield, has been one of the water commis- sioners since the building of the works in 1887, and treasurer-secretary of the Co-oper- ative Bank since its organization in 1883. In 1891, in connection with Charles C. Hagerty, he engaged in the business of banking under the firm name of Alfred B. Day & Co., which is still continued. In 1859 he married Eliza Howes, who died in 1863, and in 1867 he married Eliza Tobitt. One child, Alfred K. Day of Lincoln, Neb., survives the first union, and Mabel, wife of H. E. King of Mansfield, the second. Dean, Charles Henry, son of William and Sarah (Williams) Dean, was born in Taunton, Mass., August 28, 1840, and educated in the public schools. In 1861 he went to work for Lawson Blood to learn the trade of blacksmith, and stayed with him five years, then worked for the American Screw Co., and remained with them three years. In 1869 he bought out the business of Mr. Blood and has carried it on ever since by himself. Mr. Dean is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., and Sabbatia Lodge of I. O. O. F. He has been married twice, first to Charlotte Nay lor (Babbitt) of Taunton, in September, 1870, who died January 1, 1880; his second wife was Lillie, daughter of Spencer and Susan Macomber of Taunton, and they have two children; Viola M., born May 15, 1888, and Charlotte M., born Feb- ruarys, 1892. Dean, George A., was born in Attleborough, May 2, 1835, and his father, Asa Dean, was also a native of the same town, where his grandfather, Ephraim Dean of Taunton came, in 1735 ; his sons served during the Revolutionary War. Asa Dean married Lucy, daughter of Nathaniel Read, and his life was identified as a farmer. He died in 1848. George A. Dean was educated in Attleborough ; in 1853 he entered the firm of Thompson & Haywood, jewelers; and in 1856 established a business for himself, which he has continued for forty-one years, making a specialty of bracelets 72 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and chains. In 1857 he married Bessie, daughter of Capt. French Richardson, whose father, Seth Richardson, fought in the Revolutionary war. He is one of the conservative men of his town; was elected to the Legislature in 1877; has been treasurer and water commissioner for a number of years ; is director in the First National Bank; vice-president of Attleborough Savings Bank; and president of the Attleborough Gas Company. He takes an active interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Dean, Paul Hathaway, was born in Taunton, Mass., December 22, 1875. His early education was received in the Taunton public schools and then he commenced a mercantile life with N. H. Skinner & Co. as clerk in the dry goods business; from there he went to A. B. Cleasby's and remained with him about two years, and then started in business for himself in March, 1896. Mr. Dean is one of the prosperous young men of the city to-day and is constantly adding new lines to his stock and keeping well towards the front in the dry goods business. Deane. Ralph Denniston, was born in Warren, R. I., November 8, 1872, a son of Abiathar Williams and Elizabeth (Blake) Dean. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and in 1892 he entered Harvard Medical University, from which he was graduated in 1896. He came to Taunton at once and opened an office for the general practice of medicine and surgery. Dr. Dean is one of Taun- ton's youngest physicians but at the present time has a very good practice. Deane, John M., merchant, was born in Freetown, Mass., January 8, 1840. He obtained a thorough academic education in his native town, and at Taunton and Foxborough. At the opening of the Civil war he was a lieutenant in the Assonet Light Infantry, Co. G, 3d Regiment Mass. Militia. He had joined this company in 1858 and was made first sergeant, and at the brigade muster at Wareham was elected second lieutenant. On the night of April 15, 1861, he responded to the call of President Lincoln for troops and served three months with his regiment at Fort- ress Monroe, Va. , taking part in the destruction of Norfolk navy yard on the night of April 20, 1861. He was commissioned second lieutenant June 1, 1862, in the 29th Regiment Mass. Vols., and in this regiment was promoted first lieutenant, adjutant, captain and major and commanded his regiment during the Appomattox campaign. In the spring and summer of 1863 he served as .post-adjutant at Paris, Bourbon county, Ky. ; he was in the fight with Cluke's guerillas at that place and has as a. trophy which he captured, a weapon called the " Yankee Cleaver," which he found hid under the parlor carpet at the house of Colonel Cluke's father-in-law while search- ing the house in the effort to find the guerilla leader. In September, 1863, while near Cumberland Gap on the march with the 9th Army Corps into East Tennessee, he was ordered to take charge of a recruiting party and report with it at the draft rendezvous, Boston harbor. He remained on duty there until May, 1864, when he was relieved at his own request that he might join his regiment, which had been home on veteran furlough. While on duty at the draft rendezvous he was often de- tailed to take squads of recruits to the front, and in March, 1864, took about two hundred colored recruits to the 54th and the 55th Mass. Colored Regiments then on Morris Island, South Carolina. In the spring of 1865 he was made provost-marshal of the 1st Division, 9th Army Corps, on the staff of Gen. O. B. Willcox, with the 29th Regiment as his provost squad. In May, 1865, he was made provost-marshal PERSONAL REFERENCES. 73 at Georgetown, D. C, and in July, 1865, provost-marshal and pass officer of the district of Washington, which position he held when mustered out of service. He was appointed major of U. S. Volunteers brevet "for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Fort Steadman, Va. , March 25, 1865" and received honor- able mention in the official records of the Union and Confederate armies published by the U. S. Government; and in the report of the adjutant-general of Massachusetts for the year 1865 for his good conduct at Fort Steadman. He was awarded a medal of honor by the secretary of war " for most distinguished gallantry in action at Fort Steadman, Va. , while serving, with other volunteers, a previously silenced and aban- doned gun, mounted en-barbette, at Fort Haskell, being exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's sharp-shooters." During the fight at Fort Steadman he captured and disarmed a North Carolina captain and a Georgia major and still has their re- volvers in his possession. Excepting his service with General Burnside in the west and at draft headquarters in Boston, he was with the Army of the Potomac, where he experienced hard fighting with the 2d, 5th and 9th Army Corps. He was mus- tered out August 8, 1865, having served three and one-half years. His discharge certificate gives him the credit of having been in twenty-one engagements with an exceedingly brilliant and meritorious record. After the close of the war Major Deane returned to Freetown, and in May, 1866, began the retail grocery and provi- sion business in Fall River in partnership with Alonzo Hathaway, under the firm name of Hathaway & Deane, on Bedford street. This partnership was dissolved in 1872 on account of the ill health of Mr. Hathaway and Mr. Deane then continued the business for himself. In 1876 he removed to the Borden block on South Main street, where he now has one of the best appointed general merchandise stores in New England, employing about thirty-five men. Major Deane served Richard Borden Post as commander five years ; was a member of the Department of Massachusetts Council of Administration, in 1889, chief mustering officer in 1890, assistant quarter- master-general in 1892, junior vice department commander in 1895, senior vice-de- partment commander in 1896 and department commander m 1897. November 22, 1866, he married Mary G. Pearce, and of their union are five children: Milton Irving, Richard Boynton, Charles Learned, Anna Louise Andros, and Wallis Pearce. Three of his sons are in business with their father. Mrs. Deane was department president of the Mass. W. R. C. in 1892, and has served her corps in Fall River in some capacity ever since its organization. In 1897 she was chairman of the execu- tive committee of the National Organization and also chairman in the Massachusetts department of the committee on patriotic teaching in public schools. Dedrick, Dr. Albert C, physician and surgeon, was born at Cranston, R. I., De- cember 10, 1864, a son of Dr. Albert C. and Sarah (Abbott) Dedrick. Early in life his parents moved to Centreville, R. I. , where his father for thirty-five years was a successful physician. He was a graduate of the Albany Medical College in the class of 1857, and during the war was assistant surgeon of the 4th Regiment of Rhode Island Vol. Infantry. Dr. Dedrick was educated in the public schools of Centreville, and in Mory & Goff's English Classical School at Providence, R. I. After five years passed in the study of medicine under his father's instruction he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College at New York and graduated from that institution in 1888. He practiced for a few months with his father at Centreville and in June, 1888, j 74 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. moved to Fall River, where he has since resided and has won success in his profession. He is a member of the Board of Pension Surgeons at Fall River and is examining surgeon for the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company at Fall River; for the United Order of Workmen and the Pilgrim Fathers. He is also a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Sons of St. George. January 24, 1894, Dr. Dedrick married May Leslie Law of Fall River. De Moranville, Dennis, was born in East Freetown, March 25, 1852, a son of Den- nis and Sarah A. (Braley) De Moranville. His father, who died in 1894, was a na- tive of East Freetown, born on the homestead, which has not been deeded out of the family for several generations. The family is of French extraction, descending from Louis De Moranville, who was one of the first settlers of what was called "Philip's Country." The subject of this notice was educated at the "Furnace School" near his birthplace in East Freetown and began work in New Bedford at an early age. In 1874 he purchased the farm in East Freetown on which he now resides and has ever since been engaged in farming. He also conducts a black- smith shop and is universally well known and respected throughout the section where he has spent the greater part of his life. He is a member of Middleborough Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. In 1873 he married Francina Reynolds, daughter of Calvin Reynolds of Freetown. Their children are Estelle V. , Dora F. , Angeline A., Oscar D., Calvin J., Ethel M., Bertha E. (died February 17, 1892) and Morris A. Denham Family, The. — One of the thirty-six owners of the town of Dartmouth (1652), which has since been divided into Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford and Fairhaven, was John Denham (also spelled Dunham and Donham). This John, who arrived at Plymouth before 1633, held several public offices, among which was that of representative. He sold his share in the Dartmouth purchase, and it was not till during the first quarter of the present century that Tilson Denham, sixth in descent from John, moved to New Bedford, with his family, after having lived several years in Rochester, where several of his children were born. Among his children was Tilson Bourne Denham, born April 5, 1813, who carried on the baking business dur- ing the palmy days of the whale fishery. He was a member of the State Legislature in 1854 and 1855, and was prominent in politics. The incorporation of the city of New Bedford was largely due to his exertions, he being one of the few who desired it, against the many who preferred the town government. He was instrumental in forming the New Bedford Guards and interested in the fire department, in his youth, and later in life accepted, after much solicitation, the position of captain of the first steam fire engine in the city, temporarily, or till the force of the opposition to this innovation had somewhat deolined. His eldest child is Sarah M. B. , wife of Andrew H. Potter ; his second child is Thomas Mendell Denham, born February 2, 1840, who established the shirt factory in New Bedford in 1868, and who, like his father, is in- terested in politics, and like the first John has been a member of the State Legisla- ture, 1895-1898. During his term of membership he has served on the prison com- mittee (the same committee his father served on), and has made prisoners and refor- mations a special study and devoted much time to the study of woman's suffrage. A second son is Giles Leach Denham, now living in Flint, Mich. , born October 3, 1842. The third son is Edward Denham, a partner in the shirt business. He was PERSONAL REFERENCES. 75 born October 30, 1849, and is an antiquary and member of many historical societies in America and Europe. Cushing's Dictionary of Initials and Pseudonyms calls him "journalist." Besides carrying on a large correspondence with students and spe- cialists who seek his assistance, he has found time to make, for many years, the indexes of the publications of several historical societies, as well as other historical works. His article on the "Man in the Iron Mask" in Frey's Sobriquets and Nick- names has been highly prized both in this country and England. His summer vaca- tions have been spent in traveling with his camera over the localities made famous in American history and the result is a collection of valuable photographs, while as a student he has collected a very large private library which contains some rare books. Desmond, John, collector of customs, is a son of Dennis and Mary (Desmond) Des- mond and was born in Fall River, August, 1857. He received his education in the public schools and was first employed in a provision store. He later engaged in that business for himself in Fall River. When the city store department for the relief of the poor was originated in Fall River, during the mayoralty of Dr. John W. Cough- lin, Mr. Desmond was elected to the office of superintendent. He remained in that position, doing excellent service, until he was appointed collector of customs for Fall River by President Cleveland in 1895. He has filled this position with great credit. Mr. Desmond was a member of the City Council in 1882 and 1883 from Ward 3. Destremps, Louis G., architect, son of Louis G. and Agnes (Genereux) Destremps, was born in Montreal, Canada, May 9, 1851. He received his early educational training in his native city. In 1870 he came with his parents to Pittsfield, Mass., remaining there six months, when they moved to Woonsocket, R. I. In 1872 his parents returned to Canada and Louis came to Fall River, where he followed the carpenter's trade for three years and engaged in contract work for one year. In 1875, when the great fire occurred at St. John's, Canada, he went there and followed his trade until 1881, in which year he went to New York and studied architecture in the Sixth Avenue High School, from which he was graduated, completing the course of four years. In 1885 Mr. Destremps, well prepared to pursue his occupation, came to Fall River and began business, first as an architect and builder, but since 1890 he has turned his entire attention to architecture. He spent the years 1888 and 1889 at Newport, R. I., and while there was architect for the State Agricultural College at Kingston, and also built a private residence for Mr. Hodgson, the noted florist. Of late years he has been architect of many large structures in Fall River, including St. Matthew's Church; Notre Dame church, costing $350,000, and rectory; St. Jo- seph's Orphanage, a fine building of five stories high, costing §225, 000; Jesus of Mary Convent ; Convent for Dominican Sisters ; three large eight room public school buildings in Fall River; Convent school building and rectory for Notre Dame parish at Waterbury, Conn. ; and was supervising architect of the magnificent St. Ann's church of Fall River built at a cost of $750,000, and one of the finest edifices in New England. He was also supervising architect of the Fall River armory recently built and has drawn successful plans for many other public buildings of Fall River. Mr. Destremps was married in 1874 to Celina Mayer of Fall River. They have six chil- dren: Louis E., Philias, Arthur, Victor, Charles and Albert. Devoll, Daniel Tucker, lawyer, is the son of Pardon and Mary (Hathaway) Devoll, and a grandson of Capt. Pardon Devoll of Dartmouth, and was born in New Bed- 76 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ford, Mass., May 3, 1857. On his father's side the family was long prominent in the whaling industry. His mother's ancestors were very early settlers of Fairhaven, her father, Samuel Hathaway, being a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Devoll was graduated from the New Bedford High School in 1875, took a two years course under a private tutor, and in 1877 entered the office of Stetson & Greene as a student at law. He was graduated from the Boston University School of Law in 1879, returned to Stetson & Greene's office, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1880. He began active practice in the office of his preceptors, and in 1882 became an office associate of A. Edwin Clarke, with whom he remained until 1894. Since then he has prac- ticed his profession alone. Mr. Devoll was a member of the City Council of New Bedford three years. In 1889 he removed his residence to Long Plain in the town of Acushnet, where he now resides, and where he was for six years chairman of the School Committee. June 20, 1889, he married Mary F. , daughter of Adoniram Gil- more of Long Plain. De Wolf, Alfred Ward, hardware dealer, was born in New Bedford, Mass., Febru- ary 4, 1856, and is the son of Charles De Wolf and Eliza M. Ward, and the grandson of Areli De Wolf of Acushnet. His father,, who was born in Acushnet, Bristol county, was a carpenter and builder. Mr. De Wolf graduated from the New Bed- ford High School in 1874, and in September of the same year he went to Boston as a clerk in the hardware store of Benjamin Callender&' Co. He remained there three years, and afterward spent a similar period in Woonsocket, R. I., having charge of the hardware establishment of G. Darling & Son. He returned to New Bedford in 1880, and in March, 1881, formed a copartnership with Mark T. Vincent, which still continues. The firm of De Wolf & Vincent purchased the old hardware store of Ambrose Vincent, on the corner of Union street and Acushnet avenue, on March 21, 1881, and on July 1, 1892, they also bought the store of Sullings, Kingman & Co., at 149 Union street, which had been founded by them July 1, 1845, and where they have since conducted the business of the combined establishments. Mr. De Wolf is past grand of Acushnet Lodge No. 41, I. O. O. F. , a member of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Massachusetts; past chancellor and charter member of Union Lodge No. 7, K. of P., and a member of the Wamsutta Club. In 1891 he married Clara, daughter of David S. Bliss of New Bedford, and they have two children ; Ward and Rachel. Dexter, Everett O., was born in Rehoboth, February 21, 1863, a son of Otis S. and Maria A. (Bowen) Dexter. He was educated in the public schools and in 1882 came to Attleborough, where he learned the mason's trade and for some years has been engaged in contracting and building. In 1885 he married Flora M., daughter of Stephen H. Davis, and they have three children : Russell L., Alice E., and Ethel L. Mr. Dexter is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best methods of his town and town's people. Dolan, William Andrew, physician and surgeon, was born in Shirley, Mass., July 28, 1858, a son of Andrew and Jane (McBride) Dolan. His father was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and his mother a native of Portobello, Scotland. When he was quite young his parents moved to Fall River, where he attended the public schools. He later entered St. Joseph's College, in affiliation with Lavalle University at St. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 77 Joseph's, New Brunswick, and was graduated in 1879. The same year he entere'd the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received his medical degree March 15, 1882. The following year Dr. Dolan was house sur- geon to St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, N. Y. In 1883 he returned to Fall River, where he has since conducted a large practice. Since 1892 Dr. Dolan has been medical examiner for the Third Bristol District, being appointed by Governor Rus- sell. By virtue of this position he was the medical officer in charge of the noted " Borden Murder Case.'' He is visiting surgeon to the Fall River Hospital and St. Vincent Orphan's Home; and is also examining surgeon for several life and acci- dent insurance companies. He is a member of the Boston Life Underwriters Asso- ciation. Dr. Dolan has been a justice of peace for several years. He is a member and ex-president of the Fall River Medical Society, and of the Massachusetts Medico- legal Society, the Clover Club, the order of Elks, and Knights of Columbus. May 29, 1883, he married Nellie B,, daughter of Thomas Hussey of Fall River. They have four children: Thomas A., Nellie B. , William A., jr., and Mary Annunciata. Doran, Thomas W., son of William and Ann (Lowe) Doran, was born in New Bedford, Mass., May 12, 1857. When he was ten years of age his parents removed to Dartmouth, where he received his education in the public schools. Mr. Doran has devoted his entire life to agriculture. March 17, 1891, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Leonard Rider of Dartmouth, and they have two sons: William L. and Ralph C. Mr. Doran is an active member of the Christian Church. Drake, Albert Bailey, civil engineer, is a lineal descendant of Thomas Drake, who settled in Weymouth, Mass., in 16o3. He is the son of Jonathan E. and Mary E. (Bailey) Drake, and was born February 24, 1859, in Mansfield, Bristol county, where he attended the public schools. In May, 1868, he came with his parents to New Bedford and finished his education in the High School of that city. In May, 1874, he entered the office of the New Bedford (then the Acushnet) Water Works as a clerk and draftsman, and also acted as assistant to the city land surveyor. He remained there until January, 1881, when he entered the employ of the Atlantic & Pacific (now a part of the Santa Fe) Railroad, on the line between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and "The Needles" on the Colorado River in Arizona. He was transitman on the location of the road across Arizona, division engineer in charge of construction, and for six months assistant in charge of the field engineering work on the entire length of the road, a distance of 560 miles. Returning to New Bedford in May, 1884, he was elected city land surveyor and held that office until May, 1893. He was also superintendent of the Board of Public Works from the formation of the board in 1889 until 1895, and at one time served also as city forester and super- intendent of parks. Mr. Drake has successfully practiced his profession as a civil engineer in New Bedford since 1884. He was one of the seven charter members of the Massachusetts Highway Association. He is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a member of the Boston Society of Civil Engi- neers, the New England Water Works Association, and the Wamsutta and Dart- mouth Clubs. October 19, 1887, he married Minnie Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary (Neely) McAfee of New Bedford, and they have one son, Edward. Draper, O. M., was born iu North Attleborough, September 3, 1840, a son of Virgil, a native of North Attleborough. Virgil married Ann W., daughter of Sam- 78 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. uel Origen Draper, who was one of the pioneers in the jewelry business. He was of a decided mechanical turn of mind and invented a die of steel surrounded by iron. O. M. Draper was educated in North Attleborough and in 1862 began busi- ness under the name of O. M. Draper & Co. , being associated with E. I. Richards. In 1868 he purchased Mr. Richards's interest and has continued the business up to the present time, making a specialty of fire gilt chains, and was the first in town to manufacture what was known as swedged goods. He is one of the largest manufac- turers of rolled plate chains in Massachusetts. In 1865 he married Reliance G., daughter of Henry Russell ; she died in 1876, leaving two sons and one daughter. Mr. Draper afterwards married Hettie A. Woodard of Akron, O., and she died in 1895, leaving one son. Drown, Hezekiah Luther, son of Samuel and Ann (Luther) Drown, was born in Warren, R. I., August 9, 1830. His father was of English descent and his mother of Scotch extraction. Mr. Drown received his early training in the public schools of his native town and at the age of eleven his parents removed to Swansea, Bristol county, Mass., where he attended school in the winter months and worked on a farm in the summer until sixteen years old. In 1846 he returned to Warren, where he served three and a half years' apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade. He then re- moved to Fall River, Mass., and for sixteen years was employed at this trade. In 1861 he removed to the town of Westport, Bristol county, to take charge of a milk business for Samuel T. Sanford, in whose employ he remained until 1865, when he bought the farm he now, lives on. September 15, 1853, he married Hannah M., daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Brownell) Brownell, and they have two sons: Charles H. and Edwin F. Mr. Drown has always been an earnest advocate of tem- perance, and his own whole hearty manhood in old age is itself an impressive sermon in favor of total abstinence. He has never used tobacco or liquor in any form. For many years he has been a prominent worker in the Washington Total Abstinence Society of Hicksville, serving as president, secretary and treasurer at different periods. Dubuque, Hugo Adelard, attorney at law, was born in Canada, November 3, 1854, a son of Moise and Esther (Mathieu) Dubuque. His granduncle was the founder of Dubuque, Iowa. His father was one of the early explorers and pioneers of the far west, living in California and Montana from 1840 to 1850, and who died at St. Louis, Mo., on his return from a trip to Montana in 1865. Hugo Adelard obtained his pre- paratory education in the common schools and was graduated from the college at St. Hyacinthe, P. Q., in the class of 1870. That same year he removed to Troy, N. Y., where he was employed for a few months in a shoe store. He came to Fall River in the autumn of the same year and was a clerk in a grocery and drug store until 1874. In the mean time he diligently studied and prepared himself to enter Boston Univer- sity Law School, where he completed the full course, and was graduated with the degree of LL.B. in 1877. He was admitted to the Bristol county bar the same year and began the practice of his profession in Fall River, where he has since won dis- tinction as a lawyer. Mr. Dubuque has been honorary president of the Cercle Sala- berry, a literary society ; and Ligue de Patriotes, a benevolent society. He is active in politics as a Republican, and has taken special interest in education ; he was a member of Fall River School Board from 1883 to 1889. During the years 1897-98 he PERSONAL REFERENCES. 79 was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, and took a leading part in the dis- cussion of important questions, being on the committee on judiciary. Mr. Dubuque is the author of a " Historical Sketch of French Canadians," and of an article on the same subject in the French language in the " Guide Canadian Francais" in Fall River. He is one of the leading representatives of the French- Canadian people in New England. May 15, 1881, he married Anne M. , daughter of William and Abbie (Maley) Coughlin of Fall River. They have three daughters: Pauline, Helene and Marie. Dunbar, William Everett, is a son of Peter and Esther A. (Stevens) Dunbar of Taunton, and was born in Taunton, October 16, 1857. He received his early educa- tion in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. On leaving the acade- my he entered immediately on mercantile life. October 18, 1897, Mr. Dunbar was appointed by President McKinley , postmaster of the city of Taunton, Durfee, George T., son of David and Eleanore (Brayton) Durfee, was born in Tiverton, R. I., December 11, 1850. His father was a farmer and a lifelong resident of Tiverton. As a boy George T. worked on his father's farm and attended the dis- trict school, later attending the Holmes Commercial School in Fall River. His first business experience was in the conduct of a retail grocery on Stafford Road, Fall River. He associated with S. H. Hambly in this enterprise, this partnership con- tinuing about ten years, when Mr. Hambly retired and Mr. Durfee conducted the business alone for a period of four years. He then engaged in the wholesale gro- cery and commission business with H. Francis Lawton and Herbert Chapin under the firm name of H. Francis Lawton & Company. He retired from this firm in 1898. Mr. Durfee has been several times before the people as a. candidate for office and has always attained a majority. He was a member of the Common Council for three terms and a member of the Board of Aldermen for three terms from the First ward. In 1895 he was elected county commissioner on the Republican ticket. He is a mem- ber of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council, Commandery, and Shrine. He is also a member of Friendly Union Lodge of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Knights of Pythias. In 1871 he married Ida T. Hathaway, daughter of Embert Hathaway of Fall River, and they have three children: Jessie H., George W , and Hazel. Dwight, James Edwin, son of Leonard and Minerva Dwight, was born in Will- iamsburg, Mass., May 19, 1834. When he was ten years old his father removed to New Bedford and engaged in the meat and grocery business, locating at 90 South Second street. After a residence of forty-five years in New Bedford, he removed to Acushnet, where he died in 1879, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. James E. Dwight attended the common schools of New Bedford and, after leaving school, went into his father's business, succeeding him in 1865, and still conducts the busi- ness at the old location, being now one of the oldest groceries in the city. With his father and alone Mr. Dwight has been in business for upwards of forty-eight years, and it is needless to say that his store has become a landmark in that section of the city. Leonard Dwight died in his seventy-eighth year. Mr. Dwight married, in 1855, Emily B., daughter of Stephen and Phebe Gifford of North Dartmouth, and of their union five children were born, only two of whom survive: Minerva B., and Myrtilla M., wife of C. H. Millett of Salem, Mass. 80 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Eckfeldt, Thomas Hooper, principal of the New Bedford Friends Academy, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., May 5, 1853, a son of Adam and Sarah M. (Hooper) Eck- feldt. His genealogy is somewhat remarkable from the fact that members of the family have been connected with the United States mint since its establishment. His great-grandfather was the first chief coiner of the United States mint at Phila- delphia, Pa. Professor Eckfeldt received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native city, and was prepared for college under private tutors. He entered Wesleyan University in 1877 and was graduated A. B. in 1881. In the same year he became assistant principal of the Middletown (Conn.) High School, where he remained two years, and then was for one year employed as a Greek tutor at his alma mater. Following this he went abroad, studying one year in Athens, Greece, and one year in Munich, Germany, and upon his return in the fall of 1886 entered the graduate department of Harvard University, where he remained one year. Pro- fessor Eckfeldt came to New Bedford in 1887 to take the principalship of the Friends Academy and has now completed eleven highly successful years at the head of this old institution. He is a man of scholarly attainment and one well adapted to the profession of teaching. In 1896 Harvard conferred the degree A. M. upon him. He is a member of the American Philological Association ; Archaeological Society of America; Association of New England Colleges and Preparatory Schools; Massa- chusetts Classical and High School Teachers' Association ; Bristol County Teachers' Association ; and the Schoolmasters' Club of Boston. Professor Eckfeldt has been a vestryman in St. Martin's church for a number of years and has been identified with the society since its organization. He married, in June, 1889, Grace P., daugh- ter of Alonzo S. Weed of Newton, Mass., and they have three children: Margaret Weed, Roger Weed and Thomas Hooper Eckfeldt, jr. Eldridge, John, jr., son of John and Annah H. (Matthews) Eldridge, was born in New Bedford, June 27, 1841. His father, who died in New Bedford in 1880, in the sixty- second year of his age, was foreman for over thirty years of the New Bedford Cordage Company's plant, and esteemed asan honorable, upright man. Mr. Eldridge was educated in the common and high schools of New Bedford. • After completing his schooling he was employed for a short time as a clerk, and then for two years in the works of the New Bedford Cordage Company. In 1861 he enlisted in an engi- neer corps and served his country faithfully for three years with the Army of the Potomac, and upon his return he resumed his old position in the employ of the Cordage Company, becoming in 1879 superintendent of the plant. Mr. Eldridge's term of service with the corporation covers a period of thirty-four years. He is a man of good executive ability and is possessed of a thorough knowledge of his busi- ness. He has always taken an active interest in municipal politics ; has served in the council from Ward four for four terms, 1881-82-83-84, on the School Committee six years, and at present is a member of the Board of Public Works. He is un- married. Ellis, John P., son of Thaddeus and Rosanna (Preston) Ellis, was born at Har- wich on Cape Cod, May 18, 1826. His father was a prominent farmer of Harwich for many years. John P. was the oldest of a large family and was early obliged to contribute his share to its support, so that his schooling was limited to about three months of the year. When only nine years old he went to sea as cook in a fishing PERSONAL REFERENCES. 81 vessel and relates how the sailors having lost the " 56 weights " would place him on the other side of the beam when they weighed the fish, as he only weighed fifty- seven pounds. He became mate and then a captain while yet a mere boy in years. When he reached his eighteenth year he removed to Fairhaven and began an ap- prenticeship with J. B. Morse, under whom he learned the blacksmith's trade. In February, 1849, he joined a company of Nantucket men, organized by Capt. Francis B. Folger, and sailed for California in the bark " Russell" from New Bedford, the voyage requiring four months and twenty-two days. Arriving in San Francisco he was offered a mate's berth at §250 per month on a ship bound for Portland, Ore., to bring a cargo of lumber to San Francisco for building purposes, and upon his re- turn engaged for a time in unloading ships. He finally reached the mines and being fairly successful he returned after five months to San Francisco and engaged in the hotel business. His hotel was rather a crude structure which he called the " Fairhaven House," and at that time it was the only temperance hotel in the city. He was fairly successful, but owing to bad health decided to sell out and make a voyage to Panama ; he shipped as a passenger, but when the ship was only seven days out cholera broke out among the crew with the result that the mate and several seamen died, and he being a sailor was obliged to perform the duties of mate. Upon reaching Panama he decided to go home and upon his return to Fairhaven engaged in the livery business, which he continued for four years and then sold out and en- gaged in his old trade of blacksmithing until 1868. He then began in the milk, wood and grocery business, in which he still continues. Mr. Ellis is a firm advo- cate of total abstinence and has voted the Prohibition ticket for several years. He has also lectured to some extent on the subject in nearly all the towns. He married Charity E. , daughter of Thomas Sanford of Fall River, in 1851, and ten children have been born to them, eight of whom survive: Susan, wife of Charles Lamb; Rosanna, wife of Francis Carleton; Ellen, wife of Benjamin Tripp; Lloyd N. P., Edward M., Thomas S., Florence, wife of Alfred M. Gifford; and Bessie W. , wife of Charles H. Gifford. Evans, Edwin Hubert, is a son of James Madison and Emeline Elizabeth (Hath- away) Evans, and was born in Taunton, October 11, 1860, and educated in the pub- lic schools and Bristol Academy. He commenced his business career about 1877 as a clerk for Bodfish & Evans, in the grocery business, but soon tiring of this he went to the West Indies and engaged as a merchantman among all the islands from Porto Rico round to Curacoa, finally returning to the United States and settling in Taun- ton. He was appointed on the police force as patrolman in 1884, and served seven years, when he was appointed chief of police and served the city in that capacity five years. In November, 1895, he was elected sheriff of Bristol county for three years and took this office January 1, 1896. Mr. Evans was married in September, 1885, to Ella, daughter of Capt. Dennis C. and Mary W. Sturgis, and they have one child, Shirley Cotelle. Mr. Evans is a member of the several Masonic orders, among them being Alfred Baylies Lodge, St. John Commandery and St. Mark's R. A. Chapter. Evans, Williams A., son of Philip and Harriet (Bliffins) Evans, was born in Free- town, Bristol county, Mass., February 10, 1867. His boyhood was passed in the public schools and on his father's farm, and on attaining his majority he began farm- ing on his own account, which he has since conducted very successfully. On Feb- k 82 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ruary 28, 1894, lie was married to Delia, daughter of George and Marie (Gifford) Terry, and they have two children: William B. , born March 7, 1895, and Earl V., born April 11, 1897. Mr. Evans has taken quite an active interest in town affairs and for the last five years has been road commissioner of the town. Everett, Nathan B., dealer in cotton, son of Isaac Colburn and Matilda (Osgood) Everett, was born in Dedham, Mass., August 18, 1850. His grandfather, Nathan Everett, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Nathan B. Everett attended the public schools of his native town, and was graduated from the High School. He then spent three years in traveling, chiefly in sailing vessels. He went to California around Cape Horn four times in his youth, and twice doubled the Cape of Good Hope. In 1872 he came to Fall River and was employed as clerk and paymaster in the Durfee Mills. He was treasurer of the Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company from 1876 to 1878, then returned to the Durfee Mills, and in 1879 went to Paterson, N. J., where he had charge of the cotton and silk mills of R. & H. Adams. In 1881 he returned to Fall River and engaged in the cotton brokerage business with W. C. Gerry, under the firm name W. C. Gerry & Co. Mr. Gerry died in 1888 and since then Mr. Ev- erett has conducted the business alone under the name of N. B. Everett & Co. Mr. Everett was alderman from Ward 7 in 1887, 189b and 1894. He is a past master of Mount Hope Lodge of Masons, is a member of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar; and Palestine Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and the order of Elks. In 1872 he married Mary, daughter of Captain Horatio N. arid Rebecea (Drake) Brightman of Fall River, and they have two children: Bertha M., married John C. Anthony, principal of New Britain (Conn.) Grammar Schools, and Dana Colburn Everett. Mr. Everett's first American ancestor, Richard Everett, came from Watertown, Eng- land, in 1636, and settled at Dedham, Mass., where many of his descendants have resided. Farnham, Charles H. , architect, was born in Red Wing, Minn., February 3, 1859, and removed with his parents to Boston when three months old. He obtained his preparatory education in the public schools of that city, and then entered the Massa- chusetts Normal Art School, where he took a four years' course in drawing. He was graduated from that institution in 1878 and passed the three succeeding years in the offices of Boston architects and one year with D. M. Thompson & Co. , mill engineers, Providence, R. I. He was next employed in the office of the city architect of Boston four years, until there was a change in the city administration and new officials as- sumed control. Mr. Farmham then spent eight months traveling through the far west, and upon his return to the east in 1890 located in Fall River and formed a part- nership with Ichabod Burt, who died in the autumn of the same year. Among the buildings he has designed are the residence of Chauncey Sears, St. Luke's church, Brayton M. E. church, Bogle Street Christian church, Foresters' building, Home for Aged People, and Young Men's Irish-American Society building. Mr. Farnham is a Mason, a member of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar. He married. Maria L. Brown, daughter of Louis j. Brown of Fall River, and they have two children : Marion and Dorothy W. Faunce, Loun H., son of John and Eliza C. (Ashley) Faunce, was born in North Dartmouth, March 15, 1835, and daring his early boyhood he worked on his father's PERSONAL REFERENCES. 83 farm and attended district school, and when he was seventeen years old came to New Bedford to work as a laborer. He remained in New Bedford about two years and then went to South Boston and began an apprenticeship to the cabinet maker's trade, and later he returned to his home in Dartmouth and in the spring of 1854 came to New Bedford, entering the employ of Bosworth & Hathaway, contractors and builders. He worked for this firm six years and when they dissolved partner- ship, continued with William Bosworth for fourteen years and then went into busi- ness on his own account as a contractor and builder, and as such has gained a large measure of success. Mr. Faunce has served in the Council from Ward 2 for seven years, and has been a member for many years of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows, and for the past ten years a deacon in the Spruce Street Christian Church. In 1862 he married Phoebe Borden Davis, daughter of Abiel Davis of North Westport, and they have three children: Charles L. , Vernon C, and Myra. Mr. Faunce is directly de- scended from William Faunce, an early settler and Baptist preacher in Plymouth Colony, and the family has been of much prominence in New England history. Fenner, Henry Smith, treasurer of the Slade Mills, was born in Smithfield, R. I., May 31, 1846, the eldest son of Henry Greene and Laura Amey (Smith) Fenner. He is a direct descendant of four of the oldest and most noted of Rhode Island fam- ilies, a lineal descendant in the eighth generation from Capt. Arthur Fenner, a lieu- tenant in Cromwell's army, who settled in Rhode Island in 1649, where after varied military experiences he was appointed on June 19, 1676, chief commander of the king's garrison at Providence, and of all other garrisons there; in the ninth genera- tion from Roger Williams ; and in the ninth generation from Richard Waterman, who on October 8, 1638, was one of the twelve to whom Roger Williams deeded the land acquired from the Indians and one of the twelve original members of the First Baptist Church of Providence, R. I., organized in 1639; and also in the ninth gen- eration a descendant from John Greene, the first settler of Warwick, R. I., from whom in the fifth generation descended Major General Nathaniel Greene of Rev- olutionary fame. Mr. Fenner is also in the eighth generation from Richard Borden of Aquidneck, R. I. Henry S. Fenner was prepared for college at Lapham Institute, North Scituate, R. I., and was graduated from Brown University, Bachelor of Phil- osophy, in 1870. Among his classmates were President E. Benjamin Andrews and Professors N. F. Davis, Alonzo Williams, Wilfred H. Munro, and Richard S. Col- well of Brown University and Dean John M. English of Newton Theological Sem- inary. His father's uncle, John Fenner, entering a mill in 1818, was a cotton mill agent in the earliest days of cotton manufacture, and his father, Henry Greene Fenner, followed the same business all his life, as did his only brother, George A. Fenner, until his death in 1892. Mr. Fenner, like the rest of his family, was a cotton manufacturer, and after having charge of several mill plants in Rhode Island came to the Slade Mills m 1875 as superintendent and was chosen treasurer in 1876. He was also chosen a director in the Fall River National Bank, a trustee in the Fall River Home for the Aged, was a member of the City Council and was president of the Brown Alumni Association at Fall River in 1890. December 12, 1878, he mar- ried Mary Jane, daughter of John C. Milne, of Fall River, and they have four chil- dren : Henry Milne, Joseph Almy, Laura and George Arthur. Fernandes, Joseph H., son of Joseph and Clara (Felicia) Fernandes, was born in 84 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. New Bedford, July 17, 1860. Both of his parents were natives of the Western Isl- ands (Azores) and came to this country when young, settling at once in New Bed- ford, where they have resided all their lives, and his father, who was a whaler, mer. chant, and hotel proprietor, was well known and universally respected in New Bed- ford. Mr. Fernandes obtained a good common school education and in 1871 went into the Wamsutta Mills, remaining until 1873, when he went to the Potomska Mills, his service there covering a period of nine years. In 1882 he entered the employ of the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company and later went to the Acushnet Mills, where he be- came a second hand, and in June, 1887, he established a general provision business on Potomska street, which he has since continued with success. He is one of the representative members of the Portuguese race in New Bedford. In 1896 he was elected on an independent ticket as councilman from Ward 6, having been previously nominated and defeated twice. For some time he has served as president of the Portuguese-American Political and Naturalization Club, and is a member of the Monte Pio Society and the Royal Arcanum, and is also chairman of the Landlords' Protec- tive Association of New Bedford. In 1884 he married Mary E., daughter of Patrick Murray of Novia Scotia, and they have four sons, two of whom survive: Joseph and George E. Field, Chester R., was born April 1, 1843, son of Rathbun and Matilda M. (Leonard) Field, of Raynham, was educated at the district school at Winniconett, East Norton, and attended one year at Easton. Soon after leaving school he began work for the Mount Hope Iron Works, in Somerset, Mass., and was soon promoted to a clerkship in their office and was afterward sent to Boston, in 1868, to take charge of the sale of their goods, where he remained until the affairs of this com- pany were closed out. After this he went to Providence, in the employ of the Parker Mills, where he remained for about one year, and then the Mount Hope Iron Works resumed again at Somerset, Mass., so he again- became identified with them, where he remained until June, 1882. From 1882 to February, 1888, he was identified with the Somerset Pottery Works, acting as their general manager. In March, 1875, he was chosen town clerk and treasurer and for seven years he issued warrants and took bail, continuing to hold those offices until August, 1888, when he resigned to take the treasurership of the North Easton Savings Bank. He is treasurer of the water works system of North Easton, and treasurer of the North Easton village dis- trict. In September, 1863, he married Abbie L. Robinson, daughter of Henry and Mary Robinson, and has four children: Mary M., who married Stephen L. Leonard, of East Norton, Mass.; Chester R. , deceased; John R., clerk for Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation ; George C. , clerk at the First National Bank, North Easton, Mass. Mr. Field is a member of Elysian Lodge of Odd Fellows of Somerset. Field, Herbert, manager of the Congdon Carpenter Company in Fall River, is a son of Jeremiah and Malvina (Knight) Field. He was born in Scituate, R. I., March 8, 1857. He obtained his education in the district schools, Lapham Institute at North Scituate, and Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Providence, R. I. On May 20, 1879, he entered the employ of the Congdon Carpenter Company as entry clerk, and on February 1, 1882, was given the position of manager of the business at their branch establishment in Fall River, which had been started in 1874. This company is extensively engaged in the sale of iron, steel, lead, copper, heavy hard- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 85 ware, carriage material, blacksmith supplies, harness, etc. The sale of bycicles has lately been added to the business. Under Mr. Field's management the business at Fall River increased threefold and has outgrown its quarters on Pocasset street. In 1897 the establishment moved to the handsome new building on Fourth street, corner of Hartwell, where with enlarged capacity and increased facilities the best of oppor- tunities are afforded for a still further advancement. They have furnished the iron, lead and other metals to most of the Fall River cotton mills built within the past fif- teen years, as well as to many other large and small buildings in the city and vicin- ity. In 1883 Mr. Field marriet Harriet E. Brown of Providence, and they have two children: Mabel B. and H. Edward. Mr. Field is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery. He is also a member of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F. Fielden, Dr. John William, dentist, a son of John and Mary (William) Fielden, was born at Summit, near Rochdale, England, November 1, 1863. When he was eleven years of age he came with his parents to America, landing August 16, 1874, and located soon thereafter in Fall River, where he has since resided. Dr. Fielden first attended school in his native country and completed his education in the public schools of Fall River. For a time after leaving school he was employed at the Amer- ican Print Works; and upon deciding to prepare himself for the profession of dent- istry, entered the office Dr. W. B. Stevens of Fall River, with whom he remained two and one-half years. He was next associated in practice of dentistry with Dr. W. H. Lawrence for the same length of time, and then opened an office in the Water- man block. In 1894 he removed to his present location in the Jennings building on Pleasant street. Dr. Fielden practices dentistry in all its branches and has acquired a reputation for skill in his profession. He is a. member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and an active member of the First Primitive Methodist Church of Fall River. Fisher, Henry H., well known in New Bedford as a leading manufacturer of bread and general baker's goods, was born in Medfield, Norfolk county, Mass., December 3, 1823, a son of Caleb and Eliza (Plimpton) Fisher. He attended the public schools very little, for owing to the death of his father he was thrown on his own resources at an early age. This lack of early educational training Mr. Fisher made up later in life by observation and wide reading. When he was sixteen years of age he began an apprenticeship to the baker's trade under Wesley P. Balch of Medfield, with whom he remained five years, or until he reached his majority. At that time he went to Fall River to work for his brother, Mason Fisher, who had also learned his trade under Mr. Balch in Medfield, and had then gone to Fall River and established a small retail baking business. He remained with his brother until March, 1848, when he came to New Bedford and for eleven years thereafter ran a bread cart on com- mission for Watson & Manchester. Having been prudent and thrifty he was ena- bled in 1859 to purchase their business, located on Union street, above the corner of Sixth. This store he conducted for nine years and sold out to establish his present store on the corner of Purchase and North streets. At this location Mr. Fisher has conducted a successful business for over thirty years, his store having become a ver- itable landmark in that section of the city. Mr. Fisher has always upheld the prin- ciples of the Republican party, but has never taken an active part in politics. How- 86 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ever, he served in the council from the Third ward one term. In 1847 he married Judith E. Brightman of Little Compton, R. I., who died January 1, 1897. Two chil- dren were born to them: Henrietta M., wife of Erskin H. Pierce of New Bedford, and Harry W. , deceased. Fisk, George W. , son of Jeremiah and Sarah (Davis) Fisk, was born in Provi- dence, R. I., February 22, 1854. When three years old he removed with his parents to Manchester, N. H., and was educated in the schools of that city. His father was a cotton manufacturer and Mr. Fisk followed that business for several years in Con- necticut and Massachusetts, holding positions in different mills as overseer. He came to Fall River in 1880 and in 1882 went into the employ of Sanford & Covel (now Covel & Osborn). He remained with them in the capacity of a salesman for nearly ten years and in 1891, when the old Fall River Steam and Gas Pipe Company made an assignment, he, with others, became interested and formed a new company, which was incorporated in the same year under the old name. Mr. Fisk became general manager of the business and has since held that position. The company is conducting an extensive trade among retailers in this vicinity and employs a large force of men. Mr. Fisk has been active in building up this trade and is widely known for his pleasant manners, tact, and good executive ability. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1873 he married Mary J., daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Smith) Abby of Norwich, Conn. They have five children: Royal, Edith, Walter, Flossie and Fred. Flint, Benjamin K. , was born in Maine, September 19, 1825, a son of Samuel and Louisa (Hodgman) Flint. He was educated at Freedom Academy, Freedom, Maine, and when seventeen years of age started out in life for himself as a carpenter, at Watertown, Mass. September 19, 1862, he enlisted for one year in Co. A, 47th Vols. After his discharge ,in 1863 he returned to Watertown and three years later located at Newton, Mass. Later he located in the town of Mansfield and purchased the milling interest and farm where he now resides, and which business he has since fol- lowed. He married Martha M., daughter of Joseph and Mary Bird of Watertown, and they have two children: Benjamin and Maria. Mr. Flint has been active in town and county affairs, and selectman many years. He is not a member of any secret society. Forbes, John P., was born in Middleborough, Mass., March 25, 1855, was educated at Bridgewater and Middleborough Academies and Harvard University. On Sep- tember 11, 1878, he was ordained to the ministry and installed pastor of the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church in Westborough, Mass. In 1882 he was called to the First Church in Arlington, Mass., where he remained until April, 1887, when he received and accepted a unanimous call to the pastorate of the First Congregational Society in Taunton. In April; 1898, Mr. Forbes was called to the pastorate of the Church of the Saviour, Brooklyn, N. Y. At present writing he is carrying forward his work in Brooklyn. June 22, 1876, he married Maria Almy Sawyer of Westborough, and they have one son, Roger Sawyer Forbes, born October 24, 1878, in Westborough. Fortin, Julien Elzear, M.D., was born in St. George, Henryville, P. Q.. May 10, 1858, and after an eight years' course was graduated from the Seminaire St. Sulpice, Montreal, in 1880. He studied medicine at Laval University, Quebec, and later en- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 87 tered Victoria College, Montreal, and afterwards entered tbe medical department of the University of Vermont at Burlington, passed his examinations, and was grad- uated with the degree of M.D. in June, 1883, after whjch he spent three months in the hospitals of Montreal. On September 7, 1883, Dr. Fortin came to New Bedford, where he has since practiced his profession, making a specialty of the diseases of women and children and of extracting teeth. He was chief commander of the Garde d'Honneur for six years and long physician to the society, and not only among his own people, but among all classes he has a host of friends. June 23, 1884, he mar- ried Elise Bonneau of New Bedford, and of their five children, three are living, viz. : Marie Rose Clara, Julien Joseph Alfred and Eva Malvina. Foster, James R., M.D. , was born in Foxborough, May 2, 1844. His father, James W. Foster, was a native of Southbridge, Mass. , afterwards moving to Vermont, where he studied medicine and was graduated from the Berkshire Medical College. He practiced in Foxborough sixteen years and in 1854 moved to North Attleborough, where he married Harriet D., daughter of Ira Richards. James R. Foster was ed- ucated at Middleborough, completing his studies in Europe. In 1874 he entered Harvard Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1877, and then entered into partnership with his father, which continued until 1885, when his father. died. In 1879 he married Eva Phillips, who died in 1882. Dr. Foster is one of the pro- gressive men of his profession ; is chairman of the Board of Health and takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions. Fowler, Frank Eugene, is the son of John C. and Abby L. (Congdon) Fowler, and was born December 11, 1856, in Montville, Conn., where he received a public school education. When fifteen he became a clerk in a grocery store in his native town, and three years later entered the publishing house of Henry Bill, in Norwich, Conn., where he remained ten years, becoming supervisor of agents. In 1884 he accepted a position as traveling salesman and in 1885 he opened a general store in Uncasville, Montville, Conn., which he continued about nine years. He was postmaster there, during that period and for several years was also a member of the town school board and of the school committee of Uncasville. In December, 1893, Mr. Fowler came to New Bedford and purchased the wholesale coffee and spice house of Davis & Hatch, at 28 Union street, which he has since conducted successfully. This busi- ness was established on High street in 1865 by Thatcher C. Hatch and Timothy Davis, and after Mr. Davis's death Mr. Hatch continued it alone under the old firm name of Davis & Hatch until he sold out to Mr. Fowler in 18i ! 3. The latter carries it on under the style of the Davis & Hatch Spice Company. It is the only concern engaged in roasting coffee and grinding spices and cream of tartar in southeastern Massachusetts. The business was moved to 28 Union street about 1887. Mr. Fowler is a member of Eureka Lodge, F. & A.M. , of Acushnet Lodge, I.O.O.F., and - of the A.O.U.W. In May, 1884, he married Sadie L., daughter of Edward B. Swift, of Falmouth, Mass., and they have four children: Florence J., Allan S. , Harold C. and Arthur E. Mr. Fowler's father served in the U. S. navy and later became a lieutenant colonel in the Union army in the Civil war, and at the time of his death, in Denver, he was a member of the G.A.R. staff of Colorado. France, Samuel C, son of John and Martha A. (Carter) France, was born in New- port, R. I., June 4, 1859. His father came from Ashton, near Manchester, England, 88 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. when a young man, and for a number of years was engaged in the hotel business in Newport, where he became a well known and respected citizen. Mr. France was educated in the public schools of Newport and New Bedford. After leaving school he began an apprenticeship to the upholstering trade under J. L. & G. A. Hazard of Newport, with whom he remained three years. He then removed to New Bedford and engaged in a market business with Holland & Smith on Market square; later he began work as a clerk for the Industrial Co operative Association, of which he was eventually made manager ; still later he engaged in a grocery business with John W. Bannister, under the firm name of France & Bannister. This copartnership con- tinued for about six years and at the end of that period he began work for Allen, Slade & Co. of Fall River, as their representative in New Bedford and vicinity, and his term of service with the firm now covers a period of over fourteen years. Mr. France was long a member of the New Bedford Fire Department, his first connec- tion with the department dating back to 1883, when he joined Onward No. 1 as reel driver; next he joined Hose No. '£ and became captain when this company went into commission. When No. 7 Engine Company was organized he was transferred to that company as captain; in January, 1893, he was elected third assistant engineer of the department and served until 1896, when he resigned, after having completed a service of fifteen years. Mr. France is a member of Annawan Encampment and Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows, and Provision Clerks' Benefit Association. February 3, 1887, he married Carrie A. Hersey, daughter of William S. Hersey of New Bedford, and they have two daughters: Ethel B. and Martha S. Francis, Thomas, son of Pardon and Dianna (Wordell) Francis, was born in the town of Tiverton, R. I. (now Fall River, Mass.), March 30, 1850. He obtained his education in the public schools and at the age of eight years obtained a position in the old Chase Thread Mill, where he remained four years, then began farming and has devoted his entire life since to his chosen vocation, with the exception of about four years that he was employed by the government in the timber business in Flori- da. August 31, 1879, Mr. Francis married Elizabeth A., daughter of Mary P. Cum- mings o£ Assonet, Freetown, Mass. , and Jacob T. Peckham of Westport, Mass. Fraser, Alexander McKay, machinist and member of the firm of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway, of Fall River, was born in Nova Scotia, March 4, 1863. His father, James Fraser, was born in the city of Inverness, Scotland, and his mother, Isabella (Murray) Fraser, in the same country. Early in life they moved to Salt Springs, Nova Scotia, where they resided for a time, and in 1873, when Alexander M. Fraser was nine years old, they came to Fall River. He had attended the schools in his native country but completed his education in the public schools of Fall River. After leaving school he was employed in various mills and stores and finally determined to become a practical machinist. In 1882 he went to Providence, R. I., and for three years served as apprentice in the Rhode Island Locomotive Works. He then re- turned to Fall River, and for five and one-half years was in the employ of the Fall River Bobbin and Shuttle Works. Later he followed his trade in machine shops at New Bedford, Taunton and Lynn. In 1893 he formed a copartnership with Messrs. Fyans and Blackway, under the firm name of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway, and estab- lished works in Fall River. They are engaged in repairing all kinds of machinery, engines, etc., and in mill work; and also. build special machinery. They have pros- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 89 pered in business, and through energy and enterprise are constantly increasing their trade and extending their popularity. March 10, 1897, Mr. Fraser married Ann Allen, daughter of Charles E. C. Spencer of Fall River. He is a member of Narra- gansett Lodge, F. &A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery; also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. French, Edward Milton, was born in Garrettsville, Ohio, June 15, 1862, a son of Milton R. and Emeline (Hewins) French. He received his early education in the public schools and at the close of his school days began the study of music with his father. In 1881 he came to Taunton and commenced teaching, at the same time continuing his studies with B. J. Lang of Boston, and continued with him for a num- ber of years. Mr. French is organist at the Winthrop Street Baptist Church, which position he has held, with the exception of about one year, ever since he came to Taunton. He is one of the most successful teachers of the city. July 27, 1887, he married Lucy A. . daughter of Nathaniel and Harriet (Weeks) Hamlen of Taunton, and they have one son, Arthur Milton French, born April 20, 1889. Frothingham, Rev. Paul Revere, pastor of the First Congregational Church of New Bedford for the past nine years, was born in Boston, July, 1864, a son of Thomas B. and Anne (Lunt) Frothingham. The family has been prominent in the vicinity of Boston ever since 1630, at which time the first representatives of it settled near Charlestown. Rev. Frothingham was prepared for college in the public schools of Boston, and entering Harvard, took the degree A. B. in 1886, when he began the study of theology in the Harvard Divinity School and was graduated with the de- grees S. T. B. and M. A. in 1889. In October of the same year he was called to the First Congregational Church of New Bedford and has ever since served that society, his pastorate having been marked by vigorous enterprise, noteworthy examples of which are the new chapel, adjoining the church, and the mission in the North End, called the Unity House. He was married, in 1892, to Anna, daughter of Lyman Clapp, of Pittsfield, Mass. Fuller, William Eddy, jr., attorney at law, was born in Taunton, Mass., August 14, 1870, a son of William Eddy and Anna M. (Corey) Fuller; his father is a judge of the Probate Court of Bristol county. He is a lineal descendant of Samuel Fuller, the first physician of the Plymouth Colony, and one of its leading members. Be- sides practicing his profession he was also a religious teacher among the early set- tlers of New England. On one occasion he was called to the Massachusetts Bay colony, where it is recorded he was the first to teach the Congregational faith, and the form of worship of the Pilgrim Fathers. William Eddy Fuller, jr., was prepared for college in the public schools of Taunton and in the Bristol Academy; he then entered Harvard College and was graduated in 1892, receiving the degree of A. B. He then entered the Harvard Law School, receiving the degree of LL. B. in 1895. In the same year he was admitted to the Bristol county bar and the following autumn came to Fall River, where he has since been engaged in successful practice. He is now associated with Arthur S. Phillips, under the firm name of Phillips & Fuller. September 22, 1897, Mr. Fuller married s May Queen Newcomb, a daughter of C. A. Newcomb, of Detroit, Michigan. Galligan, Charles Augustine, is the son of John H. and Katharine (Campion) Gal- 90 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ligan, natives of Ireland, and was born in New Bedford, Mass , June 29, 1867. His father came from County Cavan, Ireland, and first settled in Wareham, Mass., whence he removed to New Bedford, where he died in 1883. Mr. Galligan attended the public schools, of his native city and when thirteen entered the harness shop of the Wamsutta Mills, where he remained three years, after which he spent three years in the Pairpoint Manufacturing Works, learning the silver plater's trade. Later he engaged in the tea and coffee business for a short time. In 1890 he en- gaged in the second-hand furniture trade at 809 Purchase street, and in the spring of 1893 he established his present furniture and house furnishing store at 43 and 45 Weld street. Mr. Galligan has been a member of No. 7 Engine Co. since its organ- ization, and is also a member of the Board of Trade, the Plymouth Club and the Knights of Columbus. In October, 1892, he married Mary C. , daughter of John Corish of New Bedford, and they have two sons, Edward C. and Leo. Gardiner, Charles Berry, was born in Somerset, June 19, 1849, a son of William Gifford and Rebecca (Hood) Gardiner. He was educated in the public schools, Lap- ham's Institute of North Scituate, R. I., and Schofield's Commercial School at Provi- dence, R. I. At the close of his school days he entered the Mt. Hope Iron Works to learn the machinist's trade and stayed there about three years, and was then era- ployed at various places until 1875, when he moved to Florence, Mass., where he was employed by the Florence Tack Co. as selling agent until 1878, when he came to Raynham as manager of the Leeds & Robinson Co. In 1890 their business was merged into a corporation called the Diamond Tack & Nail- Co., with Mr. Gardiner as treasurer. In 1891 their plant was partially destroyed by fire and Mr. Gardiner bought out Messrs. Leeds and Robinson and continued the business alone until 1892, when he admitted Mr. David F. Ranney as a partner and they have continued together up to the present time. Mr. Gardiner was a member of the Legislature in 1879 and is also a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M. He has been twice married; first, De- cember 24, 1871, to Mary W. Babcock of Westerly, R. L, who died in 1883, and sec- ond, on June 15, 1887, to Katherine E. Ranney of North Hampton, and they have two children' Dorothy M. and Katherine. Gibbs, Lot Haskell, ship broker, is descended from one of the oldest seafaring families in southeastern Massachusetts. His ancestors settled in Sandwich about 1630, his great-grandfather, John Gibbs, and grandfather, Caleb Gibbs, being resi- dents of that town. George C. Gibbs, father of Lot H., was a sailor in the mer- chant and coasting service, as was also his father, Caleb. Of his six sons, five be- came master mariners. He died on board his vessel May 22, 1849. He married Mary Cotton Haskell a lineal descendant of Rev. John Cotton, and had seven chil- dren, viz. : George C. , jr., of New Bedford, who was long engaged in the merchant service, later ran a steam transport for the government, and for about thirty years a steamboat captain on the Sound ; John Cotton Gibbs, a master mariner in the mer- chant service and after the war engaged in steamboating until his death about 1887; Charles Haskell Gibbs, a carpenter and musician, deceased; Lot H., the subject of this sketch; Joseph B., a merchant captain who was lost at sea in 1857; Mary Lucretia, who married Charles T. Bonney, of New Bedford; and Joshua E., a mas- ter mariner of merchant vessels and later a steamboat captain, who died in Septem- ber, 1896. Lot Haskell Gibbs was born in Rochester, Mass., February 17, 1830, and PERSONAL REFERENCES. 91 came with the family to New Bedford'in 1846. He received a public school educa- tion, and began life as a sailor under his father in 1842. In 1851 he became a master mariner, in which capacity he continued in the merchant and coasting service until 1872. In 1873 he engaged in the ship chandlery and grocery trade, which he carried on until about 1881, when he established his present ship brokerage and lumber busi- ness. Captain Gibbs is one of the oldest mariners in New Bedford, and is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M. In December, 1867, he married Jane W., daughter of Theodore W. Leonard of Rochester, Mass., and they have two children : Elizabeth Leonard and George C. Gibbs, Samuel W. , physician and surgeon, was born in Fall River in 1854, a son of George W. and Susan Belle (Whelpley) Gibbs. His first American ancestor, Rob- ert Gibbs, came to Massachusetts early in 1600, and soon thereafter settled at the present site of Egypt, in Bristol county, where he purchased land extending half a mile along the Taunton River, and several miles back from the stream. The orig- inal homestead is now but fifty acres and is still owned by a descendant of the first settler. The maternal grandfather of Dr. Gibbs was Rev. Samuel Whelpley, D.D., of New Jersey, the author of various standard historical works. The parents of Dr. Gibbs came to Fall River when the town contained less than 4,000 inhabitants. His father was a carpenter by trade and before his marriage went to Mobile, Ala- bama, where he spent five years following his occupation. He then returned to Fall River and for thirty-five years was a successful merchant. Dr. Gibbs obtained his preparatory education in the schools of Fall River and then engaged in the drug business for eighteen years. During this period he studied medicine three years under Dr. E. Merrissal and surgery two years under Dr. Charles E. Terry of Fall River. In 1887 he entered the medical department of the University of Vermont, where he remained until 1889, completing the course in microscopical pathology. He spent the following year in the medical department of Dartmouth College and re- ceived the degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution in 1890. Since then he has pursued his profession in Fall River. He devotes special attention to the treat- ment of the diseases of the lungs and throat. He is a member of Fall River Lodge of Odd Fellows, Metacomet Encampment, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, Loyal Knights and Ladies of Honor, New England Order of Protection, Golden Cross Encampment, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In 1877 Dr. Gibbs married Susan Westgate Crapo of Fall River. Gifford, Charles H., a prominent and well-known citizen of New Bedford, having been its postmaster and at present is a member of the State Board of Gas and Elec- tric Light Commission, was a son of that enterprising whaling merchant, William Gifford, and of Rhoda (Tucker) Gifford, a member of one of the oldest families that settled in southern Massachusetts. The Gifford family likewise enjoys the same dis- tinction as to early settlement in the same part of the State, Mr. Gifford being a di- rect descendant and the seventh of the line of William Gifford, who came to this country previous to 1650, for it is recorded that he was a member of the Grand In- quest at Plymouth in that year ; he then lived at Sandwich ; in religious belief was a Quaker and as such suffered much persecution. Mr. Gifford's father, who died in New Bedford on March 24, 1866, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, was born in Dartmouth, a birthright member of the Society of Friends, a quiet, unobtrusive, 92 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. benevolent citizen who attached many friends. He was for some seven years en- gaged in mercantile business at Savannah, Georgia, and then located in New Bed- ford and became extensively engaged in the whaling business in which he continued to the time of his death, William Gifford is still held in remembrance as the typifi- cation of the upright, rugged and withal kindly merchant so common in that period. Charles H. Gifford was born in New Bedford, July 18, 1833. During his boyhood he attended private schools and the Friends Academy in New Bedford and later Haver- ford College, an institution of the Friends, at Philadelphia, Pa. After the comple- tion of his education he entered his father's office and there gained a knowledge of business methods. Net long after his majority he was admitted to partnership and continued the business for some years after his father's death. Mr. Gifford has always been an ardent Republican, having cast a vote for every Republican president from John C. Fremont to William McKinley. He has represented the Sixth ward of his city several terms in the city government ; was a member of the first city com- mittee on the introduction of pure water, also at one time on the board of trustees of the Free Public Library. He was appointed postmaster of New Bedford by Pres- ident Harrison, which office he held about five years; he gave the city an excellent office service, instituting many needed reforms and placed the office on the plan of a well ordered first-class post-office. In 1894 Mr. Gifford was appointed by Governor Greenhalge a member of the State Board of Gas and Electric Light Commission and is still serving in that capacity. His experience as a business man, and director of the New Bedford Gas and Electric Light Company had made him well adapted to serve intelligently as a member of this board. Like his father, Mr. Gifford is pos- sessed of those pleasing qualities which gain friends. He has been connected with many business enterprises in the city, and is one of the oldest (in appointment) trus- tees of the New Bedford Institution for Savings, and has been twice nominated for the office of mayor o£ New Bedford. Mr. Gifford married, in 1858, Elizabeth P. Cummings, daughter of John Cummings of Dartmouth, and two children have been born to them : Frank H. Gifford, treasurer of the New Bedford Spinning Company, and Helen C. Gifford. Gifford, John B. , son of William and Abigal (Bennett) Gifford, was born in Dart- mouth, Mass., May 6, 1834. He obtained such an education as was afforded by the common schools in those days, working on his father's farm nine months of the year and attending school three months. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the sail- maker's trade, working under Chapman & Bonney of New Bedford. This was in the days when the large whaling fleets fitted at that harbor. He worked for Chap- man & Bonney for five years and then was employed for two years in New York, seven in Boston and about thirteen years in Fall River as a journeyman sailmaker. Mr. Gifford has been in this business all his life and has hundreds of friends among the skippers. He now conducts a ship chandlery and sail loft in the old stone building at the foot of Center street on the Providence wharf. This build- ing is one of the oldest in Fall River ; it was built in 1835 to store the American Print Company's goods, with a top story especially designed for a. sail loft. Jonathan Peckham was the first occupant of the sail loft. He was followed by William Nooning, then by Nooning & Zuill and then by Mr. Zuill alone. Mr. Gif- ford was employed by the latter as foreman for eleven years, and in March, 1895, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 93 acquired the business. He occupies the entire building and gives employment to several men. He is a member of Fall River Lodge No. 219, and Fall River Encamp- ment No. 26, I.O.O. F. ; he is also a prominent Mason, being a member of Fall River Royal Arch Chapter and Council, and Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery. Mr. Gif- ford was married March 22, 1856, to Alice J. , daughter of Warren and Celia B. Tripp, and they have four children: Mary H , wife of Edgar Wood, William W., Alice A., and Hattie E. Gifford, John James, a native and lifelong resident of the town of Dartmouth, was born December 13, 1839, a son of Jeptha W. and Mary A. (Allen) Gifford. Dur- ing his boyhood Mr, Gifford worked on his father's farm and received the educational advantages offered by the public schools of his native town. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he has since continued ; he is also engaged in manufacturing and repairing carriages at his carriage shop in Russell's Mills. Mr. Gifford is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity and enjoys the confidence of a wide circle of friends. In 1863 he married Jane B. , daughter of Stephen and Hannah (Sole) Wood of Dart- mouth. For his second wife he married Eliza J. Devol of Dartmouth. The Gifford family, which is elsewhere mentioned in this work, is one of the oldest in the county. Mr. Gifford's father was a native of the town of Westport. Gifford, William Leander, son of Leander and Harriet E. (Sanford) Gifford, was born in Taunton, November 26, 1855. He received his early education in the pub- lic schools of Taunton, and after leaving school engaged with the Boston Branch Grocery Co. for about one year, when he went with the Davenport & Mason express business as messenger. Preferring the grocery business to the express, he soon re- turned to the old firm and stayed with them a number of years. In 1883 he started in business for himself on High street, in the same location as he occupies today, and the firm as Gifford & Trafton continued for nine years, when Mr. Gifford bought out his partner and carried on the business alone. During this time Mr. Gifford started and operated the Taunton Wire Nail Co. , which he continued for seven years, and then closed out his interest in it to devote his whole time to the grocery line. Mr. Gifford is a member of Chas. H. Titus Lodge, F. & A. M. , and King Philip Lodge of I. O. O. F. September 20, 1881, he married Mary L. , daughter of Joseph E. and Mary Frances (Graham) Cobb (now deceased), and they had four children : Lola B., Lena C, Joseph L. and Gladys. Gilbert, John, physician and surgeon, was born in Newton, Cheshire, England, January 3, 1847, and came with his parents to Fall River in 1859. He obtained his rudimentary education in England and for a short time attended the Fall River schools, but in the main is self-educated. For several years he worked in the cotton mills and in a grocery store, spending all of his leisure time in diligent study, de- voting much time to theology and preparing himself for the ministry in the Re- organized Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, which upholds the doc- trine of the church as organized in 1830 by Joseph Smith and others, and which is in contradistinction to the Mormon church of Utah, its members looking with horror on the teachings of the Utah Church. When but nineteen years of age he was ordained to the ministry of this church and continued to preach, lecture, and organize churches until he began the study of medicine. He still continues his ministerial work although not actively. Dr. Gilbert officiated as clergyman of this church in 94 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Fall River for four years. At this time he also studied land surveying under Jesse W. Nichols. He first took up the study of medicine under Dr. John H. Jackson with whom he studied for some time. Later he spent two years at the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons in Boston, and one year in the medical department of the University of Vermont where he received his medical degree in 1886. In the same year he began practice at his present location on Pleasant street, Fall River, and has met with most encouraging success. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the American Medical Association; past chancellor of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 57, Knights of Pythias, and a prominent member of the Sons of St. George, in which order he now holds the office of major in the Uniformed Rank. When a young man of seventeen he served one hundred days in the fall of 1864 in the 21st Unattached Company, M. V. M., and was prevented from re-enlistment by disability incurred in the field. He is a member of Richard Borden Post No. 46, G. A. R. , in which he has held the office of chaplain, surgeon and junior vice-commander. Since 1894 Dr. Gilbert has held the chair of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Boston, attending to his duties as a lec- turer in connection with his professional work in Fall River. He was one of the city physicians of Fall River for three years. January 2, 1870, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John McKee of Fall River. Four children have been born to them, two of whom survive : Susan Elizabeth and Milton John. Gillingham, Hon. James L., special justice of the Third District Court of Bristol county, was born in Chelsea, Mass., July 12, 1857, » son_of James and Anna E. (Love) Gillingham. The family is of Scottish origin and has been well represented in America for several generations. When he was an infant the family removed to Charlestown, and after the death of his mother in January, 1859, moved to Fair- haven, where he attended the public schools and was graduated from the High School in 1876. In that same year Mr. Gillingham entered the office of Richmond & Cook, general agents of the Equitable Life Insurance Society, and two years later began to thoroughly equip himself for the law, reading in the office of Hon. Thomas M. Stetson and Francis B. Greene. He was admitted to the Bristol bar April 20, 1880, and has since practiced in New Bedford. He was admitted as an attorney in the United States Circuit Court at Boston, on June 14, 1882. A practitioner in New Bedford, Mr. Gillingham resides in Fairhaven, the home of his boyhood. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the town ; is a member of the Fair- haven Improvement Association, a trustee of the Fairhaven Institution for Savings, the Riverside Cemetery, and the Millicent Library. In politics he is a Republican and has served on the town committee for a number of years, acting as chairman part of the time. He has been a member of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee; has twice represented the Fourth District in the General Court and served on the committee on judiciary. Among the several appointive offices he has held were those of public administrator and of commissioner to qualify civil officers. On September 16, 1897, Governor Wolcott appointed him a special justice of the Third District Court of Bristol county. Mr. Gillingham has been a prominent Mason, past master of Concordia Lodge of Fairhaven and district deputy grand master of this district ; he is also a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. He married in November, 1885, Elizabeth Byram Pratt of Fairhaven, and their children are Annie, Dana, James and Margaret. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 95 Glenwood Furnishing Co., The, Charles H. Lincoln, manager, — This company was incorporated in 1888 and are successors to the old firm of Edgar H. Reed, who had been in business since 1832. They carry a complete line of house furnishings and the floor space occupied by them in the store and storehouse is something over 40,000 square feet. It is the largest store of its kind in southeastern Massachusetts, and everything that is necessary for housekeeping can be found in their goods. The officers of the company are Charles F. Baker, president; William E. Walker, treas- urer; and Charles H. Lincoln, general manager and clerk. In busy times they give employment to about twenty-five hands in all of the different departments Goff, William N., was born in Rehoboth, March 1, 1856, a son of William H. and Cynthia (Horton) Goff, and educated in the public schools. He learned the jewelry business with D. H. Smith, in 1886 established the grocery business, and in 1895 established his present business of dealer in real estate and insurance. In 1879 Mr. Goff married Sarah, daughter of Crawford Potter, and they have one daughter, Flora May. Mr. Gaff takes an active interest in the affairs of his town, was select- man in 1897 and 1898, and is interested in school and church matters. Golden, M. C, M. D., treasurer of the Taunton Herald Company, was born in Arc- tic, R. I., March 21, 1855. The Taunton Evening Herald was established in Novem- ber, 1893, and is a penny paper of eight pages of seven columns each. It has a daily circulation of 5,000 and its politics are independent. Dr. Golden, in addition to his ownership of the Herald, is one of the most successful of our physicians in general practice. He was educated in the public schools of Pawtucket, R. I., Dartmouth College, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of the State of Vermont. He commenced his practice in Taunton in 1881, and has been in continuous practice since that time, with the exception of one year, which he spent abroad in the hospitals. Gorham, James H., son of Jabez A. and Eliza (Tripp) Gorham, was born in New Bedford, September 8, 1863. His father, a seafaring man, was a lifelong resident of New Bedford, and well known and respected in the community. Mr. James H. Gorham completed his education in the New Bedford High School, and soon after went to South Dakota and engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business. Later he removed to St. Paul, Minn., where he took charge of the piano business of W. W. Kimball Co. Mr. Gorham has ever since been connected with this firm, being now, in addition to his New Bedford piano business, which he established on his return to New Bedford in • 1892, superintendent of the New Eng- land agencies of the W.W. Kimball Co., which are the largest piano and organ man- ufacturers in the world to-day. Mr. Gorham is a member of the Order of Odd Fel- lows. In several lines of descent he traces his ancestry to early settlers of New Eng- land, his father's mother being a Standish and a lineal descendant of that historical character of the old Puritan days, Miles Standish. In 1897 Mr. Gorham married Clarissa, daughter of William B. Nooning, who is elsewhere mentioned in this work, and they have one son, Standish. Gorman, Augustus P., painter and wall paper dealer, and son of Thomas and Hanora (Manning) Gorman, was born in Fall River, August 28, 1860. His parents were both born in Ireland and came to this country early in life locating in Fall 96 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. River. They died when their son Augustus P. was seven years old, and he attended school a few months each year and during the balance of the time worked in Eddy's woolen mill from his eighth to his seventeenth year. He was injured in the mill, and after his recovery obtained employment under P. P. Morris, with whom he learned the painter's trade. He was clerk for Mr. Morris for thirteen years, and in 1890 engaged in the wall paper and painting business for himself. He is located at the corner of Borden and Second streets, and carries on a large business. Mr. Gor- man was elected on the Democratic ticket to the State Legislature in 1884 and 1885, being the youngest member of the House of Representatives. He was a member of the City Council from 1890 to 1895 inclusive ; and was the Democratic candidate for mayor of Fall River in 1895. In 1893 Mr. Gorman married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard and Mary Lingane of Denver, Col., and they have one daughter, Margaret L. Gorman. Mr. Gorman is a member of the order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus. Gorman, James J., was born October 10, 1857, and began working in a cotton mill as a boy. At fifteen he began the tinsmith's trade, which he followed for over three years and then entered the Jesse Eddy Woolen Mill, where he remained one year, after which he was second hand for six years. In 1883 he took a position as sales- man with R. S. Reed & Co., where he remained until 1889, when he became man- ager of the undertaking business of McDermot Bros. In January, 1898, he pur- chased this business, forming a copartnership with D. J. Sullivan (Gorman & Sulli- van). Mr. Gorman is prominent in many social orders, and a member of the A. O. H., the Foresters and the Knights of Columbus, of which he was made grand knight in 1897. In March, 1897, he was selected by the National Council for district deputy of the councils in Bristol county. In 1884 Mr. Gorman married Catherine McDermott, and they have five children : Augustus. John, Mary, Gertrude and Ruth. His parents were Thomas and Hanora (Manning) Gorman, both natives of Ireland. Goward, Edwin T, was born in Easton, Mass., January 7, 1838, son of Dwelley and Lizzie Goward. His father was in early life a wholesale and retail butcher, afterwards a farmer, and they trace their ancestry to Francis Goward, who was one of the first settlers of Easton. Edwin T. Goward was educated at the public schools and afterward attended Pearce's Academy, at Middleborough. When twenty-one years of age he started in the wholesale and retail butcher business, supplying Taunton, Brockton and Bridgewater. He is extensively interested in real estate, erecting and selling houses ; has a large tract of cultivated and wood land, and also has a very large cranberry bog near his residence on Purchase street, where he raises annually from two to five hundred barrels of mostly Early Blacks and of later varie- ties. He is also quite extensively engaged in small fruits for the various markets, and vegetables and hay. He married, November 1, 1865, Maria, daughter of Horace D. and Bathsheba A. (Williams) Howard, and they have two children : Bertha, who married H. Meyers, and Carrie W., who married William Neal. He takes an inter- est in school and church institutions and ever advances the interest of his town and and town's people. In politics he is a staunch Republican. Greene, Augustus A., was born in Warwick, R. I., February 26, 1804, spent his boyhood on his father's farm, and received his education in the common schools of his native town. He learned the trade of house carpenter, serving an apprentice- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 97 ship with Caleb Ladd of Warwick, which expired February 26, 1825. On the 29th of the same month he went to Providence, R. I. , where he followed his trade as a journeyman until June 21, 1831, when he came to New Bedford. He continued in the same business until January 1, 1845, when he formed a copartnership with Henry T. Leonard and engaged in the lumber trade on Leonard's wharf. This firm was dissolved in 1850 and a new firm organized styled Greene & Wood, which is still in existence, although Mr. Greene retired from active business in 1871. He was a man of recognized business ability, of unswerving integrity, and of great force of character, and always had the respect and confidence of the entire community. He was a member of the Common Council in 1871 and of the Board of Aldermen in 1872, 1874 and 1878, serving the greater part of the time as chairman of the committee on public property. He directed the plans and contracts and superintended the con- struction of the present High School building, and in every capacity performed valua- ble and effective work for the city. He was long a prominent member of the First Baptist Church of New Bedford, and was actively interested in the building of the North Baptist chapel on the corner of County and Merrimac streets, purchasing the site, aiding generously in erecting the edifice, and building and donating the chapel parsonage to the society. He died October 30, 1887. Mr. Greene married, first, Miss Amy B. Gorton, of Warwick, R. I., who died May 22, 1876. He married for his second wife, on the 16th of October, 1877, Miss Lucy Parker, who survives him. Greene, Nathaniel H., son of William H. and Marcia C. (Holmes) Greene, was born in Plymouth, Mass., April 6, 1832. His father, a, native of Maine, resided in Plymouth nearly all his life, having moved there when a young man, to work at the rope-making trade. He later established a cordage business of his own and became well known throughout that vicinity. Mr. Greene worked in the summer and at- tended school a few months in the winter, until he was ten years old, and at that time he went to work in a rope factory, working from sunrise to sunset for twenty- five cents a day. When he was nineteen he came to New Bedford and began the mason's trade under James L. Pierce. After the completion of his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman until 1861, and then enlisted in Co. D, 23d Mass. Vol- unteers. After an active service for three years he was honorably discharged and continued to work at his trade in New Bedford. In 1866 he established himself in business as a mason and contractor, locating on South Second street, where he con- tinued in successful business for nearly four years. Mr. Greene was appointed superintendent of streets in 1880, and served in that capacity eight successive years, and in 1894 he was appointed to his present position as assistant superintendent of public works. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias; Post 190, G. A. R ; Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows, Annawan Encampment; and is an honorary mem- ber of the City Guards. In 1853 he married Betsey Bishop Eldridge, daughter of Daniel Eldridge of New Bedford. Of their ten children, six survive : Marshall S. , Emma, N. Herbert, Frank A. C, Etta K., wife of Charles B. Church of New Bed- ford, and Charles E. Greene, William Stedman, ex-mayor of Fall River, son of Chester W. and Abby (Stedman) Greene, was born in Tazewell county, 111., April 28, 1841. He came with his parents to Fall River in 1844, was educated in the public schools, and at fifteen became a clerk in a store, where he remained two years. In 1858 he engaged 98 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in the insurance business with John P. Slade and in 1865 went to Buffalo and later to New York city, where he prospered in the same business. The firm of Greene & Son, engaged in real estate and insurance in Fall River, was formed in 1866 and has since been continued, both members having become widely known as successful business men. Mr. Greene was a member of the Fall River City Council from 1876 to 1879 inclusive, and was president of the body during those years. In 1879 he was elected mayor, served two years in that office and then resigned to accept the position of postmaster, which was tendered him by President Garfield in 1881. He filled a full term of four years. He was elected mayor again in 1885 and served one year. In 1888 Governor Ames appointed him superintendent of prisons for the State of Massachusetts. In 1894 he was again elected mayor by the Republican party and has been twice re-elected to that office. The career of Mayor Greene in his business operations and in public life has been a continued success. He possesses rare ex- ecutive and administrative abilities, is a gentleman of exemplary habits, and posses- ses many of the strong characteristics which win popular favor. He is an influential member of St. Paul's M. E. Church and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. In 1865 he married Mary E. , daughter of Pardon A. and Elizabeth W. (Spink) White of Fall River, and they have three children: Mabel Lawton, Chester White and Foster Regnier. Mr. Greene is a member and past master of Mt. Hope Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council, and Commandery; also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the order of Odd Fellows. Grime, George, attorney at law, was born in Manchester, England, September 7, 1859, and came to Fall River with his parents, William E. and Ruth (Mellors) Grime, when he was seven years old. He attended the public schools, spent three years in the Fall River High School and then entered Brown University, from which institu- tion he was graduated in 1886. Deciding to take up the study of law he passed one year in the office of Hon. Milton Reed of Fall River and then entered Harvard Law School and after taking a three years' course was graduated LL.B. in 1890. He practiced his profession alone in Fall River for a short time, and upon the accession of Hon. Henry K. Braley to the Superior Court bench of Massachusetts, he formed a copartnership with Marcus G. B. Swift and they have since conducted a large and lucrative practice under the firm name of Swift & Grime. Mr. Grime was city so- licitor during the the years 1893 to 1896 and performed the duties of the office with exceptional abiltity. He is one of the two special justices of the Second District Court of Bristol county, having been appointed in the spring of 1896. He was counsel for the city of Fall River in 1897 to conduct the public investigation of charges of corruption made against the committee on public instruction in relation to charges of bribery in awarding contracts for the building of school houses. Mr. Grime is a member of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar, Mt. Hope Lodge of Masons, Puritan Lodge No. 88, Knights of Pythias, Fall River Lodge of Odd Fellows, Quequechan and Columbian Clubs. Grover, Charles L., was born in Mansfield, October 17, 1850, a son of Lewis F. and Sarah E. (Braman) Grover. He was educated in the public schools and learned the jewelry business. In 1870 he established a business in Mansfield and in 1875 came to Attleborough, organizing the firm of Chas. L. Grover & Co. in 1895, admitting L. W. Teed in 1897, under the name of Grover & Teed. In 1872 Mr. Grover married PERSONAL REFERENCES. 99 Estelle, daughter of W. W. Knapp, and they have two sons: Louis E. and Arthur W. A daughter was born June 1, 1873, and died at the age of two years and seven months. Gurney, Jonathan R., is of English descent and traces his ancestry to two broth- ers, John and Joseph, who came to this country and settled in Whitman, on what is now Plymouth street, Plymouth county, Mass. Mr. Gurney is a son of Jonathan R. and Deborah (Reid) Gurney, born in Abington (now Whitman), Plymouth county, Mass., March 20, 1819, and his early days were spent in the employ of his father, who was engaged in the manufacture of small nails and tacks. In November, 1841, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of Rev. James and Anna (Gurney) Gurney, and they have two children : Anna, wife of Zachanah Spooner of Dartmouth, and James L., who married Anna Washburn of Middleborough. Mrs. Gurney died Au- gust 29, 1853, and on August 2, 1856, he was married to Lucy P., daughter of Abisha H. and Lucy (Cummings) Chase, and they have seven children : William A., Herbert F., Jonathan R. , jr., Franklin A., Charles E. , Jennie, wife of Charles S. Maywhinney, and Nellie, wife of Samuel Taybor. Mr. Gurney's second wife died October 10, 1895. Mr. Gurney has always taken an active part in town affairs, having held the offices of assessor, selectman, school committeeman, road commissioner, and offices of minor importance. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of East Freetown. Gustin-Mackie, Dr. Laura V., is the daughter of Charles M. and Ellen Grant Gus- tin. She was educated in the schools of Westbrook, Me. , and is also a graduate of the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, in the class of 1874. She has since taken postgraduate courses in Philadelphia and Boston hospitals. She first prac- ticed in New Bedford, but in 1876 removed to Attleborough, where she built up a large practice, until in 1888 she opened the Attleborough Home Sanitarium, which makes a specialty of nervous diseases and gynaecology. This sanitarium has received the support and hearty endorsement of the leading physicians and citizens of Attle- borough and neighboring towns. Dr. Gustin-Mackie is a member of the Massachu- setts and the American Medical Associations. She is not only a highly successful physician, but also a woman of unusual strength of character, with power to win the confidence and trust of all who know her. She has been for twelve years a valued member of the School Board and by her interest in and knowledge of child life has rendered great assistance to the moral and physical good of the schools. She is in- terested in every movement for the good of the community and a valued member of the various societies instituted for this purpose. Dr. Gustin-Mackie is a strong and unusual argument for the broadest culture and highest spheres of woman's work and influence. One of the most widely known of Attleborough' s citizens is the Rev. Ellen Grant- Gustin. Mrs. Gustin is one of the pioneer women in the American pulpit; for sev- eral years she was the only ordained woman in New England and is still the only one in Bristol county. She was born in Frankfort, Me., and married very early in life to Mr. Charles M. Gustin, also of Maine. Her natural gifts were such that al- most without her own volition she was called to preach. A member from her' early girlhood of the Christian Church, she was formally ordained as a minister in 1869 and for thirty years was engaged in active service as a pastor. She filled pastorates in Lynn, in Westerly, R. I., and in West Mansfield, Mass., covering a period of 100 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. twenty-three years. She has rendered much service, not only to her own denomina- tion and to the citizens of her various places of residence, but to the general cause of Christianity and of woman's advancement, by her gracious and persuasive personal- ity, enforced by her high standards of Christian citizenship. No woman before the public in those early trying years of woman's upward efforts has more successfully proved that the most womanly women are also the bravest and strongest and most successful, both in their own homes and in the hearts of the public. Mrs. Gustin has one child, Laura V. Gustin-Mackie, and is now associated with her in the man- agement of the Attleborough Sanitarium, where is found a singular blending of the results that should follow the united working out of the best, in two strong, highly trained and successful women, winning results impossible to women less than a gen- eration ago. Haffenreffer, Rudolf P., jr., son of Rudolf F. and Catherine (Burkhardt) Haffen- reffer, was born in Boston in 1874. He attended the Chauncev Hall School and later took the course in chemistry at the Boston Institute of Technology, from which he was graduated. He completed his education in Germany and then returned to take the course of the United States Brewer's Academy in New York city. Mr. Haffenreffer's father has been for many years one of the most prominent brewers of Boston. He is a native of Germany and came to this country in 1870. He has long been connected with the Boylston Brewing Company of Boston as superintendent and owner. Rudolf F. Haffenreffer, jr., obtained his first business experience as assistant superintendent of the Boylston Brewery, where he remained nearly three years. At the end of that time he came to Fall River, and in April, 1895, organized the Old Colony Brewing Company ; this company was incorporated the same year and he was made treasurer in addition to his duties as brewer and manager. He has a thorough knowledge of the business in all its forms and under his efficient management the present prosperity of the company has been attained. He also has charge of the construction of the Hub Brewing Co. of Boston; this is to be the mod- ern brewery of New England. Hall, Frederick Stanley, son of Richard Henry and Susan Jane (Drake) Hall, was born in Norton, February 10, 1861, was educated in the public schools of Taunton, was graduated at Harvard in the class of 1882, and entered the Boston University Law School, from which he graduated in 1885. He commenced his active practice at once alone in Taunton, was a member of Massachusetts Legislature in 1887 and 1888, and formed a partnership with Judge E. H. Bennett in' 1892. At the present time he is associate judge of District Court and a member of the School Board and is also president of Taunton Board of Trade. Mr. Hall was married November 20, 1888, to Bessie H. Perkins of Taunton, and they have two children : Stanley Perkins and Frederick Hastings. Hambly, George H, son of Joseph and Patience D. (Brown) Hambly, was born in Tiverton, R. I. (now Fall River, Mass.), March 5, 1858. After attending, the public schools he worked on his father's farm until 1875, when he went to Fall River, where he was employed by William Durfee at steam and gas fitting and remained for four years, thoroughly learning the plumber's trade. He then returned to the farm and has since devoted his time to agriculture, being also engaged in the milk business. April 26, 1878, he married Mary E. , daughter of Humphrey H. and Synthia M. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 101 (Wordell) Wordell of Westport. Mrs. Hambly's ancestors were of'English descent and were among the early settlers of this part of New England. Mr. and Mrs. Hambly have four children: Gladys L., born June8, 1880; InezW., born September 1, 1883; Avis C, born July 23, 1888; and George H., jr., born December 10, 1893. Hamlin, Ezra, was born in Sandwich, Mass., January 10, 1839, a son of Cornelius F. and Martha (Munroe) Hamlin, and educated in the public schools of Sandwich and the East Greenwich Academy at East Greenwich, R. I. He then returned to Sandwich and went to work in the glass works, remaining fourteen years with them, with the exception of one year in the military service. Mr. Hamlin enlisted in Sep- tember, 1862, in Co. D, 45th Mass. Vol. Militia and received his discharge about one year later. In 1870 he came to Taunton and traveled for L. B. West, as tin peddler, and was then in the store of L. B. West & Co. for eight years; in 1886 he left there and went to the Dighton Furnace Co., where he was employed for seven years and then came to the firm of L. B. West and bought an interest in the business and to- day is manager of the Home Furniture Co. He is a member of the G. A. R. De- cember 25, 1858, he married Hannah C. Fish of Sandwich, and they have one son living, Edward M. Hammett, Charles Warren, was born in Taunton, October 1, 1868, a son of Will- iam and Mary J. (Cahoon) Hammett. He is a graduate of the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of school days went to Boston to study dentistry at the Boston Dental College, which he entered in 1887 and was graduated from there in 1890. He then came to Taunton and opened an office of his own in the same place where he can be found at present. He is devoting his whole time to city practice and is one of the successful practitioners in his line to-day. June 24, 1896, he mar- ried Mindora L. Codding of Taunton, daughter of Henry H. and Laura J. (Ricket- son) Codding. Hammett, Shubael Franklin, was born in Taunton, May 7, 1852, and is a son of William and Mary J. (Cahoon) Hammett. He received his early education in the Taunton public schools and Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Providence, R. I. In 1C69 he engaged as a clerk with E. H. Reed, where he remained one and one-half years and then went with Washburn & White as bookkeeper, where he remained until June, 1872, and then went to the freight office of the old Taunton branch rail- road. During the many changes of the road Mr. Hammett has remained in the same office and has advanced until now he is local freight agent of the Consolidated Railroad. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. , and Sabbatia Lodge, I. O.O. F. November 24, 1875, he married Isabella W. Macomber of New Bedford, a daughter of George B. and Sarah (Brewster) Macomber, and they have two children : George B. and Harold M. Hammond, Caleb, is the son of Ammittai and Eunice (Chandler) Hammond and a grandson of Caleb Hammond, and was born in Fairhaven, Mass., November 19, 1829. His ancestors came to this country from England about 1632 and have always been respected citizens of Eastern Massachusetts. His materal grandfather, Joshua Chan- dler of Fairhaven, served in the Revolutionary war, and his father, Ammittai, was a farmer and lumberman. Mr. Hammond when eleven years old went to Mattapoi- sett to live, but in 1844 came to New Bedford, where he learned the carpenter's trade 102 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. with E. C. Chandler (an uncle) and William Gifford. When eighteen he became a journeyman, and at the age of twenty-two began contracting, opening a shop where the Cummings block now stands. In 1855 he moved into his present shop at 177 North Water street. Mr. Hammond was successively a partner of Simeon Ashley and Otis T. Sherman. He continued the business of contracting, carpentering and stair building for many years. About 1882 he took his son Edgar B. into partner- ship, under the firm name of C. Hammond & Son, and since then their business has been the practice of architecture. Mr. Hammond is one of the oldest carpenters and contractors in New Bedford, and has always conducted an extensive business. As an architect he has been equally successful. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and has served as an alderman, as a member of the City Council, a member of the School Committee, and as city surveyor, in which capacity he built the New Bedford and Fairhaven bridge in 1871 and laid out some of the first city cemeteries. He was also a member of Phoenix Engine Co. No. 4 and foreman of Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, and has always been more or less active in temper- ance work. In April, 1852, he married Anna, daughter of Perry Hazard and Anna Tompkins of Westport, Mass., and they have two sons: Edgar B., a civil engineer and architect, and Henry F. , a carpenter, both of New Bedford. Harding, David E., was born in Mansfield, May 26, 1826, a son of Alfred Harding and grandson of David Harding, who settled in Mansfield about 1775. Alfred Hard- ing married Eliza, daughter of Obediah Pierce, and through life was identified as a farmer. David E. Harding was educated in the common schools and about 1850 entered the employ of John Rogers, dealer in straw goods, and later the firm became Rogers, Corney & Co. . Mr. Harding being the company. In 1882 he organized the firm of S. W. Card & Co. , which in 1893 was incorporated as The Card Manufactur- ing Company. Mr. Harding married, in 1843, Frances E. Rogers, and they have three daughters: Eva L., Mabel F. and Florence. Mr. Harding served as a member of the Legislature in 1875 ; president of the Co-operative Bank and takes an active interest in educational and religious matters. Harrington, George Stanley, a son of Andrew J. and Eliza Catherine (Davenport) Harrington, was born in Utica, N. Y. , September 20, 1857, and received his early education in the public schools of New York city. In 1872 he went to work for the drug firm of Caswell, Hazard & Co., remaining there a year and a. half, when he en- gaged with L. M. Bates & Co , dry goods, remaining with them three years, and then was employed with E. S. Jaffray & Co., as salesman for five years, at which time he went to Colorado Springs on account of ill health. In the spring of 1883 he engaged in the dry goods business for himself at Grand Junction, Col., under the name of Harrington, Bliss & Co., where he stayed three years, and then came to Taunton and went to work in the City Hotel as clerk ; here he remained until 1893, when he started in the publishing business and later mercantile printing, which he follows at the present writing. December 25, 1888, Mr. Harrington married Lydia A. Roebuck, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Roebuck of Taunton, and they have three children: Russell C, Ruth and Katherine. Harrington, Randall A. , lessee and manager of the Taunton Theatre, came to Taunton from Providence and assumed the control of this house in February, 1896. Up to this time the theatre had been managed by two different parties and neither PERSONAL REFERENCES. 103 cared to continue. Mr. Harrington took it and made an effort to book all first class attractions and he has put the house on a paying basis. He has played manv of the star attractions of the day and varies the prices of the house to fit the company he is playing. It is one of the best equipped houses on the New England circuit and is fitted with all the latest inventions for the safety and comfort of its patrons. There is not a cosier theatre in New England than this. Haskell, Edward, was born at Still River, Mass., about 1828, a son of Deacon Cal- vin and Ann (Hersey) Haskell. He was obliged to leave school at an early age owing to the business reverses of his father, and he entered the employ of a Boston firm for whom he came to New Bedford to dispose of a stock of goods. He managed the venture successfully and his employers decided to keep him here in trade. In 1849 he began, in a small way, a dry goods business for himself, locating on the west side of Purchase street between William and Union streets. He was full of energy and a popular young man and soon gained a good trade. Later he moved across the street, the business meantime rapidly increasing under the impetus of the remarkable business ability which he developed, and the store being enlarged into several departments. In 1876 he organized the firm of Edward Haskell & Company and the four stores then operated were consolidated, forming a large department store, one of the first in New Bedford. Mr. Haskell continued in the business until his death in December, 1882. Although his early education had been limited, he developed a fine literary and artistic taste. He was an enthusiastic lover of flowers and all that was beautiful in art and nature. He was a devoted member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and received a silver medal at its exhibition in 1881 for his collection of " nymphasas " Mr. Haskell was a strong friend, a pleasant, courteous, hospitable and generous man. As a speaker he was remarkably fluent and effective. For many years he was a member and deacon of the North Congre- gational Church and served as superintendent of the Sunday school eleven years. He married first, Sarah Claflin of Pawtucket, R. I., and of their union one son was born, George Edward Haskell, who became a member of the Boston firm of Abram French & Company. For his second wife Mr. Haskell married Louisa B., only daughter of Alexander H. and Louisa (Crandall) Seabury of New Bedford, who sur- vives him. Their children are Mary Crandall and Helen Parker. Seabury, Alexander H., who died in New Bedford, July 17, 1887, in the eighty-first year of his age, was one of New Bedford's most prominent business men. He was born in Tiverton, R. I., and when a mere lad commenced his business career in a grocery store of which he finally became proprietor, an early evidence of a remark- able business ability which he later exhibited in larger interests. When twenty- seven years of age he came to New Bedford and opened a grain and provision store which he conducted for twenty-five years, having from time to time as partners his brother, Pardon G. Seabury, Joseph Ricketson, and from 1845 to 1857 his nephew, Albert G. Corry. In the latter year William Baylies and the late Nathaniel S. Can- non were admitted and upon the death of Mr. Corry the active management of the concern was taken by them, although Mr. Seabury still retained an interest and gave the firm the benefit of his advice and experience. For many years he successfully conducted various other enterprises. He established packet lines to New York and Albany and his vessels brought large quantities of grain and flour to this market. 104 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He also became heavily interested in the packing- business of beef and pork in asso- ciation with men in Indiana. Much of this product was used in fitting New Bedford whalers. He was agent from 1836 to 1841 for five whaleships and later became an extensive owner of whale shipping. He also engaged in stock raising and in real estate enterprises near the city of Lafayette, Ind. Mr. Seabury was also a leading spirit in establishing the city of New Bedford as a manufacturing center and invested in nearly every industrial concern started in the city. He was one of the chief pro- moters of the Mt. Washington Glass Works and the Pairpoint Manufacturing Com- pany ; he was one of the incorporators of the Five Cents Savings Bank and for many years its vice-president; a director in the First National Bank, and in a number of the cotton manufacturing corporations of New Bedford and Fall River. On August 23, 1830, he married Louisa Crandall, a native of Tiverton, R. I., and a member of a prominent Rhode Island family. One daughter was born to them, Louisa B., who married Edward Haskell of New Bedford. Mr. Seabury was a man of strong per- sonality and possessed of indomitable will. He was most public spirited and his name will go down as one who aided materially in the development of New Bedford. Hastings, John, from his connection with the famous oil manufacturing firm of Hastings & Co., can be justly said to have been at one time one of the foremost businessmen of New Bedford. He was born at Hatfield, Mass., March 17, 1817, a son of Samuel and Lucy (Andrews) Hastings. The family trace their genealogy back through the Puritans to the time of William the Conqueror, who married a daughter of the House of Flanders from which the " Hatfield Hastings" are proved to have descended. When John Hastings wis an infant, his father, a successful merchant, removed to Heath, in Franklin county, Mass. His education, though limited, was thorough, the schools of the vicinity being good. A few miles away, in Greenfield, the firm of Allen & Root conducted a large general store, and when he reached the age of fourteen a position as clerk for this firm was obtained for him and he remained in their employ, receiving an excellent business training, until he reached his majority. Being a young man of adventurous spirit he now decided to go west, and settling in Cleveland, Ohio, was employed there for one year in a whole sale grocery store. He then went to Illinois, which at this time was largely unde- veloped, and bought out a squatter who had settled on a tract of 1,000 acres about three miles from Rockford on the Rock River. This land he afterward purchased at the government rate. He at once began to engage in extensive farming opera- tions, having under cultivation in the first year over 100 acres of corn and in follow- ing years growing large crops of corn and wheat, besides giving much attention to stock raising. At the end of a period of five years he advantageously disposed of his land and soon after came east to Springfield, Mass., where, in company with his brothers, Waitstill and George Hastings, he engaged in the manufacture and sale of lard oil. The enterprise was successful from the start and in about three years the firm removed to Boston, where they engaged in a general oil business. This led to a removal in 1854 to New Bedford, where a factory was erected and wharves for the accommodation of a large business acquired. The main office of the firm was then established in New York city. The firm gained a reputation for their product which was almost world wide, for while they sold oil in every State in the Union, nearly one-half of their trade was in foreign countries, the bulk of this being in England, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 105 France and Scotland. This trade was not conducted in the usual way through com- mission houses, but by the establishment of European agencies, Mr. Hastings mak- ing trips to England and the continent for this purpose. There is no question but that the firm of Hastings & Co. were at this time the largest manufacturers of whale and sperm oil in the world. For many years the average annual output was over 25,000 barrels. Jonathan Bourne, one of the leading business men of that time, has said that this firm undoubtedly did more for New Bedford than any other one enter- prise, first by creating a market for oil, and second by keeping their product up to a good standard of excellence. In addition to the trade in whale oil their foreign trade in menhaden oil grew to large proportions. The business declined with the whaling industry and in 1879 Mr. Hastings purchased his brother's interest and has continued the business to the present time, although of necessity in a small way. In the same year he interested his capital in the Photo-engraving Company of New York city, and had soon acquired a controlling interest in the stock of the company, of which the inventor of the process, Mr. Moss, was a member. As is well known this half- tone process was long kept a secret and the company had a monopoly in the business for several years. Mr. Hastings was made president and treasurer and devoted to it all the power of his mature judgment and experience. The business of the corpo- ration was enormous, requiring a rare tact and executive ability in its management, and of these qualities Mr. Hastings was possessed. He closed his connection with the concern in 1890. In the mean time, in 1886, he had engaged in the coal business in New Bedford and this he continued until 1896, when he leased his wharf to the City Coal Company. Mr. Hastings has during his entire life been a staunch Whig and Republican and his party has several times remembered his devotion by the tender of different nominations, the acceptance of which was always precluded by his extensive business cares, so that the only public service he ever rendered was as alderman, in which capacity he served four terms, being chairman of the committee which purchased the South Cemetery while a member of the board. Although in his eighty-second year he is still active and of good memory, a notable example of the well preserved man. He has been a deacon of the North Congregational Church for upwards of twenty four years. In 1850 he married Lucy, daughter of Deacon Henry Fowler of Westfield, Mass. Hathaway, Charles E., & Son. —The pottery of Charles E. Hathaway & Son, while not the most extensive, enjoys a large and influential trade in the distribution of its products, which find a ready market in all the principal cities of the United States, besides a large export trade to Canada. The members of the firm are prac- tical men ; Mr. Charles E. Hathaway began the business when only eighteen years of age, having learned the art with David Purington of Somerset, and afterwards with the Somerset Pottery Co. , which later became the Somerset & Johnsonburg Manufacturing Co., where he was made superintendent and remained until 1893, then in connection with his son Howard, established the present business. An ex- perience of twenty-seven years in the art places the firm in a position to command the confidence of the large number of patrons who handle the products of the con- cern, which consists of a general line of stone and earthen ware, flower pots and all the various kinds and styles of tile for electrical insulation. The firm has extensive dealings in the latter goods with electrical outfitters and electrical companies through- 106 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. out the country and the Dominion. In 1873 Mr. Hathaway married Mary E. Sher- man, and their children are Howard W., in business with his father; Sidney L., who resides in Pottersville ; Florence S., Marion P., Alice L., Anna G. and Charles E., jr., who reside at home. Hathaway, Chester B. , was born in Somerset Center, in August, 1856, a son of William T. and Mary M. (Chase) Hathaway. At fourteen years of age Mr. Hatha- way left home and went to sea, a life which he intended to follow only for failing eyesight, which necessitated the giving up of a long cherished occupation. After leaving the sea he learned the carpenter's trade with Aaron Mellon of Fall River, where he remained three years. In 1873, business being very dull, he again took up the life of a sailor and shipped on the schooner Henry J. May of May's Landing, N. J., as second mate; afterwards he shipped in the Sarah E. Allen, a West India ship, for one year. He then came to Somerset for a short time, then went to Colorado, where he followed his trade as carpenter, carrying on the business for himself there, the last year traveling and prospecting for silver mines. After three years in the west he returned to Somerset, and gradually drifted into the floral greenhouse and market gardening business. In politics he is a Republican and has been a member of the town school board for four years; is a member of Pioneer Lodge, F. & A. M., of Somerset, and was formerly active in Grange work. In 1887 Mr. Hathaway married Luella F. Winslow, daughter of John and Amanda Winslow of Fall River, and they have three children: Elsie L., Francis W., Ada L. Hathaway, Herman H., was born in Fairhaven, August 23, 1857, and has lived in that town all his life. He is a son of Daniel K. Hathaway, who was for a number of years a painter and decorator in Fairhaven, and of Catherine D. (Wing) Hatha- way. He spent his early years in the public schools of his native town and in learn- ing his father's trade. Upon leaving school he went directly into business with his father and at the latter's death succeeded him. From a small beginning Mr. Hatha- way has built up a remarkably large business, considering the field to which his trade is confined. He has been located on Main street for over twenty years and in 1891 built the building which he now occupies ; employment is given to an average of twenty- four men. Mr. Hathaway has been a member of the Village Improvement Society for a number of years ; he is also a trustee of the Riverside Cemetery Asso- ciation. Ever since boyhood he has been a member of the Unitarian Church of Fairhaven, and is now serving the congregation as treasurer. In addition to his painting, decorating and wall paper business Mr. Hathaway is extensively engaged in buying and selling real estate. Hathaway, Ira A., was born in the town of Somerset, May 30, 1855, a son of William T. and Mary M. (Chase) Hathaway, and educated in the common schools of the vicinity. His father was a mason by trade, plying his vocation and finding work in the community in which he lived. Mr. Hathaway's grandfather, Jonathan Hath- away, was one of the early pioneers of Bristol county and was proprietor of the first express line between Bristol and Boston. When seventeen years of age Mr. Hath- away started out in life for himself and learned the carpenter's trade with Shaw & Wilber of Fall River, in whose employ he remained for ten years, after which he went into, business for himself in the vicinity where he now resides, and many of the substantial dwellings in the vicinity were erected under his supervision. Mr. Hath- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 107 away's business location is such that in years past he has found it advantageous to carry other lines in connection with that of building and has a building devoted to carriage wood work and turning and boat building. His latest enterprise is that of undertaking and embalming, a building being devoted entirely to this business. His facilities in this line are unsurpassed and this department is increasing among a class who appreciate suitable and reverent attention in the sad duties of disposing of the dead. With all his diversified interests to attend to Mr. Hathaway has organ- ized, instructs, and conducts Hathaway' s Social Orchestra, a musical feature of the community. He is also a leader of music and has probably done more than any other agency towards keeping up an interest in the art than all others combined. He has been a member of the First Christian Church of Somerset since 1873, and is a member of Elysian Lodge, I. O.O. F. He has been twice married; his present wife was Mary E., daughter of William Sherman of Dighton, whom he married in De- cember, 1897. Hathaway, James Henry, city treasurer of New Bedford, is the son of James Henry Hathaway and Elizabeth Wilcox, his wife, and a grandson of Capt. William Hathaway, a native of New Bedford and a merchant sailing master from New York. His father, James H , sr., spent most of his life in New York city as an accountant, dying in February, 1844; his wife survived until 1890. Mr. Hathaway was born in New Bedford, Mass., November 1, 1835, received a high school education, and then engaged in the hat business in his native city, having his uncle, David B. Wilcox, as a partner. He had become a member of the New Bedford City Guards in 1859. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. L, 3d Mass. Vol. Inf., and served three months, being stationed at Fortress Monroe. Afterward he was appointed a clerk in the navy de- partment under Paymaster Thornton and in this capacity served with the expedi- tions on the sounds of North Carolina, at Roanoke Island, and at Newbern, where, on August 5, 1862, he received the appointment of acting assistant paymaster in the U. S. navy, which position he held until March, 1866. He served mainly in this latter capacity with the Mississippi squadron, being in the Red River and other ex- peditions, and after the war closed having charge of a number of light clad boats laid up to be sold at Cairo, 111. For several years after receiving an honorable dis- charge from the U. S. navy he was connected with the New Bedford city assessor's office. On April 6, 1874, he was appointed assistant to the late James B. Congdon, then city treasurer, and on April 6, 1879, he succeeded Mr. Congdon as city treas- urer, which office he has creditably and satisfactorily filled ever since, having been, with one exception (1897), unanimously re-elected by the City Council on joint bal- lot. Mr. Hathaway is an honored and respected citizen, and a member of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Post 1, G. A. R. May 12, 1858, he married Mary E., daughter of Arvin Smith of New Bedford, and they have had two sons: William W., his assistant in the office from 1879 till his death on October 27, 1896, and Charles R. , his present assistant. Hathaway, Marcus M. , druggist and physician, a son of James and Lydia G. (Brown) Hathaway, was born in Fall River, December 17, 1841. He obtained his education in the Fall River public schools and early in life carefully learned the drug business with P. S. Brown, the oldest druggist in Fall River. In 1871 he entered into partnership with Mr. Brown under the firm name of P. S. Brown & Co., which 108 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. name has since been retained, although Mr. Brown is now deceased. Having taken a partial course in medicine in the University of Vermont, he began to practice as early as 1872 and has since followed the profession. Many of his patients come from among the poor and unfortunate classes in whose condition and material wel- fare he has always shown a kind and sympathetic interest. In his chosen field of work Dr. Hathaway has accomplished much good for his fellowmen and he is highly esteemed for his unostentatious acts of charity and benevolence. He devotes all his time to his business and profession. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Hathaway, Paul Spooner, son of Isaac T. and Hannah (Maxfield) Hathaway, was born in the town of Dartmouth (now New Bedford, Mass.), June 23, 1830. His father was a prosperous farmer and at one time was captain of a company of militia. Mr, Hathaway has his discharge, dated at Headquarters in Boston, February 20, 1832. Paul Spooner received his education in the district schools, which was supplemented by two terms at the New Bedford schools. His first business experience was in the capacity of clerk in the restaurant of his brother-in-law, Edward Wing, of New Bed- ford, where he was employed for a period of eight years. Having saved the greater part of his earnings during this time he bought the business and conducted it alone, which was then in Liberty Hall at Nos. 67 and 69 William street, where he re- mained for ten years. He then disposed of his business and removed to his father's farm in Dartmouth, where he resided for twenty years during which time he bought the farm. He then sold his farm and removed to Smith's Mill, where he has since lived in semi-retirement. Politically Mr. Hathaway is a Republican and in 1876 was elected a member of the City Council of New Bedford. In April, 1898, he was elected constable of the town of Dartmouth, He was married in October, 1853, and has three children: Phoebe R., wife of John S. Sheldon of Loda, 111.; Lizzie E., wife of Charles L. Peck of Dartmouth; and Isaac P., who is now in the U. S. Navy on board the man-of-war Independence stationed at Mare Island, Cal. Whether in public station or out of it, Mr. Hathaway has always been noted for the able and scrupulous discharge of every duty incumbent upon him. Hathaway, Robert N., treasurer of the Union Belt Company, a son of William H. and Adeline P. (Lincoln) Hathaway, was born in Fall River, August 13, 1854. He attended Fall River public schools until nine years old and then lived with a family in Assonet village until fourteen, and completed his education in the schopls of his native city. At the age of seventeen he was employed by a civil engineer and for one year or more assisted in surveying and laying out the land upon which are now erected the Richard Borden and Tecumseh Mills. He also assisted in laying out the land in part of Flint village, where the cotton mills have been built. He was next employed in the shoe store of Stephen L. French for three years. In 1875 Mr. Hath- away was tendered the position of bookkeeper for the Union Belt Company, which position he held until 1886, when he was elected treasurer, and since 1892 has been agent and treasurer of the company, filling the position with exceptional ability and devoting his entire time to the business. The Union Belt Company manufactures oak tanned leather belting for mills, top roll covers for spinning frames, etc., and employs about thirty workmen. Mr. Hathaway is treasurer of the Masonic Hall As- sociation of Fall River, past master of King Philip Lodge of Masons, member of PERSONAL REFERENCES. 109 Fall River Royal Arch Chapter, Fall River Council of Royal and Select Masters, Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar, of which he has been eminent commander, and Aleppo Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. September 2, 1884, Mr. Hathaway married Maria L.Wilbur of Fall River, and they have three children: Hazel L., Robert W. and Grace D. Hawes, Jonathan Capen, retired mariner, is the son of Levi and Azubah (Capen) Hawes, natives of Stoughton, Mass., who settled in New Bedford in 1817 and bought land on Tarkiln Hill, where Levi died in April, 1880, aged eighty nine. His wife died in 1879, aged eighty-eight. Levi Hawes was born in 1792 and served as a min- uteman in the war of 1812. Jonathan C. Hawes was born in New Bedford on the 6th of May, 1826, received a common school education, and when thirteen began learning the trade of sailmaker with William T. Cook. When sixteen he shipped on the whaler Roman, Capt. Alexander Barker. He continued in the whaling business from 1842 to 1860, being a master mariner about fourteen years. He then retired, and under the name of the Acushnet Saw Mill Company has since conducted a saw mill at Acushnet, in New Bedford, where he also resides. Captain Hawes is a chap- ter Mason, holding membership in Star of the East Lodge, and was a member of the City Council one year and of the Board of Aldermen one year. He is, also a member and trustee of the First Congregational Church of Acushnet. His first wife, Jerusha Blake of Stoughton, died at sea, leaving one son, Frederick B. , of New Bed- ford. His second wife, Mrs. Sylvia Tucker Leonard of Dartmouth, died in 1876, leaving three sons by her first husband. He married, third, Mary W., daughter of Noah and Hannah Davis of Fall River, and they have two daughters living. Hayes, Lemuel W., is a native of New Bedford, born December 1, 1843, a son of Andrew G., and Rebecca P. (West) Hayes. His father was a cooper and although a native of Maine resided in New Bedford nearly all his life. The family is of Scotch origin and Mr. Hayes's ancestors on both sides were among the early settlers of New England. He attended the public and high schools of New Bedford and then went into the photographing business, in which he continued seven years. Later he en- gaged in carpenter work and in contracting, in which he was most successful. He has now been engineer at the Bristol County House of Correction for two years. He served nine months in Co. E, 45th Mass. Regt. , during the Civil war. Mr. Hayes is a member of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Pacific Lodge, I. O.O. F. , and is also a member of the Dartmouth Club, of which he was a charter member. He served in the Common Council from the Third ward in 1891, 1892 and 1893. April 2, 1866, he married Harriet A. Morgan of Boston. Healy, Joseph, was born in Fall River, Mass., January 27, 1828, a son of David and Meribah (Hathaway) Healy, and grandson of Joseph and Thankful (Stafford) Healy. He attended the schools of his native town and in the years of his early manhood engaged in farming. For several years he was bookkeeper for the Fall River Iron Works Company. He began his successful career as a cotton manufac- turer in 1871, when he became treasurer of the Osborn Mills, which position he has since filled continuously. Mr. Healy has displayed rare executive ability as a cotton manufacturer and is also full of energy and enterprise. He was past middle life be- fore he engaged in the business in which he has been very successful. He has accomplished this by careful study of all the details of the cotton business in theory 110 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. as well as in practice. Early in life he began to take an active part in politics and was on the board of city assessors in 1860 and 1864. He was alderman in 1894 and 1895 and was chosen a police commissioner in 1894 and reappointed in 1896 for a three year term. His ability as a financier was acknowledged by his election to the presidency of the Pocasset Savings Bank in 1894. He is also director in the Man- ufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company and the Arkwright Insurance Company of Boston. In 1863 he married Harriet, daughter of Cornelius and Abigail Parker. He is a member of the Unitarian Church of Fall River. Heath, Henry W. , was born at Easton, November 5, 1846, son of Dan W. and Esther Myrick (Walker) Heath. His father was for twenty years with E. J. W. Morse & Company at South Easton and the balance of his life a farmer; was a select- man in 1860; came from Rhode Island; and died in 1891. His mother came from Maine and she traces her ancestry back to the Mayflower. Mr. Heath was educated in the public schools of Easton and at the age of twenty-one he started in life as a carpenter, following that business for twelve years, and afterwards and up to the present time engaged in the butcher's business. In 1886 he was elected a select- man and has since then held that position. May 7, 1871, he married Mary J. Dean, daughter of Simeon A. and Eliza B. (Storey) Dean, and they have two children: Alfred W. and Hattie A. He is one of Easton's progressive men, taking an interest in the town and town's people and also in school and church institutions. Heath, James Francis, was born in England, March 10, 1860, a son of James and Margarett (McCormick) Heath, and came to Taunton in 1864, where he attended the public schools. At the close of his school days he went to work for the Mason Ma- chine Co. and stayed with them about five years, and then went into the meat and provision business with H. M. Starks, where he remained three years, and then went with Sears & Keith in the grocery business. He stayed here nine years and then engaged in business for himself under the name of McKenzie & Heath, which copartnership continued six months and he bought out Mr. McKenzie's interest and continued the business alone up to the present time (1898). In 1896 he was elected to the Board of Aldermen and re-elected in 1897. November 17, 1885, he married Margaret Mcintosh of Boston, and they have six children: Mary E., Joseph H., Ruth, Margaret T., Constance and James A. Henry, William T. , mill engineer, was born in Fall River in 1845. His parents, James and Martha (Whitaker) Henry, came to this country from England early in life. William T. Henry was educated in the public schools of Fall River, graduat- ing from the high school in 1864. Two years later he became a pupil in the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology and completed a four years' course in that institu- tion in 1870. He then returned to Fall River and entered the office of Josiah Brown, and upon the death of Mr. Brown in 1875 he succeeded to the business. He has since devoted his time and attention to mill work with marked success. Mr. Henry has designed, planned and superintended the erection of many of the cotton mills built in Fall River during the past twenty-five years, having built during this time forty-six of the mills of that city and about twenty-five in other towns and cities. He originated the plans for the four mills of the Fall River Iron Works Company, the largest group of mills engaged in the manufacture of print cloths in America. Among the other large mills he has recently erected in Fall River are the Globe Yarn, PERSONAL REFERENCES. Ill Parker, Border City, Hargraves and Awkwright, also the Cohannet Mills of Taunton, Mass., the mills of the Wilkesbarre (Pa.) Lace Company; the plant of Cheney Broth- ers, silk manufacturers of South Manchester, Conn., and the plant of the Sewall & Day Cordage Company at AUston. Mass. In his field of operation Mr. Henry has displayed good executive ability and by close attention to business has succeeded in all his enterprises. In 1884 he married S. Louise Hadcock of Fall River, who died in 1893. For his second wife Mr 1 . Henry married Carrie S. Luce of Martha's Vine- yard. Herrick, George H., was born in Brooklyn, Conn., March 19, 1861, a son of Tim- othy and Lydia A. (Lathrop) Herrick. Timothy Herrick was identified as a pattern maker and now resides in Providence, R. I. George H. was educated in Norwich, Conn., learned the trade of watch making and October 25, 1880, came to Attlebor- oiigh and established his present business, being the leading retail jeweler in his town. In 1886 he married Alice O. , daughter of Albert Robbins. Mr. Herrick is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. He is a member of Orient Lodge of Odd Fellows ; the Occident Rebecca Lodge; Ezekiel Bates, F. & A. M. ; King Hiram Royal Arch Chapter; and Attle- borough Council and Bristol Commandery. Hersom, Thomas, son of John and Acenith (Shorey) Hersom, was born in Lebanon, York county, Maine, August 17, 1836. His father was a, millwright and repaired and built saw mills in the lumber districts of Maine. Thomas Hersom. during his boyhood, attended the common schools of the vicinity about five months of the year and during the balance of the time worked at farm work and in cotton mills. When fourteen years old he went to Great Falls (now Somersworth), New Hampshire, where he was employed in the cotton mills of that town for two years, and then went to Boston, but was unsuccessful in gaining a foothold and returned to his home. In the next year he again went to Boston, and after a short time to Randolph, where he found work in a stable, of which he became foreman in less than two years. He re- mained in that capacity about five years and then began to drive a stage for the same stable, from Randolph to the Randolph depot about two miles. He drove this route for about three years and was then given a route from Randolph to Milton, driving six horses in winter and four in summer. At the end of four years he came to New Bedford and, with his savings and money borrowed from a friend, bought the Acushnet stage line, from New Bedford to Acushnet, then owned by M. H. True, also at the same time, buying a small opposition line, thus having a clear field. In three years he had entirely paid his obligations and had also nearly doubled his stock. Later he put on stages to run to Long Plain and Rochester Center, in con- nection with his original route, and his stage lines gained a wide reputation. He now began at his stable in Acushnet to do some livery business, increasing largely his stock of wagons and horses, and he also bought of H. M. Brownell the city stage line. Mr. Hersom's success was due entirely to his own indefatigable industry and courteous interest in the comfort of his patrons. In 1876 he disposed of his stable and stage lines to Andrew E. Hathaway, and at once bought the soap manufacturing plant of Otis A. Sisson, located at the foot of Middle street, taking as a partner in the enterprise N. L. Bryant, the firm name becoming T. Hersom & Co. The work 112 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the factory had previously been done in the old fashioned way, and they at once began to install new machinery, beginning the manufacture of soaps and washing powder on an extensive scale. In 1878 Charles R. Tucker, jr., was admitted, the firm name being changed to Hersom, Tucker & Co. , but in the next year Mr. Tucker retired and it became Hersom & Bryant. Later Mr. Tucker desired to re-enter the business and Mr. Hersom sold his interest to him. With characteristic energv, he at once leased property on Fish Island and started in business alone under the name ' of T. Hersom & Co., which he has ever since continued, on account of the reputation his brands, which had been before the "public for some time, had gained in connec- tion with this name. He greatly improved and added to his plant on Fish Island up to 1890, when the lease expired, and he purchased the paper mill property on Acush- net avenue, north of Lund's Corners, a two story building, 105 by 50, but this soon became inadequate to the growing needs of the business, and in recent years addi- tions have been built, which nearly double the capacity. Work is given to an average of fifteen employees, and the trade extends all over the New England States. Among the brands manufactured are Italian Sapone Washing Powder, Hersom's Best, Northern Belle, and various other brands of common laundry soaps. Mr. Her- som is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows, and Eureka Lodge of Masons, holding membership in the Chapter, Council, and Commandery, and is also a mem- ber of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston. In 1862 he married Almeda T. Bryant, a daughter of Nathan Bryant of Bedford, Mass., and they had five children, three of whom survive: Annie M., wife of J. B. Ashley, jr., of New Bedford; Clara, wife of Arthur Weeks of New Bedford; and Thomas Hersom, jr., associated with his father as traveling salesman. Hilliard, Rufus B., city marshal of Fall River, was born in Washington county, Me., May 5, 1850. His mother died when he was quite young and at the age of three 3'ears he moved with his father to Athens, Pa., and remained two and a half years. They returned to New England at the expiration of that time and located in Newburyport, Mass., where he attended school until the age of fifteen and then enlisted in the regular army and was assigned to Battery I, 3d U. S. Artillery, stationed during his three years of service at various forts along the Atlantic coast. In 1866 he accompanied his battery, which formed part of the army of General Meade, to guard the line between the United States and Canada during the Fenian raids of that year. After his term of military service had ended he worked in the cotton mills of Lowell, Mass., until 1872, when he came to Fall River, where he was employed for eight years in the American Print Works, now the American Printing Company. In 1879 he was appointed night patrolman on the Fall River police force and in that same year was transferred to ihe day patrol. In 1882 he was promoted to be sergeant and was assigned to duty in the Third Division of the city in March, 1883, as assistant marshal, and served as such until April, 1886, since which time he has filled the position of city marshal of Fall River. Marshal Hilliard has an excel- lent record in the office he has so long held; he possesses good executive abilities and has performed his duties with a devoted earnestness of purpose. During his administration the police force has been well disciplined and the best interests of the city always protected. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, Tri-Mountain Garrison No. 98 of the Regular Army and Navy PERSONAL REFERENCES. 113 Union, United Order of Workmen, American Benefit Society, and other organiza- tions. In 1885 and 1886 he was grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias for the State of Massachusetts. Marshal Hilliard was married in 1888 to Nellie S. Clark of Fall River, and they have one son, Dana S. Hilliard. Hindle, William, grocer, son of James and Mary Ann (Demery) Hindle, was born in Portsmouth, England, March 18, 1834. His father was a soldier in the 99th Regi- ment of the British army, and in that capacity spent six years in Australia, his wife and William accompanying him. In 1855 William Hindle came to New Bedford, where he found employment in the Wamsutta Mills as weaver. In 1861 he made a. visit to England, and on his return to New Bedford became a clerk in the grocery store of his brother-in law, David Cook, corner of Purchase and Willis streets, where he remained several years. Afterward he accepted the position of manager of the Industrial Co-operative store on Linden and Ashland streets, but finally resigned on account of ill health, and entered the old Charles Taber art establishment as foreman of the finishing room. He continued in this position until April, 1883, when he purchased of David Lythgoe the old David Cook store, which he has since con- ducted. Mr. Hindle is a Republican, has served his party as a committeeman and delegate to local, county, and senatorial conventions, and was a member of the City Council two years. He joined Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M. , in 1876, and has been a member of the Pleasant Street M. E. Church since 1855, was for many years a singer in its choir, and is now a member of its official board. December 24, 1855, he was married in this church to Sarah, daughter of Thomas and Mary Parkinson, whose parents came to New Bedford from England in 1854. Their children are Mary Ann (Mrs. Richard Jackson), Elizabeth Ellen, Emma (Mrs. William V. Ripley), Louisa (Mrs. John J. Walmsley), and William T., all of New Bedford, and Walter Parkinson Hindle, deceased. William T. Hindle married Alice Porter of New Bruns- wick, and is associated in the grocery business with his father. Hix, George Andrew, an old and representative citizen of the town of Dartmouth, was born in Westport, Bristol county, Mass., June 24, 1829. He obtained his early education in the public, schools of his native town and engaged in farming, which vocation he has always followed. He is a son of Daniel E. and Prudence B. (Gif- ford) Hix, and his father was a prominent farmer in this section for several years. June 25, 1854, Mr. Hix married Mary A. E., daughter of George D. and Loraine Crapo of Westport. Four children have been born to them: Frank H, Sarah H., wife of Thomas L. Lewis, Nellie F. , wife of Franklin K. Sisson, and Cora A. Mr. Hix is a man of many friends and is a prominent member of the South Bristol Farmers' Club. Hoag, Frank W., hardware and lumber merchant, was born in England, July 1, 1865, and obtained his education in the schools of his native country. He came to America in 1883 and located at Fall River, where he followed the occupation of a carpenter in the employ of C. F. Tripp for eleven years. In 1897 in association with Thomas T. McNulty he began the wholesale and retail hardware and lumber busi- ness on Second street, Fall River, under the firm name of McNulty & Hoag. They have a large establishment and keep on hand an extensive variety of goods and sup- plies pertaining to their business. In 1896 Mr. Hoag was elected to the Common Council of Fall River from Ward 7, as a Republican and in 1897 he was chosen to 114 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. represent Ward 8 in the same body. He has been treasurer of the Knights of Sher- wood of Fall River, has also been financial secretary for six years of Court Onward, Foresters of America, and was a State delegate to the Supreme Convention of the order held in 1895 at Cleveland, Ohio, and m 1897 was chosen a similar delegate to the convention at Denver, Col. In 1889 Mr. Hoag married Bridget Neary of Fall River. Hoar, George E. , painter and dealer in wall paper, was born in Warren, R. I., August 27, 1826. He left school when twelve years old, working in a cotton mill for one year and in the Robeson Print Works two years. He then learned the painting and paper hanging trade, which he has followed ever since with the exception of about two years. In 1853 he went to California, returned the next year and in 1856 went a second time, taking his wife and daughter. They started for California with the first party that crossed the entire Isthmus of Panama by railroad. They had gone safely across the Isthmus from Aspinwall to Panama and while getting their tickets registered at Panama to board the steamer for San Francisco, party of about fifty, including himself and family, were attacked by a band of negro ruffians and all of the men except three were killed for plunder. Mr. Hoar arrived in safety at San Francisco, where he engaged in the bakery business until his return in 1857. On February 14, 1858, he began a business in painting and paper hanging for himself and has since prospered. He conducts his business on Bedford street in a large building which he erected in 1882 and now owns. Mr. Hoar has been a director in Tecumseh Mill for fifteen years. In 1851 he married Elizabeth A. Mascraff, and after her death married her sister. They have three children: Annie, George W., and Mary Gertrude. His son, George W. Hoar, is associated with him in the busi- ness as a partner. Hoar, James H., assistant postmaster, 1894-98, was born in Fall River, October 8, 1860. He attended the public schools of his native city and then worked for several years in different cotton mills. Being of an active and enterprising turn of mind, he left the mills and for several years was a wide-awake and efficient agent in Fall River for the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. He severed his connection with the life insurance business February 26, 1894, to accept the position of assistant postmaster in the Fall River post-office. He filled this place very acceptably for the full term of four years. Mr. Hoar has been active in local politics and served during 1889 and 1890 as a member of the Common Council from old Ward 5. In 1892 he re- ceived the caucus nomination of the Democratic party for alderman and was de- feated at the polls by only nine votes. He was several times a delegate to the State conventions and for one year served as chairman of the Democratic congressional committee. In 1897 Mr. Hoar was nominated on the Democratic ticket for mayor of Fall River. He is a member of the A. O. H., Robert Emmett Temperance Society, the Foresters, and is president of the Black Bass Social Club, and exalted ruler of the Fall River Order of Elks. May 19, 1881, he married Mary F. Coppinger of Fall River, and they have seven children: Nellie, Henry G. , Nora M., James E. , John W., Sarah and Mary L. Mr. Hoar is a son of Charles P. and Sarah A. (Murphy) Hoar. Charles P. Hoar was a native of England and came to America in 1852. He served in the late war in Co. G, 26th Mass. Vols., and held the rank of sergeant. He has been a well known citizen of Fall River man)' years. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 115 Hodges, Alfred Baylies, was born in Norton, August IT, 18-11, a son of William S. and Avis P. (Whitmarsh) Hodges. His earl)' education was obtained in the Norton public schools, after which he started in life as a grocery clerk in Foxboro, where he remained until 1862, when he enlisted in the 4th Regiment, M. V. M., and went to Algiers, La. Here he was confined to the hospital for a time with swamp fever and then went to Brashear City and Port Hudson, then home via Cairo, and re- ceived his discharge at Camp Hooker in August, 18G3. After recovering from the fever and ague which he contracted in the South, he came to Taunton in 1804 and went to the Taunton Oil Cloth Works and from there to the Porter Britannia Company, where he remained thirteen years. In January, 1877, he was appointed assistant marshal and in July, 1879, was appointed city marshal and remained in that office until 1885. He opened an insurance broker's office in that year, which he conducted until 1890, and was again appointed city marshal for one 5'ear. In 1891 he reopened his insurance office and continued in that business until April, 1896. In 1896 he was appointed on the Massachusetts district police force, which position he now holds. Mr. Hodges has always been active in military life and was a member of the the 1st regiment, M. V. M., seventeen years. He worked his way up from private until he was appointed lieutenant-colonel under Col. Wellington, which position he held until he retired He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar, a past master of King David Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and a past com- mander of William H. Bartlett Post No. 8. G. A. R. December 14, 1864, he married Ellen' Augusta, daughter of Augustus L. and Vesti (Leach) Pratt of Norton, and they have one daughter, Bertha Ellen Hodges. Holden, Charles S., M. D., was born in Chicopee, Mass., April 29, 1856. His father, Peter S. Holden, was a native of Leicester, and through life was identified in educational interests and later in life the manufacture of cotton in Augusta, Ga. He married Mehitabel, daughter of Eliphalet Emery ; he died in 1878. Charles S. Holden was educated in the public schools and Harvard College, graduating from the Har- vard Medical School in 1882, and serving as house surgeon one year in the Massa- chusetts General Hospital. In 1883 he came to Attleborough and began the practice of his profession. In 1885 he married Caroline, daughter of Dr. Edward Sanford, and they have three children: Alice, Ruth and John S. Dr. Holden is one of the progressive men of his profession, is medical examiner for Bristol county ; a member of the Board of Health; one of the trustees of the Public Library; and is a member of the Massachusetts Medical and xMassachusetts Medico-Legal societies. Holmes, Charles F., was born on the homestead April 9, 1823. His father, James Holmes, was also born in the same neighborhood, where Eliphalet Holmes settled in 1760 and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. James married Nancy, daugh- ter of Enoch Arnold. Charles F. was educated in the high school in North Attle- borough, and in 1855 married Julia, daughter of Seth L. and Lydia Hartshorn, and they have one daughter, Cora E. Mr. Holmes is one of the conservative men of the town, passing twenty five years in mercantile business, and taking an intelligent in- terest in educational and religious institutions and has ever been recognized as a man of sterling integrity. Holmes, Charles J., son of Charles Jarvis and Louisa (Haskell) Holmes, was born in Rochester, Mass., March 4, 1884. He is a direct descendant of William Holmes, 116 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. who died in Marshfield in 1678, and five generations of his family lie buried in the Holmes family lot at Rochester. The family traces its ancestry to John Holmes, said to have taken his surname from Stockholm, the capital of his native country. He came into England as a private soldier in the army of William the Conqueror and was rewarded by him with an estate in Yorkshire, but later, having incurred the displeasure of King John, was obliged to flee from his estate to the northward. Some years after he purchased the Dalesman's estate, which is still in the possession of his descendants. The father of Charles J. was a prominent member of the Bris- tol bar, served several terms in the State Legislature and one term as a member of the Governor's Council. He removed from Rochester to Taunton when Charles J. was five years of age, and four years later came to Fall River, where the son at- tended the public and high schools, being a member of the graduating class of 1853, the first class to be graduated from the Fall River High School. As a young man Mr. Holmes was very fond of and excelled in all athletic sports, playing in cricket and base ball matches for more than twenty years, and being captain of the old Quequechan Base Ball Club. When he was nineteen he went into the Massasoit Bank as a clerk and when twenty-one was elected treasurer of the Five Cents Sav- ings Bank, which position he still holds. In the same year he became cashier of the Wamsutta Bank, which became the Second National Bank in 1864. He has repre- sented the city and senatorial district in both branches of the Legislature ; was alder- man in 1885, 1888 and 1889 ; a member of the School Committee over fifteen years ; chairman of the Civil Service Commission for many years ; and has served as over- seer of the poor since the creation of that separate department of that board. He is president of several manufacturing corporations and is personally identified with many religious and benevolent societies and associations. Mr. Holmes has been chairman of the committee of the Associated Savings Banks of Massachusetts for many years, and as such has attained a wide acquaintance in banking circles. In this capacity he has had marked success in presenting for favorable consideration the claims of savings banks before committees of the House and Senate of the United States. He has long been a member and for a number of years senior dea- con of the Central Congregational Church of Fall River. May 4, 1858, he married Mary A., daughter of Joshua and Johanna Remington of Fall River, and they have three children: Mary L., Anna C. and Charles L. Hood, William P., was born in Providence, R. I., in 1825, a son of David B. and Mary A. Hood. His father was a merchant and business connections took him on frequent visits to the Southern States, when William P. would be left in charge of the business with responsibilities unusual for one so young in years. However, a man's mature judgment and thoughtfulness seems to have possessed the boy of four- teen to such an extent that business went right along under his management. The one absorbing principle of his life seems to have been early implanted, that of doing for himself. Actuated by such motives he left home at the early age of fifteen to try the world for himself. He worked first at any kind of employment he could get for a number of years, when he at last took up that of insurance, fire, marine and life. In all of these he was eminently successful to a degree that he has continued it as a side line to every other undertaking he has entered into for the last sixty years. To follow him through the many and diversified undertakings he has entered PERSONAL REFERENCES. 117 into and carried through successfully without a single failure, would take a long time to enumerate. He was for twenty-five years a commercial traveler for a Boston house, selling its products all over New England, never stopping for hard times, but meeting circumstances of that nature with renewed energy and determination. In 1854 he with others organized and incorporated the Boston Stove Foundry at Somer- set and has been its treasurer a number of years. The buildings were destroyed by fire in February, 1896, but were immediately rebuilt on an enlarged and improved scale, so that the plant of the Somerset Stove Foundry Co. consists of one main building 40 by 180 feet, two and three stories; the foundry 52 by 120 feet with con- nections one story; capacity of the works $60,000 annually and employ forty skilled workmen. Besides the fine new buildings there is a water front of 400 feet with wharves complete, where all material is within wheelbarrow reach of the cupola, where it is needed, making it without exception one of the most complete and eco- nomical industries of its kind in New England. This establishment enjoys unusual advantages, situated as it is on the Taunton River four miles from the city of Fall River, where a large part of its products finds a ready and inexpensive market. Owing to the many enterprises engaged in, as well as the advanced age of Mr. Hood, this plant with stock and good will could be obtained on satisfactory terms at an outlay not to exceed $30,000. Here is offered an opportunity for capitalists to invest in an enterprise with no uncertainties to face on account of newness in the market, but rather with years of successful business enterprise in the past, with markets already built up and a prospect for the future rarely excelled. The reader must not take it for granted the life of an insurance underwriter and commercial traveler, or successful stove manufacturer fills up the scope of his operations; on the contrary he early invested in shipping and has carried shares in a number of vessels, has been interested in eighteen vessels which have gone down at various times with- out one dollar of insurance. Mr. Hood is at the present time largely interested in merchant marine, owning a large interest in the Gov. Ames, the only five masted schooner afloat, of over 300 feet in length, 50 feet beam and 20 feet deep, with a capacity of over 3,000 gross tons; she is now landing 1,500,000 feet southern pine lumber. He was for many years interested and a large owner in the Somerset ship yard and has seen thirteen vessels in course of construction on the stocks at one time. He is the largest individual property owner in the village, making his first venture in real estate in 1844, with a beginning of only $40, and purchasing the dwelling home which stands nearly opposite his present factory on Main street and paying thereon the sum mentioned above. In 1843 Mr. Hood married a daughter of Deacon Nathan Davis, and they had ten children, of whom five survive: William P., jr., A. H., Lilla F., Mary E. and Sarah F. Mr. Hood is a Royal Arch Mason and member of Pioneer Lodge, F. & A. M. Howard, Abby A. K., was born in Fairhaven, and her entire life has been devoted to educational pursuits, for which vocation she prepared when a young girl in the schools of Fairhaven, Middleboro Academy, and by private study. For a. period of twenty years she taught in the public schools of New Bedford, and many of her old pupils are now grown men and in business in that city. She also taught for many years in the schools of Cambridge, Mass. Her father was John Howard, a native of Fairhaven, and followed the trade of ship blacksmithing on the old south wharf for 118 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. many years, finally selling out to Luther F. Cole, who at present conducts the busi ness, which is still located in the old building erected by Mr. Howard. Miss How- ard's grandfather, William Howard, was a farmer at New Boston (East Fairhaven), and was known as a representative citizen of the community. Her mother, Sylvia Delano, was a member of the celebrated old Puritan family, headed by Philip De la Noye ; mention of whom is given elsewhere in this work. Of the union of John How- ard and Sylvia Delano four children were born: Abby A. K., Rebecca Delano, Jane Ellis (deceased), and John Francis (deceased). Howland, Abraham H., son of Holder and Caroline (Sampson) Howland, was born in North Dartmouth, February 15, 1847. His father was a mason, and after he had attended the district schools of the neighborhood for a short time he began to learn that trade, which he followed for about twelve years and then went to Newark, N. J., and engaged in the broom making business, which he continued successfully for six years, and in 1867 sold out and came to New Bedford. At this time he entered the employ of Herbert E. Hicks, a soda manufacturer, and for eight years was manager of the plant on Acushnet avenue, which he now owns, having purchased the busi- ness from Mr. Hicks in October, 1895. Mr. Howland has control of a large trade and his products are steadily gaining in reputation. He is a member of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows, and by virtue of his integrity and generous nature has won many friends in the community. He is unmarried. Howland, Barker Cushman, M. D., was born in Dartmouth, May 25, 1846, at the head of the Apponagansett River, where he lived until 1853, when the family re- moved to Bliss Corners, near New Bedford, where his father, who had been in Cal- ifornia during the early days of the gold excitement, had just built a residence. When he was twelve years of age his grandfather died and he went to care for his grandmother and to take charge of the farm at Apponagansett, and while here he attended the academy at Pandanaram, South Dartmouth, for five years and was graduated with a good record for scholarship. Directly after graduation (June, 1863) he went to San Francisco, Cal., and took charge of a coal, oil and lamp busi- ness, being at this time but seventeen; he conducted this business but a short time, when he went into the employ of wholesale drug firms — Crane & Brigham and later with Langley Crowell & Co. — in the same city; beginning at the bottom he gradually became thoroughly posted in the business and after an experience of seven months with a like firm in Sacramento, returned to San Francisco and was employed by Redington & Co., wholesale druggists; after two years in their employ he went to Forbestown, Butte county, Cal., and located a gold mine. After remaining there some time he returned to San Francisco and entered the wholesale drug firm of Heathfield, Bogel & Co. and became a traveling salesman, remaining in this capacity three years, and although he was said to be the youngest salesman in the wholesale drug trade on the Pacific coast, established a large trade. In the mean time he had applied himself to the study of medicine under the regime of the old school, but after careful investigation, decided to embrace homoeopathy, and returned to the East to complete his studies. For some time he studied and practiced with Dr. E. R. Sisson of New Bedford, and in 1871 he entered the New York Homoeopathic Medical College, from which he was graduated in March, 1873, and began his pres- ent practice in New Bedford the following month and has met with most gratifying PERSONAL REFERENCES. 119 success. Dr. Howland is a member of one of the oldest Puritan families, a direct descendant in the ninth generation from Henry Howland, who was born in England and settled in Plymouth Colony, before 1625, and who was reported in the old rec- ords to have been an intelligent and useful citizen, although he early joined the Friends and was much persecuted in consequence. The linj of descent is as fol- lows: Henry, 1 Zoeth, 8 Nathaniel, 3 James," James, 5 Timothy," Abner, 1 William W., 8 and Barker Cushman. 9 Dr. Howland is a prominent Mason, a member of blue lodge Star in the East, Adoniram R. A. Chapter, New Bedford Council, Sutton Command- ery No. 16 and New Bedford Chapter No. 49, Order of the Eastern Star, and he is also a member of Acushnet Lodge No. 41, of Odd Fellows. He married, May 25, 1876, Mary E., daughter of Weston K. and Eleanor M. Raymond, of New Bedford. Howland, Charles F. , was descended from (1) Henry Howland, who came to Plym- outh from England before 1625, settled in Duxbury, and married Mary Newland; (2) Zoeth, killed by the Indians at Pocasset in 1676; (3) Nathaniel, born in 1657, settled in Dartmouth, married Rose, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Allen, of that town, and died in 1723; (4) James, born in 1689, married Deborah Cook, a descendant of Fran- cis Cook, of the Mayflower; (5) James, born in 1719, married Elizabeth Wing, lived in Dartmouth and died in 1773; and (6) Jonathan, born in 1705, settled in New Bed- ford, and died in 1846. Jonathan Howland became a captain of coasting vessels. He married, first, Hannah Aiken ; second, in 1800, Desire, daughter of Jonathan and Patience Tabor; and third Elizabeth, daughter of John and Hannah Taber, Capt. Charles F. Howland, son of Capt. Jonathan and Desire (Taber) Howland, was born on Water street, at the head of Commercial, in New Bedford, October 19, 1808, and received a public school education. When seventeen he made his firSt voyage on the brig Indian Chief; later on the ships George Porter, Emerald, Hope, and South Car- olina, from New Bedford to South America; he passed through the different subor- dinate offices, and afterward commanded the William Baker and Atlantic, of War- ren, R. I., the Lion, of Providence, R. I., and the Courier, of New Bedford. In 1858 he retired from the service and subsequently acted as agent for William Crosby, of Talcahuana, and the Chili Whaling Company of Valparaiso, in the purchase of vessels and other materials. Captain Howland always enjoyed the respect and con- fidence of all who knew him. In 1864 he settled at 108 Fourth street, New Bedford, where he died August 6, 1895. He married Charlotte Himes, a native of Wickford, R. I., and the daughter of Stukeley and Elizabeth Himes, who survives him. Their children were Henry A., born December 6, 1831, who was engaged in the whaling service from New Bedford, became master of the ship Midas, settled in Valparaiso in 1868, and was given charge of the Chili Whaling Company; Emeline, born March 5, 1839, died December 12, 1883 ; Emma Frances, born September 20 1841, died Octo- ber 24, 1843; and Edward C, born July 16, 1845, died August 18, 1869. Emeline married in 1862 Major Edwin Dews, who served in the 9th N. Y. Vols, and 3d Mass. H. A. during the Civil war and afterward engaged in the book trade in New Bedford. Howland, Charles Warren, assessor and merchant of South Dartmouth, was born in that village March 25, 1860, a son of Daniel, jr., and Betsey R. (Nickerson) How- land. He attended the public schools of his native village and the Friends' School at Providence, R. I., and after completing his education engaged in farming suc- cessfully until 1890. At that time he established his present coal and farming im- 120 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. plement business on the South Wharf in the village of South Dartmouth, and although he started on a small scale the business is now one of considerable magnitude. Mr. Howland is a member of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., of New Bedford; Adoniram R. A. Chapter; Sutton Commandery, K. T., No. 16; and Aleppo Temple. He has been town assessor for the past seven years, two as chairman of the board ; and selectman for six years, one as chairman. He is also town inspector of cattle. Mr. Howland has been twice married; his first wife was Ada Day, and of their union is one daughter, Lucy W. In November, 1886, he married Maria B., daughter of Charles S. and Cornelia (Tripp) Sherman, and of this union one daughter has been born, Ada Day. Howland, Capt. Humphrey Daniel, a. native of the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., was born December 13, 1837. He lived at home until eighteen years of age. and then shipped on the Good Return, a whaling vessel, making one voyage of two and a half years. He then shipped aboard the Coral for one year ; the Arab for one and a half years; the Anala for two years; Marion Susan two years; and in' 1871 was made master of the bark John Carver, which ship he commanded for four years. At the end of this service he returned to his home in Dartmouth and has since lived in partial retirement. November 19, 1874, Captain Howland married Abbie A. , daughter of John and Betsey (Almy) Ellis, and they have two children : Helen A. and Clarence E. Howland, who was born in Dartmouth, December 7, 1875, and is now a practicing physician and surgeon at Westport. He was educated in the com- mon schools of Dartmouth and in the high school, from which he was graduated, after receiving an excellent record for scholarship. Later he attended the Friends Academy in New Bedford for several terms and then took a position in a New Bed- ford drug store in which he remained about two years, in the mean time beginning the study of medicine. He entered the medical department of New York University in 1894 and in 1897 was graduated with the degree M. D. He then took a course in the Post graduate Hospital and in 1898 settled in Westport to engage in practice. Howland, John M., was born in Fairhaven, July 29, 1810. He has lived there all his life, and with the exception of Capt. George Taber, is the oldest lifelong resident of the village. His father, John Howland, was a seafaring man and passed through many thrilling experiences in running blockades in the war of 1812. He retired from the sea in 1816, and for twenty years thereafter conducted a retail grocery and general store in Fairhaven. He also built the salt works on Spooner's Point. John M. Howland learned the cooper's trade in his early youth and when a young man of twenty opened a shop of his own, which he conducted successfully for over thirty years, being principally engaged in making oil casks for the whale ships. He became an extensive owner in whale shipping and at one time had shares in twenty vessels. He was always active in politics, being a Whig and later a Repub- lican, when the Whig party merged into the present Republican party. He fre- quently represented his party in the county and State conventions and during his active life took an important part in the councils of the party. He served upon the Grand Jury, being a member of the jury which indicted Theodore Parker. He is now nearly ninety years of age, but still possesses an excellent memory and takes an active interest in all matters of public moment and also in horticultural and agricultural work. Mr. Howland was married in 1833 to Matilda Coleman, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 121 whose mother, Phoebe (Folger) Coleman, was a sister of that noted astronomer, Hon. Walter Folger. Nine children were born to them: John Henry, Joseph Taber (de- ceased), Walter Folger (deceased), Laura Nye, wife of Sanford H. Dudley, Samuel Coleman (deceased), Harriet Matilda, George H., and two of the name of Eliza Col- lins, both deceased. The Howland family is of Puritan stock, John M. being a di- rect descendant and eighth of the line of Henry Howland as follows: s John M,. ■"John, 6 Wing, 5 James, 4 James, 3 Nathaniel, 2 Zoeth, and 1 Henry Howland, who came to Plymouth colony in 1625 and was reputed a useful and respected member of the same. Most of his early descendants were Quakers, he having joined that sect in 1657, at the time when it was just beginning to spread in America. John H. How- land, eldest son of John M. and Matilda (Coleman) Howland, was born in Fairhaven, November 2, 1834. He was educated in the schools of Fairhaven and in a seminary at Acushnet, and early in life learned the cooper's trade under his father, starting in business of his own when twenty one years of age, and conducting it for several years. Like his father, he has always been active in Republican politics. He has served as selectman and overseer of the poor in Fairhaven for six terms, during four of which he has been chairman of the board ; he has also served on the board of assessors for five years. Howland, John William, son of William and Abby B. (Macomber) Howland, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., July 12, 1848. His educational advantages were limited, compared with the advantages and facilities of the present day. Notwithstanding these deprivations he acquired a good common school educa- tion, and after leaving school went to learn the carpenter's trade, and after acquiring a practical knowledge of all the details of the trade he followed that line of work for a period of eight years. He then took up farming in which he has since been suc- cessfully engaged. Mr. Howland is a photographer of considerable note and de- votes a part of his time to this art. July 2, 1876, he married Maria, daughter of Daniel and Ruth (Tripp) Tripp. Hudner, Michael T., proprietor of the Mellen House and provision merchant, was born in Fall River, November 19, 1862. He obtained his eduation in the schools of his native city and in 1884 began his successful career in the market business at Sec- ond and Rodman streets, continuing there two and one half years. He then moved to Pleasant street in the Waterman block, where he remained two and one-half years, at the expiration of which time he moved to the Thomas Waring building on Main street. He next located at the corner of Main and Borden streets, where he has since enjoyed an extensive business. In 1895 he opened a large market and pro- vision store at the corner of Washington and Bennett streets, Boston, which he still continues with success. From 1892 to 1894 he was proprietor of the Mellen House, the leading hotel in Fall River; he again leased this hotel March 1, 1897. In 1897 he erected the Hudner building on South Main street, which is one of the finest busi- ness blocks in the city, built with modern improvements, and using its own electric plant. Mr. Hudner married Helena Kennedy, who had been a successful school teacher of New Bedford, and a daughter of Michael Kennedy, a well-known citizen of that city. Hughes, Rev. Christopher, pastor of St. Mary's Church, Fall River, was born in Ireland, March 18, 1841. He was brought to this country when only a few months p 122 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. old and during his boyhood lived in New Haven, Conn. He entered St. Charles College, Ellicott City, Md., near Baltimore, in August, 1855, and was graduated in July, 1860; in September of the same year he went to the American College, at Rome, Italy, where he was ordained sub-deacon, June 10, 1865, by Cardinal Patrizi ; deacon February, 1866, by Cardinal Sforza, archbishop of Naples; priest February 24, 1866, at St. John Lateran, by the most Rev. Peter de Villanova Castellaci, arch- bishop of Petra; appointed assistant at St. Mary's, New Haven, Conn., June 26, 1866, by Bishop McFarland of Providence ; appointed assistant at St. Patrick's, Val- ley Falls, R.I., January '23, 1868; appointed- pastor of St. Patrick's, Providence, RI., February, 2, 1869; and pastor of St. Mary's, Fall River, September 2, 1887, where his pastorate has been eminently successful. Humphrey, James Lee, jr., was born in New Bedford, Mass., February 17, 1860, and is the son of James L. Humphrey, sr., and Maria Bradford, his wife. His father was born in Jericho, Vt, in 1826, came to New Bedford in 1840, engaged first in the whaling business, served as alderman of the city for a time, and for many years was a teacher and superintendent of schools of Fairhaven and Acushnet. Mr. Humphrey was graduated from the New Bedford High School in 1878, and very soon afterward engaged in the dairy produce business on North Second street, near Union, where he has ever since conducted a successful and constantly increasing trade. December 20, 1886, he married Josephine C, daughter of Capt. James R. Allen of Acushnet. Hunt, Cyrus D., vice-president of the First National Bank of Fairhaven, was born at East Weymouth, November 15, 1833, and attended the common schools in the vicinity of his father's home until thirteen years old. At this early age he gained his first business experience in assisting his father, who reconstructed the govern- ment breakwater at Fort Adams, Newport, R. I. , and for three years continued to work with his father in the summer and to attend the East Weymouth schools in the winter. At the age of sixteen he went into the factory of the Weymouth Iron Com- pany ; became fully conversant with the trade of manufacturing nails and worked at that business in East Weymouth, Providence, R. I., and Somerset, Mass., for a period of ten years. He was obliged to leave the factory in 1861 on account of ill health, caused by too close attention to his trade, and after a few months' recreation entered the Bridgewater Normal. For this step he was well prepared, having de- voted much of his spare time to study while working at his trade, and graduating after a successful course, secured a position as teacher of a school in Somerset, teaching during the winter of 1863-64. In the summer of 1864 he entered the employ of the American Nail Machine Company of Boston. This company purchased property in Fairhaven, to which place the machinery and business were transferred in 1865. At this time Mr. Hunt was placed in charge of the plant and it was not long before he convinced his directors of the necessity of making a change in the product and they authorized him to make tacks and small nails. In 1867 the company was re- organized and named the American Tack Company. Mr. Hunt was earnestly de- voted to the business and being a practical workman, secured success which other- wise might have been a failure. He made the building up of the concern his life work, and is justly proud of the success which crowned the hard fightagainst adverse conditions and the patient efforts which he put forth in the beginning. In 1891 the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 123 company was merged into the present Atlas Tack Company and he retired from the management after a service of twenty-six years. Mr. Hunt has been a trustee and member of the board of investment of the Fairhaven Institution for Savings for a number of years ; and is also a director and vice-president of the First National Bank. In politics he has always been a staunch Republican, a firm believer in the protection policy of that party. He has served in the School Committee for three years, but has never held other public office, although he has been active and has frequently given advice in the councils of his party. Mr. Hunt married Sarah E. Mansfield of Braintree, Mass., and of their union have been born three sons and two daughters. Cyrus Hunt, father of Cyrus D. Hunt, was born in Braintree, Mass., August 5, 1805, and died July 14, 1863. He was a son of Daniel Hunt, born in Braintree, 1778, and who married Polly Kingman. Mr. Hunt's mother was a daugh- ter of Laban Porter, a direct descendant of Richard Porter, who came from England in 1635, and was one of the first settlers of Weymouth. Enoch Hunt, the paternal ancestor of Cyrus D. Hunt, came from England to Wessagusset (Weymouth), with the first settlers of that ancient town. His son, Ephraim (2), born 1610, married for his first wife Annie Richards and for his second, Ebbitt Burns. Ephraim (3), their son, was born in Weymouth, 1650, and died in 1713: his son, John (4), was born in Braintree, 1688, and his son, Andrew (5), born 1743, and died 1794, was the father of Daniel (6), who was the grandfather of Cyrus D. Hunt, John, whose name forms a part of the history of the whaling industry in New Bedford, died at Minneapolis, Minn., whither he had gone for his health, on the 5th day of August, 1862, in the fiftieth year of his age. He was a son of Benja- min and Abigail Hunt, born in Little Compton, R. I., June 12, 1813. When very young he came to New Bedford and in a short time found a position as clerk, in the employ of Henry Taber. Mr. Taber was quick to recognize the young man's sterl- ing good sense and qualities, and soon admitted him to partnership, together with his son William Taber, the firm being changed to Henry Taber & Company. The history of this firm, as the owners of the celebrated Boston and New York packet lines, and as leaders in the whaling business, is well known. Mr. Hunt gave to it all his energy and developed a rare executive and administrative ability. He never sought publicity, but for several successive terms was a member of the Board of Aldermen, and that he filled no other public positions, was not due to any lack of the public's appreciation of his worth, or of a desire to honor him, but to his utter aversion to anything like display. Sincere, frank, and true, he had many friends and few enemies. His exemplary standing in the community could have had no more befitting testimonial than the words which closed his brief obituary in the New Bed- ford Mercury, "John Hunt was an honest man." Mr. Hunt was twice married. His first wife was Sarah Gordon, by whom he had one child, Thomas G. Hunt of New York. His second wife was Abby Taber, daughter of Henry Taber, by whom he had a daughter, Sarah G. Hunt. Hurlbut, Hiram F., was born in Ferrisburg, Addison county, Vt., October 25, 1836, a son of Louis and Philomelia (Fuller) Hurlbut. His father was a farmer, cooper and contractor, held different public offices and was well known in that vicinity. The family is of old Puritan stock, the first settler of the name having been Thomas, who settled in Connecticut early in the seventeenth century. Hiram F. Hurlbut 124 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was educated in the schools of his native town and in the high school at Vergennes, Vt. He came to Massachusetts in 1873 and settled in Lynn, where he engaged in a general produce business, which he continued successfully for several years; later he engaged in the real estate business in Lynn for a time, and in 1887, in company with John W. Brimblecom and Ira W. Rogers, he purchased from Francis Hathaway of New Bedford the trout ponds and adjoining lands in East Freetown and began to raise trout for market and for stocking. Later Mr. Brimblecom retired and in 1894 Mr. Rogers sold his interest to Mr. Hurlbut, the whole being now in the possession of Mr. Hurlbut and his son, Byron S. Hurlbut. These, trout ponds are beautifully situated in a wooded tract on the shores of Long Pond in East Freetown and Mr. Hurlbut has built up an extensive trade. Last season over 7,000 pounds of trout were shipped to market, besides 1,000,000 eggs and 50,000 " small fry" for stocking. In 1860 Mr. Hurlbut married Roxcy, daughter of Isaac Satterly of Ferrisburg, Vt. , and they have one son, Byron S. Hurlbut. Hussey, Mrs. Elizabeth R. — The late George Hussey, jr., died in New Bedford, May 25, 1872, in his forty-fourth year. He was in company with his father, George Hussey. He was not a native of New Bedford, having been born in New York city in 1828, a son of George and Hetty (Howland) Hussey, and being a man of engaging manner and sterling character, his demise, which came in the prime of life, was greatly regretted. His father engaged in the shipping business in New Bedford in the early forties and developed a large interest, principally in merchant ships, and when George, jr., reached his majority, he became a member of the firm. In No- vember, 1855, Mr. Hussey married Elizabeth Rodman Morgan, who survives him, a daughter of Charles Wain Morgan of Philadelphia, who settled in New Bedford in 1819 and became an extensive owner of whaling ships. They had four children who now survive: Charles M., Emily M., Alice, who married Henry M. Plummer, of New Bedford, and Rev. Alfred Rodman Hussey, pastor of the First Unitarian Church of West Roxbury, Mass. Mr. Hussey came of one of the oldest of New England familes, being a direct descendant and seventh of the line of Christopher Hussey, who was a clergyman, a son of John of Dorkin, England, who came to Salem, Mass., about 1630. Most of his descendants affiliated themselves with the Society of Friends. Ide, Amos, was born in Attleborough, January 1, 1818, a son of Abijah and Chloe (Read) Ide The family trace their descent from John Ide, who settled in Attle- borough about 1620. Amos Ide was educated in the public schools and in 1848 went to Trenton, N. J., and learned the manufacturing of shuttles, also of baskets. In 1862 he returned to Attleborough and in 1867 organized the firm of Ide & Bottomly, shuttle manufacturers. In 1849 Mr. Ide married Isabella, daughter of J. W. Capron. Mr. Ide is a self-made man, taking an intelligent interest in school and church mat- ters and has ever been recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose word as proven by his life is as good as his bond. Ide, Rev. Jacob, Mansfield, was born in West Medbury, August 7, 1823. Gradu- ate of Amherst College in 1848 ; studied law two years with his uncle,. Judge William Emmons, at Hallowell, Me. ; was instructor in Chapman Hall school, Boston, and in Lexington (Mass.) Academy; studied theology with his father, Dr. Jacob Ide of West Medbury ; licensed to preach by the Mendon Association ; was ordained as PERSONAL REFERENCES. 125 pastor of the orthodox Congregational Society at Mansfield, March 26, 1856, and re- mained with that society as its sole pastor up to the time of his death, March 23, 1898. He was married March 24, 1859, to Ellen M. Rogers, daughter of Hon. John and Eliza (Williams) Rogers; one son, John E., born August 2, 1868, now residing in Mansfield. Mr. Ide was very prominent in all the affairs of the church and town ; he took a very active part in all associations and enterprises having for their object the improvement of his fellow men. He was a very earnest worker in the cause of temperance, was an early, persistent and ready friend of the colored race and did much valuable work for them. He was sent to the Massachusetts Legislature in 1864 and to the Senate in 1866. He was one of the trustees of the Public Library from its organization up to the time of his death, and a member of the Soldiers' Me- morial Association at the time of his decease. He was greatly beloved by the in- habitants of the town which had been his home for so many years ; his life was well spent in doing good and very many have been helped and aided by him. Ide, John E., was born In Mansfield, August 2, 1868. His father, Rev. Jacob Ide, was a native of Medway, and was identified in the ministry in Mansfield for forty- two years ; a man who had devoted his entire life to the care of his fellowmen. He married Ellen M., daughter of John Rogers. John E. was graduated from the Bos- ton University in 1889 and admitted to the bar the same year. He married Jennie M., daughter of Herbert W. Nye Mr. Ide is a man who takes an intelligent interest in public events and the general prosperity of his town and Commonwealth, and has ever been recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose word is as good as his bond. Ingraham, Professor Andrew, master of the Swain Free School of New Bedford, was born in December, 1841, a son of Robert and Phoebe (Coffin) Ingraham. The family is of good old New England stock, and has been well represented in this vicinity for many generations. Mr. Ingraham's father being a well known merchant of New Bedford. During his boyhood he attended private schools in New Bedford and the Mattapoisett Academy, and later he entered Dartmouth College, from which institution he was graduated with the degree A. B. in 1862. Immediately after grad- uation he enlisted in Co. L, 3d Mass. Volunteers, for the nine months' service, but, owing to having contracted fever, did not return until some time after the discharge of his company. He is now engaged in the profession of teaching, which he has ever since followed, having been engaged for a number of years in private schools and in coaching and private tutoring in New Hampshire. In 1866 he came to New Bedford to fill a position as instructor in the Friends' Academy, and, after Mr. Tet- low's resignation, was made principal of the school, serving faithfully in that capac- ity until 1887. In that year he succeeded Dr. Gummere, master of the Swain Free School, and still serves in that office. During his connection with this institution Professor Ingraham has met with a large measure of success, and is a man of proved ability, sound judgment, and high scholarship, being eminently well fitted for the profession which he has made his life work, and enjoying a high standing in Massachusetts educational circles. Professor Ingraham was married, in 1869, to Mary Eva, daughter of George Hunt of Providence, R. I. They have four chil- dren: George Hunt, Margaret, Arthur and Edward Ingraham. Inman, John T., was born in Droylsden, England, August 18, 1860, and came to 126 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the United States in 1868, settling in Attleborough, where he was educated in the public schools. He afterward learned the jewelry business with Streeter Bros., Bliss Bros., and Watson & Newell, and in 1882 organized the firm of Lindsay & Inman, changing the name in 1890 to J. T. Inman & Company, making a line of sterling silver novelties. In 1882 he married Minnie E., daughter of Mortimer Guild, and they have two children: Roy W. and Mary B. Mr. Inman is one of the self made men of his town; takes an intelligent interest in school matters; is a member of the Order of Red Men ; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Irish, Benjamin, is the son of John and Nancy (Little) Irish, and a grandson of Samuel Irish and Fobes Little, all of Little Compton, R. I., and was born there Jan- uary 9, 1814. John Irish, who succeeded to the old homestead of his father Samuel, was born in Little Compton on the 14th of April, 1776, and died December 24, 1859. His wife, Nancy, was born October 20, 1774, and died March 21, 1854. Benjamin Irish received a limited education in the district schools of his native town. When thirteen years old he came to New Bedford and entered the grocery store of Samuel Little and subsequently the shipping office of William H. Stowell. In 1842 he be- came a bookkeeper for Isaac Howland, jr., & Co., with whom he remained until 1873. Since then he has devoted his time to the care of large real estate interests in New Bedford. Mr. Irish was auditor for the New Bedford Institution for Savings for several years. He has been married three times and has had four children, of whom three survive, viz. : Benjamin T., George U. and Charles S., all of New Bed- ford. Jackson, Albert, son of James O. and Phoebe (Rogers) Jackson, was born at Hal- let's Cove, Queens county, N. Y. (now Astoria and a part of Greater New York), July 29, 1835. He attended the district schools of his native village for a short time and when he was ten years old removed with his father's family to New York city. When eighteen years of age he left school and began a three years' apprenticeship at the machinist's trade. After completing this term he worked as a journeyman at his trade until 1861, when he entered the regular navy as a third assistant engineer, serving throughout the Civil war on the frigate Roanoke, the sloop of war Canan- daigua, and the gunboat Spirea, being in charge of the machinery on the two vessels last named, and taking part in many engagements. At the close of the war he resigned as second assistant engineer from the service and was variously em- ployed until 1876, when he went into the lighthouse service. Since then he has been chief engineer on the lighthouse tender Verbena for fourteen years ; of the lighthouse supply steamer Armeric two years ; and for the past five years of the lighthouse tender Azalia. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Knights of Honor. He has been an active member of the Fairhaven Methodist Church for over ten years and is now serving the congregation as steward. In March, 1862, he married Eliza- beth, daughter of Howlett Roe of New York city, and they have four children: Elenor, adopted from infancy, Albert R. , Estelle and Susan P. On the maternal side Mr. Jackson is a descendant of John Rogers. Janson, Arthur F., money order clerk in the Fall River post-office, and a son of Beloni and Denise (Giroux) Janson, was born in Fall River, December 19, 1875. Beloni Janson, who is of French ancestry, came to Fall River from Canada when PERSONAL REFERENCES. 127 he was nine years old. He followed the trade of carpenter for some time and after wards was engaged in various enterprises for fifteen years. He next embarked in the real estate and fire insurance business, in which he prospered, and by energy and enterprise became an influential citizen of Fall River. In 1886 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Bristol county. Denise Giroux, the wife of Beloni Jauson, and mother of Arthur Janson, was born in Champlain, N. Y. , of French parentage. Her ancestors were from La Colle, Quebec Canada, being descendants of the Longtin family, influential people of that country. Arthur F. Janson obtained his education in the public schools of Fall River, graduating from the high school in 1893. He was employed for one year with the Kerr Thread Company and then passed a civil service examination, and was appointed money order clerk of the Fall River post- office. Jackson, Col. A. M., M. D., was born in Lee, Me., October 19, 1840, and was edu- cated at the Litchfield Liberal Institute and Waterville College, Me., from which he was graduated in 1861. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 24th Maine Vols., was appointed second lieutenant of Co. F, 24th Me. Vols , detailed to Signal Corps and sent to the department of the Gulf ; in 1863 was promoted to first lieutenant 24th Maine Vols., and commissioned second lieutenant Signal Corps, U. S. A., served through Port Hudson campaign in Western Louisiana and Texas; in 1864 in Indian - ola, Texas, and in charge of secret service department at General Camby's head- quarters; commissioned major 10th U. S. C. A. (Hy) in December; in 1865 was president of court martial for several months, provost-marshal city of New Orleans from July, 1865 to June, 1866, provost-marshal general department of Gulf to wind up office; mustered out February 22, 1867. breveted lieutenant-colonel U. S. A. for faithful and meritorious service throughout the war ; from 1867 to 1871 was in the dry goods business ; from 1874 to the present time in practice of medicine in Fall River, chairman of School Board in Fall River for eight years, three years post commander of Richard Borden Post No. 46, G. A. R. ; in 1890 on Governor Brackett's staff with rank of colonel, and in 1897 president of the Common Council of Fall River; elected same year mayor of Fall River on the Republican ticket. June 1, 1865, he married Susan A. Noe at New Orleans. They have three children ; Amy L (wife of Edward S. Hawkins), Dr. O. H. Jackson, and Ruel H. Jackson, Hon. James F. , son of Elisha T. and Caroline (Forbes) Jackson, was born in Taunton, November 13, 1851. He attended the public and private schools of that city and in 1869 entered Harvard College. He was graduated in 1873 and began the study of law in Taunton, in the office of Judge Edmund H. Bennett, later enter- ing the Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated in 1875. In September of the same year he opened an office in Fall River, forming a copartner- ship with John J. Archer, which continued until the death of Mr. Archer in 1882. Soon after he formed a copartnership with David F. Slade. Richard P. Borden be- came a member of this firm in 1891, and Philip E. Tripp in 1897, the firm name being Jackson, Slade & Borden. Mr. Jackson became connected with the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia in 1879, when he was elected second lieutenant of Co. M, 1st Reg. Infantry. He was afterward appointed paymaster on the staff of Col. A. C. Well- ington ; then elected major and subsequently lieutenant-colonel, leaving the service in 1891. He was city solicitor of Fall River in 1880, being elected every year there- 128 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. after until 1889, with the exception of 1886. In 1889 he was elected mayor on the Republican ticket and was re-elected the following year. He was appointed a mem- ber of the State Ballot Law Commission in 1897. In 1898 he was nominated as a judge of the Superior Court but declined the nomination. . June 16, 1882, he married Caroline S., daughter of EH and Julia A. (Sessions) Thurston. Jackson, Dr. John Henry, physician and surgeon, a son of John and Sarah (Cun- ningham) Jackson, was born at Lee, Penobscot county, Me., March 26, 1838. His ancestors came from England and settled in Massachusetts about 250 years ago ; his grandfather, John Jackson, was a soldier in the Revolution, entering the army when quite young. Dr. Jackson obtained his preparatory education in the academy at Litchfield, Kennebec county, Me., then entered Colby University at Waterville, Me., receiving the degree of A. B. in 1860 and A. M. in 1863. He taught in the high schools of Maine and later in Wisconsin until 1865, when he entered the medical de- partment of Bowdoin College at Brunswick, Me., remaining three years and receiv- ing the degree of M. D. from that institution in 1868. He began practice at Vassal- borough, Me. , continuing there until 1873, when he came to Fall River, where during the past quarter of a century he has had a large practice and become widely known as a successful physician. Dr. Jackson is a member of the Fall River Medical Soci- ety, and the Massachusetts and American Medical Associations. Since 1893 he has been professor of theory and practice of medicine in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Boston. January 29, 1862, he married Clara Wentworth of Waterville, Me. They have one son, Dr. R. W. Jackson, who is also a practicing physician in Fall River. Jewett, William N., son of Nelson E. and Amanda M. (Leavitt) Jewett, was born in Providence, R. I., October 29, 1866. The family removed to New Bedford when he was an infant and he was educated in the common schools and in the High School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1882, and he then began his business life as a clerk in the heavy hardware business of Watkins & Handy and continued with Mr. Handy, who purchased the interest of Mr. Watkins, until the former's death in 1895. At this time Mr. Jewett was placed in charge of the business and has since conducted it with success. He married, in 1893, Edith H, daughter of Captain William Washburn, of Fairhaven. Jones, Edward C, who died in New Bedford, March 16, 1880, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, was one of the ablest and most successful owners and agents of whale shipping that New Bedford ever produced, and for many years was prominently and closely identified with whaling interests. He was born in Nantucket, Mass., in 1805, and having removed to New Bedford at an early age received his education in pri- vate schools and at the Friends' Academy. Very early in life he began his business experience in a counting room, where he acquired habits of industry and a good knowledge of business methods, which contributed to the foundation of his subse- quent prosperity. When a young man he formed a copartnership with Capt. Elisha Dunbar, a whaling captain who had engaged in mercantile life, and under the name of Elisha Dunbar & Co., they carried on an extensive business as ship chandlers and agents, importers and dealers in bar iron, and attained a high standing. After the death of Captain Dunbar, which occurred in November, 1839, Mr. Jones continued the business alone and especially gave his experience and great executive ability to PERSONAL REFERENCES. 129 the management of his whaling interests with a view of increasing them largely ; this purpose he carried out during thirty years of close application, using great cau- tion in selecting officers for his ships with exceptionally profitable results and acquir- ing a large fortune. In his later years he relinquished the shipping business and devoted his time to the care of his other investments. He was a member of the board of directors of the Marine (now the First National Bank), and of the New Bedford Gas Light Company nearly from their organization. Although not college bred he was a man of culture and fine literary taste. He especially loved English literature and poetry. Mr. Jones was truly a man of sterling worth ; he was of quiet, unobtrusive disposition, and had no ambition to shine in public office, the only position of this kind he ever held being as assessor of the town of New Bedford. Jordan, Charles E., was born in the town of Thompson, Conn., November 23, 1833. His father, Lorenzo Jordan, married Sarah B., daughter of Joel, Barnes, and settled in the town of North Attleborough, where he was known as a farmer ; he died in September, 1894, in his eighty-seventh year. Charles E. Jordan married Mary S., daughter of Augustus and Lillis G. Haskill Holmes, and they have two sons: William H. and Lorenzo A. Mr. Jordan is one of the practical and successful farmers of his town, serving as selectman and taking an active interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Keith, Frank P., is descended in regular line from Rev. James Keith, the first minister of Bridgewater. which is as follows: (1) Rev. James Keith, born 1643, died July 23, 1719; (2) Joseph Keith, born February 14, 1675, died September 27, 1730; (3) Eleazer Keith, born January 11, 1703, died April 16, 1794; (4) Lemuel Keith, born December 19, 1741, died September 13, 1821 ; (5) Eleazer Keith, born May 12, 1780, died May 6, 1863; (6) Charles E. Keith, born September 20, 1818, died August 27, 1897 ; Charles E. Keith married, November 26, 1839, Elizabeth Drake, daughter of Bartholomew and Betsey (Bonney) Drake. Mrs. Keith is still alive and a descend- ant from a family in England, 1360, and a lineal descendant of Thomas Drake, who settled in Weymouth, Mass., in 1635. Mrs. Keith was educated in Wheaton Female Seminary, Norton, Mass., and in her early life taught school in Easton for several years. Charles E. and Elizabeth had six children, of whom the fifth is (7) Frank P. Keith, and he was born in Easton, Mass., May 25, 1851, in the house that has been owned by the Keith family for nearly a century. The oldest house now standing in Easton was built in 1717 by Josiah, son of Rev. James Keith. His father in his early life taught school in Wrentham and Easton, but afterwards he became a farmer. For a number of years he was a member of the superintending School Committee and in politics he was a staunch Democrat, having always voted that ticket, his first vote being for Marcus Morton, and he claimed that his vote elected him governor of the State. He missed but two gubernatorial elections and no presidential vote. Mr. Keith was an honored member of Paul Dean Lodge of Free Masons and always took a deep interest in matters pertaining to that frater- nity. On November 27, 1889, he celebrated his golden wedding and the couple were the recipients of many congratulations and handsome presents. Frank P. Keith was educated at the public school and afterwards studied at the High School of Easton. He commenced work in 1869 for the O. Ames and Sons Corporation, as i 130 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. clerk in their store, and is still in their employ. He married, October 7, 1879, Susan E. Earl, daughter of Alexander and Sarah Drew Earl, and they have four children: Earl Wadsworth, Laurence Frank, Helen Isabelle and Kenneth Walter. Mr. Keith is a notary public and justice of the peace of the Commonweath of Massachusetts; is a director and clerk of the North Easton Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company; has been a director of the North Easton Co-operative Bank for eight years; is chair- man of the board of the Prudential Committee of the North Easton village district, and other minor offices. His is a member of Paul Dean Lodge of Free Masons of Easton, having held the position as secretary of that order for several years, and has been senior deacon of the same ; is also a member of the Bay State Commandery of Knights Templar of Brockton. He takes a general interest in his town and towns- people; in politics is a Republican, and is a man of sterling and energetic qualities. Kelly, Michael, physician and surgeon, was born in Ireland, April 20, 1856, and attended the schools of his native country until fourteen years of age, at which time he came to this country, settling in Fall River where he has since resided. His pre- paratory education being completed, he entered Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass., and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in the class of 1879. Three years later the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by the same institution. In 1881 he began his medical studies in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York city. He was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1885. In the same year he be- gan a practice in Fall River which he has since continued with success. Dr. Kelly is a member of the Fall River Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is also a member and medical examiner of several fraternal and insurance or- ganizations. He was city physician and chairman of the Fall River Board of Health for three years, and is now a member of the board of instruction of the Home Train- ing School for nurses, and a member of the medical staff of the Seaside Home and of the Emergency Hospital. In 1890 he married Caroline Cantwell of Fall River, and they have three children : Christopher, Philomena and Eva. Kelly & Sutcliffe. — These gentlemen are now and have been for twenty five years the proprietors of the St. James Hotel, which they have enlarged and improved un- til it is now one of the best equipped hotels in Fall River, capable of accommodating 100 guests, and admirably fitted up in every particular and detail. George H. Kelly, senior member of the firm, was born in Ireland, December 3, 1844, and came to America in 1865. He first worked for J. B. Nye, where the Talbot store now stands, for six years, then with his brother two years, and later was a part owner of the Mechanics' House. In 1872 he became associated with James Sutcliffe and William Hickey in the St. James and in 1872 the firm of Kelly & Sutcliffe was formed. Mr. Kelly has been a member of the fire department since 1868. He was foreman of the old Reinder Hook & Ladder Company, and has served under seven chief engineers, being now a call man. He is a member of the Firemen's Mutual Relief Association and was one of its organizers. He is also a member of the Veteran Firemen's As- sociation and the Order of Foresters. Mr. Kelly was first married to Christina Macomber, who died leaving two children: James F. and Minnie J. His second wife was Hanora Riley, who died leaving one daughter Hanora. His present wife was Mary Ann Roach. Of this union are two children: William H., and Elizabeth. James Sutcliffe, junior member of the firm, was born in England, February 22, 1844, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 131 and came to America when four years old. His people settled in Boston and thence removed to Providence. He began working in a mill at nine years of age and con- tinued in various capacities until twenty-three. He became overseer of a mill, and enjoyed the distinction of being one of the youngest overseers in this section. He later engaged in the produce business with William Hickey, where the city hall now stands. In 1871 he was employed in the city hall, and in 1872 purchased the St. James with Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hickey. Mr. Sutcliffe is a member of the Firemen's Mutual Relief Association and is also a veteran fireman. He has been treasurer of the Firemen's Relief Association since its organization. Mr. Sutcliffe married Bridget McGuire and they have two children: James H. and Maud M. Sutcliffe. Kelley. Charles Sampson, banker, was born in New Bedford, Mass., August 2, 1846, and is a grandson of William and Abigail C. Kelley, natives of Haverhill, Mass., and New Bedford, respectively. Henry C. Kelley, his father, was for several years a leading dry goods merchant in New Bedford. He joined the New Bedford Protecting Society in 1843, became its vice-president, and died November 9, 1862, from injuries received at a fire on October 24, while discharging his duties as a mem- ber and officer of that organization. He married Ann Howland Allen, daughter of Joseph Howland and Sarah (Howland) Allen, Quakers and natives of New Bedford. She died December 7, 1889, in her sixty-ninth year. She was descended from Henry Howland, a Quaker, one of three brothers, who came from England to Duxbury, Mass., in 1625. Charles S. Kelley received a public school education, and at the age of sixteen was obliged to aid in the support of his widowed mother. He tvas first a clerk for two years in stores. In April, 1864, he entered the banking office of Ed- ward L. Baker, who had established himself in business in 1848. Mr. Baker was succeeded in May, 1865, by Samuel P. Burt, and Mr. Kelley continued with the latter as clerk and bookkeeper until April 22, 1875, when the firm of S. P. Burt & Co. was formed, consisting of Mr. Burt, Gardner T. Sanford and Mr. Kelley. June 2, 1884, by the death of Mr. Burt, the firm name became Sanford & Kelley. This has long been one of the leading banking houses in southeastern Massachusetts, and has occupied its present building since September 21, 1896. Mr. Kelley was one of the founders and has been continuously a director of the Mellin's Food Company of Bos- ton. He was especially active in reorganizing the Board of Trade, being one of its incorporators, and to him is largely due its entire success. He was also very prominent in the Industrial Exhibitions in New Bedford in 1887 and 1888, and was the prime mover in securing the Wamsutta Club House, serving as treasurer and as an active member of its building committee; this body, in 1891, elected him an honorary member, the first and only person holding that distinction. He was an organizer of the Y. M. C. A. , April 30, 1867, served thirteen years as its first treas- urer, and was largely instrumental in causing the erection of the present building, serving as chairman of its construction committee and treasurer of the building com- mittee. In 1890 he organized the Veteran Firemen's Association and was its first president. He is also president of the New Bedford Protecting Society, and in poli- tics is a prominent Republican. He was active in the publication of the Board of Trade souvenir in 1889 and has issued two or three booklets containing valuable statistics relating to New Bedford. June 8, 1871, he married Sarah, daughter of Edmund Anthony, founder of the New Bedford Standard. She was born in Taun- 132 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ton, Mass., May 22, 1843. Their children are Sarah Elizabeth, Caroline S. and Charles S., jr. Kelley, William Laban, jeweler, is the son of Charles and Judith B. (Paddock) Kelley, and a grandson of John Wing Kelley, and was born in Sidney, Me., Novem- ber 16, 1839. His mother's father, Peter Paddock, was one of the first sea captains out of Nantucket. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather were both natives of Dennis, Cape Cod, the latter moving from there into Maine. Mr. Kelley was ed- ucated in his native State, first in the common schools and afterward at Oak Grove Seminary, which was conducted by the Society of Friends. He is a birthright Qua- ker, as were his ancestors. When twenty-one years old he came to New Bedford to learn the jewelry business with Ezra Kelley. On August 21, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 3d Mass. Cav., and served nearly three years, being on detached duty as clerk in the quartermaster's department most of the time. Returning to New Bedford after receiving an honorable discharge he again entered Ezra Kelley's jewelry store, at 106 Union street, and three years later succeeded to the business, which he has ever since conducted, moving it to the present location on the corner of Purchase and Union streets about 1878. Mr. Kelley is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to Rural Lodge of Sidney, Me. , to the Chapter and Commandery in New Bedford, and to the Consistory of Boston. In 1867 he married Rebecca C, daughter of Charles H. Clark of Nantucket. Kennedy, Joseph P., born in New Bedford in 1863, succeeded to the cooperage business established by his father, M. F. Kennedy, upon the death of the latter in 1888. In 1890 Mr. Kennedy engaged in the wholesale paper and twine business, his present occupation, abandoning the cooperage business in 1894. Kent, H. P., was born in Wrentham, October 29, 1859. His father, Henry Nelson Kent, was a native of Barrington, R. I., where the family were among the pioneer settlers. H. N. Kent married Josephine, daughter of William G. Porter of Wrent- ham, Mass., and through life was identified with the jewelry business. H. P. Kent was educated in the public schools of Attleborough and then learned the jewelry business with Lincoln, Bacon & Company of Plain ville, Mass., in 1887 becoming a member of F. W. Weaver & Co., manufacturing jewelers of Attleborough, Mass. — specialty ladies' jewelry. He has been a member of the School Committee, and of the Republican Town Committee In 1879 he married Etta F., daughter of William E. Barney. They have two sons: Ralph P. and Earl B. Mr. Kent is a representa- tive of one of the oldest families in Bristol county ; takes an active interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town. Kieran, Patrick, was born in Linden county, Vt, but has resided in Fall River since March, 1872, and has been connected with the water works since that date. He was superintendent of the pipe works during the construction of the water works system and has been superintendent of the water works since 1886. Before coming to Fall River he had gained large experience on the New Bedford water works, the Hart- ford water works and the Providence water works. He is a director of the Arkwright Mills and the People's Co-operative Bank. King, Andrew H., was born in Dartmouth, October 24, 1854, a son of Levi and Lydia B. (Tripp) King. He was educated in the public schools of his native town PERSONAL REFERENCES. 133 and when fifteen years old began an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade under Martin Tripp with whom he remained three years. During the following six years he followed his trade and at the end of that period engaged in farming and the pro- duction of milk for market. Mr. King still continues this business and has met with considerable success. He takes an active interest in public affairs and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity and a leading member of the community, but has never sought or held public office. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows of New Bedford. His father was also a well known resident in this section, although a native of Rhode Island. He died in the sixty-eighth year of his age, after an active life, most of which was spent in Dartmouth. Mr. King married, in March, 1876, Emma, daughter of Perry and Acenith (Kelly) Lapham of Dartmouth, and they have two children: Levi F. and Lila E. King, George Arthur was born in Taunton, Mass., May 25, 1856, a son of George Pickens and Mary Leonard (Kinnicutt) King. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and in the Lawrence Scientific School at Cambridge. He entered the office of J. F. Montgomery, civil engineer, in Taunton in 1873, finally succeeding him in 1881, since which time he has carried on the business. In 1889 he was chosen one of the assessors of Taunton to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry S. Hart; in 1890 and 1891 was clerk and in 1892 and 1893 chair- man of the board. In October, 1882, he enlisted in Co. F, 1st Regiment M. V. M. , and served through the various grades until his election as captain in 1886, remaining in that office until 1889. In 1893 the city created the office of city engineer and in 1894 Mr. King was elected to fill it and again in 1898. April 25, 1880, he married Florence Wales Dean of Raynham, and they have two children: Lucy Catherine and Arthur Caswell. King, George Wilson, was born in Westport, Mass., March 20, 1847, a, son of Ephraim S. and Maria (Rounds) King. His education was obtained in the district and private schools of his native village and in the grammar schools of Lowell. His first work was as a spinner in a cotton mill and when he was sixteen years old he began to learn the blacksm thing tr^de under his brother, Leander C. King, at Smith's Mills. In 1867, after serving a three years' apprenticeship, he came to Fair- haven and began work for Isaac Terry. Two years later he purchased the business and has since conducted it successfully. Mr. King served as a. selectman and over- seer of the poor for two terms and was elected for a third term, but resigned. In politics he is a Republican. In 1867 he married Clara B., daughter of Leonard Ry- der of Dartmouth, and they have one daughter, Jennie C. , wife of Dr. Elisha F. Babcock. King, Jesse, was born on the place where he now resides, October 20, 1836, and is the son of Philip and Sophronia (King) King. His early education, which was very limited, was received at the district school, and on the death of his father, in 1852, he was obliged to take charge of the place, and with his mother's help carried on the farm and has gradually brought it up to where it is at the present time. In connec- tion with the farm he runs quite an extensive dairy and has for thirty years run a team into Taunton for the sale of milk. Mr. King is at present one of the board of assessors, overseer of the poor, and a selectman, serving his fifth year in that capac- ity. December 4, 1861, he married Caroline R. Hathaway of Raynham, and they 134 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. have two children: Francis C, born September 25, 1863, and Florence L., born Sep- tember 12, 1867. Kingman, Edward Y., was born in Norton, December 16, 1816. His father, Hosea Kingman, was a native of Middleborough, and married Sally Hodges. He taught school for some years and afterwards kept store at Augusta. Me , and died in 1820. Edward Y. Kingman was educated in Pawtucket, and learned the. jeweler's trade with Frost & Lowden, serving four years. He came to North Attleborough in 1837, then spent three years in Philadelphia with H. M. Richards, and returned to Attle- borough in 1848, and engaged in the buckle business for a short time. He then en- tered the employ of Tift & Whiting, remaining with them over thirty years and then established business for himself. In 1842 he married Zilpha Allen, and they have two sons: Eugene and Edward B. , and one daughter, Ida I. Mr. Kingman is one of the representative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose life has proven his word as good as his bond. Kirby, Zebedee Davis, son of Abner and Sarah (Davis) Kirby, was born in West- port, Bristol county, Mass., October 13, 1841. Abner Kirby was a farmer in that town, where he was born in May, 1804; he married Sarah Davis and they had six sons and two daughters. Zebedee Kirby spent his youth on his father's farm and received such educational advantages as the common schools afforded to farmer's boys. During the summer he worked either on his father's farm or for some neigh- boring farmer. In 1865 he went to work for William C. N. Swift, in whose employ he remained for seven years, when he bought his present farm and has since been successfully engaged in market gardening. Mr. Kirby has never taken an active part in politics, although he has been solicited to accept numerous town offices. He was at one time road surveyor. March 22, 1868, he married Sarah A. Cornell, and they have five children: Lizzie, wife of Albert Tallman ; Walter C. , Lena B., Louise A., and Harold C. Mr. Kirby started in life a poor boy and by his own efforts made his way to the honorable standing which he holds among the substantial men of the county. In all his business and social relations he has sustained a high reputation for honor and integrity. Knapp, Randolph, was born in Cumberland, December 30. 1832. His father, Ephraim Knapp, was a native of Norton, Mass., and studied for a physician at Med- field, under Dr. Mann. He went from there to Cumberland where he was engaged in practice for forty years. He married Mary J. Sabin, who died in 1886. Dr. Knapp was a man who took an active interest in school and church matters. Ran- dolph Knapp was educated in Medfield, and in 1847 entered into the mercantile business. In 1853 he came to North Attleborough and entered the employ of I. Richards & Co., remaining there until 1856, then purchased an interest with C. F. Holmes, the firm being Knapp & Holmes. Mr. Holmes retired in 1859 and from that time up to the present Mr. Knapp was actively engaged in mercantile business for forty-one years. He married Anna F. Follett in 1856, Who died in 1875. He afterwards married Sarah E. Pratt, and they had two daughters: Mrs. Emma F. Wetherhead and Anna A. Mr. Knapp was one of the leading merchants of the town ; he served as treasurer and collector for four years ; director in the North Attleborough National Bank; trustee of the North Attleborough Savings Bank and was postmaster PERSONAL REFERENCES. 135 under President Harrison and after the death of George Price served as treasurer up to 1886. Mr. Knapp died April 22, 1898. Knowles, Henry M., was born in New Bedford, December 14, 1842, a son of John P. and Susan C. (Crosby) Knowles. His family is of old Puritan stock and is in prominence throughout New England history. Among his ancestors were Col. John Knowles, born in 1672, and Col. Willard Knowles, born in 1712. His father was, in early life, a seafaring man and became a master mariner in the European and South American trade. Later, in 1835, he joined his brother, Thomas Knowles, in business in New Bedford, and in 1844, Joseph Knowles, a cousin, who had been in their employ for several years, was admitted as a partner, and the firm name then becoming Thomas Knowles & Company. This firm was extensively engaged in the whale fishery and continued in active and successful business for over half a century. Henry M. Knowles, who was the fourth son of John P. Knowles, obtained a thorough preparatory education in the private and common schools of New Bedford and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1861. He decided to embrace the profession of medicine and began his studies under Dr. Henry B. Clark of New Bed- ford, who privately tutored him. In 1864 he was graduated M. D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city and in the same year began practice in Wareham, Mass. After an experience of three years he discontinued practice and removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where, for sixteen years, he remained in business, being junior partner of the firm of Bourne & Knowles, which name still survives under the title Bourne & Knowles Manufacturing Company ; he was also secretary and manager of the Cleveland Spring Company, and Union Iron Works Company. He settled in New Bedford in 1890 and, in connection with John P. Knowles, jr., has since managed the interests of his father's estate. He is also a director of the Acushnet Mills Corporation, and the City Manufacturing Corporation and president of the Zonia Copper Mining Company. Mr. Knowles married first, in 1865, Lucretia Bourne of Wareham, Mass. , and they had three children, all now deceased. For his second wife he married, in 1883, Helen L. Dykes, a daughter of Alfred Dykes of Leeds, England, and Boston, and they have one son surviving, Robert W. Knowles. Knowles, Thomas, was born December 31, 1803, and died at his home in New Bedford, August 29, 1877. For many years he was one of New Bedford's leading whaling merchants, being associated with his brother, John P., and his cousins, Joseph and John P., 2d. He was a member of one of our oldest families and traced his ancestry back to the early settlement of New England, when Richard Knowles, who had lived in Plymouth and Cambridge, removed to Eastham, Cape Cod, in 1653. His son John died about 1675, " slain in the colony's service." Col. John, son of the above, was born in 1673, and died 1757, and his son, Col. Willard, was born in 1711, and died 1786, leaving a son Seth. who was born in 1753, and died 1821. Thomas, son of Seth, was born 1777 and died 1820. He was the father of the subject of this notice. Thomas Knowles was a man of great clearness of thought and independence of expression and while conducting the details of his business with energy and abil- ity, was at the same time in sympathy with all movements for the better interest in National politics until the abolition of slavery, and invested his large means unhesi- tatingly in the war bonds of the government. He was always adverse to holding public position, but had a deep interest in temperance reform and once accepted the 136 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nomination for mayor on the temperance ticket. His discernment- in financial mat- ters was unexcelled and during the last twenty years of his life he was a director in the National Bank of Commerce. His early religious teaching was received in a home in which the Puritan traditions almost without change were still accepted as the guides of life and thought. He continued a member of the Baptist Society, but not of the church,, for many years, and in the latter years of his life attended the Unitarian Church. Mr. Knowles married Mary Keith Eaton of Middlebqrough, a descendant of Francis Eaton, who came in the Mayflower, and of Rev. James Keith of Bridge- water. Their children were Thomas H, Sidney W. , Charles S., Mary E., who mar- ried Josiah N. Knowles of San Francisco, and Martha A. , who married Dr. Charles D. Prescott of New Bedford. Thomas H. Knowles, oldest son of Thomas and Mary K. (Eaton) Knowles, was born in New Bedford, September 12, 1837, educated in the public and private schools and was graduated from Harvard in 1861. Soon after, he entered his father's business in which he eventually acquired an interest. Mr. Knowles has been interested in many of the financial and manufacturing corporations of the city, having been in the direction of the Acushnet Mills, New Bedford Gas Light Company, and the Merchants' National Bank. He has also served on the board of trustees of the Savings Bank and as president of the City Manufacturing Corporation and Bristol Manufacturing Corporation. In all of these Mr. Knowles has been valued as a man of prudence, good judgment and wise foresight. He served several years in both branches of the city government, has been a trustee of the Public Library and a member of the Board of Overseers of the Poor. He has long been a member of the First Congregational Church (Unitarian) and now serves the society as clerk. Mr. Knowles has been twice married; his first wife was Mary H. Swift, who died in 1881, leaving one son, Harry Swift Knowles; for his second wife he married Annie D. Swift of Acushnet. Of this union is one daughter, Sylvia Knowles. Kollock, Lemuel Marcellus, son of Lemuel and Melissa (Eaton) Kollock, was born in New Bedford, Mass., March 30,. 1830, and received his education in the public and high schools and Friends' Academy. His father was a hardware dealer and later engaged in the cotton industry, becoming the founder and president of the Gosnold Mills, of which Mr. Kollock was at one time the treasurer. In 1863 he went to New York and for about eight years was engaged in the coal business. He returned to New Bedford, and in 1873 became the coal agent here for the New Bedford Coal Company and later for Garfield & Proctor, continuing as such until his death Octo- ber 2, 1887. Mr. Kollock was a man universally respected for his integrity, business enterprise, and ability. He was a member of the Common Council one term and of the School Committee and the New Bedford Protective Society many years. May 24, 1853, he married Helen Mar Covell, daughter of Clement P. and Amy B. (Allen) Covell and granddaughter of William Allen, all of New Bedford. Lake, Edward Bennett, is one of the oldest and best known business men of Fall River. He was born in that city October 20, 1835, a son of Edward and Mary Lake. He attended the old High Street Grammar School and after completing his educa- tion served an apprenticeship at the wheel and millwright trades under Samuel Thurston, with whom he remained for seven years, working during this time on the water wheels of the mills in Fall River, and the windmills in this city and Rhode PERSONAL REFERENCES. 137 Island, returning to Fall River at dull seasons and working in the cooper shop owned by David Brayton. In 1867 he entered the employ of Chase, Allen & Slade as a salesman. This business was then its infancy. It has since become one of the largest wholesale grocery firms in New England, each year having added to the prestige gained by long establishment. During the growth of the business Mr. Lake has been connected with it in all capacities. He became a partner in 1872, at which time, in company with B. S. C. Gifford, he purchased the interest of Nathan Chase, the firm name being then changed to its present form, Allen, Slade & Co. Mr. Lake was a member of the old volunteer fire department for many years, his name being on the roll of the first steamer company in the city. He was also a member of the old Fall River Artillery Company, commanded by John Sanford, and now disbanded. January 22, 1878, he married Emma F., daughter of Thomas Gul- liver of East Cornith, Maine, and they have two children, Eva M. A. and Russell Bracket. Mr. Lake has been for many years a member of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I.O.O. F. He has spent his entire life in Fall River and has always been prom- inently identified with the best interests of the city, being esteemed both in business and socially by a wide circle of friends. Lane, Homer L., was born in Norton, Mass., January 4, 1862, a son of Charles D. and Fanny H. Lane, and was educated in the public schools of Norton. He first engaged in the jewelry business, with which he has been connected fifteen years, and is now an active member of the firm of Freeman, Daughaday & Co. , who con- duct a-large jewelry industry at Chartley Village, town of Norton, Mass. The above firm of Freeman, Daughaday & Co. succeeded Engley.Wetherell & Co., and consists of James B. Freeman, residence New York city, Frank P. Daughaday, residence Providence, and Homer L. Lane. Mr. Lane was married in 1892 to Mary, daughter of George and Abbie Fales, and they have one daughter, Doris. In politics he is an Independent and is one of Norton's self-made men. He holds the office of regis- ter of voters; takes an intelligent interest in schools and church institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Lariviere, A., was born at St. Marcelle, Province of Quebec, April 5, 1850, and came to the United States in 1870. After a short stay he returned to Canada, but came back to this country and settled permanently in 1878. He worked for some time in the furniture business and then formed a partnership with his brother, which lasted fourteen months, since which time he has been in business for himself as an undertaker. In 1894 he added a livery to his business, but gives his own attention wholly to undertaking. October 14, 1880, he married Seraphine Chausse, and they have two children : Mariana and Arthur. Law, George H. , superintendent of the Bristol Mills of New Bedford, was born in Lancashire, England, October 1, 1858, a son of Henry and B. Alice (Stansfield) Law. His father was a weaver and when George H. was seven years old the family re- moved to this country and settled in Fall River, where Henry Law was well known for many years as a weaver room overseer in different mills. Until he was fifteen years of age Mr. Law attended the public and high schools of Fall River and at that time he began work in the American Linen Company's mill, but still continued his education in the night schools. He has been in the cotton manufacturing business all his life, working up by successive stages to his present position. When only 138 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. twenty-one years old he became a second hand and two years later an overseer. He came to New Bedford in 1893 to take a position as overseer of the weaving depart- ment in the Bristol Mills and was made superintendent in 1895. In 1882 Mr. Law married Kate, daughter of James and Agnes Touhey of Medway, Mass., and they have three children: Henry, Mary and George H., jr. Lawrence, James Whippey, merchant, is the oldest son of James C. and Mary R. (Fisher) Lawrence, and was born in Nantucket, Mass., February 9, 1837. The fam- ily resided in Nantucket for several generations. James C. Lawrence was a cooper by trade and later a teamster, and in 1861 removed to Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in Arcada about 1883. He was one of two sons and a daughter, triplets, whose father was lost at sea three months before their birth, while en route on a vessel from Nantucket to Virginia. All of these triplets lived to be over seventy years of age. Mr. Lawrence had thirteen children, James W. being the third; his wife died about 1888. James Whippy Lawrence was educated in the public schools of New Bedford, whither the family moved in 1845. Afterward he spent a short time in the merchant coasting service and then learned the trade of harness maker, which he followed about four years. He subsequently spent sixteen and a half years in George L. Brownell's carriage shop and later engaged in the same business for himself. In 1878 he formed a copartnership with Charles H. Briggs, and under the firm name of Briggs & Lawrence has since carried on the fur- niture business at 197 and 203 Union street, adding to the original stock a full line of, carpets, draperies, etc. This is one of the largest and finest establishments of the kind in the city. Mr. Lawrence is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., of Adoniram Chapter, R. A. M., of New Bedford Council, R. &S. M., of Sutton Com- mandery, K. T. , and of the Veteran Firemen's Association. March 8, 1857, he mar- ried Sarah E. , daughter of William B. King of New Bedford, and they have had three children: Clara E. (deceased), Ida E. and Etta F., still living. Lawson, Frederick W., son of Alexander and Christina G. (Rae) Lawson, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, December 11, 1870. His father was a stone cutter and in 1871 came to America, returning a year later to bring his family. They settled first in Hallowell, Me., and later removed to Westerly, R. I. In 1876 they removed to Fall River, and in 1880 Alexander Lawson established a granite and marble mon- umental works on Prospect street, near the Oak Grove Cemetery. At his death, in January, 1891, his son, Frederick W., succeeded to the business. He was educated in the public and high schools of Fall River, graduating from the latter in the class of 1888. After graduation he was employed in the office of the King Philip Mills for nearly three years, resigning his position at the end of that time to take charge of his father's business, which he has since conducted with success. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F.& A. M., Fall River Chapter and Council, and a member of Co. F, Mass. Naval Brigade. At the beginning of the war with Spain he was one of the first detail to leave Fall River and served as acting boatswain's mate on the monitor Lehigh till that vessel was put out of commission and her crew discharged at the close of hostilities. Lawton, Frederick E., youngest son of Welcome J. and Almira B. (Thompson) Lawton, was born in the village of Fairhaven, June 11, 1852. His father was a na- tive of Swansea, and very early moved to Bristol, R. I., where he married. His PERSONAL REFERENCES. 139 father was a cooper, which business he followed until 1862, when he engaged in farming and continued until his death, June 10, 1895. His mother died July 27, 1892. Frederick E. received his education in the village schools and at his majority engaged in farming, which vocation he has since pursued. On June 14, 1883, he married Myra F., daughter of Henry and Harriet (Ellis) Akin of Fairhaven. Mr. Lawton is an ardent Republican, but has never aspired to political office. During his residence in this town he has been fairly enterprising, sustaining an excellent reputation as a good citizen and through his strict business habits and qualifications he has been successful in accumulating wealth and the honor and respect of all who know him. Lehan, Daniel Francis, born in Dedham, Mass., September 27, 1863, a son of Daniel and Margaret (Cronin) Lehan. His early education was obtained in the pub- lic schools of Dedham, and for five years he attended a boarding school in Boston. On leaving school in 1878 he came to Taunton and commenced work in the hotel he is now proprietor of, which at that time was run by Col. A. L. Bliss. With the ex- ception of a short time Mr. Lehan has spent his business life in the City Hotel, be- ginning as bell boy and is now proprietor. In addition to the City Hotel Mr. Lehan is proprietor of the Nemasket House at Raynham, and has a farm there of over fifty acres, which supplies the two houses. March 1, 1892, he married Laura A. D'Aubin of Norton, Mass , and they have two children: Ralph Russell and Emma Frances Lehan. Leeming & Jones. — This firm although not an old one has become one of the lead- ing houses of contractors and builders in Fall River. During the last five years they have erected over 300 buildings and put up about sixty in 1897. The firm is com- posed of Alfred Leeming and J. G. Jones. Alfred Leeming was born in England, May 2, 1868, and came to this country with his parents, Richard and Elizabeth Leem- ing, when an infant. They settled in Fall River, where Alfred attended the public schools for some time and then found work in a cotton mill. In 1885 he began an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade under Nathaniel Ford, with whom he re- mained five years, when he worked as a journeyman for several years with E. Brownell, whose business he bought in company with Mr. Jones in 1892. Mr. Leem- ing is a member of the I.O.O. F. He married Susan E., daughter of Pelig H. Peck- ham of Fall River, and they have three children: Elsie, Elwood and Preston. J. G. Jones was born in Wales, February 14, 1849, and came to America in 1872. He was a carpenter in the old country and followed that occupation here until the formation of the present firm of Leeming & Jones. Mr. Jones married Sarah Popple, and they have four children : Herbert, Frederick, Edith and Kate. Leonard, Fred Parker, was born in Taunton, January 10, 1867, a son of Henry G. and Sarah (Field) Leonard. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and after leaving school was engaged as a grocery clerk in a general store, where he remained about a year and then came to the Dighton Furnace Co. , going ^o work in the mounting room; he remained there but a short time and then went back to his first place and stayed about a year and a half. After this he went with Bliss & Co. in the coal business as weighing clerk, and at the end of two years left them to go with the Leonard Coop Foundry as bookkeeper. He remained with them but a short time and was engaged by the Weir Stove Co., where he learned 140 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the molder's trade, which he followed until 1891, and on March 15 of that year, en- gaged with his present concern as salesman. The following year he was elected treasurer to fill the vacancy caused by the death of J. H. Codding and he holds the same position at the present time (1898). Mr. Leonard is a member of Alfred Bay- lies Lodge, F. & A. M., St. John's Commandery of Providence, and Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F. May 19, 1891, he married Lillian C. Read, daughter of Abel Read of Pawtucket, and they have three children: Mildred Staples, Edith Russell and Win- throp Nelson. Leonard, Henry Tabe'f , for seventeen years city clerk of New Bedford, was the son of the celebrated oil merchant, Samuel Leonard, and Hannah Taber, his wife. He was born in South Yarmouth, Mass., on the 17th of August, 1818, was educated in the public schools of his native village and at the Friends' Boarding School in Provi- dence, R. I., and afterward became a clerk in Seth Akin's grocery store. He sub- sequently entered into business with his father, and later went to New York as a partner in the firm of Witherell, Sprague & Co. , oil and iron merchants, who were connected with Samuel Leonard and Lazell, Perkins & Co., of New Bedford. Mr. Leonard finally withdrew from this concern, returned to New Bedford and engaged in the lumber trade with Augustus A. Greene, under the firm name of Leonard & Greene. He made a number of business changes, being several times in the oil business with his father and brother Samuel as partner or bookkeeper, engaging with his father in manufacturing at Suncook, N. H., going to California in 1849, conducting a lumber yard in Charlestown, and re-engaging in the oil business in New Bedford as head of the firm of Leonard, Sturtevant & Co. ; upon the dissolution of this partnership he returned to the office of his father. On the death of Sanford S. Horton in 1862 he was elected clerk of the city of New Bedford, which office he filled until his death on July 18, 1879. His intelligence, unblemished character, faithfulness to duty, geniality, and quiet manliness secured for him universal esteem and continued re-elections as city clerk during violent political changes. He also served one year as a member of the School Committee. Mr. Leonard was a-birth- right member of the Society of Friends, a man of unswerving religious convictions and strict conscientiousness, and was without an enemy. In 1841 he married Debo- rah Allen Butler, daughter of Daniel Butler of New Bedford. They had four sons and two daughters who grew to maturity. Upon the death of Mr. Leonard, his eldest son, Daniel B. Leonard, was elected his successor as city clerk, which office he has uninterruptedly held to the present time. Leonard, Jacob Augustus, town clerk and treasurer of Norton, Mass., was born in Norton December 19, 1845, a son of Luen C. and Eunice H. (Wetherell) Leonard. He received his early education in the public schools of Norton and afterward at- tended a private school for some time, then went to work on his father's farm, when he took up the study of surveying, and has followed both of these up to the present time. In 1883 he was elected to the office of town clerk and treasurer and has been re-elected every year since. He is also a director in the Norton Savings & Loan Fund Association and has been one of the trustees of the PublicLibrary for six years. He has been a justice of the peace since 1873, also treasurer of the Congre- gational parish. He is past master of St. James Lodge, F. & A. M., of Mansfield, and a member of Keystone Royal Arch Chapter. He has never married. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 141 Leonard, Philo Fremont, was born in Norton, Mass., September 18, 1851, a son of Ezekiel and Sally R. (Field) Leonard. His early education was received in the pub- lic schools atjd after leaving school he went to work for the Mason Machine Company. He worked for them in all about twelve years, and while there learned the trade of pattern making, a portion of this time being spent in the west in the same business. After leaving Mason's he gradually picked up the candy making trade and started out for himself; he has increased his stock and style of confections until the present time, and now has one of the largest stores of its kind in this vicinity. Mr. Leonard is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., and Sabbatia Lodge of I. O. O. F. June 6, 1877, he married Cora Frances, daughter of George L. and Mary J. (Whittemore) Wilmarth, and they have five children: Ethel, Fremont W., J Alma, Hazel R. and Rosamond W. Lewis Bros. — The Dighton Nursery is one of the oldest branches of business of its kind in Massachusetts. It has been owned by the Lewis family forty years. John A. Lewis, father of the present proprietors, was formerly a merchant at Dighton, where he carried on a general business for many years, but finally disposed of his interests and entered the employ of the Dighton Nursery Co., owned at that time by Dr. Wood. A few years later he purchased the business and continued it up to six years ago, when he retired and was succeeded by his sons, Charles A. and Edgar P., the latter up to that time had been employed in New Bedford. The Messrs. Lewis conducted the business on an extensive scale, propagating all the hardy varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, roses, vines and climbing plants suitable to the trade in this latitude. In 1897 they commenced an addition to their trade by erect- ing greenhouses in order to fill a demand from that department of trade. They are also arranging for the further enlargement of their business in the establishment of an agency system, whereby a force of traveling men will be put upon the road for the sale of their nursery stock, and they hope to extend their business, which has formerly been of a local character, throughout New England. No family in this vicinity are better known or enjoy a better reputation than the Lewis family. Their father, lately deceased, was always a steadfast Republican and has enjoyed the confidence of his political associates to the degree that he has been at times deputy sheriff, justice of the peace, selectman, and in 1878 was elected to serve in the lower house of. the Massachusetts Legislature. The five children with their mother sur- vive John A. Lewis and are as follows: Albert G., of Dighton; Susan, wife of Will- iam J. Bennett, cashier of the Boston freight office of Fall River; John A., also con- nected with the Boston freight office, and Charles A. and Edgar P. Lewis, Herbert Warren, son of Warren D. and Sarah A. (Jencks) Lewis, was born in Seekonk, Mass , April 2, 1866. He was educated in the schools of East Prov- idence, R. I., and was graduated from the East Providence Union School in the class of 1881. Mr. Lewis has spent most of his active business life in Westport in the employ of George H. Lewis. He began in the Westport Mills as a bobbin boy and was promoted from time to time until he became overseer of the spinning room. In 1892 he removed to Taunton and established himself in the wood and coal busi- ness, but, a year later returned to Westport to assume the management of the store connected with the Westport Mills and still remains in that capacity. Mr. Lewis is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding member- 142 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ship in Pacific Lodge No. 123, of New Bedford, Encampment No. 8, and Canton New Bedford. He married, in August, 1892, Abbie S., daughter of George A. and Abbie (Manchester) Simmons, and two children have been born to them: Madeline and Herbert Warren, jr. Lewis, James Edwin, was born in Duxbury, Mass., December 28, 1866, a son of John J and Mahaly Harris (Josephine) Reed Lewis. He received his early educa- tion in the public schools and graduated from the Partridge Academy of Duxbury. In 1882 he went to Boston to learn the drug business with Carter, Harris & Hawley, remaining there one year, but on the death of his father he returned to Duxbury and was appointed station agent of the O. C. Railroad in that place. In 1886 he came to Taunton for the O. C. Railroad, and after three months resigned and took a position in the Western Union Telegraph office, where he has remained up to the present time. In 1897 he was appointed manager of the office. Mr. Lewis is a past master of Charles H. Titus Lodge, A.F. & AM., a member of St. Mark's Chapter, R.A.M., and New Bedford Council, president of the Bristol Club and secretary of the Taun- ton Republican Club. Lincoln, Edward, a son of Jonathan T. and Mary (Cook) Lincoln, was born in Fall River, July 7, 1831. He received his early education in the, public and high schools of Fall River, and then attended Pierce Academy at Middleborough, where he took a three years' course. After this he remained at home for some time and in 1856 went as bookkeeper in the firm of L. Lincoln & Co. , who succeeded the firm of C. M. & L. Lincoln, paper manufacturers, who had been in business since 1852. Mr. Lincoln remained with them as bookkeeper for about two years, and then was ad- mitted as a partner in the firm, and upon the death of his father, which occurred July 23, 1881, he took his interest in the company and has continued it ever since. He has been selectman about eight years, and for a number of years was a member of the school board; in 1886 he was the representative to the Legislature from his dis- trict, and at the present time (1898) is one of the trustees of the Public Library. December 26, 1859, Mr. Lincoln married Ann L. Codding, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Pettis) Codding, and they have five children: Edward Elsworth, Nellie Cook, Henry C. L. , Annie Leavitt and Mary Ethel. Lincoln, Elmer, was born in Raynham, January 30, 1836, a son of Abishia and Lettice (Dean) Lincoln, and received his education in the public schools and a pri- vate academy at Mansfield. His father ran a general store which he started in 1825, and young Elmer was taken into it to learn the business and he continued in that until his father's death in 1863, when he, with his brothers, succeeded to the business and later on he sold out his interest to them. In 1869 he came to his present location and has been here ever since. He has been selectman for about eight years and on the board of assessors for four years and has spent one year in the Massachusetts Legislature. He received his first appointment as postmaster in 1872, and with the exception of four years has held that office ever since. October 30, 1858, Mr. Lin- coln married Eilza H., daughter of Royal W. and Rhoda (Howard) Danforth, and they have four children: Alcott E., Charlotte Howard, Harry D. and Roy W. Lincoln, George Arthur, was born in Taunton, October 25, 1850, a son of Captain Hodges R. and Nancy (Reed) Lincoln. He received his early education in the public PERSONAL REFERENCES. 143 schools of Taunton and later attended the Pierce Academy at Middleborough. After leaving school he went on a vessel for a short time coasting, and then returned to Taunton and engaged with the Taunton Stove Lining Co., remaining with them twelve years. In 1882 he, in company with some others, formed the Union Stove Lining Co., and Mr. Lincoln was made treasurer and manager and has held the same positions up to the present time (1898). He was a member of the City Council in 1886 and 1887 and of the Board of Aldermen in 1888, 1889, 1890 and 1891, the latter year being chairman of the board. He is vice-president of the Weir Co-operative Bank and member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M. Lincoln, Martin Jerome, was born in Cohassett, Mass., April 17, 1836, a son of Martin and Nancy (Jenkins) Lincoln. His early education was obtained in the pub- lic schools of Cohassett, and in 1853, at the age of seventeen, Mr. Lincoln came to Taunton and went to the Mason Machine Co. to learn the machinist's trade, remain- ing there thirty-five years, and then left and engaged with the Dighton Furnace Co., being with them about three years. In 1879 he was elected to the City Council and served one year, was elected aldermau from the First ward and served three years in succession ; was one of the overseers of the poor from 1880 to 1887, and in 1890 was elected on the Board of Assessors and is now on his ninth consecutive year of service. January 30, 1862, he married Annie J. Hall, daughter of George and Cynthia (Collier) Hall, and they have three children: Edward H., George M. and Charles J. Lincoln, Stephen Russell, was born in Taunton, February 1, 1845, a son of Ginea- son and Rebecca (Leonard) Lincoln. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and the Mansfield Literary and Scientific School, which he at- tended two years. After his school days he was employed by Davenport & Mason, in the express business, remaining with them two years, then engaging in black- smithing in Norton, later removing to Raynham, following the same business there until a few years ago. Mr. Lincoln was on the board of assessors of the town of Raynham from 1878 to 1880, and in 1885 was elected selectman and has been on the board ever since, being chairman of the board for the last nine years ; he was repre- sentative to the Legislature in 1892. In 1879 he was appointed by Andrew R. Wright as one of his deputy sheriffs, and has retained the position ever since his first ap- pointment. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., of Taunton. June 11, 1865, Mr. Lincoln married Julia P., daughter of Ezra P. and Bethia (Baylies) Woodward, and they have three children: Lizzie P., Ezra P. and Eugene R. Lothrop, Cyrus, was born in Easton, October 13, 1822, and his father, Howard Lothrop, was also born in the same town, where Edmund Lothrop was one of its pioneer settlers. Howard Lothrop married Sally, daughter of Edward Williams. His life was identified as a farmer, and he took an active interest in school and re- ligious institutions. He was a member of the State Legislature from 1823 to 1827, and the next four years was State senator, and a member of the Governor's Council from 1832 to 1836. He was noted for his sterling integrity, and died in 1857. This family trace their descent from Mark Lothrop, who settled near Salem, about 1650. Cyrus Lothrop was educated in Easton and Bridgewater Normal School, after which he taught school for about one year. In 1845 he went to Taunton and entered the employ of Cyrus Lothrop, cotton manufacturer, and in the latter part of 1849 he 144 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. went to California and followed mining enterprises, returning in 1851, in which year he built the first boot and shoe factory in North Easton. For five years he was en- gaged in knife manufacturing at Sharon, Mass. In 1856 he went to Canton, Mass., and took an interest in the Kinxley Iron and Machine Company, of which he was treasurer for five years, and in 1860 he bought the Phillips & Mosely stock of iron in Boston, continuing up to 1890, then retired. Mr. Lothrop is one of the conservative men of his town ; a. liberal supporter of educational and religious institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. He has been president of the First National Bank since October, 1893. Lund, Parkman Macy, is descended from Thomas Lund, 1 born in 1660, who set- tled in Dunstable, N. H. ; William Lund, 2 born January 26, 1686, married Rachel Holden, and was captured by the Indians near Nashua, N. H., in 1724 (at which time his brother Thomas was killed), and taken to Canada, where he was redeemed ; William Lund, 3 born July 8, 1717, died May 20, 1782; John Lund, 4 born February 22, 1749, married Hannah Phelps, became a major in the Revolutionary war, served at the battle of Bunker Hill, and died March 11, 1822, on the old homestead in Nashua (formerly a part of Dunstable), which remained in the Lund family until 1897; and Jonathan P. Lund, 5 born in Nashua, N. H., September 12, 1796, married, November 25, 1827, Rebecca Ames Eaton (born December 22, 1799), daughter of Jacob Eaton of South Reading, now Wakefield, Mass. Jonathan P. came to Acush- net, New Bedford, about 1831, and engaged in the tin business, establishing in 1836 the tin and hardware store at that point now owned by George A. Cobb, which he continued until 1864. He also, in company with Charles W. Morgan, operated a candle, paper, and later a wall paper factory there from 1842 to 1862, and from 1865 to 1869 he conducted a saw mill in the same building. He died December 4, 1874; his wife died June 8, 1883. Their children were Parkman Macy Lund, born in Wakefield, Mass., February 25, 1829; Rebecca H, born June 7, 1830, married Charles A. M. Taber, February 18, 1850, and lives in Wakefield; Eliza S., born February 15, 1832, in North Fairhaven, Mass., married James H. Carter January 9, 1867, and also resides in Wakefield; Jonathan P., jr., born August 21, 1834, in New Bedford, Mass., married Rebecca E. Doty October 10, 1860, and died December 31, 1863; and Ed- ward P., born September 2, 1839, in New Bedford, Mass. , married Mary L. Doty October 6, 1864, and died June 10, 1866. Parkman M. Lund was educated in the public and high schools of New Bedford and was associated with his father in the tin and hardware business at Acushnet until 1864, when he purchased the store. He sold out in 1868, and since then has devoted his attention to his private interests. He was a foundation member of the. New Bedford Board of Trade, and has been a trustee of the Five Cents Savings Bank since January, 1879, a member of its board of investment since January, 1887, and clerk of the board since January, 1888. Jan- uary 23, 1863, he married Sarah R. , daughter of Clifton Lund of Nashua, N. H, and they have one son, Willie Clifton Lund, born October 27, 1866. Lynch, James H., inspector of plumbing of Fall River, was born in that city, De- cember 30, 1856, a. son of Michael and Hannah Lynch. He attended the public schools and in 1874 entered the employ of the Fall River Plumbing Company where he served an apprenticeship at the plumber's trade Later he worked as a journey- man in Boston, Brooklyn and Taunton. He was appointed inspector of plumbing by Mayor Coughlin in 1891 and still holds that position. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 145 Lynch, Thomas E., captain of Hose Company No. 2, is a son of Richard and Mary (Pickett) Lynch, born in Providence, R. I., July 18, 1847. His father came to Bos- ton from Ireland and his mother came to the British provinces from the same country in early life. After their marriage they moved to Providence, R. I. , and in 1849 located in Fall River, where Thomas E. received his education. In 1861 he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until 1886. He began his career in the fire department in 1861 as a torch boy for Engine Co. No. 1. In 1869, when quite young, Mr. Lynch saved the life of Michael Hare by breaking open a door of the room where Mr. Hare had been unconscious from the smoke and heat at a fire in the Waddington building on Court Square. During his long career as fireman he has performed various daring feats for the safety of others. He was made foreman of Engine Co. No. 3 in 18713, captain of No. 2 in 1882, and since 1886 has been permanent captain of Hose Company No. 2. Captain Lynch was the chief promoter of the Fall River Firemen's Mutual Relief Association, organized in 1883. In now has a membership of 150 with a relief fund of $10,000. In 1893 he wrote and published an exceedingly interesting and valuable work of 200 pages on the " His- tory of the Fire Department of Fall River;" it is recognized as an authentic work and for that reason it is highly prized. Captain Lynch has in his possession many interesting relics and curiosities of the old time fire department. In April, 1886, he married Margaret E. Mahoney of Fall River. They have one son, Richard E. Lynch. McDonald, Edward, was born in Taunton, February 22, 1860, a son of John and Margaret (Hanrahan) McDonald. In early life he attended the public school and in 1879 learned the machinist's trade with the Mason Machine Company. He remained with them fourteen years and then left to go in business with Mr. E. F. Goodwin, which partnership continued January 1, 1898, when they dissolved partnership and Mr. McDonald continues the bicycle part of it alone, making a specialty of the Dayton, Trinity, Stearns and Crawford machines. Mr. McDonald is one of the successful merchants in the city at the present time. He is a member of the American Order of Foresters. McMullen, George, son of Sidney and Ann (McKegge) McMullen, was born at Canton, Mass., March 8, 1857. He obtained his education in the public schools and when six years old moved with his parents to North Easton, where they remained one year and then returned to Canton. His father enlisted in the 20th Mass. Vols, and served in the army until he received a wound that disabled him for military duty and after receiving his discharge returned home. The family then resided in Can- ton a short time, again returned to North Easton and later moved to East Taunton, where they remained for five years and came to Fall River in 1875. Mr. McMullen in his youth worked in a cotton mill two years, then went to sea for three years, and from 1880 to 1891 was engaged in the local express and trucking business, at which he prospered. In 1891 he started a. livery at Seventh and Franklin streets, where he has since conducted a livery and boarding stable business and has built up a large trade. Owing to the increase of his business he opened an additional stable in 1897 on Linden street. In 1884 Mr. McMullen married Annie Sullivan of Fall River. McNulty, Thomas F., hardware and lumber merchant, was born in Fall River, December 27, 1857, a son of John and Margaret (O'Hare) McNulty, natives of Ire- 146 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. land, who came to this country early in life. Mr. McNulty was educated in the pub- lic and private schools of Fall River. He worked one year in the Wattupa Cotton Mill, then passed another year in the grammar schools and at the age of thirteen began to learn the carpenter's trade, first under Andrew Porter, and after his death with Obadiah Pierce. After completing his apprenticeship of three years he worked as a journeyman for seventeen years, with the exception of one year spent in Min- nesota and Dakota engaged in bridge building for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. From 1886 until his resignation in June, 1895, Mr. McNulty was on the Fall River police force, being appointed by Mayor William S. Greene. In 1895 he bought out his former employer, Charles F. Tripp, and during the following three years did a large business as a carpenter and builder at 95 West Bank street. He did the wood work on the engine house back of the city hall, remodeled the old court house, and had the contract for all the wood, iron and copper work for the Boys' Club House In 1897 he formed a copartnership with F. W. Hoag, under the firm name of McNulty & Hoag, and engaged as wholesale and reatail dealers in hard- ware, lumber, blinds, sash, doors and all kinds of builders' supplies at 296 Second street. They are now doing a prosperous business. April 4, 1876, Mr. McNulty married Catherine J. Morgan of Fall River, and they have ten children : Louisa, John, James, Thomas, Charles. Frederick, Mamie, Michael, George and Irene. McRae, Arthur A., was born in Taunton, Mass., October 19, 1859, and his father, Daniel McRae, a native of Prince Edward Island, came to Taunton about 1850, and was identified as a carpenter and builder. He married a daughter of Thomas K. Gay and died in 1896. Arthur A. McRae came to Attleborough from New York in 1872, where he was educated in the public schools and in 1873 entered the employ of W. S. Blackinton, where he remained twenty-two years, beginning as errand boy and working up to the position of head designer. In 1894 he organized the firm of McRae & Keeler, making a general line of ladies' goods and novelties. In 1890 he married Martha, daughter of George Carlisle, and they have one son, Donald. Mr. McRae is one of the self-made men of his town ; is a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Knights of Pythias, and A. O. U. W. He takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. MacColl, Rev. John A., pastor of the North Congregational Church of New Bed- ford, was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., in 1856, a son of Rev. Alexander MacColl, a Presbyterian minister, and Mary Jane Newcomb, his wife, and, as the name would indicate, he is of Scotch descent. He was graduated from the University of New York in 1879 and from the Union Theological Seminary of the same city in 1882, in which-year he was licensed to preach by the New York Presbytery. His first charge was the Memorial Congregational Church in Sayersville, R. I., where he was in- stalled on the 31st of January, 1883 ; but this pastorate was of short duration, for in the latter half of the same year he accepted a call from the church at St. Albans, Vermont, where he was installed in May, 1884. In this parish he consolidated and greatly enlarged a somewhat divided congregation, added materially to the mem- bership and force of the church, and especially endeared himself to all, and so great was the attachment of people to pastor that the question of the expediency of his removal was a grave one; but desiring a larger field for his efforts, he accepted the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 147 call to his present pastorate and was installed in January, 1890. One of the chief features of Rev. MacColl's work in the North Congregational Church has been the development of the missionary spirit among his people, and the beneficence of the congregation in this respect has been most liberal. For the past eight years it has wholly supported a missionary in South Africa and has also contributed largely to the support of the Y. M. C. A. and the City Mission. In the Y. M. C. A. work Rev. MacColl has taken a constant and active interest. He is a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions and a member of the Win- throp Club of Congregational Ministers of Boston and vicinity, and his entire pas- torate in New Bedford has been characterized by energetic zeal and constant effort, and but for abnormal losses through death and removal, the congregation would have been nearly doubled. Rev. MacColl has been paid the following tribute : ' ' He is a gifted preacher, sound in the faith, unspotted in character, and fitted for eminent usefulness." He married, in 1883, Jeannette Kyle, a, daughter of James Kyle, a New York merchant, and they have three children: Jeanette Montgomery, Grace Beatrice, and Robert John. Macomber, Eliza M. , daughter of Robert and Sarah (Tripp) Lawton, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., November 2, 1838. She received her education in the public schools of her native town and the Pierce Academy at Mid- dleborough, Mass. Mrs. Macomber remained at home until her marriage on Febru- ary 18, 1853, to Robert F., son of Orrin and Sarah (Dennis) Macomber. Mr. Ma- comber was born in New Bedford, Mass., May 12, 1832, and was engaged in blacksmithing for a number of years, and in 1852 went to California, where he re- mained for five years when he returned to Westport and engaged in farming until his death, September 30, 1889. They had three children born to them: Sarah E., wife of Herbert F. Tripp, who died August 28, 1890 ; Mable, wife of Jesse F. Pierce ; and Jessie S. Macdonald, Robert B. , was born in Philadelphia, July 11, 1845. His father, Ed- ward Macdonald, was a native of Manchester, England, and came to the United States in 1840. settling in Newark, N. J. In 1854 he came to Adamsdale, and in 1859 to Attleborough, where he was identified in the calico works. He married Mar- garet Broadbent, and died in 1S76. Robert B. Macdonald was educated in the pub- lic schools and in 1869 learned the jewelry trade in Attleborough with Freeman & Co. In 1873 he came to Attleborough and established the business of making swivels ; in 1880 he enlarged the business and was one of the first manufacturers to use the jig saw in the business and the first one to make fancy hair and hat pins. He organ- ized the firm of Macdonald, Culver & Teed, Mr. Teed retiring in 1897, and at the present time the firm carries a line of silver novelties. la 1869 Mr. Macdonald mar- ried Lydia B. Wilmouth, and their children are R. B. Macdonald, jr., Mrs. Alice Chase and Hattie R. Mackreth, M. B., was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1834, and came to the United States in 1850, settling in Brooklyn , N. Y. , where he remained three years, and then came to Attleborough Falls and finished learning the jewelry business in Attle- borough with Thompson & Hayward. In 1856 he engaged in business for himself and the firm was obliged to suspend during the panic of 1857. After that he went to Mansfield and engaged in the manufacture of horn goods ; later he entered into part- 148 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nership with W. D. Fisher, manufacturing chain trimmings and continued in that up to 1893, when he retired. In 1861 he married Adelaide, daughter of Willard and Rebecca Robinson, and they have one daughter, Fanny. Mr. Mackreth is one of the self-made men of Bristol county, serving as park commissioner and taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions; is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Maglathlin, Edward B. , was born in Duxbury, May 15, 1852, a son of Edward D. Maglathlin, who was a native of the same town. Their ancestor, John Maglathlin, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and settled in Duxbury about 1700. Edward D. married Persis Walker of Pembroke, a lineal descendant of Gov. William Bradford; and his life was identified with shipping interests at East Boston, where he died in 1868. Edward B. Maglathlin was graduated from the Boston public schools, the State Normal School of Bridgewater, Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio; and pursued a course in theology in Harvard University. In 1876 he visited Europe and in 1877 was appointed principal of the Partridge Academy at Duxbury, remaining there for six years. While in Duxbury he served as a member of the board of School Committee and as a director of the Plymouth County Teachers' Association. On June 1, 1881, Mr. Maglathlin was ordained to the Christian ministry by the Plymouth and Bay Ministerial Association, and in 1882 was installed as pastor of the Unitarian Church at Harvard, Mass., where he remained until 1885. Mr. Maglathlin then taught in the Cambridge High School, supplying at the same time the pulpit of Grace Chapel at Green Harbor, and in the summer of 1887 accepted a call to the pas- torate of the Unitarian Church in Westford. In 1889 he resigned his charge at West- ford to accept the position of superintendent of schools at Easthampton, Mass. , and in 1891 was elected superintendent of schools in Easton, also serving as one of the three directors of the Bristol County Teachers' Association, from 1891 to 1896. Since October 1, 1894, in addition to his work in the Easton Schools, Mr. Maglathlin has had charge of the Unitarian pulpit in West Bridgewater. In 1898 he was elected a trustee of the Howard Seminary. In 1877 he married Clara, daughter of Olcott Webb of Northfield, Mass., and they are the parents of five sons; Webb C, Leon E., Sydney A., Carl W. and Ralph H. Mr. Maglathlin is one of the progressive men of Bristol county, devoting his life energies to the advancement of religious and edu- cational institutions and to the welfare of his fellow men. Makepeace, D. E., was born in Norton, June 9, 1848, a son of David W. and Abi- gail S. (White) Makepeace. The family trace their descent from William Makepeace, who came from England. D. E. Makepeace was educated in Norton and Mansfield and in 1867 came to Attleborough and learned the jewelry business. In 1888 he established the business for himself, and at the present time (1898) is making a spe- cialty of gold and silver rolled plate. In 1873 he married Myra, daughter of Isaac N. Johnson, and they have two daughters: Lulu B. and Edna M. Mr. Makepeace is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in educa- tional and religious institutions. He is a member and master of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, F. & A. M. ; treasurer of King Hiram Royal Arch Chapter ; member of Bris- tol Commandery and Aleppo Temple of Boston; of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. ; Orient Lodge of Odd Fellows; A. O. U. W. ; Royal Arcanum; Com- pany C Association ; and chairman of the building committee of the Odd Fellows Building Association, and director of the Co-operative Bank. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 149 Marvell, Edward T., deputy collector of customs, son of Ira and Mary (Tracy) Mar- vell, was born in Slatersville, R. I., and obtained his education in his native town. He left home at the age of fifteen and went to Danielsonville, Conn., and engaged in the cotton mill business. Later he removed to Massachusetts and at the opening of the Civil war came to Fall River. In 1861 he enlisted in the 7th Mass. Vols., and was in the Army of the Potomac for eighteen months, when he received his dis- charge on account of ill health. In 1870 he was appointed deputy collector of cus- toms at Fall River, and has since held this position. This is a long term of service, he having been in the employ of the government a period of over twenty-seven years, la December, 1865, he married Anna C. Wilbur, daughter of Dr. Thomas Wilbur of Fall River. Of this union are four children. Mason; Dennis S , is a member of one of the oldest and most respected pioneer families in Bristol county. He is a lineal descendant on his father's side of William White, who came to this country on the Mayflower in 1620. The next in line of de- scent is Resolved, 2 Samuel, 3 John, 4 John, 5 William, 6 William,'' Hannah, 8 Reuben.* Dennis S. is the tenth in descent and was born in the town of Acushnet, July 5, 1860. His boyhood days were passed on the farm and in 1888 he succeeded Caleb Slade in the mercantile business, which he has since conducted. Mr. Mason has always been more or less active in public affairs, and in April, 1889, was elected town clerk, treas- urer and tax collector. In May, 1890, he was appointed postmaster of the Long Plain post-office, which position he now holds; he is also justice of the peace. No- vember 3, 1887, he married Bertha W., daughter of James A. and Mary D. (Chace) Lawrence, and they have two children: Reuben 3d, born June 27, 1891, and Law- rence, born October 6, 1896. Mason, George A.-, was born at Attleborough, February 12, 1834, a. son of Noah and Harriet (Fisher) Mason, and grandson of John Mason, who was one of the pioneers of the town. He was educated in the common schools and for some years was engaged in the mercantile business, late years being engaged in dealing in fine horses. In 1857 he married Mary A. Cushman of Middleborough, Mass., and they have two sons, Frederick G. Mason, teller of the First National Bank, and William H, a manufacturer. Mr. Mason is one of the conservative men of his town, of ster- ling integrity, whose word has proven as good as his bond. Mason, Henry W., chief of police of the city of New Bedford, was born in Port- land, Chautauqua county, N. Y., November 25, 1840, a son of Norman and Sarah A. (Allen) Mason. During his early boyhood he worked on his father's farm and at- tended the schools of that vicinity. Later he attended the Fredonia Academy at Fredonia (now the Fredonia Normal School), and was graduated in the class of 1859. During his course he paid his way by teaching country schools a part of the year. At the outbreak of the Civil war he at once enlisted in Co. D, of the 9th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry, and served in fifty-four engagements, being mustered out at the close of the war with the rank of major, to which office he had risen from the ranks. During a part of his service he was on the staff of Brigadier- General Buford of the Army of the Potomac. At the close of the war he engaged in business in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and in September, 1876, came to Mew Bedford and engaged in busi- ness as a solicitor of patents Mr. Mason has been prominent in Grand Army affairs and in Masonic circles, having been commanded R. A. Pierce Post No. 190, G. A. 150 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. R., and eminent commander of Sutton Commandery, Knights Templar. He has been a staunch adherent of the Independent citizens' party for a number of years, but in National politics is a Republican and has served for some time as secretary of the Republican City Committee. October 9, 1867, he married Hattie A., daughter of William B. Stanton of New Bedford, and they have four sons: Frederic A., George N., Charles O., and Clarence W, Mason, Hezekiah, is descended from Sampson Mason the Baptist, a dragoon in Cromwell's army, who came to America. He married Mary Butterworth and they had thirteen children, one of whom was Isaac Mason, and he married Hannah . and they had eleven children, one of whom was Hezekiah Hezekiah married Re- becca Martin and had four children, one of whom was Hezekiah (second), born 1732, and he married Parnel West. Their son Hezekiah married Sally Rounsville and they had a son Hezekiah who married Hannah J. Edminster, who are the parents of the subject of our sketch. Mr. Mason was born on the old homestead, in the town of Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., June 4, 1856, and is one of four children: Heze- kiah, Mary E., Evelyn E., and Sarah J. He has devoted his entire life to agricul- ture ; has never aspired to political office ; and is one of Freetown's honored and re- spected citizens. Mason, John R. , was born in Biddeford, Me. His first business experience was with the Cunard S. S. Line, as a clerk, after which he went into a cotton mill, start- ing at the bottom and finally becoming superintendent in May, 1895, of the Laurel Lake Mill. Mr. Mason is a member of Narragansett Lodge F. & A. M., Council and Commandery, also of the Odd Fellows and other orders. In 1876 he married Edith J. Skillings, a native of Gray, Me. They have two children : John R. E., and Everett V. Mr. Mason's parents were John H. and Catherine P. (Skillings) Mason, and the progenitor of the Mason family came from England to this country early in the sev- enteenth century. The Skillings family of Portland, Me., is also an historic one. Matthews, Charles Henry, son of Alonzo and Eunice E. (Burdick) Matthews, was born in Nantucket, Mass., May 3, 1843. He attended the public schools of his native town and after finishing his schooling he made two voyages whaling, the first being for two years and the second voyage for fifteen months. He was then engaged in mackerel fishing for several years. Since 1892 he has been associated with Charles W. Howland in the coal business in South Dartmouth village. Mr. Matthews is one of four children; he has two sisters living: Mrs. Thomas L. Snow and Mrs. Andrew A. Butts. He is descended on both sides from old Puritan families. Maxfield, Edmund F , a son of Edmund and Catherine (Clark) Maxfield, was born in New Bedford, May 4, 1841. His father, who died in New Bedford, in 1876, in his sixty-ninth year, was a prominent owner of whale shipping, a member of the Com- mon Council, under the mayoralty of Hon. Abraham H. Howland, 1851, and Hon. William J. Rotch, 1852, and one of the representative business men of the town for several years. He was a man of the strictest integrity and gained and maintained a high reputation. In early life he had been a whaling captain and the experience thus gained rendered him especially well fitted for the shipping business. He had amassed considerable property by the exercise of indefatigable energy and ability. Edmund F. Maxfield was educated in the private schools of New Bedford, and at an PERSONAL REFERENCES. 151 early age began to learn the machinist's trade, in the shop of Collis & Nightingale, at Providence, R. I. At the outbreak of the Civil war, he at once enlisted in the navy, being commissioned acting third assistant engineer, in which capacity he served fifteen months, and was then obliged to resign on account of ill health. Later he engaged in the transport service, which was fully as hazardous as service in the regular navy, and after the war he worked at his trade until the death of his father, when he took charge of the estate and has since managed it. Mr. Maxfield has always taken an active interest in the fire department and was well known to the old volunters. The Maxfield family were among the earliest settlers of the town of Dartmouth and have been prominent in local history. The family is of English origin. Meaney, Thomas J,, dealer in real estate, was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, July 12, 1844, a son of Daniel and Mary (Sexton) Meaney. His father was a steam- boat engineer on a line from Cork to Liverpool, and his mother conducted a variety store on King street in Cork for several years. His education was limited, being confined to a few terms in the Christian Brothers' school in Cork. When he was twelve years old he succeeded in making his passage to St. Johns, New Brunswick, and from there went to Boston, and later to Quincy, where he remained about two years. He then began to make fishing voyages to the Grand Banks, and in the win- ter season went South to work as an oysterman. In 1862 he went into the United States Revenue service, shipping on a revenue cutter, and in 1865 he went into the employ of the Armstrong & Hotchkiss line of packet ships to the West Indies, where he became a mate in the service. In 1868 he came to New Bedford and re entered the revenue service, remaining in it about four years. In 1872 he was appointed to the New Bedford police force and served one year in Mayor Dunbar's administra- tion, and later two years under Mayor Abram H. Howland. For the last sixteen years he has been in the real estate business. Mr. Meaney has been the architect of his own fortunes and, having come to this country a friendless youth, his success is all the more remarkable. He has always been a staunch Democrat and has been active in Democratic political circles, having been for several years district member of the Thirteenth Congressional District of the Democratic Committee. He repre- sented Ward 6 one time in the Common Council and he has served as president of the St. Lawrence Catholic Temperance Society for seven years, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and treasurer of the New Bedford Literary Association, and a member of the Irish American Historical Society. He married, in 1868, Mary Mc- Auliffe, late of New Bedford. Seven children were born to them, four of whom sur- vive: John J., Mary E. , Alice C. and Agnes G. Mitchell, John, was born in Scotland, October 17, 1858, a son of William and Ann Mitchell, educated in the common schools and at fourteen years of age became » seafaring man, which he followed until he settled in Orange, N. J. , in 1884. Here he formed a partnership for the manufacture of rubber goods, with stores located in New York. In 1890 he moved to Mansfield and has since lived a retired farmer. He married Emma M., daughter of Julius and Caroline H. Felt of Jaffrey, N. H., and their children are Harold, William and Arthur Julius. Mrs. Mitchell is a gradu- ate of Jaffrey High School, Melville Academy and Bridgewater Normal, and taught five years in the Normal College, University of Nashville, Nashville, Tenn., and has 152 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. traveled extensively in the old country. Mr. Mitchell is a member of St. James F. & A. M. of Mansfield and is actively interested in affairs of his town and county. Moran, William, son of John K. and Margaret (Baker) Moran, was born in Lan- cashire, England, September 6, 1855. When he was an infant the family removed to this country, settling in Fall River. Mr. Moran attended the public schools for a short time and then began work for the American Printing Company, and after a three years' service in the print works went into the mills as weaver, which occupa- tion he continued at until 1877. At this time he began to learn the barber's trade under Edward Connell, with whom he remained two years and then established himself in the business which he still continues, being located on Rodman street. Mr. Moran has always been active in political circles. He has served for two years as secretary and for two years as permanent chairman of the Democratic City Com- mittee. In 1893 he was elected representative from the Fall River district and re- elected in 1894. During these terms, 1894-95, he served in 1894 on the committee on federal relations and in 1895 on the committee on labor. In 1896 he was elected by a large majority State senator and was re elected in 1897, serving in his first term on the committee on labor and insurance, and in his second term on labor, insurance, and public charitable institutions. Daring his long residence in Fall River he has gained a host of warm friends and is held in high estimation by all who know him. He is an ardent and sincere advocate of temperance and has done much to aid the cause of total abstinence. Moore, Charles Sturtevant, principal of the New Bedford High School, born in Boston in 1852, was the son of the Rev. E. D. and Harriet J. Moore. His paternal grandfather was Dr. Aaron Moore of Winsted, Conn., and his maternal grandfather, the Rev. Elisha Fiske, for fifty-two years the Congregational minister of Wrentham, Mass. His father, a Congregational minister, preached in Kingston, Barre, Natick and Boston, and was the first editor of " The Congregationalism" then known as " The Recorder," and was on the staff of the first anti-slavery paper published in Massachusetts. He was on the staff that edited the State republication of the Mas- sachusetts and Old Colony Records. He contributed many of the articles in the "Cyclopedia of Missions," was the author of " Life Scenes in Mission Field," and constant contributor to the Congregationalist and the Evangelist. Mr. Moore's mother was the author of several works which reached their fortieth thousand — among them "The Golden Legacy " and " Anna Clayton." She wrote a number of temperance stories which had a large sale and contributed many articles for gift books and for the current periodicals. The Hon. Henry Wilson, when he came to Natick a poor boy, received substantial help and encouragement from the Rev. Mr. Moore, who directed his studies and opened to him his library. Mr. Wilson through- out his public life was a warm friend of the Rev. Mr. Moore and his wife and was a constant visitor in their home. Mr. Moore prepared at the Boston Latin School for Harvard, completing the six years' work in four years. Graduating from Harvard in 1873, he accepted a position in the Private Classical School of Mr. John P. Hop- kinson in Boston, where he remained four years. During the first two years, in pur- suance of a desire to study medicine, he took several courses in physics and chemis- try at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and studied in the laboratory of the Harvard Medical School under Prof. Jackson. Deciding, however, to make PERSONAL REFERENCES. 153 teaching his life work, he accepted, in 1877, the principalship of the Taunton, Mass., • High School, going thence, in 1885, to the head mastership of the Cathedral School of Saint Paul, in Garden City, L. I., an endowed private school upon the model of West Point, where he remained until 1893, when he came to his present position in New Bedford. A member and officer of numerous educational associations, Mr. Moore is the author of many addresses and papers, mainly upon educational topics. For two years he was chairman of a committee of the Massachusetts State Teachers' Associa- tion to procure greater uniformity in college admission requirements, and was one of the founders of the Bristol County Teachers' Association. He is second vice-pres- ident of the Y. M. C. A., a vestryman of Grace Church and also clerk of the parish; trustee of the Teachers' Annuity Guild and vice-president of the Teachers' Benefit Association and member of many literary and religious clubs. Mr. Moore is mar- ried and has two daughters. Morton, Charles H., president of the First National Bank of Fairhaven and treas- urer of the Fairhaven Institution for Savings, was born in Fairhaven, October 15, 1841, a son of Charles F. and Hannah (Slade) Morton. His father was a cooper and farmer, and a respected citizen of Fairhaven for many years. For some time he was a director of the First National Bank. During his boyhood Mr. Morton attended the schools of his native village, and studied privately. His first business experi- ence was as a carpenter, which trade he began in New Bedford under John M. Foster, and completed in Fall River. He then went to Kingston, N. Y., where he worked at his trade for a short time and then returned to Fairhaven. At the out- break of the Civil war he was one of the first to enroll his name, joining the 7th Mass. Vols. As this time he was under age and his father, who held Quaker views, protested so strongly with the authorities that he was rejected. In 1862 he re-enlisted in Co. D, of the 3d Mass. Vols., under Capt. A. D. Wright and served nine months. Returning at the end of this time he was commissioned second lieutenant and be- came adjutant for the superintendent of recruiting in Norfolk county, stationed at Readville. He served in this capacity until the organization of the 58th Mass. Vols. , in which regiment he was commissioned first lieutenant of Co. G. He served through- out the Grant campaign and in September, 1864, was taken prisoner and held at Libby, Salisbury, N. C. , and Danville, Va. , until exchanged in February, 1865. Soon after he was commissioned captain of Co. C, of the same regiment, and served until the regiment was mustered out at the close of the war. About this time the oil fever in Pennsylvania was at its height and Captain Morton went to the oil regions, but not being able to gain a satisfactory foothold, returned in a few months. He now engaged in various mercantile pursuits, conducting a real estate business in Boston for some time, and also serving on the State police. In 1873 President Grant appointed him postmaster at Fairhaven and he served his town faithfully in that capacity for a period of fourteen years. In 1878 he became a trustee and member of the board of investment of the Fairhaven Institution for Savings and in June, 1886, was made treasurer of the institution. He is still serving in that capacity. He is also president of the First National Bank, with which he has been connected for a nnmber of years as director and president. Mr. Morton is deeply interested in the welfare and public good of Fairhaven, and has been prominently identified with many projects designed to promote the best interests of the community. He t 154 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. has served for eight years on the School Committee. Mr. Morton has married twice; first, he married Anna M., daughter of Capt. Joseph W. Black, and of this union four children survive: Charles H., jr., Anna B., Linnaeus W. and Helen T. His second wife was Adeline L. Alden, daughter of Seth Alden of Fairhaven. The Morton family is of old Puritan stock, Mr. Morton being ninth of the line of George Morton, who settled in Plymouth in 1623. Morton, James M., jr., attorney at law, was born in Fall River, Mass., August 24, 1869, a. son o£ Hon. James M. and Emily (Canedy) Morton. He obtained his pre- paratory education in the schools o£ his native city, graduating from the High School in 1886, and from Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire, in 1887. He then en- tered Harvard College and was graduated cum laude from that institution in 1891. He passed the succeeding three years in Harvard Law School and received the de- grees of LL. B and A. M. in 1894. At the Harvard commencement that year Mr. Morton was the law orator, being selected as the representative of the Law School on that occasion. He was admitted to the Bristol county bar at the April sitting of the Supreme Court at Taunton in 1894, and began the practice of his profession at Fall River in July following, forming a copartnership with Hon. Andrew J. Jennings under the firm name of Jennings & Morton. June 10, 1896, Mr. Morton married Miss Nancy J. B. Brayton, and they have one son, James M. Morton, the fourth of that name. Neill, Hon. Joseph O. , son of William and Margaret (Grenough) Neill, was born in Calais, Me., January 31, 1838, and obtained his education in the public schools. He was engaged in various pursuits as a young man, at one time (1857) making a voy- age to Cuba in the ship Plumas. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. G, 4th Mass. Vols., Captain Gordon, This was the first regiment to reach Virginia, landing at Fortress Monroe. He was discharged July 22, 1861, but re-enlisted from Taunton, in Co. F. 29th Mass. Vols., on November 21, 1861. In this company he was first sergeant, second lieuten- ant and first lieutenant, resigning from the latter office to return home and raise a company for the 60th Mass. Regiment under Colonel Wass. He was commissioned captain of Company D, from Fall River, in July, 1864. In civil life Mr. Neill has long been prominent in the official and business circles of Fall River, where he set- tled in 1865. He was first employed by, Mr. P. D. Conant, a hardware dealer on Second street, where the post offce now stands. Some years later he was admitted to partnership and when Mr. Conant retired in 1886 he succeeded to the business, which had been moved to its present location on Bedford street. Mr. Neill was a candidate against Robert Howard of Fall River, for State senator in 1886, 1887, 1889, 1890, 1891 and 1893, but was defeated. In 1888 he received a certificate of election over Mr. Howard, but the seat was successfully contested on the ground of a mis- spelled ballot. He was senator from the Second Bristol district in 1894, 1895 and 1896; was chairman of the committee on Federal relations and a member of the committees on public charitable institutions and woman suffrage in 1894; chairman of the committee on harbors and public lands, and a member of the committees on printing and charitable institutions in 1895; chairman of the committee on charita- ble institutions, and a member of those on harbors and public lands and public ser- vice in 1896 ; House chairman of the committee on public charitable institutions and a member of the committee on street railways in 1897. Mr. Neill was a member of PERSONAL REFERENCES. 155 the Fall River Common Council in 1867, alderman in 1878 and 1879, and water com- missioner in 1891, 1892 and 1893. He is a member of Mt. Hope Lodge, Fall River Chapter and Council of Masons and of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F., also past commander of Richard Borden Post No. 96, G. A. R. He is a director of the Metacomet Bank. In July, 1863, he married Mary J., daughter of P. D. Conant, and their children are Jessie, wife of Sidney W. Bateman of Newport, R. I. ; Jennie L. , wife of William N. Emery of Jacksonville, Fla. ; and Lena May. New Process Twist Drill Co., The. — The inventor of this process of manufacturing twist drills was Edwin O. Williams of Taunton, and after perfecting his patents and machines, he formed a company for their manufacture and started in business in February, 1884. The peculiarity of the manufactures of this company is that their drills are hot forged, and not milled. The company claim that they are the only concern in this country, and, they believe, the only one in the world making hot forged twist drills, and that other companies have tried to do this over and over again but without success. The present officers are B. L. Dwinell, president; Peter H. Corr, treasurer; John M. Goodwin, general manager; Arnold C. Hopkins, super- intendent of works. Newell, Fred A., was born in Franklin, August 8, 1845. His father, Hiram Newell, was a native of Cumberland, R. I., and the family were among the early settlers. Hiram Newell married Clarissa Scott and through life was engaged in boat building at Franklin and was the pioneer of that industry; he died April 26, 1859. Fred A. Newell was educated in the public schools and for a time was engaged in the straw business. In 1874 he engaged in the jewelry business and at the pres- ent time Watson & Newell are the leading manufacturers in the two Attleboroughs. In 1892 Mr. Newell married Alida, daughter of Capt. Samuel D. Walden. Mr. Newell is one of the self-made men of Bristol county, conservative and entirely un- assuming and has ever taken an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. G, 5th Mass., and was one to answer the last call of Abraham Lincoln for volunteers. Nichols, John B , was born in Rehoboth, Mass , December 1, 1859, a son of Charles B. and Sarah A. (Nichols) Nichols. As a boy he attended the district schools and worked on his father's farm. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the plumb- ing and tinsmith trade with George H. Davol & Co. of Fall River, and in June, 1893, purchased the business of A. C. Wyatt, who was located at the corner of Third and Rodman streets, and has since conducted it at this location with success, dealing in stoves, glass, tin, and woodenware and conducting a general plumbing business. He has made a specialty of installing heating apparatus and has placed plants in many public and private buildings in the city, notably the plant in the Episcopal church on Rock street, and that in the Emergency Hospital. Mr. Nichols married Elvira B., daughter of Frank W. Eddy, a well known citizen of Fall River. They have Bve children: Sarah F., Nettie W., Alton A., Mildred B. and Milton B. Nicholson, John G., son of James and Agnes (Greenhill) Nicholson, was born in London, England, August 24, 1865. He is, however, of Scotch descent, both of his parents having been natives of Scotland. During his early youth he attended pri- vate schools and later for two years the City of London College. Having completed 156 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. his schooling he entered a London broker's office when but fifteen years of age and remained there until he reached his twentieth year. At that time he came to this country, settling first in Norwich, Conn., where a cousin was conducting a large re- tail dry goods store. He worked in this store as a clerk for a period of two years and then went to Fall River to engage in the life insurance business. Leaving Fall River within a year he accepted a position as bookkeeper for William H. Washburn, a dealer in builders' supplies, and in this position gained an extensive knowledge of the lumber trade, and in 1892, with Elzeard Fournier, formed a copartnership for the conduct of a general planing mill business under the name of Fournier & Nicholson. They started the enterprise in a small way, with little capital and machinery, and having met with a large measure of success are now carrying a large stock and op- erating a plant of the first class. During his business career in New Bedford Mr. Nicholson has gained many friends. He is a member of Eureka Lodge of Masons, and the Chapter, Council, Commandery and Shrine. In 1898 he was appointed a member of the Cemetery Commission for a term of three years by joint convention. He married first, Annie M. Priestley, daughter of George Priestley of New Bedford; his second wife, Helen E. Priestley, was also a daughter of George Priestley. Nickerson, Capt. Henry O., was born in Fall River, January 23, 1845, and began sailing at the age of twelve. In March, 1862, he enlisted in the 3d Rhode Island Artillery and served for three years. After the war he returned to sailing, which has been the occupation of his life. He has been on the Fall River Line of steamers for over thirteen years, the last ten years of which he has been a captain. He has been a captain of the steamer Pilgrim for four years. Capt. Nickerson is a member of Narragansett Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery, and of Rich- ard Borden Post, No. 46, G. A. R., of which he has been senior vice-commander. November 16, 1877, he married Ida M. Innis and they have one son, Benjamin 0., Capt. Nickerson's father was Benjamin Nickerson, his mother Bersheba (Young) Nickerson. Benjamin Nickerson was the son of Benjamin, who was the son of Ben- jamin, son of Benjamin, son of Samuel, son of Samuel, son of William Nickerson, who came from Norwich, Norfolk county, England, and landed at Plymouth in 1637. He is frequently mentioned in the old records of Plymouth Colony and became owner of all the land in and about Chatham. He was also in the militia with Miles Stan- dish, and his son William participated in King Philip's war. Nickerson, John Wesley, deputy sheriff of Bristol county for the past thirty years, is one of the oldest and best known citizens of New Bedford. He was born in Plym- outh, Mass., May 5, 1818, a son of Israel and Rebecca (Young) Nickerson. During his boyhood he worked on the farm and attended school the usual three months which were accorded to a boy in those days, and he also worked at the carpenter's trade under his father, who was a practical carpenter and a respected citizen in Plymouth for many years. When he reached the age of seventeen he came to New Bedford and found employment as a clerk in a grocery owned by Jonathan Bourne, with whom he remained about two and a half years, and then found a similar posi- tion with the dry goods firm of Barney & Head, where he remained an equal length of time. He then engaged in the dry goods business for himself, locating on South Water street, where he remained in business for about five years and at the end of this time he sold out; made a voyage of six months in a merchant vessel, and when PERSONAL REFERENCES. 157 he returned formed a company and bought a ship in which he Failed as supercargo and part owner for eleven years, mostly in the trade with Brazil, Africa and the Cape Verde Islands. A short time after the ship had been sold he was appointed deputy sheriff of Bristol county, which position he has ever since held, and he has also held commissions as deputy sheriff of Plymouth, Barnstable and Dukes coun- ties. Mr. Nickerson has been a member of the Star in the East Lodge of Masons for some years and is also a member of Adoniram Chapter and was a charter mem- ber of Pacific Lodge of Odd Fellows. He was first a. Whig and has been a staunch Republican since the organization of that party, serving at different times on the city committee and as delegate to State and county conventions. He represented Ward 2 in the Council for two terms and 'Ward 4 a like number of times, being a member of the first Council elected after the incorporation of the city. In the ad- ministrations of Mayors G. H. Dunbar and Abram H. Howland he served as chief of police. Mr. Nickerson descends from a hardy settler of Cape Cod, William, by name, who came from England in 1730. In 1838 he married Mary G. Chase of Nan- tucket, and of their eight children only three survive: Elizabeth R., wife of James W. Herrey, of New Bedford ; Thomas, and Louise, wife of P. F. Brownell, of Otta- wa, Canada. Nooning, William B., who died in New Bedford, May 30, 1874, was one of the promising young business men of the city, and noted as well for a most charitable and benevolent spirit. He was born in Bristol, Mass., January 31, 1836, a son of Jonathan and Eliza (Bowler) Nooning, educated in the schools of the vicinity and very early in life learned the sailmaking trade under his father. At this trade he continued until 1865, when he removed to New Bedford and in a small way started a millinery business on Purchase street. To this he gave all his energy and ability and had soon increased the business to considerable proportions. He was a trustee and valued member of the Pleasant Street Methodist Church and one of the origin- ators of the Young Men's Christian Association movement in New Bedford. Fra- ternally, he was a member of the Eureka Lodge of Masons, Sutton Commandery and Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. He was a faithful friend of the poorer classes and in a quiet, unassuming way did much to improve the condition of cases which came under his notice. Mr. Nooning married, in 1857, Hannah H. Sherman, daugh- ter of Justice and Clarissa (Gifford) Sherman, and they had three daughters, one now survives, Clarissa, wife of James H. Gorham of New Bedford. The millinery busi- ness which Mr. Nooning established on Purchase street is still continued at the same location by Mrs. Nooning. Normandin, Louis Zephirin, M. D., is the son of Antoine and Amelia Normandin, and was born in St. Jacques-le-Mineur, Canada, October 9, 1851. He pursued an eight years' course at the College of the Sulpician Fathers in Montreal and after- wards entered Victoria College, in the same city, for the study of medicine and surg- ery, receiving the degree of M. D. therefrom in 1879. The same year he settled in New Bedford, where he has since practiced his profession. In 1883 he also engaged in the drug business, first at 630 and since 1890 at 598 Purchase street. Dr. Nor- mandin is one of the leading physicians of New Bedford, and for many years has enjoyed an extensive practice. He served for six years as a member of the School Committee and is now (1898) a member of the Board of Aldermen.- He is a member 158 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of Alpha Lodge, I. O. O. F., M. U. and of the Elks, and also of several French organizations. In 1881 he married Mary Gouletof New Bedford, and they have four children : Azelia, Romeo, Alfred and Ella. Nottage, Herbert H., physician and ophthalmologist, was born in Chelsea, Mass., October 1, 1863. He obtained his preparatory education in the schools of his na- tive town, graduating in 1882 with high standing in the sciences. He then entered Harvard Medical College, received his medical degree in 1886, and was then offered a position on the medical staff of the Boston Free Hospital for Women. He was assistant editor for one year of the Annals of Gynaecology, of which Dr. Cushing was editor-in chief. Dr. Nottage resigned this position to engage in the general practice of medicine, beginning at Westport, Mass., where he succeeded at once in his profession. In 1895 he became assistant to Dr. Giles of New York, in the Man- hattan Eye and Ear Infirmary. Here in the doctor's private practice, at the Demilt Dispensary and in the Post Graduate School he had excellent advantages for ad- vancement in his profession. He next went to London, spending some time in Moorfields Hospital, where as many as 500 cases are treated daily. After returning from England he opened an office in Fall River and was soon thereafter elected a member of the New England Ophthalmological Society, and the same year was ap- pointed attending surgeon to the Roger Williams Eye, Ear and Throat Infirmary in Providence and for a time filled the appointment by going back and forth between the two cities. Increase of his work at Providence led to his residence there while he still retained the better part of his practice in Fall River. Dr. Nottage has long been a student of oriental philosophy and comparative religions and has followed the development of psychical research. He writes occasionally for medical journals and for "The Christian,'' edited by Rev. H. L. Hastings. In 1888 he married H. May, daughter of Rev. H. L. Hastings. Of this union are two children: Percy H. and Nathaniel. Dr. Nottage is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, the Med- ical Club of Rhode Island, and the Massachusetts Meteorological Society. Nute, Joseph E. , was born at South Woodstock, Oxford county, Maine, Septem- ber 3, 1863, a son of Orsamus and Lavina (Davis) Nute. When he was an infant his parents removed to Boston, Mass., where he was educated, attending the common schools, the English High School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from which he was graduated in the class of 1885. His first business connection was as an engineer on the engineering staff of the United Gas Improvement Company of Philadelphia, engaged in building holder tanks for different gas plants throughout the country. He remained in this capacity for a period of two years and then was made superintendent of distribution of the Jersey City works of the same company, where he remained three years. Mr. Nute removed to Fall River to take charge of the plant of the Fall River Gas Works Company in 1890, and has since filled that re- sponsible position with ability. He is a member of the American Gas Light Associ- ation, the New England Association of Gas Engineers and a recognized authority on all matters pertaining to gas construction. May 30, 1887, he married Harriet G., granddaughter of Samuel G. Wilkins, a city missionary of Boston. They have four children: Helen, Raymond Edson, Warren Wilkins and Alden Davis. Nye, Pemberton Hutchinson, ship chandler, is the son of Thomas and Susan W. (Case) Nye, and a grandson of Thomas and Hannah (Hathaway) Nye, and was born PERSONAL REFERENCES. 159 in New Bedford, Mass., September 23, 1870. Thomas Nye, si\, a native and resident of Fairhaven, was a master mariner in the merchant service for many years and later an agent of merchant ships in his native town, where he died in 1844. Thomas Nye, jr., was born in Fairhaven, November 9, 1804. He, too, was master of mer- chant ships for many years and afterward an agent for whaling vessels in company with his brother, Asa R. , the firm name being T. & A. R. Nye. He was a director and president of the National Bank of Commerce from I860 to 1868, and died March 22, 1882, being survived by his widow. They had two sons: Pemberton H., of New Bedford, and Richard Mott, who died in infancy. Mrs. Nye is a daugh- ter of Pardon Case of Westport Point, Mass. Pemberton H. Nye was graduated from the Friends' Academy in New Bedford in 1887, and afterward made several voyages in merchant ships for pleasure. In the fall of 1894 he formed a copartnership with Frederick V. Hadley, and under the firm name of Nye & Hadley engaged in the ship chandlery business on the corner of Front street and Taber's wharf. In May, 1896, Mr. Hadley withdrew and since then Mr. Nye has conducted the business alone. He is also an agent for vessels in the coasting service. October 28, 1891, he married Jennie B., daughter of Alexander B. Crapo of New Bedford. Osborn, James Edward, treasurer of the American Linen Company, was born in Fall River, Mass., January 24, 1856, a son of James and Mary B. (Chace) Osborn. He was educated in the public schools of Fall River and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1872. He began his business career in the office of the Merchants' Mills, where he remained three years and afterwards engaged in the cotton brokerage business. He .became a member of the firm of Covel & Osborn, dealers in mill supplies at Fall River in 1884. Mr. Osborn was elected president of the Hargraves Mills in 1894 and for several years has been a director in the Parker Mills, the Fall River Street Railroad, the Pocasset National Bank, the Manufactur- ers' Mutual Insurance Company, the Fall River Electric Light Company and the American Linen Company, all of Fall River, and in the Carr Manufacturing Com- pany of Taunton. Since 1896 he has been treasurer of the American Linen Com- pany. Pardee, Charles A. , coal dealer, son of Isaac and Gertrude (Munger) Pardee, was born at Kingston, N. Y., June 29, 1841. His ancestors were French Huguenots, who came first to Connecticut and from there moved to the vicinity of Chatham, N. Y. His great-grandfather, James Pardee, was a mounted officer in the army of the Revolution. After completing his education in the public schools and the Kingston Academy, Charles A. Pardee was engaged for two years with the Pennsylvania Coal Company as weighmaster at Port Ewen, N. Y., and during the winter looked after the floating stock of the company at Williamsburg (now Brooklyn), N. Y. He next was given the position of foreman on the docks of the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company at Rondout, N. Y., and from there was transferred to Weehawken, N. J., by the same company, to take charge of their coal depot there. In 1869 the company sent him to Grand Tower, 111. , to look after their coal shipments and local sales. In 1873 he removed to Fall River, where he engaged in the coal business with M. T. Bennett, jr., & Co. In 1878, with John M. Young, he formed the firm of Pardee & Young, and they have since carried on a large coal business on Davol street, Fall River. Mr. Pardee was married at Kingston, N. Y., to Kate Eltinge Deane of Port Ewen, and they have three children: Emma C, Catherine A., and Charles A. 160 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Pardee, Lewis O , son of Lewis R. and Mahala (West) Pardee, was born in See- konk, Bristol county, Mass., December 5, 1848. He attended the public schools of his native town and after gaining an education began to learn the mason's trade under Hiram S. Read at Providence, R. I. After an experience of five years in Providence, three of which were spent with Mr. Read, and two as a journeyman, he removed to New Bedford, where he also remained for five years. Mr. Pardee set- tled in Fairhaven in 1885 and in 1893 formed a copartnership with Zenas Dodge to conduct a general contracting business. The latter retired in 1897 and Mr. Pardee has since continued alone with excellent success. He is a Republican in politics, has always been interested and ready to assist in the development of the village in which he lives and is a member of the Village Improvement Society. He is also a member of Concordia Lodge, F. & A. M. In June, 1883, he married Emma J., daughter of Benjamin P. Tripp of Fairhaven, and they have five children: Bessie Lewis, Bertha Tripp, Charles Elmer, Olive Mosher and Byron Matthews. Parker, A. T. , was born at Cranston, R. I. , December 18, 1852. His father, Thomas K. Parker, came from Nottingham, Eng., to the United States in 1840, with his father, John Parker, who was the pioneer of the spooling of cotton. Thomas K. married Anna Reynolds, and was an expert machinist. Arthur T. Parker was edu- cated in the public schools, and Friends' School of Providence, R. I., and followed civil engineering for thirteen years. In 1884 he came to North Attleborough and entered the insurance business, which in 1885 was reorganized as A. T. Parker & Co. In 1879 he married Eserphine G. Miner, who died in 1888, and later he married Min- nie F. Hall, and he has four sons and one daughter: Lawrence and Grace by the first wife, and Carlton, Sanford and Richard by the second. Mr. Parker is one of the representative business men of his town, is treasurer of the Plainville Loan As- sociation, a member of Bristol Lodge, F. & A. M., and Aurora Lodge of Odd Fel- lows. Parker, Henry W., son of Ward M. and Marcia F. (Lewis) Parker, was born in New Bedford, November 2, 1849. His father, a native of Falmouth, was in early life engaged in the coasting trade commanding a vessel running to Charleston, S. C. He later engaged in procuring live oak timber in Florida, under contracts with the government, and finally embarked in the whaling business at Wood's Holl, where he built the ship Bartholomew Gosnold, and by shrewd management he acquired a large estate. For nearly forty years he was a director in the Marine (now First National) Bank, and for many years was in the direction of the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad, the Gas Light Co., the Commercial Insurance Co., the Taunton Locomo- tive Works, and the Taunton Copper Co., of which he was president several years. He died in New Bedford, August 6, 1881, in his ninety-seventh year, a man univer- sally respected and of many friends. Henry W. Parker attended private schools in New Bedford and Falmouth, preparing for college at New Bedford under the late Charles P. Rugg, who was for twenty-five years principal of the High School, and in 1868 he entered Brown University and took the A. B. degree in 1872. In the same year he began the study of medicine at Harvard University, School of Medi- cine, but discontinued his medical course at the end of the first year and established a drug store in New Bedford,- locating at the corner of Middle and Purchase streets. At the end of a period of four years he sold out and became connected with PERSONAL REFERENCES. 161 Smith's Homoeopathic Pharmacy in New York city, but on the death of his father returned to New Bedford to assume the management of the estate. In 1885 he again took up the study of medicine at Harvard University, School of Medicine, and was graduated M. D. in 1890, but has never been in active practice. Mr. Parker be- came associated with the firm of Gifford & Company in 1^89, and now owns the en- tire interest. This clothing store, now located on Pleasant street, was established by Nathaniel Gifford in 1853, and consequently may be remembered among the old- est establishments of its kind in the city. Parker, William Crowell, lawyer, was born February 19, 1850, in New Bedford, Mass., where he has always resided. His grandfather, Benjamin Parker, and great- grandfather, Sylvanus Parker, both lived in Falmouth, whence his father, William C. Parker, came to New Bedford when a young man, learned the trade of painter, and died in 1876, aged sixty -four. The latter was for many years one of the leading master painters in the city. He married Huldah N. Potter of New Bedford, who died in 1883. William Crowell Parker, their sixth child and second son, was edu- cated in the New Bedford public schools, read law in the offices of Barney & Knowl- ton, attended the Albany (N. Y.) Law School one year, and was admitted to the bar of Massachusetts in 1876. Since then he has successfully followed the general practice of his profession in New Bedford. He has had but one law partner, Robert F. Raymond, in 1883-84. Mr. Parker has long been a prominent Republican, and for several years was a member of the New Bedford Common Council. In 1872, when twenty-two years old, he was elected to the Massachusetts Legislature, in which he served in 1873 and 1874, having been reelected. He was the youngest member of that body. In 1873 he was a member of the labor committee, and at the close of that session was appointed a member of the special committee to investigate the accounts of county officers, of which he was made the secretary. He drew the report of that committee, which was submitted to the Legislature. In 1878 and and again in 1880 Mr. Parker served as city solicitor of New Bedford. He was married in September, 1882, to Abbie G., daughter of William Tallman, jr., of New Bedford, Mass. Paull, Elbridge Gerry, son of Elbridge Gerry and Abby (Parris) Paull, was born in Freetown, April 21, 1836. His father was a native of Berkley, Mass., and for many years conducted a saw mill in Freetown. He removed to Fairhaven in 1875 and lived there until his death in 1886. Mr. Paull attended the Freetown schools and when sixteen years of age began to learn the machinist's and blacksmithing trades in the machine shop of D. E. Strange, for whom he worked five years, acquir- ing a thorough knowledge of his business. He then went to Taunton, where he was employed by the Dean Cotton Machine Company as a blacksmith for two years, and at the end of that time went to Somerset, where he was employed in the same capac- ity for seven years by the Mt. Hope Iron Company. In 1865 he came to Fairhaven with Cyrus D. Hunt and Russell Hathaway to start the American Tack Company and was employed in the plant as a blacksmith until 1886, when he became superin- tendent. In 1891, when the company was merged into the present Atlas Tack Company, he became superintendent and agent. He is now general superintendent of all the mills of the Atlas Tack Company, three of which are located in Taunton, one in Plymouth and one in Fairhaven. Mr. Paull has been enabled to fill his re- 162 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sponsible position with success, partly owing to a native business ability, and partly to the fact that he is a practical machinist and tack maker. In politics he is a staunch Republican. He has served on the School Committee and as assessor and is now a member of the Sewer Commission. He is a prominent member of the Village Im- provement Society, and actively interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the village in which he has resided for over thirty-three years. Mr. Paull is a member of Concordia Lodge, F. & A. M., the Chapter and Council. For a number of years he has been a member of the Unitarian Church of Fairhaven. In 1859 he married Nancy M., daughter of Malbon Hathaway of Freetown, and they have two sons: Norman M. and Alton B. Pearse, William G., son of William H. and Rosanna (Gardner) Pearse, was born at Bristol Ferry, in 1848, and obtained his early education in the district schools of that vicinity. When he was quite young the family removed to Cumberland, near Woonsocket, R. I., where he worked on his father's farm until 1867. At that time he located in Swansea and formed a copartnership with David Mason, under the firm name of D. Mason & Co. , to deal in live stock, principally horses and cattle. He continued in this and in other minor enterprises for ten years. In 1877 he en- gaged in the wholesale fruit and produce business on Second street in Fall River, associating himself with E. O. Easterbrooks, under the firm name of Pearse & Easter- brooks. Three years later they added agricultural implements to their stock, as well as a line of hardware, and still later they dropped the produce business and added harness and horse clothing. At this time Mr. Easterbrooks withdrew and his inter- est was taken by his brother, Charles E. Easterbrooks. Soon after the latter also retired, and Mr. Pearse became sole proprietor. In 1897 he took his son, William H. Pearse, into the firm, the name being then changed to William G. Pearse & Son. In August of the same year George Marvell was also admitted, at which time the firm name took its present form of W. G. Pearse & Co. Mr. Pearse has resided in Swansea for nearly thirty years. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact and is one of the leading business men of Fall River. He was married in 1870 to Elizabeth M., daughter of Gardner Slade of Somerset. Of this union one son survives, William H. Pearse. Peck, Charles C. , was born in Barrington, R. I., February 7, 1831, a son of Leonard and Harriet (Short) Peck. His father was a farmer and hotel proprietor and died in 1863. Charles C. Peck was educated in the common schools and in 1847 came to North Attleborough, where he learned the jeweler's trade with Morse & Bailey and Tift & Whiting, traveling from New York for them. He spent two years in Cincin- nati with R. Clayton, also two years with L. D. Sim. April 18, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 6th Ohio Vols., for three months, then re-enlisted for three years and took part in the battles of Rich Mountain, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga, going out as a private and re- tiring with rank of first lieutenant, and received an honorable discharge June 23, 1864. He then returned to Cincinnati and spent two years in Omaha, and fifteen years in Nebraska stock raising. In 1880 he returned to North Attleborough. In 1852 he married Frances M. , daughter of Othaniel and Julia Blackinton. Mr. Peck is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as overseer of the poor, and mem- ber of the public and town committee. He was one of the founders of the G. A. R-. Post No. 192, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 163 Peck, Lydia D. — Capron Peck was born at Attleborough, February 4, 1797. He was descended from Hezekiah, 1 Hezekiah, 2 Hezekiah, 3 Jonathan, 4 and Capron, 6 who were all born on the same place, which is still owned by the family. Jonathan Peck was born in 1769. The family trace their descent from Joseph Peck who came from England in 1638. Jonathan Peck married Sabra, daughter of Joseph Capron, and he was prominent in his town. Capron Peck, the fifth generation to reside in Attle- borough, married Lydia M., daughter of Hon. Ebenezer Daggett, and was identified in the cotton manufacturing industry at Attleborough. His death, which occurred September 7, 1874, was a loss not only to his family, but to all who knew him. Of him it can well be said, "An honest man is the noblest work of God." He was con- servative and unassuming in character; his judgment was sought and respected by all who knew him ; and his hand ever aided any enterprise intended to benefit his town and town's people. Peckham, Anson C. , physician and surgeon, son of Reuben M. , and Elizabeth (Churchill) Peckham, was born in Somerset, Mass., September 3, 1855, and moved with his parents to Fall River when three years old. He received his preparatory education in the public schools of Fall River, then studied under the instruction of Isaac Smith, A.M., M. D., matriculated at the medical department of Dartmouth College, received his medical degree from that institution October 30. 1877, and on November 15 of that year commenced the practice of his profession in Fall River, where he has since met with continued success. When the Fall River Hospital was opened he was appointed a member of the surgical staff, on which he served three years and resigned to accept an appointment on the medical staff of the same insti- tution. Dr. Peckham has served as president of the Fall River Medical Society. In the fall of 1897 he was appointed one of the medical examiners of the Fall River Pension Board. He is a member of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar; Aleppo Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; past chancellor Annawan Lodge, K. of P., and represented that lodge at the Grand Lodge in 1892. He is medical examiner for the National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, Vt., and Mt. Hope Lodge, United Order of Pilgrim Fathers. November 7, 1882, Dr. Peck- ham married Ida L. Waite of Tiverton, R. I , and they have one daughter, Sadie. Dr. Peckham's grandfather, Henry Peckham, was born in Rhode Island, served in the war of 1812, and for many years was town clerk of Newport. Peirce, Charles M., jr., who died in New Bedford, September 12, 1875, in his fifty- third year, was for years a prominent figure in political and business circles of New Bedford. He was engaged for many years in an extensive brick and lime business on North Water street, was a member of the Common Council six years, two of which he served that body as president, and he represented this district for several terms in the State Legislature, served on the School Committee several years, and at the time of his death, was a member of the General Court. Mr. Peirce was a man of indomitable energy and possessing the courage of his convictions, had the man- liness to support them without subterfuge or hypocrisy, and he was for many years an active and valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Peirce was of good New England stock, being eighth of the line of that branch of the fam- ily headed by Michael Peirce, who was born in England and came to America about 1645, locating in Hingham, Mass., and in the following year in Scituate; he was 164 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLK. commissioned a captain by the Colony Court in 1669; Charles, 7 Barnard, 6 Joshua, 6 Mial, 4 Ephriam, 3 Ephriam, 2 and Michael. 1 Mr. Peirce married first Susan A. Durfee and of this union was one son, Frank O. For his second wife he married, November 28, 1860, Amanda E. Hill, daughter of Thomas J. and Betsy (Brown) Hill, who sur- vives him, and they had six children : Annie O, William C, Mary A. H., Emily H., Albert B., and Elizabeth S. Peloquin, Pierre F. , grocer and member of the School Committee of Fall River was born May 26, 1851, at Sorel. Canada. After completing his preparatory studies in the government school he spent one year at Sorel University and was graduated from Montreal College in 1872. He then moved to Fall River, becoming one of the earliest French residents of the city, and was employed as bookkeeper in a grocery store for six years. In 1878 he engaged in the grocery and provision business for himself on Bedford street, and by diligence and industry has since prospered. He is a shareholder in the Fall River Laundry, Fall River Ice Company and is treasurer of the Sand Rock Gold Mining Company of Arkansas. Mr. Peloquin is one of the trustees of St. Matthew's church of Fall River, for seven years has been president of the Ligue de Patriote (an influential organization of Frenchmen in Fall River with about 1,000 members). He was elected a member of the School Committee in 1896 for a term of three years. He holds a high social position among the French element and is an enterprising and progressive citizen of Fall River. Perkins, Thomas Peleg Whittridge, son of Josiah and Asenith (Clark) Perkins, was born in Middleborough, Mass. , December 2, 1820. His father was also a native and lifelong resident of Middleborough, and died there in the eightieth year of his age, honored and respected. Mr. Perkins, like his father and grandfather, has fol- lowed the blacksmith's trade all his life. He began when fourteen years old in his father's shop in Middleborough, having previously been given the advantages of the common school. He came to Fairhaven in 1869 and established a shop on the south- east corner of Main and Bridge streets ; three years later he built a shop on the cor- ner of Privilege and Bridge streets, which he has ever since occupied, a period of twenty-eight years. Mr. Perkins has ever been a staunch adherent of Democracy, and has always been deeply interested in the welfare of the town and many years ago was earnestly identified with a project for the extension of Privilege street across the old pond by Bridge. This project failed, but the step has been taken, justifying his earlier course. Mr. Perkins married, first, Laura A., daughter of John Bennett of North Rochester, and second, Betsey W., daughter of Zebulon Canedy of Lakeville, Mass., and of their children, two are now living: Oscar T. , and Olive B. , wife of Henry Sherman of New Bedford. Peterson, Charles A. B. , physician, is descended from (1) Joseph Peterson of Plym- outh; (2) Jonathan Peterson, whose wife, Lydia Thacher, died May 26, 1756, aged seventy-seven years; (3) Reuben Peterson, sr. , born April 8, 1710, married July 6, 1732, Rebecca Simmons, who died January 25, 1764; (4) Reuben Peterson, jr., born April 10, 1749, died May 22, 1845, married Abigail Soule, who was born May 20, 1757, died January 13, 1842; (5) Charles Peterson, born November 11, 1788, married Thank- ful Clark; and (6) Sylvester H. Peterson, born in South Plymouth, Mass. , January 15, 1822, died there October 14, 1870. Thankful Clark, who married Charles Peter- son (5) was descended from (1) Thomas Clark, who came to Plymouth in the ship PERSONAL REFERENCES. 165 Ann in 1623 and died March 24, 1697 ; (2) James Clark, born in 1636, died in 1657 ; (3) Thomas Clark, called " Silver Headed Tom ' because he was scalped by the In- dians and afterward wore a silver cap; (4) Josiah Clark, born in 1690; (5) Israel Clark, born in 1710; (6) Thankful Clark, born in 1750, married Miles Long in 1770; and (7) Betsey Long, who married John Clark in 1791. Thankful Clark, daughter of John and Betsey (Long) Clark, was born April 26, 1793, in Plymouth, and married, January 2, 1810, Charles Peterson, a carpenter, who died November 17, 1845, in Dux- bury. They had seven sons and three daughters, the fifth child being Sylvester H. Peterson (6). He was graduated from Amherst College and engaged in school teaching, but spent much of his life as a publisher in Philadelphia, Pa. , where he married, July 22, 1850, Matilda Scattergood, who died November 15, 1886. Their children were John M. S., born April 22, 1852; William S. H., born February 24, 1854; Charles A. B., born November 12, 1855; and Louise M. S., born August 29, 1862. Dr. Charles A. B. Peterson was born and began his education in Philadelphia, and when a lad returned with his parents to Plymouth, where he also attended school. He read medicine in New Bedford and at the medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated from the Lorig Island College Hospital with the degree of M. D. in 1886, after which he spent a year in the Long Island City Hospital. He has practiced his profession in New Bedford since 1887. Dr. Peterson is a member of the Massachusetts State, Bristol County, and New Bedford Medical Societies, the Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias, and has served one year as physician and three years as a member of the New Bedford Board of Overseers of the Poor. January 20, 1876, he married Stella J., daughter of George G. Gifford of New Bedford, and their children are Ethel Louise, Helen Lawrence and Ruth Merritt. Phillips, A. S., was born in North Attleborough, April 15, 1851, a. son of John Phillips, a native of Gloucester, R. I., who came to North Attleborough in 1840 and through life was identified as a farmer. He married Lydia, daughter of William Wolcott. A. S. Phillips was educated in North Attleborough and Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Providence. He learned the jeweler's trade, which he followed up to 1886 and then purchased a business of coal, wood and livery. In 1873 he mar- ried Emma H., daughter of Mr. Kenyon, and they have two daughters, Alberta W. and Marjorie. Mr. Phillips is one of the self-made men of Bristol county, conserva- tive and unassuming and has served his town as street commissioner, taking an in- telligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best inter- ests of his town and its peopie. Phillips, Arthur Sherman, attorney at law, was born at East Bridgewater, Mass., December 13, 1865 ; his ancestors settled in Marshfield and Weymouth prior to 1630, and in the town of Bridgewater early in the following century. Of his paternal an- cestors, John Phillips was a sergeant in General Washington's life guard, and of his maternal ancestors, Capt. William Pratt commanded the colonial militia in the de- fense of New Bedford. Mr. Phillips came to Fall River in 1871, was graduated from the Fall River High School with the class of 1883, and from Williams College in 1887. He began the study of law in June, 1890, as a student in the office of Morton & Jennings in Fall River, and was admitted to the Bristol bar in May, 1891. In June, 1892, he was graduated from the Boston Law School. From 1892 to 1894 Mr. 166 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Phillips was associated in the practice of law with Hon. Andrew J. Jennings, and during that time was connected with many of the most important cases tried in the county. In July, 1894, he opened an office in the Granite block, and in October, 1895, became senior partner of the firm of Phillips & Fuller, now located in the Union Bank building. Mr. Phillips is secretary of the Fall River Bar Association, and is a practitioner in the courts of the United States. September 13, 1893, he married Elizabeth L. Cheney of Waltham, Mass. They have two children: Lurena and Kathleen. Phillips, Edward Marion, was born in Taunton, September 29, 1859, a son of Capt. J. B. and Maria D. (Burt) Phillips. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton and the Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he went with his father in a coasting vessel and followed the sea for about five years and then went with Briggs & Co. as weighing clerk at their mill. Later he was em- ployed by the Taunton Stove Lining Co. and stayed with them until 1883, when he, with his brother, J. Arthur Phillips, engaged in the grocery and provision business for themselves and have continued it up to the present time. Mr. Phillips is a mem- ber of Sabbatia Lodge, I.O.O.F., Naomi Encampment and the A.O.U.W. He mar- ried Emma H. , daughter of John and Maria (Wyman) Trussel of Bucksport, Maine, and they have one daughter, Addie Maria. Phillips, Ferdinand H., son of Grafton G. and Mary M. (Cottle) Phillips, was born in Dartmouth, April 30, 1846. His early boyhood was spent in acquiring an educa- tion in the common schools of his native town and in farming. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Co. A, 1st R. I. Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged and upon his return found employment in the shops of the Providence & Worcester Railroad, where he remained four years. At the end of this period he engaged in the planing mill and general lumber business in Dart- mouth and continued successfully for eight years. Since 1878 he has given his entire attention to farming. Mr. Phillips married, March 4, 1869, Fannie E , daughter of Israel and Caroline (Blount) Burlingame, and of their union one son has been born, Frank B. In politics Mr. Phillips has always been an adherent of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of Post 190, G.A.R., of New Bedford, and for many years has been a deacon in the Christian Church of Shawmut. Phillips, Jacob Arthur, was born in Taunton, February 10, 1853, a son of Jacob B. and Maria D. (Burt) Phillips, and educated in the public schools and Bristol Acade- my. After leaving school he went coasting for a short time and then was employed by Church & Allen, later going with H.W. Church & Co., remaining with them about ten years, and then engaged in business with his brother in a full line of groceries and provisions. Mr. Phillips is a member of Good Samaritan Lodge, I. O. O. F., Naomi Encampment and Canton Cohannet. He was married in December, 1873, to Annie H. , daughter of Cyrus Presbrey of Taunton. Pierce, Alfred, was born in Rehoboth, December 81, 1821, son of Jeremiah Pierce, who was a native of the same town and who married Candace, daughter of Shubel Wheeler, through life having been identified as a carpenter and farmer. He died March 23, 1837. Alfred Pierce was educated in the public schools ; afterward learned the carpenter's trade and went to Pawtucket, where he remained four years. In PERSONAL REFERENCES. 167 1844 he came to Attleborough, leaving, in 1851, for California, where he remained two years, also spending a year in Australia, and in 1854 returned to Attleborough, where he engaged in business, and has been actively engaged in contracting and building for fifty-three years. He has erected and rebuilt four or five hundred pub- lic and private buildings in Bristol county. In 1872 he organized the firm of Pierce & Carpenter, dealers in lumber, coal and wood. In 1865 he married Martha R. , daughter of Thomas and Polly Richardson Williams, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Marion W. Carter. Mr. Pierce is one of the self-made men of his town ; takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters; and is recognized as a man of sterling ability and one whose word is as good as his bond. Pike, E. C. , was born in Attleborough, November 4, 1841, a son of William F. Pike, born in Attleborough in 1810, and grandson of Stephen S. Pike, born on the old homestead on Pike's avenue in 1777. William F. Pike married Harriet H. Hodges, and was engaged through life in farming. E. C. Pike was educated in the public schools and learned the jeweler's trade with Thompson, Richardson & Co. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, 47th Mass. , and received an honorable discharge in 1863. He established a stable business in 1870. He entered the employ of Hayward & Briggs, remaining with them until 1873, when he established the first dining rooms on Bank street in Attleborough. In 1883 he established his carriage repository, in which he still continues. In 1862 Mr. Pike married Catherine E. Conway, and they have two children : Charles A. and Florence M. Mr. Pike is one of the self-made men of Bris- tol county; one of the charter members of Orient Lodge No. 165, and has ever ad- vanced the best interest of his town and townspeople. Poisson, Joseph, merchant, was born September 15, 1853, in Gentilly, Canada, P. Q., where he received his education. He came to Fall River in 1872 and was a clerk in a dry goods store until 1879, when he removed to New Bedford, where he has since resided. On arriving in New Bedford Mr. Poisson formed a copartnership with D. A. Roy and opened a dry goods store on Purchase street, near the Parker House. About 1885 the firm of Poisson & Roy dissolved and Mr. Poisson continued the business there alone until 1892, when he bought the property at 822 Purchase street, erected the present building and formed the present firm of Poisson Brothers, the junior member being Laurent Poisson. This is one of the largest and best dry goods and clothing houses in the north end of New Bedford. Mr. Poisson is a director of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, a trustee of the Five Cents Savings Bank, and a member of the Board of Trade, the New Bedford Zouaves, and the Franc Tireur (sharpshooters). In 1882 he married Emma Allaire, a native of Canada, and they have one son, Alfred L. Poisson, Ludger, merchant, was born in Gentilly, Province of Quebec, Canada, August 29, 1868, a son of Nere Poisson, a prominent citizen and wholesale dealer in grain and hay. Mr. Poisson gained his preparatory education in the schools of his native parish and later spent two years in the College of the Brothers of Ste.- Croix, at Three Rivers, Canada. Shortly after completing his course (1885) he came to New Bedford and began work as a clerk for his brother, Joseph Poisson, who is elsewhere mentioned in this work. He continued in the capacity of clerk until 1890, when he formed a copartnership with his brother. Gideon Poisson, to engage in a general dry goods and clothing business, under the firm name of G. & L. Poisson. 168 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Although they started their business on a small scale, they have in the eight years of their management attained a wonderful growth and are now conducting two stores, one on Purchase street in the North end and the other on Water street in the South end. Mr. Poisson is a member of the B. P. O. E., St. John the Baptist Society, the A. O. U. W., and the Dartmouth Club. He is unmarried. Pool, Everett E. , was born in Easton, December 3, 1847, a son of Harrison and Mary Jane Pool. His father in his early life was employed as a store clerk and afterwards engaged in the mathematical instrument business. Everett E. Pool was educated in the common schools of Easton and Cochesett, West Bridgewater, Mass. In 1865 he was employed as a clerk in Taunton for several years and afterwards in the same capacity in North Easton, where he is now engaged. In 1873 he married Addie F., daughter of Samuel B. and Rebecca F. Ripley. He is a director of the Co-operative Bank of Easton ; secretary and treasurer of the Republican Town Committee of Easton ; is one of the Selectmen of 1896 ; and also secretary and treas- urer of the Queset Club of Easton, Mass. He is a progressive man, taking an active interest in politics and all other things that are of interest to the town and town's people. Poole, Lorenzo A. , son of Abiathar and Emily A. (Reed) Poole, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county. Mass., February 15, 1861. His boyhood was spent on his father's farm and in the public schools. In 1883 he entered the employ of the lumber firm of Greene & Wood, in New Bedford, and remained with them until 1894, when he bought his present farm (the old Rev. Daniel Hicks farm) and has since been engaged in farming and the production of milk for the market He married Annie M., daughter of Jarvis T. and Mary A. Ashley, one of the pioneer families of Bristol county, and they have three children : Eugene, born June 29, 1885 ; Ethel, born January 28, 1890 ; and Clarence, born June 19, 1894. Mr. Poole is a member of Shawmut Grange No. 210, and is one of Dartmouth's leading citizens. Poole, Capt. William H., son of Abiathar and Emily Ann (Reed) Poole, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., April 1, 1845. At the age of nine- teen he shipped aboard the whaling bark, Morning Star, first before the mast and afterward as boat steerer. In June, 1868, he shipped aboard the Minnesota in New Zealand waters and was promoted to the office of first mate, which position he held until the end of the voyage, June 12, 1872. From September 1, 1873, to June 24, 1875, he was first mate aboard the bark Platina on the coast of Chili, South America, and in July, 1883, he was promoted to the position of captain of the bark Bartholo- mew Gosnold, cruising in New Holland waters. After this voyage he remained at home for a time and then shipped as master of the John and Winthrop. In Decem- ber, 1888, he returned home and engaged in blacksmithing until September, 1890. In February, 1891, he again went whaliag in the Arctic Ocean as chief mate of the bark Wanderer and the following year as boatheader of the bark Reindeer. In May, 1895, he made another voyage of eighteen months to Hudson Bay with the ship Canton, and since that time has lived in semi retirement. Mr. Poole has been twice married, first to Annie D. Miller, October 3, 1876, and second to Effie M., daughter of Everet and Louisa Wyman of Maine. Mr. Poole is a member of Acushnet Lodge No. 41, and Annawan Encampment No. 8, I. O. O. F. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 169 Porter, Edmund William, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 11, 1831, a son of William Wallace and Mehitable (Cobb) Porter. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton and New York State. In 1845, when he was fourteen years old, he went to the Reed & Barton factory and learned the trade of britannia worker. He stayed with them fourteen years and then left to take a position with the Porter Britannia & Plate Co., in the same location as that occupied by the West Silver Co. of to day. Mr. Porter has been in his present location, with the exception of some time spent in the west and through all the changes of the firm about thirty- nine years. In 1873 he went to Aurora, 111. , to take charge of the Aurora Silver Plate Manufacturing Co. of that city, where he remained twelve years and then re- turned to Taunton and assisted in the organization of the F. B. Rogers Silver Co. In 1887 this firm was succeeded by the West Silver Co. and Mr. Porter remained as superintendent, which position he holds to day. He was a member of the City Coun- cil about four years, between the years 1865 and 1873. April 6, 1852, he married Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of Jireh and Sally (Waldroh) Strange of Taunton, and they had one son, Warren Strange Porter, born October 3, 1857, and died September 1, 1861. Potter, Abraham Joy, is a lineal descendant in the eighth generation from Nathan- iel Potter, who came to this country in 1638 and settled in Portsmouth, R. I. He is a son of Robert and Mary (Joy) Potter, and was born in Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., September 1, 1828. His education was obtained in the public schools of Westport and Dartmouth, and at the age of eighteen he began work at the carpen- ter's trade. In this occupation he remained twenty -five years, with the exception of four years from 1846 to 1850, when he was engaged in business in Smith's Mills and New Bedford. Of late years he has been engaged in farming. He is a member of the South Bristol Farmers' Club ; has been elected selectman, overseer of the poor and to other offices of minor importance. January 1, 1852, he married Jane, daugh- ter of Richard and Abigail Winslow, and they have two children: Calista, and Ella, wife of George H. Brayton of Westport. Potter, William Sidney, treasurer of the Flint Mills, was born in Fall River, Oc- tober 15, 1847, a son of Thomas Thurston and Selina Sawyer (Crocker) Potter, and grandson of William and Anna (Aiken) Potter. His first American ancestor was Nathaniel Potter, who in 1638 was admitted an inhabitant of the island of Aquidneck, R. I., and who on April 30, 1639, with twenty other emigrants signed a contract acknowledging allegiance to King Charles I. Mr. Potter was educated in the public schools of Fall River and the Lawrence Scientific School of Harvard Universit)'. At the age of twenty-one he entered the employ of Warren Sawyer of Boston, dealer in hides and leather. In 1868 he became entry clerk in the office of Benjamin Cal- lender & Co., hardware dealers of Boston; in 1870 and 1872 he was employed in the office of the Merchants' Mill of Fall River and was then appointed bookkeeper in the Flint Mills. He has been treasurer of this corporation since 1882. December 9, 1883, he married Lula Whitworth of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Gladys Record Potter. Mr. Potter is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in the Boston Consistory and in King Philip blue lodge of Fall River. Pratt, George Franklin, was born in East Foxboro, Mass., October 6, 1828, a son of Benjamin Franklin and Eliza (Atherton) Pratt. The early part of his life be at- 170 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tended the public schools of Taunton, but finished his education under the tutorship of Arunah A. Leach. Mr. Pratt commenced his mercantile life as clerk in the grocery store of George B. Atwood, which was located where Oak Hall now stands, and continued in various lines until 1873, at which time he was elected to the office of county treasurer, which position he has held since his first election and when he has completed his present term will make twenty-seven consecutive years in this office. Mr. Pratt married Elizabeth Bayley of Fall River, a daughter of George Marsden and Ruth Barney Phillips Bayley. Presbrey, Allen Francis, was born in Taunton, April 20, 1846, a son of Daniel B. and Sarah Jane (Howard) Presbrey, and educated in the public schools. He was first employed by James Sproat in a saw mill, and later entered the grocery store of B. L. Burt as bookkeeper, which position he held until 1877, when he started in business for himself and has remained in it up to the present time, 1898. January 4, 1895, he married Charlotte H., daughter of Elmer and Eliza (Danforth) Lincoln, and they have one daughter, Dorothy A., born December 28, 1896, and one son, Ray- mond Lincoln, born September 17, 1898. Prescott, Oliver, jr., son of Oliver and Helen A. (Howland) Pre'scott, was born in New Bedford, July 30, 1868, and is descended on both sides from old Puritan stock, and in a direct line from John Prescott, who came from England and settled near the present site of Lancaster, Mass. His father, born in Westford, Mass., came to New Bedford to practice law in 1830, and for many years was judge of the Probate Court and also judge of the Police Court, being one of the leading members of the Bristol bar, and prominent in legal circles throughout that section of the State. Oliver Prescott, jr., attended the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, and in the fall of 1885 entered Harvard University, from which he was graduated with degree of A.B. in 1889, in the same year entering Harvard Law School, where he gained rec- ognition for scholarship and was graduated with honors with the degrees of A.M. and LL.B. He was admitted to the Bristol bar in May, 1892, and in the fall of that year entered the office of Crapo, Clifford & Clifford, of which firm he became a part- ner in 1894. Mr. Prescott represented Ward 5 in the Council two years, 1894-95, serving as president of that body in the latter year. He married, December 31, 1895, Helen M., daughter of Herbert P. and Lydia L. Bryant of New Bedford, and they have one son, Oliver Prescott. In June, 1897, he removed his residence to the neighboring town of Dartmouth and since that time has been a resident of that old town. Prevost, Rev. John Alfred, pastor of the Notre Dame de Lourdes French Roman Catholic Church of Fall River, was born in Quebec, Canada, October 10, 1849, a son of Magloire and Marguerite (Fournier) Prevost. His father was a. farmer and he spent his youth on the farm and attending the parish schools. Later he went to Montreal, and there studied for the priesthood under the Sulpician Fathers. He completed his studies in St. Mary's Seminary at St. Hyacinthe, where he was or- dained to the priesthood, and soon thereafter appointed assistant at Coaticooke, in the Province of Quebec. From there he was removed to Woonsocket, R. I., to assist Rev. Fr. Charles Daurey at the Precious Blood Church, where he remained three years, and in March, 1882, was appointed pastor of the church of the Sacred Heart at New Bedford. At this time this church was the only French Canadian PERSONAL REFERENCES. 171 Church in New Bedford, and Fr. Prevost had charge of all the French Canadian people there. At the present time there are three churches of this denomination in that city, one of which, the South End church, was partially built by Fr. Prevost, and was named the St. Hyacinthe church in honor of the place of his ordination. During his New Bedford pastorate he also built the convent occupied by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. After a successful pastorate of six years at the Sacred Heart church, he was removed to Fall River in September, 1888, to take charge of the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, where he still continues, honored and beloved by all his parishioners. Father Prevost' s work in building up this church has been re- markable, and the new buildings which he has erected represent much money and patient effort in the face of heavy obstacles. The new church has been built en- tirely in his pastorate; he has also built the St. Joseph*s Orphan's Home, intended for the care of the French speaking children of the diocese of Providence, and the rec- tory which adjoins the church. He is now preparing to build a college to be called the College of the Christian Brothers. Father Prevost has under his charge four assistants and his congregation numbers about 12,000 souls. There are at present 330 scholars from all parts of the diocese of Providence in attendance at the Orphan's Home, and the children in attendance at the Catholic schools in his parish number about 1,000. They are taught both English and French, for although the church recognizes the necessity of their being able to use the English language, it does not wish them to forget the language of their fathers. Father Prevost is a man of strong character and is possessed of great executive ability. He preaches eloquently and fervently to a vast congregation each Sunday, and wields mighty influence for good in the community. Prosser, William, senior member of the firm of William Prosser & Son, dealers in lumber and builders' supplies, was born in Wales in 1831. He obtained his educa- tion in his native country and after learning the carpenter's trade, came to the United States and settled in Fall River in September, 1870. He was first employed by P. D. Conant & Co., for whom he worked several years. He then entered the employ of Spalding Southwick, a dealer in builders' supplies, and after his death conducted the business for some time. Later he engaged in business for himself on Blossom avenue where he now conducts a large trade in lumber, sash, doors, blinds and builders' supplies in general, also operating a planing mill. Mr. Prosser was married in Hereford, England, to Ellen Dunham, a native of Shaftsbury, in Dorset- shire. They have three children : Mary (wife of Joseph Heap), Susanna (wife of Pat- rick Judge), and William A. , who is a member of the present firm of William Prosser &Son. Ralph, Charles W., was born in North Attleborough, May 19, 1850. His father, Daniel Ralph, was a native of Rhode Island and came to Attleborough in 1848. He married Sally F. Warner and through life was a carpenter; he died in 1896. Charles W. Ralph was educated in North Attleborough, and learned the jewelry trade with Jacobs & Pratt, where he remained four years, and then entered the employ of R. F. Simmons & Co., remaining there twenty-three years. In 1891 he established the pres- ent business of dealer in fine cigars and smoker's materials. In 1882 he married Clara E., daughter of Samuel Somers. Rankin, James, was born in Scotland, December 20, 1831, a son of William and 172 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Isabella Rankin. His father was superintendent of a farm for several years and afterwards became a farmer. James Rankin was educated in the common school and academy of Rochester, Mass., and in early life worked at farming with his father and afterward for fifteen years was employed by J. S. Fay, of Boston, as manager of the estate. He afterward bought one hundred and twenty-five acres of land in South Easton, Mass., and began the manufacture of "Improved Monarch Incuba- tors" of various sizes, and the culture of ducks, which industry under his careful management has grown to enormous proportions. He has from ten to twelve thou- sand ducks and chickens that he raises each season and ships to Boston and New York markets. He also has three magnificent barns, wherein he has accommoda- tions for sixty or more choice horses, and his stalls are of the very latest modern style, having now about forty horses sent from all points in New England for the winter, some of the horses being valued at $1,500. Mr. Rankin married, in 1856, Harriet Coe, daughter of Joseph and Julia Coe, and they have two children : Julia Rankin, who married Edgar Belcher, and James H. Rankin. He was on the School Committee for several years and he takes a general interest in school and church in- stitutions, and his town and town's people. Read, E. R. , was born in Attleborough, October 30, 1827. His father, Elijah R. Read, was also a native of Attleborough, and the family trace their descent from Nathan Read of Rehoboth. Elijah R. married Lucinda Carpenter and through life was a contractor and builder and deputy sheriff for eighteen years ; he died in 1879, in his seventy-seventh year. E. R. Read was educated in Attleborough and fol- lowed the sea for five years ; was engaged in contracting and building for thirty years; and at the present time is engaged in the insurance business. In 1852 he married Harriet A. Thurber, who died in 1857 ; later he married Lydia E. Lee, who died in 1861 ; then he married Ellen E. Colber. In 1861 Mr. Read enlisted in Co. I, 24th Mass., and took part in the Burnside expedition, siege of Fort Wagner, and was under General Grant in the Army of the James. He received an honorable discharge in 1864, but remained until the close of the war, then returned to Attleborough. Mr. Read is one of the self-made men of his town, serving as deputy sheriff eight years, justice of the peace, secretary of the Attleborough Fire Insurance Co., and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Read, Edmund V , was born in Fall River, Mass., December 11, 1843, a son of George W. and Eveline (Borden) Read, and was educated in the common schools of the vicinity. When twenty years of age he went to Taunton and learned the ma- chinist's trade with the Mason Machine Co., where he remained five years, at which time he returned to Fall River and engaged with Kilburn & Lincoln, in whose em- ploy he remained, with the exception of a few years at different times in other shops, until embarking in his present business, which he established in 1893 at 61 Turner street. He does all kinds of mill work and the repairing of mill machinery, many of the large concerns in Fall River being among his regular customers. In 1870 Mr. Read married Harriet Peckham, daughter of Josiah Peckham of Fall River, and their children are Edmund, Ada, Louis, all deceased, and Caroline, who resides at home. Reed, Hon. E. M., was born in Taunton, Mass., July 23, 1832, and is a son of William and Mary (Dennis) Reed. His father was a prominent merchant of Taunton PERSONAL REFERENCES. 173 and a deacon in the Winslow church of that city up to the time of his death. He was one of the early abolitionists and furnished aid and comfort to fugitive slaves who escaped from the South by underground railroad. His house was a rendezvous for ministers, missionaries, and of all those who needed help in olden times. He was prominent in the early growth of Taunton and traced his ancestry to William Reed of Weymouth in 1636. E. M. Reed was educated in the public schools and Bristol Academy Of Taunton, and soon after went into the office of Bassett & Reed, prominent lawyers of Taunton. In 1856 he was admitted to the Supreme Court sit- ting at Taunton, and soon afterwards opened an office in Mansfield, in the old meet- ing house on the common. He was trial justice from 1861 to 1870, then appointed a justice of the First District Court of Bristol county, and in 1877 the Legislature passed an act that a court should be held in Attleborough and he has presided there daily ever since. In 1861 he was chosen town clerk and treasurer of Mansfield, which office he held for many years. He was enrolling officer during the Civil war. He was a member of the Legislature in 1866 and 1867 ; has been trustee o£ Bristol County Savings Bank, Taunton, for twenty-five years; director of Mansfield Co-op- erative Bank since its organization ; commissioner of the sinking fund three years, was one of the building committee of the town hall and fire department house, also executor and administrator of many estates, and clerk of the orthodox parish for thirty years. In August, 1857, he married Sarah J., daughter of John W. and Mary Crockett of Middletown, Conn., and they have one daughter, Bertha H. Mrs. Reed died in 1887. Mr. Reed is the author of the Mansfield (Bristol county) History of 1883, and has written much for local papers. Remington, Clinton V. S., son of Hale and Catharine (Van Sanvort) Remington, was born in Fall River, October 15, 1839. His father was born at Cranston, R. I., a son of Jeremiah and Dorcas (Knight) Remington, grandson of Joseph and Elizabeth Remington, and descended from the Remingtons of England, who came to Virginia in 1643. Hale Remington, father of Clinton V. S. Remington, was a, prominent business man and largely interested in cotton manufacturing in Fall River. He was one of the chief promoters of the Union Mills in 1859; he died in 1870. Clinton V. S. Remington obtained his education in the public schools of his native city and began business as a cotton broker in 1862, in Providence, R. I. He remained there until September, 1864, when he returned to Fall River and opened an office on Pocasset street where he continued two years, then removed to the Mount Hope block on North Main street, remaining there until 1883. During that year he formed a copartnership with Wiliam C. Davol, jr. , and they have since done an extensive business as dealers in cotton and cotton goods on Bedford street. Mr. Remington was a member of the City Council in 1873 and 1874 and was president of that body in 1876, the centennial year. During the years 1861-62 he was quartermaster's clerk in the Army of the Potomac, returning home the latter year on account of illness contracted in the army. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was a direc- tor in the Fall River Board of Trade three years. He has taken an active and zeal- ous interest in Sunday school and church work and has been the able and efficient superintendent for many years of the Central Congregational Church Sunday school. In 1897 he was chosen vice president of the Massachusetts Sunday School Association, and has been chairman of the finance committee of that body for sev- 174 OTIR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. eral years. May 18, 1864, Mr. Remington married Mary A. Waterman of Boston. They have had five children, four sons surviving: Clinton V. S., jr., Hale, Robert K., Berthold M. and Marion, an adopted daughter. Reynard, Capt. William Hathaway, is one of the best known men of this vicinity. He was born in New Bedford, April 20, 1844, a son of Capt. William H. and Emily H. (Russell) Reynard, and grandson of John Reynard, who came to this country from London, England, about 1760. Captain Reynard's ancestors on his mother's side were Quakers. During his early boyhood he attended the academy and private schools in New Bedford, and made his first sea voyage when only fifteen years old, going before the mast on a whaler sailing from New Bedford. In due course of time he became mate and then master, and sailed in whale ships and merchantmen dur- ing his entire active life, passing through many hard experiences and exciting ad- ventures. His father had also been a sailor and at one time was master of the ship Flying Cloud, which early in the fifties broke the record from New York to San Francisco. He also represented the New Bedford district in the State Legislature for one term. Captain Reynard retired in 1885 and now spends the greater part pf his time at his residence in South Dartmouth. December 20, 1886, he married Mar- tha J., daughter of Harrison and Eliza J. Robinson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Of their union one son was born, William H., jr., who died when an infant. Rhodes, George Holbrook, was born in Taunton, August 11, 1848, a son of Marcus Morton and Rowena A. (Williams) Rhodes. He received his early education in the public schools and was graduated from the High School in 1866. He then went to work for his father and in 1871 became a partner in the firm, and at present is treas- urer of the M. M. Rhodes & Sons Co. Mr. Rhodes has been in the city government and served ten consecutive years in the Council, the last four being president of the board. He is a Mason of high standing, receiving his thirty-third degree September 21, 1897; he is a member of Charles H. Titus Lodge, also one of the trustees of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, being elected in December, 1895, to serve eight years. September 10, 1874, Mr. Rhodes married Louisa L., daughter of C. J. H. Bassett of Taunton, and they have three children: Helen H., Nancy B. and Marcus A. Rice, Adoniram J., was born in Hadley, Mass., April 17, 1835, a son of Simeon and Hannah (Kellogg) Rice. When he was in his fourteenth year the family re- - moved to New Bedford and he has since resided in that city. Mr. Rice received a limited education in the public schools and engaged in various pursuits until the be- ginning of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Co. E, 3d Mass. Vols., and upon the expiration of his term, re-enlisted in the 15th Unattached Mass. Vols., and was hon- orably discharged at the close of his enlistment. He then returned to New Bedford and until 1877 was engaged in several enterprises, in all of which he did not meet with any great measure of success. In 1877 he began a baking business on a small scale, gradually branching out until he was enabled in 1881 to open his present store at No. 861 South Water street. During the sixteen years in which he has conducted his business at this location Mr. Rice has established an extensive patronage and has gained recognition as one of the sound business men of this section of the city. He was joined in marriage to Katie B., daughter of John B. Warren of New Bedford, in 1862, and of their six children, but two survive: Arthur W. and Damon Winn. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 175 Rich, Augustus E., was born in Thorndike, Me., in 1833, and at the age of fifteen came to Taunton, Mass., where he learned the trade of machinist. He was next employed in the machine shops of the New York and Erie Railroad at Susquehanna, Pa., then became a locomotive engineer on the New York and Erie, Baltimore and Ohio, New York Central, and the Great Western Railway of Canada. In 1859 he went to Salisbury, N. C, where he had charge of the construction train in the build- ing of the Western N. C. Railroad. When the Civil war opened he went to Ten- nessee and after the war closed engaged in the steam'saw mill business at Meridian, Miss.- From there he went to Macon, in the same State, where he was foreman of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad shops. In 1871 he removed to Fall River and worked as a journeyman in different shops until he started the Rich Machine Shops, which he has since operated in the manufacture and repairing of steel rolls. Mr. Rich has taken out several patents which have yielded him a considerable income, and he makes a specialty of manufacturing the products of his own inventions. In 1894 he planned and erected Rich's Theatre on Second street, Fall River. Mr. Rich was married in 1856 to Margaret A. Buckey of Baltimore. Of this union were ten chil- dren, five of whom survive. He is a member and was one of the first promoters of the Veteran Firemen's Association of Fall River; and enjoys the distinction of having been a promoter of the American Society of Locomotive Engineers. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. Richards, J. Shepard, was born in North Attleborough, January 7, 1842. His father, Jonathan Richards, was one of the pioneers and founders of the jewelry busi- ness of the Attleboroughs ; he married Fidelia Warren, a descendant of Captain Fletcher of Revolutionary fame. J. Shepard Richards was educated in the public schools and learned the jewelry business with Draper, Tift & Co. In 1888 he organ- ized the firm of Wheaton & Richards, making a specialty of gold work. In 1867 Mr. Richards married Abbie, daughter of Levi Daggett, and they have one son, Herbert L. Mr. Richards is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Massachusetts, and takes an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Richardson, O. P., jr., was born in Pawtucket, June 5, 1851, and his father, Orville P. Richardson, was a native of Attleborough, where his ancestors were among the piorieer settlers, and the family trace their descent from Samuel, who came to Wo- burn in 1636. Orville P. Richardson married Eliza, daughter of Andrew Johnson, and through life he was identified as a manufacturer of shuttles and shuttle irons. He was prominent in public events, taking an active interest in school and church matters, and he died in 1888. O. P. Richardson, jr., was educated in Worcester and Attleborough, afterward learning the grocery business, and in 1878 he started in the insurance business, in which he has been identified for twenty years. In 1897 he married Bertha K., daughter of Granville S. Smith, and they are the parents of three sons: Harold K., Orville P., and Carlton S., and one daughter, Myra Louise. Mr. Richardson is one of the conservative men of his town ; is serving as selectman ; takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters ; and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and townspeople. Richmond, Charles Everett, was born in Taunton, June 17, 1833, a son of Ruel and Reliance (Tinkham) Richmond. He received his education in the public schools of 176 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Taunton, .and then learned the shoemaker's trade with his father. In 1851 he went with the firm o£ White & Childs in the grocery business and stayed with them about two years, when he was engaged by H. S. Chandler, in the hardware business, re- maining with him until 1861, and then engaged in business for himself in the same line. He was a member of the City Council from 1872 to 1878, serving as president one year. He was a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. February 24, 1859, Mr. Richmond married Mary Caswell, daughter of Adam and Sarah S. (King) Eaton of Taunton. He died June 4, 1898, survived by his wife. They had no children. Richmond, Col. Silas Peirce, of Freetown, Mass., is the eighth generation in direct descent from John Richmond, who was born in 1594 at Wiltshire, England; came to America in 1635 and was one of the first purchasers of Taunton, Mass., in 1637. Samuel Richmond, the grandfather of Col. S. P. Richmond, was born in Taunton (Berkley), November 27, 1752. He bought a farm on what is now the Richmond road, in Freetown, in 1775, and which is now the Richmond homestead, and in 1789 married Mary Booth of Middleborough (Lakeville). He was a farmer and carpenter and served as a United States soldier in the war of the Revolution ; died February 12, 1836. His wife Mary was born May 4, 1766; died August 10, 1799. Isaac Rich- mond, the third son of Samuel and Mary and the father of Col. S. P. Richmond, was born on the Richmond homestead in Freetown, March 29, 1794. He married Lu- cinda, daughter of Silas Peirce, of Middleborough (Lakeville), August 30, 1821, and had two children- Rowena P. T., born November 17, 1822, and Silas Peirce, the sub- ject of this sketch. Isaac Richmond was a farmer, miller and wheelwright ; served as a United States soldier in the war of 1812-15; and was a man of sterling charac- ter, serving for many years as a deacon of the first Christian Church in Freetown. He died April 20, 1866. His wife Lucinda was born June 8, 1799, and was a woman of much intelligence, fine education, and lovely social and Christian character; died April 28, 1858. Col. Silas Peirce Richmond was born on the Richmond homestead in Freetown, June 19, 1831, and was educated at the Forge public school in Free- town and at Peirce Academy in Middleborough. He was a farmer and town officer 1850-5 ; engaged in mercantile pursuits in Wisconsin and Kansas 1856-9 ; town busi- ness in Freetown 1860; United States Volunteer army 1861-5; town business in Freetown 1866 ; lumber and grain business in Indiana and Michigan 1867-70 ; farm- ing and town business in Freetown 1871 ; turnkey in Massachusetts State Prison 1872-8 ; deputy master Bristol county House of Correction 1879-81 ; general travel- ing agent of New Bedford C. C. G. Company 1882-8 ; farming and town business in Freetown 1889-95 ; and deputy sheriff and court officer, Bristol county, 1896. On June 16, 1850, he married Elizabeth J. Haskins (born May 9, 1829) of Berkley, and their children were: Emma A., born March 10, 1851, died January 13, 1885; Cynthia E., born March 25, 1853, died June 14, 1871 ; Sarah E. E., born July 1, 1854; Walter S., born February 22, 1857; Flora J., born May 3, 1859, died January 9, 1894; and Lil- lian F., born August 8, 1861. He also married Zadie Scott, daughter of Dr. John Scott, of Marcellus, Mich., June 17, 1869. She was born in Veteran, N. Y., January 18, 1847, and their children were: Annie E., born August 29, 1871; Roy S., born August 3, 1873; Ruth E., born May 14, 1882, died June 20, 1884; Forrest S., born August 4, 1883, died August 26, 1883; Isaac F., born January 7, 1886; Mark H, born October 5, 1889. All of the twelve children were born on the Richmond homestead PERSONAL REFERENCES. 177 in Freetown. Silas Peirce Richmond joined Company G, 3d Regiment, M. V. M., in 1850, and served as private, corporal, lieutenant and captain of the same, until 1855, when he was appointed major and inspector of the Second Brigade, M.V.M., serving thus for two years. In 1860 he was appointed A. D. C, with the rank of captain, Second Brigade Staff, M. V. M., and went in that capacity with the minute men to Fortress Monroe in 1861, and was in the first battle of the war after Sumter at Big Bethel, June 10, 1861. He was afterwards colonel of the 3d Massachusetts Volun- teers and the 58th Massachusetts Volunteers, and also assistant provost marshal, De- partment of the South, being mustered out in 1865. Colonel Richmond was at va- rious times auditor, town clerk, assessor, overseer of the poor, and selectman of Free- town, being chairman of the Board of Selectman for ten consecutive years, and was also chairman of the board of trustees of the First Christian Society of Freetown. He has held the office of justice of the peace continuously since 1862, and was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1892, serving on the committee on county estimates and as chairman of the committee on taxation. In 1892 he was a delegare and attended the National Republican Convention. At New Berne, N. C. , in 1863, he was made a Master Mason and has been a Knight Templar for more than thirty years, and he is also a charter member of Post No. 1, in Massachusetts, Grand Army of the Republic. Riley, E. I., was born in North Attleborough, February 5, 1850, a son of W. H. Riley, also born in North Attleborough, August 18, 1819, where his father, William Riley, settled in 1810. William married Abbie Wallcott and died in 1854. W. H. Riley married Rhoda W., daughter of Otis Corbin. He learned the jeweler's trade and was an expert workman ; later he engaged in teaming and transportation job- bing and in 1879 established the coal business which he carried on up to the time of his death, October 30, 1887. Elmer I. Riley married Isabell B. Carpenter in 1874, and they have two sons and three daughters: Eugene C, Harold H., Florence A., Minnie I. and Ethel M. Riley, W. H., was born in North Attleborough, December 30, 1844. His father, W. H. Riley, sr., was also a native of that place, born in 1819, and his grandfather, William Riley, came from North Ireland to North Attleborough in 1791, being the youngest of eleven children. W. H. Riley, sr. , married Rhoda, daughter of Otis Corbin, a stone mason, and was recognized as a conservative, upright man. In 1870 Mr. Riley established the coal, wood, lime and cement business, which is still carried on by his two sons; he died in 1887. W. H. Riley, jr., was educated in North Attleborough and in 1862 entered the employ of Tift & Whiting, later with S. E. Fisher & Co. In 1883 he established his present manufacturing jewelry business. In 1864 he married Ellen M. , daughter of John Hall, and they have one son, Alton H. Roberts, Benjamin H., son of Benjamin H. and Charlotte A. (Allen) Roberts, was born in Fall River, September 8, 1856. His father was a carriage maker and came to Fall River in 1840. Mr. Roberts attended the public and high schools of Fall River, and was graduated from the latter in the class of 1876. After leaving school he went to work in the Granite Mills, where he remained over fifteen years, being overseer at the time he accepted his present position as superintendent of the Fall River Manufactory. Mr. Roberts is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery. 178 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Roberts, George K., M.D., was born in St. Louis, Mo., March 3, 1856. His father, Elbert G. Roberts, was a merchant in St. Louis and later moved to Litchfield, Conn., where he was identified in cotton manufacturing. George K. was educated in pri- vate schools and was graduated from Hobart College in 1876 and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city in 1878. In 1886 he came to Attlebor- ough, making a specialty of treating diseases of the eye, ear and throat; he also has an office in Boston and has charge of the eye department of Suffolk dispensary. He is a member of the Rhode Island Medical Society, of the Providence City Medical Society, and of the Massachusetts Medical Society. In 1882 Dr. Roberts married Susan E , daughter of Henry and Susan Hawley, of Collinsville, Conn., and they have three children: William H., George and Helen. Dr. Roberts is one of the pro- gressive men of his profession, is chairman of the Board of Health and takes an active interest in school and town matters. Robertson, John Wallace, was born in Prince Edward's Island, May 4, 1863. His early education was received in the common schools; in early life he made a special study of horticulture and at the present time has a fruit farm in Prince Edward's Island. In 1882 he came to the United States and settled in Melrose, Mass., follow- ing the same business. In the fall of 1882 he came to Taunton and learned the car- penter's trade with L. M. Witherell, which he followed until 1892, and then engaged in business with Charles E. Strange under the name of Robertson & Strange, selling and repairing bicycles. He continued with him until 1895, when he went into busi- ness by himself in the same line and in the same location that he is to-day. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., King Philip Lodge, I. O. O. F., and John Hancock Council, K. P. October 28, 1896, he married Annie M. Costello of Lowell, Mass. Robertson, W. W., son of William S. and Ruth A. (Hart) Robertson, was born in Fall River, March 27, 1857, and has resided in that city all his life. He attended the common and high schools, and after completing his education secured a position in the City Water Works office as clerk, June 1, 1874. His ability and strict atten- tion to business were recognized on February 10, 1879, when he was appointed entry clerk of the water board and water registrar. He has ever since held this position, having been in the employ of the city nearly twenty- five years. He is a member of the New England Water Works Association and of the Improved Order of Red Men. Rocheleau, Joseph, was born at Maryville, P. Q., May 10, 1858, and came to the United States with his parents, Louis and Domitille (Bessette) Rocheleau, in 1863. They settled in Webster, Mass., and Joseph learned the trade of musical instrument maker, which he followed for five years. He then went to Brockton and engaged in the clothing business, and thence came to Fall River in 1891. He is. a member of the clothing house of H. L. Rocheleau & Co., the Fall River branch of which is one of the leading houses of the city. Mr. Rocheleau is possessed of much energy and business ability, and is recognized as one of the foremost business men of Fall River. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Rogers, Alfred P., D. D. S., was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, a son of William H. and Mary E. (Page) Rogers. He received his preparatory education in the Uni- versity of Acadia in Nova Scotia and began; his dental studies in Toronto, Canada, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 179 finishing at the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1896. In the same year he came to Fall River and was associated with Dr. Williams until October, 1897, when he opened his present office in the Horton building. Rogers, Charles L., a popular and well known citizen of the town of Dartmouth, was born in that town, March 13, 1847. His father, Leonard Rogers, was a sturdy pioneer, noted for sound business principles and sterling integrity. His mother was Laura A. (Briggs) Rogers, a native of Dartmouth. Mr. Rogers received such ed- ucational advantages as were offered in the common schools in those days and at an early age learned the millwright and carpenter's trade, at which he has spent the most of his time since. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and held the office of road surveyor when but nineteen years old. He has been one of the town assessors for the past two years. In January, 1874, he married Delia A., daughter of William and Mary (Phillips) Allen of Dartmouth, and they have four children: Charles W., Edward L., Mabel E., and Mary E. Rogers, John W., was born in Mansfield, December 20, 1839, a son of John Rogers, born November 2, 1806, died March 31, 1873. Mr. Rogers's father was a large man- ufacturer of straw braid and gave employment to a large number of men and women. He retired from business in 1866 and the business was continued by his son and three associates. John W. Rogers was graduated from Brown University in 1861, and that same year enlisted in Co. H, 7th Regiment, participating in the campaigns of General McClellan. He received an honorable discharge in 1862, with rank of first lieutenant. In 1866 he married Martha J., daughter of Daniel and Salome Martin. Mr. Rogers is one of the enterprising business men, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town. Rounds, Arthur Morey, M. D., was born in Norton, September 13, 1852, a son of Benjamin Mason and Sophia (Morey) Rounds. He received his preliminary educa- tion in the public schools of Norton, in a private school kept by Rev. D. S. C. M. Potter, took a course of mathematics at Wheaton Seminary and in 1873 entered Brown University, from which he was graduated in 1876, with the degree of B. P. After graduating he took up teaching for a while and taught in Norton and at the same time was first assistant in an evening school at Providence, and later went to North Attleborough and was principal in the grammar school there for one year. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. George F. Keene, the present superin- tendent of Rhode Island State Hospital for the Insane and stayed with him a year, when he entered Harvard Medical School of Boston, graduating in 1883 ; he then went to the Massachusetts General Hospital and later to the Rhode Island Hospital. He came to Norton in 1884 and opened an office of his own for the general practice of surgery and medicine, and is in the same location to-day as that he started in. He was one of the original promoters of the Norton Public Library and has been on the board of directors ever since it was organized ; he is also president of the Mass- achusetts Medical Society, North Bristol District. June 8, 1886, he married Annie Endicott, daughter of George W. and Hattie (Payson) Felton of Chicago, 111., and they have one son, George Arthur Rounds, born February 20, 1889. Rounds, Thomas B., was born in Swansea, in 1853, a son of Stephen M. and De- lana Marvel Rounds, and was educated in the public schools of Somerset. His early 180 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. business career began as a nailer in the works of the Somerset Screw Co. , where he remained five years He then went to Fall River and entered the employ of Holt & Henry, dry goods merchants, where he remained until failing health compelled him to relinquish the position after eleven years of constant service. Realizing the necessity of a quiet place in which to recuperate, Mr. Rounds removed to Som- erset, where he erected the substantial home he has since occupied. Two years of quiet life in Somerset saw Mr. Rounds in physical condition to once more engage in business and he entered the hardware house of Joseph O. Neil, Bedford street, where he has since remained. In 1878 Mr. Rounds married Rebecca F. Birch, daughter of Lewis Birch of Fall River. At the time of her marriage, Mrs. Rounds was principal of the Davenport School and enjoyed the reputation of being at that time one of the most efficient teachers in the county. They have no children and a goodly part of Mrs. Rounds's time is given to good works in connection with her church and the W. C. T. U. Her father, now deceased, will be remembered as a gentleman of charitable ideas and an exceeding degree of liberality toward those in distress. Possessed ofi some means he dispensed with a liberal hand whenever opportunity offered. In politics Mr. Rounds is a Republican and has been select- man six terms, also served two terms in the School Board in the town of Somerset. Mr. Rounds is a pleasant, courteous gentleman who remembers his friends among all classes of people. Rowe, Mark E., was born in Newport, Me., April 1, 1849, son of Jeremiah Rowe, and they trace their descent to Robert Rowe, who came from England and settled in the. Parish of Kingston in New Hampshire, in the year 1838. Jeremiah Rowe mar- ried Mary A., daughter of Samuel Martin, and through life was identified as a farmer. Mark E. Rowe, one of six children, was educated in the public schools and in 1872 he went to Attleborough, where he learned the jewelry business with Horton, Angell & Company, in 1881 becoming foreman and in 1886 he became one of the members of the firm. In 1877 he married Hattie S., daughter of Courtland Beers, and they have had three children: Miriam Bertha, Paul Eddy and Marie; the son died when eight months old. Mr. Rowe is one of the self-made men of his town ; is a trustee of the Public Library; takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions ; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Russell, Augustus Shearman. — The first American ancestor of the now somewhat numerous Russell family was named Ralph. Of the place of his nativity or the pre- cise date of his birth nothing definite can be learned. He came from England, how- ever, and settled near the site of the village that now bears his name, Russell's Mills. Matthew Russell, grandfather of Augustus Shearman Russell, married Eliza- beth B. Brownell. Howland Russell, father of Augustus, was born in 1804; mar- ried Mary B. Shearman, and died September 24, 1892. Augustus S. was born in the town of Dartmouth, Mass., March 18, 1839. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, and his entire life has been devoted to agriculture. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, but has never been an aspirant for political honors. He is a member of the South Bristol Farmers' Club. He mar- ried Ruth A., daughter of Levi H. Butts. Russell, Pardon, jr., son of Pardon and Marie (Reed) Russell, was born in New Bedford, Mass., July 25, 1851, and obtained his education in the public and private PERSONAL REFERENCES. 181 schools of his native city. His first business experience on his own account was as a wheelwright, from 1870 to 1884, and he then engaged in the retail ice business, which he carried on until 1895. Mr. Russell has been elected treasurer of the Burns River Corporation, a recently incorporated concern, organized for the purpose of con- ducting a wholesale ice business. Mr. Russell married AnnaL., daughter of Joshua Peirce, November 30, 1894. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge No. 41, I. O. O. F., and Annawan Encampment No. 8, I. O.O. F. He has never aspired to public office, although on numerous occasions he has been solicited to be a candidate. Russell, Thomas Wing, son of Perry and Sarah (Grinnell) Russell, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., May 28, 1839. His early education was obtained in the public schools. His life has been entirely devoted to agriculture and he now owns some eighty acres of well improved land. His career has been almost entirely one of private business, and a lack of opportunity for display has certainly not created in him any desire for it. He married Lydia W., daughter of Nicholas N. and Judith (Brightman) Kirby of Westport. Ryan, Peter Joseph, grocer, is the son of Patrick and Margaret (Roach) Ryan, who came from Ireland to Quebec, Canada, and died there, the former in 1875 and the latter in 1868. Mr. Ryan was born in Quebec on the 27th of June, 1868, spent his early life on his father's farm, and was educated in that city. In 1883 he came to New Bedford and entered the art establishment of Charles Taber & Co. Afterward he was for six years a clerk in the wholesale and retail grocery store of C. S. & B. Cummings. In 1893 he formed a copartnership with George H. Chadwick and en- gaged in the grocery business at the corner of Union and Sixth streets. Two years later this firm was dissolved and Mr. Ryan, in company with Edward E. Baker and Lewis C. Small, established a. grocery store on County street, corner of Smith, which he has conducted alone since 1896, when Messrs. Baker and Small withdrew. Mr. Ryan is a member of the Board of Trade, the Plymouth Club and the Knights of Columbus. Ryley, John, superintendent of public buildings of Fall River, was born in Bolton, England, October 28, 1838 He was educated in private schools in his native city and then was apprenticed to learn the trade of joiner and carpenter. After com- pleting his apprenticeship of three years he followed his trade and also superintended the erection of numerous buildings. In 1872 he came to America and located at Fall River, where he successfully followed the occupation of carpenter and contractor. In 1888 Mr. Ryley was appointed superintendent of public buildings of Fall River and has since held the position by successive reappointment. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and other fraternal and benevolent societies. St. George, Archibald, M. D. , son of Charles and Delphine(Normandin) St. George, was born in Mriford, Mass. , September 10, 1867. His family removed to that part of Fall River which was then Flint village when he was quite young, and he obtained his early education in the schools of Fall River where he prepared for college. Be- fore going to college he engaged in the grocery business with his brother for a period of four years. He then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Balti- more, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1895. After graduation he at 182 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. one began the practice of his profession in Fall River- Dr. St. George has served on the city Board of Health and is prominent in many fraternal organizations, both as a member and medical adviser. His father was one of the first settlers of the village of Flint and was recognized as a leading citizen for many years. Sadler, Herbert A., was born in Mansfield, Mass., November 16, I860. His father, G. W. Sadler, was one of the pioneers in the jewelry business, in which he was identified for twenty-two years, being succeeded by his sons, Herbert A. and Charles E. Charles E. died in 1888, the business being continued by Herbert A. up to the present time. Mr. Sadler is one of the representative business men of South Attle- borough, conservative and unassuming and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Sanders, Clinton Vincent, was born in Raynham, January 14, 1858, a son of George B. and Betsy H. (Staples) Sanders. In early life he attended the public schools of Taunton and after spending two years in the high school went to a business college in Providence, R. I., for a year. On his return from there he went into the freight office of the B. C. F. & New Bedford Railroad, where he remained about six years, and was then employed by the firm of F. D. Newcomb in the lumber business. On the death of Mr. Newcomb some two or three years later, he, in company with Charles H. Buffington, bought the business and carried it on under the name of Sanders & Buffington, and so continued until 1896, when Mr. Buffington retired, Mr. Sanders con- tinuing under the style of C. V. Sanders & Co. November 21, 1883, he married Ida M., daughter of Oliver S. and Sarah (Blood) Kendall of Taunton. Sanders, William, county commissioner of Bristol county, and successful merchant, was born in Warren, R. I.', December 10, 1843, a son of Henry and Martha B. (Viall) Sanders. When he was fourteen years old the family lemoved to New Bedford and here he was educated in the public schools, completing the high school course. His first business experience was as a clerk in the post office at Quincy, where he spent two years and at the end of this time went to Boston, entering the employ of a wholesale clothing firm with whom he remained several years, gaining a wide expe- rience in that business. In February, 1866, he went into business for himself, opening a retail clothing store in New Bedford at 108 Union street. After conducting the business for twelve years alone he admitted to partnership his brother,' H. V. Sanders, under the firm name of Sanders Brothers Owing to the increasing de- mands of the business, which had been highly successful from the start, they moved in 1878 to the Waite block on Union street. The firm was dissolved in 1881 and H. V. Sanders was succeeded by Frank C. Barrows, who had long been a clerk in the store, the firm name being changed to Sanders & Barrows and continuing in this style until 1894, when a stock company, the Sanders & Barrows Clothing Company, was formed with a capital of $50,000, Mr. Sanders being treasurer and general man- ager. In the same year the business was removed to the present location in the new Merchants' Bank building. From a modest start it has grown to one of the largest enterprises of its kind in the State, south of Boston. Mr. Sanders has for many years been prominent in public affairs. He has served in the Legislature as a member of the lower house two terms (1879-80) and has been county commissioner of Bristol county since 1889. Two years of this period he has served as chairman. He has also served as chairman of the cemetery board for three years. He is a veteran PERSONAL REFERENCES. 183 of the Civil war, a member of the G.A.R., Post No. 1, and served as commander of the New Bedford City Guards for ten years. In politics he is a staunch Republican and has for many years been active in municipal affairs. He has been asked many times to stand as a candidate for mayor, but always declined on account of business interests. He is -thoroughly well known all over Bristol county in connection with his duties as county commissioner. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows and has been twice regent of Omega Council of the Royal Arcanum. He is also a member of the Wamsutta and Dartmouth Clubs and a member and director of the Board of Trade. November, 6, 1866, Mr. Sanders married Lucretia C. Can- non of New Bedford. He is of English ancestry and is the owner of a coat-of-arms dated 1522, granted to one of his ancestors. His greatgrandfather on the maternal side served as a captain in the war of the Revolution and the latter's commission is now in his hands. Sandland, Thomas G., was born in North Attleborough, December 1, 1839, a son of Thomas Sandland, a native of Birmingham, Eng. , who came to the United States in 1832, settling in North Attleborough. He was a button manufacturer and entered the employ of Robinson, Jones & Co., afterwards, in 1845, manufactured for himself, the firm being Draper & Sandland. He died in 1886. Thomas G. Sandland was educated in the common schools and worked with his father in the jewelry business. In 1856 he entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co ; in 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, 47th Mass. Regiment, receiving an honorable discharge in 1863. He returned to North Attleborough and entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co., where he re- mained until 1876, and then established his present business of jewelry manufactur- ing. - In 1859 he married Clara M., daughter of T. E. Robinson, and they have two children: Charles E. and Mrs. Jennie L. Lincoln. Mr. Sandland has served his town as tax collector and represented his town in General Court in 1887. He is a member of Bristol Lodge, past master, F. & A. M. ; past high priest of King Hiram Chapter; past commander of Bristol Commandery, and past commander of G. A. R., Post No. 192. Seabury, Warren, son of Robert and Caroline (Woodman) Seabury, was born in Tiverton, R. I. , September 18, 1826. After attending the public schools he worked on his father's farm until twenty three years of age, when he engaged in business on his own account. He was appointed postmaster at North Dartmouth and held that position for twelve consecutive years. In December, 1849, he married Phoebe Peckham of Little Compton, R. I., and they have three sons: James, Frederick and Edward, all now associated with their father in an extensive general produce busi- ness. In politics Mr. Seabury has always been a staunch Republican. He has re- sided in North Dartmouth for many years and is one of the best known men in the community. Shaw, Charles Frederick, is the oldest sou of Frederick P. and Mary (Maxfield) Shaw, and a grandson of Job and Amy (Macomber) Shaw, and was born in New Bed- ford, Mass., November 28, 1840. His great grandfather, Nathaniel Shaw, and great- great-grandfather, Thomas Cory (whose daughter married Nathaniel Shaw), were Revolutionary soldiers. His mother's ancestors were Quakers. Job Shaw, a native of Tiverton, R, I., became a cooper in New Bedford, where he died in 1862. Fred- erick P. Shaw, a wholesale and retail grocer in New Bedford, died December 1, 1883, 184 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. aged seventy- three ; his wife survives at the age of eighty -six; he served one year each in the New Bedford Common Council and the State Legislature. Charles F Shaw was educated in his native city, and on August 13, 1862, enlisted as a private in Co. H, 38th Mass. Vol. Infantry, being mustered out of service June 30, 1865. He served as corporal, sergeant and second and first lieutenants, and participated in the battles of Western Louisiana, the siege of Port Hudson, the Red River expedi- tion, the Shenandoah Valley campaign (including the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864), and the closing events in Georgia and North Carolina. September 1, 1863, he received his commission as second lieutenant, and from that time until he was discharged he commanded his company (the captain being on detached service) and brought it back to New Bedford. In 1865 he went to East Saginaw, Mich., and en- gaged in the wholesale grocery business as a member of the firm of Shaw, Bullard & Co. Mr. Bullard withdrew in 1873, and the firm of Shaw Brothers & Co. con- tinued the business until 1878, when it was closed up. Mr. Shaw has been an active and influential Republican since he was old enough to vote. While in East Saginaw he was a member of the Police Commission two years and of the Cemetery Commis-, sion four years, and in 1878 he was nominated for mayor, but declined to run. In 1879 he accepted the nomination of city treasurer and ran ahead of his ticket, which was defeated. In 1880, without solicitation, he was nominated by the Saginaw County Republican Convention on the first ballot, by a vote of 104 out of 114, for the office of register of deeds, but was defeated by 199 votes out of 11,000 cast. Soon afterward he was chosen sole assessor of East Saginaw city, which position he held until March, 1883, when he resigned and returned to New Bedford by reason of his father's illness. As a citizen of East Saginaw he was prominent in all public mat- ters, and for six years served as president of the East Saginaw Rifles. In 1886 he purchased the street railway there, made three miles of extensions and other im- provements, and seven months later sold it. He was also vice-president of the East Saginaw Gas Company several years, and in 1888 was again called there for four months to act as treasurer of a savings bank. Since returning to New Bedford he has been a member of the Republican City Committee ten years, being its chairman three years and its present vice-chairman ; he served one term in the State Legisla- ture and two years as alderman and was nominated for mayor; and in December, 1897, was elected city assessor at large for three years. He has been president of the New Bedford Choral Association since 1890 ; is a director and formerly was sec- retary of the Board of Trade and vice-president of the New Bedford General Hos- pital ; is a member of the Wamsutta and Dartmouth Clubs, also of the Massachusetts Republican Club; the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the G. A. R., the Loyal Legion, the Veteran Firemen's Association and the Masonic fraternity as high as Knight Templarism ; and a life member of the Old Colony Historical Society. He was also for some time treasurer of the Union Street Railway Company, resigning February 1, 1897. November 12, 1867, he married Clara D., daughter of William H. Warner of East Saginaw, Mich. She died July 16, 1873, leaving one son, Frederick Warner Shaw, who died April 16, 1878. Shay, Jeremiah M., & Co. — Jeremiah M. Shay is a son of Michael P. and Anna (Harrington) Shay, natives of Ireland, who came to this country when quite young and a few years after settled in Fall River, where they were married in 1859, re- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 185 moving to Portsmouth, R. I., where Mr. Shay was born, January 38, 1866. The family returned to Fall River when he was ten years old and he attended school and worked in the mills. He served an apprenticeship with Louis Lavoie at the carriage making business, and in 1886 became a partner. In November, 1892, Mr. Lavoie retired and since then Mr. Shay has conducted the business alone. All kinds of car- riages and wagons are made to order, and in addition a harness making and repair- ing business is conducted. Mr. Shay is an active, enterprising citizen and enjoys the respect of all with whom he comes in contact. He is possessed of considerable inventive ability; one of his most important inventions being a shuttle-supplying mechanism for looms which increases the capacity of the loom about ten per cent., and reduces the labor of the weaver more than fifty per cent. Sherman, Albert S., is a descendant in the seventh generation of Philip Sherman, who was born in Dedham, England, in 1610, and came to this country while young and settled in Boston, thence to Portsmouth, R. I. Albert S. Sherman is a son of Wilson and Mary (Davis) Sherman, and was born in Westport, Mass., February 9, 1844. He was educated in the public schools of that town and at an early age went to California in a merchant ship. During this service he visited the East Indies, England and numerous foreign ports. Mr. Sherman abandoned the sea after several years' service and returned home and engaged in farming. He is a Republican in politics and is now serving his twelfth year as selectmen of his native town, is a member of the Board of Health and is serving his seventh year as justice of the peace, being appointed by Governor Russell. On October 15, 1868, he married Mary H., daughter of Howland and Mary B. (Sherman) Russell of Dartmouth, and they had two children: Wilson H., born October 18, 1871, died August 15, 1875, and Waldo A., born March 23, 1881. Sherman, Clifford Parker, attorney at law, was born in New Bedford, September 13, 1861, a son of David W. and Charity (Parker) Sherman. He attended the public schools, and graduated from the High School in the class of 1879. In the summer of 1880 he entered the law office of Crapo, Clifford & Clifford, to read law. After six years' reading he was admitted to the Bristol bar, June 14, 1886. He had been en- gaged before this time in the work of investigating titles, and remained with Crapo, Clifford & Clifford until the business in hand was finished, when he opened an office on North Water street and engaged in practice, which has been chiefly confined to legal investigation of titles, etc. In May, 1896, he removed to the Masonic build- ing. Mr. Sherman has been for some time clerk and trustee of the First Congrega- tional Society (Trinitarian). He married, June 3, 1891, Emma B. Allen, daughter of Abner W. Allen of New Bedford, and they have two sons: Allen and Clifford P., jr. Sherman, James L. , son of Abner and Abbie W. (Durfee) Sherman, was born in New Bedford, February 11, 1842. His father, who still lives at the age of eighty-two years, was a native of Westport and came to New Bedford when a boy to learn the carpenter's trade. He later located a shop on Water street, where he has been in business for over fifty years, having been associated during the entire time with Levi H. Sturtevant under the firm name of Sturtevant & Sherman. The gentlemen are now the oldest firm of carpenters, contractors and builders in New Bedford. James L. Sherman was educated in the New Bedford schools and after being employed a short time as a clerk he went into the retail lumber business for himself, locating in 186 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the Sturtevant & Sherman building on Water street, with yards on the Wilcox and Richmond wharf. He has continued this business for upwards of twenty years. With the exception of three years on the School Committee he has never held public office. He is a prominent Mason, a past master of Eureka Lodge, past high priest of Adoniram Chapter, Council, past E. C. of Sutton Commandery, and at present district deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Mr. Sherman married, in 1869, Caroline M. , daughter of Timothy D. Cook of New Bedford, and of their children, one daughter, Abbie D., survives. Sherman, Jesse T, son of Asa and Alice (Anthony) Sherman, was born in South Dartmouth, November 18, 1845. His father was a farmer who resided in the town of Dartmouth all his life. As a boy he attended the common schools and when only fifteen years of age went to sea in a whaler. He followed the whaling business for over twenty-seven years, finally becoming mate and then master, in which capacity he sailed for twelve years upon all the oceans of the globe. He discontinued long voyages in July, 1886, and shortly after began work for S. C. Hart as captain of the tow boat Cygnet. At the death of Mr. Hart in February, 1894, he with others formed a corporation called the The New Bedford Tow Boat Company and purchased the boats and equipment belonging to Mr. Hart's estate. Captain Sherman was made manager of the company in March, 1894, and has since continued in that capacity. He is a member of Star of the East Lodge, F. & A. M., and enjoys the confidence of all with whom hi's business brings him in contact. In politics he has never allied himself with any party, but has cast his ballot for the candidate whom he considered best fitted for the office. November 19, 1865, he married Ellen B., daughter of Elihu Briggs of New Bedford, and they had two children: Jessie A., wife of George Case, and Arthur B. Sherman, Zacheus, was born in Plympton, Mass., August 5, 1819, a son of Zacheus and Jane (Bradford) Sherman. He received his early education in the common schools and in 1837 came to Taunton and engaged at carpenter's work with Earl E. Ryder, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years, working for him two years and a short time for William Mason. In 1845 he started in business for him- self and has continued up to the present time (1898), making fifty-three years of actual service. During this time he has built the station and freight house ; locomotive works; Mason machine works, and many of the large buildings in the city, and at one time employed seventy-five men. In 1861 Mr. Sherman was one of the first to put foot on Virginia soil in defense of his country; he was a member of Co. G, 4th Mass. Vol. Militia, and took an active part in the battle of Big Bethel. He received his discharge in July, 1861, and did not re-enlist on account of ill health. Mr. Sher- man is a member of Charles H. Titus Lodge, F. & A. M. December 23, 1845, he married Betsy M., daughter of Levi and Melinda (Pratt) Hale, and they have one son, Clifford A., born March 12, 1854. Silvia, Frank M., son of Francisco Machado and Mary Claudina (Pacheco) Silvia, was born in the Azores, on the Island of St. George, March 2, 1850. His father was a seafaring man and he early manifested a desire to follow the same calling, but at- tended the public schools until he was twelve years of age and then made his first voyage. Subsequently he visited England, Germany, France, Brazil and adjacent islands, Australia, New Zealand, and in fact circumnavigated the globe. His father PERSONAL REFERENCES. 187 had meantime made his headquarters in this country, being captain of a coasting vessel, and he having been injui-ed and placed in a foreign hospital was sent to America upon his recovery by the American Consul. He was landed in New Bed- ford in 1871, and soon after came to Fall River and found employment as a laborer. In 1874 he engaged in the trucking business, buying his outfit with money which he had saved by industry and economy. In 1880 he sold his business to engage in the retail liquor trade, first locating on Ferry street and later removing to his present location at the corner of Ferry and Washington streets, which property he pur- chased. Here he conducts a wholesals and retail liquor business, and also is exten- tensively engaged as a ship, railroad and emigrant agent. Mr. Silvia is one of the leading representatives of the Portuguese race in Bristol county and is actively in- terested in all that will promote the best interests of the people of his nationality. He organized and secured the charter of the St. Joseph Benevolent Society and also was instrumental in the purchase of the old First Baptist chapel on Columbia street, which is now used as a Portuguese church. He is an honorary member of many fraternal organizations and a member of the American Order of Druids and the Order of Foresters. In August, 1874, he married Mary Emcarnacao Dutra, and they had nine children, of whom seven survive: Annie, Catherine, Frank, jr., Manuel Joseph, Stephen and John. Sistare, Frank B., son of George B. and Mary (Shaw) Sistare, was born in New London, Conn., January 21, 1861. His father, a seafaring man, now lives in New London, having reached the age of seventy years. When he was an infant the fam- ily moved to Little Compton, R. I., and later to that part of Dartmouth, Mass., called Smith's Neck. He gained his education in the public schools of Little Compton and Dartmouth, and at the early age of fifteen began to learn the carpenter's trade under Russell E. Burrows, of New London, Conn., with whom he remained about three years, and then went to Taunton, Mass., where he worked as a journeyman carpen- ter for one year, and for two years was head carpenter at the Elizabeth Poole Cot- ton^Mill, being then scarcely of age. From Taunton he removed to Dartmouth, where he was employed for one year by Samuel Davis, and then returned to New London. In 1884 he came to New Bedford, and in 1886 began business as a con- tractor and builder. Mr. Sistare has been accorded a good measure of success in his business, and is one of the representative builders of the city. Among the more important buildings he has erected are the Casino at Fall River, the Dartmouth Town Hall, pumping station at Fairhaven, and numerous large dwellings and tene- ment houses. He is a member of Pacific Lodge of Odd Fellows, and Annawan En- campment. He married in 1883, Elvira, daughter of Thomas Smith of South Dart- mouth, and two children have been born to them, George H. and Esther. Slade, George W. , member of the firm of Allen, Slade & Co., wholesale grocers in Fall River, was born in Swansea, July 31, 1826, and is a descendant of one of the early settlers in Massachusetts. His grandfather, Peleg Slade, was a colonel in the Revolution, and an honored citizen of Swansea. Mr. Slade is a son of Lloyd and Elizabeth (Lewin) Slade, who came to Fall River in 1836, when it was a village of less than five thousand people, and where George W. at the age of nine years ob- tained employment at §1 per week in the American Print Works, then under the management of Holder Borden. He remained there and in the Robeson Print 188 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Works until 1845, when he began to learn the machinist's trade in the shop of Hawes, Marvel & Davol, manufacturers of cotton machinery. Early in 1849 he joined a party from Boston on the ship Regulus around Cape Horn to San Francisco, arriving there on September 15, of that year. While in California he worked in dif- ferent gold mines until 1852, when he returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama. The following year he followed his trade of machinist, the next year engaged in the commission business, receiving butter, cheese and other products, in partnership with B. G. Chase. In 1858 he formed a partnership with Capt. James Brightman and William Marvel under the firm name of Brightman, Marvel & Slade, and en- gaged in importing West India molasses, sugar and other tropical products. This firm dissolved partnership in December, 1862. Mr. Slade then chartered the schoon- er Spencer D., which afterward, together with D. A. Brayton, he purchased and loaded with flour and sailed December 6 for New Orleans, just after the city was captured by Admiral Farragut. After disposing of his flour he brought back a cargo of molasses, making a very successful trip under dangerous conditions. The next year he engaged in the business of jobbing merchandise ; in 1864 he bought the schooner Hydrangia and with a. permit from Secretary Chase and Senator Sprague of Rhode Island, took a cargo of sutler's supplies to Hilton Head, South Carolina, returning in the fall of 1865. He then formed a copartnership with Nathan Chase and Howard B. Allen, under the firm name of Chase, Allen & Slade, and engaged in the wholesale grocery business on Bedford street. The present firm of Allen, Slade & Co., composed of George W. Slade, Edward B. Lake and B. S. C. Gifford, was formed in August, 1872, and has since continued. They have conducted a very large and successful trade as wholesale dealers in groceries and have six traveling salesmen employed and seventeen delivery wagons for the city trade. Mr. Slade is one of the oldest business men in Fall River and is still active and energetic. He has been engaged in the wholesale grocery business for forty years. In 1833 he married Lydia A. Lake of Fall River, and they had four children, only one now liv- ing, Susie M., wife of James M. Cameron of Fall River. In 1894 Mr. Slade visited Europe for an extended tour through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy, Switzer- land, France, England, Ireland and Scotland. Slade, John Palmer, president of the Laurel Lake Cotton Mills, was born in Som- erset, Mass., November 13, 1824, a lineal descendant of Edward Slade, who came from Wales to Newport, R. I., with the early settlers of that colony. William, son ot Edward, settled at Slade's Ferry in 1680, and was the founder of the Slade family of Somerset. The father of John P. died when the son was three years old, and his mother when he was fourteen. He went to live in the family of Capt. Robert Gibbs, a farmer of Somerset. He obtained his education in the schools of his native town and at Myers Academy at Warren. R. I. Having been thrown upon his own resources in his youth he early acquired a spirit of self-reliance, and by his energy and perseverance soon acquired a reputation among his associates for enterprise and correct business methods. He entered upon his prosperous career in 1841 at Fall River as a clerk in a grocery and drug store. Eight months later he went to George- town, South Carolina, where he engaged for a few months as a clerk, then as part- ner with his cousin, F. P. Cummings. They were cotton dealers and general mer- chants. Two years later Mr. Slade purchased his partner's interest, settled up the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 189 business and returned to Fall River where he has since resided. During the next seven years he served as clerk and conductor for the Fall River (now the Old Colony) Railroad Company; from 1855 to 1858 he was a clerk and salesman for Hale Reming- ton, general commission merchant. In 1858 he engaged in the wholesale commis- sion and insurance business and has continued it with success ever since that date. In 1879 Mr. Slade associated with himself his eldest son, Leonard N. Slade, under the firm name of John P. Slade & Son. As the cotton manufacturing industry be- gan to develop in New England, Mr. Slade, with other progressive citizens, recog- nized the admirable facilities afforded by the water power of Fall River and gave en • couraging support to all new enterprises for the manufacture of cotton goods. In 1863 he was one of the original subscribers to the Granite Mills corporation, which was organized in his office and in which he served as director. When the Davol Mills were organized in 1867 he became one of the directors; he assisted in establish- ing the Shove Mills in 1872 and was made a director and the first treasurer; he also served as president of this corporation from 1875 to 1880. For several years he was a director of the Weetamoe Mills and since 1881 has been president of the Laurel Lake Mills. In all of these enterprises Mr. Slade has displayed marked executive and administrative ability. For a period of forty years he filled the position of sec- retary of the Five Cents Savings Bank, an institution that has been of the greatest usefulness to the city and now carries deposits to the amount of nearly $4,000,000. Since 1865 he has served as a director of the Fall River National Bank, the oldest financial institution in the city. In politics he is a Republican. In every position he has filled and in all the corporations with which he has been connected Mr. Slade has displayed energy, enterprise and good judgment. Small, R. C, jr., was born in Provincetown, on Cape Cod, March 23, 1859, a son of R. C. and Catherine (Hooton) Small. He came to Fall River at thirteen years of age and went to work in the Durfee Mill at forty-eight cents a day. After eighteen months he entered the cloth room and a year later the card room, where he worked for three years before returning to the cloth room. He was fifteen years in the mills altogether and was overseer at the Richard Borden Mill for nearly three years. In 1885 the firm of Small Bros., comprising E. H. and R. C. Small, jr., was formed. The enterprise was started by Wm. H. Simmons and purchased by Small Bros. They are manufacturers of mill bandings, braids, spool tapes and cotton rope, and from a very modest beginning have built up a large business. They have more than doubled the capacity of theirplant during the past year. The enterprise and ability of these gentlemen were manifested even when they were boys, for at the respec- tive ages of nine and twelve years they supported their father's family, as fish deal- ers, while their father was in the West. Mr. R. C. Small is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Odd Fellows, A. O. U. W., Pilgrim Fathers, and the N. E. O. of P. June 7, 1882, he married Annie A. Standish, a direct descendant of Miles Standish, and they have two children : Edith S. and Norman C. E. H. Small was born at Provincetown, on Cape Cod, March 15, 1863, and came to Fall River in 1872. He entered the Durfee Mill at fifteen years of age and subsequently worked in the Mer- chants' Mill. He worked three years in the mills and then went to work for W. H . Simmons in the twine business, with whom he continued until the partnership of Small Bros, was formed. Mr. Small is a member of the Odd Fellows, Royal Area- 190 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. num, Pilgrim Fathers, A. O. U. W., and other societies. February 15, 1882, he mar- ried Hannah G. Crowther, and they have three children: Reuben T., Ethel M., and Lillian H. Smalley, Orrick, who died in New Bedford, July 29, 1894, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, was one of the best known of the old whaling captains which this section has developed. He was born in Dartmouth, but his parents were natives and resi- dents of Cape Cod and representatives of one of the oldest of Cape Cod families. He spent most of his active life at sea, being engaged as cook on a fishing schooner when but eight years old, and when scarcely in his teens, he walked from Cape Cod to New Bedford to ship on a whaling vessel, and at the age of twenty-five became master of a ship. In this capacity he rapidly acquired reputation among owners and for many years after his retirement was annually offered a ship. In the latter years of his life he held prominent places in the city government and during his service as city marshal made a record for fearless and efficient work in enforcing the no-license laws. He also served as inspector in the custom house for several years, and later as secretary of the Board of Overseers of the Poor, and while in this position, in a quiet undemonstrative way, he frequently lightened his own pocket book in assisting deserving cases which came to his notice. For fifty years he was a member, and most of the time an official, in the North Christian Church of New Bedford, and his death was mourned by all who had known and felt the influence of his sterling char- acter. Orrick Smalley, jr., son of Orrick and Deborah (Howland) Smalley, was born in New Bedford, February 15, 1852, and attended the public schools, graduating later from Scoffield's Business College, at Providence, R. I. For several years he went to sea, first engaged in whaling and later in the merchant and steamship ser- vice, and afterwards was employed by the Morse Twist Drill and Machine Company. While Mr. Smalley has never held public office, he is still well known in New Bed- ford. He married, February 17, 1874, Eliza A., adopted daughter of Captain Mat- thew Fisher of New Bedford, and they have had two children: Addie M., who is living, and Charles Henry (deceased). Harry T. Smalley, son of Orrick Smalley and brother of Orrick Smalley, jr., was born in New Bedford March 30, 1865, and is now living. Smith, Abraham H , son of Thomas and Priscilla (Cornell) Smith, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., December 20, 1833. He was educated in the public schools of Dartmouth and in the Friends' Academy at Providence, R. I., from which institution he was graduated in 1852. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Co. E. , 58th Mass. Vols. , and served until honorably discharged at the close of the war, being wounded in one of the last battles fought during the Rebellion. After his recovery he returned to his home in Dartmouth and has since been engaged in farming. He represented this district in the State Legislature for two terms, 1874- 75, serving on the committees on agriculture and printing. He has been a member of the First Baptist Church of New Bedford for many years. The family at one time held a greater portion of that tract of landia Dartmouth called " Smith's Neck," hence the name. Mr. Smith has been twice married, first to Sarah, daughter of Ed- ward and Ruth (Cook) Cook, December 20, 1855. For his second wife he married, January 7, 1897, Julia, daughter of David and Elmira (Smith) Sisson of Dartmouth. Smith, Daniel H., was born in Rehoboth, January 4, 1835, a son of Remember and PERSONAL REFERENCES. 191 Sally (Wilmarth) Smith and was educated in the public schools. In 1851 he came to Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade with Thompson, Hayward & Co., and remained in the business until 1861. He then enlisted in Co. H., 24th Mass. Vols., and took part in the sieges of Charleston and Petersburg, and served until October, 1864. when he received an honorable discharge with rank of first sergeant; received appointment as captain of District 73, and as enrolling officer of the militia from Governor Andrews. In 1866 he established the firm of D. H. Smith & Co., manu- facturers of jewelry, and in 1868 purchased the company's interest and continued the business up to 1888, disposing of the business in January of that year. He is now engaged in the undertaking business and is employing the most scientific and modern methods of caring for the dead. In 1855 he married Abby A., daughter of Philander Stone. Mr. Smith has served as selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor and chief engineer of the fire department, a hose company being named in his honor. Smith, Emerson, who has been a prominent contractor and builder in New Bed- ford for several years, was born in Norton, Bristol county, Mass., June 13, 1844, a son of Nathan and Olive (Willis) Smith. His father was also a native of Bristol county, born in Taunton, but lived most of his life in Norton Mr. Smith attended the schools in the vicinity of his home and was employed at different kinds of labor until seventeen years old. At this time he came to New Bedford and entered the employ of the New Bedford Copper Company to learn the trade of mixing yellow metals. Having thoroughly mastered this trade, or rather profession, and served the company for eight years, he returned to his native village and engaged in the business of manufacturing friction matches. Later he found a lucrative position with the American Screw Company, which he accompanied to Providence, R I., on its removal to that city, serving that company a little more than nine years, and when he severed his connection came again to New Bedford, where in 1881 he estab- lished a business as a builder and contractor, which has proved highly successful. He continued in active management of his contracts until 1892, and then owing to poor health decreased his business of building and contracting to a considerable ex- tent and gave his entire attention to the management of his real estate interests. With the exception of one year (1887) as councilman from Ward 1, Mr. Smith has never held public office. He married, in 1874, EllaM., daughter of Benjamin Frank- lin of Oxford, N. H., and they have one daughter, Olive F. Smith. Smith, Frank E., was born in Rehoboth, Mass., April 26, 1857. His father, Re- member Smith, was a native of the same place and born on the homestead which was settled by Remember Smith, his father, and who was one of the pioneers of that town. Remember Smith, jr., married Sarah B. , daughter of Seneca Sanford, and through life was identified as a farmer; he died in 1891, and filled many positions of honor and trust in his town. Frank E. Smith was educated in the public schools and in 1876 came to Attleborough, where he learned the jewelry business with Sturdy Bros., and with Blake & Claflin, who succeeded them, for a period of twenty years. In 1896 Mr. Smith organized the firm of Allen, Smith & Thurston, making a specialty of silver novelties. In 1892 Mr. Smith married Julia M., daughter of Benjamin Wolcott. Smith, Nathaniel Cannon, architect, is the son of William T. and Caroline A. (Brownell) Smith, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., January 18, 1866. He re- 192 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ceived a public and high school education in his native city, and afterward spent four years in Europe, traveling over the continent and studying architecture in Paris. In 1893 he returned to New Bedford, where he has since been engaged in the general practice of his profession. Smith, Theron I., was born in Attleborough, April 9, 1836. His father, Stephen Smith, was a native of Mansfield, and came to Attleborough in 1835. He was a farmer and a man who was interested in public events; a strong temperance be- liever and took a great interest in the development of the anti-slavery cause and school and church matters. He died in 1851 in his fifty third year. Theron I. was educated in the common schools and at eighteen years left home and came to North Attleborough, where he entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co., jewelers, after- wards was in the employ of Draper, Tifft, Bacon, Barrows & Sturdy, Merritt and Draper. In 1865 he established business for himself in which he still continues. In 1856 he married Emily C, daughter of Abiel Codding, and they have one daughter, Mrs. H. H. Curtis. Mr. Smith was one of the men to organize and create the town of North Attleborough. Unassuming in character he has ever received and merited the respect of his associates, and it was through his efforts, with others, that a direct railroad line was established between North Attleborough and Boston. Snow, Levi Morton, was born in Mattapoisett, Plymouth county, Mass., April 19, 1841. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and in 1858 went to Weymouth, Mass., where he studied for the drug business under the tutorship of Dr. E. L. Warren, a prominent physician of that town. In 1860 he came to Fair- haven, where he has since resided, with the exception of two years in Charlestown, Mass., as a clerk for Benjamin F. Stacey. When he first came to Fairhaven he se- cured a position as drug clerk for H. W. Richmond, but remained only a year and then went to Charlestown. He returned to Fairhaven in 1864 and entered the em- ploy of James I. Church, for whom he worked as clerk for twelve years. He pur- chased the business in 1876 and has since conducted it with most gratifying success. In addition to the legitimate drug trade he also deals to a considerable extent, in fancy goods. The store has been located at the corner of Main and Center streets for upwards of fifty years and Mr. Snow has been connected with it as clerk and proprietor for thirty-six years of that time. He is one of the best known men in Fairhaven and enjoys the confidence and respect of a wide acquaintance. In 1879 he was elected a trustee of the Fairhaven Institution for Savings and in the follow- ing year a member of its board of investment. He has also been since 1880 a direc- tor of the First National Bank. Mr. Snow was trustee of the old Fairhaven Public Library for a number of years. He has been active in politics, having been chair- man of the Republican Town Committee for the past twelve years. He has also been a member for a number of years of the Republican District Committee. He was made a Mason in 1865 at Charlestown, Mass., and joined King Solomon Lodge of that city, demitted from there and became a charter member of Concordia Lodge, of Fairhaven, of which he was elected master in 1875. He took Chapter degrees in New Bedford, 1878 ; was made a Knight Templar in Sutton Commandery of New Bedford in 1893; elected royal and select master of New Bedford Council in the same year. In 1895 he was elected a member of Aleppo Shrine at Boston. Mr. Snow is also a member of the Massachusetts Pharmaceutical Association, of which he was PERSONAL REFERENCES. 193 president in 1889-90. In 1885 he was elected a member of the College of Pharmacy at Boston. His father was Capt. Levi Jenney Snow, born in Mattapoisett in 1799, and for many years a successful whaling captain. His mother was Mary Meigs, daughter of Joseph Meigs of Mattapoisett. Mr. Snow was married, January 11, 1866, to Sarah E., daughter of Daniel J. and Sarah W. Lewis of Fairhaven, and they had three children: An infant son (deceased), Morton Meigs (deceased) and Gertrude Lewis Snow. Daniel J. Lewis represented the district of Fairhaven in the State Legislature for three successive terms. He was born of old Puritan stock in Plymouth, Mass., February 8, 1810. His wife was born in Plymouth, January 29, 1811, and they had these children: James, Albert, William, Lothrup, Sarah, Lothrup and Mary Solomon, J. M., was born in Attleborough, February 3, 1855, a son of James M. and Rebecca (Parker) Solomon. His father was a practicing physician in Attle- borough. Dr. Solomon was a lineal descendant of King Philip, the Indian chief. Dr. Solomon was educated in Attleborough and is a graduate of Columbia Medical College. He began his practice in Dover, N. H., and in 1887 established his office in Boston, now located at No. 2A, Beacon street. He makes a specialty of treating cancers and tumors. In 1874 he married Sara Augusta, youngest daughter of Hon. Alcott Hardon of Attleborough. She received her education in Attleborough, Prov- idence, and at the Greenwich Academy, afterwards taking a full medical course. Mrs. Solomon stands high in her profession, and is considered to be one of the lead- ing lecturers in medicine; she makes a specialty of treating diseases of women, and has an office in Boston, also in Attleborough. They have three children: Jesse M., Raymond H. and Florence Augusta, who graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Boston in 1896. Dr. and Mrs. Solomon are erecting a sanitarium for the care of their patients, which will be the most complete of its kind in the State of Massachusetts. Sowle, Andrew Hicks, son of Capt. Edward and Hannah (Hicks) Sowle, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., August 31, 1843. After leaving the public schools Mr. Sowle, in 1861, went to California, where he was engaged in min- ing until 1865, when he returned east and located in Bristol, R. I., where he was employed in a rubber works until 1889. He then removed to Westport Point, where he has since resided. Mr. Sowle has been a member of the Board of Health, also selectman of his town, and was superintendent of construction of the road that was built from Westport Point to the beach in 1893. December 29, 1872, he married Eleanor Cordelia, daughter of John D. and Rhoda (Allen) Brownell. Mrs. Sowle traces her ancestry to Nancy Brownell, who came to this country from Scotland with two sisters and settled in Adamsville, R. I. The line of descent from Nancy Brown- ell, the first American ancestor, and from whom all of that name in this vicinity de- scended, is as follows: Nancy ' Ichabod, 2 George, 3 George M., 4 John D., 5 Eleanor Cordelia. 6 Spare, John Vigneron, one of the leading merchants of New Bedford, was born in that city, October 28, 1849, a son of John Spare, M. D., and Susan V. Mason, his wife. His father is not in practice in New Bedford, but has followed the medical profession for over forty years. Mr. Spare attended the public and high schools of New Bedford, and not long after completing his education, enlisted in the United 194 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. States navy (1865) as surgeon's steward, being assigned to the Mahaska in the Gulf Squadron, his father being then surgeon of that ship. After leaving the navy he •was employed as a clerk in the New Bedford post-office three years, and in 1873 in- vested his capital in the establishment of a small dry goods business on County street, near Kempton. He had all the qualities which should be possessed by the success- ful merchant, and by indefatigable industry and characteristic enterprise, rapidly placed the business on a firm foundation. Several times the stock was moved to better located and larger quarters, and finally Mr. Spare opened his present store on Purchase street, and here employment is given to a force of from thirty to thirty-five clerks constantly, the store comparing favorably with the best department stores in Bristol county. The Spare family has been well represented in New England from the first, members of it being among the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Canton, Mass. Mr. Spare has been a member of the G. A. R. since 1868. February 20, 1879, he married Hattie M., daughter of Captain Andrew Snow of New Bedford, and they have four children : Chester V., Romeyn A., Arthur F., and Louisa S. Sperry, Andrew M., was born in New Haven, Conn., April 24, 1830. His father, Edwin Sperry, was a native of Waterbury, Conn., and the family trace their descent from Lemuel Sperry of Sperry's Farm, Woodbridge, Conn., who was one of the pio- neers of that town. Edwin Sperry married Mary Miles and through life was en- gaged in the cooperage trade at Waterbury, Conn. ; he died in 1893. Andrew M. Sperry was educated at Waterbury, and worked in the button shops until seventeen years of age. when he learned the harness maker's trade. In 1854 he came to North Attleborough and entered the employ of Whitney & Bailey, jewelers, and in 1856 entered the employ of Harvey Richards; in 1860 with Tift& Blackinton, and in 1863 was foreman for Tift, Whiting & Co. In 1865 he entered the employ of Smith & Ginnado and remained with them until 1885, during which time, in 1873, he estab- lished his present business of undertaking, associated with C. E. Smith until his death in 1887, after which he conducted it alone until his son was old enough to as- sist him, and was the first man in the northern part of Bristol county to embalm the dead and at the present time is employing the most scientific and approved methods in caring for the dead. In 1851 he married Augusta, daughter of Philo and Annie Abbott, who died in 1865, and he then married, in 1867, Adelaide G. , daughter of Nelson and Eunice Fisher, and they have one son, Henry Nelson Sperry, junior member of A. M. Sperry & Co. Mr. Sperry is one of the self-made men of his town, serving as coroner seven years, is a member of Bristol Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, and Bristol Commandery, and Aurora Lodge of Odd Fellows, being the third oldest member of that lodge. Spooner, Edward Greenleaf, son of Edward P. and Nancy (Toby) Spooner, was born in Fairhaven, October 16, 1849, and when he was an infant the family removed to Rochester, Mass., where he attended the common schools until sixteen years old. While attending school he worked during vacations and at odd times at the granite and marble cutting trade, and at the early age of seventeen went into business for himself as a granite and marble dealer. He was honored at different times during his residence in Rochester by appointment to offices in the town government, and was made a justice of the peace by Governor Long. He served as town clerk, treas- urer and collector of taxes for five years, being the youngest man who ever held the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 195 office of treasurer. In 1885, wishing to put his energies to better use in a larger field, he removed to Fairhaven and built the building in which he now conducts his business in granite and marble monumental work. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of Concordia Lodge, F & A. M., holding membership in the Chapter, Council and Commandery at New Bedford. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Spooner was married in 1880 to Cecelia, daughter of C. E. Smith of Rochester, and they have two children : Edward G. and Harold S. Mr. Spooner is a descendant on different lines of four old Puritan families; the Spragues, Wins- lows, Aldens and Whites. He is also a descendant of William Greenleaf, who held the first commission as high sheriff under the colonial government and who supplied the furniture used in General Washington's camp at the siege of Boston. Mr. Spooner has now in his possession one of the tables used. His maternal great- grandfather, Levi Rounseville, was captain of the minute men in Freetown and answered to the call of Lexington. Spooner, Edwin Sears, is a lineal descendant in the eighth generation from Thomas Spooner, who came to this country from England in the Mayflower in 1620. He is a son of Barnibuss and Mary (Votough) Spooner, and was born in Acushnet, Bristol county, Mass., February 4, 1838. His first business experience after finishing his schooling was at ship carpenter work in New Bedford and Fairhaven, where he was employed for three years. He then removed to Taunton and engaged in the meat business on his own account on Berkley street, at which location he remained for sixteen years. In 1882 he bought his present farm and has since been successfully engaged in farming. June 17, 1861, Mr. Spooner married Mary A. Hardin, and three children were born to them: George F., Adeline B., wife of George P. Booth, and Sarah T. , wife of Edward Folger of New Bedford. Stanley, Hon, Stephen, was born in North Attleborough, June 11, 1842, a son of Stephen O. Stanley, also a native of the same town, whose family were among the pioneers, his ancestors taking part in the Revolutionary war. Stephen O. Stanley married Betsey, daughter of Artemus Stanley; he died in 1875. Hon. Stephen Stanley was educated fn the common schools and learned the jeweler's trade. In 1861 he enlisted in the 7th Regiment band, being discharged in 1862, when he went to New York for two years, and from there to Woodbury, Conn. In 1871 he came to Attleborough Falls and went into the jewelry business with his brother, in which he still continues. In 1864 he married S. Anna, daughter of Sylvan and Susannah Stanley, and they have one son and one daughter: Jesse F. and Alice F. Mr. Stan- ley is one of the conservative men of the town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters, serving as selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor and member of the School Committee. For two terms he was in the Legislature, in 1889 and 1890, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Stanton, Albert G. , son of Giles E. and Hannah (Bebee) Stanton, was born in Nantucket, Mass., March 20, 1829, and very early in life removed with the family to New Bedford. His father was a cooper by trade, a member of the Society of Friends, and a just, upright man, well known in New Bedford for many years. Mr. Stanton was educated in the public and high schools of New Bedford and worked at the carpenter's trade in New Bedford until he was twenty years old. About this time gold was discovered in California and he became one of the " forty-niners," sailing 196 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. around the Horn in the brig Cyrus, Capt. Ira B. Studley, and he remained there about four years, most of the time in the mines. After his return he went into the retail grocery and provision business with Robert A. Sherman, under the firm name of Sherman & Stanton, but later sold his interest in this business and in 1859 started alone in a building which he had erected at the corner of Grinnell street and Acush- net avenue and in which he still conducts a business. He has always taken a deep interest in public affairs, and both before and since the incorporation of the city has been frequently before the public in different positions. In 1878 he represented Ward 6 in the Common Council. Mr. Stanton is a. member of an old New England family which has been prominent in this section for over two hundred years, many of his ancestors being Friends. He married Ruth A., daughter of Benjamin Gifford, and they had two children : a daughter who died in infancy and a son, Irving G. Stanton, born March 8, 1860, still living. Stanton, John, a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, and one of the leading shoe dealers of Fall River, is a native of Ireland, and came to this country with his parents, Luke Dillon and Maria (Lynch) Stanton, when five years of age. They located in Fall River and his father, who was a cultured gentleman, conducted a successful private school in that city for many years. When but eight years old Mr. Stanton began work in the cotton mills. He was first employed in putting in roping, then became successively a doffer, then third-hand and second-hand in the Robeson Mill. Later he accepted a position as overseer in the Watuppa Mills, where he remained nearly three years. In 1870 he left the mill and took a position in a provision store conducted by William A. Kennedy, and three years later began the shoe business in a small way in the Batty building on Borden street. The en- ergy and ability with which he conducted this business soon began to bear fruit, and owing to the demands of a constantly increasing trade he was soon obliged to move to larger quarters at 86 Main street, whence he removed to his present store at 253 South Main street. Here he conducts an extensive retail and wholesale trade and has also established a store at 1602 North Main street and another at 267 East Main street. Since 1896 he has been president of the Kelley Shoe Company of Fall River, a corporation in which he is extensively interested and which employs about sixty workmen. Mr. Stanton has long been prominent in Democratic political circles of Fall River. In 1880 he was nominated and elected by a large majority to the State Legislature where he served on the committees on election laws and manufactures. He has been Democratic member of the Board of Police Commissioners since 1894, appointed first for one year and reappointed for three years. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and of the Kuights of Columbus. Mr. Stanton married Annie, daughter of Daniel Sullivan of Fall River, and they had three children, all now deceased. Stevens, Frank Shaw, banker and cotton manufacturer, was born in Rutland, Vt., August 6, 1827. He was educated in the district schools and began business life as a clerk in a country store in Westfield, N. Y. Later he went overland to California with forty other miners, but not finding the gold field profitable he, joined Henry Durfee in the occupation of teamster. He next engaged in the restaurant business and in running a stage line between Placerville and Sacramento, Cal. In 1854, upon the consolidation of the California Stage Companies, he became vice-president PERSONAL REFERENCES. 197 of the organization and in addition was made superintendent of a division. In 1866 he returned to New England and settled in the village of Swansea. He became in- terested in large business operations in Kentucky. He was president of the Globe Street Railway Company; of the Fall River Merino Company; of the Metacomet National Bank ; and a director in various other local corporations. He was elected by the Republican party a State senator in 1884, and a delegate to the National Re- publican Conventions of 1884, 1888, 1892 and 1896. He gave to the village of Swan- sey in 1890 a town hall with tower, bell and clock ; it contains an audience room with a seating capacity for 500 persons, a room for the public library and a selectmen's room. It is known as the Stevens Memorial Hall; is located near his own residence, stands as an ornament to the village and will remain a fitting memorial to the liberal benefactor. Mr. Stevens was married in July, 1858, to Mrs. Julia A. B. Birch of Swansea, widow of James E. Birch, and after her death married Elizabeth R., daughter of Joseph and Eliza Case, on April 22, 1873. Mr. Stevens died April 25, 1898, while this work was going through the press. Stone, William Holden, liveryman, a son of Luther and Hadassah Stone, was born July 18, 1819, in Bridgton, Me. He spent the first twenty years of his life on his father's farm and attended school a few months during the winter season. When twenty-one he removed to Stoughton Mass., where he began the livery business, an occupation which he has since followed, and with the exception of Mr. Perry of New Bedford, is the oldest liveryman in Bristol county. He next moved to Chelsea, Mass., engaging there in business, then went to Boston and remained there seven years as a liveryman. In 1873 he began the livery business in a very small way in a building to the rear of the Gunn estate on Rock street in Fall River. From there he moved to the Hawes property back of the Brown building, where he remained until his present quarters on Bank street were built. At this place, with his son, W. I. Stone, as partner, under the firm name of W. H. Stone & Son, the business has been in- creased and buildings enlarged until they now have all the modern conveniences and appliances of a first- class stable. Mr. Stone was married in 1845 to Eliza B. Linfield of Stoughton, Mass., and in 1895 celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage with interesting entertainment. They have three children: William I., Jennie E. (wife of Arthur E. Davis of Worcester, Mass.), and Frank F. Stone of Boston. William I. Stone, junior member of the firm, was married in 1878 to Hat- tie J. Goodman, daughter of Chester and Lucy (Durfee) Goodman, and they have two children : Roy and Laura L. Studley, John Hallet, son of Allan and Hettie (Baker) Studley, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., July 20, 1854. His education was ob- tained in the public schools of his native town and at an early age he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, which vocation he followed for ten years in this vicinity. He then shipped aboard a whaling vessel for three years, after which he returned home and was engaged in the fish business for a number of years. For the past six years he has devoted his time to agriculture. October 21, 1879, he married Eliza- beth J. Holthem of Portsmouth, England, and they have one son, Frank A. Sturtevant, Edward Bela, merchant and postmaster at South Dartmouth, was born in that village, November 10, 1855, a son of Alden C. and Mary (Davis) Sturte- ■■ vant. He completed his education in the common schools and then began his busi- 198 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ness experience as a clerk in the grocery store owned by Edward F. Potter, with whom he remained five years. He then, under the direction of his father, learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a period of sixteen years. Mr. Sturte- vant engaged in his present business in 1888 and has been very successful. In poli- tics he is a staunch Republican. President Harrison appointed him postmaster of South Dartmouth in October, 1889, and he has since held that office.- Since 1894 he has been town auditor. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge No. 41, I.O.O. F. In May, 1875, he married Lucy E. , daughter of Charles and Eunice (Smith) Gifford of Dartmouth. Two children have been born to them: Charles G. and Fanny I. Sturtevant, William Francis, son of Alden C. and Mary J. (Hinkley) Sturtevant, was born in New Bedford, Mass., June 18, 1852, and in 1854 moved with his parents to South Dartmouth, where the latter still reside. His father is a carpenter and builder. Mr. Sturtevant received a common school education, and on April 27, 1870, began learning the trade of painter in New Bedford with William C. Parker, with whom he remained four and a half years. Afterward he was associated with Eben J. Kempton until 1883, when he bought out his employer and still continues the busi- ness. He is a leading house, ship and sign painter, frescoer, decorator and dealer in paints, etc., and has built up a successful trade. He is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., of Adoniram Chapter, R.A.M., of New Bedford Council, R. & S. M., of Sutton Commandery, K. T., of Pacific Lodge, I.O.O.F., of Annawan Encampment, I.O.O. F., of Stella Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, of the Knights of Pythias, of New Bedford Relief Club, No 1, New Bedford Chapter No. 49, Eastern Star. Sullivan, Cornelius, son of Jeremiah and Hanorah (Sullivan) Sullivan, was born in the county of Cork, Ireland, November 1, 1850. He attended a school taught by an elder brother and worked on his father's farm until he was sixteen years old, at which time he came to America, settling in Hancock, Mich. He worked in the copper mines in that vicinity for a period of four years and in 1871 came to Fall River. He decided to learn the stone cutting trade, and with this end in view en- tered the employ of Gillman Bros, Charlestown, Massi, with whom he remained three years. He then engaged in journeyman work, and while working on the American Linen Mill received an injury which destroyed the sight of one eye, and rendered him unfit to follow his trade. Upon his recovery he went into the coal office of Edward Barrett as bookkeeper and after a service of two years entered the employ of Quinlan, Leary & Company, wholesale liquor dealers. In 1886 he en- gaged in this business for himself, first locating on Plymouth avenue, thence remov- ing to the corner of Second and Wade streets, and thence to his preseut location at the intersection of Rodman and Main streets. Mr. Sullivan has had a remarkable record as a member of the Board of Aldermen, having served for ten consecutive years. He was first elected in 1886 from the Fourth ward. In March, 1898, he was elected by joint convention as- water commissioner for a term of three years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Clover Club, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Celtic Literary Association. He is regarded in business circles as a man of sound principles and financial integrity. November 5. 1873, he married Julia, daugh- ter of Timothy Murphy of Fall River, and they have nine children: Timothy J , Annie F., Mary Elizabeth, Boetius, Matilda, Cornelius, jr., Jeremiah Augustus, Will- iam Matthew and Alfred. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 199 Sullivan, Daniel D. , postmaster at Fall River, was bora in Boston, in that part called Charlestown, November 1, 1841, and came to Fall River with his parents in 1844. He attended the public schools until the age of nine years and then obtained employment in the Troy Cotton Mill, which at that time had but five and one-half pairs of looms and he operated one-half pair of them. Two years later he went to the Que- quechan Mill, working under Capt. James Brady. In 1854 his parents moved to that part of the city now known as Globe Village, which was then in Tiverton. R. I. In 1869 he embarked in the grocery business with Edward Harrington (Harrington & Sullivan). He continued this business until 1875, when he was appointed assistant assessor, which office he resigned after a few months to accept a position as United States census taker. Later he engaged in the undertaking business with an office on South Main street. Since his appointment as postmaster this has been conducted by his sons, James E and Michael H., under the firm name of D. D. Sullivan & Sons. Mr. Sullivan has prospered in life and has displayed rare executive and administra- tive ability in all his business relations. He has been active in politics as a Demo- crat for many years, and has attained strength, influence and popularity, not only in his own party, but as a public spirited citizen, interested in every movement destined to promote the public good. From 1884 to 1891 he was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee, and in 1891, a member of State Central Commit- tee at large. He was an alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1888, and a congressional delegate to Democratic National Convention at St. Louis in 1892. Mr. Sullivan has always encouraged the recognition of the younger element of his party. For many years he has been president of the Daily Globe Publishing Company. He has been a member of the Young Men's Irish American Temperance Society since 1877; was one of the founders of the Clover Club, and is a director of St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum and of the Fall River Board of Trade. Sullivan, John B. , contractor, son of Timothy and Honora (Harrington) Sullivan, was born June 24, 1847, in Ireland, where he received a common school education. In 1867 he came to America and settled in New Bedford. He learned the stone ma- son's trade, which he followed until 1882, when he began contracting and building, a business he has since pursued with great success. Among the many notable build- ings which he has erected are St. Mary's School, St. Mary's parochial residence on Summer street, sixty feet of the tower of St. Lawrence church, St. Mary's Home, St. Mary's chapel, No. 8 Engine House, Phillips avenue and Brock avenue school houses, etc. He is also engaged in quarrying, having a stone quarry on the Hatha- way road, and is heavily interested in real estate in the city. Mr. Sullivan is a trus- tee of St. Lawrence parish, a member and one of the organizers of the Master Build- ers' Association, and a member of the New Bedford Board of Trade, the Plymouth Club, and the Holy Name Society of St. Lawrence Church. In August, 1872, he married Miss Margaret Sullivan, of County Cork, Ireland, who died leaving one son, Mark E., now a member of the City Council and associated with his father in business. In September, 1884, Mr. Sullivan married Katherine E. Sullivan, and they have two children: Mary and Frank. Sullivan, Mark A., painter, contractor and merchant, a son of John and Mary (Harrington) Sullivan, was born in Wareham, Plymouth county, Mass., January 27, 1849. His parents, who came from County Cork, Ireland, died when he was young, 200 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and his educational advantages were limited to less than two years in school. When a small boy he worked on a farm for two years, then was employed in the iron works at Wareham until November, 1864, and then enlisted for one year in the 26th Unattached Company, Mass. Vols. He was in the service six months when the war closed, and in 1865 he came to Fall River, worked in Eddy's Woolen Mill in the picker room for a short time, and then assisted in the erection of the Union and the Tecumseh Cotton Mills. He later learned the painter's trade under Raymond Bolger, and in 1872 formed a copartnership in the painting business under the firm name of Peckham, Sherwin & Sullivan, which was dissolved three years later, the business being continued by Mr. Sullivan. In 1876 he admitted P. P. Morris (Sullivan & Morris). This firm continued until 1881, and since that date Mr. Sullivan has conducted the business alone, employing regularly about forty workmen. He was located on Spring street until June, 1888, when he moved to 275 South Main street, which property, together with D. D. Sullivan and Robert How- ard, he bought in 1889. He owns thirty-one tenement houses in Fall River, and does a large business in painting and papering houses, and also in portrait painting, crayon drawings and water color pictures. By close attention to his duties he has prospered in life. In 1874 he married Eleanor, daughter of Richard and Bridget Clark of Dighton, Mass. They had four children: Emma F., Frank M., Helena and Charles; only one, Helena, is now living. Swaim, Rev. Joseph S. , pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Bedford, is the son of Rev. Samuel Budd Swaim, D.D., and Aurora D. Skinner, his wife, and a grand- son of Judge Thomas Swaim, a native of Staten Island, N. Y., where the family first settled. Judge Swaim spent most of his life in Pemberton, N. J., serving for many years as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Rev. Samuel Budd Swaim was graduated from Brown University in 1830 and from the Newton Theological Sem- inary in 1833, was ordained to the Baptist ministry at Haverhill, Mass., November 7, 1833, and spent two years as a professor in the old Granville Theological Seminary, Ohio, after which he was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Worcester for sixteen years. He subsequently went to West Cambridge (now Arlington), Mass. , and filled a pastorate for eight years, and died in Cambridge in 1865. His wife's father, Parry C. Skinner, was a drummer in the war of 1812, and her grandfather, Benjamin Skin- ner, served as a drummer in the Revolution at Bunker Hill. Rev. Joseph S. Swaim, only surviving son of Dr. Samuel B., was born in Worcester, Mass , May 2, 1851, re- ceived his early education in the public and high schools of Cambridge, and was graduated from Harvard College with the degree of A B. in 1873. He then spent a year in Europe and the East, and on his return entered the Newton Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1877, being ordained to the ministry in the old Cambridge Baptist Church the same year. He was pastor of the First Bap- tist Church of Claremont, N. H., from 1877 to 1883, pastor of the Union Baptist Church of Providence, R. I. , from the spring of 1883 to 1887, and pastor of the First Baptist Church of Binghamton, N. Y., from the spring of 1887 to 1890 In the spring of 1890 he came to New Bedford as pastor of the First Baptist Church on William street, which position he still holds. Mr. Swaim is an able, eloquent, and convinc- ing preacher, a scholar, and a man of culture and high attainments. He was a member of the executive board of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention and is PERSONAL REFERENCES. 201 u now a member of the executive board of the Massachusetts Baptist Convention. In January, 1898, he was elected president of the Newton Alumni Association and is a member of the board of Newton Theological Seminary. In November, 1877, he married Caroline Tiffany Dyer, daughter of Ezra Cornish Dyer, importer of Bos- ton and resident of Cambridge, Mass., and of Caroline Elizabeth Tiffany, his wife, daughter of Lyman Tiffany, merchant of Boston, and sister of the late Dr. Ezra Dyer, the well known oculist of Philadelphia and Newport. Her ancestors were prominent in the early history of Massachusetts, one of them, Asa Dyer, being com- missioned, May 19. 1775, a lieutenant in Col. William Heath's regiment; several others also served in the Colonial and Revolutionary wars. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They have three sons: Roger D., a student at Harvard College, class of 1900, Loring T. and Stanley B. Swan, Allen Webster, music teacher, was born in Dorchester, Mass., June 20, 1852, and is the son of William Henry Swan and Mary Elizabeth Bronsdon. He is descended from John Swan, who came from England to Massachusetts in the seven- teenth century, settled in the vicinity of Cambridge and is buried in the old cemetery opposite Harvard College. Mr. Swan's grandfather, Reuben Swan, a grain dealer, was born and died in Dorchester. William Henry Swan was long a prominent Bos- ton schoolmaster, being connected with the Wells school for twenty-three years; later he held a position in the New England National Bank. He died in January, 1896, and his wife in September, 1897. Allen Webster Swan attended the Dorches- ter public schools, and at the age of twelve began his musical education. He studied at both the New England Conservatory of Music and the College of Music of Boston University under such eminent instructors as George E. Whiting and John K. Paine, organists, and Carlyle Petersilea and J. C. D. Parker, pianists, and S. A. Emery, harmony teacher, and was graduated from the College of Music June 21, 1876. He also took a course of piano instruction under Mme. Madeleine Schiller of Boston. His studies were thorough, and being possessed of rare musical talents he rose rap- idly to a foremost rank in his profession. While a student he gained much practice as a teacher, and on receiving his diploma in 1876 he was appointed an instructor of the piano and organ at the New England Conservatory of Music, which position he filled seventeen years. In 1878 he also established a studio in New Bedford, where he has been the leading music teacher and the organist at the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church. He continues to give private lessons in harmony and on the piano and organ in Boston, and in January, 1898, was elected a trustee of the New England Conservatory of Music. In 1878 he spent two months in Cincinnati, Ohio, as substitute for Mr. Whiting in the College of Music and as official organist of the Cincinnati Music Hall, and since October, 1894, he has held the position of teacher of harmony in the Swain Free School of New Bedford. He was musical conductor of the New Bedford Choral Association from 1879 to 1890, was director of the Schu- bert Club of New Bedford for several years, and is a member and one of the founders of the American Guild of Organists. Mr. Swan has conducted a large number of organ recitals, concerts, etc., and is recognized as one of the most eminent music teachers in the State. ' Swan, Jesse J., M. D — Caleb Swan. A. B., M. D. , was born in Charlestown, Mass., September 22, 1793, and was the son of Caleb and Sarah (Semple) Swan, who trace 202 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. their descent back to the Swan family whocame to New England before 1685, on » account of religious persecution, and settled near Boston, in Essex county, Mass. Caleb, father of Dr. Caleb, was a merchant of Charlestown and a large owner of real estate, in which he was quite active until 1816, about the time of his death. He lived in Charlestown Square when his house was burned at the battle of Bunker Hill. It will be noted that a leading characteristic of the family is that large real estate holdings have been prominently continued down to the present generation. Dr. Caleb Swan entered Harvard University in 1811 and graduated in 1814, among his classmates being Dr. James Walker (late president of the college) "and William H. Prescott, the historian. At the age of twenty one Caleb Swan began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Jonathan Wales, of Randolph, Mass., and after obtaining his degree, settled in Easton, in the year 1816, continuing here in the practice of medicine, never interrupted for more than a week or two by sickness or travel, for fifty-four years. He was the most successful physician that ever lived in Bristol county, and his reputation extended largely outside of the county lines. He died March 18, 1870. He was one of the founders of the Bristol North District Medical Society in 1849, of which, March 10, 1852, he was made president for one year, and he also belonged to the Massachusetts Medical Society. His reputation drew many medical pupils into his office, and he became very early identified with various humanitarian enterprises. In the great temperance movement of 1826 he was a very active participant, encouraging it in every way, and making public ad- dresses, which were characterized by vigor, point, and good sense. He was always interested in education and frequently spoke upon the topic, and while he steadily refused all other offices, he was willing to serve upon the Board of School Committee of Easton, for which he rendered efficient service for fourteen years. At one time Dr. Swan was interested and prominent in politics, being in 1840 an earnest sup- porter of the election of General Harrison, at the same time declaring that if Har- rison was elected, he would join the Liberty party, afterwards known as the Free Soil party. This he did, and he became a prominent anti-slavery man, and he was also a strong abolitionist and an intimate friend of Charles Sumner, John A. Andrew, and other prominent men. He was a candidate on the Free Soil ticket for member of congress, his principal opponent being Artemus Hale of Bridgewater, who in after elections was elected. Dr. Swan on the same party's ticket ran for governor against N. P. Banks, who was elected, but it is generally believed by those who knew both men well, that Caleb Swan was the greater of the two. In 1865, being chosen on the ticket of the Republican party, which had grown out of the Free Soil party, Dr. Swan served as representative in the State Legislature, and in 1867 was chosen as State senator. In his intercourse with others Dr. Swan was suave, genial, and an agreeable, companionable man and as welcome in a social as in a professional way, in the homes of those who knew him. But with all his suavity he never yielded a hair's breadth in discussion or action in matters of political principle. In religion he was a Swedenborgian. His brother-in-law, the late George W. Johnson of Buffalo, N. Y., under date of 1839, wrote of him as follows: "His heart is in his profession. Like most others of his profession, he possesses great knowledge of men and tact in managing their weaknesses. He possesses also a placable and generous temper, is fond of wit and humor, which he has displayed from a child, and has few or no enemies. His mind delights in the investigation and discovery of truth and he PERSONAL REFERENCES. 203 rejects no theory until he has sounded it and found it wanting, examining everything for himself, yet he is no visionary. His mind is characterized by activity, love of research, and caution, and I believe he had one of the best of hearts." Dr. Caleb Swan was three times married ; first, to Ruth Barrell, of East Bridgewater, October 3, 1816, who died January 13, 1830, and he was again married, February 14, 1831, to Louisa S. Johnson, of Enfield, N. H , who died September 6, 1860. He had four children by his first marriage, seven by his second, and none by his last. Jesse Johnson Swan, M. D., son of Dr. Caleb and Louisa S. (Johnson) Swan, was born in Easton, December 14, 1849. He received an academic education at Bristol Acad- emy, Taunton, Mass., and Stoughton Institute at Sharon, Mass., and then he studied medicine two years with his father and one year with his brother. He next took a two years' course at the Harvard Medical College in 1869-70 and one year's course at the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, from which he graduated in March, 1882. He began the practice of medicine at North Easton, in April, 1872, where he still resides. He is a member and the medical examiner of the Royal Society of Good Fellows, also a member of the United States Order of the Golden Cross, and a member of the Improved Order of Red Men of Brockton, and Council of Pocahontas, Brockton ; member of Easton Lodge, Knights of Honor, also member and medical examiner of New England Order of Protection, Easton. Sweeney, Michael, is a native of Fall River, born April 13, 1856. As a boy he at- tended the public schools and engaged in various pursuits until he was eighteen years old, at which time he engaged in the express business on a small scale. He has since followed this business and now, owing to the prestige of a long establishment, has the largest patronage in Fall River, requiring the service of several employees and about twenty teams. In connection with this business he built and owns the finest sanitary stable and storage warehouse in Fall River. Mr. Sweeney has served five terms in the City Council from Ward 3 and is at present one of the Watuppa reservoir commissioners. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Sweet, James Henry, son of Thomas and Martha (Briggs) Sweet, natives of Narra- gansett, R. I., was born in Newport, R. I., March 23, 1828. His father was a farmer, a man of inflexible will, strong, good sense, and sterling integrity, and he was trained to habits of industry and learned the lesson of self-reliance early in life. After receiving the advantages afforded by the schools of those days he engaged in farming and in 1866 removed to the farm in Dartmouth on which he still lives. In April, 1880, he married Emily, daughter of Michael and Jane E. (Dixon) Baker of Dartmouth. Of this union there are four children: William J., Esther A., wife of Herman Peckham of Newport; John and Herbert. Mr. Sweet is of old New Eng- land stock, representatives of the family having been prominent in colonial history. Swift, Humphrey Hathaway, the fourth son who grew to manhood of Jireh and Elizabeth (Hathaway) Swift, was born in Acushnet village, a part of New Bedford, November 30, 1819. He is descended from William Swift, sr., 1 who came from Eng- land to Dorchester, Mass., about 1630; William, jr. 2 ; Jireh, sr. 3 ; Jireh, jr., 4 who moved from Sandwich to Acushnet, where the family have since resided; Jireh, 3d, 5 a minuteman who was twice called into service during the Revolutionary war, in which his son Jonathan also served; and Jireh, 4th, who married Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Stephen and Abigail Hathaway, whose ancestors came from England in the 204 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. early history of the Massachusetts colony. Mr. Swift's ancestors on the mother's side were Quakers. He was educated at Paul Wing's school in Sandwich and pre- pared for college at Medford under Professor Anger, but instead of taking a collegi- ate course decided to enter mercantile life. In 1841 he went to Pernambuco, Brazil, as a clerk in the leading American exporting house of Henry Forster & Co. , which was founded in 1832 by Henry Forster, and which has- ever since continued under that name, as the leading American commercial house. On the death of his brother- in-law, in 1847, Mr. Swift became the head of the house, whose extensive and im- portant affairs he ably administered until 1879. Meantime, in 1860, he established a mercantile house in New York city, which he actively conducted until 1886. While in Brazil he was a prominent and influential factor in all public matters. During the first three years of the American Civil war he rendered valuable services to this government, for which he received a personal letter of thanks from William H. Sew- ard, then secretary of state. During Grant's second term he was appointed Ameri- can consul at Pernambuco. which post he resigned after a year, on leaving for home. Mr. Swift was long one of the most popular and esteemed residents of not only Per- nambuco, but of all Brazil. His enterprise as a business man, his philanthropic spirit and masterly energy, his prominence in connection with the abolition or anti- slavery movement, and his activity in all public affairs brought him conspicuously to the notice of the Brazilian emperor, who in 1868 decorated him a Knight of the Or- der of the Rose " for valuable services rendered to Brazil." While there he was also interested in a line of coast steamers ; he established the first tug boat service in Brazil and financed the laying of the street railway system in Pernambuco; He still retains his connection with a New York importing house, though he has for several years lived a retired life in the home in Acushnet, New Bedford, in which he was born. In 1863 he became one of the original members of the Union League Club of New York. Mr. Swift was married in 1846 to Jane Elizabeth, daughter of Alfred Gibbs of New Bedford. She died in 1851, leaving three children : Alfred Gibbs Swift and Thomas Nye Swift, both deceased, and Jennie Gibbs (Mrs. Edmund Grinnell), of New Bedford, Mass. In 1865 he married Bertha, daughter of Dr. Robert Wessel- hoeft, who came to America from Germany about 1841. ' Their children are Bertha Wesselhoeft, Anne Hathaway (wife of Dr. Charles Burton Gulick, Greek Depart- ment of Harvard University), Humphrey Hathaway, jr., Robert Wesselhoeft, and Ruth. Swift, Marcus George Barker, attorney at law, son of Rev. Orson Ross Swift, M.D., and Mary Elizabeth Barker, was born in the township of Raisin, county of Lenawee, Mich., March 12, 1848. He was educated in the public schools, Adrian College and in the law department of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1872. Before entering upon his legal studies he enlisted in Sep- tember, 1864, in the 4th Mich. Infantry and served in the Army of the Cumberland until the close of the war, when he accompanied his regiment to Texas to help pre- vent Maximillian and the Emperor Napoleon from encroaching on the rights of American citizens in Mexico or the United States. His regiment remained in the service until July, 1866 He then began the study of law in the office of Newberry, Pond & Brown of Detroit, Mich., the last named being Henry Billings Brown, now an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Later he pursued PERSONAL REFERENCES. 205 his studies under F. H. Canfield and afterward with Wilkinson & Post of Detroit: at that time Mr. Post was » reporter of the Supreme Court of Michigan and Mr. Swift was in his office under a salary for one year. Mr. Swift was admitted to the bar in the Supreme Court of Michigan April 2, 1872, and to the United States Dis- trict Court of Michigan December 5, 1874. He began the- practice of his profession in 1873 in partnership with Charles E. Williams. In December, 1874, he came to Fall River, where he has since resided. He was admitted to the bar of Bristol county January 13, 1875, and to the United States Circuit Court of Massachusetts September 22, 1875. He has since conducted a large business in his profession and is widely known as a successful lawyer. For several years he was a partner in the law firm of Braley & Swift. Upon the accession of Hon. Henry K. Braley to the bench of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, he associated with him in the practice of his profession George Grime, under the firm name of Swift & Grime. Mr. Swift is a member of the First Congregational Church, the Masonic fraternity, Odd Fel- lows, Red Men, and in 1897 was commander of Richard Borden Post, G. A. R. , and judge advocate of the Department of Massachusetts, G.A. R. December 25, 1872, he married Mary D. , daughter of Rev. Alexander Milne of Fall River, and their chil- dren are James Marcus, Orson Alexander, John Tuttle, Milne Barker, Mabel Antoi- nette and Anna Osborn. The second was killed in a railroad accident in 1894. James Marcus graduated from the University of Michigan A. B. in 1895, spent two years in Harvard Law School, and having been admitted to the bar, is prac- ticing law in the office of Swift & Grime. Swift, William Nye, M.D., son of William C. N. and Eliza (Perry) Swift, was born in New Bedford, August 1, 1854. He attended the New Bedford Friends' Acad- emy, prepared for college at Phillips Exeter Academy, and was graduated from Harvard in 1877 with the degree A. B. He attended the Harvard Medical School and was graduated M.D. in the class of 1881, having been previously house officer in the Massachusetts General Hospital at Boston. For the purpose of observation in the hospitals and further study, he now went to Vienna, Austria, where he spent parts of two years. Dr. Swift settled in New Bedford and began his present prac- tice in 1883 where he served for several years as physician to the Board of Health and is visiting surgeon to St. Luke's Hospital. Dr. Swift spent the winter of 1886-7 in Berlin, studying diseases of women. He is a member of the American Academy of Medicine and the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Swift is descended from old Puritan stock, and it is an interesting fact that his grandfather, Ebenezer Perry, practiced medicine, in New Bedford in the early days, having a brother, Samuel Perry, who practiced at the same time in Acushnet. The father of these brothers, Dr. Samuel Perry, practiced in this section, which was then Dartmouth. Dr. Swift married Anna, daughter of Francis Hathaway of New Bedford, and they have three children: Hester W., Francis H. and Henry. Sylvester, Charles Frederick, lock and gunsmith, son of Frederick and Lucia (Soule) Sylvester, was born in North Bridgewater, Mass., March 14, 1841. His paternal an- cestors came from England to Weymouth, Mass., as early as 1630. His ancestors on his mother's side are said to have come to America on the Mayflower in 1620. Mr. Sylvester in his youth attended the schools of his native town, assisted his father on the farm and with him learned the trade of shoemaker. At the age of twenty-one 206 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years he went to work in a shoe tool factory at Brockton, where he learned to turn wood handles for shoemaker's tools. After being engaged in this business for several years both members of the firm died and Mr. Sylvester bought the establish- ment and operated it from 1870 to 1888. He employed at this time twenty work- men. When the business of manufacturing shoes was revolutionized by the inven- tion of improved machinery he discontinued his business and moved to Fall River, where he engaged in the manufacture of various articles. In 1889 he started his present business at 131 South Main street, as a lock and gunsmith and manufacturer of weavers' combs, etc. The firm name is C. F. Sylvester & Co., J. F. Davis, who originally established the business, being the other member. Mr. Sylvester was married, first in 1864, to Louise Kilburn of Provincetown, who died in 1869, leaving two children: Abbie Louise (deaceased) and Fred Okes. His second wife was Georgiana Davis whom he married in 1871. He is a member of the city Board of Trade, and a well known and enterprising citizen. Sylvia, Antone L. , has been recognized as one of the leading representatives of the Portuguese race in New Bedford for many years. He was born in the Azores, on the Island of St. George, in June, 1840, a son of John and Marianna (Rose) Sylvia, and he passed his earlier boyhood in the common schools and in doing farm work. When but fifteen years old (1855) he came to this country and settled at once in New Bedford, and here at once he found employment as manager of a clothing store owned by Joseph Frasier, which catered to the trade of immigrants from the Western Islands, remaining in this capacity until the death of Mr. Frasier in 1860, when he purchased the business from the estate. Mr. Sylvia continued with increasing suc- cess, winning an excellent reputation in business circles, and building up a large trade, until 1892, when he retired. He has been for some time a prominent factor in political circles, and was director for nine years of the Monte Pio Society, and he also served in the Council from Ward 5, 1875-76-77. In 1861 he married Catherine Collins Frasier. Synan, William E., physician and surgeon, was born in Fall River, October 27, 1868, a son of William E. and Catherine (Eagan) Synan. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the High School in 1886. He then entered Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass., and was graduated A. B. in 1889. The same year he matriculated in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution in 1892, and in the mean time did considerable hospital work. For one and a half years he was resident physician in St. Joseph's Hospital, Philadelphia, and then returned to Fall River, where he has since followed his profession with encouraging success. Dr. Synan is a member of the Fall River Medical Society and was president of that body in 1895 ; he is also a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and is on the surgical staff of the Fall River Hospital and St. Vincent's Orphan's Home. January 27, 1897, he married Mary Cunningham of Providence, and they have one son, William E. Synan, jr. Taber, Charles, who died in New Bedford on the 17th of November, 1887, in the sixty sixth year of his age, was the pioneer founder of the industry of art manufac- turing in this country. He was educated at the Friends' School in Providence, R. I., and was graduated from Haverford College in Pennsylvania when about eighteen, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 207 after winning a flattering record for ability and scholarship. His father, William C. Taber, became, early in life, a partner of Abraham Sherman, jr., in the book busi- ness in New Bedford, and after the dissolution of the firm in 1835 he continued in trade alone until 1843. when Charles Taber, having in that year reached his majority, was admitted. About 1849, the father having retired, Charles and his brother Augustus formed the firm of Charles Taber & Co. Augustus finally withdrew, and Charles took in as partner Abraham Taber and Asa C. Pierce, and still later, Will- iam C. Taber, jr. In 1862 the brothers, Abraham .and William C. Taber, jr., took the two book and stationery stores then conducted by the firm, and Charles Taber, with Asa C. Pierce, started as manufac'uring photographers at No. 6 North Water street. In 1871 Mr. Taber assumed the sole management and so continued until 1881, when he admitted his brother, William C. Taber, jr., and his sons, Charles M and Frederic, as partners. In 1893 the Taber Art Company was incorporated with William C. Taber, president; W. C. Freeman, vice-president; H. G. Stratton, treas- urer; Charles M. Taber, clerk; William C. Taber, E. L. Freeman, H. G. Stratton, W. C. Freeman, C. D. Burrage and Frederic Taber, directors. In 1897 the firm was merged into the Taber-Prang Art Company. The art business of the firm com- menced with the manufacture of ambryotypes, or photographs on glass, the first one ever put on the market being a reproduction of the face of Elizabeth Fry, the Eng- lish philanthropist. This branch led to the importation and later the manufacture of passepartouts, then to frames, later to photographs and finally to arfotype engrav- ings and etchings, which received for them a world-wide reputation. Mr. Taber was by birthright a Friend, always a prominent worker' in their meetings, and an active unobtrusive, benevolent citizen. By industry and perseverance he built up one of the most successful establishments in this country, and won a national reputation through the large variety of goods he manufactured. Taber, George Hathaway, is the oldest active business man of Fairhaven, where he has been a most useful and respected citizen for many years. He is a son of John and Mary (Hathaway) Taber, born October 29, 1808. He is of old Quaker descent, although many of his ancestors fought in the Revolutionary war. John Cooke, one of the thirty-four original purchasers of Dartmouth and prominent in the historical literature of this vicinity, was also one of his ancestors, and Mr. Taber now has a deed in his possession given by John Cooke to Thomas Taber and dated 1672. This deed was given for land which is now owned by Mr. Taber and which has never gone out of the possession of the family since its purchase. Mr. Taber's father was a farmer, and during his boyhood he worked on the farm and attended school, complet- ing his education in the institution now called Mrs. Hawes's Academy, but more commonly known as " the old Academy." After leaving school he went to sea and made voyages in merchantmen for several years. In 1833 he became a captain and continued to follow the sea for several years subsequent, sailing principally from New York city and upon European voyages. By resolution, industry and ability he amassed considerable property and finally retired to his farm in Fairhaven, where he still resides. He has been repeatedly honored with offices in the town govern- ment and served as selectman and overseer of the poor almost continuously from 1850 to 1890. He is now, and has been for the past seventeen years, president of the Fairhaven Institution for Savings, but has been connected with that institution 208 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ever since its inception, having been elected a trustee and member of the board of investments in 1863. He is also trustee of the Fairhaven Public Library, in which he takes a keen interest. Although past ninety i'ears of age Mr. Taber is still vig- orous and participates actively in the business and public circles which have known him so long. He married Eliza P., daughter of Joseph Bates of Fairhaven. and two sons were born to them: George H. and John H. Mr. Taber is a descendant of Philip Taber, who was one of the first settlers of Watertown, Mass. He has a per- fect and direct lineage back to s.ome of the earliest settlers of Plymouth colony. Tallman, Joseph Ricketson. was born in New Bedford, Mass., February 9, 1845, a son of J. R. and Jane (Ellis) Tallman. His early education was obtained in the private schools of New Bedford and at the Friends' Academy. At the close of his school days he entered a counting house in New Bedford as a clerk and remained about two years, when he went to Boston as an accountant with what was afterward The Hall Rubber Co. After staying in Boston about two years he came to Taunton and was employed by Samuel Colby in the clothing business In 1869 he went with S. A. Williams in the insurance business; afterwards was admitted as a partner and in 1889 he bought Mr. Williams's share and since that time has carried it on under his own name. Mr. Tallman was married in November, 1868, to Ruth Leonard, daugh- ter of Otis P. and Abby A. Smith of Taunton, and they have one son, Harry Bassett Tallman. Tallman, Rescum Handy, son of Stephen S. and Susan K. (Bosworth) Tallman, was born in the town of Westport. Bristol county, Mass., March 22, 1824. His parents removed to the town of Dartmouth when he was eight years of age, but he received his education in the public schools of Westport, having been "bound out" to a farmer in that town. Mr. Tallman's entire life has been devoted to agriculture and he has lived on his present farm for twenty-seven years. April 3, 1843, he mar- ried Catherine M. , daughter of Isaac and Betsey (Dool) Sanford of Tiverton R. I., and of their union were thirteen children : Lucy, wife of A'l m g Gifford; Mary W., wife of Albert Fisk; Charles H, who was drowned at sea February 6, 1871 ; Betsey S., died February 18, 1867; Rescum, jr., died January 28, 1853; Isabella F., wife of Holder Gifford of Westport; Andrew F., died November 12, 1880; Laura J., died December 20, 1862; Clara E., wife of Nathan Cornell; Arthur S. ; Ida M. ; Nellie L, wife of Walter Pierce ; and Albert R. Mr. Tallman has been active in public affairs and has been road surveyor and school committeeman for a number of years. Tanner, William E. , was born in Newport, England, May 20, 1864. His parents, Thomas and Anna (Gatehouse) Tanner, came to America when he was quite young and resided one year in Albany, N. Y., then moved to New Bedford, Mass., where they remained for three years and then came to Fall River. Mr. Tanner obtained his education in the public schools of New Bedford and Fall River. He was a mes- senger boy in the Western Union Telegraph office, then became operator for the Western Union Telephone Company ; was soon promoted to switchman and when the company was consolidated with the American Bell Telephone Company he was made inspector of instruments and later had charge of the construction work for this company. After learning the telephone business, Mr. Tanner was employed in the city fire alarm department and when Edwin Lee was superintendent performed the duties of that position for him. He next had charge of the electrical work for PERSONAL REFERENCES. 209 the Old Colony Railway between Whittenton and Newport, R. I., remaining in that position five years. In 1889 he engaged in business for himself at 64 North Main street, and later removed to 175 North Main street, dealing in electrical supplies, bicycles and sporting goods. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar, Royal Arch Chapter, and Fall River Council of Royal and Select Masters. He is also a member of the Red Men, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. Mr. Tanner was married to Hattie L. Smith of Fall River, a daughter of Chester I. Smith, who was a purser on the Fall River Line for twenty-two years. They have four children ; William Chester, Walter Ed- win, Susan Elizabeth and Ethel Louise. Tappan, W. C, was born in Attleborough Falls, July 4, 1864, son of Ephraim and Susan Tappan; his father was identified in the jewelry and mercantile business for forty years. W. C. Tappan was educated in the public schools and then learned the jewelry business with Mason, Draper & Company. In 1885 he organized with C. H. Tappan the firm of Tappan Bros., changed later to Tappan, Berry & Company, of Attleborough, who purchased the D. F. Briggs plant of Attleborough Falls, remov- ing the same to Attleborough, and is now known as the D. F. Briggs Company, the leading manufacturers of Massachusetts. Tappan Bros, to-day are owners of the largest chain factory in the world. In 1885 he married Fannie M., daughter of Ly- man S. Moffit. Mr. Tappan is one of the conservative men of his town; one of the building committee of the Odd Fellows ; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town. Taunton Business College. — This institute was established in January, 1895, by George W. Livsey of Attleborough. Mr. Livsey was formerly in the manufacturing jewelry business at Attleborough, and realizing the need of a college where young people of both sexes could have the opportunity of learning a practical business course to fit them to take official positions, came to Taunton, and started the present institution. To say that it has been a success is unnecessary ; one only has to visit the pleasant rooms in the Bristol County Bank building during school hours and see the different classes at work, to be convinced of this fact. Mr. Livsey has two of the best teachers he can procure, who are proficient in all branches which pertain to a business education, and have the faculty of imparting what they know to the pupils, so that when they graduate they have no difficulty in obtaining positions in the mer- cantile world. It is evident from the success in the past, and the increased attend- ance at the college, that it has now become one of the permanent institutions of the city. Taunton Evening News. — This paper is owned by a corporation of Taunton busi- ness men and was established in 1889. It is a penny daily of eight columns and eight pages; politics Republican, and has an average circulation of 3,800. This paper had an uncertain life during the first five years of its existence, but in 1894 Dudley M. Holman was elected to the positions of treasurer and general manager, which positions he holds at the present time. Under Mr. Holman's able manage- ment the size and circulation of the paper has increased so that now it is on a. firm financial basis and one of the recognized dailies of the county. It holds the only Associated Press franchise in Taunton, and has its own operator, taking the full re- port of the Associated Press over its own wires in its office. It has a battery of lino- 210 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. type machines and a Goss perfecting press of the latest make. Its local and editorial departments are on a par with its modern up-to-date equipment. Taylor, James, is one of the best known men in this section, a result of a service of over fifty years in the New Bedford custom house. His father, born in Newport, R. I., was also a well known and prominent citizen of New Bedford. He was, when a young man, clerk in the Newport custom house ; in 1821 was appointed deputy col r lector of customs at Bristol, R. I., and in 1829 was appointed deputy collector of cus- toms at New Bedford. In 1843 he resigned this position to take the secretaryship of the Mutual Marine Insurance Company, an office which he filled for twenty years. Soon after, the Ocean Insurance Company was formed, and he held the office of president and secretary until it closed business in 1878. He served on the Board of Aldermen, was for fourteen years a member of the School Committee, several years as chairman, and chief engineer of the fire department in 1844. He was a man of the greatest exactness and integrity, true and faithful in all relations of life. He was a charter member of the New Bedford Port Society and for many years its sec- retary ; he was also president of the Bristol County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He died in New Bedford, September 13, 1880, having attained the age of eighty- eight. James Taylor, son of William H. and Eliza A. (Pitman) Taylor, was born in Providence, R. I., October 20, 1825. The family removed to New Bedford when he was five years old, and he was graduated from the High School in 1840. For a short time he worked as a clerk in the hardware store of F. & I. C. Taber, and was then appointed to a clerkship in the post-office; in 1843 he was appointed to a similar po- sition in the custom house, and served in that capacity until 1853, when he was ap- pointed deputy collector. This office he held for a, period of thirty-seven years, or until 1890, and was then appointed collector of customs for the port and district of New Bedford, holding this commission until 1895, and thus completing a service of over half a century in the New Bedford custom house. In 1881 he succeeded his father as president of the Bristol County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and still holds the office. He has been clerk of the trustees of the Five Cents Savings Bank since the death of Charles Almy. Like his father he has been active in the work of the New Bedford Port Society, and has served as secretary for some years. He is a past master of Star in the East Lodge of Masons, a member of the Chapter, Council and Commandery, and past senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachu- setts. Since 1841 he has been a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. For many years he has served as trustee, and is now treasurer of the County Street M. E. Church. The only city office Mr. Taylor ever held was as overseer of the poor one term. Although in the seventy-fourth year of his age he is still active and vig- orous; a man of most pleasing social qualities, and possessed of many warm friends. Mr. Taylor married, in 1849, Elizabeth, daughter of David Stoddard of Scituate, Mass. , and they had five children : Annie H. , wife of J. G. Bassett of Bridge- water, Mass. ; William H., a young physician of promising ability who died in New Bedford, July 20, 1891 ; James A., now assistant postmaster of New Bedford; Frank T., a practicing dentist of South Boston, and Mary Loring. The Taylor family comes of old Rhode Island stock, James Taylor being a direct descendant and seventh of the line of Robert Taylor, a resident of Newport in 1655; Robert, 2 Peter, 3 a preacher of the Friends; Robert, 4 a Friend who was tax collector in Newport; PERSONAL REFERENCES. 211 James, 5 a graduate M. D. and well known pharmacist of Newport; William H. 6 ; and James. 1 Temple, Edward Hastings, son of Charles B. and Rachel Temple, was born in Princeton, Mass., October 5, 1854, and educated in the public schools of Taunton and Princeton, after which he accepted a clerkship in the Mason Machine Works in Taunton, remaining there with the exception of a few years spent in Boston, until he accepted the position of city treasurer in 1891, which position he has held until the present time. October 15, 1879, Mr. Temple married Catherine M. Howard of West Bridgewater, and they have two children: Norma H. and Edward H., jr. Terry, Elias, was born in Fairhaven, January 24, 1830, a son of Benjamin and Alice (Weaver) Terry. The family removed to New Bedford when he was an infant and he has spent his entire life in that city with the exception of two years in Cali- fornia. His father, also a native of Fairhaven, followed the sea in his early life, but later engaged in farming in Dartmouth. Mr. Terry attended the public and high schools of New Bedford and gained an excellent academic education, which he im- proved during the years following his graduation from the High School as a teacher in the country schools of this vicinity. Soon after the discovery of gold in California he caught the fever and being of an adventurous spirit soon found his way to Cali- fornia, but was unsuccessful and after two years returned to New Bedford. Not long after his return he became a foreman of street department laborers and re- mained in that capacity about two years, when he was appointed assistant city mar- shal of New Bedford. He served as such one year and upon the election to the office of Mayor Willard Nye, he was appointed city marshal, serving five years. During the next three years he was superintendent of streets of New Bedford and following this accepted a position as foreman in the yard of the Western Lumber Company. Later he took a similar position in the yard of Tillinghast & Terry, which he held for seventeen years. Mr. Terry established his present lumber business on Bowditch street in November, 1892, and since the beginning has been associated with his son, K Clifton Terry. In politics Mr. Terry has ever been a staunch Republican and has frequently served as a delegate to party conventions. He married, in 1857, Susan Almy, daughter of Borden Howland of Dartmouth, and they had six children, four of whom survive: Charles A. V., Susan E., Alice B., and K. Clifton, who was born in New Bedford and educated in the public and high schools of that city. For a period of fourteen years he was employed by the lumber firm of Tillinghast & Terry, and thus gained a wide knowledge of the lumber trade. He assisted in the estab- lishment of the present business and is still connected with it, the firm name being E. & K. C. Terry. Terry, Joseph C, was born in Fall River, June 11, 1828, a son of Church and Mary M. (Chace) Terry. His father was a farmer and lived two and a half miles northeast of Fall River, on the new Boston road, on the old homestead farm which has been in the possession of the Terry family since 1750, in which year it was purchased by Rob- ert Terry, great-grandfather of Joseph C. Terry. During his boyhood Mr. Terry assisted his father on the farm and when he could be spared attended the Fall River schools. At the age of eighteen he left home and began an apprenticeship to the ship carpenter's trade in Warren, R. I., under the firm of Chace & Davis. He re- mained with them nearly two years and for the two years following worked in New- 212 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. berne, N. C, during the winter and at Warren, R. I., in the summer. Later he worked at his trade in Boston, New York city and Somerset, Mass., gaining a wide experience and acquaintance among those interested in shipping and ship building. In 1853 he removed to Fall River and began a business for himself, repairing and building ships. His marine railway was located where the mills of the Fall River Iron Works Company now stand. Mr. Terry conducted this business for twenty years and gained a reputation along the whole Atlantic coast. He built during this time a number of steamers as well as sailing vessels, most of which were of large tonnage. About 1874 he began his present business as wharf and bridge builder and contractor. Among the bridges and wharves he has constructed are the Westport factory bridge, Lee's River bridge on the Warren road, Berkley bridge on Taunton River, Swansea bridge on Cole's River, 425, 500, and 350 feet wharves at Promised Land, Long Island, for the American Fisheries Company, Mt. Hope Park wharf and Dighton Rock Park wharf. Mr. Terry served in the Common Council from the old Sixth ward for three terms. He is a director of the Bowenville Coal Company. In 1854 he married Susan G. Gunn, and they have two children: Walter D., and Ida F., wife of C. W. Francis. In 1890 Mr. Terry married Barbara E. Teasdale of Nova Scotia. Tetlow, Edwin A., was born in Taunton, January 30, 1857, was educated in Taun- ton public schools and then took a position in the drug business, which he followed until 1886, the latter portion of the time being in business for himself. He was then elected city clerk, which position he has held up to the present time. Mr. Tetlow was married in 1890 to Mary L. Hoard of Taunton, and they have one son. Thacher, John, was born in Attleborough, November 4, 1828. He is a descendant in the eighth generation of the Rev. Peter Thacher of Salisbury, Eng. , whose son, Thomas, was the first of the name to emigrate to America. He afterward became the first pastor of Old South Church, Boston, Mass. Mr. Thacher attended the pub- lic schools of the town and Phillips Academy, Andover. He is engaged in farming and in the ice business. In 1876 he married Ida, daughter of Ira Bullock, and they had two sons: John Judson and Carroll Clark. Mrs. Thacher died in 1893, and he later married Harriet R., daughter of Dr. F. A. Jewett. Mr. Thacher is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as selectman, assessor, chairman of the board for seven years, special county commissioner, overseer of the poor, and takes an active interest in school and church matters. Thatcher, George Thomas, son of Richard and Elizabeth (Mullard) Thatcher, was born in Staffordshire, England, September 16, 1854. For a short time he attended the common schools, but when fourteen years of age began to learn the glass cutting trade, which he has followed all his life. In 1872 he came to this country and found work at his trade in Sandwich, Mass., in the employ of the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company. Two years later he removed to East Cambridge and began work for the New England Glass Company, but in a short time returned to Sandwich and remained in the employ of the local company until 1880. At this time he removed to New Bedford to accept a position with the Mt. Washington Glass Company, which he held until 1890, when he commenced business for himself in a small way on Pur- chase street in New Bedford, in the old Hathaway & Soule building. As the business grew Mr. Thatcher was obliged to seek larger quarters and finally decided to erect PERSONAL REFERENCES. 213 the building in Fairhaven, which is now occupied by the business and which was designed for its accommodation. In 1891 Richard Thatcher, brother of George T., was admitted to partnership and the business has since been conducted under the style of Thatcher Brothers. Their trade extends all over the United States and Thatcher Brothel's' Diamond Cut Glass has attained a national reputation. About seventy men are employed. Recently a glass blowing plant was added and the firm now manufactures its own crude glass. Mr. Thatcher was married in 1880 to Lina Linekin of Sandwich, Mass., and they have three sons: Harry P., Louis F. , and James E. Thatcher, Richard, son of Richard and Elizabeth (Mullard) Thatcher, was born in Staffordshire, England, December 22, 1861. After successfully passing through the public schools he worked for a short time as a stationary engineer. Having a dis- like for this kind of work he. subsequently took up glass cutting, which he continued until 1887, when he came to the United States and located in New Bedford, where he has since pursued his chosen vocation. In 1891 he formed a copartnership with his brother, George T. , under the firm name of Thatcher Bros. March 26, 1882, Mr. Thatcher married Sarah Tomlinson, and they had five children : Frederick S. , Charles P., Richard T. , Mary E., and Lucy E. Mr. Thatcher is a member of the Sons of St. George and the North Western Insurance. Thayer, John A., was born in the town of Bellingham, October 11, 1860, a son of John J. and Marjorie (Hunter) Thayer. His father was a native of Taunton, where the early members of the family settled in 1637. John A. Thayer was educated in the public schools and in 1890 established the firm of Bodman & Thayer, which in 1891 was merged into the John A. Thayer & Co., and at the present time is carrying the leading line of pianos, organs, sewing machines, musical instruments, pictures and picture frames in Attleborough. In 1890 Mr. Thayer married Mary E., daughter of A. M. Briggs, and they have two children: Earl A., and M. Irene. Mr. Thayer has been a member of the town Republican committee for seven years, being chair- man for two years, and has held many other offices. He is now postmaster of Attle- borough, appointed August 1, 1898, for four years. He was president of Co. C Asso- ciation, a permanent Republican Club of 250 members, composed largely of manu- facturers and merchants of the town. Thomas, Oscar Granville, was born in Taunton, May 1, 1851, a son of Gustavus B. and Hannah (Perkins; Thomas. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and at the close of his school days he went to work for his father and learned the trade of brick making. He remained with him three years and in 1869 came to work for his grandfather in the manufacturing of stoves and ranges and has remained in it ever since, and since January 1, 1874, has conducted the busi- ness in his own came. November 19, 1874, he married Annie Josephine, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Hathaway) Wright, and they have four children : Howard W. , Helen P., Laura G. and Josephine S. Thompson, John R., is a native of Scotland, and was born August 14, 1842. After receiving a common school education he was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade, in which he was engaged until 1865, when he came to America and located in New Bedford. Here he secured employment in a cotton rope factory, where he remained 214 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. for fourteen years. He then bought a farm in Rochester, where he resided for eight years, when he bought his present farm in Acushnet. August 16, 1870, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Young) Daily, and they have two chil- dren: John R., jr., and James. Mr. Thompson is a member Trinity Trintarian Church of New Bedford and the A. P. A. Thorup, Andreas Thomsen, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 17, 1817. After the death of his mother, to whom he had been most tenderly attached, he left his native land for America. He sailed in September, 1837, as a musician (clarinet- ist) on board the U. S. frigate Independence, Commodore J. B. Nicholson, for a three years' cruise on the coast of Brazil, and arrived in New York in April, 1840. In June of the same year he left that city for New Bedford, Mass., where he took up the position of organist and music teacher, serving in the former capacity at the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church. Having received a thorough musical education in Copenhagen, he was fully qualified for the duties of music teacher and organist in any city and consequently, in September, 1848, he was induced by influential friends to remove to Boston, Mass., where he had received a call as organist at Dr. Gannett's church (Unitarian) on Federal street. He met with great success in Boston's best circles as teacher of the piano forte and gained a host of lifelong friends, for " his generous disposition and childlike purity of character " could not but make friends of all who knew him. November 7, 1850, he married Mary W. Beetle, only daughter of the late William Beetle (one of New Bedford's worthiest and most respected citi- zens) and Dorothy Tripp, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Thorup resided in Boston until December, 1855, when they returned to New Bedford on account of the nattering inducements held out for their advantage. Mr. Thorup's engagement as organist at the First Congregational Church (Rev. John Weiss, pastor) commenced in January, 1856, and he gave the most faithful and assiduous service there until his decease in April, 1868. His death was caused by intense mental and physical exhaustion in- duced by overwork. He organized in New Bedford a large and admirable company of the best vocalists in the city which many will remember as the " Choral Union." Many fine musical compositions were introduced for the first time in New Bedford in this way, and few of the community realize what a fresh impetus was given to the cause by his efforts in the leadership of this organization. The " Choral Union" expressed their thorough appreciation of Mr. Thorup's helpful influence by present- ing him with valuable gifts on several occasions. He was far more loyal to this country's cause than many native-born citizens, for at the time of the Rebellion he offered his services as a soldier for the nation's welfare. On account of his age, however, the offer was not accepted and a younger man was enrolled. Not many know the disappointment which this decision caused him, but it was a just one. Mr. Thorup's widow and one son, William M. (their only child), still reside in New Bedford. William M. was born November 25, 1851, and for many years has been connected with the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company as bookkeeper. In 1885 he married Amelia D. Davis, a native of Boston and daughter of Horatio and the late Jane Inglee (Hall) Davis, and they have two children living: Gretchen and Oscar; their first child, Hilda, died in infancy. Tiffany, J. O., was born in Attleborough, January 23, 1835. His father, Joseph A. Tiffany, was a native of the same town, and the family trace their ancestry from PERSONAL REFERENCES. 315 Squire Humphrey Tiffany, who came from England about 1650 and settled in Swan- sea. Joseph A. Tiffany married Eunice C. , daughter of Joel Bradford, a descendant of Governor Bradford of Plymouth colony. Joseph A. was identified through life as a farmer and died in 1868. J. O. Tiffany was fitted for college at the Attleborough Academy, and was graduated in 1859 from Amherst College. He then began teach- ing and in 1872 was appointed principal of the Attleborough High School, resigning after thirteen years of service. In 1888 he was appointed superintendent of schools, retaining that position at the present time (1898). In 1865 Mr. Tiffany married Car- oline, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Brintnall) French. Mr. Tiffany is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in religious institu- tions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Tinkham, Frank Luscombe, was born in Taunton, May 18, 1856, and is a son pf Abel B. and Mary E. (Luscombe) Tinkham. He attended the public schools of Taunton and was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1880. He then entered the Boston University Law School, graduating in the class of 1883. He im- mediately opened an office for himself and commenced business in general practice. In June, 1895, Mr. Tinkham married Addie B. , daughter of Lewis B. and Hannah E. (Godfrey) Hodges, and they have one daughter, Ruth F. Tinkham, Horace W., treasurer of the Fall River Manufactory, is eighth of the line of Ephraim Tinkham, who was born in Ashburton, England, in 1616, landed in Plymouth in April, 1630; married Mary Brown, 1647, and died in Plymouth, 1685. His son, Ebenezer, 2 was born in Plymouth, 1651; married Elizabeth Liscome, and died in Middleborough in 1718. His son, Jeremiah, 3 was horn in Middleborough, 1681; married Joanna Parlon, and died, 1715. His son, Jeremiah, 4 was born in Mid- dleborough, 1713; married Naomi Warren, and died, 1790. His son, James, 6 was born in Middleborough, 1745; married Chloe Rickard, and died, 1836. His son, Enoch," was born in Middleborough, 1795; married Rebecca Williams, and died, 1884. His son, Andrew L.,' was born in Middleborough, November 6, 1831; mar- ried Dorothy P. King, and died December 4, 1887. His son, Horace W., 8 was born in Middleborough, December 29, 1858. He attended the public schools of Middle- borough, and in 1875 came to Fall River and was first employed in the Durfee Mills. He later worked in the Union Mills for a short time, and then was connected with the Durfee Mills for eleven years, first as overseer and then as superintendent. At the end of this time he became superintendent of the Laurel Lake Mills, where he remained for a period of eight years. In 1893 he was elected treasurer of the Fall River Manufactory, which was established in 1813, and is the oldest cotton mill in Bristol county. This position he has filled with ability. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery. Mr. Tinkham mar- ried Mary E., daughter of John P. and Lois A. (Buffinton) Slade of Fall River. They have four children: Henry B., George K. , Marion L. and Corrella W. Touhey, Joseph T., son of John D. and Mary A. Touhey, was born in Fall River, September 22, 1867. He was educated in the public schools. Mr. Touhey's first business experience was in the law office of Jackson & Slade. In 1882 he entered the pharmacy of William G. Bennett as a clerk and on January 1, 1897, purchased Mr. Bennett's interest. Mr. Touhey is a popular and enterprising citizen and enjoys the confidence of many friends and acquaintances. He is a member of the B. P. O. E. , 216 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and the Knights of Columbus. In September, 1890, he married Katie E. Carlin of Fall River, and tbeir children are Mary and Ruth. Tripp, Howard Franklin, a representative and successful farmer of Dartmouth and son of Benjamin T. and Mercy C. (Wilkie) Tripp, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., June 25, 1835. His father was a farmer and carpenter and he remained on the homestead farm until he was eighteen years of age, receiving the educational advantages afforded by the common schools of the district. He thorough- ly learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father and in 1856 went to Calfornia where he followed his trade for twenty years. He returned to his native town in 1876 and purchased the farm on which he now resides. Mr. Tripp married, Augus r . 11, 1861, Sarah J., daughter of William and Caroline (Vanderhook) Slusher, and of their ten children, eight survive: Cora A., wife of Otis Cole, Edwin C, Ben- jamin W., William F., Mercy M., Amy B., Louis E., and Theodore C. Mr. Tripp and his wife are active workers in the Second Christian Church of Dartmouth. The family is one of the oldest in this section and members of it were among the first < settlers of Westport. Tripp, Capt. Orlando J., son of Daniel and Eliza (Davis) Tripp, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., October 7, 1839. He was educated in the public schools of that town and at an early age went to sea in a whale ship as an or- dinary seaman and was advanced from time to time until he took command of a ship, in which capacity he acted for a period of about ten years, and at the end of this service returned home, abandoned the sea and became actively engaged in agricul- ture, which he still carries on. January, 1866, Orlando J. Tripp married Lydia A. , daughter of Edmund and Lydia (Gifford) Kirby, and they have one son, Edgar C, who is engaged in the grocery business in New Bedford. Tripp, William A., a native of Fairhaven, Mass., was born in the house he now lives in, November 2, 1825. He is the eldest son of William and Abigail (Reed) Tripp, who were also natives of Bristol county. Mr. Tripp was educated in the public schools and when yet a boy went whaling before the mast for one voyage, was aftewards boat steerer and later first mate. In all he spent seventeen years at sea. In 1863 he returned home and enlisted in Co. H, 38th Mass. Vol. Infantry, and served his country for nearly three years, or until the close of the war, when he returned to Fairhaven, where he has since resided and has been engaged in agricul- ture. In August, 1852, he married Elizabeth H., daughter of Eson and Mazell (Gregory) Slocum, and they have one daughter, Lillian M., wife of Henry C. Pierce. Mr. Tripp has never aspired to public office, although he takes an interest in public affairs. He is a member of R. A. Pierce Post, G. A. R., and the M. E, Church. Tripp, William Cook, was born in Westport, Mass., April 13, 1839, a son of Will- iam and Eliza A. Tripp. He received his early education in the public schools and at the close of his school days went to work in a meat market as errand boy. He remained there for some time and then learned the tanner's trade, which he followed until 1863, at w ( hich time he came to Taunton and started in business for himself in the bottling of wet goods and he follows the same line at the present writing. He is a member of Good Samaritan Lodge, I.O.O. F., John Hancock, K. P., A.O.U.W., and K. of H. In 1866 he married Sarah E., daughter of Ichabod and Sally (Babbitt) Brown. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 217 Tucker, Jesse, is a lineal descendant of Henry Tucker, who came to this country from County Kent, England, date unknown. The time of his birth is supposed to have been either in 1619 or 1627; he died 2d month 21, 1694. The next in line was John Tucker, who was born 6th month 28, 1656, and died 7th month 2, 1751 ; next comes Joseph Tucker, born 9th month 7, 1696, and died 5th month, 21, 1790; the next was John, born 12th month 14, 1731, died 3d month 12, 1820; James, the next in line, was born 4th month 27, 1777, died 12th month 17, 1843. He was the father of Jesse, the subject, who was born 4th month 25, 1817. Mr. Tucker was married 11th month 30, 1843, to Mary Ann, daughter of Isaac and Susannah Wilbur, and they had four children: James H. , born 1st month 7, 1845; Susannah W. , born 7th month 29, 1846; Isaac W. and Jesse R. , twins, born 4th month 25, 1850. Isaac W. died 10th month 16, 1850. Mr. Tucker lives on land that was held by his ancestors for nearly 225 years. For the last fifty years he has been engaged in general farming and the pro- duction of milk for market. He has been a member of the Society of Friends all his life, and is one of the most respected citizens of Bristol county. Turner, Herbert, son of William T. and Martha W. (Forbes) Turner, was born at Bridgewater, Mass. , March 3, 1855, and was educated in the public schools of his na- tive village. His first business experience was as a clerk in a grocery at Brockton, conducted by Huram Wade, in whose employ he remained for a period of two years and then removed to Providence, R. I., to accept a position with the Providence Automatic Fire Extinguisher Company. Mr. Turner remained in the employ of this company for a period of fifteen years, and during this period became interested in the study of photography as a fine art, employing all his spare time in experiment- ing and in the study of artistic effects and posing. In 1895 he began business as a photographer in Providence, but foreseeing a better opening in Fall River, removed to that city in 1896 and established a studio, which is now taking its place among the leading galleries of Fall River. Mr. Turner makes a specialty of artistic work in crayons and colors. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Improved Order of Red Men, and has passed through the chairs of both orders. In 1881 he married Alice Linscott, now deceased, and they have one daughter Mable. Vance, M. E., M.D., was born in Pawtucket, April 6, 1870. His father, James Vance, was a native of Ireland and came to the United States in 1848, settling in Pawtucket, R. I. Dr. Vance was educated in Berkley and Providence, graduating from the Medical University of the City of New York, May 7, 1895. He immediately began his practice in North Attleborough, and makes a specialty of surgical oper- ations. Dr. Vance is one of the progressive men of his profession, is a member of the Board of Health, medical examiner of the A.O.H., and Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, Widows & Orphans A. O. H. , Catholic Knights of America, the Berkshire Life Insurance Company, and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Vander Burgh, David W. , homoeopathic physician and surgeon, was y born in New York city, December 7, 1841. His first American ancestor came to New York early as 1693; Henry Vander Burgh, his son, was a freeholder in Dutchess county in 1714; James Vander Burgh, the great-grandfather of the doctor, was a colonel in the Revolution, and during the New York campaign both Wash- ington and Lafayette stopped at his house in Dutchess county. The father of Dr. Vander Burgh was a business man in New York city. In 18^4 he moved Mi 218 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. his family to Port Huron, Mich. Dr. Vander Burgh was educated at Port Hu- ron and Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,.and then entered the medical department of the State University at Ann Arbor. During his course at the medical college he entered the Union army in 1862 as a medical cadet and soon was made assistant surgeon to the 10th Mich. Inf., joining his regiment April 30, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn. He served with the regiment during the balance of the war and shared its fortunes on Sherman's eventful march through Georgia. Just before he arrived at his regiment his brother, Lieut. Francis M. Vander Burgh, of the same regiment, while guarding a moving train with forty-six men, was mortally wounded, April 10, 1863, at Antioch Station, Tenn. He was attacked by a battalion of 250 cavalry who were lying in ambush. Dr. Vander Burgh returned to college in 1865, and received his medical degree at Ann Arbor in 1866, and for a few months thereafter was acting assistant surgeon for the 17th Regiment, U. S. Infantry. He then came east, was converted to homoeopathy and practiced with his great-uncle, Federal Vander Burgh, at Rhinebeck, N. Y. , until 1868, when he moved to Ilion, N. Y. , remaining there six years. In 1874 he came to Fall River where he has since continued as a successful practitioner. He is a. member of the State Homoeopathic Medical Society; the American Institute of Homoeopathy ; and of the Grand Army of the Republic for a period of thirty years. In 1863 he married Katherine Eltinge of New Paltz, N. Y. Their children are : John Frank, Caroline Gertrude, Edmund Eltinge and Ludlow. Vaughan, Weston Clark, jr., undertaker, was born April 16, 1853, in Plymouth, Mass., whither his great-great-grandfather came from England. He is the son of Weston Clark Vaughan, sr. , and Matilda Bradford Faunce, his wife, the latter being a daugh- ter of Rev. William Faunce (died April 17, 1898) and Matilda Bradford, both lineal descendants of Mayflower Pilgrims; she still lives at Mattapoisett. Mr. Vaughan's parents also reside at Mattapoisett. His grandfather, Elisha Vaughan, a farmer in Plymouth, had seven sons who served with Massachusetts regiments throughout the war of the Rebellion and were honorably discharged; they were Weston C. sr., Perez C. W., Edward N. H., Frank, Leander M., Elisha, and Ansel H. Weston C, sr. , enlisted in 1861 in Co. E, 32d Mass. Vols., and during a part of his four years' service was a musician. Weston C. Vaughan, jr., attended the public schools and at the age of eleven entered the cotton mills in Plymouth, where he worked seven and a half years. He then learned the trade of cabinet maker and undertaker in his native town with Col. Charles Raymond, with whom he remained from October 16, 1871, to September, 1879, when he came to New Bedford. Here he has successfully followed the undertaking business ever since, being first located at 17 Second street, later at 140 Purchase street, and since 1891 at 321 and 323 Purchase street, where he had bought property several years previously. He is one of the leading undertakers in New Bedford, and has built up a fine and valuable establishment. Mr. Vaughan is past grand of Vesta Lodge No. 166, I. O. O. F., past chief patriarch of Annawan Encampment No, 8, and a member of Alpha Lodge, M. U. I. O. O. F., and of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Massachusetts. He is also past chancellor of Union Lodge No. 7, K. of P., and a member of New Bedford Division No. 10, Uniformed Rank, K. of P., of Sippican Tribe No. 77, I. O. of R. M., of Acushnet Division, Sons of Temperance, of Camp No. 35, Sons of Veterans, of the Massachusetts Undertak- ers' Association, and of the New Bedford Board of Trade. He is a prominent offi- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 219 cial member of the Pleasant Street M. E. Church, and was the organizer and one of the first officers of the old Bristol County Undertakers' Association. In 1874 he married Nannie M. Blanchar.d of Plymouth, who died in 1876, leaving one son, Charles E. In 1877 he married EllaM., daughter of Edward Stephens, also of Plym- outh, and they have seven children living, viz.: Arthur S. , Amy W., May W. , Weston C, 2d, Julia K., Myrtilla W., and Annie E. Edward Stephens died of wounds received as a soldier in the Civil war. Vincent, Mark Trafton, hardware dealer, is the son of Ambrose and Sarah S. (Caswell) Vincent, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 14, 1859. His an- cestors removed from Plymouth to Martha's Vineyard in 1642, being among the first white settlers on that island. Ambrose Vincent, son of Samuel, was born at Edgar- town, Martha's Vineyard, January 21, 1811, and in early life came to New Bedford, where he engaged in carpentering. In 1851 he went to California, but three years later returned to New Bedford, and in 1855 purchased a hardware store on the cor- ner of Union street and Acushnet avenue, which he successfully conducted for twenty-six years, selling it out on March 21, 1881, to De Wolf & Vincent. After- ward he lived a retired-life until his death, August 13, 1888. He was elected State senator in 1855, served several terms as a member of the New Bedford Board of Aldermen and as a fire warden, and was always prominent in church work, being for many years a member of the official board of the old Elm Street M. E. Church and later of the County Street M. E. Church. Mark T. Vincent was educated in the New Bedford public and high schools, and in 1873 became a clerk in his father's hardware store. On March 21, 1881, in company with Alfred W. De Wolf, he purchased the business; on July 1, 1892, they also bought of Sullings, Kingman & Co. the hardware store at 149 Union street, which was established by them July 1, 1845, and where the present firm of De Wolf & Vincent has since been located, having combined the two stores. Mr. Vincent is a. member of Acushnet Lodge, I.O.O.F., of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Dartmouth Club. October 29, 1883, he married Lydia S., daugh- ter of Capt. Solomon T. Perry of New Bedford, and they have two children : Marian and Perry. Waite, Charles H. , son of Capt. Crary B. and Emily C. (Hill) Waite, was born in New Bedford, March 3, 1854. His father was a successful whaling captain and a man held in high esteem in this community. He died in New Bedford, March 13, 1892, in his seventy-fourth year. Mr. Waite attended the schools of New Bedford and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1874, and after completing his education he went to sea with his father for a period of five years, and then be- gan to learn the machinist's trade in William Mason's machine shop at Taunton. Here he remained for five years and then returned to New Bedford, and for a short time conducted a silver plating business. Later he went South and for a number of years was engaged in promoting real estate and co-operative bank enterprises, and, at the death of his father, in 1874, he returned to New Bedford and engaged in busi- ness as a florist and real estate agent. Mr. Waite has the largest green houses in Bristol county, and is an extensive grower of hot house flowers and vegetables, the plant having a capacity of 7,000 carnations per week. He is a member and past commander of Puritan Commandery No. 231, Knights of Malta, and also a member of the Grand Commandery. He is captain of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia 220 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Veteran Guards of New Bedford, and although Mr. Waite has never interested him- self to any great extent in politics, and in consequence has never held public office, he is thoroughly well known in New Bedford. He married, in 1879, Laura J,, daugh- ter of Lysander Baker of Brockton. Walch, A. F., was born in Corinth, Me., August 30, 1862, a son of Edward Walch, who through life was identified in the naval interests under the United States gov- ernment. Mr. Walch was educated at Garland, Me. , and was graduated from Tufts College in 1886. That same year he was ordained as minister of the Universalist church at Methuen, where he remained until 1895, and on account of failing eyesight was obliged to give up his life's work. In 1895 he established his present business, which in 1897 was changed to Walch & Horton, who are the leading clothiers and dealers in gents' furnishing goods and custom tailoring in Attleborough. In 1888 Mr. Walch married Agatha, daughter of Prof. Jerome Schneider, and they have one daughter, Gertrude. Mr. Walch is trustee of the Public Library and takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Waldron, Charles Dean, editor of the Fairhaven Star, was born in Fall River, February 3, 1856, a son of John and Ruth C. (Dean) Waldron. His father was a prominent citizen of Fall River for many years. During his boyhood Mr. Waldron attended the public and private schools of his native city. Upon leaving school he entered the office of the Whalemen's Shipping List in New Bedford, a journal de- voted to the whaling interest. He continued here until the New Bedford Signal was started, at which time he went to work on that paper as a compositor. In February, 1879, he became convinced that Fairhaven needed and could support a newspaper, and although lacking in means decided to make the venture, and managed to secure a small outfit of type. He set up his first number in Fairhaven and carried the forms across the bridge to New Bedford to be printed. Returning with his printed copies he distributed them, and then called upon his advertisers to collect enough money to pay the printing bill. In this way he continued to publish the Star throughout the first weeks of its existence, steadily gaining support as his efforts be- came recognized. An evidence of this is shown by the fact that he was enabled to enlarge the paper three times during the first year. The publication is now on a most substantial basis, an effect largely due to his unceasing activity, resolution and indomitable courage. The building now occupied he moved to its present location and built an addition as the growth of the paper demanded larger quarters. Mr. Waldron served for several years on the Republican Town Committee; he is also a trustee of the Riverside Cemetery Corporation. Through his suggestion the Fair- haven Mutual Aid Corporation was formed in 1885. This is now in a flourishing condition, with an enrollment of seventy members, and he is now serving the organ- ization as president. He was also one of the originators of the Fairhaven Improve- ment Association which is accomplishing great good in the town. He was one of the charter members and a trustee of Century Lodge of New Bedford, A. O. U. W., and is a member of Concordia Lodge, F. & A. M., in which he has held several offices. Mr. Waldron was married in 1873 to Damaris, daughter of Daniel G. Urquhart of New Bedford, and they had two children, one of whom, Henry D., survives and is associated with his father in the conduct of the Star. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 221 Walker, William, was born in Seekonk, Bristol county, March 2, 1824, a. son of William Walker, born in Taunton, and died in 1867. William Walker, the subject, was educated in the public schools and as a boy learned the miller's trade and after- wards the mason's and the jewelry business. In 1864 he established the grocery business, in which he still continues. In 1869 Mr. Walker married Lydia A. , widow of John G. Bliss and daughter of Ardin Abbott. Mr. Walker takes an active inter- est in all public affairs and has ever been recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose word is as good as his bond. Walker, William Ellery, was born in Dighton, September 11, 1844, a. son of George E. and Lucinda D. (Payne) Walker. When a boy of seventeen Mr. Walker enlisted, in January, 1862, in Co. D, 7th Regiment M. V. M. He went to Washing- ton and camped for the winter and then with the Army of the Potomac went into active camp life. He was taken prisoner at North Anna River, in May, 1864, and was taken to Libby Prison, where he remained two or three weeks and was then trnsf erred to Andersonville, Georgia, remaining there five months, was paroled and went to Annapolis, exchanged and sent home about December, 1864. He remained at home until April, 1865, and he re-enlisted, again going to Washington and reach- there in time for the Grand Review. He received his final discharge from the service in September, 1865. Mr. Walker then returned to Dighton and learned the trade of an iron moulder, moved to Taunton about 1870 and went to work for the Union Furnace Company, and later for O. G. Thomas. In 1875 he took charge of the fac- tory for Mr. Thomas and remained with him about four years. In 1880 Mr. Walker, with George E. Wilbur and C F. Baker, started the Weir Shoe Company and con- tinued as a partnership business until 1893, at which time without changing the name they incorporated it as a. company, and it remains the same at the present time. In August, 1870, Mr. Walker married Jennie Carmichael, daughter of John Carmichael of Somerset. Ward, Elwin Walter, son of Marquise Lafayette and Julia A. (Muzzey) Ward, was born in Ashburnham, Mass., May 31, 1857, and was educated in the common schoo's of Ashburnham, Taunton and Dighton. Mr. Ward's father was in the lumber busi- ness and at an early age Elwin learned the same business, and in 1875 left his father and took up coasting, etc., which he followed until 1885 and then took a position with the Dighton Stove Lining Co., which place he still fills. In February, 1898, he re- ceived the appointment as postmaster of Dighton from President McKinley ; he had no opposition to his application and so far has made an acceptable official. Mr. Ward is a member of Pioneer Lodge, F. & A. M. , of Somerset, and King Philip Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Taunton. Waring, Henry & Son. — Henry Waring is a native of England, born in Clithero, Lancashire, May 7, 1830. He came to this country in 1842 with his parents, James and Mary (Briggs) Waring. They settled in Fall River. Henry Waring first worked in the printing works and later was employed in a nail factory. He then went into the employ of J. D. Flint & Co. , with whom he remained eleven years. At the end of this time he formed a. copartnership with his brother for the conduct of a furniture business, which they continued with success for nine years, building a block on Main street to accommodate their business. In 1883 they dissolved partnership and Henry Waring engaged in the undertaking business, which he has ever since continued. 222 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Waring is a thirty-second degree Mason, and a member of the Older of Odd Fellows. In 1851 he married Elizabeth Carr. They have had five children: Charles S., Annie (deceased), Mary E., Mrs. Elizabeth A. Davis, and James H. Waring, who was born in Fall River, March 27, 1867, and educated in the Fall River High School. During his business life he has been associated with his father, having been ad- mitted to partnership in the present firm of Henry Waring & Son in July, 1890. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; the Order of Odd Fellows ; the Improved Order of Red Men ; and is past chancellor of his lodge of the Knights of Pythias. In June. 1894, he married Nellie H., daughter of Elihu and Mary M. Andrews of Fall River. Of this union is one son, Sumner J. Waring. Warner, Richard Everett, was born in New Bedford, October 6, 1861, a son of Joseph B. and Lucy E. (Pierce) Warner. His early education was obtained in the Taunton public schools and Bristol Academy. In 1876 he went to work in the Digh- ton Stove Lining Co. to learn the business, remaining there until 1881, and then went to Providence, R. I., as manager for the Somerset Pottery Co. In July, 1882, he left them and returned to Taunton, where he engaged with the firm of White, Walker & Co., and when Mr. Walker retired in 1886 the firm was changed to White, Warner & Co., remaining so until February 10, 1897, when it was incorporated as the White-Warner Co., with Mr. Warner as treasurer. They manufacture stoves, ranges and furnaces. In 1894 Mr. Warner was appointed by Governor Russell to serve on the State Board of Arbitration and Conciliation. He served on the Board of Aldermen in 1893 and 1894, the latter year being chairman ; in 1895 he was one of the Board of License Commissioners. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Good Samaritan, I. 0.0 F. ; Taunton K. of P., and Lowell B. P. O. E. He was married in April, 1881, to Ida E., daughter of Horatio L. and Mary E. (Mason) Briggs of Dighton, and they have three children: Joseph E , Ella E. and Grace M. Warner, William R., merchant, son of George G. and Jane E. R. Warner, was born in Walpole, N. H., May, 1842. His parents later moved to Westborough, Wor- cester county, Mass., where he attended the public schools. At the age of nineteen he enlisted in the 13th Mass. Infantry, commanded by Col. Samuel Leonard, and participated with his regiment in the battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancel- lorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and the engagements around Peters- burg, Va. The night before the battle of Gettysburg he was promoted to be second lieutenant and later to first lieutenant. He served as a valiant soldier for a term of three years, escaping wounds and capture, and was discharged at the end of his term of enlistment in August, 1864. Soon after he embarked in the mercantile busi- ness in which he has met with great success. He first began with C. D. Cobb & Co. of Boston, owners of a large grocery store, and later became associated with Cobb, Bates & Yerxa in the same business. In 1874 Mr. Warner came to Fall River and opened a branch store for the firm here; through his energy and enterprise he steadily added to the business, and eventually established in Fall River four differ- ent stores, in each of which he is manager and part owner. For several years he continued a similar store for Cobb, Bates & Yerxa in Taunton, Mass. Mr. Warner has served on the Fall River School Committee three years ; has been a trustee of the Public Library fifteen years ; has been many years a director in the Metacomet Bank, was one of the incorporators, and has since been a director, in the Seaconnet PERSONAL REFERENCES. 223 Mill; one of the incorporators of the Old People's Home and was on the committee hav- ing in charge the erection of the new building for the Home. Mr. Warner is also a member of the G. A. R. , and of the Loyal Legion of Massachusetts. In 1865 he married Ellen H. Henry of Westborough, and they have two sons: Charles H. and George M. , both of whom are engaged in the electrical business in New York city. Warren, David, unaided and solely by the exercise of his own business sense and ability, has built up a business in New Bedford which compares favorably with the best enterprises of its kind in the city. By reason of this fact the results seem all the greater. Mr. Warren is of English descent, a son of William and Mary (Cor- coran) Warren, and was born in Prince Edward's Island. His father, a miller by trade, was also a native of Prince Edward's Island, and died in the seventy-seventh year of his age, having amassed little property, but leaving behind him the record of an honest, upright man. Mr. Warren attended the schools of the neighborhood and for some years was engaged in farming. He came to this country in 1873, and settled in New Bedford, being employed for some time as a driver. In 1888 he in- vested his earnings in a small outfit and engaged in the livery and boarding stable business at the location where he still continues, 259 State street. As the business warranted he has from time to time added to his stable until now he is enabled to compete with the foremost liverymen of the city. Although earnest in his support of the Republican party he has never aspired to public office. He married, in 1885, Minnie, daughter of John Evans of St. Johns, New Brunswick. Washburn, Lettice Roderick, born in Acushnet, Mass., March 14, 1850, is descended from John Washburn, 1 first secretary of the Council of Plymouth in England, who came to America with the Massachusetts Bay Company in the year 1629 and con- tinued to act in the same capacity for that company. Later he removed to Duxbury in the Plymouth Colony. His wife Margery and two sons, John and Philip, came over in 1635. He was one of the proprietors of Little Compton, R. I. With his son John he became the original proprietor of Bridgewater, and as early as 1665 he and Philip settled in South Bridgewater. John Washburn, 5 a tailor, was active in King Philip's war, and in 1645 married Elizabeth, daughter of Experience and Jane (Cook) Mitchell of Bridgewater. He had eleven children. James, 3 born in 1672, married Mary Bowden, had nine children, and died in Bridgewater. June 11, 1749. Moses, 4 born in 1702, became an early settler in northern Dartmouth, married Hannah Cush- man in 1727, and had four children. Moses Washburn, 5 born in 1730, spent part of his life in New Bedford, served in the Revolutionary war, married Sarah Pope in 1753, and had seven children. Lettice, 6 the eldest, was born in 1758, and died in 1844. He married, first, Mercy Spooner of Acushnet, and had one son, Amaziah. His second wife, Sarah Spooner, was born in 1761 and died in 1845. On the old headstones in the cemetery near Acushnet village, near which they lived, are these inscriptions: " Lettice • a soldier in the Revolution." " Sarah his wife a soldier of Jesus." Their children were James, born April 21, 1784, died October 10, 1784; John, born April 21, 1784, died March 12, 1842; William, born May 14, 1786, died November 20, 1809; Mercy, born May 18, 1789, died August 17, 1852; Susan, born October 21, 1791, died in November, 1853; Lettice, born December 6, 1793, died August 23, 1867; Elizabeth, born November 29, 1795; Israel, born November 24, 1796, died April 23, 1864; Nancy, born January 14, 1799, died in 1823; Sarah, born 224 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. June 23, 1801, died in 1802; Sarah, born June 24, 1805; Joseph, born September 30, 1808, died in 1818. Lettice Washburn ■> was a farmer and master mariner, and lived in Acushnet. William Washburn, 8 born in November, 1818, still resides at Acushnet, having spent his life as a farmer and stone mason. He married Hannah, daughter of Noel Allen of Westport, and their children are Hannah (Mrs. Lucius Pierce), Mar- tin, William H, Lettice Israel (died in infancy), Lettice Roderick, Annie Marie (Mrs. James Gracy), and Carrie Lena (Mrs. Frank Rose). Lettice R. Washburn was edu- cated in the public schools, learned the cabinet maker's trade and mill engineering, and since 1878 has been engaged in the cabinet making business in New Bedford. He married Helen A. , daughter of William Hicks of New Bedford, and they have one son, Frederick Clifton, who is associated with his father. Watkins, William, was born in the village of Westport Point, Westport, Mass., June 22, 1814, a son of Thomas and Mary (Davis) Watkins. Until he reached his fourteenth year he attended the country schools. He then (1828) entered the grocery and commission business of Jacob Parker in New Bedford and continued in his em- ploy until March, 1832, when a position as clerk for Elisha Dunbar & Co. (Edward C. Jones) was tendered him, which he at once accepted. This firm were ship chand- lers and importers, and dealers in bar iron ; as well as managing owners and agents of whale shipping. Mr. Watkins remained in their employ for a period of eight years, being bookkeeper and also mainly in charge of their merchandise business, in which department he had a partial interest in the profits during the last three years of his service. The senior member of the firm, Capt. Elisha Dunbar, died in November, 1839, and at the close of the business year, February 1, 1840, the firm was dissolved and Mr. Jones continued the business, devoting much energy to whaling interest with a view of increasing it largely. Mr. Jones had a keen appreciation for the ability of Mr. Watkins and accorded him a warm friendship, making several times fair proposals to the latter to join him in partnership. Mr. Watkins, however, de- cided to follow business with which he was familiar, and hence established himself in the ship chandlery and iron trade in April, 1840. This business he continued with good success until 1878; his brother, George D. Watkins, being associated with him as a partner (1851-1862 inclusive), under the firm name of W. & G. D. Watkins. During the growth of the business a. number of whaling vessels were added, but in 1873 Mr. Watkins began to dispose of his whaling interest and sold his last ship in 1880. He disposed of his ship chandlery and iron business in 1878, selling to Wat- kins & Handy (George D. Watkins and Jonathan Handy). The close of Mr. Wat- kins's active mercantile career may be properly said to have come at this time, although he subsequently managed large and valuable estates in a private fiduciary capacity and became prominently identified with banking interests. He gained and has al- ways maintained a standing in the community of the highest character. Through- out his entire business career he acted the part of an able, honorable and upright man. He has never withheld his means or influence from any worthy work, but being by nature retiring, has never been conspicuous in public movements or in political affairs. In 1846 he was made trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings ; in 1870 a member of its board of investment ; and January, 1877, was chosen president to succeed William C. Taber, and served in that capacity upwards of nine- teen years. In 1832 he was made a director of the Mechanics' Bank (now Mechanics' PERSONAL REFERENCES. 225 National Bank), and in 1879 was unanimously elected president of the First National Bank. He remained in that position eleven years and then declined longer service, but remained on the board of directors. He has been a director of the Potomska Mills Corporation since its organization. Mr. Watkins married Melissa M., daughter of Lemuel and Melissa Kollock of New Bedford ; she died in May, J873. Their chil- dren were three, two daughters living and a son who died in infancy. Mr. Wat- kins's grandfather came from England to Rhode Island during the Revolutionary war, and for many years taught school in Newport and Little Compton. In the latter place his son Thomas, the father of William Watkins, was born. Thomas Watkins became a master mariner, was well and favorably known in the ports of this vicinity, and resided for a number of years in the village of Westport Point. Watters, Frank M., coal dealer, agent for the Thomas Coal Company, is a son of Joseph and Mary (Whitehead) Watters, and was born in Fall River, November 12, 1870. He obtained his education in the public schools, at Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University. After leaving college he was employed as clerk in the office of the Osborn Cotton Mills for two years. In September, 1894, Mr. Watters was tendered the position of agent for the Thomas Coal Company. By energy and business ability he has met with encouraging success and has built up a large trade. February 19, 1892, he married Flora Newell of Fall River. Weeks, J. Frank, M. D., is the son of Joshua and Abbie G. (Brownell) Weeks, and was born in South Dartmouth, Mass., February 28, 1866. His father, a sea captain, died in 1897, aged seventy-eight. Dr. Weeks was educated in the Dartmouth public schools, read medicine with Dr. A. B. Cushman of Dartmouth, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. from the medical department of the University of the Green Mountains at Burlington, Vt., in 1890. Since then he has been engaged in the general practice of his profession at Acushnet, Mass. He is a member of the Bristol County and New Bedford Societies, of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Delta Mu fraternity. He is also a member of the New Bedford School Committee from Ward 1. In January, 1892, he married Clara F., daughter of Abram Smith of Dartmouth, Mass. Weeks, William, son of Joshua and Mary (Borden) Weeks, was born in the village of Bakerville, South Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., July 15, 1813. His father was a blacksmith and was well known in this vicinity, conducting a shop at Baker- ville for several years. As a boy, Mr. Weeks attended the schools of his neighbor- hood and worked at farm work, and at the age of eighteen began an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade, under Nathan Taber of New Bedford, but completed his trade under Barker Cushman. Soon after he attained his majority he shipped on' a whaler as blacksmith, and this was the beginning of an experience of thirty-six years at sea. He gradually rose to the position of first mate and, while making a voyage in this capacity with the ship Cherokee a sad accident was the cause of placing him in command of a ship. One of the boats containing the captain, Mr. Weeks, and five men, was pursuing a whale, when he turned upon the boat and, striking it a terrific blow, capsized it, drowning four of the crew of seven, including the captain. At the time only one whale had been captured and in nine months Mr. Weeks sailed for home with 1,400 barrels of oil. The owners, satisfied by this man- ifestation of his ability, at once made him master of a ship, and he sailed in that 226 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. capacity several profitable voyages, bringing in at one time a cargo worth $132,000, secured in twenty-eight months.' His last voyage was made in 1865 and upon his re- turn to New Bedford in 1868 he retired and took up his residence in that city. Cap- tain Weeks is a perfect type of that class of self-reliant, courageous and energetic men who made successful whaling captains, and although now in his eighty-sixth year, he is still vigorous and remarkably well preserved. He has been twice mar- ried; first, in 1836, to Myra Allen of Westpoint, who died in 1860, and they had seven children, of whom survive Almy W., wife of Charles Cushman, of Dartmouth, Mary Adeline and Hannah Charlotte, wife of Isaiah T. Jones of Sandwich. For his second wife, he married, December 9, 1861, Lucretia Haskell Faunce, daughter of John Faunce of Dartmouth. Of this union four children survive: Edward J., Lucretia A., William J. and John L. Captain Weeks descends from good old Puritan stock, being in the direct line of George Weeks, who came from Dorchester, England, in the early history of Plymouth Colony. Welch, John, is a native of Ireland, born in Cork county, May 8, 1835, a son of James and Mary (Ryan) Welch. He attended school but a short time, for his father was a general laborer and had a large family, of which John was one of the oldest sons. He began to contribute his share to the general support when he was but nine years old, working in a woolen mill in which he remained five years. He then went to Wales and for two years was employed in the iron mills at Doullies and Rumey. He came to this country in 1851 and at once settled in New Bedford, from which port he sailed for three years on vessels engaged in the coastwise trade, and later was employed about the docks as a stevedore until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. A, 41st Mass. Vols., which later merged into the 3d Mass. Cavalry. After about two years' service his health became broken, owing to different injuries, and upon his recovery he was honorably discharged and returned to New Bedford. He was there engaged in his old occupation as longshoreman until 1866, when he was appointed a patrolman on the New Bedford police force and served two years. In 1869 he was appointed a lieutenant of police by Mayor George B. Richmond, and served in that capacity for three years, being removed for political reasons. In 1872 he became a foreman for the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company and remained in faithful service for eighteen years, when he retired. Mr. Welch was a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1888, represented Ward 6 in the Common Council in 1898, and has always been active in political work. He is president of Branch 13 of the Irish National Federation, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and of Post 190, G. A. R. In 1856 he married Ellen Hughes, and of their six children, four survive : Mary, wife of Frank McNulty; Julia A., James H., and Margaret T., wife of Will- iam Ryan. West, Henry N., son of Isaiah and Tabathia G. (Macomber) West, was born in Fairhaven, Mass., August 7, 1851. His father was a whaling captain and resided in this vicinity all his life. For several terms he served as selectman and overseer of the poor in Fairhaven. Henry N. West attended the public schools of Fairhaven and private schools in New Bedford, and prepared for college at Allen's English and Classical School in West Newton. He matriculated at Harvard Law School and in 1876 was admitted to the Bristol bar. Mr. West represented the Fifth ward in the City Council one year. He is a member and present master of Star in the East PERSONAL REFERENCES. 227 Lodge, F. & A. M,, also a member of the Chapter, Council and Commandery. He has served in his present position, as clerk of the Police Department, since 1889. December 10, 1895, he married Harriet E. , daughter of Obed N. and Elizabeth Swift of New Bedford. West, John Peckham, is the son of John P. and Lydia (Potter) West, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 24, 1826. His father, also a native of New Bedford, was a captain in the coasting trade, later a dealer in lime and brick, and at one time a member of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. West was educated in the New Bedford public schools, served a three years' apprenticeship at the painter's trade with Pot- ter, Hillman & Co. , and then shipped on the whaling bark Franklin, Capt. Ira Davis, making one voyage, which occupied three and a half years. On his return he en- gaged at his trade of painter, first with Charles Higgins under the firm name of Hig- gins & West and three years later with William Dunham as Dunham & West. The latter firm continued about five years, after which Mr. West continued the business alone until 1883, when he was succeeded by his son, William L., who now carries on a large establishment. Mr. West has lived mainly in retirement since 1883. He was for five years a member of the militia and at one time, during the drafts, was on duty in New Bedford in the Civil war. He married Ellen C. Lalock, of Falmouth, and they have three sons: John P., jr., William R. and Charles S., all of New Bed- ford. Wetherell, George L., was born in Norton, Mass., June 3, 1848, son of Caleb S. and Cordelia E. Wetherell. His father throughout his life was an extensive farmer and also dealer in ship timber, etc. They trace their ancestry back to John Weth- erell, who was one of the early settlers of Norton, and on the maternal side to George Lane, a farmer, who was born in Norton, July 26, 1785, and who was a sol- dier in the Boston Light Infantry, Gedney King, commanding Fort Strong, now Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, 1812, also captain of Norton Artillery. February 5, 1827, he married Chloe Allen, daughter of Micah and Catherine Allen, who died in Octo- ber, 1863, in her seventy-fourth year, and Captain Lane died November 9, 1875, being nearly ninety years old. Mr. Wetherell was educated at the public schools of Norton and at Scofield's Business College, at Providence, R. I., but for a short time thereafter worked at farming, and afterward started in the jewelry business as a tool maker, and in 1886 began the manufacture of jewelry, under the name of Engley, Wetherell & Company, continuing in that business for ten years, when he retired. He married, February 11, 1886, Sarah M. Reiniger, daughter of George David and Margaret Reiniger, of Vermont, and she died in April, 1893. Mr. Wetherell has been on the Board of Registrars for the past ten years; is an honored member of St. James Lodge of Free Masons, of Mansfield ; and Orient Lodge of Odd Fellows, of Attleborough, Mass. , also a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com- pany of Boston. He takes a general interest in his town and town's people, and is one of Norton's popular and influential citizens. Wetherell, Orin B. — In the early days of the cotton industry in Fall River, many experts in carding, spinning, etc., were imported; among them was Daniel H. Weth- erell, who was a carder and expert roller coverer and who worked as a carder for some time and then turned his whole attention to the manufacture of leather covers for top rollers of cotton spinning and carding machinery, having noted with shrewd 228 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. foresight that the demand for a business of this kind would constantly increase. He conducted such a business for many years and invented and improved most of the machinery now in use in the manufacture of roll covers. Later, his nephews, Orjn B. and Daniel Wetherell, succeeded to the business, which had grown in proportion to the growth of the cotton industry. The latter died in 1893 and Orin B. took en- tire charge of the business. Orin B. Wetherell was born and educated at North Taunton, Mass. He was engaged for many years in the shoe manufacturing busi- ness and then came to Fall River. He has been identified with many prominent en- terprises of the city for oyer thirty-five years and has a wide acquaintance among' cotton manufacturers. He married Hannah Barney, and they have one son, Howard B. , who was born in Fall River. He attended the public and high schools and was graduated from the latter in the class of 1887 ; he then attended Phillips Exeter Academy and after graduation returned to Fall River to assist in his father's busi- ness. He was admitted to partnership in 1894, the firm name being then changed to its present form, O. B. Wetherell & Son. The business of this firm, though large, and requiring the employment of a large force of operatives, is almost entirely local. Wexel, Henry, was born in Kongsberg, Norway, October 9, 1829. He learned the jeweler's and die cutter's trade and came to New York in September, 1852, where he worked as a jeweler until the spring of 1853. He then went to Providence, R. I., where he engaged in a jewelry factory as designer and die cutter, where he worked until the Civil war broke out. In 1860 he married Elizabeth Hudson of New York, who died in the spring of 1861, and in July of that year he enlisted in Co. A, 45th Regiment N. Y. Vols. In November he was commissioned lieutenant of Co. A, and served in Gen. Blanker's division, 11th Army Corps, Army of Potomac, with Gen. McClellan commander-in-chief. In the spring of 1862 the division was sent to West Virginia to serve with General Fremont, and were in the battle of Cross Keys, when General Jackson was driven out of the Shenandoah Valley, and was wounded in that battle. Shortly after, he resigned his commission on account of poor health and re- turned to Providence and again engaged in the manufacture of jewelry. In 1871 he went to Attleborough and was with J. M. Bates until 1876, when with J. C. Cummings he established the firm of Cummings & Wexel. Mr. Wexel invented and patented several sleeve and collar buttons, which this firm manufactured. In 1892 Mr. Wexel purchased Mr. Cummings's interest in the business and since then has continued un- der the name of H. Wexel & Co. Mr. Wexel is a member of the military order of the Loyal Legion, of the U. S. Commandery of the State of Massachusetts, of Will- iam A. Streeter Post, G. A. R., of Bristol Commandery, Knights Templar, and other Masonic bodies. In 1871 he married Helen A. Mason of Providence. Mrs. Wexel is president of the W. C. T. U. Society and an active member in the M. E. Church. Wheaton, Hon. Laban M., was born in Norton, Mass., September 14, 1796, a son of Hon. Laban and Fanny (Morey) Wheaton. He obtained his early education at Wrentham and Middleborough Academies, afterward attending the University Grammar School at Providence, R. I., and graduated from Brown University in 1817, being then twenty-one years of age. After leaving the university he com- menced the study of law in his native town and practiced here until the care of his father's estates demanded his entire time. He was for many years postmaster; was several times elected to the Legislature, and served two terms as a member of the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 229 Governor's Council, and he was also trustee of the State Industrial School for Girls, at Lancaster, and with his wife, was in cordial sympathy with his father in the founding of the Wheaton Female Seminary. He was a lover of Christ and his church and was a liberal supporter of the gospel at home and abroad. He was married, June 25, 1829, to Eliza Baylies Chapin, of Uxbridge, Mass., daughter of Henry and Abigail (Baylies) Chapin, and they had no children. Mr. Wheaton died after a brief but painful illness, in Norton, January 17, 1865. White, Albert A., was born in South Attleborough, January 4, 1827, a son of Damon and Melancy (Titus) White. He was educated in the common schools and in 1850 went to work for Phillips & Robinson, being paid four cents per hour. In 1854 he established a business for himself, which he continued for nearly forty years, when he retired. In 1853 Mr. White married Melissa A. Draper, and they have one son, Damon A. White, Augustus, son of Phinehas and Betsey (Walker) White, was born in the town of Fairhaven (now Acushnet), Bristol county, Mass., September 26, 1832. Mr. White has always lived or remained on the farm with his father. In 1869 he married Angie M. White, and they had five children: Marie C, Walter A., Henry C, Edward N. and Emma L. Mrs. White died August 7, 1885. Mr. White is a lineal descendant of William White, who came from England to this country on the Mayflower in 1620. White, Charles P., is a native of Taunton, and after receiving his education in the public schools, entered the iron foundry at Whittenton to learn the trade of iron moulder. Mr. White worked at that and the other parts of the foundry business until 1882, when he started in business for himself under the firm name of White, Walker & Co. This firm was continued until 1885 when Mr. Walker retired and Mr. Richard E. Warner was admitted, the firm name being changed to White, Warner & Co., which continued until January 1, 1897, when Mr. Howard A. Tinkham was admitted, and they made a corporation of the firm under the style of the White Warner Co., of which Mr. White is president. They manufacture stoves, ranges and furnaces and have built up a large business in that line. White, Guilford, was born in Easton, Mass., August 17, 1822, son of Col. Alanson and Rebecca (Billings) White. His father was identified as a carpenter; was en- gaged in the war of 1812; was a representative in 1851, and was one of the original Whigs, afterward a Republican. He traces his descent from John White, who was a son of Nicholas White, who landed at Weymouth, but was found in 1638 at Dor- chester. Guilford White is the fourth child of the sixth generation. He studied at North Bridgewater Academy and Mr. Perkins's school in the old chapel at Easton Centre ; in January, 1856, began the study of law in J. H. & T. L. Wakefield's office, and in 1857 was examined for admission to the bar and was admitted in the Supreme Court at Boston, afterward, in 1867, being admitted in the United States Circuit Court at Boston. September 14, 1845, he married Olivia J , daughter of Oliver Jackson, and they have had five children: Berlin; Olive G. (deceased), Levio G. , Ida J., who married Frank M. Hay ward; and Catherine J., deceased. Mrs. Guilford White died January 3, 1892. Mr. White served on the board of County Commission- ers three years ; has written and published many letters and pieces for the press on political economy ; several have been collected and published in book form ; he has 230 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. several times delivered the memorial address before the G. A. R. post on Decoration Day. He is an honored member of St. Albans Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Foxboro, Mass. , and has passed through all the degrees of Keystone R. A. Chapter. He is a much respected citizen of Easton and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. White, Lysander Washburn, is a lineal descendant in the eighth generation of Peregrine White, who came to this country from England, on the Mayflower, in 1620. He is a grandson of Jerathmel and his wife, Alice (Howland) White, son of John and Eliza A. (Gifford) White, and was born in Westport, Bristol county, Mass., December 27, 1854. He attended the public schools until he was eighteen years of age, at which time he went to work on a farm. On January 1, 1881, he married Betsy Smith, daughter of William W. and Caroline H. (Gidley) Chace, and they have one son, William C, born April 24, 1884. Mrs. White was one of two children; her sister is the wife of Frank P. Gidley. Whiting, Elisha Sumner, was born in Fairhaven, February 2, 1847, a son of Sum- ner and Hannah (Gibbs) Whiting. His father made voyages in whaling vessels for a number of years and also conducted a business in Fairhaven as a manufacturer of ship rigging. During his boyhood Mr. Whiting attended the schools of Fairhaven and after completing his education engaged in farming, which occupation he con- tinued for five years. In 1868 he established a meat and provision business on Cen- ter street, Fairhaven, and still conducts the business at the location upon which he started, his store being one of the old landmarks. He is a member of Concordia Lodge, F. & A. M., and m politics he is a Republican. In 1868 he married Sarah F. Bowen, daughter of Anson D^ Bowen of Fairhaven, and they have three children : Elisha S., jr., Elsie L. and Sarah. Whiting, F. M. (deceased), was born in North Attleborough, April 21, 1849. His father, William D. Whiting, was a descendant of William Whiting of Boston, Eng- land, who was taxed as a citizen there in 1333. John Whiting was mayor of that borough in 1600 and 1608 His son, Samuel, a minister of the established church, failed to conform to all its tenets and emigrated to the American colonies in 1636, settling at Lynn, Mass. Nathaniel Whiting emigrated from Boxford, Suffolk county, England, in 1635, and settled in Wrentham, where he was one of the orig- inal land owners of that town. He married Hannah Dwight, September 4, 1643. David, the fourth generation from Nathaniel, married Hannah Wollcott, and their son, Capt. Lemuel Whiting, married, July 2, 1811, Nancy, daughter of Oliver and Polly (Daggett) Blacklnton. His eldest son was William Dean Whiting, born De- cember 23, 1815, who spent his first years on his father's farm, his father dying when he was seven years old, and he at once began to support himself working out by the day. When fourteen years of age he became an apprentice to Draper & Tifts, jeweler manufacturers, and for six years gave his entire attention to it, which busi- ness he thoroughly mastered and became an expert. In 1837 he was appointed fore- man of H. M. Richards's shop at East Attleborough, and in 1839 began business for himself in a modest way. In 1840 he organized and founded the firm of Tift & Whiting, with a joint capital of $500. From this starting point resulted the business house of W. D. Whiting, at present Frank M. Whiting & Co., which is known and recognized throughout the United States and Europe. In 1839, December 17, he PERSONAL REFERENCES. 231 married Rebecca Damon, daughter o£ Pitt and Lucy (Damon) Butterfield of Ded- ham. Frank M. Whiting was born April 21, 1849, educated at Norwich Military- Academy at Northfield, Vt, and was graduated in 1868, receiving the degree of B.S. He then entered the factory of his father, remaining there until 1878, when he or- ganized the firm of Holbrook, Whiting & Albee, which continued up to 1880. His father then purchased the interests of Messrs. Holbrook and Albee and the firm name was changed to and continued to be Frank M. Whiting & Co. In 1881, June 21, he married Florence L, daughter of Edwin and Dorcas (Doane) Hancock, whose family were among the pioneer settlers of Wrentham, having received a grant of land from the queen covering the entire town. Mr. and Mrs. Whiting had two daughters, Marion D. and Helen J. For some time before Mr. Whiting's death, which occurred May 28, 1892, he had received warning not only from his friends, but from nature, that his end was near, but his indomitable energy would not allow him to give up. He was interested in the public events of his town, a director in North Attleborough National Bank and many other enterprises and societies. Of him it may well be said "an honest man is the noblest work of God." Whitmarsh, William Zebina, treasurer of the Dighton Stove Lining Co., was born in Dighton, October 31, 1840, a son of William B. and Abbie F. (Atwood) Whit- marsh. He received his early education in the public schools of Dighton and the Dighton Academy. At the close of his school days he went to sea and followed it for a number of years. In 1870 he was appointed as station agent for the Old Colony Railroad at Dighton, and this position he held for twelve years, when he left to accept the one he now fills as treasurer of the Dighton Stove Lining Company. Mr. Whitmarsh is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Royal Arch Chapter, and the K. of H. In November, 1880, he married Lydia R., daughter of Daniel H. and Emily N. (Nichols) Horton, and they have one daughter, Florence Esther, born April 29, 1883. Wilbar, Joseph Edwards, was born in Taunton, July 9, 1832, a son of Joseph and Fanny M. (Lincoln) Wilbar. His early education was obtained in the schools of his native town, and at the age of seventeen he entered the office of register of deeds for the Northern District of Bristol county, as clerk for his father, who was register at the time, continuing in that position until 1860, when he was appointed postmas- ter of Taunton, which position he held until 1865. On retiring from the post-office he re-entered the register's office, serving as clerk and assistant register until his election as register in January, 1874. Mr. Wilbar succeeded his father, who was register for almost thirty-three years, and has held the office continuously since his first election. Mr. Wilbar has been a trustee of the Bristol County Savings Bank since January, 1874, and its president since January, 1882. He is also a director in the Bristol County National Bank. Mr. Wilbar married Emma Barrows of Norton, daughter of Albert and Harriet (Ide) Barrows, and they have five children : Albert E. , Arthur L. , Charles B. , Helen M. and Louise R. Wilbur, Hubert Granville, physician and surgeon, son of Benjamin and Ruth (Wilbur) Wilbur, was born in Washington county, Maine, December 18, 1859. His grandfather, William W. Wilbur, was a native of Massachusetts and migrated to Maine during the early history of the State soon after its admission to the Union in 1820. After the death of his father, Dr. Wilbur came with his sisters to Fall River, 232 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. where he attended the public schools, graduating from the High School in 1882. He worked his own way through the High School by teaching in the evening schools and by other work. He entered Harvard in 1882 and was graduated in 1886. Dur- ing those years he was employed in the summer months in order to make money to pay his way through college. After spending one year as a canvasser he matricu- lated at Harvard Medical School in 1887, receiving his degree from that institution in 1889, having pursued part of his medical course while a student in the classical department. He was house physician at the Boston City Hospital for eighteen months, and for six months was assistant in a private institution for mental and nerv- ous diseases. In August, 1891, Dr. Wilbur began his practice in Fall River, where he has since continued as a general practitioner with encouraging success. He is a member of Fall River Medical Society since 1889, and of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He is on the staff of the Emergency Hospital of Fall River and was elected a member of the Boston Medico-Psychological Society in 1889. November 24, 1892, Dr. Wilbur married Evangeline S. Ward, daughter of John and Susan Ward of Boston. Of this union are two children: Hubert Ray and John Cotter Wilbur. Wilcox, Daniel Seabury, son of Allan and Content (Tripp) Wilcox, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., December 8, 1837. His early education was obtained in the public schools and at the age of twenty-one he began farming on his own account. He has devoted his entire life to agriculture and has been suc- cessful. He married, in June, 1879, Ruth A. , daughter of Uriah Head of Dart- mouth, and five children have been born to them: Mary C, Herbert A., Flora M., Ruth A. and Daniel J. In politics Mr. Wilcox has always been a Republican. The family is one of the oldest of this section, Mr. Wilcox being directly descended from William Wilcox, who came from England about 1630. The farm on which lives has been in the possession of the family since 1796. Both his father and grandfather were well known and highly respected in the community. Wilcox, Joseph, jr., eldest son of Joseph and Rebecca (Perkins) Wilcox, was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 9, 1808. (His ancestry is mentioned in connection with the sketch of Thomas Wilcox.) He was educated in the public schools of New Bedford and at the Friends' School in Providence and afterward learned the trade of carriage maker in his native town with Peleg Clark. Later he went to sea and be- came a master mariner, making some four whaling voyages. Subsequently he lived a retired life until his death, January 16, 1898. Captain Wilcox was widely respected and esteemed ; he was very methodical, scrupulously honest, and kind hearted, and took a deep interest in the affairs of his city. June 2, 1831, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary Rice of Boston, and they had three children: Mary Eliz- abeth of New Bedford; Henry Perkins of Indianapolis, Ind. ; and Rebecca P., who married Charles E. Ellis of New Bedford. Mrs. Wilcox died in July, 1897. Wiley, William John, manager of the Academy of Music, a son of Robert and Mary Wiley, was born in Fall River, April 14, 1854. His parents came to Fall River from the north of Ireland in 1852. Mr. Wiley received his educational training in the public schools of his native city and spent three years in the High School. He then accepted the position of clerk in the Weetamoe Mills and remained several years in that capacity, when he became bookkeeper and later head salesman for P. D. Conant & Co. of Fall River, continuing with that firm fourteen years. In 1888 Mr. Wiley PERSONAL REFERENCES. 233 became manager of the Fall River Academy of Music, which position he at present fills. He is also agent for the N. B. Borden estate in the management of the Borden block on South Main street. He was a member of the Common Council from Ward 6 for one term, held the office of alderman for Ward 9 for seven years, and was the Republican nominee for mayor of Fall River against Dr. J. H. Coughlin, who was elected. Mr. Wiley married Clara Louise Macomber of Fall River, and they have two children ; George S. and Robert M. Williams, G. B. — George Bassett, and Edwin Williams, are sons of George and Harriet (Bassett) Williams of Raynham, Mass. George B. was born March 31, 1844, and Edwin December 29, 1856. They both received their education in the pub- lic schools and then attended the Bristol Academy at Taunton, and Pierce Academy at Middleborough. After their school days were over they worked with their father on the farm, engaged in fishing on Taunton River, and in the manufactory of box boards. In 1875 George B. took the business and continued it until 1879, when Ed- win was admitted partner and the firm has remained the same up to the present time. They are both members of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M. of Taunton. George B. was married January 23, 1879, to Caroline B. Dyer of New Bedford. They have one son, George Everett, born July 22, 1891. Edwin was married June 15, 1884, to Carolyn F. Young of Matinicus, Me. She died March 20, 1897. Williams, Harry S., son of Nathan and Caroline T. (Richmond) Williams, was born in Taunton, Mass., January 23, 1864. His father was also a native of Taunton, and a well known box and cask manufacturer, his planing mill being located at East Taunton. He was for many years one of the selectmen of the town, a member of the first Board of Aldermen after the change of government, and has since served several times on the board, representing Wards 4 and 5. Mr. Williams is a member of one of the oldest New England families, being a lineal descendant and seventh of the line of Richard Williams, who was one of the earliest settlers of Taunton, of con- siderable prominence in colonial history and a brother of Roger Williams. The direct line of the family has been continued in Taunton and vicinity from the original settlement. During his boyhood Mr. Williams attended the Taunton public schools and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1882. Subsequently he en- tered Harvard University, remaining two years, and later entered the Boston Uni- versity School of Law, which he attended until the spring of 1887. In the fall of 1887 he went to New York city and entered the law office of Jackson & Hubbell (Gen. Joseph C. Jackson and Charles B. Hubbell). After the dissolution of this firm he continued with Mr. Hubbell in the firm of Safford & Hubbell and later in the firm of Hubbell, Safford & Wickes (Charles B. Hubbell, W. H. Safford and Thomas P. Wickes, then assisiant corporation counsel of the city of New York. ) In each of these law firms Mr. Williams was managing clerk ; he remained with the last mentioned firm until 1892. Mr. Williams was admitted to the New York bar in June, 1890, and in 1892 began to practice at No. 3 Broad street, where he continued until he removed to Taunton in May, 1894. Mr. Williams has always been affiliated with the Repub- lican party and is a member of the Republican City Committee. In 1895 he was elected city solicitor and filled the office with ability. He formed a partnership with Lloyd E. White, under the firm name of White & Williams, in 1896. Mr. Williams married, July 5, 1896, Alice E., daughter pfjCapt. James B, poswell,r.a native of dd 234 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Salem, Mass., but who spent most of his life in Shanghai, China. Of their union is one daughter, Florence Boswell Williams. Williams, Philander, was born in Taunton, February 7, 1829, a son of Simeon and Eliza Ann (Leonard) Williams. In early life he attended the public schools and Bristol Academy, and then went to work for his father and at the age of sixteen could make and burn a kiln of bricks. Not being satisfied with this, in 1845 he left on a whaling cruise of three years, and when he returned from this he engaged in shoemaking, which he followed for six or seven years. During this time he had been married and when he was twenty-six years old his wife died. He was then employed as a clerk in the grocery store of Jackson & Dean, in the same location as he is to- day. Shortly after Mr. Dean retired and Mr. Williams bought his interest and it was carried on as Jackson & Williams, and remained so for twelve years. One year of this time was spent in the army, where he was second lieutenant of Co. K, 4th Regiment, M. V. M. When Mr. Jackson retired Mr. Williams took the entire charge of the store and runs it to-day under the name of P. Williams & Co. He has been one of the trustees of the Bristol County Savings and director of the Bristol County National Bank for a number of years. He has been married twice, first, in 1852, to Nancy T. Walker of Raynham, and second, in 1857, to Amelia A. Hall of Taunton, and the have two sons: Charles T. and Allston E. Williams, Dr. William E., dentist, was born in Warren, R. I., March 12, 1827. His parents, Thomas C. and Eliza (Smith) Williams, were descendants of -early set- tlers in Rhode Island; his father was cashier of the Hope Bank at Warren; his grandfather resided at Newport, where his father was born. Dr. Williams was ed- ucated in the public schools of his native town and then learned the jewelry busi- ness, which he followed for two years. Owing to impaired health he discontinued that business and began the study of dentistry in an office at Warren. After hav- ing carefully prepared himself for his profession he practiced for one year at Nan- tucket and removed to Fall River the year it was incorporated a city. The pop- ulation has increased nearly ninefold since he became a resident. When Dr. Will- iams came to Fall River there were but two practicing dentists in the city. Owing to his skill and special aptitude for his profession he soon built up a large busi- ness, which he has continuously held during the long period of forty-four years. He was the first dentist in Bristol county to manufacture and use nitrous-oxide gas for extracting teeth without pain. When he began his profession dentistry was still in its infancy; it was practiced as an art but had not been reduced to a science. There were, however, some skillful operators. Dr. Williams in his early practice made some of his own instruments and dental supplies. By close atten- tion to business and long and successful experience he kept in touch with the ad- vancement and improvements and has always held high rank in his profession. Dr. Williams married Susan T. Hathaway in 1849, who died in 1891, leaving one daughter, Emma, wife of George F. Mellen of Fall River. Williston, Charles H., was born in Tiverton, R. I., September 8, 1859, a son of Simeon H. and Deborah (Sanford) Williston. His father, a seafaring man, sailed in the coastwise trade from ports in this locality several years. When Mr. Williston was a youth the family removed to Fall River (1868). Here he attended the common schools, and also received a part of his early educational training in his native town. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 235 At an early age he began an apprenticeship under John Haskill, who introduced concrete paving in Fall River ; some of the concrete walks made by him twenty-five years ago are still in existence, notably those on Second street. Mr. Haskill also conducted an extensive business in gravel roofing. At his death in August, 1877, Mr. Williston succeeded to the business, although then a comparatively young man ; he has since conducted it, and with considerable success, employing at different times nearly two hundred men and taking large contracts for the municipality. He also carries on an extensive business in neighboring cities and villages. Mr. Willis- ton is well known in Fall River, is an enthusiastic yachtsman and has a wide fra- ternal connection. He is a member of Narragansett Lodge of Masons; Friendly Union Lodge of Odd Fellows ; Annawan Lodge and the Uniformed Rank, Massa- soit Division of the Knights of Pythias ; and the Improved Order of Red Men. In 1877 he married Sarah E., daughter of Thomas and Sally (Winslow) Greene of Taun- ton, and they have four children : Clarence H. , Herbert Arthur, Sanford Williston, and Lester Shaw Williston. Wilmarth, Edwin B., was born in Attleborough, October 29, 1849, a son of Thomas Wilmarth, also a native of the same town ; he married Betsey, daughter cf Daniel Grant, and died in 1868. Edwin B. Wilmarth was educated in the common schools and learned the machinist's trade. In 1870 he entered the employ of V. H. Blackinton, and after Mr. Blackinton's death in 1888, purchased one-half of the business, and they are making a line of badges, souvenirs, etc. In 1873 he married Kate A. Gordan, and they have four sons and two daughters: Alpha, Harry S., Ed- win R., Gordan S., Elsie May and Etta B. Wilson, George, was born, October 1, 1813, in Windham, N. H., where he spent his boyhood, and where he received a common school education. In 1827 he entered, as a bobbin boy, one of the Merrimac Mills in Lowell, and remained two years, and then apprenticed himself for three years to learn cotton goods mannfacturing, receiv- ing forty-two cents per day for the first year, fifty cents the second, and fifty-eight cents the third. He worked thirteen hours a day, and out of his wages he paid for his board and clothes. He then left Lowell and came to New Bedford, where he en- tered the employ of Timothy Drew. Soon, however, he became associated with John Howland, jr., and so continued for four years, living with the latter's mother, Reliance, widow of John Howland, sr., who did much toward forming Mr. Wilson's character and fit him for later responsibilities. During this period he saved some money, and in 1836 he purchased his first horse and truck and commenced the team- ing business, which he successfully carried on for thirty years. In 1850 he formed a copartnership with Hon. John H. Perry, and for seventeen years the firm of John H. Perry & Co. conducted a. successful coal, paint and trucking business at the corner of South Water and Walnut streets. Mr. Wilson was for four years president, direc- tor, and superintendent of the New Bedford Tanning Company and for three years a partner with Dennison Brothers, grain and flour dealers, and has also been the president and treasurer of the Gosnold Mills and a director of the Mt. Washington Glass Company, the New Bedford Street Railway Company, and the Fall River Railroad Company. He held every office from torch boy to chief engineer, except that of clerk, in the New Bedford Fire Department, was a member of the Common Council and of the Board of Aldermen, and for four years served the city of New 236 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bedford as mayor. His energy, integrity and ability have won for him universal esteem and confidence. Wing, John, was born in East Sandwich, Mass., April 3, 1831, a son of Abraham and Rebecca (Tucker) "Wing. His father, a farmer, was a native and lifelong res- ident of East Sandwich, and a prominent and well respected citizen. He was ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of salt ; his mother was a descendant of one of the old pioneer families of Dartmouth, Mass. During his boyhood Mr. Wing at- tended the Friends' School at Providence, R. I., for three years and later Paul Wing's boarding school at Spring Hill, Mass., two years. He came to New Bedford in the spring of 1847 and learned the cooper's trade, which he carried on in company with David and Thomas Peirce ; later he was engaged in the retail grocery business in New Bedford for a period of nine years, and then connected himself with the late Ezra Kelley, in the manufacture of the world renowned Kelley's Watch, Clock and Chronometer Oils. Of this business he is now the sole proprietor. Mr. Wing has been a. prominent citizen of New Bedford, once a candidate for mayor, and a mem- ber of the Council three years and of the Board of Aldermen of like period. He is a. member of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows and has passed through all the degrees. Mr. Wing married, in January, 1855, Joanna R., only daughter of the late Ezra and Nancy Kelley of New Bedford. Wing, Samuel, eldest son of Levi and Rachael S. (Swift) Wing, was born in the town of Fairhaven, Bristol county, Mass., October 2, 1842. He received his early education in the public schools and for a few years worked on the farm with his father, then served two years' apprenticeship at carpentering with Nahum Dean of Taunton, Mass. Ill health caused him to abandon the carpenter's trade and after one year he secured a position in the box factory of Emery Cushman, where he was employed for three years, then removed to New York city, where he was employed in a similar plant. Later he returned to Acushnet, where he has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Wing married. May 20, 1866, Mary A., daughter of Barnabas N. and Phoebe (Swift) Douglass, and they had three children: Harold C, Chester B. (deceased), and Alfred B. Wise, Louis W., was born in North Attleborough, October 3, 1856, educated in North Attleborough and at the age of eighteen years entered the employ of T. I. Smith & Co., becoming a member of the firm in 1887. In 1882 he married Agnes J., daughter of Lucien A. Cooke of Franklin, and they have two sons, Louis R. and E. Linwood. Mr. Wise is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters. He is a member of Bristol Lodge, Bristol Commandery and King Hiram Chapter, and has ever received and merited the re- spect of his associates. Withington, George G., was born July 26, 1831, son of George Richards Minot and Laurinda Gardener Withington, of Bolton. His father during life was identified as a barrister and traces his descent back to the family of Henry Withington of Dor- chester. Mr. Withington was educated at Lancaster Academy and Meadville Theo- logical School and was ordained at Hillsboro, 111., coming to Easton, Mass., in 1858, where he presided in the First Parish Unitarian Congregational Church for thirteen years, when owing to ill health he retired. He afterwards for three or four years PERSONAL REFERENCES. 237 taught in the High School of Easton, Mass., and in 1875 he began the drug business, in which he is at present engaged. He has been on the School Committee for twelve years and town clerk and treasurer for the town of Easton for twenty-three years, which position he now honorably holds. He was married on January 22, 1860, to Ellen Jeanette, daughter of Hon. Elijah and Nancy Johnson Howard, of Easton, and they have one child, Nettie Louise. Mr. Withington is an honored member of the Paul Dean Lodge of Free Masons, of Easton, and in 1869 was second master of that order; a member of the Pilgrim Royal Arch Chapter, and of the Old Colony Commandery of Abington. In 1896 he represented Easton, Mass., in the Second District, in the Legislature. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Withington is one of Easton's highly respected citizens, taking an interest in his town and has ever en- deavored to advance the best interests of its people. Wood, Cornelius, was born in England, May 27, 1827, and came to this country in 1850, settling in Taunton, where he went to work for James Darke, house and sign painter, and remained with him two years. He then went into business with him and continued for three years under the name of Darke & Wood. In 1855 the firm was dissolved by mutual consent and Mr. Wood started for himself in about the present location and has followed it up to the present time, making forty-three years he has been in business for himself. He carries a. large line of paper hangings, paints, oils and glass, in addition to the painting and glazing department. Mr. Wood was a member of the City Council in 1876 and the Board of Aldermen in 1877, 1878 and 1883. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. He was married in England in 1849, to Sarah Darke, and they have one son living, who is in business with his father, William H. Wood, George R., is a native of New Bedford, born May 11, 1852, a son of Henry T. and Anna (Russell) Wood. During his early boyhood he attended the public schools of New Bedford and later entered the Friends' School at Providence, R. I. , from which he was graduated in 1870. He gained his first business experience as a clerk in a. grocery store owned by Tucker & Cummings, in whose employ he re- mained one year, and after spending another year in the employ of his father went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he secured employment as a bookkeeper in a large dry goods house and remained in that capacity for four years. In 1876 he again became connected with his father's business and at the latter's death succeeded with his brother, Edmund Wood, to their father's interest, forming a copartnership with an uncle who had been a partner of Henry T. Wood. The business which was started on a small scale has grown to extensive proportions and in addition to conducting a lumber yard and planing mill, and a business in builders' supplies, the firm also have established a considerable export trade. The firm name of Greene & Wood has never been changed, although Augustus A. Greene, who in 1848 was associated in the establishment of the business with Henry T. Wood, had been retired for sev- eral years prior to the latter's death. Mr. George R. Wood has done much to build up the trade and is a well known figure among builders and contractors in this vi- cinity. He is an earnest Republican in politics, but with the exception of three years in the School Committee, has never held public office, In 1888 he married Isabelle, daughter of Joshua Richmond of New Bedford, and they have two sons: Richmond and Russell. 238 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. "Wood & Co., John A. — This is one of the oldest business enterprises of its kind in Bristol county. It was established in 1848 by John A. Wood and William O. Brown- ell, under the firm name of Wood & Brownell. They started in a small way, cater- ing principally to the retail trade, and later adding a shipping and commission busi- ness. About 1881 the firm name was changed to its present form and its business relations confined entirely to wholesale dealing in provisions and produce. At the death of John A. Wood, in 1892, William H. Wood, his son, took charge of the busi- ness, which has now, owing to the prestige gained by long establishment, grown to considerable proportion. Wood, William G. , of the firm of Greene & Wood, was born in that section of Fair- haven which is now included in Acushnet, in 1833, being a son of Thomas and Bet- sey P. Wood. He received his education in the common schools of New Bedford and in the Friends' School of Providence, R. 1. After leaving school in 1832 he entered the employ of Greene & Wood as a clerk and became a partner in 1861. The firm, which is more fully mentioned elsewhere in this work, now consists of William G. Wood, George R. Wood and Edmund Wood. William G. Wood's connection with the business as clerk and partner covers a period of nearly half a century. Although one of the representative business men of the city Mr. Wood has never been promi- nent in public affairs, and the only public position he ever filled was as a member for two years of the board of overseers of the poor. In 1859 he married Eliza H. , adopted daughter of John A. Delano of New Bedford. Woods, William Sylvester, was born in Newburyport, Mass., November 16, 1869, a son of John J. and Anna (Kelley) Woods. He received his education in the public schools of Newburyport, Harvard College and Harvard Law School, graduating from the latter in June, 1895. He was admitted to the Suffolk county bar in April, 1895, and in September of that year opened an office in Taunton. In January, 1898, Mr. Woods was elected city solicitor. Mr. Woods is one of the rising young lawyers, and is destined to make his mark in some of the legal contests of the county. Woodward, Alden Palmer, was born in Raynham, December 10, 1853, a son of Will- iam Perrin and Catherine Mandana (Palmer) Woodward. His education was obtained in the Taunton public schools and the Bristol Academy. Upon leaving school he went with his father in the restaurant business and remained with him until 1871, and engaged with the Taunton Silver Plate Co., and learned the trade of britannia worker, which he followed for about eight years and then returned to his father and worked for him until 1889, at which time he bought him out and has since continued the business in his own name. He is a member of several local clubs. May 10, 1877, he married Helen Gordon, daughter of P. T. and Hannah (Southworth) Washburn, and they had two daughters: Maude Washburn, born November 29, 1878; and Marian Alden, born September 27, 1880, died July 6, 1896. ( Woodward, Horace Alverdo, was born in Raynham, August 20, 1856, a son of William Perrin and Catherine Mandana (Palmer) Woodward. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days went to work for his father in his present location and has continued up to the present time, with the exception of a brief interval, and has carried on the business in his own name since 1894. Mr. Woodward is an artist in oils and has sold many pieces PERSONAL REFERENCES. 239 from his brush to critics both in and out of the city and has received high commend- ation from some of the best judges of art in the State. He is a member of the American Order of Foresters, and the Apollo Club. August 17, 1878, he married Rebecca Evelyn Bullock of Taunton, daughter of Clark J. and Rebecca (Hathaway) Bullock, and they have had four children : William Alverdo, Claude Munroe, Made- line Eva and Pearl Eveline, deceased. Wordell, Perry Chase, the youngest son of Holder and Rachael (Wordell) Wordell, was born in North Westport, Mass., May 7, 1854. His parents removed to the town of Dartmouth when he was six years of age, and there he attended the public schools. Mr. Wordell has devoted his entire life to farming and especially to the raising and handling of produce. December 24, 1877, he married Carrie I., daugh-* ter of Benjamin R. and Elizabeth (Thurston) Wordell, and they have had seven chil- dren: Harry F., Lionel, Clayton P., Martin D., Frederick S. , Grace B. and Leroy. Mr. Wordell is a Republican in politics. He is a pleasant, affable man, has been the architect of his own fortune, and enjoys the confidence of many friends. Young, John M. , coal merchant, and member of the firm of Pardee & Young, is a native of Pollokshaws, Renfrewshire, Scotland, in which country he obtained his education. In 1856 he came to America, landing on Easter Sunday in New York. During the following nine years he was employed in flouring mills in Buffalo and Rochester, N. Y. , and in 1865 came to Fall River, where for three years he worked in the flouring mills of Chace & Mason. From 1868 to 1874 he was secretary and librarian of the Fall River Y.M. C.A. He next was employed with M. T. Bennett in the coal business for three years, and in 1878 entered into partnership with Charles A. Pardee in the coal business on Davol street, under the firm name of Pardee & Young. They first leased the wharf and later purchased their present place where they have done a very large business as wholesale and retail dealers in coal. Mr. Young has been a director of the Troy Co-operative Bank since its organization in 1880, and for several years has been chairman of the security committee of that insti- tution. Three years he was supreme treasurer of the American Order of Druids and was chairman of the Fall River Board of Health until he resigned on account of other duties. In 1867 he married Margaret J. Blake, a native of Nova Scotia, and they have three children: Elmer B., John M., jr., and Edwin R. Adams, George L., was born in Hazardville, Conn., June 4, 1866. His father, Rev. H. D. Adams, was a native of Plainfield county, and for twenty years was identified with the ministry of the M. E. church ; he married Ruth Bridge. George L. was educated in the Wilbraham Academy and in 1886 came to Attleborough, where he learned the jeweler's trade. In 1893 he established his present business of coal and wood. In 1892 Mr. Adams married Bertha Stevens. Mr. Adams is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Albert, James B., son of David and Ruth (Lake) Albert, was born in Tiverton, R.I., September 11, 1846. As a boy he attended the public schools of Fall River and worked on his father's farm. After leaving school he was variously engaged, prin- cipally at the mason's and machinist's trades. In 1861 he enlisted in the three months service, and after receiving his discharge went to New York where he was 240 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. employed in an express office for three years. Later he went to Summerville, N. J. , and engaged in farming for two years, at the end of that time returned to Fall River to engage in the wholesale and retail grocery and meat business at his present loca- tion, 13 Stafford Road. Mr. Albert has been in business at this location for twenty years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias; the order of Elks; and the Odd Fellows. He has served one year in the Council and three on the Board of Aldermen and is now serving his fourth year in that body, there having been a lapse of thirteen years since his last term. He was a member of the old volunteer fire de- partment, having been connected with the Niagara Engine Company for five years. In 1866 he married Hannah C. Grant, daughter of Capt. Grant of Fall River, and . they have four children: Annie E., wife of Hiram Moshier, Nellie G., wife of Joseph Tilson, Charles W. and Clinton G. Aldrich, Nathaniel B., M. D., son of James M. and Louisa G. (Borden) Aldrich, was born in Fall River, February 12, 1866. He is a lineal descendant of George Aldrich, who was born in Derbyshire, England, about 1600 and came to America in November, 1631, settling in what is now Maine, and then removed to Mendon, Mass. He was the progenitor of most of the name of Aldrich in America. James M. Aldrich, father of Nathaniel B., was for over fifty years one of the leading phy- sicians of Fall River. Dr. Aldrich was educated in the public and high schools of Fall River, and at the Mowry-Goff Classical School at Providence, R. I. He en- tered the medical department of Harvard College in 1886. receiving the degree of M. D. in June, 1889. In September of the same year he began his present prac- tice in Fall River. He is a member of the Harvard Alumni Medical Association ; the Fall River Medical Society and the staff of the Emergency Hospital. In June, 1892, he married Ella M., daughter of A. L. Adsley of Fall River, and they have one son, Norman A. Aldrich, Stanley A. , son of Charles E. and Martha (Hulbert) Aldrich, was born in Woonsocket, R. I., July 6, 1866. When he was ten years of age the family removed to Fall River, where he was educated in the common and high schools. Mr. Aldrich has been in the cotton business all his life. He was first employed by W. H. Hatha- way, with whom he remained for eleven years, and then formed his present copart- nership with Richard M. Hawkins, under the firm name of Aldrich & Hawkins. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Royal Arch Chapter. April 30, 1895, he married Jane S., daughter of Judge Calvin E. Pratt of the Su- preme Court of New York, and they have one son, S. Alden Aldrich, jr. Alger, Horace Howard, was born in Easton, Mass., August 2, 1846, son of Bernard Howard and Martha (Forbes) Alger, and was educated at the common school of Easton. In his early life he worked in Lynn, Mass., on ladies' shoes; for two years was employed as a moulder in North Chelmsford, and in 1866 started in the whole- sale and retail butcher's business, in which he is still engaged. He is an honored member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., of Taunton, Mass., and is one of the progressive men of South Easton, having a host of friends, whom he entertains in royal manner yearly at a famous clambake, to which his friends come from far and near. His finely equipped house is located on the Taunton turnpike and is one of historical fame. Mr. Alger is a thorough gentleman. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 241 Allen, Walter B., was born in Hope Valley, R. I., June 18, 1859. His father, Ray G. Allen, was a native of East Greenwich, R. I. , and through life was identified in the mercantile business ; he died in 1861. Walter B. was educated in the public schools and in 1880 came to Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade with Wat- son & Newell, also was with J. M. Fisher and Blake & Claflin, and in 1896 organized the firm of Allen, Smith & Thurston, making a specialty of sterling silver novelties. Mr. Allen is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Ames, Hobart, son of Oakes Angier and Catherine (Hobart) Ames, was born August 21, 1865. His father, Oakes Angier Ames, became identified in 1863 as a member of the firm of Oliver Ames & Sons, which firm was reorganized in 1876 as a corporation known as Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation, their large works cov- ering acres, and employing a great number of men. He had charge of the machinery, and had buildings, tenements, and other branches of the large industry under his care. In 1864 he was one of the first directors of the First National Bank of North Easton, also in 1864 was among the original petitioners in incorporating the North Easton Savings Bank. He was a strong advocate of temperance and a liberal con- tributor to its cause. The family trace their descent from Captain John and Susanna (Howard) Ames and are lineal descendants of William Ames, who came to this coun- try in 1638 and settled in Braintree, Mass. Mr. Hobart Ames was educated at An- dover and Quincy Academies, and in 1877 became identified with Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation, taking an active interest along with his father, in supervising the work. Mr. Ames married Julia Hills Colony, daughter of Edward and Julia Hills Colony, of Keene, N. H. He is one of North Easton's thorough going young busi- ness men, taking a great interest in the town and the townspeople. Ames, Oliver, 2d, was born in Easton, Mass., October 21, 1864, a son of the Hon. Frederick Lothrop and Rebecca Caroline (Blair) Ames. His father, a member of the famous Oliver Ames & Sons Shovel Works, died September 13, 1893. The family trace their descent from Captain John and Susanna (Howard) Ames, and he is a lin- eal descendant of William Ames, who came to this country in 1638, and settled in Braintree, Mass. Mr. F. L. Ames was a member of the firm of Oliver Ames & Sons, also extensively identified in the railroad business, holding positions as vice-president of the old Colony Railroad Company and the old Colony Steamship Company, and he was also a director in the Western Union Telegraph Company, the Union Pacific Railway Company, the Texas Pacfiic Railway Company, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad Company, and many others. He was also president of the First National Bank of Easton and the North Easton Savings Bank, and also of the Hoosac Tunnel Dock and Elevator Company, In 1872 he was a member of the State Senate. Oliver Ames, 2d, was educated at Adams's Academy, Quincy, Mass., and at George W. C. Noble's school in Boston, and Harvard University, graduating in 1886. He soon afterwards became identified as a member of the Oliver Ames & Sons Cor- poration, manufacturers of shovels and spades. He was married, December 3, 1890, to Eliza Alger West, daughter of Preston C. F. and Olivia Seers, and they have four children: Elise, Olivia, Oliver and Richard. Mr. Ames is a member of the Boston Athletic Club, the Somerset, the Myopia Hunt Club of Hamilton, the Country Club 242 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of Brookline, Algonquin Club, the Knickerbocker, the University Club of New York, and also the Harvard Club. He is one of Easton's most progressive young men and takes an intelligent interest in school and religious matters and has ever advanced the interests of his town and townspeople. Angeny, Dr. Granville L., son of Joseph S. and Sarah D., was born in Doyleston, Pa., October 1, 1868, and was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate in pharmacy, having been engaged in that business six years prior to the study of medicine, and afterwards graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharma- cy, subsequently moving to North Easton, Mass., where he began his practice, and his success in his profession is assured. He takes an intelligent interest in school, church, and all other matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. He is a member of the old school of physicians and looks to be a rising man. He is unmarried. Anthony, John, was born in Jersey City, April 26, 1864. His-father, John An- thony, was a native of Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States in 1842. He was a silversmith by trade and took part in the late war; he died in 1879. John Anthony came to North Attleborough in 1872 and took up the jewelry trade, estab- lishing, in 1887, his present business in Attleborough, making a. specialty of eye glasses and woven wire chains. In 1887 Mr. Anthony married Josephine Duckroy, and they have two children: Edward and Laura. Ashley, A. Davis, is one of the best known business men in New Bedford. He was born in Lakeville, Plymouth county, Mass., September 26, 1851, a son of Silas P. and Phebe (Davis) Ashley. His father was for many years a prominent and re- spected citizen of Lakeville; Mr. Ashley was educated in the common schools in the vicinity of his home and in the Pierce Academy at Middleborough. When six- teen years old he began the mason's trade, under William Hale, of Taunton, with whom he remained about two years, and then worked at his trade in Providence, R. I., and Worcester, Mass., until 1871, when he came to New Bedford, and shortly after he formed a copartnership with George Pickens for the conduct of a retail grocery, provision, and dry goods store under the firm name of Pickens & Ashley. They located on the west side of Purchase street, south of Linden, and continued for four years, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Ashley associated him- self with L. T. Smith under the style of Ashley & Smith, and they moved into a building which he had erected with a view of giving the business better quarters. The business was very successful, the firm conducting a perfectly appointed general store and dealing in clothing, boots and shoes, dry goods, wood, coal, groceries and provisions. The partnership being dissolved in 1877, Mr. Ashley continued the business alone for one year. Then he formed a copartnership with C. S. Wilcox for the conduct of his boot and shoe business, and two years later built a block on the east side of Purchase street, near Hazard, and put in two stores, the boot and shoe business being moved into the north side of this block and the grocery business in the south side. He took into partnership, in the dry goods branch of the business, Will- ard H. Morse, and fitted up the north half of the original store for its accommodation, and about three years later he sold his interest to Mr. Morse, who moved the busi- ness to a new building on Purchase street, and in the store thus vacated he estab- lished a strictly cash grocery store, while also continuing his credit store in the other PERSONAL REFERENCES. 243 building. He continued these various enterprises for a number of years, but gradu- ally withdrew and established a carriage business, which he still continues, being one of the leading carriage dealers in Bristol county, and handling an immense stock. In his association with L. T. Smith, Mr. Ashley began the manufacture of Honey Balsam, which gradually attained a wide sale, and later he began the manu- facture of a new product, Red Sea Balsam, and both of these are now extensively sold throughout New England States. Mr. Ashley is an active and energetic man, possessed of much business ability. Ashley, Charles S., mayor of New Bedford, is a son of Joshua B. Ashley, a suc- cessful carriage manufacturer, and was born in New Bedford, September 5, 1858. He was graduated from the Parker Street Grammar School and at the remarkably early age of seventeen engaged in the market business with Fred Covell, the firm name being Covell & Ashley. Mr. Covell soon retired on account of ill health and Mr. Ashley continued the business with increasing success, extending it in 1889 into wholesale lines in smoked meats, etc. Later he sold out and with Stephen D. Pierce engaged in the clothing and furnishing goods trade, in which he continued under the firm name of Pierce & Ashley until 1897. Mr. Ashley has long been a prominent Democrat ; he was elected to the Common Council in 1884 and a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1886 and 1887. He was a candidate for mayor in 1888 and 1889 and was elected to that office in 1890, 1891, 1896, 1897 and 1898. He was also postmaster of New Bedford during the last Cleveland administration. Mr. Ashley is a man who is eminently well fitted by nature for public position, being possessed of a strong character and firm in judgment, but withal of courteous and pleasing personality. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., Wamsutta, Dartmouth and Merchants Clubs of New Bedford and the Mayor's Club of Massachusetts, Ashley, Frank H. , son of Charles P. and Betsey (Russell) Ashley, was born in the town of Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., May 5, 1853, and obtained his early educa- tion in the public sohools of his native town, at Newtonville, and at a private school in New Bedford. After completing his schooling he went to Taunton, where he learned the machinist's trade and where he was employed for a period of two years. At the end of that time he removed to Fall River and accepted a position with Dr. J. M. Aldridge, in whose employ he remained for two years ; he then entered a ma- chine shop that was just established, where he was engaged at his trade for a time, when his health failed and he severed his connection with the concern and removed to Freetown, engaging there in the poultry business, which he conducted for about two years. Not being satisfied with this vocation, he began farming, which he has continued successfully. Mr. Ashley has always taken an active interest in town affairs, having served as selectman, surveyor, and numerous minor offices. He is also a member of Shawmut Grange and is well respected by all who know him. Ashley, Henry Thayer, son of Thomas and Lucretia (Thayer) Ashley, was born in New Bedford, August 5, 1849. His father, who had been a farmer and later a hotel proprietor in the city of New Bedford, died when Henry was an infant, and there- fore his education was limited to the common schools. At an early age he began work, principally at farming. In June, 1868, he shipped on the bark " Oak " of Nan- tucket, and made a whaling voyage of twenty-seven months. On his return he en- 244 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. gaged in teaming and later in the milk business ; at different periods since he has engaged in this latter business, farming, and in the meat business, and by earnest industry has gained a considerable property. Mr. Ashley has served four years in the City Council from Ward 1. He is a member of Star in the East Lodge of Ma- sons. In December, 1877, he married Bettie H., daughter of Samuel Weston of New Bedford, and two children have been born to them: Henry Thomas and Emma May. Ashley, Isaac L., son of Rudolphus and Ruth (Parker) Ashley, was born in New Bedford, May 2, 1858. His father was a. lifelong resident of New Bedford and a prominent farmer and merchant. He served for some years as superintendent of streets. Isaac L. Ashley attended the common schools and then went into the em- ploy of the Weston Lumber Co. as a salesman ; later he was employed as a clerk for eight years by the New Bedford Ice Company. In 1884 he started a livery and boarding stable on Fourth street, where he has ever since continued with success, having now one of the largest and best equipped stables in this vicinity. He has served for three years as councilman and one as alderman from the Fifth ward, and has been active in political circles. He is a member of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fel- lows. In 1883 he married Fannie C, daughter of William Neal of New Bedford, and they have three sons: Isaac L., jr., Clifton F. and Courtney P. Ashley, Mary P., is a daughter of Pardon Nye and "Sally Ashley, and granddaugh- ter of Nathan Nye and his wife, Lucy Bennett. Her grandfather was born in 1750, her grandmother in 1752. Mrs. Ashley was born December 26, 1825, in Fairhaven, Mass., and lived with her parents until April 18, 1842, when she married John S. Ashley, who was born in Rochester, Mass., March 3, 1817, and died October 18, 1871 _ They had ten children: John N., born August 14, 1843, died October 1, 1863; Otis Sherman, born January 29, 1846, died July 26, 1863 ; George, born February 2, 1848, died October 6, 1852; Helen Nye, born August 1, 1853, died October 25, 1863; Aman- tha Borden, born July 24, 1855 ; Fannie Fern, born July 30, 1857, died September 9, 1863; Mary Isabel, born June 22, 1859; Alice, born August 19, 1861 ; Fannie Eveline, born August 26, 1862 ; and Ira Earl, born January 16, 1865, died March 2, 1865. Mr. Ashley was a son of John S. Ashley and Mary Brown, and a grandson of John Ash- ley and Charity Sherman. He spent the greater part of his life in the contracting and building business. Austin, Sarah A., daughter of Alonzo Stone and his wife, Mary A. Sturtevant, was born in the town of Fairhaven, Mass. , February 4, 1843. Her father was born July 31, 1808, and died November 29, 1888. Her mother was born in Mattapoisett, Plymouth county, Mass., September 4, 1807, and is now living and is in possession of all her faculties. Sarah Stone remained at home with her parents until October 16. 1873, when she was married to Hiram Austin; they had six children: Reuben A., born September 14, 1874; Lester M., born June 23, 1877; Harry S., born May 4, 1880; Winefred (deceased); Ira B., born August 8, 1884; and Maud S., born April 14, 1886. Babcock, Abbott H., was born in Attleborough, April 15, 1849, a son of Harford and Lydia (Barrows) Babcock. His father was a manufacturer of thread, and in 1851 established the paper box manufactory, which has been continued for half a century. Abbott H. Babcock married in 1876, Eva L., daughter of Marcus Fisher, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 245 He is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and towns- people. Ballou, Walter, was born in Cumberland, R. I , February 20, 1835. His father, Preston Ballou, was a native of the same town, where the family were among the pioneer settlers. Preston Ballou married Harriet Brown and through life was a stone cutter by trade; he died in 1839. Walter Ballou was educated in the common schools and in 1851 learned the jewelei-'s trade with W. H. Robinson, was em- ployed by several firms, and in 1863 engaged in business for himself, continuing up to the present time. In 1856 he married Ann E., daughter of Rufus Briggs, and they have one son and two daughters: Walter B., Mrs. Myra A. Freeman and Helen G Cutter. Mr. Ballou is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and is a member of Bristol Lodge. Barden, Hon. Frank I., was born in Franklin, Mass., December 4, 1857, a son of Thomas A. Barden. He was educated in the common schools and at the age of seventeen entered the store of his father, afterwards becoming a partner in the business, which through his influence was extended and moved to its present loca- tion. Thomas A. Barden retired and his sons, Frank I. and Walter, are at the pres- ent time the leading clothiers and dealers in gent's furnishing goods in North Attle- borough. In 1867 Frank I. married Harriet A. Warren, and they have one daughter, Mrs. W. F. Swift. Mr. Barden takes an active interest in all public affairs and in 1886 was elected to the Legislature. Barnard, Frank Warren, was born in Wrentham, Mass., January 3, 1853, a son of Alfred and Sarah Barnard. He was educated in the common schools of Wrentham and Day Academy. When eighteen years of age he started to learn straw hat man- ufacturing, which he followed one year, and then entered the jewelry manufacturing business at Mansfield, continuing in that for three years. On account of poor health he returned to Wrentham and farmed for two years, when he returned to Mansfield and entered the firm of H. A. Williams & Co., jewelry manufacturers. In three months they were burned out, and in 1880 he started alone and continued for five years, selling his interest in 1886 to A. A. Harrington, and accepting a position as foreman. He resigned in 1888 and accepted a position with D. E. Spaulding & Co. , which position he held until he was elected representative in 1896, and is now serv- ing his second term, and was the first man to receive the election for the second time in this district. He is also engaged in real estate and insurance. He has taken an active interest in town and county affairs, having held many offices. He is a member of St. James, F. & A. M.,and was active in the building of the Masonic building. He married Esther F. , daughter of Avery O. and Harriet (White) Dunham , and they have three children : Mary Grace, Alfred Avery and Hazel Dunham. Bartlett, Henry, son of Abner and Susan E. (Case) Bartlett, was born in Plymouth, Mass., December 25, 1858. His parents removed to New Bedford when he was an infant, and where he received his education from the public schools and the New Bedford Academy. His first business experience on his own account was in the re- tail fish business, which was established by his father. After twelve years of suc- cessful business pursuits he removed to his present farm, where he has since been 246 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. engaged in market gardening. On October 17, 1883, he married Jennie B., daugh- ter of Jonathan and Julia (Gifford) Parker, and they have two children : Alice C. and Clair. Bassett, Elton J., M. D., was born in Taunton, Mass., February 5, 1845, a son of James T. and Caroline E. (Jones) Bassett. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and after graduating from the High School went to the Lawrence Scientific School at Cambridge to study civil engineering, and afterwards went into the office of Dr. S. D. Presbrey and studied medicine with him for three years. He then entered Harvard Medical School and was graduated from there in the class of 1869. Dr. Bassett came to Taunton at once and in May of that year opened an office of his own for the general practice of medicine and surgery. He was married in May, 1869, to Caroline A. , daughter of Timothy and Ruth (Chace) Codding of Taunton, and they have no children. Bates, J. M., was born in Wickford, R. I., August 2, 1837. His father, Benoni P. Bates, was a native of Wisconsin, and was identified as a contractor and builder. He married Abbie Congdon. J. M. Bates was educated in the public schools in Rhode Island and learned the jewelry business in Providence. On September 10, 1857, he came to Attleborough and established a business for himself, in which he continued for forty years. In 1855 Mr. Bates married Sarah L., daughter of Nicholas Gardner, and they have three children: Charles R., Frank M. and Mary L. Mr. Bates is one of the conservative men of Bristol county, is president of the First Na- tional Bank ; erected the opera house block in 1886, and has ever been one of the citizens to expend his means in building up his town. Bates, William Clinton, superintendent of schools in Fall River, is a son of Dewitt C. and Sarah A. (Burbank) Bates. His father was, in early life, a teacher, and has been for more than twenty years chairman of the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Assessors of Hingham, Mass. The family is of old Puritan stock, Mr. Bates be- ing ninth of the line of Clement Bates, who came from England in 1635, and settled in Hingham. William Clinton Bates was born in Hingham, July 29, 1854. He was educated in the common schools of his native town and the Derby Academy; fitted for college at the Phillips Exeter Academy, and was graduated from Harvard, with the degree of A. B. in 1877. After graduation he accepted a postion as superintend- ent of schools at Hingham, later going to Canton and Easton in the same capacity. Mr. Bates was one of the first superintendents in New England to combine two dis- tricts, there being at that time only one or two like cases, while now there are over seventy-five. He resigned from this position to accept that of superintendent of schools in the city of Lawrence, Mass., where he remained three years, and then accepted the supervision of the Fall River schools. Mr. Bates is an educator of wide experience and holds an enviable position among the schoolmen of Massachusetts. He has been a frequent lecturer at teachers' conventions. He has been engaged in educational work in all its departments as a teacher, school officer, lecturer and writer, and is fully in touch with the advanced educational movements of the day. Mr. Bates is a man of pleasing personality and culture; he is a member of the Ma- sonic order and a member and president of the Bristol County Teachers' Associa- tion. He has also been secretary and later president of the New England Associa- tion of School Superintendents, and has been frequently honored by office in differ- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 247 ent counties and school districts in which he has served. His administration of the Fall River school system, which consists of fifty school buildings and 350 teachers, has been marked by many improvements. In August, 1885, he married Edith E. Taggart, a daughter of Robert A. and Elizabeth T. (Beck) Taggart of Ashland, Mass., and they have two children: Effie Dorothea and Clement Taggart. Battershall, J. W., M. D., was born in Troy, N. Y., May 1, 1843. His father, Lud- low A. Battershall, was a native of Canaan, N. Y. ; he married Eustatia, daughter of Joseph Ward, and through life was a citizen of Troy, where he was identified as a wholesale grocer and president of the Union Bank for thirty years. J. W. Batter- shall was educated in Troy and graduated from the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of New York city in 1874. He then entered the Pacific Mail service; spent 1876 as sanitarian inspector in New York city ; 1877 was appointed surgeon to the schoolship St. Mary ; from 1878 to 1881 was in the British Emigration service, be- tween London and Sydney, Australia; then took a voyage from London to China, as surgeon; and in 1883 came to Attleborough, where he has been in active practice up to the present time. In 1887 he married Mary H. , daughter of Robert Wolfenden, who was a graduate from the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, in 1879, spending a year in the New England Hospital, in Boston, also a year in the Nursery and Child's Hospital at West New Brighton, on Staten Island, N. Y., and has been in active practice in Attleborough for the past sixteen years. Dr. Battershall is' one of the progressive men of his town ; is a member of the Board of Health ; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Bennett, Gustavus L., is of Scotch-English descent, the first representative of the family being among the Pilgrims. He is a son of Leonard and Rebecca (Potter) Bennett, and was born in the town of Fairhaven (now Acushnet), Mass., November 26, 1836. He is a grandson of Joseph Bennett who was a soldier in the Revolution- ary war. Mr. Bennett was educated in the public schools of his native town, and when yet a boy shipped aboard a whaling ship for one voyage as an ordinary seaman ; he was promoted to second mate for one voyage ; and during the Rebellion sailed aboard a steamer from New York to Aspinwall as quartermaster. After the close of the war he went to Chicago, but being dissatisfied, returned to Acushnet, where he has since resided on his farm. He married Sarah J., daughter of Thomas and Phoebe (Pierce) Davis, and they have three children : Charles D. , Phoebe E. and Clara L. Bentley, Louis E., son of Lqring T. and Elizabeth (Colburn) Bentley, was born in Cambridge, Vt., October 11, 1861, and attended school until he was thirteen years old, when he went to work in a cotton mill, but for several years continued his edu- cation in the night schools. Mr. Bentley' s entire life has been spent in cotton manu- facturing, and his first experience as overseer was in the Grinnell Mills, in New Bed- ford, where he remained about seven years. Previously he had been a second hand for some time in the Grinnell Mills and in the mills of the Slater Manufacturing Company of Pawtucket, R. I., and in March,' 1889 he severed his connection with the Grinnell Mills to accept his present position as superintendent of the Bennett Mill No. 1; he has served on the School Committee two years. Mr. Bentley, in 1885, married Esther J., daughter ofjohn Smith of New Bedford, and they have two children : Milton J. and Bessie M. 248 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bessette, Claver, is one of the representative French Canadian citizens of New Bedford, where he has resided for the past fifteen years. He was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, in the little village of Grezne, a son of Narcisse and Clavie (Nolin) Bessette. His father was a farmer and he was reared on the farm, attending the parish schools part of the year and assisting in the farm work during the balance of the time. However, as the family was a large one, his schooling was limited, and when eighteen years old he left home and came to the United States, settling first in Connecticut. He afterwards returned to his native village and thor- oughly learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1883 he settled in New Bedford and has since been engaged in carpentering and contracting. In this latter line of work he has been very successful and affords an excellent example of what may be accomplished by industry. In 1875 he married Adeline Dim, also a native of Canada, and they have nine children: Joseph, Clarinda, Phillias, Claudea, Claver, jr., Antoinette, Eddy and Romeo. Bicknell, Capt. George F., was born in Seekonk, Mass., May 4, 1830, a son of Joseph P. and Louisa (Allen) Bicknell, and was educated in the district school in Barrington, R. I. , where his parents removed at the time he was seven years old. In 1851 he went to North Attleborough, Mass., and learned the jeweler's trade with the firm of E. I. Richards & Co. In 1854 he came to Attleborough, Mass., and en- tered the employ of Thompson, Hayward & Co., and in the same year went to Prov- idence, entering the employ of S. M. Lewis, where he remained until 1857. He went to Pawtucket, where he remained until the fall of 1857, when he established his business in Central Falls, R. I., and in 1859 returned to Attleborough. In 1862 he went to his old home in Barrington, R. I., and in connection with Col. Henry Staples was active in drilling the militia for active service in the field, he enlisting the quota for that town to fill up the 7th R. I. Infantry. He also was active in filling the sec- ond quota for Barrington, which was assigned to the 12th R. I. Infantry; enlisting in that regiment himself, he was promoted to first lieutenant and assigned to Co. E, went with the regiment to the front, was transferred to Co. C, went with the regiment to Fredericksburg, when he was discharged December 30, for reason of disability. On his way home from Washington, hearing that an engagement was imminent be- tween the contending forces, he stopped off at Baltimore, Md. , and tendered his services as volunteer to General Tyler, which were accepted, and he was placed in command of the barricades in the defenses of Baltimore during the battle of Gettys- burg, the 8th Mass. , 7th New York, and Home Guards of Baltimore reporting to him for duty. Returning in 1863 to Providence, he was authorized by Gov. James Y. Smith to open a recruiting office in Providence for the 3d R. I. Cavalry, was appointed and commissioned as first lieutenant of Co. B of that regiment, and on December 21, 1863, was promoted to captain, assigned to Co. C, and on December 31, 1863, em- barked for New Orleans, La., the regiment reporting to Gen. N. P. Banks, com- manding the Department of the Gulf. The regiment, which was attached to the 5th Cavalry Brigade, Colonel Gooding commanding, was assigned to General Franklin's Corps on the Red River Campaign, and was engaged April 9th in the battle of Pleasant Hill. On the morning of the 9th Captain Bicknell was ordered with a de- tachment to make an advance on the Texas Road, which was duly executed, he advancing General Banks's lines over three miles, which was farther than they were PERSONAL REFERENCES. 249 advanced that day, thereby capturing the enemy's advance pickets. After the battle he returned with his regiment to Alexandria and from there to New Orleans, taking part in all the raids and skirmishes during the retreat. On the 27th of September, 1864, he marched with his company and part of the regiment to Napoleonville, La., in the La Fourche District, at which place the regiment made its headquarters for nine months. Captain Bicknell was detached on court martial for three months, which was convened at Thibodeaux, after which he joined his regiment at Napoleon- ville. He was then with his company ordered to Homma, Louisiana, acting as pro- vost marshal for the parish for three months, at which time peace was declared. Returning with his command to the regiment and the war being over he tendered his resignation and was discharged June 29, 1865. After the close of the war he re- turned to Attleborough in 1866 and engaged in the jewelry business, remaining in that business until 1894, when he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, in which he is now engaged. In 1854 Captain Bicknell married Angenette Wijmarth, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Emily B. Shaw. Captain Bicknell has been a director of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association for twenty-eight years and was its vice-president for two years, declining to serve longer, and is chairman of the board of trustees of the Attleborough Tri- Centennial Fund. Bigney, James A., was born in Wentworth, Cumberland county, N. S., July 22, 1861, a son of James Bigney, of the French Huguenot line D'Aubigne, the celebrated divine and historian. James A. Bigney was educated in Nova Scotia, and in 18T9 came to North Attleborough, Mass., where he learned the jeweler's trade. In a few years he became foreman for the firm of Marsh & Bigney, which position he held until 1888, when he resigned his position and started in business for himself, the firm name being Regnell, Bigney & Co., making a specialty of ladies' jewelry and novel- ties. In 1883 Mr. Bigney married Chloe R. , daughter of Thomas W. Carpenter of Rehoboth, Mass., and they have five daughters: Louise M., Bertha C. , Mabel S. , Edythe D., and Florence L. Mr. Bigney is one of the conservative men of his town; takes an active interest in school and church matters, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Black, William Rufus, was born in Searlstown, P. E. I., August 23, 1830, and re- ceived his early education in the provincial schools. In 1850 he left the island for the United States and came to Taunton in 1852, where he began work as a carpenter and continued about five years; he then went to driving a baker's team, which he followed until the breaking out of the war in 1861. Mr. Black enlisted in the 4th Regiment, M. V. M., and on the call for troops in April, 1861, went to Boston and from there to Fortress Monroe. In 1862 the regiment was ordered to New Orleans under General Banks and remained there nine months, receiving his discharge in August, 1863. He then engaged in cotton trading in North Carolina until 1868, when he returned to Taunton and for two years was traveling salesman, and then began business as a contractor, which he still follows. In 1872 and 1873 Mr. Black was a representative to the Legislature, and in 1896 was elected to the Senate. He has been superintendent of streets and highways for four years. January 11, 1855, he married Elizabeth Dark of Devonshire, England, and they had one daughter, Emma Louise, born January 11, 1858, died September 12, 1885. Blackinton, Roswell, was born in Paterson, N. J., September 30, 1831. His father, 250 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Virgil Blackinton, was a native of Wrerttham, where his father, William Blackinton, was one of the pioneers of the town and served in the war of the Revolution. Virgil married Hannah S., daughter of Obed Robinson, and for a short time lived at Pat- erson, returning to North Attleborough in 1832. Before going to New Jersey he was a member of the firm of Robinson, Jones & Co., button manufacturers, and he with others built a large button factory at Paterson, N. J., but after 1832 was identified at North Attleborough He died in 1838 in his forty-third year. Roswell Blackinton was educated in the common schools and learned the gilt button trade with R. & W. Robinson, and afterwards learned the jewelry trade with his brother Virgil, of the firm of Guild & Blackinton. He spent some years in New Jersey as salesman ; also was in the employ of Freeman & Co. In 1863 he established business for himself in which he still continues. In 1861 he married Hattie Claflin, who died in 1862; later he married Hattie Read, who died in 1864, and in 1871 he married Caroline T. Price, and they have one son, Roswell Blackinton, jr. , and one daughter, Alice A. Blackmer, Arthur L., who is one of the leading manufacturers of cut glass in this country, was born in Rochester, Mass., March 18, 1865, a son of Charles M. and Emily (Sears) Blackmer. He was one of three children, and belongs to one of the oldest families of this section, his ancestors being among the founders and most prominent settlers in the old Wareham and Rochester townships of colonial times. His father, a well known farmer of Rochester, died when he was a youth and the family removed to New Bedford. Here in the public and high schools he completed his education, and 'later took a business course, in Scoffield's Commercial College at Providence, R. I. Shortly after the completion of this course he obtained a position in the employ of the Old Colony Railroad, and remained in it one year. He was then engaged in various mercantile pursuits until 1885, when he went into the em- ploy of the Mt. Washington Glass Co. Here Mr. Blackmer gained a thorough knowledge of the business of manufacturing and putting on the market cut glass products, his term of service covering a period of nine years, four years in the ship- ping department, and five years as paymaster and general assistant. In 1894 Mr. Blackmer saw a good opportunity to engage in business on his own account, and at once proceeded, with characteristic enterprise to establish himself in the trade. For the time occupied the growth of the business has been wonderful, and this is largely due to Mr. Blackmer's personal efforts. He aims to manufacture only the best prod- ucts, and caters only to the highest class of trade. Traveling personally, he covers the territory embracing nearly the whole of the United States. In the factory and warerooms on North Second street, employment is given to a large body of men, the majority being higly skilled mechanics. Mr. Blackmer is a steward of the County Street M. E. Church, a member of Star in the East Lodge of Masons, of Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter, and Sutton Commandery, Knights Templar. He has always taken an active interest in municipal politics and has represented Ward 2 in the Common Council four years, 1894-95-96-97. In 1896 he was elected to the presidency of this body, and was a member of the different boards and committees of the city government. In 1887 Mr. Blackmer married Susan A., a daughter of William H. Gardner of Acushnet. They have one daughter, Gladys Blackmer. Blackmer, Herbert Albert, druggist, is the son of John and Betsey (Hall) Black- mer and a grandson of Allen Hall of Acushnet, and was born in Rochester, Mass. , PERSONAL REFERENCES. 251 July 6, 1856. His father, a farmer, served for several years as selectman of Roches- ter, and in 1870 moved with his family to New Bedford, where he died in November, 1885. Mr. Blackmer finished his education in the New Bedford public schools and when sixteen entered the drug store of Charles H. Church, with whom he re- mained fourteen years, having charge of his Purchase street store during the last five years. In October, 1885, he purchased of Herbert E. Hicks the drug store on the corner of Purchase and North streets, which he has since conducted. Mr. Black- mer is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M. , of Adoniram Chapter, R.A.M., and of Sutton Commandery, K.T., all of New Bedford, and of Aleppo Tem- ple, N.O.M.S., and of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, both of Bos- ton. For seven years he was a member of the New Bedford Board of Registra- tion. In 1883 he married Louise O, daughter of Charles H. Church of New Bedford. Blake, Jacob A., was born in Wrentham, Mass., October 14, 1826, a son of Jacob and Roxa Blake. He started in life for himself at six years of age at general farming, and at sixteen years he learned the basket making trade. At seventeen he started manufacturing for himself which he followed until 1864, since which time he has lived retired. April 15, 1851, he married Eunice W., daughter of Amasa and Sally Pratt, and they had two children : Charles A. and Lizzie J. Mrs. Blake died and Mr. Blake married for his second wife a sister of his first wife, Sarah, and they have one daughter, Agnes E. , who is a school teacher. Mr. Blake has been active in town and county affairs, has been tax collector for twenty-four years, constable twenty-five, deputy sheriff ten, and selectman nine years. He is a member of St. James, F. & A. M. Blake, John E., was born in Easton, Mass., April 24, 1862, son of John and Ellen Blake, and was educated at the public schools of Easton. He soon afterward started in the shoe business, in which he was engaged for fourteen years, and in 1895 he was appointed postmaster at North Easton, Mass. , which position he now holds. He was married, in 1892, to Mary E., daughter of Cornelius and Ellen Sweeny, of Can- ton, Mass. He is a member of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of M. C. O. F. , of Easton, and is chief ranger of that order. Mr. Blake is one of North Easton's pro- gressive and highly respected citizens and takes an interest in school and church in- stitutions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Blandin, Lester Duane, selectman in Norton, Mass., was born in Norton, March 15, 1857, a son of Lucius D. and Lucy A. (Dean) Blandin. He attended the public schools in early life, finishing his education in a private school and then went to work for J. L. Leavitt, in Norton, who manufactured cotton batting, with whom he remained about five years, and then went to Kingston, Mass., where he engaged in the manufacture of match cards, remaining here about seven years, when he returned to Norton, where he has been ever since. In the spring of 1893 he was elected one of the selectmen of the town and has succeeded himself ever since and is now serving his sixth year. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Blandin was married, November 22, 1881, to Eliza J. Ford, of Pembroke, daughter of Kenelm and Abby (Sampson) Ford, and they have four children: Gertrude A., Harry W., Edith A. and Kenneth F. Blossom, Abram S., son of Barnabas and Innocent (Sherman) Blossom, was born 252 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in Fall River, November 12, 1846. His father was a farmer and well known in this section, representing the district in the General Court. The family is of English descent, and, although the date of their first settlement is unknown, it can be num- bered among the oldest families of New England. Elijah Blossom, grandfather of the subject of this notice, was a veteran of the early Indian wars. He purchased the old Blossom homestead farm on the Blossom Road on the east side of the North Watuppa Pond, and the land has never been deeded out of the family. _ Barnabas Blossom, mentioned above, was the eleventh of the twelve children of Elijah and Bethana Blossom. He was born in 1789, and died in the ninety-seventh year of his age, honored and respected in this community. Abram S. Blossom was educated in the common schools of the vicinity, and during his earlier years assisted in the farm work. For a time he was employed in various capacities in Fall River, but on ac- count of his aged father's failing health he returned to take the active management of the farm. In 1876 Mr. Blossom began to improve the Blossom lot, so called, on Pleasant street, Fall River, by the erection of buildings and the establishment of a, steam plant and by the leasing of the same to a large number of small manufactur- ing concerns. On this tract are located The Fraprie; Douglas Co., tube makers; the Douglass Picker Manufacturing Co.; Joseph T. Sprinfer, roll coverer; George Congdon, scrims, leno weaves and twines ; William Prosser & Son, sash, doors and building material; G. D. Albro, machinist; C. H. Williston, concrete and gravel roofing, etc. In 1888, Mr Blossom finding his city business requiring more and more of his attention and time, removed his residence to Fall River. He still super- intends and cultivates his farm with success. He is now a well known citizen and business man, highly esteemed, well-to-do and of substantial character and worth. He has never held public office, his own affairs requiring his unremitting attention. Mr. Blossom has never married. Blossom, Levi. — The Blossom family is descended from an English stock that traces its ancestry back to the sixteenth century. Thomas Blossom was one of those who went from England to Leyden about 1609, and in 1620 to Plymouth, England. In 1629 he came to America and settled in Plymouth. He was born in England about 1580, and died in 1632; and married Ann , who was born in England about the year 1590. Peter, son of Thomas and Ann, born at Plymouth between 1629 and 1632, married at Barnstable, June 21, 1663, Sarah Bodfish. He died in July, 1706, at West Barnstable. Joseph Blossom, son of Peter and Sarah (Bodfish) Blossom, born at Barnstable, December 10, 1673, married his third wife, Mehitabel , about 1720; he died November 5, 1749; his wife died March 16, 1771. Benja- min Blossom, son of Joseph and Mehitabel, born at Barnstable, in March, 1721, married Bathsheba Percival, October 31, 1751, who was born December 21, 1735. He died at Fairhaven, October 25, 1797. Joseph Blossom, son of Benjamin Blossom and Bathsheba, was born at Barnstable, December 4, 1763, and married Elizabeth Hathaway, daughter of Jonathan and Bridget (Delano) Hathaway, October 25, 1787. Joseph Blossom, jr., son of Joseph Blossom and Elizabeth Hathaway, was born in Fairhaven, in IT 93; married Betsey Copeland in 1827, and died July 1, 1859; his wife died August 23, 1867. Levi Blossom, the subject of this sketch, is the oldest son of Joseph and Betsey (Copeland) Blossom, and was born in the town of Fair- haven, September 10, 1836. His youth was passed on his father's farm and his edu- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 253 cational advantages were such as the school system of the district afforded. Later on he engaged in farming, which he followed until 1866, when he embarked in the meat business in which he was successfully engaged until 1886, when he removed to his present farm, where he has since resided. Mr. Blossom has always been a Re- publican in politics, though conservative. On June 12, 1873, he married Georgianna, daughter of Lewis and Sylvia (Sturtevant) Farwell, and they have one son, Lewis F. Mr. Blossom is recognized as a liberal and public spirited man, who takes a deep in- terest in the development of his native town. Bodfish, William Francis, was born in Wareham, Mass., February 22, 1848, a son of Asa N. and Elizabeth (Nye) Bodfish, and educated at the Greenwich Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1864. He then came to Taunton, where he was em- ployed by D. L. Burt & Co. in the grocery and provision business and remained with them until November 11, 1878, when he. engaged in business for himself under the name of Evans & Bodfish. In May, 1883, he bought out Mr. Evans's interest and has continued the business alone up to the present time, 1898. Mr. Bodfish is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Chapter, New Bedford Council, St. John's Commandery and Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was married in February, 1870, to Thankie H. Baker of Wellfleet, Mass., and they have one daughter, Addie E., born January 5, 1875. Booth, James, was born in England, October 8, 1845, a son of John and Elizabeth (Landale) Booth, was educated in the public schools of England, and in 1860 came to this country, settling in Fall River. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. F, 29th Regt. M. V., for three years, and was in active service all of this time, receiving his discharge in January, 1864. He immediately re-enlisted in the same regiment and served nine months, receiving his final discharge in August, 1865, making a total of three years and nine months of service, and all of this time his regiment was in the hottest part of the fighting. On his return he settled in Taunton, and engaged with W. L. New- comb & Co. in the lumber business and stayed with him about twenty years. In 1887 he started in business with Mr. Moore, under the firm name of Moore & Booth, which partnership continued until 1895, when Mr. Moore retired and the present partnership of Booth & Luther was formed. Mr. Booth is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., the G. A. R. and R. A; He has been twice married, first to Mary C. Paine of Taunton, and on December 2, 1884, to Lizzie J. Allen of Taunton, daughter of Henry C. and Rowina (Farnham) Allen, and they have one son, Herbert A., born April 26, 1892. Booth, William L., son of William and Mary A. (Rhodes) Booth, was born in Fall River, May 7, 1866. His father was an overseer in the cotton mills and later en- gaged in the market business, in which he continued several years. After obtaining his education in the public schools of Fall River, Mr. Booth went to work in his father's market and in 1874 was admitted to partnership, the firm name becoming William Booth & Son. Four years later his father sold his interest to John H. Booth, at which time the firm took its present name of Booth Brothers. The business is located at the corner of Third and Branch streets, and controls a large retail trade in groceries, meats and provisions. Booth Brothers also represent the Standard Wood Company of New York in Fall River. William L. Booth is a member of Nar- ragansett Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery; he also holds 254 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. membership in the order of Odd Fellows and in many other fraternal organizations. He has been for over twelve years a member of Metacomet Steamer Company No. 3. In 1886 he married Ida M. Whitworth, and they have two sons: William Irving and John Morton. Borden, Charles E. , carriage painting, trimming, etc. — This business was estab- lished by Stephen Borden, father of Charles E. , away back in 185B, at the corner of Fourth and Pleasant streets, and remained there three years when it was removed to the site now occupied by the office building of the Union Mill Co.'s plant. In 1860 it again found lodgment on Second street, near the City Hall, and was finally located at its present commodious quarters in 1880, and conducted by its founder until the present proprietor, Charles E., purchased it in 1896, his father's death occurring one year later. Mr. Borden's mother was Sarah P. Brayton of Fall River. He had one brother, Stephen A., of Fall River. His sisters are Silvia, wife of Edmund White- head, the well known meat dealer of South Main street, and Louise M. , wife of Joseph T Springer, and Ida M., wife of B. Frank Sisson, a well known contractor residing on Grove street, Fall River. Mr. Borden began the trade of carriage paint- ing with his father in 1871, and worked with htm until his purchase of the business in 1896. He has been twice married; first in 1874, to Elizabeth Hoy, by whom he had one son, Charles F. He married, second, Katie M. Johnson, daughter of Daniel M. Johnson of Fall River, and their children are Lina B. , Ida May, Louis E., Edgar L. , Ruth A., Carrie L. , Clinton F. and Elton E. Mr. Borden is a member and has been secretary of the N. E. Order of Protection for six years ; is financial secretary of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F., and organized Minnehaha Rebekah Lodge No. 134. Borden, Jonathan, is a lineal descendant in the ninth generation of Richard Borden, who came with his brother, John Borden, to this country from England in the ship " Elizabeth," in the year 1635, and settled near Boston, where they remain- ed but a short time when they removed to Rhode Island. Richard, the elder brother, was one of the three men who laid out the original town of Portsmouth, R. I. ; his son Matthew was the first white child born in Rhode Island, in May, 1638. The line of descent is as follows: (1) Richard; (2) John; (3) Richard; (4) Thomas; (5) Chris- topher; (6) Jonathan; (7) Abraham; (8) Christopher; and (9) Jonathan. Jonathan Borden, ninth generation, was born in Tiverton, R 'I., (now Westport. Mass.), May 15, 1841 He is the eldest of six children and received his education in the public schools of his native town. He remained at home until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to work for his grandfather. November 7, 1861, he married Mary M, daughter of Thomas and and Mary (Snell) Estes, and they have seven children: Mercy D., wife of Walter F. Grinnell; Thomas E., born August 9, 1866; Othniel T.; born December 12, 1868; Christopher, born November 27, 1871; Mary R., born June 20, 1874; Jennie M., born January 1, 1878; and Jonathan L., deceased. Mrs. Borden died September 10, 1896. Mr. Borden is one of those quiet, unassuming men, has a large circle of friends, and is one of Westport's leading and most respected citizens. Bourne, Edmund Wright, cashier of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, is the son of George A. and Lucy R (Standish) Bourne, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., July 23, 1861. His mother is a lineal descendant of Capt. Miles Standish of the Plymouth colony. On his father's side he is descended from an old PERSONAL REFERENCES. 255 and respected family of southeastern Massachusetts. George A. Bourne was for many years a prominent auctioneer, and was a member of the New Bedford City Guards and for one year a member of the City Council. He died in 1896. Edmund W. Bourne was educated in the public and high schools of his native city, in the Friends' Academy, and at a Boston commercial college. Afterward he was engaged in banking in Kiowa, Kan., and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and on his return to New Bedford in 1889 was elected cashier of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Wamsutta and Dart- mouth Clubs. Bo wen, Albert K. , was born in Killingway, Conn., January 8, 1845, a son of L.W. and Annie (Knight) Bowen, and was educated in the public schools. For five years he was engaged in the mercantile business and in 1877 established his present busi- ness of dealer in hay, grain and flour. In 1872 Mr. Bowen married Lydia A., daughter of Edmund Briggs. Mr. Bowen is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever ad- vanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Boylan, Rev. Bernard, rector of St. John's Church of Fall River, is a son of Luke and Bridget (Galligau) Boylan, and was born in Wareham, Mass. , September 25, 1853. He obtained his early education in the public schools of his native town and later attended Pierce Academy at Middleborough, Mass., for two years. He then entered St. Charles College at Baltimore, Md., completing the four years course, and then going to the Grand Seminary at Montreal, where he remained nearly five years. He was ordained to the ministry December 23, 1876, and soon after became assistant in the parish of St. Michael's at South Providence, Eight months later he went to the parish of Odell, Livingston county, 111., in the same capacity and remained five years, when he returned to the east and was assistant at North Attleborough for two years. He came to Fall River in February, 1885, to take charge of the new St. Jo- seph's Church as pastor, and during his charge of the parish, which now covers a period of over fifteen years, has done much to improve the church property and to uplift and benefit the members of his congregation. He is a man fitted to win the friendship and confidence of all; his pastorate is laborious and influential and his sermons are brilliant in style and full of religious fervor. Bradford, Philip A. , is a lineal descendant in the sixth generation of Hon. William Bradford, who came to this country from England on the Mayflower and was the second governor of the Plymouth colony. On the maternal side he is descended from Admiral Hammond of the English navy, whose wife was a sister to William Penn. Mr. Bradford is a son of Seth C. and Nancy (Hammond) Bradford, and was born in Mattapoisett,' Plymouth county, Mass., October 2, 1823. His parents re- moved to the town of Acushnet when he was eight years old and where he was ed- ucated in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he entered a five years' ap- prenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which vocation he followed until 1876, when he settled on his farm, where he has since resided. December 8, 1870, he married Anna H., daughter of Samuel and Sarah P. (Hath way) Wing of Acushnet, and they have three children: Melvin O., Joel P. and Philip A., jr. Mr. Bradford was formerly a Whig in politics and since the organization of the Republican party has been promi- nently identified with it. He has served on the School Committee for a number of 256 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years, was constable for twenty- two years, and is now one of the town inspectors. He was one of the charter members of the South Bristol Farmers' Club. Genial, kind and affable, he has always won the esteem and hearty good will of his fellow citizens. Braley, Albert Loring, son of Loring and Bessie B. (Whiting) Braley, is a native of New Bedford, born June 32, 1871, but for the greater part of his life has lived in Fairhaven. His father was a sea captain and well known in this vicinity. Mr. Braley was educated in the schools of Fairhaven and New Bedford and after leaving school became a clerk in the book store owned by H. S. Hutchinson with whom he remained two years. Later he entered the employ of the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company and remained in the capacity of shipping clerk for two years. He began his present loan and bicycle business in 1893 at No. 99 Union street, and has been very successful. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. In 1894 he married Lucinda M., daughter of Capt. William Woodhouse of Providence, R. I. Briggs, George E., son of Elihu and Mary E. (Baker) Briggs, was borri in Baker- ville village, Dartmouth, August 22, 1854. His father is descended in the eighth generation from John Briggs, who settled at Newport, R. I., in 1637 and whose son Thomas became one of the fifty-six "proprietors" of Dartmouth in 1694. His mother is the daughter of the late Capt. Michael and Jane Eliza (Dixon) Baker who was born in Alexandria, Va. , January 2, 1808, and still occupies the old homestead at Bakerville which has sheltered her for the past seventy-five years. George E. Briggs attended the district schools of Dartmouth until he was ten years old, when the family removed to New Bedford and he completed his education in the New Bedford High School. After leaving school he was employed a short time as clerk in a dry goods store, and in 1871 began a service of four years with the Morse Twist Drill and Machine Company. In 1875 he went to learn the carpenter's trade with his father, who for many years was successfully engaged in contracting and building in this, vicinity, and in 1879 was admitted to partnership with him. This was dis- solved in 1883, when the son continued in business alone. After constructing many buildings in various sections of the city, evidence of his thorough workmanship (among which may be mentioned the Winslow building, Lowell's carriage factory and the residence of the late Eben Perry), he retired from active participation in business as a contractor in 1891. He had now naturally become largely interested in real estate and its development and has demonstrated his firm belief in the perma- nence of New Bedford's industries by building nearly one hundred tenements on his own account. He now gives his whole attention to these interests. Mr. Briggs is a man who never sought public office but one to whom office has, on more than one occasion, come unsolicited. He served in the Common Council in 1882-83-84 and on the Board of Assessors in 1894-95-96, the last two years being chairman of the board. Mr. Briggs is, by nature, a man of strong character, firm convictions, and a deep thinker. He has been prominently identified with many enterprises and re- forms which have contributed much to the growth and welfare of the city, and to his persistence and courage can be attributed his remarkable success in these lines. New Bedford, like other cities settled by Quakers or Non-Conformists, was built with narrow streets almost uniformly but forty feet in width. Mr. Briggs had hardly taken his seat in the Common Council when he protested against a continu- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 257 ance of this ancient and short-sighted policy and successfully led a movement with the result that the city has been vastly improved in this respect, and the newer sections have been laid out with fine streets and avenues fifty, sixty and even eighty feet wide. Mr. Briggs's influence has never been lacking in any movement calcu- lated to improve by widening the older and cramped business thoroughfares and approaches to the city. He was a vigorous advocate for the new county bridge now building across the Acushnet River, and it is largely due to him that this magnifi- cent structure was made seventy feet wide. Mr. Briggs's. service on the Board of Assessors has given him more prominence than was ever before accorded one who has served New Bedford in this capacity. He had taken for some considerable period an active part in the agitation for a needed reform in the methods of assess- ing real estate taxes, which had not kept pace with the growth of the city, and, in March, 1894, consented to become a candidate for the unexpired term of Assessor William A. Russell. He was elected, radical reforms were at once instituted and in the following December he became a candidate for re-election. In the face of un- paralleled business depression the land valuation had been increased from $9,876,- 647 to §14,712,601, the total valuation of assessed estate from $44,475,095 to $51,434,- 925 and with a tax levy over $26,000 larger than the levy of 1893, the tax rate was reduced from §17.50 to 815.60 and more than one-third of the valuations had been re- duced or left unchanged. This was undoubtedly the most radical reform in methods of assessment ever attempted in one year by any New England city. Mr. Briggs was a leader in the organization of the Whitman Mills, which, after the depression of '94, greatly stimulated the growth of the entire city in 1895-96, and has been a director of the company since its incorporation. He was an energetic promoter of the Semi-Centennial Celebration in 1897 and no member of the general committee contributed more to its success. In March, 1897, the City Council voted an appro- priation of $8,000 for the celebration, contingent upon $2,000 more being raised by the citizens. The severe industrial reverses shortly after, developed strong opposi- tion to the affair in some quarters, and in June a reconsideration of the vote was threatened by the Council. Two days before the Council met the opposition was completely surprised and silenced by Mr. Briggs, who announced at the first meet- ing of the Citizens' Committee, that in two days subscriptions had been secured amounting to $2,040. The celebration was probably the most elaborate affair of the kind ever attempted in the State outside of Boston and proved a great popular suc- cess. Mr. Briggs was chairman of the Industrial Exhibition and acting chairman of the Military and Civic Parade Committees, which managed the two great features of the event. Mr. Briggs was one of the incorporators of the New Bedford Textile School. This enterprise had been singularly unfortunate since its organization in 1896. In one year two presidents had been lost by death. This, together with the severe financial troubles and prolonged strike following so closely, had naturally created a feeling of apathy for the undertaking ; and when Mr. Briggs accepted the presidency in the spring of 1898, the future of the school was somewhat uncertain. $50,000 has since been paid into the treasury from the city and the Commonwealth ; a very desirable and centrally located site on Purchase street secured and a three- story brick building with limestone trimmings, about 64 by 110 feet in size, is now being erected for the institution which is expected to be in operation before March 1, 1899. This will be the first building constructed for a textile school in this coun- es 258 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. try, the Philadelphia, Pa., and Lowell, Mass., schools occupying structures built for other purposes. Mr. Briggs is a director of the Board of Trade and member of the Wamsutta Club. He married, November 18, 1885, Louise, daughter of Thomas Donaghy of New Bedford, and they have one son, George E. Briggs, jr., born No- vember 26, 1891. Brightman, Oliver P., son of Jeremiah and Deborah (Potter) Brightman, was born in Westport, February 7, 1822. His father, also a native of Westport, was for many years a captain in the coastwise trade, and during his boyhood Mr. Brightman at- tended school a few months of the year, and during the balance of the time went to sea on his father's ship. When seventeen years old he came to New Bedford and began an apprenticeship to the tinsmithing and plumbing trade, in the employ of the firm of Henry V. Davis & Co., and at the end of five years he was enabled to pur- chase Mr. Davis's interest and become a partner in the firm, the other members being his brother, Nathan P. Brightman, and Isaiah Wood. When he became a member of the firm (October, 1844) the name was changed to Wood, Brightman & Co., under which style it still continues, although Mr. Brightman and his brother have not been connected with the business for some years, Mr. Brightman having retired in 1881. The firm were extensive dealers in tin and sheet iron and contrac- tors for plumbing, steam fitting, etc., and Mr. Brightman, being a practical work- man was' enabled to manage his share of their large interests very successfully, and the firm gained a wide reputation in this vicinity. Mr. Brightman has represented Ward 3 in the Council five terms, 1862-63-64-65 and 1884, and in 1885-86 he repre- sented this district in the State Legislature. He is a director of the Citizens' Bank and of several manufacturing corporations ; also a trustee and member of the board of in- vestment of the Five Cents Savings Bank. He has served for several years as trustee of the Unitarian Church and has been a member for some time of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows. ' The Brightman family, as is elsewhere mentioned in this work, is one of the' oldest in this section. In 1852 Mr. Brightman married Sarah J., daughter of OtisH. Pierce, of New Bedford, and they have four children: Charles O., Edward P., Arthur G. and Sarah E., wife of Dr. A. L. Shockley of New Bedford. Brow, Ezra W. , proprietor of Quequechan Laundry, Durfee and Central streets, established November 1, 1897, occupies one entire building 40 by 70 feet, three sto- ries, and is fitted up with steam power and all the latest improved modern laundry machinery, and also has an extensive steam carpet beating establishment in connec- tion with it. Mr. Brow, a native of Fall River, was born August 24, 1864, and began his early business life after school days by working in Eddy's Mills. From there he went with the Fall River Laundry, and remained with them eleven and a half years. For two and a half years he was with the Maple Street Laundry and five years with the Empire Laundry, having over seventeen years' experience before he embarked in his present venture. Mr. Brow has associated with him in the business, of which he is the manager and secretary, Mr. Wesley S. Mills, who is the treasurer. Mr. Mills is a native of Clifton, Ont., but has been a resident of Fall River nearly twenty years and is a pushing young man. The volume of business enjoyed by the Que- quechan Laundry has continued to increase from the first day it began operations, until at the present time it is the intention to erect a large and more commodious building for the growing needs of the business. Hotel, family and commercial work PERSONAL REFERENCES. 259 are amongthe paying classes of business enjoyed by this thriving institution, which, considering its short existence, bids fair to become one of the leading institutions of its kind in Fall River. Brown, E. C, was born in North Providence, May 28, 1842. His father, Elisha Brown, was a native of Barton. Vt., and married Phoebe, daughter of General Fenton, and was engaged through life in farming ; he came to South Attleborough in 1872. E. C. Brown was educated in the Providence schools and followed farming for some years. In 1877 he married Elizabeth, daughter of James F. and Sarah W. Tripp of New Bedford, and in 1880 moved to North Attleborough. Mr. Brown has served the town as constable, overseer of the poor and for twenty years as deputy sheriff. As deputy sheriff he has been very successful in criminal cases, and as a detective has a well-earned reputation in the Commonwealth. Brownell, Alvin Church, was born in Little Compton, R. I., September 28, 1835. His early schooling was obtained in the public schools of Rhode Island and after completing his education he went to work as a clerk in a dry goods store. June 8, 1854, he came to Taunton and was employed with the firm of J. S. Rounds & Co., dry goods, remaining with them about three years, and in 1857 he started in business for himself under the firm name of Harris & Brownell, at the same place where he is found to-day. In 1862 he opened his present store for the sale of stoves , tinware and kitchen furnishings and has been in the business continuously ever since, making a record of thirty-five years. In 1856 Mr. Brownell married Amelia E. , daughter of Lemuel M. and Mary Leonard, and they have two daughters: Mary Abbie and Hat- tie Leonard. Brownell, George H. B., son of Ezekiel and Hannah (Sisson) Brownell, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass. , in April, 1826. He received his early education in the common schools, such as were offered in those days, attending school in the winter months and working on his father's farm in the summer. Mr. Brownell has devoted his entire life to agriculture and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors. In August, 1850, he married Nancy O. Rounds, and they had five chil- dren: Hattie, wife of Edward Kirby, Charles A., Ezekiel and Henry and Frank (twins). Mrs. Brownell died, and in 1857 Mr. Brownell married Louise Devaul and they have one son, George R. Mr. Brownell has always taken an active interest in public affairs, but has never held or aspired to public office. He is one of Westport's most respected and honored citizens. Brownell, John Almy, clerk of the Board of Assessors of Fall River, was born in South Boston, June 16, 1861, a son of James H. and Maria M. (Davis) Brownell. He attended the public schools of his native place for a. short time, but when he was a boy of seven the family removed to Fall River, where he has ever since resided. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the Fall River High School in the class of 1880. After graduation he became engaged in the wholesale and retail cigar business and later in contracting under William A. Chapman & Company and C. F. and J. M. Hull. He remained in these two occupations until 1886, when he successfully passed the civil service examinations and in the same year was ap- pointed to his present position by Hon. "William S. Greene, who was then mayor. Mr. Brownell has served faithfully as clerk of the Board of Assessors for nearly thir- 2G0 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. teen years, and has gained a wide circle of friends among those with whom he is brought in contact by virtue of his position. He is a member of Friendly Union Lodge No. 164, I.O.O.F., of Manitou Lodge No. 87, I.O.R.M., and of Pocasset Lodge No. 134, K. of P. He is also a member and has been for some time, treasurer of the Columbian Club. For the past four years he has been secretary of the Association of Massachusetts Assessors. February 14, 1894, he married Lillie M. , daughter of Alfred W. Lovejoy of Chelsea, Mass., and of their union one son was born, Clarence L. Mr. Brownell is a lineal descendant in the ninth generation of Thomas Brown- ell, who was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1619, married in 1638, and settled at Portsmouth (now Little Compton), R. I., in 1639. Robert, 2 son of Thomas, was born at Portsmouth in 1652, and died July 22, 1728; Anne, 3 daughter of Robert; Ichabod, 4 born in Portsmouth; Benjamin, 5 son of Ichabod, was born in Dartmouth, June 13, 1734, and died December 30, 1816; he married Phebe Potter, August 18, 1753; Abner, 6 born in Westport, June 21, 1756, married Hannah Crary of Groton, Conn., Septem- ber 5, 1784, and died January 13, 1851, and was a prominent merchant and citizen of Bristol county, being a member of the State House of Representatives and the first town clerk of Westport; Frederick, 1 son of Abner, was born in Westport, February 14, 1789, and died April 8, 1872 ; he held several town offices and other positions of honor; he married, first, Charlotte A. Sisson of Little Compton, R. I., 1812; his sec- ond wife was Hannah A. Gifford of Westport; James H., 8 son of Frederick and Charlotte A. (Sisson) Brownell, was born in Westport, April 18, 1821, and for a num- ber of years was engaged in whaling. He later established a restaurant in Boston on Brattle street, next to Marston's. For the last thirty years he has been in the cotton manufacturing business, being now in charge of a plant of the Westport Man- ufacturing Company. On October 11, 1854, he married Maria M. Davis of West- port, Mass., and of this union were born four children; Ruth D., James F., John A. and Lena M. Bryant, John I., son of John and Jeannette (Browne) Bryant, was born in Ban- don, Cork county, Ireland, March 1, 1850. When he was an infant the family re- moved to this country, settling in Fairhaven, where they resided for a short time and then removed to New Bedford. John I. Bryant's parents died when he was quite young, so that the restrictions of the public schools were soon thrown off and he be- gan to shift for himself with practically no education. When but nine years old he began work in the Wamsutta Mills; later he worked on a farm, and at the remarka- bly early age of fifteen enlisted in Battery B, 3d U. S. Heavy Artillery. Here he had found a calling suited to his taste and he applied himself heart and soul to his duties with the result that he was appointed a corporal in the first year of his service and a sergeant in the second. After an interval of two years he again enlisted in the same battery, but was transferred to Battery F, 2d Artillery, in which he was made corporal and later first sergeant. He served during the " Reconstruction Period " in the South, on the frontier and on the Pacific coast. During his service in the South he was given command at different times of parties of men sent to capture moon- shiners and outlaws, and during his entire term was frequently sent on detached ser- vice, commanding scouting parties, in charge of signal stations, overseeing labor of prisoners, etc. He was also placed in charge at different times of the transportation of baggage and supplies as the battery moved from place to place. His discharge PERSONAL REFERENCES. 261 reads: "Character excellent in every respect; a first-class soldier and non-commis- sioned officer, and a reliable, energetic man worthy of confidence." After leaving the army Mr. Bryant learned the trade of stone cutting, which he followed for several years. He settled in Fairhaven in 1873 and has now become one of the leading citi- zens of that village, possessing the respect and confidence of all who recognize his sterling character. He has served for six years as selectman and overseer of the poor, being chairman of both boards for five years of that time. He has also served six years on the Board of Health, five as chairman ; in addition he has been surveyor of highways, superintendent of streets and constable, in which capacity he has ren- dered excellent service, bringing to j ustice several noted offenders. He is now acting as assistant superintendent of streets. Mr. Bryant has always been active in politi- cal circles and has served for some time as chairman of the Democratic Town Com- mittee. He has also served for eight years as chairman of the Third Bristol Sena- torial Committee ; for a number of years as a member of the Democratic County Committee; and for the past four years as a member of the Democratic State Com- mittee. In July, 1894, he was appointed United States storekeeper at Boston and served in that capacity until he was appointed postmaster of Fairhaven by President Cleveland in January, 1895. Although he started in life with no education, he has, by close application and judicious reading, become a student of no mean ability and is a frequent contributor to the press and a fluent speaker. Mr. Bryant was married in 1876 to Elizabeth B., daughter of Capt. Nehemiah Baker. Buckley, Hon. Daniel F., was born in Easton, December 3, 1864, a son of Daniel and Catherine Buckley. He graduated from the Easton High School in 1881, and was president of the Alumni Association from 1887 to 1897. He studied law at the Boston University Law School, was graduated in 1885 and admitted to the bar at Taunton, Mass., in March, 1886. Mr. Buckley opened an office at Taunton, in con- nection with his office at North Easton, and he entered at once upon a lucrative law practice. Shortly afterwards Mr. Buckly became identified with politics ; in 1890 he was elected a member of the Democratic State Committee, in 1892 he was secretary of that organization, and in 1893 and 1894 was elected chairman of the executive committee. He served in that capacity until he resigned in 1895 to accept the posi- tion of surveyor of the port of Boston, to which he was appointed by President Cleveland on January 29, 1895. Mr. Buckley is one of the highly respected, progress- ive and influential citizens of North Easton; genial and polished in manner, he has always taken a very deep interest in his town and townspeople. Buffinton, Hiram Barzillia, was born in Swansea, Mass., December 24, 1857, a son of Philip and Lydia A. (Gardner) Buffinton. He received his education in Swansea and in 1875 went to the Friends' School in Providence, where he remained nearly two years. In 1876 he engaged in the undertaking and furnishing business with his father in Warren, R. I. In 1888 he left Warren and moved to Fall River, where he bought out the business of E. S. Raymond, remaining there one year, and engaged in the same work in Brockton, going from there to Providence, R. I., where he made a special study of the care of bodies after death. He stayed there until 1895 and then came to Taunton, where established a business for himself, and is one of the leading undertakers in the city, He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , K. P., and F. & A. M. October 30, 1878, he married Cora H. Surgens of Warren, R. I., and they have one daughter, Mary Howard, born October 12, 1887. 262 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bullard, Herbert C. , M. D. , was born in West Medway, March 25, 1843. His father, J. N. Bullard, was a native of Franklin, where his father, Joseph Bullard, was one of the pioneers. J. N. Bullard married Sarah, daughter of Simon Cutler, and was identified in Medway as a farmer and tanner. Herbert C. Bullard was educated at Phillips Academy and graduated from Brown University. He was appointed assist- ant professor of ethics at Annapolis Naval Academy and in 1868 entered Harvard Medical School. The years 1869 and 1870 he spent at Rhode Island Hospital and in 1871 graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, lo- cating in Attleborough, where he practiced for twenty-six years. In 1871 he married Anna L., daughter of Samuel W. Heywood, and they have one son, Newell C. Mr. Bullard is one of the progressive men of his profession ; was secretary of the Board of Health for nine years and is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders. Burns, Edward Francis, was born in Randolph, Mass. , May 12, 1859, a son of Pat- rick and Mary (Burns) Burns, and educated in the public schools of Randolph. After leaving school he found employment in the shoe factories in Randolph and stayed there some time learning the business of shoemaking. Later he came to Taunton and was employed in different factories about the city until he found he would be better off to go into business for himself, which he did in 1881, and at the present time is one of the largest wholesalers in the city, and in connection with this is the owner and manager of the Whittenton Drug Co. He is a member of the A. O. H. and the B. P. O. E. He was married in November, 1889, to Catherine L., daughter of Roger and Catherine Daley of Taunton, and they have two children: Joseph and Edward. Burt, Samuel P., was one of New Bedford's most successful business men and a leading banker and broker for many years. Early in life he became a confidential clerk for the late Edward L. Baker, who established a banking, investment and stock brokerage business in New Bedford in 1848. He purchased Mr. Baker's interest in 1865 and in 1875 took in as partners Gardner T. Sanford and Charles S. Kelley, the firm name being changed to S. P. Burt & Co. After Mr. Burt's death the surviving partners formed the present well-known private banking house of Sanford & Kelley. Mr. Burt was one of the first directors of the New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railway Company and served the board as clerk for several years. He was also extensively connected with local and foreign corporations. He was a shrewd finan- cier and a man of keen insight and forethought. His advice was largely sought by investors and in this particular branch of his business he gained a brilliant reputa- tion. He was a man of abundant public spirit and held himself always ready to assist any worthy enterprise. He died in 1884 at Milwaukee, Wis., whither he had gone to care for extensive Western business interests. Mr. Burt married Amanda A. Taber of New Bedford, and their only son, ,Henry P. Burt, who was born in New Bedford, November 30, 1866, and graduated from the high school with the class of 1888, having returned to New Bedford after his father's death. Mr. Burt was for two years associated with Charles Tobey in the business of manufacturing electrical supplies, their factory and office being located in the brick building at 23 Middle street. They manufactured, under the firm name of Burt & Tobey, an ingenious light controlling switch, a resistance box, wire couplings, wire tags, etc., as well as an improved stamp battery for affixing stamps to envelopes automatically. Mr. Burt PERSONAL REFERENCES. 2G3 married Lucy C. Milliken, daughter of Edward R. Milliken of New Bedford, and they have one daughter, Beatrice Millikin. Bush, George H. , son of Oliver H. and Ruth Ann (Read) Bush, was born in Fall River, Mass., September 22, 1836. His father was a lifelong resident of Fall River, and was a direct descendant of Oliver Hazard Perry, being named in his honor. Mr. Bush attended the public and high schools of Fall River and soon after leaving school went to Chicago to engage in the oil business in company with his brother. Two years later he removed to Boston, where he became connected with the whole- sale drug firm of Weeks & Potter, in whose employ he remained ten years. In 1871 he started a wholesale drug and commission business in Boston for himself, and after conducting it for ten years sold out and returned to Fall River. He was employed for a short time in the office of the Sagamore Mills as a bookkeeper, later accepting a position in the First National Bank as assistant cashier. After a faithful service of three years in this capacity he was offered the position of manager and treasurer of the Fall River Manufacturing Company. Mr. Bush has filled this position for a period of twelve years. Capron, Frank R. , was born in North Attleborough, April 1, 1844, a son of David Capron, jr., a native of the same town. David married Emily, daughter of Calvin Richards, and through life was one of the early manufacturers of jewelry in North Attleborough. He died in 1879. Frank R. Capron was educated in Attleborough, and in 1862 learned the jewelry business with the firm of Tift & Whiting, now F. M. Whiting & Co. , having been interested with one house for thirty-five years, and at the present time is manager of the Frank M. Whiting & Co. In 1868 he married Emmeline H., daughter of Wallace Goodwin. Mr. Capron is a representative of one of the oldest families of Bristol county, conservative and of sterling integrity, and has by force of character placed himself among the leading business men of North Attle- borough. Carpenter, Arthur B., was born in Attleborough, November 14, 1839, and his father, Zenas B. Carpenter, was a native of Rehoboth. The family trace their descent from William Carpenter, who came from England and settled in Rehoboth, about 1650. Zenas B. Carpenter married Lucinda, a daughter of Amos Ide, and through life was identified as a farmer and was in the mercantile business. He came to At- tleborough in 1830 and was prominent in abolition and temperance societies. He died in 1878. A. B. Carpenter was educated in the public schools and at eighteen years of age entered the grocery business, where he remained until 1872, when he formed the firm of Pierce & Carpenter, dealers in coal and lumber. In 1865 he mar- ried Harriet A., daughter of Israel Williams, and they have two children: Frank W. and Olive E. Mr. Carpenter is one of the conservative men of his town ; has served as selectman, as assessor and overseer of the poor ; takes an active interest in school and church matters, having been deacon of the Congregational Church for twelve years ; is trustee of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association ; treasurer of Attleborough Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Carpenter, Samuel N., son of Samuel and Nancy (Ingraham) Carpenter, was born in Pawtucket, R. I., May 9, 1820. When he was an infant the family removed to 264 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Attleborough, where his father became a leading manufacturer and respected citizen, serving for a number of years as agent of the Mechanics' Manufacturing Company and as president of the old Bank of Attleborough ; also as a member of the Massa- chusetts House of Representatives. Samuel N. Carpenter was educated in the com- mon schools and for sixteen years was engaged in the grocery trade. Later he be- came interested in jewelry manufacturing, and for the past eight years has been in the direction of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association. He has been num- bered among the conservative men of the town, held the office of collector and was a sinking fund commissioner for some time. He married, in 1843, Lydia S., daugh- ter of Noble Cummings of Attleborough, and of their union was one son, Frank Nel- son Carpenter (deceased). Cash, James, was born in Ireland, January 5, 1847, a son of James and Isabell (McKernon) Cash. He received his early education in the National schools of Ire- land and public and private schools of France. After leaving school he learned the machinist's trade and remained in France until 1870, when he came to America, lo- cating in Paterson, N. J. Later he went to Passaic, N. J., as assistant superintendent of a jute spinning and weaving mill, and remained there until he came to Taunton in 1871. He went to work for the Taunton Foundry and Machine Co., and a little later -for the locomotive company, staying with them until he was appointed on the police force in 1877. In 1884 he was appointed captain of the night police and in 1886 was made assistant marshal (title of assistant marshal changed to deputy chief of police in 1891), which position he holds at the present time. He is a member of the B. P. O E., the A. O. U. W. and the K. of C. Chaffin, Rev. William L., son of William Farwell and Louisa (Shattuck) Chaffin, was born in Oxford, Maine, August 16, 1837, but early removed to Concord, N. H. He graduated at Meadville (Pa.) Theological School in 1861, and on August 12, 1862, was married to Rebecca Huidekoper, daughter of Michael Hodge and Margaret (Hazlett) Bagley, of Meadville. He was pastor for three years and a half of a Uni- tarian society in Philadelphia, and his engagement in North Easton, Mass , began January 1, 1868, which position, as minister of the Unitarian Society, he still fills. He is the author of the " History of the Town of Easton" and is a biographical writer. Cheever, George W., was born in North Attleborough, February 22, 1846. His grandfather, Ariel Cheever, was a blacksmith and one of the pioneers of Wrentham. In 1838, one of his sons, William H., the father of George W., entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. at North Attleborough and remained with that firm for more than twenty years. In 1844 he married Joanna, a daughter of Isaiah and Fanny Allen of Rehoboth. George W. Cheever was educated in the common schools and at the age of sixteen he entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. He remained with them for a short time and then went to Providence, R. I., where he was employed in a store as bookkeeper and collector for five years. He returned to North Attlebor- ough and again entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. In 1873 he married Har- riett O., daughter of Frank B. Richards, and they have one daughter, Annie F. In 1880 he established the firm of G. W. Cheever & Co. , which was changed to Cheever, Tweedy & Co. in 1897. At the present time they make a general line of silver novelties and ladies' jewelry. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 265 Cheever, James G., was born in Wrentham, Mass., November 23, 1844. His father, George W. Cheever, was a native of the same town, where his father, George Cheever, was one of the pioneers. George W. married Thais, daughter of Joseph Warren ; he died in 1891. James G. was educated in the common schools and en- tered the employ of F. W. Cabot & Co. , and later the employ of R. Knapp & Co. In 1878 he commenced the jewelry business with F. S. Bailey & Co., which was changed later to Cheever, Rhodes & Co., and later to J, G. Cheever & Co., making a specialty of rolled plate chains; the business was closed up in June, 1898. In 1875 he married Hattie A., daughter of F. S. Bailey, and they have one daughter, Annie M. He was elected tax collector in 1897 and takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Clancy, Michael, was born in Clare county, Ireland, in September, 1848, a son of John and Margaret (Lorigan) Clancy. He was the oldest of a family of five children and early had to make his own way and at the same time contribute to the support of the family. He attended the common schools of his native village and meantime worked on his father's farm, where he continued during his early manhood. In 1875 Mr. Clancy came to this country and settled at once in- Fall River, where he found employment in a stone quarry. Later he was employed in various capacities by the Iron Works Company, the municipality and in a coal yard, constantly adding to his capital by thrift and enterprise. In 1893 he began a livery business in a small way and by the exercise of energy and ability has succeeded in making his establishment one of the foremost of its kind in Fall River. Mr. Clancy was married in 1873 to Bridget Barry, and they have four children : Margaret, Bridget, Michael, jr. , and John. Clap, Harvey, was born in Wrentham, Mass., April 2, 1844, and his father, Harvey E. Clap, M. D . was a native of Walpole, Mass. The family trace their descent from Roger Clap, a native of England, who settled near Dorchester. Harvey E. Clap, M. D. , was a graduate of Harvard and of Harvard Medical School, in the class of 1837; practiced in Wrentham for twenty-five years, and died in 1862. Harvey Clap was educated in Wrentham and in 1863 entered the United States navy as en- gineer on the steamer Iosco, on the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and was in both attacks on Fort Fisher. In September, 1865, and 1866 he was in South Amer- ica on the Powhattan, the flag ship of the squadron. In 1867 he came to Attlebor- ough, where he entered the employ of H. M. Daggett at Attleborough Falls, remain- ing until 1882, when he established the jewelry manufacturing business under the firm name of Daggett & Clap, making a specialty of novelties and ladies' jewelry. In 1869 he married Josephine, daughter of H. M. Daggett, and they are the parents of chree sons: Edmund W., Harvey E., and George P. Clark, Thomas H., son of Thomas H. and Sarah J. (Fleet) Clark, and grandson of Thomas H. and Olive Clark, was born in Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., February 5, 1867. He received his early education in the public schools of his native town, and when he attained his majority began the life of a farmer, which vocation he has since followed. On April 7, 1897, he was married to Minnie E. , daughter of William H. and Caroline (De Moranville) Reynolds. Clements, William H., was born at Quincy, Mass., August 1, 1854, son of Joel 266 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Lydia A. (Washburn) Clements. His father was identified through his life in the granite business, having been inspector of granite for public buildings of the United States Government as early as 1854. They trace their descent back to Rob- ert Clements's family, who came from Coventry, Warwickshire, England, in his own ship, which landed at Ipswich, Mass., in 1638, and on the maternal side back to David Thompson, who landed at Portsmouth, N. H., in 1623. Mr. David Thompson, a descendant of the above mentioned David, died in Easton, Mass., August 5, 1836, aged ninety-eight years. Mr. Thompson during his long life was much respected and belonged to the Congregational Church at the time of his death, having been a communicant forty-four years. He left at his death six children, thirty-eight grandchildren, and one hundred great-grandchildren. Mr. Thompson at the age of sixteen enlisted in the old French War and lost his left arm by a bomb, in the storming of Fort Henry by the French, in 1757. He received a pension until his decease and was the last surviving pensioner who took part in that war. His grandmother, Mrs. Mary Houghton, was one of the three whose lives were saved at the sinking of Port Royal in Jamaica by an earthquake, in June, 1692. She heard and felt the shock ; rushed to the door, and as the place sank in the water, she clung to a door which floated from an outbuilding, and remained on the water three days and nights, when a vessel passed near her and she was taken on board ; at the same time a trunk of clothing from her house floating near her, which she had pulled on the door, was also saved. She afterwards lived at a public house in Dorchester and waited upon guests. Several years had elapsed since the occurrence of the earthquake, when her husband entered the house in which she resided, to obtain lodgings for the night; they immediately recognized each other and the surprise was so great that Mary fainted. The husband supposed that she perished at the time of the earthquake, and she believed he was lost at sea, he being absent on a voyage at the time of the disaster. She died in 1768 at the advanced age of one hundred and five. Mr. Clements received his education in the schools of Quincy and Dorchester. In 1874 he learned telegraphy and was in the train dis- patcher's office of the Old Colony Railroad Company at Boston three years and a half previous to his coming to North Easton, in February, 1878, as agent for the same corporation, which position he now holds. Mr. Clements is a justice of the peace and has also been secretary and treasurer of the North Easton Co-operative Bank since its organization in April, 1889, and was one of the most active members in help- ing to organize the bank. He is an honored member of Dorchester Lodge No. 158, order of Odd Fellows, and of Mount Hebron Encampment of Stoughton. He was married in 1878 to M. Eva Pearce, daughter of Richard F. and Maria S. Pearce, of Milton, Mass., and they have a daughter, Ethel P., who is studying at the High School of Easton. He takes an active interest in school and church institutions and his town and townspeople. Cobb, George A. , merchant, son of Asahel and Helen M. (Hamlin) Cobb, was born in Sandwich, Mass. , May 13, 1842, and came to New Bedford with his parents in 1858. He received a public school education, and in 1860 was apprenticed to the tin business under Jonathan P. Lund, with whom he served three years. Mr. Lund then owned the old tin and hardware store at what is now Acushnet in New Bedford, and Mr. Cobb has been almost continuously connected with it since his apprentice- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 267 ship, becoming a proprietor in 1872 with George G. Jenney, under the firm name of Cobb & Jenney. Since 1876 he has successfully conducted the establishment alone. Mr. Cobb has been a wood measurer and city weigher for many years. In March, 1872, he married Miss Harriet F. White of New Bedford. Cody, Edmund Francis, physician and surgeon, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 29, 1870, a son of John W. and Mary E. (Clark) Cody. He obtained his pre- paratory education in the public and high schools of Taunton and was graduated M. D. from the Harvard University School of Medicine in 1893. Soon after taking his degree he became interne (house physician) in the Rochester City Hospital at Rochester, N. Y., where he remained a little over a year. In 1894 he came to New Bedford and engaged in his present practice on Fourth street. Dr. Cody is among the younger physicians of the city, but has already established an extensive practice and is rapidly gaining reputation. He is now serving as medical inspector for the Board of Health. He married, in 1896, Myrtle E., daughter of Franklin H. Wiggins of Avon, N. Y., and they have one son, Edmund. Cole, Samuel Valentine, was born in Machiasport, Maine, December 29, 1851, a son of Isaac T. and Catherine S. (Valentine) Cole. His early education was obtained in the public schools and Washington Academy, and in 1870 he entered Bowdoin College, graduating from there in 1874, when he took up teaching and followed it for about ten years, then went to Andover Theological Seminary and graduated in 1887. He then spent a year in Europe in travel and study, and in 1889 came to Taunton, when he commenced his pastorate in the Broadway Church, continuing in this until 1897, and then went to Norton to accept the position of president of the Wheaton Seminary, which he holds at the present writing. He was married, April 11, 1880, to Annie M. Talbot of East Machias, Me., daughter of John C. and Antoi- nette C. (Wass) Talbot. They have no children. Coleman, Abner, was born of English parents in England, August 31, 1845, and came to this country in 1847, his parents settling in Taunton. He was educated in the public schools of Taunton and later learned the trade of machinist, which he fol- lowed until 1880, with the exception of two years during the war. He enlisted in the U. S. Signal Corps in 1863 and remained there until the close of the war in 1865. On his return, for a few years, he was engaged in the telephone business, and in 1872 was appointed city engineer of the fire department, which position he has held, with that of superintendent of fire alarm, to the present time. In December, 1866, Mr. Coleman married Emma E. Park of Taunton, and they have one son, Edward P. Coleman. Mr. Coleman is past master of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. Collet, C. A. Arthur, son of Piere and Marie (Couture) Collet, was born at St. Henri, near the city of Levis, P. Q. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native village, and in 1873 he attended the college at Levis; in 1874 entered St. Ann's College at Lapocatiere in the county of Kamouraska, from which he was graduated in 1884, and the same year entered a drug store in Quebec to per- form the duties of a clerk and to take up the study of pharmacy. In 1885 he enlisted as a private and served during a four month's campaign for the quelling of the " Riel Rebellion." Before the close of this campaign he was appointed to the office of hospital sergeant of the 9th Battalion, called the 9th Voltigeurs of Quebec. He now 2G8 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. has in his possession a medal which was awarded to him by the British government at the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Collet came to the United States and settled in Fall River in 1888. He was employed as a drug clerk for the firm com- posed of his brother, P. A. Collet, and Charles Marcotte. In February, 1889, he passed the examinations of the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy and has since conducted the pharmacy at No. 754 South Main street. He is a member of the Massachusetts State Pharmaceutical Association. In January, 1895, he married Georgiana Robillard, also a native of Canada, and they have two daughters: Blanche and Leopoldine. Conefy, James Francis, was born in Ireland, July 4, 1836, and came to this country when eight years old, coming direct to Taunton, where he went to work at the Hooper Cotton Mill and stayed two years. At this time he was so small he was obliged to stand on a stool to perform his duties ; after leaving the mill he went to Pawtucket, Attleborough and Providence, and spent some years in the jewelry busi- ness. In 1857 he returned to Taunton and learned the blacksmith's trade with J. Peck. After serving his time with him he went as foreman in the shop of William McDonald and stayed with him until he engaged in business for himself in 1866, and has continued alone up to the present time (1898). Mr. Conefy has served two years in the Common Council from the Third ward. June 24, 1867, he married Margaret, daughter of Paul and Margaret Tosney of Raynham, and they have three children : Anna S., James F., jr., and Fred P. Cook, Abraham S. — Prominent among the younger men of the town of Dartmouth who have successfully made their own way is Abraham S. Cook, a, son of John and Sarah (Durfee) Cook, and was born in Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., February 15, 1871. He was educated in private schools and at the age of eighteen was ap- prenticed to the painter's trade, which he followed for several years, being employed by the firm of Kern & Wright of New Bedford. Mr. Cook has always taken an act- ive part in politics, although he has never accepted office. He has always been an earnest Republican and has faithfully followed out the traditions of his party. Cornell, Oliver, a native of Middleton, R. I., born October 5, 1835, is a son of William and Mary A. (Almy) Cornell. His ancestors were of English descent and were among the earlier settlers of Rhode Island. He was educated in the public schools of his native town. In 1852 his father removed to Pembroke, Mass., and in 1859 to Westport, where he has since been engaged in farming. In 1854 Mr. Cor- nell married Carrie Willis of Boston ; their children were Edward, died at the age of twenty-three ; Abbie, married Thomas Jefferson Westgate of Fall River, Mass. ; Su- san Almy, died aged six. In 1860 Mr. Cornell married, second, Elizabeth E. Gif- ford of Westport; their children were Robert Henry, married Lillian Lawton, and died in 1895; Carrie Lillian, married Lorenzo Jones, and died in 1884; Albert Hicks, died in infancy ; Albert Hicks 2d, died in 1888 ; Winifred, died in 1876 ; Edith, died in 1891, aged nineteen; Rachel A., married George Millen of Providence, R.I., died in 1896, leaving a son, George Millen, jr. ; Ferdinand Gifford, died in 1896, aged eighteen ; Hannah Etta, died in infancy ; Florence Etta, living in Fall River, Mass. In 1884, Mr. Cornell married, third Mrs. Emma Butts of Westport ; their children were Grace, Nellie (deceased), infant (unnamed) and Delia. Thomas J. and Abbie Cornell Westgate have one son, Harold Edward Westgate PERSONAL REFERENCES. 269 Corson, Temple Shorey, is the eldest surviving son of Nahum and Mary (Shorey) Corson, and was born July 24, 1830, in Waterville, Me. , where he received a public school education. His father and grandfather, Isaac Corson, were both natives of Waterville and both farmers and drovers. Mr. Corson came to New Bedford in 1849 and engaged in the trucking and teaming business, which he followed success- fully until about 1895, when he sold out to what is now the City Coal Company. During the Rebellion he was employed by the United States government in equip- ping the blockading squadron of southern ports with ballasting. In 1870 he estab- lished his present wholesale and retail coal business. Mr. Corson is one of the lead- ing coal merchants in the city; he is a prominent public spirited citizen, a member of the Elks, and for many years an active member of old No. 5 Engine Company. In 1854 he married Sarah A. , daughter of Henry W. Southwick of New Bedford, and they have four children: James A., and Frank E., who are associated in business with their father; Henry T., a pharmacist; and Ada A. (Mrs John A. Neal) of New Bedford. Cottle, Melvin W., son of Robert and Elizabeth J. (Wordell) Cottle, was born in Fall River, Mass., May 25, 1870. His parents removed to North Westport when he was but three years of age, where he received his education in the public schools. At the early age of sixteen he started in business on his own account ; at the age of twenty he procured an auctioneer's license and became a dealer in anything to make a dollar. He was for three years postmaster at North "Westport, also dealer in gro- ceries, provisions, and general merchandise until 1897, when he sold out and has since been engaged in buying and selling horses, carriages, harness, etc. Mr. Cottle can well be called a self-made man, as he started when a mere boy without any money, never had any one indorse a note, and has built up a business that is equaled by none in this part of the county. On March 30, 1893, he married Sarah, daughter of William and Mary (Wood) Vaughn. Mr. Cottle is a member of Mount Vernon Lodge No. 57, K. of P. , and Noquochoke Lodge, F. & A. M. Cotton, George, was born in North Attleborough, September 2, 1855. His father, W. D. Cotton, was a native of Vermont and came to North Attleborough about 1840 ; he married Ellen M. , daughter of Barton I. Draper ; he was engaged in mercantile business and served as postmaster and cashier of the North Attleborough Bank ; he died in 1860. George Cotton- was educated in the common schools and commercial college, and entered the wholesale dry goods trade at Providence, for the purpose of learning the business. In 1876 he went to Whitinsville, and in 1879 returned to North Attleborough, where at the present time he is one of the leading merchants of the town. In 1886 he married Cora C, daughter of Warren Rhodes, and they have two daughters : Gladys and Hilda. Mr. Cotton is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an interest in schools and anything which is of benefit to the town and its people. Courtney, George C. , was born in Sheffield, New Brunswick, November 14, 1841. His father, John Courtney, was a native of Ireland and was identified in New Bed- ford as a boot and shoe manufacturer; he died in 1877. George C. was educated in the public and private schools, was engaged in the mercantile business for some years and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1866 he went to Boston, in 1877 to Attle- borough, and has been engaged in contracting and building. In 1870 Mr. Courtney 270 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Scholes, and they have two children: How- ard S. and Gertrude. Mr. Courtney is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in church and school matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Crandall, J. L., was born in Windham county, Conn., March 7, 1866. His father, Joseph C. Crandall, was a native of Perryville, R. I., and through life was identified in real estate, prominent in the affairs of his party, holding the position two terms of senator and twice in the Legislature.- He married Alice S. Carpenter. J. L. Crandall was educated in the common and private schools and learned the machin- ist's trade. In 1888 he came to North Attleborough and engaged in the jeweler's tool-making business, engaging in the manufacture of jewelry in 1896, and making a specialty of pins and bracelets. He afterwards moved to Providence, R. I., where, at 99 Stewart street, associated with N. M. Crandall, he conducts the business of manufacturing jeweler. In 1889 he married Clara Davis Hamilton, and they have one son, Lloyd L. Crane, Joshua Eddy, is a descendant of Henry Crane of Dorchester, in the line of his son, John Crane, who was a settler of the South Purchase within the limits of the present town of Berkley. He is a son of Joshua Eddy and Lucy (Reed) Crane of Bridgewater, Mass., and was born in Bridge water, October 1, 1850. He received his early education in the public schools, and at Bridgewater Academy under the in- struction of Horace M. Willard, and was graduated at Brown University in the class of 1872. Mr. Crane was preceptor of Bridgewater Academy, 1873-75 ; principal of the English preparatory department of the Syrian Protestant College, Beriut, Syria, 1876-79 ; subsequently was employed as a private tutor ; and was in charge of the Latin classes of Albany Academy, Albany, N. Y., until 1884, when he became the librarian of the Young Men's Association of Albany. In 1887 he accepted tho posi- tion of associate principal of the Portland Latin School at Portland, Me., but in 1890 resumed his former relations at the library, from which he withdrew in 1892. Mr. Crane is now the librarian of the Public Library of Taunton. He is an officer of the Old Colony Historical Society and of the Old Bridgewater Historical Society. Crosby, Alfred R., was born in Glover, Orleans county, Vt, August 30, 1838, and his father, Hezekiah, was identified in Glover as a contractor and builder. He mar- ried Phila Richardson and was noted for his strong religious tendencies. A. R. Crosby was educated in the public schools and in 1861 enlisted in the First New Hampshire Battery, serving in the Army of the Potomac for nearly four years and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war. In 1866 he came to Attle- borough and engaged in the harness business, and later on the jewelry business, and in 1874 formed the copartnership of Smith, Crosby & Smith, which remains in busi- ness at the present time under the name of Smith & Crosby. In 1870 he married Frances, daughter of Bradford and Maria Dean, and they have four children: Al- fred D., George H., Arthur N. and Ada B. Mr. Crosby is one of the representative men of his town; has been a representative in the General Court; and takes an in- telligent interest in school and church matters. Cummings, Charles Smith, wholesale and retail grocer, is the son of Benjamin and Cynthia (Smith) Cummings, and was born in Dartmouth, Mass., February 4, 1830. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 271 His father was originally a farmer, but in 1855 removed to New Bedford and be- came interested in whaling vessels, and where he died in October, 1863; his wife, born January 9, 1802, is still living at the age of ninety-six. Mr. Cummings's grand- father, Benjamin Cummings, was a ship master and later a grocer in North Dart- mouth. Charles S. Cummings received his education in the common schools of his native town, at the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, and at Phillips Exeter Acad- emy. In 1849 he went to California and for the next four years was engaged in mining. On his return to Massachusetts in 1853 he established at South Dartmouth a grocery business which was removed to New Bedford in 1860, and \vhich has ever since been located at 98 to 104 William street. This is one of the oldest and larg- est wholesale and retail fancy grocery establishments in southeastern Massachusetts. From 1853 to June, 1880, the firm was Tucker & Cummings ; since then it has been C. S. & B. Cummings. While at South Dartmouth Mr. Cummings and his partner also engaged in the whaling industry, and fitted out in all nine whalers. He was for several years connected with the militia as a member of the 3d Mass. Cav., be- coming second lieutenant. In 1855 he married A. Emma, daughter of Joseph Brownell of New Bedford, and their children are Ida F. , wife of Charles D. Pres- cott, M. D. ; Emily, Mrs. Elliott D. Stetson ; and Frank A. , all of New Bedford. Currie, Malcolm, was born in New Brunswick, May 10, 1855, a son of Malcolm and Jane (McNeill) Currie. His father was a carpenter and builder and died in Maine in 1892. Mr. Currie was educated in the common schools and learned the carpenter's trade of his father. In 1881 he came to Attleborough and has been one of the prom- inent contractors and builders for ten years, erecting large jewelry factories and pri- vate residences. In 1885 he married Lydia, daughter of James O'Brien, and they have five children: Lewis, Clara J., Grace E., Alice and Bertha. Cushman, A. M. — Edwin French (deceased) was born in Attleborough, May 12 1806. His father was one Thomas French, who was a native of Rehoboth and one of the pioneers of that town. Edwin French married Maria, daughter of Nathan Wilmarth, and through life he was identified as a farmer. He was a man of sterling integrity and his death, which occurred May 20, 1893, was a loss not only to his family but to all who knew him. Of him it can be said " an honest man is the noblest work of God." His daughter, Anna M., married Peter B. Cushman of New Bedford, and they have two daughters: Mrs. Nellie Deborah Smiley and Evange- line M. Cushman, Henry W. , is one of the active, enterprising young business men of Acushnet, a native of that town, where he has resided all his life. He was born February 20, 1859 ; soon after the completion of his public school education he en- tered active business life in the employ of his father, who was engaged in the manu- facture of pine boxes. He continued with his father until 1883, when he succeeded him in the business and has since conducted it alone. This has been a profitable en- terprise since its inception and is now one of the largest manufacturing concerns of the kind in southern Massachusetts. Mr. Cushman gives steady employment to about seventy-five men and the business extends to all parts of New England. September 20, 1886, he married Frances R., daughter of Francis and Kate (Brady) Eldridge, and they have four children : Henry E., Emery, Francis and Ruth. Mr. Cushman is one of the]hard working, pushing young men, who have preferred a busi- 272 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ness to a professional life. Possessing a liberal education and great natural ability, he believes that these qualities cannot be better employed than in the management and supervision of one of those industries which augments the wealth producing possibilities of the country. Cusick, Thomas Francis, M. D., was born in Taunton, April 11, 1876, a son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Gallighan) Cusick. In early life he attended the public schools of Taunton and later attended Bristol Academy, where he fitted himself for Harvard. In 1892 lie entered Harvard Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1896 ; during a portion of this time he attended several of the Boston hospitals, such as the City, Lying-in and Children's. After graduating he came to Taunton and opened an office of his own for the general practice of medicine, and is meeting with good success. Dr. Cusick is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Davis, George H., son of Peter and Hannah W. (Brayton) Davis, was born in Westport, November 16, 1855. The family is one of the oldest in Bristol county, descending from William Davis, one of the first settlers of Freetown. His son John settled in Westport, and John's son, Eber, had a son named Peter, who was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. During his boyhood Mr. Davis worked on his father's farm and attended the schools of his township. He has all his life followed the occupation of farming, with the exception of a two years' whaling voy- age in the ship Eliza Adams sailing from New Bedford. Part of the homestead farm on which he lives has never been deeded out of the family since its original purchase in 1720. Mr. Davis married, in 1886, Ella, daughter of Thomas Brown of Fall River. Dean, Daniel W., one of the best known citizens of Fairhaven and Bristol county, was born on the old homestead where he now lives, on the Sconticut Neck Road, overlooking Buzzard's Bay. For a long time he has been regarded as one of the most public spirited men engaged in business in Fairhaven. He has, for a number of years, been engaged in the produce and milk business. In 1877-78 he was select- man of the town and again in 1879 and 1883. He was also one of the overseers of the poor. A patron of worthy charities and a willing friend to the needy, Mr. Dean has a reputation for true philanthropy; a friend of progress and advancement, he is always willing to use every endeavor to advance the interests of his native town. Dean, Luther, is a son of David and Dordana Macomber Dean, and was born November 21, 1867. He was educated in the public schools of Taunton, and took a course in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. In 1888 he started in business for himself, opening an office in Taunton and Middleborough at the same time. When the office of city engineer was established, in May, 1893, Mr. Dean was elected to fill the position, which he held for one year. In 1895 he was re-elected to the same office and held the position until 1898. He then opened an office and is now acting as consulting engineer. In May, 1898, he was elected a member of the Amer- ican Society of Civil Engineers. December 16, 1891, he married Jessie Louise, daughter of Jesse K. and Catherine B. Bragg of Taunton, and they have no children. Deane, Lewis Billings, was born in Norton, November 26, 1826, a son of John and Betsey (Smith) Deane. His education was obtained entirely in the public schools of his native town and after he finished his schooling he worked for his father on the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 273 farm. In 1853 he went to Boston, and with his brother engaged in the teaming business, which he followed for twenty years, or until 1874, when he 'returned to Norton and took up farming again, which he has followed up to the present time. (1898). August 18, 1881, Mr. Deane married Rose Burns of Providence, R. I. ; she was born September 28, 1844, and died August 9, 1892, leaving one son, Lewis L.. born November 23, 1883. Dehn, Edward William, physician and surgeon, is a native of New Bedford. His father was an active merchant and well known in New Bedford for several years. He attended the public schools of New Bedford and under private tutors was prepared for college. Having chosen medicine as a profession, he matriculated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city, and in 1889 was graduated with the degree of M. D. He at once began and still continues practice in New Bed- ford. Dr. Dehn has served for two years as physician to the overseers of the poor and for some time as visiting physician to St. Mary's Home. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society ; Bristol South District ; and the New Bedford Med- ical Improvement Society. He is medical examiner for the Maine Benefit Associa- tion, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, and the Catholic Order of Foresters, and is assistant supreme surgeon-general of the Knights of Sherwood, Uniformed Rank of the Foresters of America. He is also a member of the B. P. O.E., and the Knights of Columbus. Delano, James, son of George and Abby (Leonard) Delano, was born in Marion, Mass., August 13, 1846. educated in the public and high schools in New Bedford and the Peekskill Academy at Peekskill, N. Y. , from which he was graduated. Dur- ing the following two years he went to sea in the merchant service, and then took a business course in Comer's Business College in Boston, and until 1882 was engaged in the wool trade in Boston; at that time he came to New Bedford to take the man- agement, in company with his brother, Stephen S. C. L. Delano, of the oil business, succeeding the firm at the head of which was their father, George Delano. This business is one of the historic enterprises of New Bedford, having been established previous to 1850, by Charles H. Leonard, an uncle, who conducted it until his death, and the firm name is now George Delano's Sons, consisting of Stephen S. C. L. De- lano and James Delano. Mr. Delano has been prominent, to a considerable extent, in city affairs and for three years, 1889, 1890 and 1891, served on the Board of Alder- men, and has also been a member of the Cemetery Board since its establishment, and has served his party and the city in other capacities of minor importance. He has also for some years served as a director of the Merchants' Bank. In 1875 he married Elizabeth, daughter of James S. Reed of Marion, Ohio, and they have three sons: Rede L. , James, jr., and Kenneth H. As is elsewhere mentioned in this work, the Delano family is of old Puritan stock, most of the name in this vicinity descending from Philip De La Noye, a French Huguenot, who joined the Walloon church in Leyden, Holland, and came to Plymouth colony in the ship " Fortune" in 1621. Delano, Joshua, is one of the oldest residents of Fairhaven, and has lived there all his life. He was born August 11, 1818, and during his boyhood attended school. At an early age he began to learn the ship carpenter's trade, at which he worked on the Union wharf in Fairhaven for nearly three years. He then turned his attention.en- 274 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tirely to boat building, and in November, 1839, erected a building on Water street to accommodate his business. He has built almost every style of boat known to the trade, but he made a specialty for a number of years of whale boats, one of which he once shipped to Portugal. He has never given up active work, having reached the ripe age of eighty years. Mr. Delano is a member of the' famous old Puritan family, the head of which was Philip Delano, who came from Leyden to Plymouth colony in 1621. Members of this family were the first settlers in the vicinity of Fairhaven, and it has always been largely represented in this section. Mr. Delano was married, October 15, 1843, to Lucretia Nye, and they had nine children: Sarah Elizabeth, Arvilla Durfee, Ada Everett, Joshua Howard, Charles Tobey (deceased), Emma Trafton, Frederick Emerson, and two sons of the name William Herbert, who died when infants. Joshua H. Delano, oldest son of Joshua and Lucretia (Nye) Delano, was born in Fairhaven, December 18, 1850, and educated in the schools of his native town. Like his father, he has resided in Fairhaven all his life and has followed the occupation of boat building with considerable success. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. In June, 1874, he married Elizabeth A. , daughter of Zad- dock and Jane Tilton, and they have three children: Joshua Everett, Clifford Perry and Louis Albert. Desmond, Thomas F. , a prominent member of the Bristol bar, was born in Limer- ick, Ireland, June 17, 1851, and removed to this country when but a boy, settling in Braintree, Mass. He attended the public schools of that town and also the State Normal School at Bridgewater. He began the study of law in the office of Asa French in Boston, and in June, 1872, was admitted to the bar. For three years sub- sequent he was in the office of Edward Avery. He began his present practice in New Bedford in April, 1879, and has since won a high reputation, especially as a criminal lawyer. Mr. Desmond was registrar of voters for five years, four of which he was chairman of the board. He has also served as city solicitor and in that ca- pacity exhibited vigorous and fearless methods in the performance of his duties. He acquired considerable distinction from the correct position he took regarding the po- lice tenure of office. Dickerman, Charles Reynard, was born August 21, 1849, a son of John Quincy and Clarissa Jane (Townsend) Dickerman. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, Bristol Academy and Prince's Academy at Middleborough. He then engaged in the marble business in Taunton with W. H. Jackson, under the firm name of W. H. Jackson & Co., remaining with him two and a half years, and then went into the office with his father to learn dentistry. In 1878 he went to the Bos- ton Dental College and remained there two years, when he returned and engaged in business with his father in the present location. Upon the death of his father, in 1889, he succeeded to the business and continues to-day in the same place. Dr. Dickerman is a member of Charles H. Titus Lodge of Masons. He has been mar- ried twice, first, in 1871, to Mary Emma Cummings of Berkley, by whom he had four children: Harry Almond, Minnie Isabelle, Clarissa Babbitt and Milton White. Mrs. Dickerman died in January, 1895, and in October, 1896, he married Lizzie Nelson Elmer of Wareham. Dineen, Daniel J., was born in Easton, Mass., October 15, 1862, and is a son of Daniel and Mary Lyons Dineen. They trace their ancestry back to a family of PERSONAL REFERENCES. 275 Dineens in Ireland, nearly two centuries ago. Daniel J. Dineen graduated from the High School in 1880 and then started as clerk in the grocery business and in 1889 started for himself in that line, in which he is at present engaged, having steadily built up a considerable trade. November 18, 1890, he married Annie E., daughter of Patrick and Mary Lynch Reynolds, and they are the parents of three children: Mary, Joseph (deceased), and Frank. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus of Easton and Council Hendricken, Court of Foresters. He is a self-made man and has battled the tide of life from his boyhood, receiving a liberal share of patronage from the citizens of Easton, who show their appreciation and esteem toward him. He takes an intelligent interest in his church and town and towns- people. Doran, J. E., was born in North Attleborough, November 7, 1865. His father, John Doran, was a native of Ireland, and came to North Attleborough in 1864, where he has been identified in the jewelry business. J. E. Doran was educated in the public schools and graduated from the High School in 1882. He then entered the employ of R. F. Simmons & Co., and in 1890 went with W. H. Bell & Co., remaining with them until 1895, when he was appointed postmaster at Attleborough Falls by President Cleveland. Mr. Doran is one of the progressive men of the town, was president of the North Attleborough Musical and Literary Association and a mem- ber of the Democratic town committee for four years, and is now secretary of the T. P. McDonough Council, K. of C. During his term of office as postmaster the mail service has been greatly increased and the office raised to the grade of an in- ternational money order office. Dudley, Sumner Arthur, was born in Sutton, Mass., March 15, 1854, a son of Da- vid Tyler and Lucy Larkin (Wilder) Dudley. He received his early education in the public schools and at the close of his school days went to work for his father to learn the trade of shuttle making. He remained with him fourteen years and then went to Hopedale, Mass., and started in business for himself under the style of Dudley & Knight, which partnership was formed in April, 1884. In 1888 Mr. Dudley bought out Mr. Knight's interest in the business and came to Taunton, starting alone in the same line of business, the manufacture of shuttles of all description, and continues it to-day in the same style. He belongs to several orders, among them being the I. O. O. F., the K. P., I. O. R. M., and A. O. U.W. May 22, 1873, Mr. Dudley married Susan H., daughter of Hugh E. and Eliza (Carney) Boyd, of Goshen, Conn., and they have seven children: David T., Harold B. , Forest A., Martha H., Beulah C, Ly- man L. and Ruth G. Duff, John, son of David and Mary (Saunders) Duff, was born in New Bedford, January 21, 1858. His father, a native of the county of Cork, Ireland, came to this country when a young man and soon settled in New Bedford, where he still resides. His first occupation in New Bedford was in the teaming business and later, having acquired a small capital, he started a coal business on Race street (now Acushnet avenue), and, putting the full force of his indomitable energy into the business, working early and late, he very soon was able to reach out until eight or nine wag- ons were employed. At this stage in the history of the business John Duff, who had attained his majority, was admitted to partnership and the firm name was changed to David Duff & Son, and in 1884 the William O. Brownell property on Front 27G OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. street was purchased and extensive wharves and pockets erected. Two years later, in 1886, the coal business and stock of Parker & Haskill were purchased, and thus the business, which started on practically no sure foundation, had become one of the largest coal dealing concerns in Bristol county. When the property on Fish Island, where the coal pockets, stables, wharves, etc., of the business are now located, was purchased, steps were at occe taken towards its improvement, with the result that the area was nearly doubled by filling in and by building wharfage. About three-fourths of this island is now used in the conduct of the business and an aver- age of fifty men are employed, and during the year, February 1, 1897, to February 1, 1898, over fifty thousand tons of coal were handled. David Duff, who founded the business, is now retired, and the enterprise is managed by John Duff, the subject of this sketch, under the old firm name of David Duff & Son. Mr. Duff was educated in the New Bedford public schools and when fifteen years old began to materially assist his father in the conduct of the business and, in fact, practically grew up with it. He was admitted to partnership by his father in 1879, having that year attained his majority. Mr. Duff has always taken an active interest in municipal politics and has been a member for several years of the Republican City Committee, and in 1893 he served in the city government as alderman. He is recognized throughout the en- tire community as a man of keen insight, shrewdness and executive ability, and is a director of the Citizens' Bank and of St. Mary's Hospital, and also a trustee of St. Lawrence Church. Mr. Duff married Mary A. Mitchell, a daughter of Michael Mitch- ell of Taunton, and they have five children: Norah E., Aloise A., John, Mark N. , and Walter F. Dunn, James P., was born in East Taunton, August 17, 1861, a son of Patrick and Catherine (Powers) Dunn. He received his education in the public schools of Taun- ton, and then went to work in the meat business with Macomber Bros., remaining with them until 1879, when he started in business for himself in a small way, and has been constantly increasing ever since, and in addition to this is proprietor of one of the hotels in the city. Mr. Dunn belongs to several local organizations, including the Elks, and is one of the successful business men of the city. June 14, 1886, he married Nellie E. Leddy of Taunton, daughter of Andrew Leddy ; they have three children: Nellie E., James P. and Rose G. Durand, John, was born in Prunet (Auvergne), department of Cantal, France, May 6, 1860, a son of John and Anna (Delon) Durand. Four brothers and two sisters still reside in his native country. Mr. Durand was educated at the college of Cler- mont, France (Puy-de D6me) and at the Jesuit college of the same place. He came to the United States in 1878 and settled in New York city, thence removing to New Milford, Conn. Later he engaged in business at Haverstraw, on the Hudson, for two years, and in 1881 came to Fall River. In June of the following year he estab- lished a printing business at 84 Pleasant street, where he was located until 1898, when he removed to his present location at 154 East Main street. He has made a specialty of society and business work and especially of card novelties, employing from thirty to fifty agents and trading in New England, New York, Pennsylvania and the South. In September, 1898, he established " Le Dimanche," a French Sun- day paper of sixteen pages, which has already met with good success, circulating widely in Fall River and neighboring cities and towns. Mr. Durand is a member PERSONAL REFERENCES. 277 of the Franco- American Society and was its treasurer three years; he is also a mem- ber of the Garde Napoleon ler, and president of the Republican Club of Ward 1. He married, January 1,. 1882, Eva Morin, a daughter of William Morin of Fall River. Durfee, George B., son of Matthew Chaloner and Fidelia (Borden) Durfee, is a native of Fall River. His father was for many years cashier of the Fall River Bank of Fall River,, and prominently identified with many large manufacturing interests. The family is in direct descent from Thomas Durfee, who came from England in 1660 and settled in Portsmouth, R. I. In 1688 he purchased a part of the town of Tiverton, R. I. He was the progenitor of most of the name of Durfee in this vicin- ity. As a young man George B. attended the schools of Fall River and engaged in various mercantile pursuits; later he became a partner in the house of Low, Harri- man & Company of New York city, selling agents of the American Print Works. In 1868 he returned to Fall River and was for some time treasurer of the Mechanics' Mills. He is now owner and manager of the Carr Metal Company, and is a well known figure in the business circles of Fall River. Mr. Durfee was married, De- cember 6, 1855, to Eliza O. Borden, daughter of Jefferson Borden of Fall River, and they have three children: Matthew C, Eudora and Owen. Dwinell, Byron Lee, was born in East Calais, Vt. , October 2, 1850, a son of Ira S. and Clarinia H. (Pearce) Dwinell. In early life he attended the public schools of Vermont and in 1876 entered Barre Academy. Later he went to Goddard Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1872. He then entered Tufts College, graduating in 1876. In the same year he began a complete course in the Boston University School of Medicine. Immediately following his graduation from the School of Medi- cine he located in Taunton, corner of High and Weir streets, in the same office which he occupies to-day. Dr. Dwinell was made a Mason in Vermont, is a member of St. Mark's Chapter of Taunton, and of St. John's Commandery, K. T., of Providence, R. I. He is also a member of Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of a Greek Letter Fraternity. He is a member of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society and the American Institute of Homoeopathy. August 14, 1878, he married A. Louise Barron, daughter of Lyman P. and Emily A. (Godfrey) Barron of Washington, Vt. Two children were born to them : Barron Ira and Alice Louise, the former dying in his seventeenth year. Dyer, George F. , son of David H. and Mary E. (French) Dyer, was born in Fall River, August 5, 1867. He was educated in the public and high schools of his native city and at Brown University, Providence. He then entered the Thomson-Houston electrical works at Lynn, Mass., to take an electrical engineering course. Upon completing this course Mr. Dyer was sent to Cuba by the Thomson -Houston Com- pany to undertake the work of placing several hitherto non-paying gas and electrical companies on a paying basis. This work he accomplished successfully by improv- ing the plants and consolidating the companies, and then returned to Fall River to open his present business in company with his father, David H. Dyer, as a consult- ing mill and electrical engineer. He has been employed in the reconstruction of many of the large cotton mills in this vicinity, and has also undertaken important work on cotton mills in Mexico. In electrical construction he has put in several large plants, notably the plant at the Bridgewater State farm at Titicut, Mass. Mr. Dyer is treasurer of the Bristol Brewing Company. He is an indisputable authority 278 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. on matters pertaining to mill engineering and as a citizen is widely respected and esteemed. Eastwood, Frederick, is a native of Blackburn, Lancashire, England. He is an extensive manufacturer of sizing for cotton, woolen and linen, and it is also used largely by bleachers and printers. Mr. Eastwood's father was a manufacturer of these same goods in England, and it was while at home he acquired the knowledge which laid the foundation of the business in Fall River. Mr. Eastwood came to the United States, and to Fall River, ten years ago (1888) and erected the buildings which serves as a manufactory and which are located at Broadway and Harvey streets, with a frontage of eighty feet and a depth of sixty feet. Mr. Eastwood has as customers all the woolen, cotton and linen manufacturers in this country and Can- ada. He has lately established a branch in Atlanta, Georgia. The home factory at Broadway and Harvey streets, Fall River, is under the efficient management of James McDermot, where a large force of help find constant employment. In addi- tion to the above business, in 1896 Mr. Eastwood established the Troy Laundry and erected a building 90 by 50 feet, two stories, where he carries on a large business, employing a force of forty men, which is under the management of I. L. Bassett, with a branch at Newport. They run seven teams and have many agencies. The downtown office of the laundry is at 39 North Main street. An immense business is carried on in hotel and family work. Eddy, Everett W., was born in Providence, R. I., May 27, 1856. His father, Alexander J. Eddy, was a native of Taunton and was engaged as a moulder and pattern maker; he married Louisa M. Dyer and died in 1879. Everett W. Eddy was educated in the common schools, worked in the foundry at Norton and Taunton and learned the moulder's trade, and was one of the organizers and founders of the Co- operative Foundry at Taunton. In 1890 he came to Attleborough and in 1895 pur- chased the Opera House Cafe, adding the Park Hotel as an annex in 1897. In 1881 Mr. Eddy married Nellie M. Dunham, who died in 1889 ; later he married Abbie E. Winsor, and they have one daughter, Helen. Elcock, Harry Alfred, M.D., was born in Enfield, Conn., June 2, 1870, a son of Alfred and Mary (Kerr) Elcock. His father, in his early life, was identified in the manufacture of gunpowder in England and Hounslow, Scotland, and later became identified with Carl Zerrahan, the great musical director, who is now at Boston. They trace their descent to a family of Elcocks a century and a half ago, who were also identified in the manufacture of gunpowder in the above places. His father settled at Enfield, Conn. Dr. Elcock began his academic studies at Yale University and afterwards entered Yale Medical College, graduating in 1891, and then studied for about a year in Berlin, also receiving a diploma from the Manhattan Infirmary, New York. He was for a year and a half connected with the New Haven Hospital, three years at Parker's, New Haven, and also an instructor in Yale Medical College for diseases of the throat, nose and ear, and began the practice of medicine in North Easton in March, 1897. He takes an interest in everything that interests the people of North Easton and expresses a desire to spend the balance of his days there. He is one of the regular school physicians and surgeons, and in his form of worship is a Catholic. He is unmarried. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 279 Eldridge, Albert Stanley, was born in Taunton, November 16, 1859. He attended the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his schooldays, entered his father's factory to learn the trade of making casket hardware. He advanced from boy to foreman, which position he held until 1891, when he purchased a part of his father's share in the business. His father retired in 1896, when he and his brother John H. took the entire business; they continue it to-day under the same name (Eldridge & Co.) used by their father fifty years ago. Albert S. Eldridge was formerly connected with the militia, joining as a private and being successively promoted until he was made captam of Co. G, 1st M. V. M., November 4, 1879. On November 6, 1898, he was elected a member of the School Committee for three years. He is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Chapter, New Bedford Council, St. John's Com- mandery of Providence, Palestine Temple, A. O. N. M. S., and the B. P. O. E. July 31, 1879, he married Mary H., daughter of William Watson of Taunton, and they have three children: Ralph F., Harold W., and Carleton W. Eldridge, John Henry, was born in Taunton, January 7, 1853, a son of Eli Henry and Lydia Anna (Thrasher) Eldridge. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and the Bristol Academy and then went to Boston and took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College. After finishing his education he returned to Taunton and went with his father to learn the trade of making casket hardware and spent five years in the factory. In 1875 he was admitted to the firm as a partner and so continued until 1896, when his father retired, and John H., with his brother Albert S., who had also been a member of the firm for some years, took the entire business and continue it to-day under the firm name of Eldridge & Co. , the same style as was adopted by their father in 1848. Mr. Eldridge has served m both branches of the city government; in 1885 and 1886 he was a member of the lower board and in 1887 and 1888 was on the Board of Aldermen, the latter year be- ing chairman of the board. He is one of the directors of the Bristol County National Bank; a member of King David Lodge, F. &A. M., St. Mark's R. A. Chapter, Boston Commandery, Knights Templar of Boston, Good Samaritan Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Naomi Encampment, I. O. O. F. July 1, 1874, he married Mary Jane, daughter of Job Godfrey and Eleanor (Cooper) Codding, of Taunton. Elliot, W. L., D. D. S., was born in Rumford, Maryland, March 31, 1853, son of William Elliot, who was a native of Pembroke, N. H., but who was identified at Rumford, Md. , as a. contractor and builder. W. L. Elliot was educated at the public schools and Hebron Academy and then entered the office of C. W. Clement, of Manchester, serving three years; returning then to Rumford, where he practiced three .years. He next went to Fall River and remained there three years, and in August, 1885, came to Attleborough where he established his present business, using the latest and most improved scientific methods of modern dentistry. In 1886 he married Mary W., daughter of Dr. Edward Sanford, and they have two sons: Law- rence and Lloyd. Dr. Elliot is one of the conservative men of his town ; he served as town auditor; has been a member of the School Board for three years; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Ellis, Nathaniel B. , son of John and Elizabeth (Tinkham) Ellis, was born in the town of Mattapoisett, Plymouth county, Mass., July 20, 1849. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native town. Mr. Ellis spent his boyhood 280 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. on his father's farm and in 1866 he secured a position in a New Bedford flouring mill, where he was employed until 1873, after which he returned to the farm. In 1894 he bought his present farm, where he has since resided. On August 29, 1876, he married Clara M. , daughter of Joshua and Rachael (Kenney) Bowles, and they have six children: Clarence B., Alton B., RachaelM., Edith F., Leroy E. and George H. Personally Mr. Ellis is of a very social nature and has the respect and confi- dence of a large circle of friends. Emerson, F. O., was born in Cumberland, December 24, 1861, a son of Benjamin H. Emerson, whose family were among the pioneer settlers. Benjamin H. Emer- son married Jane F. Horton ; he was a contractor and builder. F. O. Emerson was educated at Pawtucket, and in 1879 came to North Attleborough and engaged in the meat and provision business. In 1891 he established the business under the firm name of Potter & Emerson, which he purchased in 1893. Mr. Emerson is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters, is a member of Aurora Lodge, I.O.O. F., Howard Encampment, Mirimichi Tribe, I.O.R.M., president of the Butchers' Association, and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and its people. Emery, Abram David, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 22, 1845, a son of Con- rad and Elizabeth (Perkinpine) Emery. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Philadelphia and later at the High School. In early life he was apprenticed to the machinist's trade at the Penn Works, and spent five years with this firm learning the trade in all its branches and then left and went to Kensington Iron Works as superintendent and stayed there about five years. He then went as assistant engineer to the chief of the Philadelphia Water Department and remained with him about three and a half years, when he came to New York as a designer for Hoe & Co. on printing presses. He remained there nine years and then came to Taunton as superintendent of the Campbell Press Co. After being here some time he engaged in business for himself in the manufacture of the Universal Loom, which was designed and patented by Mr. Emery, and at the present time is receiving the attention of cotton manufacturers all over the country and bids fair to become, as its name indicates, universal in its use. Mr. Emery is a member of Covenant Lodge No. 456, Pennsylvania, F. & A. M. ; K. P. , and B. P. O. E. December 25, 1866, he married Matilda, daughter of Christopher and Mary (Kurtz) Wagner of Philadelphia, and they have two children : Walter Thompson, born September 27, 1867, and Estella May, born November 9, 1872. Mrs. Emery was born November 20, 1845, and died February 2, 1893. Emery, Francis Walcott Reed, was born in Old Bedford, Mass., April 24, 1842, a son of Samuel Hopkins and Julia (Reed) Emery. He received his early education in Taunton public schools and finished in Bristol Academy. In 1855 Mr. Emery went to Nebraska and took up a quarter section of government land with the intention of locating, but later on he went to surveying guide meridians for the government and afterwards was employed on the line of the Pacific Telegraph Company and worked his way to California. This was about the time of the breaking out of the war and he at once enlisted in what was afterwards known as the 5th Iowa Cavalry, and their work was mostly raiding. Mr. Emery was taken prisoner in July, 1864, and sent to Anderson ville, where he remained nine months and was then sent home, arriving PERSONAL REFERENCES. 281 there April 28, 1865, and then received his discharge. He went to work for the Mason Machine Company and stayed there until 1883, when he bought the bookbind- ing business of C. B. Hathaway, which he carries on at the present time, and conducts his business of preservation of ancient, decayed records and papers by his patent pro- cess. July 16, 1869, he married Eliza Ann Sproat, and they have one daughter, Alice Sproat Emery. > Engley, Willard A., was born in Attleborough, August 18, 1856, a son of the late James H. and Huldah (Cooper) Engley, both of whom came from old New England stock. Willard A. was educated in Attleborough and Bryant & Stratton's Commer- cial College of Providence, R. I. In 1876 he began to learn the jewelry business, rapidly rising until he became traveling salesman, and for several years continually visited nearly all the large cities of the United States. January 1, 1886, he organ- ized the firm of Engley, Wetherell & Co , at Chartley, Mass., and after a remarkably successful career he retired in 1897. In 1888 Mr. Engley married Bessie H, daugh- ter of the late Cyrus Webber, and they have one daughter, Bernice W. He is a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge of Masons, Chapter, Council, Commandery, Shrine and Consistory. Entwistle, John, was born in Lancaster, England, November 13, 1850, a son of Giles and Martha (Haworth) Entwistle He received his education in private schools, and until 1884 worked as a weaver in the cotton mills of his native country. Having convinced himself that this country would afford him better opportunities, he came here in 1884, and settling in Fall River, secured a position in a cotton mill of that city. In 1890 he purchased the farm in North Westport upon which he now resides. August 22, 1875, he married Susanna Dean, also a native of England. Their chil- dren are two: Wilfred D. and Martha A. Evans, Charles Everett, was born in Taunton, April 16, 1859, a son of James M. and Emeline E. (Hathaway) Evans. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days he went to work with his father in the grocery business and remained with him about ten years, when he started in business for himself in steam carpet cleaning. This he followed for about four years and in 1888 went to Boston and was with John H. Pray, Sons & Co. until he returned to Taunton on account of his father's sickness. On the death of his father he succeeded to his business of nickel plating, and to-day is general manager and treasurer of the Taunton Nickel Plating Co. He is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Chapter, New Bedford Council and St. John's Com- mandery of Troy ; also a member of Orient Lodge, K. P. , and Cohannet Lodge, A. O. U. W. October 3, 1879, he married Alice M. Sprague of Taunton, and they have one child, Francis Evans. Evans, Edwin L., was born in Attleborough Falls, July 12, 1846. His father, Daniel Evans, was a native of Smithfield, R. L, and the family trace their descent from Richard Evans, who came from England about 1650. Daniel Evans came to Attleborough Falls in 1836 and entered the employ of R. & W. Robinson, button manufacturers, whom he succeeded in 1848, manufacturing a superior quality of fine gilt buttons adapted to the higher grades of army, navy and governmental uses, and continued in the manufacture of buttons up to the time of his death in 1892, a period Jj 282 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of forty-four years. No man in either of the Attleboroughs was so widely known as a manufacturer during the period of the Civil war as the late Daniel Evans. His factory supplied a very large proportion of the army buttons used by the Union forces, especially those of the finest grades for officers' uniforms. Their quality was a standard by which all other makes were measured. The " Evans button " was stipulated in hundreds of contracts for the equipment of troops that had special uni- forms made for them, and they had no superiors, if they had any equals. In those " days of shoddy " it was greatly to Mr. Evans's credit that his goods always main- tained the high standard which won for them such a fine reputation. Edwin L. Evans was educated in Attleborough Falls and in 1862 engaged in business with his father, and still continues the same. Fairbanks, Frank S., son of of George O. and Esther (Hart) Fairbanks, was born in Fall River, October 30, 1858. His father was one of the first selectmen of the old town of Troy, was chairman of the School Committee of Fall River for many years, was mayor of the city and representative from this district for eleven consecutive terms. At the time of his death he held the office of overseer of the poor. As a boy Frank S. Fairbanks attended the public and high schools of Fall River, graduating from the latter in 1872. Following his graduation he was employed as a bookkeeper in the Fall River Laundry for seven years and then went into the Pocasset Mills as a second hand, remaining seven years in that capacity. He then began work in the office of the Marshall Hat Factory, where he is still employed. Mr. Fairbanks is a member of the Royal Arcanum. He was married in 1879 to S. Jennie Leonard of Fall River, and they have two children: Frank O. and Gertrude L. Mr. Fairbanks is of Puritan ancestry, being a direct descendant and seventh of the line of Jonathan Fairbanks, who came from England in 1633 and settled near the present site of Mil- ford, Mass. Fisher, E. Jasper, was born where he now resides in Mansfield, February 22, 1848, a son of Daniel and Mary Fisher. He was educated in the common schools of Mans- field and Barry Academy. When twenty-one years old his father died and he and his brother took charge of his father's manufacturing and farming interest, which they have since followed. Mr. Fisher married Jennie A., daughter of George and Emily (Keech) Chase, and they have three children: Maud E., Howard H, and Roger Chase. Mr. Fisher and family have been active in the New Jerusalem Church and in educational matters. He is vice-president of the Public Library; a member of St. James, F. & A. M. , of Mansfield, and Keystone Chapter of Foxboro, Mass. Fisher, G. Eugene, was born in Bristol, R. I., March 17, 1851, a son of George E. and grandson of Ellis Fisher, natives of North Attleborough. His great-grandfa'ther lived and died at Attleborough Falls. George E. married Sarah C. , daughter of Bradford Corbin, and was engaged in the jewelry business all his life. He died in 1890. G. Eugene was educated in North Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade. In 1878 he married Ella I., daughter of Thomas A. Barden, and they have two sons: Charles E. and Elliot B. In 1895 Mr. Fxsher was appointed postmaster of his town ; he has reorganized the office, inaugurating the carrier system and largely increasing the receipts and efficiency of the office. He is a member and past chan- cellor of Sumner Lodge K. of P. , No. 62, a member of the Royal Arcanum and American Benefit Society. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 283 Fittz, George E., was born in Great Falls, N. H., March 4, 1828, a son of Albert and Tryphosia (Bartlett) Fittz. His father was a native of Seekonk, where his father, David Fittz, was one of the pioneer farmers. Albert was a machinist and died in 1894. George B. Fittz was educated in the public schools, studied dentistry with Dr. Gardner of Pawtucket, and in 1872 came to Attleborough and established his dental practice, which he carried on till 1897, when he retired. In 1849 he mar- ried Emily, daughter of Stephen Murray, and they have one son, William B. Mr. Fittz was overseer of the poor fourteen years, superintendent of water works five years, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Flynn, Edmund Francis, D. D. S., was born in Taunton, September 11, 1867, a son of Michael and Margaret (Clark) Flynn. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and in 1893 entered the Boston Dental College for the study of dentistry, graduating from there in June, 1896. He then came to Taunton and opened an office for himself in the Taylor block, and is devoting his whole time to city practice. Dr. Flynn was married in June, 1897, to Katherine Alice, daugh- ter of Owen and Mary Galligan of Taunton. Fogwell, Richard E., is a native of Fall River, born September 9, 1861. He at- tended the common schools of that city and at an early age was employed in the cotton mills as weaver. In 1871 his parents, Richard E. and Sophia Fogwell, re- moved to Leicester, Mass. , where he attended the public schools, being employed in a shoe manufactory when school was not in session. The family returned to Fall River in 1875, and Richard E. became the apprentice of William R. Bush, with whom he remained three years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the plumbing trade. Subsequently he was employed for seven years by the Fall River Plumbing Company, which eventually came into the sole possession of Charles A. Clark, and at the end of this time went into the business on his own account, forming a copart- nership with James E. Crowley, under the firm name of Crowley & Fogwell. Mr. Crowley retired in 1891, and since that time Mr. Fogwell has conducted the business alone. He is recognized as one of the leading plumbers of the city. He is a mem- ber of Friendly Union Lodge No. 164, I. O. O. F. , and an enterprising and public spirited citizen. In 1878 he married Annie Mason, daughter of Thomas R. Hicks, and they have five children: Bertha E. , Madeline A., Richard E. , jr., Jerome I. and Gladys S. Forrester, Charles F., was born in Somerset, Mass., July 19, 1853, a son of John S. and Mary B. (Marvel) Forrester, and was educated in the public schools and fol- lowed the sea for four years. In 1871 he went to North Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade with Frederick Stanley; in 1877 he came to Attleborough and en- tered the employ of J. M. Bates, remaining with him until 1894, then organized the firm of Marble, Smith & Forrester, who are making a specialty of silver novelties. In 1880 Mr. Forrester married Martha C. Perry. Mr. Forrester is a member of the American Mechanics' Society and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and town's people. Fox, William Henry, is a son of Henry Hodges and Sarah Ann Fox, and was born in Taunton, August 29, 1837. His early education and training was received in the Taunton public schools and Harvard, graduating from the latter in the class 284 ' OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1858. He then studied in the office of Judge E. H. Bennett until 1861, when he opened an office for himself. On January 5, 1865, he received his appointment as judge of the First District Court of Bristol County and still holds the same position, making one of the longest terms of any judge in the State. October 6, 1864, Mr. Fox married Anna M., daughter of James H. and Harriet M. Anthony, who died March 28, 1892, leaving three children: William Yale, Marion and Francis Bird. In addition to his legal duties Mr. Fox is vice-president of the Bristol County Savings Bank, trustee of the Wheaton Seminary and of the Public Library, which latter po- sition he has held for twenty-two years. Frissell, Amasa R., oldest son of Dwight and Ann E. (Rockwell) Frissell, was born in Peru, Berkshire county, Mass., June 24, 1858. His education was obtained in the public schools and the Middlefield High School, from which he was graduated in 1877, and then began the study of law in the office of Judge Filley, in Pittsfield, where he remained for four years. Having formed a dislike for his legal studies, he then spent three years in traveling, and on returning home, took charge of a stock farm, in which he continued for four years. He then removed to New Bedford and engaged in the milk business, which he conducted for six years, and was then ap- pointed on the Park Police, in which capacity he has since served. On February 28. 1878, he was united in marriage to Jennie V., daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (Cross) Leslie, and they have one daughter, Alice V. Fuller, E. A., was born in Canton, February 19, 1853, a son of James W. and Esther (Atkinson) Fuller. His father was a native of Rehoboth, and was a contrac- tor and builder ; he died in 1895. E. A. Fuller was educated in the public schools and in 1870 came to Attleborough and learned the jeweler's business with D. H.' Smith, remaining with him twelve years. In 1882 he entered the employ of B. M. Cornell, and in 1886 purchased the business and at the present time is carrying the largest stock of paints, oils, wall paper, curtains and artists' materials in Attlebor- ough. In 1873 Mr. Fuller married Thersia M., daughter of Silas Williams. They have had two children: Laura F. Fuller, born February 15, 1878, died in 1896; and Ernest M. Fuller, born May 3, 1881. Fuller, Henry Jerome, was born in Mansfield, May 5, 1834, a son of Harrison and Mary P. (Morse) Fuller. His early education was received in the public schools and later he prepared for college in 1851 and 1852 at the seminary in East Greenwich. He attended a four years' course at the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., from 1853 to 1857, and then went to Albany Law School, where he remained one year. On his return from Albany he went to Canton and studied in the office of Ellis Ames for two years ; was admitted to the bar April 10, 1860, and opened an office in Easton, where he remained seven years and then removed to Taunton. In April, 1868, he formed a partnership with Judge E. H. Bennett, under the firm name of Bennett & Fuller, which continued for fifteen years, or until Mr. Bennett's removal to Boston. After this Mr. Fuller continued practice alone and is to-day one of the leading members of the bar in general practice. November 9, 1862, he married Rebecca J. Vincent (now deceased). They had three sons, Frederick V., Albert, and Henry Fuller. Frederick V. died January 14, 1897; Albert is the present clerk of the First District Court of Bristol county; Henry died in infancy. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 285 Fyans, John T. , son of Thomas and Mary (Craig) Fyans, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., April 14, 1864. He attended the public schools of his native city a short time and later the schools of New York, to which city the family removed when he was quite young. Still later the family removed to Taunton, where he attended the pub- lic schools until seventeen years of age. At this time he began work in Reed & Barton's silver plating works, but in a short time entered William Mason's machine works to learn the machinist's trade. In March, 1889, he came to Fall River to enter the employ of the Fall River Machine Company, with whom he remained until 1892. He then engaged as a traveling salesman for Adam Cook's Sons of New York city, dealers in mill supplies, and held that position until the present firm of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway was formed. This business, although started in a small way, has con- stantly grown and is now one of the leading enterprises of its kind in Bristol county. Mr. Fyans is a member of Narragansett Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Friendly Union Lodge No. 164, 1. O. O. F. In 1887 he married Edna, daughter of Capt. E. B. Hathaway of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Edith J. Gabriel, Stanford Leman, was born in Parisboro, Nova Scotia, June 29, 1869. He received his early education in the public schools of that place and afterwards at- tended the Acadia College in Wolfville, N. S. He came to the United States in 1889, taking up life insurance in Providence, R. I., where he remained but a short time, after which he moved to Manchester, N. H. , where he acted as special agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. In 1895 he came to Taunton where he opened an office for the same company, and has managed the business very successfully. He also carries on a general insurance business in this city. No- vember 15, 1893, he married May Frances Rollins of Manchester, N. H. Gadsby, John, son of William and Sarah (Scattergood) Gadsby, was born in Fall River, Mass., March 31, 1875. He is of English descent, his parents having re- moved from England to this country early in the seventies. His father, William Gadsby, was a baker by trade, and soon after his arrival settled in Fall River and started a bakery which he conducted for many years. John Gadsby attended the public schools of Fall River and was then employed in his father's bakery, which he purchased in June, 1896, and has since conducted it successfully, being now located at No. 148 Rodman street. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and an active and enterprising business man. In March, 1897, he married Minnie R., daughter of John Gifford of Fall River, and they have one son. GafEney, John Linus, son of Felix and Mary Gaffney, was born in Taunton, Mass., September 24, 1854. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and later he attended Holmes Commercial College. In 1871 he went with Charles Husband & Co. to learn the decorative car lining business, and remained with them five years, then engaged with John Gaffney in the undertaking business, remaining with him until 1879, when he started in business for himself at carriage painting. Mr. Gaffney is prepared to do all kinds of carriage decorations and also sells a great many vehicles. He served in the Common Council from 1893 for three successive years and one year on the Board of Aldermen. He is a member of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. November 22, 1892, he married Jennie F., daughter of John and Mary (Conefy) McDonald of Taunton. 286 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Galligan, Edward Francis, M.D., was born in Taunton, Mass., December 1, 1856, a son of Patrick and Ann (Eagan) Galligan, both deceased. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and after graduating from the High School prepared for Harvard and entered the Harvard Medical School in 1878, grad- uating in the class of 1881. He then came to Taunton and opened an office for the general practice of medicine and surgery for himself. In addition to a large prac- tice which he has established he was city physician from August, 1883, to January, 1888, inclusive, declining reappointment owing to extensive private practice, and was one of the original staff when the Morton Hospital was organized ; he is now secretary of the board of United States examining surgeons, having served as such since 1886. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and American Medical Association, president of Bristol North District Medical Society two years, 1893-94 (district branch of parent society). Dr. Galligan has never married. Gammons, Edgar Howland, is the only surviving son of Samuel Perry Gammons and Helen Mar Howland, his wife, and was born in New Bedford, Mass. , August 29, 1850. On his mother's side he is descended from one of the oldest and most prominent families in the State. Samuel P. Gammons was the son of Lemuel and Hannah (Perry) Gammons and the grandson of Lemuel Gammons, sr., a blacksmith and farmer who resided in Middleborough and later in New Bedford. Lemuel, jr., was a. sailor in early life and afterwards a teamster. Mr. Gammons's maternal grandfather, Beriah Godard Howland of New Bedford, served in the navy in the war of 1812. Edgar H. Gammons was graduated from the New Bedford High School in_ 1865, became a clerk in the grocery store of Francis H. Pasel and later in the dry goods store of Oliver G. Brownell, and subsequently accepted a position in the general store of Samuel W. Wiggan of Ashland, Mass. In 1872 he engaged in country trade by means of wagons, making New Bedford his headquarters, and for several years he carried on an extensive and successful business. From this he gradually became interested in the disposal of garbage, of which he made a study and since about 1885 has given it his entire attention. Finally he took a contract for one year and then another for three years for disposing of all the garbage in the city, which he deposited on land and then ploughed it under. In May, 1896, he took a contract covering a period of ten years and soon afterward built a garbage reduc- tion plant on the old Hathaway farm. He is also engaged in farming. Mr. Gam- mons was a member of the City Council in 1894 and is a member of the South Bristol Farmers' Club, which he served as a director for several years. June 4, 1874, he married Amantha Borden Ashley, daughter of John S. Ashley of New Bedford, and their children are John Ashley, a graduate of Brown University, class of 1898 ; Helen Ashley, a graduate of a Boston kindergarten school in 1898; Alice Maud, Edgar H, jr., and Molly Nye. Gardiner, Ezekiel C. , son of James B. and Mary (Gardiner) Gardiner, was born at Exeter, R. I., February 1, 1839. His father was a farmer and lived in Exeter nearly all his life, being a well known and universally respected citizen. During his early boyhood Mr. Gardiner worked on his father's farm and attended the district schools of the vicinity, and when he reached the age of fifteen went to Providence and be- gan an apprenticeship to the printing trade in the office of A. Crawford Greene, with whom he remained five years. During his apprenticeship he had many opportuni- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 287 ties to increase his knowledge and attended Potter & Hammond's Business College for some time. He later spent two years at his trade in North Attleborough, and upon returning to Providence was employed by Mr. Greene until the beginning of the Civil war, when he at once enlisted in Co. D, 2d R. I. Vols. After twenty-eight months of field service he became ill and upon becoming convalescent was put into the invalid corps, serving for some time as clerk in the hospital at Portsmouth Grove, R. I. Later he was sent with orders to garrison Fort Wood in New York harbor, and remained there until honorably discharged June 6, 1864. At this time he went to Ashaway, R. I., to recuperate and after a short rest accepted a position in a wool- en mill in that town. He later worked at his trade in Westerly, R. I. , and in Fall River, Mass., to which place he went to assist S. Angier Chace in founding the Fall River Monitor. He then came to the Standard office in New Bedford and remained there for a period of twenty-six years. Mr. Gardiner has been quite active in city politics. He represented Ward 6 in the Common Council in 1880 and 1881, and on the Board of Aldermen in 1890 and 1891. In his second term Mayor Ashley ap- pointed him chief of police and he served the city in this capacity for two years, being removed after his first year and reappointed by Mayor Stephen A. Brownell. Mr. Gardiner is a member and past master of Star in the East Lodge of Masons and a member of Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter and past commander of Sutton Com- mandery. In February, 1895, he purchased the livery and boarding business of William E. Bradley and has since conducted it, being located at No. 85 Grinnell street. Mr. Gardiner was married in 1866 to Abby C. , daughter of Simon S. Pollock of New Bedford, and they have one son, George N., a practicing attorney of New Bedford, who served as executive officer on the monitor Catskill during the Ameri- can-Spanish war. Gibbs, George H. , youngest son of George and Mary Gibbs, was born in Ware- ham, Plymouth county, Mass., August 15, 1854. His parents removed to New Bed- ford when he was five years of age, where he was educated in the public schools, and afterward began the carpenter's trade, at which he has since been more or less engaged. In 1891 he removed to his present farm, where he has since resided. On August 20, 1876, he was married to Susan G., daughter of Job andCordelia(Bradley) Lucus, and they have one daughter, Mary A. Mr. Gibbs is a member of Webster Lodge No. 166, I. O. O. F., of New Bedford. Gifford, James W., was born in Falmouth, September 21, 1850, a son of Azariah S. and Lois (Bean) Gifford. The family trace their descent from William Gifford, who settled in Sandwich in 1650. James W. Gifford was educated in Falmouth and Providence and learned the plumber's trade. In 1872 he went to Fall River, where he remained until 1876, then went to Merrimac, Mass., and from there returned to Fall River. In September, 1879, he came to Attleborough and established his pres- ent business, which in 1894 was merged into the J.W. Gifford Co., the leading deal- ers in stoves, hardware and plumbing goods. In 1876 Mr. Gifford married Annie E. , daughter of Alexander Brown, and they have four children: James W., jr., Charles H., Lois A. and Ethel May. Gillon, John Benedict, was born in Taunton, June 17, 1861, a. son of Patrick and Mary (Boylan) Gillon. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy, also the New York School of Technology. After 288 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. leaving school he was engaged in the office of Prof. D. S. Dickerman, where he stud- ied dentistry with him for two years and then entered Boston Dental College in 1886, graduating from there in 1889. He then returned to Taunton and established an office of his own for the practice of dentistry, where he is one of the leading dentists in the county, and at the present time is one of the clinical instructors at the Boston Dental College. Dr. Gillon was married in Manchester, England, August 15, 1893, to Agnes Louise Murphy, L. L.C. M. , and daughter of Dr. Joseph and Mary (Briggs) Murphy of Taunton. They have two children : Martha M. , born August 10, 1893, and John Francis, born September 21, 1896. Goff, William H., was born in Rehoboth, April 10, 1845, son of Albert Goff, who was also a native of Rehoboth, where the family were among the pioneer settlers. Albert Goff married Ruth A., daughter of William A. Hunt, and through life was identified as a farmer, being a conservative man and one of sterling ability. He died 1889. W. H. Goff was educated in Attleborough and at the age of sixteen en- listed in Co. H, 24th Mass. Vols., and took part in the campaign of Burnside in North Carolina. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the same regiment, and after a visit at home, rejoined the army and took part in the expedition of James River ; was at the Fall of Richmond, where they were kept until January 20, 1866; he was discharged in Richmond, with the rank of sergeant, and returned to Attleborough. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1872 organized the firm of Goff & Shattuck, contractors and builders, but in 1876 the firm dissolved and he continued alone in the business, erecting over one hundred public and private buildings in Attleborough, including the Bates Opera House, the Horton block, the Universalist church, and others. In 1876 he married Clara R., daughter of John Shaw, and they have five children: William H., jr., Howard C, Herbert B., RenaMay and Anna Grace. Mr. Goff is one of the conservative men of his town; is selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor; is a member of the Republican Town Committee; is assistant inspector- general on General Bancroft's staff ; and one of the founders and organizers of Co. I, of the 5th Infantry, of which he was the first captain, serving for nine years. He takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople, Goodwin, Edward Francis, was born in Keewanee, 111., April 28, 1857. He re- ceived his early education in the public schools of Brooklyn, N. Y., and learned the machinist's trade with the Wallabout Machine Co. of Brooklyn. After serving his apprenticeship with them he went with the Campbell Press Co. , and when they moved to Taunton in 1879, Mr. Goodwin came with them, remaining with them until 1892. and then formed a partnership with Edward McDonald, which partnership continued until January 1, 1898. While in business he made a specialty of selling and repairing high grade bicycles. The partnership was dissolved by mutual con- sent and since that time Mr. Goodwin has carriedon the same business in connection with his department store at No. 1 Broadway. August 19, 1884, he married Agnes E. O'Brien of Taunton, and they have four children: Francis E., Walter, George and William. Goward, J. Clinton, was born in Easton, October 7, 1858, son of Josiah Francis Goward. His father throughout his life was engaged in the wholesale and retail meat business. They trace their descent from a boy, who, at the age of seven years, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 289 was stolen, put in a bag, and carried aboard a sailing vessel bound for England, and was landed at Duxbury about a century and a half ago. J. Clinton Goward was educated in the public schools of Easton, afterward taking a business course in Bry- ant & Stratton's Commercial College, Boston. At the age of fifteen he started in the butcher's business and later in the grocery business, in which business he continued for twelve years and then went into the coal and ice business, also moving furniture and teaming of all kinds, and now has a stage to convey people to any part of the town. He was one of the promoters of the North Easton Co-operative Bank and is now, and also has been, one of the financial committee of that concern since its or- ganization. He is a member of Paul Dean Lodge of Free Masons of Easton, a mem- ber of Setauket Chapter of Brockton, and of Bay State Commandery of Brockton. In 1880 he married Alice, daughter of Byron and Adelaide Stout, and they have had four children: Josiah Winslow, Byron Stout (deceased), Niles Waite, and Jay Y. Mr. Goward is a man of sterling integrity, and an active, energetic disposition, which commands respect. Grant, Campbell C, was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, January 15, 1861. His father, George Grant, was identified through life in Halifax as a farmer ; he married Ellen Geddes. and in 1894 came to Attleborough where he now resides. Campbell C. Grant was educated in the public schools and in 1882 came to Attleborough, where he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1893 he established the firm of Grant Bros., contractors and builders. In 1892 he married Flora, daughter of Alexander Flanner, and they have one daughter, Gertrude A. Mr. Grant is one of the self-made men of Bristol county, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and town's people. Guild, Charles T. , was born in Franklin, Mass., January 19, 1842, a son of Charles A. Guild, born in 1812. His grandfather was Timothy the 6th, a native of Franklin, and was of the Dedham branch of the family. The family trace their descent from John Guild of Dedham, Mass., who came to America in 1616. Charles A. Guild married Elizabeth, daughter of Godfrey Slyoff. He learned the mason's trade, serving at that four years, and then served five years in the boot and shoe trade. He then went to Philadelphia and established boot and shoe plants in Alexandria, Va., Hopkinton, Mass., Chepachet, R. I., and at Milford, Mass. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. G, 2d Heavy Artillery, and was taken prisoner at Plymouth and died in An- dersonville prison. Charles T. Guild was educated at Milford. April 14, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 40th N. Y. Vols., known as the Mozart Companie, and took part in the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Pines. Fair Oaks, the Seven Days fight, and was taken prisoner at White Oak Swamp and taken to Libby prison. Afterwards he was exchanged and sent to the West Philadelphia Hospital and from there discharged ; he then returned to Milford, where he engaged in the mercantile business and afterward engaged in the meat business. In December, 1875, he came to North Attleborough, and took charge of E. S. Williams's business; in 1885 he established his present business of coal and wood, cement and builder's supplies. In 1866 he married Mary H., daughter of Otis Wales, and they have one son, Charles F. Mrs. Guild died in October, 1878, and he then married Cora I., daughter of George R. Fairfield. Mr. Guild has served as chairman of the Prudential Commit- tee of North Attleborough Fire District, selectman, assessor, overseer, collector of Kfc 290 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. taxes, town clerk for twelve years, and has been engaged since the organization of the town of North Attleborough up to the present time in organizing and building electric railroads, and has also conducted the coal business at Somerville, Charles- town and Cambridge. He is also proprietor of the Guild Machine Co. at North Attleborough. He has always been a temperance man, at the age of twenty-one he was past worthy patriarch of Milford Division No. 51, S. of T., also P. C. of Bay State Lodge K. of P. of same place, and at present is a member of Sumner Lodge, K. of P. of North Attleborough; an active member of Bristol Lodge, F. & A. M., and was its secretary for many years ; a Knight Templar and a member of Pales- tine Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Providence, R. I. He is a past commander of Post 192, G. A. R., and has served repeatedly on the department and national staff. Hack, Henry S., was born in Taunton, Mass., May 5, 1840, a son of Christopher Amory and Sarah (Seaver) Hack. He received his education in the public schools of Taunton and finished in the Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he went to Worcester and for a short time was engaged in the hardware business, after which he returned to Taunton and went to work for his father. In 1861 he was ad- mitted as a partner in the business, which he carries on to-day under the old firm name. He was married in October, 1868, to Emily Franklin, daughter of Franklyn Tyler and Ann Fales (Smith) Wright, and they have one son, Harold Wright Hack, who at the present time is a student in Harvard College. Hadley, Jacob Baker, was the founder of the largest and most successful bakeries for the production of ship's biscuit in New Bedford in the palmy days of the whaling industry, and was also, in company with Lorenzo Peirce, the first refiner o£ crude petroleum oil in this vicinity. He was born in Newton, near Boston, Mass., July 10, 1814, a son of John and Elizabeth (Baker) Hadley. His father, who was a shoe manufacturer and well known in the vicinity of Boston, died when Mr. Hadley was four years old and to the care of his maternal grandparents he was indebted for his early training. They lived on a farm and during his early youth he at- tended the district schools a few months of each year and during the remaining months assisted in the farm work. When about twelve years old he was sent to Medford, Mass., to learn the baker's trade, and after completing his apprentice- ship, went to Lynn, where, young as he was, he assumed the entire management of a baking business owned by his elder brothers, Albert and William Hadley. In 1841, having accumulated some capital, he decided to open a business of his own, and for this purpose came to New Bedford. He at once bought out the business of Charles F. Allen, his stock, tools and trade in a small bakery on School street, opened an establishment on Water street, near School, and in 1849 built a large bakery on a site between School and Walnut streets, on Water street. This building was soon completed and equipped with the latest improved machinery, and he began the manufacture of ship's bread on an extensive scale and had also be- gun to cater to the trade of New Bedford and vicinity, having several wagons on the road. Through his business with ship owners Mr. Hadley soon became quite extensively interested in whale shipping and continued his connection with this in- terest for many years after he had disposed of his baking establishment. He sold out his entire baking business in 1856 to David A. Snell and Charles D. Capen, and about four years later began a business in Willis Point, refining crude petroleum oil, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 291 in association with Lorenzo Peirce. It is a matter of history that Messrs. Hadley and Peirce were the pioneers of this industry in this section and their business grew rapidly and many men were employed in its conduct. The principal trade was in Boston and Providence, R. I., and they continued very successfully until the busi- ness was merged into the Standard Oil Company. For many years subsequent Mr. Hadley gave his attention to the management of whaling interests and is now re- tired. In politics he has always been a staunch Democrat and many times has been nominated for different public positions. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, hold- ing membership in Star in the East Lodge ; and Sutton Commandery, Knights Tem- plar; was a member for nearly fifty years of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows, and is now a member of Pacific Lodge of that order. Mr. Hadley married first, in March, 1843, Ann Elizabeth Leathe, of Lynn, Mass. , and they had seven children, four of whom survive: George T. , Eugene J., John D., and Lizzie J., wife of Joseph Taber, of New Bedford. His second wife was Emma Paisler Bucklin, whom he married in March, 1897. Mr. Hadley's ancestors were among the earliest settlers of New Eng- land and were especially prominent in the Revolutionary war. His uncle, Samuel Hadley, was killed in the battle of Lexington, and another uncle at Monmouth ; his father was too young to take an active part m the Revolution. Hanlon, Frederick, was born in Easton, Mass., January 11, 1867, son of James and Elizabeth Hanlon, and was educated at the public schools of Easton and Recker & Bradford's Business College at Boston. He soon afterward began work for Jordan, Marsh & Company, where he was engaged for two years, and from there he went to work for the Western Union Telegraph Company at Boston and soon became an ex- pert telegrapher. He then went into the employ of the Old Colony Railroad Com- pany at North Easton, afterwards becoming their station agent for five years at Easton, and from there he entered the service of the New York and Boston Dispatch Express Company and is now their representative at North Easton. In 1896 he mar- ried Mabel R. , daughter of G. H. and Mary Howard Lincoln. He is an honored mem- ber and is second lieutenant in Canton Nemasket Lodge of Brockton and is also one of the trustees of Nemasket Encampment. Mr. Hanlon is one of North Easton's pro- gressive and energetic young business men and has built himself up from the time he started to his present positon. He takes a general interest in school and religious institutions and in his town and town's people. Hargraves Manufacturing Company. — This is the only enterprise of its kind in Fall River. The business was first established in 1848 by Cornelius Hargraves, who successfully conducted it until his death in 1874. At this time it was taken by his sons, Reuben and Thomas Hargraves, who still conduct it. A large business is car- ried on in the manufacture of scouring soap, soap powder and bar soap. Reuben Hargraves, senior member of the firm, was born in England in 1834, and came to America with his parents when an infant. They settled first in Pawtucket, R. I. , and thence removed to Pennsylvania. In 1844 the family came to Fall River, where Reuben Hargraves attended the common schools and then was employed in his father's soap manufactory. He is a member of Mount Hope Lodge, F.& A. M., and also of the Odd Fellows. Mr. Hargraves has been twice married, first, to Sarah Alty, by whom he had four children, three of whom survive: John W., Margaret E , wife of Amasa Couilliard, and Stephen D. His second wife was Lucy Warren Streeter. 292 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thomas Hargraves, junior member of the firm, is also a native of England, born in 1836. As a boy he attended the public schools of Fall River and was employed in his father's business, succeeding to it, in company with Reuben, at his father's death. He is a member of Narragansett Lodge, F. & A.M. , and of Mt. Hope Lodge, I.O.O.F. Harrison, Sandy, was born in Padiham, Lancashire, England, December 11, 1844. He was educated in the common schools of his native village, and when but nine years of age went to work in the cotton mills, and in June, 1869, came to this coun- try, settling in Fall River, where he has since resided. He was first employed in the cotton mills, becoming overseer of the carding department of the Tecumseh Mills in 1875, and subsequently holding the same position in the mills of the Troy Manufacturing Company. In November, 1887, he went into the real estate and in- surance business, forming a copartnership with Charles A. Mills, under the style of Mills & Harrison, which continued until January 1, 1898, when the business was discontinued. Mr. Harrison represented the old Third ward in the Common Coun- cil for one term, and in 1887 was elected to the Board of Assessors of which he is still a member, serving now his fourth term and having been chairman of the board for the past ten years. He is past grand president of the State of Massachusetts of the Sons of St. George, holding membership in U. S. Grant Lodge of Fall River; also past grand of the I. O. O. F., Manchester Unity, and a member of Narragan- sett Lodge F. & A. M. , of which body he has served as treasurer for twelve years ; is a member of Fall River Royal Arch Chapter and Council ; and Order of the Eastern Star, and president of the Philanthropic Burial Society of Fall River. In 1865 he married Mary Duxbury, who died in August, 1873, leaving three children who have since died. Mr. Harrison married a second time, Mary Spencer, by whom he has four sons: Charles E., William L, Hiram W. and Fred A. Hartshorn, Charles Warren, oldest son and child of Jesse and Priscilla (Deane) Hartshorn, was born in Taunton, October 8, 1814, and died in the city of his birth, March 31, 1893. He received his preliminary education in Bristol Academy and en- tered Harvard at the early age of fifteen and was graduated with the class of 1833. He took up the study of law, pursuing his reading in the office of Hon. Horatio Pratt of Taunton and in that of Hon. Emory Washburn at Worcester, followed by a course at the Cambridge Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1837 and practiced his profession with Mr. Washburn in Worcester until 1843, and with J. C. Bancroft Davis until October 6, 1847, when he was appointed clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Worcester county, holding the office for five years, and declining a reap- pointment. In 1869 he left Worcester and returned to Taunton, where he resided until the time of his death. He published and later re-edited what he called his "solitary literary bantling "—" The New England Sheriff." At the time of his death he was one of the trustees of the Taunton Public Library, and a member of the advisory committee of the Old Ladies' Home ; he was for several years one of the board of investment of the Bristol County Savings Bank. He was never mar- ried. About 1857 he became associated with his brother, George F., and Joseph Trumbull in the manufacture of envelopes, which business was successfully con- ducted for several years, and finally sold out. It was noted of him that in his law business his efforts were directed mainly to conciliating litigants, rather than rush- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 293 ing into the courts. He was fond of cultivated society, but retiring in his habits, and strictly just and honorable in his life and in his dealings with all. Hartshorn, George Franklin, was born in Taunton, September 27, 1826, a son of Jesse and Priscilla (Deane) Hartshorn, and sixth of the line of Thomas Hartshorn, one of the original settlers of Reading, Mass. His father, Jesse Hartshorn, was born in Foxboro, May 18, 1789; married Priscilla Deane of Taunton, December 24, 1813, and died April 3, 1868. When a young man he had entered the service of the Shepards, who were pioneers in the cotton manufacturing business, and built what was known as the Green Mill in Taunton, probably the fifth in the country, there being at that time two in Pawtucket, one in Cumberland, and one at Warwick. Jesse Hartshorn came to Taunton in 1807, in the employ of the Green Mill Com- pany. In 1813 he, with Robert Deane and some others, formed a company and built a mill in the eastern part of Taunton, of which Mr. Hartshorn became agent and superintendent. In 1819 he built and equipped a mill at the Falls of Tarboro, North Carolina, and later built and organized other mills at various places, includ- ing Pawtucket and Blackstone, R. I., and Humphreysville, and New London, Conn. About 1813 he returned to Taunton and was in the employ of Crocker, Richmond & Company until their failure in 1837. In 1840 he took a lease of the cotton and paper mills at Westville, where he remained until 1845. In 1846 he entered the service of William Mason & Company as superintendent of their machine works, remaining with them until 1851, when he retired from active business. George Franklin Hartshorn, the subject of this notice, was educated at the Bristol Academy, which he attended from 1836 to 1843. In the latter year he entered the employ of Bates, Turner & Company, importers and jobbers in Boston, Mass., but remained with them only a year, and in 1845 went to New York city as a clerk in the commission house of William F. Mott, jr. In 1848 he went to Worcester, where until 1856 he was en- gaged as cashier of the Central Bank. Mr. Hartshorn was one of the first manufac- turers of machine made envelopes in the country, buying the patent of the inventor. He resigned his cashiership to engage in this business, but was reappointed in 1859, and served until 1862, retaining his interest in the envelope business, which grew to large proportions, until 1865. Mr. Hartshorn left Worcester in 1867, and resided in Taunton until 1873, then in Quincy until 1878; in Cambridge until 1885; and since then in Taunton. July 18, 1855, he married Isabella Frink, daughter of George A. Trumbull of Worcester. Their only son, George Trumbull Hartshorn, was born in Worcester, October 20, 1860. Haskins, George H., was born in the town of Berkley, Bristol county, Mass., Sep- tember 1, 1826, a, son of Cyrus and Catherine (Howland) Haskins. After receiving a liberal education in the public schools he secured employment in a nail works, where he was engaged for four years. On September 1, 1850, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary A., daughter of Samuel andMahalia (Peirce) Richmond, and they have two sons: George Alfred and Charles Abraham. Mr. Haskins was a member of the State militia prior to the war, and in 1861 he was one of the first to answer the call, and enlisted in Co. E, 3d Mass. Vols,, and served for three months. In 1863 he re-enlisted in the same regiment, Co. A, and served for nine months, when he again, in 1864, enlisted in the same company, Detached Regiment. When the war was over Mr. Haskins returned home and has since been engaged on the farm. Mrs, 294 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Haskins died May 12, 1896, and he then mairied Ida M., daughter of David Bowen, of Nova Scotia, in February, 1898. Mr. Haskins has always taken an active interest in town affairs and has held numerous town offices. Hatch, George Coggeshall, the head of Hatch & Company's Express, is the son of George Coggeshall Hatch, sr. , a farmer and lieutenant in the Rhode Island Militia, and Martha Turner Coomer, his wife, who was a daughter of John Coomer, a Revolutionary soldier. He is also the grandson of Solomon and Patience (Cogge- shall) Hatch, and is descended from the Connecticut branch of the family, which was founded in New England by three brothers of the name who came from England, one settling in New Hampshire, another in Connecticut, and the third on Cape Cod. Mr. Hatch was born in Bristol (now Warren), R, I., December 12, 1828, re- ceiving his education in the public schools of Bristol and at Warren Academy, and when eighteen entered the ship outfitting establishment of George T. Gardner in Warren, where he remained about five years. He then came to New Bedford and entered the Union grocery store on the corner of Purchase and Hillman streets, but one year later became an express messenger, running on the New York line. In 1861 he purchased an interest in this business, which he has ever since conducted, under the style of Hatch & Co., operating on all points of the Old Colony system between New York and Boston. Mr. Hatch is a member of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., of Adoniram Chapter, R.A.M., of Sutton Commandery, K. T, and of Acushnet Lodge, Sons of Temperance, and has been a director of the New Bedford Safe De- posit and Trust Company since its organization. In 1857 he married Sarah Maria, daughter of Philip Simmons of Dartmouth, and later of New Bedford, and they have had seven children: Mary Earle (Mrs. Frank W. Kendall), of Menominee, Wis.; Annie Coggeshall, wife of James Henry Brown, executive officer of the United States revenue cutter Bear; Sadie Marie and Edith M., both at home; Martha Turner, who died aged twelve; George Coggeshall, jr., who was graduated from Brown University in 1897 and now a student at Harvard Medical College, and Helen Louise, at home. Hathaway, R. B. & H. D. — This business was established by Charles F. Tripp in 1883, and has since changed several times. It was purchased in November, 1897, by Messrs. R. B. and H. D. Hathaway, who have since conducted it successfully. They are building up a large contract business and also manufacture furniture. Rich- mond B. Hathaway, senior member of the firm, is a son of Richmond B. and Han- nah (Borden) Hathaway, and was born in Fall River, January 28, 1867. He attended the public and high schools and then entered the employ of A. G. Thurston, with whom he remained one year working at the machinist's trade. Later he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he has since followed. He has been honored by election in 1896 to the Council and in 1897 to the Board of Aldermen. Harry D. Hathaway is also a native of Fall River, born August 19, 1872, a son of James B. and Emily J. (Leighton) Hathaway. He attended the Fall River schools and served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade under his father, and later worked as a journeymen for seven years, at the end of that time forming his present copartnership. He is a member of Narragansett Lodge, F. & A. M. Hathway, Andrew M., a lineal descendant of Michael and Hannah Davis, of Fall River, and a grandson of Michael and Marie R. (Wordell) Hathway, who were also PERSONAL REFERENCES. 295 from Fall River, is a son of Anthony D. and Caroline F. (Simmons) Hathway, and was born in Fall River, Mass. , March 6, 1864. His father was born October 29, 1838. He has spent most of his life in the stone business and is now foreman for the Fall River Granite Company. Anthony D. Hathway was married August 13, 1862, to a daughter of Elisha and Parthania(Brightman) Simmons, and they have five children: Andrew M., the oldest, Caroline B., George B , Hannah A. and Lucy S. Mr. Hath- way has always been quite active in public affairs, having been selectman of the town for the last eight years. Hathway, John M., youngest son of Samuel and Mary (Babcock) Hathway, was born in the town of Fairhaveu, Bristol county, Mass., July 25, 1829. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, receiving such educational advantages as were of- fered in the public schools of those days. His first business experience on his own account, and in fact his only business experience, was on the farm, which he has followed his entire life. Fortune's smile has rested kindly on all his labors and the beauty of his home on Sconticut Neck, overlooking Buzzard's Bay, bespeaks an ample fortune richly deserved. Mr. Hathway married, in August, 1876, Frances, daughter of Ephraim and Charity (Gifford) Shockley of Fairhaven. In politics Mr. Hathway has always been a Democrat, and has been distinguished for his firm and high- minded advocacy of true Democratic principles. Genial, kind and affable, he has always won the esteem and hearty good will of his fellow citizens, who trust that many may be the years remaining to John M. Hathway. Hawes, George E., was born in North Attleborough, September 9, 1853, a son of John A. Hawes, a native of Wrentham, where his grandparents settled in an early day. John A. Hawes married Ellen, daughter of Capt. Artemas George, and was engaged in the mercantile business in Richmond, Va. . until 1861. He then came to North Attleborough, where he died in 1875. George E. Hawes was educated in North Attleborough and in 1875 succeeded his father in the boot and hose business, which has been established over thirty years, and at the present time is carrying the lead- ing stock in North Attleborough. Mr. Hawes gives his entire attention to the busi- ness and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Hawes, Simeon, was born on Tarkiln Hill, New Bedford, Mass., August 14, 1817. His grandfather, Levi Hawes, sr., a farmer of Stoughton, Mass., died at the age of forty, leaving a widow and several children, of whom, Levi, jr., was born in Stough- ton on May 25, 1792, learned the hatter's trade, and prior to 1818 settled on Tarkiln Hill, where he was a farmer until his death in April, 1880. For over fifty years Levi Hawes, jr., was a deacon in the Congregational church. He married, first, in 1813, Harriet Peirce, born June 16, 1796, died February 20, 1820. Their children were Levi and Jason L. , who died young ; Harriet (Mrs. Calvin Marshall) ; and Simeon. July 16, 1820, he married Azubah, daughter of Lieut. Jonathan Capen of Stoughton, who died in August, 1879, aged eighty-eight. Their children were Eleanor, Azubah, Levi, Jonathan C. (of Acushnet), Thomas R., Elisha and David C. Simeon Hawes was reared on the farm, attended the district schools, and when six- teen went to work for Capt. William Hathaway. During the next two years he was employed by Wilson Barstow, ship builder, of Mattapoisett, and between the age of nineteen and twenty-four he remained on the homestead. About 1841 he settled on the farm at Acushnet, New Bedford, where he spent the balance of his life. He en- 296 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. gaged in the lumber business at Smith Mills and Acushnet about 1869. Prior to this, 1857, he engaged in the ice business, and finally organized the New Bedford Ice Company, of which he was president. He became the largest and oldest ice dealer in the city. He was also interested in the grain trade for about twenty-five years. He was a Republican, and was a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1887, a mem- ber of the Common Council one year, and for many years superintendent of streets and roads and also captain of Hancock Fire Co., No. 9, at Acushnet. He was a man of powerful physique, great energy, enterprising, benevolent, and public spirited, and a trustee of the First Congregational Church. April 25, 1841, he mar- ried Maria E. , daughter of Joseph and Polly Brightman of Westport, Mass., who was born June 2, 1818, and died May 26, 1880. Their children were John F., An- drew S., Charles S., Sylvanus T., Harriet E., Levi, George W., Cynthia A., Mary A., and Joseph B. November 3, 1887, he married, second, Cornelia P. Baxter of Little Compton, R. I., who survives him. He died June 7, 1896. Hawkins, John Walker, was born in Annapolis, Md., October 9, 1868, a son of John Thomas and Hattie Olivia (Clark) Hawkins. He moved to Vermont at an early age and received his early education in the public schools of Salisbury, Vt. , from there he went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and later came to Taunton. He entered Har- vard in 1887 and was obliged to leave at the end of two years on account of ill health. After this he took up the study of art in Boston, and later he went to New York city where he took up the study of lithography and etching. He continued in this work about a year, but was obliged to relinquish it on account of ill health. He returned to Taunton and at the present time is sole owner of Instant Cold Relief, which is one of the successes of to-day. Mr. Hawkins was married in July, 1893, to Sarah J. Bres- lin of Taunton. Hayward, Joseph Warren, M.D. , was born in Easton, Mass., July 11, 1841, a son of Geoige Washington and Sylvia Smith (Pratt) Hayward. He first attended the public schools, then the academy at North Middleborough, later was graduated from the State Normal School at Bridgewater. He then devoted two years of his time to teaching in North Bridgewater and Lunenburg; during this time he was taking pri- vate instruction in the languages and in 1862 he entered Harvard Medical School. In March, 1863, he enlisted as a medical cadet in the regular army and served one year in the Mississippi valley. In March, 1864, he returned home and entered the Medical School of Maine at Brunswick, where he took his degree of medicine. He then returned to the army as assistant surgeon U.S.V., and was ordered to Virginia, where he served until the close of the war in 1865. While there he was on the staff of General Ord, who was commanding the department; he was present at the fall of Petersburg and also the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He remained on Gen- eral Ord's staff until November, 1865, when he resigned and went to New York, where he associated himself with Dr. Alexander B. Mott, professor of clinical sur- gery at Bellevue Medical College. In March, 1866, Dr. Hayward came to Taunton and associated himself with Dr. George Barrows, which partnership continued until 1872, when it was dissolved by mutual consent and Dr. Hayward started his present office alone. He has been associate professor of surgery at the Boston University School of Medicine for fifteen years ; general surgeon at St. Botolph Hospital, Bos- ton ; and director and one of the staff of the Morton Hospital, Taunton. He is a PERSONAL REFERENCES. 297 member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M. June 9, 1866, he married Lemira Harris, daugh- ter of John R. and Lemira (Dailey) Drake, and they have four children: Ernest, Ralph, Walter and Josephine. Hennigan, J. Q., was born in Albany, N. Y., February 27, 1846, a son of Bernard Hennigan, who was well known in the railroad business at Gardner, Mass. , and died in 1881. J. Q. was educated in Gardner, and at the age of sixteen entered the ser- vice of the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, afterwards Boston & Albany. He remained with them two years and returned to the Fitchburg, covering a period of twenty-three years. In October, 1886, he came to North Attleborough and engaged in the hardware business, of which he is the leading dealer. In 1874 he married Clara A., daughter of Asa Gaylord, and they have one daughter, Minnie F. Mr. Hennigan was elected on the Board of Selectmen in 1892, of which he has been chairman for five years. He is a member of Hope Lodge of Gardner, F. & A. M. ; past chancellor of Sumner Knights of Pythias, and is at present deputy of Taunton and Fall River. Hicks, Charles A., M. D., son of Charles and Catherine (Paine) Hicks, was born in Fall River, January 6, 1858. He is a descendant of one of the oldest of New Eng- land families, the early ancestors of which settled in Rehoboth, Mass., as early as 1640. Dr. Hicks spent several years of his early boyhood in the villages of Phillips- ton and Royalston, Mass., but most of his preliminary education was obtained in the public schools of Fall River. After attending Dartmouth College one year, he en- tered the medical department of the University of Vermont, from which he was grad- uated in 1882 with the degree of M. D. He began practice in Fall River the same year, and has been very successful. In 1895 Mayor Greene appointed him as agent or active member of the Board of Health, and under Dr. Hicks's supervision this de- partment has been greatly increased in usefulness and efficiency. He is a member of the American Public Health Association and the Massachusetts Association of Boards of Health. He specializes along the line of practical sanitation, and is a recognized authority on all matters pertaining to this important branch of his pro- fession. Dr. Hicks has been twice married, first to Lillian Borden, daughter of Peleg Borden of Fall River. Of this union there is one daughter, Ethel Frances: His second wife was Olive A. , daughter of Gideon K. Howland of Dartmouth. Hicks, John Jay, son of John and Caroline B. (Almy) Hicks, was born at Westport Point, Mass., August 13, 1832. His father, who died in New Bedford in 1879 in the seventy-fifth year of his age, was a highly respected and prominent citizen, emi- nently identified with the whaling industry of New Bedford. At the time of Mr. Hicks's birth his parents resided at Duxbury, Mass., and here he obtained his educa- tion at the Partridge Academy, from which he was graduated at an early age. Leaving Duxbury at that time he entered a large wholesale dry goods house in Bos- ton at a salary of fifty dollars a year and an opportunity to learn the business. This was considered in those days an excellent opportunity, but the preliminary steps in this learning consisted in pretty hard manual labor for boys of fifteen. Six months satisfied Mr. Hicks that there was no immediate chance of being taken in partner- ship. Severing his connection with the house and parting from it with good wishes on both sides, he entered the counting room of the late Arthur L. Payson, a Boston merchant engaged in the Mediterranean trade. M r - Hicks remained in the capacity u 298 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of clerk about three years, when he made one voyage to the Mediterranean ports as supercargo in his employer's interests. Having accumulated some capital, and for his years, considerable experience, he chartered and loaded a vessel and went to the Mediterranean on his own account. After a moderately successful experience of two years, he decided the risk was too great for the capital at his disposal and aban- doned the enterprise. In 1853 he established himself in Boston in the brokerage business, dealing principally in Mediterranean products. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Hicks became interested in buying and selling tobacco and established a profitable business. In 1877, owing to the failing health of his father, Mr. Hicks came to New Bedford where he has since resided. Mr. Hicks is a man of much fore- sight and is possessed of keen intuition and ability. In business circles he early earned and has maintained a high reputation for integrity in method and action. Mr. Hicks is a director of the Merchants' Bank of New Bedford and Davol Mills of Fall River. In June, 1872, he married Sarah A., youngest daughter of the late James Phillips Sisson of Little Compton, Rhode Island. Hindle, William, son of Robert and Clarissa (Hothersall) Hindle, was born in Clitheroe, Eng. His father was a block cutter in the Primrose Print Works at Clith- eroe, the founders of the American Print Works of Fall River being fellow work- men. When he was but five years old his father died, and four years later the fam- ily, consisting of his mother, three brothers and two sisters, came to this country, settling in Fall River in 1868. He attended the common schools for a short time and then went into the cotton mills as a weaver, which trade he followed for fifteen years. At the end of this time he was employed by Andrew Holden, a retail liquor dealer, with whom he remained about six years, and then went into the millinery business for himself. Later Mr. Hindle engaged in the manufacture and sale of min- eral waters, forming a copartnership with Lawrence A. Holden, a son of Andrew Hol- den, under the firm name of Holden & Hindle. In additon to the mineral water busi- ness, they engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor trade, and in 1875 built the sub- stantial building which they now occupy at the corner of Pleasant and Quequechan streets. Mr. Hindle has been an active member of the Fall River Fire Department for over ten years. He joined Engine Company No. 7 in 1889, and in 1896 was elect- ed district engineer of the Second District for a term of three years. He is a mem- ber of the order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. June 26, 1877, he married Jane L., daughter of Andew Holden of Fall River, and they have two children: William Clifford and Clarissa Jane. Hitch, Mayhew Robinson, lawyer, is descended on both his father's and mother's side from two of the oldest families in southeastern Massachusetts. He is the son of James C. and Louise A. (Robinson) Hitch, and was born in New Bedford, on Feb- ruary 16, 1867. His father was for many years connected with the New Bedford custom house, holding the position of deputy collector of customs at the time of his death, January 5, 1895, at the age of fifty-six. Mr. Hitch was graduated from the High School of his native city in 1885, and then became a clerk in the Merchants' National Bank, but soon afterward began .the study of law in the office of William M. Butler. He was graduated from the Boston University School of Law with the degree of LL. B. in 1889, was admitted to the bar in the same year, and at once en- tered upon active practice in Mr. Butler's office. In 1892 be formed a copartnership PERSONAL REFERENCES. 299 with his legal preceptor, which continued until the latter removed to Boston in 1896 ; since then he has followed the general practice of his profession alone. He has always been a Republican, and in January, 1898, was appointed assistant district attorney for the Southeastern District of Massachusetts, under Andrew J. Jennings. June 10, 1896, he married S. Elizabeth, daughter of Charles S. Kelley of New Bed- ford. Hobbs, William C, was born in Wilton, Maine, July 11, 1859. His father, George C. Hobbs, was a native of Canada and through life was a well known machinist and inventor of Portland and Boston. His mother, Abbie B. Wheelwright, was born in Wells, Me. , and was a descendant of John Wheelwright, one of the first Puritans to settle in New England. William C. Hobbs was educated at Wilton Academy and was graduated from Bates College in 1881, taking a post-graduate course at Harvard in 1884-85. After graduating from Bates College he acted as principal of the Litch- field Academy, Maine, and in 1882 was instructor at Maplewood Institute, Pittsfield, Mass. In September, 1885, he began work as assistant in the Lewiston High School, but in January, 1886, he accepted the appointment as principal of Attleborough High School, and in the latter part of 1889 became principal of the Canton High School. In September, 1890, Mr. Hobbs was elected second assistant in the classical depart- ment of the Providence High School, and after a half year's service was promoted to the position of first assistant in the English and scientific department. In June, 1892, he was elected superintendent of schools in North Attleborough. July 6, 1892, Mr. Hobbs married Jennie L., daughter of James M. Hiscock of Wilton, Me., and they have two sons: James B. and Arthur E. Holmes, Albert W., son of Josiah, jr., and Abbie (Wood) Holmes, was born in Mattapoisett, Mass. , August 17, 1852. His father, a man of prominence in Matta- poisett, and who held at various times many of the more important town offices, was a ship builder. He moved with his family to New Bedford in 1869, to engage in the coal business. He died in February, 1890, having reached his seventy-eighth year. There are few of the older New England families who can prove a better lineation than the Holmes family, and the branch from which Albert W. Holmes descends has been well represented in Bristol county and the immediate vicinity for several generations. Mr. Holmes was educated in the schools of Mattapoisett, and at the Friends' School in Providence, R. I., which he attended for five years, and was graduated with the class of 1870. In August of the same year he went into his father's office and remained there until 1884, when he succeeded his father in the business at the old location, the office and wharf being located at the foot of Cannon street. This site has been used for a coal business over fifty years, Joseph Cundell being the first merchant to engage in business there, and he was succeeded by Peleg S. Mocy, who, in turn, sold to Josiah Holmes, jr. The business is one of the oldest of its kind in the city. Mr. Holmes is a member of the Wamsutta Club and a mem- ber and president of the Dartmouth Club. He is unmarried. Holmes, Lemuel Le Baron, city solicitor of New Bedford for seven years, was born in Mattapoisett, Mass., then a part of Rochester, July 26, 1853. He attended the public schools of his native town, the Warren School in Charlestown, Mass., Pierce Academy, Middleborough, and the Massachusetts Agricultural College, from which he was graduated in 1872. Soon after he entered the law office of Stetson & 300 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Greene in New Bedford, and after three years' study was admitted to the Bristol bar in 1875. He at once took up the practice of his profession in New Bedford and has since won considerable success. He has been active in political circles and has be- sides his long service as city solicitor represented his ward in the city government. He is an active member of the Masonic order and a director of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company. Hopkins, Arnold Clinton, was born in Foster, R. I., October 7, 1852, a son of Henry C. and Amy C. (Bowen) Hopkins. He received his early education in the public schools of Rhode Island, and at the close of his school days went to Pascoag, R. I., to learn the trade of cotton spindle maker, where he remained about four years and then came to Taunton, going to work for the Mason Machine Co. He stayed there until 1887, and then for a few years worked in different places on cot- ton machinery, and finally engaged with H. A. Williams, manufacturing drills. He remained with him until he came to the New Process Drill Co., where in 1896 he be- came general superintendent and has been with them ever since. October 16, 1879, he married Cynthia M. Rounds of Foster, R. I. , daughter of Alden and Hannah (Chappell) Rounds. Horr, Andrew J., son of Calvin and Lydia (Wood) Horr, was born in Lakeville, Bristol county, Mass., July 8, 1835. After attending the public schools he embarked on a whaling ship in the capacity of seaman, and was promoted from time to time until he was made boat steerer, in all spending about twenty years at sea, having traveled over a great part of the world. September 18, 1862, he enlisted in the 3d Massachusetts Volunteers, Company A, and served his country for nine months. After the war he went to sea again, but did not remain long, when he returned home and went to California, and after a short stay there he came back and has since been engaged on his farm. On August 29, 1867, he was united in marriage to Sarah Grinnell, and they had two children: Annie J., wife of Charles A. Thomas, and George (deceased). Mr. Horr is a member of R.A. Peirce Post No. 190, G. A. R. , of New Bedford. He has never taken an active interest in town affairs and has never sought or held public office. Horton, James J., was born in Providence, R. I., October 19, 1841, and his father, Gideon M. , was a native of Rehoboth and a descendant of the Horton family, who were among the pioneer settlers. J. J. Horton came to Attleborough with his parents in 1843 and was educated in the public schools. He was in the army for two years and returning to Providence engaged in the mercantile business. In 1870 he came to Attleborough and engaged in the insurance business, but in 1876 changed to the jewelry business, which he has continued for twenty-three years, making a specialty of optical goods, the firm'being known as the Bay State Optical Company. In 1868 he married Emily H. , daughter of Samuel W. Clark. Mr. Horton is one of the conserv- ative men of his town and is a director in the First National Bank. He takes an in- telligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best inter- ests of his town. Horton, Raymond M., was born in Attleborough, August 28, 1875, a son of Edwin J. and Rhoda (Lee) Horton. His father was engaged in the jeweler's business and perished at sea at the sinking of the steamer Narragansett. He was a public spirit- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 301 ed man; representative in the Legislature for three years; president of the Y. M. C. A. ; society commander of the G. A. R. ; and a prominent Mason, King Hiram and Royal Arch Chapter. Raymond M. Horton was educated in the public schools and Amherst College. In 1896 he organized the firm of Walch & Horton, the leading clothiers and dealers in gent's furnishing goods in Attleborough, making a specialty of custom tailoring. Mr. Horton is a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, F. & A. M. , King Hiram and Royal Arch Chapter, Bristol Commandery, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Howard, Edwin J., son of Jarvis T. and Ellen S. (Pierce) Howard, was born in the town of Fairhaven, Bristol county, Mass., June 7, 1847. He received his education in the public schools of his native town and at an early age embarked in the tanning and farming business on his own account, which he has since followed. In October, 1891, he married Georgia F. Butts of New Hampshire. In every walk of life Mr. Howard is honored with the high regard of his friends and townsmen. He is a gentleman of quiet and dignified demeanor, whose modesty makes him always prefer to listen rather than to be listened to. Howarth, David, son of John and Ann (Meadcroft) Howarth, was born at Small Bridge, in Lancashire, England, January 19, 1841. As a youth he attended the common schools of his native village and worked in the woolen mills of Rochdale. At the age of eight years he left school and found steady employment in the mills, working in different departments until he was twenty-five years old. At this time he engaged in the manufacture of oat cakes, later adding bread to his stock. He continued in this business for fourteen years, and in April, 1881, came to this coun- try, settling in Fall River, where he afterwards resided. He first engaged in shirt and overall making, selling his product to different stores and ofttimes, when busi- ness was dull, peddling it. He later entered the employ of John Robinson as a candy peddler, but soon started in the confectionery business for himself; first locat- ing on Alden street, then on Bedford street, then on the corner of Quequechan and County streets, from which location he removed to the store on Pleasant street. Mr. Howarth was very successful and enjoyed a large wholesale and retail trade. He was a member of the Pilgrim Fathers and the Order of Odd Fellows. In 1864 he married Betty Scoffield of Lancashire, Eng., and they had ten children, only one surviving, David. Mr. Howarth died at sea on the steamer " Catalonia,'' on Sep- tember 1, 1898. Hunt, Charles Richard, physician and surgeon, was born at Easton, Mass., Octo- ber 17, 1855. He is the eldest son of John R. and Georgianna (Hayward) Hunt. In his younger days, while his father was in the west, he made his home with his ma- ternal grandparents, prominent citizens of Easton. It was in his native town that he received his early education, and after graduating from the High School of Easton, he entered the city engineer's office in Boston. While in the employ of the engineer- ing department he took special instructions from the professors of the Boston Insti- tute of Technology. Continuing in the engineering department of that city he gained a high reputation for efficiency in his chosen profession, and when American capital- ists conceived the idea of building the Mexican Central Railroad, he was one of the first engineers engaged by the company in the preliminary work, making surveys and locating the road. As resident engineer of the company with headquarters at 302 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Aguas Calientes, he gained valuable knowledge of that country. After a very suc- cessful service in which he gained high praise and commendation he returned to Massachusetts and was induced to take up the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Joseph W. Hayward, of Taunton, one of the ablest physicians and surgeons in the Bay State. In 1884, he entered the Boston University School of Medicine, from which he was graduated M. D. in 1887. Immediately after, or to be more accurate, with his graduation, he received the appointment of resident house surgeon at the Mas- sachusetts Homeopathic Hospital in Boston. Serving a year in that capacity he decided to practice in New Bedford, and is one of the leading homeopaths of that place, having a large practice. Dr. Hunt is the visiting physician to the House of Correction in New Bedford. He is a member of the American Institute of Homeo- pathy; Massachusetts Homeopathic Society; Rhode Island Homeopathic Society; Boston Homeopathic Medical Society ; American Society of Orifical Surgeons and the Massachusetts Surgical and Gynaecological Society. On both the maternal and paternal sides Dr. Hunt comes from Puritan families. He is of the eighth genera- tion of William Hunt, who settled near the present site of Concord, Mass., in 1635, and a lineal descendant of Sir Thomas Hayward, who as one of the early settlers of Duxbury, Mass. , arrived in this country the same year. His paternal grandfather, John E. Hunt, was a practicing physician of great reputation and ability in Maine and New Hampshire. Dr. Hunt was married August 22, 1888, to Annie Vincent, daughter of the late Charles L. Haskins of Raynham, Mass. Jenney, Henry Palmer, alderman, was born in New Bedford, June 18, 1844, a son of Nathaniel and Eunice (Palmer) Jenney. The family is of good old Puritan stock, Mr. Jenney's ancestors having settled in Plymouth early in the history of the colony. His father, a native of Fairhaven,.was a well known and successful builder and con- tractor, and although he never held public office, was still highly esteemed in the community and a man of some prominence. Henry Jenney has resided in New Bed- ford all his life, and his principal business has been as a retail dealer in groceries and provisions, having for twenty years conducted a store on Purchase street. This business was established by him in 1863, and during the first year he was associated with Isaac Case, under the firm name of Jenney & Case. After the dissolution of this firm he conducted the business alone for some years and then, having admitted his brother, Nathaniel H. Jenney, the firm of Jenney Brothers was formed. In 1885 Mr. Jenney disposed of his interest and gave his attention to the real estate business, in which he had previously been engaged to a considerable extent, always having been an active man and a hard and energetic worker. After completing an educa- tion, confined to the common schools, and before engaging in business he worked for five years in the Gosner Rolling Mills in New Bedford. He is greatly interested in horticulture and devotes much time to this pursuit. He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Poor two years and two years on the Board of Aldermen. In 1863 he married Charlotte D., daughter of Nathaniel Cobb of New Bedford. Jennings, Latham T., is a lineal descendant of John Jennings, who came to this country from England in 1720, and married Ann Halliway in 1730. On his mother's side he is descended from Gov. John Wanton of Rhode Island ; he married Anna, daughter of Abraham Redwood of Rhode Island. Latham T. is a son of Isaac and Abby W. (Thurston) Jennings, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., August 29, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 303 1838. His education was obtained in the public schools and after finishing school was employed on the farm for two years. He then went on two successful whaling voyages of six years' duration, the first voyage before the mast on the ship Reindeer, and the second voyage as boat steerer on the same ship. He then went to California, where he remained for seventeen months, when he returned to New Bedford and has since been engaged in farming and stone masonry. On June 1, 1864, he mar- ried Hannah B. , daughter of James and Sarah (Maryhill) Hammett of Acushnet. Jennings, William H., son of "William H. and Annie Borden (Chase) Jennings, was born in Fall River, July 15, 1868. He attended the public and high schools, gradu- ating from the latter in the class of 1887, and the following year took a special course at Phillips Exeter Academy. His first experience in business was as, a clerk in the office of the Staples Coal Company, where he remained about one year and then ac- cepted a position as manager of the loom harness manufactory of Webster & Co. In 1896 this firm was incorporated under the laws of the State of Massachusetts and Mr. Jennings was made treasurer of the Webster Loom Harness Cbmpany ; he is also treasurer of the Algonquin Printing Company. Jones, George M., was born in Taunton, Mass., February 10., 1862, a son of Gard- ner and Sarah A. (Wanning) Jones ; he received his education in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he went to work as a hotel clerk in Tiverton, R. I. , where he remained but two years and then re- turned to Taunton, going into the office of Arthur M. Alger, where he remained three years. In March, 1886, he opened a store of his own for the sale of cigars and tobacco. This business he is still engaged in and has added a pool and billiard room. Mr. Jones is a member of John Hancock Lodge, K. P., and the Order of Red Men. Kavanaugh, John Joseph, was born in East Taunton, January 2, 1849, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Clifford) Kavanaugh. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton and after the close of his studies he entered the O. C. Iron Co. to learn to make shovels ; he served his apprenticeship in that department and was then promoted to where the steel is prepared for the shovels and remained there until 1873, when he went to Providence to work in the steel department of the Providence Tool Company, who made a specialty of manufacturing guns. In 1876 he returned to Taunton and went as an assistant in the State Hospital for a short time and then engaged in the livery business with his brothers. In 1880 he engaged in the wholesale liquor business, which he is still engaged in. He was a member of the City Council in 1895, 1896 and 1897, and a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1898. He is senior past chief ranger of Court Elizabeth Poole, F. of A. ; supreme paymaster general K.S.F.F. of A. ; treasurer of Division Five, A.O.H., and a mem- ber of the B. P. O. E. February 16, 1871. Mr. Kavanaugh married Catherine, daughter of Matthew and Jane (O'Brien) Kelly. Keeler, Charles P., was born in Milford, Conn., August 29, 1860, and his father, Rev. S.C. Keeler, was prominent in the Concord diocese of the M.E. Church, having filled the office of presiding elder for two terms ; he married Lydia, daughter of Ira Williams. Charles P. Keeler was educated in Brooklyn, N. Y., and in 1880 came to Attlebor- ough and entered the employ of Smith & Crosby, and also J. F. Sturdy & Sons. In 304 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1894 he organized the firm of McRae & Keeler, making a specialty of ladies' goods. In 1883 he married Ada G., daughter of John Bullock, and they are the parents of three children : Lawrence P. , Helen and Lydia, having lost one son, Charles, in in- fancy. Mr. Keeler is one of the self-made men of Bristol count}'- ; is a member of the Masonic order, of the Red Men and A.O.U.W. ; he takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters. Kelley, David Newcomb, son of Alvira and Achsia (Newcomb) Kelley, was born at Harwich Port on Cape Cod, November 8, 1856. His father was a dealer in fish and in 1874 removed to Fairhaven, where he established the business which is now con- ducted by Mr. Kelley. After attending the schools of his native village David N. began to make voyages in fishing vessels, being placed at an early age in charge of vessels going on long fishing cruises. He continued this business for eight years and at the death of his father took entire charge of the business and has since con- ducted it successfuly, dealing extensively in all kinds of salt fish. During the season he keeps several fishing schooners in commission and employs a large force of men in cutting, salting and packing the catch. The business is located on what was once called the Old South Wharf. This wharf was partly purchased by Mr. Kelley's father and has now come entirely into his possession and is called Kelley's Wharf. Mr. Kelley is also extensively engaged in the lumber trade, being associated in this business with B. F. Nickerson, under the firm name of B. F. Nickerson & Co. In January, 1878, he married Alfretta, daughter of Freeman A. Phillips of Harwich Port, and they have one son, David Leon Kelley. Kempton, David Batchelder, is one of the oldest business men of New Bedford, and has been prominently identified with leading business enterprises in that city for over fifty years. He was born April 35, 1818, a son of David Kempton (2) and Joanna (Maxfield) Kempton, and is a direct descendant of Manasseh Kempton, whose name appears on the deed given by Ousamequin and his son Wamsutta to John Cooke and others, and conveying the whole town of Dartmouth in thirty-four whole parts and no more. Many members of the Kempton family have been promi- nent in history, notably Col. Thomas Kempton of Revolutionary fame. It was the pleasure of Mr. Kempton's youth to listen to stories told by his grandmother, who saved herself and children from the British soldiery by fleeing to the woods at the time of the invasion. She lived at that time in an old house, long since demolished, which was on the site of the present intersection of North and County streets. It was upon this spot that three citizens, Cook, Russell and Trafford, were killed at the time of the British invasion ; and not more than a hundred yards from the same spot two British soldiers were killed as they were marching by, by two men in the woods. This was the first blood shed in the war in this vicinity. Some of this land is now in the possession of Mr. Kempton ; it has never been deeded out of the family since its original purchase from the Indians. During his early youth Mr. Kempton attended school for a very short time, but was orphaned at the age of twelve and went to live with his father's brother, Ephraim Kempton, with whom he remained until he at- tained his majority, meantime learning the carpenter's trade, at which he worked twelve years He then became interested in whale shipping and for over a quarter of a century was an agent and managing owner of whaling vessels. He was a mem- ber of the fire department for several years. He early became a Mason, joining PERSONAL REFERENCES. 305 Star in the East Lodge, and also Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter and Sutton Com- mandery, Knights Templar. In 1877 he realized the desire of his life when he took an extensive trip in the countries of the old world, visiting Constantinople and the Holy Land. He was connected with the New Bedford flour mill for many years as director and president.- He is now president of the Pope's Island Manufacturing Corporation ; a director of the New Bedford Gas and Edison Electric Company ; and of the Citizens' National Bank. At different times during his life he has been hon- ored by public office. He served in the State Legislature in 1889 and 1890 ; was warden of the Fifth ward in 1875, 1876 and 1877; member of the City Council in 1864, 1865 and 1866. In the latter year the construction of the water works was be- gun and he, with Warren Ladd and William W. Crapo, was elected to the first Water Board and served in that capacity nearly twenty-five years. Mr. Kempton is a man of most kindly disposition and of great ability in handling men. As a young man he was endowed with great earning capacity and by an energetic exercise of his ability acquired a considerable property. He is one of the historical characters of New Bedford and himself takes a deep interest in matters pertaining to the history of this vicinity, in which so many of his ancestors figured prominently. The very land on which he lives is a historic point and has for over two hundred and forty years been in the possession of his family. His first wife, whom he married in 1842, was Sarah Bates Lindsey, a daughter of the late Benjamin Lindsey, sr. , who was for many years editor of the "Mercury." Of this union one son was born, Frank H. ; he married again in 1879, Susan H. Jennings, daughter of Dr. J. H. Jennings. Kennedy, Francis M., D. D. S., was born in New Bedford, February 11, 1863, a son of Michael F. and Ellen A. (Ahern) Kennedy. He attended the public schools of New Bedford and also studied under a private tutor. After some time spent in his father's business he entered the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and was graduated in 1887, holding the highest honor given in his class. In the same year he began practice in New Bedford and still continues, having met with excellent success. For nine years he served on the School Committee and at present is a trustee of the Public Library. November 14, 1893, he married Mary A., daughter of the late Andrew Donaghy of New Bedford, and they have two children: Helen Sarah, arid an infant daughter. King, M. L. , was born in Nova Scotia, March 22, 1834. His father, Martin King, was identified as a farmer and miller in Nova Scotia and married Margery Sarson ; he died a young man in 1841. Martin L. King came to North Attleborough in Jan- uary, 1856, and followed his trade of blacksmithing, making a specialty of jeweler's tools. In 1857 he married Martha Redmond, and they have two sons and one daugh- ter: Edward M., Clarence H. and Mrs. Florence Morse. Mr. King is one of the self-made men of his town, is one of the committee of fifteen of his town, and takes an active interest in school and church matters. Kirby, Charles T., son of Charles S. and Eliza E. (Estes) Kirby, was born in Fall River, July 6, 1862, and obtained his education in the public and high schools of that city. He has been engaged in the livery business since completing his schooling and is one of the best known liverymen in the county. The present stables were owned by his father, and on the latter's death in June, 1888, he succeeded to the business, uiin 306 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. which he has since conducted successfully. June 6, 1890, he married Laura A. Kirby, and they have two daughters. Madeline and Margaret. Kirby, George A., is descended from one of the oldest families in eastern Massa- chusetts. Richard Kirby, sr., 1 was born about 1628 and died about 1687. He lived in Lynn, afterward in Sandwich, and subsequently in Dartmouth, and byhis wife Jane had five children. Richard Kirby, jr., a who died in 1720, was often fined in Sandwich, as was also his father, for attending Quaker meetings. He married, first, October 19, 1655, Patience, daughter of William Gifford, of Sandwich, and a grand- daughter of Walter and great-granddaughter of Sir Ambrose Gifford of England. About 1666 he removed to Dartmouth. He married, second, Abigail Howland, De- cember 2, 1678. Of his five children, Robert, 3 the youngest, was born March 10, 1674, lived in Dartmouth, and died about 1755. He married Rebecca, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Stokes) Potter of Portsmouth, R. I., who was born March 10, 1674, bore him seven children, and died July 1, 1763. Nathaniel Kirby 4 married, January 25, 1731, Abigail, daughter of James and Rebecca (Howland) Russell of Dartmouth, and had five children. Justus Kirby, 5 born April 28, 1746, died January 5, 1831, in Westport. He married, December 27, 1769, Catherine, daughter of Peleg and Mary (Russell) Cornell, who was born April 14, 1751, and died August 27, 1832. Wesson Kirby, 6 brother of Justus, was born October 14, 1831, served as tithing man, surveyor of highways, etc. , in Dartmouth, for many years, and died October 9, 1798. He married, February 23, 1870, Hannah, daughter of William and granddaughter of William White of Westport, and they had fourteen children. She was born in 1781 and died in 1819. Benjamin Kirby, 6 born June 18, 1763, died August 20, 1817. February 2, 1788, he married Patience Lawton, born November 16, 1767, died Janu- ary 17, 1841, and had eight children. George Kirby, 1 their eldest son and second child, was born May 16, 1794, was a farmer at Russell's Mills in Dartmouth, and died August 30, 1882. August 23, 1821, he married Abby H., daughter of George and Mary Smith of Dartmouth, and had three children. Humphrey Kirby, 8 born June 1, 1822, was a ship chandler in New Bedford and a member of the school com- mittee, and died April 16, 1891. July 19, 1846, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Rudolphus Howland, who was born April 13, 1829, and died November 29, 1860. They were the parents of George A. Kirby, of the ninth generation. Wesson Kirby, jr., 6 son of Wesson and Hannah (White) Kirby, was born April 15, 1759, married in 1803 Joanna, daughter of Richard and Joanna Craw, and died December 4, 1839. Mary C. Kirby, 1 born April 20, 1803, was married October 10, 1826, to Avery Kirby. who was born October 13, 1792, died June 5, 1851, and who was a son of Luthan Kirby, born May 5, 1770, died April 11, 1860, who was a son of Justus Kirby, 5 before mentioned. William A. Kirby, 8 son of Avery and Mary C. Kirby, was born July 3, 1827, and is a carpenter in New Bedford. Knowlton, Hosea Morrill, was born in Durham, Me., May 20, 1847, and is the eld- est son of Rev. Isaac Case Knowlton, D. D., and Mary S. Wellington, his wife. He is a direct descendant of Capt. William Knowlton, who sailed from London to Nova Scotia in 1632-4, but died en route, his widow and three sons, John, William and Thomas, continuing the voyage and finally settling in Ipswich, Mass. Mr. Knowl- ton's ancestor is William, who served in King Philip's war. Rev. Isaac Case Knowlton was born at Liberty, Me., September 6, 1819, and died at West Acton, t Mass., March PERSONAL REFERENCES. 307 38, 1894. He was a self-educated man and spent fifty years in the ministry, receiv- ing the degree of D. D. from Tufts College in 1889. Besides numerous articles pub- lished in magazines, etc., he was the author of a " History of Calais, Maine," 1873, and "Through the Shadows," 1885. His wife, Mary Smith Wellington, was de- scended from Kenelm Winslow, brother of Governor Winslow, and also from Rev. Thomas Smith, pastor of the First church in Portland, Me. Hosea M. Knowlton's early life was an itinerant one. He attended the High Schools of Oldtown and Bangor, Me., and Keene, N. H., and Powers Institute at Bernardston, Mass., and was graduated from Tufts College in 1867. He studied one year in the Harvard Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1870. He shortly afterward opened an office in New. Bedford, where he has since practiced with eminent success. In 1872 he was appointed register in bankruptcy for the First District in Massachusetts, which office he held until it was abolished in 1878. He was a member of the New Bedford School Committee from 1874 to 1877, city solicitor in 1877, representative to the Legislature in 1876-77, State senator in 1878-79, and district attorney for the Southern District of Massachusetts from 1879 to January 1, 1894, when he resigned to take the office of attorney-general of the State, to which position he was elected in the fall of 1893 ; he has been five times re-elected, an eloquent testimonial of his fitness for the trust, and is still in office. Mr. Knowlton was one of the incorporators and a member of the board of directors of the Edison Electric Light Co. of New Bedford until its consolidation with the New Bedford Gas Co. He has been a direc- tor of the Citizens' National Bank of New Bedford since 1884; a trustee of Tufts College since 1878 and is now vice-president of its board; a trustee of St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, since 1896 ; and has been a member of the Universalist Society since 1872, its treasurer since 1875, and the superintendent of its Sunday school since 1874. Mr. Knowlton is one of the ablest members of the Massachusetts bar, and as a citizen and public officer is universally respected and esteemed. On May 22, 1873, he married Miss Sylvia Bassett Almy, daughter of Benjamin and Sophia Almy. Mrs. Knowlton possesses those elements of character which distin- guish her as a woman of marked intelligence and ability. She is*a graduate of the New Bedford High School and Bridgewater Normal School, and taught school for a year before her marriage. She has been a member of the New Bedford School Com- mittee for five years; has been a director of the New Bedford Choral Association six years and was its vice-president; has been vice-president of the Woman's Club since its organization, secretary of the New Bedford Volunteer Aid Association, and is a visitor to St. Luke's Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton have seven children: John Wellington, born February 28, 1874; Abby Almy, born March 30, 1876; Frank War- ren, born August 16, 1876; Edward Allen, born April 16, 1883; Helen Sophia, born August 1, 1885; Sylvia Prescott, born May 29, 1890; and Benjamin Almy, born June 13, 1892, all living. Kratzsch, Emil, was born in Saxony, Germany, September 18, 1846, a son of John and Henrietta (Bode) Kratzsch, and immigrated to the United States in 1883, locating in Baltic, Conn., where he was employed in a cotton mill for about six months. He then removed to Natick, R. I. , where he remained for one year, when he removed to Fall River and was engaged in the cotton mills until 1893, when he removed to his present farm where he has since resided. In 1873 Mr. Kratzsch married Clara, 30S OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. daughter of August and Anna (Mark) Vogt, natives of Germany, and they have four children : Clara, Otto, Frederick and Paul. Mr. Kratzsch is one of Westport's en- terprising and respected citizens. Lawrence, Silas T., son of David and Chloe (Sherman) Lawrence, was born in Freetown, March 27, 1813. He attended school in Freetown for a short time, and later removed to New Bedford, where he also attended school. At an early age he began to learn the cooper's trade, which he followed in this vicinity and as cooper on whale ships for nearly fifty years In 1860 he established a retail grocery store on Purchase street, New Bedford, but later sold this store and engaged in the same business in Acuslmet, where he remained for a period of sixteen years. He is now retired and has taken up his residence in Fairhaven. In politics Mr. Lawrence has always been a strong Republican. He is now eighty-five years old, but is still vigorous. Lawton, H. Francis, was born in Tiverton, R. I. , July 25, 1852, a son of Joseph and Mary E. (Wilbur) Lawton. He was educated in the public schools of Fall River and then went into his father's grocery as a clerk and bookkeeper. This business has since passed through several hands. Since 1891 it has been owned by Mr. Lawton, George T. Durfee and Herbert Chapin, under the firm name of H. Francis Lawton & Co. A general commission and retail grocery business is conducted. Mr. Lawton is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A.M., Chapter, Council, Commandery and Shrine. In November, 1872, he married Julia E., daughter of Henry Lynn of Fall River, and their children are Edward S. L., and Henry Francis. Lawton, Thomas W., son of James and Hannah (born Miles) Lawton, was born in Appanog, near East Greenwich, R. I., April 12, 1822. His father died when he was quite young and his mother married again. In the spring of 1828 his parents and mother's brothers moved to the West, as it is termed, traveling by ox wagon, and settled where Watertown, N. Y., is now. They cut down the forest, built a log house, and planted corn between the stumps of the trees, his uncle being the nearest neighbor, who liv»d three miles distant through the woods, the path being trees marked by a scar cut in them. Quite frequently the bears used to come at night and rub against the house. It being a hard and lonely life, they did not live there but a few years; they decided to give it up, and moved to New Haven, Conn. There he attended the public school. At the age of thirteen he removed to the home of an elder brother in Goshen, Conn. Here he worked on the farm summers and attended school in the winter. At the age of sixteen he began to work by the month for dif- ferent farmers. One incident happened about this time which came near ending his life ; he was attacked by an infuriated bull, who tossed him up repeatedly, but for- tunately he was tossed over a fence, being on a side hill, thus saving his life. He was severely injured by the animal's horns. When he was but eighteen years old he took the management of a large farm in the vicinity of Goshen, Conn., which was owned by Colonel Cook, his wife being a sister of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. He conducted the farm successfully for one year, and then went to New Haven, Conn., where he found employment as a clerk in a grocery store. In the year 1844 he came to Fall River to visit a brother who was in the dry goods business, and being favor- ably impressed with the town, decided to remain. He was employed by his brother as a clerk for a short time and later entered the service of Ezekiel Wilson in the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 309 same capacity. He afterwards worked for Bilson Paige as head clerk for nine years, Mr. Paige being the leading dry goods merchant in the city. In the year 1860 Mr. Lawton went into business for himself in the line of carpeting and house paper, lo- cating in the Union block, which was on the site of the present B. M. C. Durfee Bank building. When the Civil war broke out in 1861 he sold his stock at auction, and with others went to Washington, D. C, where he went into the business of supplying soldiers with necessaries, locating a site at Rum Point, Materwoman Creek, Md., near the encampment of Gen. Joe Hooker's division, where the army supplies were landed, about thirty one miles from Washington, on the Potomac River. He followed the fortunes of the army of the Potomac until the close of the war, and then returned to Fall River. In 1864 he formed a partnership with J. H. Estes to engage in the manufacture of cotton twine and lamp-wicks, in which business he very successfully continued for twelve years, accumulating quite a large property. Later he took up floriculture for amusement, beginning in a small way and gradually working up until he became one of the leading florists of Fall River. He was a member of the Common Council for one year, and during his term was an earnest advocate of the South Park plan, advocating that the city must have a park in the near future, and land could be purchased cheaper at that time than in later years. He was on the committee of purchase and worked to have the measure carried through. Mr. Law- ton was twice married ; his first wife was Lavinette T. Estes, by whom he had two sons, one of whom survives, John W. His second wife was Louisa J. Estes, daugh- ter of Job and Delilah Estes of Tiverton, R. I., and they had one son, Edmund T. Mr. Lawton was a self-made man, and was actively interested in all public enter- prises; he had a large circle of friends and was universally adjudged as just and honorable in all his business transactions. He died March 13, 1896, aged seventy- three years and eleven months. He bequeathed his estate equally to his widow and two sons. Leavitt, A. L., was born in Canton, Mass., August 11, 1859, His father, James L. Leavitt, was a native of Walpole (but for a great many yeais was engaged in cotton manufacturing in Norton) ; he married Martha, daughter of F. E. and Lydia White Walker. A. L. Leavitt was educated in the public schools, and in 1878 came to Attleborough, where he engaged in the enameling business, being with Horton, Angell & Co. ten years, and in 1894 established the firm of A. L. Leavitt & Co. In 1882 Mr. Leavitt married Mary E. Hudson, and they have four sons: Raymond G., Harold A. , Clifford W. and Carlton C. Mr. Leavitt is one of the self-made men of Bristol county, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Lincoln, James Martin, was born in Taunton, October 3, 1833, a son of Caleb Mar- tin and Lydia (Thrasher) Lincoln. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and the Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he went to work in the paper mill at Westville, which was operated by his father, where he remained until 1852, and then came to his present location at Dighton, where he has been ever since and in 1854 became a member of the firm. Mr. Lincoln has been one of the road commissioners for several years in his part of the town. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., and St. Mark's Royal Arch Chapter. He married Betsey Cordelia, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Pettis) Codding, and they have three children: Charles Edward, Nathaniel and Leon Caleb, 310 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lovering, Willard.— Probably no man has done more for the cotton manufactur- ing industry in the vicinity of Taunton than Willard Lovering, a man who began the cotton business as an apprentice and rose from step to step until he became the owner of a mill. He was born in the little village of Holliston, Mass., November 18, 1801, and spent the earlier years of his boyhood in farm work and in perfecting his educa- tion until he was finally competent to teach a school. In this occupation he was engaged, however, but a short time, and began his long business career in the City Mills at Franklin, Mass. His energy, coupled with a natural adaptability for the business, was the means of gaining for him rapid promotion and he finally took charge of the entire establishment. In 1830 he removed to Providence, R. I., and took charge of the business of the Blackstone Canal Corporation, and three years later retired to take the agency of the Carrington Mills at Woonsocket, R. I., where he also remained three years. At the end of this period (1836) he removed to Taun- ton and became a partial owner and manager of the Whittenton Mills, occupying this position for twenty years, or until the failure of C. H. Mills & Company, the principal owners. In 1853 he purchased the mills, and in association with his sons successfully conducted the establishment until 1864, when ill health rendered his retirement necessary, and he was succeeded in the business by his three sons, Charles L. , William O. and Henry M. Lovering. Mr. Lovering was a thoroughly honorable man and possessed a well-rounded character. He possessed rare qualifications as a manager and attained high rank as a manufacturer. At the time of his death he was president of the Taunton Savings Bank and had also served as president of the Taunton Branch Railroad. ' He represented Taunton in the State Legislature of 1865-66, and throughout his entire residence never neglected an opportunity to ad- vance the welfare of his adopted city. He was a prominent member of the Episco- pal Church for nearly fifty years and a member of St. Thomas Church. He died November 24, 1837. Lowe, John H. , son of John and Isabel (Brawley) Lowe, was born in New Bedford, January 8, 1848. His father was a successful meat and provision dealer in New Bedford for several years and died in the seventy-fourth year of his age, honored and respected. During his boyhood Mr. Lowe attended the public schools in New Bedford and gained some business experience in his father's store, and later he took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Boston, and in 1876 engaged in the meat and grocery business on his own account, locating on Ray street, now Acushnet avenue. In 1883 he removed to the corner of City Grove and Acushnet avenue, where he had built a store (later built a block on the same site) and con- ducted his business successfully until 1896, when he sold out. Mr Lowe is a man of many friends and has served in the City Council for Ward 1, four terms, 1881-2-3-4, for nine years on the school committee and has been elected a member of the House of Representatives for 1899. For the past twenty years he has been a member of the New Bedford Protective Society and is now on its board of directors, also being a member of the Royal Arcanum and of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. He mar- ried, in 1870, Mary Laughlin, of New York city, and they have three children: Lucy I., Edith M. and John H. McCaffrey, T. E„ was born in Moosup, Conn., November 6, 1858. His father, Peter McCaffrey, was a native of Lowell, Mass., and was identified through life in the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 311 State of Connecticut in the woolen industry. He married Mary, daughter of John Carpenter, and died in October, 1892. T. E. McCaffrey was educated in the public schools of Connecticut, and at Montreal, Canada. In 1886 he entered the employ of J. O. San Souci & Co. , of Providence. In 1890 he came to Attleborough as manager of their branch store, which he purchased in 1895, and at the present time is carrying the largest and finest stock of boots and shoes in Attleborough. In 1886 Mr. Mc- Caffrey married Isabella, daughter of James Ryan, of Peace Dale, R. I., and they have five children: Winifred, Jerome J., Thomas E., jr., Mary Isabelle and Helen Marie. Mr. McCaffrey is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters. He is a member of the Y.M.C.A. and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Mackie, George, M. D., was born in New Bedford, February 12, 1850. His father, Adam Mackie, was a native of Fife, Scotland, and came to New Bedford, where he was identified in educational matters ; he married Chloe, daughter of David Law- rence, and died in 1882. Dr. Mackie was educated in New Bedford High School and graduated from Amherst, and Long Island College Hospital in 1874. He imme- diately began his practice in New Bedford, and came to Attleborough in 1875. In 1875 he married Laura V., daughter of Charles M. Gustin, who is a graduate of the Woman's College of Pennsylvania and a practicing physician. Dr. Mackie is one of the progressive men of his profession, was chairman of the Board of Health for five years, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Macomber, Zebedee B. , was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass. , November 20, 1820, a son of Weston and Catherine S. (Tripp) Macomber, and is the eldest of a family of fourteen children. His ancestors were of Scotch-English de- scent and were among the early settlers o£ Westport. Mr. Macomber spent the early part of his life in Fall River at teaming, and in 1870 removed to his present farm, where he has since lived in semi-retirement. In April, 1876, he married Celia Macuren, a native of England, and after three months of married life his wife died and he has since lived alone. Magnan, N. J., was born in San Gabriel, Canada, May 22, 1866, and came to the United States in 1879 with his parent, Ephraim Magnan, settling in Pawtucket, R. I. N. J. Magnan was educated in the common schools, and after learning the carpen- ter's trade, he took a special course in the study of architecture. In 1890 he engaged in business for himself, and has built many residences in and around Attleborough, making a specialty of contract work, finishing the Residence complete. In 1891 he married Mary F. Gulsky, and they have one son and two daughters: Frances, Louisa and J. Magnan, jr. Mr. Magnan is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and is recognized as a man of ster- ling integrity whose word is as good as his bond. He also takes an interest in orange culture in Florida, where he has an orange grove. Maintun, Frank T., was born in Plain ville. His father, John B. Maintun, was a native of the city of New York and came to North Attleborough in 1849 and learned the jeweler's trade, taking his son into the firm, which is continued under the same name, a period of forty years. John B. Maintun married Frances A. Hall, and they had four children: William F., George H., Frank T. and Florence. John 312 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. B. Maintun was one of the pioneers in the enameling business, one of the conserva- tive men of his town and died in 1893. The business is now carried on under the supervision of Frank T. Maintun, his son. Mair, A. C, D.D.S., was born in Newton, Mass., June 17, 1866, a son of George H. and Sarah D. (Copeland) Mair, and grandson of Thomas Mair, who came from Scotland in 1815. He was educated in Salem and Boston, graduating from the Board of State Dental Examiners. He began his practice in Salem and Foxboro, and in 1893 came to Attleborough and is now employing the most scientific and recent methods of dental surgery, making a specialty of bridge work. In 1894 Dr. Mair married Jennie M. , daughter of Albert Fisher, and they have one son, Donald F. Makinson, John F., was born in Slatersville, R. I., February 6, 1838. His father, John Makinson, was a native of Bolton, England, and came to the United States in 1812, settling in Slatersville, where he married Amy R., daughter of Rufus Briggs, and they had three sons: Charles E., William H. and John F. John Makinson was a weaver by trade and died in 1849. John F. Makinson was educated in the com- mon' schools and at the age of twelve began the struggle of life. In the fall of 1849 he began to learn the jewelry business with Freeman & Co., and thoroughly learned the business with different concerns. In 1861 he enlisted as musician in the 7th Mass. Regt., and was discharged in August, 1862, taking part in the battles of Will- iamsburg, Fair Oaks and Seven Days fight. He returned to North Attleborough and in 1881 he formed a partnership with Walter G. Clark and established the firm of W. G. Clark & Co., which continued up to February, 1895, when he sold out to his partner and retired from active business. In 1861 he married Betsey S., daughter of Thomas Wilmarth, and they have one daughter, Emma F. Mr. Makinson is one of the oldest jewelry manufacturers in Bristol county, of independent, conservative character, serving as commissioner on the electric light, water board and sinking fund, of which he is treasurer, and ever taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions, and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Manchester, Charles E. — Mr. Manchester's paternal grandfather, George Man- chester, came to the United States from Lancashire, England, in the latter part of the seventeenth century and settled in Providence. R. I., where Mr. Manchester's father was born. His mother's maiden name was Clarissa Berry, and four children survive, viz., Richard a wholesale fish merchant of Boston ; Mary, wife of George A. Tabor; Anna, wife of Warren Freeman, all of Boston, and Charles E. Mr. Man- chester's father moved from ProVidence to Boston upwards of sixty years ago, where Charles E. was born, August 7, 1857. He was educated in the city schools, with a course at the Boston University. His first business experience was when he was fourteen years of age, with Hart, Taylor & Co., dry goods, with whom he remained five years, in the mean time studying all his spare time to fit him for the course which he subsequently took in the University of Boston. He was for some time em- ployed on the staff of the Globe and Journal as night reporter, his days being passed in the office of the Middlesex county court house, where he performed clerical duties. Later he was associate editor of the Boston Standard and Insurance Journal, and also religious editor of the East Boston Advocate and correspondent for the Boston Budget. He held the position of commercial reporter for R. G. Dun & Co. for PERSONAL REFERENCES. 313 fifteen years, covering the entire territory of southeastern Massachusetts. In that time he established relations with upwards of 1,000 correspondents, producing re- ports yearly for fifteen years. In 1896 he severed his relations with the R. G. Dun Commercial Agency and took offices in the Fall River Bank Building, where he furnishes information. In 1893 Mr. Manchester was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Alonzo Blanchard of Lyme, N. H. Mr. Manchester is a member of the Eliott School Association of Boston ; the Volunteer Colony, Pilgrim Fathers ; and Pocasset Council No. 583, Royal Arcanum. Manchester, R. D., was born in Attleborough, March 19, 1853, a son of Wyatt and Ann E. (Sweet) Manchester. He was educated in Attleborough and followed farm- ing for some years. In 1872 he learned the jewelry business, and afterwards was engaged in taking contracts for moving heavy machinery and buildings. In 1884 he married a daughter of George W. Hawkins, and they have three children: George D., Marian S. and Selina L. Mr. Manchester is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as superintendent of the streets, and takes an active interest in school and church matters. Manchester, Walter L. B., was born in Attleborough, March 31, 1855, a son of Wyatt and Ann E. (Sweet) Manchester. His father was first engaged in cotton manufacturing and later in farming; he died in 1890. Walter L. B. Manchester was educated in Attleborough and followed the jewelry business for eight years, giving his attention mostly to the ice business and farming. In 1877 Mr. Manches- ter married Helen, daughter of Alexander Taylor, who died in 1890, leaving two children: Anna S. and Helen. Later Mr. Manchester married Florence, daughter of George Bullard, and their children are F. Raymond, Albert H., Edna R. and Myrtle Le Baron. Mr. Manchester is one of the conservative men of his town, tak- ing an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose word is as good as his bond. Marsh, Hiram T., was born in Smithfield, R. I., May 11, 1842. His father, Silas Marsh, was a native of Mendon, Mass. He married Mercy, daughter of Nathaniel and Waite Streeter, and through life was in the boot and shoe business. Hiram T. Marsh was educated in the public schools and academy. In 1860 he established his present business of dealer in meats and provisions and in 1876 established his busi- ness in North Attleborough, which at the present time is the leading business in the place. In 1870 he married Maria H. Bliss, and they have six children: Archie C, Frank F. , Alice, Louisa, Hattie and Bessie. Marshall, James, son of John and Elizabeth (Dowling) Marshall, was born in New York city, January 14, 1860. He attended the public schools of his native city and after the family removed to Bridgeport, Conn., attended the Bridgeport High School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1876. For some time he was tutored privately by his uncle, the Rev. James Marshall, with a view of entering the minis- try, but abandoned this intention and engaged in his father's business, conducting a gallery of fine arts in Bridgeport until 1882, when he went into the hat factory of Brown & Henshaw to learn the business. Later he engaged for a short time with a similar firm in Philadelphia, Pa., but was called back to Bridgeport to assume the management of the Brown & Henshaw plant, which he purchased in company with 314 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. two associates in 1885. The business was conducted under the name of Marshall, Wilson & Co. until 1887, when Mr. Wilson retired, and the firm having outgrown its Bridgeport quarters, removed to Fall River. In 1897 Robert and John Marshall en- tered the firm. The Marshall hat factory has now the largest output of stiff hats of any single hat factory in the world and is in practical control of the stiff hat market. Mr. Marshall is president of the Fall River Bleachery and director of the Fall River Daily Herald, Sanford Spinning Company and the Metacomet Bank. He is also prominently identified with many public and charitable institutions, being vice-presi- dent of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a trustee of the Emergency Hospital and president of the Seaside Home; trustee of the Five Cents Savings Bank, member of the corporation of the Fall River Savings Bank and president of the Kemble Club. Mr. Marshall was married in 1881 to Jennie L., daughter of George S. Coley of Stepney, Conn. Mason, Arthur Howland, son of Howland and Mary K. (Vinnicum) Mason, was born at Warren, R. I., December 18, 1859. He is a. son of Howland, son of Hail, son of Samuel, son of James Mason, who settled on Touisset Neck, sometimes called Mason's Neck, in 1710. Two years later he erected a house and at the time of his death owned over 400 acres of land. As a. young man Arthur H. Mason attended the public schools of Warren and after nearly completing the High School course en- tered Mowry & Goff's School at Providence, R. I., from which he was graduated in the class of 1879. He went into the office of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company of Fall River as assistant bookkeeper the following year, and remained in that posi- tion until his appointment as bookkeeper for the Globe Yarn Mills in 1885. In 1892 he was elected treasurer of the Sanford Spinning Company, an outgrowth of the Globe Yarn Mills, but an entirely separate organization. Mr. Mason is a director of the Metacomet National Bank, the Globe Yarn Mills, and the Fall River Board of Trade, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Philadelphia Museums. He was married in 1884 to Nannie C, daughter of Benjamin F. and Nancy (Allen) Sim- mons of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Marguerite. Milbank, Elias, was born in Coeymans, Albany county, N. Y., August 1, 1846, a. son of Elias and Catherine (Springer) Milbank. He received his early education in the public schools of Bethlehem, N. Y. The early portion of his business life was spent with his father, who devoted his time to raising and training gentlemen's road horses. In 1876 Mr. Milbank left this and went to Brooklyn, N. Y., to learn the undertaker's trade with George Corlis, where he remained about five years and then went with the Taylor Company, manufacturers of undertaker's supplies. Later he went with the National Casket Co. of New York, and remained with them ten years, when he came to Taunton and started in business for himself in December, 1897. He has made a special study of the care of bodies after death and is prepared to do anything in his line. November 23, 1869, he married Mary Campbell of New Bed- ford, and they have three daughters: Minnie, Kittie Louisa and Daisy. Milliken, Frank Albion, lawyer, is the son of Edward and Lucia A. (Bacon) Milli- ken, natives respectively of Farmington, Me., and Winthrop, Mass., who moved to New Bedford in 1849. His father was engaged in the oil and grocery business, served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the New Bedford Board of Aldermen, and died October 22, 1896. Mr. Milliken was born in New Bedford, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 315 Mass., March 18, 1854, and received his education in the public and high schools and Edward A. H. Allen's private school in his native city. He was graduated with the degree of LL.B. from Harvard Law School in 1874, continued his legal studies in the office of Marston & Crapo of New Bedford, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He began active practice with George F. Tucker, and since Mr. Tucker's appoint- ment as reporter of the Supreme Judicial Court has followed his profession alone. Mr. Milliken was one of the organizers of the New Bedford Bar Association, in which he has continuously held the office of secretary. He was city solicitor in 1879-80, member of the Common Council one year, and is now a member of the School Com- mittee, a position he has held in all about seven years. In 1878 he was appointed a special justice of the Third District Court of Bristol by Governor Rice, and served as such until 1897, when he was appointed justice by Governor Wolcott. He is a member of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., of Acushnet Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Encampment of the I. O. O. F., and has been a member of the committee on judiciary of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Massachusetts since that committee was formed. " January 29, 1879, he married Mary Congdon Allen, daughter of Frederick Allen of New Bedford. Mills, Charles Edward, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Howarth) Mills, was born in Fall River, December 28, 1847. He attended the public and high schools and at the age of sixteen years entered the employ of John P. Slade (since John P. Slade & Son) in the capacity of a clerk. He remained in this position for a period of eighteen years, and then formed a partnership with Sandy Harrison, under the firm name of Mills & Harrison, for the conduct of real estate and insurance business. Their re- lation continued until January 1, 1898, when the firm was dissolved, both partners having other duties which required their entire attention. Mr. Mills has been very active in politics, having served for one term on both the Board of Aldermen and the Common Council, and also as a school commissioner for a term of three years. His greatest public service, however, was as a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, to which he was elected in 1895, 1896, and 1897, from the Ninth district, changed during his first term to the Eleventh district. He was a member of the committee on cities in 1895 ; clerk of the committee on cities and a member of the committee on federal relations in 1896 ; and chairman of the committee on federal relations and a member of the committee on insurance in 1897. Mr. Mills was elected to the office of register of deeds in 1897 for a. term of three years. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., the Chapter, and Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, also a member of Manitou Tribe, I. O. R. M. He enjoys the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact and as a citizen is enterprising and public spirited. In November, 1884, he married AbbyE., daughter of ex-Mayor George O. Fairbanks of Fall River. Milner, Everett Alonzo, was born in Lowell, Mass., February 1, 1867, a son of Lev and Sabra R. (Coburn) Milner. His early education was received in the public schools of Lowell, and when his school days were over he engaged with his uncle , J. T. Milner of Providence, to learn the plumber's trade; after mastering that trade he was employed with Thomas Phillips, of the same place, for eleven years. He then came to Taunton and started in business for himself in company with Mr. West- cott, making a specialty of first class plumbing and steam and hot water heating, 316 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. some of the best work in the city having been done by Mr. Milner, or under his di- rection. September 25, 1894, he married Lucy Keach of Providence, R. I., and they have one son, E. A. Milner, jr., born January 12, 1897. Morris, John, ex-superintendent of the North Burial Ground, is a son of Aaron and Nancy (Hatton) Morris. He is a native of England, born in Lincolnshire, April 13, 1854. Mr. Morris obtained an excellent education in the common schools of his native village and in 1870 came to America, settling in Fall River, where he has since resided. After his arrival he was employed for a short time as a mule spinner at the Chace Mills, being one of their first employees. He was occupied with various re- sponsible duties in the Chace, Sagamore and Narragansett Mills until his election as superintendent of the North Burial Ground in 1893. Mr. Morris held this position and performed the various duties connected with it for five years, and in March, 1898, was made assistant superintendent of the Oak Grove Cemetery. He has made a practical study of floriculture, grading, and landscape gardening and has received much favorable mention for different exhibits. By industry and economy he has acquired a considerable property. He is a member of the order of Foresters and was secretary of Court Narragansett for eight years. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and of Mount Hope Lodge* F. & A. M., and the Chapter. In July, 1876, he married Esther, daughter of Jacob Marsh of Fall River, and they have six chil- dren: Phoebe A., Margaret E., Stanley, Ernest M., Frederick and Royal C. Morton, Alfred, son of John and Sarah Morton, was born in London, Eng., March 21, 1836. He attended the private schools of London and after completing his edu- cation served an apprenticeship at the painter's trade, working as a journeyman painter and decorator in Loudon for some years after he attained his majority. In 1865 he came to this country, settling in New York, where he remained about five years, and then removed to Fall River, in which city he has since resided, a period of nearly thirty years. Soon after his arrival in Fall River he went into business for himself on Cherry street, thence removing to Second street and later to his pres- ent location on Bank street. He conducts a general contract business in painting, decorating, etc., in addition to a retail trade in wall paper, paints, oils, etc. Mr. Morton is a man of clear insight and of much practical knowledge of his trade. He is a member of Friendly Union Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Knights of Honor. He has been twice married, first, to Susan Mather, by whom he has one son living, Al- fred Morton, jr. His second wife was Clara Foster Childs of New Bedford. Mott, Hon. Edward, was born in England, County of Kent, June 19, 1830, a son of George and Anne Mott, who came to this country about 1835 and settled in New York city, where Edward received his early education in the public schools and was graduated from Camp's Academy in the class of 1845. During the latter portion of the time spent in the academy Mr. Mott was connected with the New York Tribune and remained with them until 1848, when he came to Taunton. He went immedi- ately to the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company as an apprentice and re- mained forty years, the latter part of the time being foreman and then general superintendent of the factory. Mr. Mott was chief engineer of the fire department for twenty-one years, and in 1863 he changed it from hand tubs to steam engines. In 1874 he was instrumental in bringing the present water system before the people, and it was also while he was chief that the fire alarm signal was adopted. He was PERSONAL REFERENCES. 317 one of the Board of Assessors in 1889, and in 1890 and 1891 was representative to •the Legislature. While in the House he succeeded in getting an appropriation from the State Legislature for the court house, and was also chairman of the roads and bridges committee and through his efforts the State highway bill was passed. He was elected to the Senate in 1892, and was elected county commissioner in 1893 and at present is serving his second term. He was married in April, 1852, to Sarah Cooper of Taunton, formerly of England, and they have two daughters: Lizzie L. and Annie S. Murphy, Edward Joseph, was born in Taunton, July 18, 1856, a son of John and Ellen (Gilroy) Murphy. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days went to work in the tack shop of A. Field & Co., working there about three years, and then was employed by the Ma- son Machine Co. in the moulding department for about two years, at the expiration of which time he went to the oil cloth factory of Charles Husband. In 1878 Mr. Murphy shipped on board the revenue cutter Samuel Dexter for a three years' ser- vice. On his return from this he went to work for Major Michael Burns and re- mained with him until 1885, when he succeeded him in business and continues it at the present time. Mr. Murphy has been twice married, first, to Martha J. Conatty of Taunton, who died in September, 1894. His present wife is Elizabeth A. Galvin of Taunton. Murphy, Emily Frances, M. D. , was born in Taunton, Mass., October 19, 1859, and is a daughter of Shubael P. and Alminda Lincoln Bliss, She in early life at- tended the public schools of Taunton and afterwards the Bristol Academy, and upon graduating from the academy she went to Boston to attend the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in the class of 1892. She then became an assistant to Dr. F. W. Johnson, a noted specialist, and was afterwards in the Charity Club Hospital, Brookline, Mass. Later on Mrs. Murphy opened an office of her own in Boston in the Back Bay district, and is kept busy all the time by those cases which have been her special study. Both Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Murphy, Joseph Briggs, M. D., was born in Taunton, Mass., January 6, 1860, a son Joseph and Mary Frances (Briggs) Murphy. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton, and after graduating from there he went to Montreal to attend the College of Ste. Marie. From college he went direct to the Harvard Medical School and was graduated from there in the class of 1883. He was then connected with the Boston City Hospital as house surgeon for about two years, fol- lowing which he came to Taunton and established an office for himself for the gen- eral practice of medicine. He was one of the original staff of the Morton Hospital and was also connected with St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston, Mass., as gynecolo- gist; at this time he had an office in Boston as a specialist. He was married in 1884 to Emily Frances Bliss of Taunton, and they have two children: Maydell and Joseph Leroy. Nerney, Peter, was born in Ashton, Lancashire county, England, November 9, 1837, of Irish parentage, and came to the United States in 1845 with his parents, John and Dorinda Holden. His father was identified in the boot and shoe trade in Attle- 318 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. borough for five years, and he died in 1889. Peter Nerney was educated in the public schools and at eight years of age began work in the cotton mills. In 1855 he learned the jeweler's trade with Archibald Thompson, and in 1857 entered the em- ploy of the Union Jewelry Company, remaining a number of years, when, in 1866, he established the firm of Short & Nerney. In 1876 he began the manufacture of gold plated chains, and in 1895 organized the firm of the Bay State Optical Com- pany. In 1879 he married Annie, daughter of John Green, and they have three sons: Frank, Edward and George. Mr. Nerney is one of the self-made men of Bris- tol county, serves as one of the Library trustees; director in Attleborough of the Loan and Fund Association for a number of years ; takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town. Nicholson, Robert, was born in Scotland August 17, 1843, and came to America in 1872. He learned the trade of mason in Dundee, Scotland, and pursued the same business in this country, developing into a prominent contractor. He worked on the Osborn mill for Manley, and in 1873 went into partnership with him. From 1874 to 1876 he carried on a business alone, when he again formed a partnership with Manley, which lasted a year and a half. After three years he formed the firm of Nicholson & Bryant, which existed three years. He operated alone until 1894, when the firm of Robert Nicholson & Son was formed by taking in his son, Mitchell Nicholson. Mr. Nicholson was a member of the City Council in 1887-88-89, and was again elected in 1896. Mitchell Nicholson was elected to the council in 1895. Robert Nicholson married Alice Cramond, and they have a family of three sons and four daughters: Mitchell, William, Robert, Mary Ann, Sadie, Alice, and Bertha. Mr. Nicholson's parents were Mitchell and Matilda (Keith) Nicholson. Norton, William Jouvet, was born in Newport, R. I., June 9, 1816, son of Benja- min and Mary (Jouvet) Norton. His father died before he reached the age of ten, and he was thus early obliged to shift for himself, being but eleven years old when he was employed in a wood schooner, which freighted wood down the Connecticut River. A few years later he showed his adventurous spirit by coming to New Bed- ford to look for employment. His father had been a cooper, and soon after his arrival he found a chance to learn this trade and decided to embrace it, with the re- sult that he began and completed an apprenticeship of five years and four months, and then shipped as a cooper in the whale ship "Huntress," and in her circumnavi- gated the globe three time, being finally made second mate. He then made a long voyage as a cooper in the whale ship ''America,'' and after its completion engaged as a cooper with Isaac Bly of New Bedford, continuing in the employ of Mr. Bly until 1851, and then, in association with James Cannon and Joseph Peck, established a cooperage business on Fish Island. At the end of the first year Mr. Cannon re- tired, and Mr. Peck retired at the end of the second year. Mr. Norton continued the business alone till 1876 when he retired, realizing that the steady decline of the whaling industry must in time be fatal to his business. Mr. Norton is one of the best known of the older business men of New Bedford, and has served in the city government both as alderman and councilman. He married, first, Hannah M. Sisson, and of their ten children three survive: George W., Charles F. and Nancy A , wife of Charles G. Taber, of New Bedford. For his second wife he married, in 1865, Mrs. Eliza Dow, and of four children one survives, Lewis A, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 319 Nuttall, James H. , although a young man and lacking the prestige gained by long establishment, is one of the foremost druggists in New Bedford, and his store takes rank among the best appointed establishments in Bristol county. He was born in Fall River, March 31, 1868, a son of Stephen and Margaret (Ireland) Nuttall. When he was a boy the family removed to New Bedford; he was educated in the schools of that city and began to learn the drug business as a clerk in the employ of Frank M. Douglass. Later he was employed in Boston and Detroit, Mich., where he remained some time. He established his present business at the corner of Union and Sixth streets, New Bedford, in 1894. Nye, William F., was born at Pocasset in the southern district of the old town of Sandwich, May 20, 1824. He was the second son born of the union of Captain Ebenezer Nye and Syrena Dimmick. Captain Ebenezer Nye was a man of daring spirit and untiring industry, and it would seem that he transmitted these qualities to his son, who is now a highly successful merchant after an active life replete with hardship and adventure. Until he reached the age of sixteen years Mr. Nye re- mained at home and attended the village schools. At that time he came to New Bedford and entered the apprenticeship of Prince Weeks, one of New Bedford's oldest master builders, then located at the corner of Water and Walnut streets. Later he worked for the firm composed of Braddock Gifford and Timothy D. Cook, and after working as a, journeyman carpenter for some time, engaged in church organ building for a Boston firm. His adventurous spirit now became manifest and he shipped as a carpenter on an East India merchantman, the voyage leading to a three years' engagement with the Tudor Ice Company in Culcutta. His experience in India was varied and interesting. When gold was discovered in California he at once started for San Francisco, crossing the Isthmus of Panama on foot and arriving safely shortly after the great fire. Carpenters were in great demand and he was enabled to secure advantageous wages. Mr. Nye erected some of the first brick buildings in San Francisco, and most of them are standing to-day, while a few have been torn down to make room for larger structures. In 1855 he returned to New Bedford and was engaged in various mercantile pursuits until the beginning of the civil war, when he at once closed up his affairs and joined the army in Virginia as sutler to the Massachusetts artillery. He was afterwards transferred to the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry and passed through many exciting experiences with his regi- ment, which was always at the front. He became noted for nerve and a keen dis- cernment, as he often held his ground when the other sutlers packed their wagons and "ran for it." He participated in the famous march from Fredricksburg to Gettysburg, and was with the advance guard which entered Richmond on April 5, 1865. His regiment first raised the flag upon the capitol building and occupied it as quarters the first night. For many days he was the only tradesman on the streets of Richmond. The regiment was mustered out in November, 1865, and soon after Mr. Nye began his present business of manufacturing and refining the higher grades of lubricating oils, suitable for watches, clocks, bicycles, typewriters, sewing ma- chines, etc. His success in this field has been remarkable and his products have gained a wide reputation. Mr. Nye is a deep thinker and possesses the courage of his convictions. At the time of the early anti-slavery crusade he was active in his support of Garrison, Philips, Parker, and other anti-slavery leaders, who lectured 320 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in this vicinity. He has been the chief promoter of the Onset Bay Grover enter- prise, situated at the head of Buzzard's Bay, and said to be the largest community of Spiritualists ever founded. Mr. Nye was married in 1851 to a daughter of Aber- deen Keith. O'Hearn, William J., son of John and Jane (Dooley) O'Hearn, was born in Fall River, October 3, 1872. He attended the public schools of Fall River, worked in the mills a short time and then went to work as a cash boy for E. S. Brown. He after- wards became a clerk and remained in that capacity for twelve years, when he established himself in the tailoring business, forming a copartnership with John J. Howard, as O'Hearn & Howard.. The partnership was dissolved in 1896 and Mr. O'Hearn has since successfully conducted the business. He is a young man of ex- cellent promise and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. He has exhibited much versatility along dramatic lines, and at one time, after giving an amateur production of "Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde," to one of the largest audiences ever gathered in the Academy of Music, received offers from an ex-manager of Rich- ard Mansfield to enter upon a stage career. He is greatly interested in the study of work along the line of Scanlon and Olcott, and has received much kindly mention from the local press for work in this direction. Mr. O'Hearn married Mary E., daughter of James and Mary Blake of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Gladys Marion. Orr, James, was born in Lancashire, England, February 1, 1831, and came to the United States with his parents, George and Amelia Orr, settling in Valley Forge, where they remained until 1842, and from there moved to Providence. In 1867 he came to Attleborough, where he remained until his death in 1893. James Orr was educated in the public schools, and engaged in the cotton business. In 1858 he es- tablished a dyeing business in Smithfield, and in 1865 came to South Attleborough, establishing his present plant, and at the present time is one of the leading dealers in colored cotton yarns and in bleaching and dyeing. In 1852 Mr. Orr married Rachael W., daughter of William Prince, and their children are James W., George W., Charles F., William P., Emory H., Mrs. M. Jane Gilson, Ellen F. and Lizzie. Owens, Thomas, was born in Ireland, March 16, 1846. When twenty years old he came to this country, settling in Randolph for a short time and then went to East Bridgewater to work in the rolling mill, where he stayed until he went to sea. He followed the sea for four or five years and then came to Taunton, engaging with the Taunton Oil Cloth Co. , where he remained about three years, when he went to Cal- ifornia and engaged in the hotel business. In 1877 he returned to his old place in the oil cloth works and remained there until 1884, when he started in business for himself. He has been married twice, first, to Julia McMann of Taunton, who died in 1879. His second wife was Bridget E. Croke of Taunton, and they have seven children. Paige, Onias S.. is a son of Joseph and Pamelia Paige, and was born in Went- worth, N. H, October9, 1841. His education was obtained from the country schools, and in May, 1862, he came to Taunton and went into the office of John T. Codman to study dentistry ; and afterwards went to Boston in the office of Dr. J. M. Thresher. In 1865 he came to Taunton and established the office where he now is in the City PERSONAL REFERENCES. 321 Hotel. Dr. Paige has been in this office thirty-two consecutive years. He has served several years in both branches of the city government and in 1874, 1875 and 1876 was mayor of the city. He was married in 1868 to Mary Louisa Park of Taun- ton, and they have one daughter, Abbie Louise, born December 12, 1872. Paine, William Henry, was born in Gardner, Maine, February 2, 1844, a son of James and Dinah M. (Mower) Paine, and educated in the public schools. In 1862 he went to Portland to learn the potter's trade, spending about eight years at this line of work in different places, and in 1870 came to Taunton, where he went with the Phoenix Manufacturing Co. He remained with them until 1877, and then engaged with E. S. Cushman, staying with him until he retired from business in 1884, when he bought the business, which he carries on at the present time. Mr. Paine is a member of the Good Samaritan Lodge, I. O. O. F., the K. P., and B. P. O. E. October 6, 1892, he married Ida M. Hewins of Groton, Conn., and they have one daughter, Mabel A., born July 6, 1894. Panneton, J. C. Emery, son of Andre and Mary (Gordon) Panneton, was born in Montreal, August 13, 1861. He attended the common schools of his native city and then entered the employ of James J. Golden, one of the leading druggists of Mon- treal. After a service of two years he removed to Lewiston, Me., to accept a posi- tion as clerk in a pharmacy. He later removed to Boston, where he was head clerk for James J. O'Brien five years, and at the end of this time returned to Lewiston and formed a. copartnership with his former employer. Their store was soon after de- stroyed by fire and the partnership dissolved, Mr. Panneton going to Boston and re- maining one year in the employ of Irving Gilchrist, and at the end of that time com- ing to Fall River. In 1890 he engaged in the drug business for himself at his present location on Pleasant street, and has since been very successful. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is held in high esteem by many friends. In February, 1892, he married Victoria R. Chagnon, daughter of Dr. J. B. Chagnon of Fall River, and they have four children: Victor M. , Jean Emery, Jeanette M., and Andre A. Parker, David Lewis, postmaster of New Bedford, is the youngest son of Ward Mayhew Parker and Marcia F. Lewis, and a grandson of Sylvanus Parker of Fal- mouth, Mass. Ward M. Parker was one of the typical early men of New England. At eighteen he was captain of a craft hauling live oak timber from South Carolina winters and making trading voyages to Nova Scotia summers. At twenty-five he was merchant and postmaster at Wood's Holl, and later served in the Massachusetts Legislature. In 1847, removing to New Bedford, he took a leading part in the mon- eyed management of the interests of southeastern Massachusetts. Joseph Grinnell and himself were chums in congenial enterprises, the one president and the other vice-president of the old Marine Bank. Mr. Parker served as president during Mr. Grinneli's absence in Europe, and being tendered the salary for the term, refused it with the remark that the honor of the position was full payment. The financial hero- ism of these two men more than once saved the Wamsutta Mills Corporation from wreckage in times of financial tornadoes ; these two names backed paper that car- ried the corporation safely through. "No credit to me," said Mr. Parker, "Joseph always put his name first." When Ward M. Parker was in his ninetieth year, Sam- uel P. Burt, late in the evening, on the brink of financial disaster, sought the old man's counsel and found safe pilotage. The prime habit of his life was moderation 322 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. — in eating, drinking and living, and a charitable liberality towards all proper use of everything. He detested a mortgage and never took or gave one in his life. Of rare judgment, intense fidelity and a genial nature, his life left a gentle incense of ovation to his dear memory, from all who knew him. He died in 1881, aged ninety- seven years. His wife survives him. David L. Parker was born in New Bedford, August 30, 1851, was graduated from the Friends' Academy in 1870, attended Scho- field's Commercial College in Providence, and afterward spent three years in the banking house of S. P. Burt & Co., of New Bedford. Later he was a clerk for David W. Lewis & Co., produce commission merchants of New York, for three years, and returning to New Bedford was engaged in the coal business about eight years in company with Edward P. Haskell, under the firm name of Parker & Haskell. Mr. Parker has always been a staunch Republican. He was a member of the first Board of Public Works of New Bedford, serving one and a half years, when he resigned. December 4, 1894, he was elected mayor of the city by 485 majority, and in Decem- ber, 1895, he was re-elected by a majority of 817. October 1, 1897, he was appointed postmaster of New Bedford by President McKinley. Mr. Parker was for three years a member of the City Guards ; served as president of the Dartmouth Club in 1896 and 1897; and is a member of the Veteran Firemen's Association, the Knights of Pythias, and the Dartmouth and Wamsutta Clubs. September 18, 1883, he mar- ried Calista S. , daughter of Roland Holcomb of New Bedford, and they have two children: Marion and Ward M. Mr. Parker's family is one of the oldest in south- eastern Massachusetts and is traced back indirectly to the Mayflower. Peirce, George, in his particular line of work has gained a reputation throughout this vicinity. He is a native of Canterbury, England, where he was born October 8, 1845, a son of William and Anne (Vincer) Peirce. The family removed to this country when he was an infant and, after remaining a short time in Boston, removed to Savannah, Georgia, where he was partially educated in the common schools and academies. In 1860 the family returned north and settled in New Bedford and he completed his education in the New Bedford public schools. He then began an ap- prenticeship of three years at the machinist's trade, in the old Novelty Works at Taunton, and after its completion came to New Bedford and worked at his trade until 1867, when he went to Boston to learn the piano and organ manufacturing business, and for several years worked in the Chickering piano factory and in the Hooks' organ factory. In 1872, having obtained a thorough knowledge of the details of piano and organ construction, he returned to New Bedford and established a re- pairing business, which he still continues, and, previous to this time there having been no business of this kind in New Bedford, his trade at once grew to large pro- portions. Mr. Peirce is possessed of much mechanical skill and his experience as a practical machinist has aided greatly in the establishment of the reputation as a skillful repairer, which hd now enjoys. For over twenty-six years he has cared for the public school instruments of the city. He is a member of Eureka Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and has served his lodge as organist for the past twenty-five years; also, he is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. Mr. Peirce mar- ried, in 1873, Elizabeth Alden Lucas of New Bedford, and they have one son, Clif- ford O. Peirce. His second wife was Eleanor B., a daughter of Capt. Charles Grant of Nantucket, a successful whaling captain, and of this union were nine children: PERSONAL REFERENCES. 323 Charles G., George, jr., Virginia L. (deceased), William (deceased), Barker H., Alice E., Ruth, Edwin E. and Robert P. Pettey, Benjamin T., third son of Pardon and Peace (Tripp) Pettey, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., March 21, 1845. His boyhood was spent at home on his father's farm until he was fourteen years of age, when he left home and began to make his own way. He was very industrious and frugal and strictly temperate in all of his habits. He married Caroline A., daughter of David and Rebecca (Tripp) Lawton, and they had five children, of whom four grew to ma- turity: Emma L., wife of Alfred Sanford; Mary E., wife of John Lawton; Rebecca E. (deceased) ; Nellie M. and David S. Phillips, Howard Lindsey, was born in Taunton, June 14, 1873, a son of Jacob B. and Mary A. (Presbrey) Phillips. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton, and in 1891 he entered the Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1894. During the last two years in the public schools and the three years in Boston, Mr. Phillips read law in the office of Bennett & Hall. He was admitted to the Bristol county bar in September, 1894, and opened an office at once in Taunton for the general practice of law. July 30, 1896, he was married to Mary L. Lewis of Taunton, daughter of Elijah F. and Emma L. (Smith) Lewis; they have one daughter, Beatrice Phillips, born in August, 1897. Pierce, Andrew Jackson, was born in Taunton, March 19, 1862, a son of William F. and Elizabeth A. (Burt) Pierce. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton, and in 1881 he commenced his business career, going to work for George E. Pendleton to learn the grocery business, and remained with him five years. At this time he engaged to work at the Williams Drill Co , and stayed with them two years, and in 1887 started in the grocery business for himself and has con- tinued up to the present time. He is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., and Sabbatia Lodge of I O. O. F. June 15, 1887, he married Ida W., daughter of L. James and Elizabeth A. (Babbitt) Wilmarth. Pierce, Dr. A. Martin, son of Otis and Judith Pierce, of New Bedford, Mass., was born March 14, 1852. He was graduated from the High School in New Bedford in 1870. He then entered the office of Dr. Edward Payson Abbe, a leading physician of the city, as a student of medicine. Soon after that he went to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York city, from which he was graduated in 1873. Having passed a competitive examination for a position in Charity Hospital, Black- well's Island, New York, he served there two years. He then took charge of the Smallpox Hospital, Blackwell's Island, for two months. In January, 1875, he re- turned to New Bedford and was associated, in the practice of medicine, with Dr. E. P. Abbe until July, 1882. He was appointed physician to the Poor Department of the city in 1878 and 1879. He joined the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1875 ; in 1895 was chosen its vice-president. As a member of the South Bristol Medical So- ciety he has held each of the offices in the gift of the society. He has been on the surgical staff of St. Luke's Hospital of New Bedford since its foundation in 1885. He is at present (1898) president of the local Society for Medical Improvement. Pierce, Eben, son of Eben and Charity (Hines) Pierce, was born in Livermore, Maine, June 21, 1817. He attended school until he was fourteen years old and at 3?4 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. that time went to work in a ship yard, learning the ship carpenter's trade. He came to New Bedford in 1839 and for several years made whaling voyages, finally becoming master of a whaler, and also was in the merchant service for ten years. He established his present business of manufacturing whaling guns and bomb lances in 1869 and still continues it although with not as great a success as formerly, owing to the decline of the whaling industry. He is descended on both sides from old New England families. Pierce, Herbert Newton, son of James C. and Lucinda B. (Bliss) Pierce, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., January 19, 1848, and educated in the public schools, Bristol Academy, and Schofield Commercial College of Providence, R. I. After leaving school he learned the trade of mason and builder with his father, where he remained one year, and was then employed by Abraham Briggs for seven years. In 1878 he engaged in business for himself and has continued up to the present time. He was a member of the City Council from 1887 to 1893 inclusive, and when the city created the office of superintendent of public buildings he was elected to the position and has held the office ever since, making five years of service. He is a member of Chas. H. Titus Lodge of A. F. & A. M., Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F., a director in the Loan Fund Association, and one of the surety commissioners. September 28, 1885, he married Elizabeth A. Briggs of Taunton, who died July 1, 1894, leaving one child, Abram B. , born March 28, 1889. Place, J. S., son of Thomas Place, was born in Bristol, R. I., in 1855, and edu- cated in the common schools. He established his present business in 1895, and erected the mill run by steam power that same year. He carries on the business of dealer in hay, grain, flour, feed, etc. Mr. Place is a business man of practical ideas, who without the use of any of the helps of fiction and outside appearances, has developed his business until he enjoys a fine trade throughout the community. In 1887 Mr. Place married Fannie L. Phillips of Dighton, and they have one son, Frank B. In politics Mr. Place is a Republican and was appointed postmaster by President Harrison, serving four years. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, No. 94, I. O. O. F. of Taunton, and Premier Lodge, F. & A. M. of Somerset. Pond. J. E., was born in South Walpole, Mass., May 21, 1836. His father, Rev. Joseph E. Pond, was a native of Wrentham, where Bernard settled in 1807, was one of the pioneers and after whom Pondville was named. Rev. Joseph E. Pond married Jane C, daughter of Rev. Thomas Spooner. He built and established the M. E. church at East Dedham, and was the first regular pastor at Millville, and through life largely devoted to the welfare of his fellowmen. He died in 1886. J. E. Pond was educated in Indiana at the Asbury University (now known as De Pau Univer- sity), from which he was graduated in 1859. He then entered Harvard Medical University, graduating in 1861 and in 1862 entered the service of the United States as assistant surgeon, resigning the same year and entering the law office of J. E. Carpenter. He was admitted to the bar in 1870 and practiced in Boston until 1873, when he began his practice in Attleborough, where he still continues. In 1864 he married Susan, daughter of Sullivan Bemis, and they have one son, W. H., a mem- ber of the firm of J. E. & W. H. Pond. Mr. Pond is one of the conservative men of the town, taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 325 Porter, Hon. Burrill, jr., was born in Charlestown, N. H., February 22, 1832. His father, Burrill Porter, was a native of the same town. The family trace their de- scent from John Porter of Windsor, Conn., who settled there in 1638. Asahel C. Porter was a native of Coventry, Conn., and moved to Charlestown, N. H., where he was identified as a farmer. Burrill Porter, his son, married Susan, daughter of John and Susan Rogers Garfield, and was one of the conservative men of his town. Burrill Porter, jr., was educated in the public schools and academies and Saxton River Seminary, and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1856. He followed teaching for twenty-five years and in 1879 was elected in Attleborough as collector of taxes, assessor, etc. In 1884 he was appointed postmaster at North Attleborough, and then gave his attention to newspaper work up to 1893, in which year he was elected representative to the Legislature, serving seven years, being re-elected six times. In 1860 he married Harriet L. , daughter of Asa H Carpenter, and they have two children : Asa B. and Susie A. Mr. Porter is one of the conservative men of his town, of sterling integrity and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Pothier, Joseph Charles, physician and surgeon, was born in the Province of Que- bec, Canada, a son of Jules and Domitilde (Dallaire) Pothier. When he was an in- • fant the family removed to Woonsocket, R. 1., and here he was educated in the pub- lic schools, graduating from the High School. He studied medicine in McGill Med- ical College at Montreal, Canada, graduating in 1887. In the same year he began practice in New Bedford. Dr. Pothier has been school commissioner for the past six years, and is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and the New Bed- ford Medical Society. In 1894 he married Louise C, daughter of Peter Murphy of Boston, and they have one son, Aubrey J. Potter, Harry L., was born in Boston, Mass., October 30, 1868. His father was Zebedee D. Potter, who died when Harry L. was but four years old, and his mother, Lorane (Dewherst) Potter, died a year later. After the death of his parents he was sent to live with an aunt, Ruth S. Potter, who sent him to the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, and while there he gave promise of the splendid brilliancy which marked his course at East Greenwich Academy, from which he was graduated June 7, 1886. After graduation he returned to Westport and entered the employ of Jona- than Hicks at Gifford's Corners, who was engaged in the grocery business, and re- mained with him for four years in a subordinate position. He then entered into partnership with his employer, and for the next two years the firm was known as Hicks & Potter. In 1892 they sold out and engaged in the undertaking business, which they have since conducted with marked success. Mr. Potter is a zealous Re- publican and has been a faithful supporter of that party during the years following the attainment of his majority. He was elected one of the assessors of the town for a term of three years, but being so much engrossed with business cares he resigned after a service of one year. He has always taken an active interest in Odd Fellow- ship, being a member of Pacific Lodge No. 123, I. O. O. F., of New Bedford. On March 4, 1896, Mr. Potter married Bertha E., daughter of Fred W. and Mary E. (Borden) Chase, and their home in the village of Westport, where he spends the in- tervals of a busy life in the companionship of Mrs. Potter and their daughter, Mary B., is one of the pleasantest abodes in the village. 326 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Pratt, Charles A. , physician and surgeon, was born in Easton, Mass. , October 23, 1862, a son of Hiram A. and Louise (Dean) Pratt. His father was a prominent citizen and for many years a resident of Easton, and served in the State Legislature. The family removed to Raynham when Dr. Pratt was an infant, and he obtained much of his preparatory education in the public schools of that town. Later the family removed to Somerville, a suburb of Boston, and he was prepared for college in the Somerville High School. He entered Harvard in 1881 and was graduated A. B. in the class of 1886, in the same year beginning the course of Harvard Uni- versity School of Medicine, from which he was graduated M. D. in the class of 1891. Following his graduation he served as physician for one year in the Boston Free Hospital for Women, and in 1893 settled in New Bedford and engaged in practice. He is a member of the medical staff and visiting physician to St. Luke's Hospital, also a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Presbrey, Dr. Silas Dean, was born in Taunton, October 19, 1838, a son of Bill- ings Troop and Clarissa Burt (Dean) Presbrey. He prepared for college in Taun- ton High School and was graduated at Harvard in 1860. At this time he began his medical studies in the office of Dr. Henry B. Hubbard of Taunton, and in the same year entered Harvard Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1865 with the degree of M. D., having served during an interval as principal of the Taunton High School. He at once began practice in Taunton, where he has since continued, being now justly counted as one of the leading members of his profession in this sec- tion. He has a wide membership in medical societies, both State and National; is a thirty-second degree Mason and has given the city of Taunton much faithful public service, having served for a number of years as city physician and since 1881 as a. member of the Board of Water Commissioners. Perhaps his greatest achievement in the interest of the city . has been the Morton Hospital, for the establishment of which he was an indefatigable worker, in fact, the practical founder of the institu- tion. He has been senior consultant of the hospital from the beginning and de- livers about thirty lectures a year to the Nurses' Training School in connection. In the cause of education he has also been a prominent worker, having been an official member for years of the School Board as well as a trustee of long standing of Bris- tol Academy. His faithful and efficient work in these positions of trust needs no comment here. As a business man he has been eminently successful, and is now and has been for many years a trustee and member of the board of investment of the Bristol County Savings Bank. As a physician he has kept well in touch with the advanced thought of the period, having been a frequent contributor to medical publications and at medical gatherings. Dr. Presbrey has gained a large practice in Taunton and neighboring towns, and wins the love of his patients by his cheery and sympathizing manner in the sick room, and by their confidence in his skilful treatment of their diseases. Dr. Presbrey married, October 1, 1863, Sarah Williams, daughter of Artemas and Susan Shaw (Williams) Briggs. Their children are Clara Briggs, Florence Nathalie and Laura Edith. Rankin, George William, librarian, son of George and Laura A. (Grant) Rankin, was born in Boston, Mass., May 23, 1847. He descends from old Puritan stock, his paternal ancestors being among the early settlers of York county, Maine. Mr. Rankin's father was a successful Boston merchant and represented the town of PERSONAL REFERENCES. 327 Dorchester in the Legislature several terms. Mr. Rankin moved to Fall River in 1871, and in 1873 was engaged by the trustees of the Fall River Public Library to assist in a revision of the catalogue, and in this work he proved to the management his ability in so marked a manner, that in June, 1874, he became permanently con- nected with the institution. By careful and intelligent study he has educated him- self in the different methods and systems of library work. No better evidence of his proficiency can be given than the invitation extended to him by the late Hon. Marcellus Eldredge of Chatham, to select the books and install the working system of the library which that gentleman gave to the town of Chatham. He has now been connected with the Fall River Public Library for a period of twenty-five years ; he has also been a contributor to the historical literature of Fall River and vicinity. He has a critical appreciation of art and his advocacy of good literature has been of permanent value to the patrons of the library. In 1890 Mr. Rankin married Nattie A., daughter of William E. and Sarah J. (Briggs) Sharpies of Fall River. Ray, William H., son of Emery B. and Eliza A. (Thomas) Ray, was born in Wind- ham county, Connecticut, December 2, 1837, and was educated in the public schools of his native town. In 1854 he removed to Freetown, where he has since resided, and has always been engaged in farming and painting, in which he has been most successful. He was married, in 1872, to Mary, daughter of John Manchester, of Fall River; she died in 1877. Mr. Ray has never taken a very active part in public affairs and has never sought or held public office. He is a man of few words and prefers to listen rather than be listened to. Raymond, Robert Fulton, lawyer, is a great-grandson of David Raymond of Stam- ford, Conn., a soldier in the Revolutionary war; a grandson of Gould Raymond, also of Stamford ; and the son of Lewis and Sarah A. (Jones) Raymond, and was born in Stamford, Conn., June 15, 1858. His ancestors settled in Salem, Mass., about 1630, and moved thence to Stamford, where they followed the vocation of farmers. His father was prominent in town affairs and held various local offices. Mr. Ray- mond attended the district schools, and when sixteen (in 1874) came to New Bedford, where he entered the High School, from which he was graduated in 1877. He sub- sequently attended Wesleyan University at Middletown one year, and taught school in Marion, Plymouth county, two years, keeping up his college studies in the mean time. In 1880 he went to Boston, where he taught a private Latin school mornings for one year, and also continued his work at Harvard College. In 1881 he entered Harvard Law School, where he remained two years, and was admitted to the Bristol bar at the June term, 1883. Since then he has been actively engaged in the general practice of his profession in New Bedford, taking the degree of LL. B. from Harvard Law School in 1894. From 1883 to 1885 he was a law partner of William C. Parker, the firm name being Parker & Raymond. Mr. Raymond was a foundation member of the New Bedford Bar Association, and is also a member of Acushnet Lodge, I. O. O. F., of the Harvard Law School Alumni Association, and of the Boston Wesleyan Club. He is a trustee and a member of the board of management of the East Greenwich (R. I.) Academy, a member of the official board of the County Street M. E. Church, and a member of various executive boards of the New England Southern Conference. He is also a member of the Boston Wesleyan Association, which is composed of twenty men who are trustees of property in Boston owned by the M. E. 328 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Church. Mr. Raymond is a prominent public speaker, having delivered a number of addresses on religious, temperance, patriotic and other subjects. He is an inde- fatigable collector of books, and owns one of the best and most valuable private libraries in New Bedford; it is especially rich in American history, economics, etc., and full in general lines, including German and French as well as English literature. October 20, 1886, Mr. Raymond married Mary E., daughter of Capt. David Walker of Groton, Conn., and a descendant of Elder William Brewster of the Plymouth colony. They have five children: Annie Almy, Mary Lois, Allen Simmons, Robert Fulton, jr., and Grace Brewster. Read, Louis L., was born in South Attleborough, March 17, 1815, a son of Arnon and Mary (Tiffany) Read. Louis L. Read was educated in the common schools. In 1865 he married Charlotte Tiffany. George T. Read lives on the homestead and married Elizabeth A. Holt, and they have one son, Louis James. Mr. Read is one of the representative men of his town, serving as selectman and road commissioner; he is a man of sterling integrity and his life has proven his word as good as his bond. Reed, A. W., was born in North Attleborough, July 9, 1853. His father, Jarvis P. Reed, was a native of Taunton, where the family were among the pioneers. Jarvis P. married Elizabeth W. Eddy ; he was superintendent of the poorhouse for six years and came to North Attleborough in 1865, and died in 1892. Arthur W. Reed was educated in North Attleborough and Medford. He learned the jeweler's trade and in 1881 engaged in the grocery business, and with the exception of three years has continued up to 1898 when he retired from the same. In 1872 he married Susie J. Riley, and and they have two sons and one daughter: Herbert A., Charles H. and Gladys. Mr. Reed is one of the conservative business men of his town, serving as overseer of the poor, is a member of Washington Lodge, K. of H., A.O.U.W., and the Pilgrim Fathers. Reed, Silas Dean, was born in Taunton, Mass., June 25, 1872, a son of Hon. Charles A. and Weltha Nichols (Dean) Reed. He received his early education in the public schools and Bristol Academy, from which he was graduated in 1889. In the fall of that year he entered Amherst College, graduating in the class of 1893 ; he spent two years in the Boston University Law School and then came to his father's office and devoted one year to legal studies. In 1896 he was elected to the State Legislature for the term of 1897 and in the fall of 1897 was re-elected for the session of 1898 ; during his term of service he has been a member of the committee on rail- roads and its clerk in 1898. He has also been elected to the House for 1899. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Massachusetts Consistory, thirty- second degree; is past grand of Sabbatia Lodge, I.O.O.F. ; a member of Naomi En- campment; Canton Cohannet; State Grand Lodge; past chancellor of Taunton Lodge, K. P. ; the first past officer of El Katif Temple, Knights of Khorassan, the original temple of the New England States; and also a member of the Grand Lodge, K. of P. In college he was a member of the Greek Letter fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. Mr. Reed is the Taunton agent for Ransom C. Taylor of Worcester, who has large real estate interests in this city. Reed, Waldo, son of William and Sophia Brown (Ladd) Reed, was born in New- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 329 buryport, Mass., June 2, 1850. He prepared for college in the public schools and entered Harvard in 1870. Mr. Reed began his legal studies in the Boston Univer- sity School of Law and later studied for a considerable period in the office of his elder brother, Hon. Milton Reed. He was admitted to the Bristol bar in 1879 and settled in Fall River. Shortly after he removed to San Antonio, Texas, where he was engaged in active practice for five years. In 1886 he settled in Taunton to be- come connected with Reed & Barton. He is now in practice in Fall River, having recently formed a law partnership with Hon. Milton Reed. In politics Mr. Reed has always been affiliated with the Republican party. He married, in 1876, Miss Ella Barton, a daughter of the late Charles E. Barton of Taunton. Regnell, Herman Thomas, was born in Boston, March 14, 1859. His father, Thomas F Regnell, who was a native of Stockholm, Sweden, came to the United States in 1849 and settled in Boston, where he was identified as a manufacturing jeweler, having learned the trade in Sweden. He married Sophia Chilstram, and through life took an active interest in public events. He died in 1870. Herman T. Regnell was educated in Boston and in 1870 came to Attleborough where he learned the jew- elry trade with T. I. Sweist & Company, of North Attleborough. In 1888 he organ- ized the firm of Regnell, Bigney & Company, who are among the leading manu- facturers of ladies' jewelry. In 1886 he married Sarah, daughter of Alvin P.Tucker, and they have four children: Ralph T., Lloyd C, Walter Barton, and Irma C. Mr. Regnell is one of the conservative men of his town ; serves as president of the Y. M. C. A. ; is superintendent of the Congregational Sunday school ; takes an active interest in educational institutions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Robbins, Charles M. , was born in Harwich, Mass., May 1, 1857, a son of Na- thaniel and Lydia (Williams) Robbins. Nathaniel Robbins was a dentist by pro- fession and was a prominent man in his town. He died in 1887. C. M. Robbins was educated in the public schools and came to Attleborough in June, 1875, where he learned the jewelry business. He traveled on the road for nine years, and in 1891 established his present business, making a specialty of badges, emblems, coats of arms, flags and novelties. In 1885 Mr. Robbins married Lucy B., daughter of Rev. Stillman Pratt, and they have two sons: Lawrence B., and Chester M. Mr. Robbins is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. He is a lineal descendant of the Rev. Nathaniel Robbins, who preached at Milton for thirty years, and was elected chaplain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. in 1773; his son, who was elected lieutenant-governor of the State, married a descendant of Ann Hutchinson. Robinson, Ozias, was born in Mansfield in 1808, the family being among the early settlers of Raynham, tracing their descent from William Robinson who came from England about 1640. Ozias Robinson married for his first wife, Sarah H., daughter of Israel and Martha Goward, by whom he had Ozias Edwin; his second wife was Rachel Jane, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Newcomb; their children were Richard Ames and Sarah Elizabeth. He was identified in Mansfield as a carriage manufacturer, farmer and real estate dealer, and was accustomed to ride through the country selling his carriages, as was the custom in those days. In bis earlier days he pp 330 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was much interested in church and Sunday school work, and was very earnest and energetic in whatever business he was engaged; he had a keen sense of justice and what seemed to him the right. In 1881 he moved to Attleborough, retiring from active life, where he spent his declining years in a well earned rest, after a very busy life. He died in 1897, living to within a few weeks of his ninetieth birthday. Rounsevell, Albert Seabury, is a lineal descendant of Philip Rounsevell (son of William), who was born in Honiton, Devonshire, England, and came to Freetown, Mass., in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and who had a brother Thomas and a sister Jane, both of whom remained in England. Philip was a clothier, some times called a cloth worker. In 1705 he married Mary Howland, by whom he had three sons; William, Philip, jr., and John, the latter being the great-great-grand- father of Albert S. Levi Rounsevell, son of William and a grandson of Philip, the immigrant, was captain of the Freetown minutemen who responded to the Lexing- ton alarm, and was also a captain in Col. Daniel Brewer's regiment on duty at Rose- bury in October, 1775. Among the coast guards stationed at New Bedford under Capt. Simeon Ashley in the war of 1812 were John, Gilbert, Silas, Joseph and Thomas Rounsevell, the latter being the grandfather of Albert S. William Rounsevell, son of Thomas and father of Albert S., was a moulder by trade; he went to California in 1848, returned a few years later, and died in 1893, aged seventy. He married Abbie E. Hudson, who survives him, and whose ancestors came from England to Wareham, Mass. , at an early day. Her grandfather served in the Revolution and had several ships in the war of 1812. Albert Seabury Rounsevell was born in Fairhaven, Mass., January 14, 1862, was educated there and in the New Bedford grammar schools, and when fourteen became a newsboy on the railroad. At the age of seventeen he en- tered the tack works in Fairhaven, and two years later became connected with the old Charles Taber Art Company in New Bedford, where he remained over twelve years; passing through the photographic department to that of American photogra- vures. In 1892 he established his present crockery, wall paper, and art novelties business at 73 William street, New Bedford. In September, 1888, he married Minnie B., daughter of Horace Chase of Taunton. Roy, Nelson, was born in Pawtucket, December 9, 1876. His father, Narcisse Roy, was a native of Canada, and in 1884 came to South Attleborough. In 1890 he established his manufactory of fertilizers, soap, scraps, oil, etc., and is one of the leading men in his business. He married Sophia C. Carter, and their children are Nelson, Edgar, Wilfred, Emma, Rose, Lumena and Alice. Nelson Roy was edu- cated in the common schools and in 1893 was admitted to the firm which is known as Roy & Son, and who are recognized as enterprising business men of sterling in- tegrity, whose word is as good as their bond. Sadler, Thomas G., was born in South Attleborough, October 22, 1871, a son of George W. and Melissa D. (Drake) Sadler. His father established a jewelery busi- ness in South Attleborough in 1862 ; he was a public spirited man and died in 1884. Thomas G. Sadler was educated in the common schools and learned the jewelry business. In 1888 he engaged in business with his brothers, Herbert A. and Charles E., as foreman, becoming a partner in 1893, and retiring from the firm in 1898. In 1893 he married Mary, daughter of Joseph Wilson, and they have three children : Thomas G., Olive L. and Phyllis W. Mr. Sadler is an enterprising man, taking an PERSONAL REFERENCES. 331 intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Sanford, David, fourth son of Philip and Ruth W. (Weaver) Sanford, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., July 14, 1837. He received such educa- tional advantages as were offered in those days and at the age of seventeen began driving a milk cart and after about two years began the milk business on his own account, in which he has since been successfully engaged. On January 25, 1857, he married Emily M., daughter of Howard P. and Emily M. (Gifford) Tripp of West- port, and they have eight children: Franklin P., Chester P., D. Elmer, Everett L., Herbert A., Carrie E., Mary L. and Charles F. Sauval, Rev. Charles Bernard, pastor of St. Ann's French Catholic Church of Fall River, was born in Poie, Somme, France, March 1, 1848, a son of Adolph and Ange- line (Martin) Sauval. He was educated in the schools of his native parish, at the St. Reginar Seminary in Somme, and in the Seminary at St. Amiens. He has been pastor of St. Ann's church in Fall River for several years and during this time has labored incessantly to improve the church property. Father Sauval's congregation numbers several thousand souls, and he has under his charge four assistants who aid him in the conduct of the parish, which is one of the largest, entirely made up of French speaking people, in the diocese of Providence. Searle, Edward Almy, was born in Scituate, R. I., April 9, 1854, a son of George and Nancy W. (Waterman) Searle. His early education was received in the public schools of Rhode Island and the Lapham Institute at North Scituate, R. I. At the close of his school days he went to work for Edward Almy of North Dighton as bookkeeper, and then moved to Providence with his brother as superintendent and was engaged for several years as salesman by two different concerns. In 1885 he came to Taunton and opened a grocery and provision store of his own, continuing for about five years, and in October of the same year went to Providence and bought out the business of J. H. Eddy & Co. , wholesale dealers in wooden ware, under the name of the J. H. Eddy Co. In the spring of 1892 they merged the business into that of the Williston A. Caddy Co., and .continued until the death of Captain Phillips, when the business was closed out and he came to Taunton with Briggs & Co., grain dealers. In 1898 the city created the office of city auditor and Mr. Searle was appointed to the position. January 22, 1878, he married Cora A., daugh- ter of Leonard A. and Sarah A. (Springer) White ; they have no children. Sharkey, John Thomas, was born in Taunton, June 26, 1866, a son of Daniel and Mary (McFadden) Sharkey. He attended and graduated from the public schools. After leaving school he went to work for R. & W. Power in the grocery and provis- ion business and remained with them about six years. In 1889 he started in busi- ness for himself, selling a line of carriages, harness and bicycles and continues at the present time. In 1896 he was elected a member of the Common Council and in 1897 was elected to the Board of Aldermen from the Fifth ward. October 30, 1895, Mr. Sharkey married Clara Dennett-Bartlett of Taunton, daughter of Jeremiah B. and Eliza (Odiorne) Dennett. Sheehy, William Clinton, physician and surgeon, was born in New Bedford, De- cember 31, 1868, a son of Michael and Anna (Parkinson) Sheehy. He attended the 332 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. public schools of New Bedford and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1885. In the following year he entered the Boston Institute of Technology and later matriculated at the University Medical College of the the city of New York, . from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1889. After graduation he served for one year as interne in a New York hospital and soon thereafter took up his present practice in New Bedford, being now located at No. 29 Seventh street. Dr. Sheehy is a member of an old English family, most of the members of which for four generations have been physicians. Sherman, James Clifford, son of Charles H. and Ladora (Allen) Sherman, was born in New Bedford, May 23, 1874 ; his father was also a native and lifelong resi- dent of New Bedford and well known in business circles. During his boyhood Mr. Sherman attended the public and high schools of New Bedford, and not long after completing the high school course became manager of a shoe store in Edgartown, and later he entered the employ of J. Davis & Co. , shoe dealers in New Bedford, with whom he remained two years. In 1896 he formed a copartnership with John J. Powers fdr the conduct of a real estate business, under the firm name of Powers & Sherman ; this association still continues. Mr. Sherman is a member of Sutton Com- mandery, Knights Templar, and Aleppo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and also he has, for some time, been a justice of the peace. The Sherman family is of Puritan origin, Mr. Sherman being directly descended from Roger Sherman. Sherman, Philip T., son of William Sprague and Susan (Tabor) Sherman, was born in Fall River, Mass., May 28, 1846. After completing his common school education he secured a position in the Fall River Iron Works, and after a three years' service in the nail department he served an apprenticeship at the molder's trade, in which he was engaged until 1891, when he removed to his present farm, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming. In December, 1866, he married Marietta, daughter of Gideon and Martha (Gray) Manchester of .Fall River, Mass., and they had four children: Eugena, wife of Charles Hambley of Dartmouth; Ida, wife of William Davis of Fall River; Melvin O., died March 12, 1877, aged seven years and five months ; and Lillie E. , died February 26, 1877, aged three years and three months. Sherman, William Henry, is one of the oldest liverymen in Bristol county, and has conducted a livery and boarding stable at the same location, No. 40 Fourth street, New Bedford, for over forty years. He was born in Rochester, Mass., June 24, 1826, a son of Zepheniah and Margaret (Bonney) Sherman. He went to school very little, for when he was but eight years old his father died and he came to New Bedford to live with an uncle, John H. Chapman. When scarcely twelve years of age he began to learn the sailmaking trade and followed that occupation for thirteen years. He then established himself in the livery business in a small way and has since continued with success. Mr. Sherman was a member of the New Bedford Volunteer Fire De- partment for thirty-five years and rose in the department from torch boy to assist- ant engineer; he was captain of the first steam engine used in the city. He has always been a strong adherent of the old Jeffersonian Democracy and has repeatedly served his party as delegate to National, State, county and district conventions. He represented the Fifth ward in the council one term and as alderman four terms. For many years he has advocated the cause of temperance with vigor and sincerity and is a member of Acushnet Division of the Sons of Temperance. He is also a mem- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 333 ber of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter and Commandery, and of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows. In 1848 he married Angeline, daughter of Russell Gifford of Westport Point, and they have one daughter, Kate A., widow of the late William O. Walker. Sherman, W. W., was born in North Attleborough, July 21, 1853, a son of C. E. W. Sherman, a native of Plymouth, Mass., and was the eighth descendant from Miles Standish. He came to North Attleborough in 1848, and entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. as an apprentice. His wages were to be .?40 per year and found. He learned the jeweler's trade thoroughly and went into the business for himself in 1854, continuing up to the time of his death, April 10, 1897. W. W. Sherman was educated in North Attleborough and in 1873 entered into partnership with his father in gold and silver refining for the trade, and in 1893 took an interest in the manufac- turing business, purchasing what was known as the H. D. Merritt Co. In 1877 he married Harriet Kate, daughter of H. N. Sollan, and they have one son, Charles H. Shoemaker & Clark. — R. J. Shoemaker and C. S. Clark. These gentlemen are the proprietors of Shoemaker & Clark's School of Shorthand and Business, which was established in Fall River, in August, 1897. The school has already enrolled over 400 students in its different departments, which include a preparatory English and gram- mar school course, shorthand and typewriting, bookkeeping and kindred commercial subjects, and a school of modern languages. The institution aims to give a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of these subjects and thus to lay the foundation of a successful business career. Both members of the firm are practical and experienced schoolmen, and under their careful management the school is rapidly gaining recog- nition as an institution of the first rank. Robert Johnson Shoemaker, senior mem- ber of the firm, is a son of Edward and Sarah F. (Sailor) Shoemaker, and was born in Pennsgrove, Salem county, N. J., October 15, 1857. His father was a farmer, but afterwards engaged in the commission business in New York city. Until he was seventeen years old, Mr. Shoemaker worked on the farm and attended the district school. At this time he was selected to teach the home school and accepted the posi- tion, despite the ridicule occasioned by his youth. He filled the position acceptably for four terms, meantime earning and saving money to pay his way at the State Normal School in Trenton, N. J., from which he was graduated in 1879. After graduation he was appointed principal of the public school at Pedricktown, N. J. , where he remained seven years. He then assumed the principalship of the High School at Pennsgrove, N. J., and after a service of four years became bookkeeper for the Columbia Wagon Company. This was a new corporation and Mr. Shoemaker took entire charge of the entire work of systemtatizing the office routine. When the company was thoroughly organized he was chosen head bookkeeper for the Barr Pumping Engine Company of Philadelphia, largely owned by the Burnhams of the Baldwin Locomotive Company. He held this responsible position for four years, being at the head of the entire office force, and then, on account of his recognized ability as a bookkeeper and expert accountant, was tendered the position of professor qf advanced bookkeeping in the Peirce School of Philadelphia. The principal of this school, Dr. Thomas May Peirce, was one of the best known accountants in the United States. Upon the death of Dr. Peirce, Mr. Shoemaker came to Fall River under contract to teach a year, but resigned his position at the end of that time and 334 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. formed his present copartnership with Mr. Clark. Mr. Shoemaker is a man of moral worth and intellectual ability, and of large experience as a teacher. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, the Bookkeepers' Association of Philadelphia, and the New Jersey State Teachers' Association. In 1879 he married Josephine Allen Rich- mond of Camden, N. J. (since deceased), and of this union three children survive: Francis D., Robert J. and Anna R. Charles S. Clark, junior member of the firm, is a native of the State of Mississippi, born in Tippah county, and a son of Thomas J. and Mary E. (Davenport) Clark. He was educated in the schools of Calvert, Texas, and later attended the Central Business College at Sedalia, Missouri, from which he graduated in 1888. After his graduation he was employed in the same school as a teacher of commercial and literary branches for eight years, during which time he prepared several publications designed for use in commercial teaching, notably one on "Grammar" and one on "Rapid Calculation." When he resigned from this position he came to New Bedford, Mass., where he engaged in commercial teaching until the formation of his present association with Mr. Shoemaker. Mr. Clark is an active member of the Congregational Church of Fall River. He is a man of educa- tion, culture, mature judgment and high principles. In December, 1882, he married Mary E.; daughter of William Watkins of Julian, Nebraska, and they have two chil- dren: Val Menita and Myrtle Olga. Short, Mace B. , was born in Attleborough, February 15, 1827, and his father, Philip Short, was a native of Rehoboth where Manassah Short and his family were among the pioneer settlers. Philip Short married Matilda, daughter of Rufus Burt, and throngh life he was identified as a farmer. Mace B. Short was educated in At- tleborough and in 1840 went into Dodge's cotton factory, in Dodgeville, and worked upward from the pickers to the position of overseer. In 1851 he went to North Attle- borough and learned the jeweler's trade with E. Ira Richards & Co. ; in 1854 he spent a short period in Taunton; and in the same year returned to Attleborough and en- tered the employ of Sturdy & Bradford. In 1866 he organized the firm of Short & Nerney, electro-platers, which continued until 1876, when he organized the firm of Short, Nerney & Horton, which now continues under the name of the Bay State Optical Company, being the original and principal factory of optical goods in Bristol county. In 1851 he married Nancy B., daughter of William Wheaton. Mr. Short is one of the conservative men of his town ; has been director in the Attleborough Loan and Fund Association for twenty years; and takes an active and intelligent interest in both school and church matters. Sisson, Samuel A., the only child and son of Uriah and Nancy (Allen) Sisson, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., November 10, 1837. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at an early age learned the carriage builder's trade, and acquired a good practical knowledge of his trade in a few years. Having formed a dislike for this class of work, he abandoned, the trade and engaged in teaming and farming, in which he is now successfully engaged. March 23, 1858, he married Roann, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Little) Little. Po- litically Mr. Sisson is a Republican, although he has never sought public office, save overseer of the poor and a few other town offices of minor importance. Skiff, Andrew J., a lineal descendant of Louis De Moranville, who was a deserter from the French army during the time of King Philip, is a son of Thomas and Re- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 335 becca (De Moranville) Skiff, and was born in New Bedford, Mass. , August 2, 1836. After attending the public schools he shipped aboard the barque Elizabeth on a whaling expedition for twenty-seven months, and afterward secured employment on a coaster as mate, under Captain Simmons. He then sailed on the lakes for a short time, when he returned home and learned the ship carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed for twenty-eight years. At the end of this service he was appointed sexton of Pine Grove Cemetery, which position he now fills. Mr. Skiff was married, August 9, 1854, to Amy J., daughter of Daniel and Rhuama (Omaus) Spooner, and they have had eleven children: Florence, Benjamin A., Ada, Carrie, E valine F. , Estella V. , Amy, Andrew, Lottie, Lizzie A. and Albertha. Mr. Skiff has always taken an act- ive interest in public affairs and was a police officer for five years. Smith, Alfred, is a native of Stockport, England, and was born in November, 1841. With his wife he came to the United States in 1871, and laid the modest foundations of the present business in 1873. From small beginnings it has grown to its present large proportions, having a frontage of 100 by 125 feet, two stories, steam power, employs forty men, seven wagons and fifty agencies. Mr. Smith erected the buildings to suit the growth of trade. Mrs. Smith died in 1876. Smith, Hugh A., was born in Providence, R. I., February 4, 1862, a son of Hugh S. and Barbara E (Kennedy) Smith, and was educated in the public schools. He is engaged in the ice business and has an average output of 2,000 tons. In 1885 he married Bertha H., daughter of Amos Staples, and they have two children: Chester A., and Elsie L. Mr. Smith is one of the self-made men of his town and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Smith, John A., son of William W. and Charity (Tripp) Smith, was born in the old homestead where he now resides. May 1, 1829. His education from schools was meager and confined to the elementary grades. Mr. Smith has devoted his entire life to agriculture and fishing. On February 16, 1851, he married Maria H., daugh- ter of Isaac and Mary (Little) Little of Dartmouth ; they have two children : Charles W., born January 4, 1856, married, November 9, 1876, Carrie E. King of Dartmouth ; and Annie M., born March 10, 1861, married, November 10, 1881, Daniel A. Crapo of Westport. Mr. Smith is a member of the First Christian Church and is an honored and respected citizen. Smith, Joseph W., was born on Old Glory farm, formerly known as the Plantation farm, where he now lives, October 8, 1840, a sou of Joseph and Grace P. (Salisbury) Smith. In early life he attended school winters and assisted on the farm summers. When twenty years of age he started to work for the John Dean Express Co. in Boston, where he worked four years, then worked seven years with the Metropolitan Horse Railroad Co. In 1881 his father died and he took charge of the farm. He carries on a dairy and general farming, also wholesale agent for Munion's remedies. Mr. Smith is actively interested in all town and county affairs and has done much towards developing the farm on which he now resides in the way of clearing land and building walls, houses, barns, etc. He attends the annual meeting of the Horse Railroad Veterans at Boston. Smith, N. Tustin, was born in Attleborough July, 16, 1837. His father, Noyes Smith, was a native of Hudson, N. H., and came to Attleborough in 1831. He was 336 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. identified in the railroad business, being connected with the Boston and Providence road for fifty years. He married Emily Claflin. N. Justin Smith was educated in Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade with Archibald Thompson and for the past thirty years has been foreman for George A. Dean & Co. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, 1st Rhode Island. In 1863 Mr. Smith married Ophelia F., daughter of James and Hannah G. Cummings, who died in 1885; later he married Fannie E., daughter of John and Francis M. Baker, and they have one son, Leland Baker. Mr. Smith is one of the self-made men of Bristol .county, taking an active interest in school and church matters, being deacon of the Universalist church for more than fifteen years, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Smith, William E. , was born in South Wrentham, September 10, 1851. His father, James Smith, was a weaver by trade and worked in the carpet mill; he married Jane Laird and died in 1854. William E. Smith was educated in North Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade. In May, 1879, he began business for himself under the firm name of F. G. Frostingham & Co., which firm still remains unchanged, and they make a specialty of imitation diamond work. In 1880 Mr. Smith married Ella, daughter of William F. Gardiner. Mr. Smith is one of the conservative business men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious insti- tutions and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people, Smith, W. H., is one of the pioneers among the jewelry manufacturers of Attle- borough, beginning his apprenticeship in 1852, and in 1874 organized the firm of Smith & Crosby, of which he is the senior member, and which firm for more than twenty years has been prominent in the jewelry trade. He is recognized as a man of unassuming, conservative character, who has ever received and merited the re- spect of his associates. Smith, Walter Newell, was born in Walpole, Mass., May 19, 1855, a. son of John N. and Lucretia Jane (Guild) Smith. He received his early education in the public schools and then attended Boston University Law School ; after leaving there he took up teaching, which profession he followed for about four years, and then attended the Bridgewater Normal School. In 1877 he came to Taunton, went into business for himself, and sold and handled several lines of goods on the installment plan. He remained in this business about ten years and then opened a store for the sale of house furnishings, which he still continues, having one of the largest stocks in this line carried in this section. He is past grand of Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F., and P. C. C. of Taunton Lodge, K. P. August 17, 1882, he married Sarah Philip Chace of Taunton, daughter of James and Mary Ellen (Marble) Chace. Snell, David A., is the eldest of ten children born to Anthony and Elizabeth (Da- vis) Snell, and was born in the town of Dedham, Mass., in 1827. The family finally settled on a farm in Bristol, R. I., where Mr Snell, after acquiring a common school education, obtained employment in a neighboring cotton mill, in which he became overseer at the age of seventeen. He rapidly familiarized himself with machinery, learned the baker's trade in all its details, and eventually opened a baking establish- -ment at Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. In 1851 he came to New Bedford and pur- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 337 chased the bakery of Jacob B. Hadley on South Water street, and in 1859 sold out to C. D. Capen. He then leased the Granite building at the corner of Water and Rodman streets, which he supplied with machinery of the latest improved patent. During the Civil war he did an extensive business in baking bread for the army, his government contracts equaling if not exceeding those of any other manufacturer in the country. Afterward he resumed the manufacture of various kinds of bread stuffs and so continued with eminent success until 1894, when his factory became a branch of the National Biscuit Company. Snell, George H., was born in Westport, Mass., March 29, 1864. His father, Capt. Moses Snell, was born in Tiverton, R. I., November 1, 1809, and died March 17, 1873. He was one of the prominent sea captains sailing out of New Bedford, following the sea for thirty-seven years. He married Rachel S., daughter of Joseph King of Tiverton, in 1848. George H. Snell was educated in the public schools of Westport, and in 1881 came to Attleborough and learned the blacksmith's trade with A. T. Wales. In 1885 he purchased the business and is now the leading manufacturer of wagons and carriages in Attleborough. In 1888 he married Ida M., daughter of John W. Hayden of Burlington, Me. Sparrow, Frank Miller, attorney and counselor, was born in Mattapoisett, Plym- outh county, Mass., August 16, 1862, a son of Dr. William E. and Sophronia H. (Holmes) Sparrow. His father has been in successful practice in Mattapoisett for over fifty years and is one of the oldest physicians in southern Massachusetts. Mr. Sparrow attended the public schools of his native place and was prepared for college in the Friends' Academy, New Bedford, and was graduated from Harvard in 1883 with the degree of A. B. ; afterwards spending one year in the Harvard Law School. He then returned to his home and until 1889 was engaged in various enterprises with his father and at that time he came to New Bedford, where he resumed the study of law in the office of Thomas M. Stetson, where he remained three years and was then admitted to the Bristol bar in May, 1892. He at once began active practice, was associated with the firm of Stetson & Greene until 1894, and then formed his present association with L. Le B. Holmes and is a member of the Board of License Commissioners of the City of New Bedford, being appointed June 1, 1896, for a term of six years. Mr. Sparrow is directly descended from Edward Sparrow, a mariner, who came from England to Plymouth colony about 1740, and married Jerusha Bradford, a daughter of William, who was third in descent from the original Governor William Bradford. Mr. Sparrow married, in 1893, Sarah H. , daughter of Albert K. and Mary P. (Le Baron) Crosby. Sproat, Clinton, a son of James Henry and Sara W. (Crossman) Sproat, was born in Taunton, Mass., October 19, 1853, and educated in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. In 1871 he went into the office of the superintendent of the Taunton Branch Railroad as clerk, where he remained two years, and in 1874 came to his present location as a partner with C. F. Hanson, in the drug business. On the retirement of Mr. Hanson in 1888, Mr. Sproat took the entire business and carries it on to-day under the name of Sproat's Drug Store. He is a member of Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; John Hancock Lodge K. P. ; A. O. U. W. ; and B. P. O. E., No. 150. September 29, 1886, Mr. Sproat married Mabelle L., daughter cf Henry A. and Susan S. (Warren) Andrews of Brockton, 338 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Stanley, Benjamin, was born in Attleborough Falls, June 3, 1848, a son of Stephen O. Stanley. Stephen O. married Betsey S., daughter of Hon. Artimas Stanley. He was recognized as a man of sterling integrity and of whom it can well be said "an honest man is the noblest work of God." Benjamin Stanley was educated in the public and private schools and learned the jeweler's trade with Harvey M. Richards. In 1871 he organized the firm of Stanley Bros. & Co., which was composed of Hon. Stephen Stanley and E. C. Knapp, Mr. Knapp retiring in 1873, and the firm of Stanley Bros, has continued up to the present time. In 1871 Mr. Stanley married Ella R., daughter of Capt. Job Briggs, of Wareham, and they have four children: Ira A., Perry B., Nellie L. and Ada M. Stanley, Fred Dunmore, lawyer, was born in Leicester, Addison county, Vt, Octo- ber 16, 1863, and is the son of Albert E. Stanley and Ada MacCannon, his wife; a grandson of Silas Stanley, a distiller and later a mechanic of Leicester, Vt. ; and a great-grandson of Jonathan P. Stanley. His mother is of Scotch descent. Albert E. Stanley has been town clerk and treasurer of Leicester for nearly forty years, and still holds those positions. He has also served in both branches of the State Legisla- ture, has long been prominent in the settlement of estates, and has lectured through- out New England on liberal, patriotic, and other subjects. His wife has achieved distinction as a writer of both prose and poetry, having been a frequent contributor to the leading magazines and periodicals of the country. She was honored in the volume entitled "Green Mountain Poems" by receiving the first place. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stanley possess literary qualifications of a high order. Fred D. Stanley was educated in the public schools of Brandon, Vt. At the age of eighteen he went west and was engaged in the lumber business in Minnesota from 1882 to 1889, after which he spent one year in the South. Returning east he began his legal studies in the Harvard Law School, and in 1892 came to New Bedford as a student in the law office of Crapo, Clifford & Clifford. He was admitted to the bar January 18, 1893, and since then has been actively engaged in the general practice of his profession in New Bedford. Mr. Stanley was elected to the Massachusetts Legislature three times, serving in the sessions of 1895, 1896, and 1897. He was a member of the committee on railroads in 1895 and in 1896 and 1897 served as its chairman. In 1896 he was a member of the committee on State House. In politics he is a staunch Re- publican. He is a Knight Templar Mason and also a member of Mount Sinai Temple, N. O. M. S., of Montpelier, Vt. January 15, 1896, he married Isabelle H., daughter of Jaireh B. Gifford of Acushnet New Bedford, and they have one daugh- ter, Ruth. Stanley, Dr. Ned A., son of Albert E. and Ada (McCannon) Stanley, was born in Leicester, Vt., October 17, 1861. His father, who still resides in Leicester, has been clerk of that town for forty years. He has also represented the district in both houses of the State Legislature. Dr. Stanley attended the schools of Leicester and at the age of seventeen began the study of dentistry under Dr. W. H. Wright, of Brandon, Vt. , with whom he remained one year. In the fall of 1880 he came to New Bedford and for two years, studied in the office of Dr. E. V. McLeod. In 1882 he entered the Dental School of Harvard University and was graduated with the degree of D. M. D., in 1884. In January, 1885, he opened an office in New Bedford. Dr. Stanley has gained a most generous measure of success, and ranks among the lead- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 339 ing members of his profession in Bristol county. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and a Free and Accepted Mason. In 1892 he married Grace S., daugh- ter of the late James M. Lawton, jr., of New Bedford. Staples, Herbert Mason, was born March 20, 1848, a son of Sylvanus N. and D. Adeline (Hood) Staples of Taunton. He received his early education in the public schools and Bristol Academy. In 1868 he went into the office of his father in the coal business, who was then in partnership with Mr. Phillips, the firm being Staples & Phillips, and he has remained with them ever since. When the company was in- corporated in 1888, Mr. Staples was made selling agent and he handles all the sales of the company in New England. In October, 1869, he married Alice Moore Pres- brey, and they have one son, Arthur C. Staples. Staples Coal Co. — This firm was formerly the firm of Staples & Phillips, wholesale and retail dealers in anthracite and bituminous coal. This company was incor- porated in 1888, with S. N. Staples of Taunton, as president, and John J. Hannah treasurer. In 1894 Mr Joseph Stickney of New York, was chosen president, upon the retirement and death of Mr. Staples, and Mr. Hannah still continues. Mr. H. M. Staples is the northeastern selling agent for the company. The transportation business of this company is very large ; they use six tugs and twenty-two barges for their regular work and sometimes these are inadequate to meet the requirements. Stetson, Thomas M., son of Rev. Caleb and Julia Ann (Meriam) Stetson, was born in Medford, Mass., June 15, 1830. He is descended from Robert Stetson, an early resident in Plymouth colony, and from Edward Gray, who settled in Plymouth in 1643. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1849, and three years later from the Harvard Law School. He completed his law studies in the office of Thomas D. Eliot of New Bedford, and was admitted to the Bristol bar in 1854. He began practice in the office of Eliot & Pitman and was later admitted to that firm. Mr. Pitman was appointed to the Supreme Court bench and soon after Mr. Eliot's death, which occurred in 1870, Mr. Stetson formed a partnership with Francis B. Greene, under the firm name of Stetson & Greene. During his entire connection with the Bristol county bar Mr. Stetson has been distinguished by his acumen, learning and argumentative ability. He has been prominently connected with the management of the most noted cases in the history of the courts of this district, notably the famous Hetty Green will case and the Tabor, Eben Wright, Abraham Barker and Francis Barrett will cases. He was also connected with the Watuppa Pond case in Fall River. He was a member of the Common Council of New Bedford in 1866 and 1867, and for some years was city solicitor. September 10, 1856, he married Caroline Dawes, daughter of Thomas Dawes Eliot, of New Bedford. Frederick D. Stetson, second son of Thomas M. and Caroline (Eliot) Stetson, was born in New Bedford in 1866 and has resided in that city all his life. He obtained his prepar- atory education in the Friends' Academy, and was graduated A. B. from Harvard College in the class of 1888. The following year he entered Harvard Law School and was admitted to the Bristol bar in December, 1891. He is now associated with his brother, Eliot D. Stetson, under the firm name of Stetson & Stetson. Stewart, Samuel F., son of Samuel and Mary E. (Broderick) Stewart, was born in Lawrence, Mass., November 12, 1865. His father was in the cotton manufacturing 340 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. business and the family came to Fall River when he was quite young. He attended the public schools of Fall River and the High School at Bristol, R. I. After leaving school he was employed for nearly a year as a traveling salesman for a Portland (Me.) firm. He then engaged in various mercantile pursuits and in the mean time learned the carpenter's trade under George "W. Reynolds, for whom he worked four years. At the end of this time he began journeyman work, which he continued un- til 1888, and then went into the contracting business. In 1896 Mr. Stewart estab- lished his present business at 870 South Main street, manufacturing doors, sash, blinds and builders' supplies in general. Mr. Stewart resides in Tiverton. In 1894 he served as councilman in that town, having been elected on the Republican ticket. He was married in 1886 to Catherine, daughter of Thomas Eagan of Tiverton, and their children are Nathaniel, Lucy and Mary. Strout, Byron Howard, was born in North Easton, Mass., July 38, 1861, a son of Sanford B. and Mary M. (Torrey) Strout. • His early education was obtained in the public schools of that place. During the later part of his student life he was an ap- prentice in a dental office in Boston. In 1880 he entered the Boston Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1?82. He practiced in Boston for a year and came to Taunton in 1883, and went into the office of Daniel S. Dickerman as an assistant. Afterwards he became a partner in the business, and on Mr. Dickerman's death suc- ceeded to the business, and has since carried it on in his own name. He was mar- ried in June, 1881, to Alice H. Mertins of Evergreen, Alabama. Sturdy, Charles A., was born in Attleborough, June 20, 1869. His father, Charles H. Sturdy, was a native of Mansville and through life was identified in cotton man- ufacturing. He afterwards came to Attleborough and entered into the manufacture of jewelry with his brother, A. W. Sturdy. He married Eliza J., daughter of Will- iam Hodges, and died May 11, 1895.. Charles A. Sturdy was educated in Attlebor- ough and in private schools and the classical school in Providence. He entered the employ of W. D. Wilmarth & Co., manufacturers of coffin trimmings, and after the death of his father in 1895, assumed the care of his estate. December 17, 1891, Mr. Sturdy married Barbara V., daughter of William Rogers, and they have two sons: Raymond R. and Charles H. Sweet, Charles O. , was born in Attleborough, November 14, 1848 ; his father, Joa- bert Sweet, who was a native of Attleborough and born in October, 1818, married Eliza, daughter of James Nelson, and through life has been identified as a tool maker. Charles O. Sweet was educated at Attleborough and graduated from Sco- field's Commercial College in 1863. He then entered the employ of George H. Shep- ardson, where he remained until 1867, when he went to Suffield, Conn., and resumed his studies at the Connecticut Literary Institution, but on account of poor health was obliged to give up his education and he then accepted a position in Boston. In 1865 he went to Wayland, but in 1869 returned to Attleborough, where he engaged in mercantile business and continued in that until 1870 when he accepted a position with Bate & Bacon, remaining with them for over twenty years. In 1889 he organ- ized the firm of Regnell, Bigney & Company, making a specialty of ladies' jewelry. He married, in 1869, E. Jennie, daughter of John Cooper, and they are the parents of one son, Ervm V. Sweet. Mr. Sweet is one of the self-made men of his town ; serves as secretary and treasurer of the Attleborough Improvement District; takes PERSONAL REFERENCES. 341 an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions ; is active in temper- ance work, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Sweet, George L., was born in Mansaeld, January 26, 1843. His father, Elbridge Sweet, was a native of the same town, born on the old homestead where John Sweet settled about 1680, and which is now owned by the fifth generation of his descend- ants. Elbridge Sweet married Dorothy Sullaway, and was identified as a farmer. For twenty-five consecutive years he was selectman of his towns and died in 1876. George L. Sweet was educated in Mansfield and Greenwich Academies. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. H, 7th Mass. Vols., and took part in the siege of Yorktown, Williams- burg, Seven Pines, Fair Oaks, Seven Days battle and Malvern Hill, receiving an honorable discharge, after which he returned to Greenwich and finished his educa- tion. In 1866 he engaged in business in Mansfield and in 1878 went to Kansas and spent two years. In 1880 he returned to Attleborough and engaged in the jewelry business, organizing the firm of Haywood & Sweet in 1887. In 1867 Mr. Sweet mar- ried Carrie F., daughter of Joshua Jones, and they have one daughter, Helen F. Swift, Ezra J., son of Solomon and Hulda C. (Hinckley) Swift, was born in Fal- mouth. Barnstable county, Mass., August 6, 1841 His father, a seafaring man, was master of a vessel in the coastwise trade. When Mr. Swift reached the age of ten he went to live with a relative in Centreville, Barnstable county, where he attended the district schools and worked on the farm until sixteen years old, when he went to sea and, at the end of seven years' experience, became first mate of a coasting ves- sel. During the Civil war he served on transports, chartered by the government, in the Mississippi River, at Hampton Roads, and Newport News, and although not an enlisted man, was a witness of much fighting. After 'leaving the sea he took up his residence in New Bedford and for the past twenty-nine years has been agent for New Bedford and vicinity of the Fleishman Yeast Company. Mr. Swift has been active in Young Men's Christian Association work and is now a director of the association ; for years he has been an active and valued member of the North Christian Church and is now serving the society as trustee and treasurer. He married, in 1867, Eliz- abeth S., daughter of Randall Deane, of Middleborough, Mass., and they have two children: Merton W. and Nellie H. , wife of Charles R. Hathaway of New Bedford. Swift, George Bartlett, merchant, was born in New Bedford, Mass., August 11, 1851. Moses C. Swift, his father, was born October 29, 1824, in Falmouth, and when about seventeen years old came to New Bedford, where he learned the tailor's trade. About 1850 he engaged in the tailoring business on the corner of Water street and Shepherd's lane, whence he removed to Union street near Second, where Daniel B. Allen became his partner in 1852. This partnership was dissolved in 1854 and Mr. Swift engaged in manufacturing stocks and shirts. Later he was with A. J. Potter & Co., and during the war was engaged extensively on government work. In 1864 he opened a clothing and tailoring establishment at 159 Union street, where he con- tinued business until his death, enlarging the store from time to time until it was six times its original capacity. He finally admitted his son George B. as a partner and the business has since been carried on under the firm name of M. C. Swift & Son. Mr. Swift was a man of great energy and had the respect and confidence of the en- tire community. He died June 4, 1895, leaving a winow, one son and two daughters. George B. Swift received a public school education, and in 1864 entered his father's 342 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. store, with which he has ever since been connected, having been its manager for a - number of years. Since his father's death he has conducted the business under the old firm name. In 1875 he married Caroline F., daughter of George H. Macomber of Westport, Mass., and they have two children living: Helen L. and Sarah E., and one, Lillian H., deceased. Swift, Warren Allen, was born in Brockton, Plymouth county, August 15, 1875, a son of William H. and Emma F. (Nants) Swift. He received his early education in the publie schools of Taunton and Brockton, and in 1894 entered Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated with honors in 1897, and was admitted to the Bristol county bar May 10, of the same year. He then established an office for himself in Taunton for the general practice of law, and subsequently entered the law office of Judge William H. Fox of Taunton, and is one of the rising young law- yers of the county at the present writing. Sylvia, Manuel V., physician and surgeon, was born in New Bedford, Mass.. August 24, 1866, a son of Victorine and Anna (Demello) Sylvia. His father, who spent most of his active life at sea, made New Bedford his home for many years and still resides there. He is a native of the Azores Islands. During his early boyhood Dr. Sylvia attended the common schools of New Bedford and later the St. Lawrence College, near Montreal, Canada, from which he was graduated. Following the com- pletion of this course of study he spent two years in the Holy Cross College at Wor- cester, Mass. , and soon after matriculated at the University of New York, from which he was graduated M. D. in 1891. He had now spent several years in preparation for and study of his profession, and was well fitted for the active practice which he at once took up in New Bedford. From the first Dr. Sylvia has been very successful, and has an extensive practice among the Portuguese people of New Bedford. Al- though a young man he has already become a prominent figure in Republican politi- cal circles, and during the last two years has been president of the Board of Alder- men, by virtue of which position he has at different times during the illness, or absence of the incumbent, served as acting mayor for considerable periods. Dr. Sylvia is a prominent member of the Monte Pio Society and served the organization for some time as vice-president. He is unmarried. Taber, Frederic, is a son of the late Charles Taber and Sarah J. Howland, and was born February 26, 1856, in New Bedford, Mass., where he received his prelim- inary education. He was graduated from the Friends' School in Providence in 1872, and entered Brown University, class of 1876, but left after one year to enter the art establishment founded by his father. In 1882 he became a partner in the business, under the firm name of Charles Taber & Co., the other partners, besides his father, being William and Charles M. Taber. In 1893 the concern was incorporated as the Taber Art Company, with Frederic Taber as secretary, and in August, 1897, it was merged into the Taber Prang Art Company, which is capitalized at $550,000, and of which Mr. Taber is a director. He was a member of the City Council two years, and is a director of the Acushnet Co-operative Bank, the New Bedford Gas and Ed- ison Light Company, and the Dartmouth Mill Corporation. He has also been a director of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company and is now its second vice president. He is a birthright member of the Society of Friends. In 1882 he married Elizabeth. Delano Howland, daughter of James H. Howland of New Bed- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 343 ford, who died in 1883, leaving one son, Frederic Howland Taber. In 1895 Mr. Taber married Mary E. , daughter of John M. Williams of New Bedford. Taber, William C„ was born in New Bedford in 1837, a son of William C. and Hannah (Shearman) Taber. His father, William C. Taber, was also a native of New Bedford and prominent in the business affairs of the city ; for sixty-three years he was connected in an official capacity with the New Bedford Institution for Savings, a part of this time as president. He also represented this district in the State Sen- ate. As is elsewhere noted in this work, representatives of the Taber family were among the first settlers of the old town of Dartmouth, and most of the name in this vicinity descend from Philip, who came from England in 1632, settling near the pres- ent site of Boston. William C. Taber attended private schools in New Bedford but received most of his preparatory education in the Friends' School at Providence, R. I. He completed his education at Haverford School (now college), Philadelphia, and not long after began work in the book store established by his father and Abra- ham Sherman, jr. This book business passed through several different changes and finally came into the hands of the subject of this sketch and his brother, Abraham Taber, at which time another brother, Charles Taber, who had previously been a partner in the book firm, branched out in the art manufacturing business which proved so successful. Later William C. Taber became identified with this enter- prise and continued in it for seventeen years, being made president of the Taber Art Company at its incorporation in 1893. He gave some of the best years of his life to the development of the business and in company with his brother Charles and their associates, nursed its growth from a small enterprise to one of magnitude and importance. In 1897 Mr. Taber assumed the duties of his present position as treas- urer of the Whitman Mills. With the exception of a few terms in the City Council as the representative of Ward 5, he has never held public office. In 1860 he married Sarah A., daughter of John Wood, and they had three daughters: Helen T, wife of George R. Briggs of Plymouth ; Ethel, wife of Lieut. David H. Jarvis of the United States Revenue Service ; and Anna R. Tappan, C. H., was born in North Attleborough, May 20, 1859. His father, Eph- raim H. Tappan, was a native of Newburyport, where the family were among the pioneer settlers. E. H. Tappan married a daughter of David Clark ; he learned the jeweler's trade in Attleborough Falls in 1858, but was afterwards engaged in the hay and straw business. C. H. Tappan was educated in North Attleborough and grad- uated from Scofield's Business College, in Providence. He then entered the em- ploy of Mason Draper, remaining until 1885, when he organized the firm, Tappan, Brevy & Company, and in 1888 purchased the plant of D. F. Briggs, of Attleborough Falls, which they removed to Attleborough and consolidated, under the name of The D. F. Briggs, making a specialty of chains and gold filled rings, In 1884 he mar- ried Bertha, daughter of John Sleigher, and they have one son, Frank E. Mr. Tap- pan is one of the self-made men of Bristol county; is conservative in character, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Thomas, Sylvanus Martin, was born in New Bedford, Mass., March 23, 1850, a son of Sylvanus and Agnes Jackson (Martin) Thomas. He received his early ed- ucation in the public schools of New Bedford and Phillips Academy at Andover, and afterwards studied under a private tutor. He entered Brown University in 344 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1867 and was graduated in the class of 1871. He immediately entered Harvard Law School, staying there two years, and then read law in the office of Jewell, Gaston & Field of Boston. He was admitted to the bar in 1874 and came to Taunton and opened an office for himself. From 1876 to 1879 he was city solicitor, but other than that declined all offices tendered him. In addition to an extensive law practice Mr. Thomas was president of the Taunton & Brockton Street Railroad, president and treasurer of the Taunton Street Railway and treasurer and general manager of the Dighton, Somerset & Swansea Street Railroad. November 18, 1891, he married Emily Hayman of Taunton, and they had two children: Sylvanus M. Thomas, jr., and Elizabeth Agnes Thomas. Mr. Thomas died, after a short illness, on November 20, 1898. Thurston, Edward A., is a native of Fall River, born June 26, 1871, a son of Ed- ward C. and Sarah Holland (Anthony) Thurston. He is a descendant of one of the oldest of New England families, being eighth of the line of Edward Thurston, who settled in Newport about 1630. His early education was obtained in the public and high schools of Fall River, and in 1889 he entered Brown University, receiving the degree of A.B. in 1893. Following his college course he attended the Harvard Law School at Cambridge, and in 1895 was admitted to the Bristol county bar. He spent two years in the office of Jennings & Norton, and then formed a copartnership with Charles L. Baker, which still continues as Baker & Thurston. Mr. Thurston is a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity of Brown University, and of Battery M, 16th Mass. Heavy Artillery. He is a Republican in politics and for the past two years has been treasurer of the Republican City Committee. Thurston, Frank A., son of Anthony and Ann M. (Whipple) Thurston, was born in Fall River, March 16, 1864. He was educated in the common and high schools of his native place and at the Morey & Goff English Classical School, Providence, R.I., from which he was graduated in 1884. Soon after graduation he went into the em. ploy of the street department as a laborer, and then entered the office as junior clerk and time keeper, later being made chief clerk and then assistant superintendent, in which capacity he remained until the death of his father in September, 1894, when he was appointed superintendent of the department. It is remarkable that three generations of Thurstons have held this office continuously, no matter what political party was in power. The administration of Mr. Thurston, like that of his father, Anthony Thurston, and his grandfather, Edward Thurston, has been characterized by absolute impartiality and business like rhethods He requires perfect discipline and honest work from each employee of the department, be he a common laborer, a foreman, or a clerk. Mr. Thurston is a member of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F. In September, 1892, he married Daisy E., daughter of Jason and Mary Bowles of Plattsburgh, N. Y. Tilden, Dr. Frank Elmer, was born in Easton, April 13, 1853, son of Francis and Alvira M. Tilden, of Easton. The family trace their descent from Nathaniel Tilden, who came from England and settled in Scituate in 1634. Dr. Tilden was educated in the common schools and graduated from the Harvard Medical College in 1876, beginning his practice in the same year in his native town. November 12, 1884, he married Ellen Louise, daughter of Otis R. and Mary A. Leonard, and they are the parents of one son, Frank Gridley Tilden, who died in 1890, and one daughter, An- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 345 nie F. Tilden. Mr. Tilden is one of the representative men of his profession, con- tributing valuable papers on an epidemic of diphtheria in Easton, in 1890-91, to the medical profession in Easton. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Socie- ty, the Odd Fellows, and the Electric Lodge of Brockton. He takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of' his town and townspeople. Tillson, William H., son of Henry H. and Lydia (Smith) Tillson, was born in New Bedford, October 30, 1871. His father, who was a native of Plymouth county, came to New Bedford when a young man. He first worked in a shoe store as a clerk and in about two years formed a copartnership with E. S. Cannon, to conduct a hat and fur business; they located on Union street and later removed to the store on Pur- chase street, where the business has ever since been conducted. Mr. Tillson was an energetic and active business man, and yet a quiet, unobtrusive and benevolent citizen, well respected by the entire community; he died in April, 1896, in his seven- ty-fourth year, being the oldest dealer in this particular line of merchandise in Bris- tol county. William H. Tillson was educated in the public and high schools of New Bedford and prepared for a mercantile career in Comer's Business College at Boston; shortly after his graduation from this institution he was made general freight agent of the Texas and Western Railroad and served in that capacity until his father's death, about five years, when he returned to New Bedford and assumed the manage- ment of the business. Mr. Tillson is a man of business ability, training and insight, and he has already gained prominence in the business life of the city. Tobitt, J. L., was born in Mansfield, July 27, 1841, a son of John T. and Eliza A. (Grover) Tobitt. He was educated in the public schools and for twenty years has been engaged in the jewelry business. In 1886 he established his present business of house painting and decorating goods. In 1889 he married Martha Moore, and they have one daughter, Marian Irene. Mr. Tobitt is one of the self-made men of Attleborough, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. Todd, James, was born in Ireland, on the 21st day of October, 1831. He was of Scotch descent and came to this country in 1853, settling in Pawtucket, R. I. , where he worked at gardening for seven years. Returning to his former home he married, June 12, 1860, Miss Elizabeth Giles, who was born in Ireland, February 14, 1836, of English descent, and with his wife came to the United States on their wedding tour, traveling through Washington, Philadelphia and cities in New York State. Leaving his wife in Saugerties, N. Y., with relatives, he spent the next two years in traveling through the Western and Southern States and Cuba, and finally returning, with his wife made his home in Pawtucket, R. I., and was connected with the Green & Daniels Co. ; the J. Dunnell Co., and Union Wadding Co., large manufacturing plants of that city, at different times for several years. In the fall of 1872, he, with his brother William, purchased a farm of forty-five acres in Oldtown, North Attle- borough, Mass., and moved his family there. They were successful, increasing their property from forty-five to nearly 300 acres, including several houses, out-buildings, and numerous stock, and are the most prominent farmers in that section. In the year 1894, with their farming they engaged in the ice business under the name of Oldtown Ice Co., which business is also increasing every year. Mr. Todd was fond 346 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of music and favored every opportunity of educational advantages for his children, they having received their education from the public schools of North Attleborough and business colleges of nearby cities. He was a firm believer in the public school system, and "the little Red School House." He was a member of the Episcopal church of Pawtucket, R. I. , where his family attend. A family of eight children were born to them: the eldest, Margaret Ann, born in Pawtucket, R. I., April 5, 1864, died August 21, 1864; Ellen Elizabeth, born in Pawtucket, R. I.. September 15, 1865, died October 25, 1866; William E., born in Pawtucket, March 6, 1867, married Miss Julia May Buttrick of Boston, December 6, 189a, and has two children, Harvey Buttrick, born in Oldtown, Mass., July 7, 1895, and William Henry, born in Old- town, November 3, 1898; James A., born in Pawtucket, June 22, 1868, a graduate of Schofield's Commercial College, Providence; Lizzie E., born in Pawtucket, Novem- ber 22, 1870, a graduate of North Attleborough High School, class of '90, and Rhode Island Normal School, class of January, 1893, married James Adams of Providence, October 30, 1894, and has two children, Annie Alvira, born December 7, 1895, and Olive Beatrice, born February 1, 1897; George W., born in Oldtown, December 7, 1873, a graduate of North Attleborough Grammar School, attended a business col- lege in Providence; Henry G., born in Oldtown, June 4, 1875, a graduate of North Attleborough High School, class of '93; and Annie M., born in Oldtown, May 26, 1880, died December 22, 1884. William Todd, a brother of James, was born in Ire- land, December 25, 1834, and came to the United States March 13, 1854. After a brief illness of a few days Mr. Todd died of gangrene erysipelas of the hand, July 3, 1897, at his home, leaving a widow, four sons and one daughter. His business en- terprises are still carried on by his brother William, and his sons, Williarn E., James A., George W. and Henry G. Todd, at the present time. Tompkins, Isaac B., jr., son of Isaac B. and Abby D. Tompkins, was born in Westport, Mass., August 27, 1849. His ancestors lived in this vicinity for many generations and were well represented. His father, Isaac B. Tompkins, was for many years a successful whaling captain and brought in many profitable cargoes, among the most notable being those of the ships Young Phenix and Twilight. He was chief of the New Bedford Police Department during the administrations of May- ors Morgan Rotch and George Wilson, and represented this district in the State Legislature, 1888 and 1889, and was highly respected in New Bedford for his sterling worth and character. Isaac B. Tompkins, jr., obtained his education in the public schools and academy at Westport, and later attended the East Greenwich Academy at East Greenwich, R. I., from which institution he was graduated after completing the commercial course. Soon after, he entered the office of Jonathan Bourne, one of the most successful whaleship owners and agents in New Bedford at that time. De- cember 26, 1870, he entered the employ of Driscol, Church & Hall, and on January 1, 1881, he was admitted to the partnership. He has contributed much of his energy and ability to the success of this flourishing house. He has held many positions of public trust; for seven years (1878-1884) was a member of the Common Council, and for four successive years of this period he was unanimously chosen president of the body. In 1885 he was elected a member of the School Committee and during the same year was elected a trustee of the Free Public Library; in 1882 he became a trustee of the Institution for Savings, and in 1888 was elected president of the New PERSONAL REFERENCES. 347 Bedford Board of Trade, serving in that capacity for seven years, and his entire public service has been characterized by ability, faithfulness, and integrity. Torrey, Fred L., was born in Attleborough, December 30, 1860. His father, John L. Torrey, was a native of Franklin, Mass., and his father, Samuel Torrey, was the son of one of the seven Torreys who were pioneer settlers in Taunton. John L. married Martha, daughter of Bradford Bullock, and at one time kept the stable and hotel at Attleborough. In 1886 he went to Florida, where he still resides. Fred L. Torrey was educated in the public schools and in 1878 learned the jewelry business with W. H. Wilmarth & Co. In 1888 he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and in 1892 established his present business known as the Torrey Jewelry Co., making a general line of plated goods. In 1883 Mr. Torrey married Mary, daughter of Darius Briggs, and they have three children : Raymond L. , Alice M. and John C. Mr. Torrey has served as justice of the peace; vice-president of the Attleborough Co-operative Bank; chairman of the Loan Committee; and is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and has ever been interested in his town and town's people. Trafton, James G., was born in Dighton, April 15, 1852, a son of Benjamin and Marie (Smith) Trafton. His father represented his town in the Legislature one or more terms and was ever thoroughly interested in the growth and progress of his town and its educational and religious institutions ; he died in 1877. James G. Traf- ton was educated in the public schools and in 1872 came to Attleborough and learned the jewelry business with Sturdy Bros., remaining with them fourteen years. In 1891 he purchased an interest in the firm of Wheaton, Richards & Co., manufactur- ing a line of fine gold goods, being the pioneers in the gold line. In March, 1898, he engaged in the jewelry business with J. G. Hutchinson (Hutchinson & Trafton), and in May following were burned out in the great Attleborough fire. Since then he has been engaged in the same line of business in Providence, R. I., in the firm of M. F. Winsor & Co. In 1879 Mr. Trafton married Annie F., daughter of Albert F. and Joanna (Bushee) Leonard, and they had two sons, Albert and Benjamin Everett (who died at three years). Mrs. Trafton died December 2, 1896. Mr. Trafton is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever received the respect of his associates. Trimble, Patrick, was born in Ireland, March 16, 1849, receiving his education in the national schools of that country, and in 1867 came to the United States, settling in Lambertville, N. J., where he was employed for about a year, and on May 12, 1868, came to Taunton, where he was employed in the oil cloth factory of Thompson Newbury ; he remained with him five years and then started in business for himself and has continued up to the present time. Mr. Trimble is a member of the A.O.F., C.O.F., and K. of S. June 26, 1871, he married Margaret, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Riley) Noonan of Taunton, who died February 24, 1897, leaving one son, William H. , born September 8, 1872. Tripp, Alexander Howard. — Among the representative farmers and milk dealers of Westport, none is held in higher esteem than Alexander H. Tripp. He is a son of Howard P. and Emily M. (Gifford) Tripp, and was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., January 2, 1859. After obtaining a liberal education from the public schools of his native town, he secured a position in a fish market in Brennan, 348 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Me., where he was employed in the summer season for five years and in the winter months he shipped aboard a whaling bark. In 1883 he bought his present farm, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming and dealing in milk. No- vember 13, 1881, he married Nellie, daughter of Joseph Dollman of Fall River, and they had seven children : Granville A., Herbert M., Ralph W., Willace L., Arthur B. and Elliott C. Mr. Tripp has always taken an active interest in public affairs, but has never aspired to public office, although he did accept the office of surveyor of highways for two years. He is a man of large acquaintance and is respected by all who know him. Tripp, David R., was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., Octo- ber 13, 1834. His education from schools was meagre and confined to the elemen- tary grades. His first business experience was as a farmer, in which he was en- gaged for several years. He then shipped aboard a whaling bark for a few years and during the late war served three years in the navy. At the close of the war he returned home and has since devoted his entire time and attention to farming. On October 7, 1866, he married Catherine T., daughter of Henry and Catherine Howe of Westport. Mr. Tripp is one of Westport's most respected and honored citizens. Tucker, Almon H., was born in the town of Norton, May 2, 1830. His father, Almon Tucker, was also born in Norton on the homestead which was settled by Be- nijah Tucker about 1770. Almon Tucker married Betsey Hathaway, and they had a large family of boys and one girl. Six sons served as soldiers in the Civil war. He was a mason by trade. He took an active interest in church and school matters while his home was in Norton. He moved to Attleborough in 1856, and lived there until his death in 1865, in his sixty-second year. Almon H. Tucker was educated in the public schools of Norton and Pierce Academy at Middlebor- ough. After 1856 he made his home at Attleborough, where in 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, 47th Mass. Vols. Receiving an honorable discharge in 1863, he returned to Attleborough and resumed his trade as contractor and builder. In 1860 he married Lydia H. Sweet, who died in 1870, leaving one son, Ervin Alden Tucker, who is a practicing physician in New York city, and also instructor in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which college he was graduated. In 1875 Mr. Tucker married Annie F. Kirk, with whom he still lives in their pleasant home on Peck street, Attleborough. Tufts, H. W., was born in North Attleborough, September 15, 1865, a son of William C. Tufts, also a native of the same place, who was engaged in the jewelry business there. He married Laura J. Capron. H. W. Tufts was educated in the public schools and for six years followed bicycle riding as a professional. He learned the engraving business, and in 1893 established the Snap &Tool Co., associated with E. H. Skinner, and purchased his interest in 1894. In 1896 he married Minnie L. Roberbach. Mr. Tufts is one of the progressive men of his town, is chief engineer of the North Attleborough Fire Department, and takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Twiss, William A. , son of William F. and Mary (Nelson) Twiss, was born in Auburn, Mass. , September 6, 1846 ; he attended the common schools until he was PERSONAL REFERENCES. 349 sixteen years old and then went into the cotton mills of the Whitney Manufactur- ing Company at Northbridge, and one year later he became a second hand. His first position as overseer was gained in 1872, in the Indian Orchard Mills, at Spring- field, Mass., and here he continued for a period of fifteen years, as overseer of mule spinning, and at the end of that time the mills burned down and he went to Baltic, Conn. , to become overseer of spinning in the Baltic Mills ; but one year later these mills were burned and he came to New Bedford to take a position in the Acushnet Mills as overseer of spinning in Mill No. 1, and one year later when Acushnet Mill No. 2 was completed, he took a like position, which he filled until 1889, and was then given his present position as superintendent of the Hathaway Manu- facturing Company. Among the many expert cotton manufacturers in Bristol county Mr. Twiss is entitled to take first rank, having spent his entire life in the business, as did his father before him. Mr. Twiss is a. member of the Masonic order. He married Phoebe A., daughter of Benjamin McBride, of Northbridge, Mass., and they have three children: Benjamin A., Bessie A , and William B. Waldron, Ferdinand. — Samuel Waldron, the great-great-grandfather of Ferdinand, came from England in 1729 to Dighton and at one time owned all the land from Rehoboth to the Taunton River. Billings Waldron, Mr. Waldron's grandfather, was born in North Dighton in the old homestead where his father, Francis, and himself were born, and where his father now resides at the age of eighty-eight years. There were five sisters and three brothers in Mr. Waldron's father's family: Francis, Mr. Waldron's twin brother; Clarence: Alvira, wife of Francis Thatcher of Chicago; Georgianna, wife of Stephen H. Leonard; Estelle L. , widow of Charles H. Kingsly ; Augusta M. and Ella L., who reside at home. Mr. Waldron's father was a baker by trade and continued the business for upwards of fifty years. Mr. Waldron early learned the trade of his father and worked with him until he reached his twenty- fourth year, when he started out for himself and for six years was engaged in this line at Somerset, when he came to Dighton and built a shop where the post-office now stands. This building was destroyed by fire, was rebuilt, and again destroyed by fire in 1893 and rebuilt again. Mr. Waldron married Annie J. Perry, and they have two children : Hope P. and Edward F. In politics Mr. Waldron has always been a Democrat. He has been for five years a. member of the School Committee of the town of Dighton, was appointed postmaster in October, 1893, by President Cleveland, and still retains the position, which he holds to the eminent satisfaction of the government and the citizens. He is a member of Pioneer Lodge of F. & A. M., of Somerset, and Dighton Rock Lodge, K. of H. Walker, Albert Gooding, V. M. D., was born in Taunton, Mass., September 29, 1868, a son of Benjamin L. and Elizabeth (Wright) Walker. He received his ed- ucation in the public schools of Taunton and studied for two years under a private tutor. At the close of his school days he went to work at the Dighton Furnace Co. to learn the moulder's trade and remained with them about four years. In 1889 he left there to study veterinary medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in June, 1892. He immediately returned to Taunton and opened an office for himself for the treatment of all cases of sickness and lameness of animals. In 1897 he was appointed by the State Board of Cattle Commissioners as one of their assistants in this district. Dr. Walker is a successful practitioner and his business is increasing every year. 350 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Washburn, Charles Godfrey, was born in Taunton, Mass., September 15, 1874, a son of George A. and Ellen D. (Reed) Washburn. His early education was received in the Taunton public schools, and Boston University Law School, graduating from the latter in the class of 1896. In September of that year he was admitted to the bar. Previous to this he read in the office of Hon. E. H. Bennett and Frederick S. Hall. Immediately after his admission to the bar Mr. Washburn opened his own office and started in business in general practice for himself. Washburn, Elliott, M. D., was born in Taunton, Mass., February 9, 1870, and is a son of George A. and Ellen D. (Reed) Washburn. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and in 1887 entered Harvard Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1892. The last two years of this time was spent in the Boston City Hospital; he then returned to Taunton and opened an office of his own, where he engaged in the general practice of medicine. In July, 1896, he was elected chairman of the Board of Health of the city, his term of office expiring in 1899. No- vember 18, 1896, Dr. Washburn married Mary Louise Hayden of Holbrook, Mass. Washburn, Herbert Thompson, was born in Taunton, Mass., January 23, 1849, a son of Philo Thompson and Hannah (Southworth) Washburn. He received his ed- ucation in the public schools of Taunton, and on leaving school immediately went to work for his father in the undertaking business. This business was established by his grandfather, Philo Washburn, in 1851, and on his death he was succeeded by his two sons, the firm being P. T. & H. S. Washburn. On their death H. T. Washburn took the business and continues at the present time under his own name. Mr. Wash- burn has been married twice, first, on January 21, 1871, to Idella A. Bliss, who died December 9, 1884, leaving three daughters: Bertha T. , Alice B., and Edith A. On December 28, 1896, Mr. Washburn married Mrs. Annie R. Smith, daughter of Frank- lin and Mary J. Briggs. Watson, J. E., jr., was born in Rhode Island, but his parents came to Fall River when he was an infant. He started the business of life as a grocery clerk, but after two years went into the upholstery trade. He worked for various firms for several years and then went into business for himself. In January, 1892, he disposed of his upholstery business to his brother and devoted himself entirely to the undertaking business. He is a graduate of Sullivan's Embalming School and is an enthusiast in his business and an expert in every department of it. Mr. Watson is a prominent Mason and is also a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Red Men. He married Abbie M. Pitman and they have one daughter, Edith W. Watson. Watts, George, was born in England, February 6, 1833, and educated in the schools of his native place. In 1850 he came to this country, settling in Taunton, where he learned the house painting trade with James Dark, and remained with him three years. After learning his trade he worked a few years for other parties and in 1858 started in business for himself in a general line of painting, paper hanging and glazing, and continued in business until 1895, making thirty-seven years in the trade, and then retired. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. March 5, 1857, he married Emma Dark of England, and they have two children; Emma A. and Florence E. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 351 Webster, J. Frank, son of Joseph and Martha (Fuller) Webster, was born in Wil- ton, Maine, September 14, 1834. His father was an ordained minister of the Calvin- istic Baptist denomination and also conducted a business as a tanner and currier. When J. Frank was seven years old the family removed to Newton, Mass., where he was educated in the common schools. After leaving school he entered the employ of Dr. Donald Kennedy, a manufacturing chemist, at Roxbury, Mass., and became foreman in the compounding department, remaining three years. At the end of this period he returned to Newton, established a drug store, and studied pharmacy un- der a local physician, afterward being appointed postmaster at Newton, by President Lincoln, which office he held for a period of twenty-two years. He then sold his drug business and bought a grocery and provision store in Boston Highlands, which he conducted about three years, and then opened a drug store in Needham Plains. In 1882 he came to New Bedford and established a drug storo at 707 Purchase street, later removing to the corner of Purchase and Weld streets, where he conducted a successful business for upwards of twelve years, and then sold out. In the mean time (in 1884) he had established a branch store in the South End at the corner of Cove street and West French avenue, and this store he still continues. Mr. Webster has been engaged in the handling of drugs nearly all his life and is possessed of a wide knowledge of his profession, also, being one of the oldest men engaged in the business in New Bedford. He married, first, 1856, Elizabeth, daughter of Eddy Handy of New Boston, Conn., and they had three daughters: Lizzie F. , married Henry F. Bellamy, Nellie M. and Violet. For his second wife he married Clarinda M., daughter of Henry Bellamy of Cambridge, Mass., and they have one daughter, Ruth Gladys. Westall, John, physician and surgeon, was born in Lancashire, England May 10, 1861. He spent his boyhood days in his native country in attendance at a private school at his home and in Accrington Academy in Lancashire. For some time he was in the government employ as a clerk, which position he resigned in 1882 to come to America. He first settled in Fall River, then went to Boston, where he secured employment for a short time, and then returned to Fall River, where he learned to weave in a cotton mill, which occupation he followed six years m the Flint Mills. Being active, ambitious and industrious, he spent all his leisure time in the private study of medical books until 1889, when he entered Dartmouth Medical College, graduating and receiving his medical degree from that institu- tion in 1891. In order to make himself more proficient for the practice of his profession, Dr. Westall spent one term in the post-graduate course at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia he was also attending phy- sician at the Lying-in Charity Hospital in that city. He began his practice in Fall River in 1892 at 1515 South Main street, where he has since continued. Dr. Westall is a member of Fall River Medical Society, for several years has been phy- sician to the Court Robin Hood Society; Court Working Win Society ; Cromwell Lodge, Daughters of St. George and to the Juvenile Court of Foresters in Boston. He was elected alderman of Ward 2 of Fall River in 1898, and was returned without opposition in 1899. In 1882 Dr. Westall married Helen Hargraves of Lancashire, England, and they have one daughter, Lillian Gertrude. Whalon, Frank, youngest son of John R. and Martha B. (Lamb) Whalon, was born 352 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., January 31, 1855. At the age of eighteen he left school and engaged in teaming and farming, which business he has since successfully carried on. Mr. Whalon is a member of the fire ward and has held the office of surveyor of highways. On October 16, 1884, he married Susan, daughter of Ebenezer and Carrie (Pittsley) Nickerson, and they have six children: Oscar F., Ernest G., Bertha L., Maud E., Lester F. and Viola C. Mr. Whalon is a public spirited citizen and all measures tending to advance the interests of his town have found in him an earnest advocate. Wheeler, Charles H., was born in Rehoboth, October 15, 1844, son of Sebray Wheeler, who was a native of Dighton. The family trace their descent from James Wheeler, who was born in Rehoboth in 1667. Sebray Wheeler married Lucinda, daughter of Eliakim Briggs, and was identified as a farmer. He died in 1883. C. H Wheeler was educated in the public schools of his native town and of Providence. In 1872 he married Carrie, daughter of Sylvanus L. Peck, and they are the parents of one daughter, Annie A. Mr. Wheeler is one of the conservative men of his town ; is a member and chairman of the school board ; trustee of the Public Library ; town auditor; and is one of the trustees of the Richardson School Fund. He takes an in- telligent interest in church matters and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. White, Henry Dean, was born in Taunton, February 3, 1845, a son of Bezer L. and Elizabeth (Lake) White, and was educated in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he enlisted in the 38th Regiment, M.V. , Co. B, and on April 28, 1864, left Taunton for Virgina, and one week later took an active part in the battle of the Wilderness, serving from that time until the close of the war, receiving his discharge in July, 1865. He then returned to Taun- ton and was employed by his father as clerk in a grocery store, where he remained until July, 1867, when he started in business for himself under the name of Wash- 1 burn & White, and continued in this style until the death of Mr. Washburn in 1881, when he took charge of the entire business and still carries it on. He is a member of W. H. Bartlett Post No. 3, G.A.R. June 14, 1871, he married Helen A. Anthony of Foxboro, Mass. , and they have two children : Florence May and Helen Mildred. Whitehead, John, is a native of England, born in the town of Newton, Lancashire, October 22, 1834, a son of John and Ann (Piatt) Whitehead, both of whom died when he was very young. At this time he went to live with an uncle, and in his early life worked in the cotton mills and attended school, acquiring a good education, notwith- standing the adverse circumstances with which he was obliged to contend. In 1872 he came to this country and settled first in Newmarket, N. H. In' 1882 he came to New Bedford, where he was engaged in the Wamsutta Mills for several years, and then entered in his present real estate business. He is a man of pleasing and enter- prising manner and is well known to a large portion of the community. Whitmarsh, Irving Francis, was born in Dighton, November 2, 1850, a son of Francis A. and Emeline (Hodges) Whitmarsh. His early education was received in the public schools and in September, 1868, he came to Taunton and learned the trade of tin and sheet iron worker with Jerome Babbitt. He remained with Mr. Babbitt seventeen years and then engaged with the O. C. Railroad for four years, was with PERSONAL REFERENCES. 353 Lyman Mason two years and in 1890 engaged in business for himself, buying the shop of the late Jerome Babbitt, with whom he had learned the trade. Mr. Whit- marsh makes a specialty of hot water heating and plumbing of all descriptions, and carries a full line of stoves and ranges. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A.M., Orient Lodge, K.R, Sabbatia Lodge, I.O.O.F., and Naomi Encampment. January 9, 1873, he married Anna C. Babbitt of Taunton, daughter of Jerome and Daphne A. (Crane) Babbitt, and they have two children : Helen I, and Edward F. Whitney, Edwin, was born in Woodstock, Conn., November 1, 1835. His father, Micah Whitney, was born in the same town, where his father, James Whitney, was one of the pioneers. Micah Whitney married Diantha Walker. Edwin Whitney was educated in the common schools and in 1853 came to Attleborough Falls, where he engaged in the jeweler's trade. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. C, 10th Mass. Vols , and took part in the battles of the Peninsula, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania Court House, where he was wounded and received an honorable discharge in 1864 with rank of first lieutenant. He then returned to Attleborough Falls, and in 1878 began the manufacture of jewelry, continuing up to 1890. In 1863 he married Marietta Bailey, and they have two daughters: Jennie B. and Nellie D. Mr. Whitney was elected to the Legislature in 1890, and is a director in the North Attleborough Na- tional Bank; also served as overseer of the poor. Whittemore, Walter P., was born in Lancaster, Mass., September 10, 1838. His father, Lorenzo Whittemore, was a native of Malone, N. Y. , where his father was one of the pioneer settlers. Lorenzo married Louisa, daughter of Israel Woodbury, and spent most of his life abroad. He died in Clinton in 1860. Walter P. Whitte- more was educated in the common schools and learned the trade of locomotive builder at the Baldwin Works, Philadelphia. In 1861 he enlisted in the navy of the United States, receiving a commission as engineer and left the same in 1866 after the war was over. He then settled in Worcester as chief engineer of the Washburn & Moen Wire Works, in 1867 was with C. H. Brown of Fitchburg, Mass., spent some years with Fessenden & Co. erecting mills, with the Jerome Wheelock Steam Engine Com- pany and Martha's Vineyard Railroad Company. In 1878 he came to North Attle- borough with F. G. Whitney & Co., and in 1885 took charge of the water and electric light plant, where he still remains. In 1861 he married Sarah A. (who died August 29, 1891), daughter of Frank Cook, of Clinton, Mass., and they had two sons: Fred and Charles. Mr. Whittemore is a self-made man, was a member of the committee to establish the electric light plant, commissioner of the water department, one of the trustees of the sinking fund, and superintendent, engineer and clerk of both boards for nine years. At present he is manager and superintendent of both depart- ments. He takes an active and intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the interests of his town and its people to his best ability. Wilcox, Benjamin, treasurer of the City Manufacturing Corporation, was born in New Bedford, December 8, 1859, a son of Thomas B. and Jane R. (Smith) Wilcox. He received his education in the New Bedford public schools and at Bryant & Strat- ton's Business College, Boston. During his entire business life Mr. Wilcox has been connected with the cotton manufacturing industry; he began the business shortly after leaving school in the office of the Wamsutta Mills, where he remained nine 354 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years. At the end of this period he entered the employ of the City Manufacturing Corporation and in 1889 became treasurer, in which capacity he still serves. He has also been treasurer of the Bristol Manufacturing Company since 1892. Mr. Wilcox is a member of the Dartmouth and Wamsutta Clubs and in politics is affiliated with the Republican party. He married, in 1^84, Charlotte W. Haskins, daughter of Cy- renus W. Haskins, of New Bedford, and they have one son, John Haskins Wilcox. Wilcox, Arthur, one of the most prominent contractors of Fall River, is a son of Isaac and Mary A. (Salisbury) Wilcox. He was born in Fall River, January 14, 1855, and obtained his education in the public and high schools. He then served an apprenticeship at the mason's trade, being employed by Hiram Horton, Lloyd Earl, and Danford Horton, for a period of two years. After working for fourteen years as a journeyman mason he went into the contracting business, his first important contract being the insane asylum at the Bridgewater State farm. Later he formed a copartnership with David Beattie, which still continues under the firm name of Beattie & Wilcox. Among some . of the most important buildings erected by this firm may be mentioned the Fall River Armory ; Granite Mill No. 3; King Philip Mill No. 4; the Cornell Mill; Parker Mill; Hargraves Mill No. 2; Kerr Mill No. 1; War College at Newport; Bristol County Court House at Taunton; Mortuary Chapel at St. Francis Cemetery, and the Fall River Y. M. C. A. Gymnasium. They have also built the Berkley bridge at Dighton, and the Rock street and Narrows bridge in Fall River. Mr. Wilcox is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in Massachusetts Consistory. He is also a member of Friendly Union Lodge, No. 164, I. O. O. F., and was a member for four years of Co. M, 1st M. V. M. Wilcox, Thomas B., an old and well known resident of New Bedford, was born in Westport, November 12, 1821, a son of Benjamin and Patty (Brownell) Wilcox. During his early boyhood he attended the district schools and worked on his father's farm, and later he entered the Groton Academy, at Groton, N. Y, from which he was graduated with the class of 1839. He then returned to his home and assisted his father in the conduct of the farm until he attained his majority, when he came to New Bedford and entered the fruit and grocery store of Wood, Potter & Brownell as a clerk, remaining in that capacity for a period of about five years. In 1847 he established a similar business on his own account, locating near the foot of Union street, where he continued with good success until 1861. In 1865 he became con- nected with the New Bedford Glass Company, as treasurer and director, which position he held until the company was merged into the Mt. Washington Glass Company. Mr. Wilcox has never sought public office, being by nature of modest and unobtrusive disposition ; he is a director in several manufacturing corporations. Mr. Wilcox married, in 1849, Jerusha, daughter of David Smith of West Harwich, and of their children six survive: Sarah, Susan A., Thomas B., Benjamin, Patty and Frank S. Wilcox. Williams, Alfred Baylies, son of George B. and Sarah C. (Barstow) Williams, was born in Taunton, July 8, 1865. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and he took a special course in architecture for two years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then returned to Taunton and went to work for his father in the manufacture of lumber; in 1887 his father retired from business and Mr. Williams went into the firm of A. G. Williams & Co., continuing PERSONAL REFERENCES. 355 the business of G. B. Williams, which is the style of the firm at the present writing. He is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., and several local organizations. June 15, 1893, he married Louise Myles, daughter of James R. and Mary Tracy of Taunton. Williams, A. Gilbert, son of George B. and Sarah (Barstow) Williams, was born in Taunton, Mass., and during his boyhood attended the public schools of his native city. His father was for many years engaged as a lumber dealer and manufacturer of builder's supplies in Taunton, and he early acquired a knowledge of the business. Shortly after leaving school he began business as a manufacturer and dealer in builder's supplies, and is now associated with his brothers, under the firm name of A Gilbert Williams & Company. The planing mill of the firm is located on Weir street and their business consists of the manufacture of all kinds of house furnish- ing stock as well as sawing and planing lumber. Mr. Williams has been active in Republican politics and has represented the Fourth ward in the Council three years, and on the Board of Aldermen two years. Williams, Capt. George D., eldest son of Seth F. and Smia (Dean) Williams, was born in Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., January 9, 1824. He acquired a liberal education in the public schools and the Normal School at Bridgewater. His first employment was as a school teacher, and in 1858 he went to Cook county, 111. , where he was engaged in teaching three years. He was a member of the State militia, and at the breaking out of the war his company enlisted for three months. In November, 1862, he re-enlisted in Co, G. 29th Mass. Vols., serving for two years, and at the end of the war he returned home and bought his present farm, where he has since re- sided. On April 26, 1864, he married Eliza Y., daughter of Capt. Benjamin and Mary (Brightman) Miller, and they have had two children, neither of whom is liv- ing. Captain Williams has been more or less active in town affairs and has held the offices of treasurer and collector, deputy sheriff, and other offices of minor impor- tance. He is of a very social nature and has a large circle of friends. Williams, George Barstow, was born in Taunton, July 29, 1849, a son of George Bradford and Sarah Carver (Barstow) Williams, and was educated in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. After leaving school he was employed by his father in the lumber business and remained with him until 1886, when his father retired and left the business to his sons, which they continue to-day under the name of A. G. Williams & Co. They cut and manufacture lumber in all its branches. May 1, 1872, Mr. Williams married Mary Elizabeth White of Taunton ; they have four children: George L., J. Clifford, Fred B., and Mabel J. Williams, George Lewis, was born in Taunton, February 19, 1873, a son of George Barstow and Mary E. (White) Williams. He was educated in the public schools of Taunton, and a business college at New Bedford. In 1892 he entered the office of George A. King to learn surveying and civil engineering, where he remained until January, 1898, and then started an office for himself, which he continues at the pres- ent time and is prepared to do anything ill his line. He is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., and Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F. Williams, Herbert Messenger, was born in Providence, R. I., February 28, 1871, and is the son of Charles H. Williams and Freelove A. Mr. Williams was educated 356 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in the public schools of Providence, and his business experience has always been in the manufacture of seamless gold and silver plated wire and jewelers' supplies. In 1896 he organized the firm of H. M. Williams & Co. , to manufacture the above line. On May 18, 1898, in the great fire of Attleborough the factory was destroyed, but since then Mr. Williams has purchased a building and occupies the whole. He mar- ried, in 1893, Lura B,, daughter of Solomon J. Morton, and they have one daughter, Marjorie. Mr. Williams if one of the enterprising young men of the town and has ever received the respect of his associates. Williams, William Fish, city engineer, is the youngest son of Thomas W. and Eliza A. (Griswold) Williams, and was born on the whaling ship Florida, in the South Pacific Ocean, January 12, 1859. His father was born in Hay, River Wye, in Wales, in 1830, and when ten years old came to America with his parents, William and Mary (Watkins) Williams, and settled in Wethersfield, Conn., where William had charge of a mill making satinet goods. The latter died about 1870. Thomas W. came to New Bedford about 1840 and followed the whaling business until his death at Oakland, Cal., in August, 1880, sailing from New Bedford for about twenty- five years and from San Francisco during the remainder of his life. He was one of the best known whaling captains in the service. His wife died in 1884.. William Fish Williams, as a boy, spent some six years aboard a whaling ship, and in 1871 had the experience of being lost in the Arctic regions. He prepared for college in the common and private schools of Oakland, Cal., and in February, 1878, entered the school of Mines o£ Columbia College, New York, from which he was graduated with the degree of C. E. in 1881, and where he took the degree of E. M. in 1882. He then went to Hartford, Conn. , and began the practice of his profession, afterwards spent a year in the West inspecting mining properties, then returned to Hartford, and in 1887 and 1888 engaged in the electroplating business in Meriden, Conn. , when he again returned to Hartford. In 1890 he came to New Bedford and in the fall of same year went to Tennessee, where he held the position of chief engineer in an English company, employed in developing an iron property. In March, 1893, he re- turned to New Bedford and was elected city land surveyor, which position he still holds, the title of the office having been changed to city engineer. Mr. Williams was chief engineer in charge of the designing and construction of the new Fair- haven and New Bedford bridge, under appointment of the commissioners of Bris- tol county in May, 1896. He also had charge of preparing the plans for the city for abolishing grade crossings, and was one of the city's special commissioners in supervising the surveys of the city and preparing the assessors' plots. He is a mem- ber of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, of the New England Water Works As- sociation, of the New Bedford Board of Trade, and of the Dartmouth and Wamsutta Clubs. In April, 1883, he married Anna L. Cornor of Oakland, Cal., and they have four children: Kate, Thomas W., Harold and Dorothy. Wilmot, John B., son of Malcolm and Jeannette (Gibson) Wilmot, was born at Moncton, New Brunswick, June 19, 1847. He obtained his education in the private schools of his native village and then began to learn the trade of stone cutter, which he followed in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia until he was twenty-three years old. At this time he removed to the United States, remaining in Boston a short time and then settled in Fall River, where he has since resided. Three years after his ar- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 357 rival in Fall River he established a retail grocery on Pleasant street and conducted it with success until 1887. He had been engaged to some extent in the stone con- tracting business during this time, and discontinued his grocery with a view of giv- ing his entire attention to the stone business. He is now extensively engaged in quarrying granite, operating a quarry on Oak Grove avenue and employing a large force of stone cutters and laborers. His efforts have met with a large measure of success, due largely to close attention and to a knowledge of the business from boy- hood. Mr. Wilmot is a. member of Narragansett Lodge of Masons. His great- grandfather, John Bentley, was one of the first settlers of St. Johns, New Bruns- wick. Early in life he was a sea captain, but later engaged in business at St. Johns and was said to have been one of the most pro'sperous merchants of his time. Mr. Wilmot's paternal grandfather, Malcolm Wilmot, came from England when a youth and settled in Rhode Island, but subsequently moved to New Brunswick. In De- cember, 1872, Mr. Wilmot married Isabella, daughter of Cornelius Hargraves of Fall River, and they have two sons: Thomas J. and Reuben H. Wilson, Edward Thurston, undertaker, is the eldest son of Benjamin G. Wilson and Mary P., daughter of Peter Sherman of Fairhaven, his wife, and was born in Boston, Mass., January 25, 1837. Benjamin G., son of John C. Wilson, was born in Newport, R. I., in 1814, and was of Scotch descent. He went to Boston and later to Buffalo, N. Y., and about 1837 came to New Bedford, where he entered the em- ploy of Soule & Shaw. He was a cabinet maker and for a time manufactured coffins. About 1839 he became an undertaker, succeeding a Mr. Ottiwell, and successfully continued the business for forty-five years, or until his death June 27, 1884. His wife died in 1851. He was a Mason, holding membership in Star in the East Lodge, Adoniram Chapter, and Sutton Commandery, and was also a member of Acushnet Lodge, I. O. O. F. His children were Edward T., Benjamin I., John (who died young), and Lewis L. Edward Thurston Wilson was educated in the public schools of New Bedford and at Pierce Academy in Middleborough, and afterward was ap- prenticed to the carriage trade under George L. Brownell. He followed carriage trimming with Frank Shaw and William G. White, and later was associated with his father in the undertaking business until October 3, 1861, when he enlisted in Battery E, 5th Mass. Light Art., Capt. Max Eppendorff. He served with this organization until June, 1865, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of second sergeant. He was in most of the twenty-three engagements in which his battery participated, including the siege of Yorktown, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill, Spottsylvania, the Wil- derness, Fredericksburg and Five Forks. Returning from the army he spent a year in a shoe factory in Brockton and subsequently engaged at his trade of carriage trimmer in New Bedford with H. G. O. Cole. In 1863 he again became associated with his father, and on the latter's death in 1884 succeeded to the business, which he still continues. This is the oldest undertaking establishment in New Bedford, hav- ing been in continuous existence for upwards of sixty years. Mr. Wilson is a mem- ber of Post 1, G. A. R , of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., of Adoniram Chap- ter, R. A. M., New Bedford Council, R. & S. M., Sutton Commandery, K. T., Acush- net Lodge, I. O. O. F., Annawan Encampment. I. O. O. F., and of Canton New Bedford, I. O. O. F. He is a charter member of Camp No. 10, Union Veteran Legion, and has served as its quartermaster for several years. January 14, 1864, 358 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Wilson married Amelia J. , daughter of Henry S. Packard of Smith Mills, town of Dartmouth, and later of New Bedford. They have had four children : Henry P. , who is associated in business with his father; Bertha, deceased; Grace E. and Mary S. Wing, Charles, son of David and Sophia (Gifford) Wing, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., October 17, 1827. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attended the public schools in the winter and worked for his father in the summer. He remained at home until April, 1861, when he married Mary J., daughter of Henry and Mary Brightman. Their happy home has been blessed by the birth of three children: Ezra (deceased), Laura W., wife of Alvin Caswell, and Cecil O. Mr. Wing is a prominent member of the Westport Grange, and is one of Westport's honored and respected citizens. He has always been more or less active in public affairs, although he has never aspired to public office. Wing, Charles F., merchant of New Bedford, was born in that city in 1851, a son of Capt. Lyman Wing and Hannah Howland, his wife. He is directly descended from John Wing of Sandwich, who came from England in 1629 or 1630, and as far as is known was the progenitor of most of the name of Wing in America. During "his boyhood Mr. Wing attended the schools of his native city, and after completing his education became a clerk for B. H. Waite, with whom he remained four years. In 1874 he began in a small way the business in which he still continues. At first he occupied only the south half of the front store in the old wooden building which was rebuilt in 1887 ; later the increase of the business was accommodated by the old Waite dry goods store adjoining ; and still later he purchased the old Manhattan House property and in 1897 completed a large addition in the rear of his original store, in which he has conducted a business in general house furnishings for over twenty-five years. Mr. Wing is a member of Star in the East Lodge of Masons, and of the Chapter, Council and Commandery. Winslow, William Baker, son of Hudson and Phebe (Baker) Winslow, was de- scended from Kenelm Winslow ' (son of Edward, and brother of Gov. Edward Wins- low of the Plymouth colony), who was born in Droitwich, Worcestershire, England, in April, 1599, came to this country in 1631, settled in Marshfield, died September 13, 1672, and was buried in Salem; Job Winslow, 2 of Marshfield; Jonathan Winslow, 3 born in Marshfield, moved to Swansea (where his house was burned in King Philip's war), and later removed to Dartmouth; Benjamin Winslow, 4 who lived between New Bedford and Fall River ; and Hudson Winslow, b who was born in 1785 and was drowned in 1826. Benjamin Winslow, 4 married Content Webster, a relative of Dan- iel Webster, and had eight children: Sarah, Benjamin, jr., Nicholas, Hallett Mitchell, Jonathan, Annie, Molly and Hudson. 6 Hudson Winslow was a sailor. In 1810 he married Phebe, daughter of William and Mercy Baker, and had six children : Hallett Mitchell, born June 21, 1812, living in Dartmouth; William Baker, born June 15, 1815, deceased; Joshua Baker, born April 8, 1817, deceased; James Smith, born De- cember 2, 1821; Benjamin, born September 19, 1823, deceased; and Hudson, jr., born February 3, 1826. All of these sons received a common school education and accumu- lated competences without help of any kind. William B. Winslow went to sea when a young man and made in all five whaling voyages. In 1849 he went to Cal- fornia and remained a year, and after his return was engaged in rigging ships until about 1882, when he retired. He died May 8, 1892. He was a Republican, but PERSONAL REFERENCES. 359 always held aloof from politics and public life. He possessed excellent judgment, strong common sense, and an exceedingly genial disposition and was a kind neigh- bor and universally respected and loved. May 7, 1840, he married Ann Saulter Baldwin, daughter of Nehemiah Baldwin of Newark, N. J., who died April 11, 1882, They had two sons: William Baker, jr., born June 7, 1841, died September 21, 1851, and Jeremiah Baldwin, born January 5, 1843, died in August, 1845, and an adopted daughter, Betsey Baldwin Winslow, who occupies the home at 315 County street built by Mr. Winslow in 1851. Wood, Benjamin Legge, was born in Taunton, Mass., April 28, 1855, a son of Ben- jamin L. and Julia Maria (Washburn) Wood. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days he went to work for Isaac Washburn in the hardware business. He remained with him three years and then went to Chicago, where he was engaged in the same business for -three years, and in 1876 came to Taunton and started in the insurance business with his father. He continued with him until 1879, when he succeeded his father and carried the busi- ness on alone until 1882, when he sold out to Jackson & Co., and was in their employ for a short time, then went with the Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Co. In 1886 he returned to Jackson & Co. and was with them until 1889, when he went into the firm and remained until 1893, at which time he engaged in the real estate and insur- ance business for himself. June 6, 1877, he married Fannie Phillips, daughter of Rufus and Charlotte (Crosman) Dean, and they have three children: Rufus D., Le- land D. and Marjorie P. Wood, Edmund, son of Henry T. and Anna G. (Russell) Wood, was born in New Bedford in 1854. His father was a prominent citizen and merchant of New Bedford for upwards of forty years and served on the School Committee and in the city government for considerable periods. On both sides Mr. Wood descends from old Puritan stock, and the Russell family has been especially prominent in New Bedford history. During his boyhood he attended the common schools of New Bedford for a short time and at the age of twelve went to the Friends' School at Providence, R. I., where he prepared for college. He was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1876 with the degree A. B. , and following his graduation, went into the lumber business owned by his father, and with which he has been identified ever since. This business was established some years prior to 1848, at which time the firm of Greene & Wood was formed, composed of Augustus Greene and Henry T. Wood. Mr. Greene retired in 1872 and the business was taken by Henry T. Wood, although the firm name has never been changed from the original style now so well known to the trade throughout this section. The business is now in the hands of the brothers, George R., Edmund and William G. Wood. Mr. Wood has been active to some extent in Republican political circles and has served as chairman three years and secretary four years of the Republican city committee. He has represented Ward 6 in the Council four terms, two having been president of the body, and was a member of and served two years on the first Board of Public Works, and is now completing his second term on the Water Board. In 1895 he married Margaret C, daughter of Oliver K. Earl, of Worcester, Mass. Wood, Henry A., son of Henry and Louise (De Moranville) Wood, was born in Bridgewater, Mass., October 8, 1868; he obtained his education in the public schools 360 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of Rochester, Mass., where he resided until he was twenty-one years of age. His boyhood was passed on the farm, and in 1896 he removed to Freetown, where he has since resided. On October 15, 1896, he was united in marriage to Anna M., daugh- ter of William and Eliza Durfee. Wood, Robert E. , son of Thomas W. and Susanna (Gifford) Wood, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., June 13, 1826. Mr. Wood had only the very meagre opportunities of book education afforded by a few weeks' attendance at school each winter, from the time he was nine until he was fifteen. He remained at home until he was of age, when he was apprenticed to the cooper's trade, and after a service of two years bought the balance of his time to go whaling as ship cooper, in which he was engaged for nearly six years. In 1850 he returned to New Bedford and worked at his trade for seven years, when he removed his family to his present farm, at the same time conducting his business in New Bedford until 1878, at which time he retired from the cooper business and has since lived on his farm. Mr. Wood was married in January, 1851, to Melvina J., daughter of William and Anna (Dean) Ramsdell of Leeds, Me. They have six children: Emma E., Anna D., Mary L. (wife of Frank Macomber), Augustus R , Susie G. (wife of Benjamin R. Ramsdell), and Charles R. Mr. Wood is a member of Westport Grange, and among his townsmen he is regarded as an honest, successful business man, a good and law- abiding citizen and valued friend and neighbor. Wordell, Benjamin Frank, son of Benjamin Ryder and Elizabeth (Thurston) Wor- dell, was born in New Bedford, May 19, 1858, and has resided there all his life. He attended the public and high schools and then went into the office of Hathaway & Soule, shoe manufacturers, and for seven years was employed as clerk and travel- ing salesman. Later he worked in the factory for thirteen years completing a ser- vice of twenty years in the employ of this firm. In February, 1894, he accepted a position in the office of the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company and remained in the capacity of clerk for four years. Mr. Wordell has been a member of Star in the East Lodge of Masons since he was twenty-two years old. In November, 1881, he mar- ried Hattie A., daughter of Asa P. Manchester, a prominent business man of New Bedford and deacon in the William Street Baptist Church for forty years. Mr. Wordell's father, Benjamin R. Wordell, was born in North Westport and removed to New Bedford about 1847. He resided there until 1873, when he purchased a farm in Dartmouth and conducted it for a period of twenty years, then returned to New Bedford, where he remained until his death, January 5, 1897, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. In his early days he was a member of Mt. Hope Lodge of Odd Fellows of Fall River. By trade he was a ship carpenter, a prudent, saving man, and highly respected in the community. Of his union with Elizabeth Thurston five children were born, only two of whom survive: Carrie I., wife of Perry C. Wordell, and Benjamin Frank. Wordell, Cynthia Mosher, a native of Westport, Bristol county, Mass. , was born March 2, 1836, the fifth child born to Gershom and Sylvia Mosher. She lived at home with her parents until she was married, December 11, 1856, to Humphrey H. Wordell. He was born November 14, 1828, and died October 3, 1891. They had six children, viz., David B., born April 19, 1857, and died October 14, 1892; Mary E., wife of George H. Humphrey of Dartmouth; Joshua A., born August 18, 1861; Ed- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 361 win D., born May 14, 1864; Elbridge B., born June 24, 1868; and Sylvia M. born July 30, 1874. Mr. Wordell devoted his entire life to farming with the exception of one voyage on a whaling ship. His life was one of commendable industry, honorable labor, of enterprise and of sturdy devotion to what he conceived to be right. He was a man thoroughly respected and highly esteemed in all the relations of life. Wyatt, William T., son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Tabor) Wyatt, was born in Mid- dletown, R. I., June 2a, 1816. He is of English descent and some of his early an- cestors were members of the English Parliament. Mr. Wyatt received his education from the district schools and in 1843 removed to Fall River, Mass., where he engaged in the meat business, which he carried on until 1864, when he removed to his farm in Westport, where he has since resided and been successfully engaged in agricul- ture. On March 29, 1839, he married Ann Baker, who died May 8, 1894, and they had one daughter, Elizabeth A. In November, 1894, Mr. Wyatt married Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Rider Ennis, who died in August of the following year. Mr. Wyatt has never taken an active interest in politics and has never aspired to public office. He is very fond of his home and is seldom absent unless business calls him away. Boylan, Rev. Bernard, rector of St. Joseph's Church of Fall River, is a son of Luke and Bridget (Galligan) Boylan, and was born at Wareham, Mass., September 25, 1853. He obtained his early education in the public schools of his native town and later attended Pierce Academy at Middleborough, Mass., for two years. He then entered St. Charles College at Baltimore, Md., completing the four years course, then going to the Grand Seminary at Montreal, where he remained nearly five years. He was ordained to the ministry December 23, 1876, and soon after became assistant in the parish of St. Michael's at South Providence. Eight months later he went to the parish of Odell, Livingston county, 111., in the same capacity and remained five years, when he returned to the east and was assistant at North Attleborough for two years. He came to Fall River in February, 1885, to take charge of the new St. Jo- seph's Church as pastor, and during his charge of the parish, which now covers a period of over thirteen years, has done much to improve the church property and to uplift and benefit the members of his congregation. He is a man fitted to win the friendship and confidence of all ; his pastorate is laborious and influential. Fittz, George B., was born in Great Falls, N. H., March 4, 1828, a son of Albert and Tryphosia (Bartlett) Fittz. His father was a native of Seekonk, where his father, David Fittz, was one of the pioneer farmers. Albert was a machinist and died in 1894. George B. Fittz was educated in the public schools, studied dentistry with Dr. Gardner of Pawtucket, and in 1872. came to Attleborough and established his dental practice, which he carried on till 1897, when he retired. In 1849 he mar- " ried Emily, daughter of Stephen Murray, and they have one son, William B. Mr. Fittz was overseer of the poor fourteen years, superintendent of water works five years, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Goward, J. Clinton, was born in Easton, October 7, 1858, son of Josiah Francis and Sarah Waite Goward. The Gowards trace their descent from Francis, who, as the family tradition has it, was stolen and brought on board of a vessel from England when seven years of age, and landed at Duxbury, Mass. This was about 1715 .He u 362 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. married at Middleborough, 1730. His third son, Francis, settled in Bridgewater, and served from there a campaign in the French and Indian war in 1758. His son, Francis, born 1773, married Polly Kimball of Easton, and their second son was Dwelly, born 1802. Dwelly's second son, Josiah Francis, father of the subject of the present sketch, was born July 19, 1832, and died March 27, 1898. He was throughout his life engaged in the wholesale and retail meat business. J. Clinton Goward was educated in the public schools of Easton, afterward taking a business course in Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Boston. At the age of fifteen he started in the butcher's business and later in the grocery business, in which business he continued for twelve years and then went into the coal and ice business. He is one of the originators of the North Easton Co-operative Bank and is now, and also has been, one of the financial committee of that concern since its organization. He is a member of Paul Dean Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Easton, a mem- ber of the Setucket Chapter of Brockton, and a member of the Bay State Commandery of Brockton. In 1880 he married Alice, daughter of Byron and Adelaide Yeaton Stout, and they have had four children: Joseph Winslow, Byron Stout (deceased), Niles Waite and Josiah Clinton. Mr. Goward has a decided talent for business, is a man of sterling integrity, and an active, energetic disposition, which commands respect. Massasoit Manufacturing Company, The, the largest and most important concern of the kind in Fall River, was organized January 1, 1882, with Frank L. Palmer, of Montville, Conn., president; Wendell E. Turner, clerk and treasurer; Edward A. Palmer, Wendell E. Turner, William H. Turner, Elisha L. Palmer, and Frank L. Palmer, directors. Elisha L. Palmer was succeeded in the directory by George S. Palmer, but otherwise the officers and board remain unchanged. The company pur- chased the old Massasoit Mill property on Davol street and the valuable wharf prop- erty connected therewith. This they enlarged from time to time until now they have in addition to the Davol street plant, a large plant at the junction of Union, Pocasset, and Annawan streets, called the Annex Mill. They also operate the Oak- dale Mills at Oakdale, Conn., and employ altogether about 300 hands in the manu- facture of coarse cotton goods and in contracting, converting, and dealing in cotton- mill waste of the all kinds. The company has a regular sale office in New York city, which is presided over by William H. Turner, and their annual sales aggregate about three-quarters of a million dollars. They not only ship goods all over the United States and Canada, but have also a large export trade. The president, Frank L. Palmer, is a member of the well-known firm of Palmer Brothers, of New London, Conn. The general management of the business of the Massasoit Manu- facturing Company has devolved upon Wendell E. Turner, the treasurer, formerly of New York city, who is a man of large executive ability, excellent judgment, and great integrity of character. He is also a director of the Fall River National Bank and treasurer of the Swansea Dye Works. INDEX. Abbe, Adelaide E. , 694 A. J., Dr., 694 William A., 589 Abell, Caleb, 138 Acushnet, churches of, 148, 149 early industries of, 147 erection of the town of, 146, 147 first officers of, 147 gazetteer of the town of, 213, 214 old burying ground in, 148 Saw Mill Co., 147 schools of, 150 Adams, AsaM., Dr., 68 Charles H., 147 Charles S., Rev., 119 EdwardS., 576, 581,595 John, 156, 293, 294 J. Q., Rev., 506 note Robert, 580 William W., Rev., 479 Adamsdale, 177 Ahearn, Rev. Father, 280 note Aikin, Bartholomew, 136, 328 Francis T., 402 John, 327 Akin, Benjamin, 99 Ebenezer, Capt., 129 F. S., 596 Albro, Charles, 297 Alden, Albert, 278 note Cyrus, sketch of, 677 John, 407 John, jr., Capt., 125 William G., Rev., 57 Aldrich, James M., Dr., 586, 587 Jonathan, Rev., 477 Nathaniel B., Dr., 587 Peter, 62 Samuel, 132 Alger, Arthur M. , 303, 304 James, 111 Allen, Amos, Dr., 681 Ansel, 210 Arthur W., 541 Charles M., 590 Allen, Cyrus, 503 Edward, 203 Ephraim, W., Rev., 276 note Frederick S. , 416 George, 58 Gilbert, 351 note, 415, 416, 585, 586, 593 Hannah, Mrs., 474 Howard B., 583, 589 James E. and Henry T., 188 James R., Capt., 148 James W. , 354 note Jethro, 137, 328 John, Capt., 101, 128, 316 John A. P., 377 Joseph, 354 Noah, 135 Otis, Dea., 94 Ralph W., Rev., 505 Slocum, 364 Sylvanus, 210 William, 329 William G., Dr., 94 William H., 351 note, 377 Z. M., 210 Alline, Samuel. 64 Almy, Allen, 377 Charles, 373, 545 Christopher, 431 Franklin L., 580, 582, 622 Job, 128, 129 Thomas, 142, 501 and note, 578, 580, 620, 621 Tillinghast, 128 William, 127, 128 William M., 574, 584 Ambler, Russell P. Rev., 277 Ames, Avis, Mrs., 536 Ellis, 283 James, 474 John, 163, 199 Oakes, 199. 278 Oakes A., 199 Oliver, 83, 84, 161, 197, 199, 278 Oliver, jr.., 278 364 INDEX. Ames, Oliver, and sons Oakes and Oliver, 163, 164 Oliver & Sons, 161 Free Public Library, 198 Shovel Works, 198 Amidown, Roger, 48 Amory, Jonathan and John, 67 Amesbury, Israel, jr., 273 note Anderson, Alexander, Rev., 279 note, 506 note William S., 405 Andrew, John, 293 Andrews, A. E., Mrs., 694 E. F., 197 ElishaT.,199 Elkanah, Capt, 120 Henry, 42, 220, 227, 230, 252, 257, 291 Henry, son of first Henry, 250 James, 265 James, Capt., 77 John, Dea., 62, 67 Samuel, 265 William, 164, 199 William G, 163, 199 Andros, George W.. 273 RichardS. S., 89, 368 Thomas, Rev., and Milton, 89 Angier, Samuel, Rev., 139 Anthon, Edward, Rev., 242 note Anthony, Benjamin, 405, 544 Benjamin, Mrs., 695 Benjamin H., 404, 405 Charles W., 693 David, 131, 451 and note, 459, 465, 469, 516, 517, 523, 533, 537, 555, 556, 561-563 D. M., & Co., 190 Edmund, 273 note, 335 note, 405 Edmund, jr., 405 Edward L., 541, 563, 564, 585, 586 Gardner and Israel, 131 Israel, 119, 512 note James H., 278 James S., 565. 599 John, 128, 480 Joseph, 116 Joseph R., 351 note William, 131 Archer, Jason H., Dr., 496, 562, 682 John Jason, sketch of, 675 Arnold, David, 67 Ebenezer B., 288 Frank G., 189 James, 351, 353, 360, 385, 401 John, 407 Ashley, Abram, 102, 110 Albert, 200 Ashley, B., Rev., 506 note Charles S., 335 note J. F., Rev., 57 Micah, 102 Percival, 102, 103 Simeon, Capt, 126 Stephen B., 594 S. S., Rev., 506 Ashton, S. W.,659 Assonet Neck annexed to Dighton, 71; annexation of, to Berkley, 88 Purchase, the, 8, 9 territory included in, and disposition of, 10 Atherton, Joshua, 92 Philip, 63 Atkin, John, 116 Atkins, Samuel, 38 Atkinson, William P., 401 Attleborough, churches of, 154 and note dissension over boundary of, 53 and note early churches of, 56, 57 early educational interests of, 57-59 early settlers of, 54, 55 first settlement in, 53, 54 gazetteer of the town of, 191-194 in the Revolution, 98 incorporation of, 47 manufacturing industries of, 154-160 proceedings of town meetings of, 51-53 village, disastrous fire in, 194 water privileges and mills of, 54 Daily Sun, the, 193 Falls, 177 Attleboroughs' Agricultural Association, 178 Atwood, Charles H., 278 note, 289 Charles R., 167, 274 note, 302 George B. , 278 note Joseph, 74 Austin, John, 67, 76 John, son of John, jr., 62 Stimson, 160 Averill, A. M., Rev., 481 Avery, Joseph, 64, 65, 108 Axtell, Daniel, 72 Babbitt, Benjamin, 88 Charles, 278 Edward, 42, 69, 160, 203, 249, 256 Erasmus, 76 Isaac, 121, 297 John, 88 Nathan, Dr., 68, 160 Seth, 74, 76 Babcock, Cyrus, Rev., 363 INDEX. 365 Babcock, D. A., Dr., 694, 699 E. G., Rev., 506 note John, 128 Babson, Robert E. , 247 Bacon. George M., 158 Rufus, 678 Bagley, John, 251 Bailey, John, 30. 405 John D. M., Rev., 56 Joshua B.,418 Lebbeus, 210 Luther, 247 Simeon, 335 note Wheaton, 455 Baker, Aaron and Jonathan, 130, 131 Edward L., 358 note, 402, 411, 584 Emily H., 694 George T., 353 Joseph A , 549, 589 Luther, 113 L., Rev., 362 Moses, 499 M. W., Rev., 481 note Thomas, 85 William, 353 William G., 404 Ballard, Alvan S., 500 George A. , 544, 589 John T., 415 Roswell, 261 Ballentine, John W., Rev., 276 note Bank, Attleborough Savings, 176 of Attleborough, 160 First National of Attleborough, 160 Banks of Fairhaven, 210 of Mansfield, 205 Bannister, Andrew, 364 note Barbour, T. S., Rev., 477 Barden, Joseph G., 172, 173 Barker, Abraham, 351 note A. J., 278 note, 283 note, 288 Abner P., 187 Elijah, 131 George F.,373 John P., 373 OrvilleA., 288,304,695 Barlow, John, 594, 597 JohnT., Rev., 507 note Barnaby, James, Rev., 88 J. B.,594 Barnard, L. L., 574, 576, 577, 584, 585 Barnes, David Leonard, sketch of, 669 George L., 66 Horace M., 569, 593, 601 Thomas, Rev., 122 Barney, Charles E., 566, 586, 594 Edwin L., 178, 660, sketch of, 674 Barney, Jabez, Capt., 101 James O., Rev., 139 Mason, 189 Peter, 407 Barnolz, Ambrose, jr., 440 Barns, John, 30 Barnum, Caleb, Rev., 241 Barre, J. A., Dr., 694 Barrows, Albert, 160, 278 note George, Dr., 698 H. F., 157, 174, 175, 177 Ira, Dr., 68, 697 John H , 415 Barstow, Wilson, 210, 358 note Barton, Charles E., 297, 298 Bartlett, Cyrus, 396 Ivory H., 373,495 Josiah C, 246 note, 247 Lyman, Dr., 681, 697 William H., 285, 287 Barton, William, 131, 132 William, jr., 132 Bassett, Anselm, 128, 656 note Charles A., 470. 541 Charles J. H., 273, 279 note Henry F., 278 note, 388, 300, 304 Jeremiah, 66, 242 J., Dr., 696 Josiah L.,278 Rhoda, 354 Bass, Edward C, Rev., 279 Bates, Barnabas, 470 B., Rev., 362 Elkanah, 151 Franklin, 210 Joseph, 137, 210 Joseph, sr., Capt., 125 J. M., 158, 160 Leavit, Dr., 68 Lewis, Rev., 279 L. B., Rev., 161, 279 Nathan, 351 note Otis W., Rev., 119 William B., Benjamin and Elkanah, sons of Elkanah, 94 William C, 610 & Bacon, 158 Batt, Charles R., 575 R. W., 503 Battelle, Hezekiah, 469, 470, 512 note, 516, 676 Bay State Optical Co., 159 Bayley, Samuel, 94 Baylies, Alfred, Dr. 681 Amelia F., 395 Francis, 142, 271, 656 note Henry, Rev., 279, 480 Hodijah, Major, 120, 294, 545 366 INDEX. Baylies, Hodijah, and brothers William and Thomas S., sons of Nicholas, 70 Nicholas and Thomas, 121, 294 William, Dr., 100 Beach, Abisha, 101 S. C, Rev., 65 Beal, S. M., Rev., 507 note Beattie, John, 200 William, 581, 591 William, Mrs., 694 Beauvais, Joseph, 589 J. Arthur, 373, 584 Beaugrand, H., 183 Bedard, P. J. B., Rev., 507 Beetle, Henry, 407 Belcher, Daniel, 163 Joseph, Rev., 79 Bell, James, 42, 250 John S., Rev., 279 note Joseph, 320 -Samuel, Rev., 57 Bellows, John N., 247 Benjamin, Silas A., 90 William E., Mrs., 211 Bennet, Robert, 137 Bennett,, Benjamin, 2d, 511 Benjamin E., 563 Benjamin and Edward, 452 Edmund H., 278 note, 290, 291, 657 note Edward, 465, 564 Philip R., 469, 493, 518 Robert, 584 Thomas, jr., 411, 584 W. B., 418 & Bro., Edward, 464 & Halliday, 159 & Jacob, 473 Bennit, Gilbert, 329 Bent, A. C, 304 Lemuel, Capt, 77 Nathaniel Tucker, Rev., 242 note. 363, 364 William H., 278 note, 302-304, 695 Bentley, William, Rev., 362 Benson, Caleb, Rev., 242 note Jacob, 102 Benton, J. T., Rev., 279 Sanford, Rev., 279 Stephen O., Rev., 480 Berkley, early churches of, 89 early families in, 88 early schools in, 90 extracts from records of, 89 first officers of, 88 gazetteer of the town of, 202, 203 incorporation of, 87 Gleaner, the, 203 Besse, Edward L., 419 Bicknell, Thomas W. , 179 Bidwell, Ira M., Rev., 480 Bigelow, Andrew, Rev., 119 Billings, Benjamin, Dr., 94 Ephraim, 354 Biographical sketches of members of the bar and judiciary, 665-678 Bird, William, 182, 204 Birkenhead, John, 182, 204 Biscoe, WalterS., 288 Bishop, John, 243 Blackinton, George, 155 Pentecost, 55 Peter, 55 R., & Co., 159 V. H.,&Co., 159 Willard, Col., 55 William, 55, 157 William, & Sons, 156 W. &S., 159 Blackmar, Joseph, 113 Blackstone, William, 53 Blaisdell, Joshua C, 494, 523, 533, 576, 577, 582, 584, 659 Blake, Ebenezer, Rev., 480 Edward, 266 J. A., 204 James E., 158 J. E., & Co., 158 Mortimer, Rev. , 95, 276 note, 283 Samuel, sr., 64 & Nichols, 474 Blanding, William W., 179 Blanshar, Stephen, 92 Bliffins, S. V., 629 Bliss Brothers, 159 Cromwell, 474 FredS., 205 George and Jonathan, 155 Hiram, 473 James, 138 Jonathan, 20 Otis, 474 Samuel, Capt, 100 Zeba F., 285 Bloss, Abraham, Rev., 57 Blossom, Barney, 605 S. J. and Charles, 420 Boardman, James, 364 note Bobbett, Edward, 230 Bobit, Edward, 227 Bodine, Samuel T., 549 Bonney, Charles T., jr., 354 note Isaac, Rev., 480 Boomer, Edward, 127 Frederick A., sketch of, 677 James, 475 INDEX. 357 Boomer, Nathaniel, 475 Boone, John H. , 579, 580 Booth, Stephen W., 404 Borden, Alanson, 660 Amey, 458, 563 Andrew, 541, 563, 574 Andrew J., 574, 578 A. D., 475 Anna H., Miss, 694 Avery, 452, 453 B. H., 559, 567 Charles, 504 Charles T., 151 Cook, 471, 497, 498 and note, 571, 589, 590, 629 Daniel, 448, 475 Edward, 127, 128 Edward P., 577 Elizabeth M., 695 family, the, 431^34 Hannah, 455 and note Holder, 462 and note, 465, 469, 482, 484, 555-557, 563, 565-567 Isaac, 545, 579 Jefferson, 483 and note, 496, 498, 548, 556, 557, 564, 567, 568, 584, 601 Jefferson, jr., 584 Jerome C, 541, 572, 577, 589, 593, 594, 630 Job, 475 John, 431, 447 John, 453, and brothers Isaac, Asa and Levi, 454 John, Joseph and Richard, 424 John C, 465. 469, 514, 515 Joseph, 504, 584 ' Lazarus, 521, 568, 569, 575 Mary, 448 Matthew, C. D., 559-561, 567 Nathan, 448 Nathaniel B., 459, 465, 469-471, 513, 515, 517, 518, 523, 525, 533, 564, 586, 587, 608 Noah, 441 Parker, 470 Perry, 448 Philip D., 498, 559, 569, 577, 584, 588 Richard, 431, 448, 465, 469, 523, 555, 556, 562, 565 Richard, son John, and grandsons Richard and Joseph, 432 Richard, Mrs., 169, 536 Richard, Col., 433,468 and note, 483, 496, 559, 564, 567-569, 577 Richard B., 548, 564-566, 475-577, 584, 590, 591, 601 Samuel, 351 note Seth, 448 Borden, S. A., 594, 595, 597 Simeon, 110, 448, 516, 521, 547, 579, 581, 587, 588, 604 Simeon, jr., 587 Spencer, 583, 584, 629, 630 Stephen, 440 Thomas, 448, 497 Thomas J., 470, 483, 498, 490 and note, 504, 564, 567, 575-577, 579, 590, 591, 627 Timothy, 441 Bosworth, Albert E., 587 B. K., Rev., 507 note Jonathan, 122 Bourne, Abner, 353 Francis, 131 George A., 376 Jonathan, 351 note, 419, 593 Jonathan, jr., 358 note Joseph, 351 note. 354 Thomas, and son John, 30 Bowen, Abraham, 450, 451, 544, 561, 564, 620, 621 Albert, 160 David, 120 James G., 465, 544 Jonathan, 453 Joseph A., 587, 600 Nathan, 448 Reuben, 179 Richard, 16, 19, 20 S., 174 S. W., Dr., 692, 694 Bowerman, Samuel, 328 Bowers, Jane E., 209 Jerathmel, 130, 131 Jonathan, 131 Philip, 130, 131 Thomas, 651 Bowker, Edward E., 419 Bowler, George A., Rev., 505 Boyce, Enoch, 90 John and Enoch, 88 Boyden, Clarence F., 246 note Boynton, Francis H., Rev., 113 Brabrook, George, 298 Brackett, William H, 497, 499 Bradford, Alden, 364 ElishaB., Rev., 279, 480 Joel, 265 Philip A., 147 Seth, 273 note Bradley, Cortlandt, 213 Gilbert, 419 Brady, James, jr., 545 Joseph, 581 Braley, Bradford, Dr., 112 Henry K., 612, 629, 630, 659, 693 368 INDEX. Braley, John, 102 Braman, Josiah, 439 Thomas, 63 Thomas and Daniel, sons of Thom- as, sr., and Thomas, jr., son of Thomas, 62 Brattle, Thomas, Capt., 42 Brayton, Arthur B., 600 Benjamin, 448, 462, 479 David A., 548, 572, 574, 591 D. A, jr., 541, 548, 574, 585 Elizabeth H., 695 Francis, 448 Hezekiah, 585 H. A., 574, 585 Israel P., 574 John, 506 John J., 574 John S., 506, 541, 548, 549, 562-566, 569-572, 574, 576, 585, 601, 613, 651, 693 John S., jr., 541, 563-566, 601 Sarah B., 619 Thomas E., 541, 564, 575, 585 Brennan, George H., 623 Brenton, Ebenezer, 439 William, 10, 232 Brett, Calvin, 84, 162 George, 164, 199 Joshua Howard, Dr., 110, 111 Silas, Rev., 108 William, 230 Brewer, Daniel, 300 John, 247 John Maitland, 401 Susanna, 275 note Brewster, C. S., 176 George W. , Rev. , 65 note Love, 428 William, 304 Briant, John, 220 Brie, William, Rev., 501 note Bridge, George, 584 Briggs, Abram, 281 Artemus, 278 note Clement, 74 DanielS., 90 Darius, 193 D. F., 159 Ebenezer, Rev., 165 Ephraim, 64 George, 663 George A., 380, 381 note George N. , 696 George W., Rev. 502 Henry W., 377 John, 60 John and Jedediah, 88 Briggs, John, Dea. (son of Richard) and brothers Joseph and Richard, 62; 66 John, Rev., 336 Joseph, 150 Josiah, 66 Matthew, 72, 121, 150 M., Rev.. 65 Paul, 103 Richard, Rev., 94 Samuel, 62 Simeon, 203 Thomas, 92 William, son of Richard, 251 William S.\ 201 Brigham, Francis L., 363 Lincoln Flagg, 402, sketch of, 673 Brightman, Frank W., 587, 588, 629 Henry, 430 Israel, 128 James, 604 Sanford, 128 Brintnell, Samuel, Ebenezer and Na- thaniel, 91 Thomas, 61 Thomas, and son Capt. Samuel, 93 Bristol county, act constituting, 3 at the opening of the present cen- tury, 123 attempts to divide, 117 condition of, after the war of 1812, 140 condition of at the time of incorpo- ration, 44 debts, receipts and assets of, 184 effects of the Revolution upon, 103, 104 effects to secure the division of, 140, 141 electric railways, extension of, in, 183 evolution of the judicial system of, 643, 654 first courts in, and struggle over their location. 34, 45, 645 first settlement in, 11 foreign element in the population of, 182, 183 formation of, 44 growth of cities in, since the Civil war, 184 in the war of the Revolution, 96- 98 in the war of 1812, 125-126 in the Civil war, 168-172 Indian occupants of the territory of, 6 lakes of, 3 list of post-offices in, 5, 6 list of the towns in, 4 INDEX. 369 Bristol county, natural features of, upon arrival of white pioneers, 11 original towns in, 4 population of, 5 prices of provisions, etc., at the close of the war of 1812, in, 126 reduction of the original territory of, 4 rivers, of, 2 second settlement in, 12 situation and topography of, 1-3 valuations of, by decades. 5 voters in, 4 Agricultural Society, 142 Bible Society, 141 Central Agricultural Society, 168 Bristol North District Medical Society, 683-687 South District Medical Society, 687- 692 Broadhead, John, Rev., 113 Bronson, Asa, Rev., 477, 504 Hector, Rev., 480 Brooks, F. T., Rev., 507 note O. N., Rev., 506 note Brotherson, Joseph C, 377 Brown, Alonzo, 517 Benjamin W. , 514 C. A, 566 Daniel, 498 David F., 581 E. Carlisle, 172 George P., 548, 549 Isaac A., 581 James, 35, 48, 178, 285, 285, sketch of, 668 James C, 301 J. S., Rev., 277 John, 670 JohnC, 131 Jonathan, 563 Jonathan, jr., 584 Joseph, 138 Josiah, 569, 579 Moses, 405 Robert C, 525, 559, 566, 601 Samuel C, Rev., 279,505 Samuel M., 569 Thomas C, 242 note William, 100 William, Capt, 496 Browne, John, 220 Brownell, Abner, 127, 128 Benjamin, 127 David, 128 Fenner, 583, 593 Frederick, 128 George L., 418 Brownell, J. Augustus, 418 Jonathan, 476 Joseph, 418 Nathan C, 128 Nicholas T., 368 Pardon, 127, 128, 188 Samuel, 128 Sylvester, Capt., 128, 129 William, 368 Wright, 364 Brownrigg, M. M., Miss, 694 Bruce, James E., Rev., 65, 277 Bryant, Gamaliel, 328 John, 354 Jonathan, 88 Buchanan, W. Howell, Rev., 385 Buck, A. W., Dr., 692, 694 Charles W. Rev., 502 E. A., Rev., 504 Bucklin, Joseph, 138 Buffinton, Benjamin, 563 Benjamin, 2d, 453 Bradford, 131 Daniel, 447, 453, 563 D. &D., 461, 473 Edward P., 171, 500, 535 and note George R.H., 623 H. T., 629 Israel, 497 and note, 524, 525, 608 James, 500, 527, 533, 545 John, 478 Jonathan, 131 Joseph, 453, 563 Moses, 563 Robinson, 453, 563 Samuel R. , 545 Buffum, Arnold, 465, 475, 606 Bugbee, Chester, 155 Bullard, H. C, Dr., 172 S. M. and John N., 430 Bullock, Asa, 114 Jesse, Dr., Ill Jesse D., 534 Richmond, 114 Bump, Thomas, Dr., 112 Burbank, John F., Rev., 242 note Warren, 264 Burdick, David J., 570 Burg, Samuel, Dr., 681 Burgess, Isaiah, 358 note Nathan, 364 Burnham, Michael, Rev., 504 Burr, Ephraim, Capt, 101, 102 Burrell, John T., 471 Burrows, Amos, Elder, 475 Burt, Abel, 88 Clarissa, 354 Daniel C, Rev., 89 370 INDEX. Burt, David, 242 note Ebenezer, 67 Edmund, 203 F. W.,206 George B., 202 James, 2d, 242 note John, 71, 72, 88 Joseph, 88 Mason, W., 285 Richard, 220, 227 Samuel P., 383 Stephen, 120 Thomas, 72 Burton, Stephen, 44 Bush, George H., 601 Mary B., 275 Oliver H., 475 Thomas, 263, 292 Bushee, A., &Co., 159 Butler, James D., Rev., 279, 480 Joseph, 555, 557, 565 S. Wright, Rev., 481 Thomas, 55 T. M., Rev., 133 Butterworth, Benjamin, 439 John, 21 Buttrick, Jonathan, 418 Buzby, Samuel, 93 Byefield, Nathaniel, Col., 43 Cabot, F. W., 182 Cady, Frank L., 303 H. B., Rev., 279 and note Sally, Miss, 247, 336 Cain, Moses, 296 ' Callender, John, 51 Campbell, Alexander H., 351 note Archibald, Rev., 81 Jeremiah, 63 John, 587 Othniel, 66 Sylvanus, 62 Cannon, James, 363 Canady (Kennedy), William, 264 Canedy, A. C. G., Miss, 536 William B., 411, 514, 515, 605 Canfield, William, 358 note, 620 Canonchet, capture of, 42 Capen, Charles D., 418 Thomas A., Dr., 699 Capron, E. S., 157 George C, 236 note, 271 Hartford H., 160 WillardO., 181 Card, S. W., 182, 204 Carey, Daniel, 290 John, 230 Carhle, Leonard, 439 Cams, John, Rev., 139 Carpenter, Albert H. W., 335 note Benoni, Dr., 684 George M., Rev., 279 Horatio and Miles, 213 Noah, sr., 56 Samuel and Jesse, 155 SebaA., Dr., 684 S. N., 158, 160 Stephen, Thomas, James and Peter, 115 Thomas, Col., 97, 266 Weston, 138 William, 17, 51, 65, 67 William, Dr., Ill - Worcester, 138 Carr, Greene, 363 Samuel J., Rev., 133 William, 498 Carrier, Isaac G. , 663 Carrique, Richard, Rev., 154 Carroll, Angelo, Rev., 279 Samuel J., Rev., 279 note William, 582 Carruthers, William, Rev., 137 Cartwright, Dennis, 209 Carver, Jonathan, 265 Case, Edward, 220 Wanton, 128 Castner. Samuel, 569 Caswell, Benjamin and James, 93 Cyrus, 296 George, 88 John, and son John, 92 Samuel, Dr., 68, 94, 680 William, 66, 109, 603 Cathcart, Thomas, 58 Catterall, Adam, 597 Cavanaugh, T. F., 304 Cessions to the United States, 167 Chace, Adoniram, 594 Adoniram, J., 575, 589 Arnold, B., 587 Augustus, 541, 571, 572, 574, 589-591 Benjamin, 131, 474, 511 Benjamin A., 588 B. C, Rev., 56 Clark, 452 Daniel, 131 Daniel E. , 569 Edward, 518 Edward A., 591 Ezra, 103 Gardner, 473 George A., 582, 583, 593 Giles G., Capt, 90 Harvey, 456 note, 465, 469, 474, 513, 517, 518, 563, 564 INDEX. 371 Chace, Isaac B., 572 Jonathan, 569. 588 J. H., 566 Judson, 590 Nathan, 582 Oliver, 451, 453, 454 and note, 459, 461, 465, 469, 499, 563, 564 Oliver, jr., 497, 498, 565 Samuel, 469, 518 S. Angier, 500, 501, 537, 563, 585, 588, 591 Simeon P., 572 William, 590 W. B. M., 596 William H., 590 Chad wick, J. A., 597 Nicholas S., Rev., 334 note & Co , 121 Chaffee, Caleb, 138 Chaffin, William L., Rev., 161 Chagnon, John B., Dr., 694 Chamberlain, Charles, Rev., 80 Joseph E., 623 Chandler, Edward, 427 Edward Herrick, Rev. , 276 note Chapin, David, 471 Daniel A., 541, 581, 591 Jacob, 273 Seth, Rev., 429 William, 506 William C, 498 Chapman, Cyrus W. , 335 note, 368 James F., 376 John H., 368 J. A. M., Rev., 279 note, 505 Chappell, Robert, 473 Chase, Allen, 130 Benjamin, 31, 209 Clark, 563, 564 Daniel, jr., 130 Edmund, 570, 583, 587, 593, 600 Edward, 110 Ezra, 130 George, Capt,, 110 Job, 132 John, 128 Joseph, 131 Moses, Rev., 362 note Nathan, 130, 416 Peleg, 130 Simeon B., 574, 575, 580, 587-589, 593, 594, 596, 597, 693 Warren E., 404 William, 131 William, jr., 131 Cheever, George W., 172 Israel, Rev., 148, 332 Chesbrough, Lewis R., 299 Chester, W. R., 575 Childs, Nathaniel R., 368 Chilson Furnace Co., 204 Chillson, Gardner, 94 Cholera scourge of 1832, 143 Church, A. J., Rev., 508 note Benjamin, Capt, 10. 38, 39, 42, 43 note, 45, 46, 423, 424, 438, 439, 447 Caleb, 135, 423, 424 Hezekiah W., 278 and note H. M., 288 James I., 354 note Joseph, 44, 407, 670 Nathan, 210 Thomas, 114 Thomas L., 278 Circuits, division of State into, 654 Claflin, Edward P., 158 Claghorn, George, 328, 340 Clap, Harvey, 172 Thomas, Rev., 240 Clapp, C. G., 196 Samuel and son Jonathan, 67 Clark, Cyrus E., 147 E. F., Rev., 279 note George, Mr. and Mrs., 354 George F., Rev., 65 Henry, Rev., 242 note Jairus, 128 James F., Rev., 366 note John, 102 Lyman, Rev., 81 Nelson, Rev., 152 Pitt, Rev., 142 Robert, Rev., 506 Walton, 549 W. G., & Co., 159 Clarke, A. Edwin, 658 George, 213 Henry B., Dr., 699 John L., Dr., 699 William, 258 Cleveland, Horace A. , Rev. , 279 Clifford, Charles W., 351, 402, 660, 695 John Henry, 360, 376, 402, sketch of 672 Clough, Simon, Rev. , 481 Cluney, Patrick, 365 Coan, L S., Rev., 152 Cobb, Alanson, 160 Alvan, Rev., 271 Daniel, 155 David, Col., 105-107, 246 Evans & Co., 205 John and William, 62 J. W., 204 Silas, Capt., 100, 101 Simeon, Lieut., 100 372 INDEX. Cobb, Thomas, Capt, 47, 265, 292, 294 Thomas, son Jonathan and grand- son Jonathan B., 295 Thomas J., 658 William, Capt, 180, 181 WilliamS., 376, 377 Wendell H., 354 note Codding, Abiel, 157, 173, 176 Arthur, jr., 174 Arthur E., 172 Brothers, 159 George, 100 James A., 172 & Smith, 159 Coe, Curtis, Rev., 479 William, Rev., 334 note Coffin, Davis, 353 Frederick, Charles H., Walter H., and ArthurS., 420 Timothy Gardner, 395, sketch of 670 Coggeshall, Haydon, 351 note John, 342 John, jr., 351 note Robert C. P., 381 note Thomas, 335 note William, 470 Coggshall, Billings, 131 S. W., Rev., 279 Cohannet Purchase, the, 7 Colburn, Jotham, 276 Samuel W., Rev., 271, 479 Colby, Elijah, Dr., 681 Harrison Gray Otis, 368, 653, sketch of 671 Henry W., 290, 291 Richard, 265 Samuel, 278 note Cole, Abiel, 102 Allen, Capt., 138 Hugh, 30 Gideon, Rev., 153 Joseph, Capt., 101 Samuel Valentine, Rev., 276 Coleman, Abner, 281 Collins, James H., 368 John, 533 Collyer, John, 275 J. N., Rev., 506 note Colton, William, 88 Comer, John, Rev., 113 Comey, J. F., 204 Comstock, Joseph J., Capt, 496 Conant, P. D., 590 Cone, D wight E., Dr., 692, 694 William, Rev., 113 Congdon, Benjamin T., 358 Caleb, 407 Charles T, 359 note Congdon, James B., 145; 165, 360, 368, 372 and note, 373, 377, 381, 395 Joseph, 354 Mary T, 396 Conger, Everett L., Rev., 277 Connell, A. I., Dr., 692, 694 Charles W., Dr., 600 Thomas, 637 William, 610, 612 William, jr., 582 Connelly, M. H., 612 Connors, Thomas F., 565, 566 Converse, Edmund W., 565, 566 Cook, Charles B., 596 Clarence A., 415 Edward, 188 Elihu, 448 Everett, M., 541 James M., 281 John, 67, 448 Linden, 498, 569, 570 Nathaniel, Dr., 68 Richard H., 595 Thomas, 322 T. Washburn, 377 William, 377 Cooke, John, 39 Thomas, 220 Coombs, Henry C, Rev.; 65 Cooper, Benjamin, 270 Thomas, 17, 20 Timothy, 74, 83 Copeland, Benjamin, Dea., 67 Elijah, 94 Horatio and George, 200 Josiah, 84, 162 Coram, Thomas, 70, 120 Corey, C. L., 204 David A, 419 Samuel, Lieut., 84 Thomas E., and Fred M., 186 Cornell, Daniel H., 595 Ezekiel, Capt, 129 Joseph H., 373 Joseph W., 417 Peleg, jr., 128 Stephen, 127 William M., Dr., 89 William M. andB. L., 90 Cornish, Aaron, Dr., 681 Hannaniah, 99 Israel C. 381 note Corr, Peter H., 303,304 Corry, John, Rev. , 507 Corwithy (Kerwithy), David, 220 Cory, Benjamin, 127 Isaac, 128 Cotton, JohnS., 469, 474 INDEX. 373 Cotton, Josiah, 243 Couch, D. N., Col., 168. 534 Coughlin, J. W. Dr.. 692 Coultas, A. J., Rev., 505, 506 note Coupe. William, & Co., 193 Court house at Fall River, 664 Court houses and jails in Hew Bedford, 663, 664; at Taunton, 660-663, 655 Court proceedings, early, 651-6)3 Courts, District, of the county, 658 Covel, A. S., 549, 574, 575, 577, 579, 581, 587, 590, 601, 693 Benjamin, 581 Thomas B. , 471 Covell, Clement P. , 358 note Cowel, Joseph, 52 Cowen, Jonathan, 147 Cox, Arthur, 147, 210 Ebenezer, 265 E. F., Miss, 694 James V., 383 Obadiah E. , Rev. , 363 note Coy, Nehemiah, Rev., 161 William, 220 Crafts, Frederick, 247, 277 W. A., Rev., 133 Craighead, Thomas, Rev., 108 Crandall, Joseph, 499 Phineas, Rev., 480 William, 354 Crandell, Nathaniel, 300 Crandon, Philip, Rev., 147, 149 Crane, Abel and John, 88 Adoniram, Col., 90 Edward, Dr., 89 Ebenezer, Henry and George, 203 Gershom, 88 H. W., 201 John, 72, 90 Jonathan Rev., 59, 90 Joshua, E., 228 Silas A., Rev., Benjamin and Daniel, 89 Crankshaw, A. E., 600 Felix, 576 Cranston, Philip, Rev., 506 note Crapo, Consider, 102 Henry H., 359, 364, 373, 584 Peter. 102, 103 William W., 351 note, 380, 381, 383, 402, 412, 584, 596, 660 Crary, William H. A., 521 Crocker, George O., 372 note James H., 368 Joseph, 266 Josiah, Rev., 241 Oliver and George O., 353 Peter, Rev., 119 Crocker, Samuel, 142, 160, 263, 273, 293, 295, 296 Samuel and William A., 294 Samuel L., 278 note, 283, 300 William A., 145, 278 William A., Samuel L. and George A., 300 & Richmond, 294, 295, 296 Cross, Latham, 411 Crossman, Edward, 271 James W., 277, 278 John, 220, 227 Joseph, 76 Nathaniel, 228 Robert, 227, 228, 261, 266, 291, 321 Robert, son of Robert, 228, 286, 301 William W., 297 Crowell, Stephen, 354 note Cud worth, David, jr., and Caleb, 439 James, Capt., 29, 37, 38, 40 James, grandson of Capt. James, 31, 422 Cumming, Arthur, 402 Cummings, A. G., Rev., 481 Charles R., 623 E.N. &Co., 159 E. W., Rev., 385 Harmon and C. J., Revs., 506 John W., 659, 693, 694 Preston, Rev., 73 William and John, 187 Cunneen, James E., 585, 591 Curry, John, Rev., 279 Curtis, H. H., & Co., 159 Cushman, Eliphalet, 367 Hercules, 110, 545, 678 Seth L., 278 Z., 362 Cushing, Herbert, 213 James F., 320 James R., Rev., 276 note Cuttle, Gilbert P., 585 Daggett, Ebenezer, and sons H. N. and H. M., 55 Handel N., 156, 177 Homer N., 160 John, 48 note, 54, 98, 283, sketch of, 678 Joseph, 54 Levi, Rev., 152 Nathaniel, 54 Robert, 138 S. L., 158 Thomas, 54 & Clap, 159 Daily, John, 74, 75, 83 Daland, George, Rev., 133 374 INDEX. Dalglish, John H., 278 note Daman, John, 31 Damon, Joseph, 328 Danes, Thomas, Elder, 166 Danforth, Allen, 273 George, 273 note, 274 note Horatio L., 278,669 Oliver, 242 note Samuel, Rev., 240, 243, 244, 294 Samuel, jr., 295 Thomas, 160 Thomas, 2d, 161 Danielson, Charles R., 596 Darling, Theodore, 200 Dartmouth, Baptists and Quakers in, 24, 25 church troubles in, 24, 25 churches of, 118, 119, 166, 167 early educational measures in, 117, 118 early industries of, 119 efforts made in, to divide the county, 117 extracts from the records of, 25, 26 first grist mill in, 26 gazetteer of the the town of, 186-188 in the Revolution, 99 list of freemen in, in 1686, 26 list of proprietors and early settlers in, 27-29 Quakers and Baptists in, 115 records showing municipal interfer- ence in personal affairs in, 116, 117 schedule of prices of necessaries in 1779, 104 territory included in the old town of, and its thirty six proprietors, 23, 24 visit of Bartholomew Gosnold to, in 1602, 24 note Purchase, The, 8 - Davenport, Dudley, 395, 407 E. W,, 157 James F., 589 William C, 278 note Davis, Benjamin, 128 B. H., 500 David P., 589 Elisha, 179 George, K., 158 InaG, 595 John, 134 JohnR., 214 Jonathan, Capt., 125, 128 Jonathan W., 377 N. R., & Son, 190 Perry, 473 Davis, Richard, Rev., 122 Robert T., Dr. 533, 570,575, 579,580, 582, 587-589, 592, 594, 596, 615, 693 Stephen, 127 William, 99, 128, 188 Davol, Abner, 447 and note Barjonas, 127 Benjamin- D., 518, 521 Bradford D., 497, 564, 576, 579, 582, 584, 586, 587, 590, 594 Ezra, 274 note, 279 note George S., 575, 590 Stephen, 491 and note, 493, 564, 575, 576, 579, 582, 584-586 William C, 492 and note, 575, 587, 627 William C, jr., 569 Dawes, Ebenezer, Rev. , 73, 274 note Ebenezer, Dr., 681 Day, Alfred B., & Co., 205 B. B.,157 Samuel, 58 Deady, Louis J., Rev., 507 note Dean, Abieser, (father and son), 662, 663 Barney, 278 Barzillai, Capt., 162 Charles H., 574, 578, 588 David, 86 Ebenezer, Capt., 47, 77, 97, 266 Edward, 203 EliabB., Major, 86 Elijah, 85 Francis B. , 279 note, 295 Gardner, 89 Gardner T., 541, 582 George A., 157, 176 G. A., &Co., 157 George W., 190 Gustavus L., David, P. K. and Henry, 201 Isaac, 92 Israel, 2d, Capt, 97, 266 Jacob and Darwin, 94 James, 83, 84, 100 James, Joseph, David, Benjamin, Aaron, Walter, Ezra, David, jr., James, jr., 88 James A., 180 James B., Dr., 684 James H., 290 John, 220, 227, 252, 256, 258 John Gilmore, 86 John M., 585 Joseph, 71, 72, 84, 160, 663 Joseph, sr. and jr., 296 Josiah, 270, 293 INDEX. 375 Dean, Josiah and sons Tosiah and Eliab B., 263 note, 292 J. O., & Co., 200 Luther, 289 L. B., 196 Noah, 266 N. Bradford, 278 Paul, Rev., 81 Philander W., 301 Robert, 296 Robert S., 278, 279 note, 295 Samuel, 66 Theodore, 263 note, 278, 585 Thomas C. , 90 Walter, 20, 69, 71, 227, 232, 233, 252 William, Capt, 92, 95 William, jr., 92 William R., 283 Deane, Ezra, Dr., 680 Dedrick, A. C, Dr., 692 De Forest, Heman P. , Rev. , 56, 276 Delano, Abisha, Reuben, Ephraim, Rich- ard and Nathaniel, 135 Ephraim, Elnathan and John, 138 George, 415 Jabez, 325 Jabez, jr., 210 John, 137, 407 Jonathan, 134 Joseph, Capt, 123 Joseph C, 358 note, 411, 415 Joshua, 137, 330 Richard, 135 Thomas, 137 Timothy, 407 Warren, jr., 210 Demarest & Brady, 159 De Morauville, Charles, 102 Louis, 102 Denison, Henry C, 420 John H., 420 Desmond, John, 545 Devotion, John, 54, 122 Dewey, Loring D., Rev., 479 Orville, 334 note, 354 Dews, Edwin, 377 Dexter, H. Mortimer, Rev., 276 note Dickson, Robert, 57 Dighton, early educational interests in, 73 early families of, 70 churches of, 73, 74, 119, 180 collectors of the port of, 70 note early cotton mills in, 120 early manufactures of, 120, 121 early settlers of, 69-71 early ship building in, 120 Dighton, extracts from the early records of, 71, 72 ferry at, 72 first church of, 72 gazetteer of the town of, 196, 197 in the Revolution, 100 industries of, 150 list of proprietors and incorporation of, 68, 69 manufactures of, 180, 181 officers of, in 1712, 72 schedule of prices in, in 1727, 73 Furnace Co., 180, 197 Manufacturing Co., 180 Rock, the, 197 Dillingham, Benjamin, Capt., 99, 325, 328, 329 Diman, J. Lewis, Rev., 479 Dinnegan, D. G., 405 Dixon, Joseph, 302 Doane, Elisha, 376 Dobra, Christopher, 172 Dodge, Nehemiah and son John C, 156 Dods, John B., Rev., 277 Doe, Walter P., Rev'., 113 Doggett, Simeon, Rev., 165 Simeon, jr., 247 Dolan, W, A., Dr., 692, 694 Dorman, Seth, 91, 93 Micajah, 63 Doughty, Francis, 221, 239, 253 Dow, Albert F., 629, 630 Doyle, Joseph J., 159 Rev. Father, 507 note Drake, Benjamin, 74 Benjamin, son of Benjamin, 76 John, 75, 221 Joseph, nephew of Benjamin, 77 Lincoln, Capt., 162 L. S. and A. L., 163 Simeon, Lieut., 126 Thomas, 74 Thomas, and sons John and Benja- min, 75 Thomas R., 278 note W. E., 200 Draper, Eben S., 592, 593 Ebenezer, 155 F. S. & Co., 159 Gamaliel B., 172 George A., 591, 594 Herbert M., 158 Josiah, 156 J. B., 158 O. M., 174 William F., 594, 597 Drew, Alfred E., Rev., 480 Isaac, 328 376 INDEX. Drew, William, 200 Dring, Charles P., 589, 601 Driscoll, James, 453, 463, 563 Dubuque, H. A.,' 659, 693 Duff, Bradford P., Mrs., 211 Dunbar, Elisha, 358 note Franklin, 273 note George H., 402 Joseph, 301 Samuel O., 275 note, 281, 304 W. E., 304 Duncan, John, Rev., 505 Dunham, Isaac, Rev., 276 note Joseph, 63 William E., 585 Dunn, William, 221 Durfee, Benjamin, 604 Benjamin and son Thomas, 425 Bradford, 459, 464 and note, 465 468, 469, 481, 492, 503, 512, 513, 516, 517, 542, 555, 556, 558, 563, 565, 572, 605 Bradford M. C, 572-575, 591 Charles, 447, 511 David, 441, 471 familv, the, 434-436 Fidelia B., Mrs., 503 George B., 569, 576, 579, 584 George H., 478 George N., 577, 591, 600 Gideon H. , 499 Holder B., 504, 565, 579, 580, 581, 627 Horatio N., 576, 585 James, 373, 407 Joseph, 503, 598 Joseph and wife, 479 Joseph. Col., 450, 484, 566 Joseph, Col., account by, of the British invasion of Fall River, 441- 446 Matthew C, 465, 470, 474, 513 Nathan, Dr., 474 and note, 496, 503, 521, 562 Richard, 479 Robert, 108, 430 Thomas, 605 Walter, 484 Walter C, 499-501, 533, 579, 580 Wealthy, 479, 563 William, 407 William B., 548, 581, 601 William F., 380 D welly, Frank H., 572 Jerome, Dr., 694 William H., jr., 630 Dwight, Edmund, 296 Thomas, 475 Dwinell, B. L., Dr., 696, 699 Dyer, D. Hartwell, 568, 575, 576, 578, 584, 585 Timothy J., 210 Dyson, Robert. Rev., 507 note Eames, Asa., 494, 627 Earl, Benjamin, 475 note, -545 and note Caleb, 127 Daniel, 131 Henry H., 450, 589, 612, 693 John, 132 J. M., 589 Lloyd S., 570, 579, 581 Oliver, 453, 563 PelegH., 474 Robert, Capt, 129 Easterbrook, James, 189 Eastman, L. R., Rev.. 89 note Robert K., 368 Easton, churches of, 78-82, 161 early settlers of, 74-77 early industries of, 83, 84 educational interests in, 82 gazetteer of the town of, 197-200 in the French and Indian war, 77 in the Revolution, 101 incorporation of, 74 industries of, 162-164 iron business in, 83 Alexander D., 575, 578-581, 585, 587 FredW., 594, 597 Eaton, James, jr., 354 note Louis H., 354 note T. B., 274 Eddy, Daniel C, Rev., 477 Ebenezer and Eleazer, sons of John and grandsons of Samuel, 63 George H., 577, 579, 580, 582 George H., jr., 465 George M., 384 GeorgeS., Dr., 575,694 Henry H., 598 James, 186, 189 James C, 598 Jesse, 470, 471, 59El, 608 Job, 351 note, 462, 464 John, 131, 512 note, 513, 517, 598 John, jr., 251 John and Jesse, 462 and note, 468 Jonathan, 63 Joshua, 131 Peletiah, 266 Saul W., 279 note Thomas F., 501, 502, 598, 612 William, 359 note William H., 582,678 Edmenster, James, 439 PERSONAL REFERENCES. 377 Edson, Edward, Rev., 379 note Educational methods and measures of the early colonists, 33, 34 Elam, Samuel, 401 Eldridge, Elnathan. 134 George H., 334 note Isaiah, 135 Isaiah and Salathiel, 138 John H., 290 Killey, 137, 407 Eliot, Joseph, 64 Thomas, 251 Thomas Dawes, sketch of, 671 William H., 296 Ellery, William, 70 Elliot, Joseph, 93 Ellis, Alden G., 373 Jabez, Capt, 98 James, 138, 669 James P., 278 note John, 147 John, Rev., 139 Leonard B., 354 note, 384 Nathan S., 383 Elms, George N., 288 Ely, Thomas, Rev., 480 Emerson, Daniel, Rev., 118 John F., 394,395,396 Emery, S. Hopkins, Rev., 243, 246 note, 276 note, 283 William M., 406 Estes, John H., 570, 578, 589, 600 Etzensperger, John, 159 Evans, David B., 191 D.,&Co., 155 S. A., 205 Samuel E., Rev., 139 William, 103, 577 Everett, A. M., 157 Dennis, 157 Ewer, B. , 376 Seth, Elder, 477 Fairbanks, Ellis, Capt., 94 Willard, A.; 278, 283, 300 Fairhaven, Bristol Gazette of, 136 churches of, 166 early academy at, 137 early business in, 135 early roads in, 134 early settlers of, 134 early town meetings in, 136 erection of, 133, 134 gazetteer of the town of, 209-212 in the Revolution, 135 National Bank of, 210 New Bedford bridge at, 136, 212 progress in, 165 Fairhaven, proprietors of lots in, in 1790, 135 schools of, 211 ship building in, 137 streets laid out in, in 1790, 135 Foundry Co., 211 Improvement Association, 210 .Institution for Savings, 210 Riverside Cemetery of, 210 Star, the, 212 Fales, Samuel, 266, 273, 294, 295, 657 note Timothy, 651, 663 Fall River, account of British invasion of, by Col. Joseph Durfee, 441-446 act creating the town of, 447, 449 aldermen of, list of the, 632-634 Algonquin Printing Co. in, 597 American and other Print Works in, 566, 567, (See Fall River Iron Works Co.) American Linen Co. in, 492, 568, 569 American Print Works in, 482 Annawan Manufactory in, 565 armory, 493, 494 and note at the close of the Revolution, 447 attempt to abolish city government of, 531 Bank, founding of the, 465 Bar Association of, 658-660 Barnaby ManuEacturing Co. in, 593 Barnard Manufacturing Co. in, 586 Bay State Print Works in, 484 beginning of individual investment in manufactures in, 536 Bleachery, 583 Bobbin and Shuttle Co., 590 Border City Mills in, 585 boundary dispute relating to, 430 Bourne Mills in, 593 burning of the Granite Mills in, 543 business concerns of, in 1826, 473, 474 B. M. C. Durfee High School in, 612, 613 B. M. C. Durfee Safe Deposit and Trust Co. of, 541 calico printing in, 466, 467, 482 care of the poor of, in early days, 510 capital invested in, from New Bed- ford, 461 causes of the growth of, 524 Chace Mills in, 589 chapter from the village records of: 1803, 509; 1804-5, 510; 1806, 511; 1812, 511-513; 1815-16, 514; 1817- 25,515; 1846-29,516; 1830-32,517; 1833-35, 518; 1837-39, 519; 1840- 378 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 42, 520; 1843, 520-21; 1844-46, 521; 1847-49, 522; 1850-53, 523 Fall River, charter amendments, 542 charter, provisions of, 525-527 chief engineers of the fire depart- ment of, list of the, 627 cholera of 1832 in, 484; of 1854, 508; the last, 530 church history of, before organiza- tion of the town, 477 note churches of, 476-481, 502-507 Citizen's Savings Bank of, 496 city assesors of, list of the, 641, 642 city clerks and assistant clerks of, list of the, 640 city engineers, physicians, superin- tendents of streets, and district physicians of, lists of the, 642 City Hall, 511 note city officers of, list of the, 632-42 city treasurers, collectors, auditors, solicitors and marshals of, lists of the, 641 common councilmen of, list of the, 634-640 Conanicut Mills in, 565 co-operative banks of, 541 Cornell Mills in, 595 cotton manufacture, influence of, upon, 554 cotton manufactures, difficulty in dis- posing of, in, 456 cotton mills founded in, between 1820 and 1830, 462-466 cotton mills, increase in the size of, in, 491 Crescent Mills in, 581 Custom House and Post-office build- ing in, 544-546 customs collectors of, list of the, 545 Daily Globe, 623 Daily Herald, 622, 623 Davol Mills in, 575 division of the fourteen lots in, and owners of same, 424-429 Durfee Mills in, 572-574 early militia officers of, list of, 440 educational history of, chapter on the, 602-618 Electric Light Co., 629 Emergency Hospital in, 694 establishment of public library in, 532 Evening News, 621, 622 financial crisis of 1857 in, 528-530 financial depression of 1837 in, 484 financial history of, 551-554 first city officers of, 527 Fall River, first cotton factory in, 450 first dividends of the Troy Co. in, 456-458 First National Bank of, 541 first town officers of, 509 Fire Department, 526 note, 624-629 Five Cents Savings Bank, 500 Flint Mills in, 581 freighting facilities of, 548 Friends and their churches in, 478 founding of cotton mills, 537, 540 founding of cotton and other mills in, 548 founding of miscellaneous corpora- tions in, 549 founding of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory and the Fall River Manufactory in, 451-459 Gas Works Co., 548 Globe Yarn Mills in, 592 Granite Mills in, 570 great fire of 1843 in, 485-490 growth of, after the Civil war, 539 Hargraves Manufacturing Co. in, 599 Hargraves Mills in, 594 hat-making in, 599 Hospital, 693, 694 in the early wars, 437, 438 in the French and Indian war, 439 in the war of the Revolution, 441- 447 in the war of 1812, 459. 460 in the Civil war, 532-536 incorporation of, as a city, 525 increase in population of, 536 Indian reservation in, 426, 438, 439 industrial conditions of, in 1830, 481, 482 industries established in, between 1830 and 1840, 468, 469 Iron Works Company, history of the, 555-561 Iron Works, 468 Kerr Thread Co. in, 595 Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. in, 600 King Phiiip Mills in, 588 land history of, 422-430 Laurel Lake Mills in, 589 leather manufacturing in, 600 L' Independent, 624 list of the purchasers of the " Free- men's Purchase," 422 Machine Company, 601 Manufactory corporation, 561-563 Map of, between 424 and 425 Marshall & Brother, James, in, 599 Massasoit Manufacturing Co. in, 592 INDEX. 379 Fall River, Massasoit National Bank of, 496 mayors of, list of the, 632 Mechanics' Mills in, 575 Medical Society, 692, 693 Merchants' Manufacturing Co. in, 574 Metacomet Mill in, founding of, 492 ; 566 Metacomet National Bank of, 498 Monitor, 475 note, 620 Montaup Mills in, 579 Narragansett Mills in, 580 National Union Bank of 470 natural characteristics of, 436, 437 New England Fur Co. in, 599 newspaper extracts relating to, 471- 475 newspapers of, 620-624 organization of the city government of, 527, 528 Osborn Mills in, 577, 578 park system in, establishment of the, 538 Parker Mills in, 597 Pocasset Hat Co. in, 600 Pocasset Manufacturing Co, of, 564 Pocasset National Bank of, 499 Pocasset Purchase in, division of the, and owners of same, 423, 429, 430 Police Department, 528 note poor farm and almshouse, 513 population statistics of, 550 postmasters of, list of, 544 post-office established in, 450 power weaving, beginning of, in, 455 prices of cotton products in, in, 1820, 458 Public Library, 618. 619 Quequechan Mills in, 567 railroad facilities of, 496 rapid growth of, between 1820 and 1830, 460 Richard Borden Manufacturing Co. of, 577 Robeson Mills in, 569 Sagamore Manufacturing Co. in, 584 Sanford Spinning Co. in, 596 Satinet Factory in, 467, 468 Savings Bank, 469, 470 School Committee of, list of members of the, 616-618 Seaconnet Mills in, 590 Second National Bank of, 501 selectmen of, list of the, 630-631 settlement of the State boundary line in, 532 sewerage system begun in, 531 and note Fall River, Shove Mills in, 582 "skeleton in armor," found in, 486 note sketch of, in 1813, 450, 451 Slade Mills in, 591 Stafford Mills in, 587 statistics of growth of, 549, 550 steamboat lines of, 495, 496 and note Stevens Manufacturing Co, in, 596 street railways in, 629 Tecumseh Mills in, 571 topographical changes in, 542 tories in, 446 town assessors of, list of the, 631 town clerks of, list of the, 631 town houses of, 449, 511, 512 town officers, list of the, 630-632 town treasurers and collectors of, list of the, 631 transportation, freight, in, 538 Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufac- tory in, 563, 564 Union Belt Co. in, 590 Union Savings Bank of, 541 villages included in the city of, 525 note Wampanoag Mills in, 579 Wamsutta Woolen Mills in, 598 water supply and works, 546-548 water transportation of 495 Watuppa Reservoir Co. in, founding of the, '458 Weetamoe Mills in, 576 Wyoming Mills in, 590 Falls Manufacturing Co., 155 Fanton, B. S., Rev., 481 Farmers' Factory, the, 155 Farnsworth, J. H., Rev., 365 J. Russell, 247 R. W. C, Rev., 560 note Farnum, Jerome, 213 Roger, 157 Farrar, George, Rev., 81 Farwell, Thomas, 221 Faunce, Silas, 188 William, Elder, 164 Fay, Solomon P., Rev., 479 Fearing, Israel, Major, 135, 324 Fellows, Stephen, Rev., 481 Fenner, Henry G., 568 Henry S., 591 Ferguson, George, 84 John, Rev., 57 Fernald, O. H., Rev., 279 note Fessenden, C. B. H., 402, 404 Field, Albert, 153, 264, 283, 300 George M., 599 Fields, Braddock, 201 380 INDEX. Fillebrown, Thomas, 91 Fillmore, Jesse, Rev., 362 Financial crisis of 1834-37, 145; of 1857, 167 Fish, Frank L., 575 George H. and Frank L., 298 Henry H., 298, 465, 524 Isaac, 495 Myron, 595 & Huttlestone, 137 Fishbough, William, Rev., 277 Fisher, Abijah, John and Eleazer, 63 Brothers, 204 Charles E., 589 J. M., &Co., 159 Nathan, 277 Nathaniel, ReV., 72, 73 Samuel, Eleazer, Israel and Nathan- iel, sons of Daniel, 63 S. E., & Co., 159 Fiske, George R., 465 Isaac Dr. 698 Samuel E., 178, 180, 189, 190, 197, 201, 203, 624 U. M., Rev., 277 Fittz, L. L., Rev., 133 Flanders, Rev. Dr., 365 Fletcher, Elijah T., Rev., 480 Phineas D., 191 Flint, B. K. and B., 205, 206 Franklin C, Rev., 154 note John D., 506, 579-582, 585, 594, 595, 597, 693, 694 Flocken, Louis M., Rev., 507 note Fobes, Benjamin, 76, 83 Perez, Rev., 87 Samuel, Col., Ill, 276 Forbes, eharles H., 418 J. R, 418 Forbush, Jonathan E., Rev., 57 Force, Benjamin, 52 Ford, James, 465, 469, 470, 473, 475, 494, 516, 518, 533, 544, 628, sketch of 675 Forman, Samuel, 603 Forrest, John, Isaiah and Samuel, 63 Foster, Alexander, Capt. , 98 Charles, 278, 288, 301 Francis A., 586, 589 James R., Dr., 172 John, 651, 661 John, Rev., 270 Lewis S., 155 Thomas, 649 Timothy, 424 WardL., 164,199 Fothergill, Ralph, Rev., 507 Fowler, Orin, Rev., 479 Fox, George S., 404, 405 Fox. Jabez, Rev., 89 Thomas, 173 William H., 278 note, 658 W. Y., 696 Francis, Gideon, 196 Isaac P., 629 Tisdale, 281 Franklin, E. I., 159 Joseph, Capt., 101 Fraser, John, 335 note, 405 Freeman, Benjamin S., and Joseph J., 158 B. S., &Co., 158 David, 52 Daughady & Co., 195 Freetown, early churches in, 107-109 early manufacturing interests in, 110, 111 early physicians of, 111 early school interests in, 109. 110 gazetteer of the town of, 189-191 in the Revolution, 102 lots and lot owners in, 29-31 Journal, the, 189 French and Indian war, the old, 46 ; the last, 47 Canadians in the county, 182, 183 newspapers, 183 Asa P., 500 Charles G. W., 89 David, 90 Ebenezer, 173 Enoch, 470, 494 and note, 515, 600 Enoch J., 577 Ephraim, 203, 271 H. W., 396 Job, 470 JobB., 523, 575-577 John, Rev., 507 Levi, Rev., 89,90 Samuel, Jacob, Levi and Israel, 88 William H., 247 Frothingham, Paul Revere, Rev., 334 note Furbush, M. I., 156 Fuller, Albert, 658 Elias E., 304 E. K., Rev., 133 George E., Rev., 507 note Jacob, Capt., 100 John, 157, 363 Jonathan, 52 Philemon, jr., 210 Samuel, Dr., 680 William E., 283 note, 290 Fulton, Robert, 152, 204 Gage, Benjamin, Mrs., 354 INDEX. 381 Gage, Jessie A. , 694 695 Gaige, William, 110, 603 Gallagher, Charles W., Rev., 166, 279, 505 Galligan, E. E., Dr., 696 Gallop, John, 227, 250 Gammons, John G., Rev., 506 M. E., 113 Gardner, Elisha B., 577 E. C, Job, sr.. Job, jr., Samuel and Leland. 189 Hiram, 131 Job, 178 Johnson, Dr., 684 P. S., 131 Reuben M., 419 Garrisons maintained during King Phil- ip's war, 38 note Gavin, Rowland, 80 Geddings, E. J., Rev., 152 Gee, Caroline A., Mrs., 694 Gellet, Sarah M., 474 George, Matthew, 152, 204 Gerry, Nathaniel S., 534 Gibbs, Alfred, 145, 351 note, 360 Ansel, 210 George W., 578 Henry L., 131 John L , 384 Roberts., 574 Rowland, 210 Samuel and Robert, 131 William L. B., 210 Giffbrd, Abner, 128 AbnerB., 128 Abraham, 334, 358 note Charles H, 335 note, 383 note Ellis, 523 Ferdinand H., 465 Frederick S., 377 George W., 628 J. H, Dr., 692, 694 P. A., 164, 199 William H., 587 Gilbert, David, 93 Eleazer, 76 F. S., 159 George, 161 Horatio, 278 note John, 221, 222, 321 John, sr., 252 Joseph, 101 Nathaniel, Capt, 47, 88, 265 Samuel, 88 Seth, Capt, 101 Thomas, 222, 256, 261, 440 Gile, George W., Rev., 505 Gilligan, Daniel, 564 Gillingham, James L., 658 Gilmore, A. A., 199 A. A., & Co., 164 Elisha, 264 E, W., 199 E. W., &Co., 164 John, Major, 86 Jonathan, 86 Melvin, 86 Gingell, John, 222 Gladden, William, 186 Gladding, Thomas and Walter, 213 Gleason, Daniel, jr., 136 Glover, Samuel, 265 Godfrey, George, 97, 167, 266 James, 67 Job, Dr., 680 and note Job, jr., 273 John, 244, 651, 661 Lafayette, 160 Richard, Capt., 47, 77, 265 Samuel, 67 Goff, Charles B., 613 Darius N., 179 Enoch, Elder, 119 George H, 2d, 186 George N.. 179, 186 Richard, Joseph, Nelson and Darius, 115 Gold Medal Braid Co., 156 Golden, M. C, 275, 304 Goldsbury, John, 247 Gooding, James, 469 Joseph, 100, 474 Josiah, 470 Samuel, 100 Gordon, Hiram J., Rev., 481 S. M., Dr., 694 Timothy, 284, 290 William, 320, 322 William A., Dr., 681 William G, 247 Gould, John B., Rev., 505 S. W.,&Co., 159 William, Rev., 137 Gowan, John C, Rev., 507 note Grace, James W., 377 Gracey, S. L., Rev.. 480 Grady, Patrick F., 172 Grafton, Benjamin C, Rev., 133, 242 note Graham, Susan, 354 Granger, A. O., 549 W. S., 575 Grant, Elihu, Rev., 506 Percy S., Rev,, 503 note Gratorex, John, 58 Graves, Henry C, Rev,, 505 382 INDEX. Graves, John W., 696 Edward, 258 Edward B., 211 Jeremiah, 178 Joseph, 131, 209, 257 Green, Charles G. , 274 Edward W., 335 note David, 204 James, 94, 243 Roland, Rev., 92 Roland, Dr., son of Rev. Roland, 94 S. A., 182 Thomas, 84 William B., Rev., 73 Greene, Augustus A., 363 note, 420 Benjamin, 591 C. S., 623 Chester W., Lieut -Col., 168, 534, 544, 551, 585, 627 David R., 145, 351 note, 411 Olney and John, 213 Thomas A., 351 note, 353, 354, 396 WilliamS., 544, 618,693 " Greenleaf, P. H., Rev., 502 Greenough, W. F., 274 Greenwood, Thomas, Rev., and son, Rev. John, 139 Gregory, Joseph, 201 Gregson, John, 575 Grime, George, 600, 658 Grinnell, Benjamin, 440 Charles, 351 note Cornelius, 336, 351 and note, 353 Edmund, 402, 419 George W., 589 Joseph 145, 351 note, 411, 419 Joseph G., 402 William P., 351 note Grosvenor, Charles P., Rev., 113 Grover, Andrew, 91, 92 Ephraim, 91 Thomas, 63 Thomas, sr., 92 Thomas, and brothers Andrew and Ephraim, 93 W. O., 205 Guild, Charles T., 172, 173 William, 158 Guilford, H. P., Rev., 122 Gummere, Francis B. , 402 Gunn, Horatio N., 494 Gurner, A. G., Rev., 506 note Gushee, Abraham, Rev., 74, 86 Hack, Christopher A. , 273 note Hackett, Joseph, 102 Hadley, Jacob B., 418 Haffards, G. M., 581 Haggerty, Charles C. , 205 Haight, Effingham C, 580, 587 Hailstone, William. 222 Hale, Artemas, 278 Ellery, 620 ' Joseph A., 247 Haley, Isaiah, Rev., 122 Hall, Abijah, Rev., 57 Amariah, 87 Andrew and T. C, 201 Benjamin, 578, 591 Caleb, 56 Edward, 54 Edwin D., Rev., 65 note, 279 note, 507 note Elias, 165 Fredericks., 304, 658 George, 222, 227, 256, 262 George, son of Samuel, 75 John, 91, 93 Joseph, Capt, 47, 265,270 J. W. D., 274 note Lloyd Bowen, 86 Martin Luther, 165 Nathan, 473, 475 note, 620 Noah, Col., 86, 100, 270 Peter, 270 R. Henry. 290, 291 Silas, Rev., 57, 86, 242 note S. M., 420 William T., 582 Halliday, J. C, Rev., 152 Hamilton, A. M., 594, 597 Luther, Rev., 276 Hamlern, George M.., Rev., 507 note Hammett, S. F., 304 Hammond, James, 334 J. S., 475 note William, 38 Hampden, John, 215 Handy, B. J., Dr., 694- James H., 128 Hanley, James, 421 Hanscom, W. H., 623 Harding, David E. , 182, 204, 205 Hardon, A. C, 205 Hardy, Richard, Rev., 507 Hargraves, Cornelius, 587, 599 John W., 595 Reuben, 591, 594, 599 Thomas, 594, 599 Harkness, Thomas, 156 Harley, Elizabeth M. , 694 James B., 559, 567 William J., 559 Harlow, T. O., Rev., 133 Harnden, Harvey, 513, 518, 521 INDEX. 383 Harrington, Daniel J., 591 Frederick, 284 Henry F., 396 Herbert A., 418 Harris, Arthur, 230 B. W., 186 Charles, Dr., 699 E., Dr., 692 Hawes & Co. , 464 Henry S., 289 Jeremiah, 358 Jeremiah G., 363, 367 Thomas, 569 Harrison, John, 581 Hart, Abraham G., 541 Henry B., 274 Isaac L., 586 James, 270 Samuel C, 376, 383 note Simpson, 373, 421 Stephen, 620 Thomas M., 421 William, 131, 132 Hartley, James W., 571, 584 Harts, Anthony, 131 Hartshorn, Jesse, 278 and note, 296 Harvey, Elisha, Capt., 102 Thomas, 249, 259 William, 10, 71, 222, 227, 232, 233 Haskell, Eli, 351 note Ira, 102 Squire B., Rev., 480 Haskins, Benjamin S., 202 Jacob, 266 Reed, 364 Hassard, Samuel, Rev., 242 note Hastings Brothers, 353 Hatch, Elijah, 439 Israel, Col., 54 Walter, 428 William D., 285 William E., 396 Hatfield, E. H,, Rev., 279 note, 506 Hathaway, Abraham, 71, 72 Anthony D., 191 Barnaby W., Dr., 112 Charles E., 191 C. M., 570 Daniel, Dr., 681 Edward E., 498, 500, 571, 578, 588, 589 Eleazer, 325 Elnathan, 678 Ephraim, 69 Francis, 351 George, 89 George T., 578, 584, 585 Gilbert H., 190 Hathaway, Guilford, 465 Horatio, 695 Horatio, Mrs., 363 Humphrey, 352 H. C, 418 Isaac, 72 Jacob, 109, 603 Jail, 440 James, 138 James A., 584, 585 John, Col., 68, 86, 103, 120, 230, 256 John, sr. and jr., 30 Jonathan and Eleazer, 135 Joseph, 135, 678 Julia E. , 209 Lynde, Capt., 110, 126 Nicholas, Dr., Ill, 544, 659 Philip, 604 Philip, Rev., 109 Royal, 325 Samuel, 499, 500, 569, 570, 587 Samuel B. , 498 and note Samuel E. , 559 Savory C, 417 Seth, 99, 329 S. W.,588 Thomas S., 358 note, 351, 411, 564 Washington, 678 William, 586 W. F., 209 W. H.,629 Hatheway, Nathaniel, 351 note Shadrach, Dr., 89, 90 Hatherly, Timothy, 428 Hauer, George H., 581 Haughvvout, P. B , Rev., 477 Haven, William, 155 Hawes, Charles L., 584 Edward and Oliver, 462 George H., 579 GeorgeS., 596 George W., 594 John E., 377 Oliver S., 496. 549, 568, 569, 589, 601 William T., 354 Hawkes, Winfield S., Rev., 137 Hawkins, J. E., Rev., 279 note William H., 470 Hayden, William, 322 Hayford, Albert, Rev., 406 Haynes, Emory J., Rev., 505 Hay ward, Abial, Rev., 91 Charles E., 158 Edward, 76, 101, 651 Edward and Jonathan, 83 Edward F., Rev., 502 Elisha, Dr., 86 Joseph, jr., 126 384 INDEX. Hay ward, J. W. Dr., 696, 699 Matthew, 84 Thomas, sr., 230 William, 74 William, son of William, 76 Hazard, Thomas, 336, 406 Healy, Joseph, 498, 500 Mary, 455 Hearne, Daniel, Rev., 280 Heath, William B., Rev., 506, 507 note Hebronville Manufacturing Co., 193 Hemenway, Onslow, 396 Henchman, Daniel, Capt, 37 Henry, AlpheusB., Rev., 277 James, 574, 588, 589 Robert, 571, 575, 580, 581, 588, 589 Henshaw, Samuel, 296 Herbert, Edward, 629 Hervey, Ebenezer, 90, 354 James W., 377 Thomas, sr., 64 He wins, Porter W., 304 Hewitt, Ephraim, 74, 75 Hicks, Andrew, 128 Galen, 242 note, 336 George, 188 Jacob, 128 John, 415 John S., 575 William, 128 Higginson, Edward, 624, 659 Hill, Frederick S. , 359 note John, Rev., 139 Lucy C, Dr.. 694 Hilliard, James B. , 629, 630 James P., 569, 580 Jonathan I., 576 J. J-, 584 Hillman, Seth, 102 Zachariah, 367 Hills, George H., 575, 591, 593, 594, 596, 597 Hinckley, Frederick, Rev., 65 Hinds, Orlando, Rev., 120 Hines, Joshua V., Rev., 481 Hitch, Charles, 373 George, 210 Joshua, 210, 341 Hitchcock, Bradford W., 574 Hix, Daniel, Elder, 118, 149, 164 Jacob, 113 John, Ensign, 128, 129 Hoag, Lindley Murray, 478 Hoar, George E., 572 Hezekiah, 222, 262 Hoard, Nathan S., 279 note Hobart, John, Rev., 505 Hobell, Robert, 223 Hodge, James, 75 Hodges, Benjamin, 293 Elijah, 94 Francis G., 181 Guilford, Dr., 68 Isaac, Capt., 101 Isaac and James L. 204 Tames, 304 James D., 273 James L., 142, 304 James L., Isaac G. and V. B., 182 Job, 92, 95 Jonathan, 67 Joseph, Capt., 64, 265 John, Nathaniel, Samuel and Will- iam, sons of John and grandsons of William, 63 Nathan, Capt., 64 Samuel, 304 William, 227, 228, 277 William G., 590 Zephaniah L., 277 Holcomb, Henry A. , 419 Holland, John, 289 R. B., 354 Holloway, Timothy, 230 William, 223, 255 Holman, Dudley M., 275, 304 H. B., 275 Nathan, Rev., 57 N. H., Rev., 95 Holmes, Charles, 678 Charles J., jr., 501, 502, 523, 545, 585, 588, 589, 693, 694 George B. N., 678 Lemuel Le Baron, 660 Sylvester, Rev., 149 Thomas, Rev., 381 Holt, Charles L., 419 Homer, Charles W., Rev., 364 GeorgeS., 415 Homoeopathy, 696-699 Hood, Alfred H, 659. Francis B., 576, 577, 584 George B., 278 note James, 153 John, 131 Hooke, William, 239 Hooper, Foster, Dr., 513, 518, 523, 525, 533 and note, 608, 620, sketch of 682 Washington W., Rev., 277 Hopkins, Earl C, 599 Louisa P. , 402 Richard, 72 Stephen, visit of, to Massasoit, 7 note; 215 T. E., 598 William H., 417 INDEX. 385 Hopkinson, Thomas, 596 Horton, Angell & Co., 159 Danforth, 570, 587 Enoch, 418 Francis, Rev., 119 Frank E., 176 Joseph, Capt, 103 Melvin B. , 541 Nathaniel B., 179, 189, 570, 593 Sanford J., Rev., 364 Hoskins. Abner, 102 Hosmer, Willi'am B., 629 Hospitals, 693-696 Hotchkiss, V. R., Rev., 477 Hough, George, Rev., 362 George A., 406 House of Correction, 167 Samuel, 427 Hovey, William, 622 How, John, 114 Howard, Amos F., 299 Asa R., 162 Benjamin B., 278, 358 note, 420 Edward, 57 Elijah, 163, 199 Elijah, & Co., 162 Jason G , 16S Joshua, Lieut. , 84 Martin, Rev., 119 Robert, 623 William P, and L., 200 Howe, Moses, Elder, 166, 373 William, 368 Howland, Abraham H, 358, 372 and note, 411, 415 Benjamin, 407 Bradford, Capt, 125 Charles C, 377 Cornelius, 407 Cornelius, jr., 376 Daniel D., 592 Edward W., 352 note, 358 note, 373 Isaac, jr., 352 Isaac W.,582 George, 341 and note, 353 George, jr., 358 note, 373 Gideon, 351 note, 411, 465 Gideon, jr., 351 James, 2d, 351 note, 360 James H, 352 John, 210, 336, 406, 427 John, jr., 351 note, 353 John James, 352 Joseph, 203 J. H, 358 note Nathaniel, 115, 187 Samuel, 651 Sylvia Ann, 372 note, 398, 411 Howland, Weston, 383, 384 note William D., 413 William R, 373 William P., B. Franklin and Weston, 415 Howson, John, Rev. , 279 note, 480 Hoyt, Benjamin R., Rev., 361 Samuel, 275 Huard, John B., 590 Hubbard, F. A., Dr., 696 James, Rev., 479 Huddlestone, Valentine, 134 Hughes, Christopher, Rev., 507 Hugo, J. N.,& Co., 159 Huling, Ray Greene, 396 Hull, J. C, Rev., 505 Stephen, Rev., 87 Hunt, E. W., Rev., 505 George W., Rev., 279 note H. D.,177 Peter, 19, 20, 138 Samuel, Rev., 115, 148, 332 Hunter, Albert, 301 James, 581 Hurlburt, George R., 377 Hussey, George, 352 Huston, William, 587 William R.,587 Huttleston, Peleg, 328 Hyde, Ephraim, Rev., 139 E. L., Rev., 279 note John B., 376 William P. , Rev. 506 Ide, A. M., jr., 274 note, 304 Benjamin, 58 Ebenezer, 114 Nicholas, 48, 52 Incarnacao, Joao Ignacio, Rev., 365 note Indian agriculture, 11 Indians, treatment of, by the early colo- nists, 32 note Ingalls, Allen, 197 Ingell, Benjamin, 277, 294 Jonathan, 270, 273 Ingraham, Andrew, 402 Robert C. , 372 note Timothy, 320, 375 Irish, O. S., 210 Iron industry, the beginning of the, 12 Isham, Chester, Rev., 276 lvers, Samuel, 373 Jackson, A. M., Dr., 612, 692 James F., 595, 612, 659 Ralph W. . 694 Samuel, 30 Jacobs, Bela, 132 386 INDEX. Tail, struggle over the location of between New Bedford and Fall River, 143 James, C. T., 278 note Jenks, Daniel, 52 Stephen A., 591, 593-595, 597 Jenne, John, 332 Henry, 329 Jenney, Benjamin, 138 B. F. , 354 note Enochs., 210 E. V., 160 John, 148 Lettice, Samuel and Mark, 134 Levi, 136, 137, 210 Reuben, 135, 137 Peleg, 407 William P., 210 Jennings, Andrew J., 575, 593, 659 Edward B., 574, 575, 580, 593, 596, 597 John H., Dr., 681 Susan, 474 William H., 504, 574, 579, 581, 582, 586, 592,593 William H., jr., 587 W. J., 596 Jewett, Paul, Rev. , 137 Jinks Soap Manufacturing Co., 204 Johnson, Alfred Evan, Rev., 364 note Henry, Dr., 681 Ichabod, 102 Lorenzo Dow, 113, 274 note T. B., 201 Thomas Henry, Rev., 113 William L., sketch of, 674 Johnstone, Adam, Dr., 68 Jones, Elias, Rev., 241 E. C, 584 E. F., Rev., 279 note, 507 note Elijah TJtley, Dr., 696, 699 Isaac, Rev., 479 John, 88 John P., 139 Nehemiah, 86 Sylvester, 270 Thomas, 72 Jordan, Dwight A., Rev., 480 Miles, 251 Joyce, John T., 173 Jubb, Rev. Mr., 504 Judd, Lewis S., 373 Judicial officers of the county, lists of, 654-658 system, reorganization of, in 1821, 653 Judson, Ephraim, Rev., 241, 270 Jutten, David B., Rev., 505 Kaufman, M. S. , Rev. , 507 note Keen, Jesse, 102 Kehew, John, 421 Keith, Ansel, 161 Edwin, 278 Eleazer, 84 James, Capt, 102 Josiah, 74, 76, 79, 101, 102 Lemuel, 84 Orrin H., 186 Rotch & Co., 163 Seth, 111 Zephaniah, Capt., 97 Kelleher, Daniel, 421 Kelley, C. F., 623 Charles S., 384 Owen P.. 623 Kelly, Ezra, 353 J., Rev., 507 note Kelso, Isaac, Rev., 65 Kempton, David B., 584 Ephraim, 351 note Jonathan, 323 Manasseh, 406 Obed, 334 Thomas, 99, 325, 328 William, 342, 407 Kendrick, Abbie, 354 Kennedy. W. F., 304, 623 Kent, Joseph C, 335 note William J., 412 Keown, Samuel, Rev., 506 Kerr, Janet, 694 Robert, John P., James, James B., Robert C, 595 Kibby, E. S., Rev., 361 Kidder, Edward H., 694 Kiernan, Rev. Father, 507 note Kilburn, Edward, 413 E. C, 501 and note, 565, 576, 585, 588, 600, 601 Edward, 412, 413 John, 600 William J., 373 Kilby, Henry S., 172 Kilton, Amos, 274 note Kimball, H. D., Rev., 505 Susan Tillinghast (Morton), 695 Kimber, Thomas, jr., 569 Kindell, Charles H., Rev., 502 King, Andrew H., 188 A. L. Howard, Rev., 276 note Barzillai, 271 Benjamin, 103 Edward, 278 and note Ernest, 623, 634 George W., Rev., 279 INDEX. 387 King, Jesse and Bradford B., 201 Job, jr., 271 Job, 295 John, Capt., 100, 101, 293 John B., 164, 199 John D., Rev., 279, 480, 507 note Josiah, 266 Josiah, jr., 271 Josiah B., 368 Nathan, 293 Philip, death of, 42 Philip's war, brief review of the events of, 34-44 Philip's war, disastrous effects of, upon the colonists, 43 Philip's war, sale of lands conquered in, 43 Samuel B., 160, 278 Stephen, 299 William's war, 45 Kingsford, Charles H., 359 note Kingsley, Augustus W., 279 note John, 223 Kinnicut, Thomas, 142 Kinsley, Benjamin, 74, 76 Rufus B., 495 Samuel, 75, 76 Samuel, jr., 76 Kirby, Nathaniel, 127, 128 Richard, 127 Wesson, 128 Kling, William Henry, 172, 176 Wm. F., 173 Knapp, Aaron, 258 Edward C, 172 May, Rev., 502 Moses, Capt, 98 Knight, B. B., R. and Stephen A., 156 Drucilla P., 402 William, Rev., 504 Knolles, John, 38 Knowles, John P., 373 Joseph F., 564 Samuel, Rev., 507 Thomas H., 415 Knowlton, Hosea M., 660 Isaac C, Rev., 365 Kollock, Lemuel, 373 •Kyle, J. R, Rev., 505 Lackey, William A., 247 Ladd, Warren, 381, 383 Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Society, 169 La Flamme, J. M., Rev., 508 note Lake, Edwin T., 494 Lakes of the county, 3 Lamson, G, H., Rev., 506 note Lambert, Thomas R., 364 Lambert. William H., 613 Lang, Anthony, 376 Lane, Benjamin, 92 Daniel, Dea., 67 Isaac, Capt., 126 John, 52 John, son of Andrew and grandson of William, 63 Levi, 63 M., Rev., 481 Otis, Rev., 479 O. H. and C. D., 196 Samuel, Lieut., 100 Zephaniah, 63 Langford, James, 627 Lapham, Louis, 525, 620, 623, sketch of, 677 Lariscy, Phillip, Rev., 365 Latham, William, 278 Latchford, John, 275 Lathrop, Julius M., 377 Lawrence, Abbott F., 303 Joshua, 102, 110 Lawton, Benjamin, Capt., 102, 110 George, 128 J. H., 503 Lazell, Ebenezer, Rev., 57 Nathan, 278 Lea, John, 87 Leach, Shepard, Gen. , 162 Learned, W. T., Dr., 692, 694 Learoyd, Charles Henry, Rev., 242 note Leary, J. H., Dr., 692 Jeremiah R., 623 Lee, Edward C, 549 John, 131 William Raymond, 300 Leigh, Edward, 629 Leighton, Robert T., 613 Leland, Ira, 149 Phineas W., Dr., 523, 545, 608, 620, 681 Leonard, Alfred, 92 Augustus B., 658 Charles H., 353,415 Cromwell, 278 Daniel, 662, sketch of 666 Ebenezer, 148 Elijah, Capt, 97 Elijah, Dea., 263 note Eliphalet, 80, 84, 162 Eliphalet, son Jacob and grandson Isaac, 83 Eliphalet, son of James, 77 Elkanah, 293 Ephraim, 91, 92, 95, 265, 651, 661 family as represented in the judi- ciary, 651 388 INDEX. Leonard, George, 60,61, 67, 274 note, 650, 651, 661, 663 George, son of Nathaniel, 67 George, son of Thomas and grand- son of James, 63 George, Dea., 263 note George, jr., 662 George, Dr., 681 Gustavus, 298 Harriet, 275 note Henry, 247 Henry T., 420 Henry and James, 261 Horatio, 86, 142, 297, 373 H. P., Rev., 276 note Ichabod and Levi, 242 note Isaac, 76 Jacob A., 196 James, Capt., 67, 83, 97, 227, 266 James, Abiathar, Zadoc and Apollos, 292 James and Henry, 85, 228 James, sr., and sons Joseph, Benja- min and Uriah, 263, 292 James, nephew of Uriah, 292 Job M., 153 Jonathan, 162 Jonathan, and brother Eliphalet 3d, 83 Jonathan, and son Lee, 292 Joseph 2d, 111 Joseph B., 285 Joshua, 86, 103 J. &D., 473 Lemuel, and son Lemuel M., 302 Nathaniel, Lieut. -Col., 97, 100, 266 Nathaniel, son of George, 67 Nathaniel, & Son, 150 Nehemiah, 353, 373 Philip, 249 Samuel, 84, 85, 263, 270, 293-295, 297, 353, 420, 651 Samuel, jr., 85 Samuel, Dea., and son Samuel, 263 note Samuel, son of Judge Zephaniah, 292 Stephen, 605 Thomas, Capt., 44, 45, 64, 66, 258, 259, 263, 670, 680 Thomas, sr., and James, sr., 237 Thomas, sr., James, sr., and George, son of Thomas, 61 William Augustus, 86 W. T.> 613 Zephaniah, Capt., 46, 86, 265, 293, 298, 661 Lepoids, Samuel, 402 Leprite, Lewis, Dr., 68 Lew, Daniel, Henry and John 2d, 88 Lewin, Nathaniel, 131 Lewis, Abner, 51 E. R. andG. W., 206 Henry, 549 Horace, 278 note Joseph S., 419 S. M., 158 Welcome, Rev., 150 Libbey, Henry, 416 W. L., 416 Lifft, Samuel, 155 Lincoln, Aaron, 271 Abisha, 86 ArbaN., 659 Benjamin, Maj.-Gen., 107, 125, 137, 342 Benjamin and Moses, 67 Caleb M. , and Lorenzo, 180, 294 Charles D. and Edward H., 201 Elmer, 86 Henry C, 576, 583, 587, 589-591, 601 Jonathan, 64 Jonathan T., 571, 600, 601 Leontine, 502, 572, 587, 589, 591, 594, 597 L, & Co., 197 Nathaniel, 293 (Linkhorn), Samuel, 257 Thomas, 130, 271, 291 Thomas, sr., 228 Thomas, sr., and jr., 227 Thomas, and sons John and Samuel, 261 Warren, Col., 86 Lindall, Timothy, 31 Lindsey, Benjamin, 353, 359 note, 403 Benjamin, jr., 403, 404 Crawford E., 470, 565, 566, 574, 584, 588 Henry, 359 note Joseph F., 470, 606 Nathaniel, 579, 601 William. 470, 498 note, 499, 565, 569, 576, 577, 589, 593 W. C, Rev., 505 Lingane, D. P., 623 Linton & Sons, J. R., 418 Liscomb, Francis, Capt., 100 SamuelS., 473 Little, Isaac, 130 Samuel, 431 Livermore, J., Rev., 362 Livesey, J., Rev., 506 note William, Rev., 279, 507 note Lombard, C. B., Rev., 365 Longfellow, Samuel, Rev., 502 Lord, John, Rev., 119 INDEX. 389 Lord, Joseph L., 304 Lothrop, Charles D., Rev., 57 Cvrus 2d, 278 note Isaac, Capt., 126 Mark, son of Samuel, 76 Thomas J., 278 note Loudon, John, 316 Lovatt, Benjamin K., 658 Lovejoy, Rev. Mr., 119 Lovel, Leander P., 513 Lovell, John, 58 Shubael P., 587 Lovering, Charles L.. 278 note, 279 note H. M., 288, 289, 291 Willard, 278 and note, 279 note Willard, and sons Charles L. , Will- iam C. and Henry M., 299 William C, 288, 289 William M., 304 Lowe, David L., 193 Lowell, Clarence, 418 H. A., 274 note Luce, Matthew, 358 note, 411 Warren A., Rev., 480 Luscomb, Andrew, 601 Frederick W., 419 Lusk, Charles B., Rev., 481 Lumbard, Samuel, 358 note Luther, Allen L., 590 Barton, 131 Charles, 113 Charles B., 570, 588 David, 130, 131 James B., 501, 521 James W., and John W., 159 John, 223, 447 Joseph, 453 Joseph C, 469 Joseph G., 563 Samuel, Capt., 22 Lyman, P. W., Rev., 504 note Lyon, Edward A.. Rev., 506 John, Rev., 241 Lyons, C. D., 205 Nathaniel, 130, 132 McAuliffe, Thomas, 597 McBurney, Samuel, Rev., 279 McCabe, Mathias, Rev., 507 note McChesney, Ensign, Rev., 279, 480 McCloud, W. H., 200 McCord, Archibald, Rev., 480 McCoy, D., Rev., 165 McCreary, A., 364 note McCreery, Charles, 584 Joseph, 582 McCullough, John, 418 McCully, George, 604 McDonald, R. B., 159 McDougall, Donald, Rev., 290 McDonough, John J., 658, 659 Thomas P., Dr., 172, 176 T. F., 659 McFarlin, Seth, 364 Mahala, 354 McGowan, Daniel, 580, 582 McKay, Kenneth, 289 McKeown, Andrew, Rev.., 480 Samuel, Rev., 279 note McKevitt, Hugh, 612 McLane, Archibald, Rev., 133 William G., 587 McLean, John, 296 McMahon, Lawrence S., Rev., 365 McManus, Michael, 623 McMoran, Robert and William N., 152, 204 McWhorter, John, 292 Macdonald, J. H., Rev., 505 Macey, George, 69, 223, 227, 232. 263 Macfarlane, John A. , 627 Mackenzie, J. M., Dr., 692 Mackie, Andrew, Dr., 681 John H., Dr., 681 Maclaren, William, Rev., 505 Macomber, Abiel, 128 Charles L, 303 George S., George R. and Rescum, 202 George W., 203 James, 266 John, 227, 228, 257 291 Joseph E., 578, 583 Josiah, 103 Rufus, 203 Macy, Wendell, 421 Maggi, A. G.. Col., 170 Makepeace, George, Capt., 101 Sylvanus, 86 Maltby, Erastus, Rev., 276 Edward B., 278 note Manchester, Clark S. , 497 Pardon A., 202 Philip, 189 William, 113 Mandell, Edward D., 402, 416, 584 Edward H., 373 Thomas, 145, 351 note, 411 William, Rev., 119 Manley, Nathaniel, son of William, sr., 76 Thomas, 74, 75 Thomas, sr., 77 Thomas, jr., 101 William, 74 William, jr., and brother Thomas, 75 Manly, Edwin, 287 390 INDEX. Mannersley, Edward E., 629 Manning, L. W., Rev., 65 Mansfield, churches of, 150 division of the church in, 94, 95 early church affairs in, 91, 92 early manufactures in, 95 early school matters in, 96 early settlers of, 92-95 first officers of, 92 gazetteer of the town of, 203-206 incorporation of, 90 industries of, 151, 152 manufactures of, 181, 182 ministerial lands in, 95 pioneers of, 91-94 Co operative Bank, 205 Co-operative Furnace Co., 204 News, the, 205 Public Library, 206 Manton Steam Windlass Co., 182 Marble, Ezra, 467 John W., Capt, 169 Thomas, 130 Marsh & Bigney, 159 Marshall, James, 584, 590, 596, 599 John, 599 John B., 200 Robert, 599 Marston, George, sketch of, 673 Martin, Calvin. 138 Henry M., Rev., 507 note Hiram, 273 note John, 452, 563 Robert, 16, 17, 20 W. J., Rev., 505 Marvel, Ephraim, 75 Isaac T„ 545 John C, 179 William, 499 and note Mason, A; P., Rev., 477 Arthur H., 593, 596 Caleb, 138 Draper & Co., 159 Frederick, 302 Job, Joseph, Russell and Benjamin, Revs., 122 John, Rev., 507 note John R., 590 Nathaniel, 131 William, 278 note, 281, 283, 301, 562, 570, 571, 583, 587, 589 William 2d, 501 William E., 377 William H., 562 Massachusetts Medical Society, 683 Massoit, 6 Mather, James, Rev., 279 note Mathes, G. M., Dr., 698 Mathews, William H., 415 Mathewson, George A., 598 Matthews, N. W., Rev., 507 note Matthewson, P. A., 589 Maxcy, Alexander, 54 Levi, 55 Maxfield, Joseph, 72 Zadox, 329 Maxwell, James, 453, 563 Samuel, Rev., 113 May, Elisha, Capt, 58, 98 Lemuel, 155 Mayhew, Jeremiah, 406 Julius Stewart, Dr., 681 Mechanics' Factory, the, 155 Medberry family, the, 138 Medical profession, obstacles in the way of the early. 679 Megathlin, Henry G., Rev., 504 note Mellen, Charles, Rev., 277 George F., 629 W. R. S., Rev., 277 Merrick, Pliny, 274 Merrihew, Stephen, 353 Merrill, Charles A., Rev., 506 Merritt Brothers, 151 H. D., 158 G. B., Rev., 481 S. V., Dr., 694 & Draper, 205 Messinger, Austin, 161 Metacomet (Philip), 6 Metcalf, James, 320, 322 Mignault, Alfred, Dr., 183 Miles, Charles, Rev., 507 Milk, Lemuel, 178 Mill and dam, the first, 11 Millard, David, Elder, 166, 481 Miller, Benjamin W., 523 Ebenezer, Rev., 241 Robert, 511 Samuel, 157 Southard H , 570, 575, 627, 628 William, 113 Milliken, Eben, ,353, 658, 660 Milne, A. O., 274 note James T., 578 John C, 498, 499, 504, 578, 588, 591, 621 and note, 693 Miner, Bradley, Rev., 477 Mitchell, Abiel, Col., 97, 100-102 D. L., 283 note H. Y., 200 James, Rev., 386 Sylvanus L, 278 Mix, Eldridge, Rev., 504 Monroe, Allen, 138 F. S., 278 INDEX. 391 Monroe, Nathaniel, 131 Montanbrieg, A. Rev., 507 note Montgomery, Fannie Washburn, 279 note Moose, Charles S. , Rev. , 506 Moore, Charles Sturtevant, 396 More, Richard, 428 Morey, Benjamin, 101 Reuben, Rev., 57 Morgan, Charles W., 351 note, 352, 353, 360, 365, 372 note Randal, 549 & Lund, 147 Morgridge, Charles, Elder, 166, 481 Morley, Samuel, Dr. , son of Samuel, 68 S. B., Rev., 56 Morrell, J. C, Rev., 133 Morrill, Abbie, 209 Jonathan E., 627 Morse Brothers, 200 Bryan, 152 Elias A. , 663 E. J., Rev., 73 Edward J. W., 163, 199 Frank R., Rev., 505 George C, 288 George P., 147 Henry W., 278 John C, 156 Lovett, 278, 279 note, 281, 283 Stephen A., 416 S. L., 157 S. M., 160 Solomon W., 162 Mortimer, Samuel W., 273 note Morton, James M., 541, 544, 659, 693 James M., Mrs.. 694 James M., jr., 541, 575 Job, 110 Marcus, 273, 278 note, sketch of 667 Nathaniel, Col., 102, 110, 142, 278 note, 283, 604, sketch of 668 Samuel, 113 Seth, 102 Moseley, Samuel, Capt., 37 Mosher, Gideon, 316 John, 128 Jonathan and George, 128 Moss, J. T., Wool Treating Co., 195 Mott, Edward, 279 note, 281 Jacob, 118 Mount Hope Iron Co., 153 Mulcahey, James, Rev., 364 Mulligan, James E., 377 Mumford, Benjamin, 363 Pardon T., 363 Munday, William, 524 Murphy, Edward, Rev., 507 John, 204 Murphy, J. B., 304, 696 Murray, Raymond, 593 Myles, John, Rev., 21, 121, 122 Myrick, Barzillai, 316 Ebenezer, 88 Gideon, 202 Nash, Samuel, 30 Nason, Charles, Rev., 279 Negus, Jonathan, 135 Neil, James, 210 Nelson, Abiel W., Dr., 285 Nathaniel, Capt, 125, 342 Samuel, Rev., 362 Stephen S. , Rev. , 57 William, Rev., 242 Nerney & Lincoln, 159 Neville, Edmund, Rev. , 242 note New Bedford Academy, establishment of, 336 Acushnet Mill Corporation of, 473 after the Revolution, 326 aldermen of, 390-393 almshouse, 371 and vicinity as a pleasure resort, 387 architecture of, 387 ark riots in, 354-356 art manufacture in, 417 Association for the Relief of Aged Women, 384 attempt to revise the city charter of, 382 baking industry in, 418 Bar Association, 660 Bedford Bank of, 336 beginning of the cotton industry in, 372 beginnings of the whaling industry, 318 Bennett Manufacturing Co. of, 413 Bible Society, 353 Board of Trade, 410 Bristol Manufacturing Co. of, 414 business firms in, list of, in 1830, 357 carriage manufacturing in, 418 ceremony upon the death of Gen. Washington in, 336 changes in the character of the busi- ness of, 381, 382 changes in the shore line of, 344 cholera scourge of 1832 in, 359 Choral Union, 354 note churches of, 332-334 and notes, 361- 365 and notes, 385 Citizens' National Bank of, 373 city incorporation of, 369 City Manufacturing Co. of, 413 Columbia Spinning Co. of, 414 392 INDEX. New Bedford, Copper Co., 415 Cordage Co., 415 cotton manufacture in, 411-414 Dartmouth Manufacturing Corpora- tion of, 414 decrease of the whaling industry, 410 description of, in 1815, from Ellis's History, 345-350 Dialectic Society, 353 early educational provisions in, 318 early progress of, 318 early regulations of fishing in, 318 early streets and roads in, 329 early workhouse in, 318 effect of the war of 1812 on the whaling industry, 339 effects of the Civil war upon the whal- ing fleet of, 377 emancipation proclamation meeting in, 377 financial panic of 1834 to 1840 in, 360 Fire Department, 406-409 fire of 1859 in, 375 first bridge between, and Fairhaven, 335 first city officers of, 369, 371 first meeting-house in, 328 First National Bank of, 351 note first newspaper in, 330, 332 first protection against fire in, 319 first town officers of, 328 Five Cents Savings Bank, 373 flouring interest in, 420 Fort Phoenix at, 325 four districts, the, of, 329 Free Public Library, 372 and note French avenue in, 374 Friends' Academy in, 400-402 gale of 1869 in, 382 Gentlemen's Amateur Glee Club of, 354 note Glass Co., 416 Grinnell Manufacturing Corporation of, 412 growth of, in the last twenty years, 386 growth of the public school system of, 398, 399 Hathaway Manufacturing Co. of, 413 Hayden Society, 354 note Howland Mills Corporation of, 413 Howland street riots in, 374 improvements in, between 1830 and incorporation, 359 in the gale of September, 1815, 350 in the Civil war, 375-379 in the war of 1812, 338-343 in the war of the Revolution, 319-326 New Bedford, incorporation of the town of, 328 Institution for Savings, 351 note introduction of gas lighting in, 372 iron manufacture in, 419 Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Society of, 376 list of merchants in, in 1820, 352 list of officers from, in the Civil war, 378, 279 list of sufferers from the British in- vasion in, who received relief from the General Court, 325 losses by fire in, statistics of, 409 Lyceum Society, 353 made a half-shire town, 143, 654 Manufacturing Co., 413 manufacturingenterprises of, 410-421 map of, in 1795, 331 map of, in 1815, 346 map of, in 1834, 347 map of, in 1850, 370 mayors of. 390 Mechanics' Insurance Co. of, 358 Mechanics' National Bank of, 351 note Merchants' Bank of, 351 note military organizations of, 367, 368 miscellaneous manufactures of, 415- 421 Morse Twist Drill Co. of, 416 Mount Washington Glass Co. in, 416 Mozart Musical Society Of, 354 National Bank of Commerce of, 351 necrology, 356, 360, 361, 387-389 newspapers of, 358, 403-406 oil and candle factories in, 352 Oneko Woolen Mills of, 413 opposition to the war of 1812 in, 338 Pacific Insurance Co. of, 358 note Pairpoint Manufacturing Co. of, 416 paper box manufacture in, 420 Pierce Manufacturing Co. of, 414 population of, 322, 387 post office, 335 and. note Potomska Mills in, 412 private and parochial schools of, 399 privateers in the harbor of, 341 progress of, since the Civil war, 380 Quakers, arrival of, in, 317 Quakers, sketch of the, in, 326-328 railroad from, to Fall River, 384 Rotch Spinning Co. of, 414 sacking of, by the British in 1778, 320-324 Safe Deposit and Trust Co., 386 schools of, 393-403 school buildings, statistics of, 397 Schubert Club, 354 note INDEX. 303 New Bedford, selectmen of, list of the, from 1787 to 1811, 337; from 1812 to 1846, 368, 369 settlement and settlers of, 316 shoe manufacture in, 417 sketch of, made in 1762, 317 Spinning Co., 413 St. Luke's Hospital in, 695 street railways in, 383 streets opened and accepted in, 357, 358, 366, 367, 379 Swain Free School in, 402 telephone introduced in, 386 Union for Good Works, 385 "wagon brigade " of, 340 Wamsutta Mills in, 411, 412 watchman in, 356 water supply, 380, 381 whale fishery, growth of the, 329, 330 whaling interest just previous to the war of 1812, 336 whaling industry, effects of the Rev- olution upon, 319 Whaling Insurance Co. of, 358 note Whitman Mill of, 414 wood-working in, 420 Young Men's Christian Association, 384 New England Novelty Co., 199 Newcomb Annes, 160 Harriet A., Mrs., 195 Nathaniel, 160 Newhall, Darius and Nehemiah, 203 James, 189 Newland, Benjamin and John, 62 Jeremiah, 64 John, 76 Newman, Noah, Rev., 139 Samuel, Rev., 12, 20, 138 Stephen M., Rev., 276 Newton, Ezra, Rev., 73 Nichols, Bradford "W., 575 C. H., Rev., 479 G. M., 191 Israel, Capt, 110, 114 James, Rev., 89 J. F., 581 Lafayette, 541, 574, 581 Thomas C, 112 Walter D., 90 William, 88 Nightingale, John K. H. , 155 Norris, Benjamin, Capt., 114 North, William T., Rev., 279 note, 480 North Attleborough, appropriations for public uses in, 173 churches of, 177 erection of the town of, 172 North Attleborough, Fire Department, 175 first officers of, 172 library, 175 parks, 175, 176 poor farm, 173 schools, 176 water works, 174 Even Chronicle, 177 Fire District, 174 National Bank, 177 Union Improvement District, 175 North Co-operative Stove Foundry, 180 North Dighton Co-operative Stove Co., 197 North Purchase, the, 8 difficulty in making divisions of, 50, 51 divisions of the, 48, 49 incorporated as the town of Attle- borough, 47 list of persons who drew for division of, 1668-69, 49 list of proprietors of, 1672, 49, 50 reservations in, 48 Norton, Abraham, Capt, 111 Jencks, 474 Norton, bounties for killing wild animals in, 62 early churches of, 64, 65 and note early industries of, 66, 67 early physicians" of, 68 early schools of, 66 early settlers of, 61-63 first officers of, 60 gazetteer of the town of, 194-196 granting of petition for town of, 60, 61 in the French and Indian war, 63 in the Revolution, 100, 103 incorporation of, 59 industries of, 161 list of petitioners for bounding the precinct of, 60 quaint extracts from the records of, 62 Manufacturing Co., 160 Nourse, Henry S., 247 Nowel, George W. , 581 Nowell, John P., 577 Noya, F., Rev., 365 note Noyes, Henry A, 275 Nutting, James H., Rev., 507 note. William, 354 note Nye, Asa R.,373 Charles H., 376 John, 137 Philip, 210 Thomas, 135, 137, 138, 336, 351 Thomas, jr., 351, 358, note 394 INDEX. Nye, William, Capt., 125 William C, 351 note William F., 415 Oliver Ames High School, 198 Nathaniel, 44 Ordronaux, John, 283 Ormsbee, Benjamin, 138 Orswell, John, 455 Osborn, Franklin P., 629 J. E., 304, 569, 575, 592, 594, 597 James M., 574, 578, 587, 591 Joseph, 497, 498, 578 Weaver, 498 and note, 499, 500, 577, 578, 587, 591, 629 Osborne, J. W.,113 Moses, Rev., 479 Otis, Ephraim, Dr., 680 Harrison G., 296, 297 Harrison G., jr., 296 Owen, Daniel, sr., 75 Packard, Nathaniel, Irving and Emory, 163 Paddock, Judah, 138 Padelford, David, 270 Edward, 275 note George, 271 Philip, Dr., 680 Seth, 246, sketch of, 667 Page, John Ham Williams, 354, 401, sketch of, 671 Pager, George, Rev. , 365 note Paige, Nomus, 283 note, 303 Onias S., 289 Pain, Edward, 439 William, 92 Paine, James E., 182, 204 John, Lieut, 100 John Chester, Rev., 113 Robert Treat, 662, sketch of, 666 Stephen, 650, 651 Walter, 3d, 559, 584, 590 Pairpoint, T. J., 416 Palmer, Alexander, 204 A. P., Rev., 279 note Edward A., 592 Elisha T., 592 Frank L., 592 GeorgeS., 592 Joseph, 65 Richard A., 358 note Walter, 16, 19 William F., 247 Parker, Abel W., 278 note Daniel, Dr., 68 Daniel, Capt., 100 David L., 335 note Palmer, Elisha, Capt., 109 Frederick, 358 note George, Lieut. , 340 John, 224, 227 John Avery, 351 and note, 394 Ward M., 411 William, 223, 227, 256, 258 William and John, 252 William C, 660 William H., 594, 596, 597 Parkinson, J., Rev., 279 Parmenter, J. C.,359 Parris, J. B., Rev., 164 Parry, Elias, 242 note Parsons, J. U., Rev., 89 Theophilus, 274 Partridge, Ralph, 427 Patten, David, Rev., 480, 549 Patterson, S. T., Rev., 506 note Paull, C. F..203 Charles H., 285 Edward, 72 Isaac D.,285 John, 88 Richard, 224, 227, 258 Samuel, 103 Payne, Charles H., Rev., 480 Stephen, 16, 17, 19, 20 Payson, W. E.,196 Peabody, Ephraim, Rev., 334 note William, 429, 439 Pearce, Alfred, 475 note Edward, 569 Edward, jr. , 569 Pearson, James B., 608, 613 Pease, Abner, 137, 210 Bartlett, Rev., 119 F. A., Rev., 133 Peck, Benjamin, 115 Charles, 138 David W. and Cornelius, 213 Gustavus B., 179 H.,58 Jethniel, 20 Joseph, 20 J. Milton, Rev., 364 note. Nicholas, 44 Samuel, Capt, 20' William, Gen., 150 Peckham, Stephen, 128 A. C, Dr., 692, 694 Pierce, Edmund, 110 Elijah, 513 E. W., Gen., 170 Job, Capt, 111 John, 132 Preserved, 130 Peloubet, Francis N. , Rev. 57 INDEX. 395 Pence, Thomas, 59 Penfield, Samuel, 54 Pepall, George, 475 Perkins, Gideon, jr., 301 G. G., Rev., 276 note Sampson, 210 Perley. M. P.,274 Perrin, Parley I., 279 note, 288, 289 Perry, Charles A., Rev., 276 note Charles & Co. , 186 David, Capt.,150 Ebenezer, Dr., 681 Edgar, 179 Henry C, 279 note James, Capt, 101, 102, 162 James L.,247 Jireh, 358 note, 411 John, Capt. , 100 Kimball, 351 note Martha, Dr., 696 Nathaniel, Capt, 63, 77 Samuel, Dr., 342, 681 William F., Dr., 151,684 William H., 590 Peters, Arnold, 584 Pettey, Asa, 583 Phelps, Thaddeus, Dr. , 684 Philbrook, N. T., Rev., 279 Phillios, Abiezer, 100 Arthur S., 659 Darius, 90 Ebenezer and Darius, 88 George R., 359 note, 420 Gilbert, 200 Jacob, 270 Tames, 42, 250 John, 74, 75, 78 John, jr., 76 Joshua, 101 Samuel, Rev., 64, 100 Samuel, son of Capt. John, 77 Watson L., Rev., 480 William, 197, 224, 227, 364 William, son of Capt. John, 76 William H., 288 Williams, Rev., 57 Phipps, Abner J., 373, 396 Physicians, early, 680-682 Pickens, John. 328, 336 Pierce, Asa, 131, 132, 364 Asa C., 417 Andrew G., 383, 402, 412, 416, 584 Bion C, 304 B. W., 622 Charles H., 402 Eben, 421 Ebenezer, jr., 88 Elkanah, 203 Pierce, Esek H., 179 E. W., Gen., 437 Isaac, 278 note James, 113 Michael, Capt, 41 Morton, Elder, 113 Otis, 247 Peter H., 278 Preserved, 113 Richard, Rev., 148, 332 Samuel T., 186 Uriah, 102 Pioneers, characteristics of the, 31, 32 Pipon, John, Rev., 276 Pitkin, Ozias C. , 246 note Pitman, Charles, 544 Robert C. , sketch of, 674 William R., 475 Pitts, Ebenezer, 71, 72 Peter, Capt, 100 Peter, jr., 251 Pizer, John P., 286 Place, Alfred C, 278 note Plummer, Henry M., 421 Pole, Elizabeth, 227, 229 (Pool, Poole), William, 224, 227, 243, 248, 252, 256 Pollard, Andrew, Rev., 242 note Pomeroy, Edward N., Rev., 276 note Pool (Pole), Elizabeth, 7, 216, 217 H. M., 278 Isaac, 72 John, 64 Joseph, 72 Poole, George F., Rev., 480 • J., H. M. and John M., 163 Poor, Ebenezer, Rev., 89 Pope, Edward, Col., 98, 342, sketch of, 670 Isaac, 134, 328 Seth, 99, 134, 669 Population of the county, 5 Porter, Benjamin, 439 B., jr., 173 Charles, 278 Charles L., 581, 582 Jacob L.,663 P. Chester, Dr., 89 Post-offices in the county, 5, 6 Potter, Daniel C. S. M., Rev., 65 Joseph H., jr., 574 Myron, 187 Oliver, 322 Otis, 113 Stephen, 354 Stephen N.,358 note Stokes, 128 William F.,Rev., 365 396 INDEX. Potter, William J., Rev., 232 note, 334 note, 385, 402 William S., 582 Povey, Richard, Rev. , 507 note Pratt, Foster & Co., 164 G. W.,590 Henry, 475 note Horatio. 94, 278 note, 545 Jabez, son of Jonathan, 63 Jonathan, Dr., 92, 94 Joseph, Lieut, 95 Josiah, 91 Micah, Drs.,680 Nathan, 163 Samuel, 63 Seth, 101 Solomon, and sons Charles and Har- rison, 151 Thomas, 75, 78 William, Elder, 77, 78 Prence, Thomas, 231 Prentice, Solomon, Rev., 79-81 Prentiss, Junius P., 569, 582 Presbo, James, and son Zadoc, 86 Presbrey, Allen, 167 Benjamin F., 274 note, 287 Daniel, 160 John, 273 Seth, 270 Silas D., Dr., 289, 695, 696 Simeon, 278 note Simeon, jr., 160 William, 270 Prescott, Oliver, 657 note William H., 296 Prevost, J. A., Rev., 508 note Price, Edward, 155 Edward R., 160, 176, 177 Prices, schedule of, of necessaries from 1795 to 1815, 127 Prince, Thomas. 274 note Proctor, C. H., Rev., 364 note Purchase, Oliver, 227, 249 Purchasers of Assonet, list of the, 9 Purinton, Clark, 131 Quakers and Baptists, persecutions of, in Dartmouth. 115, 116 persecutions of the, 32, 33 Queen Anne's war, 46 Quinby, George W., Rev., 277 Quinn, Francis, 623 Railroads, first, 144, 145 ; 167 Ramsay ."Charles C, 613 Ramsbottom, George, 364 note Rand, Nathan, 278 note Randall, Charles, Rev., 133 Randall, Charles S., 415 (Randell), Ephraim, 74 Ephraim, son of Thomas, 75 Ephraim, and son Timothy, 83 George H., Dr., 68 George M., Kev., 503 (Randell), Israel, 74 Jonathan, 84 J. F.,&Co.,200 L. C, 200 Matthew, Capt. 100, 101, 102, 266 Menzies R., Dr., 684 (Randell) Thomas, sr., and Thomas, jr., 74, 75 Thomas, Israel and Ephraim, 78 Thomas, and sons John and Samuel, 83 Widow, 225 William, 30 Raymond, Ephraim, 67, 160 E. P. , 359 note Raynham, college graduates in, 86 early churches of, 87 early families in, 85 early school interests in, 87 establishmeet of the Leonard iron works in, 85 gazetteer of the town of, 200-202 in King Philip's war, 85 pioneers of, 85, 86 Enterprise, the, 201 Read, Alexander, Dr., 354, 681 Amos, 138 A. A., 186 Ensign, 58 Ferdinand, S., 415 James, 57, 600 John, 19 Jonathan, 447 Joseph E.,513 Moses, Lieut., 56 William, Capt, 133, 447, 563, 605 Reagan, Michael, 623 Rebellion, men furnished in the war of the, 171 Records, Tillinghast, 575 Redding, Zebedee, 266 Reddington, W. , Rev. , 506 note Reed, John, 120, 146 and note, 266, 360 John, 2d, Capt, 97 John, Rev., 119 Joseph, 272 Josiah, 141 Milton, 591, 594, 659 Noah, Capt. , 126 Augustus B., Rev., 479 Benjamin, Capt., 102 Charles A. , 290 INDEX. 397 Reed, Chester I, . 274 note, sketch of. 668 Daniel, jr., 301 Daniel, & Co., 156 Edgar H., 283 ErastusM.,94, 205, 658 Frederick A. , Rev. , 276 note George E., Rev., 505 George H., Rev., 276 note Henry G , 279 note, 288, 297, 298 Hodges, 283 William, 181, 277, 296, 453 William, Rev., 81 William, jr., 273 note, 274 note William and Milton, 274 note & Godfrey, 473 Rehoboth, celebration of the 250th anni- versary of, 179 drawing of lots in, 17, 18 early churches in, 112-114 early school affairs in, 112, 114 founding of the first church in, 20 gazetteer of the town of, 185, 186 Goff Memorial Hall at, 179 in the Revolution, 99 list of registered land holders in, 17 list of proprietors of, in 1689, 18, 19 list of shareholders in, drawn in 1644, 15 list of Shays's insurrectionists in, 112 "nine men to order general affairs in." the, 14, 16 Orleans Cotton Factory and its suc- cessors in, 114 prices of grain in, in 1653, 19 religious divisions in, resulting in the setting off of Swansea, 20 settlement of, 12 town proceedings, 1645-58, 17-20 workhouse in, provisions for, 114 Sentinel, the, 180 Union Manufacturing Company, 115 Relyea, Benjamin J., Rev., 479 Remington, Hale, 500, 501, 537 and note Robert K., 504, 574, 589 Revolution, effects of the, 103, 104 Rew, Edward, 258 Rexford,. Charles W., 358 Reynolds, M. , 474 Thaddeus, 128 Rhodes, George H., 290 Marcus M., 283 note, 289 Rice, Henry, 174 SpencerM.,Rev.,364 Rich, A. J., Rev., 502 Richards Brothers, 175 Calvin, 55 Edmund Ira, 55, 157, 167, 174 Edmund Ira, and wife, 175 Richards, Edward, 55 George, 354 note G. I., & Co., 157 G. I-., Dr., 694 Harvey M., 55, 156, 157 Ira, 55. 157 John, 55 JosiahD.,55, 167, 174 J.J. & J. M., 159 Manning, 55, 156 Nathan, 55 Thomas, 55 & Price, 157 Richardson, Caleb, Capt., 98, 100 John, 155, 157 N, Rev., 152 Stephen, Col., 55, 98, 174 Stephen, 2d, 167 Stephen, and son Clarence H., 157 Richmond, Charles, 160, 263, 278, 292, 296, 297 Charles R.,296 Elezear, 296 Gideon, 358 note James, 128 John, 10, 68, 69, 100, 225, 227, 232 Joshua, 373 Martha B.. 275 N, Rev., 276 note Sarah W., 275 Silas R, Col., 169 Sylvester, Col., 74 Sylvester, jr., 651, 661 Sylvester, 3d, 100 Thomas, 251 Thomas J., Rev., 119 Thomas Tobey, Rev., 89, 271 W. S., 592 Ricketson, Barton, 358 note Daniel, 329 Joseph, 351 note, 353, 406, 415 Rider, J. E. and W. H., 204 Ridgway, H. A., Rev., 507 note Riley, James W., 172 & French, 159 Ripley, William, 251 Rivers of the county, 2 Roach, James F., Rev., 280 note Robbins, Eliphalet H, 377 John, jr., 58 Roberts, B. H.,563 Jacob, Rev., 137 James A., Rev., 90 note, 334 note Thomas, 109 Robertson, George, 406 WilliamS., 475 note Robeson, Andrew, 321 note, 352, 373, 462, 466, and note, 467, 566, 569 INDEX. Robeson, Andrew, jr., 467, 566, 569 Andrew, 3d, 568 Louis, 570 Samuel, 461' William R., 467, 569 Robinson, Charles, 302 Ebenezer, 85, 293 Edward Mott, 351, 352 Enoch, Capt. , 99, 100 Enoch, jr., 180 George, 48, 52 George A., 152, 204 H. D., Rev., 279 note Increase and Charles, 300 James, 412 Jonas, 147 Obed, Otis and Richard, 155 Samuel, Capt, 86, 98, 99 Thomas, 57 William, 364 note W. A, &Co., 415 William D. , Major, 86 W. H., 157 W. S., Dr., 696 Roche, Manning B., Dr., 697 Rock, John, 285 Rodman, Benjamin, 351 note, 353, 465, 556. 565 Samuel, 352, 401, 564 Samuel, jr., 351 note, 353 S. W., 358 note, 564 Susan E. , 363 Thomas R., 377 William, 351 note William L., 373 Rogers, Abbie P., 211 Henry H., 211 H. H., jr., 211 John, 51, 94 John and John W., 204 Mary H., 211 Robert C, Rev., 242 note Rowland, 210 William, 63 Rogerson, A. V., 205 Robert, Rev., 211 Rondeau, S. P., Rev., 504 note Rood, J. A., Rev., 506 note Roripaugh, S. L., Rev., 365 Ross Heel Co., 200 Samuel, 405 Rossiter, Hugh, 225 Rotch, Benjamin S., 358 note, 415 Francis, 318, 352, 354, 565 Joseph, 317-319 Thomas, 351 note, 353 William, 136, 147, 318, 332, 400, 401 William, jr., 336, 351 note, 401, 406 Rotch, William B., 565 William J., 415,584 Round, Benjamin, Dr., 68 Richard, Elder, 113 Rounds, Benjamin M., 698 J. S., 167 L. A, 295 Rounseville, Cyrus C, 583 Joseph, 439 Levi, Capt., 102 Marcus M., 191 Philip and Capt. Levi, 111 Thomas 102 Rousmaniere, Edmund S., Rev., 364 Rowland, Edmund, Rev., 364 Rowley, F. H., Rev., 477 Rubv, George C, 285 Rugg, Charles P., 396 Ruggles, Micah H., 469, 470, 491, 516, 517 Rumsey, Burpee, 204 Runnels, Benjamin, 102 Frances J., Miss, 694 Russell, Abram, 322 Benjamin, 127, 351 note Caleb, 316 Gilbert, 351 note John Summers, 353, 670 Joseph, 316, 322, 328, 352 P. R., Rev., 481 Ralph, 85, 228, 261 Seth, jr., 357, 407 William T., 353 Rust, N. J., 575 R. H., Rev., 505 St. Claire, Alanson T., Rev., 364 St. John, T. E., Rev.. 365 Sabin, William, 20 Sace, Edward, 252 Sachems, Jeff, 102 Sadler Brothers, 159, 193 L. E., 159 Otis, 173 Saffin, John, 670 Salisbury, George, 623 Sampson, Earl, 110 Elnathan, 316 William S., 153 Sanderson, Joseph, Rev., 386 Sanford, Arnold B., 592, 593, 596, 693 E., Rev., 73 Gardner T. , 354 note James, John and Enoch, Revs., 88 James, John, Enoch, Alpheus and Baalis, 90 John, Rev., 479 John A., 593 John B., 209, 494 INDEX. 399 Sanford, John E., 247, 279 note, 283, 291 Joseph, Col., 90, 103 L. B., 580 W. H., 153, 173 Sandland, Capron& Co., 159 Sargent, Sumner B., 304 Savery, Phineas, Dr., 684 Sawin, Ezekiel, 210 Sawyer, Ephraim, Elder, 119 Gideon, Mr. and Mrs., 354 Richard, 137 Sayer, Benjamin F. , 361 William L., 404 Say ward James H., Rev., 94 Scadding, William, 225 Scott, Jacob R., Rev., 477 Orange, Rev., 480 Walter, 623 Seabury, Alexander H., 373, 416 David, & Co., 475 Pardon G., 145 Pardon T., Rev., 149 Warren, 188 Seamans, Job, 57 Thomas, 113 Searle, Charles F. , 497 Sears, C. H., 304 Seaver, James Edward, 218, 244 Seavey, Henry, 624 Seekel, Aaron, 102 Seekonk, early churches of, 138, 139 early schools of, 138 early settlers of, 138 erection of, 138 gazetteer of the town of, 212, 213 incorporated as Rehoboth, in 1645, 16 list giving amount of the estates of residents of, about 1643, 13 proceedings in, relating to lands, in 1644, 16 settlement at, 12, 13 Seibel, George F., 288 < Selectmen, origin of, 14 and note Selee, Benjamin and John, 76 John, and son Nathan, 84 Settlement, progress of, before incorpo- ration of the county, 11 Sever, William, 269 William, and sons John and William, 302 Shahan, Thomas H., Rev., 280 Sharp, James L., 377 Sharpies, William E., 564 Shattuck, Benjamin F., 367 Shaw, Abraham, 72 Benjamin, 86 Edwin, 541, 544, 589 Elijah, Rev., 481 Shaw, Frank, 181 Jahaziah, 86 John, Lieut, 100 Jonathan, Lieut. -Col., 86 Mason, Capt., 86, 100 Nathan, 201 William P., &Co., 193 " Shawomat Lands," the, 10 Purchase, the, 129 purchasers, list of the, 130 Shays's rebellion, 105-107 Shearman, Abishar, 328 Abraham, 406, 416 Abraham, jr., 351 note John, 329 L., 131 Samuel, 131 Sheffield, J. F., Rev., 507 note Sheldon, Ephraim and John, 93 James, 113 Luther, Rev., 81 Shepard, David, 155 Elmer M., 204 Henry, 182 Isaac, son of Thomas, 63 Nathaniel, Rev., 177 Sally, 275 note Schuyler, Capt., and Albert S., 204 Silas, 272, 278 note, 295, 299 Shepardson, John, 151, 205 Shephard, John, 650 Shepherd, T. P., 584 William, 256 Shepley, J., Rev., 506 note Sheppard, Nathaniel, 57 Shepperson, Daniel, 51, 52 Sheridan, Edward J., Rev., 280 Sherman, Abraham, jr., 332, 353 Benjamin, Capt., 129 Charles E. W., & Sons, 158 C R., 421 Daniel and Edmund, 134 Isaac, 137 James, 131 Jireh, Capt., 187 Robert R. , 419 William, 158 William B., 381 note W. R.,421 Zacheus, 278 note, 284 Shields, Patrick, 204 Shiverick, Joseph R. , 363 Short, Matthew, Rev. , 56, 77, 78 Nerney & Co., 159 Shove, Azariah, 496 Azariah and Jarvis, 462, 562 Charles M., 497, 571, 583 Charles O., 570, 571, 582, 583, 588 400 INDEX. Shove, Clark, 465, 469, 512, 513, 566, 583 Edward, 71, 73, 511, 571, 576, 583 George, 10, 231, 233 George, Rev., 71, 240, 243 George, Asa, Samuel and William, 88 Laura G., 694, 695 Samuel, 468, 556, 598 Samuel, & Co., 474 Silas, Rev., 479 Theophilus, 130, 131 W. Frank, 564-566 Shumway, Herbert H., 303, 304 Silsbury, George C., 595, 597 Simmons, Amos, 328 David. Rev., 109 John, 100 Nathan, 109 R. F., 176 R. F.,&Co., 159 Thomas, Elder, 475 Simon, B. F., Rev., 506 Simpson, Joseph, Rev., 279 note Sims, Gardiner C.. 584 Sisson, Edward, Dr., 699 John, 116, 327 Peleg, 128 Skiff, John, 321 Skinner, Benjamin, 95 Ezra, 92 George W., Rev., 365 Hezekiah, Dr., 94 Isaac, 94 . N. H., 288 Thomas, 66, 92 Thomas, John, Solomon, Joseph, Ebenezer, Samuel and Benjamin, 91 Slade, Abbott E., 589. 590 Albion K., 608, 613 Benjamin, 453, 563 Caleb, 214 Charles M., 575 David F., 591, 659 Eber, 451, 453, 463, 464 Elisha, 132 George W., 583, 596 John P., 501 and note, 571, 582, 583, 589, 590 Jonathan, 131, 521, 545, 591, 620 Lemuel N., 590, 600 Nathan, 131, 563 Philip, Rev., 122 William, 131, 563, 564 William, 3d, 452 William, and sons Jonathan, Ed- ward and William, 130 William L., 131, 579, 587 William T., 591 Slater, James, 364 note Slead, Job, Capt., 130 Slocom, Anthony, 225 Slocum, Ebenezer, 544 John O., 188 Peleg, 118 Small, Albion K. P., Rev., 477 Smith, Abraham, 335 note, 406 Amasa, Rev., 479 Charles E., 174 Daniel H., 160, 329 Edward, 16, 17 Elijah, 63 E. F., Rev., 507 note Francis, 262 George E., 196 Henry, 16, 17 Iram, 497 and note, 587 Isaac, Lieut., 100 James, 120 Jesse B., 278 Job, 265. 269 John, 63, 226, 227 John, jr., 251 John B. , 351 note John C, 589 Jonathan, 160, 161 Joseph H., Elder, 166, 359 note Lucius, 465 M. A., 213 Nathan, 67 Richard, 225 Richard F., 503 note Samuel, 465 Samuel, jr.. 76 Sidney, 364 note Stephen S., 359 note TheronS., 172, 173 Thomas M., Rev., 479 Timothy, Dr., 68 William, 16, 19, 364 note William and Isaac, 101 W. J., Rev., 276 note & Crosby, 160 Smyth, H. J., Rev., 280 note Snell, David A., 418 Joseph, 82 Snelling, Joseph, Rev., 133 Rodman P. , 596 Snow, Charles A., 463 note. 505 Theodore William, Rev., 142 note, 364 William O., 201, 278 Somerset, churches of, 152 early churches in, 132, 133 early industries of, 133 early school measures in, 131 early settlers of, 130, 131 erection of, 129 INDEX. 401 Somerset, first officers of, ISO gazetteer of the town of, 208, 209 industries of, 152, 153 stoneware manufacture in, 152, 153 Enameled Brick Co., 153 Iron Works Co. , 153 Pottery Co., 152 Stove Foundry Co., 153 Soper, Oliver, Capt., 100, 266 Soule, Rufus A., 418 Sylvanus, 131 South Purchase, the, 10 the, incorporated as Dighton, and list of proprietors, 68, 69 Southwick, Arnold W., 419 John, 473 Southworth, Constant, 10, 30, 35, 59, 231- 233 John, 187, 572 Thomas, 59, 231, 429 Sowle, Frederick A., 420 Spalding, A. D., Rev., 133 Spauldmg, D. S., 151, 205 Spear, John M., Rev., 365 Samuel S. , Rev., 503 note Spencer, James H., 286 T. G., Rev., 507 note Spinney, J. P., 201 William N., 474 Spooner, James, 271 John, 330 Paul, Dr., 681 Sampson, 329 Samuel, William and John, 134 Walter, 99, 246 Zachariah, 188 Sprague, Anthony, 52 Sproat, Henry H. , 112 James, 276, 296 James (father and son), 657 note James, James H. and James C, 302 William A. F., 277 Stackford, John, 563 Stackpole. Hiram H., 210 Stafford, Foster H, 579, 580, 587, 629 John R, 596 Stage lines, early, 128, 144 Stall, Samuel, Capt., 125, 342 Stanley Bros., 159 Otis, 157 Stephen, 172, 173, 176 Stanton, Michael E., 623 Starle, Mark, Rev., 480 Staples, Calvin, 354 James, 354 John, 85, 251, 354 J. Forest, 203 Nathaniel, 271 Staples, Seth, 272 Sylvanus F. , 278, 288 Starkweather, Ephraim, 58 Oliver, 138 Stead, Thomas J., 156 Steamboat transportation, 144 Stearns, Ebenezer, Rev., 81 Stephens, Nicholas, 69 Thomas, 60, 63 Stetson, John, 473 Nahum, 278, 295, 300 Thomas M., 416,660 William H., Rev., 279 note Stevens, Daniel W., Rev., 609 Elijah, 293 Frank Shaw, 178 and note, 189, 499, 575, 576, 578, 584, 587, 591-593, 596, 630, 694 Granville, 186 Richard, 293 Stevenson, B. V., Rev., 365 John, 54 Stewart, John, Rev., 507 Robert, 583 Stickney, Charles D., 278 Charles P., 569, 570, 578, 584, 585, 587, 589 Stiles, Ezra, Rev. 317 W. C„ Rev., 365 Still well, Daniel, 589 Joseph, 475 Stoddard, Noah, 210 Noah and Nicholas, 137 Stone, George B., 607 George F., 172 Gurdon, 163 H. J., 406 Joshua Clapp, 402, sketch of, 671 Morton, Rev., 242 note William and son Nathaniel, 67 Stowell, Joseph, 362 William H., 358 note Strange, Charles, Capt, 110 John F., 419 Noah, 203 Street, Francis, 226 Nicholas, 239, 240 Streeter Bros., 160 Strobridge, William, 296 Strong, George A., Rev., 363, 364 John, 226, 252 Stuart, James C, 595 Sturdy Brothers, 205 Charles H., and Albert W., 158 7. F, and J. H, 158 W. A. , Manufacturing Co. , 195 Sturtevant, John, 261 Sullivan, Daniel D., 544 402 INDEX. Sullivan, Daniel J., 623 Dennis V., 659 Emanuel, 660 James E., 623,693 Timothy, 575 Summerbell, M., Rev., 481 Sumner, Jeremiah, 247 John, 66 Swain, Thomas, 565 Thomas S., 351 note William, 565 William W., 145, 351 note, 352, 360, 402 and note, 465 Swamps in the county, 2 Swan, Caleb, Dr., 283, 684 Swansea, churches of 165 donations of Frank S. Stevens to, 178 and note early churches in, 121, 122 early school interests of, 122 extracts from the town meeting pro- ceedings of, 21, 22 First Baptist Church of, career of the, 22, and note founding of the First Baptist Church of, 20, 21 gazetteer of the town of, 188, 189 in the Revolution, 102 Miles's bridge in, 123 requirements for admission as set- tlers in, 21 territory included in, 21 Record, the, 178, 188 Swasey, Albert E., 281 Charles Lamson, Dr., 681 Sweeney, Michael, 623 Sweet, Andrew H., 161, 195 Arthur E., 196 Benjamin, 92 Elbridge, 94, 206 Henry, 52 Richard F., Dr., 68 Silas, 329 Warren N., 186 Sweeting, Lewis, Dr., 68, 94 Sweetland, Nathan, 114 Swift, Asa, 210 Asa, jr., 210 Augustus, 419 Foster, Dr., 681 Frederick, 410 Humphrey, 148 Jireh, jr., 410 M. G. B., 590, 593, 594, 629, 659, 694 Mary D., 694 Oliver C, 358 note Reuben, Capt, 125, Rodolphus, 148 Swinerton, Asa T., Rev., 506 Sylvester, David, 367, 368 Eben L., 172 Synan Brothers, 153 W. E., Dr., 692, 694 Taber, Allen, 364 Bartholomew, 135, 138, 210 Benjamin, 316, 328 Charles, Augustus, Abraham, Will- iam, C, jr., Charles M. and Fred- eric, 417 Edward S., 351 note, 695 James, 136 Jonathan, 128 Joseph, 328 Lewis, 135 Nicholas, 137 Nicholas, & Sons, 135 Pardon, 329 Paul, 136 Philip, 102, 116, 327 Robert, 384 Samuel, Lieut., 102 Stephen, 329 Thomas, 134, 135, 670 William C, 354, 358 note, 373, 415, 416 Talbert, G. H., 194 Talbot, Charles, Dr., 94 Jared, Capt., and children, 69; 72 Lemuel T., 287 Micah J., Rev., 505 Samuel, 71 Tallman, William, 99, 328 Taunton, aldermen of, list of the 305-308 alias Cobannet, original bounds of, 217, 218 Anthony & Cushman Lock Co. in, 302 apprehension as to land titles in, 267 Beethoven Society of, 276 bounties for killing wild animals in, 254 bridges in, 259, 260 Bristol Academy in, 246, 247 Bristol County National Bank of, 278 Bristol County Savings Bank in, 278 note Canoe River Mills in, 303 Chartley Iron Works in, 292 churches of, 239-242, 270, 271, 275- 277, 279, 280, 290 city clerks of, list of the, 315 city marshals of, list of the, 315 city treasurers and collectors of, list of the, 315 Cohannet Bank of, 277 INDEX. 403 Taunton, Cohannet Mills in, 303 Corr Manufacturing Co. in, 303 councilmen of, list of the, 308-315 court houses and jails at, 660-663 displeasure of, over location of first court in the county, 44, 45 dissension over building anew meet- ing-house in, 268 division of lands of, among settlers, 23&-237 Eagle Cotton Mill Co. in, 303 earliest recorded marriages in, 253 early civil proceedings in, 252-256 early court proceedings in, 255, 256 early demand for lands in, 229, 230 early map of, between 216 and 21 7 early ministers of, 239-241 early settlement of, 215 et seq. early tar manufacture in, 258 early town meetings in, 254 educational measures in, 243-247 efforts of, to secure courts, 647 Elizabeth Pool Mills in, 303 erection of north and south precincts in, 238 establishment of southern boundary of, 230 fire department, 280-282 fires in, 282 first court held in, 650 first military roster in, 248 first seven freemen of. 252 freshets in, 269 and note gas lighting in, 283 government building at, 304 grants to Mr. Hooke and Mr. Street in, 229, 230 hay landings in, 259 highway proceedings in, 254 Hopewell Iron Works in, 293 improvement of city building of, 291 in King Philip's war, 249, 250 in King William's war, 251 in Queen Anne's war, 251 in the Civil war, 284-287 in the French and English wars, 264, 265 in the war of the Revolution, 265-267 in the war of 1812, 271, 272 industries in, in early days, 260-264 iron as money in, 262 laws regulating storing ammunition in, 253 liquor licenses in, 258 list of heads of families in, at begin- ing of King Philip's war, 250 note list of the forty-six purchasers of, 219 list of thirty-five later settlers of, 227 Taunton, locations and occupations of the pioneers of, 237 Machinists' National Bank of, 278 note made the county seat, 649, 650 manufactures of, 291-304 manufacturing in, before 1800, 269 Mason Machine Works in, 301 mayors of, list of the, 305 miscellaneous manufactures of, 303 moral code of, 254, 255 Morton Hospital in, 695 Nemasket Mills in, 303 newspapers of, 273-275 and note North Purchase, list of the purchas- ers of, 59, 60, 231 Oakland Mills in, 299 Old Colony Historical Society of, 283 150th anniversary of the founding of, 290 Reed & Barton Works in, 297, 298 reference to early industries in, 257 roster of Union fire company of, in 1837, 280 permanent first settlers of, 227 Phoenix Manufacturing Co. in, 302 population of, 315 post-office, 304 Presbrey Stove Lining Co. in, 302 protection of fisheries in, 257 sanctity of the Sabbath guarded in, 256 sea commerce of, 269, 270 seizure of Assonet Neck territory, 232, 233 sketches of the forty- six purchasers of, 220-226 sketches of the thirty-five later set- tlers of, 228 stocks and whipping-post in, 255 street railways in, 288 ■ town clerks of, list of the, 305 town pounds in, 252, 253 town treasurers of, list of the, 305 water works, 288-290 West Silver Co. in, 303 Whittenton Mills in, 298 Whittington Iron. Works in, 292 Winslow's description of the site of, 215 Bank, 272, 273 Board of Trade, 304 Brick Co., 302 Copper Manufacturing Co. , 300 Electric Lighting Co., 283 note Female Charitable Association, 275 and note Locomotive Manufacturing Co., 300 404 INDEX. Taunton, Lunatic Hospital, 696 Manufacturing Co., 296 Oil Cloth Co., 302 Public Library, 287 Savings Bank, 278 note South Purchase, 232 ; division of, 233 Steamboat Co. , 167 Tack Co., 301 Taylor, Benjamin, Rev., 122, 334 Benjamin H. and James, Revs. , 481 E. M., Rev., 505 Edwin P., 417 E. T., Rev., 480 James, 373, 384 Lathrop, Rev., 276 note W. B., Rev., 507 William H., 373,499 William Howland, 681 William H., Rev., 81, 166 W. H., Dr, 354 note W. W., 204 Tenney, C. R., Rev., 365 Terry, Charles C, 609 David, 191 Elias, 137 J. F., 210 Job, 110 John, 439 Phineas, 210 Silas, 110 Thomas, Lieut., 30, 437, 603 Tewksbury, Malcolm W., 610 Thacher, Peter, Rev., 56, 142 Samuel, 265 Thackeray, Richard, 577 Thatcher, George T., 212 James J., Rev., 122 Thaxter, Caleb, 364 Duncan, M. B. , 210 Samuel L., 525, 545 Thayer, Charles L., 565 Elisha, 64 Ephraim, 63 Horatio and Lewis, 163 Isaac, 266 John, 63 William, 83 William and son Jonathan, 76 Thibault, O., 624 Thomas, Henry F., 376, 415 Moses G., 373 Sylvanus, & Co., 353 S. M., 288 Willia^n F., 416 Thompson, Archibald, 158 James D., 376,415,696 John H., 581 Jonathan, Rev., 122, 481 Thompson, J. N., & Co., 160 Otis, Rev., 112,142 R., 592 R. T., Dr., 694 Thorndike, Israel, 296 Israel, jr., 296 Thornton, Elisha, 401 Thorup, Andreas T. , 354 note Thrasher, John, 254 Thurber. Herbert L., 275 James, 274 note Thurston, Eli, Rev., 503 Thatcher T., 623 Tidd, Joseph G., 299 Tiffany, Gideon, Dr., son of James, jr., 68 Tifft, John, 157 Tilden, Henry, 359 note, 405 William P., Rev., 65 Tillinghast, Joseph S. , 351 note Nicholas, 273, 304, 669 Pardon, 411 William A, 420 Tingley, Thomas, 52 T. C, Rev., 133 Tinkham, E. B., 418 Horace W., 563 Tirrell, Eben, jr., Rev., 507 note Tisdale, Ephraim, 109 James, 10, 71, 72, 110, 233 John, 31, 37, 227, 228, 250 Joseph, 273 Joshua, 31 Simeon, 273, 294 WilliamS., 274 note Titiquet Purchase, the, 7, 216, 217 Titus, Charles H., Rev., 279 note Reuben, 92 Samuel, 52 Tobey, Apollos, 663 Calebs., 358 note Charles A., 377 • Elisha, Dr., 681 Elkanah, 128 Samuel, Rev., 89, 91, 203 Samuel, Silas and Rev. Alvin, 88 Samuel, 203 William, 335 and note Tompkins, Isaac, jr., 410 Torrey, Reuben, Rev., 479 Tounancour, G. de, 624 Tourjee, E., 622 Towns, list of, in the county, 4 list of the, set off from the original five, 4 Townsend, Paul, Rev., 279 Samuel R,, 247 Tracy, James R., 201 Trafford, Diah, 322 INDEX. 405 Trafford, William B., 590 William B. , William C. and Andrew K., 206 Trask, William G., Rev., 242 note Treen, Benjamin, 204 Tregaskis, James, Rev., 507 note Tremblay, Remi, 624 Tripp, Azariah S., 470, 498, 548, 568, 588 Franks., 419 Howland, 128 James, 210 James, 2d, 210 James, F-, 335 note John, 2d, 128 Joseph, 134, 138, 210 Lemuel, 210 N. A., 475 note, 620, 621 Stephen A., 415 Thomas, 127 Thomas A., 416 Willard D., 286 William D., 285 Trow, Israel, 101 True, Charles K., Rev., 480 Tryon, George F., 566 Tubbs, Samuel, 88 Samuel, jr., Capt., 100 Samuel and William, 293 Tucker, Abraham and John, 118 Charles R., 351 note, 402 John F., 373 Robert, 63 Tupper, Samuel, jr., 329 Turnbull, J. H., Rev., 505 Turner, Caleb, 296 Humphrey, 425 Job, Dr., Ill John, 227, 228, 262 John, Dr., 110 John, jr , Dr., Ill J. T, 592 Wendell E., 592 William H., 592 Tustin, Josiah P., Rev., 364 Tuttle, Jonathan, 362 Twiss, J. J., Rev., 365 Tyler, Ebenezer, 156 Joseph P., Rev., 108 Upham, Frederick, Rev., 279 note, 480 S. F., Rev., 279 note Uxley, Henry, 226 Vail, Thomas H, Rev., 242 note Valentine, David, Col., 105 Edward, 510 Joseph, 604 William, 465, 555, 556, 565, 579, 580, 591 Valliant, P. U., 654 Valuation of the county by decades, 5 Van Campen, Hiram, Rev., 365 Vander Burgh, D W., 694. 699 Van Wormer, John R., 559, 567 Vary, J. R., Rev., 133 Vernon, Thomas, Rev., 113 Viall, Nathaniel, 138 Vickery, Benjamin C, 278 B. Church, 278 note Caleb B., 544 Charles R., 278 note, 302, 304 David, 270 Vinal, John F., Capt, 170, 377 Vose, Edward J. , 285 Waddington, Samuel, 574, 581, 594 Wade, Lewis, 138 Wadsworth, Christopher, 425 Wady, John, 135 Wagner, Francis J., Rev., 505 Waite, Josiah K., Rev., 502 Waldron, Charles D., 212 Samuel, 72, 251 Wales, Atherton, Rev., 91 John, Rev., 87 Walker, Aaron, Lieut, 100 Avery S., Rev., 137 Benjamin L., 289 David, 71, 72, 100 Eleazer, 251 F. C, Dr., 696 George W., 138 H. N., 197 James, 10, 37; and children 69, 70; 71, 227, 228, 232, 233, 257, 258 Nathan, 71 Philip, 265 Seth, Dr., 86 Timothy, Col., 97, 99, 100, 266 Wall, William Sawyer, 323 Wallace, David A., Rev , 505 Walley, John, 43 Walmsley, Robinson, 572 Wamsutta (Alexander), 6 War of 1812, 124-126 Ward, Joseph, 520 Samuel, 354 Wardell. Nathaniel, 470 Wardwell, Benjamin, 497 Josiah, 120 Ware, John F. W., Rev., 502 William, Dr., son of John, 68 Waring, Charles S , 501 James, 580, 581 Warner, Burrage Y., 420 Joseph B., 420 William R.,591 Warren, Charles H., 351 note, 653 406 INDEX. Warren, Charles J., Rev., 56 C. W., Rev., 507 note Gardner, 283 G. F., Rev., 57 William, Rev., 73 Washburn, Chauncey G., 86 Cromwell, Gen., Ill Cromwell W., 293 George A., 273,285, 288 Henry, 277, 278 Israel, Capf., 86,87, 97,103 Israel, Rev., 147 O. W., 153 Philander, 278 PhiloH.,86 Salmon, 278 Samuel, Rev., 503 Seth, Dr., and son Franklin, 87; 663 Waterman, Fred E., 595, 596 John, 30 John C, 584 William H., 325 William W., 246 note Waters, John W., 193 Samuel, 76 Watkins, Charles F., 418 William, 352 note Watson, George, 427 John Lee, 247 Newell & Co., 159 Samuel, 368, 418, 580 & Newell, 155 Watters, Joseph, 578 Way, William, Rev., 108, 109 Weaver, Benjamin, Col., 110, 604 Joseph, Major, 110 Sheffield, 453, 465, 513, 563 Webb, Daniel, Rev., 279, 480 Webster, Andrew, 191 J. K., 159 Stephen, 88 Weeden, William N., 417 Weeks, Thomas S., 178 Weiss, John, Rev., 334 note, 402 Weld, B. R., 564 Habijah, 56 Wellington, extinct town of, 5 note incorporation and final extinction of the town of, 141 James Lloyd, Dr., 189 Wellman, Isaac, Samuel and Benjamin, 91 Welles, T. Clayton, Rev., 276 note Wells, Jordan C, Rev., 279 note J. Henry, 612 William R., 368 West, Abigail, 275 West, Bartholomew, and sons William and Edward, 323 George and Frank, 213 John, 273, 294, 328 John, Rev. , 242 note Samuel, Rev., 329, 333 Samuel, Rev. Dr., 148, 681 Samuel C, 278 note • William Allen., 298 Westcoat, Richard, 271 Westfall, John, 525, 533 Westgate, Abner L., 506 Weston, Caroline and Deborah, 401 Isaac, Rev., 136 Westport, churches of, 129, 164 early militia of, 128 early settlers of, 128 erection of the town of, 127 first officers of, 127 gazetteer of the town of, 206-208 town house in, 128 whaling interests of, 129 Wetherell, George, 63 John, 60, 61 Joseph, Dr., 680 Simeon, 66 William, 61, 237 ; son and grandson, 63 Wetherbee, Seth H., 629 Whale fishing after the Revolution, 123 Whalon, Hiram, 187 Wheaton, Charles, 453, 563 E. B., Mrs., 65 note, 195 George, Dr., son of Ephraim, 68, 92, 94 Laban, 65 note, 160, 161 Laban M. , 65 note, 67 ; and wife 161 ; 278 N. H.,563 Nathan M., 453 Female Seminary, the, 161, 195 Manufacturing Co., 160 & Richards, 159 Wheeler, Abraham, Rev., 137 Barnard, 114 Dexter, 115, 451,455, 561, 562 George B., 381 note John, Capt. , 99 Melancthon, Rev., 119 Nathaniel, 120, 451, 453, 563, 564 Wheelwright, Henry B., 283 Henry B., 247 Whelden, Joseph, Capt, 136, 147, 210 Whipple, Ensign, 58 Whitaker, Daniel K., 353, 359 note White, Albert, 191 Ansel, 147, 148 Benjamin, 92, 147 INDEX. 407 White, Consider, 102 Cornelius, Capt, 97, 266 Ebenezer, Rev., 56, 91 Edward L., 354 Guilford, 163 Jason, 396 John, 72, 92, 102, 439 Lemuel L., 278 note Nehemiah, 92 Marcus, 93 Nicholas, Dea., 60, 61, 91, 93, 258 Nicholas, Dr., son of Dea. Nicholas, 68,94 Obed J., Rev. 242 note Phineas, 147 Samuel, 92, 651, 663, sketch of 666 Simeon, son F. A., and brothers Charles P., Hiram, Adoniram J. and Henry, 181 ; 203 Stephen, 651 Sylvanus, Capt, 128 Thomas B., 354, 373 William, 128, 205 & Shaw, 158 Whitehead, John, 544 Whitehill, John, Rev. , 56 Whitmg, David, 157 William D., 160, 167, 174 Whitman, Charles L., 596 John, 76 Whitmarsh, Charles E., 197 Rufus, Capt., 70, 100 Seth, 138 Whitney, E.,&Co., 159 F. G., 157, 174 W. S., 630 Whittaker, George, 585 Whittemore, J. L., Rev., 119 Whittridge, William C, Dr., 681 Whitwell, F. R, 210 William, Rev., 81 Wiatt, James, 227 Wightman, Joseph Colver, Rev., 242 note Wilbar, Joseph E., 274 note, 278 and note, 304 Wilbore, Joshua, 266 Shadrach, 259 Wilbour, Elijah, 342 John, 133 Simeon, 271 William and Hanson, 131 Wilbur, Daniel, 130, 131, 471, 580 Edward, 86 H. G., Dr., 692, 694 James L., 377 John, 131 Samuel, Capt., 86 Wilbur, Thomas, 525 William L., Lieut.-Col., 86 Wilcox, A. P., 210 David T., 572, 580 James F., Rev., 247 note Lemuel T., 660 Samuel, 128 Wild, George W., Dr., 68 John, jr., Dr., 68 Wildes, George D., 364 Wilkey, Cornell, 135 Wilkins, John Hubbard, 247 R. M., Rev., 506 Wilkinson, Abraham, 555, 556, 565 David, 114 Ezra, 678 Isaac, 555, 565 William, 556 Willard, Henry, 497 John B, Rev., 65, 137 Willett, Hezekiah, son of Capt. Thomas, 42 John W., 279 note Thomas, Capt., 21, 47, 48 and note Williams, Abiathar, 270 Abiel, 86 Alfred B., 304 A. Gilbert. 278 note A. King, 279 note Benjamin, 79, 91-93, 265, 662 •Benjamin and John, sons of Benja- min and grandsons of Richard, 77 B. W., 274 note Daniel, 84 Ebenezer, 94 Edward, 84 Eliab, 86, 521, 525, sketch of 675 Eliphalet, 273 Francis, 278 George, Col., 98, 270 G B. and E., 201 George D., 191 Harrison A., 181 Henry, 93, 273 note, 290, sketch of 669 James, 246 James M. , 278 Job, Capt., 64 John, Capt, 130, 265 John Mason, 277, 353, 653, sketch of 672 J. M., Rev., 505 Joshua, 92, 121 Lemuel, sketch of, 670 Lemuel, jr., 351 note, 353 Lewis, 303 Lewis and Edward D., 163 Luther, 407 408 INDEX. Williams Macey, Capt, 100-102 Marcus, 206 Nathan, 95 Nathan S., 295 Nathaniel, 44, 545 Philander, 278 Richard, 10, 71, 226, 227, 230, 232, 233, 335 note, 351 note Roger, 35 Samuel King, 86 Seth, 545, 650, 651, 661 Seth P., Dr., Ill Silas and Benjamin, 84 Simeon, Capt., 97, 121, 266 Thomas, Rev., 56, 154 Victor, 354 Willis, Ebenezer, Major, 99 Henry P., 354, 368 H. W., 200 Jireh, 99 John, 230 Lemuel, 101 Samuel, 670 Willson, Luther, 137 Wilmarth, Daniel, jr., 277 Moses, Capt., 98, 99 Nathan, 278 note W. H., &Co., 160 Wilson, Benjamin, 147 Benjamin and Robert, 226 D. B., 629 Elisha T., 278 George, 383, 420 Hezekiah, 453, 514, 563 JohnG., Rev., 119 John Wells, Rev.. 502 Joseph Kennard, Rev. , 242 note J. T.,584 Richard L., Rev. Dr., 279 Thomas, Rev., 507 note Winchester, Alexander, 16 G. H., Rev., 506 note Wing, James, 210 John, 135, 353 Jonathan, Rev., 119 Winslow, Ebenezer, 88 Edward, visit of to Massasoit, 7 note ; 215 Elkanah, Capt., 129 Frederic, 513 Isaac, 510, 511 James, 190, 439. 440 Jeremiah, 353 Job, Lieut., 30, 265 John, Dr., 133 Josiah, 35, 48, 59, 83, 430 Josiah, sr., 30 Josias, 231, 265 Winslow. J. H., 190, 191 Kenelm and Ambrose D. , 191 Kenelm, son Nathaniel and grand- son Josiah, 31 Nathaniel, 131 Richard, Dr., Ill Shadrach. Dr., 110, 111 Winston, John, 131 Winters, Sarah, 455 Wise, Daniel, Rev., 480 Witherell, H. B., 283 Hiram H., 161 John, 249 L. M., 290 P E 159 William, 249, 250, 259 Withington, George G., Rev., 81 Wixon, B., Mrs., 629 Wolcott, William H., Rev., 276 note Wood, Ann, 354 Charles L., 372 note, 584 David, 335 note Dennis, 373 Elihu, jr., 210 Henry R., 279 note Henry T, 415 Henry T., William G., George R. and Edmund, 420 Isaac, 147 Jabez, 147 Joel, 506 John, 72, 373 Jonathan M., 178, 659 J. S.. 196 Nathan M., 590 Richard, 72 William, 134, 545 William H-, 594 & Brightman, 415 Woodcock, John, 51, 52, 54 Thomas, 52 Woodman, BrownellW., 501 Woodruff, George W., Rev., 505 Woodward, George M., 279 note, 300 Robert, 64 Woolley, Rev. Father, 279 Worcester, J. M., Rev., 279 Worthin, Amos H., Rev., 506 Woydell, Marcus, 191 Wright, Alfred A., Rev., 480, 505 Andrew R., 663 William B., 623 Richard, 16 Wrightington, Stephen C, 581, 582 Wyatt, James, 228, 249, 256 Wyeth, Edwin A., 593 Yarrow, William H., Rev., 507 note INDEX. 409 Yates, Walter J., Rev., 279 note, 480 Young, Charles, Rev., 279 Joshua, Rev., 502 J. S., 569 Young, Mary B., Mrs., 506, 612, 613, 694 William, 358 note & Stern, 159 BIOGRAPHICAL. Abbott, John H., Dr., 795 Aldrich, James M., Dr., 779 Almy, Franklin L., 778 Bigney, S. O., 703 Borden, Alanson, 707 Borden, Philip D., 795 Borden, Simeon, 709 Brownell, Stephen A., 785 Clark, Herbert A., Capt., 712 Codding, Abiel, 714 Crapo, Henry H., 716 Crapo, William W., 719 Davis, Robert T.. Dr., 782 Drown, William Frederick, 721 Earle, Lloyd S., 723 Estes, J. H., &Son, 726 Fish, Nathaniel J. W., 729 Hall, R. Henry, 730 Hervey, E. Williams, 733 Horton, Everett S. , 735 Jennings, Andrew J., 739 Kennedy, William F.,793 Lincoln, Jonathan T., 741 Lincoln, Leontine, 744 Mandell, Thomas, 787 Messinger,. Austin, 745 Milne, John C, 776 Noyes, Henry A., 794 Nye, Obed, 749 Osborn, James M., 755 Osborn, Weaver, 757 Paine, Robert Treat, 798 Reed, Henry G. , 760 Reed, William, jr., 779 Richmond, George B., 790 Seip, Charles L, Dr., 760 Skinner, A. Homer, 763 Slade, Jonathan, 784 Soule, Rufus A., 765 Sweet, Andrew H, 748 Sweet, Job, Dr., 769 Taber, Charles S., 751 Thomas Sylvanus, 770 Thurston, Thatcher T., 793 Washburn, George A., 771 Westall, John, Rev., 773 Wilcox, Thomas, 775 PERSONAL REFERENCES. Abbe, Alanson J., Dr., 3 Adams, Charles H., 3 George A., 4 George L., 239 Albert, James B., 239 Alden, Silas, 4 Aldrich, Nathaniel B., Dr., 240 Stanley A., 240 Alger, Arthur Martineau, 4 Horace Howard, 240 Allen, Henry K. W., 5 James Eben, 5 James R., Capt, 5 Walter B., 241 Walters., 6 Almy, Giles Pardon, 6 Norman L., 7 Ames, Hobart, 241 Oliver, 2d, 241 Amiot, Joseph Edward, 7 Amsden, Henry H, Dr., 7 Angell, William Henry, 8 Angeny, Granville L., Dr., Anthony, Everett F., 8 James Yale, 8 John, 242 Arden, Thomas Hill, 9 Ashley, A. Davis, 242 Charles S., 243 Frank H., 243 242 410 INDEX. Ashley, Henry Thayer, 243 Isaac L. , 244 Jarvis Tabor, 9 Mary P., 244 Austin, Frederick Ellsworth, 9 Loring M. , 9 Sarah A., 244 Ayer, George A., 9 Babbitt, Francis Sanford, 10 Isaac N., jr., 10 Babcock, Abbott H., 244 Baker, Charles A., 11 Charles Lewis, 11 George Orlando, Capt, 11 Michael Alexander, 12 Timothy Crowell, 12 Ballou, Herbert A. , 12 Walter, 245 Bannister, Andrew, 13 Barden, Frank I., 245 Barker, John W. 13 Richard J., 13 Barnard, Frank Warren, 245 Barnev, Edwin Luther, 14 Frank P., 14 Barrows, H. F., 15 Bartlett, Andrew Harrison, 15 George F., 15 Henry, 245 Bassett, Elton J., Dr., 246 John Seabury, 17 Bates. J. M., 246 John T., 17 Lot Besse, 17 William Clinton, 246 Battelle, Willard. 18 Battershall, J. W. Dr., 247 Bauldry, Lyman C, 18 Baylies, John B., 18 William, 19 Beauvais, Joseph Arthur, 19 Beetle, John H., 20 Bennett, Gustavus L., 247 John E., 21 Robert Gilbert, 21 Thomas, jr., 21 William James, 22 Bentley, Louis E., 247 Samuel E., 22 Berard, NorbertP., 23 Bessette, Claver, 248 Bicknell, George F.. Capt, 248 Bigney, James A., 249 Billings, William Richardson, 23 Black, William Rufus, 249 Blackinton, L. A. 24 Roswell, 249 Blackmer, Arthur L., 250 Herbert Albert, 250 Blackway, Charles William, 23 Blain, Charles Hodge, 24 Blake Jacob A., 251 James E. , 24 John E., 251 Blandin, George C, 25 Lester Duane, 251 Bliss, A. H., 25 Everett B., 25 Blossom, Abram S., 251 Eli Walter, 25 Levi, 252 Bodfish, William Francis, 253 Bodge, John P., 26 Boomer, Thomas, 26 Walter Martin, 26 Booth, James, 253 James H., 27 William L., 253 Borden, Charles E., 254 Charles F., 27 Edwin, 27 Gilbert Bennett, 28 Jonathan, 254 Nathaniel Briggs, 28 Philip D., 29 Richard B., 29 Bourne, Edmund Wright, 254 Bouvier, J. A. Wilfrid, 30 Bo wen, Albert K., 255 Joseph A., 30 Seabury, Dr., 30 Boyden, Clarence Fuller, 31 Boylan, Bernard, Rev., 361 Bradford, David L., 31 Phillip A., 255 Braley, Albert Loring, 256 Henry King, 31 Jasper W., 32 Briggs, Abram Taylor, 32 Charles Henry, 33 George Alfred, 33 George E. , 256 Seth R., 34 Brightman, Abner Potter, 34 Charles, 35 Charles Oliver, 35 Charles P., 35 Oliver P., 258 Philander H., 36 Brow, Ezra W., 258 Brown, E. C. , 259 John Peaslee, 36 Brownell, Alvin Church, 259 Charles H., 36 David, jr., 37 INDEX. 411 Brownell, Ezekiel J., 37 George H. B.,259 John Almy, 259 Pardon Cornell, 37 Bryant, John I., 260 Thomas Ruggles, jr., 38 Bryson, G. S., Dr., 38 Buck, Augustus Walker, Dr., 38 Buckley, Daniel F., 261 Buckminster, Joseph, 39 Burlington, Arthur E., 39 Buffinton, Arthur Lincoln, 40 Benjamin, 40 Elisha Wilbur, 41 Hiram Barzillia, 261 Bullard, Herbert C, Dr., 262 Burnham. C. H., 41 Burns, Edward Francis, 262 Buron, Joseph H., 41 Burrell, John T., 41 Burt, Samuel P., 262 Thomas Preston, 42 Bush, George H., 263 Bushee, A. A., 42 Solon D. , 42 Butler, William Parkinson, 43 Butman, Thomas S., 43 Butts^ Erastus Gordon, 44 Thomas Albert, 44 Camfill, Robert Emmet, Dr., 44 Cannon, James, 44 Capron, E. S., 45 Frank R., 263 Harford A. , 45 Card, Walter G., 45 Carpenter, Arthur B , 263 Samuel N., 263 Thomas S., 46 Carvill, Zenas V., Dr., 46 Cash James, 264 Cate George W., 46 Century Stove Company, 47 Chace, George Frederic, 47 Nathan D., 48 William B. M., 48 Chaffee, Charles F., 48 Chaffin, William L., Rev., 264 Chapman Edward Thurston 48 Chase, B. Chester, 49 Charles S., 49 William Frederick, 50 William Henry, 50 Chausse, Joseph, 50 Cheever, George W. , 264 James G., 265 Church, Horatio Leonard, 51 Claflen, D. B.. 51 Clancy, Michael, 265 Clap, Harvey, 265 Clark, Thomas H. , 265 Clarke, Henry W., 51 J. S. B., 52 Clements, William H., 265 Clifford, Charles W., 52 Walter, 53 Cobb, George A., 266 Wendell Hamlin, 53 Codding, Arthur E., 54 David D., 54 Cody, Edmund Francis, Dr., 267 Cole, Samuel Valentine, 267 Coleman, Abner, 267 E. P., 54 Collet, C. A. Arthur, 267 Peter A. A., Dr., 54 Collins, John M., 55 Conant, Prelet Drake, 55 Conefy, James Francis, 268 Connell, Arthur Irving, Dr., 55 Charles W., Dr., 56 Cook, Abraham S. , 56 Alexander O., 56 Charles C, 57 Charles Edward, 58 William, 58 William Henry, 59 Cooke, J. M., Rev., 59 Cornell, Charles Frederick, 60 Oliver, 268 Corson, Temple Shorey, 269 Cottle Melvin W., 269 Cotton, George, 269 Cottrell, William T., 60 Couch, Leonard Crocker, 60 Coughlin, Richard Patrick, 61 Coupe, William, 55 Courtney, George C , 269 Covel, Thomas D., 61 Cox, Peter E., 61 Crandall, George N., 61 J. L.,270 Crane, Joshua Eddy, 270 Crosby, Alfred R., 270 Cross, James W., 62 Crowell, Ezra, 62 Henry P., 62 Crowley, John D., 63 Cummings, Benjamin, 63 Charles Smith, 270 Curran, J. V., 64 Currie, Malcolm, 271 Cushing, John King, 64 Cushman, Andrew Bernard, Dr., 65 A. M., 271 Henry W., 271 412 INDEX. Cushman, Hiram, 65 Seth Leonard, 65 Cusick, Thomas Francis, Dr., 272 Cuttle, John, 66 Daggett, Homer'M., 66 Dahl, Thomas S., 66 Danielson, Charles R., 67 Darling, Joseph Monroe, 67 Davenport, William Church, 67 Davis, David Perry, 67 George H., 272 Luthan Tripp, 68 "William A., 69 Zebina Baker, 69 Davol, Abner P., 69 Bradford D., 70 William C, 70 Dawson, Benjamin, 71 Day, Alfred B., 71 Dean, Charles Henry, 71 Daniel W., 272 George A. , 71 Luther, 272 Paul Hathaway, 72 Deane, John M., 72 Lewis Billings, 272 Ralph Denniston, Dr., 72 Dedrick, Albert C, Dr., 73 Dehn, Edward William, Dr., 273 Delano, James, 273 Joshua, 273 De Moranville, Dennis, 74 Denham, Family, the, 74 Desmond, John, 75 Thomas F., 274 Destremps, Louis G., 75 Devoll, Daniel Tucker, 75 De Wolf, Alfred Ward, 76 Dexter, Everett O., 76 Dickerman, Charles Reynard, 274 Dineen, Daniel J., 274 Dolari, William Andrew, Dr., 76 Doran, J. E, 275 Thomas W., 77 Drake, Albert Bailey, 77 Draper, O. M., 77 Drown, Hezekieh Luther, 78 Dubuque, Hugo Adelard, 78 Dudley, Sumner, Arthur, 275 Duff, John, 275 Dunbar, William Everett, 79 Dunn, James P., 276 Durand, John, 276 Durfee, George B.. 277 George T., 79 Dwight, James Edwin, 79 Dwinell, Byron Lee, Dr., 277 Dyer, George F., 277 Eastwood, Frederick, 278 Eckfeldt, Thomas Hooper, 80 Eddv, Everett W., 278 Elco'ck, Harry Alfred, Dr., 278 Eldridge, Albert Stanley, 279 John, jr., 80 John Henry, 279 Elliot, W. L., Dr., 279 Ellis, John P., 80 Nathaniel B., 279 Emerson, F. O., 280 Emery, Abram David, 280 Francis Walcott Reed, 280 Engley, Willard A., 281 Entwistle, John, 281 Evans, Charles Everett, 281 Edwin Hubert, 81 Edwin L., 281 William A., 81 Everett, Nathan B. , 82 Fairbanks, Frank S., 282 Farnham, Charles H. , 82 Faunce, Loun H., 82 Fenner, Henry Smith, 83 Fernandes, Joseph H., 83 Field, Chester R, 84 Herbert, 84 Fielden, John William, Dr., 85 Fisher, E. Jasper, 282 G. Eugene, 282 Henry H., 85 Fisk, George W., 86 Fittz, George B., 361 Flint, Benjamin K. , 86 Flynn, Edmund Francis, Dr., 283 Fogwell, Richard E., 283 Forbes, John P., 86 Forrester, Charles F., 283 Fortin, Julien Elzear, Dr., 86 Foster, James R., Dr., 87 Fowler, Frank Eugene, 87 Fox, William Henry, 283 France, Samuel C, 87 Francis, Thomas, 88 Fraser, Alexander McKay, 88 French, Edward Milton, 89 Frissell, Amasa R., 284 Frothingham, Paul Revere, Rev., : Fuller, E. A., 284 Henry Jerome, 284 William Eddy, jr., 89 Fyans, John T, 285 Gabriel, Stanford Leman, 285 Gadsby, John, 285 INDEX. 413 Gaffney, John Linus, 285 Galligan, Charles Augustine, 89 Edward Francis, Dr., 286 Gammons, Edgar Howland, 286 Gardiner, Charles Berry, 90 EzekielG, 286 Gibbs, George H., 287 Lot Haskell, 90 Samuel W., Dr., 91 Gifford, Charles H., 91 James W., 287 John B., 92 John James, 93 William Leander, 93 Gilbert, John," Dr., 93 Gillingham, James L., 94 Gillon, John Benedict, 287 Glenwood Furnishing Co. , The, 95 Goff, William H,, 288 William N., 95 Golden, M. C, Dr., 95 Goodwin, Edward Francis, 288 Gorham, James H., 95 Gorman, Augustus P., 95 James J., 96 Goward, Edward T., 96 J. Clinton, 361 Grant, Campbell C. , 289 Greene, Augustus A., 96 Nathaniel H., 97 William Stedman, 97 Grime, George, 98 Grover, Charles L. , 98 Guild, Charles T., 289 Gurney, Jonathan R., 99 Gustin, Ellen Grant, 99 Gustin-Mackie, Laura V., Dr., 99 Hack, Henry S., 290 Hadley, Jacob Baker, 290 Haffenreffer, Rudolf F., jr., 100 Hall, Frederick Stanley, 100 Hambly, George H., 100 Hamlin, Ezra, 101 Hammett, Charles Warren, Dr., 101 Shubael Franklin, 101 Hammond, Caleb, 101 Hanlon, Frederick, 291 Harding, David E., 102 Hargraves Manufacturing Co., 291 Harrington, George Stanley 102 Randall A., 102 Harrison, Sandy, 292 Hartshorn, Charles Warren, 292 George Franklin, 293 Haskell, Edward, 103 Haekins, George H., 293 Hastings, John, 104 Hatch, George Coggeshall, 294 Hathaway, Charles E., & Son, 105 Chester B., 106 Herman H., 106 Ira A., 106 James Henry, 107 Marcus M., Dr., 107 Paul Spooner, 108 Robert N., 108 R. B. & H. D., 294 Hathway, Andrew M., 294 John M., 295 Hawes, George E., 295 Jonathan Capen, 109 Simeon, 295 Hawkins, John Walker, 296 Hayes, Lemuel W., 109 Hayward, Joseph Warren, Dr. , 296 Healy, Joseph, 109 Heath, Henry W., 110 James Francis, 110 Hennigan, J. Q., 297 Henry, William T., 110 Herrick, George H., Ill Hersom, Thomas, 111 Hicks, Charles A., Dr., 297 John J., 297 Hilliard, Rufus B., 112 Hindle, William, 113 William, 298 Hitch, Mayhew Robinson, 298 Hix, George Andrew, 113 Hoag, Frank W., 113 Hoar, George E., 114 James H., 114 Hobbs, William C, 299 Hodges, Alfred Baylies, 115 Holden, Charles S., Dr.. 115 Holman, Dudley M., 209 Holmes, Albert W., 299 Charles F., 115 Charles J., 115 Lemuel Le Baron, 299 Hood, William P., 116 Hopkins, Arnold Clinton, 300 Horr, Andrew J., 300 Horton, James J., 300 Raymond M.. 300 Howard, Abby A. K., 117 Edwin J., 301 Howarth, David, 301 Howland. Abraham H., 118 Barker Cushman, Dr., 118 Charles F., 119 Charles Warren, 119 Humphrey Daniel, Capt., 120 JohnM., 120 John William, 121 414 INDEX. Hudner, Michael T., 121 Hughes, Christopher, Rev., 121 Humphrey, James Lee, jr., 122 Hunt, Charles Richard, Dr., 301 Cyrus D., 122 John, 123 Hurlbut, Hiram F., 123 Hussey, Elizabeth R., Mrs., 124 Ide, Amos, 124 Jacob, Rev., 124 John E., 125 Ingraham, Andrew, Prof., 125 Inman, John T., 125 Irish, Benjamin, 126 Jackson, Albert, 126 A. M., Col., M. D., 127 James F., 127 John Henry, Dr., 128 Janson, Arthur F., 126 Jenny, Henry Palmer, 302 Jennings, Latham T. , 302 William H., 303 Jewett, William N., 128 Jones, Edward C, 128 George M., 303 Jordan Charles E., 129 Kavanaugh, John Joseph, 303 Keeler, Charles P., 303 Keith. Frank P., 129 Kelley, Charles Sampson, 131 David Newcomb, 304 William Laban, 132 Kelly, Michael, Dr., 130 & Sutcliffe, 130 Kempton, David Batchelder, 304 Kennedy, Francis M., Dr., 305 Joseph P., 132 Kent, H. P., 132 Kieran, Patrick, 132 King, Andrew H.. 132 George Arthur, 133 George Wilson, 133 Jesse, 133 M. L, 305 Kingman, Edward Y. , 134 Kirby, Charles T., 305 George A., 306 Zebedee Davis, 134 Knapp, Randolph, 134 Knowles, Henry M., 135 Thomas, 135 Knowlton, Hosea Morrill, 306 Kollock Lemuel Marcellus, 136 Kratsch, Emil, 307 Lake, Edward Bennett, 136 Lane, Homer L., 137 Lariviere, A., 137 Law, George H., 137 Lawrence, James Whippey, 138 Silas T., 308 Lawson, Frederick W., 138 Lawton, Frederick E., 138 H. Francis, 308 Thomas W., 308 Leavitt, A. L., 309 Lehan, Daniel Francis, 139 Leeming & Jones, 139 Leonard, Fred Parker, 139 Henry Taber, 140 Jacob Augustus, 140 Philo Fremont, 141 Lewis Bros., 141 Herbert Warren, 141 James Edwin, 142 Lincoln, Charles H., 95 Edward, 142 Elmer, 142 George Arthur, 142 James Martin, 309 Martin Jerome, 143 Stephen Russell, 143 Livsey, George W., 209 Lothrop, Cyrus, 143 Lovering, Willard, 310 Lowe, John H., 310 Lund Parkman Macy, 144 Lynch, James H. 144 Thomas E., 145 McCaffrey, T. E., 310 McDonald, Edward, 145 McMullen, George, 145 McNulty, Thomas F., 145 McRae, Arthur A., 146 Macdonald, Robert B., 147 Mackreth, M. B., 147 Mackie, George, Dr., 311 MacColl, John A., Rev., 146 Macomber, Eliza M. , 147 Zebedee B., 311 Maglathlin, Edward B., 148 Magnan, N. J., 311 Maintun, Frank T., 311 Mair, A. C, Dr., 312 Makepeace, D. E., 148 Makinson, John F., 312 Manchester, Charles E., 312 R. D., 313 Walter L. B., 313 Marsh, Hiram T., 313 Marshall, James, 313 Marvell, Edward T., 149 Mason, Arthur Howland, 314 INDEX. 415 Mason, Dennis S., 149 George A., 149 Henry W., 149 Hezekiah; 150 John R., 150 Massasoit Manufacturing Co., 362 Matthews, Charles Henry, 150 Maxfield, Edmund F., 150 Meaney, Thomas J., 151 Milbank, Elias, 314 Milliken, Frank Albion, 314 Mills, Charles Edward, 315 Milner, Everett Alonzo, 315 Mitchell, John, 151 Moore, Charles Sturtevant, 152 Moran, William, 152 Morris, John, 316 Morton, Alfred, 316 Charles H., 153 James M„ jr., 154 Mott, Edward, 316 Murphy, Edward Joseph, 317 Emily Frances, Dr., 317 Joseph Briggs, Dr., 317 Neill, Joseph O., 154 Nerney, Peter, 317 New Process Twist Drill Co., the, 155 Newell, Fred A., 155 Nichols, John B., 155 Nicholson, John G., 155 Robert, 318 Nickerson, Henry O., Capt., 156 John Wesley, 156 Nooning, William B. , 157 Normandin, Louis Zephirin, Dr. , 157 Norton, William Jouvet, 318 Nottage, Herbert H, Dr., 158 Nute, Joseph E., 158 Nuttall, James H., 319 Nye, Pemberton Hutchinson, 158 William F., 319 O'Hearn, William J., 320 Orr, James, 320 Osborn, James Edward, 159 Owens, Thomas, 320 Paige, Onias S., Dr., 320 Paine, William Henry, 321 Panneton, T. C. Emery, 321 Pardee, Charles A., 159 Lewis O., 160 Parker, A. T., 160 David Lewis, 321 Henry W., 160 William Crowell, 161 Paull, Elbridge Gerry, 161 Pearse, William G., 162 Peck, Charles C, 162 Lydia A. , 163 Peckham, Anson C, Dr., 163 Peirce, Charles M., jr., 163 George, 322 Peloquin, Pierre F., 164 Perkins, Thomas Peleg Whittridge, 164 Peterson, Charles A. B., Dr., 164 Pettey, Benjamin T., 323 Phillips, A. S., 165 Arthur Sherman, 165 Edward Marion, 166 Ferdinand H., 166 Howard Lindsey, 323 Jacob Arthur, 166 Pierce, Alfred, 166 Andrew Jackson, 323 A. Martin, Dr., 323 Eben, 323 Herbert Newton, 324 Pike, E. C, 167 Place, J. S., 324 Poisson, Joseph, 167 Ludger, 167 Pond, J. E.,324 Pool, Everett E., 168 Poole, Lorenzo A., 168 William H.,Capt, 168 Porter, Burrill, jr., 325 Edmund William, 169 Pothier, Joseph Charles, Dr., 325 Potter, Abraham Joy, 169 Harry L., 325 William Sidney, 169 Pratt, Charles A., Dr., 326 George Franklin, 169 Presbrey, Allen Francis, 170 Silas Dean, Dr., 326 Prescott, Oliver, jr., 170 Prevost, John Alfred, Rev., 170 Prosser, William, 171 Ralph, Charles W., 171 Rankin, George William, 326 James, 171 Ray, William H., 327 Ravmond, Robert Fulton, 327 Read, E. R., 172 Edmund V., 172 Louis L., 328 Reed, A. W., 328 E. M., 172 Silas Dean, 328 Waldo, 328 Regnell, Herman Thomas, 329 Remington, Clinton V. S., 173 Reynard, William Hathaway, Capt, 174 410 INDEX. Rhodes, George Holbrook, 174 Rice, Adoniram J., 174 Rich, Augustus E., 175 Richards, J. Shephard, 175 Richardson, O. P., jr., 175 Richmond, Charles Everett, 175 Silas Peirce, Col., 176 Riley, E. I., 177 W. H., 177 Robbins, Charles M., 329 Roberts, Benjamin H., 177 George K., Dr., 178 Robertson, John Wallace, 178 W. W., 178 Robinson, Ozias, 329 Rocheleau, Joseph, 178 Rogers, Alfred P„ Dr., 178 Charles L., 179 John W., 179 Rounds, Arthur Morey, Dr. , 179 Thomas B., 179 Rounsevell, Albert Seabury, 330 Rowe. Mark E., 180 Roy, Nelson, 330 Russell, Augustus Shearman, 180 Pardon, jr., 180 Thomas Wing, 181 Ryan, Peter Joseph, 181 Ryley, John, 181 St. George, Archibald. Dr., 181 Sadler, Herbert A, 182 Thomas G., 330 Sanders, Clinton Vincent, 182 William, 182 Sandland, Thomas G., 183 Sanford, David, 331 Sauval, Charles Bernard, Rev., 331 Seabury, Alexander H., 103 Warren, 183 Searle, Edward Almy, 331 Sharkey, John Thomas, 331 Shaw, Charles Frederick, 183 Shay, Jeremiah M., & Co., 184 Sheehy, William Clinton, Dr., 331 Sherman, Albert S., 185 Clifford Parker, 185 James Clifford, 332 James L., 185 esseT., 186 Philip T., 332 William Henry, 332 W.W.,333 Zacheus, 186 Shoemaker & Clark, 333 Short, Mace B., 334 Silvia, Frank M., 186 Sisson, Samuel A., 334 Sistare, Frank B., 187 Skiff, Andrew J., 334 Slade, George W., 187 John Palmer, 188 Small, R. C, jr., 189 Smalley, Orrick, 190 Smith, Abraham H., 190 Alfred, 335 Daniel H., 190 Emerson, 191 Frank E., 191 Hugh A., 335 John A., 335 Joseph W., 335 Nathaniel Cannon, 191 N. Justin, 335 Theron I , 192 William E., 336 W. H., 336 Walter Newell, 336 Snell, David A., 336 George H, 337 Snow, Levi Morton, 192 Solomon, J. M., Dr., 193 Sowle, Andrew Hicks, 193 Spare, John Vigneron, 193 Sparrow, Frank Miller, 337 Sperry, Andrew M., 194 Spooner, Edward Greenleaf, 194 Edwin Sears, 195 Sproat, Clinton, 337 Stanley, Benjamin, 338 Fred Dunmore, 338 Ned A, Dr. 338 Stephen, 195 Stanton, Albert G., 195 John, 196 Staples Coal Co., 339 Herbert Mason, 339 Stetson, Thomas M., 339 Frederick D., 339 Stevens, Frank Shaw, 196 Stewart, Samuel F., 339 Stone, William Holden, 197 Strout, Byron Howard, Dr., 340 Studley, John Hallet, 197 Sturdy, Charles A., 340 Sturtevant, Edward Bela, 197 William Francis, 198 Sullivan, Cornelius, 198 Daniel D., 199 John B., 199 Mark A, 199 Swaim, Joseph S. , Rev. , 200 Swan, Allen Webster, 201 Jesse J., Dr., 201 Sweeney, Michael, 203 Sweet, Charles O., 340 INDEX. 417 Sweet, George L., 341 James Henry, 203 Swift, Ezra J., 341 George Bartlett, 341 Humphrey Hathaway, 203 Marcus George Barker, 204 Warren Allen, 342 William Nye, Dr., 205 Sylvester, Charles Frederick, 205 Sylvia, Antone L. , 206 Manual V., Dr., 342 Synan, William E., Dr., 206 Taber, Charles, 206 Frederic, 342 George Hathaway, 207 William C, 343 Tallman, Joseph Ricketson, 208 Rescum, Handy, 208 Tanner, William E., 208 Tappan, C. H., 343 W. C, 209 Taunton Business College, 209 Evening News, 209 Taylor, James, 210 Temple, Edward Hastings, 211 Terry, Ehas, 211 Joseph C, 211 Tetlow, Edwin A., 212 Thacher, John, 212 Thatcher, George Thomas, 212 Richard, 213 Thayer, John A., 213 Thomas, Oscar Granville, 213 Sylvanus Martin, 343 Thompson, John R., 213 Thorup, Andreas Thomsen, 214 Thurston, Edward A. , 344 Frank A., 344 Tiffany, J. O., 214 Tilden, Frank Elmer, Dr., 344 Tillson, William H., 345 Tinkham, Frank Luscombe, 215 Horace W., 215 Tobitt, J. L., 345 Todd, James, 345 Tompkins, Isaac B., jr., 346 Torrey, Fred L., 347 Touhey, Joseph T. , 215 Trafton, James G., 347 Trimble, Patrick, 347 Tripp, Alexander Howard, 347 David R, 348 Howard Franklin, 216 Orlando J., Capt. 216 William A., 216 William Cook, 216 Tucker, Almon H., 348 Tucker, Jesse, 217 Tufts, H. W., 348 Turner, Herbert, 217 Wendell E., 362 Twiss, William A., 348 Vance, M. E., Dr., 217 Vander Burgh, David W., Dr., 217 Vaughan, Weston Clark, jr., 218 Vincent, Mark Trafton, 219 Waite, Charles H., 219 Walch, A. F„ 220 Waldron, Charles Dean, 220 Ferdinand, 349 Walker, Albert Gooding, Dr. , 349 George L., 47 William, 221 William Ellery, 221 Ward, Elwin Walter, 221 Waring, Henry, & Son, 221 Warner, Richard Everett. 222 William R, 222 Warren, David, 223 Washburn, Charles Godfrey, 350 Elliott, Dr., 350 Herbert Thompson, 350 Lettice Roderick, 223 Watkins, William, 224 Watson, J. E., jr., 350 Watts, George, 350 Watters, Frank M., 225 Webster, J. Frank, 351 Weeks, J. Frank, Dr., 225 William, 225 Welch, John, 226 West, Henry N. , 226 John Peckham, 227 Westall. John, Dr., 351 Wetherell, George L., 227 Orin B.. 227 Wexel, Henry 228 Whalon, Frank, 351 Wheaton, Laban M., 228 Wheeler, Charles H., 352 White, Albert A, 229 Augustus, 229 Charles P., 229 Guilford, 229 Henry Dean, 352 Lysander Washburn, 230 Whitehead, John, 352 Whiting, Elisha Sumner, 230 F. M., 230 Whitmarsh, Irving Francis, 352 William Zebina, 231 Whittemore, Walter P., 353 Whitney, Edwin, 353 418 INDEX. Wilbar, Joseph Edwards, 231 Wilbur, George E., 47 Hubert Granville, Dr., 231 Wilcox, Arthur, 354 Benjamin, 353 Daniel Seabury, 232 Joseph, jr., 232 Thomas B., 354 Wiley, William John, 232 Williams, Alfred Baylies, 354 A. Gilbert, 355 G. B., 233 George Barstow, 355 George D., Capt., 355 George Lewis, 355 Harry S.. 233 Herbert Messenger, 355 Philander, 234 William E., Dr., 234 William Fish, 356 Williston, Charles H., 234 Wilmarth, Edwin B., 235 Wilmot, John B., 356 Wilson, Edward Thurston, 357 George, 335 Wing, Charles, 358 Charles F., 358 John, 236 Samuel, 236 Winslow, William Baker, 358 Wise, Louis W., 236 Withington, George G., 236 Wood, Benjamin Legge, 359 Cornelius, 237 Edmund, 359 George R., 237 Henry A., 359 John A., & Co., 238 Robert E., 360 William G., 238 Woods, William Sylvester, 238 Woodward, Alden Palmer, 238 Horace Alverdo, 238 Wordell, Benjamin Frank, 360 Cynthia Mosher, 360 Perry Chase, 239 Wyatt, William T., 361 Young, John M., 239 !!>•-• ' ''■,', |t iMd