USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 28
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In 1925 Naturalist Schurr began gathering specimens and material with the objective of opening a museum in the Holyoke Public Library. His efforts to this end were suc- cessful, and on February 18, 1927, the Mu- seum of Natural History and Art in the pub- lic library was opened to the public. Under his directing curatorship, the museum has had a most pleasing and rapid development. From a collection of exhibits that had to be considerably spread out to make a present-
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able showing in one room, the museum has grown to such an extent that the displays are now somewhat crowded and the entire upper floor of the library building is given over for exhibition purposes. Director Schurr calls attention to the Holyoke Mu- seum having many record specimens of birds and animals not equaled elsewhere, and also has habitat groupings and mountings repre- senting certain species of wild life second to none in modern museum displays. Very few museums enjoy more continuous popu- larity, or have a more extended list of friends making donations of exhibits. The Holyoke museum is a storehouse of choice and valu- able objects, and therefore to many it is a place to put possessions and specimens that are treasured highly. The interesting, the rare, the beautiful, and even sacred things, like the relics of our wars, are preserved in the museum for all time. Birds, animals, reptiles, fish, insects, flowers, minerals, shells, Indian relics, paintings, works of art, and many other things, serve one with the other in making the museum a center of educational activity. It is believed that pop- ular demand will require the erection of a modern museum building on the property adjacent to the library building.
Besides having the directorship of the Holyoke Museum, Burlingham Schurr, from 1926 to 1934, was an important factor in the rearrangement and the upbuilding of the Museum of Zoology at Amherst College, and as a curator prepared the habitat group- ings and all the new bird and animal mounts in the college museum. He severed his con- nection with Amherst because of the in- creasing demands for his time at the Hol- yoke Museum. Becoming director of the museum in Holyoke in 1925, he took up his residence in Granby, near Holyoke, on a tract of some two hundred acres of wooded and open land situated at the easterly end
of the Mount Holyoke Range. On this prop- erty, where the handiwork of nature exe- cuted and fashioned the surroundings in a manner to make it supremely perfect as a spot to carry out a long cherished dream, he will establish what will be known as a "Naturalists' Memorial Nature Preserve." Huge, gigantic boulders placed here and there by nature's doing, as if for the very purpose to which they are to be put, will be suitably inscribed to commemorate the lives of great American naturalists. The home of the naturalist, located on the prop- erty and called, "Top O' Mountain," is an old New England homestead built nearly two hundred years ago. Within the sturdy walls of this domicile, which is supported by hand-hewn timbers and framework, are fur- nishings of earlier days and specimens of natural history and other objects in most every room. In fact the house is a museum in itself with its wealth of interesting and rare possessions.
In February, 1932, Naturalist Schurr launched into the work of taking a world- wide census of extinct and near-extinct North American birds. This census of orni- thological rarities in museums and collec- tions in the United States and in other lands is an undertaking never attempted before, and the value and importance of the work is of such scope that it not only concerns orni- thologists and scientists, but the people in general everywhere. The outcome of this census will not only disclose the where- abouts and number of extinct birds that have been preserved in museums and collections, but it will reveal interesting and valuable data and tell of the last places and sections where the extinct forms were seen or taken. Likewise, this census will bring forward the number of the so-classed near-extinct birds in museums and collections, and it will be made known where many species of the now
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vanishing types were collected. Back of all the scientific and interesting information that will be gained through this census, there is a plan to be put into operation, that will, he firmly believes, have a very pro- nounced bearing on a more extended pro- tection of the rarer forms of birds and wild life. It has taken considerably more time to do the work involved in taking the census than was expected in the beginning, but the check-up and completion of the work is now (1935) well underway.
Naturalist Schurr insists this brief synop- sis of his life would be incomplete, particu- larly in telling of the development, growth and activities of the Holyoke Museum, the development of his mountain home and na- ture preserves, the taking of the census of extinct birds, or of any of his successes since 1924, unless, as he expresses it, "The one who has given the very all that is in one for encouragement and inspiration in my work, is given due recognition -- and that one is my wonderful partner in all things, Mrs. 'Nat' Schurr."
Naturalist Schurr is an individual member of the American Association of Museums, a member of the American Society of Mam- malogists, a member of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, a member of the Izaak Walton League of America, a vice-president of the American Blue Cross Society, and a member of other organizations devoted to natural science and conservation.
On May 24, 1924, Burlingham Schurr married Emma Helen Mange, daughter of the late Paul Henry Mange and Emma (May) Mange, of Worcester. Mrs. Schurr was born in London, January II, 1887, and came to America at six years of age. She attended Saint Mary's Convent in Halifax, and under private tutorship studied music, art, natural science, and classical courses. From early girlhood she manifested keen
interest in nature study, and by devoting all available time in pursuit of knowledge of the things in the wildwood, she has made herself a learned exponent of the great out- doors. Her father, the late Paul H. Mange, was born in Prague, Austria, December 12, 1848, and died in Worcester, October 4, 1920. He was the author of "Our Inns, from 1718 to 1918, in Their Relation to The General Development of Our Community," and of other works, as well as a writer of feature articles on varied subjects published in the "Worcester Gazette and Telegram," and in other papers. Mrs. Schurr's mother was born in London, May 16, 1861.
Three daughters, Violet Beecher, Edith Gladys, and Helen Adaline, were born to Mr. Schurr by an earlier marriage. On No- vember 25, 1903, he married Minnie Lillian Harrington, daughter of John A. and Mary (Rose) Harrington, of Pittsfield. She was born in Stephentown, New York, August 31, 1886, and died at Kensington, Connecti- cut, May 7, 1922.
FRANK ROOD BURR-For generations the Burr family has occupied an outstanding position in the social, civic and business life of the community of Ludlow. Today Frank Rood Burr, president and general manager of the Burr Company, Incorporated, is car- rying on the illustrious traditions of his dis- tinguished forebears and in so doing has come to win wide recognition and esteem from his fellow-citizens for the contributions he has made to the life of his surroundings. The family traces its American ancestry to settlers who came here from England dur- ing the early Colonial period and settled in this section of New England, taking an ac- tive part in the development and growth of the communities they lived in.
Frank Rood Burr was born December 10, 1882, son of Frederick Lyman and Fannie
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Eliza (Fuller) Burr. His father, who for many years directed the activities of the Burr Company, Incorporated, as president, retired from the firm several years ago to devote his interests to large realty holdings he had acquired in St. Petersburg, in the State of Florida. He had been very active in the affairs of this community up to that time, having served as president of the Ludlow Savings Bank and also being interested in politics. In the latter connection he was elected to the board of selectmen in Ludlow and served in that capacity for several terms. He still maintains an active association with the Brigham Lodge of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons in this town.
The Burr family trace their American an- cestry to three brothers, Jehu, Benjamin, and the Rev. Jonathan, who came to this country in 1630 with Winthrop's fleet. Ben- jamin, who is the direct ancestor of the fam- ily in Ludlow, first settled in Roxbury and in 1635 became one of the founders of Hart- ford, Connecticut, according to family rec- ords. He married and had four children, among them Samuel, of whom further. Sam- uel Burr married Mary Bazey, and they be- came the parents of six children, among them Jonathan, who married Abigail Hub- bard. They were also the parents of six children and the lineage is carried from this point through their son Jonathan, Jr., who married Elizabeth Belding and became the father of Jonathan III, who was born in 1740 and came to Ludlow about 1771 from East Windsor or Ellington, Connecticut. He constructed and operated a sawmill here un- der the name of Jonathan Burr and Com- pany, which was located on the property which later became known as the "McLean privilege" and finally came to be owned by Warren D. Fuller. Jonathan III, who died in 1807, married Priscilla Freeman, born in 1745 and passed away in 1830. They had ten children, the oldest of whom was Noa-
diah, who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The others were: Timothy, Jonathan, Freeman, Ansel, Ashbel, Sally, Mary, Eli, and Elizabeth. The line is carried by Ashbel, born in 1776 and married, in 1803, Clarissa Sikes, who was born in 1782 and died in 1848. She was the daughter of John Sikes. Ashbel Burr, who died in 1861, was prominent in politics and served as a member of the board of select- men for thirteen years. He worshipped at the First Town Church, where he served as a deacon for fifteen years. Lyman Burr, son of Deacon Ashbel and Clarissa (Sikes) Burr, was born in 1805. He was a wood- worker by trade and about 1845 began mak- ing coffins which he kept on stock. Prior to this time it had been the custom to have a carpenter make the coffin after the death of a person. Later, as the coffin shape came into disfavor he began to manufacture the casket and expanded his activities to include the covering and lining of the box, thus turning out the finished product. In this work he not only supplied the city of Spring- field with this product but also supplied other sections of this county. He retired from this business in 1875. Lyman Burr, who died in 1880, married Harriet Stebbins in Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1828. She was born in the latter community in 1804 and was the daughter of Edward and Anne (Taylor) Stebbins. Lyman and Harriet (Stebbins) Burr were the parents of four children : 1. Harriet Eliza, who died at the age of fourteen years. 2. Benjamin Frank- lin, of whom further. 3. Martha Julena, who married Charles C. Goldsmith. 4. Mary Hall, who died at the age of two years. Benjamin Franklin Burr, grandfather of Frank Rood Burr, whose name heads this review, was born on July 6, 1831, and was educated in the public schools of Wilbraham as well as attending several private academies in this section. After completing his studies he be-
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came associated with his father in the casket manufacturing business and took over this enterprise when the elder man retired. He continued to operate this venture until 1895 and also conducted farming operations at the same time. He was an outstanding citi- zen in Ludlow and few men were more widely known or highly esteemed than he. Deeply interested in civic affairs he is listed as having held some public office every year from 1865 to 1909. His first official post was as tax collector, an office he occupied from 1865 to 1866. From 1867 to 1880 he was town clerk and treasurer, was elected a rep- resentative to the State Legislature in 1879, and in 1880 was chosen a member of the board of selectmen as well as being appointed Overseer of the poor. He occupied the lat- ter office for nine years and from 1876 to 1910, was justice of the peace. For a time he was special county commissioner and also served as cemetery commissioner for many years. As administrator of estates he is re- corded with having settled over a hundred cases that came to his attention in Hampden County and Hampshire counties. In a busi- ness capacity Benjamin Franklin Burr served as president of the Burr Company, Incorporated, for several years and was widely known for his ability as an executive, his advice frequently being sought by other large and important enterprises of this vi- cinity. A talented musician, he possessed a fine tenor voice, was a member of many male quartets and for many years sang with the famous Wilbur F. Miller of Ludlow. He was a chorister at the First Congregational Church for thirty years and was a soloist at many funerals. Benjamin Franklin Burr married, March 29, 1854, Mary Jane Brewer, born December 31, 1832, daughter of Daniel and Sarah K. (Miller) Brewer. They were the parents of two children : I. A daughter born July 7, 1856, who died the same day.
2. Frederick Lyman, born February 9, 1862, and educated at Wilbraham Academy. He was associated with his father in business until 1889 when he purchased the Grosvenor Company, dealers in feed, grain and coal, which he conducted under his own name until 1904, when the venture was incor- porated and he became secretary-treasurer, his father becoming president. Upon the re- tirement of the elder he became the direct- ing head of the business. In 1881 he married Fannie Eliza Fuller, born February 22, 1860, daughter of Edmund and Eliza (Lyon) Fuller. She is now deceased. They were the parents of three other children beside Frank Rood Burr: I. Julena Eliza, born September 28, 1881, widow of George Green Bennett and now residing in the city of Springfield. 2. Benjamin Frederick, born March 31, 1891, married and residing at West Newport, New Hampshire. 3. Ralph Brewer, born December 29, 1897, married to Katherine Coleman and resides in Ludlow.
Frank Rood Burr received a general ed- ucation in the public schools of his native community and after completing his studies here matriculated at the Griffins Business College in Springfield from where he was graduated. After finishing his business training he worked in various capacities se- curing a well-rounded and practical experi- ence that was to prepare him for the success he has come to enjoy as the managing di- rector of the Burr Company, Incorporated, which continues to devote its activities to the marketing of feed, grain and coal. In recent years, however, this organization has expanded its activities and today operates the Burr Theatre in Ludlow, which was constructed in 1927. It is a handsome and modern brick structure with a seating ca- pacity of seven hundred and in its appoint- ments and operation compares favorably with any other show place of similar size.
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As a prominent business leader in this com- munity Mr. Burr is a member of the board of trustees for the Ludlow Savings Bank.
Though he is interested in civic affairs Mr. Burr has never sought public office de- spite the fact that he has frequently been asked to serve in important and responsible municipal positions. Socially he is a charter member of the Ludlow Country Club and fraternizes with the Ludlow Lodge, No. 244, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is fond of outdoor sports and finds par- ticular pleasure in the game of golf.
On August 9, 1909, Mr. Burr married Min- nie H. Adolphson of Springfield. They re- side at No. 16 Whitney Street, Ludlow.
PAUL NAPOLEON DESMARAIS- The business of the Eastern Specialties Company, of Holyoke, has experienced a steady and continuous growth from small beginnings, a development that has been, in no insignificant way, the result of the work of Paul Napoleon Desmarais, its treasurer and shop manager. The work of the com- pany is paper converting, and connections have been established with enterprises in different parts of the United States and abroad.
Mr. Desmarais was born June 30, 1885, at St. Cesaire, Canada, son of Napoleon and Hermine (Desrocher) Desmarais. He is a grandson of Clement and Salome (Singan) Desmarais on the paternal side of his house and of Jean-Baptiste Desrocher, a native Canadian and a farmer, who died at St. Bridget, Canada, on the maternal side. Na- poleon Desmarais was born and died at St. Cesaire, where he was a farmer. Beginning life in 1859, he was a carriage builder at St. Cesaire, lived later for a time in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he was a cabinetmaker for a considerable period, and still later he resided in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Subsequently he resided in Springfield, and once more in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he retired. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. His wife, Hermine (Des- rocher) Desmarais, was born in St. Bridget, and died in Northampton.
Attending parochial schools in Canada until he was ten years of age, Paul Napoleon Desmarais came with his parents to North- ampton, Massachusetts. Later, in 1918, he took a special correspondence course in shop management from a school in the United States. He was fourteen years of age when he went to work as a clerk in a retail shoe store in Northampton, Massachusetts, con- tinuing in that activity for two years. He became a clerk in a meat and grocery estab- lishment in Northampton, was similarly em- ployed in Springfield, and at the age of twenty years became an apprentice in car- pentry under the late Charles W. Whiting, a Northampton contractor. After four years of employment with Mr. Whiting, Mr. Des- marais became associated with the Smith College carpenter shop, remaining there un- til 1917. He left Northampton and came to Holyoke, entered the storage battery busi- ness, and with his brother, Charles E. Des- marais, ran an enterprise in this trade for six years at Railroad and Suffolk streets.
Then came his entry into the paper con- verting trade. Selling their storage battery establishment, the two brothers remained for a time in Springfield, operating the Hampden Roll Press. Withdrawing from that activity, they established the Eastern Specialties Company, at No. 166 Race Street, Holyoke, of which Mr. Desmarais is today treasurer and shop manager. They have de- veloped jobbing connections in all parts of the United States and in foreign lands. Be- ginning operations in a comparatively small way, they so managed their enterprise that it steadily grew and prospered, and the re-
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sult is that the Eastern Specialties Company is now one of Holyoke's and Hampden County's very flourishing businesses.
Aside from his other activities, Paul Na- poleon Desmarais is a member of the Indus- trial Association of Springfield. He also belongs to the Perpetual Help Roman Cath- olic Church, at Holyoke, and is a supporter of the Young Men's Christian Association. Politically he holds to an independent course and avoids partisan affiliations. In spare time he is fond of outdoor life and recrea- tions, especially gardening and flowers.
Paul Napoleon Desmarais married, in Northampton, Massachusetts, Leona Parent, a native of Haydenville, daughter of Henry and Seduli (Le Roulx) Parent, both of. whom are now deceased. Her parents were native Canadians, and passed away in North- ampton, Massachusetts. Henry Parent was for many years associated with the Hayden- ville Brass Works, at Haydenville. Mrs. Desmarais herself attended the schools of Haydenville and Northampton, and was graduated from the Sacred Heart Parochial School, at Northampton. She is a member of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Desmarais the following children have been born: I. Lawrence Paul Desmarais, a graduate of Holyoke High School, attended the Springfield division of Northeastern University for one term, and is now associated with the Eastern Special- ties Company, of Holyoke. 2. Loretta Hilda Desmarais, graduated from Holyoke High School in the class of 1935. 3. Raymond Henry Desmarais, a member of the class of 1936 at Holyoke High School. 4. Viola Alma Desmarais, a student at Highland Grammar School.
CLAYTON D. SMITH -- The years of a long career in the law have been worn gracefully by Clayton D. Smith, of Spring-
field and Chester. He was admitted to the bar in 1884, and has since practiced his pro- fession in both places. One of the oldest members of the Hampden County Bar As- sociation, in point of service, he is held in high respect and affection by colleagues and clientele. Mr. Smith is a native of Chester, as were his father, his paternal grandfather, John Smith, and his great-grandfather, John Smith (1), who was one of the original set- tlers of the town in 1763.
Clayton D. Smith was born March 31, 1857, son of David and Laura A. (Eames) Smith, the latter named having Becket, Mas- sachusetts, as her birthplace. He attended the local public schools and was graduated from Williston Academy. After three years' study in Amherst College, and reading law in the office of Mr. Lathrop, Mr. Smith was admitted to the bar in 1884, and established himself in practice at Chester. Later he opened offices in Springfield in the Third National Bank Building. He early won the confidence of the community and his repu- tation grew as experience broadened the background of his knowledge and endeavors. He has been connected with many outstand- ing cases and has conducted a general prac- tice.
Always public-spirited and active in civic affairs, there are few offices which Clayton D. Smith has not held in Chester, and he has also represented this district in the Mas- sachusetts Legislature. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Order, and at- tends the Congregational Church. His con- tributions to movements aimed at the wel- fare and progress of the community have been generous and many.
In 1898 Clayton D. Smith married Edith M. Rude, now deceased, and they were the parents of two children : I. Helen E., grad- uate of Mt. Holyoke College, holding the degree of Master of Arts. 2. Dorcas, grad- uate of the Dietetic School, at Boston.
Hampden-13
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GEORGE CARLETON GILL-For many years George Carleton Gill has been president of the Holyoke Heater Company, of Holyoke, a community to which he has generously given of his splendid business talents. He has had a wide background of commercial experience, and his policies have been shown to be conservative when con- servatism is desirable and less so when the opposite trend is needed.
Mr. Gill was born in Hinsdale, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, February 10, 1858, son of Bartholomew and Mary (Dwyer) Gill. Bartholomew Gill was born in Ken- mare, County Kerry, Ireland, January 10, 1819, and died at the home of his daughter in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1905. He was a rail- road man and farmer in Hinsdale, Berkshire County, and there spent his active years. When he first came to the United States, in 1840, he helped to build the Boston and Al- bany Railroad, which at that time was being extended from Springfield to Albany, New York. It was in April of that year that he left Cork, Ireland, by sailing vessel. After being twice shipwrecked, he landed back at Cork, each time for the ship's repair, and finally arrived after the third start in New York, in August.
The Boston and Albany Railroad was at that time under construction, and he walked from Albany to Hinsdale where he got his first job on the railroad, and was for about thirty years employed on it. His savings early enabled him to buy the farm which he successfully conducted, in addition to his railroad duties, at Hinsdale, where his son, George C. Gill, was born. His wife, Mary (Dwyer) Gill, was born at Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland, in 1824, and died at Hins- dale, July 2, 1868. She and her intended husband came to America in the same ship, and were married in Staten Island, New York, in 1846
In the public and high schools of Hins- dale, his birthplace, George Carleton Gill re- ceived his early education, and during this time earned and saved money enough by do- ing odd jobs and as janitor of the high school and town hall for four years to pay his own expenses through Wilbraham, Academy and Carter's Commercial College at Pittsfield. While at Wilbraham, in the absence of the professor, he had charge of the bookkeeping and writing classes. After leaving school he was associated with the Hinsdale Woolen Mills, serving as office boy without pay for about eight months, and in that capacity acquired a great deal of very valuable business experience. In March, 1876, he went to Springfield, Hampden County, to keep books for his brother, James D. Gill, in Gill's Art Store. There he re- mained until 1879 at which time he went to the Chester Paper Company at Huntington, Massachusetts, with the understanding that he was to keep the books, and in time not required in the office he was to learn the practical side of paper-making. He com- menced in the rag room, and worked as a rag sorter until he knew the different grades and their value. He continued work on the rag washers and beating engine department until he could prepare the stock for the paper machine, after which he was a helper on the paper machine until he could run it. Then followed experience in the drying loft and finishing room, including calendars and ruling machine, all of which operations he learned thoroughly. In the meantime, he posted the books daily, prepared the state- ments, mailed them, and finished his trial balances on the last day of the month before leaving the office. On February 17, 1882, he came to Holyoke to be bookkeeper for the Chemical Paper Company. Though he was engaged as bookkeeper, he soon learned that the company had lost considerable money
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