USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 3 > Part 74
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Mr. Hall married, in Grafton, Massachusetts, in 1877, Sarah E. Strong,of that place, daughter of Luther W. and Sarah (Prentiss) Strong. Mrs. Hall passed away on January 6, 1923. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were the parents of two children: Luther R., born April 20, 1878; and Florence G., who be- came the wife of G. M. Chipman, whose death oc-
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curred on February 20, 1922. Mr. Hall at the present time (1924) resides with his daughter.
HOWARD N. FOWLER-In newspaper circles in Mansfield, Massachusetts, Howard N. Fowler is numbered among the promising young men of the day, and his activities as managing editor of the Mansfield "News". places him in the front rank of progress. Mr. Fowler comes of an old family of Worcester county, Massachusetts, and is a son of Halley M. Fowler, who was born at Gardner, Massa- chusetts, and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, and a railway mail clerk by occupation, having received the rank of second lieu- tenant in Government work. The mother, Katherine Louise (Danforth) Fowler, was born at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is also still living.
Howard N. Fowler was born at Somerville, Massachusetts, May 9, 1903. His education was re- ceived in the local public schools, and he attended high school at Quincy, Massachusetts, for a time, but was graduated from the Mansfield High School in the class of 1920. He then went to Brown Uni- versity for one year, after which he took up news- paper work in Mansfield, and is now prominent as the managing editor of the Mansfield "News." This progressive paper was established in 1873 by S. B. Pratt, who controlled a number of newspapers in various cities and towns of Bristol county. Edwin Clark was the first editor of the "News," then in 1874 Thomas Strong Pratt, a brother of the founder, bought the paper, and his brother-in-law, William White, became the editor. Mr. White succeeded Thomas Pratt as owner, and was connected with the sheet for fully forty years. In 1917 Henry D. Smith acquired control of this paper, later selling the interest to the present owner, George W. Giles. The "News" is a weekly paper, appearing on Fri- day, and it has a circulation of eight hundred sub- scribers. Very definite plans are now being com- pleted toward enlarging the plant and more than doubling its capacity. Mr. Fowler's energy and ability are counting definitely for the progress and increased importance of the paper, and his future . is considered one of which the people may expect much. He is a member of Upsilon chapter of the Phi Sigma Kappa, a college fraternity, and of the Orthodox Congregational church.
GEORGE HENRY BRAGG-A name for many years prominent in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and always identified with useful and progressive effort, whether in individual interest or in the public service, is that of George Henry Bragg, who was a son of Sumner A. Bragg, who was born at China, Maine, and died January 27, 1909, at an advanced age. He was a railroad engineer for nearly fifty years, being one of the early pioneers in this field of endeavor when railroads were still a new and comparatively untried public service enterprise. Fol- lowing his retirement from railroad work, Sumner A. Bragg became a leading figure in political affairs in West Springfield, and did much for the civic ad-
vance of that community. He married Sarah S. Paine, who was born in Mansfield, and died Febru- ary 26, 1910.
George Henry Bragg was born at Providence, Rhode Island, January 30, 1855. His education was begun in the public schools of Mansfield, and he later studied under private tuition, his preceptor being John Berry, of Mansfield, a noted scholar and educator of that time. As a young man Mr. Bragg became interested in railroad work, and after serv- ing as fireman for a period he was made locomotive engineer, and for forty-three years he was active in this largely responsible capacity in the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company. The qualities of sterling integrity and unswerving loyalty to duty which he gave to his work in that long period of service place Mr. Bragg among those men whose usefulness to the people has been of more than usual significance and importance. He retired from railroad work in the year 1914, owing to ill health, and lived until March 9, 1917.
Mr. Bragg was a director of the Mansfield Co- operative Bank, and broadly interested in all that pertains to civic and economic advance in the com- munity of which he has long been a resident. Politically he supported the Republican party, but the nature of his work has precluded the possibilities of his serving in public office, even had he desired the distinction. He gave the most cordial endorse- ment and support to every worthy movement and for many years was a member of the Mansfield Board of Trade.
Mr. Bragg was affiliated fraternally with What Cheer Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Provi- dence, Rhode Island; Keystone Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Foxboro; also of the Royal Ar- canum. He had for many years been a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and for several years served as chief of this organiza- tion, also was active as a delegate to various con- ventions held in this part of the country. He at- tended the Congregational church.
George Henry Bragg married, in 1878, Clara M. White, who was born in Mansfield, and is a mem- ber of the family of White, which is descended from William White, who came to this country in the "Mayflower." Mrs. Bragg is in the ninth genera- tion from the pioneer. She is a daughter of Walter L. and Chloean M. (Deane) White, both natives of Mansfield. The father, who was a farmer by oc- cupation, died March 19, 1912, while the mother sur- vived him for slightly more than four years, pass- ing away on April 2, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Bragg were the parents of two children: Mabel A., a graduate of Rhode Island College of Education, of Providence, Rhode Island, now a teacher in the schools of Providence; and Walter S., who died in 1906.
CARROLL L. BESSOM-In the broadly respon- sible office of postmaster of Mansfield, Massachu- setts, Carroll L. Bessom is serving the people in an
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eminently efficient and courteous manner. His long experience in business and public affairs has placed him in a position to meet the needs of the people in a most acceptable manner, and his integrity and ability are commended by all. Mr. Bessom is a son of Lewis Bessom, who was throughout his . lifetime active in the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. He was a prominent citizen of Mansfield, and his death, which occurred January 28, 1921, was regretted by all who knew him. The mother, Caroline (Eastward) Bessom, died December 6, 1919.
Carroll L. Bessom was born in Mansfield, Massa- chusetts, February 11, 1886. His education was begun in the local public schools, and he was graduated from the Mansfield High School in the class of 1904. Mr. Bessom later attended Burdett College, of Massachusetts, for one year, then en- tered the business world of Mansfield. Variously employed for the first few years, he became inter- ested in the public service, and in 1908 entered the postal service as post office clerk. He filled various positions in the postal service until November 9, 1918, when he was made acting postmaster of Mans- field, then his efficiency in this position led to his appointment in February, 1920, as postmaster. He has handled the affairs of the local post office to the eminent gratification of all, and it is considered that he is one of the most satisfactory officials in this connection which Mansfield has ever had. Mr. Bes- som is a supporter of the Republican party and a worker in its ranks, but except for his present office has never accepted public responsibilities. He is a member of the Mansfield Board of Trade, and during the World War served as Captain of Com- pany E, 14th Regiment, Massachusetts State Guard. Fraternally he is affiliated with St. James Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Mansfield; Keystone Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Bristol Commandery, Knights Templar; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston; Nava Grotto, of Attleboro, Massachusetts; Mans- field Lodge, No. 194, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Foxboro Encampment, No. 81, of the same order. His clubs are the Winthrop, the Mansfield Masonic Social, the Boston Masonic, and the Highland Country, of Attleboro. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational church.
Mr. Bessom married, February 9, 1915, Ethel Fitts, of Mansfield, daughter of Edward P. and Caroline (Tabor) Fitts. Her father, who was super- intendent of the Mansfield schools for twenty-seven years, is now retired. The mother is a native of Slatersville, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Bessom are the parents of four children: Cortland, born March 19, 1917, Margery, born September 15, 1919; Phoebe, born June 7, 1921; and Edward, born December 18, 1923.
WILLIAM P. McDERMOTT, basing his com- mercial activities upon a daily need of the people, and following wholesale lines of distribution, has won large success as a dealer in poultry and special
lines of provisions. His eminently practical atti- tude toward life and its responsibilities gave him the broadest possible grasp of conditions and affairs from the early years of his experience, and in his development of the interest of which he is a leading owner he has contributed in a marked degree to the health and welfare of the people over a very extensive territory including many New England communities.
Mr. McDermott is a son of Peter McDermott, who was born at County Roscommon, Ireland, and died September 12, 1893, after coming to this country and spending the greater part of his career as a progressive and public-spirited farmer of Bristol county, Massachusetts. The mother, Mary (Sweeney) McDermott, was born in County Cork, Ireland, and still survives her husband, at an advanced age.
William P. McDermott was born at Easton, Massachusetts, July 4, 1870. His education was be- gun in the local public schools, and he covered the early years of high school in the local institutions also. After completing his studies, Mr. McDermott entered the employ of G. F. & C. M. Austin, who at that time were among the largest dealers in poultry in New England. Shortly afterward he was charged with the responsibility of buying poultry, and for thirteen years he handled a great part of their buying activities. Mr. McDermott then went into business for himself, with a partner, under the firm name of Matthews & McDermott, and this interest was developed to one of great extent and importance, covering fifty-three towns and cities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, marketing their products in Boston, Providence, and New York. This interest prospered and grew for a period of ten years, when Mr. McDermott sold his share and bought a one-half interest in the firm of G. M. Aus- tin & Son, successors of the concern with which he was originally connected. With headquarters at Nos. 16-18 New Faneuil Hall, Boston, this concern has developed a very extensive and important busi- ness, and is one of the foremost, as well as one of the oldest, enterprises in its field in New Eng- land. Mr. McDermott is president of the Faneuil Hall Market Men's Association, an organization composed of the lessees of the Faneuil Hall markets, of Boston, and is counted as an authority on market conditions in the East.
While Mr. McDermott's business interests are principally in Boston, his public activities center in the community which has for many years been his residence, Mansfield. A Republican by political affiliation, he has served on the Board of Select- men for twelve years, during six years of that time as clerk and during four years as chairman, and he has been active on many boards and com- mittees in connection with the work of this body. During the World War, Mr. McDermott was a member of the Advisory Board and the Fuel Com- mittee, and for two years served as president of the local branch of the American Red Cross. The war period brought out also, in a very marked de- gree, Mr. McDermott's administrative ability through
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the fearful epidemic of influenza. He had charge of the hospital arrangements, which were conducted in the vestry of the Congregational church, and his tireless devotion to the work of that temporary insti- tution was one of the bright spots in that discour- aging time. He laborcd night and day to secure supplies for the patients cared for in that manner, who at one time numbered fifty-six. He received a certificate from the United States Government in recognition of his services rendered during this period. He was also the prime mover and principal factor in the establishing of the present form of town government, and has been a leader in all civic advance in Mansfield for many years. Fra- ternally Mr. McDermott is affiliated with Attleboro Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and the Market Men's Relief Association of Boston. He is a member of the Mansfield Board of Trade, and the Winthrop Club, and attends St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. McDermott married, September 8, 1897, Ida M. Gregory, who was born in the city of Quebec, Canada, a daughter of Francis and Margaret (La- Velle) Gregory, her father a native of New York State and a dredge captain by occupation, her mother of Seneca county, New York. Mr. and Mrs. McDermott are the parents of five children: William G., born September 28, 1898; Francis L., born August 3, 1900; Helen M., born September 27, 1902; Edward T., born May 8, 1908, deceased; and Ruth, born June 7, 1914.
PAUL W. JOHNSON, in the manufacture of gold pens for the fountain pen trade, is a leading executive in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and his suc- cess has been built upon long years of experience in this field of endeavor. Mr. Johnson is a man of eminently practical experience, and in developing and maintaining this interest has added matcrially to the industrial importance and prosperity of Mansfield. He is a son of Paul W. and Mary M. (Hendrick) Johnson, of New York City. The father, who was a cigar packer by occupation, dicd at an early age in the year 1871, while the mother sur- vived him for many years, passing away in 1900.
Paul W. Johnson was born in New York City, March 21, 1865. His education was acquired in the public schools of that city, and as a young man he entered the employ of LeRoy W. Fairchild, a manufacturer of gold pens. Active in this connec- tion for a period of eighteen years, Mr. Johnson then came to Mansfield and established his present business, the Bay State Gold Pen Company, in as- sociation with Messrs. Walker, Wagner & John- son. In 1905 Messrs. Walker & Davison started a firm in the same manufacturing business, then in 1907 Mr. Johnson purchased the interest of Mr. P. S. Walker, and in 1909 purchased the interest of Mr. William Wagner, and from that time until the present has been sole owner of the enterprise. Re- taining the firm name as originally started, he has continued to develop and increase the business, and now his principal activity is the manufacture of
pens for the Moore Fountain Pen Company. Mr. Johnson has won a high place in the esteem and confidence of his business contemporaries in Mans- field. He is a member of the Mansfield Board of Trade, and politically is affiliated with the Repub- lican party, although never a seeker after the hon- ors of public office. He is a member of the Baptis: church.
Mr. Johnson married, November 14, 1900, Emily Van Riper, of New York City, daughter of Charles and Augusta (Banta) Van Riper; her father, who was a contractor in New York, died February 9, 1917. Mrs. Johnson died December 8, 1922, leav- ing three children: Wilbur H., born March 1, 1904, a widely noted athlete; Aletha A., born November 5, 1905; and Pauline F., born November 16, 1907.
ANDREW A. UNDERWOOD, as secretary and sales-manager of the Mossberg Pressed Steel Cor- poration of Attleboro, Massachusetts, holds a broadly significant position in the local industrial world, and his ability and energy are counting definitely for the progress of the community. Mr. Under- wood is a son of John A. Underwood, who was born at Readsboro, Vermont, and was active in the lumber business until his death, which occurred in March, 1922. The mother, Ellen (Ryan) Under- wood, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and was a member of a very old family of that city. Her death occurred in 1916.
Andrew A. Underwood was born at Worcester, Massachusetts, November 8, 1889. His education was begun in the local public schools, and he is a graduate of the Worcester High School, class of 1908, also of the Worcester Business Institute. Fol- lowing the completion of his education, Mr. Under- wood entered the employ of the Worcester Pressed Steel Corporation as a clerk, and during the five years of his connection with that concern rose to the position of assistant sales-manager. In 1914 Mr. Underwood came to Attleboro, where he acceptcd the position of special representative with the Frank Mossberg Company, later being promoted to the position of manager of the textile department, and was active in this connection until 1919. When the Mossberg Pressed Steel Corporation was estab- lished, Mr. Underwood became secretary and sales- manager of this organization, which position he still ably fills. This concern was founded in the fall of 1919 for the purpose of manufacturing pressed metal reels for the textile industry, also spools, loombeam heads, drop wires, and special stampings, all being made of pressed steel. This was a new departure in textile equipment and superscdcd the old style of cast iron and wood to which manufacturers have clung since the early be- ginnings of the textile industry. Frank Mossberg was the inventor of these various appliances and the originator of the idea of applying wrought steel to these purposes. As secretary and salesmanager of this strikingly modern enterprise, Mr. Underwood has been largely responsible for its immediate and unquestionably permanent success. The use of this
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line of equipment in the textile industry is an inno- vation of universal and permanent significance, and makes for increased production, economic operation and excellence of quality. Mr. Underwood is counted among the thoroughly progressive executives of the younger group in Attleboro, and has few interests outside of his work. Fraternally he is affiliated with Attleboro Lodge, No. 1014, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and by political affiliation he is a Republican.
Andrew A. Underwood married, June 14, 1916, Theresa M. Waugh, of Worcester, Massachusetts, daughter of Thomas and Katherine Waugh, of Worcester, her father a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Underwood are the parents of one son, William W., born September 9, 1917.
GEORGE H. SNELL-Along various lines of constructive effort having to do with the automo- bile industry and various other branches of me- chanical and structural advance, George H. Snell is a noteworthy figure in Bristol county, Massa- chusetts, and stands at the head of a progressive and important industry. Mr. Snell has carried this in- terest to its present importance from a small be- ginning, and to his energy and ability is due the present eminence of the business.
Mr. Snell is a son of Moses Snell, who was born at Tiverton, Rhode Island, and was for many years captain of whaling vessels, the last one which he commanded having been the "Pacific." Mr. Snell died in 1873, after a long and worthy career. The mother, Rachael S. (King) Snell, was also born in Tiverton, Rhode Island, but survived her husband for many years, passing away at an advanced age in 1910.
George H. Snell was born at Westport, Massa- chusetts, March 29, 1864. His education was begun in the local public schools and completed in the schools of Fall River. Coming to Attleboro in 1881, Mr. Snell learned the trade of blacksmith in the employ of A. T. Wales, then at the end of four years bought the business of which Mr. Wales was the proprietor. This interest was at that time a small business entirely dependent upon the local trade. With characteristic energy Mr. Snell early began developments along various lines, and some of the products which he has placed upon the market are his own inventions and patents. This is notably the case in his pipe coupling and tee, which is now a part of standard equipment in water and gas distribution. This has been adopted by leading cities for their water department in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, New York, and even in States as far distant as Illinois. and the town of Saint Stephen, New Brunswick, has adopted this equipment. The "S andi S Easy-On" pipe couplings and tees are fitted with special rainbow gaskets which were also devised by Mr. Snell. He also manufactures castings and str: c- tural iron work for many branches of constructive activity, and for a number of years has done auto- mobile repairing in all its branches, including the
manufacture of automobile bodies, tops and wind- shields, also painting and decorating. He carries a very complete line of automobile tires, tubes, supplies and accessories in his sales department, and also conducts a motor livery service. Mr. Snell's interests occupy two buildings, aggregating about 10,000 square feet of floor space, and he employs fourteen people. His business is the largest of this kind in Bristol county, and he is the sole owner of the enterprise. Mr. Snell was at one time a stockholder and director of the Attleboro Savings and Loan Association, and he has also served as a director of the Attleboro Cooperative Bank and the Attleboro Steam and Electric Company. He is a member of the Attleboro Chamber of Commerce, the New England Water Works Association, and the American Water Works Association.
In public affairs Mr. Snell has never been active except in line with his business endeavors, although he has long been a supporter of the Republican party. In 1897 he was elected water commissioner and superintendent of Attleboro and served for a period of fourteen years, during which time, through his energy and executive ability, much was done to increase the capacity of the Attleboro water system and to perfect its efficiency. During this time a concrete stand-pipe was erected which has the dis- tinction of being the largest in the United States, having a capacity of 1,500,000 gallons, and the large reservoir at North Attleboro was also constructed under his administration. Mr. Snell has for the past twenty-five years been annually sent as a delegate to the Republican State Convention.
Fraternally Mr. Snell is affiliated with Ezekiel Bates Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, which he has served as junior warden; King Hiram Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Attleboro Council, Royal and Select Masters; Bristol Commandery, Knights Templar; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Providence, Rhode Island. He is a charter member of Pytha- goras Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor and which he served as treasurer for seven years, and has been delegate for eleven years to the Grand Lodge. He is further a charter mem- ber of Attleboro Lodge, No. 1014, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and first chaplain of this body. He is a member of Pilgrim Church, of Attleboro.
Mr. Snell married, November 21, 1888, Ida M. Hayden, of Burlington, Maine, daughter of John W. Hayden, of that place, throughout his lifetime a very prominent man in the lumber industry, and a leading figure in local public affairs, having been moderator of Burlington for forty years. Mrs. Snell's mother, Eunice P. (Brown) Hayden, was also a native of Maine, and both her parents are now deceased.
FRED LUCIUS JONES-Among the progressive and forward-looking young men of today of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, Fred Lucius Jones holds leading position, and while he is prominently a
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known in this section as secretary of the Le Stage Manufacturing Company, he is far more widely known as a veteran of the World War, in which he was active for twenty-two months. Mr. Jones is a son of Frank J. Jones, who was born in Syra- cuse, New York, and resided for many years at North Adams, Massachusetts, until his death, which occurred in 1922. The mother, Frances B. (Le- Stage) Jones, was born in New York State, and died in 1914.
Fred Lucius Jones was born at North Adams, Massachusetts, July 16, 1894. His education was acquired in the local public and high schools, his graduation from high school occurring in the class of 1913. His first business experience was in the employ of the Boston & Maine Railroad, as clerk in their offices at Rotterdam Junction, New York. Later he became associated with the North Adams Gas Light Company, so continuing until 1917, starting as stock-clerk, continuing as office clerk, and advancing to office manager, which posi- tion he held until his enlistment into the service. In answer to the call of humanity he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the Motor Transport Corps. After a short stay at Camp Johnston, he was sent overseas with the First Army Corps, unattached, and saw active service in some of the leading battles of that times, including the Champagne-Marne offensive, the Aisnc-Marne of- fensive, the Vosges Mountains defensive sector, and the Meuse Argonne offensive sector. He received his honorable discharge from the service in July, 1919, with the rank of corporal, and returning to civilian life went to New York City and was active in the employ of the Knox Hat Company until 1920, when he came to North Attleboro, Massa- chusetts. His first position here was as assistant to Mr. Hull, vice-president of the Le Stage Manu- facturing Company, and in 1921 he was made sec- retary of that concern, which office he still filis. This company was founded in 1915 by Donald Le Stage (q. v.), and manufactures chains, lockets, and brace- lets. This is one of the more recent but spectacular successes in the jewelry industry in North Attle- boro, Donald Le Stage being president and treasurer, Harry E. Hull, vice-president, and Fred Lucius Jones, secretary. Mr. Jones is a member of the North Attleboro Board of Trade, in which he is now serving his second term as treasurer. He is a Republican by political convictions, but has thus far never accepted official honors. Fraternally he is a member of Bristol Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Rabboni Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of North Attleboro; Bristol Commandery, Knights Templar, Attleboro, Massachusetts; and a noble of the Mystic Shrine of Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Providence, Rhode Island. He is a leading figure in the local post of the American Legion, and is prominent in the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion. His religious affiliation is with the Universal- ist church, in which he is secretary of the Univer- salist society.
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