Genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of the state of Massachusetts, Volume III, Part 114

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918, ed; Adams, William Frederick, 1848-
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company
Number of Pages: 986

USA > Massachusetts > Genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of the state of Massachusetts, Volume III > Part 114

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After his return Mr. Bennett resumed his employment with the Richards Company until 1872, when he associated himself with Charles P. Young in the jewelry business, under the firm name of Young & Bennett, with quarters in the basement of the Whiting building, Broad street. This partnership was dissolved in 1888, and Mr. Bennett retired from manu- facturing. During the first five years of the existence of the firm of Riley, French & Hef- fem, Mr. Bennett was a silent partner, and this was his last business venture, he having been actively manufacturing for a period of seventeen years. He then devoted his time and attention to the management of his home

farm and property interests, and in his home life found his greatest enjoyment, his latter days being spent in the bosom of his family. His every thought was for them and their happiness, and he took especial pride in the ed- ucation of his two daughters, now at Welles- ley College. He was possessed of a strong, de- termined nature, clear, honest business prin- ciples, and sound judgment which gained suc- cess for him in all his undertakings. His friends were many, and he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those who showed a desire to assist themselves. Many of the jewelers of that section owe their first upward step to the aid of Mr. Bennett. He was by faith a Uni- versalist, and in his political views supported the Republican party ; he would never accept public office, although tendered him, yet took an active interest in the public welfare of the town. He was prominently identified with the building of the new town hall, in association with George Austin, Daniel Brown and Will- iam Proctor. Mr. Bennett married, at Mel- rose, Massachusetts, October 1I, 1888, Mary Allston, born in Melrose, March 12, 1856, daughter of William and Jane Dixey (Goss) Morss, the former a contractor and builder, and assessor of Melrose. Children: I. Helen Frances, born July 18, 1889. 2. Alice Allston, January 19, 1891.

MOCK The ancient family of Mock, of Bavaria, dates back several hun- dred years, and has always been thrifty and energetic, faithful to country and ·family, both in war and in peace.

(I) Henry Mock was born in Rhein-Pfalz, Bavaria, in 1760, and served in the army dur- ing the war with France. He was assistant forester in his native province, and held the position for many years, also carrying on a farm. He had a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and his political influence and religious associations marked him as a rep- resentative citizen of the state. He died in 1835, at the age of seventy-five. He mar- ried a well-known physician and midwife, of Bavaria, died in 1845, aged seventy-five, be- loved by all who knew her. Of exceptionally strong mind and fine character, she was un- usually successful in her profession. Chil- dren : I. Barbara, married Henry Avenius, and came to American, settling in New York City, where her husband died; she came to Boston, where she died at an advanced age. leaving seven children. 2. John William. lived and died in Bavaria at the age of seven-

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ty ; was in business many years as a teamster and expressman ; left a family. 3. Elizabeth, married in Bavaria, Mr. Braun, a German who died there ; she came later to New York and then to Boston, settling at Roslindale, where she died very aged, leaving seven children. 4. Jacob, mentioned below.

(II) Jacob, son of Henry Mock, was born in Bavaria, March 26, 1801. He was brought up in Rhein-Pfalz, and succeeded to his father's farm and his office as state forester, serving until 1859. In that year he came to the United States and settled in Boston, Mas- sachusetts, residing on Ruggles street, where he died April 27, 1867, having retired from active business some years before. He was a man of superior intelligence and good edu- cation, with progressive ideas, industrious and energetic. He married, in Rhein-Pfalz, Magdalena Fischer, born 1805. While on the journey to the United States in 1859, in a sailing vessel, with her husband and chil- dren, she was taken suddenly ill, and died on the voyage, and was buried at sea. Mr. Mock never recovered from the shock of her death, and came to the shores of the new land with his children, a broken-hearted man. He and his family were members of the Lutheran church in Germany, and their descendants have continued to affiliate with that church in this country. Children: I. John, died in Europe, of croup. 2. Conrad, died in Europe, of epidemic croup. 3. Louise, born August 9, 1830; came to the United States in 1851, settled in Boston, and married Philip Dorr ; he came from Germany to Boston, and for many years was foreman for the Boston Belt- ing Company of Roxbury ; he died in 1890, and his widow now lives at the corner of Lamartine street and Lamartine Place, Ja- maica Plain, and, while aged, is still capable and active. 4. Adam, born March 8, 1837; mentioned below. 5. Catherine, born March 6, 1840; married Daniel Schreck, who died several years ago in Roxbury, where she still resides. 6. Jacob, born September 1, 1842; came with his father to the United States in 1859, and became a lithographer ; after some years at his trade he established a restaurant, and later retired from active business ; lives on his farm at North Brookfield; married Carolina Stucke. 7. Elizabeth, born in Ba- varia, 1844, and came with her father to America ; settled in Boston, and married Jacob Heibner, who died in Roslindale, where she now resides.

(III) Adam, son of Jacob Mock, was born

in Bavaria, in Rhein-Pfal, March 8, 1837. He grew up in his native town under the careful instruction of his parents, according to the custom among the German boys, and attended the public schools. He was well educated, his parents training him along practical lines for the business of life. At the age of eighteen he came to the United States. After a some- what tempestuous voyage of nearly seven weeks, he landed at New York City, April 18, 1855. He went to Boston and found employ- ment in the rubber works of Roxbury. He strove to please his employer in every way, and also to accumulate a "nest-egg" that he might establish himself in a business of his own, a desire that had been implanted within him from the early instruction of his parents. In 1875, with the small capital he had accu- mulated, he purchased a restaurant on Essex street, Boston, which he conducted success- fully for a number of years. His business was prosperous and he removed to Central street, remaining until 1884. In that year he leased the large place at 120-124 Water street, and here achieved marked success as one of the representative German restauranteurs of the city. The business is still carried on by his sons, although he continues to give it some attention. He visits the place daily, making a tour of inspection to see that the well-known high character and tone of the establishment do not fall from the standard he has set. The restaurant is a favorite rendezvous for people of all classes, not only of the German race, but for Americans who enjoy the pleasant repasts so well served by German chefs. Since coming to Boston Mr. Mock has made his home at Jamaica Plain, and is well-known and highly respected by a large community of Bos- ton. While full of years, he is a man of remark- able activity. When a young man he ran with Tremont, No. 7, hand fire engine, and is still a member of Tremont, No. 7, Veteran Fire Company. In politics he is a Republican, ac- tive since the inception of that party. Always contributing to the happiness of those who sought his hospitality, his genial temper and whole-souled German enthusiasm endeared him to a large circle of friends, who enjoyed his company quite as much as his excellent cuisine.

He married, August 2, 1862, Margaret E. Mueller, at Rappendorf, near Kitzingen, Ba- varia, born April 26, 1839, daughter of Casper and Anna Barbara (Hartlep) Mueller. Her father was born in Bavaria in 1804. died 1890, and was a farmer of Bavaria. Her mother died

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some years before that time, age sixty-eight. Her parents were Lutherans of excellent repu- tation and family, and had ten children, of whom these are living: Martin Muller, lives in Roxbury, retired currier ; Margaret E., mentioned above; Dorothy Muller, married Justus Wissker and lives in Hartford, Con- necticut ; Barbara ( Mueller ), widow of Ernest Schumann, lives in Jamaica Plain ; Anna Mul- ler, married - -Wolf and resides in Rox- bury. Mrs. Mock came to the United States at the age of twenty, and settled in Boston. She has been a helpmate to her good husband in the truest sense of the word, always con- tributing to his assistance in every way pos- sible. Of a genial nature, she has had a wel- come home for all who sought her companion- ship, and with generous hands has given freely to every worthy cause, and, unsolicited, helped many poor German friends whom she found in need. Children: 1. Jacob Henry, men- tioned below. 2. Frederick John, born Janu- ary 18, 1866; died April 12, 1869. 3. Philip A., born May 27, 1870; educated in Boston public schools and at business college, and la- ter was associated with his father in the res- taurant business ; is a member of the Jamaica Plain Veteran Firemen, and has been captain of the company, being one of the organizers of the company five years ago; married June 6, 1900, Louise C. Heyl, born April 7, 1877 : attends the German Lutheran Church ; resides at 28 Burrough street, Jamaica Plain; chil- dren: i. Harold A., born June 5, 1901 ; ii. Hazel E., October 27, 1903 : iii. Ralph Jacob, November 20, 1905.

(IV) Jacob Henry, son of Adam Mock, was born May 14, 1863. He received a good education in the public and private schools and at business college. He early entered a business life, associating himself with his father in the restaurant, and of late ycars has practically succeeded to the management of the business. While he has not been a political office-sceker, at the urgent request of his friends he accepted the nomination for repre- sentative to the general court in 1906 and was elected for that term, and again in 1907 and 1908. He has faithfully represented the in- tcrests of his constituents, working hard and earnestly for the good of the community. He was a member of the state taxation committee for three years, chairman of the printing com- mittee, and served on the elections and other committees. In 1904 hc was a delegate to the Republican national convention which nomin- ated Roosevelt for president. He is a premi-

nent German Republican, and served as a member of the ward committee for four years. In musical circles he is well known, and is also a moving spirit in social organization. For fifteen years he has been organist of the Ger- man Lutheran church, and is an active mem- ber of the Boston Germania Society, which organization numbers among its members some of the best German citizens of Boston.

He married, October 26, 1892, Mary Anna Heyl, born in South Boston, November 28, 1866, died at her home in Jamaica Plain, Au-

gust 4, 1898. She was the daughter of Au- gust A. Heyl, who was born November 13, 1835, in Weiler, Duchy of Saxe-Weimar, and granddaughter of John Christopher Heyl, who was born in the Harz Mountains, king- dom of Hanover, September 17, 1789. The last named became a papermaker and went to Saxe-Weimar, where he died aged seventy- two years six months; he married, late in life, Elizabeth Nierergal, of Saxony, born June 30, 1816, died March 17, 1900. August A. Heyl learned the baker's trade and came to America when a young man, establishing a bakery in South Boston, where he accum- mulated a competence; he married Elizabeth Avenius, who was born in Rhein-Pfalz, Ba- varia, August 3, 1840, and had children: i. Mary A., married Jacob H. Mock, mentioned above; ii. George A. Heyl, born September 13, 1869; iii. Elizabeth Heyl, May 23, 1870: iv. John Heyl, July 2, 1873, died January 4, 1879; v. Lulu C. Heyl, born April 7, 1877; vi. Laura A. Heyl, twin with Lulu C., died July 26, 1878; vii. Fred. C. Heyl, born April 14, 1881. Children of Jacob H. Mock: I. Frederick Adam, born August 26, 1893; at- tends the high school, and is much interested in music. 2. Elsic Eva, January 30, 1896; pupil in grammar school. 3. Louisa M., Sep- temiber 28, 1897, also grammar school stud- e11t.

BELESS John Beless, immigrant ancestor, lived at Barrow-on-Suir, Leices- tershire, England. He was a knitter by trade. He had no schooling and was largely self-educated, but having a gift of specch and being prominent for his relig- ious zcal and fervor, he was made local preacli- er in the Methodist church. After his five sons had been in America and prospered, they sent for their father and mother. Mr. Beless made his home in Needham, Massachusetts, where he worked in the factory of his son Thomas during the remainder of his active

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life. He was a prominent member and faith- ful worker in the Methodist church in Need- ham. He married Catherine , who sur- vived him some years. She is buried in the Needham cemetery. Children : I. John, born April 5, 1826, mentioned below. 2. Thomas, came from England in 1849, spent a few years at Oakhill, now part of Newton, Massachu- setts, removing in 1855 to that part of Need- ham, an adjoining town, now known as High- landville, the name first given to it by the Beless brothers and Marshall S. Rice; he and his brother James were in partnership many years, manufacturing knitted goods ; they built a larger shop on High street, the house where the brothers lived for thirty years, and their old factory with some addi- tions has recently been remodeled for the Mother's Rest, an institution conducted by the Baptist Society of Newton. 3. James, came from England with his brother Thomas, and was associated in business with him. 4. George, lived at Needham, a knitter by trade also; re- turned to England, and died there. 5. Joseph, born in England, came to this country about 1850 and lived with his brothers at Oakhill; finally located with his brother Thomas at Needham Plain, where he bought a farm.

(II) John (2), son of John (1) Beless, was born in Barrow-on-Suir, Leicestershire, Eng- land, April 5, 1826, and was baptized in in- fancy in the established church of that parish. He began to learn the knitting trade at the age of eight years. Throughout his boyhood he worked in the mill and in his father's gar- den, and had but limited schooling. At the age of eighteen years he was a miller's ap- prentice, but had to abandon that trade on ac- count of an injury to his left hand. He re- sumed the trade of knitter. His brother, James and Thomas, who preceded him to this country, sent for him. He took passage in the sailing vessel "Stratfordshire," which was lost with all on board when making its next trip to the United States. The voyage lasted twenty- one weeks and he landed in Boston, April, 1852. From Boston he made his way on foot to Oakhill where his brothers lived. He had been given up, the ship being so long overdue, and was welcomed as if he had risen from the dead. He was employed at his trade in the knitting factory of his brothers. His wife and two children, Ruth and Catherine, sailed from England, July 7, 1853, arriving August 25 fol- lowing. He followed his trade during the re- mainder of his life. He died at Needham, De- cember 27. 1903. at the age of seventy-seven.

He was a Republican in politics, casting his first vote for Lincoln. He attended the First Parish Church of Needham. He had suffered from asthma from his youth, and, in addition- to this affliction was handicapped by the in- jury to his hand, yet he lived a long and ex- ceedingly useful life. He was distinguished for his uprightness and fair dealing. An in- stance of the faith reposed in him by those who knew his character is that exhibited by a townsman, Mr. George Gay, who once ad- vanced him five hundred dollars to take up a mortgage debt, refusing to take a note or other security, relying upon the honor of Mr. Be- less. It is the simple truth to say that his word was as good as his bond. He was frank, straightforward and honest in all his dealings. He and his brothers helped build up the village of Highlandville, now Needham Heights, and the section has often been called Belessville in token of their enterprise. The deaths of three of the brothers, John, James and Thomas, within the space of seven months was a great loss to the community. He married, in 1847, at St. Mary's Church, Loughborough, England, Charlotte Wright, born July 14, 1831, died No- vember 14, 1885. Children: I. Ann, born June 21, 1848, died young. 2. Ruth, May 4, 1849, died 1875; married William Lee, a manufacturer of knit goods. 3. Catharine, January, 1851, married George Scotton, man- ufacturer of knit goods; children: i. Ethel, married, October 12, 1899, Frederick Merton Holmes ; their children are : Dorothy Holmes, born October 21, 1900, and Donald Holmes, born October 23, 1904; ii. Grace, a stenog- rapher and bookkeeper. 4. John, October 24. 1852, died young. 5. Esther Ann, Septem- ber 3, 1854, married William R. Lee, a chem- ist. 6. Sarah Jane, March 2, 1856, married Joseph Thorpe. 7. John Henry, December 21, 1857, married Mary Lee, daughter of Mark Lee, of the well-known and long-established firm of Lee Brothers. 8. Grace A., mentioned below.

(III) Grace A., daughter of John (2) Beless, was born in Needham, and educated there in the public schools. Since she was twenty years of age she has worked in the knitting factories at different times of Thom- as and George Scotton, M. J. Moseley and her brother-in-law, Joseph Thorpe. In fact, all her brothers and sisters who grew to ma- turity followed the family trade of knitting at some period in their lives. In her youth she attended the First Unitarian Church and for many years belonged to the Sunday

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school. At present she attends the Epis- copal church and is actively interested in its work.

(For ancestry see Richard Pomeroy).

(VII) Thomas Jefferson POMEROY Pomeroy, son of Deacon Justus Pomeroy, was born at Easthampton, April 12, 1808, and died March 17, 1888. He was educated in the public schools and at Williston Seminary at Easthampton. He was for many years an undertaker in Easthampton. He married, November 13, 1832, Rebecca Stella Finch, who died August 27, 1882. He died March 17, 1888. Children, born at Easthampton : I. Thomas Luzerne, 1833; died young. 2. Thomas Luzerne, October 15, 1835; died September 7, 1861. 3. Charles Stuart, died young. 4. Henry Foote, born September 15, 1841 ; mentioned below. 5. Charles Stu- art, born 1846; died young.

(VIII) Henry Foote, son of Thomas Jef- ferson Pomeroy, was born at Easthampton, September 15, 1841, and died December 10, 1898. He attended the public schools of his native town and the Williston Academy. He became associated with his father and suc- ceeded him in the undertaking business. He retired about five years before his death. Mr. Pomeroy was an honored member of Ionic Lodge of Free Masons ; of the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; of the Council, Royal and Select Masters, and of the Commandery, Knights Templar. He was fond of hunting and outdoor exercise. especially horseback riding, and was constantly in the saddle. He was a member of the Northampton Rid- ing Club and of the Sportsmen's Club of Massachusetts. He married, December I, 1869, Caroline E., daughter of Willard and Julia (Merrill) Birge, of Torrington, Con- necticut. Granddaughter of Hamlin Birge, and great-granddaughter of Simeon and Ex- perience (Hamlin) Birge. Simeon Birge was a soldier in the revolution, and was at Sara- toga. Willard Birge was a prominent stock dealer.

Mr. and Mrs. Pomeroy have had no chil- dren. Mrs. Pomeroy attended a select pri- vate school at Torrington, and graduated from the State Normal School at New Britain, Connecticut. She has been active in society and in charitable work. She is a mem- ber of the Daughters of the American Revo- lution, and was regent in 1905, 1906 and 1907. She is president of the Tuesday Morn-

ing Club of Easthampton. She has been es- pecially generous in assisting youths desir- ing an education. Two of her protegés grad- uated from Williston Seminary, and are now holding positions of trust, and she is aiding fifteen students to secure a liberal education at the present time. Mrs. Pomeroy has trav- eled extensively in this country and Canada. Since the death of husband she has success- fully managed his large estate. She has been a generous contributor to church and mis- sion funds.

SMITH Among the numerous Smith families of Connecticut, among the first settlers, was a family of four brothers and a sister who settled in Hart- ford and vicinity. It is not known that their parents came to this country. I. Mary, mar- ried William Partridge. 2. Christopher, re- sided at Northampton, and died without issue. 3. Simon, of whom nothing further is known. 4. Joseph, settled in Hartford, and had fifteen children. 5. William, mentioned below.

(II) William Smith, brother of those men- tioned above, was born in England. He mar- ried, in August, 1644, Elizabeth Starling, and resided in Wethersfield, Farmington and Mid- dletown, Connecticut. He died January, 1670, leaving nine children.

(III) Benjamin, son of William Smith, was born in Farmington, in 1658. He was founder of a prominent family at West Springfield, Massachusetts. He bought a tract of land there September 7, 1688, of John Pynchon. West Springfield was then called Pauquetuck. For several years he cultivated his farm there, but resided at Westfield, near Joseph Moseley, on account of Indian hos- tilities. Later he built his house and a saw mill on the brook. The original mill saw has been preserved. He died in 1738, aged eighty years. He married Ruth Loomis, of West- field. Children : William; Ruth, married Samuel Taylor ; Samuel; Elizabeth, married Ebenezer Miller ; Rachel, married Samuel Morgan: Jonathan, mentioned below; Job; Mary, married Ebenezer Day.

(IV) Jonathan, son of Benjamin Smith, was born in 1697, at West Springfield, Massa- chusetts. His house there was cast of the brook, on an eminence at the junction of the two roads. He died February 9, 1772, in his seventy-fifth year. His epitaph on his grave- stone at West Springfield reads: "The virtu- ous father of a numerous offspring to whom he gave an example of piety and prudence."

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He married Margaret, daughter of Samuel Ball. He was a pious and strict Puritan, a prominent and useful citizen. Children, born at West Springfield: 1. Jonathan ; mentioned below. 2. David, resided at Pauquetuck. 3. Solomon, resided at West Springfield. 4. Caleb, went to Vermont. 5. Daniel, lived on father's homestead. 6. Margaret, married Stephen Miller. 7. Simeon, settled at New Lebanon Springs.

(V) Jonathan (2), son of Jonathan (I) Smith, was born about 1725. He inherited the Ball homestead at West Springfield. He mar- ried, and had seven children.

(VI) Jonathan (3), son of Jonathan (2) 'Smith, resided also at West Springfield.

(VII) Jonathan (4), son or nephew of Jonathan (3) Smith, was born at West Springfield, August 27, 1790, and died Feb- ruary 27, 1845. He lived in that part of West Springfield, now Holyoke, and was a cooper by trade. He married, February 27, 1816, Martha Ely, daughter of Joseph Ely (see Ely). Children, born at West Springfield: I. Jon- athan Moseley, mentioned below. 2. Martha Asenath, born March 5, 1819; died May 10, 1866; married Moses Cutler. 3. Jube Ely, born May 5, 1821 ; died June II, 1882. 4. Hiram Myron, born October 16, 1828.

(VIII) Jonathan Moseley, son of Jonathan (4) Smith, was born in South Hadley, March 20, 1817, and died March 13, 1867. He was educated in the public schools of South Had- ley, and in early life was a farmer. Later, he owned and operated the swing ferry for many years. He was a Whig in politics, and a mem- ber of the Baptist church. He married, in West Springfield, March 30, 1843, Lucinda, daughter of Oliver and Esther (Dickinson) Warren, of Amherst, Massachusetts. She was born November 3, 1823, and died in Hol- yoke, Massachusetts, November 13, 1908. Children : I. Emily M., born at West Spring- field, October 9, 1844; married J. F. L. Sea- ver. 2. Ellen S., born March, 1846. 3. Charles Fayette, born August 24, 1851, mentioned be- low. 4. Herbert M., born June 14, 1854.

(IX) Charles Fayette, son of Jonathan Mos- ley Smith, was born August 24, 1851. He was educated in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he became a clerk in the Hadley Falls Bank. From time to time he was promoted and for a number of years was teller. He resigned after fourteen years in this bank, to enter the employ of the George W. Prentiss Company, wire manufacturers. Three years later he was elected cashier of the City Na-

tional Bank, and in 1884 was elected presi- dent, an office he has filled to the present time. When the Glasgow Manufacturing Com- pany applied for the appointment of a receiver in 1900, Mr. Smith was appointed. When the affairs of the old company were wound up, Mr. Smith organized a new corporation, the Hadley Mills, of which he became the treas- urer. After being closed for four years, the mill resumed work under the new manage- ment, and has been signally successful. Mr. Smith is also president of the Holyoke Ice Company. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Holyoke Canoe Club, the Holyoke Golf Club, and the Bay State Club.

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Genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of the state of Massachusetts, Volume III, Part 114

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918, ed; Adams, William Frederick, 1848- Publication date: 1910 Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company Number of Pages: 986

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918, ed; Adams, William Frederick, 1848-
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company
Number of Pages: 986