USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Plymouth County, Massachusetts > Part 66
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George J. Fearing, after acquiring his edu- cation in the Hingham schools, worked on the paternal farm, where he has remained ever since. He owns fifty acres of land, twenty of which are under cultivation, the special crop being hay. In politics he is a member of the Republican party, and he has been Surveyor for many years. He is very. industrious, as his fine farm testifies, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors and the community at large. In the autumn of 1861 he was united in mar- riage with Lydia L. Cushing, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Cushing, of Hingham.
ARCUS ATWOOD, a prosperous farmer of the town of Carver, is a native of Middleboro, Plymouth County. He was born July 17, 1827, son of Levi and Bethia (Shurtleff) Atwood. His mother was a daughter of Captain Gideon Shurtleff. His paternal grandfather was Sam- uel, son of William Atwood.
Levi Atwood was an iron moulder by trade. He died at seventy-nine years of age, and his wife at fifty-eight. They were the parents of thirteen children, namely: Elbridge (de- ceased) ; Levi, who died in 1893; Patience, wife of David Vaughn; Bethia and Stephen (twins), both deceased; Lucy, widow of David Jenkins; Elkanah; Rasanda (deceased) ; Mar- cus; Martin, who died in 1891; Betsey, wife of Josiah Kennicut; Laura, who died in 1884; and a child that died in infancy.
Marcus Atwood spent his early years in the town of Middleboro, and at the age of thirteen began working on a farm, his wages going to his parents until he was twenty-one. On at- taining his majority, he came to Carver, and entered the employ of Jesse Murdock as a farm hand. He continued thus engaged until Mr. Murdock's death, between twenty-five and thirty years later, and has lived there since. Mr. Atwood owns land in Middleboro and Carver, his property comprising from one hundred and fifty to two hundred acres, situ- ated in different places. For several years he has served as Fire Warden of Carver. He is not a party politician, but is accustomed to vote for the candidates whom he considers best qualified for the respective duties of the vari- ous positions to be filled.
OHN SMITH, Superintendent of Streets, and one of the Selectmen of Hull, Plymouth County, Mass., was born here, May 15, 1857, son of John H. and Letitia (McGinness) Smith. His father, a seafaring man, came to America from Ger- many, and, settling in this town, has since en- gaged in freighting and fishing business. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and he has been one of the Park Com- missioners several years. He was twice mar-
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ried, Letitia McGinness, the mother of the subject of this biography, being his second wife. She has had five children, three of whom are now living - Esther C., Jennie C., and John. Esther C. Smith married John L. Mitchell, and has three children - Fred L., Oscar, and Letitia. Jennie C. is the wife of Captain A. A. Galiano, of Hull, and has two boys - Andrew and Alfred R. The father and mother are still living.
John Smith, after acquiring his education in the schools of his native town, went fishing with his father until 1881, when he was ap- pointed on the police force of Hull, being the first Chief of Police in this town. This posi- tion he resigned in 1890 to accept the appoint- ment of Superintendent of Streets, which he has held ever since. Since 1893 he has officiated as Selectman, having been re-elected in 1896 for another term of three years.
On June 12, 1883, he was married to Mar- garet E. Moore, of Cambridge, Mass. They have three children - Daniel Alfred, John Francis, and Lilian Florence Smith. In re- ligion Mr. Smith is liberal like his parents. His wife is a Catholic. Mr. Smith is a man of energy, promptness, and steady application to business, one who has made his own way in the world, and is not afraid of work.
ILLIAM R. SWIFT, who lost an arm while gallantly serving as a defender of the Union in the Civil War, is a well-known resident of Plymouth, Mass. He was born at Cedarville, in this town, January 31, 1839.
He attained to maturity in his native town, and at the age of thirteen years he began in life for himself by shipping on board a fishing schooner in the capacity of cook. After going on several voyages he, in company with
another man, purchased a vessel, on which he sailed until 1861.
Shortly after the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-third Regi- ment, Massachusetts Volunteers, being mus- tered in at Lynnfield, Mass. Faithful to his duties, he kept his place in the ranks, and took part in several engagements, the first of which was at Roanoke Island, N.C., the second at New Berne, N.C., the third at Kingston, in the same State, and the fourth at White Hall, where he was wounded by a rifle-ball. As a result he was obliged to have his arm ampu- tated near the shoulder, this being done within a few hours on the battlefield. He was soon removed to the hospital at New Berne, where he remained about six weeks, and was then sent home on a furlough. He received his final discharge in Boston, August II, 1863. After residing at Chiltonville, Mass., for a few years, he purchased his pres- ent farm in the town of Plymouth, comprising nine acres, on which he is extensively and successfully engaged in the culture of cran- berries.
On November 28, 1873, Mr. Swift was united in matrimony with Miss Isabelle H. Nightingale. Of their union four children have been born; namely, Hattie, Mabel, William, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Swift's political views identify him with the Republican party.
HOMAS G. GAMMONS, a veteran of the American conflict of 1861-65, the marks of which he must always carry, having been twice wounded while engaged in the service of his country, has during recent years devoted himself to general farming in the town of Middleboro, Plymouth County.
He was born here, November 15, 1843.
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He remained at home until a few months after the breaking out of the Southern Rebellion, when on October 18, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, being mustered in at Readville as a private. The first engage- ment in which he took part was at Roanoke Island, N.C., which was followed by others at New Berne, Little Washington, Rollo Mills, Whitehall, Kingston, Goldsboro Bridge, and the siege of Morris Island, where his regiment charged the rifle pits. They were next sent to charge upon Fort Sumter in conjunction with the marines, but this plan was abandoned, and they went instead to Jacksonville, Fla., where they spent the winter, and took part in the battle of St. Augustine. The following spring they returned to Virginia, and under General Butler were in the engagement at the rear of Fort Darling, and in the three days' fight, three battles, ncar Malvern Hill. In the battle of Deep Bottom Mr. Gammons was wounded by a minie-ball, which struck the bone just above the knee, and passed through the leg. Disabled for field service he was taken on board the hospital boat, on which he remained three years. After leav- ing her, and while at Beverly, N.J., in Au- gust, he was again wounded and obliged to re- main there until October. He received his honorable discharge, with the rank of Ser- geant, in October, 1864. His first promotion after entering service was to the position of Color Corporal, a year later he was made Ser- geant, and when he was wounded he was act- ing as Orderly Sergeant.
For several months after his return home, Mr. Gammons was obliged to go on crutches, and he was unable to engage in regular work for two years. He then took up shoemaking for a short time, and since then he has fol- lowed carpentry and farming, purchasing the
farm on which he resides in 1874. Politi- cally, he is a stanch Republican; and, frater- nally, he is a member of Post No. 8, Grand Army of the Republic, of Middleboro. Mr. Gammons married Miss Bessie Bumpus, and three daughters have been born to them; namely, Susan E., Grace W. (deceased), and Bessie M.
APTAIN CHARLES C. DELANO, a fine representative of the brave and skilful seamen upon whom the com- mercial wealth of our nation so largely de- pends, was born February 25, 1847, on the farm where he now resides, he being the fifth master of a vessel born on this same home- stead. His father, the late Captain Isaac Delano, was a successful whaler in his day, and a type of the industrious and hardy people of the coast towns whose sturdy virtues lcft their impress on New England character. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Briggs, four children were born; namely, Sarah, Charles C., Isaac, Jr., and William.
At thirteen years of age, Charles C. Delano having received his education in the public schools of Marion, began his seafaring life. Shipping on board an emigrant vessel, he re- mained as a common seaman four years, being subsequently promoted from rank to rank until twenty-six years old, when he was made master of a vessel. Since 1873 he has fol- lowed the sea in that capacity, and in each of the vessels he has commanded has owned a goodly interest. Captain Delano has sailed all the seas, having circumnavigated the globe four times, doubling Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. He has walked the streets of the larger maritime cities of the dif- ferent continents, and seen the principal points of interest in both hemispheres, ac-
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quiring a vast fund of information that makes him a most interesting companion.
Captain Delano was married in 1873 to Miss Sarah Briggs, who has borne him three chil- dren; namely, Charles C., Jr., Amos, and Howard. The Captain and his family occupy the house in which so many of his ancestors have lived and died, and which is now more than a century old, but is in a good state of preservation.
OAH J. CHANDLER, the proprietor and manager of the Manomet Hotel at Plymouth. Mass., was born in the adjoining town of Duxbury in 1842, a son of Noah and Abigail (Phillips) Chandler.
His father followed agricultural pursuits at Duxbury throughout life. He married Miss Abigail Phillips, and they became the favored parents of seven children, six sons and one daughter.
Noah J. Chandler passed his boyhood at Duxbury on his father's farm, acquiring his education in the common schools. At the age of twelve he applied himself to the trade of shoemaking, which he plied at Duxbury until a few months after the outbreak. of the Civil War, when, in September, 1861, he en- listed as a private in Company I, of the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry. He went South with the regiment, and in the battle of Brashear City he sustained a severe wound in the left shoulder by being struck by a shell. He remained a few weeks in the vicinity of Port Hudson. Discharged as a private at Duxbury in August, 1862, he then returned to his trade, working at Rock- land, and at Boston, Mass.
In 1893 he moved to Manomet Point, and in the following year he assumed the manage- ment of the Brooks House at that place. Mr.
Chandler is now the proprietor and manager of the Manomet House, which accommodates about fifty guests, and which has a livery con- nection. Two pleasure boats also are run for the enjoyment of the patrons. Mr. Chandler is affiliated with the fraternity of Odd Fcl- lows, and in politics he is numbered among the followers of the Republican party.
HARLES H. CHURCHILL, who conducts a thriving retail fruit busi-
ness in Plymouth, was born in this town, December 31, 1836, son of Elkanah Churchill, who was for many years master of a fishing-vessel.
At the age of ten years young Churchill began work in the rope-walk, where he was employed during the summer scason, winding rope from five o'clock in the morning until seven in the evening, with a rccess of two hours for meals, receiving twenty-five cents per day for his labor. Having learned to pcg shoes, he followed that employment in the winter season, during the hours which werc not occupied in attending school; and he was thus engaged until he was fifteen years old, when he went to the Grand Banks on board a fishing-vessel. He later became a sailor in the merchant service, making voyages to the West Indies until reaching the age of twenty- five, when he met with an accident which compelled him to relinquish sea life; and, re- turning to Plymouth, he entered mercantile business as a clerk in Bradford Barncs's gro- cery store, where he remained for ten years. He then engaged in a similar capacity with Stephen Lucas, proprietor of a retail fruit store, receiving at first five dollars per week, which was soon increased to six dollars, and the following year his wages were advanced to seven dollars per week.
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He remained with Mr. Lucas as clerk until January, 1880, when he bought the business outright. Successful from the start, he con- tinued to run the old store until November, 1885, when he completely remodelled its in- terior, put in a large show window, and other- wise improved his facilities for carrying on a flourishing and constantly increasing business, to which he devotes his entire time, employ- ing no assistant. Never having connected himself with outside matters which would pre- vent him from attending personally to its every detail, he has been able to successfully compete with his rivals, who have been obliged to withdraw, and he is now enjoying a clear field for the carrying on of a large and profitable enterprise.
In politics Mr. Churchill is a Republican, having voted with that party since becoming of age, but has never entertained any desire for public office. In his religious views he is liberal.
RED HANSON, a prominent citizen of Brockton, where for many years he has conducted a marble business, was born in Weymouth, Mass., May 2, 1835, a son of Thomas R. and Clarissa (Dudley) Hanson, from both of whom he inherited many noble traits of character.
Thomas R. Hanson was the first cashier of the Union Bank of Weymouth and Braintree. He was also Secretary of the Mutual Insurance Company of Weymouth, and Treasurer of the Savings Bank of that placc, besides holding at various times many of the principal town offices. He died at sixty-five years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Clarissa Dudley, bore him seven children, all sons, but only two survive: Fred, of this sketch; and his brother, of the firm of Hanson & Greene, the wholesale and millinery house of
New York. This brother fitted for college and entered Amherst; but, changing his mind, he left college, went to Boston, and learned the millinery business in the store of Will- iam H. Mann & Co. on Milk Street.
He subsequently went to New York with Mr. Cluden, the junior member of the firm, and after a time was admitted to partnership.
Fred Hanson prepared for the work of life in the common schools of Weymouth and at a private academy in Braintree, Mass. On May I, 1851, the day before his sixteenth birthday, he came to Brockton, and began a five years' apprenticeship with Howard & Clark in the cabinet-making and furniture business, work- ing three years at the bench, and the remain- ing two years in the counting-room, keeping books. After that he continued with them four years as salesman, and then went to Bridgewater, and started in the furniture busi- ness on his own account. Returning to Brockton at the end of two and a half years, he carried on business here in that line for some time. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C of the Sixtieth Massachusetts Volunteers. After his return from the war in 1865, he em- barked in the marble business with George W. Bryant, under the firm name of Bryant & Hanson, and they continued together until January 1, 1875, when Mr. Hanson assumed the entire control of the business, which is one of the oldest in this part of the State.
On March 1, 1857, Mr. Hanson married Abbie J. Bryant, of Brockton. She died in 1871, survived by a daughter, their two sons having died in childhood. In July, 1873, Mr. Hanson married Miss Margaret C. Hooper, of Bridgewater, Mass.
A Republican in political affiliation, Mr. Hanson was elected Representative to the State legislature from the Eleventh Plymouth District in 1895, and served on the State
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House Committee. He has also served as clerk and as Inspector of Elections from Ward 2. He was the first to propose that Perkins Park should be lighted by electricity, and did much toward making it a success. He was Chairman of the Committee during the fair held there by the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, and made a contract with the New England Weston Electric Light Company of Boston to light the park. They brought dynamos, which they put in the old Keith factory at the west end of the park, then occupied by W. L. Douglass. These were the first electric lights used in the town. Mr. Hanson was also in- strumental in getting trains run in to the entertainment. Fraternally, he is a member of Webster Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been Commander seven or eight years, and has served on various committees. He is a member of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian) church.
OHN F. SCHUBERT, an expert cus- tom shoemaker of Plymouth, Mass., who has been in the employ of one concern here for forty years, was born in the Province of Silesia, Germany, December 14, 1826. His father, Joseph Schubert, was a mason by trade He gave his children a good education in the national schools, and young Schubert after graduating from the high school learned the trade of a shoemaker. At the age of twenty years he entered the Prussian Army, and during his five years of military life his regiment was called into active service to quell the Polish Revolution of 1848.
After his discharge from the army in 1851, John F. Schubert emigrated to the United States, and, settling in Boston, was employed on custom shoe work by John F. Pray, propri- etor of an extensive establishment located on
Washington Street in that city. In 1856 Mr. Schubert came to Plymouth, where he entered the employ of Benjamin Bramhall, later con- tinuing with Benjamin L. Bramhall, and he is still one of the most valued and skilful em- ployees of the Bramhall establishment.
In 1853 Mr. Schubert wedded Catherine Connor, a native of Ireland, and has reared a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom are residing in Plym- outh and are useful and respected members of society. One of his sons is a dentist, another follows shoemaking, another is a harness- maker, and the remaining two are connected with the iron industries. Mrs. Schubert died in 1879.
For the past eight or nine years Mr. Schu- bert has been a Trustee of the Plymouth Pub- lic Library, and he also takes a deep interest in other public institutions. Politically, he is independent, and supports the candidates whom he considers best qualified to hold pub- lic office.
ON. ALBERT FRANCIS BARKER, of Hanson, was born in this town, October 24, 1859, son of Benjamin and Deborah (Sacherick) Barker. His grand- father, also named Benjamin, was born in the town of Pembroke, now Hanson, and, after re- ceiving a common-school education, engaged in farming. He was a prominent citizen, serving as Selectman, Overseer of the Poor, and Assessor, for a number of years. He was also an active member of the Congregational church. His son Benjamin, father of the sub- ject of this sketch, was born in Hanson, Janu- ary 17, 1811, After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for seven or eight years, subsequently turning his attention to farming. He was very prominent in town affairs.
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Albert F. Barker received his education in the schools of Hanson. When about twenty years old he went to Colorado, where he en- gaged in mining. Returning home in 1881, he went to farming, and also began the study of law. Being admitted to the bar in 1892, he began the practice of his profession in Brockton, and has since been thus successfully engaged. Mr. Barker married Lucie C. Reyn- olds, and he and his wife have become the parents of three children - Albert D., Maggie D., and Robert. Mr. Barker has served as member of the Board of Selectmen, Overseer of the Poor, member of both branches of the State legislature and in other offices. He is a member of Plymouth Rock Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
INFIELD S. SOULE, the well- known foreman of the Lilly Brack- ett & Co. Shoe Factory, and an in- ventor of several machines to facilitate the shoe industry, was born in Bowdoin, Sagada- hoc County, Me., July 29, 1864. He is a son of the late Reuben Soule, a native of New Gloucester, Me., where ancestors of the fam- ily, which is of English descent, settled in I700.
Reuben Soule was a farmer and carriage manufacturer for a quarter of a century. His farm was large, requiring the aid of several men. Mr. Soule was previously engaged in teaching for a time; and he also served as Captain of a military company. He married a daughter of Joel Allen, of Webster, Me., and they had five children, three of whom are living. Reuben Soule died at the age of fifty-seven years.
Winfield S. Soule, after acquiring his edu- cation in the public and private schools of his native town, learned shoe stitching in the Burt & Packard Shoe Factory, remaining
there four years. In 1884 he entered the em- ploy of Lilly Brackett & Co., and was pro- moted four years after to be foreman of their. stitching-room, which he still has in charge. Being of an inventive turn of mind, in April, 1895, he made a machine for marking rows and stay work, which also graduates the sizes and widths of shoes; and later he made another machine for attaching faces on uppers, the operator being obliged only to guide the work. This he intends to put out on a roy- alty. Mr. Soule has also invented an eyelet machine, and two or three kinds of snipping machines, besides others, which are not yet patented.
On July 5, 1891, Mr. Soule was united in marriage with a daughter of Joseph Eldridge, of Bucksport, Me. Fraternally, he is a mem- ber of Massasoit Lodge, No. 69, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife at- tend the Porter Congregational branch church.
OHN S. WILLIAMS, an esteemed resident of Middleboro, Mass., where he established himself in business in April, 1896, was born in Fall River, Mass., May 10, 1875. He is a son of John W. and Ellen (Sherman) Williams, of that city. His father is in the grocery business at Fall Brook. Mrs. Ellen S. Williams, who came originally from Farmington, Me., is well known and respected in South Weymouth, Mass., where she lived before her marriage. She is the mother of three children: John S., whose name appears at the head of this article ; Nathaniel E., residing in Fall River, his father's assistant in the store; and Harold, who is yet with his parents.
John S., the eldest son, passed his early boyhood in the bustling town of Fall River. He received a good education, attending the
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grammar and high schools of Middleboro, and taking a two years' course of study at Amherst College. As a first attempt at earning a live- lihood, he obtained employment in a paper box factory at South Weymouth, and after a year and a half of that work he went to New York to perfect himself in the science and art of undertaking, making a special study of the latest and best methods. He was graduated from the United States School of Embalming, and about a year ago he established himself in business in Middleboro as
an undertaker and funeral director. Although he has been here but a short time, he has already demon- strated his ability in his profession; and his quiet, pleasing manner, his refinement and delicacy have won for him many friends.
Mr. Williams belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Middleboro Commercial Club. He attends the Congre- gational church, and is a prominent member of the local branch of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association.
JUGENE LINEHAN, a well-known drug- gist of Brockton, was born in West Bridgewater, February 2, 1859, son of Timothy and Ellen Linehan. Timothy Linehan, who was a shoemaker, was a highly respected citizen of Brockton, where he re- sided for half a century. He was about seventy years old at the time of his death.
Eugene Linehan was the youngest son of his parents. He was given the best educa- tional advantages, attending the common schools of West Bridgewater, Bridgewater Academy, and Bryant & Stratton's Commer- cial College, Boston, and when his studies were finished was well qualified for a business career. In 1881 he opened a drug store near his present location, and in the fifteen years
that have elapsed since that time he has built up a lucrative business. Mr. Linehan is mar- ried and has had two children, a boy and a girl. The girl died in childhood. The boy, whose name is Eugene, is a student in the Brockton High School. Mr. Linchan is in- dependent in politics. He was in the City Council two years, being elected from Ward 7, and the second year was nominated by both the Republicans and Democrats. He belongs to one social organization, the Knights of Co- lumbus.
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