USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 29
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Of his five children, four were sons. These four sons enlisted and took their part in the Civil War. The eldest, William T., was a member of the First and Fourth Regiments, Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry; Rufus A. enlisted in Company E, Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry; Henry W. served with the famous Third Battery, Massa- chusetts Light Artillery, and was killed in the sec- ond day's fight at Gettysburg; Thomas H., Jr., served in the navy, and was with Admiral Farra- gut at Mobile Bay.
Rufus A. Soule was born in Mattapoisett. When he was a small child his parents moved to New Bedford. He received his education in the public schools of New Bedford and lived all his life in that city. In the spring of 1858 he became a clerk in the employ of the Union Boot and Shoe Company. This was his introduction to a business with which he was destined to become intimately connected in later years with another New Bed- ford man, Savory C. Hathaway. They enlisted and served in the same company, and their friendship begun in the army continued during their lives.
The large and prosperous business of Hathaway, Soule & Harrington, Inc., was begun by Savory C. Hathaway in July, 1865. Very soon Mr. Soule became silent partner, . and the name of the firm was changed to S. C. Hathaway & Co. Two years later, Mr. Soule gave up his clerkship and became an active partner in the firm of Hathaway & Soule. Later, Herbert Harrington, of Boston, was admitted to the firm and the firm became Hathaway, Soule & Harrington. Still later, a stock company was
Edmund Whitehead
Edgar B. Whitehead.
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organized under the title of Hathaway, Soule & Harrington, Inc. In 1905 Mr. Soule retired from the shoe business. This business grew and pros- pered for forty years. From its small beginning, the company became one of the largest concerns in the trade, selling direct to the retail dealers.
In 1905 Mr. Soule was appointed collector of the Port of New Bedford. From that time until his death, Mr. Soule devoted his time to the duties of the collector's office and to his many corporate interests. He was the first president of the Dart- mouth, Soule and Neild Mills, and president of the City Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of cotton goods. He was vice-president of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, presi- dent of the Acushnet Cooperative Bank, and di- rector of the New Bedford Cooperative Bank. He also served his city's business interests as president of the Board of Trade. In the business world of his city his judgment was deferred to, and he was rated one of the leaders among men of affairs.
Mr. Soule always took an active interest in public affairs. He was a member of the New Bedford Common Council for several years. In 1874 he was unanimously chosen president of that body. For a number of years he was a member of the City Republican Committee. In 1878-79 he served as a member of the Lower House of the Massachusetts Legislature. He was returned to the House of Representatives by the largest plurality ever given by the Legislature up to that time. For eight years, from 1896 to 1904 inclusive, he served his State as State Senator. For two years he was president of the Senate. He was a man of zeal, judgment and ability, his record as a legislator being one of faithful, efficient service. Alert and clear-minded, enthusiastic, with an earnest desire to be of genu- ine service to his State, he was an ideal Senator. He gained the reputation in the Senate of being a tireless worker, while his energy, persistency and initiative made hin a valuable worker in commit- tee and routine work. His success in politics was well earned, his remarkable personal magnetism winning him his first legislative victory, while his honesty, fearlessness and ability won the continued support of his district and the respect of his party opponents.
Mr. Soule was a member of the Wamsutta Club, New Bedford, and of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. In the Ma- sonic order, he held the degrees of Star of the East Lodge, Adoniram Chapter, and Sutton Commandery, his membership in these bodies being of long stand- ing. Mr. Soule was a devoted Grand Army man. Of all the organizations with which he was con- nected he loved best the Grand Army of the Re- public. He served his own Post, the R. A. Pierce Post, of New Bedford, twice as commander, in 1893 and 1906. He was commander of the Bristol County Association of the Grand Army of the Re- public, and served several terms on the staff of the commander-in-chief of the National Grand Army of the Republic.
To whatever cause needed his assistance, Mr. Soule gave his intelligent and loyal service, and his influence and example in temperate and upright living have been an inspiration to those who have been blessed with his acquaintance. His interest in children and all young people, especially the boys who came so frequently to him for advice and as- sistance, endeared him to a host of friends, who cherish and honor his memory. Mr. Soule pos- sessed the best traits of the good old New England gentleman. His aims were high and he attained them. Loyal to town, to State and country, and all the worthy interests within his reach, he lived a grand and beautiful life, and his name will be cherished always by all who had the honor of his friendship. In the death of Mr. Soule the Com- monwealth lost one of its most useful and valued citizens. His long and honorable career left the memory of incorruptible integrity, which is the best heritage a man can leave.
On August 28, 1860, Mr. Soule married Susan C. Nesmith, of Bucksport, Maine. They were the parents of three children: Margaret H. (Mrs. Garry de N. Hough); Lois M. (Mrs. Alexander T. Smith) ; and Rufus A. Soule, Jr.
EDGAR BERRY WHITEHEAD, owner and manager of the modern, well-equipped fish, meat, and poultry business known as Whitehead's Mar- ket, is one of the well known business men of Fall River, Massachusetts, where the Whitehead family has been active for three generations.
John B. Whitehead, grandfather of Mr. White- head, was born in England, December 12, 1802, son of John and Martha (Berry) Whitehead. He ac- quired a comprehensive knowledge of the textile industry in his native country. He came to this country previous to 1855 and located in Fall River. Later he removed to Taunton for a time, but soon returned to Fall River, where he was employed in the American Print Works as a block printer, and where he died, March 11, 1870, aged sixty-seven years. He married, in England, Sally Drinkwater, who was born November 20, 1804, and died in Fall River, in the eightieth year of her age. They were the parents of twelve children: Robert; John, Ed- ward, died young; Edward; William; Philip; Mary; Richard; George; Sophia; James; and Edmund, of further mention.
Edmund Whitehead, son of John B. and Sally (Drinkwater) Whitehead, was born in Clayton, near Manchester, England, July 4, 1845, and as a young boy accompanied his parents to this country, coming on the clipper ship, "A .W. Townsend." After at- tending the public schools of Fall River, Massa- chusetts, he began his active career at the early age of twelve years by securing employment with the American Printing Company. Later, he entered the provision and meat market of his brother Ed- ward, with whom he remained until July, 1869, when he opened a meat and provision market of his own at No. 102 South Main street. In June, 1892, he removed the business to Nos. 18-20 South
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Main street, just north of City Hall, where he continued actively in business to the time of his death, which occurred April 29, 1914.
Although a notably successful business man, Mr. Whitehead was a progressive and enterprising citizen. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce of Fall River, and of the Retail Mer- chants' Association at the time of its organization. Politically he gave his support to the Republican party. He was a member of Post No: 46, Grand Army of the Republic, having served as a mem- ber of Fifth Company (unattached), Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, under Captain D. H. Dyer, dur- ing the Civil War. That company was mustered into the service of the United States on August 2, 1864, as a result of a telegram sent by Governor Andrews to Captain Dyer, asking him if he could organize a company to take the place of heavy ar- tillery that had been doing garrison duty, but had been ordered south about the time of the battle of the Wilderness. Within twenty-four hours after the receipt of the telegram the company was formed, and Mr. Whitehead, though then but nineteen years of age, was one of its members. The company left almost immediately for Boston, and was mus- tered into the service at Readville, Massachusetts. Fraternally, Mr. Whitehead was prominent in the Masonic order, having attained a high degree in the Scottish Rite bodies of that organization. He was a charter member of Narragansett Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; a member of Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; a member of Fall River Council, Royal and Select Masters; a mem- ber of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar; a member of Fall River Lodge of Per- fection; of Samuel C. Lawrence Council, Princes of Jerusalem, of Fall River; and of Azab Grotto, of Fall River.
On March 26, 1868, Mr. Whitehead married Sylvia L. Borden, who was born July 3, 1846, daughter of Stephen and Sarah P. (Brayton) Borden, of Fall River, and a descendant of several of Fall River's earliest settled families. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead were the parents of six children: Andrew E .; Edith S .; Sylvia Louisa; Jennie L .; Edgar B., of further mention; and Elsie M.
property being acquired by the Union Savings Bank, and eventually located, in January, 1920, at No. 30 Second street, where he now has a modern, well- equipped plant. The Whitehead Market, always known as one of the best in the city, is now also one of the largest and best housed in the city. It carries a full line of fish, meat, and poultry, and requires the services of some twenty clerks to handle the steadily increasing patronage. Mr. White- head is an active member of the Merchants' As- sociation, and of the Chamber of Commerce, both of Fall River. He is a Mason of high standing, having attained the thirty-second degree in that or- ganization, holding membership in Narragansett Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, which he served as worshipful master; Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Fall River Council, Royal and Select Masters; Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar; Fall River Lodge of Perfection; Samuel C. Lawrence Council, Princes of Jerusalem; and St. Andrew Chapter of Rose Croix; all of Fall River; and of the Massachusetts Consistory (thirty- second degree), of Boston. He is also a member of Azab Grotto, of Fall River, and of Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Providence, Rhode Island. He is also a member of the Quequechan Club; a member and a director of the Merchants' Association; a mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Kiwanis Club, and of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion. His religious affiliation is with the Union Church of South Swansea. He resides in South Swansea, and his favorite recreation and pastime is one which brings him both pleasure and healthful activity. He is deeply interested in horticulture, and at his home in Swansea has his own green. houses, where many rare plants are grown, and where, when he feels so inclined, Mr. Whitehead himself engages in the cultivation of his beautiful plants.
Mr. Whitehead, by his first wife, had two chil- dren: Laura M .; and Doris E., who married James H. Gildard, Jr., and they have one child, Claire E. He married for his second wife, Viola A. Elliott, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
CHESTER SEAVER GODFREY-As the treas- urer of the Etna company, manufacturers of twist drills, Mr. Godfrey is very widely known in his field, for the company maintains selling agencies in almost a dozen countries outside of the United States.
Edgar Berry Whitehead, son of Edmund and Sylvia L. (Borden) Whitehead, was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, October 16, 1876. After at- tending the public schools of his native city, in- cluding the N. B. Borden Grammar School, and Chester Seaver Godfrey was born in Taunton, Mas- sachusetts, on October 1, 1876, son of Everett Dean and Huldah Ide (Perrin) Godfrey. His father, who died on May 13, 1915, was for twenty-five years asso- ciated with the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company. In 1887 he served the city of Taunton as its mayor, the highest honor that can be conferred upon an esteemed citizen. The son was educated in the ' public schools of Taunton and at Worcester Academy, and after leaving school spent five years in the West Indies fruit trade. He then went with the Morse Twist Drill and Machine Company, of New Bedford, remain- the B. M. C. Durfee High School, he took a post- graduate course at the Durfee High School, and then entered Bryant & Stratton's Commercial School, at Providence, Rhode Island, from which he was graduated in 1897. He then became associated with his father's well established meat market, and until 1914 was associated with his father in its man- agement. Upon the death of his father in that year he became proprietor of the concern, and since that time has devoted his full energy to the advance- ment of its interests. In October, 1920, he was forced to vacate from Nos. 18-20 South Main, the , ing with them until he was elected treasurer of the
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Etna Company. The Etna Company, of Taunton, is one of the oldest firms in the city manufacturing twist drills. The Williams & Godfrey Company, which was formed in 1881, was the first concern to make twist drills in Taunton. Later, in 1897, the Lincoln & Wood Company was established, but was succeeded by the Etna Company, which was incorporated in 1904. The present treasurer of the Etna Company, Chester Sea- ver Godfrey, who controls the concern, is the son of one of the partners of the original twist drill firm in Taunton. Important positions were held in this first company by William F. Congdon, now president of the Etna Company and superintendent of the company, his assistants, Charles A. Richardson and Herbert C. Wood. The product of this firm is favorably known over a wide territory, for in addition to established trade in this country, the company has its selling agencies in Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium, Spain, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. During the World War the Etna Company devoted fully 90 per cent. of its production for war purposes, being associated not only with the United States Gov- ernment, but dealing directly also with the British and French commissions. In all of its activities, Mr. God- frey is the controlling spirit, and he gave his patriotic service in this efficient manner. He is a member of the Old Colony Historical Society and of the Win- throp Club; his religious affiliation is as a member of the Winthrop Street Baptist Church.
Chester S. Godfrey married, at Taunton, Massachu- setts, on October 16, 1918, Pearl Belle Grant, daughter of Willard Webster and Mercy Ann (Parsons) Grant, her father having died on May 16, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey have no children.
PATRICK BANNON-For a period of sixty- three years Patrick Bannon was closely identified with the Textile industry as an expert| in one of its many and diverse phases. His influence during this time, on the industry of which he had become an integral and necessary part, was inestimable in its far-reaching ef- fects, and his death in 1913 was in the nature of a distinct loss; but not an irreparable one, for Mr. Ban- non had acted wisely and well in transmitting his great knowledge and experience to his two sons, John F. and William H. Bannon, who today are carrying on the work so firmly established by their father.
Patrick Bannon was born at Cranston, Rhode Island, in 1841, a son of John and Katherine Bannon, and a grandson of Peter and Ann (Getrick) Bannon, his grandparents having founded the branch of the Bannon family in America when they came to the United States from County Roscommon, Ireland. The young Patrick Bannon received his education in the public schools of his birthplace, and while yet a child, in 1850, started out on his business career. He entered the employ of the Sayles Bleachery, in the capacity of a laborer in the bleach-house, and for eighteen years applied him- self to the business with such energy and innate ability that at the end of that time he was appointed as fore- man of the starching department. His knowledge of the industry and his efficiency grew steadily as his years of service lengthened, and when he had completed fifty- five years of continuous employment with the Sayles Bleachery he was widely recognized as an expert par
excellence in his special line of endeavor. In 1909 he severed his managerial connection with the above con- cern in order to accept an executive position with the Mansfield Bleachery, at Mansfield, Massachusetts, of which corporation he was shortly chosen to serve as president, which office he held until his death. He was frequently consulted in matters pertaining to the art of bleaching, for of this branch of the textile in- dustry no man of his generation had a greater or more complete knowledge.
Politically, Mr. Bannon gave his support and co- operation to the Democratic party, and during his resi- dence at Central Falls, Rhode Island, he served two successive terms as alderman of that city, first in 1898, and was reelected to succeed himself in 1899. His religious affiliation was with the Holy Trinity Church, of Central Falls, of which he was for many years a communicant, a sincere worker, and a generous sup- porter of the parish.
Patrick Bannon was married, on October 23, 1873, to Lena Burke, a daughter of Michael and Bridget Burke, of County Tipperary, Ireland, and of this union there were six children, four of whom survive him, as fol- lows: 1. John F., born July 22, 1875, educated at La Salle Academy and Brown University, entered the em- ploy of the Mansfield Bleachery and succeeded to the presidency of that concern upon the death of his father. 2. William H., a sketch of whom follows. 3. Mar- garet, born July 21, 1882, married Eugene R. Farrell, son of Charles and Rose (Cadden) Farrell. 4. Leo M., born April 15, 1884, was graduated from Brown Uni- versity, his brothers' alma mater, in 1907, and became mechanical engineer of Ware Shoals, South Carolina.
The death of Patrick Bannon occurred during his seventy-second year, on January 14, 1913, and was due to "la grippe," contracted during the Christmas holi- days. His long life, viewed in perspective, proves in- controvertibly that success can be achieved by the con- stant application of those three prime business requi- sites : ability, industry and integrity.
WILLIAM H. BANNON-As the treasurer and general manager of the Mansfield Bleachery, of Fox- boro, Massachusetts, Mr. Bannon is well known in the community. He came to the establishment of this in- dustry with a thorough knowledge of all the details connected with such a concern, gained through years of apprenticeship and managerial and executive experience. His location of the works near the Mansfield line was a happy inspiration, and the success of the plant is due to his keen business forethought and foresight as well as to his good judgment and industry.
William H. Bannon was born at Central Falls, Rhode Island, on April 8, 1880, son of Patrick and Lena (Burke) Bannon (see preceding sketch) ; his mother, a native of Ireland, died in 1922; his father, a manufac- turer in the textile line, was connected with the Sayles Bleachery for fifty-two years; he was a native of Providence, Rhode Island, and died in 1913. The son received his early education in the public schools of Central Falls, followed by attendance at La Salle Academy, of Providence, Rhode Island, and subse- quently took a special course in chemistry at Brown University, with the idea of entering the textile line of industry. On the completion of his studies he be-
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came associated with the Sayles Bleachery, with which his father was also connected for so many years. In 1909 he established the Mansfield Bleachery, at Fox- boro, Massachusetts, near the Mansfield line, and has since been treasurer and general manager of the com- pany. Mr. Bannon has always been interested in the welfare of his workers, and his interest in civic mat- ters has been along lines of progress and development. He is a director of the Attleboro Trust Company; vice- president and director of the Southern Bleachery, lo- cated at Greenville, South Carolina, of which he is also one of the founders; director of "The Tavern," at Mansfield. He is, too, a trustee of the Foxboro Hos- pital, is a Republican in his politics, and during the World War served as a member of a number of boards and committees, for which services he received a certificate from the United States Government. In
his fraternal affiliation he is a member of the Knights of Columbus; and of Lodge No. 1011, of North At- tleboro, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and he is a member of the Winthrop Club, of Mans- field; Arkwright Club, of New York; Franklin Coun- try Club; Sharon Golf Club; and in his religious con- nection belongs to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
William H. Bannon married, in 1905, Mary J. Mc- Carthy, of Providence, Rhode Island, daughter of the former mayor of Providence, Patrick J. M. McCarthy.
EDWARD COFFIN JONES-Although the greater part of the life of Edward C. Jones was spent in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the scene of his un- usual business success, he was not a native son, his birthplace that famed island in the Atlantic, thirty miles from the Massachusetts mainland-Nantucket, ancestry on the maternal side being traced to Tristram Coffin, whose life-story is closely interwoven with the earlier history of Nantucket. His business career belongs to that golden era of New Bedford's history when her wharves were crowded with whaling ships and whale products, when the counting houses of her whaling merchants were scenes of busiest activity, and an aris- tocracy of oil ruled the city.
Edward C. Jones was one of the greatest of these merchants, the statement being made that at one time he was one of the wealthiest men in Massachusetts. He began as a clerk; but his ability, energy and industry brought pro- motion, then a partnership, then sole ownership of a wonderful business in outfitting whalers, and after- wards ownership of many vessels which carried the Edward C. Jones' house flag. There was little of for- tuitous circumstance to which his success could be traced, but intelligently directed industry and persever- ance gave him his opportunity, and sound business judg- ment guided his every enterprise. In selecting officers to sail his ships and govern their crews he used his keenest judgment, and he always kept his vessels in the best repair. His crews were well fed and well used, consequently were always one hundred per cent. efficient. He took a deep interest in the families of his captains and mates, and when any news arrived of one of his ships he would drive to their homes and give to the families interested all the information he had received. Honorable, upright and able, he won
success strictly on his merits, and among the merchants of his day stood preeminent.
His mother, Sally (Coffin) Jones, was a Quakeress, but in marrying Captain Reuben Jones she trans- gressed a strict tenet of her faith and for "Marrying out of the Meeting" was dismissed. This harsh decree was later softened, and her son allowed his birthright membership in the society. Mr. Jones was a strong believer in heredity, insisting upon knowing all about the mother of any man who applied to him for a posi- tion, without seeming particularly concerned about their fathers. He was strong in his belief that a man's dominant traits were derived from his mother. He was a man of culture and refined tastes, his love for the best in English literature being especially marked He could recite at will from Byron, Scott and other authors, often entertaining his friends in that way to his and their deep enjoyment. His was a well rounded character, and in New Bedford his name stood for all that was best. He was diligent in business, but not slavishly or selfishly so, and the charities of New Bed- ford greatly benefited by his generosity, his daughter yet continuing her interest in some of the philanthro- pies which he aided.
Edward Coffin Jones, only son of Captain Reuben and Sally (Coffin) Jones, was born at Nantucket, Massa- chusetts, October 23, 1805, and died in New Bedford, Massachusetts, March 16, 1880. His father was a cap- tain in the merchant service, sailing between American and French ports, his voyages sometimes extending to the German and North Baltic ports and to St. Peters- burg. This trade was of necessity suspended during the War of 1812, and for a time Captain Jones was out of employment. The sudden change from an active seafaring life brought on a prolonged and a fatal ill- ness, and he died when his son Edward C. was only thirteen years of age. The death of the father left the family without means of support or property, except the house they lived in. Edward C. Jones' early edu- cation, however, was the best available, his mother, a woman of unusual character and qualifications, sup- porting the family and keeping her son in school for the four years following her husband's death. Edward C. Jones attended first a small private school and later the Friends' Academy, in New Bedford, winning a reputation for quickness of mind, aptitude for study, a love for books, especially works of poetry and travel; was an apt student in French, and devoted to outdoor sports, skating, swimming, hockey and riding. During his vacations he assisted his mother in the sup- port of the family, at one time working as a book- binder, and at another time as general utility boy in a shoe store. A great source of pleasure to him in those early years was a gift of two shares in the Social Li- brary, and there he was able to procure "Cook's Voy- ages," the discoveries of Dampier and others of a simi- lar nature, all of which inspired him with the hope of going to sea himself. When nineteen he was offered a position in the office of Fish & Grinnell, in New York, at three hundred dollars a year, with excellent pros- pects of advancement, but he decided that his home town held quite as much promise of a successful career, and the offer was declined. Soon afterward he entered the employ of Captain Elisha Dunbar, a ship chandler,
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