Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 110

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 110

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For more than a year Mr. Buck was a pa- tient sufferer from a complication of diseases. A short time previous to his death, which oc- curred in April, 1896, as mentioned above, he presented the town of Portland with the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars to go toward erecting a library building, to be known as the Buck Library. The town appropriated one thousand dollars, the Shaler, Hall, and Brainard quarries gave the brownstone, the old Portland Library Association turned over their books to the town, and the Buck Library was opened in April, 1896.

AMUEL SYLVESTER PIERCE, formerly a leading business man of Worcester, son of Joseph and Esther (Jaquith) Pierce, was born in Jaffrey, N.H., July 14, 1828. He was de- scended from John Pierce, who came from England in early Colonial times, and settled at Watertown, Mass. His great-grandfather, Daniel Pierce, spent the greater part of his life in Lunenburg. Samuel Pierce, the grandfather, who resided in Jaffrey, N.H., successively married Abigail Carter and Eliz- abeth Whitney. Joseph Pierce, above named, who was born in Jaffrey on March 23, 1792, resided there for some years, engaged in farm- ing. He died in Auburn, Mass., on April

22, 1860. His wife, Esther, whom he mar- ried on October 13, 1821, was previously the wife of his brother. She died on November 29, 1866, having been the mother of seven children.

Samuel Sylvester Pierce was brought up on his father's farm in Jaffrey, receiving his edu- cation in the common schools of that town. Coming to Worcester in 1848, he secured em- ployment in a cotton-mill at Auburn. After working there for some years, he went into the teaming business in order to be in the open air for the benefit of his health. A short time later he entered the store of J. S. Hill on Mechanic Street, Worcester, becom- ing a clerk in his wholesale liquor trade. He subsequently bought out the business, and then carried it on in his own name until 1886, when he took his son into partnership. At the time Mr. Pierce bought the business it was comparatively small. Through his energy, enterprise, and skilful management he built it up until it became, probably, the largest establishment of its kind in Worces- ter County. Its wholesale trade was very large, and in it the beverages of the leading producers of the world were handled. Thor- oughly devoted to his family, Mr. Pierce was almost sure to be found, if wanted, at his home when not at his place of business. As a neighbor he was exceedingly obliging, and as a friend he was loyal to the death. Al- though engaged in a business against which many object, his methods of carrying it on were such that he obtained the full respect of the community in which he lived. If only such men as he engaged in the liquor traffic, it could never have incurred the stigma which now rests upon it. Mr. Pierce was a constant attendant of the Universalist church, and not only gave liberal support to that organization, but also aided many benevolent institutions in the city. A gradual decline of health ended with his death on March 25, 1889.

On April 9, 1851, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage with Stella Luthera Clark, a daughter of Nathaniel Smith Clark, of Auburn, and a lineal descendant of Thomas Clark, who came to America in the "Mayflower." For genera- tions the Clarks have been among the leading

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families of Auburn. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce were born as follows: Emma Althea, on February 25, 1852; Edwin Silas, June 14, 1855; Carrie Elizabeth, August 27, 1857; Jennie Feronia, October 3, 1861, who died in 1865; and Frank Sylvester, March I, 1871. Edwin S. Pierce, who succeeded to the business of his father, now carries it on under the name of The E. S. Pierce Company. At present it occupies the entire building of 69 Mechanic Street, and is very prosperous. On July 17, 1888, Edwin S. Pierce married Mary Veronica Carroll, of Hudson, N.Y. She has become the mother of four children, namely : Marie, born December 13, 1890; Sylvester Samuel, born June 4, 1892; Edwin Carroll, born August II, 1893; and Helen, born Sep- tember 24, 1895.

J OHN M. WOOD, formerly a well- known undertaker of Milford and a prominent member of the local Masonic bodies, was born in Westminster, Mass., September 26, 1831, eldest son of Myles and Malinda (Montjoy) Wood. The father, who is now residing in Northboro, Mass., over ninety years old, reared a family of seven children, namely: George B., a resi- dent of Northboro; James J., of the same town; Mary, who is now the widow Hopkins, and resides at Newton Upper Falls; Keziah, who is the widow Brigham, of Marlboro, Mass .; Charlotte, who is the widow Towns- end, also of Marlboro; Gertrude E. Wood, who died June 25, 1865; and John M. Wood, the subject of this sketch.

At the age of twelve years John M. Wood accompanied his parents when they moved from Westminster to Ashland, where he re- mained for a few years. Then he went to Sterling and a short time later to Northboro, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade with Henry Glazier. Settling in Milford in March, 1857, he followed his trade for a num- ber of years. After that he was engaged in making coffins for the late Leonard Fairbanks, to whom he later became assistant in the undertaking business. After Mr. Fairbanks's retirement Mr. Wood succeeded him, having

as a partner J. Warren Nye. Failing health forced Mr. Nye to withdraw some years ago, and Mr. Wood carried on the business alone for the rest of his life. On Friday, February 26, 1897, about two o'clock A.M., he and his assistant, Captain William Emery, visited professionally the residence of the late Fred- erick E. Pettingill, who had died suddenly. Mr. Wood had just expressed to the widow his surprise at the occurrence, when, without warning, he dropped lifeless to the floor be- fore his assistant could reach him. To those unfamiliar with his nature he appeared some- what gruff, but beneath this exterior there was a kindly and sympathetic disposition.

Mr. Wood contracted the first of his two marriages with Lestina Plympton, of Crafts- bury, Vt., who died in 1861. By that union there was one daughter, who died in the same year. On August 23, 1865, the second mar- riage united him with Mary S. Johnson, of Clinton, Mass., who survives him and is re- siding in Milford. He was made a Mason in Montgomery Lodge, Milford, in 1859, becom- ing an Entered Apprentice on March 22, Fel- low-craftsman on April 19, and a Master Mason on May 18 of that year. He succeeded Frank O'Brien as Tyler of the lodge at the old Masonic quarters in Church Block, and served in the same capacity at the present hall, pre- ceding A. A. Burrell. He also belonged to Mount Lebanon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and to Milford Commandery, Knights Templar.

DWARD PAYSON SMITH, PH. D., was professor of modern languages and political science at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute at the time of his death, May 2, 1892, in Middlefield, Hampshire County, Mass., being the youngest of the ten children of Samuel and Lucina (Metcalf) Smith. He was born January 20, 1840.

The immigrant progenitor of this branch of the Smith family was Matthew Smith, who with his wife and four children came over from Sandwich, county of Kent, England, was an inhabitant of Charlestown, Mass,, in 1637, and as "Goodman Smith " was num-

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bered among the householders in 1658. After him were five Matthews in direct line of descent. Dr. Smith's paternal grand- father, Matthew,' was a Captain of the militia, and served in the Revolution. It is thought that he was at Bunker Hill. His son, Sam- uel Smith, the father named above, was for many years a member of the Board of Select- men and Assessors, also a member for many terms of the School Committee of Middlefield, and in 1839 was a Representative to the State legislature. He was an excellent scholar and a successful teacher, and gave a liberal educa- tion to all his children. He died September 28, 1877.

Edward Payson, named for the distin- guished Congregational divine, pursued his preparatory studies at home under his brothers and sisters; in Lewistown Academy, Penn- sylvania; and with his brother, Dr. Judson Smith, now foreign secretary of the American Board, but then a professor at Oberlin Col- lege, who fitted him for Amherst College, which he entered in 1861. He applied him- self earnestly and faithfully, and made for himself an enviable record. While a Sopho- more he took first prize in mathematics, in his Senior year the first prize in Latin, also for an essay, and was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa, a distinguished honor. He divided the first prize in Greek with Henry M. Tyler, now professor in Smith College, and was one of four who attained to the first rank of scholarship, and drew lots for the honor of being valedictorian. Failing to draw the valedictory, he delivered the Com- mencement oration for his class. He was at one time monitor, and in the Junior year an editor of the Amherst Olio. In the gymna- sium, where all students were required to prac- tise, the same qualities which enabled him to excel in scholarship caused him to become much more than an average athlete.

The year after leaving college he was prin- cipal of the high school in Hinsdale, Mass. During the school year 1866-67 he was a stu- dent at Oberlin Theological Seminary and during 1867-68 at Andover Theological Sem- inary. The next two years he was teacher of Latin and Greek at Williston Seminary, East-

hampton, Mass. In 1870 he went to Europe, and spent most of his time for a year in study at the University at Halle, Germany. In 1871 he was licensed to preach in Boston, but, hav- ing been elected professor of modern lan- guages at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he went to Paris for four months of special study. On returning to America he entered upon the duties of his professorship. During the year 1887-88 he was granted leave of absence, and pursued a course of study at Johns Hopkins University. His residence in Baltimore not being sufficiently long to secure his degree of Doctor of Philosophy, he ob- tained this by passing examinations at Syra- cuse University, Syracuse, N.Y. Although at various times Dr. Smith ably and accept- ably supplied pulpits of Worcester and vicin- ity, his life work was done in his office as pro- fessor.

The following summary is condensed from an obituary written by one who knew him well: It is in the department of English lit- erature and political science that the hand of Dr. Smith has most been felt. He found a fragmentary and incomplete course in litera- ture taught by Professor Thompson in addition to his numerous other duties, and from this he built up under considerable opposition the present course. This was his creation and remains as his monument, and the student who enjoyed his instruction came nearer to receiving a liberal education than is possible at most scientific schools. He strove contin- ually to develop in the minds of the young men under his charge an appreciation of all that is noble and inspiring in literature and history, an understanding of the customs, laws, and rights of men and nations. To nourish the growth of character was his pleas- ure, and he took delight in noting the changes in the mental condition of those who passed through his class-room and under his instruc- tion. His hand and heart were always ready to aid the student who came to him with the earnest desire to learn, even though dull, stupid, and slow to perceive. His active mind was ever ready to afford information to the interested seeker for knowledge, and many an hour was spent by him outside of his

WILLIAM H. BUCK.

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school work in helping and instructing his pupils in their own private research. His great aim was accuracy and thoroughness in everything, and he had little patience with slothfulness, indolence, and superficiality. From boyhood he had been in the habit of making up his mind as to what was right and best, and then, with all the strength of his body and will, carrying to completion his ideas. Sometimes this dauntless pursuit of what he desired produced enemies, and called down upon his head indignant and cutting words; but, yielding not, he pursued his pur- pose, generally to a triumphant end.

His conscientious attachment to his insti- tute work gave him little time for outside literary employment. Many of his friends would have been glad to have him publish more, but aside from several addresses, no- ticeably one delivered at the Centennial of his native town and an essay on the constitu- tional history of the United States in the for- mative period, he gave little to the press. He took an active interest in the affairs of Union Church of Worcester, of which he was a member, and a Deacon for six years. If it were possible to sum up in three words the characteristics of his life, those words would naturally be conscientiousness, accuracy, and thoroughness.

Edward Payson Smith was married Novem- ber 26, 1868, to Miss Julia Mack Church, daughter of James Tallmadge and Emily (Bates) Church, of Middlefield. Mrs. Smith is of the sixth generation in descent from Josiah Mack, originally from Scotland, who settled in Lyme, Conn., before 1693. His grandson David, known as "The Faithful Steward," was a man of uncommonly strong character and a citizen of great influence in Middlefield. Dr. Smith is survived by his wife and four children.

ILLIAM H. BUCK, a retired busi- ness man of Southboro and an ex- member of the Massachusetts legis- lature, was born in Killingly (now Putnam), Conn., August 26, 1818, son of Charles and Lucy (Warren) Buck. His mother belonged

to the same family of which General Joseph Warren, the Revolutionary hero, was a repre- sentative. Charles Buck was in early life a contractor, and built a considerable portion of the Westboro section of the Boston and Worcester turnpike road. In his latter years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits; and he died at the home of his daughter in West- boro, Mass., at the age of eighty-two. At first a Whig in politics, he afterward became a Republican, and continued in that party throughout the rest of his life.

William H. Buck is one of seven children, all of whom were given the advantage of a good education. He completed his studies at the academy in Hancock, N. H. Afterward he learned the trade of shoemaker and later that of bonnet-maker. Then for four years he was the travelling representative of a Boston news- paper. His principal business, however, was that of cattle broker, which he followed suc- cessfully for considerably more than a quarter of a century. In a period of twenty-eight years he missed but one market day at Brigh- ton, the occasion being his attendance at his brother's funeral. He also dealt quite exten- sively in real estate, and was a Justice of the Peace for many years. Some years ago he retired from active business. Though past the fourscore limit, he still possesses the agil- ity and manly vigor of a much younger person.

Mr. Buck married S. Maria Brigham, a rep- resentative of the old Colonial family de- scended from Thomas Brigham, who came from London in 1635 on board the good ship "Susan and Ellen," and was a resident of Watertown, Mass., in 1637. She became the mother of three sons, namely : Frank H., who made about forty trips to European markets with cattle exported; George W., of Framing- ham, a travelling salesman; and Wallace B. Buck, who is engaged in the trucking business in Southboro. On April 22, 1886, Mrs. Buck passed so quietly away, while sitting in her chair, that the fact was unknown to the six occupants of the room until they sought to arouse her from what they supposed was a re- freshing sleep.

Since becoming a voter Mr. Buck has taken an active interest in public affairs. During

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the anti-slavery controversy, when abolition was strongly opposed by both the press and the clergy, he espoused it, and was not only outspoken in his opinions of the slave trade, but became actively connected with the under- ground railway. He was the chairman of the Republican Town Committee for more than twenty-five years, served as an Assessor one year, was chairman of the Board of Selectmen six years; and, as Representative to the legis- lature in 1873, he served upon the Committee on Public Buildings, and strongly advocated the placing of the Hoosac Tunnel permanently under the control of the Commonwealth. He was appointed cattle inspector when the act establishing that office was passed ; and he has since served in that capacity, having been re- appointed each year.

JSTES HAWES, a retired business man of Barre, was born in Belchertown, Hampshire County, Mass., June 29, 1817, son of Herman and Mehitable (Peeso)

Hawes. His paternal grandfather, John Hawes, who was a comparatively early settler in Belchertown, resided upon a farm until his death, which occurred at a good old age. Herman Hawes, a native of Wrentham, Mass., spent the greater part of his life in Belcher- town, where he followed the trade of a black- smith in connection with farming. He was prominently identified with the Congrega- tional church, a member of the Masonic order, and in politics a Whig. He died in 1841, aged fifty-seven years. His wife, Mehitable, who was born in Belchertown, had six chil- dren, two of whom are living, namely: Estes, the subject of this sketch; and J. Francis Hawes, a veteran of the Civil War, who is now residing in Mansfield, Mass. The others were: William, Nancy, George, and Chris- tiana. The mother died in 1834, aged forty- seven years.

Estes Hawes attended the district school. At the age of fourteen he was bound out to learn the tailor's trade, which he afterward followed as an occupation for several years. In September, 1841, he came to Barre, where he was engaged in active business for over

forty years, or until his retirement, which took place some twelve years ago. His busi- ness ability, industry, and frugality have placed him in prosperous circumstances, and he is officially connected with the National and Savings Banks, being a director of the former and a trustee and member of the Fi- nancial Committee of the latter institution.

On April 18, 1844,. Mr. Hawes married Caroline E. Kendall, who was born in Barre, March 8, 1826, daughter of David and Mary (Eastbrook) Kendall. In his young manhood David Kendall accompanied his father, Sam- uel Kendall, from Enfield, Mass., to Barre; and they were both engaged in farming, hat- pressing, and the manufacture of woollen cloth. David died at the age of seventy-four, and his wife at eighty-seven. They reared two children: Caroline E., now Mrs. Hawes; and Henry J., who is no longer living. Mr. and Mrs. Hawes have had four children, namely ;. Mary C., Herman, and Willie K., all of whom died in infancy; and Caroline E., who is the wife of George E. Tucker, of Ware, Mass., and has two children - Ruth E. and Caroline V. Tucker.

In politics Mr. Hawes was formerly a Whig. He is now a Republican, but favors the Prohibition movement. He has always taken an active interest in local affairs, serv- ing with ability as a member of the Board of Assessors for four years; and he is closely identified with the Worcester County West Agricultural Society. Both he and Mrs. Hawes are members of the Congregational church, and he serves the society in the ca- pacity of Deacon. For over fifty-three years he has occupied his present homestead prop- erty. The old house, which was burned in 1889, has been replaced by a handsome modern residence.

EORGE CLARENCE BLANCH- ARD, a prosperous farmer and mer- chant of Worcester, was born on Salem Street, this city, June 26, 1856, son of George Hartwell and Vienna L. (Wood) Blanchard. He is said to be of English and of Scotch descent. His father was a son of

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Andrew Blanchard, of New Ipswich, N.H. His mother was a native of Maine, but resided in Lowell, Mass., prior to her marriage. Mr. Blanchard's grandparents on each side had thirteen children.

George Hartwell Blanchard, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in New Ipswich in 1827. At the age of eighteen he entered upon an apprenticeship at the machin- ist's trade, which he followed in Worcester for some years as a journeyman, later being engaged in business in this city for himself. He died in 1882, aged fifty-five years, leav- ing a good estate, including a farm of ten acres and a residence near by. His wife, Vienna, whom he married March 17, 1852, died in 1876, aged forty-seven years. She was the mother of two children, namely : George C., the subject of this sketch; and Emma H., who married Edward H. Desantell, of New York, and died January 20, 1896, aged thirty-eight years. The parents at- tended the Baptist church.

George Clarence Blanchard acquired a com- mon and high school education. When a boy his leisure time was spent in assisting the butchers at John S. Bartlett's slaughter- house; and, after leaving school he became a regular employee at that establishment, where he obtained a practical knowledge of the business. In 1883 he engaged in the meat business at his present stand, 218 Main Street, where he has built up a profitable trade, which necessitates the employment of four teams and several assistants. He is also quite largely interested in agricultural pur- suits, owning, besides the ten-acre farm on Salisbury Street left by his father, some forty acres of desirable property which is now under cultivation, but is eligible for building pur- poses.

On September 18, 1883, Mr. Blanchard was united in marriage with Mary A. Hub- bard, of Holden, Mass., daughter of Eli and Sarah A. (Watson) Hubbard. Her mother died August 27, 1897, aged seventy-one years. Mrs. Blanchard is one of a family of ten children, two of whom died in infancy, and another, Arthur M., died in April, 1887, aged thirty-five, unmarried, Her surviv-

ing brothers and sisters are: Henry W., a farmer of Reading, Mass .; Helen, wife of E. H. Streeter, of Worcester; Sarah A., wife of E. D. Foster, of this city; Frank R., a resident of Marseilles, Ill .; and Frederick Hubbard, a resident of Worcester. Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard have two sons: Leon H., born July 15, 1886; and Roy P., born April 22, 1892.

Politically, Mr. Blanchard is a Republican. In 1891 he erected his present residence on Salisbury Street.

SAAC B. CROSBY, who was for a num- ber of years prominent among the build- ing contractors of Worcester, was born in Centreville, a part of Barnstable, Cape Cod, in 1833. His parents were James and Eunice L. (Isham) Crosby. The first Crosbys came to this country early in the seventeenth century, and fully six generations have had birth in New England. Identified with the history of New England in various ways, the family has produced many strong men and women, who lived good and useful lives. James Crosby, grandfather of Isaac, lived in the town of Barnstable. His son, James, was a native and lifelong resident of Centreville. The latter was a contractor and builder.

Isaac B. Crosby attended the common schools of Centreville, and also studied for some time in a private school. At an early age he began to learn the building trade with his father. When about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old he went to Springfield. He had not been there long, however, when he ob- tained the position of superintendent for J. C. French, of Worcester, one of the leading build- ing contractors of the city at that time, and in this capacity he supervised the erection of many of the large buildings in Worcester. In 1878 he began business for himself, and soon established a reputation for honest, reli- able work, executing his contracts both promptly and efficiently. He erected some of the most substantial business blocks in the city, and also many of its finest residences. As ex- amples of his work may be mentioned the Knowles Ward of the City Hospital and the

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Armsby Block. He also rebuilt the Walker Building. Closely attentive to his business, he looked personally after every detail. His estimates seldom proved inaccurate, though rapidly made. Mr. Crosby was of a quiet and thoughtful but pleasant disposition, and won the regard of all with whom he was brought in contact. A lover of home, he sought affilia- tion with no secret societies, but he was con- nected with the Piedmont Congregational Church. His death, which occurred in 1889, was widely regretted.

TEARNES L. DAVENPORT, who owns one of the best equipped dairy farms in Grafton, was born in Provi- dence, R.I., June 14, 1854, son of William H. and Julia A. (Taft) Davenport. The father was formerly a manufacturing jew- eller and a member of the firm of Davenport & Cook, Providence. He later organized the Davenport Arms Company, of Norwich, Conn., of which he is still the official head. This concern makes a specialty of manufacturing fowling pieces of a superior quality, their prod- uct amounting to a daily average of one hun- dred shotguns and rifles. These goods have gained the reputation of having no superior in the American market.

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Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 110

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