USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 58
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EDWARD I. FANNON-As an organizer, an administrator and an expert real estate and insur- ance man, Edward I. Fannon has been an active promotor of the economic prosperity of the city of 'Taunton, Massachusetts, where he was born, De- cember 16, 1896, son of William J. Fannon, who died March 8, 1917, and of Jennie E. (Toner) Fan- non. After receiving a good practical education in the public schools of Taunton, he became a special student in Boston University, and he completed this preparation for an active career by a course in the College of Business Administration.
Mr. Fannon began his business life in the depart- ment store of L. E. Higgins, where he remained for a period of two years. He then made a change and entered the employ of the M. H. Skinner Com- pany, which connection he maintained for four years. At the end of that time he left Taunton and went to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he took over the management of the two Rogan stores n that city and in Providence. He first engaged n business as a realtor in June, 1916, and until May, 1922, extensively engaged in real estate opera- ions. In May, 1922, he founded the retail men's vear business known as Fannon's Toggery Shops. Inc. This business grew so rapidly that in Decem- per of the same year Mr. Fannon found it necessary to double the floor space of the Weir street store. This store has had a healthy growth until now it s recognized as one of the leading men's wear shops in New England. He has also been officially connected with various other enterprises. He was Treasurer of the First Aeroplane Corporation in Taunton, and wrote the first insurance policy on eroplanes that was ever written in Taunton. He Also served as a member of the board of directors f several other corporations, and at the present 1 r
time is treasurer and manager of the Fannon's Toggery Shop, Inc., which are located at Nos. 21-23 Weir street, Taunton, Massachusetts. He is a mem- ber of the Taunton Board of Underwriters. Mr. Fannon is widely known as an expert appraiser of real estate values, and his capability as an organizer and as an executive has long been recognized. In addition to his many business interests he is also active in fraternal and club affairs. He is a member of Taunton Lodge, No. 180, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; and of Taunton Council, No. 82, Knights of Columbus, in which organization he holds the fourth degree. He is past faithful comp- troller of the William Stang Assembly, and is vice- president of St. Mary's Holy Name Society. He is also a member of the Segregansett Country Club, of the Young Men's Christian Association, of the Taunton Auto Club, Taunton Lions Club, and of various other organizations. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Fannon is unmarried.
ALTON L. DEAN, son of Erastus King and Angeline H. (Bliss) Dean (his father deceased), was born at Raynham, Massachusetts, August 1, 1877. He began his education in Raynham public schools, but later Taunton became his home and there he completed public school courses of study. In 1894 he established business at No. 60 Harrison street, under his own name, and for some years manufactured only metal name plates. Later to that line he added cabinet-work along certain lines, and pattern and model makers. He now has a large plant, and the products of same are shipped all over the United States. Mr. Dean founded and de- veloped this business and is its sole owner. He is well known in Taunton, and is highly regarded as business man and citizen.
In 1898 Mr. Dean enlisted for service in the Spanish-American War, being assigned to duty with Battery F, 1st Regiment, Massachusetts Heavy Ar- tillery. He is a member of King David Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Taunton; Chapter, Rose Croix; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; the Order of the Eastern Star; Henry A. Williams Camp, Spanish War Veterans; and is a member of the Winthrop Street Baptist Church of Taunton.
Mr. Dean married, in Taunton, on April 10, 1901, Mabel Senior, born in England, daughter of John and Annie (Davies) Senior.
CHARLES J. NICHOLS-A prosperous and highly respected citizen of Taunton, Massachusetts, active in one of the useful lines of commercial en- deavor, Charles J. Nichols is meeting the daily needs of the people as proprietor of a taxicab busi- ness, with offices in the Taunton Inn. Beginning life as a poor boy, Mr. Nichols has won his way step by step to his present success, and in his life from obscurity has commanded the esteem and ad- miration of the people. He is a son of James J. Nichols, who was born in Ireland and came to this country as a young man. He was a veteran of the
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Civil War, having served with honor in defense of the Union, and throughout his active lifetime was engaged in business as a sand and gravel con- tractor. The mother, Mary E. (Corr) Nichols, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and both parents died in the year 1902.
Charles J. Nichols was born at Taunton, Massa- chusetts, Junc 15, 1865. His education was re- ceived in the public schools, and with only this limited although practical foundation for his success, Mr. Nichols entered upon the activities of his career. Independent from the first, he began life as a butcher, first driving a cart, and afterwards open- ing a market on Whittenton street. He continued along this line of activity for a period of fourteen years and became more or less prominent in the civic affairs of Taunton, as well as in its business progress. He was elected a member of the Com- mon Council from Ward Eight 1893-1894, and served in 1895-6 from the same ward as alderman. He was elected alderman from Ward Five in 1897, and served for a period of one year, these activities placing him in a leading position in municipal af- fairs. In the year 1897 he was made a deputy sheriff of Bristol county and the following year was made truant officer. Mr. Nichols discharged the duties of these exacting positions with such excel- lent judgment and with such evident sincerity of purpose that much good was done under his ad- ministration. In 1902 he was appointed probation officer of the First District Court, and in this widely responsible and deeply significant office hc has now served for nearly twenty-two years. He has given to his duties in this connection far more than the mere routinc attention as an officer, and under his care and oversight the delinquents placed in his charge have frequently been won back to broadly useful and entirely estimable lives. Within recent years Mr. Nichols has become financially in- terestcd in the taxicab business and also in garage interests. He is owner and proprietor of the Broad- way Garage, located at No. 82 Broadway, and is proprietor of a thriving taxicab business with head- quarters at the Taunton Inn. The responsibilities of these interests are largely delegatcd to those in his employ, as the activities of public offices largely command the time of Mr. Nichols, but in every phase of his connection with local and general progress he is always alert to the movement of the times, and appreciative of those principals of gen- eral advance which are perhaps most commonly expressed as the greatest good to the greatest nuin- ber. He is prominent fraternally, being a member of Taunton Lodge, No. 150, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and Taunton Lodge, Catholic Order of Foresters, of which he is a charter mem- ber. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Nichols married, in 1893, Mary E. Walsh of Taunton, Massachusetts, daughter of Harold and Mary E. (Heaver) Walsh. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are the parents of four children: Charles J., born in 1895, a graduate of the high school; served in the
World War, and died October 1, 1918, at Brest, France; W. Martha, born in 1898, a graduate of the high school; Mary K., born in 1901, also a graduate of the high school; and Ruth A., born in 1907, now a student at high school.
JOE LOCKWOOD-In the field of construction in the city of Taunton, Massachusetts, Mr. Lock- wood holds a prominent position, his success in the world of contracting and building having placed him among the leading men in his chosen field in Bristol county. Mr. Lockwood is a son of John and Ellen (Andrews) Lockwood, both natives of Taunton, Massachusetts, the father a carpenter of this city for many years and a highly esteemed citizen. The father died in 1903, but the mother survived him for many years, passing away in 1919.
Joe Lockwood was born in England, January 8, 1868, his parents having lived in that country for a number of years. The family returned to America in his childhood and again settled in Taunton, Massachusetts, where he received a broad, practical education in the public schools of that city. His carlicst industrial activity was as an employee in the Fall River mills, in which connection he re- mained for a period of seven years. Hc then en- tered the cmploy of E. Bassett, and was active in carpenter work for him and later for D. J. Sullivan. Spending about thirteen years in this general line of activity as a journeyman, Mr. Lockwood the11 entered business for himself in Taunton, Massa- chusetts, under his own name, establishing his headquarters at No. 16 McSoley avenue, where he is still located. He has always specialized in the building of houses, and many of the charming homes in Taunton, Massachusetts, and vicinity stand to his credit, forming a very practical and admirable contribution to the advance of the community and the welfare of the people. A number of large buildings are also his work, among the most note- worthy being the Jewish Synagogue, which is a handsome and impressive edificc, and the new Sal- vation Army building on Weir street. Building his success upon commercial integrity and ethical sincerity, Mr. Lockwood has become prominent in his chosen field of activity, and his position is one of distinction in the community. While he is a Republican supporter, he has never accepted public responsibilities of any kind, but gives his attention to every worthy movement. Fraternally Mr. Lock- wood is identified with Good Samaritan Lodge, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, also the En- campment; his clubs are the Taunton Automobile and yacht, and his religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Lockwood married, in Taunton, Massachu- setts, in 1892, Nellie J. Smith of this city, daugh- ter of Alphonso B. Smith of Taunton, Massachu- setts, a moulder by trade, who died in 1909. Her mother, Emma F. (Wiggin) Smith, also a native of Taunton, Massachusetts, died in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood are the parents of two children: Harold A., born in 1895; and Marjorie, born in 1903.
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THOMAS F. COADY-As owner and manager of the Wamsutta Drug Company, Inc., Thomas F. Coady is conducting one of the up-to-date and pros- perous business enterprises of North Attleboro. The establishment is located on the corner of Wash- ington and Elm streets, and is steadily increasing the volume of its business.
Mr. Coady was born at Dalton, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, December 6, 1872, and is a son of John Coady of County Kilkenny, Ireland, who died in 1903, and of Margaret (Nolan) Coady, also a native of Ireland, who died in 1911. Thomas F. Coady received his early and preparatory education in the public schools of Dalton, graduating from the high school in 1889. He then became a student in the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, but did not remain in that institution to the time of gradu- ation. Instead he left the college and found em- ployment with the Hydren Pharmacy at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he remained for a period of one year. At the end of that time he removed to North Attleboro, Massachusetts, where he found employment for a few months in the pharmacy of A. P. Watson. He then opened a drug store un- der the name of the Middleton Pharmacy, and associated with him a partner, John Loftus, with whom he engaged in business under the name of T. F. Coady & Company. This pharmacy was located at No. 37 North Washington street, and was entirely successful as a business enterprise. In 1914 Mr. Coady was appointed by President Wilson to serve as postmaster of North Attleboro, which federal office he continued to hold until April, 1923. During his term as postmaster, the amount of mail coming into North Attleboro more than doubled, and Mr. Coady is known as one of the most effi- cient of those who have from time to time filled that office. After his appointment as postmaster Mr. Coady retained his interest in the pharmacy at No. 37 North Washington street until 1916, in which year he sold his interest. On June 10, 1921, he established the Wamsutta Drug Company, Inc., and that concern he has continued to conduct to the present time (1923). His present store is a modern one in every respect and is conducted along the most progressive business lines. It is located at the corner of Washington and Elm streets and its already large patronage is growing rapidly. Mr. Coady is one of the best known men in North Attleboro, and his wide acquaintance as well as his excellent record as a business man are bringing to him a large amount of new patronage. During the World War he was prominent in the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives and rendered valuable service in the work of carrying North Attleboro "over the top." Politically he gives his support to the Democratic party, but he has never sought nor desired public office. He is well known in fra- ternal circles, being a member of North Attleboro Lodge, No. 1011, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he is a past exalted ruler; and of Thomas P. McDonough Council, Knights of Columbus, of North Attleboro. He is also a mem-
ber of the North Attleboro Board of Trade, and has always taken an active interest in all projects which seemed to him to be well planned for the advancement of the public welfare. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
On July 27, 1908, Thomas F. Coady married Mabel L. Birch of Milford, Massachusetts, daughter of William H. Birch of that place, a veteran of the Civil War, who was engaged in business as a con- fectioner, and who died in 1921, and of Emma F. (Clark) Birch, who died in 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Coady are the parents of one daughter, Harriette F., who was born June 30, 1909.
ALBERT BRAYTON CHAPMAN-The pioneer in every field not only wins a position of advantage, but his activities are of the keenest interest to the people and form a part of the really significant history of the time. Mr. Chapman has taken the position of a pioneer in the stove industry through his adaptation of the possibilities of enamel to the manufacture of cast iron stoves. Enameled stoves are now a regular product of the standard foun- dries, but Mr. Chapman was the first in Taunton, the great New England stove center, and indeed in this part of the country, to do stove enameling. On this idea he has built a very prosperous and con- stantly growing business, and has taken his place among the largely successful men of Bristol county. He is a son of George F. Chapman, who was born at Fall River, Massachusetts, and is a millwright by occupation. The mother, Mary E. (Hart) Chap- man, is also a native of Fall River.
Albert Brayton Chapman was born at Fall River, Massachusetts, August 20, 1882. Acquiring a broadly practical education in the local public schools of his birthplace, Mr. Chapman was first employed in Taunton as a machinist and later as foreman of the nickel department in the Evans Stamping and Plat- ing Company of this city. There he was active for seventeen years, during the greater part of the time filling a responsible position as foreman, but Mr. Chapman was a man of broad capability and independent spirit, and in 1915 he struck out for himself, purchasing the established business of the Nichols Company, located on Mechanics lane, in Taunton. There he developed a prosperous interest and one of his earliest activities was the applica- tion of his idea to stoves. It was only a short time before the advantage of this idea became clearly evident, and it was taken up by the great stove manufacturing concerns of this section. Mr. Chapman's business was of such rapid growth that he has been obliged to extend his operations ma- terially, and is now contemplating large additions of floor space and equipment. His products in this department go to all parts of the United States, and he is also handling a successful business in Oxy- Acetlyne welding and mill work of all kinds, being the sole owner of the business. Mr. Chapman sup- ports the Republican party in all political affairs, but has never held office and takes only the citizens' interest in public matters. His fraternal affiliations
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are with Sabbatia Lodge, No. 224, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious affiliation is with Grace Methodist Church.
Mr. Chapman married, in June, 1906, Edith M. Haskins of Taunton, Massachusetts, daughter of Frederick M. Haskins of that place, a machinist by trade. The mother, Levinia (Pierce) Haskins, is also a native of Taunton, Massachusetts.
WILLIAM C. ADAMS, M. D .- A leading phy- sician of Bristol county, Massachusetts, is Dr. William C. 'Adams, who is the only physician at present residing and practicing in East Taunton, Massachusetts, and both as a professional man and as a citizen holds a very prominent position in his community. Dr. Adams is a son of Robert and Annie (Banks) Adams, both natives of Middle- boro, Massachusetts. His father was throughout his lifetime a' butcher in Middleboro, Massachusetts, and a successful business man, his death occurring in 1912. The mother died in 1881.
Dr. Adams was born at Middleboro, Massachu- setts, December 19, 1875. His education was begun in the public schools of his birthplace and he is a graduate of the Wareham High School, class of 1893. Early choosing the realm of medicine as his field of professional endeavors, the young man entered Baltimore Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1896 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Entering on his practice in East Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1899, Dr. Adams has followed a general line of practice through the sub- sequent years. He has been largely successful in a professional way and he has won the sincere confidence and esteem of the people of this. com- munity. His genial spirit and friendly smile give him a cordial welcome in every circle, and he is familiarly known as "Doc" to his many friends. Always a worker in every advance movement, and by political connection a Democrat, his influence has had much to do with local advance, although he has never accepted official responsibilities in public life. . Fraternally Dr. Adams is identified with Ionic Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; St. Mark's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Taunton Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar; is also a member of Sabbatia Lodge, No. 225, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Orient Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Nemasket Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, and he is affiliated with the American Medical As- sociation, and Massachusetts Medical Society.
Dr. Adams married, in Taunton, in 1902, Mary Ryan of that city, daughter of Matthew and Jo- hanna Ryan. Her father, who was an active mine worker in Colorado for many years, died in 1919, while her mother died two years previously. Dr. and Mrs. Adams are parents of two children: Dor- othy May, born in 1905; and Robert Booth, born in 1907.
HENRY HERBERT LAWSON-As distributor . for the Buick automobiles in the Fall River district
Henry Herbert Lawson holds a position of large importance in the motor car world, and is one of the really noted distributors of the day. Possessing wide experience in other fields of endeavor as well as in his present one, and gifted with the natural ability of the business executive, he is a force for progress in commercial activities in this section, and is one of the largely successful men of Bristol county, Massachusetts. He is a son of Alexander and Christina G. (Rae) Lawson, both natives of Aberdeen, Scotland, and married there. They came to the United States in the year 1878, locating in Westerly, Rhode Island, and for one year the father was engaged in the monumental business in that city. Removing from Westerly to Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1879, Alexander Lawson estab- lished himself in the same line of endeavor in this city and carried the interest forward until his death, which occurred in the year 1890, at the age of fifty-two years. Alexander Lawson was an artist in his field and a highly skilled workman, giving to his efforts the tireless energy and unquestioned ability which count for success in any line of ad- vance. Noteworthy monuments to his skill with the mallet and chisel are the ornamental lions and other carvings on the Post Office building in Fall River. Many exquisite cemetery memorials stand in this city and other communities of Bristol county which were designed and executed by him, his feeling for the suitable and seemly in memorial art being clearly revealed in their perfection. A man of the highest integrity, Alexander Lawson left to his sons a heritage of far more than the prosperous business interest which is still carried on by two of his sons, Frederick W. and Alonzo W. The plant is the oldest monumental plant in Fall River and one of the most important in this part of the State. The mother survived her husband for thirty years, passing away in 1920.
Henry Herbert Lawson was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, March 19, 1883. His education was begun in the local public schools and he was graduated from the B. M. C. Durfee High School in the class of 1902. Securing a position with the J. O'Neill Company, hardware and mill supply dealers, he remained with that concern for a period of five years. His next experience was as a sales- man on the road for W. G. Pearse & Company, dealers in hardware and blacksmith supplies, and in this connection he was associated for about five years and a half. Thereafter Mr. Lawson accepted a position with Chace & Bodge (which interest is now carried forward under the name of Leonard S. Chace), dealers in mill supplies, and in this con- nection he was active as traveling salesman for another period of about five years. In the year 1914 Mr. Lawson bought an interest in the Place Garage Company, Inc., distributors of the Franklin, Jackson and Buick cars, this concern also maintain- ing the largest storage garage in the city of Fall River. In September, 1919, Mr. Lawson became sole proprietor of this interest, and upon taking over the enterprise he changed the name to the H.
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H. Lawson Motor Company, Inc., which title still remains. Mr. Lawson retained the Buick car agency alone and has gone forward since in the interests of this automobile, developing extensively its sale in this section, and bringing his business to a leading position in southeastern Massachusetts. In Decem- ber, 1920, he sold the garage and storage business including the land and building which it occupied, and located at his present place of business, at Nos. 23-27 High street. Thus his activities now are along the line of sales only, having the Buick automobile exclusively, and in this specialization he has found a large measure of his success, since he has devoted his time wholly to sales activities. His distribution of this car has mounted both in num- bers and in scope, until he is one of the really important Buick distributors of the East. Mr.
Lawson is a member of the Fall River Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally is affiliated with King Philip Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Massachusetts Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; also is a member of the Azab Grotto. He is further af- filiated with Fall River Lodge, No. 118, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a leading member of the Kiwanis Club.
Mr. Lawson married, in 1905, Lillian May Sum- mer of Taunton, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of two children: Helen Gibson, now a senior at the B. M. C. Durfee High School; and Kenneth Alexander, a sophomore in the B. M. C. Durfee High School. The family reside at No. 710 Prospect street.
L. WARREN KING-In a responsible position of public trust in East Taunton, Massachusetts, L. Warren. King is a noteworthy figure, filling the office of postmaster of East Taunton. With long experience in business affairs prior to his election to his present position, Mr. King is widely known in this section and universally esteemed by the people. He is a son of Charles W. King, who was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, and was by trade a painter. Charles W. King was a broad-minded and public-spirited citizen, always alert to the com- munity events, and his death, which occurred in 1910, removed from the city a man of large use- fulness. The mother, Mary A. (Andrews) King, died in 1906.
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