USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 15
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Mr. Gifford married (first) in 1892, Margaret Mckay, of Fall River, who died in 1898, leaving two children: Adam W. (2), now (1923) teller of the Union Savings Bank of Fall River; and Sadie R., who married Mr. Connor, of Somerville, Massa- chusetts. Mr. Gifford married (second) in 1900, Margaret Davis, of Fall River. .
MARCUS ARNOLD RHODES-The third gen- eration to stand at the head of one of the important manufacturing industries of Taunton, Massachu- setts, Marcus Arnold Rhodes is numbered among the enterprising and progressive business executives of Bristol county, Massachusetts, and his activities are contributing in a marked degree to the general welfare of the people. A practical man and an able executive, Mr. Rhodes has been identified with the present enterprise for the past fifteen years, and in carrying forward its activities, is honoring the memory of his father and grandfather to whose energies it owes its existence. He is a son of George Holbrook Rhodes, who was born in Taun- ton, and died in 1916, having made the above en- terprise his life-work. The mother, Louisa L. (Bassett) Rhodes, was also a native of Taunton, and died in 1902.
Marcus Arnold Rhodes was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, July 17, 1881. Receiving his early education in the local public schools, he was grad- uated from the Taunton High School, in the class of 1899. Entering Amherst College, he was grad- uated from that institution in the class of 1903, re- ceiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He com- pleted his education at Harvard University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1905, receiv-
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ing the degree of Master of Arts. Mr. Rhodes began his career as an educator, teaching at Deer- field Academy for a period of three years. He then became identified with the firm of M. M. Rhodes & Son Company, of Taunton, and has risen in this organization to his present position as treasurer of the concern and the principal owner of the business. This enterprise was founded by Marcus M. Rhodes about seventy years ago for the manufacture of lining nails, coffin tacks and upholsterers' buttons. In 1870 the founder received into partnership his two sons, Charles M. and George H. Rhodes, and the development of the business was marked from that time forward. About 1872 they began the manufacture of shoe buttons, and with the passing of the years various changes have been made until now the product of the plant comprises shoe laces and upholstery buttons, and they also do a large business in the enameling of hooks for men's shoes. The plant is located at No. 12 Porter street, and comprises eight buildings, with a total of 20,000 square feet of floor space. They employ about sixty people, and are the oldest and probably the largest concern in their field in this section, par- ticularly in the manufacture of upholstery buttons. Mr. Rhodes is a member of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with the world of finance as a director of the Machinists' National Bank, and a trustee of the Taunton Savings Bank. Deeply interested in every avenue of community advance, Mr. Rhodes has served as a member of the Taunton School Committee for ten years, but has otherwise consistently declined the honors and responsibilities of public office. During the World War he served as a "four-minute" speaker and did much for the Liberty Loan drives, his ceaseless efforts bearing such fruit that he received from the United States Government a certificate of apprecia- tion of services rendered.
Fraternally Mr. Rhodes is a member of Ionic Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Taunton Council, Royal and Select Masters; and his clubs are the Winthrop and the Segregansett Country. He is also a life-member of the Old Colony Historical Society, of which he is a director. His religious affiliation is with the Trinitaran Church.
Mr. Rhodes married, in 1908, Ruth Lincoln Bangs, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, daughter of Frank Williams and Almina (Tisdale) Bangs. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes are the parents of four children: Louisa Bassett, born in 1910; Stephen Holbrook, born in 1911; Rowena Lincoln, born in 1914; and Marcus A., Jr., born in 1917.
GEORGE WILLARD BLOOD, M. D .- A lead- ing figure in surgical advance in Bristol county, Massachusetts, is Dr. George Willard Blood, who within the past fifteen years has won a noteworthy position in his profession, and has become an au- thority along special lines. Active in institutional work, as well as in his private practice, Dr. Blood keeps in touch with professional progress at all times, and is doing much for the constant elevation
of local standards in the profession. Dr. Blood is a son of George H. Blood, who was born at Hollis, New Hampshire, and was a prominent farmer of that section, esteemed by all who knew him. The mother, Myra E. (Willard) Blood, was born at Littleton, Massachusetts, and both are now de- ceased.
George Willard Blood was born at Hollis, New Hampshire, February 19, 1887. His education was begun in the public schools of his birthplace, and he was graduated from the local high school in the class of 1904. Thereafter entering the medical department of Tufts College in Boston, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1908 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Com- ing directly to Fall River, Dr. Blood served an internship of two years at St. Anne's Hospital, and in 1910 engaged in private practice. For a time he went forward along general lines, but he became interested in his present specialty and took up post graduate study along this line at Harvard University Medical School. He later continued special study and research along this same line at Mayo's Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and at various times during the past ten years has returned to that clinic to keep in close touch with the con- stant advance in that special field. Dr. Blood has now for some years devoted his attention wholly to surgical work, and is considered one of the best known surgeons in southeastern Massachu- setts today. He is a fellow of the American Col-
lege of Surgeons, a member of the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the Fall River Medical Society, and serves on the surgical staff of both St. Anne's and Fall River City hospitals, having been con- nected with these institutions for the past ten years.
Dr. Blood married, June 3, 1918, Florence Ray- worth of Nova Scotia. Dr. and Mrs. Blood are the parents of two children: Madeline, and Dorothy. Dr. Blood is a member of the Congregational church, but attends, with his wife, the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mrs. Blood belongs.
BRENTON G. BROWNELL-As the director and part owner of one of the oldest and most im- portant dry goods stores in Taunton, Massachu- setts, Brenton G. Brownell is a noteworthy figure in the commercial life of this city. He is a son of Henry G. and Helen B. (Hoard) Brownell, and his father died in 1916, but the mother is still living.
Brenton G. Brownell was born in Taunton, Mas- sachusetts, October 22, 1883. His education was begun in the local schools, and he had the advan- tage of a course at St. George's School at Newport, Rhode Island, where his preparatory studies were covered. He then entered Harvard University, class of 1906. Following his college course, he became associated with his father in the dry goods business. This store, which for many years has been known under the name of the founder, N. H. Skinner, was founded in 1884 by Mr. Skinner and was first incorporated in 1897. In 1916 the death
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of Henry G. Brownell left the enterprise in the hands of his sons and another associate: B. G. Brownell; L. E. Brownell; and Charles L. Coombs. These progressive men are still associated as the N. H. Skinner Company and this store ranks with some of the leading stores of Boston and Provi- dence in its progressive policies and thoroughly desirable stock. Brenton G. Brownell, as vice- president of the corporation, holds a leading position in the business world of Taunton and is identified with financial advance as a director of the Bristol County Trust Company and the Taunton Morris Plan Bank. He has few interests outside of those which align with his business, but in political af- fairs supports the Republican party, although never as a leader in public advance. He is a member of the Winthrop Club of Taunton, the Segregansett Country Club, and the Harvard Club of Boston; and is a member of the Episcopal church.
Mr. Brownell married, at Richford, Vermont, in April, 1920, Mary Manuel, daughter of George C. and Laura (Miller) Manuel, her father a prominent real estate broker, and both parents are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Brownell are the parents of two children: Dorothea, born in December, 1921; and Henry G. (2), born in March, 1923.
HERBERT E. PIERCE-A prominent figure in professional circles in Taunton, Massachusetts, is Herbert E. Pierce, who has been active as an optometrist for the past eight years in this city, and is winning marked success. A young man of progressive spirit, well trained for this professional work and always in touch with the latest advance in any field relevant to it, Mr. Pierce deserves the success which has attended his efforts, and now stands among the really prominent men of the day in Bristol county. He is a son of Leonard A. Pierce, who was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, a stone mason by occupation, and one of the sub- stantial citizens of this community. The mother, Alida T. (Stetson) Pierce, was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, and is also still living.
Feeling a deep interest in all that pertains to the general welfare, Mr. Pierce takes a constructive part in every forward movement, and during the World War he served as a member of the 9th Company, 11th Regiment, State Guard, of Massachusetts. Fraternally Mr. Pierce is a member of Ionic Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Bristol Commandery, Knights Templar; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and the Order of the Eastern Star. He is further affiliated with Sabbatia Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Taunton Lodge, No. 150, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and also a member and treasurer of the Bristol Club; and a member of the Massachu- setts Society of Optometrists and the American Optometric Association. His religious affiliation is with the Baptist church.
Mr. Pierce married, on May 10, 1916, Petrea C. Thomasen, a native of Massachusetts, and a daugh- ter of Neils and Katherine Thomasen. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are the parents of two children: Everett N., who was born in 1917; and Leonard A., who was born in 1920.
CLINTON V. SANDERS-In the lumber busi- ness in Taunton, Massachusetts, a leading com- mercial organization is the Sanders Lumber Com- pany, Inc., of which Clinton V. Sanders is presi- dent and general manager. Mr. Sanders has been active in the lumber business since the completion of his education, and with his long experience, added to his natural business ability, he is carry- ing this enterprise to a very high position in its field.
Mr. Sanders is a son of George B. Sanders, who was born February 3, 1825, at North Easton, Mas- sachusetts, and died March 13, 1889. He was a grocer by occupation and one of the successful men of Taunton for many years. The mother, Betsy H. (Williams) Sanders, who was born in Taunton, and is a member of a very old family of this city, died in 1915.
Herbert E. Pierce was born in Taunton, Massa- Clinton V. Sanders was born at Raynham, Bris- tol county, Massachusetts, January 14, 1858. His education was begun in the public schools of Taunton, and after completing the high school course, he made practical preparations for his business career at the Warner Commercial School at Providence, Rhode Island. For about six years after completing his studies, Mr. Sander's was identified with the freight office in Taunton, after which he entered the employ of a Mr. Newcomb, in the lumber business. The death of Mr. New- comb occurring only two years later, Mr. Sanders Charles H. Buffington, and they carried the busi- ness forward for about twelve years under the firm name of Sanders & Buffington. The form of the name was then changed to C. V. Sanders & Com- pany, in which form it was continued until 1915, when the organization was incorporated. Since that time, under the title of the Sanders Lumber Com- pany, Inc., the enterprise has taken great strides chusetts, November 16, 1887. His education was begun in the public schools of this city and after completing the course at the Taunton High School, he studied the die-making trade in the town of Attleboro until 1912, when he entered the Massa- chusetts College of Optometry, from which he was graduated in the class of 1915. Beginning the practice of his chosen profession at once in his native city of Taunton, Mr. Pierce has won his success among those who have always known him, commanding a dignified position in the business life of the city and achieving a gratifying measure of . continued the business, receiving as a partner success. He was first located at No. 59 Main street, where he remained for five years, then removed to his present location in the Taylor building, on Taun- ton Green. With handsome and modern offices and the most approved equipment, Mr. Pierce is taking care of the needs of the public in the matters of the fitting of glasses, the grinding of lenses, and the distribution of optical goods of various kinds.
C
Herbert & Viene
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forward and is now a leader in its field. With main plant and offices at No. 68 Weir street, this company buys and sells lumber, sash-doors, blinds and hardware. They occupy approximately 150,000 square feet of floor space in several buildings de- signed for their special use, and with a double track railway siding, 600 feet in length, they are equipped to handle rapidly and efficiently large quantities of goods in their line. Employing about twenty hands, they are counted one of the largest lumber concerns in this part of Bristol county. Mr. San- ders, as head of this long prominent concern, is widely esteemed as a business man and as a citi- zen, and is otherwise affiliated as a director of the Morris Plan Bank of Taunton, the Bristol County Savings Bank, and has been president of the City Investment Trust Company since its establishment. His clubs are the Rotary Club, the Taunton Yacht, of which he is commodore, and the Fall River Yacht Club. He is a life-member of the Old Col- ony Historical Society, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. His religious affiliation is with the Universalist church.
Mr. Sanders married, in 1883, Ida M. Kendall, of Taunton, who is a daughter of Oliver and Sarah (Blood) Kendall.
HON. FREDERICK E. GOFF-Allied with the stove industry in the production of stove linings, Hon. Frederick E. Goff is holding large executive responsibility as treasurer and agent of the Pres- brey Stove Lining Company, one of the oldest and most important industries of Taunton, Massachu- setts. A native of this city, and educated in the local institutions, Mr. Goff has spent his lifetime in the interests of this same concern, rising from the desk of bookkeeper to his present important position. Mr. Goff is a descendant of Squire Goff, of Rehoboth, a pioneer settler of that place in Col- onial days. Edgar S. Goff, his father, was born in Taunton, and died in 1907, having spent a long and useful life as a stove molder. The mother, Ida M. (Bruce) Goff, still survives her husband, and resides in Taunton.
Hon. Frederick E. Goff was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, October 17, 1873. Gaining a prac- tical foundation for his career in the public and high schools of the city, he entered the employ of the Presbrey Stove Lining Company upon the com- pletion of his studies. Filling the responsibilities of bookkeeper for a number of years, he was later made assistant treasurer, and upon the death of the treasurer, Bartlett C. Peirce, who had served in this office for a period of fifty-five years, Mr. Goff suc- ceeded him. He also fills the office of agent of this concern, and his activities are contributing in a marked degree to the progress of the enterprise. Mr. Goff's further affiliations are with the world of finance, in which he is prominent as vice-president of the Taunton Co-operative Bank. He is a mem- ber of the Republican City Committee, and is a leader in the Republican party, although the de- mands of his business affairs have precluded great activity of an official nature in political matters.
He was a member of the Republican State Central Committee, and was elected as presidential elector in the campaign of Charles E. Hughes. He is a member of the Taunton Yacht Club, of which he is the treasurer, and his religious affiliation is with the Broadway Congregational Church, of which he is on the standing committee.
Mr. Goff married, in 1896, Harriet L. Robinson, of Taunton, Massachusetts, daughter of Nathan G. and Jane E. (Dalglish) Robinson.
JOSEPH KNOWLES MILLIKEN-Few names have won greater prominence in the city of Taunton than that of Joseph Knowles Milliken, who is one of the leading executives of the finishing industry in this city. With excellent preparation for his ca- reer and wide experience in the general field in which he is now engaged, Mr. Milliken has built his success upon practical and enduring foundations, and exemplifies the value of consistent effort and tireless energy in any field of industrial activity. He is a son of Charles Dodge Milliken, who was born in Farmington, Maine, and was throughout his lifetime active as a dry goods merchant, during the greater part of his career in New Bedford, Mas- sachusetts. He died in 1916. The mother, Helen Doane (Knowles) Milliken, was born in New Bed- ford and still survives her husband.
Joseph Knowles Milliken was born at Salem, Massachusetts, July 5, 1875. The family becoming residents of New Bedford in his childhood, he was educated in a private school in that city, and he prepared for college at the Friends Academy at New Bedford. He is a graduate of Harvard Uni- versity, class of 1896, and received from this insti- tution the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Mr. Milliken entered upon his career with the Dunnell Manu- facturing Company of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in the capacity of clerk and purchasing agent. Con- tinuing with this concern until the year 1899, he then became associated with the Hathaway Manu- facturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts, but in 1901 he severed his connection with this concern to become affiliated with the Mt. Hope Finishing Company as treasurer and general man- ager. Successfully filling this responsible position from that time, although taking it up when still a young man, he has been continuously active in this connection since, and the large importance of this concern is principally due to his excellent judgment and progressive activity. The Mt. Hope Finishing Company is one of the old established and really important establishments of Taunton, and a com- plete history of the company appears in the indus- trial chapters of this work under a special heading. Joseph Knowles Milliken, as a leading executive and the active manager of this concern, is broadly promi- nent in the trade, and is also connected with local financial advance and with other business organiza- tions and enterprises. His affiliations include the vice-presidency of the National Association of Fin- ishers and the Associated Industries of Massachu- setts. He is a director of the Machinist Bank of Taunton, the Massachusetts Life Insurance Com-
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pany of Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Fall River Manufacturing Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany. He has been a trustee of the Bristol County Agricultural School since its foundation and is deeply interested in agricultural advance. His frat- ernal connections include Pioneer Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. His clubs are the Harvard Club of Taunton, the University Club of Providence, Rhode Island, Wamsutta Club of New Bedford, and the Winthrop Club of Taunton. His religious affiliation is with the Unitarian church.
Mr. Milliken married, in 1903, Carrie E. Dodds, of Champlain, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Milliken are the parents of four children: Robert D., a student at Harvard, class of 1925; Helen D., a student at Miss Wheeler's School at Providence, Rhode Island; Joseph K., Jr., a student at the Moses Brown School at Providence, Rhode Island; and Ruth K., a student at Miss Wheeler's School at Providence, Rhode Island.
CHARLES MILTON SHOVE-Both Charles O. Shove and his son, Charles M. Shove, were born at Fall River, Massachusetts, and to their energy, enterprise and ability the Granite Mills of that city owe their existence. Charles O. Shove gave to that corporation the strength of his best years; it was his pride, and it reached a period of great pros- perity through his wise, judicious management, and it is an enduring monument to his memory. Nearly half a century ago he laid down the reins of finan- cial management of the corporation which he founded with Lazarus Borden in 1863, to be suc- ceeded by his son, Charles M. Shove, who came to the office of treasurer of the Granite Mills. Sep- tember 1, 1875, the mills then operating 78,000 spindles. During the forty-eight years which have since elapsed prosperity has attended the corpora- tion and now the mills operate 3,000 looms and 122,000 spindles. The memorial adopted by the directors of Granite Mills upon the death of Charles O. Shove in 1875 recites in one section:
As a citizen he was interested in all that pertained to the welfare of this city, and encouraged by his counsel and influ- ence a faithful administration of its affairs and a wise ex- penditure of money for public improvements. He was largely identified with other husiness interests of Fall River, and the advice and suggestions which his long experience and his ability so well qualified him to give and make were sought and received with respect and attention; but it is with this corporation that his name will be most intimately connected.
To the present representative of the family and the treasurer of the same company the same senti- ments may be expressed, and to both men Fall River in general, and the Granite Mills in par- ticular, owe an everlasting debt of gratitude.
Charles M. Shove is a descendant of Mrs. Mar- gery Shove, a widow, whom a note in the record states was "the mother of Mr. George Shove." She came from England to New England with her son George and joined the church at Boston, Massa- chusetts, December 30, 1638, but was subsequently of Rowley, and still later of Roxbury. She mar- ried (second) in 1654, Richard Peacock, and died in Taunton, Massachusetts, April 17, 1680. The
line from Mrs. Margery Shove to Charles M. Shove of Fall River is traced through her son, Rev. George Shove, the third minister of Taunton, or- dained November 17, 1665. Little is known of his ministerial life except that he "preached acceptably" and "taught the Taunton School"; "that no rumor or strife or discord in connection with him comes down to us". But it is known that he possessed considerable wealth in the form of real estate, being one of the six original proprietors of Assonet Neck, when that purchase was made in 1680.
Rev. George Shove married (first) Hopestill New- man, who died March 7, 1673, daughter of Rev. Samuel Newman, of Rehoboth. He married (sec- ond) February 17, 1674, Mrs. Hannah Whalley, who died in September, 1685. He married (third), December 3, 1686, Mrs. Sarah Farwell. He died April 21, 1687. His mother, Mrs. Margery (Shove) Peacock, was buried in Taunton in 1680. The line of descent to Charles M. Shove is thus traced: (I) Rev. George Shove and his second wife, Mrs. Hannah Whalley; (II) their son, Edward Shove, of Taunton and Dighton, and his wife, Lydia With- erall; (III) their son, Theophilus Shove, a minister of the Society of Friends and his wife, Philadelphia Osborn; (IV) their son, Theophilus (2) Shove, of Somerset, and his wife, Lydia Purinton; (V) their son, Clarke Shove, of Swansea and Fall River, and his wife, Elizabeth Slade; (VI) their son, Charles O. Shove, of Fall River, and his wife, Rachel E. Haines; (VII) their son, Charles Milton Shove, whose name furnishes the caption of this review.
With Clarke Shove, of the fifth generation, Fall River became the family home in this branch, he being one of the incorporators of the Fall River Bank.
Charles O. Shove, of the sixth American genera- tion, was born at Fall River, Massachusetts, No- vember 20, 1823, and died at his home on High- land avenue, in the city of his birth, July 28, 1875. He began cotton manufacturing in partnership with Joseph C. Anthony, then became a stockholder and a director in the Union Mills, finally, in 1863, with Lazarus Borden, incorporating the Granite Mills, a corporation of which he was agent and treasurer until his death twelve years later. He was also president of the corporation for which he had drawn plans for a mill which was built about the time of his death and named in his honor, The Shove Mills. He was a trustee and member of the board of investment of the Five Cent Savings Bank; director of the Fall River National Bank; an alder- man at one time representing the Seventh Ward of his city, and in religious faith was a Baptist.
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