USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 49
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Taunton Lodge, No. 150, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and Fall River Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious faith is that of a Unitarian.
Mr. Willetts married, in 1891, Lila L. Reed, of Fall River, daughter of George K. and Susan W. (Lapham) Reed, and they reside at No. 21 Hodges avenue.
HARRISON W. GEORGE-In the field of real estate and insurance, Harrison W. George holds a leading position in Bristol county, Massachusetts, with his interests centering at Taunton. A native of this city, Mr. George has had experience in various lines of endeavor, and for the past seventeen years has been engaged in his present field. His work in his present connection has contributed largely to the growth and progress of the city and its en- virons, and he is counted among the really note- worthy men of Taunton.
Harrison W. George was born in the city of Taunton, Massachusetts, September 14, 1882, and is a son of Walter W. and Eliza Jane (Lincoln) George, his mother, who died in 1883, a member of an old family of Bristol county. Receiving a prac- tical education in the public schools of his birth- place, Mr. George began life as a clerk in the clothing department of the Colby Company's great department store in Taunton. He was thus en- gaged for about ten years, after which he entered the theatrical business as manager of the Taunton Theatre (now known as the Park Theatre). After four years in this activity, during which Mr. George became one of the best known men of this city in local affairs, he gained a comprehensive familiarity with local conditions along various lines of en- deavor. In 1906 he chose a new line of activity and opened his offices as Nos. 9-11 Winthrop street, as a real estate and insurance broker. He has done much to promote construction work of many kinds in Taunton and vicinity, doing more or less at various times as an operator, as well as a broker. He handles a general line of insurance, representing many of the leading companies of the day. As one of the foremost men in his chosen field, Mr. George has for many years been identified with the world of finance of Taunton, and is treasurer and general manager of the Taunton Morris Plan Bank. It is generally considered that his efforts for the success of this institution have been largely respon- sible for the present wide scope of its work. He is treasurer of the Sinking Fund of Taunton, Massa- chusetts, and was treasurer of the Taunton Con- struction Trust Company.
In the public life of the city Mr. George has been active, having served as chairman of the License Commission under Mayor Fish, and for four years as registrar of voters. His fraternal affiliations are with Alfred Baylies Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the Consistory, Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Ara- bic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine: Taunton Lodge, No. 150, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and Sabbatia Lodge, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. His clubs are tlie Rotary and the Winthrop. He attends the Congregational church.
Mr. George married, in 1922, Helen C. Sater, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, daughter of John and Jennie Sater.
DOCTOR WILLIAM P. PRITCHARD-The city of Fall River, Massachusetts, is widely famed for the success and importance of its splendid group · of professional men, and in this group Dr. William P. Pritchard is a thoroughly representative figure. With exhaustive special training in his chosen field of endeavor, he has now for some years been active as a specialist, and in the. realm of ophthalmology he is counted among the largely successful men of the day. Dr. Pritchard is a son of William and Lydia (Wood) Pritchard, who came to the United States from England in the year 1890, locating in Fall River, Massachusetts. The father, who was engaged in the insurance business in Fall River, died De- cember 29, 1919, while the mother still (1923) sur- vives him.
William P. Pritchard was born at Hanley, Eng- land, October 17, 1872. His early education was received in the national schools of his native land, and he completed his high school course at Fram- ingham, Massachusetts. Later entering Harvard Uni- versity Medical School, he was graduated in the class of 1900 with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. Meanwhile, during the year 1899, he served as house officer in St. Luke's Hospital in New Bed- ford, Massachusetts. Shortly following his gradua- tion Dr. Pritchard established his offices in Fall River, and for about nine years was very successful along general lines of practice. His deep interest in the eye gave him particular success in such cases as came under his hand, and he gave much time to research in this specialty. In the year 1910 he took up a special course on the treatment of the eye at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Bos- ton, and in the spring of that year he went to Europe, where he covered a very comprehensive course at the Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital, formerly known as the Moorfields Hospital of Lon- don, England. Returning to the United States in the late summer of the same year, Dr. Pritchard resumed his practice as a specialist in the treatment of the eye and soon became widely noted in this field. He keeps in close touch with all advance in his special field, and as an authority on the eye has added definitely to the accumulated knowledge of the day in this connection. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Massachu- setts State Medical Society, and the Fall River Medical Society; is a member of the staff of the Municipal Hospital, and of St. Anne's Hospital; and is ophthalmologist of the city Board of Health. During the World War Dr. Pritchard served as a member of the Medical Advisory Board for District No. 50A. He is a member of the council of the Boy Scouts, and in every forward movement bears a constructive although usually unofficial part. For a number of years he has been active on the Fall
John F. Ferrar
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River School Committee. Fraternally Dr. Pritchard is affiliated with King Philip Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Fall River Council, Royal and Select Mas- ters; Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar; Massachusetts Consistory, Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Union Methodist Episcopal Church, and has served on the board of trustees of the church since its foundation.
Dr. Pritchard married, in 1900, Lena Elizabeth Colman, who was born in' Maine, and they are the parents of five children, of whom four are still living, as follows: Maybelle, a graduate of Rad- cliffe College at Cambridge, Massachusetts, degree of Bachelor of Arts, class of 1922; Lydia Juanita, a student at Middlebury, Vermont, now in her freshman year; Winston Colman, a student at the B. M. C. Durfee High School of Fall River; and Dale Bryant, still in grammar school.
JOHN CROWTHER-In the exacting and broad- ly useful office of city clerk of Fall River, John Crowther is doing much to forward the progress of the civic body and the welfare of the people. A native of England, Mr. Crowther came to this country as a young lad with his parents, was reared in American traditions, and has filled the place of a progressive and forward-looking citizen, both in the business world and in the public service. His genial spirit and cor- dial manner have won him countless friends in Fall River, and he is considered one of the most popular men in this city.
Crossley Crowther, Mr. Crowther's father, was born in England, and as a young lad was employed in that country in the mills. As he grew older he became interested in farming, and eventually began independent operations along agricultural lines in a small way. Practicing industry and thrift, he prospered, and bought first a small farm, then a larger one, and eventually became a very extensive breeder in thor- oughbred cattle, securing his original stock from Ire- land. He won large success in this field of endeavor, and went forward as a leading stock-man until the foot and mouth disease gained a start in his herds and made such ravages in his stock that he decided to give up the business and come to the United States (1873). His fortune decimated, if not almost swept away, he fell back on his mill experience in coming to this country, and settled in Fall River, where he secured an excellent position and continued his activi- ties until his retirement in 1899. The mother, Mary (Fielden) Crowther, was also born in England, and both are deceased.
John Crowther was born in Lancashire, England, June 22, 1858. He enjoyed but little schooling, and that wholly in his native land, and upon his coming to the United States with the family when fifteen years of age he at once secured a position in the mills of Fall River. He was not, however, content to allow circum- stances to govern his life, and for a number of years he attended night school and devoted his leisure time to the culture acquired by broad and discriminating read-
ing. Possessing a gift for languages, he also made an exhaustive study of English, French, German and Spanish, and he speaks all fluently. Until 1885 Mr. Crowther worked as a weaver in the mills, then he definitely put that chapter of his life behind him and entered newspaper work. Securing a position as re- porter on the Fall River "Globe," then just established, he was a member of the staff of that paper for five years, and had the honor of writing the first local item published in this paper. During his activity in this connection he was offered the management of the Fall River "Herald," which he declined, but in 1890 he left the "Globe" to identify himself with the Fall River "News" as a reporter, where he served for some months during the absence of the managing editor in that capacity, but remained with the "News" on the reportorial staff until the year 1902. For three years subsequent to that date Mr. Crowther acted as private secretary to the mayor of Fall River, after which he returned to the staff of the "News," and continued on that paper until 1908. It was during the early years of the present century that Mr. Crowther's activity in public affairs brought him into recognition as one of the needed men in local political advance. In 1902 he was elected secretary of the Republican City Com- mittee, and in 1908 was made a delegate to the Repub- lican National Convention in Chicago, which nominated William Howard Taft for the presidency. In the fol- lowing year Mr. Crowther was elected city clerk of Fall River, which occasioned his resignation from his newspaper position, as the duties of this office fully commanded his time. During the intervening period of fifteen years Mr. Crowther has served continuously in this office, ably fulfilling the responsibilities and commanding the esteem and confidence not only of his associates in public, but all the people generally. The good will and esteem of the public have been repeated- ly expressed in his seven reëlections, which have suc- cessfully followed his first term of service. Intimately familiar with the city of Fall River in all its phases, both from the viewpoint of the citizen and the news- paper man, whose business it is to keep in touch with all advance, Mr. Crowther's eminent fitness for the responsibility of his present position is a matter of frequent comment, and the people feel that the interests of the municipality are well cared for in his hands. In social affairs he is a member of Fall River Lodge, No. 118, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. As a hobby he collects rare books, antiques and paintings.
Mr. Crowther married (first) in 1883, Nora Hurley of Fall River, who died in 1911, leaving two of their three children: Herbert Spencer, a buyer with the Woolworth Company at their New York offices, being a resident of Montclair, New Jersey, and Ruth Frances, the wife of Lieutenant Albert Burleigh, of the United States Navy. In 1914 Mr. Crowther married (second) Mrs. Lizzie B. Carter, of Fall River, whose son by her former marriage, Kenneth S. Carter, is one of the promising young men of Fall River today.
REV. JOHN F. FERRAZ-The work of the church in any community is a force of leadership and inspiration to lofty ideals and high endeavors, and the spiritual father and guide who is placed in charge
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of the people of the church finds in his work one of the most worthy influences in community advance. The Roman Catholic Church has been cstablished for many generations in Bristol county, Massachusetts, and as pastor of St. Michael's Church of Fall River, Father Ferraz holds a leading position in ecclesiastical circles in this city. He is a son of John F. and Jennie A. (Correa) Ferraz, both natives of the Azores group. The father was born and died on St. Michael's Island, his death occurring May 20, 1904, and seven years later the mother and her two sisters came to the United States, where they have since resided with Fathr Ferraz.
Father Ferraz was born on St. Michael's Island, in the Azores group, January 8, 1880. His education was begun in the local schools of St. Michael, and after the completion of his high school course he took up philosophy and theology at the Angra Seminary, on Terceira Island of the Azores group, from which he was ordained to the priesthood on December 24, 1902, by the Most Rev. Joseph Emanuel Correa, Bishop of Angra. Father Ferraz was first appointed director of a large elementary and preparatory college at Ponta Delgada, at St. Michael's, and in this capacity he was active until 1910. His services were so highly considered by the administration of the school, as well as by the people under his charge, that this institution was given his name, and now stands as a monument to his devoted labors, under the name of Ferraz's College. Coming to the United States in 1910, Father Ferraz was appointed assistant priest at the Espirito Santo Roman Catholic Church in Fall River, thus becoming assistant to the Rev. Father John B. De Valles. He was appointed by Rt. Rev. Bishop D. F. Feehan, D. D., as director of the parochial schools of this parish, and continued his labors in this connection until September, 1915. He was then appointed pastor of the new parish of St. Elizabeth, at No. 602 Tucker street, Fall River, entering upon his duties in this connection as a mis- sionary and founder. He bought the land upon which the present buildings have been erected and began at once raising funds for the church edifice. Following the completion of the edifice he remained in charge of the parish until January 30, 1917, when he was ap- pointed pastor of St. Michael's Church of Fall River. This parish at the time of his coming was in almost a neglected state, and its home was an old basement church entirely inadequate to the needs of the parish and wholly unsuitable when the size and importance of the church organization was considered. Five years after his coming Father Ferraz built the present beautiful edifice of pressed brick structure of half Gothic style, imposing in appearance, and of the most modern con- struction. This is one of the handsomest churches in Fall River, and the parish takes entirely justifiable pride in its dignity and beauty. The interior is richly decorated and the grounds are attractively arranged. St. Michael's parish has about four thousand members, most of these people being among the prosperous and dignified citizens of Fall River, owning their own homes and giving to the work of the church the loyal and unselfish support of the progressive and spiritually minded members. Father Ferraz moves among his people the honored leader and spiritual guide, and in all his relations with the civic body and its organized endeavors he gives to the world the constructive efforts
of a brilliant mentality and a genius for administration. He is one of the highly esteemed and well known mem- bers of the Roman Catholic clergy of Bristol county.
REUBEN W. CHASE-A prominent figure in the world of finance of Taunton, Massachusetts, and broadly interested in every phase of community ad- vance, Reuben W. Chase is a representative man of the day in Bristol county, and his activities as treasurer of the Taunton Savings Bank are contributing in a marked degree to the welfare of the community and the economic progress of the people.
The name of Chase is a very old one in this part of Massachusetts, dating back to "Mayflower" days, and the family has given to the world in every gen- eration men of constructive spirit and broad usefulness. Andrew J. Chase, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Harwich, Barnstable county, Massachu- setts, and died April 23, 1900. He followed the sea during his early years as a mariner, and was for a considerable period in command of his own ship. He later became a merchant of Taunton, conducting a grocery store there until his death. He married Eunisa C. Baker, of Harwich, who died in 1885, when the subject of this sketch was a small child.
Reuben W. Chase was born at Harwich, Barnstable county, Massachusetts, April 24, 1882. His education was begun in the public schools of Taunton, and he also attended high school for a time, then decided to make special preparations for a commercial career, and going to Providence, Rhode Island, entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College of that city. On Decem- ber 1, 1898, Mr. Chase entered the employ of the Taun- ton Savings Bank in the capacity of clerk, and has now been identified with this institution for almost a quarter of a century. Rising through the different grades of responsibility, he was eventually elected treasurer of the bank 'in January, 1916. His entire career having been thus devoted to the welfare and growth of this institution, Mr. Chase is an important figure in the organization and holds a position of large prominence in financial affairs in Taunton. When still active as a clerk in this organization, Mr. Chase served also as treasurer of the Weir Co-operative Bank of Taunton for seven years, resigning that position when he was elected to his present office of treasurer of the Taunton Savings Bank. He is still a director of the Weir Co- operative Bank. Supporting the Republican party in political affairs of both local and national significance, Mr. Chase has served as a member of the school com- mittee of Taunton for one term, but has otherwise never accepted public responsibility. He is deeply in- terested, however, in all community endeavors, and at one time served as the treasurer of the Morton Hospi- tal, of which he is still a trustee. Fraternally he is identified with King David Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons and St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is a member of the Winthrop Club of Taunton, the Young Men's Christian Association, and is a life- member of the Old Colony Historical Society. He at- tends the Winslow Congregational Church.
Mr. Chase married, on October 5, 1905, Ethel I. Savage, of Wakefield, Massachusetts, daughter of Wil- liam F. and Augusta A. (Brown) Savage, both resi- dents of Taunton ,Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Chase
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are the parents of two children: Rolfe B., born August 31, 1908; and Gardner W., born March 13, 1911.
THOMAS J. ASHTON-In one of the broadly significant lines of professional activity, Thomas J. Ashton of Fall River, Massachusetts, is a leading figure in Bristol county, and he is also widely promi- nent in fraternal circles and a public-spirited citizen of large usefulness. A native of Fall River, reared in its traditions and educated in its institutions, Mr. Ash- ton is a son of James and Sarah (Howarth) Ashton, both natives of England. They were married in their native land and their two elder children were born there, then they came to the United States, in 1865, locating in Fall River. The father became one of the founders of Cook, Grew & Ashton, tinsmiths and mill- wright workers. James Ashton died in 1873, at the comparatively early age of forty-three years, while the mother survived him for twenty-five years, passing away at the age of sixty-three years.
Thomis J. Ashton was born in Fall River, Massa- chusetts, March 4, 1865. His education was begun in the Fall River public schools, and he was graduated from the B. C. M. Durfee High School in the class of 1882. As a young man Mr. Ashton learned the tinsmith trade, and was employed in this field of ac- tivity for about nine years. He then engaged in the grocery business, and conducted a prosperous interest in this field for about six years, when he sold the grocery store and entered the undertaking business, preparing for this profession under the preceptorship of James E. Watson. He worked in Mr. Watson's employ until 1907, then engaged in business for him- self, opening his headquarters at his present location at No. 961 Pleasant street, Fall River. He has now been successfully active along this line of endeavor for about sixteen years, and has won high distinction as an undertaker and funeral director, his ability and broad appreciation of the ethics of the profession car- rying him to a largely noteworthy position in his chosen field of activity.
In the public service in Fall River Mr. Ashton has long held a leading position, and his activities have borne direct relation to the constant growth of the city and its general prosperity. In 1907 he was elected a member of the Fall River City School Committee, and served in that capacity for six years. In 1912 he was appointed by Mayor Kay to the office of overseer of the poor, in which capacity he was active for a full decade. In the mayoralty elections of December, 1822, Mr. Ashton was the Republican nominee for the office of mayor of Fall River, but he was defeated by a small majority by the present incumbent, Mayor Talbot. Mr. Ashton has always given to the public advance the same loyal endeavors and efficient energy which have made and continued his prosperity in his personal in- tersts, and he is considered one of the most broadly noteworthy citizens of Fall River. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally is widely affiliated, being a member of Mt. Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Azab Grotto; Fall River Lodge, No. 219, Independent Ordr of Odd Fellows; is past noble grand of Puritan Lodge of Odd Fellows, Man- chester Unity, and was elected grand master of Massa-
chusetts, in which capacity he served during the two years, 1908-1909. He is a member and past grand of the Fall River Council of Odd Fellows, and is a mem- ber of the Order of the Sons of St. George. His re- ligious affiliation is with the Quarry Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Ashton married, in 1895, Alice Wilson, of Fall River, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of two children: Harvey, now associated with his father as a member of the firm of Thomas J. Ashton & Son; and Dorris, a graduate of the Framingham Normal School, class of 1921, and a teacher in the Fall River Continua- tion School.
ROBERT A. McGRATH-In engineering circles in Bristol county, Massachusetts, Robert A. McGrath is prominently identified with the progress of the day as city engineer of Fall River. Born in this city and a member of an honored family of this section, Mr. McGrath was reared in the traditions of his birthplace, and has become one of the well known public srvants of the day. He is a son of Thomas F. and Mary A. (Rowe) McGrath. The father is a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, and was one of the best known men of this city, during his lifetime having served as member of the Fall River police force for a period of forty-five years. He was a man of sturdy, upright principles, genial temperament, and possessed the spirit of loyal citizenship, which made his public service a record of high honor and broad usefulness. He died in 1918, at the age of seventy-three years. The mother, who was born at Cranston, Rhode Island, still (1923) survives him. Robert A. McGrath was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, April 7, 1886. His education was begun in the public schools of this city, and he was graduated from the B. M. C. Durfee High School in the class of 1904. Upon the completion of his studies Mr. McGrath enterd the civil engineering profession in the employ of E. M. Corbett, one of the prominent engineers of that day in Fall River. In this connection the young man supplemented his formal education with a thoroughly comprehensive course in the technical phases of engineering. Beginning at the bottom, he learned the profession in its every branch and won his way to prominence in it. After seven years in the employ of Mr. Corbett he resignd to accept a position in the city engineer's office of Fall River, in 1912. As a member of this staff for eight years Mr. McGrath became well known in public life, and in 1920 accepted the office of superintendent of Catholic Cemeteries of Fall River, filling this important post for three years. On Janu- ary 1, 1923, he was appointed to the office of city en- gineer, and took over the affairs of this largely respon- sible position on the fifth of the following March. He has taken up the duties of this position with energy and ability, and is going forward along pregressive lines, commanding the respect and esteem of his associates, and demonstrating the ability which comes of long and practical experience. Mr. McGrath is identified frater- nally with the Knights of Columbus, and is a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.
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