USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Franklin County, Massachusetts .. > Part 21
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On the 6th of July, 1854, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Potter, daughter of George W. and Betsey G. (Guillow) Potter; and very soon after they settled in the home they now occupy, at 58 Federal Strcet. Their home circle was gradually increased by the birth of seven children, of whom we record the following: George F., a wholesale grain dealer in this city, has a wife and two chil- dren; Joseph E., who is in the grocery and grain business in Greenfield, has a wife and four children; F. A. Lamb, who is in the employment of his brother, has a wife and two sons; Isabelle, the widow of Z. L. Snow, re- sides at Melrose Highlands, near Boston, and has one son; Nettie, the wife of A. E. Snow, also resides at Melrose Highlands, and has one son and one daughter; Grace L., who was educated at Wilbraham, Mass., is an assistant in her father's store; and Bonner M. is a young law student at the Albany Law School. Mr. Lamb is a Master Mason, and, politi- cally, a Prohibitionist from the Republican ranks, taking an intelligent interest in local
and State affairs, but has never sought or de- sired public officc. Since November 12, 1865, he has been an active member of the Methodist church, which he has served as Steward, Trustee, and superintendent of the Sunday-school for a quarter of a century.
OSEPH D. NOYES, a successful and progressive farmer in Colerain, was born in Guilford, a border town of Ver- mont, May 30, 1823, son of James and Mary (Taylor) Noyes, both natives of Guilford. His grandfather, John Noyes, was one of the pioneer settlers of South Guilford, coming there from Rhode Island with his young wife, who belonged to the Rogers family. They journeyed from that State on horseback to their new home, daring the perils of the wilderness with quiet heroism. On the way they were often saluted with, "Going where the Indians will kill you!" and she calmly answered, "I am going." Their destination safely reached, Grandfather Noyes made a clearing and built a small log house; and Grandmother Noyes soon had given to the rude dwelling the air of home comfort that only a woman knows how to impart. As the settle- ment grew, Grandfather Noyes became a prom- inent man in the community. He was a stanch Democrat, and was the first man sent to the State legislature to represent the town of Guil- ford. He and his wife believed firmly in the sustaining power of religion, and were pro- fessing members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had seven children, as follows : John, Nathan, Prentiss, Joseph, Isaac, James, and Betsey, all of whom are deceased.
James Noyes, son of John, also spent his days in Guilford, residing on the farm cleared by his father, to which he added considerably, also erecting new buildings. His farm cov-
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ered two hundred and fifty acres, and was one of the best in that part of the town. He was an 'industrious and capable farmer, a man of good judgment in affairs. A Democrat in political views, he held many offices, being chief Selectman for several years, and Justice of the Peace for forty years. He died at the old farm at the age of eighty-four, and his wife passed away at eighty-three. They were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had eight children, five daughters and three sons, four of whom are now living, Hannah, Mary Ann, Almira, and James M. being de- ceased. The others are located as follows : Harriet, Mrs. Carpenter, in Boston ; Betsey, Mrs. Burdick, in Guilford; Jeremiah, in Brat- tleboro, Vt. ; Joseph D., who is the youngest in the family, in Colerain.
Joseph attended the district schools of Guil- ford in his boyhood, and continued living in that town and working at farming until Feb- ruary, 1850, when he moved to Colerain, and took charge of Mr. Franklin's farm. After being thus engaged for twenty-seven years, on New Year's Day, 1879, Mr. Noyes moved to his present residence. His estate com- prises two hundred and fifty acres, in good cultivation, with well-made and convenient buildings, and every needed facility for skil- fully carrying on general farming, as he evi- dently does, with intelligent painstaking and to good profit.
On January 5, 1848, Mr. Noyes was mar- ried to Elvira Franklin, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Stowell) Franklin, who was born December 7, 1824. Her father was a native of Guilford, a hard-working farmer and a good citizen, a Democrat in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Franklin spent his last years at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. Noyes, dying at the age of ninety-one. His wife, Sarah, whose maiden
name was Stowell, was born in Bainbridge, Chenango County, N. Y., and died at the age of fifty-eight. She, too, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and the four daughters born to her were brought up in that faith. They were as follows: Elvira, wife of Mr. Noyes; Augusta, Mrs. Esterbrook, living in Iowa; Mary Ann, Mrs. Barber, in Kanka- kee, Ill .; Sophia, Mrs. Cobb, who died in Chicago, Ill., at the age of fifty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Noyes had one daughter, Elladora S., who was born December 21, 1850, married Robert Miller, and died February 9, 1888, leaving no children. Mr. Miller lives with his father-in-law, ably assisting him in the management of the farm. In politics Mr. Noyes is a Democrat, and in religion holds liberal views. Though working late and early and hardly knowing what rest means, he enjoys perfect health, and has required the attendance of a physician but once in his life.
ROCTOR P. PURPLE, a well-known and highly respected farmer of Franklin County, Massachusetts, re- siding in Gill, near the Centre, was born in this town October 27, 1826. He is a son of Roswell Purple, a native of Bernardston, and grandson of John Purple, who was a farmer residing in that town, a prominent citizen in his time.
Roswell Purple, having been reared to agri- cultural pursuits, purchased a farm in Gill, on which he built a fine house and barn, took to himself a wife, and devoted his attention to farming till his sons were grown up. He then purchased a hotel at Gill Centre, and took the management of the stage routes of the locality, many stages being under his direction. Later he sold the hotel, and returned to the farm, where he lived to the remarkably advanced age
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of ninety-four years, vigorous and well-pre- served to the last. He was a well-known auctioneer in this vicinity, following that business, as occasion called, till eighty years of age. Mr. Roswell Purple held many civil offices in the town. He was on the Board of Selectmen many years, and he was an Assessor and Overseer of the Poor. In politics he was an old-fashioned Whig.
The maiden name of his wife was Mary Roberts. She was the daughter of Amaziah Roberts, a farmer for many years in the town of Gill, and was born on the old homestead where Mr. Purple now lives. She died in Gill, at the age of seventy-four. Her only brother was named Ozias. The children of Roswell and Mary Purple, who grew to matu- rity, were thirteen in number, of whom seven are still living. Their names are here given, as follows: Nancy, widow of George Brock, of Athol; Proctor P. ; Clarissa, wife of Obed Morgan, of Deerfield; Eliza, wife of Abner Bascomb; Edwin; Sophia, wife of Edgar Hale, of Springfield, Mass. ; and Henry.
Proctor P. Purple spent his early years with his father, attending the schools of the town, and at eighteen began work for himself on a railroad; but after a time he returned to his father's farm. In 1864 he came to his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he has since resided, giving his princi- pal attention to dairying. In 1847 Mr. Purple was married to Miss Isabel Holton, a daughter of Horace and Polly (Dickinson) Holton. Her father was born in Northfield, and both he and his father, John Holton, said to have been a Lieutenant in the Revolution, were farmers, who spent their lives in that town. Mrs. Purple's mother, Mrs. Polly Dickinson Holton, was a daughter of Benoni Dickinson, and was born in Northfield, where her father was a farmer. She was one of seven children,
and became the mother of thirteen, three only of that number having survived till now. The names of the three are Horace, Isabel (Mrs. Purple), and Fidelia. Mrs. Holton died in Northfield, at the age of ninety-eight. She was a member of the Unitarian church. Hor- ace Holton died April 22, 1858, aged about seventy-seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Purple have had three chil- dren, two of whom are now living, namely : Florine, wife of William Richmond, a manu- facturer of saddlery in Waterbury, Conn. ; and Clayton, who was born on the old homestead, January 1, 1854, and is now in charge of the farm. He married in February of 1881 Miss Stella F. Lander, daughter of Benjamin Lander, a farmer of Greenfield; and they have four children : Warren Ray, Bessie E., Isabel M., and Carl Clayton. Mr. Purple and his son are Democrats in their political principles, and the former has been Tax Collector for many years. He and his household occupy a prominent position among the old, well-to-do families of Greenfield, the home of so many generations.
LONZO G. MINER, who has been inti- mately associated with the mercantile interests of Greenfield for upward of twoscore years, is one of its representative citizens, and in every respect merits the high esteem universally accorded him. He was born in the town of Colerain, this county, in February, 1826, and is a lineal descendant of Thomas Miner, who emigrated from England in 1641, he being probably the first of the name to settle in America. He settled in Connecticut, the second in line of descent being Elnathan Miner, followed by his son Nathan Miner, the next generation being rep- resented by the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Richardson Miner, who
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was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1748, and late in life drew a pension for his services in the Revolutionary War.
He was a saddler and harness-maker by trade, and long followed that occupation ; but in the year 1802 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in the town of Colerain. He made the journey hither from Stonington, Conn., on horseback, bringing the silver to the amount of two thousand, two hun- dred and fifty dollars, to pay for his land, in his
saddle-bags. This homestead property has ever since been in the possession of the family, Mr. Alonzo G. Miner having now held the deed of it for a quarter of a century. Richard- son Miner married Sarah Holeman, of Hart- ford, the daughter of a sea captain, who met a tragic death, having been taken prisoner by the British, and, as the tradition is, by them poisoned. Mrs. Sarah H. Miner bore five daughters and two sons, and lived to quite an old age. After her decease her husband mar- ried again at the age of seventy-five years, and lived with his second wife a period of twenty- two years, his demise occurring in his ninety- seventh year. He was very active in religious works, and for many years served as Deacon of the Congregational church.
Gilbert S. Miner, who became the father of Alonzo G., was born February 9, 1792, at Stonington, Conn., and in early life learned the mason's trade, which he carried on in con- nection with general farming, on the paternal homestead, at Colerain. He was very active in military circles, being for twenty-seven years Captain of a company, which he called out at the beginning of the war of 1812. In 1814 he married Betsey Lyons, daughter of Jerry Lyons, of Colerain, and they became the parents of seven children: Mary R., who be- came the wife of Joel A. Hall, of Charle- mont, and died in Keokuk, Ia., leaving one
daughter; Elizabeth S., now the widow of Joel Wilson, living in Greenfield; Sophronia A., who married Charles A. Shearer, and died in Colerain, leaving two sons and two daughters ; Emily A., who died of consumption at the age of nineteen years; Alonzo G .; Melissa N., Mrs. L. B. Stewart, of Colerain, who died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving an infant daughter ; and Jerry L., who resides on the old homestead. The father departed this life in 1865, aged seventy-three years, and the mother in 1873, at the age of fourscore years.
Alonzo G. Miner acquired his education in the district and a select school, living on the home farm until twenty-two years of age, when he started out in life on his own account, try- ing various kinds of employment, being for some time a pedler. In 1853 he came to Greenfield as a clerk in the mercantile house of his brother-in-law, Joel Wilson, who was an extensive dealer in windows, doors, blinds, and paper hangings. Three years later Mr. Miner became an equal partner with Mr. Wilson ; but in 1861 Gideon H. Strong purchased Mr. Wilson's interest, and the firm, under the name of Miner & Strong, carried on a good business for six years, when Mr. Wilson again became interested, being for ten years the firm known as J. Wilson & Co. In 1877 Mr. Miner bought the entire business, which he has since controlled, and, in addition to his previous stock, has added paints, oils, and var- nishes, having now a very large and lucrative trade. He possesses excellent practical abil- ity, and has a first-class reputation as an hon- orable and upright man of business.
Mr. Miner was married June 5, 1849, to Sybil A. Shepardson, to whom he had been devoted from childhood days, when they at- tended the same school. They removed to Greenfield in 1854, at once taking possession of their pleasant home, at No. 30 Chapman
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Street. After more than forty years of happy wedlock, and having reared four children, Mrs. Miner passed onward to the home above on April 25, 1892. Four children have been born of their union. The youngest daughter, Lillian E. S., the wife of Merrill P. Reed, died at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving two sons and one daughter. The only surviv- ing daughter, Rosa E. A. Miner, who keeps house for her father, has inherited musical tal- ent from her father and mother, is accom- plished both in vocal and instrumental music, and has been organist at the Methodist Epis- copal church for several years. One son, Clarence H. G. Miner, for seventeen years commercial traveller for a New York house, resides in Dorchester, Mass., and has a wife and one son, Roy M. Simpson ; and Carroll A. L. Miner, a salesman in Chicago, is married, but has no children.
In politics Mr. Miner was reared a Whig, but has been an ardent supporter of the Repub- lican party since its formation. In his early years he was a regular attendant of the Congre- gational church, in which faith he was reared ; but some forty-three years ago he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been an official member much of the time since, taking a leading part in its prayer meetings and song services, and, as a member of the choir, playing the violin.
RS. LOUISA D. CHENERY, a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Montague, widow of Hollis Chenery, formerly a prominent mer- chant of this pleasant town in the Connecticut valley, was born in Heath, a neighboring town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, in 1818. She is a daughter of Aaron Brown, a native of that town, and grand-daughter of Deacon John
Brown, one of the early settlers of Heath, who carried on farm operations during most of his life there. Aaron was one of thirteen children, and lived with the family at the homestead, where he was brought up a farmer, and took care of his parents in their old age. He married Miss Rebecca Dickinson, who was born in Hatfield, being one of a family of five children of Daniel Dickinson; and their later years were spent at the old Dickinson homestead in Hatfield, amid the scenes of her youth. Aaron Brown died at the age of seventy-two years. He and his wife were members of the Congregational church in Heath, and were parents of two children, namely: John; and Louisa Dickinson, who became Mrs. Chenery.
Louisa Dickinson Brown resided in Heath during her early childhood, and at nine years of age went to her mother's early home in Hatfield, where she remained until her mar- riage. She attended the schools of the vicin- ity, and later became a teacher. On March 9, 1845, she was married to Mr. Hollis Chenery, a native of Montague, whose father, Nathan Chenery, was a life-long resident and a suc- cessful merchant of that town. His mother was before her marriage Miss Sophia Gunn ; and she became the mother of five children, none of whom are now living. Her death took place in Montague.
Hollis Chenery was educated in the best schools of the locality, and began his mercan- tile career with an uncle in the town of Gill, Franklin County. Later he went West as far as the Mississippi River, and settled in Ful- ton, Ill., where he established a business of his own, which he carried on with success until the death of his brother, who had been engaged in mercantile business in Montague. Mr. Chenery, then concluding to take up his brother's work, left Fulton in 1842, and, re-
HOLLIS CHENERY.
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turning East, established himself in Montague, where he conducted a successful trade until his death in 1850, at the early age of thirty-five years. Only one child had been born to him and his wife, a daughter named Harriet L., who is not now living. Mr. and Mrs. Chenery have been highly respected in the community ; and Mrs. Chenery, an exemplary member of the Congregational church, who is now in her seventy-seventh year, with well-preserved fac- ulties, intelligent and active, is passing the serene sunset of a life early clouded by be- reavement, cherishing the memory of her hus- band and daughter, who have but gone before, soothed by the love and regard of appreciating neighbors and friends, and trusting in the Grace Divine that ruleth all things well.
Mr. Hollis Chenery was a Whig in politics. In his brief active career he acquired a reputa- tion as a capable, energetic, and substantial man of business. We are happy to present his portrait herewith as that of a representative Franklin County tradesman of the first half of the century.
ILLIAM E. TRAVER, a wealthy native resident of Greenfield, now living in retirement, is the son of Philip and Matilda Traver. His father was born in New York State.
After acquiring his education, William E. Traver entered the Franklin National Bank as a clerk, from which he rapidly rose to a high position of trust and responsibility ; but fail- ing health compelled him to relinquish active business, thus depriving the community of the services of one whose career had promised so much future usefulness. On March 11, 1884, Mr. Traver wedded Mrs. Julia Demarest, widow of the late James Demarest, and daughter of Joseph P. and Lucy (Fiske) Hale. Her father was born at Bernardston, Franklin
County, Mass., October 24, IS19; and her mother, whose birth occurred at Kinderhook, N. Y., on May 7 of the same year, was reared and educated at Lexington, Mass.
Joseph P. Hale in his earlier years followed the trade of a house painter, later becoming a contractor and builder at Worcester, Mass., from which city he went to New York, where he was for a time engaged in the crockery business. He became interested in pianoforte- making, and eventually entered largely into the business, which through his energy de- veloped into an important industry, the Hale piano occupying a conspicuous place among its competitors. He conducted an extensive and very successful business, pecuniarily as well as otherwise, which he continued until about the year 1873, when impaired health caused him to retire permanently from active pur- suits. He died October 15, 1883, leaving a widow and two daughters: Augusta Hale, who married Charles H. Stone, and died August 27, 1887, at the age of thirty-eight years, hav- ing had two sons; and Julia, wife of William E. Traver.
Julia Hale was carefully educated in New York City, where she attended the public schools, and later completed her studies at a private institution of learning. On July 12, 1870, she was united in marriage to her first husband, Dr. James H. Demarest, grandson of a wealthy New Jersey landholder, who was an early settler in that State, owning at one time a tract of valuable land twenty miles in length, and extending from the Hudson River inland two miles. Dr. Demarest, who was a success- ful dental practitioner, died on March 21, 1876, leaving two children: Josie M., now a young lady residing with her mother; and Samuel A., who is at present a student at the New York Dental College.
Mr. and Mrs. Traver have had two children,
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namely : Alfred William, who died January 14, 1885; and Arthur E., now a bright and promising lad of seven years. They occupy a very handsome and substantial residence at No. 2 Church Street, which was erected by Mr. Traver's father in 1892. Mrs. Traver's mother, Mrs. Lucy F. Hale, who, although now seventy-six years of age, is still active both mentally and physically, resides in New York City. She is a member of the Blue Anchor Society, the aim of which is to provide for the wants of shipwrecked sailors.
HARLES BOWKER, M.D., a well- known physician and public-spirited citizen of Bernardston, was born in the town of Savoy, Berkshire County, Mass., September 16, 1824, son of Melvin and Betsy (Willett) Bowker. Dr. Bowker's grandfather, Liberty Bowker, was a native of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Mass., where the family was numbered among the early settlers. He was a box-maker in his earlier days, and later in life became a hotel proprietor in Savoy, Mass., where he died at seventy-two years of age. His wife's maiden name was Guerney. They had a family of four sons and two daugh- ters, all of whom grew up, and one, Calvin Bowker, still lives in South Adams, Mass. The others were: Melvin, father of Dr. Bowker; David; and James Madison. One daughter married Jesse W. Johnson, the other married Robert Sturtevant. Dr. Bowker's maternal grandfather, John Willett, a farmer and manufacturer of ship's spars, residing in the town of Hanson, Plymouth County, Mass., was also a native of Massachusetts, and was a successful business man. He died on his farm at Hanson, when over eighty years of age. He and his wife had a family of three sons and two daughters, all of whom are now deceased.
Melvin Bowker, son of Liberty Bowker, was born in Pembroke, Mass., March 13, 1798. At an carly age he went to Hanson, and there grew to manhood. Later he owned a good farm at Savoy, and carried on a successful business of farming and dairying. He died in that town at the age of seventy-seven years. His first wife, Betsy Willett by maiden name, was born in Hanson, Plymouth County, and died when her son Charles was four years old. After her death Mr. Bowker married Electa Mason, who died when about seventy-seven years of age. Politically, he was a Democrat, till the formation of the Republican party, when he joined that party, and remained a faithful adherent till the time of his death. He was for many years a Selectman, and also held the offices of Town Clerk and Town Treasurer ; and in 1839 and 1840 he was a Representative in the State legislature. Mr. Bowker had four children by his first wife, two of whom, Calvin and Betsy, died in infancy. One son, Alonzo Melvin Bowker, M. D., died at about forty years of age, his brother Charles, subject of the present sketch, being the only one now living. By the second marriage Melvin Bowker had one daughter, Sarah Frances, who married Henry Thayer, of Adams, Mass.
Charles Bowker grew to manhood in the little hill town of Savoy, Berkshire County ; and the foundation of his education was laid in the public schools of that place. Com- mencing at the age of nineteen years, he taught school for eight years, and then began the study of medicine under the instruction of his brother, Alonzo M. Bowker, after which he attended the Medical College of Pittsfield, Mass., for three years, graduating in the year 1854. He began practice in Readsboro, Vt., remaining there a short time, when he re- moved to Plainfield and stayed one year, re-
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turning thence to Savoy, where he remained four years. The next four years were spent in Wilbraham. In 1864 he served one year in the United States Service as Contract Surgeon, and was in the hospitals of Washington and Alex- andria. The following year he settled in Ber- nardston, and has remained here ever since, being now the oldest physician in the town.
Dr. Bowker was married in 1847 to Delcy D. Dunham, who was born in Savoy, and died in 1852, leaving no children. In 1853 he married his second wife, Harriett P. Dawes, who was born in Berkshire County, daughter of Samuel and Philena E. (Hume) Dawes, the former of whom was born in Windsor, June 19, 1798, and his wife at the same place, June 5, 1804, both being now deceased. They had two children : Harriett P., now Mrs. Bowker ; and her sister, the wife of George Crittenden, of Shelburne Falls.
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