USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 48
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EDWIN R. McCORMICK-In the younger pro- fessional group of Taunton, Massachusetts, Edwin R. McCormick is a noteworthy figure, his activities in this city dating back for only about two years, but his former experience in New York City and his service in the United States Army brings him into a position of prominence. Mr. McCormick is a native of this city and a member of an old Taunton family. Hugh H. McCormick, Mr. Mc- Cormick's father, was born in Taunton, and died March 4, 1912. He had the distinction of being the oldest man in point of service in the police depart- ment of the city at the time of his death, then hold- ing the rank of lieutenant of police. The mother, Jane A. (Driscoll) McCormick, still survives her husband and resides in Taunton.
Edwin R. McCormick was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, February 25, 1890. His education was begun in the local public schools and he is a graduate of the Taunton High School, class of 1907. For his course in the liberal arts he entered Holy Cross College, of Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated in the class of 1912, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Thereafter entering Fordham University School of Law, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1916, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Meanwhile, Mr. McCormick taught at the Loyola School, from 1912-1917. Admitted to the bar of the State of New York in 1916, Mr. McCormick took up his practice in New York City and was active there until the year 1921, when he was ad- mitted to the bar of Massachusetts and became a member of the noted law firm of Hall, Hall & Washburn, in Taunton. He is still active in this connection, and is taking a prominent position in his chosen profession in Taunton. Mr. McCor- mick's military record began with his enlistment in April, 1918, in the 155th Company, Depot Brigade. He was sent to Camp Upton, New York, and was later transferred to the Officers' Training School at Camp Lee, Virginia, where he was commissioned
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second lieutenant in September, 1918. Thereafter he was returned to Camp Upton and assigned to duty with the 89th Infantry Division, but the armistice intervened before he was called into active service, and he received his honorable discharge in 1919, with the rank of second lieutenant. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. His religious affiliation is with Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
WILLIAM ROBERT PARK, JR .- A well- rounded life, reaching out in many lines of organ- ized advance, and devoted to those interests which count for permanent good in every field, William Robert Park, Jr., is a man of more than usual prominence in Bristol county, Massachusetts. He is a son of William R. Park, who was born in the State of Connecticut, and died July 26, 1921, in Taunton, after many years of wide usefulness as a high class mechanic of his day. The mother, Ann E. (Eldridge) Park, was born in Taunton, and died in 1901.
William Robert Park, Jr., was born in Boston, Massachusetts, August 29, 1867. Receiving a prac- tical education in the public schools of Taunton, where the family removed in his childhood, he re- turned to Boston as a young man, and entered the employ of the Park Injector Company, in which connection . he was active for about three years. Thereafter becoming associated with the firm of William R. Park & Son, of Taunton, he took a constructive part in the progress of this organiza- tion, and for some thirteen years has been the sole owner and manager of the enterprise. This business was founded in 1889 by William R. Park, Sr., along the lines of steamfitting, plumbing and sheet metal work, and was first located on Court street, where it has since been continuously carried forward and still stands. Thirty employees now handle the work of the enterprise, operating within a radius of about fifteen miles. This concern is ranked as a pioneer in this field in Taunton, and is now considered the largest. Mr. Park is active in the world of finance as a director of the Bristol County Trust Company, the Bristol County Savings Bank, and also of the Taunton Morris Plan Com- pany. He takes a deep interest in all benevolent endeavor, and serves as a trustee and a member of the board of directors of the Morton Hospital. During the World War he was one of the fore- most leaders in the city of Taunton on all Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives, and every campaign for the raising of funds for patriotic or civic progress has his loyal aid and support. Mr. Park is a mem- ber of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce, the National Heating and Piping Contractors' Associa- tion, the National and State Associations of Mas- ter Plumbers, and is a worker for all forward movements in the trade. He is one of the foremost members of the Taunton Young Men's Christian Association, was for several years president of this organization, and was one of the most active of
Taunton's residents in the building of the present fine building of the association, personally raising $36,000 in the first solicitation of funds in the year 1900. For five years he was president of the Swarthmore Chautauqua Association, and is a leading member of the Winthrop and Rotary clubs, president of the latter. A member of the Winthrop Street Baptist Church, Mr. Park was vice-president of the Boston Baptist Social Union. Gifted with unusual musical talent, and possessing a fine voice, he acted as the leader of music at the above church during 1917 and up to the present writing (1923), and has been broadly instrumental in providing the people with a high grade of musical entertainment, presiding at cantatas and in oratorio work. He has also led the singing at the Rotary Club since its inception. In January, 1919, Mr. Park was the founder of the Taunton Orchestral Club, which he now maintains.
Mr. Park married, on October 28, 1891, Martha E. Hodges, of Taunton, daughter of Lewis B. and H. Elizabeth (Godfrey) Hodges, her father a native of Taunton and her mother of Norton, Massachu- setts. Mr. and Mrs. Park are the parents of two sons: Robert H., a graduate of Amherst College, . class of 1916, degree of Bachelor of Arts; and Rus- sell J., a graduate of Taunton High School, who served during the World War in the Motor Trans- portation Corps, with the rank of sergeant and mas- ter engineer.
FRANK B. MANNING-A native of the city of Fall River, Massachusetts, reared in its traditions and educated in its institutions, Frank B. Manning after a few years of experience in business en- deavor became a public servant in one of the most vital and practical branches of the civic administra- tion, the Department of Street, and for the past twenty years has served with ability in this con- nection. Mr. Manning comes of a prominent family of Massachusetts, for many years located at Ware- ham, Massachusetts, and his maternal line is an old and honored family of Ireland. He is a son of Thomas H. and Mary A. (Dunn) Manning. His father, who was born in Wareham, removed to Fall River as a young lad of about twelve years, and was there engaged in the nail mills for several years, but more recently has been identified with the street department of the city. The mother was born in Ireland and came to this country as a child with her parents, the family settling in Fall River, and she is also still living.
Frank B. Manning was born at Fall River, Au- gust 20, 1883. His education was begun in the local public schools, and he later took a practical course at Schoemaker & Clark's Business College in Fall River. His first experience was in the pack- ing department of Marshall's Hat Factory, and while engaged in this connection, Mr. Manning attended night school to make special preparations for taking the civil service examinations. This he did . in April, 1903, and was appointed time-keeper in the Department of Streets in the city of Fall River.
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He has since been continuously active in this de- partment, filling various positions of constantly in- creasing responsibility. He was promoted to as- sistant superintendent in the year 1913 and three years later to superintendent of the department, in which important position he is still active. Under Mr. Manning's administration the streets of the city have been greatly improved, and it is con- sidered that he has brought them to a point where they are equal to any streets in New England cities of similar population. With forward looking spirit and with practical ability Mr. Manning stands as a thoroughly representative man of Bristol county, active in all that makes for civic righteousness and municipal well-being, and his ceaseless attention to the duties which evolve upon him and his efficient and forceful management of the work placed in his charge have commanded the highest esteem, both of his associates in his public service and of the people of the city. Mr. Manning is also a member of the Advisory Board, which acts in con- junction with the Board of Aldermen on the matter of underground conduits and other matters which affect the street department. His fraternal affilia- tions include membership in Fall River Lodge, No. 118, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Foresters of America.
Mr. Manning married, in 1909, Elizabeth K. Schearer of Fall River, and they have three chil- dren: Franklin B., now a junior in the Fall River High School; Elizabeth B .; and Allan S.
RANDALL DEAN-The field of insurance and real estate in Taunton, Massachusetts, commands the activities of a group of largely progressive and public-spirited executives of whom Randall Dean is a figure worthy of more than usual prominence. For many years identified with the business progress of his native city of Taunton, Mr. Dean is esteemed by all who know him, and his interest in any cause or movement marks it as one worthy of the con- sideration and support of all progressive citizens. Mr. Dean is a son of Joseph Dean, who was for many years prominent in the city of Taunton. He is, perhaps best remembered as the man who built the structure which is now the home of the Old Colony Historical Society, of which he was a life-member. This building was first erected as a mission church and was sold to the society by Mr. Dean. He married Martha A. Williams, who was a member of a very old family of Taunton. He died in 1888, while his wife survived him for thirty- four years, passing away in 1922, at the great age of ninety years.
Randall Dean was born at Taunton, Massa- chusetts, July 7, 1866. Educated in the public and high schools of his birthplace, Mr. Dean has spent his lifetime in this city. His first experience in the business world was in the employ of F. R. Washburn, a well known hardware merchant. After four years in this' connection, Mr. Dean resigned to enter into another business. Mr. Dean accepted a position with the firm of E. T. Jackson & Com-
pany, leading insurance agents of Taunton, and remained with them until July 1, 1908, when he purchased the interest. He went forward without making any change in the firm name until July 1, 1919, when the title became Randall, Dean & Com- pany. Mr. Dean has been largely successful in his present field, and in addition to handling a general line of insurance, he is also a prominent operator and broker in real estate and takes a constructive part in local and nearby activities along these allied lines. Mr. Dean is a member of the board of trustees of the Bristol County Savings Bank, and is the clerk of the corporation. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Weir Cooperative Bank. He is an influential member of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally is a mem- ber of Charles H. Titus Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Ancient Order of United Workmen; and the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Win- throp Club, the Young Men's Christian Association; and the Old Colony Historical Society. He attends the Unitarian church, of which he is a member ..
Mr. Dean married, in 1890, Ada M. Leonard, of Taunton, Massachusetts, daughter of Henry W. and Ellen (Ingells) Leonard. Mr. and Mrs. Dean are the parents of two children. 1. Joseph Randall, who is a graduate of Phillips-Exeter Academy, was a student at Harvard University for two years, and 'is now associated with his father as a member of the firm of Randall, Dean & Company, insurance and real estate. 2. Marion L., attended the public schools of Taunton and also Wheaton Seminary at Norton.
GEORGE H. BURT-As the executive head of the widely known automobile firm, Brownell & Burt, Inc., George H. Burt holds a very prominent position in the business world of the city of Taun- ton, Massachusetts. He has been identified with the concern since its organization, nearly a half a cen- tury ago, and from the beginning his energy and business ability have meant much to the progress and growth of the enterprise. Mr. Burt comes of a family long prominent in the industries, and is a son of Allen B. Burt, who was born in Taunton. The line reaches back to Richard Burt, one of the the original settlers of this city. Allen B. Burt was active throughout his lifetime as a machinist of ability, and died in 1889. He married Almiria A. Arnold, who is a native of Rhode Island, and who died in 1854, when the subject of this sketch was an infant.
George H. Burt, son of these parents, was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, May 31, 1854. His early education was received in the local public schools, 'and he prepared for a business career at the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College of Boston, where he gained a broadly practical preparation for his future. As a young man Mr. Burt learned the trade of carriage-making in the factory of George L. Brownell, at New Bedford, Massachusetts, spend- ing three and one-half years in that connection and mastering what was then one of the most desirable
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trades of the time. In October, 1875, he returned to Taunton and established the firm of Brownell & Burt for the purpose of manufacturing the finer type of carriages and coaches then in demand. They were first located on Broadway, then, with the growth of the business, were obliged to secure larger quarters. After some search they obtained a desirable location and erected a building at No. 10 Washington street, to which they removed in 1881. They are still located at this address, but whereas their interests were at that time housed in a small building, they have made important addi- tions from time to time until now they have about 40,000 square feet of floor space. With the great change which has taken place in conditions through the passing of the horse-drawn vehicle and the uni- versal adoption of the automobile, the firm of Brownell & Burt, Inc., has kept pace with the times, and for years they have made automobile bodies, having discontinued carriage work entirely. They do a great deal of repair work on automo- biles as well. Within recent years this firm has taken over the distribution of Ford cars in Taun- ton, and in this field also they are doing a very extensive and constantly increasing business, their sales approximating five hundred cars per year. In their production and repair departments they employ thirty highly skilled workmen. Mr. Burt is a member of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally is affiliated with Sabbatia Lodge, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and Naomi En- campment of the same order, of which he is past chief patriarch. He is also past grand of King Philip Lodge, No. 44, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also a director of the building committee, and has been a member of the organization since 1879. He is a member of the Taunton Automobile Club, and his religious connection is with the Bap- tist church.
Mr. Burt married, in 1883, Ella R. Gegenheimer, of Saco, Maine, daughter of Jacob and Julia (Pat- terson) Gegenheimer.
R. LORING HAYWARD-In the interesting and broadly useful field of landscape engineering, Mr. Hayward holds a leading place in Bristol county, Massachusetts, and with interests centering in Taun- ton, is handling a very extensive practice. Trained for his chosen field of activity in one of the fore- most institutions of the East, he has taken a sig- nificant place in the public advance and is going forward to large success. Mr. Hayward is a son of Edward Belcher Hayward, who was born in Easton, Massachusetts, and is a member of a very old family of that section, prominent in various lines of commercial, professional and industrial activity for many generations. Edward B. Hayward is a leading civil engineer of the day in Easton and Brockton. The mother, Mary Ann (Wheaton) Hayward, was born in Salisbury, New Brunswick, Canada, and is also still living, her home in Easton.
R. Loring Hayward was born at Easton, Massa- chusetts, January 13, 1888. Following his elemen-
tary and intermediate studies at the public schools, he was graduated from the Oliver Ames High School, in the class of 1905, and the following year was graduated from Dean Academy. He then took a special course in preparation for his life-work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His professional activities include, in addition to early training under his father, two years with the Massa- chusetts Harbor and Land Commission on town boundary work in western Massachusetts, one year in Panama and Costa Rica on exploration for the Costa Rica-Panama Boundary Commission, and one year in Evanston, Illinois, preparing data for the report of that commission. After further studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he came to Taunton, in 1915, and opened offices in the Crocker building, where he is still located.
In addition to landscape work for private indi- viduals, Mr. Hayward has been prominent as a consultant to the Massachusetts Commission on Mental Diseases, in the development of their various institutions, and has assisted in the planning of institutions in Tennessee and Louisiana. He also is consulting engineer to the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Fisheries and Game, planning the installa- tion of fishways throughout the State. His work is contributing definitely to the progress and develop- ment of the cities and towns of Bristol county and vicinity, its educational influence being not the least important phase. Fraternally he is a member of Charles H. Titus Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Taunton Council, Royal and Select Masters. He is further a member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alumni Association, Taunton Tech- nology Club, and a life-member of the Old Colony Historical Society. His religious affiliation is with the Winslow Congregational Church.
Mr. Hayward married, in 1916, Ruth a Faunce, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, daughter of Ernest L. and Laura (Draper) Faunce. Mr. and Mrs. Hayward are the parents of three children: Loring Faunce, born in 1918; Richard Bascom, born in 1919; and Barbara, born in 1921.
WILLIAM A. RAYMENT-Highly skilled as a craftsman, and possessing large administrative abil- ity, William A. Rayment is bearing a broadly sig- nificant part in the industrial life of Taunton, Massachusetts, in an enterprise somewhat out of the ordinary. This is the New England Brass Company, of which he is general manager and metallurgist, the activities of the enterprise being the rolling and distributing of metal to the silver and jewelry crafts. A native of England, educated in that country and trained for his work there, Mr. Rayment has been in the United States for the past thirty years and has taken a deep interest, not only in the industries of the nation, but in the general progress of the people. He is a son of Albert Ray- ment, who was born and died in England, and was a goldsmith by trade. His death, which occurred in 1907, removed from this field of endeavor a man
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of constructive and progressive ability. The mother, Sophia (Ridgeley) Rayment, was also born in Eng- land, and died in 1905.
William A. Rayment was born in London, Eng- land, June 30, 1867. His formal education was ac- quired in the public schools of his native city, and he served an apprenticeship with the firm of Ed- ward Barnard & Company of London, one of the leading silver manufacturing concerns of Great Britain. For the quality of his work, he was given the freedom of London. This honor placed him among the leading men in his field in that country, and when he came to America in 1893, he became identified with the world-famous Tiffany & Company of New York City. After two years' connection with that concern, Mr. Rayment accepted a position with the Reed & Barton Silver Works of Taunton, later becoming superintendent of their plant, and in this connection he had under his supervision about 1,000 employes. He remained with this concern in the same capacity until forming his present affiliation as one of the organizers and founders of the New England Brass Company. This enterprise was established in 1916, for the purpose of rolling and distributing various metals in forms suitable for the silver and jewelry indus- tries. Mr. Rayment's familiarity with the produc- tion end of the business, and his comprehensive knowledge of metallurgy, gives him excellent equip- ment for his activities as general manager of this concern and he has brought it to a very high de- gree of efficiency. Employing about eighty people, the enterprise occupies two buildings, aggregating about 17,000 square feet of floor space. This is the largest concern of its kind east of the big brass centers of the State of Connecticut, and the busi- ness is steadily growing and developing under Mr. Rayment's management.
Mr. Rayment has for years also been identified with other business interests of Taunton, and is a director of the Mechanics' Cooperative Bank, also a director of the Evans-Case Company of Attle- boro, Massachusetts. Broadly interested in all that pertains to community and national advance, Mr. Rayment gives aid and encouragement to every worthy effort, but chooses to leave leadership in public affairs to others. His fraternal affiliations are with Charles H. Titus Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar, of Providence. His religious affiliation is with the Unitarian church.
Mr. Rayment married, in 1890, Lorraine Camp- bell Robertson, of Scotland, a daughter of James and Bessie Robertson. Mr. and Mrs. Rayment are the parents of four children: Beatrice Sophia, Lor- raine Margaret, Viola Anne, and William Francis.
ISAAC E. WILLETTS-In an exacting and largely responsible position in the public service of Bristol county, Massachusetts, Isaac E. Willetts is bearing a part in the general welfare, and amid all the discouragements and restrictions inevitable in
the realm of corrective endeavor, is giving of his best to the promotion of the public safety and well-being as sheriff of Bristol county. Mr. Willetts is a son of Isaac Willetts, who was born in Shef- field, England, and was a chain worker by occupa- tion. He came to the United States as a young man, and settling in Boston, Massachusetts, was one of the highly respected citizens of that place until his death, which occurred in 1875 in Phila- delphia, Pa. The mother, Emma (Brierly) Willetts, who was born in Hume, England, died in Fall River, in December, 1913.
Isaac E. Willetts was born at South Boston, Massachusetts, November 8, 1869. His education was received in the public schools of Fall River, and he began life in the employ of the Mechanics Mills, of Fall River, Massachusetts, where he was first a sweeper, then back-boy, and remained for about a year and a half. He then became office boy for J. A. Remington, a leading insurance broker of that time, and continued in this general field in various positions until the year 1893. He thereafter spent about five years in the textile in- dustry, then was again active in the insurance busi- ness until 1895, when he entered the public service. Edward H. Evans, in his first term of office as sheriff, appointed Mr. Willetts as one of his depu- ties, and his work in this connection was emi- nently worthy and calculated to benefit the people. He was made a member of the Common Council, and served for two terms, then, in 1905, he was elected to the Legislature of the State of Massa- chusetts, and served from that time until 1912, in- clusive. This unusual record of activity as a legislator was marked by many instances of definite usefulness, not only for his own constituency but for the entire Commonwealth. In 1912 Mr. Willetts was appointed keeper of the Taunton jail, and served until 1919, giving to the responsibilities and prob- lems of this office his best abilities and his devoted attention. Upon the death of Sheriff Evans, which occurred in 1919, Mr. Willetts was appointed by Governor Calvin Coolidge to fill out his unexpired term. His capable and efficient handling of the duties of this exacting office resulted in his election to the office of sheriff in 1920, for a term of six years. He is considered a man of ability and dis- cretion, fearless and relentless in the performance of duty and gifted with the qualities which count for the most in his position. As a young man Sheriff Willetts was a member of Company M, 1st Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, under Captain Braley, and later enlisted in the Naval Brigade, in which he served for two years as a member of Company F. Fraternally he is very prominent, being a member of Charles H. Titus Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Attleboro Com- mandery, Knights Templar; Fall River Lodge of Protection, Princes of Jerusalem, St. Andrew's Chapter, Rose Croix, and Boston Consistory, An- cient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is further a mem- ber of Mount Vernon Lodge, Knights of Pythias;
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