Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 145

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 145

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Mr. Barbour brought out the version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" that is now regarded as the most dignified and in every way the best adaptation for the stage that has yet appeared. It calls for a radical departure from the old methods of staging, but is far truer to the life and times it strives to depict.

Mr. Harkins's latest success is "Under Sealed Orders," which has been one of the most popular plays of this season. He has in preparation several very elaborate dramatic productions, among them "The Living Age," ' The Twentieth Century," and "The City Be- neath the Sea."

UTHER D. GODDARD,* President of . the Worcester Reed Chair Com- pany, was born in this city on Sep- tember 9, 1826, son of Daniel and Sarah (Whitney) Goddard. He is of the eighth generation in descent from Edward God- dard, of Norfolk County, England, whose son William was the first member of this family in Massachusetts, coming from England in 1665, and settling in Watertown. From Edward, who lived and died in England, the line is: Edward,' William,2 Edward, 3 Edward, 4 Dan- iel, 5 Luther,6 Daniel,7 and Luther D.8 Ed- ward, 3 youngest son of William, the immi- grant, settled in Framingham. His son, Edward, Jr., was among the first settlers of Shrewsbury, and one of the founders of the first church in that town.

Daniel Goddard, father of Luther D., came to Worcester about 1820, and opened a watch- making establishment. He was an enterpris- ing and successful business man, and an active citizen, being a member of the City Govern- ment for several terms.

Luther D. Goddard was educated in the pub- lic schools of Worcester. He learned the trade of watch-maker from his father, and was subsequently admitted to partnership, the firm being known as that of D. Goddard & Son. A few years later he bought out the business, and then conducted it under his own name. Be- coming embarrassed at the time of the business depression in 1857, he sold out to Messrs. Fisk & Goddard, the last named being his

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brother. He then went to the gold mines of North Carolina, locating at Harrisville, and subsequently at Tomtorneys, where he had ob- tained a grant which was to be free from taxation for thirty-three years. Excellent business opportunities seemed to be opening up before him, but the War of the Rebellion broke out when he had scarcely begun opera- tions, and he was obliged to leave the State. Returning to Worcester he enlisted, and was made a Sergeant in Company D, which formed a part of the famous Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, under command of Colonel Devens, and was sent to the front. In the engagement at Balls Bluff, where it suffered severe loss, Mr. Goddard was taken prisoner. He was marched from the Bluff to Richmond, and for the next four months he was confined in May- hew's tobacco warehouse. His weight during this time was reduced from one hundred and seventy-six to one hundred and nineteen pounds. Upon being exchanged he came North for recuperation, but two months later again went to the front. He was, however, deemed unfit for further military service, and late in 1862 was granted an honorable dis- charge. Upon again entering business life, he became associated with A. L. Burbank, with whom he remained twenty-three years. Sub- sequent to that he assumed his present position.

Mr. Goddard belongs to the Adams Square Baptist Church. He is a member of the Knights of Malta of the South; of Colonel Ward Post, G. A. R. ; and also of the Union Veteran Militia.

OSEPH MALO,* a thriving general store-keeper in Manchaug, town of Sutton, was born in Saint Damase, Canada, March 12, 1860, son of Louis and Marguerite (Durchell) Malo. His grand- father, also named Louis, immigrated to Can- ada from France.

Joseph Malo was brought to Manchaug by his parents at an early age, and he attended the public schools of this village. While still young he began work in the cotton factory, and being of an economical nature he saved his earnings, which enabled him to establish him-

self in mercantile business at Manchaug in 1883. He was successful from the start, and a few years later was able to purchase the building that he now occupies. He carries a varied line of well-selected goods, including everything to be found in a first class country store, and he enjoys a liberal patronage.

Mr. Malo married Delia LeMay, daughter of Francis and Louisa (Duval) LeMay. Their children are: Delia, born in 1882, who is now being educated at a convent school in Canada ; Joseph, born in 1884, who is attending a Cana- dian school; Louis, born in 1886; Adelaide, born in 1888; Walter, born in 1892; and Zu- rene, born in 1895.

Mr. Malo acts with the Democratic party, and exercises considerable political influence among the Canadian population in this section. He is a liberal contributor toward the support of the Catholic church, and is now serving his fourth term as President of the St. John Society.

HARLES K. WATSON,* who owns and carries on a productive farm in West Brookfield, was born in Brook- field, January 19, 1835, son of Horace F. and Rebecca (Kittredge) Watson. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Watson, a resident of Spencer, Mass., which was the birthplace of his father, who came from that town to Brookfield, and for a time followed the shoemaker's trade.

Subsequently, settling upon the farm where his son now resides, Horace F. Watson en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until his re- moval to Shelby County, Ohio, and after re- maining there a number of years he returned to this farm. He was quite active in the public affairs of his day, serving as a member of the Board of Selectmen. In politics he supported the Democratic party. He died May 26, 1879. His wife was Rebecca Kittredge, of West Brookfield. Of their children the only one living is Charles K., the subject of this sketch.

Charles K. Watson was educated in the common schools and at the Leicester Acad- emy. He accompanied his parents to Ohio, and in April, 1861, enlisted as a private in Company H, Twentieth Regiment, Ohio Vol-

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unteer Infantry, with which he served nearly five months in the Civil War, then receiving his honorable discharge. He remained in Ohio until 1865, when he returned to West Brookfield, and resuming the management of the homestead property has since given his attention to general farming and dairying.

On June 8, 1865, Mr. Watson was united in marriage with Jane Crumbaugh, of Shelby County, Ohio, daughter of John J. and Eliza- beth (Medans) Crumbaugh, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are the parents of four children, namely : Herbert K., a resident of Worcester; Alma S., wife of Herman W. King, of East Longmeadow, Mass. ; Jennie A., wife of Louis A. Gilbert, of Springfield, Mass. ; and Mary E. Watson, who lives in Worcester.

Mr. Watson cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, but of late he has been independent in politics. He has served with ability as a Selectman and an Assessor for two years. He is a comrade of Alanson Hamilton Post, G. A. R., and he and Mrs. Watson are members of the West Brook- field Grange, Quabaug Pomona Grange, the Farmer's Club, and the charitable and sociable society connected with the Congregational church. The Watson residence is a landmark in this locality, as a portion of its frame was once a part of the historic Waite Tavern, which prior to the advent of railroads was a favorite resting place for travellers upon the old stage road from Boston to Albany.

LONZO W. CUTLER,* one of West Brookfield's prosperous farmers, was born in this town December 7, 1837, son of Abijah and Mary (Snow) Cutler. He is of the seventh genera- tion in descent from James Cutler, who settled at Watertown, Mass., about 1634. The line is : James,1 John,2 John, 3 Lieutenant Abijah, 4 Asa, 5 Abijah,6 Alonzo W.7 (See Cutler Me- morial. )

John Cutler3 was the first to settle in Brookfield, coming here from Lexington nearly one hundred and fifty years ago. Abijah Cut-

ler was an industrious farmer, and he served with ability as a member of the Board of Se- lectmen. He died in the early seventies. His wife was a native of Bridgewater, Mass. They had seven children, namely : Keyes, a resident of West Brookfield; Foster P., of North Brookfield; Eliakim P., who resides in Spencer, Mass. ; Abijah D., of Springfield, Mass. ; Asa E., of Chicago, Ill. ; Alonzo W., the subject of this sketch; and Mary J., wife of Joseph Allen, of West Brookfield.

Alonzo W. Cutler was educated in the pub- lic schools of his native town and at the Wil- braham Academy. Since his youth he has been engaged in farming at the ancestral home- stead, and his long experience has been at- tended with gratifying success. His property contains one hundred acres of fertile land, and is desirably located.

On February 8, 1863, Mr. Cutler was joined in marriage with Sarah M. Richards, of New Haven, Conn., daughter of James and Sarah A. (Robinson) Richards, the former a native of West Brookfield, and the latter of New Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Cutler have seven children now living, namely : Flora I., wife of Ernest A. Tyler, of Brookfield; Ada L., wife of Arthur Buxton, of West Brookfield; Emma M., wife of Charles Thomas, of New Britain, Conn. ; Herbert R., Carrie E., Arthur W., and Mabel B. Cutler, who are residing at home.

In politics Mr. Cutler acts with the Repub- lican party. He is a member of the Farmer's Club and of the grange, in both of which he displays a lively interest, and his assistance can always be depended upon in forwarding all movements tending to promote the general welfare of the community. Mrs. Cutler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which for a number of years Mr. Cutler has served as a steward.

ORY S. WATSON,* a venerable and highly esteemed citizen of Leicester, Mass., is well known throughout this section of Worcester County as the president of the L. S. Watson Manufactur- ing Company, and also of the Leicester Sav- ings Bank. A son of Jeremiah Watson, he

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was born May 4, 1814, in Spencer, Mass., the home of the Watson family for several genera- tions. Jeremiah Watson was a son of Robert Watson. He was born and lived and died in Spencer, where he was engaged in farming and carpentering throughout his active life. He married Chloe Sprague, also a lifelong resident of that town.

Lory S. Watson obtained his education in the common schools, and while living with his father became familiar with farming, and also learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked in Spencer for a short time. In 1842 he came to Leicester, and, in company with Horace Waite, carried on business for three years under the name of Waite & Watson, manufacturers of hand cards and stripping cards. In 1845 Mr. Watson purchased his partner's interest, and for a while conducted the business alone, adding to it the manufact- ure of wire heddles. For many years he was the sole owner of the business, which increased to such proportions that it was deemed wise to organize a stock company, and in 1890 the L. S. Watson Manufacturing Company was incorporated, with Mr. Watson, through whose energy and ability the business has been so well developed, as president, a position which he continues to fill with his son, Edwin L. Watson, as secretary and treasurer. He is officially connected with the leading financial institutions of the town, in which he has so long resided, being a trustee and the president of the Leicester Savings Bank, and one of the directors of the Leicester National Bank.

Mr. Watson has been actively identified with the Republican party since its formation. He faithfully served as Selectman and Assessor for several successive years, and in 1868 and in 1870 he represented his district in the State legislature, being a member of important com- mittees. The fine public library of Leicester, which, with the exception of a few donations from others, was by him presented to the town, is a standing monument to his generosity and loyal public spirit. He is a valued member of the Congregational church, toward the main- tenance of which he responds most liberally, and was the contributor of a goodly sum toward the construction of its present house of worship.

Mr. Watson married Mehitabel Luther, of Spencer, who died leaving two sons - Edwin L. and Henry L. He subsequently married Hannah, a daughter of Joel Grout, late of Spencer, Mass.

IDWARD L. DRAKE,* one of East Brookfield's best known residents, was born in this town October 1, 1846. He is a son of Francis and Julia S. (Lanckton) Drake. His father is a native of Brookfield, and his mother of West Springfield, Mass. His grandfather, Captain Daniel Drake, com- manded a Brookfield Company in the War of 1812. His first American ancestor, was Thomas Drake, who emigrated from the County of Devon in 1635, and settled in Weymouth, Mass. He was a son of William Drake, and a descendant of Sir Bernard Drake, who was a kinsman of Sir Francis Drake, the navigator.

The venerable Francis Drake, father of Ed- ward L., was in his younger days an iron moulder and foreman of a foundry in Brook- field. He later engaged in the manufacture of soap and candles, a business which he followed about twenty years, and he was also quite an extensive farmer. He is now in his ninetieth year, being remarkably well-preserved for a man of his advanced age, and, as might be expected, he commands the respect of the entire community. In politics he is a stanch Republican. His wife also is still living. Some years since they celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding, which was made the occasion of general rejoicing by neighbors, friends, and acquaintances. Of their children but two sons survive: Edward L., the subject of this sketch; and Arthur H. Drake.

Edward L. Drake was educated in the com- mon schools of East Brookfield. On June 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, as drummer boy, serving as such for about one year. At the end of that time he joined the ranks and participated in the battles of Har- per's Ferry, Ripon Ridge, Newmarket, Pied- mont, and Lynchburg, where he was wounded and taken prisoner. After remaining in a hose

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pital in Lynchburg a short time, he was sent to Danville, Va., subsequently being trans- ferred to Andersonville, Charleston, and Flor- ence. Escaping from the latter place, he made his way back to Charleston, where he managed to board a vessel which took him to Annapolis, and he was soon given a furlough home. Long continued suffering in Southern prisons resulted in a severe illness, during which time he was in the Dale Hospital, Worcester, Mass. He was honorably dis- charged from the service May 29, 1865. He has since resided in his native town, where he is widely and favorably known both for his honorable war record and his many excellent qualities as a citizen.

On March II, 1869, Mr. Drake was joined in marriage with Margaret Langton, of Port Jervis, N. Y., daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Raymond) Langton, both of whom were natives of that State. Mrs. Drake is the mother of one son, Carl E. Drake. Mr. Drake is a comrade of F. A. Stearns Post, No. 37, G. A. R., of Spencer. In politics he acts with the Republican party.

ALVIN HOBBS,* a veteran agricultu- rist of Brookfield, was born in Palmer, Mass., November 14, 1812, son of Aaron and Mary (Warren) Hobbs. He is a descendant of one of two brothers, twins, who settled in Brookfield at a time when Indians were numerous in this vicinity and the life of a pioneer was dangerous as well as laborious. They cleared farms in the Po- dunk neighborhood, and they each reared a family. One of them served all through the Revolutionary War. Nathan Hobbs, the grandfather of Calvin Hobbs, was a native of Brookfield, as was also his father, Aaron Hobbs, who was a farmer and resided for some years in Palmer. Mrs. Mary Warren Hobbs was a native of Charlton, Mass.

Calvin Hobbs was an infant when his parents returned to Brookfield, and his early boyhood was passed in the Podunk neighborhood, where he attended the district school a few winter terms. At the age of eleven he went to live with a kinsman, Moses Hobbs, remaining with

him until he was seventeen, when he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for many years. Relinquishing that calling, he engaged in farming. He is now the owner and occupant of a well-improved farm of one hundred acres.

Mr. Hobbs married Charlotte Boyden, of Sturbridge, Mass. Of this union were born two children : Albert C., a resident of Brook- field; and Arabella, widow of Warren Gleason, late of this town. Mrs. Hobbs died January 24, 1890.

For two years Mr. Hobbs was a member of the Board of Selectmen, and under the old law he served as School Committee of his district. Politically, he is a Republican.

0 EORGE BEMIS,* a farmer of South Spencer, Mass., formerly an exten- sive dealer in wood and lumber, was born February 19, 1818, on the homestead where he now resides. He comes of substan- tial English stock, and is the representative of one of the first families to locate in this section of Worcester County. His grand- father, Nathaniel Bemis, Sr., was a lifelong resident in the town of Spencer, where he married and reared a family.

Nathaniel Bemis, Jr., was born in Spencer. From an early age he devoted his attention to tilling the soil. Purchasing a farm in South Spencer, he here engaged in this occupation until his death in 1840. His wife was Betsey Guilford, of Spencer. Two of their children survive, namely: George, the special subject of this brief sketch; and Moses, of Worcester, Mass.

George Bemis enjoyed better opportunities for advancing his education than usually fell to the lot of farmers' sons in his day, as after leaving the district school he attended a select school in Spencer for a while, and then further pursued his studies at the Leicester Academy. At the age of sixteen he began working at the shoemaker's trade, which he followed occasion- ally for several years in connection with gen- eral farming, thus being enabled in the long New England winters to more than pay his living expenses. After the death of his father

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Mr. Bemis became possessed of the home farm of one hundred acres, which he has since man- aged wisely and well. In addition to general farming for a number of years, he carried on a successful business as a dealer in wood and lumber, purchasing large tracts of woodland, cutting the timber and selling the product to local dealers.

Mr. Bemis is a Republican in politics, but has never been an aspirant for office. He at- tends the Congregational church, and contrib- utes to its support.

ILLIAM N. BROWN,* a highly respected citizen of Worcester, was born in Lubec, Me., in 1834, being the son of Abel W. and Grace Brown. His father's paternal grandparents, who were of Scotch birth, came to this country in the latter half of the eighteenth century, settling near Hartford, Conn. Of their early life little is known. They brought with them their son Abel, who subsequently fought bravely in the American war for independence.

Abel W. Brown, son of the Revolutionary hero and father of the subject of this sketch, was a blacksmith by trade, and resided during the greater part of his life in Calais, Me. His wife was descended from a well-known Eng- lish family, whose earliest ancestors in this country were among the first settlers in Nova Scotia, where she was born.

William N. Brown received his education in the schools of his native place and at Portland, Me., and when very young learned the black- smith's trade with his father. When only six- teen years of age he went to New York State and worked at his trade as a journeyman in a number of towns. In 1874 he came to Worcester, where for two years and a half he continued to work in others' employ. Form- ing a partnership at the end of that time with a Mr. Nash, under the name of Brown & Nash, he engaged in business in Canal Street, and in a short time had secured a wide patronage. Later on the forge was removed to Bridge Street, and the business continued in success- ful operation until 1892, being probably the largest of its kind in the county. In 1892

Mr. Brown became sole proprietor, buying out his partner. He has continued the business in Canal Street with as satisfactory results as formerly. The quality of work turned out from his forge is the best possible, and he takes pride in sustaining the honorable reputa- tion, which he acquired in early life. A man of strong personality, great force of character and sincere religious convictions, he carries his principles into daily and hourly practice. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his hearty sympathy and earnest efforts in behalf of the varied church enter- prises have been an important factor in its up- building.

Mr. Brown was married on December 9, 1861, to Elmira E. Warren, of Saccarappa, Me., daughter of Benjamin Warren. Of this union two children have been born - Howard N. and Frank. The former, who is book- keeper for the Graton & Knight Manufacturing Company, of Worcester, is married and has one son. Frank Brown is manager of the ship- ping department of the Quinsigamond Mills of the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Com- pany.

ARREN E. TARBELL,* a promi- nent resident of East Brookfield, Selectman of the town of Brookfield, and Deputy Sheriff of Worcester County, was born in the city of Worcester on April 18, 1861, son of John B. and Henrietta (Delany) Tarbell. His father, who was born in Worcester, and for many years was there en- gaged in mercantile business, died October 4, 1896. His mother (a native of Holden), now a little past sixty years of age, and his two surviving sisters, still make their home in Worcester, where his paternal grandfather, Jeremiah Tarbell, was for many years a resi- dent. His maternal grandfather, Levi Gates, was a soldier of the War of 1812.

Warren E. Tarbell received his education in the public schools of Worcester, including the high school. He also took a course in Hin- man's Business College at Worcester. He began business life as a book-keeper for the D. W. Pond Machine Tool Company, with

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which he remained for several years. Then in 1886 he came to East Brookfield and engaged in the business which he is still conducting. As a merchant he has met with good success, this being due both to his prompt and careful business methods and to the fact that he car- ries only first-class goods. For some years he has been agent for the American Express Com- pany. He is warmly interested in all matters of public importance, and has shown this in- terest in a practical manner. For the last eight years he has been Deputy Sheriff of the county, and in this capacity has given valuable service. He is a member of the Board of Fire Engineers of Brookfield, and is on his second year as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He has also been for a number of years a qualified Justice of the Peace.

Mr. Tarbell married Augusta H. Warren, daughter of Leonard Warren, of East Brook- field. Of this union, one son, Warren S., now deceased, was born. Fraternally, Mr. Tarbell is a member of Good-will Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is independent. He commands the respect of all who have dealings with him.

ICHAEL ANGELO BLUNT,* sometime publisher of the Milford Fournal, and for a number of years one of the substantial citi- zens of Milford, Mass., was born in Ports- mouth, N. H., on January 28, 1826, and died in Pueblo, Col., February 3, 1882, of pneumonia. He was a son of John Samuel and Esther Peake (Colby) Blunt, and grandson of Mark and Mary (Drown) Blunt. It was his great-great- grandfather Blunt who steered the boat in which Washington crossed the Delaware amid the floating ice on the night of December 25, 1776, as shown in the famous historic painting by Emanuel Leutze.

Mark Blunt, grandfather of Michael Angelo, was one of five brothers, all shipmasters, that sailed out of Portsmouth, N. H., in the days when that town was one of the important New England ports for the coasting trade. During the War of 1812 he served on several private armed vessels as lieutenant and captain. He

was finally lost in the privateer "Portsmouth," probably in a violent storm. His widow was made a government pensioner. Mr. Blunt's maternal grandfather, Joseph Colby, served in the War of 1812. Oliver Cromwell Blunt, youngest brother of Washington's pilot, was one of the supporters of the king. John Sam- uel Blunt, brother of the subject of this sketch, is a portrait artist. He settled in Galveston, Tex., where he has a valuable prop- erty.

Michael Angelo Blunt was educated in the Boston schools, winning the Franklin medal at the age of thirteen. He early learned the printer's trade, and for a time was in the employ of the Boston Journal, having charge of the composing department that set up the advertising matter for that paper. Seven years after his marriage he came to Milford, and for a while he published the Milford Jour- nal.

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Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 145

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