USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Plymouth County, Massachusetts > Part 20
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he served in the army of the Potomac, taking part in the battle of the Wilderness and other important engagements, including the terrible struggle around Petersburg, where he was under fire most of the time. He was honor- ably discharged in July, 1865, since which he has been engaged as described above.
On January 27, 1869, Mr. Bartlett married Abigail Howard, a daughter of Charles How- ard, of West Bridgewater, Mass. Three of their four children are living ; namely, Henry, Helen, and Jane. Annie died February 6, 1871, age eight months and twenty-seven days. Mr. Bartlett is identified with the Masonic order, being a member of Fellowship Lodge, Bridgewater; Satucket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Brockton ; and Bay State Commandery, Knights Templars, of Brockton. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias of West Bridgewater, of the Knights of Honor of Bridgewater, and of the West Bridgewater Grange. He served his town as Highway Sur- veyor for a number of years, and he has always taken pride in furthering its welfare. He and his family are highly esteemed in social circles.
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ENRY ALLEN BRETT, a salesman of the clothing firm of Howard & Caldwell, of Brockton, is one of the most popular men in the city. He was born in North Bridgewater, April 4, 1830, son of Zenas and Sybil (French) Brett. The Brett family has been long established in this county. Henry Allen's great-grandfather, Samuel Brett, a native of North Bridgewater, was there engaged for a number of years in agriculture. William Brett, the grandfather, who was also born in North Bridgewater, spent his active life in farming, and owned a very large farm. A member of the First Congre- gational Church, he was a religious man, lived
up to the teachings of his church, and died at the age of eighty-two. He was twice married. His first wife - Mara Allen, of East Bridge- water, before marriage - bore him four sons and three daughters. His second wife, whose maiden name was Betsey Phillips, gave birth to four children.
Zenas Brett, who was the first-born of his parents' children, received a common-school education. On attaining man's estate he ell- gaged in farming and also in trade, keeping a general store for a number of years in the part of Brockton now known as Montello. Al- though much engrossed by his own affairs, his patriotism caused him to serve in the War of 1812. He was a prominent member of the First Congregational Church, and in his youth was accustomed to read the service at the meetings. His death occurred in his eighty-fourth year. He, too, was twice mar- ried. His first wife, Sybil (French) Brett, who was a daughter of William French, of Stoughton, died in 1834, aged forty-eight years. William French was a prominent mer- chant from the age of seventeen. She bore him three girls and three boys; namely, Sarah, William French, Mary Allen, Zenas Franklin, Sybil Alma, and Henry Allen. His second wife, Elmira, a daughter of John Packard, of North Bridgewater, is now in her ninety-first year. She became the mother of five children - Mary Ellen, Charles Edward, Cordelia El- mira, Sarah Adelaide, and George Elmer. Of the eleven children four are living - Sybil, Henry A., Mary E., and Sarah A.
Henry Allen Brett studied in the schools of North Bridgewater, in Loomis Academy, the Adelphian Academy, and the Blanchard Acad- emy of Pembroke, N. H., from which he grad- uated. He entered the world of trade at the age of fourteen, obtaining -employment with Brett & Kingman, of which firm his brother
GUSTAVUS ATWOOD.
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was the senior partner. Here he remained until he was twenty years old, when he went to Lewiston, Me., and opened a general store. This he managed for two years; and then for the succeeding eight years he conducted a store in Wareham, Mass., carrying a full line of general merchandise. On February 14, 1860, the occasion of his leaving Wareham, a most unique souvenir was tendered him by his friends. It was a hammered silver pitcher made of five and ten cent pieces, melted and cast, the coins being contributed by his many acquaintances. February 15, 1860, he opened a store in Brockton, with general merchandise, dry goods, millinery, and hardware, having a tailoring and dressmaking establishment at- tached. This he managed until he closed up his business in 1880. He was then in the employ of the Witherbee-Hill Clothing Com- pany on Clark Street, Chicago, one year, and with Sidney Packard's Clothing House of Springfield one year. Returning to his home, he spent a short while in Middleboro and Sandwich. On April 20, 1884, he entered the clothing house of Howard & Caldwell, of Brockton, his present employers. Here he is a general favorite. On the fiftieth anniver- sary of his entrance into business his fellow clerks tendered him a banquet, and presented him with a handsome easy-chair.
Mr. Brett was married in 1851 to Hannah Foster Gibbs, of Bridgewater, who died July 9, 1889, aged fifty-five years. She was the mother of five children, namely: William Frank, a business man, formerly of Danbury, Conn., now of Boston; Isabel Alma, the wife of S. F. Tolman, a well-known printer of Brockton; Harry Meade, who lived but two years; Edith, who lived but one year; and Allen Foster, travelling salesman for Packard & Field, shoe manufacturers of Brockton. Mr. Brett contracted a second marriage January 7,
1892, with Miss Irene Bradford, daughter of Simeon and Irene (Pratt) Bradford, of Middle- boro. He has long been identified with the Republican party. He is well advanced in Masonry, belonging to Social Harmony Lodge of Wareham; Satucket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Bay State Commandery, Knights Templars, of Brockton; a charter member of the Brockton Council of Royal and Select Masters; and a member of the Boston Council.
USTAVUS ATWOOD, a well-known and popular resident of Carver, was born upon his present farm in this town, November 18, 1843, son of Sumner and Clio (Humphrey) Atwood. Mr. Atwood's parents were natives of Carver, his father hav- ing been engaged in farming here for many years. They reared a family of seven chil- dren, as follows: Harriett, Charles S., Gus- tavus, Susan M., Frederick S., Emma J., and Mary H. The father died October 1, 1890, aged eighty-four years, two months, and twenty-eight days. The mother died January 18, 1892, at the age of seventy-five years, two months, and twenty-five days.
Gustavus Atwood received a common-school education. He was brought up to farm life, and at an early age displayed habits of indus- try and frugality. He resided with and cared for his parents until their decease; and some time after his marriage, when about thirty years old, he received from them a deed of one-half of the estate, after their death coming into possession of the other half. He now owns about ninety acres of good land, fifty of which are included in the homestead, the balance outlying. He carries on general farming, chiefly with a view to home con - sumption, and also operates a saw and grist mill, which give employment to several men.
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The saw-mill he operates chiefly in the winter ; and a large portion of his time during that season of the year, since coming of age, has been employed in cutting and sawing long lumber and shingles. In summer he works at general jobbing - painting, papering, carpen- tering, and mason work; and he has a wide reputation both for skill as a handicraftsman and for personal integrity. He has served as administrator in settling several estates, and also as executor and guardian. He is Trustee of the E. T. Pratt Fund, amounting to three thousand dollars, held for the public schools of Carver. He also writes conveyances, and is a Justice of the Peace, having been first appointed to this office in 1883 by Benjamin F. Butler, and reappointed in 1890 by J. Q. A. Brackett. In 1878 he served by appointment as a member of the School Com- mittee of Carver for several months to fill a vacancy caused by the death of a member. In 1879 he was elected to the office of Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor, and was re-elected twice, serving the town three years
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in succession. In the spring of 1884 he was chosen as a member of the School Committee, and has served every year since, being re- elected in the spring of 1896 for a term of three years, which, when completed, will make a total of fifteen years' service on the School Board. In 1896 Mr. Atwood was elected to the General Court of Massachusetts from the Sixth Plymouth District on the Republican. ticket, and without opposition, the latter cir- cumstance indicating the confidence placed in his ability and integrity by his fellow-citizens, regardless of party.
On February 20, 1870, Mr. Atwood mar- ried Mercy J. McFarlin, a daughter of John and Rebecca (Blackman) McFarlin. He has had four children, as follows: Gustavus Gil- bert, Charles Herbert, Albert Sumner, and
Nathaniel Francis. Gustavus G., who was born March 11, 1871, received a good educa- tion, being graduated from Maine State Col- lege. He chose civil engineering as his pro- fession, and now holds a good position with Mr. Holbrook, a contractor of Newton, Mass. July 3, 1896, he married Mary Lavinia Os- borne, daughter of Joseph C. and Eliza Jane (Witherel) Osborne. Charles H., born Feb- ruary 24, 1873, resides at home, and has gen- eral charge of affairs during his father's ab- sence. Albert S., born September 30, 1875, died September 16, 1876. Nathaniel F., born June 26, 1878, is at present a student.
Mr. Atwood is a man who has wisely im- proved his opportunities. His business affairs are in a flourishing condition, and he is re- spected both for his public service and as being an important factor in the general busi- ness interests of the town. He has long taken an active part in temperance work, and is con- nected by membership with Winthrop Lodge, No. 247, Independent Order of Good Tem- plars. He and his family stand high socially and have many friends. A portrait of Mr. Atwood accompanies this sketch.
EMUEL M. KEITH, the Postmaster at Bridgewater for the past ten years, is a native and one of the best- known residents of this place. He was born December 12, 1845, son of Elbridge and Caro- line (Keith) Keith. The Keith family, which is of Scotch origin, has given many generations to New England, some of its rep- resentatives being among the early Colonists. Caleb .Keith, the grandfather of Lemuel M., served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was stationed at Plymouth, Mass. Elbridge Keith was born in Bridgewater, Mass. A well-educated man, he taught school for a num-
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ber of years. Afterward he was engaged in business in Bridgewater. He was prominent in the town, served as Selectman for thirteen years, and was three years in the Massachu- setts State legislature. He died in 1865. His wife, who was a native of Easton, Mass., at this writing still survives him. Of their children, Hasadiah H., Lemuel M., Samuel S., Rhoda F., and Mary J. are living. Mary J. is the wife of Adney P. Alden, of Norwood, Mass.
Lemuel M. Keith is a graduate of Bridge- water Academy. After his father's death he managed the business left by the deceased for ten years. Retiring then, he was out of busi- ness for some time, when in April, 1886, he received his appointment as Postmaster under President Cleveland. In this capacity he has performed his duties in such a satisfactory manner that he has been retained through all the changes of administration since. Mr. Keith is a Democrat with independent procliv- ities. He was married in 1871 to Miss Esther M. Keith. A public-spirited citizen, he is always ready to aid projects for the betterment of the town and the good of society in general.
OHN M. WHITING, a well-known contracting mason of East Bridge- water, was born in this town, October 27, 1842. He is a son of John A. and Celesta (Howard) Whiting, the former of whom was a native of East Bridgewater, and the latter of West Bridgewater. Marlborough Whiting, the father of John A., was a Revolutionary soldier. James Whiting, the founder of the family, came from England in the year 1644, and settled in Hingham, this county. Martin Whiting, a brother of John A., held the office of Selectman in East Bridgewater for some thirty years, and was at one time the Tax Col-
lector for the town. John A. Whiting, who was born in East Bridgewater in the first year of the present century, and was a lifelong res- ident of the town, followed the trade of mason for over sixty years. He died in 1888, in his eighty-cighth year. Three of the children born to him and his wife, Celesta, grew to maturity ; namely, Sidney, Abbie, and John M.
John M. Whiting, the youngest of his parents' children, was educated in the common schools and at Allen's Academy. At the age of seventeen years he began lcarning the mason's trade with S. L. Washburn, of Brock- ton, by whom he was afterward employcd for about four years. Since then he has carried on a contracting business on his own account. Excepting two years spent in Pittsfield, Mass., he has continuously residcd in East Bridgewater and vicinity, where he has won the respect and friendship of the business community. On December 22, 1869, Mr. Whiting married Hclen Munyon, of North- ampton, Mass., who was a member of the Episcopal church, and died March 1I, 1894. He is identified with the Universalist church at Abington; and he has membership in Satucket Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of East Bridgewater, and Harmony Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Bridgewater. In politics he is a Republican.
ALBERT TILLSON, a retired foun- dry man of Carver, was born at the Tillson homestead in South Carver July 3, 1846, son of Zonas and Louise (King) Tillson. Mr. Tillson's great-grandfather, Ichabod Tillson, was the first ancestor of the family to locate in Carver. John Tillson, son of Ichabod, was a native and lifelong resident of this town, and followed agricultural pur-
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suits here during the active period of his life. His son, Zenas, Mr. Z. A. Tillson's father, resided in South Carver during his entire life, and was a foundry man by occupation.
Z. Albert Tillson was reared and educated in Carver. At the age of fourteen years he began life for himself as an apprentice at Ellis's foundry in this town. He followed foundry work for thirty years, twenty-seven of which were passed in the employ of the above- named concern. In 1890 he relinquished the pursuit of his trade to engage in farming. He now owns a good fertile farm; and since 1887 he has given considerable attention to the raising of small fruits, including cranber- ries, having a tract of twelve acres devoted to the product named. His substantial build- ings were erected in 1875. He displays both thrift and energy in the management of his property, and is one of the prosperous citizens of the town.
On January 9, 1865, Mr. Tillson wedded Ellen A. Hathaway, and by her has had six children, of whom two died in infancy. The survivors are: Wilfred A., who resides in Carver, and has been a member of the Board of Selectmen for three years; Mabel F .; Alice C .; and Blanche K. Mr. Tillson is connected with the Independent Order of Good Templars. His political opinions bring him into sympathy with the Populist party.
DGAR CROSSMAN RAYMOND, a well-known undertaker of Plymouth, was born in this town, July 20, 1825, son of George and Priscilla (Shaw) Raymond. Mr. Raymond's father, a native of Boston and a baker by trade, was employed in furnishing bread to the soldiers during the War of 1812. Later he settled in Plymouth, and here conducted a baking business for
many years. The site of his bakery is now occupied by Holmes & Hall. He died in this town in 1871, aged eighty-six years, leaving the reputation of a reliable, energetic business man and a worthy citizen. His wife, who was a native of Middleboro, Mass., became the - mother of eleven children, all of whom except one reached maturity. Of these Edgar C., the subject of this sketch, who was the young- est, is the only survivor.
Edgar Crossman Raymond acquired his edu- cation in the common schools. At the age of ten years he began work in Robbins's Rope Walk, where he remained until he was fifteen. He then went to Greenbush, N. Y., and there worked with his brother, Harvey S., at shoe- making for three or four years. He then re- turned home, and was employed for a time as clerk of a hotel in this town. In 1876 he spent a season in cod-fishing on the Grand Banks. After returning from this trip, he applied himself to learn the cabinet-maker's trade with his brother Charles and John Wil- son, who gave him his first instructions in the manufacture of caskets. He remained with his brother until the latter's death, in 1880. In the following year he formed a partnership with his nephew, and with him, under the firm name of Edgar C. Raymond & Co., was engaged in the undertaking business for four years. Joseph A. Smith then bought the junior partner's interest in the concern, which was continued under the same name until June, 1895. Mr. Smith then sold his interest to W. W. Beaman, when the firm name was altered to Raymond & Beaman. Mr. Ray- mond was for several years the superintendent of Vine Hill Cemetery, holding that position until obliged to give his whole attention to his undertaking business. He has acquired a wide reputation in this locality for caskets of the finest workmanship. In addition to the
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local trade he receives from the adjacent towns many orders, which his ample facilities enable him to meet with promptness and satis- faction.
In 1854 Mr. Raymond wedded Mary Grace Hughes, a native of North Wales, who has borne him two children, a son and a daughter. The daughter is now the wife of Edwin Louis Edes, a son of Oliver Edes, the rivet manu- facturer of Plymouth, and the inventor of the first rivet machine used in this country. Mr. Raymond's son, who was formerly in the shoe manufacturing business in Whitman, Mass., is now organizing lodges of a fraternal and beneficial order. He married Adeline Pru- dence Fluken, a daughter of F. F. Fluken, of Whitman. Mr. Raymond is connected with Mayflower Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Plymouth. Both he and Mrs. Raymond enjoy cordial social relations here.
LBERT F. SMALL, an enterprising real estate dealer of Brockton, was born in Brewster, Barnstable County, November 30, 1845. His parents were Cornelius and Mercy Small, the mother's maiden name being unchanged by marriage. Nathan Small, his paternal grandfather, was one of a company who, armed but with pitch- forks, went to oppose a party of British who had landed on the shores of Cape Cod. He married, and became the father of seven chil- dren, three girls and four boys. Cornelius, the eldest child, was a native of the same town, where he was a well-known farmer and builder. He erected the Brewster town hall. His wife, who was a daughter of Zeb- edee Small, also of Brewster, had ten chil- dren; namely, Cornelius, Joshua, Frederick, James, Isaac, Francis, Albert F., Edgar, Mercy Emma, and Adelaide Peirce. Of these
Frederick, Edgar, and Albert are the only survivors. Frederick is with Sampson, Mur- dock & Co., of Boston; and Edgar carries on a marble business in Brockton. The father died in September, 1894, at the age of eighty- five years. The mother was seventy-six years at her death. They were highly respected members of the Universalist church, in which he officiated as sexton.
Albert F. Small was educated in the public and private schools of his native town. At the age of eighteen he learned the trade of carpenter and builder from his father, with whom he remained during his minority. He then came to Brockton to work for N. S. Holmes. Thereafter he went into the same business for himself, and conducted it until 1890. He now deals exclusively in real estate in this city. Mr. Small was one of the promoters and organizers of the Brockton East Side Electric Railroad, which was the first in the New England States. This road, which he planned in 1887, was in operation by No- vember of the following year. For the first two years he officiated as President and Man- ager, and he was Director for three years. Mr. Small owns several shoe factories, which he leases. At one time he also kept a store where Clapp Brothers now conduct a grocery. The estate at that corner is still his property. For two years he has been one of the Direc- tors of the Glover Sanitary Sewerage Com- pany, whose office is at 40 Ames Building, Boston.
On January 30, 1875, he entered matrimony with Mary T., daughter of David F. Straffin, of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Small have three interesting children - Mabel F., Etta E., and Albert F. Mabel attends the Brockton High School. Albert F., Jr., is now eight years old. In politics Mr. Small has been a loyal Republican since he cast his first vote, which
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was given in favor of that party's candidates. He is a member of Excelsior Council, Legion of Honor, No. 16; and of Brockton Lodge, No. 118, Knights of Honor. Both he and Mrs. Small are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. For three years Mr. Small has officiated as Trustee of the church.
HARLES R. PACKARD, the effi- cient Postmaster and Town Clerk of West Bridgewater, was born in Roxbury, Mass., May 8, 1843, a son of Charles and Nancy T. (Page) . Packard, the former of whom was a native of Easton, Mass., and the latter of Woodstock, Conn. Samuel Packard, the immigrant ancestor of this old Plymouth County family, came to America from Windham, England. He settled in Hingham, Mass., in 1638, and later removed to West Bridgewater. Captain Nathan Pack- ard, one of his descendants, great-grandfather of Charles R. Packard, was an officer in the Revolutionary War.
Charles Packard was a machinist by trade, and for many years held the position of man- ager in the Bay State Iron Works at South Boston. Late in life he retired to West Bridgewater, dying here December 26, 1875. His wife was a daughter of James B. Page, a soldier of the War of 1812. She was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Charles R. Packard is now the only survivor of the eight children born to his parents. His early years were spent for the most part in South Boston, where he attended the public schools; and later he was a pupil in the Eng- lish High School in Boston. For many years he was employed as clerk and book-keeper with various firms in different lines of busi- ness. On August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Com- pany B, Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry, with which he joined the army of the Potomac, and took part in the following en- gagements : second battle of Bull Run, Chan- tilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericks- burg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. At Gettysburg he was captured by the rebels, and for about six weeks was held a prisoner. He was then paroled, and remained in the parole camp at Annapolis, Md., until the following autumn, when he was duly exchanged, and re- joined his old regiment, with which he par- ticipated in the Mine Run campaign. In the following spring, shortly after the expiration of his first term, he re-enlisted in Company K of the Sixth Regiment, United States Veteran Volunteers, being in the First Corps under General Hancock. From that time until his discharge, April 8, 1866, he was on detail duty at General Hancock's headquarters in Washington and Baltimore. Returning to Boston, he worked as clerk and book-keeper the next six years, and in 1872 came to West Bridgewater, where he has made his home ever since.
In March, 1884, Mr. Packard was appointed Postmaster of West Bridgewater; and he con- tinues to hold the office. He was elected Town Clerk in 1889, and since that time has been re-elected annually. For eleven years he has been a Trustee of Howard Seminary, and for many years a Trustee of the Public Library of West Bridgewater. He is promi- nently identified with the Masonic order, being a member of St. George Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Campello; Satucket Royal Arch Chapter at Brockton; the Bay State Comman- dery, Knights Templars, at Brockton; and Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Bos- ton. He is a charter member and was the first Commander of John C. Fremont Post, No. 202, Grand Army of the Republic, at West Bridgewater ; a member of Howard Lodge, No.
CHARLES R. PACKARD.
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116, Knights of Pythias; and of Grange No. 156, Patrons of Husbandry, of this town.
AVID COBB, one of the oldest resi- dents of Hingham, who is now engaged in business, was born here, August 13, 1817, son of Elisha Bickford and Michal (Hyde) Cobb. He is a descendant of Henry and Sarah (Hinckley) Cobb, who were at Plymouth in 1632, and, removing from thence to Scituate in 1633, finally settled in Barnstable in 1639.
Thomas and Richard Cobb came from Eng- land to Boston in 1685, subsequently settling in Hingham in 1692. Tracing the line down, we come to Elisha Bickford, the father of the subject of this sketch. He was a son of David and Lucy (Bickford) Cobb, born at Barnstable, Mass., February 14, 1776. He was a master mariner, and lived to be seventy- nine years old, dying on November 16, 1855. He was twice married, the first time, Novem- ber 13, 1799, to Lydia Loring, daughter of Elijah and Lydia (Low) Loring. She died December 13, 1802, at the age of twenty-four. On December 2, 1804, he married his second wife, Michal, daughter of Noah and Rachel Hyde. She was born in Newton, Mass., on May 2, 1778, and died in Hingham, Septem- ber 8, 1866, having attained the advanced age of eighty-eight years. They were the parents of several children : Elisha, deceased; Joseph, deceased ; Naaman, now eighty-four years old, a resident of Weymouth; Michal, deceased; Mary, who also has passed away ; and David, of whom more is now to be said.
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