USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 57
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design, he began his career as a weaver the mills of D. G. Dery, at Paterson. He rose to the position of foreman in this plant, and after fifteen years in the Paterson plant, was transferred to the various mills of the same concern at, successively, Catasauqua, Pennsylvania; Mauch Chunk, Pennsyl- vania; Allentown, Pennsylvania; and Taunton, Massa- chusetts. The Taunton River Mills, of which Mr. Hemingway has since been superintendent, is a branch plant of the D. G. Dery Corporation, which concern controls forty-four other mills in the United States. This great company, which is the outgrowth of the original Dery interests at Paterson, was organized in 1905 for the purpose of manufacturing broad silks. The Taunton plant pro- duces nothing less than thirty-six inches in width, and with two large buildings, aggregating 70,000 square feet of floor space, they have about two hundred and seventy employees and are doing an enormous business. Mr. Hemingway's position as superintendent is one of large responsibility, but his efficiency and administrative ability have car- ried him to marked success in his chosen field, and he is numbered among the able executives of Bristol county.
During the World War Mr. Hemingway served as a traveling superintendent, in the capacity of an instructor, having charge of eight mills. He has few interests outside of his work, and although giv- ing cordial aid and support to all public movements of a progressive nature, he has always consistently declined the honors and emoluments of public office. Fraternally he is identified with King David Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and his religious con- nection is with the Baptist church.
Mr. Hemingway married, in 1895, Grace P. Mil- ler, of East Bangor, Pennsylvania, daughter of James and Amanda Miller, and a member of an old family of that region. Mr. and Mrs. Hemingway are the parents of eight children: Mattie, wife of William J. Wyman; Frank S., Jr., who died in 1915; Hazel; Joseph J .; Charles W .; George; Jack; and Virginia. The family residence is at No. 295 Tremont street, Taunton, and the young people are prominent in social circles in this city.
EDWARD O. HOBDAY, manager of the Crock- er-Hobday Rubber Company of Taunton, Massa- chusetts, was born in Toronto, Canada, June 18, 1892, son of Arthur E. and Sarah (Kitely) Hobday. of that city. Not long afterward, the family came to the United States, settling in the State of Rhode Island, where Edward O. Hobday attended the public school. He was variously employed in dif- ferent localities until the entrance of the United States into the World War, he then serving in the United States army, 310th Regiment, 78th Division. After his return from the army, he spent two and a half years at Fitchburg, and on November 12, 1921, began business at No. 50 Taunton Green, as manager of the Crocker-Hobday Rubber Company, wholesale and retail rubber goods. The company has a finely-stocked, modernly-equipped store and
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is prospering. Mr. Hobday is a member of the Masonic order, affiliated with Aurora Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He is a member of Taunton Post of the American Legion; is independent in politics; and a member of the Baptist church.
Edward O. Hobday married, May 28, 1919, at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Mary S. Rathbun, daugh- ter of Charles E. and Ella (Sweet) Rathbun. Mr. and Mrs. Hobday are the parents of two daugh- ters: Thelma Ruth, born March 12, 1921; and Vir- ginia Pearl, born May 12, 1922.
ANDREW HANSON SMITH-With a record of thirty years of training in the textile industry, Andrew Hanson Smith is an expert in his line of endeavor; but, having risen from the ranks to the office of overseer in his first position, he became too a student of men, and he handles and controls them with equal adeptness.
Mr. Smith was born April 14, 1877, in Adams, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, son of James and Lauretta (York) Smith, his parents both natives of Reba, Denmark, his mother born there in 1843, and still (1923) living in Adams, his father born in 1833, and coming to this country when twenty-three years of age. The latter was foreman in the paper mills in Adams, and Andrew Hanson was the sixth of seven children. He was educated in the pub- lic schools of Adams, and then had one year of training in textile work. He then entered the Berk- shire Mills at Adams, as helper in the card room, and worked faithfully and industriously for eighteen years with this firm, rising through various posi- tions until he was overseer of the card room. From . here he went to the Nonquitt Mill at New Bed- ford as overseer, and remained there for ten years. In 1921 he entered the employ of the Parker Mills, having come to Fall River in that year, and became superintendent of plants A and B, having about 900 employees under him, this firm manufacturing fine cotton cloths. Mr. Smith takes interest in the civic life of Fall River, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a Republican in politics, is a member of the Episcopal church, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic order, and of the New England Order of Protection.
Andrew H. Smith married, in 1900, in Adams, Massachusetts, Sophia B. Schroeder, daughter of James and Wilemenia Schroeder, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children: Beatrice L., born in 1901; and Andrew C., born in 1903, a pupil in the School of Accountancy, Boston, Massachusetts.
MARCUS C. RALSTON-Throughout the entire period of his active career Marcus C. Ralston has been identified with the business concern of which he is now part owner but which still operates un- der its original name, William H. Riley & Sons, dealers in coal and wood. The concern was estab- lished in 1870 by William H. Riley and was first located on East street near the Branch railroad. It
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grew steadily and its original quarters were fre- quently enlarged, but by 1914 the business had en- tirely outgrown the old plant and was removed to its present location at No. 35 Chestnut street, where the plant has an overhead capacity of 2,000 tons net, and a ground capacity of 4,000 tons net. The main office is located at No. 7812 North Washington street. In 1920 the concern was purchased by Charles W. Ralston and his two sons, Marcus C. and Elmer G., and the extensive teaming business which the father, Charles M. Ralston, had built up was added to the enterprise. This brought to the business a very large supply of trucks and other conveniences, and sixteen employees are now required to meet the demands of the large and steadily growing business. The concern, still known by the old name of William H. Rilcy & Sons, is the largest of its kind in North Attleboro, and operates through the city and in a section of the county surrounding the city within a radius of ten miles. At the present time (1923) it is a co-part- nership, but plans are now being made to incorpo- rate within a short time.
Charles M. Ralston is a native of Nova Scotia, who removed to North Attleboro many years ago and engaged in the bakery business on North Wash- ington street, of that city. After sixteen years of successful operation in that linc of activity he be- came the owner of a prosperous teaming business, which he continued to conduct until 1920, when hc purchased the William H. Riley & Sons concern and united his teaming enterprise with the newly purchased coal business. He married Florence A. Riley of North Attleboro, and they are the parents of Marcus C., and Elmer G., both of whom are co- partners with Mr. Ralston in the interests of the William H. Riley & Son concern.
Marcus C. Ralston, son of Charles M. and Flor- ence A. (Riley) Ralston, was born in North Attle- boro, Massachusetts, July 3, 1900. After receiving a careful elementary education in the public schools of his native city he entered the Munson Prepara- tory School, and upon the completion of his studies there he further prepared for an active business career by taking a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Providence, Rhode Island. Im- mediately upon the completion of his course in the latter institution he became identified with the coal business of William H. Riley & Sons, and that connection has been maintained to the present time. In 1920 he, with his father and his brother, became a part owner of the business. His time and energy are now devoted to the advancement of the interests of that concern. Politically Mr. Ralston gives his support to the principles and candidates of the Re- publican party. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Ralston has a host of friends in North Attleboro, and among his business associates he is known as an able and reliable business man.
On June 8, 1922, Marcus C. Ralston married Marion A. Kingsley of Kingston, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston have no children.
MICHAEL PEDRO, son of Frank and Matilda (Anjos) Pedro, was born in New Bedford, Massa- chusetts, April 13, 1891, his parents natives of St. Michaels, Azores Islands, who scttlcd at New Bed- ford. The lad, Michael Pedro, was educated in the public schools of New Bedford, finishing with high school, class of 1910, at the Mosher Preparatory School in that city, and at Boston University Law School, LL.B., class of 1914. Hc was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1913 but prior to his graduation, and in 1914 he began practice at Fall River. For six years he continued in general practice of law, but in 1920 he organized the Textile Realty Company for the cxpress purpose of buying and selling textile properties, Mr. Pedro being treasurer of the company, and Samuel Stone of New Bedford, president. The offices of the com- pany are at No. 109 South Main street, Fall River, and there Mr. Pedro devotes most of his time to company interests.
During the World War period, 1917-1918, Mr. Pedro served as legal adviser to Draft Board No. 3, under the Selective Service Act, and in other ways aided his country's cause. He is a Repub- lican in politics, a Catholic in religion, and a mem- ber of the City, County, State and American Bar associations. His college fraternity is Gamma Eta Gamma. Mr. Pedro is a rising young man and has won excellent standing in Fall River both as a lawyer and as a business man.
DANIEL JOSEPH SULLIVAN-One of the best known names in construction circles in Bristol county, Massachusetts, is that of Daniel Joseph Sullivan, who was born in Ireland, but has been a resident of the city of Taunton, Massachusetts, for forty-one years. A man of genial spirit and high ideals, Mr. Sullivan has given to his activities as a building contractor the qualities which would have won success in any field, and with the growth and development of this city and its environs he has prospered largely. He is a son of John and Mary (Fitzgerald) Sullivan, both members of old and honored Irish families, his father a farmer and landowner in the old country.
Daniel Joseph Sullivan was born in Skull, County Cork, Ireland, August 15, 1863. He received his edu- cation by private tuition in his own home in Ircland, and at the age of eighteen years went to Dublin, where he served an apprenticeship to his chosen trade of carpenter, in the employ of the firm of the J. L. Taylor Company. Interested from childhood in every branch of constructive work, he developed a genius for this line of en- deavor, and was successful from the first. Coming to the United States in the year 1882, Mr. Sullivan settled at once in Taunton, Massachusetts, and, following his trade as a journeyman for a number of years, eventually established his own business on April 1, 1891. Since that date he has gone forward successfully and without interruption. As many as 700 structures stand to his credit in and about Taunton, dwelling houses, churches, industrial
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plants, school buildings, etc. His work shows the hand of the expert, and he attends to the smallest commission with the same promptness and skill with which he carries out large contracts. He em- ploys skilled workmen, and is equipped to do any work in his general field. His business dealings are governed by the strictest integrity, and in every way he is considered one of the most estimable men of Taunton. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States on February 23, 1895, and keeps in touch with all advance. He is a member of the Taunton Contractors' Association, and fra- ternally is well known, being identified with the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, the American Order of Foresters and St. Mary's Holy Name Society, his religious affiliation being with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Daniel J. Sullivan married, June 30, 1890, in St. Mary's Church of Taunton, Catherine Fahey, who was born at Sligo, Ireland, August 23, 1873, and is a daughter of John and Mary Fahey. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan are the parents of thirteen children. all living: 1. John Lawrence, born in the year 1891, a graduate of Taunton Grammar School, La Salle Academy of Providence, Rhode Island, and St. John's Preparatory School of Danvers, Massa- chusetts, who served in the World War with Com- pany C, 42nd Infantry, at Camp Merritt, New Jer- sey, receiving an honorable discharge; has been connected with his father's business as general manager for the past fourteen years. 2. Daniel J., Jr., born August 28, 1893, a graduate of the local grammar schools and Bristol County Business Col- lege; was foreman in his father's employ for twelve years, served in the United States Navy from 1911-15 on the United States Steamship, "Louisi- ana." taking part in the occupation of Vera Cruz in August, 1914: was overseas in the World War with Company B. 309th Engineers, 84th Division. principally on the Western Front, 1917-19, receiving an honorable discharge after both periods of service, and is now engaged in business in Cleveland, Ohio. 3. Michael Francis, born March 28, 1895, graduated from the local grammar schools, also a graduate of Bristol County Business College, who served in the World War at Camp Devens, unattached, and received a medical discharge in 1917; has for some years been identified with his father in business as carpenter foreman: is a member of the Catholic Total Abstinence and Athletic Society, the Knights of Columbus (Council No. 82,) and the Holy Name Society. 4. Edward Dennis, born January 11, 1896; a graduate of St. Mary's Grammar and High schools, who served overseas in the World War with Company F. 302nd Infantry, 76th Division. American Expeditionary Forces, from September, 1917, until October. 1919, taking part in the Meuse- Argonne and other great offensives; received his honorable discharge as a member of the 80th Di- vision: is now in his father's employ, and is a mem- ber of the Catholic Total Abstinence and Athletic Society; Council No. 82, Knights of Columbus; Vet- erans of Foreign Wars, and the Holy Name So-
ciety. 5. William Charles, born February 11, 1898; was educated at St. Mary's Grammar School, and is now construction engineer for his father; a mem- ber of the Catholic Total Abstinence and Athletic Society, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Holy Name Society. 6. James Coyle, born Sep- tember 27, 1899; a graduate of St. Mary's Grammar and High Schools, also attended Holy Cross Col- lege at Worcester, Massachusetts; now associated with his father as general manager; a member of the Catholic Total Abstinence and Athletic Society; Council No. 82, Knights of Columbus, and the Holy Name Society; married, June 4, 1923, Irene Robert. 7. Stephen Thomas, born November 27, 1901; a graduate of St. Mary's Grammar School; attended the New Bedford Industrial School for a time; served in the United States Navy as a second class electrician from October 20, 1919, until No- vember 27, 1922, and is a member of the Massa- chusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. 8. Mary Agnes, born January 31, 1904. 9. Esther Frances, born March 25, 1906. 10. Alice Katherine, born April 6, 1908. 11. Rose Eileen, born April 8, 1910. 12. George Leo, born November 19, 1912. 13. Harry Joseplı, born March 2, 1915. The younger children are still students.
HERBERT H. HEWITT-A broadly noteworthy figure in the business life of Fall River, Massa- chusetts, and a leader in every phase of community advance, Herbert H. Hewitt is a successful man of the day as the head of the Maple Street Laun- dry of Fall River. A practical man, and meeting a daily need of the people in his field of endeavor, Mr. Hewitt is giving his best to the people in every way and is one of the higlily esteemed citi- zens of Fall River. He is a son of Horace and Louise (Squire) Hewitt, both natives of Devon- shire. England, where they were reared and mar- ried. They came to Fall River in the year 1880 and three years later the father died, leaving the mother as the sole support of herself and her only child, Herbert H. Meanwhile, in the year 1882, the father's health had so definitely broken that the mother secured work in the Maple Street Laundry, and following his death remained there permanently. After ten years of activity in this connection Mrs. Hewitt became forelady of the plant and was highly prized by the owners. The proprietor of the laundry, Albert Smith, lost his wife and soon after died, and having no heirs he left the plant to Mrs. Hewitt, to whom both lie and his wife were very much attached. Mrs. Hewitt continued the business under her personal management and after her son Herbert became of an age to assist her, received him into the business. In 1910 they built the present handsome modern plant, one of the finest and most completely equipped in Bristol county, then the following year Mrs. Hewitt died. A worthy and courageous woman who lived out her life and fulfilled a useful part in the community, Mrs. Hewitt is remembered by many as a thor- oughly charming and lovable woman.
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Herbert H. Hewitt was born at Fall River, Massa- chusetts, April 28, 1881. ' His education was re- ceived in the local grammer schools and at the age of fourteen years he began driving a laundry wagon for the business which he now owns. He had been active for six years as a driver when his mother came into possession of the plant, and Mr. Hewitt then assumed a responsible position in the office. From that time on he was a definite factor in the management and progress of the business, and it was largely through his energy and business ability that the erection of the present modern building was made possible. Mr. Hewitt has always looked upon this work as one of the most im- portant of the public service activities of the day and he has given to it the full constructive force of a capable and efficient personality. Taking care of the needs of the people in the most acceptable manner, and holding quality as the highest con- sideration, he has developed a very extensive and lucrative interest and holds a leading position in his chosen field in Bristol county. Mr. Hewitt takes a prominent part in every phase of com- munity advance, although in public affairs he has never accepted official responsibility except that for one term he served as trustee for the Fall River Hospital. Fraternally he is a member of Mt. Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Fall River Council, Royal and Select Masters; Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar; Fall River Lodge of Perfection; St. Lawrence Chapter, Princes of Jerusalem; St. Andrew's Chapter, Rose Croix; Massachusetts Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a di- rector of the Young Men's Christian Association; a member of the Rotary Club, and the Fall River Country Club; also the Lannawansett Tennis Club. Mr. Hewitt's chief leisure interest is music, and, possessing a fine bass voice, he is a leading singer on many occasions in Fall River and is prominent in the musical activities of various organizations. He is a member of the Scottish Rite Quartet, the God- frey de Bouillon Commandery Quartet, and the Schuman Quartet, and is bass soloist of the Metho- dist Episcopal church choir, in which his wife is soprano soloist. Both are members of this church.
Herbert H. Hewitt married, in .May, 1908, Susie Baker Lincoln, daughter of James Edward Lincoln, superintendent and part owner of the Lincoln Paper Mill at North Dighton, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt are the parents of one daughter, Louise Lincoln. The family residence is at No. 1005 Maple street, and Mrs. Hewitt is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution from her paternal line.
WILLIAM RIDINGS-Gifted with those quali- ties which count for success in any field of endeavor, and also with genial- and broadly benevolent spirit which wins numberless friends, William Ridings has achieved large success in the field of under-
taking and embalmng, one of the most exacting and important lines of professional effort, and one for which these qualities are especially required. Taking up his professional activities as a member of a long established organization in this field, Mr. Ridings has won his present prominence entirely through his own energy and merit, and is one of the best known as well as one of the most suc- cessful men of the day in his chosen line of activity. Mr. Ridings is a son of William and Elizabeth (Sutcliffe) Ridings, both natives of Bolton, Lan- cashire, England, who came to the United States in May, 1877, settling in Fall River, Massachusetts. William Ridings, the elder, was for many years employed in the Fall River Bleachery, but both parents are now deceased.
William Ridings, son of these parents, was born at Bolton, England, January 4, 1872. Only five years of age when he came to this country with his parents, he received his education in the public schools of Fall River, and at the age of sixteen years became a wage earner, entering the employ of James E. Winward, who was at that time a dealer in dry goods and carpets. This enterprise gradu- ally changed in character and developed in scope, furniture being added to the store, and eventually also an undertaking parlor forming a part of the business. Entering the organization when it was still in its infancy, Mr. Ridings was influential in the growth and development of the interest, and in 1900 was taken in to the firm as a partner. When the furniture business began to be taken over as a branch activity of the department stores, Mr. Winward closed out his furniture stock and from the year 1899 gave his entire attention to un- dertaking and embalming. In the fall of that year he removed to the present location on Bank street, and there the interest was carried forward with large success under his management until his death, which occurred in December, 1917. During Mr. Winward's later years Mr. Ridings assumed more and more responsibility to relieve the older man of his burdens, and upon the death of Mr. Winward he became sole proprietor of this interest. In honor of his old employer and long esteemed associate, Mr. Ridings has retained the firm name of J. E. Winward & Company without change, and is still going forward along those lines of advance which gave Mr. Winward such a high position in the profession and made him universally honored and beloved. Mr. Ridings has attained a very promi- nent position in the profession and is intimately familiar with the constant advance in the field of undertaking and embalming. A man of progressive spirit and always alert to any phase of progress which might relate to his work, he has kept in the lead in his field, and is considered one of the fore- most men of the day in his profession in Bristol county. Mr. Ridings is very prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Mount Hope Lodge, also of Massasoit Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and past master of the former; a member of Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Fall River
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Council, Royal and Select Masters; Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar, and past commander of the same; Fall River Lodge of Per- fection; Samuel C. Lawrence Council, Princes of Jerusalem; St. Andrews Chapter, Rose Croix; and Massachusetts Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite. He is past deputy of the thirtieth Ma- sonic district, and in the year 1921 was junior grand warden of the grand lodge. He is a member of the Lions Club, and is identified with the Central Congregational Church, which he serves as a mem- ber of the executive council.
William Ridings married, October 8, 1902, Ethel Wordel of Fall River, daughter of Rodney D. and Lizzie T. (Lincoln) Wordel. Mr. Wordel was active for many years in the wholesale beef business in Fall River. On her mother's side Mrs. Ridings traces her ancestry back to the" Mayflower" Pilgrims. She is prominent in musical circles in Fall River, being an accomplished pianist, and is past presi- dent of the Fall River Music Club; also is a mem- ber of the Fall River Women's Club; is prominent in other noteworthy organizations, and a leader in social circles. Mr. and Mrs. Ridings reside at No. 328 French street, Fall River.
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