Danvers, Massachusetts : a resume of her past history and progress, together with a condensed summary of her industrial advantages and development : biographies of prominent Danvers men, 1899, Part 14

Author: Moynahan, Frank E., 1865-1917. 4n
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: [Danvers, Mass.] : Published in the interest of the town by the Danvers Mirror
Number of Pages: 224


USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Danvers > Danvers, Massachusetts : a resume of her past history and progress, together with a condensed summary of her industrial advantages and development : biographies of prominent Danvers men, 1899 > Part 14


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Joseph Shepard and Samuel Damon, young men just of age, and brothers of Josiah and Mary (Damon) Shepard, in 1831 emigrated from Maine to Texas and engaged in the contest of Texas for inde- pendence from Mexico. Joseph died there after ten years' residence ; Samuel remained, married, became wealthy, and came to Maine in 1856 to visit his rela- tives ; whom his wonderful tales of easy life and rapid wealth in Texas so much excited, that about twenty of them went to that State the next year ; most of whom returned to Maine the year following. Josiah Shepard and family were of the number who went, and having invested their money had to stay, and were there when the war came on, and unable to get away. The father was over military age ; the son Hervey was drafted and served about a year as clerk on a govern- ment vessel on the Brazos river, when he obtained a substitute, below military age ;


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later, the law being changed to take in boys of fifteen years on their own account, Hervey escaped to Mexico (the only pos- sible way to get out of the state), and with the result as before stated.


Horace, the main subject of this sketch, was exempt from " Confederate " con- scription by rea- son of his busi- ness as apothe- cary. He was subject, however, to the State draft, and was three times called out for scares, that amounted to nothing, and lasted but a week or two. The war over, the family returned to Maine and set- tled in Newport, where the son continued in the apothecary busi- ness until his father's death, when he returned to Texas to se- cure and resell property forfeited for non-payment, and he was there most of the time for three years ; returning to Wo- burn, where his mother and sister were then living, and from there they came to Danvers. While in Woburn he took a course in Comer's Com- mercial College, in Boston. Mr. Shepard's schooling was obtained in the schools of his native town and at Westbrook Seminary. November 29, 1883, Mr. Shepard was married to Miss Eliza M. Hersey, daughter of Clark and Olive L. Hersey, at her home in


East Corinth, Maine; and they have one daughter, born May 12, 1885, name, Bertha May Shepard.


Albert O. Elwell.


A. O. ELWELL'S STUDIO.


No modern art demands closer appli- cation, greater tact, or the exer- 20 cise of a higher order of judg- ment than that of photography in its higher branches. When to these qualities are added long experience and a sincere desire to excel, we have as a result the artist photogra- pher, who re- flects honor upon his profession, and to whom is due the credit for the wonderful progress made in the art within the past decade. Mr. Elwell has - steadily pursued his vocation for seventeen years, earning public confidence and establishing a reputation for skill and thor- oughness that is by no means confined to Dan- vers alone. His studio, parlors and gallery occu- py the entire up- per floor of the postoffice building, and are most thor- oughly equipped with the most improved apparatus and appurtenances, elegantly furnished, tastefully arranged, accessible and attractive. Several assistants are employed and ladies find here every


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CHARLES P. KERANS.


desirable accessory for proper pos- ing and are invariably pleased with the work done. Mr. Elwell's skill, however, is not confined to photo- graphic portraits, as his facilities for the production of pastels, water-col- ors and landscapes are unsurpassed. His proficiency in out-door photog- raphy is attested by the views which appear in this work, all of which were executed by him, showing that he seeks and achieves absolute per- fection in all that he undertakes.


Mr. Elwell is a native of Glouces- ter, where he was born in 1865, but received his education at the Holten High School. He learned his art in the studio of W. G. Hus- sey, of Salem, and afterwards en- tered the studio of Mr. Thompson, Amesbury, where he remained until 1887, when he opened his present art gallery.


Naumkeag Leather Co.


The Naumkeag Leather Com-


pany, which has offices at 44 High street, Boston, and a large plant on Liberty street, Danversport, manu- factures fine leathers for shoes, bags, belts, trunks, suspenders, etc. Com- monly speaking, the products of the factory are russet and colored leathers. Last year this company turned out sixty thousand sides of finished leather, which went all over this country and Europe. The firm was organized in 1872, with C. P. Kerans & Bond constituting the partnership; later the firm was Plumer, Bond & Kerans; then George Plumer, Joseph Plumer and C. P. Kerans; then Plumer & Kerans. George Plumer & Co. is the firm designation now, the Co. being Charles P. Kerans. The special machinery used is pebbling and printing machines, rollers, jacks, and other ingenious devices.


There are sixty men employed in the factory, besides a large corps of clerks, accountants and bookkeepers


GEORGE A. PLUMER.


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and salesmen. The business grows stead- ily year by year, as the reputation of the leathers made by this firm grows wider. It is a live industry, which has been built up by correct business methods and honest goods. Danvers would gladly welcome more such industrial enterprises within her borders.


James O. Perry.


This business was estab- lished in 1867, by Henry L. Eaton, who at that time oc- cupied a store in the Noyes block, but afterwards removed to the next block above when the business was purchased by its present proprietor, James O. Perry. Mr. Perry erected the splendid Perry block in 1895, and moved the business to its present lo- cation the same year. The store occupies the larger lower floor of the block and is handsomely finished and fitted up with large plate glass show windows, electric lighted, and admirably arranged for the advantageous display of its fine stock. The stock carried is large


variety. Combined with these Mr. Perry deals extensively in hay and grain, fertil- izers and various special articles. Ten assistants are employed in the various departments of the business, and several delivery wagons are in use, delivering


C. P. KERANS RESIDENCE.


and varied. It embraces a full line of imported and domestic groceries, condi- ments and relishes, teas, coffees, canned goods, provisions and meats, and in fact all the leading staple groceries in great


PLUMER & CO.'S FACTORY.


goods throughout the large territory from which the trade of the house is drawn. The trade is not confined to Danvers, but extends to Salem, Peabody, and the surrounding districts, within a radius of fifteen miles. Conducted upon those principles of sterling integrity and fair dealing which are the unfailing sources of prosperity and suc- cess, the business of the house is large, steady, and increasing yearly. Mr. Perry was born in the old - Berry Tavern, Oct. 3, 1848, and at the age of twenty-one years engaged in the pro- vision business with Henry L. Noyes, whom he afterwards bought out. It is almost superfluous to add that Mr. Perry enjoys the respect of his fellow citizens, and has been, during his long business career, an important factor in everything that has been calcu- lated to favor the interests of his native


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J. O. PERRY BLOCK.


town and promote its general prosperity.


James O. and Wallace P. Perry are also owners of the Leavitt Barrel Clamp and Cap, which is a new and useful arti- cle, fully protected by patent, invented by Geo. A. Leavitt. The manufacture of this article is likely to develop into one of the growing industries of Danvers. A shop has already been equipped with boiler and en- gine and suitable machinery, capa- ble of turning out from twelve to fif- teen dozen per day. Quite a large number of these clamps and caps have already been disposed of, thus demonstrating their usefulness as a labor-saving de- vice in handling full unheaded bar- rels and in repair- ing old barrels.


Andrew H. Paton.


Was born in Dan- vers, July 18, 1849, of Scotch parentage. His father, Andrew Paton, and his mother, Mary S. Tulloch, came to this country at an early age, and were married in Danvers in 1847. Andrew H. Paton, the oldest child and only son, received his education in the public schools, gradu- ating from the Holten High school in 1865. While at school, and for some years there- after, he worked in he shoe shops and factories of the town, and as a grocer's clerk. In 1879, he edited and published the Essex County Citizen, which advocated the so-called " Greenback " doctrine of national cur- rency. He was one of a committee to at that time interview General Butler in Washington, to induce him to become the candidate for Governor of Massachu- setts, of those who believed in the Green-


INTERIOR OF J. O PERRY'S MARKET.


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back principles. Mr. Paton obtained a large portion of the 53,000 petitioners who signed the request for the General to begin that series of memorable cam- paigns which in 1882 resulted in his elec- tion as Governor. In 1880 Mr. Paton entered the general office of the Knights of Labor at Marblehead, and he was, at its beginning and for a long time there- after, associate editor of the Knights of Labor Journal. Afterwards he was iden- tified in a similar capacity with the Essex County Statesman and the American


Statesman, both of Marblehead, and the Essex County Review of Danvers. At a later date he was for a time in the business man- agement of the Boston Daily Traveler. In 1883 he was elected Representative to the General Court from the district of Danvers and Wenham, being the candidate of the united opposi- tion to the Repub- lican party. In the legislature he served on the Committees of Printing and of Education. He opposed the ma- jority of the latter committee in its proposition to con- fine the free text book system to the com- mon schools. The legislature adopted the minority amendment and passed the bill, with the High schools included. He also opposed the so-called Berry Bill to build houses for the poor of the state at a. cost of $300 each, on the ground that such homes were not good enough.


Mr. Paton has served the town as its auditor of accounts and was one of the committee that first reported in favor of commercial electric lighting by the town.


ANDREW H. PATON.


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He has several times been a candidate of the minority for local, county and state offices. He has also been identified with many of the social and fraternal societies of the town and nation. Was, in 1894, 1895 and 1896, the head of the Improved Order of Red Men of the United States, and as its Great Incohonee visited the Order in all the states and territories. Was one of the committee of Amity Lodge to prepare the history of Free- masonry in Danvers and vicinity. He is the Grand Commander of the American Legion of Honor of New England, and Deputy Su- preme Comman- der for the United States ; also a member of the Grand Lodge of Knights of Honor of Massachusetts ; was a member of the Grand Lodge Sons of Temper- ance of Massa- chusetts ; is Su- preme Secretary of the Archaic Order of the American Sphinx and National President of the United States Protective League. His lit- erary abilities have been greatly in demand in the ritualistic work of the fraternities in which he is prominent. He prepared a large part of the literature now in use by the Red Men and much of its ritual. He wrote the rituals of the American Friendly Society, of the Archaic Order of the American Sphinx, and of the United States Provident League. His ritual written for the American Legion of Honor was selected as the best of over fifty that were presented. He is now the President of the Windsor Club, the strong- est social organization of Danvers. He is


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also general agent of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York.


Mr. Paton has always continued in the political beliefs represented by the Chi- cago platform of the Democratic party in 1896 and was a member and active worker of the American Bimetallic League, which largely contributed to the campaign work for silver that culminated in the nomination of William J. Bryan for the Presidency. He was one of the represen- tatives of the League selected to attend the National Democratic convention at Chicago, and the Free Silver Party Con- vention at St. Louis, in 1896, and was elected as a Massachusetts delegate to the National People's Party Convention at St. Louis in 1896.


In 1875, he married Ella A., the daughter of Charles W. and Lydia A. Brown of Danvers. They have four chil- dren, Mabel F., a graduate of and later a teacher in the Holten High School ; Mary I., also a graduate ; A. Harris, a pupil in the same school; and Leon B., who enters this year.


Colcord-Richardson Co.


The Colcord- Richardson Company is one of the latest additions to the business enterprises of Danvers and was organized in April, 1899, and acquired by purchase the entire business of Newhall & Colcord. They have added machine tools until they now have a complete machine shop and are prepared to do general machin- ists' work. A machine shop centrally located will be a decided benefit to the manufacturing interests of the town.


The stockholders are well known busi- ness men, organized under Massachu- setts laws with the following officers : President, Arthur S. Richardson, who for the past eleven years has held the posi- tion at the Danvers Insane Hospital of chief engineer. He is a native of Read- ing, Mass., and has had a varied and extensive experience in mechanical af- fairs. Treasurer Charles Newhall is an old and much respected resident of Danvers and has been intimately coll- nected with the express business for years. He is a prominent member of


Ward Post 90 and is a Past Master of Mosaic Lodge of Masons. Secretary Ernest S. Richardson, after pursuing a course of studies in the mechanical de- partment of Tufts College, was engineer of the Pumping Station at Foxboro, Mass., for two years and has had considerable practical experience in mechanical mat- ters. Manager John H. Colcord has been connected with the agricultural im- plement and seed business since 1883 and his an extensive acquaintance and many friends among the farmers of Essex County. For the last ten years he has paid particular attention to developing the implement repair department until it has become an important part of the business.


Most of the wind mills in this vicinity have been laid out and erected under his supervision, and as a member of the firm of Newhall & Colcord, he gave the heating business very thorough study and his ability in this line is evidenced by the many steam and hot water systems in successful operation that were installed by them, among which can be mentioned the heating by hot water of the Nurses' Home at the Danvers Insane Hospital. Mr. Colcord is possessed of mechanical ingenuity and versatility which well fits him for his position.


The office of the company is in New- hall's hardware store, 20 Maple street, with the machine shop and store houses in the rear, fronting on Cottage avenue. They carry a large stock of farm imple- ments, seeds, farm supplies and repairs, the latter being very complete, compris- ing parts for most of the implements and machines used in this vicinity. They also carry a complete stock of Jenkins Bros. globe, gate and check valves, water glasses, etc., and are prepared to furnish at short notice steam supplies of all kinds.


A specialty will be made of high pres- sure steam fitting, heating by steam and hot water, they having the agency for the well known " Winchester " heater, which never fails to give entire satisfac- tion when properly installed ; the per- sonnel of the company makes them the leaders in these particular lines.


Water supply by steam and wind


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COLCORD-RICHARDSON CO. MACHINE SHOP.


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power will receive careful attention, they having the agency for the Aermotor, " the wheel that runs when all others stand still." Fencing with woven steel wire and steel posts, both field and ornamen- tal for lawns and division lines, will be handled and erected by contract.


The trade of the company covers a larger part of Essex County and brings in more outside trade than any other busi-


in 1847, when Moses Putnam was chosen. He resigned in 1856, and was succeeded by Daniel Richards. The present president, G. A. Tapley, was elected in 1886, having been a director for twenty-four years. Samuel B. But- trick was the first cashier, continuing in office until 1841, when William L. Wes- ton was appointed. Mr. Weston was suc- ceeded, in 1884, after serving 43 years,


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BANK BUILDING.


ness in Danvers, and in this respect is a decided acquisition to the business inter- ests in general.


First National Bank.


This time-honored institution was originally organized in April, 1836, with a capital of $120,000. Elias Putnam was the first president, serving until his death


by the present cashier, B. E. Newhall.


In 1853 the capital of the bank was increased $40,000, and again in 1854, $40,000, making it $200,000, but in consequence of losses incurred in the Southern States, occasioned by the war, the capital was reduced to $150,000 in 1862. The bank was reorganized in 1864, and became the First National Bank of Danvers, its capital remaining at


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INTERIOR OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK.


Fortes


INTERIOR OF DANVERS SAVINGS BANK.


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A. FRANK WELCH, Treasurer Danvers Savings Bank.


BENJAMIN E. NEWHALL. Cashier First National Bank.


$150,000. It is the sole fiduciary trust of the town and from its inception has been carefully and conservatively con- ducted. That this bank has passed cred- itably through every fi- nancial crisis and s tringen- cy of the money market that has swept over the country during sixty - three years, without its man- a gement or condi-


tion being questioned in the slightest de- gree, is sufficient evidence, without fur- ther comment, of the institution's sub- stantial and stable position in the com- munity. Its influ- ence has been and contin- ues to be of the most healthful character contrib . uting largely to the develop - ment of manufac- tures, com - merce and pub-


RESIDENCE OF A. FRANK WELCH.


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DANVERS.


lic improvement, as well as aiding private enterprise of a proper and substantial nature.


large fire and burglar-proof vault of the most modern construction, containing


deposit boxes for rent and storage of valuables, in- sures the safe keeping of its money and secur- ities, and every modern conven- ience has been provided for the benefit of its cus- tomers. This in- stitution has al- ways been ably officered and in- telligently man- aged, and its di- rectorate includes men of the high- est standing and integrity in indus- trial and commer- cial circles. The present board is as follows : Presi- dent, G. A. Tap- ley ; Cashier, B. E. Newhall ; Di- rectors, G. A. Tapley, W. M.


Currier, R. K. Sears, C. H. Gould, Ira P. Pope.


The Danvers Savings Bank was charte r e d in 1 850, and com- m enced business on the first of April of the same year. Gil-


.


The bank trans- acts a regular banking business in all its branches, receiving deposits, making loans an.i discounts on ap proved collateral and legitimate commercial paper, issuing drafts on the principal com- mercial centres of the country and making collections at all points. The bank invites ac- counts of business men, capitalist, and individuals generally, offering superior modern facilities for the transaction of bus- iness and affording liberal treatment to all customers. The stability of the G. A. TAPLEY, President First National Bank. bank may be gath- ered from the fact that its capital stock paid in is $150,000 ; surplus fund and undivide d The Danvers Savings Bank. profits, $ 3 7,000 ; individual deposits, $175,000. T h e bank occu . pies hand- somely fit- ted and appointed rooms in its own three - story brick building, erected in RESIDENCE. OF G. A. TAPLEY. 1854, and centrally located on Maple street. A bert Tapley was the first president and


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HON. AUGUSTUS MUDGE, President Danvers Savings Bank.


CHARLES H GOULD, Director First National Bank and Trustee Savings Bank.


William L. Weston was chosen treasurer. Rufus Putnam was chosen president in April, 1859, in place of Gilbert Tapley, resigned. At the death of Rufus Putnam in 1875, Israel H. Putnam W a S


chosen President January 12,1876, c o ntinu- ing so until April 29, I 884, when the pres e n t Presi - dent, Hon. Au- gustus Mudge, W


a S


chosen. The growth of the bank during its almost half-century of existence has been steady and marked. In 1855, the deposits amounted to $150,000 ; in 1865, $ 350,- 000; in 1 876, $ 1,06 1,- 000, the p r esent deposits being over a million and a half- a ctually $1,666, 0 4 S.So. The bank's offices are loca- ted in t he


RESIDENCE OF CHARLES H. GOULD.


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ROBERT K. SEARS. Director First National Bank.


Bank Building, erected by the First National Bank of Danvers in 1854, with which in- stitution it shares half the ground floor and has every desirable facility at hand for the safe keeping of funds and the expeditious transaction of business.


The Danvers Savings Bank has been an important factor in connection with the material prosperity and growth of the town during the last half century. Receiving, as it does for deposit, the savings of wage- earners and paying interest thereon, it is instrumental in a large measure in inculcat- ing and cultivating in that class of people who constitute a large proportion of our citizens a disposition to save a part of their earnings and thus provide for any con- tingency that may arise. The policy of the bank is to encourage savings and the ben- efit accruing to depositors under the ex- cellent laws of this state, more especially to the working classes, among whom it en- courages thrift, cannot be over-estimated. The number of depositors is now 4,162, and these are in receipt of a substantial rate of interest on their savings with the


absolute security for their capital which the high standing and finan- cial soundness of the bank provides.


The officers are carefully chosen for capacity and character, and comprise such well known citizens as President, Hon. Augustus Mudge ; Treasurer, A. Frank Welch ; Secre- tary, C. P. Hale ; and a Financial Committee of five members :- I. P. Pope, C. H. Gould, J. Frank Por- ter, Dr. C. H. White, and C. H. Preston. Under the able and con- servative management of these gen- tlemen the affairs of the bank are managed in such a manner as to meet the requirements of the most conservative of our townspeople, a fact its well established business confirms, and there is every reason to predict for this institution a fu- ture of even greater usefulness and prosperity than have marked its past which shows a remarkable record of success in its chosen line of business.


WILLIAM M. CURRIER, Director First National Bank.


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IRA P. POPE. Director National Bank an Trustee Savings Bank.


CHARLES H. PRESTON, Trustee Savings Bank.


J. FRANK PORTER, Trustee Savings Bank.


C. H. WHITE, D. D. S., Trustee Savings Bank.


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....


of the Danvers Savings Bank in January, 1891, and clected one of the Finance Commit- tee in January, 1897. Although of a reserved and retiring disposition he has always been closely identified with every enter- prise which had for its object the advancement of the interests of the town, and both so- cially and profes- sionally he is much esteemed by his fellow citizens and a large circle of friends.


RESIDENCE OF J. FRANK PORTER.


C. H. White, D. D. S.


Dr. C. H. White, whose portrait ap- pears in the article on the Danvers banks, was born in Bristol, N. H., in 1854, to which town his parents had emigrated from Massachusetts. He received his early education at the public schools, and at the New Hampton Literary Institute, commencing the study of his profession at Wakefield in 1871. Subsequently he took a course of study in the Dentistry Department of Harvard Col lege, in 1873-4. Dr. White gradu ated from


th‹ Boston Dental College in 1876, receiving the de- gree of D. D. S. Two years later he began practice in Danvers, where he has built up an ex- cellent reputation as an expert in his profession and has established a large and increasing practice. He was elected to the Board of Trustees


Danvers Women's Association.


The Danvers Women's Association was formed April, 1882. A preliminary meet- ing was held at the house of Miss Anne L. Page, and a week later, on April 25th, the first regular meeting was held with Miss Lizzie M. Shepard (Temple) ; offi- cers were elected and by-laws made, and the name of the society chosen. The


RESIDENCE OF DR. C. H. WHITE.


DANVERS.


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officers were Mrs. Harriet L. Wentworth, president ; Mrs. Sarah E. Fiske and Miss Anne L. Page, vice-presidents ; Miss Eliza O. Putnam (Heaton), secretary ; Mrs. Venila A. Burrington, treasurer ; the directors were Mrs. Ellen M. Spof- ford, Mrs. Clara French, Mrs. Mary S. Andrews, Miss Jennie Horswell, Miss Ellen M. Putnam (Gould), Miss Annie M. Wentworth, Mrs. Susan B. Sanger, Miss Lizzie M. Shepard (Temple).




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