USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts > Part 50
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
ILLARD A. TAYLOR, a farmer and insurance agent residing on the homestead farm in Granby, where his birth occurred June 19, 1848, is one of the
483
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
substantial citizens of the place and a repre- sentative of one of the first settlers of this sec- tion of the county. He traces his ancestry back through several generations to Ebenezer Taylor, one of the three original settlers of Granby. Ebenezer's grandson, Levi, who was great-grandfather of the present Willard A., served in the Revolutionary War at the age of sixteen. It is related of the youthful soldier that his mother's parting injunction was, "Levi, never let me hear of your being a cow- ard."
George W. Taylor, the father of Willard A., spent his entire life on the ancestral acres. He was born July 17, 1814, and departed this life August 3, 1887. His wife, Elvira L. Knight, was born in Brimfield, Mass., January 5, 1817, and died December 10, 1883. He succeeded to the family estate and followed the occupation of his father, which was that of general husbandry. Two children were born to him and his wife, namely: Willard A., the subject of this sketch ; ånd Abbie W., the wife of Arthur W. Fiske, a well-known farmer of Granby. Both children received a good edu- cation, Mrs. Fiske having completed her school life at Mount Holyoke Seminary.
Willard A. Taylor, born and bred to farm- ing, is continually improving the estate, which is one of the oldest and best cared for in the county. It has been in the Taylor family for more than one hundred and fifty years, as shown by the deed, bounding the homestead on common land, bearing the date of 1744. He, as well as his present wife, has also been a teacher in the public schools.
Mr. Taylor has been twice married. His first marriage was with Ruth S. Lyman, a na- tive of Huntington and the daughter of the late Jairus Lyman, and was performed Decem- ber 6, 1877. Their married life was of brief duration, as her death occurred August 19,
1884, no issue being left. On the second oc- casion, October 21, 1886, Mr. Taylor was united to Miss Clara L. Goldthwait, who was born in Glastonbury, Conn., May 4, 1856, being a daughter of Ebenezer Goldthwait, a prosperous farmer. Of this union there has been one child born, named George Goldth- wait Taylor. Mr. Taylor has always been ac- tively identified with the best interests of the town. He has taken special interest in the schools, and has been for many years, and is still, a member of the School Committee. He is also a Trustee of the free public library, in the establishment of which he took an ac- tive part. He is prominent in political af- fairs, being an earnest Republican, and being now one of the Republican Town Committee. To the advancement of the moral and relig- ious welfare of the town, he contributes his full share of effort. Both Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are valued members of the Congregational church, he being superintendent of the Sunday- school connected with that organization.
ON. GEORGE HENRY BARTLETT GREEN. This gentleman is one of the foremost young men of Hamp- shire County and has filled many important positions of public trust with marked ability. His birth occurred at Southampton, Mass., in December, 1845. He is a son of Francis D. Bartlett, who was born at Westhampton in 1822.
His grandfather, Delano Bartlett, a native of Westhampton, Mass., settled in 1826 at Blandford, Hampden County, where he fol- lowed his trade of a blacksmith. He removed in 1840 to a farm in Southampton, which he conducted in connection with his trade for more than half a century. He married Sally Sikes, daughter of Increase Sikes, of Ludlow, Mass. ; and they reared a family of eight chil-
484
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
dren. Francis D. Bartlett received a common- school education, and during his later youth was engaged in agricultural pursuits. When a young man he acquired the trade of a car- riage blacksmith, and in 1842 settled in Bel- chertown, being there employed by Nehemiah Smith. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Y. Bennett, was a daughter of Charles and Sally (Young) Bennett. Their union was blessed with two sons, Alonzo F. and George Henry.
The father being removed by death while the children were yet infants, and the young mother being unable to provide for both, the younger, George Henry, was offered a home with his uncle, Reuben Green, who, being without children, treated him as a son; and, although never legally adopted, he was always known by the name of Green. The educa- tional facilities afforded to the lad were meagre ; but by perseverance and the proper application of his leisure time he succeeded in perfecting himself in the elementary branches to an extent which was sufficient to secure his entrance to the Wesleyan Academy, where he remained for a time; and he subse- quently taught school for twenty-five terms in all. At the death of his uncle he inherited the latter's property by will, and still resides upon the farm, which consists of one hundred and forty-five acres, situated in the south-west- ern section of Belchertown and known as "The Folly."
On May 4, 1869, Mr. Green was most hap- pily married to Nancy Howe, daughter of George C. and Sophia (Burnett) Sanford, of Belchertown, and of their eight children five are now living, namely: Iva Louise; Sarah Sanford; Harriett Sophia; Clayton Reuben ; and George Henry Bartlett, Jr. Of these Iva Louise was married October 8, 1890, to Lurin Eugene White, of Chicago, son of Wil-
bur S. and Orrilla C. White, of Belchertown, and has one son, named Carlton Vannice. Sarah Sanford is the wife of Addison D. Moore, Jr., son of Addison D. and Kate (Buck ingham) Moore, of Belchertown. Their el- dest son, Carlton Dewitt, who was born Octo- ber 21, 1871, was a very bright and promising youth, After graduating at the head of his class from the Belchertown High School he became a student at the Massachusetts Agri- cultural College, and in November, 1890, he entered the employ of the Otis Company at Palmer, Mass., where he attained rapid ad- vancement, and established for himself a re- markable record as an accountant by adjusting the entire pay-roll of more than one thousand employees, whose wages varied to a considera- ble extent, without a single error. He was called from earth in the very springtime of his life, on January 1I, 1892, beloved and re- spected by all who knew him.
Mr. Green conducts general farming and dairying, but makes a specialty of raising fruit, at which he is an expert, having in his extensive orchard upward of one hundred and fifty varieties of apples, pears, peaches, and grapes ; and he has secured many premiums for his beautiful fruit displays. He is an active member of Union Grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry, and a Director and Secretary of the Belchertown Creamery Association.
Mr. Green is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party, which he has so faithfully and honorably represented in the various important offices he has been called upon to fill, and where he has displayed a rare knowledge of public affairs, together with a judicious understanding of their proper admin- istration. He has served as a member of the School Board since 1876, and has been an As- sessor eight years. He was a member of the House of Representatives in the State legis-
JACOB CARL.
487
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
lature of 1892, and was in the Senate in 1893 and 1894. During his legislative service he was a member of various committees, including Education, Public Health, Labor, Libraries, and Printing, being chairman of the three last named.
OHN F. AIKEN, a prosperous farmer of Prescott, Mass., was born upon the farm which he now owns and occupies, February 9, 1835, son of Benjamin and Lu- cinda (Paul) Aiken. Mr. Aiken's paternal grandfather was an early settler in Hardwick, Worcester County, where he followed agricult- ural pursuits during his entire life.
Benjamin Aiken was born in Hardwick and reared to farm life. He settled in Prescott upon the farm where his son, John F., now resides, and conducted it successfully for many years. He was an able and industrious farmer, and improved his property to a considerable extent, erecting the present buildings, which were the best and most substantial in town at that time. He died at the age of fifty-two years. His wife, Lucinda Paul, who was born in Berkley, Bristol County, became the mother of six children, four of whom are now living, namely: Benjamin P., a resident of West Brookfield; Mary, widow of Elbridge Ruggles, residing in Hardwick; James N., who resides in Prescott; and John F., the subject of this sketch, who is the youngest. The others, now departed, were: Julia, Mrs. Shaw; and Sarah, Mrs. Gould. The mother lived to reach the age of eighty-nine years.
John F. Aiken was educated in the district schools of his native town, and at an early age commenced to assist his father in the lighter labors of the farm. When he was nineteen he took charge of the farm, and at the age of twenty-one he purchased the homestead. He has added to the property since taking posses-
sion, and now owns eighty-five acres of well- improved land, which he conducts with ability and success. In connection with general farm- ing he makes a specialty of fruit growing and dairying, and keeps a herd of from ten to twenty cows. He is a Democrat in politics, and was a member of the Board of Selectmen for two terms.
On December 21, 1859, Mr. Aiken was united in marriage to Mary A. Lovering, who was born in Spencer, Mass., September 16, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Aiken have had five chil- dren, as follows: Elmer M., who was born July 16, 1863, and resides at home; Fidelia P., born April 25, 1867, and now the wife of Henry F. Drury ; Luella F., born October 26, 1869, residing in Athol, Mass. ; Estella and Florence, who are no longer living.
Mr. and Mrs. John F. Aiken are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Aiken is an old and highly esteemed resident of Pres- cott ; and his son, Elmer M., who is a well- known and progressive young man, is now a member of the Board of Selectmen of the town.
ACOB CARL, whose portrait is pre- sented in connection with this bio- graphical notice, is a prosperous tobacco grower and real estate owner of Hatfield, Mass., where he has made his home upward of forty years. He was born in Walldorf, King- dom of Saxony, Germany, August 20, 1834, son of Christian and Maria (Hirsh) Carl. Mr. Carl's parents were thrifty farming people, who emigrated to the United States in 1855, and resided in Hatfield during the remainder of their lives. Christian Carl died at the age of sixty-two years. He was the father of the following children : Catherine, Dorothy, Jacob, Margaret, Minnie, Frederick, Philip, and John.
488
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Jacob Carl was educated in Germany, and in 1854, when about twenty years of age, came to the United States. He settled in Hatfield, where he and his brother Frederick purchased the farm which the latter now owns. Indus- trious, painstaking, and capable, he realized good pecuniary results from his labors; and ten years later, selling his interest in that prop- erty, he bought the Amariah Strong farm sit- uated near the Hatfield station, which he improved by building a new barn and remod- elling the other buildings. He resided there for twelve years, during which time he was successful in the cultivation of tobacco and did a great deal of teaming. He finally sold the Strong farm and bought the T. Bagg property, which consists of fifteen acres, and is consid- ered one of the best farms for the raising of tobacco in Hatfield. He devotes ten acres annually to the cultivation of tobacco, and is looked upon as producing the finest crops in the Connecticut valley.
He was an inspector of tobacco for F. C. Linde, Hamilton & Co., acting as their agent for twenty-two years; but in 1895 he resigned in favor of his son, who is now filling his place. In 1893 Mr. Carl erected a handsome residence, enlarged his tobacco sheds, and increased his storage facilities. He deals largely in leaf tobacco, buying from the farmers and shipping it to market. He has in- vested to a considerable extent in real estate ; and, besides possessing several pieces of valua- ble farm property, he owns the G. Waite house on Main Street, a new and handsome resi- dence, containing all modern improvements.
On February 26, 1864, Mr. Carl was united in marriage to Abbie Partenheimer. She was born in Germany, daughter of Wendell Parten- heimer, a weaver by trade, who emigrated to the United States and settled in Leeds, Mass. He became a respected citizen, and died at an
advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Carl are the parents of three children, as follows: Nellie A., who married George Belden, and resides in North Hatfield; Henry W., who assists his father and is an inspector of tobacco; and Emma L., an accomplished musician, who resides at home. Mr. Carl's success in life is due to patient industry and sound judg- ment in the management of affairs. He is a thoroughly competent farmer, an intelligent and useful citizen, possessing the esteem and confidence of his fellow-townsmen. He is a Republican in politics and liberal in his re- ligious views.
USSELL R. PACKARD, who during the past fifteen years has served as Clerk of the town of Cummington, Hampshire County, of which place he is a highly esteemed and respected citizen, was born here on June 2, 1828, son of Leonard and Martha (Jenkins) Packard.
Leonard Packard was a native of Goshen, Mass., where his birth occurred on February 23, 1801. During the early years of his man- hood he was engaged as a carpenter and mill- wright in different places; but later on in his life he purchased a farm at Spruce Corner, Mass., and there devoted his attention princi- pally to agricultural pursuits. From Spruce Corner he removed to Williamsburg, Mass., and worked several years at carpentering and mill work. Then he removed to Rocky Hill, Conn., was married again, and lived there, working at carpenter's and mill work for quite a number of years. After the death of his last wife he came to Cummington, Mass., and spent his remaining days with his son Russell. His wife, Martha Jenkins, to whom he was married in 1826, bore him three children as follows: Russell R .; Mitchell, born July 3,
489
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
1834; and Martha, born on January 29, 1836. The mother died in 1844, at the age of forty- three years, and the father on March 28, 1892. He was a Whig in political affiliation until that party was succeeded by the Republi- can party, of which he then became an adhe- rent. In religious views he was liberal.
Russell R. Packard began when fourteen years of age to learn the trade of a carpenter. During the winters that followed he was em- ployed at Williamsburg, Mass., making tools in the factory. From the latter place he went to Swift River, Mass., where he purchased of L. H. Bates a farm of seventy acres; and for ten years he turned his attention to agriculture with good success, during his residence there making various improvements in both build- ings and farm. At the expiration of that time he sold out and bought the Nelson place in Cummingham, to the appearance and comfort of which he has since greatly added. After removing to Cummington he learned watch- making of Mr. Brown, and has since engaged in that business, in which he has as yet no competitor. On September 16, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda Willcutt, who was born in Chesterfield, Mass., on May 22, 1831, and died March 29, 1893. She was a daughter of Joel and Malency (Bates) Will- cutt. Their union was blessed by the birth of four children, three sons and a daughter, as follows: Almon, born in 1850, died in 1850; Lucinda A., born January 20, 1852, is the wife of Edward Bartlett, by whom she has had four children - Lena, who died in childhood, Howard, Roland, and Amy - the family re siding in Lorain, Ohio; Mitchell M., born May 15, 1863, died October 12, 1873; and Kimball M., born February 17, 1876, lives at home.
Mr. Packard has held various offices of re- sponsibility and trust, in all of which he has
served with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In 1880 he was chosen Town Clerk, of which office he is still the in- cumbent. Among the other offices in which he has served may be mentioned that of Town Treasurer, to which he was elected March 14, ISS7, and which he still retains, and that of Collector, which he held for three years. He has also acted as Sealer of Weights and Meas- ures, and as Justice of the Peace two terms. Since ISSo he has served as Treasurer of the Hillside Agricultural Society, and has been Treasurer of the Cummington Co-operative Creamery Association ever since 1889.
GBERT S. WARNER, a prominent farmer and veterinary surgeon of Hat- field, was born at the Warner home- stead, February 25, 1845, son of James W. and Louisa B. (Longley) Warner. Dr. Warner is a descendant of Andrew Warner, one of the first settlers of Hadley, Mass., who died in 1694. He was the father of Andrew, Daniel, Isaac, Jacob, Robert, and Mary.
Daniel, son of Andrew Warner, was born in Hatfield and settled upon a farm in this town, where he resided until his death. He was twice married, and had a large family of children, among them: Sarah, Abraham, An- drew, Mary, Anna, Ebenezer, and Elizabeth. Ebenezer Warner, son of Daniel and Martha (Boltwood) Warner, married Ruth Ely, settled in Belchertown, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. His son Moses Warner, who was a lifelong resident of Belchertown, married Sarah Porter, and was the father of a second Moses Warner. The latter was born in Bel- chertown in 1754, but in early manhood moved to Hatfield, where he settled upon a farm located directly opposite the Billings homestead. He died in 1828, having been a
490
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Deacon of the Congregational church for many years. He was married on June 4, 1779, to Mary King, who was born in 1757, and died in 1831. They had five children, named : John, Elisha, Sarah, Mary, and Moses.
John Warner, Mr. Warner's grandfather, was born in Hatfield, and commenced life as a teamster. Hle drove a four-horse team be- tween Hatfield and Boston, carrying produce to market, and returning with merchandise. He later engaged in mercantile business in Hatfield, which he conducted in connection with farming, and became successful. He erected the substantial brick residence which is now occupied by Mr. E. S. Warner. He died at fifty-two years of age. In 1806 he married Caroline Whiton, who was born in Lee, Mass. ; and their children were: Mary, James W., John S., Jonathan, Caroline R., Eliza, and Lydia. The mother died March I, 1853.
James W. Warner, Mr. Warner's father, was born in Hatfield, May 11, 1809. He inherited the Warner homestead, and con- ducted the farm with prosperous results. A Republican in politics and a member of the Congregational church, he was a man of excel- lent judgment, was progressive in his ideas and actively interested in all matters relating to the improvement of the town. James W. Warner died November 20, 1891. His wife, Louisa B. Longley, whom he married on March 30, 1836, was born January 14, 1816, daughter of Alpheus Longley, who was Post- master of the town many years. She became the mother of eleven children, as follows : Charles L., born April 11, 1837; Mary L., born November 26, 1838, now the wife of William D. Billings, of Hatfield; Sarah A., who was born March 26, 1841, and married C. B. Bardwell; Moses E., born February 3, 1843; Egbert S., the subject of this sketch ;
John A., who was born October 10, 1846, and married Elizabeth Bacon; James D., who was born September 24, 1849, and married Hannah Bach ; Benjamin M., who was born January 14, 1853, and married Ella E. Fitch; George W., born July 5, 1855, who married Nellie M. Fisher; Caroline L., born February 15, 1858, now the wife of Arthur G. Holt; and Lewis W., who was born October 25, 1860, and died in 1864. The mother died January 10, 1890.
Egbert S. Warner commenced his education in the schools of Hatfield, and completed his studies at the Westfield Academy. At the age of nineteen he entered the store of W. D. Bill- ings as a clerk, and after remaining there for one year he pursued a course at Burnham's Business College in Springfield, Mass. He then engaged in farming, and in 1872 pur- chased the G. W. Hubbard farm, which he improved by building a new barn. During his leisure time he has taken up the study of vet- erinary surgery, in which he has become very proficient, and has a large practice. He con- ducts general farming, and, making a specialty of raising tobacco, cultivates seven acres of the weed annually, which average one ton to the acre. He is interested in the breeding of fine horses, and owns the well-known stallion, Warner Knox, a grandson of General Knox, and is also the owner of eleven speedy trotters. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as a member of the Board of Selectmen, as School Committee, and as Constable, and is at the present time one of the State cattle in- spectors.
On November 19, 1874, Mr. Warner was united in marriage with Julia Hunt, daughter of Charles and Cora (Strain) Hunt. Mrs. Julia H. Warner died in 1879, leaving him two children, namely : Cora H., born June 27, 1876; and Carrie H., born March 12, 1879.
491
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
MAND J. SCHILLARE, the leading photographer of Northampton, has ad- vanced to his present position of business prosperity solely through his own per- sonal ability and persistent determination to succeed. He is a French Canadian by birth, having first opened his eyes upon the world at St. Guillaume, Province of Quebec, Can- ada, July 30, 1856, and is the son of David Schillare, who was born at Maskinonge, in 1827.
Mr. Schillare's grandfather, Thellosphore Schillare, who wedded Mlle. Lamere, was a son of Dr. Frederick Schillare (or Schiller, which was the original manner of spelling the name), a German physician, who emigrated from Germany to Canada and is said to have been a relative of the famous poet of that name. He was a man of wealth and influence in his day, prominent both in public affairs and as a skilful medical practitioner, and was widely known as the "Red Doctor," on account of his exceedingly ruddy complexion, although a man of strictly temperate habits. Of the three sons and one daughter born to Mr. Schillare's grandparents, all have passed away with the exception of the latter. His mother was before her marriage Mlle. Angel Mondor, a native of St. François, Province of Quebec, where the nuptial ceremony occurred. Of his immediate relatives an Aunt Lasine is the wife of Xavier Laurion, of Leeds, Mass. ; an uncle, Louis Schillare, resided at the fam- ily homestead until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty-five years; and his son, Dr. Louis Schillare, is now a practising physician of Lowell, Mass. The others have all gone to their final rest, and are buried in their native province.
David Schillare moved with his family from Canada to the United States in 1863, first set- tling at Florence, Mass., and in 1867 remov- ing to Leeds, where he resided until his
decease, which occurred July 12, 1891. Al- though never having the advantages of even a primary education, he was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and for a period of twenty-five years was a useful and trusted employee of the Nonotuck Silk Company. He was strictly conscientious, honest, and up- right, and was often taken advantage of by others in business. He, however, succeeded in securing a comfortable home for his family, which reverted to his widow at his decease. She now resides with her son Louis, having been the mother of eight children, two of whom, twins, died in infancy. The others are as follows: David Schillare, a carpenter of Northampton ; Mary, wife of Oliver Ducharme, a resident of Leeds; Amand J. ; Ellen, wife of Frank Marcatte, also of Leeds; Mrs. Joseph Uarsall; and Louis Schillare, a plumber resid- ing at Leeds.
Amand J. Schillare was by force of circum- stances obliged to contribute toward his own support at a very early age, and was therefore denied the advantages of an education which other children were acquiring while he was hard at work in the cotton-mills at Florence. He entered the mills when he was nine years of age, and was employed there most of the time for three years. At the age of twelve years he removed with his parents to Leeds, and for the succeeding five years he was employed more or less in the Nonotuck Silk Company's mills. When not directly engaged in mill work he labored at different occupa- tions, among which was the taking of contracts to clear land, and besides working diligently himself he hired others to work with him, for whose labor he received a profit of ten cents per cord. Discontent and dissatisfaction with his lot in life were so plainly manifested by him that he was considered by his superiors as a wayward boy.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.