USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Plymouth County, Massachusetts > Part 11
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He started first in the manufacture of nails and shoe tacks in Brockton, and about a year later moved his business to Campello. There he remained about a year, and then removed to Bridgewater, adding steel shanks to his prod- ucts. Within six or seven months he returned to Campello, and was there engaged in the
manufacture of tacks and nails only, until De- cember, 1889, when he returned to Bridge- water. Since that time his Bridgewater plant has been in opcration, with such good results that its success is assured. The main build- ing is a two-story structure on . Hale Street, one hundred by thirty feet in dimensions. The plant is well-equipped with modern ma- chinery, and the output is considerable. The products are sold mainly in New York City.
Mr. Miller was married in 1872 to Cather- ine Lynch, a native of Bridgewater, and has four children - Mary L., Arthur C., Harry T., and Chester F. Politically, he favors the Re- publican side. He is a Mason, belonging to Fellowship Lodge, of Bridgewater. Dili- gently and sagaciously applying himself to business, Mr. Miller has achieved success by his own efforts alone, and has won the respect of all with whom he has had dealings. He has one of the handsomest residences in Bridgewater, a monument to his energy and worthy ambition.
A DONIRAM VAUGHN, a trustee and a member of the Board of Investment of the Abington Savings Bank, be- longs to one of the old families of this section of the State which have produced the best part of the population. He was born in the town of Carver, December 4, 1820, a son of Alvan and Sarah S. (Ripley) Vaughn. His lineage both on the maternal and the paternal side is easily traced for nearly two hundred years, and includes gencrations of hale and hearty New England people, who have lived to ad- vanced age.
Adoniram Vaughn was reared on a farm in Carver and acquired his education in the dis- trict school. At the age of sixteen he re- moved with his parents to Warren, Me., and
WALTER L. FRENCH.
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for ten years devoted his energies to farming and lumbering in the same place. Coming to Abington he was engaged for fifteen years as superintendent of the shoe factory of J. Vaughn & Hersey. A conservative citizen of marked ability and good judgment, he has the full confidence of his townsmen, and his opin- ion is always received with respect. Though for some time retired from active work, he still retains his connection with the Abington Savings Bank, and he is also a Director of the Mount Vernon Cemetery Association. In pol- itics he is a strong Republican. Appointed Postmaster of Abington some time in Presi- dent Grant's last administration, he served to its close and during the early part of the term of President Hayes, then voluntarily resigning.
Mr. Vaughn was married January 1, 1855, to Bethiah Brewster, of Hanson, daughter of Philip and Bethiah Brewster, and has one child, A. Brewster Vaughn. In religious be- lief he is a Congregationalist.
ALTER L. FRENCH, of Brockton, Mass., is an enterprising business man who has achieved success in various branches of industry and trade. He was born in Brockton (at that time North Bridgewater), May 4, 1843, a son of Francis M. and Nancy I. (Blake) French. His pa- ternal grandfather, William French, was born in North Bridgewater. A shoemaker by trade, he was in a small way a manufacturer of boots. He lived to be eighty-four years of age. William French was one of the first in this part of the State to embrace the Swedenbor- gian faith, and he helped to found the New Jerusalem Church here. He married Ann, daughter of John Wales, of North Bridgewater, and had six children, three of whom are now living.
Francis M. French, who was the eldest of the family, was born in North Bridgewater, July 20, 1811. When he was twenty years old he engaged in the manufacture of shoes, his factory standing on the site of the store now owned by his son, Walter L .; and with the exception of two and a half years, when he was engaged as book-keeper for William F. Brett, he was in the shoe business some forty years. He was afterward associated with his son in various enterprises. In politics he has always been identified with Republican prin- ciples, voting originally with the Whigs. He cast his first Presidential ballot for Henry Clay. He was aid to the marshal who headed a deputation escorting the Hon. John Quincy Adams from Randolph to North Bridgewater, where, on November 6, 1844, the venerable ex-President delivered a lecture. Mr. Francis M. French has officiated as Justice of the Peace for forty-two years, holding his commis- sion under six governors. He was at one time nominated for the State legislature. A Mason in high standing, he is Past Master of Paul Revere Lodge, of Brockton; belongs also to Satucket Chapter and Bay State Commandery, and has been offered several chairs, but mod- estly declined. His first wife, Nancy, daugh- ter of Elias Blake, of Wrentham. died in 1845, leaving two children : Edward Augustus, who died August 9, 1849; and Walter L. His second wife was Mary Ann Maghic.
Walter L. French acquired his education in North Bridgewater, attending Loomis Acad- emy and Hunt's Academy. He went to work in the grocery store of William F. Brett when he was twelve years old, and was employed there some two years, returning then to school for a while. He was next employed in the shoe factory of French & Packard (Mr. French, the senior member of the firm being his father), and remained there until the breaking
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out of the war. In 1861 he enlisted in Com- pany F, Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment, and was waiter for Captain Hichborn until the regiment was mustered into service at Fort Warren. On August 9, 1862, he enlisted in the navy and was assigned to the United States steamship "Hunchback" in the North Atlantic squadron. He received his discharge August 15, 1863. During his service he took part in a number of important engagements, including the siege at New Berne and the siege of Little Washington, both in North Carolina. After his second discharge he attempted to en- list again, but failed to pass the physical ex- amination.
In 1864 he became a member of the firm of French & Packard, which was then changed to French, Packard & Sons, the factory being the old one on the site of the present store. The partnership was dissolved a year later, and Mr. French was employed in Porter & Packard's shoe factory for six months; then, his father's partner dying, he took his place, and the firm became F. M. and W. L. French. In 1870 father and son started in the grocery business, and for some time were the leading grocers of the place. At the time of the great horse dis- temper in 1870 they delivered their goods with a team of oxen. They were very successful, and, though they went out of business in 1879, they started again in 1880, and were together until 1890, when the elder gentleman retired. Mr. Walter L. French has since managed the grocery business alone, and is also engaged in brokerage and dealing in leather remnants. In the latter business he is a member of the firm of W. L. French & Co., organized in 1895, his partners being F. L. Price and N. C. Clark. Mr. French is likewise extensively engaged in farming, owning three hundred acres of land, and sells considerable wood.
In 1864 he was married to Lucy Ames,
daughter of Daniel Ames, of North Bridge- water. Mrs. French, who is an intelligent and capable lady, assumes much of the man- agement of the farm. They have one child - Ellen Lucinda, born September 11, 1868. Mr. French generally votes the Republican ticket. He belongs to Paul Revere Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; to the Brockton Commercial Club; to Fletcher Webster Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic; and is a char- ter member of Appomatox Command, No. 22, Union Veterans' Union. He is a member of the Porter Congregational Church.
EORGE S. HASKINS, one of the prominent citizens of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Mass., was born in this town, January 27, 1856, the son of Ce- phas and Betsey M. (Soule) Haskins.
Cephas Haskins was a well-known and in- fluential resident of Lakeville, where he was in trade some forty-five years, and was station agent thirty-nine years. An independent in politics, he held the confidence and esteem of both parties, and was elected to several important offices of trust. He was the first Postmaster of the town, holding the office thirty-six years. He served as Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor for a num- ber of years, and was in the State legislature in 1872. In religious belief he was a Congre- gationalist. He lived to be seventy years of age, passing away January 19, 1896. Mr. Cephas Haskins's first wife died in 1857, leav- ing three children: Lydia K. ; Mary A., the present Postmistress at Lakeville; and George S., the subject of this sketch. His second wife, Mary E. Mason, had two children -- Ar- lena and Anna M.
George S. Haskins received a good educa- tion, attending the district school near his
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home. Pierce Academy at Middleboro, and Bridgewater Academy. When but a boy he began to assist his father in the store, and he grew up in the business, also aiding in distrib- uting the mail; and after attaining his major- ity he was appointed Assistant Postmaster, an office he held until his fathers' death, giv- ing universal satisfaction by his courtesy and promptness in delivery. Mr. Haskins is widely known and is very popular among his townsmen.
He was married June 14, 1882, to Miss Lizzie E. Harlow. In politics he favors the Democratic side; and he, too, has been in office for a number of years. He has served as Selectman and Assessor for ten years, from 1886 to 1896, and for the past three years has officiated as Overseer of the Poor. Mr. Haskins is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Middleboro Lodge.
OHN H. RYDER, a well-known farnier and lumberman of Middleboro, Mass., son of Wilson C. and Katherine (Mil- lett) Ryder, was born on the paternal farm in this town, November 16, 1848. His father also was a native of Middleboro. After ob- taining his early education in the common school, Wilson C. Ryder attended Waterville College and fitted himself for the gospel min- istry. The duties of this office he fulfilled until 1840, when he settled on the farm in Middleboro now occupied by his son, John H. The Rev. Wilson C. Ryder and Katherine Millett joined hearts and hands at the mar- riage altar, and, as the years passed by, four children were born to them; namely, Wilson C., Henry K. W., Nathaniel F., and John H., all of whom are residents of Plymouth County.
John H. Ryder in his childhood and youth attended the common schools and Pierce Acad-
emy, acquiring a good education. When he attained his majority he went to Boston in search of Dame Fortunc, remaining two years. He then returned to the farm, where he has resided continuously ever since. He owns in all one hundred acres of land, and carries on general farming and lumbering. In politics Mr. Ryder is a Republican. In his religious faith he is orthodox, being a member of the Rock Congregationalist Church.
In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza F. Gibbs. Four children are the result of this union ; namely, Howard F., Kate WV., Henry L., and Reuben H. Ryder.
SAAC PACKARD, late an extensive land-owner and farmer of Brockton, Mass., who died on May 30, 1892, in the seventy-second year of his age, was born here at the old homestcad on Forest Avenue, July 3, 1820. His parents were David and Susanna (Perkins) Packard. The father was a highly respected farmer, who owned most of the land in what was then North Bridgewater, now Brockton. He married Susanna Perkins of that town. By religious preference they attended the First Congregational Church.
Isaac Packard, after acquiring a common- school education, worked on shoes for a num - ber of years. Later he became a stone mason, but he finally settled on a small farm. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party, and, being a man of public spirit, he was actively alive to local interests. Mr. Packard's religious interest deepened as the years rolled on. He attended the South Con- gregational Church in Campello, where his faith was shown by his works in the gift of land on Warren Street for a chapel.
He married in 1849 Sarah H. Bonney, daughter of Captain Ezekiel and Lydia H.
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Bonney. Her father, who was Captain of a passenger vessel for a number of years, lived in Kingston between voyages until his death, which occurred at the age of forty-two. The maternal ancestors belonged to one of the old families in Kingston, where Mrs. Packard was born. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Packard, four now survive; namely, Sarah F., George W., William H., and Julia A. Sarah F. Packard married Sylvanus Cook Packard, of Brockton; George W. works in a shoe factory; William H. works for Moses Packard, and resides in North Easton; and Julia A. became the wife of Edward C. Leach, of Boston, and resides in that city.
HOMAS STOTT, an expert spinner, employed at the Plymouth Woollen Mills, was born in Lancashire, Eng- land, May 28, 1838. In his early youth he began work in the cotton mills, where he learned the spinner's trade, and in July, 1864, he emigrated to the United States, first set- tling in Norwich, Conn., where he was for a time employed at the armory. From Norwich he went to Pockatannock, where he pursued his calling as a spinner in Hall Brothers' Woollen Mills for some four years; and, after working in the Bean Hill Mills, Conn., and at Lake Village, N. H., for a time, he was for three years employed at the Belknap Mills in . Laconia, N. H. He was subsequently em- ployed in the stocking-mills in Ipswich, Mass., and in the woollen-mills in Mystic, Conn., until 1880, when he came to Plyni- outh under engagement to the concern which started what is now known as the Plymouth Woollen Mills, and he has since remained here. His long and successful experience as a spinner in both England and the United States places him in the foremost rank among
the experts of his line in this locality ; and, aside from the confidence with which he is re- garded by his employers, he is highly es- teemed by the community generally as a worthy and useful citizen.
On December 13, 1869, in Laconia, N. H., Mr. Stott was married to Mary Madowall, who was born in Banbridge, Ulster County, Ire- land, and from her native country removed to England. In 1869 she emigrated to the United States, arriving on the 17th of June, and going direct to Laconia, N. H., where the marriage took place six months later, as above mentioned. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stott have had two children. The eldest, a girl, died October 10, 1877; and the youngest, a son, Thomas H., is now employed as a job printer.
ILMAN OSGOOD, M.D., of Rock- land, Mass., is among the best- qualified physicians and surgeons in the county. He was born in Abington, Mass., February 26, 1863, a son of Gilman and Isa- bella (Foster) Osgood.
Gilman Osgood, Sr., was born in Durham, Me. He was engaged in the manufacture of shoes in Rockland and Abington for a num- ber of years, and is now retired from business, living in Belmont, Mass. Mrs. Osgood, who was born on the Cape, is a daughter of Free -. man Foster, now one of the oldest citizens of Abington, having passed his ninetieth birth- day. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilman Osgood, Sr. ; namely, Isabella, Marion, Gilman, and Charles.
Gilman Osgood, Jr., was graduated from the Abington High School in 1880, and in 1886 he was graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College at New York, one of the fore- most schools in the world, and was then ap- pointed to the staff of the King's County (New
BAALIS SANFORD.
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York) Hospital, serving one year. A year later he was made assistant physician on the Asylum Staff, devoting two years to this specialty; and he was subsequently for two years superintendent of the King's County Hospital. During his connection with this institution he acquired a practical knowledge and experience rarely given to a young physi- cian. In 1890 Dr. Osgood resigned his posi- tion and settled in Rockland as successor to Dr. J. C. Gleason (deceased), and from the beginning he has had a large general practice. He is a member of the King's County (N. Y.) Medical Association and of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
On January 14, 1891, Dr. Osgood was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Russell, who was born in Bethel, Me., and reared by an uncle, George L. Richardson, of Abington, Mass. Dr. and Mrs. Osgood have two chil- dren : Louise, born November 6, 1891; and Gilman, born April 11, 1895. The Doctor is prominent as a member of society, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Osgood is a member of the Congregational church.
B AALIS SANFORD, one of the able business men of Brockton, is the eldest son of the Rev. Baalis and Abby (Burt) Sanford, born in East Bridge- water, October 4, 1833. He is of Revolution- ary stock. His grandfather, Captain Joseph Sanford, was an officer in the Continental army. Captain Sanford, who was a mason by trade, while stationed at Fort Warren in Bos- ton Harbor, built within the precincts of the fort a chimney that still stands in testimony of the quality of the work he was accustomed to perform. Of the Captain's children four sons became clergymen; and one, Enoch, who
preached in Raynham, Mass., many years, lived to be ninety-six years of age. The Rev. Baalis Sanford, a native of Berkley, Bristol County, born July, 1801, graduated from Brown University in 1827, and in 1831 took charge of the Congregational parish in East Bridgewater, where he labored for more than a quarter of a century. He was much respected and beloved, and he died in 1880, aged seventy-nine years.
Baalis Sanford acquired an excellent educa- tion at the common schools of his native town and Bridgewater, and at the East Bridgewater academies. When fourteen years of age he learned the shoemaker's trade, and worked at it when not in school for the ensuing three years. In April, 1851, he entered the dry- goods house of Robinson & Barry, of North Bridgewater (now Brockton), as book-keeper and cashier, taking the place of Melville Hay- ward. This gentleman had left to engage in the study of law, and afterward became dis- tinguished in his profession in New York City. Mr. Sanford was admitted February I, 1858, as a member of the firm of H. W. Robinson & Co., successors to Robinson & Barry, Messrs. Gorham B. Howard and El- bridge W. Morse becoming members of the company at the same time. These relations remained unchanged until 1869, when Messrs. Howard and Morse retired from the firm, and Mr. Joseph W. Robinson, son of H. W. Robinson, was admitted to partnership. Mr. Sanford is now the senior partner of the firm, and attends to the book-keeping and financial affairs. Since his connection with the busi- ness began it has grown to an importance ex- celled by few houses in Eastern Massachu- setts. Mr. Sanford has many other business interests. He was book-keeper for the Brock- ton Gas Light Company for twenty years, and in 1886-88 was Treasurer of the corporation.
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He was elected the first President of the Se- curity Co-operative Bank in 1878, and was re- elected in 1879, but declined to serve longer on account of business cares. He was elected President of the Brockton Savings Bank in April, 1892, and still holds that position. He is one of the Vice-Presidents and a Di- rector of the Brockton Agricultural Society ; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ceme- tery Funds for the perpetual care of lots in Union Cemetery; Auditor of the Wales Home Corporation; and Treasurer and Di- rector of the Lugonia Fruit Growing and Packing Company of Redlands, Cal. He was one of the charter members of the Com- mercial Club; served as its Secretary for twelve years, and as Treasurer for five years; and is at present a member of the Board of Management.
Mr. Sanford was married in North Bridge- water, then Brockton, August 19, 1856, to Lucy Cotton, daughter of Captain Benjamin and Anne (Whitman) Hapgood. Of the three children born to him, Irene Gertrude is liv- ing. Anna Cora and Mable Louise died suc- cessively in 1860 and 1869. Though not an active politician, Mr. Sanford is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and has served with credit in public office. He was a member of the Brockton School Committee from 1875 to 1885 inclusive, acting as Secre- tary of the Board during the entire period. He was elected one of the Town Auditors in 1879, and served three years in that capacity. In 1882, when the town became a city, he was elected City Auditor, and served fourteen years, resigning at the end of that time. He has been Justice of the Peace since 1881; and in 1879 he was a member of the lower branch of the State legislature, serving on the Com- mittee on Mercantile Affairs. He has been identified with the Masonic fraternity since
1864, filling with dignity the highest official positions. From 1867 to 1869 he was Worthy Master of Paul Revere Lodge; from 1869 to 1872 he was High Priest of Satucket Royal Arch Chapter; from 1876 to 1878, Eminent Commander of Bay State Commandery, Knights Templars; at present he is Thrice Illustrious Master of Brockton Council of Royal and Select Masters; and he was Re- corder of Bay State Commandery for fifteen years. He is a permanent member of the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery of Massachusetts, and of the Grand Council of the American Legion of Honor; and he is a life member of the Mas- sachusetts Consistory, thirty-second degree. In religious matters he is affiliated with the Congregationalists, and was Treasurer of the Porter Society for seven years.
HARLES FRANKLIN DAVID, one of the alert and enterprising citizens of Abington, Mass., widely known as a newspaper man from his former connec- tion with the Plymouth County Journal, and later as the founder of the C. F. David Adver- tising Agency, is now the proprietor of the popular medicines for stock and fowls known as "The Big Three." He was born in South Braintree, Mass., April 4, 1856, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Stone) David, of that town. On the paternal side he is of French Huguenot descent, and the composer David was a kinsman of his father and grand- father.
As a lad Charles F. David was a precocious scholar. He had completed the grammar- school course in South Braintree when only nine years old, and he entered the high school at an age when the majority of pupils are just going into the grammar. Leaving school
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when fourteen years old, he first went to work for Jordan, Marsh & Co., of Boston. He was fifteen years of age at this time, and when he had been in the employ of the great dry-goods firm only two months he was given charge of one of the store-houses. After working for Jordan, Marsh & Co., about a year, he took a course in Comer's Commercial College, and then obtained employment as accountant in Moore's printing office.
Here his ability was soon recognized, and, Mr. Moore being taken sick, Mr. David for a time carried on the business. Two years later he purchased the entire outfit, and removed to South Braintree; and after staying there six months, at the earnest solicitation of the Ab- ington people. he came to this town, and took charge of the Plymouth County Journal. The paper was then in a languishing condition, and had only a quarter of a column of advertise- ments, the lifeblood of the modern periodical. Mr. David went to work with characteristic energy, and within six months the paper dis- played over thirty columns of "ads." For about twenty months he worked with such unceasing energy that he undermined his health, and was advised by his physician to give up the business. Accordingly, he sold the Journal to Mr. F. W. Rollins.
His next venture was in the advertising agency business, in which he was interested some ten years, founding a corporation styled the C. F. David Advertising Agency. In 1895 he purchased Dole's Horse and Cattle Invigorator, and he has since added David's Hen and Chicken Invigorator and David's Cure for Hog Cholera and Swine Distemper. The combination is known as "The Big Three "; and these specifics, it is said, actually do more than is claimed for them, being the acknowledged leaders in their line. They are in constant demand among stock breeders.
Like most men who have had a taste of the newspaper business, Mr. David still has lean- ings toward his old sphere of work, and has many friends among the printers.
He was married May 8, 1876, to Miss Lizzie A. Reynolds, of Abington, daughter of Griffin Clark and Sarah Maria Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds, her father, now deceased, was a prominent shoe manufacturer. Mr. and Mrs. David have no children. Mr. David is a member of Pilgrim Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Abington.
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