USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Biographical review, containing life sketches of leading citizens of Essex County, Massachusetts > Part 5
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since its organization. He is also Past Com- mander of the Newburyport Veteran Artillery Association, and has been on the Standing Committee since 1887. He was Lieutenant of Company A, Eighth Regiment, on its visit to the Centennial Exposition in 1876, being elected in that year to serve for two years. On the 25th of November, 1868, he was mar- ried to Alcina M. Bartlett, of West Newbury, Mass., who has been the mother of four chil- dren. Of the latter, two daughters are now living - Harriett Ellen and Catherine May Holker.
MOS F. BENNETT, a well-known ice dealer of Manchester and a former Selectman of the town, was born November 24, 1824, in China, Me., son of Francis and Mary (McDonald) Bennett. The Bennett family is of English origin. Francis Bennett, who had started in the business of carriage-making and general painting, died in 1846. He had a number of brothers, one of whom was a clergyman in Portland, Me .; and another was a ship-carpenter in Bucksport, Me., where he was engaged in the building of river boats. A third brother was Captain Stephen Bennett, who, while. in command of the privateer "Dash" during the War of 1812, was taken prisoner by the British, and kept confined on one of the West Indian Islands until his death.
When about ten years old Amos F. Bennett went with his parents to Lowell, Mass., where he attended school for a time. After his mar- riage he resided for several years in both Lowell and Salem successively. Returning from Salem to Lowell, he once more became a resident of that town, remaining until 1858. Then he came to Manchester, which has since been his place of residence. At Lowell and Salem he was engaged chiefly in the manu-
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facture of cigars, and he dealt in tobacco. Since coming to Manchester he has been in the ice business. Having begun in a small way, he now runs seven delivery wagons during the busy season.
In 1845 Mr. Bennett was married at Lowell to Amey Littlefield, who was born in Con- way, N. H., daughter of Stephen and Nancy (Palmer) Littlefield. The parents were na- tives respectively of Wells, Me., and Lou- don, N. H. Mr. Littlefield was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have had seven children, of whom Ellen M., Charles H., Frederick A., Addie J., and Mary E. are living. Addie J. is the wife of George Whitman. Nellie M. Leonard, who is a pop- ular school-teacher of Manchester, is a grand- daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, and resides with them.
Since 1845 Mr. Bennett and his wife have been members of the Baptist church. While a Republican in politics, he favors prohibi- tion. He has served the town as Road Sur- veyor, was for three years in the sixties Se- lectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor, and he was a member of the building commit- tee that had charge of the erection of the Man- chester High School building.
ON. J. FRANKLIN DYER, M.D., was a successful physician of Glouces- ter, a member of the city's first Board of Aldermen, and subsequently its Mayor. Born in Eastport, Me., April 15, 1826, he was a son of Charles and Hannah (Snow) Dyer. His father was a native of Westbrook, Me. The other children of his parents were : Elizabeth, born December 19, 1819, who died December 14, 1822; Charles Henry, born August 20, 1821; William Snow, born December 21, 1823, who died
August 14, 1882 ; George Burton, born March 29, 1835 ; and Adelaide, born April 15, 1839. J. Franklin Dyer graduated at Bowdoin Medical College with the class of 1849. His knowledge of medicine there acquired was supplemented by study under the eminent surgeon and physician, Dr. Trafton, of South Berwick, Me. He began practice in Boston, where he remained two years. In 1851 he located in Annisquam, which was the field of his subsequent career with the exception of the time he spent in the army and in Glouces- ter proper. He went to the front in August, 1861, as surgeon of the Nineteenth Massachu- setts, and served until August, 1864. For a portion of the time he was surgeon-in-chief of his division, and was also acting medical director of the Second Army Corps. While in the army he contracted the disease that was the immediate cause of his death. Upon his return to civil life he located in the city of Gloucester. Later he removed to Annisquam. At one period he learned the trade of printer, and with a partner published the Eastport Sentinel for a time. On September 7, 1854, he was married to Maria Davis, who was born in Hancock, N. H. Their only child, Edward J., born in 1869, lives with his mother. The Doctor died at his home in Annisquam on February 9, 1879.
As a public official Dr. Dyer has left an honorable record. He was connected with the city government from its organization to the year of his death. When the government was formed, he was elected Alderman from Ward Six, served in that capacity for four years, and was then elected Mayor. He was a member of the State legislature in 1869. He served on the Gloucester School Committee for seven years. He was appointed Coroner in 1871 ; and, when that office was abolished, he was made Medical Examiner. For a number of
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years he was a member of the Board of Health, and served as Town Physician. He was the president of the Annisquam Mutual Fire In- surance Company. Fraternally, he belonged to the Loyal Legion and to Colonel Allen Post, G. A. R.
ILLIAM F. TROWT, Town Treas- urer of Wenham and a member of the firm A. D. & W. F. Trowt, was born here, March 26, 1844, son of Asa IV. and Adeline F. (Dodge) Trowt. The family is of English origin. The father, a native of Beverly, was a farmer by occupation. The mother was born in Wenham. Their other son, Andrew D., besides being a mem- ber of the firm just mentioned, is the Postmas- ter of Wenham.
William F. Trowt attended the common schools of his native town and also Dummer Academy at Byfield, Mass. When about eighteen years of age he shipped in a mer- chantman, the ship " Samuel Appleton, " and made a voyage to New Zealand. Reaching his destination, he left the ship and remained in New Zealand for five years, which were spent in the gold mines. After an absence of over six years he returned to Wenham, and was there engaged in farming for several years. In 1880 he went into business with his brother. Messrs. Trowt keep a general merchandise store, and have a large and con- stantly increasing patronage.
By his marriage with Carrie, daughter of Simeon Dodge, of Marblehead, Mr. Trowt is the father of two children - Annie D. and William A. In politics he is a Republican ; and he has served for several years as Select- man of Wenham, having been the chairman of the board for two years. Also for a number of years he has been Town Treasurer. He is
interested to some extent in insurance, and .represents the Merrimac Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company, the Holyoke Insurance Com - pany of Salem, and the Trader's and Me- chanic's Mutual of Lowell. Fraternally, he is a member of the American Mechanics' Organ- ization at Beverly. Naturally loyal to his town, he favors every measure designed to promote its interests.
B ENJAMIN S. BULLOCK, the well- known baker of Manchester and an ex-Representative of the Twelfth District to the General Court, was born here, May 12, 1850. His grandfather, Isaac Bul- lock, an Englishman by birth, after coming to America, settled in Salem, of which he was a resident during the War of 1812. The father had resided for many years in Salem, his native town, when he came to Manchester in 1849 to engage in the bakery business. By earnest and intelligent effort throughout a quarter of a century he founded and built up the business that is still prospering under his son's management. He is still a resident of Manchester. His wife, Lydia Plummer Bul- lock, was born in Gorham, Me.
When only eleven years of age Benjamin S. Bullock left school, and began to work reg- ularly in his father's shop. In time he learned the business in all its details. Hav- ing continued in his father's employ until he was twenty-seven years of age, he and his brother, Arthur M. Bullock, assumed the man- agement of the bakery under the firm name of Bullock Brothers. This partnership lasted two years. Since then Mr. Bullock has been the sole proprietor of the business.
Mr. Bullock married Amanda L. Wilming- ton, of Manchester. His children are : Frank P. and Benjamin L., who now comprise the
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grocery firm of Bullock Brothers, of Manches- ter. He has been Selectman of the town, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and a member of the Board of Health for periods of five years each. For many years he has been an active member of the Republican Town Committee, serving at various times as its chairman. In the session of 1895 he represented the town in the State legislature. Any movement in town which appears to be for the greatest good of the greatest number finds in him a warm advocate and an influential supporter. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Man- chester and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Well known as a man of sterling character, he has the full confidence of his fellow-townsmen.
RANK C. RICHARDSON, Collector of Customs for the Port of Gloucester, and a prominent attorney, was born in Essex, December 7, 1853, only son of Jona- than M. and Minerva (Knowlton) Richardson. He is of the seventh generation descended from Captain William Knowlton, who, with his wife, Ann Elizabeth, emigrated to Amer- ica. Captain Knowlton followed the trade of bricklayer in Ipswich, and was the treasurer of the church in Ipswich in 1641. He owned one share in Plum Island; and after his death, which occurred in 1655, his estate was valucd at thirty-seven pounds, two shillings, and one penny. William's son, Samuel, with his wife, Elizabeth, and son, Benjamin, also lived in Ipswich. Benjamin's son, Benjamin (sec- ond), who married Abigail Dodge and died April 3, 1781, was a farmer, and lived at different times on the "Ayres Farm," in Hamilton, Salcm, and Ipswich. On the Richardson side the family came here from England as early as 1630. Stephen Richard-
son settled in Middleton; and in that town was born Abijah, the next in line and the grand- father of Frank C. Richardson. Abijah mar- ried Naomi Richardson, and came to Danvers, where he engaged in farming.
Jonathan M. Richardson, above named, is still living in Essex, hale and hearty at the age of seventy-eight, and able every day to be at his storc and oversce his business. For more than fifty years he has carried on a gen- eral store, and he is one of the most respected men in the town. When a young man he taught school for some time in Gloucester, Essex, and Marlboro, and then began business in Gloucester and afterward in Essex. He was educated at Danvers and at Phillips Academy of Andover. He is a strong Uni- versalist, and has served as a member of the Parish Committee. He has also been a mem- ber of the School Board. His wife, Minerva, was a daughter of Moses and Abigail (Lufkin) Knowlton and a grand-daughter of Moses and Mrs. (Cummings) Knowlton, who came to these parts from New Gloucester, Me. Her father, a farmer of Essex, owning a farm near Choate's Island, was one of the pioneers of the Universalist church, and contributed gen- erously toward the building of the church cdifice. His son, Moscs, is now living in Essex in excellent health, at the age of eighty-seven. Minerva Knowlton's maternal grandparents were William and Patience (Choate) Lufkin, the latter a relative of Rufus Choate.
After acquiring his early education in the town schools and at Dcan Academy in Frank- lin, Frank C. Richardson began the study of law with Judge Charles P. Thompson, of Gloucester. Admitted to the bar in due course, he practised with the Judge from 1879 to 1885. In 1883 he was admitted to the Essex bar. Subsequent to 1885 he worked at
JOSEPH S. HOWE.
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his profession without a partner in Salem, conducting in that period a number of impor- tant cases for the town of Essex, one of which related to the town boundary.
Mr. Richardson has always been a Demo- crat. He has been a candidate for State Sen- ator and Representative. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen and of the School Board until he resigned from both. In 1895 he was appointed to the office he is now filling so ably. He is a member of Ocean Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; and of the Knights of Pythias at Essex. Mrs. Richardson before her marriage was Myra E. Davis, of Essex, in which town she and Mr. Richardson now reside.
RED STEVENS SMITH, M.D., a popular young physician of North An- dover, was born in this town, May 6, 1870, son of George I. and Laura (Stevens) Smith. His grandfather, David C. Smith, was a native of New Hampshire and by trade a shoemaker. In early life he was active in public affairs, and was a member of the Board of Selectmen. His last days were spent in Georgetown, Mass.
George I. Smith, Fred S. Smith's father, was born in Georgetown, but the greater part of his life has been spent in North Andover. He was a machinist for many years, was ac- tively concerned in the local government, and served as Chief of Police. By his wife, Laura Stevens Smith, who is a daughter of Isaac Stevens, of this town, he has had one son, Fred S., the subject of this sketch.
Fred Stevens Smith acquired his early edu- cation in the public schools, and later attended Phillips Academy, at which he was graduated in 1891. Having decided to adopt the pro- fession of medicine, he matriculated at Har- vard University Medical School the same
year, and after taking a four years' course was graduated in 1895. He immediately en- tered into practice, locating in North An- dover in January, 1896; and his careful, earnest work is rapidly gaining for him a lucrative practice. Dr. Smith attends the Congregational church.
OSEPH SIDNEY HOWE, a civil en- gineer by profession and the Town Treasurer and Town Clerk of Methuen for the past twenty-one years, was born here on October 15, 1832. A son of Joseph Howe, he is a descendant of James Howe, who came from Hatfield, England, to Massachu- setts in 1637, locating in Ipswich, Essex County. This ancestor's son was the James Howe whose wife, Elizabeth Jackson Howe, was hung for witchcraft on July 19, 1692. According to W. S. Nevins, she was a woman of most exemplary character, devout, pious, kind, and charitable, virtues that availed her nothing at her trial. When Judge Hathorne asked her, "What say you to this charge? " the good woman replied, "If it was the last moment I was to live, God knows I am innocent of anything in this nature." James Howe (third), a grandson of James Howe (second), had a son, Joseph (first), born March 18, 1736, who married Ilannah Carle- ton, and settled in Methuen, Mass. Joseph Howe (second), son of Joseph and Hannah Howe, was born in Methuen on Sunday morn- ing, August 10, 1760. He married Lydia Eaton, of Haverhill, Mass., and with her reared six children. These were: Jemima M., who married John Tyler; Christopher, who was a farmer in Methuen, and died at an ad- vanced age, leaving two sons and three daugh- ters; Frederick, who was a blacksmith in Danvers, Mass., and died at the age of four-
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score years, leaving three sons and one daugh- ter; Phineas, who was engaged in a mercan- tile business in Concord, Mass., and died in middle life; Joseph, who was the father of Jo- seph S .; and Mary, who married Jesse Smith. Joseph Howe (third), having adopted the oc- cupation in which he was reared, was num- bered among the most prosperous agricultu- rists of Methuen. He was quite active in local affairs, and served many terms in important town offices. His first marriage was made with Caroline Hamlet, of Pelham, N. H., who bore him three children - Joseph Sidney, Milton G., and Henry Martin. Henry died in childhood. After the mother's death in 1837, the father contracted three other mar- riages, by which there were no children. A native of Methuen, born August 16, 1800, he died on February 20, 1895.
Joseph Sidney Howe received his prelimi- nary education at Dummer Academy in By- field. Subsequently he pursued a classical course at Phillips Academy in Andover and a scientific course at Dartmouth College, class of 1855: Remaining with his father, he worked at farming and civil engineering until 1872. Then he purchased the original Howe homestead, which is said to have come down from a grant given by King George, and is now owned by Joel Foster, one of the affluent and influential agriculturists of Methuen. In 1883 he built his present residence at 8 Stevens Street, where he has a most attractive home. In politics he is a sound money Dem- ocrat, and he has been prominent in town affairs for many years. Since 1877, when the former Town Treasurer absconded, he has had charge of the town funds; and he has also been a Selectman, the Town Clerk, and the Collector of Taxes for the same length of time. He was State Senator in 1870, serving as a member of the Agricultural Committee;
and in 1872 he was a member of the House of Representatives, when he was assigned to the same committee. A Royal Arch Mason, he was Master of the John Hancock Lodge and for three years the District Deputy.
On April 4, 1859, Mr. Howe married Mary A. Tenney, who was born in Methuen. A daughter of John and Mary (Bartlett) Tenney, she is a descendant of the well-known Bart- lett family of Haverhill, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Howe have had two children, one of whom, Caroline, lived but two years. The other child, Elizabeth J., graduated from the Methuen schools and Wheaton Seminary, and is now a successful teacher in the public schools of her native town. Both parents are Congregationalists in religious belief.
AILEY SARGENT, an enterprising insurance agent of Merrimac and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in this town when it was a part of Amesbury, on August 6, 1834. He is a son of Jonathan Bailey Sargent, a prominent business man of Amesbury, who manufactured carriages, axles, and springs extensively for many years. After completing his education at the Read- ing Academy, Bailey Sargent was employed in his father's factory until 1861. Then he was appointed Postmaster by President Lin- coln. He had served in that capacity for about two years, when, resigning in favor of his sister, Jane Sargent, he enlisted in the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, re- ceiving from Governor Andrew the commis- sion of Second Lieutenant and later that of First Lieutenant. Assigned to detached duty, he was acting Quartermaster at Plym- outh. Since he was mustered out with the regiment at the close of the war in 1865, he has been chiefly engaged in conducting an in-
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surance agency. He has built up a prosper- ous business in this locality, and represents several leading fire and life insurance com- panies. He is a director of the West New- bury Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and he has been the secretary and treasurer of the Merrimac Co-operative Bank since its organ- ization.
Mr. Sargent was a Selectman of Amesbury in 1869 and 1870 and the Town Treasurer and Collector in 1875. In 1876, when Merri- mac was set off and incorporated, he was elected its Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, and Collector. He has filled the former office with marked ability up to the present time. He married Lydia M. Gunnison, daughter of William Gunnison, a prominent carriage man- ufacturer of Merrimac, and has two children - Porter and Gertrude. Gertrude is the wife of Frank Winn, of this town; and Porter Sargent, who was for many years book-keeper for J. S. Poyen & Co., of Amesbury, is at present the secretary and treasurer of Ames- bury Co-operative Bank, and a Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor. Mr. Sargent, Sr., is an active member of the Sec- ond Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment Association. He has been twice elected Commander of C. R. Mudge Post, No. 114, G. A. R., which he assisted in organizing, and attended as a delegate the National En- campment at St. Paul, and was also present at those of Washington and Louisville.
HARLES W. COOKE, of Newbury- port, a retired contractor, was born here, February 2, 1831, son of Charles Cooke. He comes of Prussian de- scent through his mother's family. His father, who was born in Boston, died there while his son was still an infant. The
mother, a daughter of Hannah Cooke, died shortly after the decease of her husband. Thrown upon his own resources thus early in life, Charles W. commenced to earn his own living at the age of seven by making candles. When thirteen years old he began to learn carpentry under the instruction of Mr. Jere Shaw at South Boston.
After finishing his apprenticeship with William T. Houston, being then seventeen years old, Mr. Cooke went by sea to Califor- nia, where he arrived without a cent in his pocket. On the voyage he made the acquaint- ance of a man who offered to help him. A hotel runner, whom he met on the wharf, gave him something to do, and allowed him to stay at his hotel until his fortunes improved. At first he worked in the mines. Soon after, in company with two others, he decided to go on the stage, and started for Salt Lake City. He reached Virginia City, Nev., about a month after silver had been struck in the mines. Stopping here, he built houses, and erected the Harvard Theatre, the first play- house in the town. He acted for some time in Piller's Opera House, appearing with James Stark, Harry Brown, Mccullough, and Lawrence Barrett, until the wheel of fortune turned again for him, and he became the Chief of Police of Virginia City, the first one elected by the people. Afterward for a long period broken only by a short and unprofit- able stay in Meadow Lake, Cal., he was em- ployed by Charles Bonner, the superintendent of Savage Mine. The company then sent Mr. Cooke to the White Pine district to put up mills. After an absence of eighteen years to a day, he returned to Boston, November 7, 1869. In 1871 he came to Newburyport, and worked in the Victoria Mills, setting up the machinery, after which he went into business with N. W. Hurd, a carpenter. His next
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change was to become a contractor in business for himself. Five or six years ago, at the urgent request of Captain Charles Lunt, he undertook the general management of that gentleman's estate. Since June, 1896, he has devoted his attention to his own interests in real estate.
Mr. Cooke is unmarried. He is a Demo- crat and a full-blooded American. He was made a Mason in Virginia City, Nev. ; was first Junior Warden in DeWitt Clinton's Com- mandery, K. T., in Virginia City, holding this office four years; and joined Howard Lodge, R. A. M., at Carson City; was K. T. and a member of the Council at Placer- ville, Cal. He is at present a member of Newburyport Commandery. Mr. Cooke's varied life and travels have given him a wide experience and an interesting personality.
RANKLIN K. HOOPER, the chair- man of the Republican Town Commit- tee of Manchester and a member of the firm C. H. Sheldon & Co., provision dealers, was born here, February 2, 1849, son of Cap- tain William and Sallie (Colby) Hooper. The Hoopers have been residents here for several generations. Captain Hooper, who was a sea- faring man, was born and died here. His wife's father, Colonel Colby, now deceased, was a prominent man of the town.
Franklin K. Hooper passed his boyhood in Manchester until his eleventh year. Then he went to Hopkinton, N.H., to live with Stephen Kelly. After about four years spent there he returned to Manchester, which has since been his place of residence. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Manchester. When eighteen years old he began learning the cabinet-maker's trade, which he afterward followed for about twelve
years. At the end of that time, in company with Mr. Sheldon, he engaged in the provision business, which he has since followed success- fully. He is a member of the Boston Cham- ber of Commerce. Manchester is indebted to him as one of the promoters of its present admirable water supply system.
On various occasions Mr. Hooper has been Moderator of town meetings, and for five years successively he was Town Auditor. He has been the treasurer of the Republican Town Committee, and is now serving his third term as its chairman. A member of Magnolia Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he is a Past Grand, and he belongs to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Odd Fellows. He is also a Mason, having membership in Liberty Lodge, Amity Chapter, and St. George Commandery, of Beverly. He married Susan E. Sheldon, daughter of Charles H. Sheldon, with whom he is associated in busi- ness. Of this union four children have been born; namely, Arthur K., Ethel S., Harry F., and Charles.
ESLEY PETTENGILL, the chair- man of Salisbury's Board of Select- men and a well-known farmer, was born here, April 2, 1836, son of William M. and Mary (Stevens) Pettengill. He comes of an old and honored family founded by Richard Pettengill, one of the early settlers. Matthew Pettengill, the great-great-grandfather of Wes- ley, bought a farm of Robert Pike; and the deed transferring to the purchaser the seventy acres of land comprising the property is still in the possession of the family. Matthew's son, Samuel, had a son, Joseph, who married Rhoda Smith, of Seabrook, and lived on the farm.
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