USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Plymouth County, Massachusetts > Part 46
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Cephas Bonney was an iron moulder, and followed his trade during a great part of his life, for a short time being engaged in the manufacture of castings in Marshfield. In politics he was a Democrat, in religious be-
lief a Methodist. He died in 1874, his wife, in 1889. They were the parents of the follow- ing children: Cephas W., now living in Quincy, Mass .; Henry V., in Marshfield; William F., the subject of this sketch; A]- mira S., living in Kingston, Mass .; Edward H., in Scituate; Mary E., wife of Elisha C. Hatch, in Whitman, Mass .; and Deborah P., Leroy S., and Lucius L., deceased.
William F. Bonney was three years old when his parents moved to Marshfield, and he here received his education, attending school until he reach his fourteenth year. He then went to Fall River, Mass., to learn the iron moulder's trade, and, after remaining there about three years, worked four years at iron moulding in Lawrence, Mass. At the time of the gold excitement in California, he made up his mind to try his luck there, and in 1852 he set out by steamer from New York City to Aspinwall, crossed the Isthmus, and took a steamer to San Francisco. This was the quickest and most direct route of travel at the time, and the journey consumed but a month. Mr. Bonney found work in the "middle mines," and stayed in the diggings three years; then, dissatisfied with the uncertainty of mining, he found work at his trade in San Francisco, and was also engaged for some time grading building lots. He remained in California about five years, returning then by the route he had taken in going thither. In 1857 he started from Marshfield with a photo- graph car, and visited the towns in South- eastern Massachusetts. Quite successful as a photographer, he followed that line of busi- ness for sixteen years. In 1875, weary of constant travel, he settled on his farm on Brant Rock Road, and since that time has found pleasure and independence in the pur- suit of agriculture.
Mr. Bonney was married in 1862 to Mary
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JOHN S. RYDER.
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T. Dunham, who died in August, 1870, leav- ing one son, Wilfred, born December 27, 1867, now residing in Abington, Mass. The maiden name of Mr. Bonney's second wife, with whom he was united on December 20, 1874, was Mary L. Gray. She died in 1892, leav- ing four children, namely : Frances, born Jan- uary 19, 1879; Josephine, December 6, 1879; Helen M., September 4, 1881 -all living at present ; and Anna G., May II, 1885, who died October 4, 1892. In politics Mr. Bonney is independent, making a practice of voting for the candidates best qualified for office.
J OHN S. RYDER is one of the old, in- fluential, and highly respected citizens of Rochester, Mass., having taken a leading part in town and church affairs for many years. He was born in Rochester, March 1, 1822, and is the only surviving son of the late Martin and Content (Stevens) Ryder. both of this town. His father, who was a well-to-do farmer, died December 18, 1883, his mother, on February 18, 1881. They reared but two children: John S., sub- ject of the sketch; and Martin L., now de- ceased.
John S. Ryder acquired a good education in his early years, finishing his school days at Rochester Academy, and began to teach at the age of nineteen. He was engaged in teaching during the winter, and in farm work during the summer from 1841 to 1849, and for several years thereafter he devoted himself to farming and stone-mason work. Though he began to provide for himself when he was twenty-one years of age, he did not leave his parents until he was twenty-six. About the beginning of 1 849 he moved to his present farm, a good es- tate of twenty-five acres, and here for nearly half a century he has followed the sea-
sons, sowing and reaping in seed-time and harvest.
Mr. Ryder was married December 13, 1848, to Betsey M. King, of Rochester. One child was born to them, a daughter, Julia A., who died at the age of seventeen.
Mr. Ryder takes an active interest in poli- tics, and has been elected on the Republican ticket to a number of offices. He was in the State legislature in 1875, and has served on the Town Board of Selectmen one year, as Town Treasurer six years, Town Clerk four- teen years, Justice of the Peace seven years, and as School Committee six years. He has been a member of the Congregational church in Rochester since 1840, and served the so- ciety as clerk for thirty years, and as Deacon five years.
APTAIN JASON L. BRALEY, a retired mariner, now successfully en- gaged in strawberry culture and general farming in Rochester, was born Octo- ber 3, 1824, in the town of Acushnet, Bristol County, son of Elisha K. and Delia (Sher- man) Braley. He was two weeks old when the family came to Rochester, where he was reared and educated. He went on his first deep-sea voyage when sixteen years of age, shipping as a seaman on the brig "Solon, " a whaling vessel which was out fourteen months, cruising in the Atlantic Ocean. His next voyage was made on the bark "Willis" from Mattapoisett, leaving port as a seaman, and coming back as boat steerer. This vessel was out sixteen months, and sailed over the same waters. His third shipment was as boat steerer of the bark "Newton," which was out twenty months. Leaving this vessel at the Sandwich Islands, he engaged as boat steerer on the ship "Crown Princessen," with which he was connected about twenty-two months.
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His next berth was that of third mate of the "Stephina," on a cruise lasting thirty-two months in the Indian and Atlantie Oeeans. He was subsequently mate of the "Louisa " while twenty-eight months from home, hunt- ing whales in the North Pacific. Next, he was master of the ship "William Badger," on a voyage of forty-six months, most of which time was spent in the whaling-grounds of the North Pacifie. After the return of the "Will- iam Badger," he left port again as mate of the "Faleon," which made a voyage of twenty-six months, cruising in the North Atlantic. When the "Falcon " was out fourteen months Mate Braley was made its captain. His last eruise was as mate of the "Vineyard." The "Vine- yard " had been out about eighteen months when he was injured by having a cask fall upon him, and returned home by the Nicaragua route.
Captain Braley now abandoned seafaring, having followed it for thirty-three years, en- during the rigors of high latitudes, the enervat- ing heat of the tropies, and coming seathless out of a thousand perils. In 1873 he pur- ehased a farm in Rochester, containing one hundred and fifty-five acres of good land. Here he has sinee spent his life, finding both profit and pleasure in general farming and strawberry culture. He was married in 1850 to Miss Hannah M. Hall, and now has four children - Ellen M., Sylvanus A., Henry W., and Fred J. In polities he supports the Re- publiean party. He is a member of the Masonie order, belonging to St. Helena Lodge, of St. Helena.
ZRO TURNER, a prominent resident of North Seituate, and the owner of one of the handsomest homes on the beach, was born March 15, 1852, in Boston, Mass., son of Job A. and Elmira (Fellows)
Turner. Ilis ancestor, Humphrey Turner, was one of the men from Kent, England, who settled in Scituate in 1628. Humphrey, who was an enterprising man, established a tan- nery here in 1636. Besides his home, which was on Kent Street, on the east side of Cole- man's Hills, he owned a traet of land on the North River.
Colonel John Bryant Turner, Azro Turner's grandfather, was born in Scituate, Deeember 8, 1786. His parents were Job and Abiel (Bryant) Turner, both natives of Seituate. He spent his early life on his father's farm at Farm Neek, receiving a good education and fitting for college, though he did not subse- quently take a college course. Drawn into publie life while yet a young man, he beeame a leader in Old Colony politics, was a pioneer of the Anti-slavery party, and a strong advo- eate of Prohibition, then just beginning to be agitated. An untiring and honest worker, and unswerving in his determination to do right, he was respeeted alike by Whigs and Democrats. Early in his career he was chosen Moderator of the Seituate town meetings, and it is said of him that no one has filled the office who wielded the gavel with more dignity or fairness. From that time forward "Colonel Bry," or "Squire Bry," as he was popularly ealled, was con- stantly in the public service. He was for a number of years Selectman of Seituate. In the office of County Commissioner, which he filled for several years, he gave valuable aid in the construction of many important publie works, besides directing the locating of the first railroads. In 1830 he was surprised to find himself nominated on the Democratic- Republiean ticket as Representative to the Twenty-third Congress; but John Quincy Adams, for whom the Colonel entertained the deepest respect and warmest- friendship, was
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also a nominee, and Colonel Turner withdrew in his favor. Colonel Bry was a conspicu- ous figure in the General Court of Massachu- setts, serving for years in both the House and the Senate. Having begun his military career as a coast guard in 1812, he rose to the rank of Colonel of the Second Infantry. The sword whch he wore is now in the pos- session of his grandson, Azro. Colonel Tur- ner was a leading spirit in all movements for the betterment of the town. He was in constant request as arbitrator in the settle- ment of differences among his townsmen. He spoke and wrote with firmness, mingled with gentleness, and with a due regard for the opinions and failings of others. A Univer- salist in religious belief, his writings prove that he was a diligent student of theology. He died February 16, 1849, in his sixty-third year. Colonel Turner was married in 1813 to Miss Hannah Nichols, of Cohasset, Mass. His son, Job A. Turner, was born in Scituate, and there acquired his early education. When he was sixteen years old he went to Boston to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. This accomplished, he worked for some time as a journeyman, and then estab- lished himself in business as a contractor and builder. He was subsequently identified with the Bay State Brick Company at Med- ford, Mass., and at a later period was treas- urer of the George F. Blake Manufacturing Company of Boston. His death occurred in Newton, Mass., on March 12, 1886. He was married twice, and had a large family. Of his children, five are living, namely: Fred- erick A., residing in Boston; Edward C., in Arlington, Mass .; Azro, the subject of this sketch; Albion B., in Newton; and Carrie H., the wife of George F. Blake, Jr., resid- ing in Worcester, Mass.
After acquiring his early education in Scit-
uate, Azro Turner attended the Highland Mil- itary Academy at Worcester. Since attaining man's estate he has been extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, at the same time tak- ing a prominent part in town matters. In politics he is an Independent, with a leaning to the Republican side. He served for four years on the Scituate Board of Selectmen, and is one of the most influential men of the place. An Odd Fellow, in good standing, he belongs to Cohasset Lodge, No. 192. On November 27, 1872, he was united in mar- riage with Georgietta Frances Litchfield, of Scituate, and the union has been blessed with six children. These are: Alfred F., born November 3, 1873; Philip H., born August 29, 1876; Azro, born December 13, 1879; Edith A., born March 13, 1883; Vesta M., born November 27, 1885; and Cora M., born April 23, 1889.
A RTHUR P. STARRETT, the efficient foreman of the W. L. Douglas Shoe Factory of Brockton, was born in Aylesford, Nova Scotia, August 20, 1851, son of George and Phœbe (Johnston) Starrett. He is a descendant of Peter Starrett, who was born in Scotland about the year 1700, and, it is believed, emigrated to Ireland about 1730. From there the family came to America, set- tling in Maine, on or near the site of the pres- ent city of Portland. When the Revolution- ary War broke out, this branch of the Starrett family was so intensely loyal to the British crown that they emigrated again, this time to Canada, settling in Nova Scotia, near the New Brunswick line. Peter Starrett married Elevena Armstrong. Their son John, born in 1745, married Hannah Bancroft. He died October 4, 1829. Handley Starrett, son of John and Hannah Bancroft Starrett, and
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grandfather of Arthur P., was born in Cum- berland County, Nova Scotia, in 1793. About 1840 he moved to Port Williams, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, where he owned and conducted a mill. He also held the office of Prime Magistrate. He subse- quently moved to Cambridge, Hants County. Hc and his wife had seven children, four boys and three girls, namely: William, now living at Port Lorne, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia; George, father of the subject of this sketch; John and James, now living in Cam- bridge, Hants County, Nova Scotia; Eliza- beth, who died in Lynn, Mass., in 1896; Jennie, now living in Lynn, Mass .; and Amanda, who resides in Cambridge, Nova Scotia.
George Starrett, father of Arthur, was born in 1818. When a young man hc began to learn the trade of a ship-builder, but he had not been thus engaged long when he met with an accident in the ship-yard, that disqualified him from following that occupation. He then, by a course of hard study, fitted himself for the profession of a school teacher, which he followed in different counties in Nova Scotia for upward of twenty years. While re- siding in Port Williams he married Phoebe Johnston, daughter of Uriah and Mariah John- ston; and after his marriage he settled in Aylesford, Annapolis County. His wife died in 1884, at the age of sixty-six years, and he then removed to his farm at Port Lorne, where he spent his remaining days, making occasional visits to his children in Brockton. He survived his wife ten years, dying in 1894. His children are: Arthur P., Charles A., Annie M. (deceased), Edith J., Bertha, and Ella.
Arthur P. Starrett was but two years old when his parents moved to Port Williams, and his boyhood was spent in that place. Besides
attending the common school he had the ben- efit of private instruction from his father. At the age of seventeen he left home, and shipped on a merchant vessel bound for the West Indies; and he was out in the famous September gale of 1868. Two years there- after he came to Massachusetts, settling in Lynn, where he learned the carpenter's trade. In the fall of 1872 he came to Brockton; and the next year, while working for Barney Snow, a contractor, he fell from the roof of a five- story building, breaking his ankle. He then abandoned his trade, going into the factory of Peleg S. Leach to learn stitching. Three years later he entered the shoe factory of Daniel S. Howard, where also he remained three years, subsequently continuing in the same employment with J. C. Jenkins. In February, 1881, he took charge of the stitch- ing-room of W. L. Douglas & Co., with whom he has since remained.
On February 4, 1872, Mr. Starrett was united in marriage with Lelah A. Banks, a daughter of Joseph and Mehitable Banks, of Port Lorne, Nova Scotia. He has three chil- dren - Jennie F., Charles E., and Lena. Jennie F., now a young lady of twenty-two years, is a graduate of the Brockton High School, and resides at home; Charles E. is employed in the factory under his father; Lena, a girl of twelve years, is attending school. In politics Mr. Starrett is a Repub- lican; and he represents his ward in the Com- mon Council. He is connected with several fraternal organizations, being a member of Massasoit Lodge, No. 69, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Nemasket Encampment, No. 44; and Beatrice Lodge, No. 28, Daughters of Rebecca, in each of which he has passed all the chairs. He and his wife are also mem- bers of Brockton Colony, No. 138, Pilgrim Fathers.
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RANCIS BARNARD GARDNER,
clerk of the Board of Water Commis-
sioners, and Overseer of the Poor of Brockton, Mass., is a native of Nantucket, and a worthy representative of one of the old and much respected families of that long-time famous island home. He was born near the close of the first half of the century, January 1, 1845.
His grandfather, Prince Gardner, a large ship-owner, was engaged in the whale fishery, and in the oil and tallow business. In re- ligious persuasion he was a Quaker or member of the Society of Friends, as were many of the inhabitants of Nantucket fifty years ago or more, the island, as is well known, having been at an early day a refuge for the oppressed of that form of faith. Prince Gardner was one of those who occupied the high seats in the meeting, and used sometimes to preach. He died at seventy-two years of age. His wife, Mary Gorham, a Quakeress, whom he married in 1802, attained the advanced age of ninety-two years. They had but three chil- dren; namely, Charles G. and two daughters.
Charles G. Gardner, the only son, was the eldest child. He was born in 1807. The people of Nantucket may be said to have held at an early day advanced views on the subject of education, seeking for their children, if possible, something beyond common-school in- struction. The Quaker born and bred youth, Charles G. Gardner, purused his studies at Greenwich Academy, East Greenwich, R.I., and later at a Friends' boarding-school in Providence. When his school days were over, he learned the cooper's trade, and made casks for his father. Of course, they were to hold whale oil, the whale fishery being then the leading industry of the place, and a profit- able one on the whole, although hazardous. There were losses peculiar to the "war time "
of the early part of the century, and Prince Gardner and his brother Benjamin, who lost the ship "Johanna," of which they were joint owners, came in for a share of the French spoliation claims, of which but little was real- ized. Mr. Gardner, of Brockton, still has in his possession several articles received by his grandfather and uncle by way of indemnity, which he cherishes as memorials of the olden time, a turned-over page of the family history. In the latter part of his life Mr. Charles G. Gardner attended the North Congregational Church of Nantucket. He died at the age of eighty-five years. He was a Whig during the existence of that party, afterward a Republi- can, and always a thorough-going Abolition- ist. He married Lurana Rogers, daughter of John Rogers. Her father was the mate of a whaling vessel. He lost his life in sight of land in Massachusetts Bay, while lashed to the rigging of a vessel during a storm. Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Gardner had ten chil- dren, only three of whom are now living.
Francis B. was the ninth child of his par- ents. He was educated in the schools of Nantucket, which were then graded. Making good progress in the lower schools, he entered the high school at thirteen years of age. He subsequently attended the Coffin private school for a time; and then, a well-grown youth and well informed for his years, he learned the art of pegging shoes, and followed that occupation for some time. In November, 1862, he went to West Bridgewater, and en- tered the employ of Charles Mowry, engaging to work for ten dollars a month and board. He stayed there till September, 1863, when he came to Brockton, where he worked on army brogans at twenty dollars per month and board. In April, 1864, he went into the shop of George H. Gurney, shoe manufacturer, and, learning to cut leather, earned twelve and
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one-half cents an hour. He there worked three years as a cutter, and six years as super- intendent of the factory, fifteen hundred dol- lars being his salary in his final year, ending November, 1872. At that time forming a co- partnership with R. B. Packard, firm of Gard- ner & Packard, he made his first trip to Bos- ton to carry samples the week after the great Boston fire. They had a factory on Centre Street, Brockton, where O. O. Patten & Co. now are. In 1878 the firm dissolved, and Mr. Gardner continued in business alone, buying a factory on Linden Street, known as the David Howard factory, now owned by F. M. Shaw & Son. He carried it on till January, 1882, when he sold it to Henry Mitchell. The business is now owned by Howard & Foster.
In 1881 Mr. Gardner took a prominent part in the movement to make Brockton a city. At the town meeting he was elected one of the Committee of Twelve to co-operate with the Selectmen in securing the charter, which was accepted as they submitted it. He had for one or two years previously been Chairman of the Republican Town Committee, and he was later on the same committee two or three years. He was one of the committee to make arrange- ments for the inauguration of the city govern- ment, and was elected to the Common Council of the city, but resigned his position on the Council without taking his seat. He was a member of the Board of Overseers of the Poor for three years, after having refused the office for one year. He is now serving on his fif- teenth year in this responsible position, hav -. ing been elected five successive terms. In 1882 Mayor Keith appointed him on the Board of Health. Mr. Gardner had no intention of remaining in public office, and in the autumn of 1883 resolved to go again into business, but he was so strongly urged to accept a posi-
tion on the Board of Water Commissioners that he did so, and has now served the Board twelve successive years. In January last he received one vote from the Council, which rep- resented the unanimous vote; in other words, he was elected by acclamation.
Mr. Gardner is a charter member of Dam- ocles Lodge, No. 16, Knights of Pythias, was its first Chancellor Commander, and is now Chairman of the Finance Committee of Grand Lodge, which post he has filled for six years. He was last year appointed for three years more as a member of the Finance Committee. He was a charter member of Banner Lodge, New England Order of Protection; and as its first warden he wrote his signature to three hundred and sixteen certificates of member- ship. As a pioneer in Brockton of the no- license movement, he has occupied several positions on the committee, and has taken an ardent and active interest in temperance. He is a member of the Brockton Agricultural So- ciety, and has been superintendent of its hall for about eight years. A loyal American cit- izen, he is an associate member of Fletcher Webster Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic, of Brockton. Of the charter of the People's Savings Bank of Brockton he was one of the original signers, and he is a Trustee of the bank, and one of its Investment Committee. He is a communicant of the First Congregational Church, and was at one time clerk of the church and a member of the Parish Committee. . He is now on the Build-' ing Committee for the new church edifice.
Mr. Gardner and Miss Emma Davis, daugh- ter of John W. Davis, of Nantucket, were married in October, 1866, and five years ago they celebrated their silver wedding, or twenty-fifth anniversary. Among the presents received on that occasion, as testimonials of the esteem and good will of neighbors and
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friends, were a case of silver from the city government of Brockton, and a silver service from Banner Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have three children, namely : Annie L., who married Edward E. Stebbins, and resides in Melrose, Mass .; Gertrude E., an assistant in the Water Commissioner's office, City Hall; and Charles F., now a stu- dent at the Brockton High School.
APTAIN GEORGE D. ALLEN, who has been on duty much of the time in recent years as the commander of a great ocean steamer, is well equipped for the responsible post he occupies, being a type of the thorough American sailor, a brave, reso- lute man, with a cool head and a keen eye. He was born October 28, 1843, in Marion, a son of John D. and Sarah N. (Hathaway) Allen. His parents reared two other chil- dren, both daughters, namely: Abbie, who died in 1882; and Louisa.
George D. Allen was educated in the dis- trict schools, and laid aside his text-books, when a lad of fourteen, to go on board a coast- ing-vessel, on which he remained three years as a sailor. Shipping then on a merchant vessel, he visited various portions of the globe, including California, China, and Aus- tralia, sailing one year as common seaman, two years as second mate, four years as first mate, and from that time until the present as master. Captain Allen has followed the sea nearly forty years, has commanded vessels twenty-eight years, and at different periods during the last eight years has been in charge of an ocean steamer. During his career he has circumnavigated the globe twice, been around the Cape of Good Hope three times, and doubled Cape Horn six times, in most cases having an interest in the ships that he
has commanded. He has been unusually fort- unate in his voyages, although at one time his ship was struck by a hurricane, and totally demolished. The vessel was on its way from New Orleans to Liverpool, being about sixty miles from the mouth of the Mississippi River, in the Gulf of Mexico, when struck by the tremendous gale. The timber with which it was loaded kept the hull from sinking, and the entire crew floated on the wreck thirty-six hours before being rescued.
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