Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 108

Author: Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, pub
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Boston, Biographical review publishing company
Number of Pages: 1238

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts > Part 108

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sincere, he was yet quiet and unostentatious. He had high ideas of life and lived up to them. A stanch Republican, he took a lively interest in the affairs of the growing city, and exercised a strong influence for good. In the country towns he had a host of friends, and he would have polled a large vote had he consented to run for a county office. A strong Congregation- alist, he contributed generously to the church, its missions, and charities. His life was de- voted to his business, his church, and his home. Well posted on current topics, he kept up with the march of progress in secular and religious affairs. In 1885 he sold his share in the busi- ness to his nephew and partner, and retired. His death occurred in June, 1886.

Mr. Rice was twice married. The maiden name of his second wife was Miss Rhoda Bur- gess Eldridge. She was born in Quincy, Mass., December 14, 1819. Her immigrant ancestor on the paternal side came from Eng- land to this country early in the eighteenth century. The Eldridges of New England have established a reputation for high character. Mrs. Rice is living in Worcester. Her chil- dren were: Isadore, Edric, and John. Isadore is deceased. The latter, who was born and educated in Worcester, has been in business in this city for some time, and, like his father, is highly esteemed. He married Miss Annie E. Prichard, of Worcester.

J OHN MARVIN CHENEY, treasurer of the Litchfield Shuttle Company at Southbridge, Mass., was born April 28, 1832, in the eastern part of the town, on the old homestead farm which has been in the family since 1739, and on which his father, Colonel Marvin Cheney, was born in 1802.

The emigrant ancestor of this branch of the family in America was William Cheney, who came over from England at an early day in the Colonial period, and settled at Roxbury. He died in June, 1667, aged sixty-three years. He and his wife, Margaret, had seven children - Ellen, Margaret, Thomas, William, John, Mehitabel, and Joseph. One of his descend- ants of the fourth generation, Colonel Thomas

Cheney, son of Benjamin3 and grandson of Thomas, 2. removed to that part of Dudley that is now called Southbridge, and, buying a large tract of unimproved land on the Quinnebaug River, engaged in agricultural pursuits on the farm that is still in the family.

Thomas Cheney, of the fifth generation, born in Roxbury in 1751, son of the Colonel's brother John, went when young to live with his uncle Thomas, of Dudley, and became the founder of the Cheney family living in Worcester County.

Joel Cheney, the paternal grandfather of John M., spent his entire life on the home farm. He married Naomi Batcheller, daughter of Elijah Batcheller, who served in the Revolu- tionary War first as a private and later as Cor- poral in Captain David Batcheller's company, going into camp in June, 1778, and being dis- charged June 29, 1779, at North River.

Colonel Marvin Cheney was for many years an officer in the State militia. He succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead, and in addition to his labors on the farm was known as a skilful blacksmith and machinist. He was quite prominent in public affairs, and held all important town offices, including that of Assessor and Selectman. For many years he was Deacon of the Baptist church and an ac- tive worker in church and society. He mar- ried Bethiah Ruggles, daughter of Alpha and Lucy (Shepherd) Morse, their union being solemnized in 1826. She was born in 1804, and died in 1887. Of the eight children born to Colonel Marvin Cheney and his wife, but three are now living, as follows: William H. H., who occupies the home farm; Caroline M., wife of Frank Christie, of Belmond, Ia. ; and John Marvin. Colonel Cheney died at a good old age in February, 1878. Jeremiah Morse, father of Alpha Morse, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution.

John Marvin Cheney completed his school- ing at the Wilbraham Academy, and at the age of seventeen began to provide for himself by becoming a clerk at Globe Village in the store of W. F. & J. O. Mckinstry, with whom he served a three years' apprenticeship, and from whom he then bought a half-interest in their dry-goods department. He continued the dry-

JOHN M. CHENEY.

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goods business for a year under the firm name of John M. Cheney & Co., and then became sole owner of the store. He soon sold a half- interest to E. B. Blake, who became senior partner, and in 1855 purchased the other half of the business. Under the administration of President Zachary Taylor the Globe Village post-office was established, and William Mun- roe, then book-keeper for the Hamilton Woollen Company, was made Postmaster. Mr. Munroe devoted but little time to the office, but delegated John M. Cheney, then a clerk in the store, to administer its affairs; and when Franklin Pierce became president he appointed Mr. Cheney as successor to Mr. Munroe.

In the spring of 1856 Mr. Cheney engaged in the lumber business in Iowa, and, in part- nership with Francis M. Vinton, also of Southbridge, operated a steam saw-mill. In 1860 he returned East by way of Chicago, where at the National Republican Conven- tion, on May 16, he witnessed the exciting scene that attended the nomination of Abra- ham Lincoln for president. Soon after his arrival in Southbridge Mr. Cheney accepted the position of clerk and business manager for the Litchfield Shuttle Company, and by his efficiency contributed largely toward its pres- ent prosperity. Since 1880 he has been treas- urer of that corporation and for some years a stockholder. Though often solicited to accept nominations for public office, Mr. Cheney has persistently declined to consider the matter, preferring to devote his time to his business in- terests. He was one of the organizers of the Evangelical Free Church, of which he is now a member, and besides having served as its clerk he was the first superintendent of the Sunday-school.

On July 18, 1855, Mr. Cheney married Martha Louisa, daughter of the late Liberty and Catherine P. Litchfield. Her father was a son of Comins Litchfield and a grandson of Captain Lawrence Litchfield. Liberty Litch- field was originally a millwright, and worked at the trade; but later he engaged in the shuttle business, and was one of the originators of the Litchfield Shuttle Company. He was born May 3, 1802, in Charlton, Mass., and died in Southbridge, Mass., March 23, 1878.

His wife, Catherine P. Thurston, was born in Oxford, Mass., November 29, 1805, and died July 6, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Cheney are the parents of three children, two of whom have passed to the higher life, namely: Emma Frances, born on November 4, 1859, who died May 5, 1861 ; and Arthur Litchfield, who was born April 10, 1868, and died June 6, 1871. George M. Cheney, born August 24, 1861, graduated from the Southbridge High School in 1879, and after attending Williston Semi- nary a year entered Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1884. He studied law in Worcester, first with E. B. Sprague and later with David Manning, Esq. In March, 1886, desiring a change of scene and occupation, he went to Denver, Col., where he was employed as clerk in a banking house three years. Since his return to Southbridge he has been in the office of the Litchfield Shuttle Com- pany.

ALTER R. DAME, A.B., LL.B., a prominent lawyer, broker, and financier of Clinton, was born in this town, June 22, 1861, son of John Thompson and Eliza (Reeves) Dame. The paternal grandfather, John Dame, M.D., a native of Lyme, N.H., and an able physi- cian of that locality in his day, at one time was a member of the State Senate. He spent his life in New Hampshire, and attained a ripe old age. The maiden name of his wife was Tillotson, and the only child of their union was John T. Dame.

John Thompson Dame, born in Oxford, N. H., was graduated from Dartmouth College. After studying law at Harvard University Law School and otherwise preparing himself for the legal profession, he began to practise in Lancaster. He was a pioneer lawyer in Clinton, having located here immediately after the incorporation of the town; and he transacted a large and successful general law business until his death, which occurred in 1894. He served as Trial Justice for a num- ber of years, was at one time Postmaster, and as a member of the School Committee he took an active interest in public education. His

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wife, Eliza, was born in Wayland, where her ancestors settled in 1675. Her father, Jacob Reeves, was prominently identified with the affairs of Wayland, officiating as Town Clerk and Trial Justice for many years. Of the children of John T. and Eliza Dame, three are living - Abbie E., Fanny, and Walter R. Mrs. Dame is still living, and resides with her son. She is a member of the Congrega- tional church, as was also her husband.

Walter R. Dame attended the common schools, including the high school of Clinton, and was fitted for college at Phillips Exeter Academy. He was graduated from Harvard University in 1883 with the degree of Bach- elor of Arts. After reading law in his father's office for a year, he entered Boston University Law School, graduating in 1886 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws and a magna cum laude. He was duly admitted to the Suffolk County bar, and was associated in practice with his father until the latter's de- cease. Since that time he has conducted business alone, giving his principal attention to real estate. He deals largely in real es- tate, and represents several reliable fire, life, and fidelity insurance companies. Aside from his law and brokerage business he has won considerable distinction as a financier. He was instrumental in organizing the co- operative bank, of which he is a director, the secretary, and attorney. This institution, having assets to the value of two hundred thousand dollars, is in a most flourishing con- dition, and pays its shareholders an annual in- come of six per cent. Mr. Dame is also the secretary of the Board of Water Commis- sioners, was one of the Board of Directors who completed the Clinton Railway, and he is actively interested in the proposed electric road from Clinton to Worcester.

Politically, Mr. Dame is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Town Committee since 1884. Since 1887 he has served with ability as the secretary of the Board of Asses- sors. After serving for three years in the ca- pacity of Selectman, he declined another nom- ination. He is now in his third term as a member of the School Committee. His legal ability, unquestionable integrity, and knowl-

edge of financial matters, have placed him in the front rank among Clinton's leading busi- ness men; and his high standing in court is attested by the fact that some years ago he was intrusted by Judge Corcoran with the affairs of the Lancaster Bank.

In 1894 Mr. Dame was united in marriage with Augusta Vickery, daughter of Charles A. Vickery, a former dry-goods merchant of Portland, Me., who was afterward in business in this town. Mrs. Dame died in 1895. Mr. Dame is connected with Trinity Lodge, F. & A. M., and with Clinton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which he has been secretary. He is also a member of Clinton Lodge, I. O. O. F., the president of the Full Score Association, and a member of the Prescott Club. He attends the Episcopal church.

RANKLIN BLACKMER NORTON, formerly of Worcester, the inventor of the Norton emery wheel, was born in Bennington, Bennington County, Vt., May 23, 1829. A son of John and Persis (Smith) Norton, he came of English origin and of a. family that has been in this country since the beginning of the eighteenth century. The family has produced many able men. Many of the Nortons were potters, both in England and in this country. Several of those who lived in Bennington were farmers. John Norton, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, in 1793 established at Bennington the first pottery in Vermont, called the United States Pottery, which is still in existence and owned by members of the Norton family. He was a Captain in the Revolutionary army, and took part in the events at Bennington and vicinity under General Stark. His son John, the father of Franklin B., was a mer- chant of Bennington and a prominent citizen of that town. Having spent his last days on a farm there, the father died in 1850. Mr. Norton was also a descendant of Captain Jon- athan Buel, of Revolutionary fame, whose an- cestors for five generations were among the foremost men of New England.

Franklin Blackmer Norton grew up on a farm in Bennington, and attended the common

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schools there, completing his studies at the old Union Academy in the town. He took up newspaper work at the age of sixteen, and for two years was employed in the office of the Bennington Banner. Then he turned his at- tention to ceramic art, and learned the potter's trade of C. W. Fenton, of East Ben- nington. In 1858, in company with Fred- erick Hancock, firm of F. B. Norton & Co., he established a pottery on Washington Square, Worcester, manufacturing stoneware of all kinds, through which the name of F. B. Norton stamped upon them became well known in the Eastern States. The firm had a large and profitable trade. In 1876 Mr. Hancock sold his interest, and Mr. Norton thereafter continued the business alone. He experimented considerably with earth and other materials used in his art, and finally succeeded in inventing the emery wheel for polishing, grinding, and sharpening uses. Wheels for the same purpose had been made before; but Mr. Norton combined corundum and emery by a new process. He patented the wheel in 1876, and engaged in its manu- facture on a large scale. Although imitators sprang up and robbed him of a part of his just dues, he built up a large business in wheels in addition to his general pottery work. In 1866 he moved his factory to Water Street. Just before his death a stock company, known as the Norton Emery Wheel Company, pur- chased the right to manufacture his wheel -- which is generally conceded to be the best emery wheel in use - and built a manufactory at Barber's Crossing, Worcester. Mr. Nor- ton continued his pottery until January, 1886, when he died. He left a high record for in- dustry. As a business man he was conscien- tious and thorough. Genial and social, he made many friends and had no enemies. A strong Republican, he did all in his power to advance the interest of his party. During the Civil War he was a member of the Worcester Common Council. Strong and upright in character, he had a deep reverence for relig- ious principles, and lived up to his belief. His death was mourned by all who knew him.

In 1850 Mr. Norton was married to Jane C., daughter of Richard Lucas Fenton, of

Bennington, Vt. The Fentons are an old family of English origin. At least five gen- erations of them have had birth in this coun- try. They were also potters and had works in Bennington. C. W. Fenton, Mrs. Nor- ton's uncle and her husband's preceptor, de- signed and constructed the famous Rocking- ham Monument in 1850. This curious structure, which attracted great interest in the New York Crystal Palace in 1853, is made of colored clays like fancy marble, and has every type of earthen material used in Mr. Fenton's works. He completed a number of other artistic products, many of which are now treasured in museums. Mr. and Mrs. Norton were blessed with the following chil- dren : Alida J., now the wife of George E. Rice, of Worcester; Myron P., who is in the emery wheel business in Philadelphia with the Abrasive Material Company; John F., now the manager of the Norton estate; Flora J., the wife of F. A. Keyes, of Philadelphia; Arthur H., who is also with the Abrasive Ma- terial Company; Frederick, who died in 1896; and George, in business in Boston. After Mr. Norton's death his stoneware manufact- ures were continued by his sons, Myron and John, for about eight years, when the intro- duction of machinery caused them to close the business.

YRENUS ALDRICH was an es- teemed business man of Worcester in his time. Born in Swanzey, N. H., September 24, 1815, he was a son of Paine Aldrich. The latter, also a native of Swanzey, born in 1791, resided there until after his marriage. A few years after he came to Worcester. In 1835, when the Bos- ton & Worcester Railway, the first in the State, was built, he came into prominence in connection with the invention and construc- tion of the first railway turn-tables in New England. He originated the business, and with the aid of his son, Cyrenus, whom he took into partnership, carried it on with a degree of success far beyond his first expecta- tions. He made turn-tables in Boston and other parts of New England, continuing in

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the business until his death at Worcester in August, 1871. Being a sagacious business man, he invested his surplus capital in unim- proved city property, and held it until its value was increased many fold. He bought pasture land in the vicinity of Pleasant Street and on both sides of High Street, between Pleasant and Chatham Streets. On one side of the street he erected his turn-table works, and on the other a long, brick block of resi- dences. For a time he lived in a house oc- cupying the present site of Hotel Newton. He also built a modern residence on the cor- ner of High and Pleasant Streets, where Hotel Adams now stands. Large tracts of land on Chatham and Clinton Streets and on Chatham place were owned by him. No name in the city was held in more respect than that of Paine Aldrich, who was known far and wide as a man of unblemished honor and sterling integrity. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Hammond, two children were born, as follows: Cyrenus, the subject of this sketch; and Harriet, who is now deceased.

A boy when he accompanied his parents to Worcester, Cyrenus Aldrich spent the re- maining years of his long and busy life in this city. In early manhood he became asso- ciated with his father in the manufacture of turn-tables, forming the firm of Paine Aldrich & Son, and continued in business with him as superintendent of the construction department of the works. The tables were built in Worcester, then taken apart and shipped to the points in which they were to be used, the junior member of the firm taking them there and setting them up. As his father's health began to fail, he gradually assumed charge of the business. He received the entire control after the Civil War, when the senior partner retired to private life. When iron and steel tables were introduced, he did not care to start upon any new manufacture, and practically retired from business. Thereafter he devoted himself to the care of his real estate and other interests, and the establishment of his sons in business for themselves. He died on Janu- ary 12, 1889.

In February, 1845, Mr. Aldrich married

Miss Sarah Patch, a daughter of William W. Patch, who was a representative of an early and prominent family of Worcester County. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich reared three children, namely: Eldora M., who is living at home; William Paine, the proprietor of a large cloth printing establishment in New York City, who married Charlotte Gibb, of New York, and has three children - Grace Eldora, William P., and Edith Marion; and Frank Edgar, also connected with the same manu- factory in New York City, who married Louise Love, 'of Providence, and has one child, Roger Cyrenus.

AMES PROCTOR HASKINS was a chemist in Boston, Mass., for many years. Born in Petersham, Worcester County, May 10, 1818, he was a son of David and Hannah (Newell) Haskins. His father died in the prime of manhood, and his widowed mother afterward married Simon H. Pike. Among the children of the latter union was Amos Pike, of Worcester. The paternal grandfather of James P. Haskins was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Both the Haskins and the Pike families were early settlers of New England, and prominent in Colonial affairs.

After attending the district schools of his native town until he was twelve years old, James Proctor Haskins went to live with an uncle in Medway. Subsequently his education was further pursued at an academy in Marl- boro, Mass. On attaining his majority he went to Boston with the determination to make his own way in life. For a few years there- after he was engaged in tailoring. Not finding this occupation congenial, he gave it up, and was for a long time associated with a physician of that city, in whose office he had a fine oppor- tunity to study chemistry, a subject that had always interested him. He also became famil- iar with other sciences, and for some years travelled extensively in the Eastern States, lecturing on phrenology and mesmerism, and thereby achieving considerable fame. A close student, he was continually making researches in the realms of science, and acquired superior

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skill as a chemist. He made use of his knowledge to relieve the sufferings of the sick, and for a time practised medicine in Boston. Preferring, however, to devote his entire time to compounding medicines for sundry diseases, he established a laboratory in that city, where he carried on a most extensive and successful business for the rest of his life. The various remedies compounded by him found a ready sale throughout New England. A man of sterling integrity, he was much esteemed by all who knew him.

Mr. Haskins was one of the founders of the Know Nothing party. As one of its leaders he came to Worcester to make arrangements for Charles Sumner to speak before its adhe- rents, and he was afterward elected as a Repre- sentative to the State legislature. Always interested in State and municipal affairs, he made an efficient public official. From 1865 until 1871 he was a member of the Board of Education in Boston. He was identified with the Methodist church of that city and an active worker in the denomination. On Janu- ary 1, 1850, he was married in Boston to Mrs. Henrietta L. Sweetser, who was born in Brook- lyn, N. Y. They had four children; namely, George, Addie Louise, Alice Z., and Helen Packard. Mr. Haskins died May 27, 1896.

AVID BEMIS, a native resident and a well-known agriculturist of Spen- cer, was born August 3, 1812. A son of William and Lucretia (Mi- rick) Bemis, he is a grandson of William Bemis and a great-grandson of Samuel Bemis. The latter was the founder of the family in Spencer.

William Bemis, second, born in Spencer, died here in 1836. One of the most promi- nent farmers of his time in the town, he was progressive and successful. At the time of his death he owned between eight hundred and nine hundred acres of land, one of the largest estates in town. In the several capacities of Selectman, Assessor, Overseer, and Represent- ative to General Court he rendered valuable services to the community. He was twice married, His first wife, Lucretia, whose only

child was David Bemis, was a native of Prince- ton, Mass. His other living children are : George, Horace, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the wife of Chauncey G. Harrington.

Having received his early education in the common schools of his native town and at Leicester Academy, David Bemis taught school for two winter terms. His life since then has been chiefly spent in agriculture. Also, to some extent, for many years he was engaged in cutting and selling wood from timber lands which he bought. He has served his towns- people for two years as Selectman, and he was Assessor of Taxes for thirty-six years, the longest period for which that office has been held in the town. He was a trustee of the Spencer Savings Bank from the time of its organization to 1894, when he resigned; and he was on its Board of Investment. In poli- tics he is a Republican. He was State Cen- sus Enumerator for Spencer in 1865 and 1875, and he also assisted at other census takings. Since his boyhood he has seen many changes in Spencer, watching with interest the prog- ress of the town.

Mr. Bemis has been twice married. His first wife, Selah Barton Bemis, a Spencer lady, bore him two children - Harriet N. and Will- iam M., both of whom are now deceased. The present Mrs. Bemis, who is a daughter of Levi and Hannah (Howe) Bartlett, of Rutland, Mass., before her marriage with Mr. Bemis was the widow of Joseph Flagg, of Worcester. By her first marriage she had one daughter, Emma J., who now resides in Boston. Mrs. Bemis is a member of the Congregational church in this place.

OSEPH WHEELER GIRD, formerly of Worcester, gave much promise of winning distinction. He was de- scended from one of the prominent families of England, whence his immigrant ancestor, who was his great-grandfather, came to America in Colonial days. His father, Professor Henry H. Gird, was born in New York City, and there received his elementary education. On July 4, 1822, Henry gradu- ated from West Point as an expert in the

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artillery service, and was at once sent to Fort Adams, in Louisiana. After a few years' stay at the fort he resigned his position to become the professor of mathematics in the Louisiana College. His scholarly attainments, decisive character, and strong personality peculiarly qualified him for the position, and during the twenty years that he was connected with that institution he acquired a high reputation. Obliged to abandon his work in the college by impaired health, he went to Illinois, where he owned considerable landed property, and there continued his residence until his death, which occurred in 1845. While in the college he married Elizabeth L. Wheeler, who was born and bred in Worcester. Still surviving her husband, and an attractive and intelligent woman, she is now living with her grand- daughter in Worcester. She patriotically served as a nurse in the military hospitals during the Civil War.

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Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 108

Author: Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, pub Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Boston, Biographical review publishing company Number of Pages: 1238

Author: Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, pub
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Boston, Biographical review publishing company
Number of Pages: 1238