USA > Massachusetts > Biographical history of Massachussetts; biographies and autobiographies of the leading men in the state, 1911, vol 7 > Part 14
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Whatever were his other characteristics, those who knew him best will write him down with Abou ben Adhem as one "who loved his fellowmen." His social instincts found play in fellowship with his kind. He was a member of the Masons, Elks, Knights Templar, and many local clubs, as well as Honorary President of the Hamp- den County Animal Rescue League. He was for many years Pres- ident, and at the time of his death was President Emeritus, of the Springfield Fish and Game Association. On December 12, 1874, he founded the Rod and Gun Club, now the Winthrop Club, and was its President for several years.
To the needy in the circle of his acquaintance, he was ever the helpful friend, most generous in his sympathy. He loved noth- ing better than to smooth the path of those who had to travel some road of pain or self-denial.
Politically, Mr. Lathrop was not partisan. To him public of- fice was a public trust, rather than a reward for political service. People of all parties felt that he could be trusted and gladly gave
EDWARD HOWARD LATHROP
him their suffrage, as can be seen from the large number and va- riety of the political offices which he held.
He delighted to tell of a personal interview which he had with Abraham Lincoln the night before Mr. Lincoln's inauguration, and something of the fine spirit of that noble man found a place in his own life and thought. He was a man of the highest moral excellence and was connected with the Unitarian Church. His own sense of honor and truthfulness was delicate to the last de- gree. A man who in business or in politics would not be true to his word, was a man with whom he would not deal a second time. Into the circle of his friends he welcomed only those who were pure, sincere, and truthful.
Mr. Lathrop married at Huntington, Massachusetts, in 1867, Susan T., daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Kyle) Little. Of this union there were born three children, only one of whom is now living, Paul H. Lathrop.
The closing years of Mr. Lathrop's life were singularly beau- tiful. Full of years of usefulness, he continued his interests in ac- tive business up to the very last, and fell asleep respected and be- loved by all who knew him.
At a meeting of the Hampden County Bar Association held in memory of Mr. Lathrop, Hon. Charles C. Spellman said :
"He finished his duties and closed his career with the honor, gratitude, and respect of the people. A respected citizen, anxious to do everything for the moral uplift of the city, and the benefit of the whole people-honest, industrious, upright,-he leaves be- hind that which is most dear to his family and his friends,-a good name."
Hon. Thomas W. Kenefick said :
"In every office and position he was called upon to fill, he showed an honesty and vigor of purpose that won for him the con- fidence of the people and for his work, their admiration.
"He was a confident and courageous man, zealous in the do- ing of good things, particularly for the public, whom he served so long and well."
Hon. William H. Brooks said :
"He was a fair and honorable opponent. He loved truth and detested falsehood. He intended to give, and did give a 'square deal.'
"To those who knew him well, and who saw beneath the mere exterior there appeared a kindly, helpful friend, a self-sacrificing and cultured gentleman.
"To whatever positions in public life he was chosen, such po- sitions were truly regarded by him as public trusts, to be admin- istered honestly, intelligently, and conscientiously. He believed in giving of his best, and he gave it.
EDWARD HOWARD LATHROP
"He lived a wholesome life. He was a lover of the out-of-doors. Horses, dogs, birds, forest, stream, and ocean appealed to him.
"He loved his family, and by them he was loved. His career was without taint. His life was a life of rectitude."
Charles Clarke Munn, his friend of many years, said of Mr. Lathrop: "We meet many men along the highway of life that com- mand the world's admiration and respect; there are but few truly Good Samaritans; such a one, however, was Edward Howard Lathrop.
"Very early in life he learned the wisdom of honesty, the up- lift of true Christian charity, the faith in his fellowmen that is above sordid selfishness and the sneers of small souls. With that also came a poet's appreciation of all that is beautiful in nature, a love for the song of birds, the purling of brooks, the billowing of grain fields, the smile of flowers, the whisper of pines, and the solemn voice of a forest.
"With that also came the feeling of kinship and the brotherly wish to do good, to shape his life and example so that others might see the wisdom of honesty and that self-love is a shallow thing; that to be self-sacrificing and to add even a trifle to the happiness of others, is the only way to find happiness for oneself. While his measure of men and their foibles was always accurate he was strong souled enough not to sit in the scorner's seat; to have an abiding faith in 'Judge not least ye be judged'; and to be convinced that the Golden Rule of conduct is true Christianity. A God of love was his conception of the Supreme Father. No better proof of this broad view of God's love and care for all created beings may be adduced than Mr. Lathrop's well-known affection for dogs. A true sportsman as well as nature lover, with him there always went his faithful dog, usually his sole companion. He thus saw in the tender, watchful eyes of his canine friend the kinship of soul life, the bond of feeling that despite all our cynical egotism joins man and beast. The wide circle of his friends appreciated, loved, and trusted him. It is of the man himself, the one I knew so many years and loved for what was in him, that I am speaking. Of how cordiallly and sincerely admiring others felt towards him, their tributes are ample evidence. In the words of the old song 'None knew him but to love him' and beyond that to trust him as a brother. And never once during his long public life was that faith misplaced.
"But better still was the nobility of his own soul that not only illumined his own journey adown the vale of life, but also became a beacon light to all others. While he saw and frowned upon the evil that men might do he yet discerned the good that was latent in them, and sought to lend that a helping hand."
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John Lathogy
JOHN LATHROP
J OHN LATHROP, formerly Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, February 8, 1835. He died in Dedham, Massachusetts, August 24, 1910. His father, the Rev. John Pierce Lathrop, was a son of John Lathrop, who was a graduate of Harvard College in the class of 1789; a grandson of the Rev. John Lathrop, who was graduated at the College of New Jersey, Princeton, with the class of 1763; was a minister of the Second Church, Boston, 1768-1816; a fellow of Harvard College, 1778-1816; and a lineal descendant from the Rev. John Lathrop, the immigrant, who came from Eng- land to Plymouth Colony in 1634, and was the first minister of the town of Scituate, which town was organized July 1, 1633, and of the town of Barnstable on the organization of that town March 5, 1638. John Pierce Lathrop was a Protestant Episcopal clergy- man, served as chaplain in the U. S. Navy and was attached to the U. S. S. Princeton at the time of his death in 1843. His wife was Maria Margaretta, daughter of Thomas C. Long and of Frances Hungerford Griffin, and their son, John Lathrop, was prepared for college at a Boston public school, and he was graduated at Burling- ton College, Burlington, New Jersey, A.B. 1853, A.M. 1856, and from Harvard University Law School, LL.B. 1855. He received his practical instruction in the practice of law in the office of Francis C. Loring, of Boston, and he was admitted to the bar in 1856, and to the bar of the United States Supreme Court in 1872.
He was married June 24, 1875, to Eliza Davis, daughter of Rich- ard G. and Mary Ann (Davis) Parker. He practised law in Bos- ton with eminent success, 1856-88, was reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court, 1874-88, and in 1888 he was appointed a Justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts by Governor Ames, and in 1891 Governor Russell promoted him to a seat on the bench of the Supreme Judicial Court to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Justice Charles Devens in that year. He was law lecturer at Harvard University, 1871-72, and at the Boston University Law School, 1873 and 1880-83.
JOHN LATHROP
His military service during the period of the Civil War ex- tended from his enlistment and appointment as first lieutenant in the 35th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in 1862 to the ac- ceptance of his resignation by reason of illness contracted in the field after one year's service, at which time he held the commission of Captain of Volunteers.
He received the degree of LL.D. from Williams College in June, 1906, and in September of that year resigned his seat upon the Bench.
Judge Lathrop wrote for the readers of this work his message to young people as follows, "Stick to the Constitution and lead a moral and upright life."
Bench and bar paid tribute to the memory of Judge John Lathrop of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in the Supreme Judicial Court. The full court came in. Resolutions which the bar had adopted at a meeting presided over by Moorfield Storey were presented by Attorney General Swift and they were accepted by Chief Justice Rugg on behalf of the court.
The resolutions expressed the desire of members of the Suffolk Bar to place on record their appreciation of the public services and judicial career of Judge Lathrop.
The facts that he enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War, when scarcely enrolled as an attorney; that he made a brave and courageous soldier; that at the bar he had the reputation of a con- scientious practitioner and competent adviser, and that as judge he "labored unceasingly in doing thoroughly and promptly his share of the work of the important tribunal of which he was an honored member," are recognized with expressions of fitting sentiment in the resolutions.
The concluding paragraphs of the resolutions read:
"He was ever a man of self-contained, dignified and impassive demeanor, who treated that portion of the public which came in contact with him with an open-handed justice and with a reserved and somewhat formal courtesy.
"In the social and club life of Boston, in which he was always a prominent figure, he was considerate of the rights and feelings of others, and an interesting, even charming companion."
John R. Lewis.
JOHN BEAVENS LEWIS
F ROM being a lad thrown upon his own resources at ten years of age to becoming one of the great shoe manufacturers of Massachusetts, seems achievement enough for a single life- time; but John B. Lewis did more. When most men would be apt to think that retirement was in order, Mr. Lewis threw himself into the fight in behalf of one of the greatest reforms of the age. Indefatigable in behalf of his fellowmen, he does not seem to know what "quit" means, but proves himself to be one of the most successful champions the temperance movement has known.
He was born at Wilmington, Massachusetts, August 30, 1841. His father (1812-1910), who was also named John Beavens Lewis, was a hotelkeeper of Boston, a man of character and of great determination. His mother was Sarah Miller, who died before he was a year old. Shortly after, the family moved to Boston, where John B. Jr.'s schooldays began. He was a member of the famous boy choir of the Church of the Advent. He was also a clever boy actor, sometimes playing leading juvenile parts at the old National Theatre. Later the family moved to Reading, Massa- chusetts, which is still Mr. Lewis's home. He was always ambitious, and at eight years he clothed himself, and after ten cared for him- self entirely.
He entered the schools of Reading and persevered until he had finished the High School. He worked between hours about the school buildings and did other chores that helped him to be self- supporting.
At fifteen he became a butcher, but soon exchanged that work for shoe-making in a little shop in the yard of his father's home. He made the entire shoe, in the old way, walking several miles to deliver the finished product and returning with material for more shoes. Later he entered the grocery business, and finally became Manager for the John Gilbert Jr. Company, of Boston.
During the Civil War, he enlisted in the Massachusetts Infantry and served nine months in the 44th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
JOHN BEAVENS LEWIS
He then went into the Civil Department of the Quartermaster's Department at New Orleans, but soon he was going into the heart of the Confederacy to buy cotton, and there he met with some thrilling adventures. In 1865 he entered the wholesale and retail shoe business at Shreveport, Louisiana, where he had the largest business of its kind in the city. Here he was elected Alderman and served with great acceptability.
From 1880 to 1900 he engaged in the manufacturing of shoes in Massachusetts. His headquarters were in Boston while his factories were in Abington, Avon, Brockton, and Randolph. It is reported that his firm sold more shoes to the retail trade of the United States than any other manufacturer in Boston. Since 1900 Mr. Lewis has acted as lecturer, conservator, executor, trustee, and in- vestor of money.
On retirement from the manufacturing of shoes, Mr. Lewis in- terested himself in the movement of the Temperance Pledge Sign- ing Crusade of which he became and still is the President. He has been Vice-Chairman of the Prohibition National Committee since 1912, helping them to raise a fund of $250,000 by a pledge of $10,000. He has been President of the National Association of Patriotic Instructors since 1912; and was President of the Fly- ing Squadron of New England in 1915. He was Treasurer of the Flying Squadron of America in 1914, and by his gift of ten thou- sand dollars the Nation-wide trip of the Squadron was made pos- sible in 1914-1915, seven speakers addressing audiences in every city of the Union, totalling over a million people, the trip covering eight months' time. Mr. Lewis traveled with them for seven months, sometimes making three or four addresses a day in addi- tion to his duties as Treasurer. He was introduced to audiences totalling over three quarters of a million people. He has been an executive officer of the Scientific Temperance Federation since 1912. In fact he has been active in most of the political, patriotic, and religious movements of the day. He is a temperance lecturer of note, and has spoken in all parts of the country.
He was elected to the Massachusetts Legislature in 1907 and served with great ability. In 1901 he was the nominee of the Pro- hibition party for Governor. He is a member of the Edward W. Kinsley Post, G. A. R. Number 113, and has been its patriotic in- structor since 1905. He was for two years the National Patriotic
JOHN BEAVENS LEWIS
Instructor of the G. A. R. He has always been active in promoting patriotism.
Mr. Lewis is Vice-President of the National Trust Fund Associa- tion, a member of the Board of Managers of the National Temper- ance Society, an Executive officer in the Greater Boston Associa- tion of Patriotic Instructors, an Executive officer of the Massachu- setts Total Abstinence Society, a Trustee of the New York Civic League, a Life member of the New England Sabbath Protective League, a member of the Massachusetts G. A. R. Club, and of the Hooker Association, the Boston Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, the Boston Young Men's Christian Union and the Baptist Missionary Society; he is a Life member of the World's, National and State W. C. T. U.
He is a Mason and a member of the Commandery. In religion he is a Congregationalist. He is a Prohibitionist in politics and is always loyal to the core. For diversion he is fond of the gym- nasium, having a chest expander and a rowing machine of his own. Once he was a master in boxing. Mr. Lewis has been an extensive traveler, visiting every country in the world, but Australia, and crossing the United States many times.
Mr. Lewis has been married twice: first to Miss Harriet A. Ban- croft, on August 4, 1864, and second to Miss Mary U. Hawes, on January 18, 1872. There are living at this time three children: John B. Lewis, Jr., a Congregationalist minister; Mrs. Hattie L. Swett, President of the Reading Woman's Club; and Clarence H. Lewis, a dealer in Real Estate.
When Mr. Lewis was asked to give some principles that he con- sidered essential to success in this life he said: "Love our flag as the visible symbol of the best in our national life. Keep mind and habits clean. Shun evil companions; with a clean life comes a clean character and with that come clean business references which, with the 'I will power,' bring every possible success."
Mr. Lewis has apparently many years of active service before him and will doubtless be heard from on many patriotic, civic, and religious issues. He is a splendid example of what a good citizen, a loyal patriot, and a devoted churchman can do.
Mr. Lewis has a continuous business record of high standing and credit in all mercantile agencies for almost half a century, with an unstained career of honest and honorable dealings in private and public life.
ARTHUR THEODORE LYMAN
A RTHUR THEODORE LYMAN was born in Boston, Massa- chusetts, December 8, 1832, and died at his home in Walt- ham, Massachusetts, October 24, 1915. He was the son of George Williams Lyman and Anne Pratt, and grandson of Theo- dore Lyman (born 1753, died 1839) and Lydia Williams, and of William Pratt (born 1759, died 1844) and Mary Williams.
One of his ancestors, William Pratt, came over from England in 1783; another ancestor, Richard Lyman, came from Essex County, England, to Charlestown, in 1631, and in 1635 removed to Hart- ford on the Connecticut River, and thence to Northampton, Massachusetts. His grandfather, Theodore Lyman, was engaged in trade with India, China, Europe, and the northwest coast of America. His son, George W. Lyman, engaged in the same busi- ness with him, and later became largely interested in manufactur- ing companies in Lowell, Lawrence, and Holyoke, becoming treas- urer for ten years of the Lowell Manufacturing Company, and also of the Hamilton Manufacturing Company, the Appleton Company, and the Lyman Mills at Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Arthur T. Lyman was thus from his birth identified with a family prominent in public affairs and in the industrial and educa- tional development of the country. He was prepared for college under private teachers in Waltham and Boston, and was graduated from Harvard College in 1853, the sixth in his class; he received his Master's degree in 1857. For eighteen months after graduation he was in the office of Samuel and Edward Austin, a Boston house engaged in the East India trade. He then travelled extensively in Europe for the purpose of study and observation. He continued in the East India trade for a few years, when he began to interest himself in the manufacture of cotton, and in 1860 was made Treas- urer of the Hamilton Manufacturing Company and in 1861 of the Appleton Company of Lowell. He served these companies until 1863, when he became partner in the firm of J. W. Paige and Com- pany, Boston, selling agents for various cotton mills. From 1866 to 1889 he was Treasurer of the Hadley Company, Holyoke, and from 1881 to 1900 Treasurer of the Lowell Manufacturing Com- pany. Mr. Lyman had been President of the Pacific Mills, the
Arthur Thyman
ARTHUR THEODORE LYMAN
Merrimack Manufacturing Company, the Tremont and Suffolk Mills, the Lowell Machine Shop, the Boott Cotton Mills, the Massa- chusetts Cotton Mills, the Massachusetts Mills in Georgia, the Bigelow Carpet Company, the Boston Manufacturing Company, the Whittenton Manufacturing Company, and the Waltham Bleach- ery and Dye Works, and the Essex Company, "Proprietors of Locks and Canals on the Merrimack River," and Director in sev- eral other manufacturing corporations.
Besides these varied personal interests he served the public in many ways. He was President of the Boston Athenæum, member of the corporation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Overseer of Harvard College, 1892-99, Director and President of the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, Director of the Massachusetts National Bank, 1862-98, and Trustee and President of the Provident Institution for Savings in Boston. He was aide- de-camp, with the rank of Colonel, on the staff of Governor Alex- ander H. Rice, during the three terms of his office, 1876-9.
He was a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, the Colonial Society, and the Unitarian Club. He had also been Pres- ident of the latter club and Treasurer of the American Unitarian Association.
He generally voted with the Republican party, but sometimes the quality of the candidates led him to change his party allegiance. He was an active leader in the life and work of King's Chapel in Boston, a member of the Vestry (1863-1915) and Senior Warden (1877-1915).
He was married April 8, 1858, to Ella, daughter of John Amory Lowell and Elizabeth C. Putnam of Boston. They had seven children, six of whom are living: Julia; Arthur, lawyer and manager of real estate and other trusts; Herbert, Treasurer of the Merrimack Manufacturing Company; Ella (Mrs. Richard C. Cabot), member of the Massachusetts State Board of Education and of the Council of Radcliffe College; Mabel; and Ronald Theo- dore, Treasurer of the Boston Manufacturing Company, Waltham, the Whittenton Manufacturing Company of Taunton, the Salmon Falls Manufacturing Company, and the Waltham Bleachery and Dye Works.
One who knew him intimately wrote:
"Some people have those sterling qualities which call forth admiration. They are firm of purpose, independent, fearless.
ARTHUR THEODORE LYMAN
They work with all their strength to carry out their aims and have no fear of criticism, failure, or mistakes.
"Other people have qualities which make them lovable. They are sensitive, sympathetic, always ready to talk over your prob- lems; they are ready to help, to cheer. These people we cannot help loving because we feel their understanding of us; we cannot help being fond of them for they have something in common with every one.
" A third class of people are those who are personally attractive. They are brilliant in mind, perhaps beautiful, and they keep us cheered and amused as well as charming us.
"Imagine, now, a person combining all the qualities I have men- tioned and you have Arthur T. Lyman. The combination of these various and usually opposite characteristics was, I think, the most remarkable thing about him. He did exactly what he thought was right, lived absolutely up to his ideals, cared nothing what other people thought, yet forced his opinions on nobody, and was always interested in the work or play of those whose tastes differed from his. He had great ability, wonderful soundness of judgment, an enormous power of work, and an unswerving purpose when once decision had been made. Every one had to admire his ability and courage, but with these one always saw his tremendous interest in people and his consideration of every one. He loved to see and talk with all kinds of people-of all ages-and with each he found a bond of sympathy through his wonderful sensitiveness and in- terest.
"To these qualities, which in turn called forth admiration and affection, were added the third group, which called forth popu- larity. Apart from being very handsome, he was most charming in all kinds of society, brilliant in mind, and constantly amusing or interesting those he talked with. His remarkable sense of humor made him see all the funny things, which he set off in speech by very clever and original expressions.
"To some of those who knew him the memory of his strength of character, his ability, his good judgment, and power of accom- plishment will remain uppermost; to others his sympathy, sensi- tiveness, and interest in people; to still others his charm of per- sonality, with his great humor, and intelligence; but for a true understanding of his character we must think of the combination of so many different qualities, each beautiful in itself, and with the others making such a truly beautiful whole."
Edwin Y, Marble,
EDWIN TYLER MARBLE
E DWIN TYLER MARBLE was born in Sutton, Massachu- setts, August 18, 1827. He died July 3, 1910. He was the eldest son of Royal Tyler Marble and Ann Bailey (Cle- ment) Marble. His great-great-grandfather, Freegrace Marble, was one of the original settlers of the town of Sutton, a brickmason by trade and one of the builders of the old State House in Boston. The Marble family came to this country from Wales and the first representatives of the family in America settled in Andover.
In his earlier manhood the father of Edwin Tyler Marble was apprenticed to Thomas Harback of Sutton as a "furrier," or finisher of woolen goods by hand shears. He became an expert in this method of finishing cloth and his mechanical skill in many ways was transmitted to his sons. After serving his apprenticeship, however, Royal Tyler Marble abandoned this trade and devoted himself to farming upon the homestead in Sutton.
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