USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Franklin County, Massachusetts .. > Part 62
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EDMUND B. STEWART.
LUTHER STEWART.
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here he completed the clearing of the land which his father had begun. At the start he had forty-five acres, to which he added until the estate covered one hundred and sixty acres besides land that he owned in other parts of the town. He was a very busy and successful man during his active life, and passed his last years in quiet retirement with his son Ed- mund B. He died December 30, 1885, nearly ninety years old. He was honest, truthful, and positive in his opinions of right; and he had no fellowship with what he esteemed wrong. The Bible was his study and coun- sellor. and we trust he has gone to inherit the rich promises of rest. His wife passed away in 1892, at the advanced age of ninety-five. Mr. Luther Stewart was a Republican in politics, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had six children, five of whom are living, namely : Mary S., wife of B. A. Burnham, in Brattle- boro, Vt .; Luther B., in Colerain; Maria F., wife of E. D. Alexander, of Colerain; Ed- mund B .; Juliet A., wife of J. P. Bell, of Colerain. Emma, wife of A. J. Dennison, is deceased.
Edmund B. Stewart grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving his education in the district school. At the age of twenty he went to work for himself in the saw-mill, remaining some three years. He then took charge of the homestead, and since coming into possession has permanently resided here. He has a large and pleasant home and good buildings, and he also owns quite an amount of real es- tate in the village of Brattleboro, Vt. His farm covers one hundred and sixty acres, and Mr. Stewart has every facility for general farming. He is engaged in sheep-raising to a considerable extent, and he has had some fine horses. He makes annually about fifteen hundred barrels of cider, in a good apple year
increasing the amount to two thousand. He deals wholly in sweet cider, finding market in the vicinity, in Boston, and in New York City.
On December 21, 1858, Mr. Stewart was married to Harriet, daughter of William Rob- ertson, of Shelburne Falls, Mass., whose fam- ily history will be found under the names of Roswell B. and Charles Robertson. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have no children. Politically, Mr. Stewart is a Republican. He has been a very busy man during his life, and material success has crowned his efforts. He takes a deep interest in the history of the place, and has a seemingly exhaustless fund of informa- tion in regard to people and events of the older time. A likeness of Mr. Stewart is ap- propriately placed in this portrait gallery of Franklin County worthies.
A NDREW BAKER, a well-to-do farmer of Wendell, was born in this town, August 13, 1841, son of Luther and Polly (Locke) Baker. Mr. Baker's father was a native of Hubbardston, and in his early years followed the trade of a cooper, at which he worked in Wendell for some time. He later adopted agriculture as a vocation, and settled upon a farm in Wendell, where he re- sided until his decease, which occurred at the age of sixty years. His wife, who was a daughter of Bezaleel Locke, of Wendell, be- came the mother of seven children, three of whom are still living: Roena, Andrew, and Edward. Mrs. Polly L. Baker was a member of the Baptist church, of which her husband was a Deacon. She died at the age of fifty- five years.
Andrew Baker commenced his education in the district schools; and, after pursuing more advanced studies at the New Salem Academy
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and a private school in Orange, he taught school for some time in Pelham. On the death of his father he, in company with his brother, purchased the old homestead, where he resided for one season, and then came to his present home in 1865. He is a stanch Republican, has always taken an active inter- est in both local and State political issues, and has figured prominently in the town gov- ernment, having served as Selectman, Asses- sor, Overseer of the Poor for several years, and as Town Treasurer for a long period. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Mon- tague.
In 1864 he was united in marriage to Ellen L. Stone, daughter of Luther and Luey (Howe) Stone, and grand-daughter of Israel Stone, who was a well-known farmer of Way- land, Mass., being a lifelong resident of that town. Luther Stone made his home in Way- land until reaching the age of twenty-six, when he came to Wendell, and followed agri- cultural pursuits for the remainder of his life. His death occurred at the age of eighty-nine years. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen for many years, served as Assessor and Overseer of the Poor, and represented his district in the State legislature during the session of 1844. He was a member of the Congregational church. His wife, who was born in Henniker, N.H., and died in Mon- tague at the age of sixty-seven years, was the mother of two children, as follows: Lucy, who married George Gemmell, of Montague City; and Ellen L., Mrs. Baker.
Mr. and Mrs. Baker have three children, namely: Alfred D., who married Nellie A. Whitcomb, and is now a prosperous farmer in the State of Maine; Rolan A., a carpenter, who married Emma L. Miles, of Templeton ; and Ozro D., who makes his home with his parents, but is engaged at work in Greenfield.
Mr. Baker attends the Congregational church, of which his wife is a member; and he has been for some time past a member of the com- mittee and treasurer of the parish.
HARLES HOWES, an influential citizen of Ashfield, a well-known farmer and dealer in agricultural implements, was born in this town, Deeember 14, 1833. He is the son of David S. and Abigail (Lilly) Howes, and grandson of Eze- kiel and Rose (Vincent) Howes. On the pa- ternal side he is descended from Thomas and Mary (Burr) Howes, the former of whom emi- grated from England in 1637, and settled at Yarmouth, Mass., where he died in 1675, at the age of seventy-five years.
The lineage may be traced baekward as fol- lows: Thomas Howes, a sailor, father of Eze- kiel, was a son of Joseph (third) and Mary (Howes) Howes; Joseph (third) was a son of Joseph (seeond) and Mary (Vincent) Howes; Joseph (second) was a son of Jeremiah and Sarah (Prince) Howes, the former a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Mayo) Howes, the last- named Joseph having been a son of Thomas and Mary (Burr) Howes, mentioned above. Ezekiel Howes, grandfather of Mr. Charles Howes, was born at Cape Cod in December, 1763, and died June 30, 1814. In early man- hood he came to Ashfield on foot, and pur- chased a farm, after which he returned to Cape Cod, and on March 10, 1791, married Rose Vincent, who was born July 20, 1768. They made their home at Ashfield in a log house which he had erected for himself and bride. Their children were: Thomas, Mehitable, Willard, William, Ezekiel, George, Deborah, Philipa, David S., and Charles.
David S. Howes, who was born Mareh 2, 1809, succeeded to the possession of the old
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homestead of one hundred and ten acres, and there continued to reside for many years, be- coming a prosperous farmer. He engaged quite extensively in manufacturing lumber, having saw-mills located on his farm, and has been an active and progressive man in both agricultural and other pursuits. He made many improvements upon his farm, and has been famous as a breeder of fine cattle. In 1894 he was compelled by failing health and advanced age to relinquish labor and move to the village. He is a Republican in politics, and has always been prominent in the local government. In 1866 he represented his dis- trict in the legislature. He is a man of re- markable physical and mental vigor, and liberal in his religious views. He married for his first wife on April 25. 1831, Abigail Lilly, who became the mother of two children, as follows: Harriet, born May 17, 1832, now the wife of Lewis Church; and Charles, the sub- ject of this sketch. After the death of his first wife he wedded for his second Ellen Ashley. His old farm is now owned by A. Wiley.
Charles Howes was well educated in the schools of his native town, and at an early age was associated with his father in both farming and lumbering. He purchased and cleared many acres of timber land, and at the age of thirty-three years engaged in business alone, in which he has been successful, having car- ried on saw-mills of his own. In 1872 he purchased the Samuel Howes farm, consisting of about two hundred acres of valuable land, situated near Ashfield village, where he now resides. He has remodelled the buildings and erected a carriage-house, besides making various other improvements. His farm is the best within the radius of many miles, and is devoted to dairy interests and the raising of choice cattle and sheep. He also deals in all kinds of improved agricultural implements.
On November 3, 1858, he was united in marriage with Sarah Lilly, daughter of Lo- renzo and Mary (Bassett) Lilly. Her parents, who were of Scotch ancestry, settled on a farm in South Ashfield in the latter part of last century, Mr. Lilly living to reach a good old age. His children were: Eliakin, Amelia, Sarah, Charles, and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Howes have had three children, one of whom, a daughter, Alice, died at the age of seven years. The survivors are: Allison G., born December 13, 1868; and Albert L., born May 13, 1876. Mr. Howes is a Republican in politics, has served as a Selectman, Over- seer of the Poor, and Assessor for the past seventeen years, and in 1889 represented his district in the legislature. He is also County Commissioner.
RS. NANCY M. HOVEY, of Greenfield, widow of George H. Hovey, is a daughter of David and Sarah (Dickman) Willard, the former of whom was a native of Greenfield, the latter of Springfield, Mass. David Willard, after being graduated from Dartmouth College, en - tered the legal profession. He was a man of fine intelligence, and displayed considerable literary ability, being the author of an inter- esting history of Greenfield. Of his ten chil- dren but three are now living, namely: Nancy M. ; Robert E., of Pittsfield; and Henry C., a resident of Greenfield.
Nancy M. Willard attended the academy in Bernardston, and resided with her uncle, the late Henry W. Cushman, who was formerly Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, and whose widow is still living in Greenfield. Later she became the wife of George H. Hovey, who was a native of Canaan, N.H., and a son of Daniel and Hannah (Harris)
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Hovcy. His grandfather, Daniel Hovey, Sr., was a Revolutionary soldier, who was capt- ured, and was for a time held prisoncr in Quebec. He was a man of markcd charac- teristics, and died in New Hampshire at an advanced age. Daniel Hovey, Jr., was for many years a regular physician at Lyme, N. H. ; but failing health compelled him to re- linquish a large practice and move to Green- field, Mass., where he opened a drug store in company with his two sons, George H. and Arthur S. His wife, who was a native of Canaan, N. H., was the mother of three sons and one daughter, of whom the only survivor is Maria, wife of J. K. Hosmer, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Daniel Hovey, Jr., died in Greenfield, aged eighty-one; and his wife died at the age of eighty-three years.
George H. Hovey entered Dartmouth Col- lege, but his father's impaired health caused him to abandon his studies and return to his home in Greenfield. He was a highly re- spectcd citizen and a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Hovey died December 21, 1891, aged seventy-two years, leaving a fine estate.
DWARD A. GODDARD, Postmaster at Orange and an ex-Representative to the legislature, was born in this town on October 28, 1845. He is a son of Josiah and Miranda (White) Goddard, and grandson of Henry and Anna (Davis) God- dard. Henry Goddard was an extensive farmer of Royalston, Mass., and lived to reach the good old age of ninety years, his wife's death having occurred at the age of seventy. Their children were: Mahala; Jo- siah; Davis; Anna and Amanda, who were twins; Sanford; and Susan.
Josiah Goddard was born at Royalston on April 6, 1805, and received his education in
the public schools. At the age of nineteen he bought his time, and went to Boston to en- gage in the trucking business, which he suc- cessfully followed for five years, subsequently coming to Orange, where he purchased a farm of two hundred and seventy-fivc acres, situ- ated about two miles from the village. He followed agriculture with profitable results, and became a breeder of fine cattle and sheep. In politics he was formerly a Whig, later joining the Republican party, and was active in the town government. He served as a Se- lectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor, represented his district in the legislature dur- ing the years 1840 and 1841, and was County Commissioner for eleven years, holding that office at the time of his death, which occurred in 1859. Josiah Goddard married a daughter of Elisha White, a former resident of Orange, who moved to Londonderry, Vt., where he be- came a famous bridge builder in the days of wooden structures, a great deal of his work still existing in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Mrs. Josiah Goddard died at the age of eighty-two years. Her children were: Josiah H., Henry D., Emily M., Mary A., Hattie A., Susan M., William H., and Edward A.
Edward A. Goddard commenced his educa- tion in the schools of Orange, and, after com- pleting his studies at the Westfield Academy, pursued a business course at the New Haven Commercial College. He then entered the store of Davis Goddard at Orange as clerk, serving in that capacity until 1865, when he purchased the business, and conducted a gen- eral country store for five years. He then sold out to engage in the manufacture of furniture at Orange with H. H. Whitney. After being burned out two years later, he purchased the water-power at Wendell Depot, which he util- ized by the construction of a dam and the
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CHAUNCEY G. TOWNSEND.
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erection of a saw and grist mill, and has since conducted a large and profitable business, handling Western grains. He likewise in- vested in timber lands; and. after continuing successfully as a lumber manufacturer for seven years, he equipped the mills with ma- chinery for producing pulp and paper, and at the expiration of five years sold his plant. He next turned his attention to the improve- ment of the water-power at Warwick Creek, where he erected a saw-mill. He has also cleared a farm of sixty acres.
On January 6, 1869, Mr. Goddard was united in marriage to Miss Ella Holmes, daughter of the Rev. L. Holmes, a present resident of Webster, Mass. Mrs. Goddard was born in Thompson, Conn., on June 14, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard have three children, as follows: Josiah Holmes Goddard, a boot and shoe merchant of Boston; Susan Ella. now in Wellesley College; and Lucinda Marinda, who is at home with her parents. Mr. Goddard resides at the old Davis God- dard homestead on East Main Street.
Mr. Goddard received his appointment as Postmaster in April, 1892, and, although he is a Republican in politics, still holds that position, in which he gives most perfect satis- faction. He has also served as Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor for nine years ; and in 1890 and 1891 he was a Repre- sentative in the legislature. He is well ad- vanced in the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the Orange Lodge, Crescent Chap- ter, and Orange Commandery.
AL® RS. LUCY C. REDFIELD TOWNSEND, of Conway, Mass., a lady well known in this vicinity and highly esteemed, having been an efficient teacher in years gone by, was born in Phelps,
N. Y., daughter of Silas and Harriet (Bart- lett) Redfield. Her paternal grandfather, Ebenezer Redfield, was one of the pioneer set- tlers of Conway, where he secured a tract of land, on which he erected his humble log house, about half a mile south of the present village, near it being a natural fort, whence they used to watch the Indians. He married Miss Mehitable Dickenson, and lived to the age of seventy-three years.
Silas Redfield, who was born September 16, 1783, on the old homestead near Conway village, remained with his parents until his marriage, when he removed to Phelps, N. Y., making the journey by team, and carrying his household goods in a wagon. On arriving there, he took up a tract of fifty acres of land, on which he first erected a log cabin; but later on he built a substantial frame house, and made other improvements. He there suc . cessfully engaged in general farming up to his death, which occurred when he was but fifty- two years of age. His wife, Harriet Bartlett Redfield, who was a daughter of Jeduthan and Mercy Bartlett, reared five daughters : Lucinda, Eliza M., Jeanette, Mercy S., and Lucy C. After her husband's death she re- turned with her children to Conway, where she died at seventy-eight years of age.
Lucy C. Redfield acquired her education in the district schools of Conway and at the acad- emy in this town. That she was both studi- ous and apt to learn may be judged from the fact that at fourteen years of age, being pro- ficient in the common English branches, she engaged in school teaching. She received at first - the time being a few years "before the war " - one dollar and thirty-three cents per week; and for fourteen years she was success- fully engaged in this vocation, for which she was admirably fitted, both by natural and ac- quired ability. On January 20, 1870, she
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was united in marriage with Chauncey G. Townsend, son of William Townsend and grandson of David Townsend. Mr. Townsend previous to his marriage was engaged as a teacher in Conway and vicinity, and also in the high schools of New Jersey. He then entered mercantile business; and this he fol- lowed with success for fifteen years, in con- nection therewith managing a farm, of which he was the owner.
Mr. Townsend showed his loyalty to the Union by faithful service in Company D, Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteers, as a soldier of the Civil War; and after its close he was one of the principal leaders in the or- ganization of F. A. Clary Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Conway. He was also a member of Morning Sun Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Townsend died February 10, 1885 : and his funeral rites were conducted by his Post, his remains being buried in How- land Cemetery. Fitly numbered among the "helpers of the people," his name is held in honored remembrance. His portrait, accom- panying this sketch, will be recognized with pleasure by many friends and acquaintances.
RANK H. CHANDLER, a popular and progressive dry-goods merchant of Shelburne Falls, was born in New- stead, Erie County, N. Y., March 26, 1860, son of Joseph W. and Adaline (Goodnow) Chandler. His grandfather, the Rev. Ama- riah Chandler, who was a native of Massachu- setts, in young manhood went to Middlebury, Vt., where he studied under the direction of Dr. Packard, preparatory to entering college. He labored diligently to earn money to defray his expenses, was at length graduated with honor from Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt., and later became a Congregational min-
ister, first settling in Waitsfield, Vt., and sub- sequently in Greenfield, Mass., where he preached continuously for twenty-five years. He purchased a small farm in the vicinity of Greenfield, which he took great pleasure in cultivating, and died there, aged eighty years. The children of the Rev. Amariah Chandler were as follows: Slatterly, Amariah, Jr., Jo- seph W., Abigail, Cynthia, and Susan.
Joseph W. Chandler was born in Colerain, Mass., in 1815, and in young manhood learned the shoemaker's trade. He also fol- lowed the occupation of tanner and currier, but in his later years returned to his first trade, his specialty being fine, hand-made work. He moved from Colerain to Newstead, N. Y., and thence to Waitsfield, Vt., and finally settled in Shelburne Falls, where he resided until his death, which occurred on May 30, 1895. His wife, Adaline Goodnow Chandler, daughter of Thomas Goodnow, became the mother of six children, as follows : Amariah, who married Lida Waldon, and resides in Shelburne Falls; Stephen H., who married Maggie Crane, and died at the age of thirty-eight, leaving two children - Frank W. (deceased) and Anna N .; Gilbert W., a resident of Shelburne Falls; an infant; Anna W., who married S. D. Roudenbush, of Greenfield; and Frank H., the principal sub- ject of the present sketch.
Frank H. Chandler was educated at Shel- burne Falls, and after leaving the high school entered the Mayhew Tool and Bit Manufac- tory, where he learned the art of bit-making. He then became a clerk in the grocery store of G. A. Bates & Sons, with whom he re- mained four years, and in 1888 purchased the dry-goods store of L. M. Packard, which he has since conducted with satisfactory financial results. Mr. Chandler is connected with Alethian Lodge, Independent Order of Odd
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Fellows, and the Sons of Veterans. He is business manager of the Shelburne Falls Cornet Band, a member of the prudential com- mittee of the fire department and of the Board of Trade, a useful and valued citizen.
On October 9, 1882, Mr. Chandler was united in marriage with Lizzie Stephens, daughter of John and Caroline (Mayell) Stephens, of Buckland. John Stephens, who was a mechanic, died at the age of seventy- two. His wife, several years younger, still survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler are members of the Congregational church.
HARLES A. WILLIAMS, an ex- tensive manufacturer of lumber at Warwick, where he operates steam saw-mills, was born in this town on May 9, 1849. His father, Melzar Williams, was also a native of Warwick; and his grandfather resided here for many years, having raised a large family of children. He died in 1840 or 1841, at the age of seventy-eight years. Melzar Williams followed for several years the occupation of a clothier, carding wool and dressing cloth. He subsequently purchased a farm, upon which he resided for the remain- der of his life, dying in 1886, at the age of eighty-five years. He married for his second wife Rachel Hill, of Litchfield, N.H. ; and of their four children two are now living: Joseph and Charles A. The mother passed her later years in Warwick, and died at the age of about forty-eight years.
Charles A. Williams's boyhood was passed in assisting his father upon the farm and at- tending the district schools, in which he se- cured a practical education. When about twenty-five years of age, he married, and pur- chased a farm in the vicinity of his father's property, where he resided until 1890, at
which time he sold it, and moved to his pres- ent residence in the village. Since coming of age he has been interested in the lumber business to a greater or less extent, and in 1887 purchased a steam-mill for the purpose of entering more fully into the manufacture of lumber. He cuts and hauls timber from the woods, and prepares all kinds of lumber for the local market. His business has gradually assumed large proportions, and, being well managed, yields good returns.
In 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Aridil Putnam, of Winchester, N.H., and five of their six children are now living; namely, George, Eva, Elsie, Bernice, and Chester. Mr. Williams is a Republican in politics, and has served as Selectman for six years, also as a member of the School Board and Collector. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Orange.
RED H. AMSDEN, an enterprising and prosperous dry-goods merchant of Shelburne Falls, was born in Athol, Mass., June 8, 1857, son of Washington H. and Chloe A. (Gates) Amsden, and grandson of Jacob Amsden
Washington H. Amsden was born in Dana, Mass., and on leaving school worked for a short time as clerk in a store. He then en- gaged in the manufacture of sashes, blinds, and doors at Athol in company with his brother; and after the death of the latter, who was accidentally killed, he carried on the business alone for the remainder of his life, supplying his customers with first-class goods, and prospering in worldly affairs. At his death, which occurred in 1886, when he was sixty-one years old, he left a fine home and a flourishing business. In politics he was a Republican, and was Selectman, Assessor,
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and Poor Master in the town. In 1884 he was sent to the legislature as Representative from his district. For many years he was Director of the Athol Bank, and in the Uni- tarian church he was a prominent member. His children were: Otho F., who carries on the manufacturing business in Athol, and has been twice married, and has one child by the first wife and one, a daughter, by the second wife; Fred H., of Shelburne Falls; Festus G., a merchant in Athol; and Anna M., who lives at the parental home.
Fred H. Amsden received a fair education in the schools of Athol, and in his eighteenth year started in life as his father did, working as clerk for Holbrook & Twichell for a year. He then went to Andover Academy to finish his studies, and on his return engaged as clerk for W. Thorp, with whom he remained about a year. Making practical use of the knowledge and experience gained during his clerkship, Mr. Amsden next opened a dry- goods store at Hornellsville, N.Y., in com- pany with S. E. Brooks. This business they conducted for one year, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Amsden then returned to Athol with his stock of goods, and opened a store there. In 1881 he removed to Shel- burne Falls, locating his business in the Cum- mings Block, and in 1883 moved into the Fields Block, where he occupies two floors, his store being the largest in the village, and giving employment to several clerks.
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