A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3, Part 37

Author: Hutt, Frank Walcott, 1869- editor
Publication date: 1924
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 528

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 37

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Albert S. Eldridge was born in Taunton, Massa- chusetts, November 16, 1856. His education was received in the public schools of the city, and upon the completion of his studes, he became as- sociated with his father in the business above men- tioned, manufacturing casket hardware. Continuing with his father through the years, Mr. Eldridge gradually took over larger responsibilities and held an important executive position in the organization until the interest was swept away by fire in 1907. The plant was located on Eldridge street, and for many years had been a concern of importance in its special field, employing thirty-five hands. After the death of his brother, John H. Eldridge, he took up the insurance business under the name of John H. Eldridge & Company, and with spacious offices in the Crocker building, this interest is one of the best known in the insurance world in Bristol county. Mr. Eldridge has attained an en- viably position in his chosen field of activity, and his reputation for sincerity and upright dealing places his name among the foremost executives of this section. He does a general insurance business," representing the old line companies and handling the various forms of protection which meet the complexities of modern existence. In the public

life of the city, the commonwealth and the nation, Mr. Eldridge takes a deep interest, but has never accepted nor desired public honors. Fraternally he is a member of Ionic Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar, of Provi- dence; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Massachusetts Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

Mr. Eldridge married, in 1879, Mary H. Watson, of Taunton, Massachusetts, daughter of William and Mary Watson. Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge are the parents of two children: Ralph F., and Harold W.

CHARLES GODFREY WASHBURN-The legal profession is represented in the city of Taunton, Massachusetts, by a progressive and forward-look- ing group of men whose activities are doing much for the general progress, and in this group Charles Godfrey Washburn is prominent. He is a son of George A. and Ellen S. (Reed) Washburn, both deceased. George A. Washburn was for many years treasurer of the city of Taunton, and was later president of the Taunton National Bank.

Charles Godfrey Washburn was born at Taunton, September 15, 1874. His early education was ac- quired in the local public schools and he was gradu- ated from the Taunton High School in the class of 1893. Choosing the law as his field of professional effort, he entered the Boston University School of Law and was graduated in the class of 1896, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Admitted to the bar of his native State in September of the same year, Mr. Washburn took up the practice of his chosen profession in his native city of Taunton, going forward under his own name until the year 1919. He then became a member of the law firm of Hall, Hall & Washburn, with offices located in the Crocker building. They comprise one of the leading law firms of Bristol county. Mr. Washburn is a member of the Bristol County Bar Association, also the Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally he is a member of Sabbatia Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is a member of the Bristol Club. His religious affiliation is with the Baptist church.

Mr. Washburn married, in . 1902, Helen C. Shall- ing, of Taunton, Massachusetts. They are the par- ents of one child: Carolyn, born in 1906, a graduate of the high school, class of 1923.

GEORGE H. ROBINSON-For many years identified with the business life of Taunton, Massa- chusetts, George H. Robinson is one of the promi- nent executives of this city, holding the offices of vice-president and secretary of the Sanders Lumber Company. He became a member of this concern upon its incorporation in 1915 and has been an active factor in its progress since. An able and practical executive, broadly familiar with the con- ditions which govern the lumber market, Mr. Rob- inson is contributing in a marked degree to the growth and prosperity of the concern. He is a son of John D. Robinson, who was born at Woods

Nathanil S. Chase.

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Hole, Massachusetts, and has for some years been retired from active business. The mother, Emily (Wood) Robinson, was born in England, and died in 1878, when the subject of this sketch was a small child.

George H. Robinson was born at Taunton, Massa- chusetts, September 23, 1876. His education was acquired in the local public schools, and following its completion he learned the trade of pattern- maker. His first business experience was with the Huber-Hodgeman Printing Company, with which he was eventually identified for a period of twenty years, the greater part of this time acting as fore- man. He then formed his present affiliation with the Sanders Lumber Company and has won a prominent place in the business world of Taunton. This concern was founded many years ago by a Mr. Newcomb, and the present head of the organiza- tion, Clinton V. Sanders, entered the employ of the founder upwards of forty years ago. The death of Mr. Newcomb occurred shortly afterwards, and Mr. Sanders took over the business, receiving a Mr. Buffington as a partner. The firm of Sanders & Buffington endured for twelve years, then as C. V. Sanders & Company the organization went for- ward until 1915, when the present corporation was formed. Under the name of the Sanders Lumber Company, Inc., the business is now located at No. 68 Weir street, and they do an extensive business in the buying and selling of lumber, sash-doors, blinds and hardware. They have about 150,000 square feet of floor space, and with a double track railway siding of 600 feet, they are able to handle their business to the greatest advantage. They em- ploy about twenty hands and are considered lead- ers in their field in Bristol county. As an officer of this concern, Mr. Robinson holds a seat in the Taunton Chamber of Commerce, and is also a member of the Manufacturers' Association of Taun- ton. He has taken little active part in the public life of the city, although for a time he served as chairman of the License Board. As a young man he served in the war with Spain as a member of Battery F, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Fra- ternally he is a member of Ionic Lodge, Free and · Accepted Masons; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Attleboro Council, Royal and Select Mas- ters; St. John Commandery, Knights Templar, of Providence, Rhode Island; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Boston: also the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and he is a Spanish War veteran. He is a mem- ber of the Rotary Club. His religious affiliation is with Winslow Congregational Church.

Mr. Robinson married, in 1899, Jane M. Dalzell, a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are the parents of one child: Sheldon D., born in 1902. a graduate of the high school and the Boston Uni- versity Business College.

NATHANIEL STILLWELL CHASE-Standing back of the construction activities of Fall River,

Massachusetts, as mill engineer and architect, Na- thaniel Stillwell Chase holds a broadly significant position in the public economy, and through his practical ability and broad familiarity with his pro- fessional field he is taking a permanently useful place in the local advance. Mr. Chase is a member of an old New England family, in direct line and through his maternal line also is connected with prominent men for generations affiliated with the advance of this part of the country. He is a son of George Franklin Chase, who was born at Ports- mouth, Rhode Island, in the year 1852, and died in 1922, having spent his entire career in the employ of the Old Colony railroad, during the greater part of the time as conductor. The mother, Etta (Still- well) Chase, was born at Fall River and died in the year 1907.

Nathaniel Stillwell Chase was born at Fall River, Massachusetts, May 21, 1887. His education was begun in the local public schools, and following his intermediate studies he took up the high school course, from which he was graduated in the class of 1905. Mr. Chase entered the business world as an employee of William T. Henry, where he was active as draftsman until 1917. At that time he became identified with the American Printing Com- pany, as superintendent of construction under George P. Gilmore, plant engineer. Active thus for only a short time, Mr. Chase then returned to Mr. Henry's office as chief draftsman, and remained with him until January 1, 1919, when he succeeded to this business. When Mr. Chase took over the interest the enterprise employed only two draftsmen, but he has developed it so extensively that he is now considered one of the most successful men in his field in New England, and he executes import- ant commissions for many industrial concerns of this section. He now employs eight or ten drafts- men constantly and has recently moved into the new building at No. 167 Bedford street, where he occupies the entire space of the two floors. In ad- dition to Mr. Chase's activities as draftsman he handles general construction work of all kinds, spe- cializing in the designing and construction of textile mills and other large industrial plants. He has also designed and erected a considerable number of pub- lic buildings, and the new Junior High School, of Fall River, a building costing $600,000, is now be- ing completed under his supervision. Mr. Chase is a member of the Engineers Club of Boston, the Providence Engineers Society, and the Fall River Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally holds the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order, holding membership in both the York and Scottish Rite bodies, also being a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Chase's religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Chase married, in 1922, at New Rochelle, New York, Martha Jackson, daughter of John and Margaret (Erskine) Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Chase are the parents of one daughter: Jane Erskine, born February 14, 1923.

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ANDREW BELCHER FLAGG is a leading figure in the manufacture of sterling silver and sil- ver plated ware in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. He comes of a very old family of Rhode Island and his grandfather, Andrew M. Belcher, was one of the most prominent men of his time in Cumber- land, Rhode Island, master of the Rhode Island State Grange for a number of years, and prominent throughout the United States in grange work. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the Twelfth Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the period of the war. He was also prominent in civic affairs and for a number of years a member of the Cumberland Town Council. Walter H. Flagg, Mr. Flagg's father, was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and is a manufacturing jeweler by occupation, promi- nent in this field for many years and still active. The mother, Maria J. (Belcher) Flagg, died in 1922.

Andrew Belcher Flagg was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island, September 11, 1884. His education was received in the public and high schools of his birthplace and North Attleboro, and he was gradu- ated from the local high school in the class of 1904. His first business exeperience was in the employ of R. Blackinton & Company, manufacturing jewelers of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, where he learncd the trade of jeweler and was active with this con- cern for three years. He was then associated with Riley & French, and as salesman for A. L. Lind- roth Company, and for five years covered a very extensive territory in the West. In the year 1913 Mr. Flagg entered the same line of business as a manufacturer, founding the Merit Manufacturing Company of Attleboro, with William F. Mowry as a partner. This concern manufactured a com- prehensive line of inexpensive jewelry, and within two years from the time it started employed over one hundred people. Mr. Flagg was active in this connection until 1918, when the Merit Manufactur- ing Company purchased the Codding & Heilbron interests in North Attleboro. Increasing orders for war material made this step advisable, and in July 1918, the firm name was changed to Flagg & Mowry. Airplane parts, torpedo parts, electrical appliances, and almost a million shipbuilders' badges were included in their orders up to the time of the signing of the armistice. Since that time they have returned to the manufacture of sterling silver and silver plated ware, and in 1821, Mr. Flagg bought out the interest of Mr. Mowry, now being sole owner of the business. The plant is located on Jay street in the Webster building, occupying one floor of about 5,000 square feet of space, and em- ploying thirty to sixty people. Their products are distributed to all parts of the United States. Al- though established in Attleboro the plant has been located in North Attleboro for the past five years. Mr. Flagg is a Republican by political preferment, although interested in public life only as a pro- gressive citizen and manufacturer. He is affiliated with the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the North Attleboro Board of Trade, and the High- land Country Club of Attleboro.

Mr. Flagg married, October 16, 1918, Marion L. Sykes of Attleboro, Massachusetts, daughter of George H. and Adele Sykes, her father a manu- facturing jeweler of Attleboro.

HAROLD K. RICHARDSON is a leading figure of the oldest insurance concern in this city, for- merly known as O. P. Richardson & Sons, but more recently as H. K. & O. P. Richardson. Mr. Richardson has for the past twelve years been identified with this interest and since the death of his father has been the senior member of the firm.

Orville P. Richardson, Mr. Richardson's father, was for many ycars the head of this firm, and it was due to his breadth of vision that the business was expanded to its present great importance, his energy carrying into effect wide-reaching plans which a less courageous man might have feared to venture upon. Orville P. Richardson was born at Pawtucket, Rhode Island, June 5, 1851. Receiving his early education in the public schools of his birthplace, he later became a graduate of the Attle- boro High School, his family removing to this city during his boyhood. As a young man he became interested in the insurance business in which his uncle, H. N. Richardson, was engaged and for a time he was affiliated with his uncle in this field of endeavor. In 1878 he took over the uncle's in- terest; this business was founded by the uncle in 1869. For a short time this concern had been carried forward by H. N. Richardson, in partner- ship with a Mr. Ingraham, then later, for a time, it was carried forward under the name of Daggett & Richardson, this form obtaining until Orville P. Richardson absorbed the interest. As the sole owner of this business, Mr. Richardson went for- ward to large success and continued as an inde- pendent insurance agent and broker until the year 1911, when he received his sons into partnership, but he was active in the affairs of the company until his death, which occurred in 1920. Orville P. Richardson was a man of large prominence in the community. He served for several years as second- lieutenant in the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and in all branches of civic and commercial ad- vance he took a deep interest. He was for years a trustee of the Richardson school fund and a leader in every movement which counted for civic progress or for the general welfare. Widely known socially, he held membership in all the leading clubs of Attleboro, and his genial spirit and benevolent aattitude toward all made him a widely beloved and universally esteemed citizen. He married, in December, 1877, Bertha K. Smith, who was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and their children number four: Myra Louise, wife of H. S. Wilmarth; Harold K., of further mention; Orville P .; and Carlton S.

Harold K. Richardson was born at Attleboro, Massachusetts, January 3, 1883. His education was begun in the local public schools and he was gradu- ated from the Attleboro High School in the class of 1902. Following the completion of his education

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Mr. Richardson associated himself with his father in the insurance business above mentioned. In the year 1911 he became a member of the firm, and his brother also being received into the firm at the time, the title became O. P. Richardson & Sons. Harold K. Richardson has since taken a leading executive part in the advance of the organization and since the death of his father has stood at the head. A pioneer concern in the city, the Richard- son firm was the first in the country to typewrite insurance policies, and this one instance of leader- ship is only a single example of their continual attitude toward advanced customs and practices. The Richardson brothers are among the foremost in insurance advance today.

Harold K. Richardson's further affiliations in the business world include his treasurership in the Bates Block Association, directorship in the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association, the Attleborough Sav- ings Bank, and the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion. He is a trustee of the Richardson School Fund and treasurer of the Bates Theater Corpora- tion. A Republican by political affiliation, Mr. Richardson has served for a number of years as a member of the school committee. During the World War he was active in liberty loans and Red Cross endeavors, and at all times he gives his aid and influence to every worthy movement. Fra- ternally, Mr. Richardson is affiliated with Ezekiel Bates Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of At- tleboro; King Hiram Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Attleboro Council, Royal and Select Masters; Bris- tol Commandery, Knights Templar; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member also of Attleboro Lodge, No. 1014, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and Pokonoket Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men. . His clubs are the West Side and Highland Country, and he attends the Congregational church.

Mr. Richardson married, in June, 1908, Alice May Easterbrook, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of four children: Roger King, born August 14, 1909; Marian L., born April 18, 1913; Nancy A., born August 30, 1916; and Jean E., born August 6, 1922.

FREDERICK J. SMITH-Counted among the successful professional men of Bristol county, Massa- chusetts, Frederick J. Smith, of Taunton, is broadly representative of the progressive and enterprising citizen who shares his best with the city, the com- monwealth and the nation, forgetting his own in- terests in the greater need whenever the voice of the people calls. Mr. Smith is a son of Angelo Smith, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and was a pharmacist by profession, a man of brilliant mental capacity and progressive spirit. Angelo Smith was a veteran of the Civil War, hav- ing served in Company E, 4th Regiment, Massa- chusetts Volunteer Infantry. His death occurred in 1907. The mother, Margaret (Cavanaugh) Smith, was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, and is still living, active in the benevolent and charitable pro-

gress of her native city as trustee of the Taunton State Hospital.

Frederick J. Smith was born in Taunton, October 17, 1885. His early education was received in the local public schools, and he later attended Phillips- Exeter Academy. After three years of activity as engineer on railway construction, he prepared for his professional career at Boston University Law School. Admitted to the bar of his native State on February 21, 1913, he began the practice of his chosen profession in Taunton. He was admitted to the United States District Court on March 24, 1914, and in January, 1923, was admitted to the United States Supreme Court. With offices in the Taylor building, Mr. Smith has developed a very extensive practice, has specialized in corporation and control law, and as an able and successful lawyer holds a leading position in professional circles in Taunton today. He has been the secre- tary of the Taunton Bar Association for several years. He is interested also in the business world as a director and the secretary of the Commercial Air-Craft Corporation. In the public life of' the city Mr. Smith has been called to positions of re sponsibility in recent years, and as a loyal sup- porter of the Republican party is contributing to the general progress. He served as a member of the Taunton Common Council in 1920, and since 1919 has been a member of the Republican City Committee. In 1920 and again in 1921 he acted as delegate to the Republican State Conventions of those years. During the World War Mr. Smith acted as Government Appeal Agent, and was a member and secretary of the Legal Advisory Board for the city of Taunton. A great deal of his time was devoted to his efforts as a "four-minute" speaker. A natural orator, forceful and convincing, he did much for the activities of the time, and received a certificate from the United States Government in recognition of his services. Fraternally Mr. Smith is a leading member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, which he served as exalted ruler in 1919-20, also of the Knights of Columbus, and the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. Smith married, on February 6, 1912, Norah V. Hartigan, daughter of Patrick and Ellen Harti- gan, of Taunton, and they are the parents of four children: Patricia H., born in 1914; Paul F., born in 1915; William G., born in 1921; and Barbara, born in 1923.

ALFRED WILLIS TALLMAN-A prominent executive in the industrial activities of Taunton, Massachusetts, is Alfred Willis Tallman, who has been identified with the Leonard & Baker Stove Company since the year 1920 as vice-president and general manager and has been responsible in a large degree for the prosperity and growth of the enter- prise. Mr. Tallman is a son of William H. Tall- man, who was born in Tiverton, Rhode Island, and died in 1904. As a young man, William H. Tall-

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man served in the Civil War with the First Regi- ment, Rhode Island Volunteer Cavalry. He was wounded in action, was taken prisoner, and was con- fined in Libby Prison. He became prominent in the industrial world in the manufacture of stoves. The mother, Mary E. (Hood) Tallman, was born in Somerset, Massachusetts, and was a member of a very old family of that community. She died in 1910, having survived her husband for only a few years.

Alfred Willis Tallman was born at Somerset, Bristol county, Massachusetts, May 31, 1883. His education was begun in the local public schools, and following his high school course, he prepared for his career at the Shoemaker & Clark Commercial School at Fall River. His first business experience was in the employ of the Somerset Stove Foundry as a traveling salesman and he was active along this line for four years, gaining a comprehensive familiarity with the demands of the trade throughout the East and Middle West. During that period Mr. Tallman bought out the controlling interest in the enterprise and became treasurer and general man- ager, which position he filled until 1920, when the interest changed hands. Mr. Tallman then became identified with the Leonard & Baker Stove Com- pany, of Taunton, as vice-president and manager, in which connection he is still active. This enter- prise was founded in 1908 and has become one of the widely important industrial plants of Taunton in the manufacture of stoves, employing over 150 hands, and distributing their product throughout the United States and Canada. Their plant covers five acres of ground, on which are several buildings, and they manufacture the Glendale and Fairmount ranges. He was for some years interested in the public life of the city of Somerset and served as tax collector for one term, but has otherwise never accepted public responsibiilty. Fraternally he is a member of Pioneer Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Somerset; Rose Croix Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Or- der Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and is also a member of the Grotto; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past grand; and the Sons of Veterans. His religious affiliation is with the Baptist church.

Mr. Tallman married, in 1907, Ethel A. White- head, of Fall River, who is a daughter of James and Mary A. (Kidd) Whitehead.

THOMAS A. McDONALD-As managing editor of the "Fall River Daily Globe," Mr. McDonald holds a position of responsibility that he is emi- nently qualified to fill, one for which he was care- fully prepared by circumstances to fill, for he has come up from the rank and there is no phase of the journalist's life with which he is not familiar. He is a native son of Fall River, was trained in her public schools, and began his newspaper career as a "cub" on the staff of the newspaper of which he is now managing editor. His parents, James and Susan (Hurley) McDonald, were married in St.

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A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3, Part 37

Author: Hutt, Frank Walcott, 1869- editor Publication date: 1924 Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 528

Author: Hutt, Frank Walcott, 1869- editor
Publication date: 1924
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 528