USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 45
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Mr. Lang married, June 17, 1903, Mary Baird, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (MacGibbon) Baird, her father a native of Glasgow. Mr. and Mrs. Lang are the parents of one son: Stewart MacGibbon, born September 19, 1907, and now attending high school.
WARREN ALLEN SWIFT -- For more than a quarter of a century a member of the Massachusetts bar, and during that entire period active in practice in the city of Taunton, Warren Allen Swift has during the greater part of that time been a note- worthy figure in the public life of city and county and in the advance of the political party now in power. His ability and force as a lawyer have been broadly useful to the people in many branches of community advance, and his influence as a progres- sive citizen is always on the side of public righteous- ness. Mr. Swift is a son of William H. Swift, who was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts, and during the greater part of his lifetime was active in the shoe industry, following this general line until his death, which occurred in 1882. The mother, Emma F. (Nants) Swift, who was born in Lakeville, Mas- sachusetts, survived him for about ten years, pass- ing away in 1902.
Warren Allen Swift was born in Brockton, Massa- chusetts, August 15, 1875. His education was begun in the public schools of his birthplace, and as a young man he read law in the offices of Henry J. Fuller, of Taunton, for two years, then completed his professional studies at Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated in the class
of 1897, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Shortly thereafter Mr. Swift was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession in Taunton under his own name. In May, 1898, he be- came associated with Judge William H. Fox, and continued with him for about four years. From that time forward until 1921 Mr. Swift was active in inde- pendent practice, and is now at the head of the firm of Swift & Swift, his son, Warren M. Swift, being now associated with him. With offices in the Crocker building, in Taunton, Mr. Swift is counted among the foremost legal lights of his native State, and the firm of Swift & Swift holds a highly hon- ored position in the profession.
In the public life of the city of Taunton Mr. Swift has long been prominent, serving as a mem- ber of the Common Council for two years, and as alderman from Ward Seven for one year, then, in 1906, acting as city solicitor. He further served on the school board for a period of six years. In every branch of community advance he contri- butes the efforts of a progressive and forward-look- ing spirit to the general good. By appointment of Mayor Eldridge he did excellent work on the local grade crossing committee. A loyal adherent and fearless advocate of the principles of the Republican party, Mr. Swift served as delegate to the Repub- lican National Convention of 1912, representing his constituency in support of Theodore Roosevelt. Later he was appointed by Governor Coolidge as public administrator and still acts in that capacity. During the World War he devoted a large share of his time to his duties as a member of the registration board, and special acknowledgement of his useful- ness was made by the United States Government in the form of a certificate. Fraternally he is identified with Taunton Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Or- der of Elks, and the Knights of Pythias, and he is a member of the Broadway Congregational Church.
Mr. Swift married, in 1897, Edna F. Woodward, of Taunton, daughter of Herbert J. and Annie Eliz- abeth ( Westgate) Woodward. Mr. and Mrs. Swift are the parents of three children: Warren M., of further mention; Emma E., born March 30, 1902; and William H., born August 28, 1904.
Warren Maurice Swift, eldest son of this family, was born in Taunton, October 30, 1898. He is a graduate of Taunton High School, class of 1917, and of Boston University Law School, class of 1920, de- gree of Bachelor of Laws. Admitted to the bar in September of the same year, Mr. Swift became associated with his father in the practice of the law as a member of the firm of Swift & Swift. He served during the World War as a member of the United States Naval Reserve, and was assigned to duty at Boston. Mr. Swift is winning a place for himself in the professional world of Bristol county, and is looked upon as one of the coming men of his native State.
EUGENE L. BAKER- The manufacture of stoves and ranges has long been an important in- dustry in Taunton, Massachusetts, and Eugene L. Baker holds a prominent position in this field as
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the head of the Leonard & Baker Stove Company, which within the past few years has absorbed the Somerset Stove Company, adding that great interest to their original plant. Mr. Baker is a broadly practical executive, alert to conditions in every field bearing upon his own activities, and appreciative of every phase of progress. He is a son of Henry L. Baker of Taunton, who has for many years been active as foreman of the Taunton Brick Company, which position he still fills. The mother, Ruth Emmeline (Deane) Baker, was born in Taunton and is also still living.
Eugene L. Baker was born at Taunton, Massa- chusetts, January 23, 1871. His education was acquired in the local public schools, and his first employment was with Samuel Miller, a noted pat- tern-maker of that day, in which connection he learned the pattern-making trade. After four years with Mr. Miller, Mr. Baker entered the employ of the Weir Stove Company as a pattern maker and continued with this concern for a period of ten years, at the end of which time he entered a differ- ent field. Forming a partnership with Louis Lin- coln, he became a manufacturer of patent leather, but also developed a considerable business in pattern- making, their headquarters having been on High street for about a year and a half. In 1907 the Leonard & Baker Stove Company was established for the purpose of manufacturing stoves, and Mr. Baker's experience in pattern-making placed him in a position to go forward with his hand on every branch of the industry. Located on Cushman street, the concern has done a constantly increasing business from the start and their products now go to all parts of the United States and Canada. In 1921 the concern bought out the Somerset Stove Foundry, and with this important increase to their business, they now occupy a five-acre plant with about 30,000 square feet of floor space, improved, and employ one hundred and fifty hands. This is one of the really significant industrial organizations of Taunton, and its continued prosperity and growth is assured in the hands of its able executive. Mr. Baker is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious affiliation is with the East Taunton Congregational Church.
Mr. Baker married, in 1906, Hattie M. Doel, of Taunton, Massachusetts, daughter of John and Harriet Doel.
EDWIN JAMES COLE-In real estate progress and development, also along the line of insurance, the name of Edwin James Cole is widely prominent in Bristol county, Massachusetts, and his activities in these allied fields of endeavor are contributing in a very definite way to the local advance of Fall River. Mr. Cole bears a part in all worthy effort and entirely aside from his personal interests his leadership in various affairs places him among the really important executives of the day in this sec- tion. He is a son of Edwin Henry Cole, who was born in Canterbury, England, and throughout his lifetime was engaged in the dry goods business, first in his native land, and later in Montreal,
Canada. He was a man of quiet tastes, unassum- ing yet capable, and in business affairs possessing a keen foresight and sound judgment. He married Maria Leach, who was born in Cheltenham, Eng- land, and now resides at Oak Park, Illinois.
Edwin James Cole was born at Cheltenham, England, September 20, 1867. Receiving' his early education in the public schools of his birthplace, he crossed the Atlantic with his parents in 1880, settling in Montreal, where he attended McGill Model School, from which he was graduated in 1883. Coming to Fall River in the year 1886, Mr. Cole entered the employ of the T. R. Vestal In- surance Agency in the capacity of clerk. He then became affiliated with the Durfee & Chace Com- pany, where for twenty-one years he filled the responsible positions of increasing importance and became a valued executive. Resigning from this connection in 1908, Mr. Cole established his own interest, opening offices as real estate and in- surance agent. In 1921 he removed to his present location at No. 57 North Main street, and the standing which he has attained in the field of his choice places him among the foremost executives of the city of Fall River and indeed of Bristol county. Mr. Cole's other business affiliations in- clude a directorship in the Fall River Trust Com- pany, of which he is a charter member. He is vice-president of the Fall River Board of Under- writers and a leading figure in all insurance progress. He is president of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents, regional vice-president of the National Association of Insurance Agents, and a director of the Massachusetts Real Estate Exchange. During the World War Mr. Cole was widely active in the endeavors of the period, and served as chief registrar for Ward 4 in the first draft. He was later identified with wards 1 and 4 and in all loan drives took a very active part, his efforts counting in a definite way for the success which attended these drives. Mr. Cole is a member of the Rotary Club, a leader in all its activities, and is identified with the Episcopal church and prominent in church affairs.
Mr. Cole married, at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 1889, Isabelle M. Turner, who was born in Bridgewater, and is a daughter of John and Agnes (Wilson) Turner, her father a native of Halifax, England. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are the parents of two children: Gladys Louise, who was born in March, 1897, graduated from the Fall River High School and then attended Abbott Academy at An- dover, Massachusetts; and E. Forrest, who was born in September, 1898.
WILLIAM E. KELLEY-As a representative member of the legal profession in the city of Taun- ton, Massachusetts, William E. Kelley is a promi- nent figure in Bristol county today, after twenty- three years of active practice. Born and reared in the State of Rhode Island, and possessing natural ability in his chosen field of professional activity, Mr. Kelley has won a high position in legal circles in Taunton. He is a son of James B. Kelley, who
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was born in the State of Kentucky, but spent the greater part of his life in New England, and was for many years identified with the well known textile concern of Providence, that of B. B. & R. Knight. The mother, Catherine (Devens) Kelley, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America in her girlhood.
William E. Kelley was born at North Providence, Rhode Island, February 28, 1865. His early educa- tion was acquired in the public and high schools of Providence, and he was graduated from high school in the class of 1886. He matriculated at Brown University, but did not remain to complete the course, owing to a severe illness which compelled him to seek outdoor occupation. When his health was recovered Mr. Kelley took a course at the Jenckes & Morey Business School, then came to Taunton to take up the study of law in the offices of Charles A. Reed, of this city. Under this able preceptorship he laid substantial foundations for. his success, and was admitted to the bar in the year 1900. He began the practice of his profession in the city of Taunton immediately thereafter, and his rise to prominence and influence has been steady. With offices in the Taylor building on Taunton Green, Mr. Kelley is numbered among the' really noteworthy professional men of the day in Bristol county. Deeply interested in all that contributes to the public welfare, Mr. Kelley has never accepted political responsibilities, except to serve for a period as a member of the school committee of Taunton. Fraternally he is well known as a member and past advocate of the Knights of Columbus, and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Patrons of Husbandry. His religious affiliation is with the Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception.
William E. Kelley married, in 1887, Ellen J.
Powers, of Chelsea, Massachusetts, daughter of Richard and Mary (Sheehan) Powers, and they are the parents of two daughters: Margaret, now the wife of Joseph H. Martin, and a graduate of the State Normal School of Rhode Island; and Flor- ence M., a graduate of Boston University and now (1923) a teacher at the Taunton High School.
WILLIAM JORDAN MORSE-Bearing a defin- itely progressive part in the jewelry industry in At- tleboro, Massachusetts, William Jordan .Morse is widely known as one of the founders and now the president and treasurer of the Morse-Andrews Com- pany. Possessing the courage and tenacity of the pioneer, Mr. Morse carried the enterprise through the early years of struggle and hardship to a point where he now holds a leading place in his special line of manufacture, a great variety of belt buckles for men's wear. Mr. Morse is a member of a family long identified with the jewelry industry in Bristol county, and is a son of Harrison T. Morse, who was born at Middleboro, Massachu- setts, and died in 1912, after a life-time spent in this industry. Harrison T. Morse was active in the 'employ of the D. F. Spaulding Company of Mans- field, Massachusetts. The mother, Mattie E. (Blan-
chard) Morse, was born in Mansfield, Massachu- setts, and outlived her husband several years, pass- ing away in 1920.
William Jordan Morse was born at Mansfield, Massachusetts, September 30, 1882. His education was begun in the public schools of his birthplace, and after the completion of his course at the Mans- field High School he learned the trade of jeweler at the factory of the D. F. Spaulding Company, where his father was then employed. . Three years after entering this plant, Mr. Morse came to Attle- boro, and was active in the employ of the R. F. Simmons Company for one year, after which he was identified successively with Bates & Bacon, S. O. Bigney, White & Roundsville, and the George L. Brown Company, filling a foreman's position in the last named plant. Mr. Morse established the pres- ent business in the year 1913, receiving as partner Forest J. Andrews, and founding the firm of Morse & Andrews. They began on a very small scale, with bench room only, their location being in the Makepeace building for about one year. Ill health then compelled Mr. Andrews to retire, and Mr. Morse removed to Building No. 2, at No. 32 Rail- road street. Here he first occupied a small space in the basement, later removing to the third story, where he occupied half the space of that floor. The growth of the business has since compelled him to expand, and he now occupies an entire floor in this large building, giving this enterprise about 3,500 square feet of floor space. Employing upwards of forty people, and equipped with every approved device for the furtherance of his work, he distributes his product to all parts of the United States, and holds a leading position in New England in the manufacture of men's belt buckles. The concern is now incorporated under the firm name of the Morse- Andrews Company, Mr. Morse being president and treasurer. Mr. Morse holds a number of important patents on his product, and is constantly improving design: and bringing out new ideas. He is a mem- ber of the Attleboro Chamber of Commerce, and is a Republican by political affiliation, although his business interests preclude public activities. He is treasurer and a director of the Keller Manufacturing Company, also producers of jewelry. Fraternally Mr. Morse is prominent, being a member of Orient Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Attle- boro; of Gideon M. Horton Encampment; and is past noble grand of this order. He is also a member of Pythagoras Lodge, Knights of Pythias; and At- tleboro Lodge, No. 1014, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious affiliation is with the Second Congregational Church.
Mr. Morse married, July 3, 1910, Lillie A. Beers, of Prince Edward Island, daughter of George and Mary (Hume) Beers, esteemed farming people of that section. Mr. and Mrs. Morse have one son, William j., Jr., born July 31, 1912.
ALFRED C. LEWIS-Prominent in the business life of Taunton, Massachusetts, as secretary of the H. L. Davis Company, of this city, Alfred C. Lewis has won high a position in the world of men and
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affairs, and his activities in this connection are con- tributing in a marked degree to the prosperity of the community and the welfare and happiness of the people. Mr. Lewis gives to his work the energy and ability which count for success in any field, and he is numbered among the thoroughly progres- sive and broadly useful men of Bristol county. Mr. Lewis is a son of Joseph F. Lewis, a sea captain and deep sea mariner, who was born in Boston, and visited many parts of the world. He died of yellow fever in Africa, in 1878, and was buried by mission- aries. The mother, Emma C. (Hinckley) Lewis, was born in Barnstable county, Massachusetts, and survived her husband for many years, passing away in May, 1922.
Alfred C. Lewis was born in Barnstable county, Massachusetts, August 22, 1872. His education was received in the public schools, and having been left fatherless in his childhood, he turned at once to re- munerative employment. With the exception of about six years Mr. Lewis has since been identified with the H. L. Davis Company, of Taunton. For three years he was with the Merriam Company, of Providence, Rhode Island, a leading firm of decor- ators in that city, and for a similar period he con- ducted a grocery and market under the firm name of Van Alstyne & Lewis. His interests have been principally identical with those of the present firm, and as secretary of the H. L. Davis Company, Mr. Lewis is widely known. This concern was founded in Taunton in 1875 by the man whose name it still bears, and was continued by him personally until 1893, when the name was changed to the H. L. Davis Company. The interest was incorporated on January 19, 1901, the title continuing the same, the principal activity of the organization being interior and exterior decoration. They later branched out to include a mercantile interest along the line of toys, in great variety, and this has become an im- portant department of their business, being con- sidered one of the most attractive and complete in a wide region. The concern draws trade from all parts of Bristol county, and employing about twenty- five hands, they are leading in their field and are one of the largest as well as one of the oldest in this part of the State in this general line of activity. As secretary of the above industrial organization, Mr. Lewis is an associate member of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Lewis is secretary and treasurer of the Master Painters' Association, of Taunton. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Malta, and he is deeply interested in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association, of which he was formerly a director. His clubs are the Winthrop and the Automobile, and he serves the lat- ter as secretary and treasurer. He has for many years been a member of the Winslow Congregational Church, and is a member of the standing committee of the church.
Mr. Lewis married, in 1893, Percival L. Pratt, who was born in Woodstock, Vermont, and is a daugh- ter of Charles P. and Martha Pratt. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have one daughter: Dorothy C., who spent three years at Northfield Academy, and three years
as a student nurse at St. Luke's Hospital, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from which she was gradu- ated in due course, and is now the wife of L. B. Service.
JUDGE FRANK M. SILVIA-One of the most noteworthy examples of unaided achievement is the career of Judge Frank M. Silvia, special justice of the Second District Court of Bristol county, Massa- chusetts. A native of Fall River, Massachusetts, but dependent on his own initiative for his position in life, Judge Silvia has won high rank in the legal professon, and after distinguishing himself as a trial lawyer was appointed to the bench of Bristol county, and is now one of the constructive forces in social advance today. Judge Silvia is a son of Frank M. and Maria A. (Dutra) Silvia, both natives of the Azores Islands. They came to America in their youth and were married in Fall River about 1869. The father was for many years a steamship agent in this city but died in the year 1901, while the mother still (1923) survives him.
Frank M. Silvia was born in Fall River, Massa- chusetts, January 29, 1882. He attended the local public schools but found it necessary to become a wage earner as soon as he had completed the school course. He entered the employ of the Globe Street Railway Company as an office boy and remained with that concern for about eleven years, rising in the organization to the position of assistant cashier and eventually to claim agent. During this time, how- ever, the young man was by no means idle even during his leisure hours, for he conceived an am- bition to enter a professional career and allowed nothing to deter him from the accomplishment of his purpose. Even without a high school education (having attended the same but two years) he took up the necessary preparatory studies for the ad- vanced courses to follow, also attending commercial school in the evenings, and eventually, during his activity as claim agent for the above concern, he entered Fall River School of Law in their evening classes, being admitted to the bar in 1911. Begin- ning practice in the Academy building, Judge Silvia went forward in his chosen profession with high courage and infinite faith in the future. His ability as a trial lawyer has been repeatedly demonstrated and he is considered one of the most able advocates in this part of the State. Many important cases were placed in his hands and he is distinguished as having won some of the cases involving the largest interests ever tried in Bristol county. The Mediros case, in which he won a verdict of $7,700, is a note- worthy example. His defense in the famous Ret- kovitz murder case was considered a masterly achievement, and his success in securing the pardon of Jose DeMello, after having served twenty years in the State's prison, was considered another mark of large ability. Highly gifted as a speaker, Judge Silvia has swayed many audiences, both in the court- room and in the various branches of public interest which he has taken up. His work as special justice of the Second District Court of Bristol county, to which he was appointed on June 30, 1920, reveals
Hanil M. Dierigy
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in him a broadly judicial mind, as well as the qualities which go to make an able advocate. During the three years of his service on the bench he has made a record of wise and just decisions and the people feel that his activities are contribut- ing to the general welfare. On December 28, 1920, Judge Silvia was admitted to practice in the United States courts. For some years Judge Silvia has been considered a public servant of more than local importance. In 1915 his nomination as vice-consul of Portugal was considered at the suggestion of William J. Bryan, secretary of State. His appoint- ment was received April 5, 1915, and he served until his resignation, March 18, 1919. His wide affilia- tions among the Portuguese societies make probable that the future will place him in broadly useful posi- tions in the public service. He is a supporter and a local leader in the ranks of the Republican party.
In the world of finance of Fall River Judge Silvia is well known as attorney for the Fall River Trust Company, also as a leader in the organization of this company. In 1919 he served as first treas- urer of the institution and is still clerk of the cor- poration, also a director. He is also one of the cor- porators of the Citizens Savings Bank. During the World War he was very active in all the many branches of home endeavor. He was appointed by President Wilson in charge of one of the draft boards in Fall River, in which connection he served during their activity, and is a leading member of the Memorial Commission. Fraternally he is identi- fied with Fall River Lodge, No. 118, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a leading member of the Knights of Columbus, of which he is advo- cate for Fall River Lodge, holding the fourth degree in the William Stang Assembly. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club and is also affiliated with the Quequechan Club and the Fall River Yacht Club. He is a member of the Santo Christo Roman Catholic Church.
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