Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 23

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 23

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

199

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

now its agent at Coldbrook Springs, was born in Paxton, Mass., February 18, 1824. His wife was born in Gill, Mass., December 3, 1825. Mrs. Parker is the mother of one son, Harry B. Parker, who, born May 21, 1873, is now associated with his father in business, and is the Postmaster of the town.

Mr. Parker has been a member of the Board of Selectmen since 1883, and for the past ten years has been the chairman of that body. Since 1882 he has been Constable, was the Postmaster for a number of years, and he ably represented his district; in the legislature in 1896. Both he and Mrs. Parker attend the Unitarian church.

J OHN D. PUTNAM, a manufacturer of building materials in Webster, was born in Charlton, Mass., May 31, 1840. A son of Russell and Adeline (Buss) Putnam, he belongs to the sixth gen- eration descended from Nathaniel Putnam, who came with his father, John Putnam, from Aston-Abbots, England, and settled in Salem, Mass., about the year 1634. General Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary fame, came of the same stock.

Russell Putnam, who was born in Sutton, Mass., in 1803, followed shoemaking in con- nection with farming. His wife, Adeline, who was a native of Holden, Mass., became the mother of nine children, namely : Russell, who resides in Webster; Lucian, who lives in Charlton; Silas, of Rockville, Conn .; Leon- ard, who died in 1882; Henry, a resident of Charlton ; John D., the subject of this sketch ; Hannah, who married Jackson Phelps, and re- sides in Auburn, Mass .; Mary, the wife of Charles Lamb; and Sarah, the wife of Baxter Davis, both of whom are residents of Charlton.

John D. Putnam acquired his education in his native town. He remained at home, as- sisting his father upon the farm, until he was twenty-one years old. Then he went to Rock- ville, Conn., where he learned the mill- wright's trade with his brother Silas. After residing for four years there, he returned to Charlton. Coming to Webster in the same year, he engaged in wood-turning, stair-build-

ing, and kindred work. Some five years later he bought Palmer & Kent's sash and blind factory. Having combined the two indus- tries, he had carried on a thriving business for two years when his entire plant was destroyed by fire. Starting again immediately after the disaster, he has since been engaged in the manufacture of boxes, builders' finish, etc., which he ships to Providence, Hartford, and other industrial centres. At his present fac- tory on Chase Avenue he now employs an average of twenty-five men the year round.

In April, 1865, Mr. Putnam married Sarah F. Johnson, a daughter of Veranes and Sarah (Wallace) Johnson. Mrs. Putnam is the mother of two children: Henry, born January 15, 1868; and Fred W., born June 28, 1877. Henry, who is in business with his father, married Annie, a daughter of Charles R. Stobbs, of this town. Fred W. is now attend- ing the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In politics Mr. Putnam, Sr., supports the Re- publican party. He is a leading member of the Universalist church, and has served upon the Parish Committee.

EORGE S. DUELL, formerly a lead- ing citizen of Brookfield, was born in Enosburg, Vt., in June, 1817, son of Paul and Mary (Stebbins) Duell. His ed- ucation was acquired in the schools of his na- tive town at a time when public-school in- struction was confined to the simplest branches of knowledge; but, being naturally bright and ambitious, he made up for his limited oppor- tunities by increased personal effort, and eventually became a well-educated man. At about the age of twenty he located in Spencer, Mass., where for several years he was em- ployed in a shoe factory. Subsequently he followed the same business in West Brook- field and later in Brookfield village, where he resided for the rest of his life. While a resident of West Brookfield he served as Dep- uty Sheriff. He was appointed Constable in Brookfield, and afterward received the ap- pointment of Trial Justice, an office which he filled most acceptably and impartially for a period of twenty years. Taking a keen inter-

200

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

est in the general welfare of the community, he was actively concerned in various move- ments for advancing the growth and prosper- ity of the town. In politics he was a Repub- lican. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in his younger days belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death took place November 15, 1891. His first wife was before marriage Elizabeth Hal- lowell, of Spencer. By her he had a daugh- ter, Mary E., who is now the wife of Edwin Wilbur, of West Brookfield. For his second wife Mr. Duell married Mehitable L. Ludden, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Cowen) Lud- den. Her parents, who were for many years residents of Spencer, are no longer living. Mrs. Duell still resides in Brookfield, and oć- cupies a prominent position in social circles.

E 'SAAC BOURN, the senior member of the firm Bourn, Hadley & Co., furniture manufacturers of Templeton, was born in Broome County, Canada, November 24, 1821, son of Nathan and Clarissa (Pike) Bourn. The father, a native of Vermont, who spent a part of his active life upon a farm in Canada, at a later date moved to Northern New York. His last days were passed in Temple- ton, where he died at the age of eighty-seven

years. In politics he was a Democrat. Cla-

rissa, his wife, who was a native of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, was a daughter of John Pike, a Revolutionary soldier, who mi- grated from New England to Canada, where he followed agriculture for the rest of his life, and died at an advanced age. Of Nathan Bourn's fourteen children, all of whom grew to maturity, four sons and four daughters are now living. The mother died at the age of sixty-nine. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Isaac Bourn attended a Canadian district school, which was held in a log house in the neighborhood of his father's farm. When twenty-three years old he came to the States. Settling at Templeton in 1844, he engaged in lumbering, and was in partnership with John Brooks for about thirty years. In 1865 he built a saw-mill, which he operated until

1890. Then he erected the present factory, and established the firm of Bourn, Hadley & Co., comprising himself, Lucien N. Had- ley, and George W. Bourn. Employing from fifty to sixty men throughout the year, and taking the lumber from the stump, the firm manufactures pine, birch, and ash furniture of an excellent quality, with improved machinery run by steam-power. The enterprise is the leading industry of its kind in the town. Be- sides his interest in the factory, the senior partner owns some twelve hundred acres of timber land in this section.

Mr. Bourn has been four times married, and has nine children living. Those of his first union are : Nettie B., who is now Mrs. Had- ley ; Sarah B., who is now Mrs. Howe; and George W. Bourn. The children of his sec- ond union are: Robert T. and Eudora. His third wife's children are: Willie E. and Ernest N. ; and those of his fourth are : Ed- ward I. and Clara E. Bourn. In politics he acts with the Republican party. He attends the Unitarian church. While giving his per- sonal attention to every detail of the firm's business, making daily visits to the different departments, he is popular with the employees, many of whom have been upon the pay-roll for several years, and for whom he has always a pleasant greeting.

AMUEL HYDE, a practical and experienced agriculturist of War- ren, son of Abijah Hyde, was born in Ware, Hampshire County, Au- gust 9, 1821. He is a descendant of one of the earlier English settlers of New England. His father, born and brought up in Brookfield, removed to Ware, Mass., where he carried on mixed husbandry for some years. Afterward Abijah was similarly occupied in Palmer and Sturbridge, Mass., for some time. His last years were spent in Brookfield, where his death occurred in 1863, at a good old age. He married Sally Moore, a daughter of Ash- bel Moore, who was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary War. Of their children, three are still living, as follows: Samuel, the subject of this biography; Alvin, a resident of Brook-

ISAAC BOURN.

- ------

203

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

field; and Maria, the widow of Alonzo Upham, late of East Brookfield.

Samuel Hyde obtained his education by attending school during the winter terms in Ware, Palmer, and Sturbridge. The larger part of his time in boyhood was employed in labor on the home farm, on which he lived until he reached man's estate. Soon after his marriage he purchased a tract of land in Brookfield, where he spent the ensuing quar- ter of a century engaged in general farming and brick-making. Having disposed of that property, he came to Warren in 1876, and he has since been successfully engaged in farm- ing here. His farm of two hundred acres, advantageously located, bears speaking evi- dence of the industry, skill, and thrift of the owner. Beginning the battle of life a poor boy, his sole capital being a courageous heart and two strong, willing hands, he toiled early and late to obtain a good living for him- self and family. Prosperity smiled upon his efforts, and each year's labor added a little to his former success, until he had acquired a comfortable property. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party ; and, as a loyal and true citizen, he is actively interested in advancing the welfare of the town and county in which he resides.

On December 6, 1843, Mr. Hyde married Sarah A. Gay, who was born in Brookfield, Mass., daughter of Phineas and Mary (Chick- ering) Gay. His children are: Juliana, the wife of Joseph Brigham, of Brookfield; and Henry S., who lives on the home farm. Henry S. Hyde married Eva Carter, a native of Holland, Mass., and a daughter of the late William Carter; and he is the father of one son, Robert H. Both he and his wife are active members of the Brookfield grange, P. of H. His family, which includes his wife's mother, Mrs. Henrietta Converse Carter, re- side with his parents.

I EORGE H. RICH, the proprietor of Wildwood Farm, Worcester, was born in North Brookfield, Mass., June 7, 1837, son of Elkanah and Loretta Maria (Hubbard) Rich. His grandfather,

Apollos"Rich, son of a sea captain, resided upon a farm in Ware, and reared three sons and one daughter.

Elkanah Rich, born in Ware, Mass., about the year 1807, was reared to farm life. When a young man he learned the currier's trade, which, however, he did not follow for any length of time. In 1837 he moved from North Brookfield to Worcester, settling upon the Newton farm, which was located in the neighborhood of the present Newton Square. He resided there until 1849, when he bought a farm of thirty-five acres in the village of Tatnuck, Worcester, where he was prosper- ously engaged in agriculture for the rest of his active period. At his death, which oc- curred February 25, 1875, he left consider- able property. His wife, Loretta Maria, a native of Barre, Mass., whom he married at New Braintree, Mass., in 1833, was a daugh- ter of Aden Hubbard, of Barre. Of their four children, the first-born, a daughter, died in infancy. The others are: George H., the subject of this sketch; Ellen, who married E. S. Everett, of Westboro, Mass .; and Henry E. Rich, who occupies the old home- stead at Tatnuck. The mother died in 1881, aged sixty-eight years. Both parents were Congregationalists.

George H. Rich was reared and educated in Worcester. With the exception of five years spent in a mechanical occupation, he has been engaged in farming since old enough to be useful. He was but eight years old when he began to work at market gardening. In 1872 he purchased ten acres of new land located upon Moreland Heights. This property, now called Wildwood Farm, he brought to a high state of cultivation. He was one of the first in this city to engage exclusively in market gardening, and he was also the first to intro- duce a regularly equipped vegetable wagon.

Mr. Rich contracted the first of his two marriages on March 14, 1859, with Martha C. Manley, of Brandon, Vt. She died in 1867, leaving two sons, namely: Frank E., of Amity, Mo .; and George Edwin Rich, who resides in Worcester. Both sons are married, and George E. has one child. The father's second marriage in 1871 united him with

204

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Harriet Anna Paddock, a daughter of Charles Paddock, of Holden, Mass. Born of this union was one daughter, Georgia A., who is now the wife of Adelbert Teague. Mr. and Mrs. Rich are now rearing an adopted daughter, Mildred H. Rich, whose present age is seven years. Politically, Mr. Rich is a Republican. He has never aspired to public office. Although not a church member, he is in sympathy with all good works, and contributes liberally toward the support of various religious societies.

LPHA MORSE CHENEY, formerly a leading business man of South- bridge, was born in this town, De- cember 27, 1834. A son of Dea- con Marvin and Bertha (Morse) Cheney, he was a descendant of Sir John Cheney, a follower of the Duke of Gloucester, afterward Richard III., King of England. His immigrant an- cestor was an early settler in Roxbury, Mass. Deacon Marvin Cheney, who ranked as Colo- nel in the State militia, was widely and favor- ably known in this locality for his deep interest in the general welfare of the commu- nity and his earnest devotion to the cause of morality and religion.

Alpha Morse Cheney acquired at home much valuable instruction, as his parents were intellectual and cultured people. After ac- quiring a knowledge of the ordinary branches in the public schools of his native town, he attended Nichols Academy in Dudley, Mass. When seventeen years old he entered the spectacle factory as an apprentice, and event- ually became a master of the trade. After remaining in the employ of R. H. Cole & Co. for a number of years, he acquired an interest in the business. When the American Optical Company was incorporated, he became one of the largest stockholders, and retained his in- terest in that enterprise for the rest of his life. His industry and unusually sound judg- ment in business matters produced ample financial reward, and his wealth was freely used for the benefit of public enterprises. For many years he was a Deacon of the Bap- tist church; and he took a special interest in

the Young Men's Christian Association, to the support of which he subscribed liberally.

He died September 7, 1897, leaving a large amount of property, including one of the finest private residences in Southbridge.

Mr. Cheney's first marriage was with Sarah Cunningham, who died in 1876. In 1882 he wedded Emma Bradford, of Woodstock, Conn. She is a daughter of Stephen and Polly Brad- ford, and a descendant in the eighth genera- tion of the famous Governor Bradford. Her grandmother was Rebecca Marcy, whose two brothers participated in the Revolutionary War, and died from disease contracted while in the army. Mrs. Emma Cheney survives her husband, also one son and three daughters of his first wife. The latter are: Herman S., a graduate of Amherst, class of 1894, and now interested in the American Optical Com- pany ; Hannah Beecher, who married Reuben F. Herron, and resides in Southbridge; Mabel, the wife of F. A. Wilber, of Foxboro; and Carrie N., who married Herbert E. Wells, son of Hiram C. Wells, a large stockholder in the American Optical Company, and re- sides at Newton Highlands. The late Mr. Cheney was a member of Quinebaug Lodge, F. & A. M .; of Doric Chapter, Hiram Coun- cil; and Worcester Commandery of Knights Templar. He also belongs to Phoenix Coun- cil, No. I, Royal Arcanum.

ILLIAM D. MULLETT, a retired farmer of Brookfield, was born in New Braintree, Mass., January 15, 1821, son of George and Roxana (Makepeace) Mullett. His paternal great-grandfather was one of three brothers who, after arriving in this country, located in Worcester County. Abraham Mullett, the paternal grandfather, was' an early settler in Oakham. George Mullett, the father, who was born in Oakham, enlisted as a drummer in the War of 1812, and did garrison duty in Boston. He learned the stone-mason's trade, and followed it in New Braintree for a number of years. After residing in Brookfield village for about three years, he removed to East Brookfield, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a

----- ---

205

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Deacon of the Baptist church. Roxana, his wife, who was a native of this State, became the mother of several children, four of whom are living, namely: Lorinda, the wife of Emerson Hastings, of Palmer, Mass. ; Will- iam D., the subject of this sketch; Sumner, a resident of North Brookfield; and Fanny, now Mrs. L. Pellet, of North Brookfield.

William D. Mullett was educated in the district schools of New Braintree and Brook- field. He was thirteen years old when his parents moved to this town. After leaving school he learned the stone - mason's trade. While yet a young man he worked at farm- ing in New York State for a time, and for over a year he was employed as an attendant at the Insane Asylum in Hartford, Conn. Then, purchasing a farm of seventy acres, he located within a short distance south of East Brookfield, and engaged in farming, and took work at his trade. By adding adjoining land from time to time, he now owns one hundred and ninety acres of excellent land, with good buildings and equipments. Since 1894 he has lived in retirement at Brookfield village.

In 1843 Mr. Mullett first married Caroline Jones, who bore him four children, namely : Charles F., now a resident of Brookfield; George H., now of Chicago, Ill. ; Ella, who is the wife of W. E. Frye, of Worcester, Mass. ; and Albert, who is no longer living. His second marriage was contracted in 1866 with Louisa M. Clark, of Barre, Mass., a daughter of Robert and Maria (Rice) Clark. In politics he is a Republican. He was a Highway Commissioner for a number of years and a member of the Board of Selectmen for one term. In these and other town offices Mr. Mullett displayed rare intelligence and sound judgment together with a determination to protect the general interests of the commu- nity

EVI P. BRADISH, a retired machin- ist of Upton, was born where he now resides, September 1, 1823, son of Jotham and Deborah Bradish. He is of Scotch origin, and belongs to one of the most prominent families in Upton. His

great-grandfather, James Bradish, who came here from Brighton, Mass., about the year 1735 - the year in which the first church was organized - settled as a pioneer upon a part of the present Bradish homestead. James built his house upon the hill, a short distance from where it now stands, and resided there until his death, which occurred February 6, 1800. He was a leading spirit in the affairs of the town, and took a prominent part in church matters. Elisha Bradish, one of the many children of James, succeeded to the homestead. By adding adjoining land from time to time, he made his farm one of the largest in the township. He moved the house to its present location, an undertaking which at that time required a force of seventy men, and took three days to accomplish. As Jus- tice of the Peace he transacted a great deal of civil business, and was one of the most able men of the town. In 1770 he married Hannah Taft, who had four children.

Jotham Bradish, the father, who was in his younger days a schoolmaster, having become the owner of the homestead, carried on farm- ing successfully, giving special attention to dairying. He served as Selectman and As- sessor for many years, acted as administrator of estates, and wrote numerous deeds and wills. Among the wills drawn by him was that of the Rev. Benjamin Wood, the third settled minister in Upton. His hospitable home was the scene of many family gather- ings, which frequently numbered forty or more relatives. He died at the age of sixty-five years. Deborah, his wife, became the mother of six children, namely : Philander, who died at the age of nineteen years; Harvey, who managed the home farm until his death, which occurred in 1890; Hannah, who still lives at the homestead; Nancy, who died at the age of twenty-eight years; Elisha, who has as- sisted in the cultivation of the farm since his youth and is unmarried ; and Levi P., the sub- ject of this sketch.

Having previously attended the schools of his native town, Levi P. Bradish completed his education at the Wilbraham Academy. He resided at home until about the year 1851, when he went to Milford. Here after some

206

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

time he became the foreman of a machine shop, and retained that position for thirty years. He then retired from active labor, and has since resided on the homestead. The first of his two marriages was contracted with Louisa Forbush, who died a few years after- ward. His second and present wife, who was before marriage Eliza W. Littlefield, has had nine children. Of these, seven attained ma- turity, namely : Ella, who married Thomas B. Keith, of Easton, Mass., and has had two children; Arthur, who married Nellie Burr, and died at the age of thirty-two years, leav- ing a widow and two daughters; Henry Will- ard, now a printer in Philadelphia; Alfred G., who married Jennie Taft, and resides in Upton; Esther Elizabeth, the wife of Milo P. Warren, of Hopkinton, Mass. ; Elbert A., now a travelling salesman, residing in Lynn, Mass. ; and Florence Estelle, who resides with her parents. While residing in Milford, Mr. Bradish was a Deacon of the Congrega- tional church for twenty-seven years and the musical director of the Sunday-school for nearly the same length of time.

HARLES DAWSON, of Holden, the founder, president, and treasurer of the Dawson. Manufacturing Company, was born in Lancaster County, England, on April 9, 1832. His parents, Henry and Alice (Wolstenholme) Dawson, were natives of Lancaster County. The father, who was a gardener in England, came to America in 1845, and, locating in Millbury, Mass., was employed there in various occupa- tions. His last years were spent in Connecti- cut ; and he died in Broad Brook, that State, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was Ortho- dox in religious belief, and led a life con- sistent therewith. Of his family of twelve children, nine are now living.

Charles Dawson was quite a young boy when he came to America. Having previ- ously worked in a cotton-mill in England, he found employment in the mills at Millbury soon after his arrival. His educational oppor- tunities were limited to attendance at the Millbury district school for a short time.

The greater part of his life since he was ten years of age has been spent in mill work. He had worked in various places up to 1866, when, starting in business for himself in Worcester, Mass., he dealt in mill supplies until 1871. He first came to Holden in 1870. In 1872 he established his present plant there. Manufacturing a high grade of woollen goods, he has since built up a prosperous business. Since 1896, when the firm was incorporated, Mr. Dawson has been the president and treas- urer, and his son, Charles A. Dawson, the vice-president and manager. At the begin- ning only twenty-five hands were employed. Now from sixty-five to seventy are kept con- stantly busy. The most cordial relations exist between the operatives and the manage- ment. Every department is supplied with the latest and most improved appliances.

In 1852 Mr. Dawson was married to Jane E. Osborne. He now has three children - Alida A., Carrie E., and Charles A. Taking a constant interest in the affairs of the town, he has served in the offices of Assessor and Selectman. In politics he supports the Re- publican party. Liberal in his religious opinions, he does not accept the creed of any particular church organization. An esteemed Mason, he is a member of Athelstan Lodge, of Worcester. By great industry and energy he has worked his way up from the bottom of the ladder, and he can now look back with sat- isfaction upon his past career. Outside his as- sistants and operatives, he has a wide circle of other friends, who find his beautiful home in Holden, near Dawson station, a delightful place to visit.

NDREW L. NOURSE, one of the most extensive farmers of Bolton, a former member of the State legislature, and a Civil War veteran, was born in Marlboro, Mass., January 24, 1842, son of Luther and Elizabeth (Whitney) Nourse. His great-grandfather, Jonathan Nourse, who was an early settler in Bolton, died at the age of eighty-three years. The grandfather, also named Jonathan, was a lifelong resident of this town. Luther Nourse, the father of An-

FRANCIS L. CHAPIN.

209

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

drew L., was born and reared in Bolton. When a young man he settled upon a farm in Marlboro, where he resided several years. His last days were spent in his native town, where he died at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, Elizabeth, who was born in Har- vard, Mass., daughter of Jacob Whitney, be- came the mother of two children, of whom Andrew L. is the survivor. The mother died at the age of sixty-three years. Both parents attended the Unitarian church.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Biographical review containing life sketches of leading citizens of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Part 23

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