USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 13
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Everett Sargent White was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, October 7, 1887. His education was begun in the local public schools, and he is a gradu- ate of the Taunton High School, class of 1904.
Entering Tufts College for his course in the liberal arts, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1908, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Thereafter spending two years at Harvard Uni- versity School of Law (1908-10), he was admitted to the bar in the latter year, and began the prac- tice of law in Boston, in association with the firm of Choate, Hall & Stewart. About two years later Mr. White returned to his native city of Taunton to become a partner in the firm of White & White, with offices at No. 43 Taunton Green. He has since gone forward in this connection, specializing in corporate and tax laws, and has become a leading figure at the bar of his native State. Albert R. White, whose life is reviewed in the preceding sketch, is the head of the firm. As a well known and successful lawyer, Everett Sargent White has been welcomed into many circles, financial, fraternal and social, and has been brought forward in the patriotic endeavors which of recent years have loomed so large in the public economy. He is counsel of the Taunton Co-operative Bank and the Bristol County Trust Company. Although a Re- publican by political affiliation, and a loyal worker for the progress of the party, his public services have in no sense been of a political nature. Prior to the World War he attended the Officers' Train- ing School, at Plattsburg (1916), but during that struggle he served as a member of the Legal Ad- visory Board, and was also active in the work of the American Protective Association.
Fraternally, Mr. White is a member of St. John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Boston; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Bristol Com- mandery, Knights Templar, Attleboro; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Providence, Rhode Island. He is also a member of the Acacia Society of the Masonic order, of the Zeta Psi college fraternity, and the Lions International Club. He is a member of the Win- throp and Segregansett Country clubs, and attends the Unitarian church, of which he is clerk.
Mr. White married, in Taunton, on June 30, 1917, Barbara Brabrook, daughter of George Hale and Grace Bradford (White) Brabrook, of Taunton, and they are the parents of two children: Virginia, born November 28, 1918; and William L., born August 30, 1921.
ARTHUR CARLTON STAPLES-As vice- president and one of the active executives of the Staples Coal Company of Taunton, Massachusetts, Arthur Carlton Staples is a broadly noteworthy figure in the commercial life of Bristol county. He is a son of Herbert Mason and Alice B. (Pres- brey) Staples, both natives of Taunton.
His father was one of the founders of the Staples Coal Company, and was one of the most prominent men of his day in the business life in this section. He died in 1904, and his passing removed from the organization of which he was so long the head, and from the city of Taunton, one of the most forceful, aggressive and thoroughly capable business men of his time. The mother, whose death occurred in
Withus Lo Staples.
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1919, was a member of one of the very old and prominent families of Bristol county.
Arthur Carlton Staples was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, July 16, 1871. His education was received in the local public and high schools, and following the completion of his studies, he at once affiliated himself with the firm with which he now holds a responsible executive position. Beginning in a minor capacity as clerk, he filled various positions in the organization, rising to higher and larger responsibilities with the passing years until in 1915 he became vice-president of the corporation and still fills this office. The Staples Coal Com- pany is one of the leading distributors of anthracite and bituminous coal in New England and has offices in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Taunton, Fall River, and also Warren and Bristol, Rhode Island. They have shipping ports in Philadelphia; Newport News and Norfolk, Virginia; New York City; and wharves at Boston, Fall River, Taunton, Massachu- setts; also Warren and Bristol, Rhode Island. Their equipment also comprises ten tug-boats and thirty- two barges, all of large tonnage and heavy draught, also floating tower lighters and scows in Boston harbor; indeed, the organization has a complete equipment, such as few houses in its field in the East can boast. Incorporated in May, 1888, by some of the most noteworthy business men of that period, the concern has necessarily experienced some changes of personnel, but at present is offi- cered as follows: President, Frederick Ludlam; vice- president, Arthur Carlton Staples; and treasurer, Walter Peterson. From a concern doing purely a local business in Taunton and Fall River during the first year of its existence, it now handles an enor- mous business, distributing coal throughout New England at wholesale and operating also retail stores in Taunton and Fall River. Mr. Staples is further interested in the business world of Taunton, as president of the Weir Co-operative Bank; a trustee of the Bristol County Trust Bank, and the Taunton Savings Bank; he is also vice-president of the Mor- ris Plan Bank and is connected with many other business enterprises. By political affiliation he is a Republican, but has never been interested in public affairs, except as a private citizen, although in every movement of a progressive nature he bears a constructive part, and in the benevolent activities of the city he is active, serving as trustee of the Morton Hospital. He is a very prominent Mason, holding membership in the Alfred Baylies Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Attleboro and Taun- ton Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar, of Providence, Rhode Island; Massachusetts Consistory; and Pales- tine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is past master of his lodge, and is district deputy of the Twenty-eighth Masonic Division, also junior warden of the Lodge of Per- fection and all other Masonic bodies. His clubs are the Winthrop and the Segregansett Country, and he is identified with the Old Colony Historical
Society. His religious affiliation is with the Uni- tarian church.
Mr. Staples married, in 1900, Grace G. Briggs, daughter of Charles F. and Attie M. (Walker) Briggs, her father a leading merchant of Taunton, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Staples are the parents of two sons: Carlton L., born in 1901, a graduate of the Moses Brown Preparatory School of Providence, Rhode Island, class of 1921, and a student at Brown University, class of 1925; and Herbert Mason, born in 1907, and now a student at the Moses Brown Preparatory School of Providence, Rhode Island.
HENRY WARDLE, M. D .- A leading figure in professional circles in Fall River, Massachusetts, is Dr. Henry Wardle, who has won a position of influence and success in his chosen field of activity and is now active as leading physician and surgeon of this city. Trained in one of the leading institutions of the East, and with unusually extensive hospital experience, Dr. Wardle has been active in practice in Fall River for the past fifteen years and is highly esteemed by all who have employed him. He is a son of Thomas W. and Margaret H. (Moss) Wardle, both natives of England, the father born in Liverpool, and the mother in Manchester. Both came to the United States with their parents as children, and the family settling in Fall River, they were reared and edu- cated here. Thomas W. Wardle became engaged in the grocery and meat business, in which he was active until the year 1904, when he removed to Worcester, Massachusetts, and continued along the same line until his death, which occurred in 1906. The mother survived him for many years, passing away in 1921.
Henry Wardle was born in Fall River, Massachu- setts, February 24, 1885. His education was begun in the local public schools and he is a graduate of the B. M. C Durfee High School, class of 1903. In the fall of the same year the young man entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in the class of 1907, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Wardle served as interne at St. Ann's Hospital of Fall River for fifteen months following his graduation, and in the fall of 1908 came to Fall River to establish himself in the gen- eral practice of medicine. He opened his office in the same vicinity in which he is still located, and has always conducted a general practice. From the early years of his activity he was deeply interested and markedly successful in surgery, and is now considered one of the most successful sur- geons of the day in Bristol county. He served as out patient surgeon of Union Hospital for sev- eral years, and later his private practice became so extensive that he was obliged to discontinue the duties of this position. He is now examining physician for the Life Extension Institute of New York City. He is a member of the American Medical Association; the Massachusetts State Medi-
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cal Society; and the Fall River Medical Society, and stands liigh among the practitioners of this com- munity. He is also a member of the Phi Alpha Sigma medical fraternity. Dr. Wardle's more per- sonal interests include his affiliation with King Philip Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Fall River Council, Royal and Select Masters; Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar; Massa- chusetts Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He holds membership in the Unitarian church, with which his wife is also identified.
Dr. Wardle married, in 1910, Marjorie B. Allen, daughter of Captain John F. Allen, now deceased, but for many years a well known sea captain of Fall River.
REV. EDWIN A. BUCK-In recalling the won- derful work and the benevolent personality of Rev. Edwin A. Buck, who for nearly four decades served as city missionary of Fall River, Massachusetts, there is brought to mind such a record of fidelity to ideals, of sympathy lavishly poured out, of burdens shared and needs ful- filled, as rarely can be found in the story of any human life. Following in the footsteps of the Lowly Nazarene, "Father Buck," as he was for many years familiarly and affectionately known, walked with the poor and the needy, cared for the helpless, up- lifted the outcast, whom he helped to usefulness and dignity, and in all his efforts inspired youth to high endeavor, leading, admonishing and guiding, as well as comforting the people whose needs and prob- lems marked the daily round of his life work.
Edwin A. Buck was born in Bucksport, Maine, in the year 1824, and was descended from early American pioneer stock, the immigrant ancestor of the Buck family having been Roger Buck, who came to this country from England in 1636, settling in Boston. With the pioneer spirit strong in his heart, he approached life, confident in his own strength, but in that spirit of greatness which holds service the highest achievement. He dedicated his life to the Christian ministry at an early age, and following his elementary and preparatory studies in the schools of his birthplace entered Yale Univer- sity, from which he was graduated in the class of 1849. He was a member of that group of high- minded young men who became famous in after .years in many callings, Dr. Timothy Dwight, one of the most distinguished presidents of old Yale in all its history, having been a member of that class and a personal friend of Rev. Mr. Buck. Following the completion of his course in the liberal arts, Mr. Buck took up a theological course at Bangor Seminary, at Bangor, Maine, then completed his studies in the realm of theology at Andover Semin- ary, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. His first pastor- ate was at Pownal, Maine, and he later served at Bethel, that State, then accepted a call to Slaters- ville, Rhode Island. Thence he came to Fall River in the year 1867, to take up the duties of city
missionary, under the auspices of the City Mission- ary Society. The Central Church took over the responsibility of this work not long afterward, and supported it permanently. This move bore lasting meaning to the uplift work of this city, bringing the people of the church, as it did, into close personal touch with the needs of the poorer classes, rather than delegating their care to a department
of the municipal administration. Not many years passed before the earnest spirit and familiar figure of Rev. Mr. Buck became a vital part of the con- scious, upward struggle of that portion of the popu- lation which has been so aptly described as the "submerged tenth." Be the ratio what it may, this social group cannot rise from under the depressing forces of poverty, misfortune, and their own conse- quent lethargy, without the aid of a foreign and beneficent power stronger than those which bear them down. It was his deep and abiding love for those among whom he labored that brightened their dreary lives and inspired them to think of him and address him as "Father Buck." He was constantly among the people, and his ministry was more than that of the religious counsellor-he was the people's friend. He sought them out in the most unpromis- ing surroundings, and his great faith in human na- ture gave them the confidence in themselves which enabled them to rise to useful and dignified posi- tions in society.
Father Buck gave constant and unfailing support to the organized endeavors along various lines of Christian advance. It was rarely that a communion service at the Central Church was celebrated with- out his bringing one or more new members to join in its fellowship. He participated in the founding of the Fall River Pastors' Ministerial Association, and was one of the leaders in the movement which resulted in the organization of the Young Men's Christian Association in this city. But probably he will longest be remembered as the founder of the Fall River Boys' Club, an organization which has commanded international attention among social workers in many countries, who have patterned after it in bringing similar endeavors to a working basis. Father Buck was assisted in his efforts by Thomas Chew, who became superintendent of the club, and still serves in that capacity. A meagre, undecorated room on Third street was secured as headquarters for the club. Six reflection lights were hung, a piano was installed, twelve ordinary tables were placed about the room with benches around them and a few mottoes were hung on the walls. One corner of the room was railed off for a library, and there a book-case contained 200 books and 65 games. Another corner was partitioned off for a toilet room, and was fitted up with two small hand basins and a roller towel. This was the beginning. A few boys ventured in, welcomed and encouraged by Father Buck's friendly words and benevolent smile. Now a building on Anawan street, the gift of M. C. D. Borden, and erected at a cost of $100,000, forms one of the homes of the Fall River Boys' Club. This was erected as far back as 1897, and ten years later another building was erected on Pocasset
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street, at a cost of $150,000. The club further owns a farm of 230 acres at Freetown, Massachusetts, where the boys get back to nature every summer. From the few boys who ventured in to see what was going on that opening night, the club has de- veloped to a membership of about 3,500, while thousands of boys have gained their start in life through the courage they found in the helpful and inspiring work of the club. This is the living monu- ment which stands in honor of Father Buck, al- though two decades have passed since his beloved body was laid to rest.
It was not only among the poor and needy that Father Buck was held in high esteem. His contem- poraries of every shade of religious belief respected his fearlessness and admired his sincerity. He al- ways kept in touch with his old class at Yale, and in 1899 he attended its fiftieth reunion, when only fifteen of the original number were present, and only thirty-three were still living. Dr. Timothy Dwight said to him on that occasion: "You have accomplished the most good of any member of this class." In his innate modesty Mr. Buck disclaimed his right to such an enconium, but Dr. Dwight replied : "The president of Yale College always tells the truth." This has been called the finest tribute ever paid this devoted worker for the uplift of others, yet the venerable and distinguished man who tendered it would have been the first to say that a higher tribute was given in the almost wordless, because unspeakable, sorrow of the people among whom he had labored, when they gathered to do honor to all that was left of their beloved spiritual father. He had been to them indeed a father in spirit, and they were deeply bereaved. From childhood, through youth and its aspirations, through maturity and its problems, even to the grave, he had borne their burdens and rejoiced in their happiness. He had united in marriage 1,635 couples, and at 3,000 funerals he had said the last sad rites and spoken the word of hope to the mourners. His church paper, for which he was long a correspondent, in commenting upon his death, said:
His ministry was whole-hearted and consistent. He was daily in the homes of the people, their minister, counselor and friend * * * * The funeral ** * * evinced the esteem in which Mr. Buck was held by all classes in the community. Men who have attended the hurial services of leaders of national renown say that they never witnessed such a spontaneous outburst of love and gratitude as came tu the surface in connection with the gathering in Central Church and at Oak Grove Cemetery. Humble people by the hundred welcomed the opportunity to look at his remains, and the tears shed told of the indebtedness of the poor, the discour- aged, and the outcast, to their constant benefactor.
Many of these people he had saved from lives of degradation, from the drink habit, or from the hopeless despondency which is the bane and com- panion of abject poverty. A few years before his death Mr. Buck retired from his position as city missionary, but at the earnest request of the church he continued to devote to the needs of the poor as much time and effort as his failing strength would permit. His death was the immediate result of an
attack of pneumonia, but his vitality had so long borne the strain of ceaseless labors and utter self- lessness that the span of his life, in all probability, would soon have been measured.
Rev. Edwin A. Buck married Elmira Walker, a descendant of early pioneer stock prominent in Massachusetts since 1632. Mrs. Buck cheered and encouraged her husband in his great work, sharing his sympathy with the poor and unfortunate. Her death occurred February, 1877. They were the parents of five daughters and one son, Augustus Walker, whose sketch follows.
AUGUSTUS WALKER BUCK, A. B., M. D .--- Standing among the leaders of professional ad- vance in Bristol county, Massachusetts, Dr. Augustus Walker Buck of Fall River has attained foremost rank in surgery, and his success in this field has given his name very definite and permanent signifi- cance in the city and vicinity. Dr. Buck is a son of. Rev. Edwin A. Buck, whose sketch precedes.
Dr. Augustus Walker Buck was born at Slaters- ville, Rhode Island, but the family removing to Fall River in his boyhood, he attended the elementary and grammar schools of this city, and was gradu- ated from the Fall River High School in the class of 1884. Entering Williams College at Williams- town, Massachusetts, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1888, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. His choice of a profession already made, he then entered the medical depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated in 1892 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For one year Dr. Buck served an intern- ship at the Methodist Episcopal Hospital in Phila- delphia, then, returning to Fall River, he took up the practice of his profession in this city in the year 1893. He has built up a very extensive and lucrative practice, the foundation of his success having been built upon his skill in surgery. Follow- mg general lines from the beginning, Dr. Buck has kept in touch with the ceaseless progress in medical and surgical science, and now holds an authoritative position in many branches of the profession. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts State and Fall River City Medical societies. Except in those organizations closely affiliated with his profession, he has few connections, but is a member of the board of the Young Men's Christian Association, is president of the University Club, and is a member of the Rotary Club. He is a member of the surgical staff of the Union Hospital. Finding his favorite relaxation in out- of-door activities, he holds membership in the Fall River Country Club.
Dr. Buck married, in 1896, Jennie Lanphear of Beverly, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of five children: Edwin A., who served in the World War with the rank of first lieutenant, an instructor in marksmanship at Boston University, and is now manager of the Woolworth store at Freeport, Long Island, married, and has a son, Robert J .; Robert T., a student at Williams Col-
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lege; Lanphear, also at Williams College; Eliz- abeth, a student at Smith College; and Roger, in high school.
WILLIAM HALE REED-As the treasurer and managing editor of the Taunton "Daily Gazette" of Taunton, Massachusetts, William Hale Reed is well known in Bristol county and, indeed, through- out this section of New England. This newspaper, which has been in the Reed family for more than half a century, is one of the oldest dailies of Massa- chusetts, always alive to the formative forces and progressive endeavors of the moment and always pledged to all that counts for civic righteousness and national integrity.
William Reed, father of the present owner, was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and died in 1913. He was graduated from Harvard University in the class of '64. During the Civil War he re- ceived a commission as lieutenant of infantry, in 1864, but his regiment was never mustered into active service as the war soon ended. He became one of the noted figures in newspaper work in Massachusetts, acquiring control of the Taunton "Gazette" in 1872, at which time he purchased the establishment then directed by Captain John W. D. Hall. Mr. Reed continued at the head of this business and in control of the newspaper end until his death, which occurred, as above state, in 1913. With him became associated his son, William Hale Reed, whose name entitles this review, and the firm was eventually incorporated in 1899 under the title of William Reed & Sons Company. William Reed married Katherine Tracy Hale, of Newbury- port, Massachusetts, who came of a very old family of that community, tracing her ancestry back to early Colonial days.
William Hale Reed was born in Taunton, Massa- chusetts, February 17, 1874. His education was begun in the public schools of his native city and he was graduated from Taunton High School in the class of 1891. Later entering Harvard University, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1895, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Fol- lowing the completion of his education, Mr. Reed associated himself with his father in the newspaper business, entering the office of the "Gazette" as a reporter, and in 1899 he became president of the new corporation, and managing editor of the paper. He has since filled these responsibilities without interruption, and since the death of his father in 1913, has been treasurer and managing editor.
Mr. Reed is a trustee of the Taunton Savings Bank and a director of the Morris Plan Bank. During the World War he served as a member of the Public Safety Committee, and was local director of the sale of War Savings stamps. For his ser- vice in this connection he received a certificate of recognition from the United States Government. Mr. Reed was in the public service many years ago as a member of the Common Council, under the old form of government from Ward Four, and also was an alderman from the same ward. He was a member of the school committee for seven years.
Mr. Reed is a member of the Chamber of Com- merce, of which he is a director. His clubs are the Winthrop, the Segregansett Country, the Taunton Auto, and the Taunton Boat. His religious affilia- tion is with the Unitarian church.
Mr. Reed married, October 9, 1903, at Taunton, Massachusetts, Emma Belle Robinson, of Acushnet, Massachusetts, daughter of Thomas J. and Sarah Eliza (Hall) Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Reed are the parents of six children: William Robinson, born in 1904, a student at Phillips-Exeter Academy; Thomas Hale, born in 1906, a student at Taunton High School; Milton (2), born in 1907, a student at Taunton High School; Sarah, born in 1908, a student at Taunton High School; George Hall, born in 1915; and Edward Waldo, born in 1919.
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