USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 2 > Part 54
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Judge Dubuque's brilliant command of the French language has brought him many times into public notice in a manner which has not only done credit to himself, but has cemented international relations and promoted patriotic spirit. While still in the Legislature, he attended the International Postal Congress which met in Boston and was wholly un- expectedly called upon to welcome the assembly to the city of Boston in the French language. His graceful manner and genuine kindliness of spirit he conveyed to the visiting delegates from other nations in such a way as to represent most happily the true cordiality of the American people. When still soli- citor of Fall River, he delivered many lectures in both the French and English languages on his- torical and literary subjects which did much to en- courage local interest in public affairs and loyalty to the early traditions of the city. On the occasion of the unveiling of the statue of Samuel D. Cham- plain, at Champlain, New York, Judge Dubuque delivered the dedicatory address which was the leading feature of the exercises. His frequent appearances on occasions of this kind, and his apt and fitting addresses, led to his being invited to officiate as interpreter of Marshal Joffre's address when the distinguished French officer visited Boston in 1917, Judge Dubuque repeating his speech in English before the Massachusetts Legislature and their assembled guests.
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Eng by E G Whitams & Bro NY
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Judge Dubuque is a facile writer, as well as an able speaker, and one of his really valuable works is a treatise on the Fall River Indian Reservation, tracing the history of Fall River to early Colonial days. This work includes also a short sketch re- garding Indian customs and descriptions of the first deeds given by the Indians to white men, also chap- ters attesting the legal status of the Indians who survived to live under the government of the old Bay State. Of fully as great technical importance, but perhaps not of equal popular interest, is Judge Dubuque's work on the "Duty of a Judge as a Con- stitutional Adviser," which appeared in the "Ameri- can Law Review" in the issue of May, 1890. This great and exhaustive paper was subsequently pub- lished in pamphlet form and is cited in all authora- tive works on constitutional law, also by the United States Supreme Court. When Judge Dubuque was city solicitor the people of Fall River tendered to him a graceful but heartfelt honor in naming one of the fine school buildings which was erected at that time, the Dubuque School. He has kept in close touch with local interests in every branch of advance. For a number of years past he has been trustee of the Fall River Public Library, and he was one of the founders and is still a leading figure in the Franco-American Historical Society of Boston. His more personal interests include membership in the Boston City Club and the Quequechan and Calu- met clubs of Fall River. He is a member of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
Judge Dubuque married Anna M. Coughlin, of Fall River, who died in 1916, leaving three daugh- ters: Twins, Pauline, now the wife of Joseph M. Rockett, of Fall River, and Helene, now the wife of Dr. Albert E. Perron, of Fall River; and Marie, a graduate of Wellesley College, the wife of Captain Maurice F. Devine, an attorney-at-law at Man- chester, New Hampshire.
COLONEL BRADFORD D. DAVOL-The life of Colonel Bradford D. Davol was one of broad ac- tivity in the industrial and civic life of Fall River, Massachusetts, and of lasting significance to the city. Gifted with large ability as an executive, and also endowed with a deep appreciation of the prob- lems and struggles of others, he was not only the man of large affairs, but the friend of all, and countless numbers of people recall a word or hand- clasp, and in many cases more material assistance through: which they have gained courage in times of stress and won through difficulties to success or high achievement.
A son of one of the foremost cotton manufactur- ers of New England a generation or two ago, and descended through his maternal line from Thomas Darfec, of early Colonial fame, Colonel Davol was an American, of and for America, and in business, in public life, and as a progressive citizen, the wel- fare of the people and the good of the city, the commonwealth and the nation were to him matters of far deeper import and far greater significance than any personal consideration.
Colonel Davol was a son of Stephen and Sarah
F. (Chase) Davol, his father a native of Fall River, his mother of Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Stephen Davol was one of the pioneer mill men of Fall River, his energies and executive ability forming a constructive force in the textile industry in mid- nineteenth century progress. He died in Fall River in the year 1888 at the advanced age of eighty years.
Bradford D. Davol was born at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, March 30, 1841, but his lifetime was almost wholly spent in the city of Fall River. His education was begun in the public schools of this city, and he was graduated from the Fall River High School at the age of eighteen years. He then became associated with the Pocasset Mills of Fall River, one of the most important concerns in New England in the manufacture of cotton textiles, and for thirty-three years he was identified with this concern. Beginning in a subordinate capacity and familiarizing himself with the industry through ex- perience in the various departments, he rose from the position of clerk to that of bookkeeper, and eventually was made treasurer of the Pocasset Man- ufacturing Company, in which organization his father had previously filled the same largely respon- sible office. Upon his election to the office of treasurer of this concern, Colonel Davol was made executive head of the mills, and through his know- ledge of the industry and his large executive ability he ably supplemented his father's work in the strik- ing development of this plant, which in its earlier years operated less than 2,000 spindles, but under his fostering care and able management was ex- panded to a point where 60,000 spindles were in constant operation.
In his later years Colonel Davol became widely affiliated with the world of finance, also becoming a stockholder and leading executive in many of the industrial concerns of this section. At the time of his death he was president of the Barnard Manu- facturing Company, president of the Mechanics Mill, also of the Union Belt Company. He was president of the Fall River Savings Bank and the Fall River Cooperative Bank, was a director of the Massasoit-Pocasset Bank, a director of the Troy Mills, the Pocasset Mills, and the Flint Mills, also a director of the Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company. In former years further affili- ations had commanded his attention for he held directorships in the Fall River Bleachery, the Barn- aby Mills and the old Dighton, Somerset, Swansea Street Railway Company, prior to its absorption by the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company. During the period of its existence he was also treas- urer of the Fall River Automatic Telephone Com- pany. Several years ago, Colonel Davol resigned from active official connection with the Pocasset Mills, being affiliated only with the manufacturing world through his extensive holdings of stock in the textile industry and among the banking organiza- tions of this city, and devoted his time to the care of his personal interests until his death. From boy- hood his civic loyalty and enthusiastic patriotism were among the strongest influences of his life. Prior to the Civil War he was a member of Com-
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BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
pany K, an unattached company of the Massachu- setts State Guard, and upon President Lincoln's call for ninety day volunteers in 1864, this company responded as a unit. The company was sworn into the Federal service, and Colonel Davol retained his commission at that time as second lieutenant. He served with the company until its discharge, and thereafter re-entered the State Guard, in which from time to time he was promoted, rising to first lieuten- ant and then to captain, then major, then lieutenant- colonel, and eventually to colonel of his regiment, thus winning his rank in a military organization of his own State. In political affairs also Colonel Davol's influence was felt as a beneficent and pro- gressive force. He served for some years as a mem- ber of the Common Council of Fall River, and on June 17, 1897, received the appointment from Gov- ernor Wolcott as chairman of the Fall River Board of Police. Filling this responsible office for a term of three years, he was re-appointed by Governor W. Murray Crane in 1900 for a further term of three years, and his wise and far-sighted attention to the duties of this office did much for the improvement and increased efficiency of the force. For three years he served as a member of the Board of Alder- men, and in all his public endeavors his self-forget- fulness and earnest effort for civic advance were fruitful of much good. Fraternally Colonel Davol was affiliated with King Philip Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar. Deeply interested in all that pertained to the preservation of local, State and National landmarks or records, he was for years a member of the Old Colony Historical Society of Taunton, Massachusetts, also of the Fall River His- torical Society, and to the furtherance of the work of these organizations he was a frequent contributer. Colonel Davol's death came at a time when the com- munity was shocked by other losses in the leading ranks of financial and industrial executives. A lead- ing daily paper of Fall River commented editorially upon the importance of the group of men whom the hand of death cut down within a few days and further expressed the general appreciation of Colonel Davol's genuine worth in fitting periods, following his death, which occurred on April 22, 1923:
The reaper has been startlingly busy among Fall River's leading men in recent days. Indeed, one must go far back in our files to find the record of the death of three such men in three successive business days as have filled the columns of the press in the last three issues. The deaths of Judge Morton, followed by the sudden death of John S. Brayton, were succeeded by that of Colonel Bradford D. Davol, with but the briefest interval.
The story of his influential life in this city is told in some detail in another column:
Colonel Davol was son and successor to one of Fall River's leading cotton manufacturers, and his life was largely spent in the conduct and promotion of the same industry. He was & man of integrity, of discernment, and of good business judgment. He grew up in the business of cotton manufacture, learning it from the bottom, until in due time he reached its summit, in which leading place in the Pocasset Mill he con- tinued many years, at the same time co-operating in the
management of several newer enterprises in cotton manu- facture. In some of them he retalned his directorship until the end of his days, giving them the advantage of his busi- ness sagacity, as a counselor.
Colonel Davol felt that the municipal government required the attention of leading business men and' was worthy of it. This conviction he carried into practice, being himself a mem- ber of the Common Council and the president of the board, when we had two houses, and afterwards representing his ward as a member of the Board of Aldermen, thereby setting a good example to other leaders in the business life of. the city.
This conviction of his made him willing to take the re- sponsibility of the chairmanship of the Board of Police and License, succeeding Colonel Thomas J. Borden, who was a member of the first board after the law, still in force, was established. Colonel Davol held the place for two successive terms of three years, and helped to keep It up to the high ideal with which it was established, so rendering his city an important service in this connection. His death removes a man held in universal respect.
Colonel Davol married, December 1, 1875, Cornelia W. Lincoln, who was born in Boston, Massachu- setts, a daughter of Minor S. and Mary A. (Borden) Lincoln, of that city. Mrs. Davol died in 1921. Colonel and Mrs. Davol shared many benevolences of which the world knew little, and their especial interest was the aiding of young people to secure higher education. Childless themselves, they took the deepest interest in all young people, and many needy students, who would otherwise have been compelled to abandon their higher education, have been able to complete their studies, winning prom- inence in professional and business careers, owe their success to the assistance of Colonel Davol and his gracious wife. The Davol home was a center of culture and wide hospitality. Both Colonel and Mrs. Davol were active workers in the Central Congre- gational Church and generous supporters of its many benevolences. The annals of Fall River record few inore helpful or devoted lives than those of Colonel Bradford D. and Cornelia W. (Lincoln) Davol.
JOSEPH LYMAN SWEET-It would be diffi- cult to find in any New England city a man whose interests and activities are more closely interwoven with the daily life of the people than is seen in the career of Joseph Lyman Sweet of Attleboro, Massa- chusetts. Coming of one of the oldest and most noteworthy families of Bristol county in direct line, a family, too, affiliated by marriage with many of the most honored names of New England history, Mr. Sweet has made his own life one of broadest useful- ness to the city of which he has now been a resident for more than half a century. Not only as a suc- cessful business executive, giving employment to many, and contributing to the prosperity of the civic body, but as a worthy and forward-looking citizen, bearing a part in many unrewarded lines of endeavor, Mr. Sweet has made his name of signifi- cance to the community. He is held in the highest esteem in every circle and is welcomed as a co- worker and associate in all progressive effort, a place of leadership being accorded him whenever he can be persuaded to accept it.
Joseph Lyman Sweet was born at West Mansfield, Massachusetts, February 7, 1852, and is a son of
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Elbridge and Dorothy (Sulloway) Sweet. His father, who was born at Mansfield, was engaged throughout his active lifetime in agricultural pursuits, also oper- ated a grain mill at West Mansfield until his death, which occurred in February, 1876, at a comparatively early age. The mother was born at Enfield, New Hampshire, and survived her husband for nearly a score of years, passing away in the year 1885. As a young lad Joseph Lyman Sweet attended the Mans- field public schools, then later entered the Stough- tonham Institute at Sharon, Massachusetts, where he received a broadly practical preparation for his career. From his earliest business experience Mr. Sweet held executive responsibility, first engaging in the jobbing of jewelry in an independent way. With this experience, through which he had gained a comprehensive grasp of the jewelry business, both from the point of view of the producer and the re- tail trade, Mr. Sweet associated himself with the firm of the R. F. Simmons Company, manufacturing jewelers, in the year 1875. He is now in the forty- ninth year of continuous activity as an executive of this concern, and from the beginning has been a definite force for the constructive advance and per- manent prosperity of the firm. The history of this great industrial organization is more than a record of mere achievement, for in every step of its prog- ress it led along avenues of advance in which others have been glad to follow.
This concern was established in a small shop in the Dennis-Everett building at North Attleboro, Massachusetts, in January, 1873, Robert F. Sim- mons at that time and place beginning the manufac- ture of watch chains of rolled gold plate. Joseph . Lyman Sweet entered the organization in March, 1875, and from that time onward his energy and business ability held vital significance to the enter- prise. In the meantime, in 1874, Edgar L. Hixon had come into the firm, and these three men formed the personnel of the concern until the death of Mr. Simmons, in 1894. Harold E. Sweet, Mr. Sweet's son, first mayor of the city of Attleboro, and al- ways a leader in progressive effort, shortly there- after came into the organization, and is now an active executive of the concern. No single phase of the history of this enterprise bears such striking significance to the progress of the jewelry industry as the leadership of these men in new methods and customs which have been adopted by the trade to the definite general good. They may well be called pioneers, for they have blazed the way for others along many lines of advance in which time has proved the value of their innovations. The R. F. Simmons Company was the first to stamp the initials of the manufacturer on a product in the jewerly field, the first to apply an efficient yet simple safety fastener to chains and fobs, the first to undertake the production of their own seamless wire, and the first to place upon the market one-quarter and one- eighth gold filled goods. These, however, are only the more important of their improvements in product or method of manufacture, many lesser "firsts" standing to their credit. Of greater significance to the jewelry trade was another innovation introduced
by this concern, that of aiding the retailer through national advertising, also the policy of guaranteeing satisfaction.
How much these progressive endeavors have meant to the concern itself is clearly apparent to the people of Attleboro, or even to the visitor to this city. The growth and development of the business have been continuous. The first plant was early replaced by a more spacious one in the Dag- gett building in Attleboro Falls, which with a third, and still larger plant, in turn, was relinquished to other interests as the enterprise outgrew its boun- daries. The modern factory structure which formed the nucleus of the present plant was erected in 1892, and is a fitting monument to the energy and faith in the future which inspired its builders. Three stories in height, 255 feet in length, width varying from 40 to 65 feet, this building even became inadequate to the needs of the concern, and a large extension has since been built, which brings the floor space of the plant up to a total of fully 30,000 square feet. They put out nothing "plated" or "washed." The stock used is a solid gold cylinder on a core of alloy, in the form of a seamless gold-filled ingot, and from this, wire is made by reducing or "swedg- ing" machines.
The sincerity which is exemplified in the product of this concern is a part of the fabric of its existence, and in the mutual cooperation and respect of em- ployers and employees a fine spirit governs the daily activities of the plant. A profit-sharing basis was early adopted, a beneficiary association provides for the inevitable hour of need, and the links of friend- ship which unite workers and executives have been happily likened to the golden links, of which count- less miles have been welded since the organization of the firm. To the city, the nation and the world, workers and executives alike yield the co-operation in all good effort which so definitely characterizes their organization. They bear a part in every worthy movement, in the World War period sub- scribing to nearly $75,000 worth of Liberty Bonds, even after many of the finest young men of the organization had taken up arms for the allied cause. The fiftieth anniversary of the founding of this en- terprise was fittingly celebrated on April 11, 1923, by a dinner at Pythian Hall, Attleboro. The Hon. George A. Sweeney, mayor of Attleboro, addressed the assemblage, also Dr. John A. Cousens, president of Tufts College, and the executives of the concern gave many delightful reminiscences of the early days of its history. Among the guests were employees who had been with the company up to twenty-five years or more of continuous service. On that occa- sion the Attleboro "Sun" printed the following:
The chains put out hearing the Simmons trade-mark are not gold "plated" or gold "washed" chains, but actually gold filled chains, for a solid gold cylinder is placed about a core of alloy and united into a seamless gold-filled Ingot from which the wire is made by reducing or swedging machines. All this work is done by the company itself, which stands as the only chain house in the United States making its own gold-filled seamless wire. Even the hase metal cores are made hy the company, as are the swivels, spring rings, bars and other necessities constantly required by a manufacturer of jewelry.
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BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
The personal touch, however, is the key-note of success in the organization, for it is in the individual loyalty and cooperation of their employees that the firm has found its most highly valued assets. This phase of the business is also perhaps best expressed by quoting from the same issue of the "Sun," as follows:
Not only the members of the firm but the employes also refuse to confine their interest to themselves. All public im- provement work is assured of friendly attention at all times. During the war many of the employees laid down the little gold link to take up the heavier rifle, but enough remained to subscribe to almost $75,000 worth of Liberty Bonds-a lib- erality widely commented on at the time. The different charity organizations of Attleboro are not forgotten by either employer or employee.
Nor does the employer forget the employee by the way. A well-established beneficiary association among the employees has an ample fund in its treasury which, augmented by the small weekly assessments paid in by its members, insures that the sick and disabled will be taken care of. For over twenty years a profit-sharing plan has been in operation. The num- ber of employees sharing in the profits since this plan was inaugurated is proof positive that it is appreciated.
Fifty years in weaving friendshipsl Fifty years in weld- ing millions of golden links1 If the tiny links made in these fifty years were laid end to end they would reach from-but this distance would sound so impossible that it had better be left unmentioned. Fifty years and still working-because the man of today still likes the chain, the counterparts of which adorned the plain vest of his father and the flowered waistcoat of his grandfather.
In various fields of local and State interest Joseph Lyman Sweet has shared with the people the admin- istrative ability which has won him his personal suc- cess. He is a director of the First National Bank of Attleboro, the National Exchange Bank of Provi- dence, Rhode Island, and until recently was a director of the Slater Trust Company of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. In political affairs Mr. Sweet sup- ports the Democratic party, and for a number of years has served as a member of the Democratic State Committee. He was also a member of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1917-18, and faithfully represented his constituency in the deliberations of that body. His local public services include membership on the school committee for several years, during a portion of which period he acted as chairman. He was selectman of Attleboro after the division from North Attleboro in 1887, and at present is chairman of the. trustees of the Attle- boro Public Library, president of the Attleboro Hos- pital, operating the Sturdy Memorial Hospital for the city of Attleboro, and is an influential member of the Chamber of Commerce. During the World War Mr. Sweet served on various boards and com- mittees, devoting a large share of his time to the home activities of the period, and received a medal from the governor of the State in recognition of services rendered. Fraternally Mr. Sweet is affili- ated with Ezekiel Bates Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; King Hiram Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Attleboro Council, Royal and Select Masters; Bris- tol Commandery, Knights Templar; Massachusetts Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His club affiliations include membership in the Economic and Universalist clubs,
of Boston, and the Highland Country Club of Attle- boro. He is a leading member of the Universalist church, was formerly president of the Massachusetts Universalist State Convention, and member of the Board of Trustees of the Universalist General Con- vention.
Joseph Lyman Sweet married, at Attleboro, Mas- sachusetts, on September 20, 1876, Florence M. Hay- ward of this city, daughter of Charles E. and Char- lotte E. (Wheelwright) Hayward. The Hayward name is also one of the oldest and most highly honored names in Bristol county. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet are the parents of one son: Harold E., long associated with his father in the above business, one of the foremost citizens of Attleboro, who pre- sented to the city of Attleboro, in honor of the name of his maternal forbears, the Hayward Athletic Field. An extended review of his life follows.
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