USA > Massachusetts > Biographical history of Massachussetts; biographies and autobiographies of the leading men in the state, 1911, vol 9 > Part 12
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Some years later Mr. Higginson made Harvard the gift of a splendid new Club-house, the Harvard Union, as the center of its social life. At the meeting held at Sanders Theatre when this gift was announced on November 13, 1899, he uttered these words: -
" When I was a small boy, a companion said to me one day, ' Father says that if he can ever help Harvard College, he will do it.' The father died long ago, having fulfilled his promise and his son's name stands first on the tablet on Soldiers' Field. His words
HENRY LEE HIGGINSON
and thoughts, with those of my other friends over there, have rung in my ears and remained in my heart during all these long years, a pious legacy of early friendship. What good luck, then, to have the chance and power to help Harvard College: Whatever we may do for her, it will not equal what she has done for us; and be sure also that no Harvard man will outstrip the limit of his duty toward his University or his country."
In his speech delivered on the completion of the noble building he said: -
" Looking back in life I can see no earthly good which has come to me so great, so sweet, so uplifting, so consoling, as the friendship of the men and the women whom I have known well and loved - friends who have been equally ready to give and to receive kind offices and timely counsel."
In December, 1863, he married Ida, the daughter of the great scientist, Louis Agassiz. They have one son, Alexander Henry.
From his own experience and observation Major Higginson offers these suggestions to young Americans.
" If there were just one thing I could tell the boys of this country, it would be to tell them to be experts in whatever they set out to do. This country sorely needs experts. There is a scarcity of experts and a great opportunity for the boy who wants to be of the greatest service."
A remarkable tribute of admiration and love was paid in the Copley-Plaza Hotel to Major Higginson on his eightieth birthday. About three hundred of Boston's most representative citizens gathered to honor the man whom Senator Lodge, as their spokes- man, called " a great public servant in the highest and largest sense."
Bishop Lawrence described the "genius for friendship " of the guest of the evening.
Major Higginson responded in a characteristic speech from which the following is quoted:
" There are many things in life hard to bear, and if any man can make the path of anybody else happier, he is fortunate."
JAMES LANGDON HILL
J AMES L. HILL, D.D., was born in Garnavillo, Iowa, March 14, 1848. His parents were Rev. James J. Hill, born May 29, 1815, died October 29, 1870, and Sarah Elizabeth Hyde. His grandparents on his father's side were Mark Langdon Hill, 1772 to 1842, and Mary McCobb Hill; on his mother's side, Gershom Hyde, 1793 to 1875, and Sarah Hyde Hyde. His immi- grant ancestors were Peter Hill, who came from the west of Eng- land and settled at Biddeford Pool at the mouth of the Saco River in 1653; and William Hyde, who came from England and settled at Hartford, Connecticut, in 1635. His grandfather Hill was a large owner of land, the Collector of the Port of Bath, a Trustee of Bowdoin College and United States Senator from Maine. Dr. Hill was named for Governor Langdon of New Hampshire, one of his relatives.
The parents of Dr. Hill were home missionaries. His father gave the first dollar to found Grinnell College, Iowa; and, later, the son followed in his footsteps by giving the first dollar to found Yankton College in South Dakota. That dollar was found in the President's desk, after his death, and brought to the East to aid in the campaign to secure a library fund. The mother of Dr. Hill, like his father, sacrificed much for Grinnell College. Dr. Hill says everything good in my life is from my mother's character and memory.
Dr. Hill's special tastes and interests in boyhood centered in two things: first, in gathering, for a museum, objects that would show the customs and habits of men and animals; and, secondly, ly- ceums, which in those days provided elocutionary entertainments and opportunities for debate. His father started these lyceums in his churches.
The good effects of manual labor in Dr. Hill's college days were operative all through his life, giving him the habit of industry, making him put a price upon every hour of his time, and securing for him physical endurance. He never had a dollar from home during nine years of consecutive study. He writes, "In student days I had one more study than my associates, The Study of Economy." Yet the last year he was an undergraduate, besides carrying all of his studies he earned $800; and in college he was offered a tutorship, the highest honor given, and on graduating at the seminary he had the best place on the graduating program.
In youth Dr. Hill found those books most stimulating that sup- plied motive, books like the " Autobiography " of Franklin.
James &. Hill
JAMES LANGDON HILL
Dr. Hill obtained his preparatory training at Grinnell Academy, from which he entered Grinnell College and was graduated with the degree of A.B. in 1871. He studied at Andover Theological Semi- nary, from which he was graduated with the degree of B.D. in 1875. Grinnell College conferred upon him the degree of D.D. in 1891, the first of her graduates upon whom Grinnell bestowed this degree.
Dr. Hill began his experiences in the teacher's profession when he was seventeen. He taught in public schools for five winters, from 1865 to 1870, and was elected tutor in Grinnell College in the year 1871-2.
On his graduation from Andover Theological Seminary, he was called to be pastor of the North Congregational Church in Lynn, a pastorate which he entered in September, 1875. Here he remained till 1886, when he assumed charge of the Mystic Church of Med- ford. Mystic Church is and always has been very influential. Dr. Manning, pastor of the Old South, was once pastor of it. Here Dr. Hill ministered until 1894. Since that time he has been occupied as writer, lecturer, platform speaker, pamphleteer and minister at large - being one of a syndicate that acquired The Golden Rule and made it the champion of the Christian Endeavor cause, he being one of its trustees from the beginning. He was the largest giver, $15,000, to the new Y. P. S. C. E. Building in Boston.
He was one of four clergymen to visit England to make addresses and to plant Societies of Christian Endeavor, and founded the Society in Old Boston, in England, after which our Boston is named.
Dr. Hill is a Trustee of Grinnell College, Iowa, a trustee of Grinnell College and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa, being nominated by the Faculty of the College when the local chapter was formed. For this beloved college he had assembled a very elaborate and costly museum, worth, perhaps, $30,000, which was, destroyed in his home in the great Salem conflagration.
He served in the Civil War, and was paid by a check from the U. S. Government.
He has made many addresses among them the address at the dedication of a tablet " in commemoration of the enterprise and resolute spirit with which Salem arose from her ashes, looked calamity in the face, and rebuilt her walls." He was also the author of the inscription upon the tablet. Langdon Street in Salem was named after Dr. Hill's middle name, he having more houses on the street than any other owner.
JAMES LANGDON HILL
He is a member of the Boston Congregational Club and of the Sons of the American Revolution; he is President of the Grinnell Club of New England. He is a member of the Tabernacle Con- gregational Church of Salem.
Dr. Hill is a Republican in politics. His favorite amusement for the last twenty-five years has been driving a spirited horse.
On March 28, 1878, he was married to Lucy B. Dunham, daugh- ter of Rev. Isaac and Marbra S. (Brown) Dunham, a descendant from John Dunham, who came from England to Plymouth, Mas- sachusetts, in 1633, and was a Representative in 1639 and often after. The Dunhams are early related to the Aldens and the Mortons. Dr. Hill gives this advice to young people: "Learn to take the initiative. It is the art and act of doing things."
Dr. Hill has conducted scientific investigations regarding pre- historic life in Iowa. He is the author of many books and pamph- lets. His writings have been published by both the states in which he has lived, Iowa and Massachusetts, and published at the ex- pense of the states. He preached the Election Sermon, 1878, be- fore the Governor and legislature of Massachusetts.
He gave the address at Andover on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his graduation from the theological seminary, elected to this honor by his class. He helped to organize the Associated Charities in Lynn. He wrote " The Lynn of Forty Years Ago " and " Salem As I Found Her." He wrote the " Pilgrimages " to Salem, Concord and Lexington, Cambridge, and Plymouth, which were published at the time of the great Y. P. S. C. E. Convention in Boston.
He is also the author of " Boys in the Late War," " Woman and Satan," " The Scholar's Larger Life," " The Immortal Seven," " The Worst Boys in Town," "The Growth of Government," " Modern Methods of Christian Nurture," " The Century's Cap- stone," " The Sunday Evening Problem," " Memoir of William Salter," " A Crowning Achievement," " Favorites of History," " Some of My Mottoes."
Dr. Hill has been a great power for righteousness, not only in Iowa and Massachusetts, but also throughout our country and in many localities across the sea. He has used effectively both the spoken and the written word. He has lived a well rounded life and he has enjoyed varied opportunities for enlightening the generation which he has so effectively served. To thousands in this country his spirited addresses have been an inspiration, and the very sound of his name suggests a cheerful courage and a hearty interest in aggressive Christianity.
Fredende 1. Heady down
FREDERICK MILTON HODGDON
A MONG the manufacturers who in the last half century have brought Massachusetts into the foremost place in the shoe industry is Frederick Milton Hodgdon. He is a native of New Hampshire, as were his immediate forbears, although the family was originally established in America by Nicholas Hodsdon or Hodgdon (spelled both ways) who came from Hertfordshire, England, in 1635, and settled in Hingham, Massachusetts.
Mr. Hodgdon's father (born 1833 in Milan, New Hampshire, died 1882) was James C. S. Hodgdon, the son of Hanson and Abbie (Scates) Hodgdon, and a descendant of Major Caleb Hodgdon of Dover, New Hampshire, an officer in the Revolutionary Army. As a school teacher he was noted for his patience and refinement, as a merchant and shoe contractor for his scrupulous integrity. He married Mary Elizabeth Brooks, and their first son, Frederick Milton Hodgdon was born in Farmington, New Hampshire, June 17, 1864.
The cares of the family early fell upon the oldest child who was but a boy when his father died. From a care free lad, fond of out- of-door life, attending school where his aptitude for drawing was marked, he became the support of his mother and the younger children. Six months before finishing the Grammar School, at the age of sixteen years, he left school and went to work in Haverhill, Massachusetts, as a chore boy in Gardner Brothers shoe factory.
Having the care of the widowed mother and smaller children he was spurred on and this without question was an aid in develop- ing his resources and ambition to push on and succeed in the struggle. From chore boy he was advanced through several depart- ments and became experienced in various branches of the factory work. He was made a foreman and later a salesman. In 1888, only eight years after beginning work, he commenced in a very small way the manufacture of shoes for his own profit. He has continued in the same line of business ever since, constantly in- creasing his production until he has become a large employer of labor, and an important figure in the industrial world.
FREDERICK MILTON HODGDON
Mr. Hodgdon is a great reader and has found inspiration in the study of biography, historical writings, and the substantial current magazines. Out-of-door life has always held a strong attraction for him and he has realized keen pleasure and profit from nature studies. Automobiling and golf keep him in the open air in the time which he finds for recreation.
In politics Mr. Hodgdon has generally been loyal to the Republi- can party, but became a Progressive on the issue of " stand pat- ism." He is a member of various Masonic bodies, of the Twentieth Century Club of Boston, of the Monday Evening and the Pen- tucket Clubs of Haverhill. He is accustomed to attending the Congregational Church.
On June 3, 1890, Mr. Hodgdon married the daughter of George A. and Abigail (Shackford) Bennett, of Newmarket, N. H., grand- daughter of Abigail Adams Shackford, and a descendant of English colonists who came to Massachusetts from England before 1700.
The advice which he gives young men is from his own practical experience and includes principles which he practiced with such success that they should be very valuable to those who are trying to shape their futures as he did his from small beginnings to large attainments. He says: " Have a definite aim in life and allow no obstacle to interfere with its accomplishment. Don't drift with the crowd; do your own thinking. Aim to do everything well; better than it has ever been done before."
FrankHopewell
FRANK HOPEWELL
F RANK HOPEWELL, long prominent in business circles as senior member of the firm of L. C. Chase and Company, was born in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, in 1857, and died in Pasadena, California, April 24, 1918. He was the son of John Hopewell and Catharine (Mahoney) Hopewell. His father was a native of London, England, who emigrated to the United States when he was fourteen years old. He served as an apprentice for seven years to learn the cutler's trade in Springfield, and subse- quently became a manufacturer of cutlery.
Frank Hopewell received his education in the public schools of Springfield, graduating from the High School in 1875. He then entered the Springfield Collegiate Institute, from which he was graduated in 1879. The following year he began his business career in New York, but subsequently returned to Massachusetts, and entered the employ of L. C. Chase and Company.
In 1887 Mr. Hopewell was admitted to partnership, and from 1892 until his decease was managing partner.
As a business man Mr. Hopewell was highly successful, and possessed the qualities essential to the management of large and diversified interests. Few were better known in his special line of industry or more sincerely respected for sterling integrity of charac- ter. No one who ever knew him doubted the honesty of his motives. His word was unquestioned, and every action had the impress of sincerity.
In 1887 Mr. Hopewell was elected assistant treasurer of the Sanford Mills, Sanford, Maine, and in 1896 became treasurer, holding office until 1915. He was also a director of the mills, a director of the Reading Rubber Manufacturing Company, and of the Holyoke Plush Company. He was a trustee of the Boston Five Cent Savings Bank for many years. He had the keenness and quickness of perception which enabled him to grasp the intricacies of large transactions and quickly reach a decision. It was these qualities with his active temperament, which won for him a high standing in the business world.
FRANK HOPEWELL
Mr. Hopewell was a member of the Boston Athletic Association, the Brae-Burn Country Club, and the Belmont Spring Country Club. He maintained his home in Newton, where he enjoyed to the fullest degree the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He had a summer residence in Wolfboro, New Hampshire.
Mr. Hopewell is survived by his wife, who was Helen Buckman, daughter of George P. Buckman and Mary A. Buckman of Lowell Massachusetts, and one daughter, Mrs. William L. Van Wagenen of Pelham Manor, New York.
In the best sense of the term Mr. Hopewell was a fine example of the self-made man. His leading characteristics in his business relations were his pronounced convictions and courage in main- taining them, his quick perception of advantageous circumstances and ability in utilizing them, the thoroughness of his plans, his cordial and trusted relations with his associates and his genial and equitable dealings with his fellow officers.
A friend said of Mr. Hopewell: "With the passing of Frank Hopewell a beacon light has gone out in trade circles. His was a forceful personality with such business acumen that it often seemed to his friends to be prescience. A man of wonderful observation, memory, command of detail and keenness of perception he was one of those rare individuals who would have made a success in almost any line. Having a big, well uniformed mind he handled questions and policies in a broad gauged way and his advice was much sought and followed.
While he was a leader among business men he was far more notable for those qualities of character and friendship which so impressed all with whom he came in contact. Combined with a spontaneous high spirited democratic good fellowship was a warm heart.
Frank Hopewell was quick to relieve any trouble among his fellows, so that hardly a day passed without adding to the quota of individuals who thought of him with gratitude. Ever militant in denunciation of deceit or wrong doing he was considerate to the last degree of honest shortcomings or weaknesses and alive with a spirit of helpfulness.
Those who were privileged to know him intimately subscribe with one accord to the sentiment, " I shall not look upon his like again."
Fre A. Houdlette.
FREDERICK ALLEY HOUDELETTE
F REDERICK ALLEY HOUDELETTE, for many years prominently identified with the iron and steel business, and president of the firm of Frederick A. Houdelette and Son, Incorporated, was born in Dresden, Maine, December 26, 1840, and dropped dead at the South Station while on his way to his home in Newton, Massachusetts, December 17, 1917. His father, Philip Frederick Houdelette, February 20, 1811-September 7,1885, was a stalwart sea captain, later a country store-keeper, a worthy and estimable citizen of his community. On the paternal side Mr. Houdelette was descended from George and Mary (Theobald) Houdelette. His mother was Maria Greeley (Alley) Houdelette. She was a woman of strong character and her early moral and spiritual teachings left a lasting impression on his life.
Mr. Houdelette's maternal ancestors came from England and settled in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The progenitor, John Alley, an English curate, was a descendant of a Lord Mayor Alley of Dublin, Ireland. A descendant of John Alley settled in Boothbay, Maine, where in turn his descendant, Samuel Alley, married Elizabeth Gove, maternal grandmother of Mr. Houdelette. Her ancestors came from Saxony, Germany, and settled first in Southern New Hampshire, a branch of the family moving to Edgecomb, Maine (at one time a part of Boothbay) and subsequently to Dresden, Maine.
As a youth Mr. Houdelette used to carve toys for the village children, and developed considerable skill. He continued to do carving as a pastime almost up to the time of his death.
Mr. Houdelette profited much by the good example and excellent advice of his parents and in early years displayed persistent effort, self-reliance, and determination to do the best that was in him. At the age of sixteen Mr. Houdelette went to Boston, where he obtained a position as clerk in the hardware store of Eaton, Lovett and Wellington. Later he was Boston manager of the Charles Cammell and Company, of Sheffield, England. For the following two years Mr. Houdelette was manager of the New York City branch of this firm. He then returned to Boston and entered the iron and steel business, taking charge of the Sales Department of the Bay State Iron Company with which he was connected for ten years.
In 1878 Mr. Houdelette engaged in business on his own account, first as a partner in the firm of John H. Reed and Company, and then successively as Houdelette and Ellis, Houdelette and Dunnels, which next became the firm of Frederick A. Houdelette and Com- pany, and in 1908 was incorporated as the firm of Frederick A. Houdelette and Son. He was also a director of the Clifton Manu- facturing Company.
FREDERICK ALLEY HOUDELETTE
Mr. Houdelette was an active worker in church affairs. It was through his instrumentality that two mission churches were estab- lished, one of which is in Boston. From November 1, 1905, to November 1, 1910, he served as deacon of the Congregational Church at Melrose Highlands. For one year, 1896 to 1897, he was auditor, was on the church committee for one year, 1897 to 1898, and was clerk of the Church from 1898 to 1899. In the latter year he conducted a large class of men and women in the Sunday School. He was a Bible Class teacher for almost fifty years. He was formerly a member of the Eliot Congregational Church of Newton, and at the time of his death was a member of the Harvard Congregational Church in Brookline. A lover of music, he was a violinist, and for many years was a bass singer in church choirs.
Mr. Houdelette was a life member of the American Poultry Association, of the Young Men's Christian Association, a member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, and of the Medfield His- torical Society. He wrote various articles on poultry, and was the originator of the Silver Laced and White Wyandottes. For recre- ation and relaxation he was engaged in farming, in rearing pedigree stock, and breeding cattle.
When the Civil War broke out he enlisted and served as a corporal.
Mr. Houdelette was twice married. On January 1, 1865, he was married to Elizabeth Maria Baker of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, whose ancestors came to America on the "Mayflower." Four children were born of this union, three of whom are living: Ethel Burgess, Mabel Stuart (Mrs. Andrew F. Crocker) and Marcellus R. Houdelette. Mrs. Houdelette died July 7, 1907. On November 12, 1913, he was married to his second wife Florence Amy Nickerson of Harding, Massachusetts, whose ancestors on both sides came to America on the " Mayflower."
Mr. Houdelette represented without assumption the best type of that successful, high-minded character which embodies all the highest qualities of our New England life.
Mr. Houdelette's life exemplified the success which has been well described in these words: " He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men, and the love of little children; who has accom- plished his task; who has made some part of the world better than he found it; who has not lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had; whose life has been an inspiration, and whose memory is a benediction."
Oliver H. Howe
OLIVER HUNT HOWE
0 LIVER HUNT HOWE comes of goodly lineage. His an- cestors were among the original settlers of Roxbury, Dor- chester, Watertown, Dedham, Medfield and Concord, men who had a part in establishing the free institutions of Massa- chusetts. He is the son of Elijah and Julia Ann (Hunt) Howe and represents the ninth generation of the Howe family in this country. The name was originally spelled How, an immigrant ancestor, Abraham How, was made freeman in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1638, and in 1645 was one of the signers of a covenant to establish a free school in the town of Roxbury. The school has had a con- tinuous existence and is now known as the Roxbury Latin School. From Abraham How the line is traced through Isaac, Isaac (second), Thomas, Thomas (second), Thomas (third), Elijah and Elijah (second), the last named being Dr. Howe's father.
The following ancestors served in the Revolutionary War: Thomas Howe, the Doctor's great-great-grandfather, Ebenezer Battle, Timothy Stow, and Elijah Withington, senior. Further family records give one Humphrey Atherton, who was Deputy to General Court 1638-46; speaker of the House of Deputies, 1653; Lieutenant 1643, Captain of a Dorchester Company, 1646; " Assis- tant " 1654-61; major for Suffolk County, 1652, and Major- General 1661. Another ancestor was Henry Withington, ruling elder in the Dorchester church for twenty-nine years. Doctor Howe's maternal great-grandfather, Oliver Hunt, blacksmith of East Douglas, Massachusetts, early in the 19th century made axes of superior quality. This resulted in 1835 in the incorpora- tion of the Douglas Axe Company. Doctor Howe was born in Dedham, Massachusetts, May 29, 1860, and acquired the rudiments of his education in the public schools of Dedham. From 1878-81 he was Clerk in the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in Dedham. He graduated from the Harvard Medical School in 1886. He was House Surgeon in the Boston City Hospital in 1885-86, and became Assistant to the Superintendent in the fol- lowing year. In 1887 he settled in Cohasset and since then has been engaged there in the practice of medicine. He has been keenly alive to the progress of medical science, and exemplifying the broad view and the resourcefulness of the general practitioner, has acquired a large and successful practice.
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