Biographical sketches of representative citizens of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1901, Part 35

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Boston, Graves & Steinbarger
Number of Pages: 924

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Benjamin Potter, father of the subject of this sketch, spent the major part of his life in Danversport, Mass., where he operated a card- ing and pulverizing mill for many years. Ilis death occurred in Groveland, Mass. Six of his children are living: Henry Austin, of Marblehead; Laura, who is now Mrs. Hopkin- son, of Groveland; Fidelia, who is now Mrs. Ruggles, of Westboro, Mass. ; Benjamin, 1 resident of Swampscott, Mass. ; Frederick, of

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Marblehead; and Ann, who is residing in Pepperell.

At the age of three years Henry Austin Pot- ter accompanied his parents from Wenham to Danversport, where he was educated. When sixteen years old, he began to learn the trade of a finisher on morocco leather, which, after serving an apprenticeship of nearly five years, he followed for a short time as a journeyman. Coming to Marblehead in 1849, he engaged in the lumber business and in the manufacture of

boxes. He was at first associated with his brother Benjamin, the firm being H. A. & B. Potter, later becoming Potter, Gilbert & Co., and, after the withdrawal of Benjamin Potter in 1862, continuing for a number of years as Potter & Gilbert. After the dissolu- tion of the last-named concern, Mr. Henry A. Potter engaged in the lumber business exclu- sively, and was subsequently rejoined by his former partner, Moses Gilbert, to whom he eventually sold his interest. He has ever since devoted his time to the care of his in- vestments.

For several years he has been a director of the Marblehead National Bank; and he is at the present time one of the vice-presidents of the Marblehead Savings Bank, with which he has been officially connected from the time of its incorporation in 1871. He has been more or less prominent in public affairs, having served upon the Board of Selectmen for four- teen years, a portion of which time he offi- ciated as its chairman ; and he stands high in the estimation of his fellow-townsmen both as a successful business man and an able public servant. In politics he is a Republican.

On January 11, 1842, Mr. Potter married Miss Lydia Osborne, a native of that part of the old town of Danvers now known as Pea- body, Mass. Their living children are: Ed- ward P., of Danvers; William B., of Marble- head; Caroline E. ; and Stephen F. Potter, the last named a resident of Peabody. Edward P. Potter married Elizabeth S. Martin in 1869. They have nine children. William B. mar- ried Lillian T. Foss in 1882. They have four children. Stephen F. married llelen Wilkin- son in 1881, and they also have four children. Hlenry A. Potter, second, son of Edward P. and

Elizabeth S. Potter, married Bessie Carey, and has three children - Robert G., Rachel, and Edward B. Potter.

RANCIS JAMES, a substantial and respected citizen of South Boston, where he is engaged in business as a builder and real estate dealer, was born at Scituate, Mass., July 16, 1819, son of Dr. Elisha James. The family, of which he is a worthy representative, has resided in Scitu- ate for more than two hundred years. Dr. Elisha James was the youngest child of Ben- jamin James and a lineal descendant of Ben- jamin James, first, born in Scituate, who was clerk of the Episcopal church in Hanover for many years. Benjamin James, the Doctor's father, married Sarah Holmes, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (White) Holmes and a great-grand-daughter, it is said, of Peregrine White. They had three sons and three daughters.

Dr. Elisha James was born in Scituate in 1785. Ile received his education in Boston, and began medical practice in 1808. He was engaged in the duties of his profession in Scituate and Marshfield for a period of fifty years, during which time he kept in close touch with the advance in medical science. He was one of Scituate's most prominent citi- zens, serving the town as Selectman and as a member of the School Committee, and being connected with all worthy enterprises. His death occurred in Scituate, February 25. 1854. He married Lydia Young Little, who was born in Marshfield in 1790. Her father, James Little, born in Scituate in 1759, was a brother of Captain George Little, commander of the frigate "Boston " during the Revolu- tionary War. His father was Lemuel Little, who was born at Marshfield, Mass., in 1724, and who married Penelope Ames in 1747. Lemuel was a son of John Little, who went to Marshfield from Rhode Island, and who married in 1708 Constance Fobes. She was born in 1686, and was a daughter of William Fobes, by his second wife, Mrs. Martha Sea- bury, a widow, daughter of William and Eliz- abeth (Alden) Pabodie and grand-daughter

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of John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden. Dr. and Mrs. Elisha James were the parents of ten children, but three of whom are now living - Benjamin, Francis, and Charles P.

Francis James was educated in the schools of his native town, completing his studies in 1537. lle then went to South Boston, where he worked four years for Whicher & Aiken, mirsons. In 1841, having entered the employ ot James Savage, who took a contract to com- plete Bunker Hill Monument, he worked for him on the monument, walking each working taly from Dorchester Street, South Boston, and back again, as there was no public con- veyance available. In 1842 Mr. James went into business for himself as a mason and builder, subsequently, however, forming a partnership with Mr. Aiken, his former em- ployer, under the firm name of Aiken & James. Seven years later Mr. James severed his relations with Mr. _ Aiken and took as partner Mr. Howard Clapp, the style of the firm becoming James & Clapp. Together they conducted a prosperous business as builders and masons for fourteen years, at the end of which time, in 1863, Mr. James be- came interested in the real estate business, in which he has since continued, besides carry- ing on his building operations. He has been Very successful, and is now one of the most ¡ rosperous and substantial business men of South Boston. In politics he is a Republi- can. He was a Representative to the Legis- future from his district in 1870 and 1871, and was also elected as Assessor of the city of Boston. He attends the Phillips Church, now being the oldest living male member of this society.

Mr. James was married in 1849 to Hannah B. Briggs, a daughter of Cushing O. and Mary ( Thomas) Briggs, of Scituate, her father being a ship-builder in that town for many years. Mr. and Mrs. James are the parents of four children, three of whom are now living - Emma Frances, Edwin Irving, and Arthur Holmes. Emma, who was born in South Boston, married Colonel J. Payson Bradly, of Methuen, Mass., and has three children - Francis E., Fannie J., and Mildred. Edwin, also born in South Boston, married Minnie

Pierce of that city, and has two children - Edwin and Nelson P. Arthur is with his father in business.

AMES GIFFORD, proprietor of the Gifford House, Provincetown, Cape Cod, and an ex-member of the Massa- chusetts Legislature, was born in Provincetown, June 28, 1821, son of Benjamin and Abigail (Smith) Gifford. His grand- father, James Gifford, a farmer and a meniber of the Society of Friends, was born at a spot near the line between the towns of Rochester and Fairhaven, Mass., and died at his home in Rochester, at the age of eighty-four. James Gifford married Elizabeth Swift, a na- tive and lifelong resident of Rochester. They reared a large family of children.

Benjamin Gifford, who was born in Roches- ter, Mass., learned the trade of boat-builder at Sandwich, and while still a young man came to Provincetown. From the top of Town Hill on the Ist of June, 1813, he wit- nessed the battle between the "Chesapeake " and the "Shannon," in which the former vessel was captured -one of the few naval defeats inflicted by the British upon the Americans in the War of 1812. His brother George was on the "Chesapeake" as com- mander of the "maintop " in this engagement. Benjamin Gifford followed his trade in Provincetown after coming here, until his death, which occurred in 1828, when he was but forty-two years old. His wife, Abigail, was a native of Eastham, Mass., and was de- scended from some of the early settlers of that town. She died at the age of seventy-one, having been the mother of three children - Simeon, James, and Salome. The last named died at the age of four years. Simeon, who married and reared two sons, lived to the age of seventy-four.

James Gifford, being left fatherless at seven years of age, went to live with his paternal grandparents at Rochester, Mass., where, besides attending school he assisted in the work of the farm. After his grandparents' death he returned home, and at the age of thirteen went on a fishing trip to Frenchman's

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Bay. The following year he went on a whal- ing voyage, and cruised in the Gulf of Mexico and about the West Indies and Azore Islands, returning after an absence of nine months. He then devoted his time to study, and, be- ginning at the age of eighteen, taught in both public and private schools until 1840. After that he became associated with his mother in keeping a summer boarding-house. which they conducted together for a number of years. In 1869 he established the Gifford House, one of the most popular summer hotels on the Cape, which he has managed each season since.

Mr. Gifford cast his first Presidential vote for James G. Birney in 1844, and has been a Republican since the formation of that party. He has held various public offices. In 1845, at the age of twenty-four years, he was elected Representative to the State Legislature, and in 1859, 1860, and 1861, he was re-elected, and served on important committees, being chairman of several of them. There was an extra session to each of the terms. Ap- pointed Deputy Collector of Customs in 1861, Mr. Gifford held the office for twenty-four years. In 1853 he was elected County Com- missioner, and in 1856 re-elected to the same office. Ile has served as Justice of the Peace for a long period, and is also commissioned a Notary Public.

On October 29, 1844, Mr. Gifford was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca A. Nickerson, who was born in Provincetown, September 14, 1824, daughter of Thomas and Polly Nickerson. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford have four living children - Salome, Moses Nicker- son, Reuben T., and Annie K. Salome, born August 6, 1845, married on June 6, 1894, William A. Elder, and is a resident of Provincetown.

Moses Nickerson Gifford, born June 11, 1848, was educated in the public schools of Provincetown. On leaving school he became clerk and book-keeper in the Provincetown Bank, which in 1865 was changed to the First National Bank of Provincetown. In 1867 he was chosen cashier of the bank, and in Sep- tember, 1888, he was elected president. This position he now holds. He is chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Provincetown

Public Library, and of the Board of Cemetery Commissioners of Provincetown. He is a member of the Universalist church. As a Mason he is connected with King Hiram Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been Master, and with Joseph Warren Royal Arch Chapter, being now High Priest of this body. He married on December 12, 1870, Miss Harriet Prescott Lovering, of Georgetown, Mass., daughter of John A. and Eliza ( Jewett) Lovering, and has one daughter, Fannie Crocker, born December 13, 1876.

Reuben T. Gifford married on October 8, 1891, Bertha Fannie Houdlette, of Rich- mond, Me., and resides at East Somerville, Mass. James, born July 4, 1850, died on August 20, 1870. Annie K., born March 12, 1863, married on October 29, 1890, James H. Hopkins, an Attorney and District Judge of Barnstable County, who died September 5, 1 896.

ARTIN TRAUTMAN, for many years one of the leading florists of Boston, but now retired from business life, was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, near Frankfort, Germany, August

13, 1819. Having learned the art of gar- dening, to which work he was brought up from his youth, in 1843 he came to the United States, and for two years subsequently was a resident of New York City. In 1845 he came from New York to Boston and entered the em- ploy of John Cushing, with whom he remained for four years.

In October, 1849, being attacked by the then prevalent epidemic known as the gold fever, he left Mr. Cushing and went to Cali- fornia via Cape Horn, the voyage to San Francisco taking one hundred and twelve days. On arriving at that port the captain put a notice on the mast that no one should leave the vessel until he (the captain) had been paid for his services. Storing his trunk, Mr. Trautman took from it all the goods he had particular need of, and, crossing to Sac- ramento in a sailing-vessel, from that place set out for the diggings with his belongings strapped on his back. The first day he accom-

MARTIN TRAUTMAN.

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"Irshed but a short distance, but on the second arrived at Georgetown, where he found provi- sions extremely high. Accompanied by a juttner, a Yankee, George Getchell, he set ut for the middle fork of the American Kiver, a two days' journey. On his arrival there one of his first purchases, a candle, cost him a dollar. The next day, after taking a General survey of the place, he and his partner began digging, but when evening came had tound little or no gold. That night they slept on the ground with the heavens for their canopy. The day following they did a little better, but, the end of the week not finding them much ad- vanced on the road to fortune, they removed to another location. Here, purchasing a claim, they went to work vigorously, and suc- ceeded in making fair wages. About this time they had a little trouble with a certain Captain Haskins, of the ship " Miner," of New Bedford, who had located near them, and who called a meeting of the miners and persuaded them to make it a rule that no foreigner should be allowed to work on that bar. Mr. Trautman's partner stuck to him, however, and contested his rights so vigorously that the strict letter of the law was not immediately carried into effect; but he had to suffer so much persecution and annoyance because of his foreign birth that he finally sold his in- terest in the claim to his partner and went to Sacramento and thence to San Francisco, where he took ship for Boston. The passage as far as New Orleans was rough.

Arriving in Boston he re-entered the em- ploy of Mr. Cushing, but after remaining with him for a year he was persuaded by an acquaintance to return to California; and in March, 1852, he embarked, having purchased a through ticket. On arriving at Panama he found no steamers there, and in order to con- tinue his journey was compelled to pay as much in addition to make the rest of the jour- ney as he had paid at starting. After reach- ing San Francisco he went on to Sacramento, and instead of going to the diggings entered the employ of a man named William Warren, for whom he worked as gardener two months. lle then bought a place of his own, borrowing the money at twenty per cent. interest, and

engaged in gardening on his own account. In this venture he was quite successful, and would have continued it indefinitely but for the fact that the climate did not agree with him. At the end of a year and a half he sold out, and, coming back to Boston, worked for a time for a Mr. Bowditch, in whose employ he accumulated a small capital. Subsequently he engaged in the florist's business in Roxbury, at the corner of Warren and Monroe Streets. Here he put in nearly forty years of hard work, at the end of which time he purchased the property at the corner of Warren and Dale Streets, and built the three houses on that corner. He retired from business in ISSo, having been regarded for many years as one of the leading florists of Boston. In 1877, at the doctor's advice, Mr. Trautman went to Europe to make use of the Carlsbad Springs. from which he derived much benefit. He spent the winter of 1890-91 in California, going there in November, and returning in May.

Mr. Trautman's career demonstrates the value of unremitting industry as essential to success. In this respect he is an excellent example of the best foreign element in the sum of American citizenship, to which much of the prosperity of this country is due. He is a much respected citizen of his adopted country and a credit to the land of his birth.

He was married on May 11, 1854, to Miss Marie Logeman, a native of Sulingen, Ger- many, who was born October 27, 1825, and came to this country in 1849. They have two children : Minnie E., who is the wife of Paul Stucklen ; and Charles, who is a florist doing a good business.

OHN STURGIS TEWKSBURY, a well-known and respected citizen of Winthrop, Mass., was born in. that part of Chelsea now known as Revere, August 18, 1834, son of Philip and Nancy (Sturgis) Tewksbury. His paternal grand- father was John Bill Tewksbury, owner of the Bill House, built in 1649 or 1650, and still standing in Winthrop.

Mr. Tewksbury's mother had a sister, Lu-

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cretia Sturgis, who married Joshua Bates, of the world-famous banking firm of Bates, Bar- ing & Co., of London, England, after whom Bates Hall in the Boston Public Library was named, he being a large benefactor of the library. Philip Tewksbury was a farmer in Chelsea.

John Sturgis Tewksbury obtained his edu- cation in the public schools of his native town, during the school vacations helping his father on the farm. At the age of nineteen he secured employment with relatives in the wholesale and retail milk business, and was thus engaged for three years. He afterward continued for two years longer in the same business on his own account. Then for another period of two years he was engaged in the oyster business in Boston. At the end of that time he was employed by the well-known educator, Mr. George B. Emerson, to take charge of his Winthrop farm. After the death of Mr. Emerson the farm was divided into house lots and placed upon the market, and Mr. Tewksbury became local agent for the real estate company that was handling the land, which position he now holds. The property is known as the Court Park Land. Mr. Tewksbury was for three years Assessor for the town of Winthrop

He was first married September 26, 1872, to Winifred Coffin Greene, of Nantucket, Mass., who came of a long line of New Eng- land ancestry, as follows: John Greene, the founder of the family in America, came from Salisbury, England, and in 1638 was an asso- ciate with Roger Williams in the "Provi- dence Purchase." His will was proved in 1658. He left four sons - John, Peter, James, and Thomas - and a daughter Mary. The latter married James Sweet, and they were the ancestors of the famous family of bone setters of that name. Another of his children, James, was the ancestor of General Nathaniel Greene of Revolutionary famc. The son from whom Mrs. Tewksbury was descended was Thomas, who was born in 1630-31 and died in 1717. His son, Thomas Greene, second, had likewise a son Thomas, who was a famous preacher of his day; and this third Thomas Greene had a son John,

who was Mrs. Tewksbury's grandfather, his son Thomas, born in 1797, being her father. Mrs. Winifred C. Tewksbury died in 1873, leaving one child, Mary Winifred, who was graduated from the Winthrop High School in 1890, and now resides at home with her father.

Mr. Tewksbury married for his second wife, in 1874, Judith Coffin Gardner, a daughter of Benjamin A. and Sarah (Swain) Gardner, of Nantucket, Mass., and a direct descendant from the first settlers of Nantucket in thirteen different and distinct lines. She is of the sixth generation from Mary Coffin, for whom as a bride was built in 1686 the oldest house now standing in Nantucket, known as the Horseshoe House from its chimney. The present Mrs. Tewksbury's paternal grandfather was Clerk of Court in Nantucket for many years. Before marriage both wives of Mr. Tewksbury were teachers in Winthrop schools.

OLONEL JOHN FIELDING BROWN, formerly a prominent figure in the Massachusetts State militia, was born December 31, 1824, in Marble- head, where he now resides. His parents were Colonel Benjamin and Emma (Spar- hawk) Brown, lifelong residents of Marble- head; and his grandparents were Ebenezer and Ruth (Boden) Brown, of that town, where the family has long been held in high repute.

Colonel Benjamin Brown was an enterpris- ing, useful, and valued citizen. For a num- ber of years he was engaged in the fish trade. He also carried on the shoe business and kept a grocery store. He was for years a leading spirit in local public affairs, serving as chair- man of the Board of Selectmen, as Overseer of the Poor, Town Collector, Fire Warden, and upon the School Committee. He did the town good service in laying out new streets as well as improving the condition of the old thoroughfares. He was Captain of the Mar- blehead Light Infantry for nine years; and, chosen Colonel of the Sixth Regiment, he commanded it until it became a part of the Eighth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer

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Militia. He also commanded the Lafayette Guards, was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, and belonged to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Being in able speaker, he was generally called upon to officiate as toast-master at public dinners ; and his wit as well as his eloquence served to enliven all such gatherings. In politics he was a Democrat with decided independent proclivities. For some time he was treas- urer of the Seamen's Charitable Society, .und during his later years he served as treasurer of the Universalist Society. He died July 9, 1856, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. Of his children there are three now living: John F., the subject of this sketch; James E., of Marblehead, who was a member of Colonel Cowden's Regiment in the Civil War; and Martha E., wife of James F. Traill, of Marlboro, Mass. George, who died soon after the close of the Civil War, was also a soldier in the Eighth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers.

John F. Brown in his early boyhood years attended the Marblehead public schools, At the age of eleven he went into the grocery store of Samuel Sparhawk as a clerk, and after attaining his majority he became associ- ated with his employer in the shoe manufact- uring business, in which he remained for nearly half a century, or until his retirement a few years ago. His entry into the military service of the State took place in May, 1843, when he joined Company C (Marblehead Light Infantry), Sixth Regiment, of which he sub- sequently became paymaster, serving in that capacity one year. He was made Corporal of his company September 20, 1850: Regimental .Adjutant, October 28, 1851; commissioned Major of the Eighth Regiment, April 2, 1855; and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, June 2, 1857, serving as such until April 29, 1859, when he resigned. While Lieutenant Colonel he was in command of the regiment. He still takes an active interest in military affairs, and is well known among the officers in the present State militia. Colonel Brown is a member of the Ancient and Honor- able Artillery Company, Boston. He has

served as a member of the Board of Selectmen of Marblehead, also on various town commit- tees, and he assisted in laying out the Neck Road and Atlantic Avenue. In politics he is independent. In 1859 he erected his pres- ent residence, 129 Pleasant Street. Like his father he possesses those sterling qualities which form the basis of the highest type of citizenship, and he commands the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.

On June 28, 1859, Colonel Brown married Miss Eveline Homan, daughter of Captain Samuel Homan, of Marblehead. They have one son, Winthrop Brown, born September 27, 1865, now engaged in the grocery business. Winthrop Brown was formerly a Sergeant in the State militia. He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Poor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being now the Master of Philanthropie Lodge, one of the oldest lodges in Massachusetts. He is also a member of the order of O. U. A. M.

OHN FOX, the progenitor of the Fox family in Dorchester, Mass., was born in Preston, Conn., May 29, 1765, and died in Boston, March 26, 1856. Ile married March 3, 1794, Abigail Bayley,

daughter of Deacon Thomas and Abigail (Cazneau) Bayley, of Boston. She was born in Boston, December 27, 1768, and died in Dorchester, December 8, 1838. He came to Boston in 1784, and was for many years a linen merchant.

John Fox was a son of Samuel Fox, who was born in Groton, Conn., June 15, 1724 (O.S.), and died in New London, Conn., De- cember 13, 1809. He married Prudence Turner, of Groton, Conn., January 6, 1751. She was born in Groton, March 8, 1732, and died in Salem, Mass., January 24, 1823. They had ten children: Amos, born July 4, 1752, died December 21, 1755; Jesse, born February 8, 1754, died February 13, 1834; Ezekiel, born April 19, 1756, died April 6, 1844; Asa, born December 29, 1757, died March 7, 1758; Elijah or Elisha, born De- cember 29, 1757, died March 12, 1758; Thankful, born February 27, 1759, died

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Biographical sketches of representative citizens of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1901, Part 35

Author: Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Boston, Graves & Steinbarger Number of Pages: 924

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Boston, Graves & Steinbarger
Number of Pages: 924