USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Franklin County, Massachusetts .. > Part 75
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On May 3, 1887, Mr. Frick was married to Miss Abbie F. Beard, a daughter of George F. Beard, a native of South Reading, now Wakefield, Mass. Mr. Beard was a soldier in the late Civil War, and passed his last years in the town of Athol. His wife, Mrs. Sarah
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(Sibley) Beard, survived him, and is now liv- ing in Erving. Mrs. Frick was one of two children born to her parents, the other being Ella, the wife of William H. Packard. Mr. and Mrs. Frick have two children: Roy Hal- lowell and Hiram Arthur. Politically, Mr. Frick supports the Republican party, and, socially, is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Orange, and of the Royal Society of Good Fellows of Wakefield, Mass.
RANK L. WISWALL, a prominent druggist and a highly respected citizen of Shelburne Falls, was born in Can- ton, Mass .. June 23, 1864, son of Timothy C. and Julia A. (Carpenter) Wiswall.
Timothy Wiswall, who was born in Dor- chester, Mass., February 22, 1814, when a young man learned the trade of a harness- maker and carriage trimmer. He afterward went to Canton. Mass., where he established himself in business as a carriage and harness maker, employing a number of men. He also gave instruction in these trades, and at times had as many as six apprentices. Though ap- parently a man of vigorous constitution, he died when but fifty-six years of age. His wife, Julia A. Carpenter Wiswall, a daughter of James Carpenter, bore him eight children, of whom two died in infancy. Three sons and three daughters grew to maturity ; namely, William M., Lillian M., Frank L., Myra, Frederick, and Ann. The mother died in 1883, at fifty-nine years of age. Both par- ents were consistent members of the Congre- gational church.
Frank L. Wiswall, having received his early education in Canton, Mass., took a course in the Hyde Park Academy, and later entered the Massachusetts College of Phar- macy. On completing his studies, he obtained
a situation as clerk in a drug store at Hyde Park, and subsequently a similar position in a Boston drug store. In the latter place he spent thirteen years; and then, on December 1, 1894, he went to Shelburne Falls, and pur- chased the druggist business of A. C. Essom. This he has successfully conducted since at the stand occupied by his predecessor, in the Joel Thayer Block on Bridge Street. He is also interested in the Shelburne Falls Ice Cream Company, which, though recently started, is doing a thriving business. Mr. Wiswall was married on October 13, 1887, to Miss Josephine F. Ingersoll, daughter of William H. and Susan (Lawton) Ingersoll, of Hyde Park, Mass. Since then their happy home has been further brightened by a son and daughter, namely: Effie E., born May 12, 1889; and Clifton E., born July 6, 1893.
In politics Mr. Wiswall is a supporter of Republican principles. He is a member of Siloam Lodge, No. 2, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Boston, also of Black Prince Lodge, No. 2, Knights of Pythias, of which for four years he was a representative to the Grand Lodge of the State; and he is con- nected with the Bicycle Club of Shelburne Falls. Both he and his estimable wife are influential members of the Baptist church.
ILLIAM E. NILES, one of the oldest and best-known merchant tailors in Franklin County, and Town Clerk of Charlemont, has been a resi- dent of this place for nearly half a century, and occupies a prominent position among the more intelligent and enterprising citizens of the town. A native of the Green Mountain State, he was born in the town of Halifax, September 15, 1821, being a son of James and Sarah (Tucker) Niles. On the paternal side
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he is of Revolutionary stock, his great-grand- father, David Niles, having served as a pri- vate in the Revolution. David was a life- long resident of Stonington, Conn., where he rounded out a full period of years, and was one of its most prosperous farmers. He reared four children: Samuel, Oliver, Henry, and Jesse.
Oliver Niles, the grandfather of William E., was born January 28, 1771, in Stoning- ton, and there received the training usually given a farmer's boy. After his marriage with Lydia Plumb he sought new fields of labor, moving into the woods of Vermont. Locating in Halifax, he bought a tract of un- improved land, of which he cleared a large portion, and put it in a yielding condition. That was at a time when the pioneers were obliged to take advantage of every opportu- nity, in order to provide themselves with the necessaries of life. Oliver had the necessary perseverance and industry, and likewise the judgment to direct them. As a result, in course of time he became before his death, which occurred in 1854, one of the most suc- cessful farmers of the locality. His wife had preceded him to the better land, dying at the age of threescore and ten years. Both were faithful members of the Baptist church, and reared their children to the same faith. Their family circle included three sons and two daughters; namely, Stephen, Nathaniel, James, Lydia, and Phœbe.
James Niles was born on the Halifax home- stead, September 14, 1796; and, having been reared to agricultural work, he became a farmer from choice. After his marriage he bought a farm not far from the home of his parents, and devoted his time and energies to its cultivation. He had much mechanical in- genuity, and many of the labors incidental to farm life were lightened by inventions of his
own. One of them was a horse rake, the first ever made in that part of the country; and, although rude in its construction, it answered the purpose for which it was intended. But, alas! it also aroused the envy of one of his neighbors, who stole it, and secreted it in the woods, so that he might be delayed in his work. He was very expert in the use of tools of all kinds, and did a great deal of coopering, his ability in this line being of great assist- ance to him, and saving him many a penny. He was one of those large-hearted, charitable men that are a blessing to any community, and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the sick or needy. He was active in many local organizations, and was for a long time Captain of a company of State militia, being familiarly known as Captain Niles.
On April 23, 1818, he married Sarah Tucker, who was born November 8, 1795, and died September 18, 1849. He survived her several years, departing this life March 15, 1866. Both were zealous Christians and members of the Baptist church, of which he was Deacon. Nine children were born to them; namely, James E., Jesse M., James T., Horace F., William E., Orsamus E., Sarah A., Lydia A., and Stephen B.
The subject of this notice was reared and educated in his native State, completing his studies at the Bennington Academy. Until he reached the age of twenty years he assisted his father on the farm. He then went to Colerain, where he learned the tailor's trade, working one year for Jarvis Crandall. He next continued his occupation at Cutting Hol- low, where he remained until obliged to give it up on account of an injury to his knee, which has always caused him trouble. In 1846 Mr. Niles came to Charlemont, and, with the exception of three years, has since been in business here as a merchant tailor.
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He is thoroughly versed in his trade, and has won a large amount of patronage, his cus- tomers coming from far and near. In former times he carried on a very extensive business, and still endeavors to attend to the wants of his old customers, who depend upon him yet. When he first located in Charlemont, Mr. Niles bought a house on Main Street. In this, having remodelled it and built an addi- tion, he lives and has his store.
On June 9, 1843, Mr. Niles married Miss E. M. Wilkins, who was born in 1823, and died April 30, 1893, leaving three children, as follows: Willard M., station agent at Charlemont, married to Abbie R. Cooley, and father of one child, Edna; Effie J., married to Frederick A. Blake, living in Roanoke, Va., engaged in the railway business, and had one child, deceased; and Frank H., married, and father of one child, Edna M. Mr. and Mrs. Niles lost one child, their little daughter Abbie, who died when but four years of age.
Mr. Niles has always taken a strong per- sonal interest in local affairs, having served in his present office twenty-one years, and two terms as Justice of the Peace. He is a worthy representative of all that constitutes an exemplary citizen, being domestic in his habits, a pleasant companion, and in business circles an honored and trusted man, with whom it is a pleasure to deal. In politics he is an adherent of the Republican party, and, religiously, belongs to the Methodist Episco- pal church, of which his wife was a devout member.
AMUEL D. BOWKER, M.D., a successful and popular young physi- cian of Rowe, was born in Wilbra- ham, Mass., January 22, 1863, son of Charles and Harriet (Dawes) Bowker.
His great-grandfather, Liberty Bowker, was a hotel-keeper in Savoy, Mass., in the early days of that town, but was born in Pembroke, Mass., where the family was num- bered among the early settlers. Before going into the hotel business he had worked for some time at his trade of box-making. He died in Savoy at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, whose maiden name was Guerney, was the mother of four sons and two daughters, all of whom grew up, one of them, Calvin, being now a resident of South Adams, Mass. The other sons were: Melvin, David, and James Madison. One of the daughters married Jesse W. Johnson, and the other be- came the wife of Robert Sturtevant.
Melvin Bowker was born in Pembroke, Mass., March 13, 1798. At an early age he went to Hanson, where he grew to manhood. He later became the owner of a good farm in Savoy, where he carried on farming and dairy- ing with considerable success until his death, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, Betsy Willett, was a native of Hanson, Plym- outh County, Mass., and was a daughter of John Willett, who combined the occupations of a farmer and manufacturer of ships' spars in that town at a time when American ship- ping was to be found in every part of the globe. He was successful in life, and died on his farm in Hanson when over eighty years of age. Mrs. Melvin Bowker died when her son Charles, father of Samuel D., was but four years old; and Mr. Bowker later married Electa Mason, who died at the age of seventy- seven. He was a Democrat in early years, but joined the Republican party on its forma- tion, remaining faithful to its principles until his death. He occupied a prominent position among his fellow-townsmen, serving many years as Selectman, and holding the offices of Town Clerk and Treasurer, which he filled
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with credit. In 1839 and 1840 he was a Rep- resentative to the State legislature. Mr. Bowker had four children by his first wife, two of whom, Calvin and Betsy, died in in- fancy. The others were: Alonzo Melvin, who became a physician in Savoy, and died at the age of about forty years; and Charles, mentioned above. By his second marriage he had a daughter, Sarah Frances, who married Henry Thayer, of Adams, Mass.
Charles Bowker, father of Samuel D., was born in Savoy, Mass., September 16, 1824. He grew to manhood in his native town, ob- taining the foundation of his education in its public schools and partly in the schools of Adams, Mass. At the age of ninetecn he began to teach school; and about the same time he commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of his brother, Alonzo M. Bowker. He then attended the medical college at Pittsfield, Mass., for three years, being graduated from that institution in 1854. After graduating, he commenced the practice of his profession in Readsboro, Vt., removing later to Plainfield, where he re- mained one year. He then practised in Savoy four years afterward, spending a similar time in Wilbraham. In 1865 he entered the service of the United States as contract sur- geon, and was in the hospitals of Washing- ton and Alexandria. In the same year he located in Bernardston, where he has since remained, being now the oldest physician in that town.
Dr. Bowker was first married in 1849 to Delcy D. Dunham, of Savoy, who died in 1852 without issue. In 1853 he married his second wife, Harriett P. Dawes, who was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, daughter of Samuel and Philena E. (Hume) Dawes, both of whom were natives of Wind- sor; but neither is now living. Dr. Bowker
is a prominent man in his town. He is chair- man of the Selectmen and Overseer of the Poor. He is also a Trustee of the Cushman Library, and has been Trustee of the high school since it first opened in Bernardston. He and his wife have six children living, namely: Delcy Harriett, born February 21, 1854, who married George W. Swasey, and is now a resident of Centralia, Wash .; Alphonso V., born January 17, 1857, a practising physi- cian in Athol; Samuel Dawes, the subject of this sketch; Arthur Hume, born April 18, 1867, employed in the shoe factory at Athol; Effie L., born September 13, 1868, a book- keeper in Greenfield; and Rosa Evelyn, born March 16, 1870, residing with her par- ents and a teacher of music. One son, Charles M., born in Wilbraham, July 10, 1860, died March 2, 1863; and another, Charles Willett, died in early childhood.
Samucl Dawes Bowker received his early education in the schools of Wilbraham, sup- plementing his preliminary studies by attend- ance at Powers Institute at Bernardston, the Wesleyan Academy, and the University of Vermont. On leaving the latter, he continued his medical studies under the guidance of his brother, Dr. Alphonso Bowker, of Savoy, with whom he began the practice of his pro- fession. In 1893 he removed to Rowe, where he is the only physician, and has a large and increasing practice. On February 1, 1891, he was united in marriage to Miss May F. Evans, daughter of Medad and Augusta (Rawson) Evans. Mrs. Bowker's father was an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Hinsdale, N.H., where he owned a farm of three hundred acres. He died at the age of sixty-three years, and his wife at the age of forty-nine. They left five children : Orrison, Ella, Elizabeth, William, and May. The father was a Republican in politics, and both
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parents were members of the Universalist church.
Dr. Bowker and his wife are the parents of one child, Charles A., born April 2, 1892. In political affiliations the Doctor is a Repub- lican. and has served his town efficiently as School Commissioner. He is liberal in his religious views.
EACON REUEL BULLARD, a re- tired farmer of Rowe and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in that town. April 11, 1827, a son of Reuel and La- vinia (Nelson) Bullard. Mr. Bullard's pater- nal grandparents were Moses and Nancy (Ranger) Bullard, the former of whom was born at West Hampton, Mass., in 1772, and followed agriculture as an occupation. He moved from West Hampton to Buckland, and later to Rowe, where he purchased the farm which is now occupied by Mr. Hicks. He became a very prosperous farmer, and died at the age of seventy-five years. He was a Whig in politics and a Unitarian in re- ligion. His wife, who was born in 1779, and died in 1824, was the mother of the following children: Nancy, Reuel, Reuel (second), Moses, Laura, Sally, Ansel, William, Silas, Hannah, Moses (second), and Joel.
Reuel Bullard, the second of the name, who was born August 2, 1802, purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the town of Rowe, which he improved extensively, and, after residing upon it for a period of twelve years, bought the Corbet place, so called, which he conducted successfully for twenty- five years. His wife, Lavinia Nelson, was born January 28, 1799. Their children were: Reuel, Samuel, John N., Lucinda, and Dwight. Reuel Bullard, second son of Reuel and Lavinia, went out to work as a farm la-
borer at the age of eighteen, and at the age of twenty-five returned home for the purpose of assisting his father. At the latter's decease he succeeded to the possession of the home- stead, upon which he made many improve- ments, and resided there for twenty-five years. He then sold the property, and purchased a farm of D. Gale, which he cultivated until his retirement from active labor. He now re- sides in the village of Rowe, enjoying the peace and comfort of a well-earned rest, to- gether with the respect and esteem of his fel- low-townsmen. On August 30, 1864, imbued with patriotic spirit, he enlisted in the Sec- ond Massachusetts Light Artillery, with which he served nearly one year in defence of the Union, and was discharged June II, I865.
Mr. Bullard was married September 12, 1880, to Esther King, daughter of T. Foster and Lydia (Peck) King. Mrs. Bullard's grandparents were Erastus and Esther (Lamon) King; and her great-grandfather, Jesse King, was born in England. He came to Deerfield, Mass., and purchased of the Commonwealth a tract of land consisting of eight thousand acres, situated in the towns of Rowe, Monroe, and Florida. He settled near the site of Hoosac Tunnel, where he built the Jackson Hotel, and became a very prominent man in the town. He was a Justice of the Peace for several years, and also held other town offices. He died at the age of sixty- eight years. His children were: Erastus, James, John F., Jesse, Ascher, Zadoc, Will- iam, Samuel, Nehemiah, Phebe, Polly, and Sally.
Erastus King, who was born at Deerfield, discovered a large deposit of soapstone upon the tract of land purchased by his father, and, finding that it retained heat much longer than any other substance, quarried it and placed
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it upon the market. After conducting a suc- cessful business for several years, he sold his enterprise, and moved to Shelburne Falls, where he resided in retirement until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty years. His wife died at the age of eighty- five. They were members of the Baptist church, and Mr. King was a Whig in politics. Their children were named as follows: Eliza- beth, T. Foster, Joshua, Erastus, David, Es- ther, James, Samuel V., John F., Josiah, Candace, and Sophia.
T. Foster King, Mrs. Bullard's father, was born at Florida, Berkshire County, Mass., August 9, 1809. He settled in the town of Rowe, where he purchased a homestead of two hundred and fifty acres, and erected new buildings. He later acquired other valuable tracts of land, and was a very successful busi- ness man. He died at the age of sixty years, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty. Their children were named as fol- lows: David B., George B., Esther, Allison W., T. Foster, Francis W., and Charles W. Mr. King was a Republican in politics, and served as a member of the School Committee. He was a Baptist in his religious views.
TEPHEN M. LONG, a practical and prosperous farmer of the town of Shelburne, was born August II, 1821, on the homestead which he now owns and occupies, being a son of Stephen and Lo- vina (Woodard) Long. Mr. Long's great- grandfather, David Long, a native, it is said, of Ireland, when a young man emigrated to the United States, and settled in Taunton, Mass. He there bought land, and estab- lished a comfortable homestead, on which his death occurred October 24, 1784. Four of his sons were early settlers of Shelburne,
Franklin County. The eldest, David, who was a pioneer Baptist minister, died in Cole- rain, aged sixty-five years. William, a farmer, lived to the remarkable age of ninety- nine years, nine months, and nine days. John, who was a blacksmith by trade, died at his home in Shelburne at threescore and ten.
The other son of David was Stephen Long, Sr., who, when a young man, left Taunton in company with his brothers, and took up a tract of wild land in the north-western part of Shelburne, where he cleared and improved a good farm. His wife, Nancy Lawson, was the first white child born in this locality, which at the time of her birth was infested by Indians; and before she was a week old her mother had to carry her to a fort in the town to keep her out of their hands. Mr. Lawson was one of the very first settlers of the place; and, being a weaver by trade, he paid for the fifty acres of timbered land which he purchased fifty yards of tow cloth.
Stephen Long, Jr., spent his youth and early manhood in assisting his parents, Stephen and Nancy (Lawson) Long, in clear- ing a homestead. Soon after his marriage he bought the farm on which his son Stephen M. now lives. It then contained one hundred and forty acres of land, much of it in its primitive wildness; and here he carried on general farming very successfully until his death, May 10, 1865, having spent his eighty- two years and six months of life in the place of his birth. He was a man of prominence, a Democrat in politics, and served as Asses- sor several terms. Both he and his wife were esteemed members of the Baptist church. He married March 23, 1817, Lovina Wood- ard, who was born May 13, 1793, in Halifax, Vt., but removed with her parents to Shel- burne when a little girl. The following is a brief record of their children: Joseph W.
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Long, born May 7, 1818, died December 22, 1859: David W., born December 3, 1819, is a resident of Lowell, Mass .; Stephen M. lives in Shelburne; Olive W., born August 27. 1824, is the wife of Henry Briggs, of Greenfield; Franklin W., born July 22, 1828, died August 4. 1830; Franklin, born July II, 1832, died August 7, 1890; Mary R., born November 30, 1834, married James Golds- berry, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; Rodolphus W., born December 29, 1838, resides in Worces- ter, Mass.
Stephen M. Long grew to man's estate on the old homestead where he now resides, working in the fields during seed-time and harvest, and attending the district school in the winter season. When scarcely eighteen years of age, he assumed charge of the farm, to whose ownership he at length succeeded, having cared for his parents in their declin- ing years. His mother died November 13, 1870, aged seventy-seven years and six months, having outlived her husband several years. To the original estate Mr. Long has added thirty-two acres, which are situated in Colerain. His well-cultivated farm with its substantial buildings is pleasingly indicative of the good management and thrift of the owner. Mr. Long has ever been identified with the growth and advancement of the town, has served acceptably in various minor offices, and for two terms was Selectman. In politics he has had the courage of his convictions, voting with the Democratic or Republican party, but to-day is a stanch Democrat. He and his wife are faithful members of the Con- gregational church.
On June 25, 1857, took place the marriage of Stephen M. Long and Miranda A. Fel- lows. Mrs. Long is a native of Shelburne, born July 11, 1831, daughter of Stephen Fel- lows, whose birth occurred in Shelburne,
December 30, 1797. Mr. Fellows was a car- penter by trade, but was likewise the owner of a good farm, to which during the latter years of his life he devoted his attention, dying on his homestead at the age of eighty- four years. He was a Republican in politics, and with his wife, whose maiden name was Abigail Allen, belonged to the Congrega- tional church. Mrs. Fellows died at the age of sixty-seven years, having been the mother of five children, two of whom, Mary A. and Marcellus, have also passed to the better land. The three living are: John, a resident of Shelburne; Marvin S., of Greenfield; and Miranda A., Mrs. Long.
The following is a brief mention of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Long: Mary H., born December 18, 1858, is the wife of John T. Carpenter, of Andover, superintendent of the noted stock farm of C. I. Hood, of sarsa- parilla fame; Joseph W., born December 23, 1860, is a salesman for the Belding Brothers Silk Company, with headquarters at Phila- delphia; Abbie A., born August 10, 1863, is in Hood's laboratory at Lowell, Mass .; Fanny W., born November 16, 1864, is the wife of Frank H. Reed, of Greenfield; Stephen H., born July 14, 1867, is a farmer, and lives on the old homestead; and Lizzie L., born May 2, 1870, is the wife of Charles F. Keith, of Brooklyn, N. Y.
ON. EZEKIEL DODGE BEMENT, one of the foremost citizens of Buckland, was born in this town, May 18, 1819, son of Daniel and Dorcas (Dodge) Bement, the former a native of Ash- field, the latter of Shelburne. His grand- father, John Bement, who was born May 15, 1734, was a pioneer of Franklin County. He bought a tract of timber land in the eastern
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part of Ashfield, and built a log house in the wilderness, enduring the hardships and meet- ing the difficulties of his situation with a brave and sturdy spirit. Before his land was cleared he was wont to go to Hadley to work for farmers there, taking his pay in corn, which he carried home through the forest on his back. Patiently toiling, year in and year out, he cleared a good farm, and at the time of his death was in comfortable circumstances. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Wait.
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