Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 136

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 136

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This period marked a new departure in his career. After paying a brief visit to Vermont in company with his wife, he went into busi- ness on his own account in Leicester as a builder and repairer of machines, a successful venture. Removing his family to Worcester in 1854, he engaged with others in the manu- facture of machinists' tools in Merrifield's buildings, corner of Foster and Cypress Streets. By fire, which consumed buildings and tools in June, the company was nearly ruined. In the fall of 1856 Mr. Kent began the manufact- ure of card-setting machinery on Union Street, where he remained four years. He then re- moved to the new Merrifield's Building on the old site, and there continued to carry on busi- ness till a month before his death.

Mr. Kent joined the Congregational church in Leicester, January 2, 1828, the Rev. John Nelson, D. D., pastor. After their removal to Worcester, Mr. and Mrs. Kent took letters to the Old South Church in this city under the pastoral care of the Rev. Horace James. On January 2, 1861, he was chosen one of the Deacons of the church. Resigning on Decem-

ber 28, 1870, he and his wife took letters, December 27, 1871, to the Plymouth Church, then recently formed under the Rev. George W. Phillips. Here Mr. Kent on December 23, 1874, was chosen Deacon for five years. About a year after the expiration of that time, or as soon as he was eligible for re-election, he was again chosen Deacon, the term being for six years ; and he continued in the office as long as he lived. Having begun the study of music, both instrumental and vocal, for which he had natural talent, at the age of fifteen, he was identified with the church choir in Leicester more than twenty-five years. In Worcester he was a member of the Mozart Musical Society and its successor, the Choral Union; and for a number of years he sang with the Worcester County Musical Association. Appointed in 1826 by Brigadier-general Nathan Heald a member of the First Brigade Band of the Sixth Division, Massachusetts Militia, he was con- nected therewith till it was dissolved.

In February and March, 1883, he had a se- vere illness ; and he was never a well man after- ward, although comfortable and attending to his business almost to the last. On December 12, 1883, at the age of seventy-five years, ten months, twenty-one days, he peacefully passed to the better life. Of a social, genial nature, helpful to the poor and needy, a man univer- sally esteemed for many excellent qualities of head and heart, thoroughly honest and upright, diligent in business, he enjoyed the full confi- dence of all with whom he had dealings, and has left a good name.

Mr. Kent was married May 19, 1835, to Cla- rissa Watson, of Leicester, born February 16, 1813, daughter of Samuel and Sukey (Vickery) Watson, and like himself a descendant of the early settler, Matthew Watson, who came to New England in 1718. Mrs. Kent's father, Samuel Watson, was born in Leicester in 1782. He was an influential citizen, and rep- resented the town in the General Court in 1838 and 1840. His parents were Benjamin and Ruth (Bancroft) Watson, of Leicester.

No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kent, but they adopted Cornelia Maria Draper, born December 31, 1837, in Worcester, a daughter of Martin Thayer and Caroline Burr

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(Watson) Draper. Her father was born Au- gust 22, 1814, and at the time of his death, January 24, 1883, was living in Oconomowoc, Wis. Her mother, who was a sister of Mrs. Kent, was born in Leicester, March 10, 181I, and died there January 2, 1842. It was Mrs. Draper's request that Mr. and Mrs. Kent should take the little Cornelia, then but four years and two days old, and bring her up as their own. This they did most faithfully, and never were happier relations between parents and foster-child. She called them Uncle and Auntie, and was ever fully devoted to them as she grew older and as they felt the weight of added years, anticipating their wants and re- quiting their early care. She was educated at the Leicester Academy and at the Worcester High School; and subsequently she taught school for twelve years in the old brick school- house which formerly stood in Worcester on the Common. She retained the name of Draper in her childhood, and has not in her mature life thought it advisable to change it to any other.

OSEPH ELLIOTT BOND, * whose death occurred January 3, 1896, at his home in Worcester, was well known for many years as one of the most successful and prosperous agriculturists of Worcester County. He was born June 20, 1820, at Boylston, Mass., a son of Joseph and Sophia (Smith) Bond, formerly of Sterling, Mass. His pater- nal grandfather was Jonathan Bond. The Bonds are descended from Puritan stock. From generation to generation they have been noted for their inherent traits of honesty, in- dustry, and integrity, and have made their influence felt in every community in which they have had a home.

Joseph E. Bond was brought up in Boylston, and when a lad he was employed for a time as a clerk in the store kept by his father, who was then a country merchant. After his father's removal to Worcester, where on Lin- coln Street, east of Adams Square, he bought a large farm, Joseph E. attended and was gradu- ated from the Baptist institution which was the forerunner of the large Worcester Academy.

At home under the instruction of his father he became familiar with the practical details of farm work, for which he had a natural liking and aptitude. On the death of his father in 1863 he inherited the vast estate, and, devot- ing himself to its further development, suc- ceeded in making the property on Lincoln Street one of the richest farms in Worcester County. Before many years it will be doubly valuable, as the city is fast encroaching with its residences upon the neighboring land of the Bond homestead, from which the park com- missioners have already taken a number of acres for public purposes, and have named it North Park.

Mr. Bond was a keen, far-seeing man of business, possessing excellent judgment, and he greatly raised the value of his property by laying out desirable building lots on the hill. He was a genial, upright man, social in nature, and had many warm friends in Worcester, where his presence on the streets was always warmly greeted. He was the true country gentleman, the prosperous agriculturist, and was frequently referred to as one of nature's noblemen. He affiliated with the Republican party, but was never an aspirant for official honors. He was prominent, however, in the Worcester County Agricultural and Horticult- ural Societies, and was considered an authority on both general farming and gardening.

Mr. Bond married in 1845 Miss Julia A. Barker, who was descended from a Mr. Barker that located in Worcester just four years later than the first white settler here took up his abode. Mr. and Mrs. Bond reared two chil- dren,. namely: Mary Chapin, who lives at home; and Charles Elliott, who married Fan- nie E. Kingman, and now carries on this mag- nificent Bond estate.

RS. ANNIE H. DAY,* founder and proprietor of the dancing acad- emy at Worcester, was born in 1854 at Lew, Chester County, England, and was there educated and trained to become an instructor of dancing. Coming to this country in 1888, she started a school for dancing in Ware, Mass., and subsequently

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one in Fitchburg. In 1889, after a successful season in those places, she came to Worcester and opened an academy of dancing, which has won a wide popularity. To-day her schools for dancing in Fitchburg and in Worcester are the best and most widely known of any in this vicinity. Coming here unknown, practically without prestige, and with limited capital, Mrs. Day has been successful to an unusual degree. This result has been due to her prac- tical business energy as well as to the excel- lence of her methods of teaching and the effi- ciency of her assistants. Her career well illustrates the old saying that "merit at last wins its way anywhere." Naturally gifted as a teacher, she personally superintends the instruction of her classes, and gives her pupils the benefit of her long experience. She is ably assisted and seconded by Mr. Day, who, being a thoroughly skilled pianist, renders the music for the dancing. Indeed, much of the success of the academies is due to Mr. Day's presence and inspiration.

The season of the Worcester Academy is from the first of October to the first of May, the closing reception being held on Easter Monday. There are classes in the morning, afternoon, and the evening. In the formation of these classes Mrs. Day shows much discrim- ination, and her pupils are always sure of find- ing themselves in pleasant company. To those also who come for individual instruction care- ful attention is given. Mrs. Day makes a specialty of teaching her pupils how to secure ease and grace of motion and perfect physical bearing. Indeed, the school is noted for the splendid results secured through her methods. All the standard dances are taught, and also the new and fashionable fancy dances. Among the most brilliant social events of the season in Worcester and in Fitchburg are the fancy dress balls, cotillons, and germans given under the skilful management of Mr. and Mrs. Day, and attended by the beauty, wealth, and fashion of the two cities.

Mr. and Mrs. Day have the following-named children : Ruby H. Day, who was born in England, and is now an instructor at the acad- emy; Ida, a student; and Roland, who is a promising musician.

APOLEON P. HUOT,* a well-known merchant of Worcester, Mass., an active and influential citizen, was born January 9, 1844, at St. Cé- saire, P. Q., Canada, the son of Bruden and Flavie (Leduc) Huot. When a boy of nine years he came with his father and mother to Three Rivers, Mass., where he was soon after put to work in a cotton-mill. He disliked the labor, and was at times tempted to run away, but remained to assist his parents until twelve years old. Going then with the family to Mit- tineague, Mass., he worked as a general util- ity boy in a cotton factory until it closed, in 1861, when he returned with his parents to Canada.

Discontented at home, he went to St. Marys, P. Q., where he learned the carriage-maker's trade under competent instructors, and in 1864 came back to Massachusetts alone. In Chico- pee he secured a situation as carriage-maker and painter, and at his work exhibited such mechanical ability that he was promoted to the position of foreman of the shop before he had been with the firm a month. He subsequently worked at his trade in Springfield, Mass., and in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1866 returning from the latter city to the former, where he re- mained until 1870. From that time until 1873 he was engaged in painting in Pawtucket, R. I., whence he came to Worcester, which has since been his home. Mr. Huot had saved considerable money, and on coming here he es- tablished a wholesale and retail produce and grain business on School Street. As his trade has increased he has from time to time been forced to find larger accommodations, and has been located successively on Allen Court, Front Street, and at his present stand on Bart- lett Place, where he built a large four- story double block in 1884, which he has since occu- pied. He deals in baled hay, eggs, butter, cheese, and other farm produce, selling at both wholesale and retail. He has two branch re- tail stores, one on the Bloomingdale Road and one at the corner of Hamilton and Orient Streets. From 1885 until 1895 he likewise conducted successfully a regular country store at North Grosvenordale, Conn.

Mr. Huot is a man of great intelligence and

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force of character, a fluent speaker of the French and English languages, the latter of which he became familiar with by studying evenings. His grandfather, it may be men- tioned, was born in France. Mr. Huot is the leading man of the French-Canadians in this city, for whose interests he has always worked. He founded the Ward B Club, which pays the costs for the first-served papers of naturaliza- tion. He thus secured many new citizens and partially controlled the French vote. He is a strong Republican, the leader in a Democratic ward, which he served as an Alderman in 1897, giving such eminent satisfaction to his constituents that he was again elected to the same office in 1898, becoming one of the Com- mittee on Public Buildings and on Lighting. He is a political power in his ward, not as a politician, but as a practical citizen. He is a true American, loyal to his country's interests and institutions.

In 1870 Mr. Huot married Eliza J. Hebart, of St. Césaire, P.Q. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Huot, namely : one son that died in childhood; Carrie M., wife of Henry Letourneau, of Worcester; Martha E. ; Alma; Cora; and Flore. All of these have been educated in the common schools of the city, and are proficient in both the English and French languages.

SGOOD BRADLEY, JR.,* whose death at his home in Worcester, Mass., November 7, 1896, removed from the city one of its foremost busi- ness men, was born about the year 1838 in the house that is still standing on the corner of Market and Main Streets. His father, Osgood Bradley, Sr., became a resident of Worcester in 1822.

The younger Osgood was educated in Worces- ter. On leaving school he entered his father's shops on Grafton Street for the purpose of mastering the trade of car building, that estab- lishment being the most extensive of the kind in the United States. He labored faithfully in its various departments until the first of January, 1883, when he was admitted into partnership with his father and brother, the

firm name becoming Bradley & Sons. About a year later the founder and senior partner died. The business was continued by the sons with eminent success at the old location on Grafton Street, although the tendency of the railway companies to build their own shops and cars prevented it from reaching the mam- moth proportions predicted. Cars were built for railways in all parts of the Union, but more especially for use on the New York & Brooklyn Elevated Railway. The business increased rapidly, and yielded large profits to its managers.

; In manufacturing, financial, fraternal, and social circles Mr. Bradley always occupied a place of prominence. That he was a deserv- edly popular citizen of Worcester, his election in one year to the State legislature and in an- other to the City Council, as the Democratic nominee in a strongly Republican community, plainly shows. He was an active member of Montacute Lodge, F. & A. M .; of Eureka Chapter, R. A. M .; and of the Worcester County Commandery, K. T. He was also in- terested in a business way with the American Car Sprinkler Company. A man of high per- sonal character, energetic and persistent in purpose, he commanded the confidence of his fellow-men to a remarkable degree. He was thoroughly loyal to the interests of his native city, and was ever ready to assist in advancing its material welfare and in furthering public improvements.

His wife, Harriet E. Bradley, whom he married in 1862, bore him three children - namely, Frank S., Sarah, and Thomas Osgood - but all have passed to the life beyond.

ATHAN A. SIMMONS,* for many years a well-known contractor and builder of Worcester, Mass., died in this city, July 13, 1893. He was born July 10, 1831, in Dighton, this State, the lifelong residence of his parents, Nathan and Mary (Pierce) Simmons. His father was a country merchant or storekeeper, and had a large local trade.

Mr. Simmons learned the carpenter's trade when young, and for some years did journey-

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man work as foreman in Fall River and other places near there for some years. He there met with such success as warranted him in starting in business on his own account. Com- ing therefore to Worcester in 1852, he engaged in contracting and building; and thereafter, not unmindful of his own interests, he also labored to advance the welfare of this rapidly growing city, where, with the exception of a few years just after his marriage, he subse- quently made his home. In 1870 he gave up contracting in order to turn his attention to interior finishing. He was a skilful wood- worker, and in the building of handsome struct- ures of all kinds much of the delicate finishing work was intrusted to him, with the assurance that it would be well executed. His services were in constant demand by the Worcester contractors. About the year 1884, on account of ill health, he was obliged to give up all business; and from that time he lived retired. A quiet, unostentatious man, honest and up- right in all his dealings, he was held in high esteem and honored as a good and faithful citizen.

In 1853 Mr. Simmons married Louisa Brigham, a daughter of William E. and Cath- erine (Gay) Brigham, who removed with their family from Hubbardston to Worcester in 1850. Mrs. Brigham is still living, being now in the ninety-third year of her age. An ancestor of Mrs. Simmons, a great-grandfather on her mother's side, named Marean, emigrated to Massachusetts from England prior to the Rev- olutionary War, in which he held the rank of Major. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons reared two children, namely : Albert G., private secretary of the Postmaster of Worcester; and Sarah E.

ESSE SMITH,* for many years one of the best known and most popular busi- ness men of Worcester and in the latter part of his life president of the Smith- Green Company, was born in Rockland, Me., in 1835. He was a son of Lewis Smith. When about fourteen years of age he came to Worcester with his parents, and at once en- tered the employ of the D. H. Eames Clothing Company. In his early manhood he engaged

in business for himself at Lewiston, Me. Not many years later, however, he returned to Worcester, and here made his permanent home. About 1860 he formed a partnership with his brother, E. T. Smith, under the name of E. T. Smith & Co., for the purpose of carry- ing on a wholesale grocery business. The firm was located at the corner of Shrewsbury and Mulberry Streets, where the Smith-Green Company has since been located. Mr. Smith retained his interest in the firm of E. T. Smith & Co. for about a dozen years, when he re- signed, and, with Henry A. Green, organized the firm of Smith & Green, dealers in meats, provisions, groceries, lime, and cement. A few years ago the firm was incorporated, taking the name of the Smith-Green Company.

Mr. Smith's death, which occurred in No- vember, 1897, was very sudden, though not entirely unexpected, as he had been for some time a sufferer from heart disease. He had never held public office, nor was he ever prom- inently identified with any political movement, but he was a very active and well-known Mason, and member of the following named bodies : Athelstan Lodge; Worcester Lodge of Perfection; Lawrence Chapter, Rose Croix ; Worcester County Commandery, K. T .; and the Massachusetts Consistory. He was treas- urer of the Worcester Masonic and Charity and Educational Association.

No better estimate of Mr. Smith's life and character can be furnished than that contained in the remarks of the Rev. Dr. Gunnison at the funeral, which was conducted by the Worcester County Commandery. Dr. Gunni- son, who is pastor of the First Universalist Church, and knew Mr. Smith well, spoke in part as follows :

"He was a man of marked integrity. In all the close competitions of business he kept him- self unsullied by deceit. He was honorable in his dealings, scrupulously honest in word and deed, winning success by no unworthy prac- tices, but by an industry that was tireless and a thrift that was persistent. . . . He was a sunny- hearted man; and the sunshine that was in his heart not only illuminated his own life and made it genial, but it warmed the social at- mosphere in which he moved. Every life he

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touched he gladdened. His speech was cheery, because he was filled with good-will to men. He had friends because he showed himself friendly. No neighbor was swifter in sympa- thy or more ready with offices of neighborly good will. He was not only charitable in his deeds and words, but was equally kind in all his judgments. He was slow to believe ill of others, as he was quick to contradict detraction of friends. If he heard unkind criticisms, with gentle rebukings he showed the picture's other side, and magnified men's virtues when others reviled their faults. He had that rare insight of love which saw the good rather than the evil that was in others, and he remembered the good and forgot the bad. There are few quali- ties of greater worth than this. Every man is a benefactor to his kind who throws a ray of sunshine across the path in which men bear their burdens, who gives the courage of a new hope to those who struggle, and illuminates and warms with the sunshine of his own good will those who are heavy-laden. This was his mission in life; and it made men love him while he lived, and caused a great throng to rise up and call him blessed."

Mr. Smith was married in 1859 to Jennie Hopcraft, of Worcester, who survives him, and with their daughter, Mrs. Richard C. Cleve- land, occupies the family home on Oread Street. Four brothers of Mr. Smith are liv- ing, namely: Elliot T. Smith, of the E. T. Smith Company, wholesale grocers; O. H. Smith, of Smith & Crockett, grocers and pro- vision dealers of Worcester; Manley Smith, of Vineyard Haven; and James W. Smith, of Boston.

HOMAS M. LAMB,* formerly a well- known jeweller of Worcester, was born in 1830 in that part of the city called Glendale. He was a son of Isaac Lamb. After completing his studies he learned the jeweller's trade with S. P. Champney, whose establishment was located in the old Com- pound Building at the corner of Main and Front Streets; and, eventually succeeding his employer in business, he occupied for thirty years a store in the new block which was

erected on the site of the old one in 1850. An expert workman and an upright and reliable business man, he enjoyed the good will and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was prominently identified with the Masonic Order, being a member of Morning Star Lodge; Worcester Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Worcester County Commandery, Knights Tem- plar; and Stella Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, of which at one time he was Grand Pa- tron of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts. He served as a trustee and member of the Library Committee of the Mechanics' Associa- tion and as treasurer of the Worcester Co- operative Savings Fund and Loan Association. He was a member of the School Committee from 1862 to 1865. Though not an aspirant for political honors, he took an active interest in local public affairs, and, being well in- formed on many subjects and a man of clear views and earnest convictions, he was influen- tial in forwarding many important movements. His wife survives him.

OHN L. CHAMBERLIN,* who died on January 24, 1898, was a banking man of long experience in the city of Worcester and for the last seventeen years of his life cashier of the Quinsigamond National Bank. He was born at Abington, Conn., on May 22, 1853, being one of a fam- ily of five children and the youngest of three sons. When he was five years old his parents removed to this city, where his father, Augus- tus L. Chamberlin, became interested in the wire business.

In his boyhood he attended the public schools, going from the Dix Street School to the high school, where his teacher was Roswell Parish. After studying there for two years, and when still a mere lad, he went to work in the City National Bank as messenger, Mr. Parish having recommended him for that posi- tion. For several years he was employed there as messenger and for eight years as book- keeper. He was teller of the Security Na- tional Bank from the time it was started until it went out of business. He was afterward teller of the Quinsigamond Bank, and in 1880

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he was elected cashier to succeed Alden A. Howe, who went West. Mr. Chamberlin held this position at the time of his death. He was regarded as one of the most conservative banking men in Worcester. He was trustee and one of the Board of Auditors of the Worces- ter Five Cents Saving Bank; treasurer of the Worcester, Nashua, & Rochester Railroad, succeeding T. W. Hammond in 1896; and was also auditor of the Worcester and Suburban Street Railway Company. He was a member of the Hancock Club, and took an active inter- est in bowling and billiards. He attended All Saints' Episcopal Church.

Mr. Chamberlin never married. His home was at 8 Wachusett Street. He was affection- ately devoted to his parents, who survive him. His father is eighty-four years old. His mother, who is also aged, has been an invalid for the last nine years and confined to her bed for the greater part of that time. A sister and two brothers are living, namely: Mary E., who is the wife of F. B. Cobb; Charles E. Cham- berlin, clerk at Bemis & Co.'s shoe store, 421 Main Street, Worcester; and Henry J., who is in the wire business at Pawtucket, R. I. Mr. Chamberlin was a kind-hearted man, and had a large circle of close friends, his nature being such that he could give offence to no one. In banking circles and among business men in general, he was regarded as capable and trustworthy, and commanded the highest respect.

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Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 136

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