USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 50
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Mr. McGrath married, July 19, 1911, Ellen E. O'Don- nell, of Fall River, Massachusetts, and they are parents of three children : Helen M .; Robert A., Jr .; and Jean.
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RALPH E. LOPER-Specializing in a branch of endeavor allied with the textile industries, Ralph E. Loper is bringing his activities to bear upon this in- dustry from a vital angle, that of cost of production. His extensive experience and his practical deductions therefrom have given him an unusual grasp of affairs and conditions relative to this industry. Mr. Loper is a son of Gilbert E. Loper, of East Setauket, Long Island, later of Port Jefferson, New York, well known as a contractor and builder and a progressive man of his day. The mother, Mary E. (West) Loper, was also born at East Setauket.
Ralph E. Loper was born near Port Jefferson, New York, April 23, 1886. The family removing to the town of Port Jefferson in his childhood, he attended public school in that community and was eventually graduated from Port Jefferson High School. He is also a graduate of Lehigh University, class of 1908, with the degree of electrical engineer. At college Mr. Loper developed a marked ability for analyzing and solving original problems, and he was invited to remain at Lehigh as instructor in physics and electricity, but the problems of business management appealed to him more definitely and he declined this office. Following his graduation, Mr. Loper became identified with the engineering staff of the American Gas and Electric Company of New York City, owners and operators of a considerable number of electrical plants. His work in this connection took him to all parts of the various plants. He was sometimes in charge of construction work, sometimes conducting operating tests, and fre- quently in the drafting room, but much of his time was spent in overalls and a black shirt, even doing work of a fireman-whatever came to hand. This, as Mr. Loper has since many times remarked, was just the kind of work any young college graduate needs as a practical foundation for professionel activity. Fol- lowing this period he spent a number of years on machine designing and the laying out of factory plants, also the study of manufacturing processes. To better apply his technical knowledge along these lines he at one time served as foreman in a plant manufacturing small electric motors, transformers and so forth. In 1912 Mr. Loper joined the staff of Suffern & Son, of New York City, industrial engineers and cost account- ants. During his association with this concern he filled numerous assignments among important manufacturing plants in different parts of this country and also in European plants. He was at one time active with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, of Akron, Ohio, where he assisted in training the permanent staff of their production department. He next went to France, where he was in charge of a contract with the Société Anonyme Des Automobiles and Cycles Peugeot at Beaulieu, France. There he introduced a plan for dis- patching and speeding up their work, also made a study of their manufacturing costs, and in cooperation with their selling organization standardized their product in the branch of bicycles and motorcycles. This plant is located near the intersection of Germany, Switzer- land and France, and with test cars always available for week end trips Mr. Loper made use of his oppor- tunities to visit interesting and historical points in that part of Europe. Being the only American in a plant employing 2500 Frenchmen, Mr. Loper was naturally
obliged to become familiar with the French language, and he has said since that before completing this con- tract he "both thought and dreamed in French." Upon his return to New York his friends remarked upon a noticeable foreign accent in his English. In the year 1914 Mr. Loper came to Fall River to install a cost system in .one of the local cotton mills. The central character of this city as regards New England indus- tries, and particularly textile production, led Mr. Loper to settle here for his professional career. Opening his office at No. 10 Purchase street, he established himself as a specialist in textile cost service and industrial en- gineering. He has since then specialized in textile problems and has been called to many parts of the United States and Canada, thus coming into contact with scores of textile mills in the South and Canada, as well as in New England. He has for some years enjoyed an international reputation as an authority on these topics, and when the Overman bill was passed, forming the War Industries Board, Mr. Loper was chosen as a member of the cotton goods section. From that time until the close of the war his time was principally spent in Washington, D. C., organizing and supervising the office of the cotton goods section. He is at present the head of the firm known as R. E. Loper & Company, industrial engineers of Fall River. Fraternally he is prominent, holding the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order, and is also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a leading member of the Young Men's Christian Association, at the present time (1923) serving as presi- dent. His clubs are the Rotary, Quequechan, and Fall River country.
Mr. Loper married, directly following his return to the United States from Europe, Jennie B. Wicks, daughter of Henry S. and Bertha (Brown) Wicks, her father a sea captain from Port Jefferson, New York.
OSCAR L. SPENCER, M. D .- Largely success- ful in his chosen profession of medicine and widely known both as a physician and through his activities during the war period, Dr. Spencer is an outstanding figure in professional circles in Bristol county, Massa- chusetts, today, and his work bears definite significance to the welfare of the people. Dr. Spencer is a son of Philo and Elizabeth (Magoon) Spencer, both natives of the Province of Quebec, Canada. Philo Spencer was a farmer by occupation, and spent his lifetime in agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of Montreal, Canada. Both the doctor's parents are now deceased.
Oscar L. Spencer was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, September 6, 1866. His early educa- tion was acquired in the public schools of his birth- place, and later attending Waterloo Academy, near · Montreal, he interrupted his studies at the age of twenty years and came to the United States, locating at Leominster, Massachusetts, where for about five years he was variously employed in the industries of that section. He then went to Lynn, Massachusetts, where he entered the shoe industry, and for about eighteen years was employed in this connection. During all this time, however, he cherished an early ambition to enter professional life, and when he had accumulated suffi- cient funds to take up his studies he entered the medical department of Boston University, from which he was
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graduated in the year 1911, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Returning to the city of Lynn, where he was already well known, Dr. Spencer estab- lished his office, and there won an enviable position in the profession among the people with whom he had been active in industrial fields. Upon the entrance of the United States into the World War, Dr. Spencer enlisted in the service of the United States Army as a member of the Medical Corps, and in July, 1917, re- ceived his commission as first lieutenant. On October 6 of the same year he was promoted to captain, and was assigned to Fort Harrison, Indiana, where he remained for three months. He was then transferred to the base hospital at Camp Custer, Michigan, where he remained until June. 1918, when he resigned from the service to resume his practice in Lynn. Active in that city until August, 1919, Dr. Spencer then came to Fall River and opened his present office at No. 380 North Main street. He has since developed a very extensive and lucrative practice, and is numbered among the leading physicians of Bristol county. He follows general lines of practice to a considerable extent, but specializes somewhat on gynecology. Dr. Spencer is a member of the Massachusetts Homeopathic Medical Society, Massachusetts Surgical and Gynæological Society, and the Alpha Sigma fraternity. He is also affiliated fra- ternally with Peter Woodland Lodge, No. 72, Knights of Pythias, of Lynn Winnepurkit Tribe, No. 55, Im- proved Order of Red Men, and Abou Ben Adhem Temple, Knights of Khorassan, of Boston.
J. FREDERICK BECKETT-Upon leaving high school in 1896 Mr. Beckett entered the real estate busi- ness, to which he has since added all branches of in- surance except life, being well established in both de- partments of his business, his offices at No. 70 Bedford street. He has been connected with a great deal of suburban development, and was largely instrumental in securing a Kresge store for Fall River. He is a son of Patrick W. and Ellen (Matthews) Beckett, his father born in Liverpool, England, in 1840, died in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1894. Ellen Matthews Beckett, born at Fall River in 1850, is now (1923) residing in Providence, Rhode Island.
J. Frederick Beckett was born at Fall River, Massa- chusetts, March 17, 1877, and there was educated in the public schools. He completed three years of his high school course with the class of 1896, then entered business life, beginning at that early age to operate deals in real estate under his own name. He dealt successfully in real estate exclusively until January 1, 1908, when he added insurance to his lines, and has since built up 'a very strong agency, representing im- portant companies in all forms of insurance excepting life insurance.
Mr. Beckett is president of the New Boston Road Development Company and the Highland Park Develop- ment Company, these corporations under his manage- ment being active agents in advancing Fall River's suburban area and adding to its residential attractive- ness. His offices are at No. 70 Bedford street. In politics Mr. Beckett is an Independent, and in religious faith is a Roman Catholic. For the past twenty years he has been a trustee of Lodge No. 118, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he is an active member
of both the Board of Underwriters and Real Estate Board of Fall River. His club is the Quequechan. During the World War period, 1917-18, Mr. Beckett was active in the various "drives" and other movements of that period.
At Fall River, June 15, 1905, Mr. Beckett married Helen L. Murphy, born at Fall River, as were her parents, James and Julia (O'Hearn) Murphy. Mr. and Mrs. Beckett are the parents of two children, both born at Fall River : Anna L., born April 14, 1906, and J. Frederick, Jr., born December 31, 1914.
JOHN P. SMITH-In the exacting office of assistant postmaster of Taunton, Massachusetts, John P. Smith has served the people faithfully and efficiently for the past six years, while for twenty-three years he has been an employee of the local post office, and his work has contributed to the public welfare. With experience in the textile industry, which gave him a general familiarity with business conditions, Mr. Smith has given to his efforts in the public service the practi- cal ability and energy which count for success in any field. He is a son of Michael F. Smith, who was born in Kilmalloch, Ireland, from which he came to the United States a a young man. He was for many years a prominent grain dealer in Taunton, Massachusetts, con- tinuing in this field of commercial endeavor until his death, which occurred in 1911. The mother, Mary E. (Dennen) Smith, was born at Norton, Massachusetts, and still survives the husband and father.
John P. Smith was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, September 15, 1876. His education was received in the local public and high schools, and his first experience in the business world was in the employ of the Co- hannet Mills, of Taunton, in the capacity of office boy. With energy and ability added to his faithful service in this connection, Mr. Smith advanced through various positions to that of head shipper, from which he re- signed in 1900 to accept a position as clerk in the Taunton post office. Here, again, his estimable qualities and practical attention to business won him steady pro- motion, and in 1917 he was made assistant postmaster, which position he still ably fills. Large responsibilities have passed through his hands, and, constantly meeting the public, he has become one of the best known men in the local public service. His general spirit and un- failing courtesy have made for him countless friends among the people of Taunton, and he enjoys the cor- dial esteem and confidence of all who know him. He has few interests except those of a business nature, but fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Colum- bus and the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. He belongs to the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Smith married, in 1909, Madeline M. Mahar, of Taunton, who died in 1912, leaving one child, Frances M., born July 20, 1910. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of John H. and Catherine Mahar.
JAMES HARRISON-In a special branch of the textile industry in Taunton, Massachusetts, James Har- rison is filling a vital need of certain industries, and in this line is achieving gratifying success. For some time he has been a leading executive of the present con- cern, which is known as the Manhasset Manufacturing
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Company, and the product of this concern, of which the Taunton plant is only a branch, is tire fabrics and finished yarns. Mr. Harrison is a son of J. H. Har- rison, who was born at Cheshire, England, and died in 1891. He was a brass trimmer by trade, and in the prime of life came to America, his death occurring only a few years after his settling here. The mother, Mary (Wycherley) Harrison, who was also born in England, still survives the husband and father.
James Harrison was born at Cheshire, England, March 11, 1882. His education was begun in the schools of his native land, and the family coming to America in his boyhood and settling in Fall River, Massachu- setts, he was an attendant at the public schools of that city for several years. He later attended a textile school in Fall River, Massachusetts, and his first busi- ness experience was in the employ of the Conanicut Mills Company, of that city. Active in that connec- tion for five years, Mr. Harrison then went to Globe Village, a suburb of Fall River, where he filled the position of overseer in the cotton yarn mill in the com- munity for fourteen years. In February, 1912, he be- came identified with the Slater Manufacturing Com- pany of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, as superintendent of their plant, having under his supervision about six hundred employees. He filled this position until Feb- ruary, 1920, when he came to Taunton, Massachusetts, as superintendent of the Manhasset Manufacturing Company's plant in this city. After two years in this office Mr. Harrison was made general manager of all the plants of this concern, located at Taunton, Massa- chusetts, Warren, Rhode Island, and several plants at Putnam, Connecticut. The Manhasset Manufacturing Company has leaped into prominence with the universal use of the automobile, their principal product being tire fabrics. The enterprise was established in 1912 by Messrs. William Muir, R. H. Ballou and E. V. Live- sey, the first factory being located at Putnam, Con- necticut. From the first they have produced both tire fabrics and finished yarns for other textile plants, and these products have commanded a very extensive trade. With the rapid growth of the automobile industry, the former has developed into the more important branch, and the continued great popularity of automobiles makes of this a product constantly in greater demand. Thus it has been necessary to greatly increase the capacity of the business, and to this end various branch factories have been built. The Taunton branch was established in 1920, at No. 42 Adams street, and this has been multiplied until now they have four large mill buildings in this group, with an aggregate floor space of 350,000 square feet. Here they employ about five hun- dred people, to say nothing of the factory buildings still in constant operation in Putnam, Connecticut, and the large plant in Warren, Rhode Island. This con- cern is considered one of the most important in its field in the United States, making 200,000 yards of tire fabric per week. This concern originally started with 15,000 spindles, and at the present time keeps more than 100,000 spindles in constant operation; it also pur- chases enormous quantities of yarns. In his position as general manager of production of this entire interest, Mr. Harrison holds a very prominent place in the in- dustrial circles in the East, and is widely known in the trade. He has few interests outside of his work, and
although a loyal supporter of the Republican party in politics, he takes no active part in public life. Frater- nally he is a member of Mt. Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Fall River, Massachusetts; also of Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Fall River Council, Royal and Select Masters; and other fraternal organizations. He is a member of the West Side Club of Providence, Rhode Island, and he attends the Episcopal church.
Mr. Harrison married, in 1904, Mary A. Openshaw, who was born in Bolton, England, and they have one daughter : Dorothy, born in July, 1912.
OMER EMEDEE BOIVIN, M. D .- Specializing in urology and surgery, and taking rank with the lead- ers in the medical profession in southeastern Massa- chusetts, Dr. Boivin is a noteworthy figure in profes- sional circles in Fall River, and his success is widely acknowledged. With the highest training and unusual breadth of experience, he has a splendid equipment for his profession, and being still a young man, undoubted- ly the world will hear from him in the years to come in no uncertain way. Dr. Boivin is a son of Stanislaus Boivin, who was born at St. Alexandre, Quebec, Can- ada, in 1865, and came to Fall River at the age of nine years. He is now a leading citizen of this place, a prosperous tea and coffee merchant, and an influential bank director. He married Adelina Dupuis, also of St. Alexandre, Quebec, who is also living, and a leader in social circles in Fall River.
Dr. Boivin was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, March 9, 1890. His education was begun in the parochial schools of the city, and he later entered St. Charles' College at Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1908. He later entered Milton University, of Baltimore, part of Baltimore Medical College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1912 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. His in- stitutional experience was unusually comprehensive, for he spent three months at the New York Lying-In Hospital at New York City, also eight months at the Boston City Hospital. Thereafter taking up the prac- tice of his profession in Biddeford, Maine, he was active along general lines in that community for about four years. Coming to Fall River in 1918, Dr. Boivin engaged in general practice, but within the year went to New York Post Graduate Medical College, where he took six months' training in urology. He has since specialized in this realm, also covering post graduate work in various hospitals along this same line, and for the past four years has also done a large amount of surgical work. With offices at No. 187 North Main street, Dr. Boivin is handling a constantly increasing practice, and has attained enviable rank in the profes- sion. He is a member of the American Medical Asso- ciation, the American Urological Association, the New England Urological Association, the Massachusetts State Medical Society, the Bristol County Medical So- ciety, and the Fall River Medical Society. During the World War Dr. Boivin was active as an examiner on the draft board and did excellent work in that con- nection. He is affiliated fraternally with the Fall River Lodge, No. 118, Benevolent and Protective Order of
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Elks, also with the Loyal Order of Moose and the Improved Order of Red Men, and is a leading member of the Calumet Club, an exclusive French club of Fall River.
Dr. Boivin married, at Biddeford, Maine, August 20, 1916, Laurette Menard, who was born in Bidde- ford, and is a daughter of Alphonse and Rachel (Brodeur) Menard.
HARRY BASSETT TALLMAN-In the insur- ance world of Bristol county, Massachusetts, Harry Bassett Tallman holds a prominent position as the head of the firm of J. R. Tallman & Company, of which he has been a member for more than a quarter of a cen- tury. A progressive and enterprising man of more than ordinary business ability, Mr. Tallman has made his activities in this connection broadly useful and con- structive, and is counted among the really significant figures in the business life of Taunton today. He is a son of Joseph Rickertson Tallman,who was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and died in Taunton, February 4, 1921. He was active in the insurance business throughout his lifetime, and was the founder of the interest of which his son is now the owner. Joseph Rickertson Tallman was a man of large ability and great benevolence of spirit, and his removal from this city by death lost to Taunton and Bristol county a man whose life had meant much to the people. The mother, Ruth Leonard (Smith) Tallman, who is also a native of Taunton, is still living.
Harry Bassett Tallman was born at Taunton, Massa- chusetts, April 15, 1876. Attending first the public schools of the city, he was graduated from the Taun- ton High School in the class of 1895, and his early activities followed along the line of textile industries, in which he was engaged until April 15, 1897. Upon that date Mr. Tallman became associated with his father as a member of the insurance firm of which he is now the head. This concern was established prior to the year 1840 by Sidney A. Williams, the firm name later being changed to Sidney A. Williams & Company. The elder Mr. Tallman entered the organization many years ago, but the firm name remained unchanged until 1912. Since that time the interest has been known as J. R. Tallman & Company, and with main offices lo- cated at No. 17 Weir street, the business covers a general line of insurance. Ranking as the oldest insur- ance firm in Taunton, it also is counted among the most important firms in its field in the present day. Mr. Tallman is a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, also the Winthrop Club. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal church.
Mr. Tallman married, in 1901, Fannie Augusta Liv- ingstone, of Taunton, Massachusetts, daughter of John and Jane Livingstone. Mr. and Mrs. Tallman are the parents of one child : Hope, born September 7, 1909.
WILLIAM P. CROWLEY, who has for the past seventeen years been president of the Taunton Planing Mill Company, was born in England, May 24, 1863, and is a son of John and Mary (Foley) Crowley. The father is a wood-worker, and his father and grandfather before him had followed similar lines of endeavor, thus making four generations active in the same trade. The
mother was born in County Cork, Ireland, and died in 1922. Coming to the United States in 1884, Mr. Crow- ley followed his trade of wood-working in New York City and in other locations for about four years, after which he came to Taunton, Massachusetts, and entered the employ of A. G. Williams .. Remaining in this con- nection for about one year, Mr. Crowley then affiliated himself with the firm of Moore & Booth, as cabinet- maker and wood-worker, and in this connection he re- mained for a period of eighteen years, filling every position in the plant under the owners. In 1904 this plant was completely destroyed by fire, and as this staggering blow made entire reorganization necessary, and that could not be accomplished immediately, Mr. Crowley went to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he was active with a Mr. Tingley for about one year. Returning to Taunton in the year 1906, Mr. Crowley established his own business on Porter street, and later received as a partner Charles Dixon. The growth of this interest was rapid and permanent, and the partners finding expansion advisable, Mr. Crowley influenced Mr. Dixon to incorporate the business, and this was accomplished in the year 1906. Year by year the in- terest has grown and developed until now it holds a leading position in the field of its operations. With the incorporation, Allen E. Padelford was also received into the organization, and the personnel of the company has since been as follows: William P. Crowley, president, and Allen E. Padelford, treasurer and general manager. The plant now covers about 6,000 square feet of floor space, and is equipped in the most modern manner. They specialize in builders' finish of every kind, and the quality of their product is unexcelled. Mr. Crow- ley is a man of few affiliations and quiet tastes. He is a member of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of For- esters, and has held all offices in this organization, from recording secretary up to chief ranger. He is affiliated with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
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