USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, 1622-1918, vol 2 > Part 1
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NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES 3 3433 08183225 9
QH NORFOLK CO.
COOK
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HISTORY OF
NORFOLK COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS 1622-1918
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
NEW YORK-CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1918
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
374344A A
, NOT AND
TILDEN FONDATIONS R 1028 L
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENCE AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L
Frederick D. Ely.
BIOGRAPHICAL
FREDERICK DAVID ELY.
Frederick David Ely, numbered among the eminent lawyers and jurists of Massachusetts, has been identified with the Dedham bar since 1862 and upon the bench he has proven himself the peer of many of the ablest judges of the state. He was born in Wrentham, Norfolk county, Massachusetts, on the 24th of September, 1838. His father, Nathan Ely, was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1808 and in 1835 became a resident of Wrentham, where he was married to Miss Amelia Maria Partridge, a daughter of David and Jerusha (Blake) Partridge.
After attending Day's Academy, Judge Ely entered Brown University of Providence, Rhode Island, and was graduated there- from with the class of 1859. He then took up his abode in Dedham, where he entered upon the study of law under the direction of the Hon. Waldo Coburn, and in 1862 he was admitted to the bar, at which time he opened an office in Dedham, where he has since made his home. He engaged continuously in active practice until 1888, when he went upon the bench. His practice soon became extensive and of an important character. He was remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he prepared his cases. His mind is analytical, logical and inductive and he early displayed the ability to say in a convincing way the right thing at the right time. In other words his analysis was so accurate that he cor- related facts and evidence in their relative importance and his appli- cation of a legal principle was seldom, if ever, at fault.
It was but natural that such a man should be called to public office and in November, 1872, Judge Ely was elected to represent his district in the state legislature, where he served for one term. In 1878 he was elected to the Massachusetts state senate, after having declined reelection to the house. In 1882 he was chosen by popular suffrage a member of the Dedham school committee and served in that capacity for one term of three years. In 1884 still higher legis-
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
lative honors were conferred upon him in his election to the forty- ninth congress, in which he served in 1885 and 1886. In the same decade he was again elected a member of the Dedham school com- mittee and was continued in that position for nine years or three terms, after which he declined a reelection. For nearly twenty-six years, or from 1888, he served upon the bench of the municipal court of Boston, retiring in 1914. Froin 1867 until 1884 he had been trial justice of Norfolk county. The legal profession demands not only a high order of ability but a rare combination of talent, learning, tact, patience and industry. The successful lawyer and the com- petent judge must be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law and practice, of comprehensive general in- formation, possessed of an analytical mind and a self-control that will enable him to lose his individuality, his personal feelings, his prejudices and his peculiarities of disposition in the dignity, imparti- ality and equity of the office to which life, property, right and liberty must look for protection. Possessing these qualities, Judge Ely justly merited the high honor which was conferred upon him in his appointment to the bench and his continued service through more than a quarter of a century indicates clearly the soundness and im- partiality of his judicial opinions, which received the endorsement of colleagues and contemporaries. Aside from his connection with the bench and bar and with official service, Judge Ely became and still is a director of the Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company and is the vice president of the Dedham Institution for Savings.
On the 6th of December, 1866, in Boston, Judge Ely was united in marriage to Miss Eliza B. Whittier, a daughter of Seth Whittier. Mrs. Ely passed away, leaving two children, Frederick D. and Amelia M., but the former is now deceased. The latter is a resi- dent of Boston and is the wife of W. C. Howe, M. D. Judge Ely was again married on the 10th of August, 1885, in Dedham, his second union being with Anna Emerson, a daughter of Lyman and Olive Emerson. Her demise occurred in July, 1915.
Judge Ely is a communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal church, of which he has been vestryman since 1874. He has always given his political allegiance to the republican party. At the dedication of the Norfolk county courthouse he was called upon to deliver the principal address. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being a past master of Constellation Lodge, F. & A. M., while in Cyprus Commandery he has attained the Knight Templar degree. He has served as deputy grand master of the state and has done much to further Masonic interests in eastern Massachusetts. On the
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
fiftieth anniversary of his joining the order a special memorial book was presented him by his brother Masons. He belongs to the Fisher Ames Club of Dedham. Judge Ely is approaching the eightieth milestone on life's journey and his are "the blest accompaniments of age-honor, riches, troops of friends." One of the most distinguished citizens of Norfolk county, there is no man who stands higher in the estimation of all who know him because of the wise use which he has made of his time and talents and because of the high standards which he has ever followed, making his career largely an irreproach- able one.
FRANK HOWARD PURINGTON.
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Frank Howard Purington, a real estate broker, who is president and treasurer of the company operating under the name of Henry W. Savage, Inc., controls in this connection most extensive interests, operating over a wide territory in Boston and through adjacent cities. He was born in Boston, September 5, 1873, and is a son of Joseph A. Purington, a native of Maine and a descendant of one of the old fam- ilies of that state, of English lineage. The progenitor of the family in the new world settled first at Sidney, Maine, and representatives of the family have since taken active part in promoting progress and development in New England. Joseph A. Purington became en- gaged in mercantile pursuits in Brookline. He married Lydia J. C. Morrill, a native of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and a rep- resentative of an old colonial family that numbered among its members participants in the Revolutionary war, so that Mrs. Purington became a member of the Daughters of the Revolution. She is still living and yet makes her home in Brook- line. By her marriage she became the mother of two sons: Frank Howard; and Chester W., who is a graduate of Harvard Uni- versity and is now a mining engineer of London, England.
Frank H. Purington was educated in the public and high schools of Boston and in Harvard pursued a course in architecture, winning the S. B. degree upon graduation with the class of 1899. The follow- ing year he entered the office of Henry W. Savage, of Boston, and continued with him as a salesman for the Brookline office until 1905, when he was advanced to the position of manager and continued in that capacity until 1914, when the business was incorporated and Mr. Purington became the president and treasurer. He has since been
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
the head of the business, which is the largest real estate brokerage business in New England. In addition to the Boston offices at No. 129 Tremont street and No. 47 Winter street, three other offices are maintained, one in Brookline, one in Newton, and the third in Framingham, Massachusetts. The business of the firm is most ex- tensive, placing Mr. Purington in the front rank of the leading real estate men of New England. He is also a director of the Equitable Trust Company and a director of the Boston Real Estate Exchange.
On the 17th of February, 1914, in Brookline, Mr. Purington was united in marriage to Alice Tripp, a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Albert S. Tripp. Their religious faith is that of the Universalist church and Mr. Purington gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is well known in club circles as a member of the Boston City Club and of the Harvard Club and he also has membership in the Loyal Legion. His activities have extended to many interests which have value to the community at large and his aid and support are always given on the side of progress, advancement and improvement.
WALTER M. FISHER.
Walter M. Fisher, engaged in the lumber, hay and grain business in Franklin, his native town, was born January 8, 1839, his parents being Walter H. and Emily P. (Merrifield) Fisher, the former a na- tive of Franklin, while the latter was born in New Hampshire. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming, which he fol- lowed in the town of Norfolk, formerly a part of Franklin, and both he and his wife have now passed away.
Their son, Walter M. Fisher, was educated in the schools of Franklin and when a young man of twenty-three years he responded to the call of his country for military aid and joined the army in 1862, becoming one of the boys in blue of Company C, Forty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry. He served for nine months with that com- pany and in November, 1864, he reenlisted, joining Company H of the Third Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, remaining with that com- mand until the close of the war. During the last two years of his service he was connected with the quartermaster's department and returned to his home with a most creditable military record. When the war was over he took up the straw business in Boston and for about sixteen years was engaged in the work of making ladies'
WALTER M. FISHER
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTR. LENCX 29 TILDEN FOUNDA TIONS
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and men's straw hats, continuing active in the management of his business until 1882, when he sold his interests there and returned to Franklin. Here he engaged in the lumber, hay and grain business, becoming owner of a fourth interest in the firm of E. L. & O. F. Metcalf. He has since been identified with the business, which is now conducted under the firm style of O. F. Metcalf & Sons. The original partnership was maintained for ten years and at the present writing the partners are Mr. Fisher and Frank D. Metcalf. They enjoy a trade of substantial proportions and their business is now one of the important commercial concerns of the town.
In November, 1867, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Alice I. Metcalf, a daughter of O. F. and Martha Metcalf, the former a native of Franklin, while the latter was born in Medway, in the town of Franklin, Norfolk county. Her father spent his entire life here in the lumber and grain business and was one of the valued and respected residents of his locality. Both he and his wife have been called to their final rest. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have become parents of two children. Alice M. is the wife of W. S. Southwick, a resident of Clinton and the mother of three children-Walter Edward, Harriett E. and Elsie. Elmer M., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, is superintendent of the Filene Sons Company of Boston.
Mr. Fisher of this review has served as selectman of Franklin and also as tree warden and is interested in all that has to do with the progress, upbuilding and welfare of the community in which he resides. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army com- rades through his membership in Franklin Post, No. 60, G. A. R., and served as its commander five years. He has always held to the faith of the republican party, which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. His religious faith is that of the Congrega- tional church and his is an active and upright life. He is highly esteemed as a man of genuine worth, reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and faithful to every relation in life.
MICHAEL WILLIAM HANLEY.
A record of successful achievement is that of Michael William Hanley, the steps in whose orderly progression are easily discernible. Indefatigable energy and determined purpose have been the crown- ing points in his career and have carried him from a humble posi-
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tion into important business relations. He is now the secretary and general manager of the Pequa Press, Inc., publisher of the Stoughton News-Sentinel and conducting an extensive job printing and bind- ing business that has steadily grown until the Pequa Press, Inc. occupies a foremost position among the printing establishments of this part of the state. Mr. Hanley is of Irish birth. He was born December 20, 1872, in County Galway, Ireland, his parents being Michael and Julia (O'Grady) Hanley, who were also natives of that county. Coming to America, they settled in Waltham, Massa- chusetts, in 1877, and the father continued to make his home there throughout his remaining days, his death occurring September 21, 1908. His widow survives and is still living in Waltham.
Michael W. Hanley was but five years of age when his parents crossed the Atlantic and consequently he was reared and educated in Waltham. When his school days were over he entered the office of the Waltham Evening News and later went to Boston, where he learned the printer's trade, working at various times on all the large papers of that city, including the Boston Globe, Post, Herald and Advertiser. In September, 1902, he removed to Stoughton, Massachusetts, and in May, 1903, established the Pequa Press. In the meantime he had thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the printing business, steadily working upward until he had reached a prominent position by reason of his superior skill and ability. He was then offered a position as superintendent of the composing room for the largest publishing house in this country but the desire to enter business on his own account led him to refuse the proffered offer and establish the Pequa Press, which step he took in May, 1903. Business was begun in a small way in a room on Freeman street in Stoughton. He entered upon the struggle for business existence. Much patience was required and he had to undergo many privations and work for long hours in order to make the Pequa Press what it is today, "the foremost printing house in this part of the state." There were six other printing offices in Stoughton at that time; today the Pequa Press is the only printing office, for the excellence of the work turned out by the establish- ment led to the absorption of all the trade in this line. Mr. Hanley secured the business of Morse Brothers, manufacturers of the Rising Sun stove polish in Massachusetts. This necessitated a removal to larger quarters in order to take care of their extensive business and the Pequa Press was housed in a large three-story building, but at that time only a part of the first floor was used. Now the entire first floor and as well all of the second floor are utilized, the second
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
floor being used as a bindery plant, and the Press today occupies fifteen hundred square feet. The Press is known from coast to coast . for its originality, for the style and good workmanship of its finished products. Scarcely a week passes that shipments are not made to England, Canada, the Philippine islands, Mexico and in fact through every quarter of the globe. The first piece of machinery installed was a seven by eleven job press and a few hundred dollars worth of type. Today the plant is one hundred per cent in its equip- ment, which includes the latest style of cylinder presses with Chand- ler and Price job presses, a Pearl press, a Universal press, a Bab- cock Optimist press and the latest Latham stitching machines for binding purposes, together with punching and perforating machines, Chandler and Price paper cutters and proof presses. With the lack of ready capital and much competition Mr. Hanley had to bring every resource to bear to establish his business and place it upon a pay- ing basis, but from the beginning his patronage began to increase, for his work showed superior excellence and originality. At length it was urged by his fellow townsmen that he establish a paper and the result was that the Stoughton News came into being, a paper which soon outdistanced its competitors and is recognized as one of the leading papers of eastern Massachusetts. On the Ist of No- vember, 1916, the Pequa Press was incorporated with Colonel A. H. Geotting as the president, E. H. Southworth, treasurer, and Michael W. Hanley, secretary and general manager, together with George Belcher and J. W. Wood as directors.
On the 10th of February, 1897, Mr. Hanley was united in marriage to Miss Helen Harriet Sullivan, of Waltham, Massa- chusetts, who was born in Bangor, Maine, February 5, 1872. They have become the parents of four children : Helen V. and Philip T., who were born in Everett, Massachusetts; and Bertha F. and Rich- ard G., born in Stoughton. All are attending the public schools.
Mr. Hanley is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and has membership in the Immaculate Conception Catholic church. He has made for himself a most enviable position in the hearts of his fellow townsmen and is today at the head of one of the most important industrial enterprises of his adopted town. Actuated by a spirit of progress and of laudable ambition, Mr. Hanley has steadily worked his way upward since he took his initial step in the business world and has been a persistent, resolute and energetic worker, possessing strong executive powers and keeping his hand steadily upon the helm of his business. He has been strictly conscientious in his dealings with debtor and creditor alike and keenly alive to the possibilities
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
of every new avenue opened in the natural ramifications of trade. He has passed over the pitfalls into which unrestricted progressive- ness is so frequently led and has been enabled to focus his energies in directions where fruition is certain.
GEORGE GRANVILLE DARLING.
George Granville Darling, who since his admission to the bar in 1900 has engaged in the practice of law in Dedham, his native city, was born on the 25th of April, 1876, a son of Charles Cassius and Helene (Ballard) Darling. The father was born in Boston, was married in that city and passed away in Dedham, but his widow survives and now resides in New York city. Charles B. Darling, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and in association with his son, Charles Cassius Darling, conducted what was the largest distillery in the United States prior to the period of the Civil war. During that conflict Charles C. Darling, the father of George Granville Darling, served as a member of General Fuller's staff.
To the public school system of Dedham, George Granville Darling is indebted for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed. Passing through consecutive grades, he was graduated from the high school and for four or five years thereafter he devoted his attention to newspaper work in Massachusetts, and in 1900 he was admitted to the bar in Norfolk county. He has since practiced in the courts of his district and throughout the state and United States courts, and his practice has constantly become more important and extensive, connecting him with much important litigation. He has ever recognized the fact that advancement at the bar depends upon individual effort and he has prepared his cases with great thorough- ness and care, while his logical deductions and clear reasoning con- stitute the strength of his arguments.
In April, 1901, in Dedham, Mr. Darling was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hammond White, a daughter of Harry K. and Sallie (Joy) Hammond, the latter a well known authoress.
Politically Mr. Darling is a republican and in 1897 he was elected to the position of moderator of Dedham, to which office he was reelected three or four times. He is justice of the peace and when twenty-one years of age was appointed master in chancery, to which office he has been reappointed by the governor every five years
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
since. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, also with the Knights of Malta and with the Loyal Order of Moose. He is likewise a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he has membership in the Dedham Society for the Apprehen- sion of Horse Thieves, in the Grange, in the Dedham Boat Club and the Dedham Tennis Club. These associations indicate the nature and breadth of his interests, and that he has concern for the moral progress of the community is indicated in his membership in the Episcopal church. His has been an active and useful life and his history is as an open book which all may read. He has ever remained a resident of Dedham and that his career has been honorable and upright is indicated in the fact that among his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
WILLIAM H. PRATT.
A most honorable business career has been that of William H. Pratt and no resident of East Weymouth has been held in higher regard, due not alone to the success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business policy which he has ever followed. There are those who claim that success is a matter of genius or of a fortunate combination of circumstances, but the life record of such men as William H. Pratt proves to the contrary. Success is the direct result of close application, unfaltering perseverance and keen intelligence and these qualities have made Mr. Pratt among the men of affluence in East Weymouth, his native city. He was born on the 3d of November, 1851, and is a son of Charles H. and Elvira N. (Rice) Pratt, who were also natives of Weymouth. The father was a factory superintendent until 1884, when he engaged in the business of cutting calf skins for shoes in partnership with his son William and he continued active along that line until his death, which occurred November 9, 1896. His widow survived for about sixteen years and passed away in 1912.
William H. Pratt was reared and educated in East Weymouth and then entered a shoe factory in the cutting department. He was promoted to the position of superintendent after some prelim- inary service and prior to that was a salesman for a time for the same firm which gave him his promotion. As stated, he became the partner of his father in business and following the father's death continued to engage in cutting calf skins for a few years. He was
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
then elected president of the East Weymouth Savings Bank and for five years devoted his time and energies to the conduct of the busi- ness, largely shaping the policy of the bank and directing its ac- tivities. At length, however, on account of ill health, he resigned. In the meantime as he had prospered in his undertakings he had made investments in real estate and is today the owner of considerable valuable property, from which he derives a most gratifying annual income.
In 1873 Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Miss Anna F. Treat and unto them were born two children: Annie, who died in infancy, and Annie F., who died at the age of nine months. The wife and mother passed away in 1890 and Mr. Pratt was again mar- ried in 1894, his second union being with Abbie Rogers, whose death occurred in 1896.
Politically Mr. Pratt is a republican and was town auditor of East Weymouth for some time. He is still a trustee of the bank and is second vice president but is now largely concentrating his efforts and attention upon other interests. He is a trustee and the treasurer of the Weymouth Industrial Company, which built the George E. Keith shoe factory, and the company still owns the building. In religious faith Mr. Pratt is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee. He has been the vice president of the Weymouth Cemetery Association. He is connected with the Masons and has been a worthy follower of the craft, being most loyal to its teachings concerning the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed. Wherever he is known-and he has a wide acquaintance-he is spoken of in terms of high regard, for his life is the expression of high American manhood and chivalry.
ALBERT W. BURTON.
Plainville lost one of its honored and representative citizens when Albert W. Burton passed away. He had long been identified with manufacturing interests and as a business man ranked among the foremost by reason of his spirit of enterprise and progress and also by reason of the straightforward business principles which he ever followed. His life was guided and actuated by the highest purposes and his path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's for- tunes. He won his success in honorable competition and by the em- ployment of methods which neither sought nor required disguise.
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