USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts > Part 10
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Mr. Underwood favors the Republican party, but is an independent voter. He is a comrade of William L. Baker Post, No. 86, Grand Army of the Republic. He was a Deacon in the First Congregational Church for many years. He is an extensive reader and an original thinker, an advocate of "the greatest good for the greatest number," and a loyal supporter of law and order.
HARLES KINGMAN BREWSTER, a prominent business man of Worth- ington, was born in that town, July II, 1843, son of the Hon. Elisha Huntington and Sophronia Martha (Kingman) Brewster.
Mr. Brewster is a lineal descendant of Elder Brewster, the leader of the " Mayflower" Pilgrims, who landed at Plymouth, December 21, 1620, and died in Duxbury, April 18, 1643. His children were: Fear, Patience, Jonathan, Love, and Wristling. Jonathan Brewster settled in New London in 1649, and became an Associate Judge there. He estab- lished a treaty post at what was known as Brewster's Neck, where he resided for the remainder of his life, and died in 1661. His son, Benjamin Brewster, married Ann Dart, and raised a family of five children, who were named: Ann, Jonathan, Daniel, William, and
Benjamin. Daniel Brewster, who was born in 1667, married Hannah Gager; and his eight children were: Daniel, Jr., Hannah, Mary, John, Jerusha, Ruth, Bothiah, and Jon - athan. Daniel Brewster married for his sec- ond wife Dorathy Miller, and died May 7, 1735. Jonathan Brewster, son of Daniel, was born June 6, 1705. He married Mary Parish, and had seven children: Lucretia, Ruth, Ephraim, Jonathan, Mary, Lydia, and Han- nah. Deacon Jonathan Brewster was born in 1734. He moved from Preston, Conn., to Worthington, Mass., in 1777, and erected a rude dwelling upon a site which is now in- cluded in the property of Samuel Converse. He died in 1800. Deacon Jonathan Brewster married Zipporah Smith; and his eight chil- dren were: Elisha, Esther, Jonathan, Zip- porah, Sarah, Jonah, Moses, and Lydia.
Captain Elisha Brewster, Charles K. Brews- ter's grandfather, was born in Preston in 1755. He enlisted in a regiment of light dragoons at an early stage of the Revolution- ary War, and served as an officer for seven years and six months. After the close of the war he served as Brigade Quartermaster. At the time of Shays's Rebellion he volun- teered his services, and was one of General Shepard's aides in that insurrection. Captain Elisha Brewster married Sarah Huntington, daughter of the Rev. Jonathan Huntington, who was the first settled minister in Worth- ington. They were the parents of twelve chil- dren, among whom were: Theodosia, Minerva, Sally, Hannah, Eliza, Zipporah, Hannah (second), Lucy, and Elisha Huntington.
The Hon. Elisha Huntington Brewster, Mr. C. K. Brewster's father, was born in Worth- ington, August 5, 1809. He was educated in the public schools and at Hopkins Academy, and remained for several years upon his father's farm. In 1842 he removed to the
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centre village, and located a little south of the church and town-house, where he com- menced mercantile business in company with his cousin, Mr. Sidney Brewster, under the firm name of S. & E. H. Brewster. That co- partnership continued ten years, when it was dissolved, Mr. E. H. Brewster retiring to at- tend to his increasing public duties. In 1848 he was chosen as a Whig to represent his town in the legislature; and again, in 1853, he was chosen to the same office. In 1852 he was elected County Commissioner, and held that office sixteen years. For twelve years he was chairman of the board, and distinguished himself by his excellent judgment and the aptness and faithfulness with which he dis- charged the difficult and often perplexing duties of the position. At the end of his six- tieth year (in 1868), when at the height of his popularity and usefulness, he voluntarily withdrew from that office, declining the offer of a certain re-election, much to the regret of the people of the county. In 1871 he was chosen a member of the State Senate, to rep- resent the Berkshire and Hampshire district. In 1873 he was chosen a member of the Gov- ernor's Council, and was re-elected in 1874. This closed his public life.
In his earlier business years he was often called to fill various town offices, and served in almost every capacity, from Constable to Selectman. He could have served oftener if he had wished, for his townsmen were always willing to elect him. He was also the leading Justice of the Peace, and was appointed one of the first Trial Justices under the new law, holding the office and discharging its duties with marked ability and dignity until he re- signed it several years ago. He was often called as a referee to settle disputed ques- tions, both at home and abroad; and after his retirement from the Board of County Commis-
sioners his services were frequently sought as counsel in important road cases. He was the principal legal adviser of the people in his section, wrote numerous wills, and settled many estates in the probate and insolvency courts, doing more of that business probably than any other man in the county.
While a member of the Governor's Council, he was one of a committee to receive General Grant, who came on an official visit to the State. He was active in the formation of the Worthington Agricultural Society over twenty-five years ago, and was its first Presi- dent. He was long connected with the old Northampton Institution for Savings as one of its Trustees, and for twenty years (1848 to 1868) was one of the Directors of the Hamp- shire Mutual Fire Insurance Company, exert- ing in their behalf an active and valuable in- fluence. When his son, Charles K. Brewster, became of age, the two formed a copartner- ship, and bought out the mercantile business of S. Brewster & Son; and that business was continued until his death, under the firm name of E. H. Brewster & Son.
Mr. Brewster was first a Whig and then a Republican. Though a strong party man, he never allowed his party ties to lessen his loy- alty to his friends. He was a regular attend- ant upon divine worship and a firm supporter of the services of the sanctuary. For thirty years he was a member of the choir, and occa- sionally acted as chorister. During the long pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Bisbee, twenty- eight years, Mr. Brewster was his warm friend and supporter and his frequent adviser. He never formally united with the church, but he had an abiding faith in its underlying principles ; and his old pastor bore heartfelt testimony at the funeral to his Christian character as exemplified in his pure and con- sistent life and peaceful death. The Hon.
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Elisha H. Brewster died in Worthington, No- vember 27. IS78. His wife, whom he mar- ried June 8, 1831, was Sophronia Martha Kingman. daughter of Isaiah Kingman, of Worthington. Her grandfather, Adam King- man, was a native of Bridgewater, Mass. ; and her father, who was a tailor by trade, kept a hotel for many years in the house where Mr. Brewster now resides. His son, Samuel Kingman, was Chief Justice of the State of Kansas for a number of years. Mrs. Elisha H. Brewster became the mother of seven chil- dren : Sarah, Elisha K., Lucy Jane, Sophronia K., Charles K., Helen E., and Isabelle W. Of these the only survivors are: Charles K., the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. George M. Green, of New York City.
Charles Kingman Brewster was educated at the Westfield Academy, and, when a young man, engaged in business with his father. He exhibited an aptitude for mercantile pur- suits at an early age, and since the death of his father has continued the business with ability and success. He is a Republican in politics, and has long been identified with public affairs. He was Postmaster from 1883 to 1888, has been a member of the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, and Treasurer for eight years, and is at present a special County Commissioner. He also represented his dis- trict in the legislature for one term. He is a Director of the Northampton Institution for Savings and of the Hampshire Fire Insurance Company. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and an influential man in the county.
On February 22, 1866, Mr. Brewster was united in marriage to Celina S. Baldwin. Her parents were Chauncey and Harriet (Hume) Baldwin, natives of Windsor, Mass .; and her father was a prosperous farmer of that town. Mr. and Mrs. Brewster have had seven children, as follows: Sophronia E., who was
born December 26, 1866, and died April 13, IS70; Grace, born March 9, 1869, who died March 22, 1873; Elisha H., born September 10, 1871, who graduated from the Williston Seminary, and is now a student at the Boston University Law School; Sarah H., born March 6, 1874, who is now a teacher in Tem- ple College, Philadelphia; Charles H., born February 14, 1877; Howard C., born Decem- ber 24, 1880; and Kingman, born December 24, ISS3.
LONZO H. WARREN, proprietor of the Williams House, Williamsburg, and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Conway, Franklin County, Mass., Jan- uary 1, 1841, son of William and Jane (Bige- low) Warren. Mr. Warren's grandparents were Samuel and Abigail Warren, the former of whom was an old resident of Conway. He owned a good farm, which he cultivated with good results, and devoted a great deal of time and attention to the raising and fattening of cattle for the market, in which he was quite successful. He was a Whig in politics and a Congregationalist in his religion. Samuel Warren died in Conway at the age of seventy- five years, and his wife also lived to an ad- vanced age. They were the parents of six children : William, Samuel, Ephraim, Esther, Martha, and Rebecca.
William Warren, father of Mr. Warren, was born in Conway. He received a district- school education, and in early manhood pur- chased a farm which was located in the north- ern part of the town of Conway. After following agriculture there for a time he bought in the vicinity of Bardwell's Ferry a saw and grist mill, which he operated success- fully for a number of years. These mills were destroyed by a flood, and their site is now occupied by the Eldridge Mills. Mr. William
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Warren was originally a Whig, later a Repub- lican, and was esteemed as a man of much public spirit. He died at the age of fifty-five years. His wife was the mother of six chil- dren : William, Francis, Philena, Elizabeth, Alonzo H., and Mary. She died aged fifty- nine years.
Alonzo H. Warren attended the district schools of his native town. In 1861 he en- listed as a private in Company H, Tenth Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, under the command of Colonel Briggs. He was detailed to serve at brigade headquarters as a teamster, in which capacity he continued for three years, and was discharged July 6, 1864. He re- turned to his native town, where he rented a farm; and after engaging in agriculture for a time entered the employ of the New Haven & Massachusetts Central Railroad Company, as overseer of men and teams, a position which he satisfactorily filled for some time. He later purchased the Sears farm, located in the town of Ashfield, Franklin County, consisting of ninety acres of fertile land. He has remod- elled and enlarged the house, erected a new barn, placed the other buildings in good repair, improved the land, and set out fruit-trees, also introducing the cultivation of berries. He also conducts a choice dairy, to which he de- votes a great deal of attention. In 1894 Mr. Warren leased the Williams House, in Will- iamsburg, which he conducts in a most satis- factory manner. The table is in a measure supplied by the products of his farm, which are greatly appreciated by his many guests. He has also purchased the Belcher livery stable, and runs it in connection with the hotel. At the present time he has a most lib- eral patronage. Since establishing his resi- dence in Williamsburg he has gained the esteem and confidence of his fellow-townsmen.
On November 15, 1866, Mr. Warren was
united in marriage to Ella J. Ranney, daugh- ter of Luther B. Ranney, a prosperous farmer of Ashfield, and has six children, namely : Earl, an employee of the Adams Express Com- pany in Holyoke, married to Grace Tuttle, and father of one child, Irma; Ida, a lead- ing dressmaker of Williamsburg; Edward, engaged in business with his father, and mar- ried to Mary Graves; Luther, a conductor and mail and express agent on the Conway Elec- tric Railway; Roy, a successful horse dealer of Holyoke; and Mary, yet attending school. Mr. Warren is a Republican in politics, and liberal in his religious views. He is a Com- rade of Post William L. Baker, No. 86, Grand Army of the Republic, of Northampton.
REDERICK TAYLOR, one of the old- est native-born citizens of Granby, where his birth occurred July 26, 1816, has been intimately associated with the agricultural, manufacturing, and financial in- terests of Hampshire County for more than half a century.
His parents, Willard and Sarah (Cook) Tay- lor, were both lifelong residents of Granby. Willard's death occurred in January, 1834, and his wife's in January, 1842. The father was a farmer by occupation, in which he met with signal success. He and his wife had eleven children, as follows: Francis, who died in infancy ; Sarah, born in 1810, the widow of the late David S. Cook, and now living with her son in Lexington, Mass. ; Francis (sec- ond), who died in infancy; George W., de- ceased, the father of Willard A. Taylor, of whom a sketch is presented on another page; Frederick, the subject of this notice; 'Speedy, born in 1818, who died at the age of twenty- seven years; Willard, who died at the age of two and one-half years; Francis E., born in
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1820, who died in March, 1894; Horace W., born in 1823, now a prominent attorney of Rockford, Ill. ; Pamelia, the wife of Julius G. Lyman, of Hartford, Conn. ; and one other who died in infancy.
Frederick Taylor, in common with his brothers and sisters, had every advantage that the county afforded for acquiring an education. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was eighteen years old, he and his brother assumed the management of the home farm. He had been employed in this way for twelve or more years, when he engaged in the manufacture of paper. Purchasing a mill he started the business and had acquired an ex- tensive trade, when in 1865 his mill was burned. He then bought a mill in South Hadley and resumed business, continuing until 1883, when he was again burned out. After this second conflagration he remained in the business but one year longer. By his ex- cellent management and superior business tact he has accumulated an ample competency, and is now living retired from the activities of business, enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of unwearied toil.
Mr. Taylor has been twice married. On January 5, 1840, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah H. Knight, who was born in Stafford, Conn., November 21, 1819, a daugh- ter of the Rev. Joseph Knight, who subse- quently located in Granby. Her death occurred October 5, 1855. They had five chil- dren, as follows : Joseph K., born December 6, 1840, who served in the late rebellion, and at the battle in Charleston, W. Va., August 21, 1864, received injuries that caused his death nine days later ; a child, born April 1, 1848, who died in infancy; Frank A., born August 25, 1851, who died March 2, 1858; Henry F., born September 26, 1853, who died April 25, 1854; and Sarah H., born April 3, 1855, who
died October 7, 1855. Mr. Taylor's second marriage was with Mary Ingraham Cowles, on November 2, 1856. She is a native of Granby, born May 29, 1835, being a daughter of Lucius and Mary (Ingraham) Cowles. The father was born in Granby, and died in this place April 6, 1870. Mrs. Cowles was born in South Hadley, her death occurring in that town also, on September 12, 1885. They were the parents of three children: Mary Ingraham (Mrs. Taylor), Ruth Eliza, and Sarah Irene. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, the following being their record : Georgie, born January 5, 1858, died on the 21st of the following March ; Helen Irene, born March 30, 1859, died Marclı 21, 1865; Frederick Cowles, born November 4, 1860, now pastor of the Congregational Church in Hyde Park, Vt. ; Arthur Strong, born August 17, 1862, died September 11, 1864; Angeline Cook, born September 24, 1864, died March II, 1865 ; Horace Sanders, born March 19, 1866, a farmer in Granby ; Mary Irene, born June 22, 1868, formerly a successful teacher, but now living at home ; Harry Horton, born July 26, 1870, on the staff of the Boston Herald; an infant, born October 24, 1874, lived but a brief time; and Grace Agnes, born August 7, 1880.
Mr. Taylor has been the architect of his own fortunes. This he accomplished by giv- ing close attention to his business, and the exercise of other qualities which won for him the confidence and respect of the business com- munity. In his earlier years he was identified with the Whigs, but since the formation of the Republican party has been one of its warmest supporters. He has served most satisfactorily in various town offices, having been Assessor, Selectman, and also a Justice of the Peace for fourteen years. He is a Trustee of the People's Bank, and a stockholder in the Park
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Bank and the Ilome Bank, of Holyoke. He has been a Director in the latter institution for years. He is an active worker in religious circles, and, with his family, belongs to the Congregational church.
EORGE A. BILLINGS, whose por- trait accompanies the present sketch, is a prosperous farmer and a repre- sentative of one of the oldest families in Hat- field. He was born in this town, May 26, 1846, son of Erastus and Artimisia (Ford) Billings. Mr. Billings is a lineal descendant of Richard and Marjorie Billings, who emi- grated from England and located in Hartford, Conn., in 1640. In 1661 they settled in Hat- field, Mass., and were the original occupants of the farm where Mrs. J. D. Billings now re- sides. Richard Billings died March 13, 1679. The descent continues through Samuel and Sarah (Fellows) Billings, who settled in Hat- field, and were the parents of Samuel, Ebene- zer, Richard, and John, who was killed in the Indian wars, and Sarah. Samuel Billings, Jr., was born in Hatfield, and succeeded to the possession of the homestead. He married Hannah Wright, and his children were: Sarah, Joseph, Zachariah, and Benjamin. The next in line was Zachariah Billings, born in 1702, who married Ruth Meekins, and whose chil- dren were : David, Sybil, Lydia, and Silas. Captain Silas Billings, George A. Billings's great-grandfather, bought the farm directly opposite the Billings homestead. He mar- ried Marian Dickinson, by whom he had four children : Joseph, Erastus, Roswell, and Ruth. He died June 6, 1808, survived by his wife, who died in 1836, aged ninety years. Erastus Billings, the first of the name, who was a Colonel in the War of 1812, was born June 30, 1778. He resided with his parents as
long as they lived, and inherited the farm, which he conducted with success, becoming the owner of other real estate. He was a Whig in politics, and took a prominent part in public affairs, serving in various town offices. Colonel Erastus Billings died October 27, 1838. His wife, whose maiden name was Abigail Allis, became the mother of four chil- dren, as follows: Fanny E., Silas, John, and Erastus. Mrs. Abigail A. Billings died in 1829, aged fifty years.
Erastus Billings, the younger, was born in Hatfield, May 11, 1809, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. On reaching manhood he bought the old parsonage, which was for- merly the homestead of the Rev. Hope Ather- ton, the first minister to settle in Hatfield ; and he also purchased twelve acres of land adjoining. He remodelled the house, built a new barn, and otherwise improved the prop- erty, which he cultivated with success. Pros- pering in worldly affairs he bought other real estate in Hatfield, and erected a tenement- house for investment purposes. The family owned a mill, which is now operated by J. E. Porter, and conducted it successfully for a number of years. Erastus Billings was largely interested in the cultivation of tobacco, which he carried on with profitable results, until fail- ing eyesight compelled him to relinquish active business. He has been an energetic and industrious business man; and to these praiseworthy qualities, in addition to his nat- ural ability, is due his success in life. His wife, Artimisia Ford, was a native of Somers, Conn. She died in 1877, having been the mother of four children, as follows: Henry P. ; Erastus F., who is Postmaster of Hatfield ; Albert, who died in infancy ; and George A., the subject of this sketch.
George A. Billings was educated in the public schools of Hatfield and at the Monson
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GEORGE A. BILLINGS.
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Academy. He has always resided at the homestead, and has devoted his attention to general farming and the cultivation of tobacco. He is agent for Sutter Brothers, tobacco dealers of Chicago, for whom he buys leaf tobacco, of which he is a competent judge. He has improved the farm and buildings, and his homestead is classed among the finest in Hatfield. He is a Republican in politics, and has served in several of the town offices.
On December 6, 1871, Mr. Billings was united in marriage to Abbie F. Graves, who was born in Hatfield, daughter of Jonathan S. and Caroline (Smith) Graves, both now de- ceased. Her father, who was a prominent farmer and a Deacon of the Congregational church, died at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Billings are members of the Congregational church. They have five chil- dren, namely: Mabel L., born August 7, 1872; Albert G., born August 4, 1879; Laura F., born July 17, 1882; George R., born December 30, 1883; and Minnie A., born April 13, 1888.
UTHER CLARK WRIGHT, who is well and favorably known in North- ampton as the superintendent of the water works, was born in that place on April 21, 1844, son of Ozro C. and Emeline (Clark) Wright.
Following back the genealogy of the Wright family, the first progenitor in this country has been found in Samuel Wright, who came from England with the first settlers of Dorchester, Mass. He subsequently moved to Spring- field, and later, about the year 1656, to North- ampton, which has since then been the home of this branch of the family. Of his son, James Wright, and his grandson, Preserved Wright, who are the two next in line, but
little is now known except that they followed the avocation of farmer. Ephraim Wright, the son of Preserved Wright, and the great- great-grandfather of Luther Clark Wright, was one of the leading and most influential men of the district in the latter half of the eighteenth century. He took an active part in public affairs, filled various town offices with honor, and was also sent several times to the General Assembly at Boston. He displayed equal zeal in matters pertaining to the church. The home occupied by him was the one established by Samuel Wright, situated just west of the railway crossing on Main Street, near the Sul- livan Block. His son, Ephraim Wright, Jr., became the father of Zenas Wright, who was the grandfather of the subject of this biog- raphy. He married Miss Martha Clapp, of Westhampton, a daughter of Oliver Clapp. She bore her husband four sons and a daugh- ter, all of whom reached adult life. Of these, Ephraim M., was a graduate of Williams College, became a teacher in Williston Semi- nary, entered the ministry, and for several years was pastor over the Congregational church of Dayton, Ohio, also preaching at different places in New England. On account of failing health and a bronchial affection he was obliged to leave the ministry, to the regret of his parishioners and friends. After this, for about seven years, he was employed in the custom-house, and for a year accept- ably filled the office of Secretary of the State of Massachusetts. Martin went to Illinois when a young man, and there became a wealthy and most successful farmer. Charles C. re- sided at Agawam, Mass., where he was profit- ably engaged in agricultural pursuits; and in his official position of County Commissioner he has settled more estates than any other man in Hampden County. The other son was Ozro C., father of Luther Clark Wright. Mary A.,
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the only daughter, is the wife of Charles F. Lyman, of Chicago, who formerly held the position of High Sheriff in Dixon, Ill., but has now retired from active business. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke Seminary, and previous to her marriage was engaged in teach- ing. The mother died in 1848, fifty-eight years of age. The father married again and lived until 1861, attaining the age of seventy- six years. Their remains rest in the West Farms cemetery.
Ozro C. Wright settled in early manhood in West Farms, not far from the old homestead. He afterward went to Illinois, where he pur- chased lands, intending to settle there. His plans were changed, however; and after the death of his father he moved, in 1864, to Northampton Centre. In company with his sons, Silas M. and Luther C., he purchased near Mount Tom a large farm of two hundred acres, which is known as the Asahel Lyman farm. It is now owned by the sons and is managed by Silas M. The father was a man of industrious habits; and, though possessing little cash capital, he became a successful farmer. In 1849, being enthused with the California gold fever, he went thither by way of the Isthmus, and was away from home a year, during which time he met with a fair degree of success in his explorations. While there he was a member of the Holyoke Mining Camp, of whom but two now survive. His wife, Emeline Clark before marriage, was a daughter of Luther and Deborah (Robinson) Clark, of Easthampton; and their marriage occurred on November 1, 1841. She bore him the two sons previously mentioned, Silas M. and Luther Clark ; also one daughter, Harriet E., now the wife of John E. Bates.
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