USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Plymouth County, Massachusetts > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
Mr. Briggs was married November 14, 1865, to Miss Cynthia Delano, a native of Marion, Mass., a daughter of Benjamin and Thankful Delano. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have two chil- dren - Frank W. and Mabel C.
ASON K. VINCENT, of Brockton, a shoe manufacturer of long experi- ence, who is now foreman of the stitch- ing department of D. W. Field's factory, was born here July 4, 1848, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Vincent. His great- grandfather, Joseph, who fought in the Revo- lutionary War under Washington, was one of those who suffered the privations of Valley Forge. Samuel Vincent, Mr. Vincent's grandfather, a native of Salcm, Mass., who was a rope-maker and followed that trade for some years in Boston, died in 1826, aged thirty-eight years. He wedded Mercy Willis, a native of Edgartown, Mass., and rearcd five children ; namely, Joseph, Sarah, Anna, Sam- uel, and Daniel. Of these the only survivor is Sarah, who married, and is now residing in Wright's, a town of Southern California, named in honor of her husband. The mother, who attained the age of eighty-two years, died in 1871.
293
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Joseph Vincent was born in Boston, Febru- ary 12, 1817. While still young he came to Brockton, where he attended the common schools. After leaving school he learned shoemaking. Subsequently he was employed as a cutter of sole leather in Emerson's and Henry Howard's shoe factories, and was for many years identified with the shoe industry of this city. He died March 25, 1894, aged seventy-eight years. In politics he was a Re- publican. He belonged to Massasoit Lodge, No. 69, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Brockton. For more than thirty years he was a member of the South Congregational Church. His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of David and Annie (Edwards) Jenkins, of Eastport, Me., who reared seven other chil- dren - Ann, Martha, Mary, John, David, Stanford, and Henry, all now deceased. Mrs. Joseph Vincent had five children, namely: Joseph Jenkins, who was born De- cember 17, 1839; Elizabeth A., who was born January 4, 1843; Stanford W., who was born September 8, 1846; Jason K., the subject of this sketch; and Daniel H., who was born May 14, 1852. She died May 1, 1887, aged seventy-six years.
Jason K. Vincent acquired his education in the public schools of Brockton. When his studies were completed he began work in the shoe factory of A. and A. B. Keith, where he remained three years. He then went to the factory of J. O. Emerson, where he had charge of the stitching room for seven years. He next engaged in business upon his own ac- count, establishing a factory on Market Street, where he manufactured shoes for six years with good success. His plant was destroyed by fire April 9, 1879, and since then he has occupied his present responsible position of foreman of the stitching department at D. W. Field's factory.
On November 13, 1877, Mr. Vincent was united in marriage to Harriet O., daughter of Caleb and Julia Nickerson, of Chatham, Mass. Two children are the fruit of this union, namely: Edith Louise, who was born October 29, 18SI; and Forest Nickerson, who was born June 9, 1887. In politics Mr. Vincent supports the Republican party. He is a mem- ber of Paul Revere Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Brockton. The friends made by him in his business and social relations are legion.
REEMAN HOWARD HOLMES,. a dealer in real estate, and a representa- tive citizen of Plymouth, had his birth June 7, 1850, at Manomet Point, this county, son of Cromwell W. and Mary R. (Cornish) Holmes. His father, who was born in Plym- outh, there followed the occupation of farmer. He married Mary R. Cornish, a native of Plymouth, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. (Freeman) Cornish, the former of whom was a farmer. By her he became the father of four children -- Sarah E., Cromwell F., John B., and Freeman Howard. Sarah, who died in 1894, became the wife of James H. Crosby, a contractor and builder of Barnstable, Mass., who died in 1892. Cromwell, who was a member of the New England Volunteer Life- saving Crew stationed at Manomet, was drowned in 1867, in attempting to rescue the crew of a wrecked schooner.
The father departed this life in 1885, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife, now in her eightieth year, lives with her son, the sub- ject of this sketch.
Freeman Howard Holmes grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving his education in the schools of his native town. From IS70 to 1 880 he conducted at Boston a wholesale busi- ness in books and stationery. For the past
294
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
few years he has been engaged in the poultry business at Plymouth, and also carries on an extensive trade in real estate. In addition to this, for the past twenty years he has kept summer boarders, running at present three houses at Plymouth for their accommodation. He is also the agent of his district for the Walter A. Wood Machine Company of Hoo- sick Falls; and is likewise agent for the United States, Halliday, and Gem Wind-mills of Batavia, Ill.
On November 26, 1873, Mr. Holmes wedded Miss Emma Holmes, who was born at Plymouth, September 9, 1851. They have three children, namely: Lizzie M., who at present resides at home, and is pursuing a normal college course; Angie C. ; and John H. C. Mr. Holmes has served for several years on the Board of Selectmen, and for four- teen years he has officiated as a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Holmes is also county corre- spondent for the United States Department of Agriculture. He is affiliated with the Inde- pendent Order of United American Mechanics, being a member of Alexander M. Harrison Council, No. 16, Plymouth; and he is also a member of the Old Colony Club. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Second Congregational Church of Plymouth, where he has been Su- perintendent of the Sabbath school for twenty years.
OLONEL HAWKES FEARING, Librarian of the Hingham Public Library, is a native of the town. He was born May 20, 1826, son of Hawkes and Matilda (Wilder) Fearing, and is the de- scendant of an early settler, his family being of English extraction.
His immigrant ancestor, John Fearing, came from Cambridge, England, and settled
in Hingham in 1638. In 1652 he was made freeman, and in 1648, 1661, and 1663, he officiated as Selectman, serving also as Deacon of the church for many years. He and his wife, Margaret, had four children. His death occurred on May 14, 1665; and his wife, sur- viving him, married again.
Israel Fearing, second son of John, was baptized in Hingham in 1644. He was a cooper by trade. He married Elizabeth Wilder, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Ames) Wilder, and they had five children. He died in Dorchester, Mass., in 1693, at the age of forty-eight years, while his wife lived in Hingham until January 27, 1730, attaining the age of seventy-eight. Their eldest son, John Fearing, born in Hing- ham, December 29, 1674, was a farmer and weaver. He also was officially prominent, serving as Constable and Selectman for many years. He married Margaret Hawke, daughter of James and Sarah (Jacob) Hawke, on May 8, 1708, and by this union had four children. The father died November 7, 1752, at the age of seventy-eight; and the mother, on September 28, 1764, aged eighty-three.
Hawkes Fearing, their third child and the great-grandfather of the subject of this biog- raphy, was born in Hingham, July 13, 1715. He was a farmer and extensive land-owner of Hingham, and served as Selectman for three years. He married Margrett Lincoln, daugh- ter of David and Leah (Beal) Lincoln; and they were the parents of thirteen children, of whom Hawkes, second, was their only son and fifth child. He was a merchant in Hingham; and in 1794 he established the rope-walk, which he continued to manage until his death. It is still in operation, the business having grown to large dimensions. Although his opportunities were limited, Hawkes Fearing,
-
GEORGE F. WING.
297
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
second, who was the first to add an s to the name "Hawke," was very successful in accu- mulating property. He served as Representa- tive to the legislature from 1806 to 1811 in- clusive. The maiden whom he led to the marriage altar was Leah Lincoln, daughter of Enoch and Rachel (Fearing) Lincoln. By this' alliance there were eleven children. Grandfather Fearing lived to be seventy-six years old, and his wife attained the advanced age of eighty- five.
Their second son, Hawkes Fearing, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born on December 10, 1781. Following in the well-defined footsteps of his worthy father, he was a rope manufacturer; and, being very in- dustrious and thrifty, he left a good property at his death. In politics he affiliated with the Whigs, and in his religious belief he was a Unitarian. He died at the age of eighty-two years ; and his wife, Matilda, who was daughter of Edward and Mary (Hersey) Wilder, died at eighty-six, having been the mother of five children, three sons and two daughters. Hawkes Fearing, the eldest son, and the third of his name, after acquiring his education in the schools of his native town, worked in the rope-walk for several years. He then went to Boston, where he was em- ployed a few years in a bank. Later he engaged in the general merchandise business, in which he continued until the breaking out of the Civil War. He was at that time Lieu- tenant-Colonel of the Fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and went with the regiment to Fortress Monroe, arriving there on April 20, 1861. He was subsequently Colonel of the Eighth New Hampshire Volunteers, and served in the Gulf Department until the close of the war. For a time thereafter he was in Virginia. On his return to Hingham he was appointed Librarian, and in that capacity he
has continued to render efficient service ever since.
In politics a Republican, he has officiated on the School Committee, as Town Clerk, and Road Commissioner; and he was a Represen- tative to the General Court in 1871 and 1872. Fraternally, he is a member of Old Colony Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; and the Edwin Hum- phrey Post, No. 104, Grand Army of the Re- public, of Hingham. A man of strict integ- rity, courteous and obliging, discharging the duties of his position with military precision and promptitude, Colonel Fearing is a highly esteemed citizen.
On November 20, 1860, he was united in marriage with Eliza B. Cushing, daughter of Brackley and Eliza (Bartlett) Cushing, of Ab- ington, Mass. They have one child, a daugh- ter, Anna M., born in Manchester, N.H., on February 16, 1865. She married William R. Burr, of Hingham. In their religious faith and affiliation Colonel and Mrs. Fearing are Unitarians.
EORGE F. WING, who has served on the Wareham Board of Selectmen for nearly twenty years, is a California "forty-niner," and has had a busy and eventful life. He was born in Wareham, Mass., Octo- ber II, 1827, a son of Benjamin and Delia (Clifton) Wing. His parents had five chil- dren, of whom two are now living: the subject of this sketch; and Delia A., who married William H. Fearing, and resides in Wareham.
Mr. Wing's early education, which was limited, was acquired in the public schools of. his native town. When he was fifteen years of age he shipped on a coasting-vessel, and for two years was engaged as a seaman. He then learned the carpenter's trade at Fairhaven, Mass., where he worked about four years, and later he was employed as a carpenter in Ware-
298
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ham. In 1849 he was one of a company of sixty-six who purchased and provisioned a vessel called the "Mount Vernon, " and started for the gold fields of California, sailing from Mattapoiset around Cape Horn. They were five months and a half on the voyage, their suspense being sweetened by visions of the fortunes awaiting them in the Golden State.
Arriving in San Francisco, Mr. Wing sold his interest in the vessel, and began prospect- ing and mining, being one of the five to dig the first gold on the famous Horseshoe Bend on Merced River. He experienced all the stern realities of life in a community that was practically lawless, and discovered that mining was not the easiest way of making a fortune. He remained in California until the spring of 1855, a part of the time working at his trade, and for a year driving a pack train. On his return to Wareham, he went to work for the Parker Mills Company as a millwright. After following that trade for fourteen years, he started in business as a contractor and builder, and he is now known as one of the most prom- inent and reliable builders in the locality.
He was married November 28, 1855, to Fidelia Johnson, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Johnson, of Dartmouth, Mass. Five children were born to them, as follows: Dora M. ; Frank C., now deceased ; Mary G .; Oscar B .; and George F., Jr.
Mr. Wing is active among the Democrats of the town, and has been elected to a number of offices of trust. He has served continu- ously on the Board of Selectmen since the spring of 1878, and has also efficiently filled the offices of Assessor and Overseer of the Poor for the same time. He has been a Mason for many years, being active in the fra- ternity, occupying various chairs, for three years serving as Master, and during the past six years filling the office of Treasurer.
ALEB T. ROBBINS, a veteran of the Civil War, who keeps a variety store in Plymouth, and is also engaged in farming, was born in Sandwich, Mass., July 16, 1841, son of Thomas and Jane E. (Nye) Robbins. Thomas Robbins, who was a native of Harwich, Barnstable County, settled in Sandwich, was a sailor for the greater part of his life, and died at sea. He married Jane E. Nye, a native of Troy, N. Y., and reared a family of four children, of whom Caleb T., the subject of this sketch, was the first born.
Caleb T. Robbins attended the common schools of Sandwich. Beginning at the age of twelve, he worked on a farm until he was sixteen years old. He was afterward em- ployed for two years by the Sandwich Tack Company. After a season spent in the United States Coast Survey service, he enlisted as a private in Company D, Third Regiment, Mas- sachusetts Volunteers, April 9, 1861, being among the first to respond to President Lin- coln's urgent call for seventy-five thousand recruits. The regiment was attached to the Irish Brigade, which was assigned to duty in Richardson's Division of the Second Army Corps, and stationed first at Fortress Monroe and Newport News, being later ordered to Norfolk and Suffolk, Va. From Suffolk his regiment was ordered into active service, and took part in the battles of Fair Oaks, the sieges of Knoxville and Vicksburg, the mem- orable struggle of the Wilderness, and the en- gagement at Spottsylvania Court-house. He was discharged September 14, 1864, in poor health, incapacitated for laborious employ- ment. At intervals, after the close of the war, he was engaged for some time in the United States Coast Survey service. Subse- quently, under his physician's advice to seek some steady out-of-door employment, he ped- dled with a team for about nine years. He
299
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
then opened a small store in Plymouth. Two or three years later he disposed of his peddling business, which he had managed to continue up to then, and he has since given his atten- tion exclusively to his store. He carries a large miscellaneous stock of goods, such as is usually found in a general variety store, mak- ing a specialty of china and glass ware, and he has a very profitable business. For the past eight or nine years he has also been en- gaged in general farming. At the present time he owns about forty acres of valuable land, which amply repay their care and culti- vation.
In 1870 Mr. Robbins wedded Anna M. Baker, daughter of Thomas Baker, of Sand- wich, and he and Mrs. Robbins have two daughters. He is a comrade of Post 76, Grand Army of the Republic, and a member of the Twenty-ninth Regiment, Minute Men of Massachusetts. In politics he is a Demo- crat. Both he and Mrs. Robbins attend the Orthodox church. Despite the feeble state of his health, he has shown remarkable energy and perseverance. He is much respected by his fellow-townsmen, who appreciate his worth as a citizen, as well as his honorable record as a soldier; and he is very popular among the' veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic.
AMES H. GRIFFITH, a well-known carpenter and builder of Hull, Plym- outh County, Massachusetts, was born in Boston on August 6, 1854. He passed his early years in attending the public schools of that city. On April 15, 1865, he came to Hull, and remained here four years, returning at the end of that time to Boston to learn the trade of carpenter and builder. From 1872 to 1889 he was located in Quincy, Mass., and during that time took a course in architecture,
being graduated in 1885 with honors. He then returned to Hull, and has since resided here, engaged in the pursuit of his calling. Among the many fine residences erected by him are the East End Hotel and the Vining Villa, besides three houses for himself. He also owns real estate in Quincy, Mass. Mr. Griffith makes his home in the Vining family, having been brought up from infancy in the home of the late Alexander Vining. In poli- tics he affiliates with the Democrat party, and takes an intelligent interest in town affairs. He is industrious and progressive, and is highly esteemed personally by the community. The degree of success he has attained is wholly attributable to his own `efforts.
HARLES E. MORSE, M.D., a ris- ing young physician of Plymouth County, with an extensive and in- creasing practice in the town of Wareham, was born January 1, 1867, in the village of which he is now an honored resident. The Doctor is the only son of a family of five chil- dren born to Seth C. and Mary (Swift) Morse, both of whom were natives of Wareham.
Charles E. Morse was reared on the parental farm, and in the district schools acquired the rudiments of his excellent education. At the age of fifteen years he went to Quincy, Mass., as a pupil at Adams Academy, from which he received his diploma three years later. He subsequently took a full course of study at the Harvard Medical School, where he was gradu- ated in 1889, with a good record for scholar- ship. The succeeding three years Dr. Morse was assistant superintendent of the Adams Nervine Asylum, a noted curative institution, beautifully located in the Jamaica Plain dis- trict of Boston. He next engaged in the prac- tice of medicine in Boston a year and a half,
300
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
and then he returned to Wareham to take up the practice of the late Dr. Sawyer, who died in 1893. Here Dr. Morse has met with signal success in his professional career, exhibiting great knowledge and skill in the treatment of his many patients, winning the confidence and good will of all with whom he is brought in contact.
Dr. Morse was married January 26, 1895, to Miss Abbie F. Marshall, a native of Lowell, Mass., a daughter of Isaac F. and Eliza J. (Le Favour) Marshall, of South Framingham. Politically, the Doctor is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the Wareham Board of Health. Fraternally, he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, belonging to Eliot Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Boston; and to Quinobequin Lodge, No. 70, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Boston. He is likewise a member of the Massachusetts Medi- cal Society and of the Boston Library Asso- ciation. He was appointed August 18, 1896, by then Acting Governor Roger Wolcott, Medical Examiner for Plymouth County.
ENNIE C. LEONARD, a bicycle manufacturer of Brockton, and the originator of the Brockton Bicycle, also known as the Meteor, was born in Easton, Mass., January 16, 1861, his parents being Otis and Mary Ann (Bryant) Leonard, now of Brockton. Some of his ancestors served in the Revolutionary War. His grandfather, Hathaway Leonard, was a farmer, and owned a number of different farms. He also did a wheelwright business for a time, having natural mechanical ability. Although a man of large influence, on account of being deaf he would accept no public office. Mrs. Otis Leonard was before marriage a Miss Bryant, of North Raynham, Mass. She and her hus-
band are the parents of several children ; namely, Peleg, Angie, Russell, William, Bennie, Nellie Emery, Maria, and Charles.
Bennie C. Leonard was the fifth child. . After leaving school, he served a three years' apprenticeship with T. H. & J. O. Dean, of Easton, at the machinist's trade, and two years with Sweetser & Merritt. He then secured a position in the employ of the Tuck Manu- facturing Company as tool-maker, and was with them for three years, leaving then to take charge of a line of work for Kimball Brothers. Several years later, in 1888, Mr. Leonard started in business for himself, beginning in a work-room in the basement of his house-in the machine repairing business, which grad- ually resolved itself into the bicycle business. He was soon obliged to seek larger accommo- dations, and removed to a room on Centre Street, and finally, about 1890, came to his present quarters at 34 Franklin Street. Up to 1892 he did only repairing, but his work in this line suggested many changes in construc- tion; and the result was the introduction, in 1892, of the fine wheel known as the Brockton, or Meteor, which has appeared each succeed- ing year with added improvements. Mr. Leonard has also placed on the market a bicycle handle bar, which was patented by him June 2, 1896, and the Brockton cycle stand, an arrangement for holding bicycles, intended for use by wholesale and retail dealers, of which he has sold hundreds during the past year. Nine men are employed in his factory.
In 1882 Mr. Leonard married Miss Lucy F. Manley, daughter of Nathaniel Manley, of Brockton, and a direct descendant of Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth Colony. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard have four children ; namely, Merle C., Vera M., Elva A., and Vernie L.
301
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
In political affiliation Mr. Leonard is a stanch Republican. He is a member of Elec- tric Lodge, No. 204, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Knights of the Essenic Order, Lodge No. 125; and the Uniform Rank, Brockton Division, No. 1I, Knights of Pythias; Shoe City Wheelmen; and the League of American Workmen. He and Mrs. Leonard are communicants of the Porter Con- gregational Church.
ENRY T. HAMMOND, who is en- gaged in general farming and cran- berry culture in Carver, was born in this town, January 25, 1834, son of Benja- min and Mary (Sherman) Hammond, and a grandson of Benjamin Hammond, Sr. His father was born in Carver, and spent his whole life here, being engaged during the active years of his life in farming. Benjamin Ham- mond, Jr., lived to be eighty-four years of age. His wife is still living, at the age of eighty-six. He was a communicant of the Second Advent church. They had eight children, named respectively as follows: Mary A .; Henry T. ; Susan A .; Maria T .; Lucy; Sarah A. ; Julia A. ; and Cordelia, who died when six years old.
Henry T. Hammond spent his boyhood in this town. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, when he engaged in the fishing business, which he followed for seventeen summers, making trips principally to the Grand Banks; and the last two seasons he was master of the vessel with which he sailed. Subsequently retiring from the sea, he spent fourteen years in the saw-mill busi- ness. Since that time he has given especial attention to the raising of cranberries, also engaging in general farming. He owns in all about one hundred and fifty acres of land, and has two acres set with cranberries. On
March 31, 1858, Mr. Hammond was united in marriage with Miss Betsey S. Shaw, a native of this town. They have had four children : Walter F., residing in Lakeville; Mary S. and Arthur L., both deceased ; and Arnold L., who resides in North Carver. From 1890 to 1894 Mr. Hammond served as Road Commis- sioner, and he had previously been Road Sur- veyor for one year. He has also served as Fire Warden eight years. In politics he is a Republican, and religiously he is a member of the Second Advent church.
ERNARD C. BEAL, a well-known and highly respected resident of Hanson, was born in this town on May 6, 1833. He was educated in the com- mon schools, and at the age of fifteen began to earn his own livelihood. He first learned the shoemaker's trade, to which he applied himself diligently for over twelve years. Ile subsequently learned the trade of carpenter and builder, which he followed for a quarter of a century. In September, 1862, under a patriotic impulse, he enlisted for nine months in Company A, Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry; and during his term of service he performed his duty as a soldier. In politics Mr. Beal is a consistent member of the Republican party. He has held the offices of Selectman, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and Constable for a number of years, and was Collector of Taxes one year. He served as Moderator at thirty-three town meetings, and was Chairman at thirteen State elections. From 1880 to 1891 he was Selectman, receiv- ing in 1887 seventy-two out of seventy-four votes. In 1894 and 1895 he was re-elected to the same office. Fraternally, Mr. Beal is a member of the Grand Army Post, T. L. Bon- ney, No. 127, in which organization he has
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.