USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75
202
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
and yachting, two hobbies he indulges dur- by his grandfather, Joseph Curtis Lewis, ing his leisure. and his grandmother, Sarah S. Lewis, and came to Holyoke, where he has lived ever since. He was educated in the grammar and high schools of Holyoke, Phillips Acad- emy at Andover, and Harvard University. In the summer of 1895 he worked as an office boy in the City National Bank, Hol- yoke. From 1894 to 1898 he developed the largest paper route in Holyoke, comprising one hundred fifty "Holyoke Transcripts" and one hundred fifty "Holyoke Globe Democrats." In 1898 he was assistant Hol- yoke correspondent for "The Springfield Re- publican." During some of the summer va- cations from college, he was employed at a sawmill at Gill, Franklin County, across the river from Turner's Falls, Massachu- setts. In 1904 he became associated with The Ely Lumber Company. In 1913 he was made assistant treasurer and yard manager. Since 1918 he has been manager of the com- pany and is also treasurer. He is a director of The Hampden Lumber Company in Springfield, the Eastern Woodwork Bureau of the Northeastern States, and the Holyoke Cooperative Bank.
On October 23, 1912, Mr. Wakelin mar- ried Bertha Freidrich, daughter of Hugo E. and Bertha (Lenning) Friedrich. Her father, a native of Germany, resides in this city where he is president of the E. H. Friedrich Company at No. 73 Sargeant Street. This firm is devoted to the manufacture of metal products for building construction and is also in the general roofing and plumbing contracting business. He founded this enter- prise during the youthful part of his career and it is due to his careful management and direction that it has grown to its present proportions. His wife, born in Rockville, Connecticut, died in Holyoke, June 15, 1926. Mrs. Wakelin, who is a member of all the leading women's organizations in this city and a leader in the affairs of the First Con- gregational Church, was educated in the public schools here. Mr. and Mrs. Wakelin are the parents of three children: I. Fred William, born August 2, 1913, now a junior in the University of Pennsylvania where he is a member of the varsity crew. 2. Edmund F., born November 12, 1915, now a senior in Williston Academy. 3. Virginia, born March 22, 1917, now a junior at Colby Junior College in New London, New Hampshire.
JAY ROY LEWIS-Identified with the lumber business all his life, Jay Roy Lewis is a native of Machias, Maine, born March 15, 1881, son of John Fairfield and Elizabeth (Lewis) Lynch. His mother, born in Cherry- field, Maine, in 1848, died at his birth. John Fairfield Lynch was born in Addison, Maine, in 1845, and died in Portland, Maine, in May, 1923. He was an attorney-at-law, and one of the best known trial lawyers in the State of Maine.
After his mother's death, when he was two weeks old, Jay Roy Lewis was adopted
He was elected vice-president of the Hol- yoke Chamber of Commerce in 1919, and for six months was acting president in the absence of the president; he initiated the re- organization of the Chamber, with the result that a membership of less than one hundred was expanded to eleven hundred and fifty, and an annual income of two thousand dol- lars was increased to twenty-five thousand dollars. In February, 1932, he was one of the organizers of the Holyoke Tax Associa- tion and was on the executive committee of this organization, which had a very great deal to do with the cutting of excessive municipal costs during that and the follow- ing years. Since 1908 Mr. Lewis has been a contributor of articles on government and
203
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
other subjects to the New York City news- papers, the Holyoke newspapers, "The Springfield Republican," "The Springfield Union," the old "Harper's Weekly," and trade magazines. During the World War he was active in Liberty Loan and other drives. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Holyoke, and served as its president in 1921. He is a member of the Holyoke Canoe Club, the Holyoke City Club, and for many years a member of the Mt. Tom Golf Club. He is a Unitarian.
At Montpelier, Vermont, in June, 1914, Jay Roy Lewis married Della Dwight Boardman, adopted daughter of Dr. H. S. Boardman and May (Griswold) Boardman, and daughter of Dr. Henry Otis Dwight and Della (Griswold) Dwight of Constantinople, Turkey. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have two chil- dren : I. George Sherman Lewis, born May 3, 1916, who was graduated from the High- land Junior High School in Holyoke and the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, and has entered Harvard University in the class of 1938. 2. Adelaide Griswold Lewis, born November 1, 1919, who is a student in the Arnold School. Mrs. Lewis is a gradu- ate of Vassar College, and a member of the Second Congregational Church, the Qui Vive Club, was for several years president of the Home for Aged People and is inter- ested actively in other humanitarian organı- zations.
FLOYD CHARLES ALGER-In a man- ner once characteristic of New England, three generations of the Alger family have followed in Holyoke the same line of en- deavor. The first of these three, Charles R. Alger, was a native of Fly Creek, New York, born April 29, 1852, and died in Holyoke, September 26, 1927. He was the son of Silas W. and Katherine (Oakley) Alger, of whom the latter, born in 1814, died at Fly
Creek, December 17, 1892. Silas W. Alger was born at Watervliet, New York, May 9, 1814, and died at Fly Creek, May 12, 1886. He was apparently descended from the Al- gers who were among the earliest settlers of the Massachusetts Colony.
Charles R. Alger began his business ca- reer as an assistant postmaster, but in 1880 he established an undertaking business at Fly Creek. Three years later he removed to Cooperstown, New York, continued along the same line of business until 1899, then, for five years, was a traveling salesman. In 1896 he purchased the undertaking business of R. A. Dickenson, located on High Street, Holyoke. For the remainder of his life he managed that business and was closely identified with the affairs of the community. He was a member and steward of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and served on its board of trustees, and figured largely in the fraternal circles of Holyoke. He married Alice M. Colburn, daughter of Everett L. and Caroline (Simonds) Colburn.
Floyd Charles Alger, son of Charles R. and Alice M. (Colburn) Alger, was educated in Fly Creek, New York, Willimantic, Con- necticut, and the high school of Holyoke, Massachusetts. He then became associated with his father in the undertaking business, although later he studied embalming and passed the State examination in 1906, and was one of the earliest to be licensed in his business in Massachusetts. As indicated, the father died in 1927, and since that time Floyd C. Alger has been the head of the establishment. A number of years ago the residence of the late James J. Russell, at No. 167 Chestnut Street, was purchased; in the summer of 1931 this building was com pletely remodeled and made into a complete and beautiful funeral home. A year or so later, Ernest Charles Alger, son of Floyd Charles Alger, was admitted into the busi-
204
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
ness. Mr. Alger is a member of the Massa- chusetts Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Fraternally he is affiliated with Mt. Tom Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and with Holyoke Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Golf is his chief outdoor recreation and he is a member of the Holyoke Canoe Club.
On July 5, 1905, Floyd Charles Alger married Annie May Webb, daughter of James and Eliza (Doney) Webb, both na- tives of Holyoke and both deceased. Mrs. Alger is a member of the Robert Morris Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, the Glenwood Lodge of Rebekahs, and the First Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Alger are the parents of a daughter and a son : I. Alberta Alice, who was born April 29, 1906, is a graduate of Simmons College, 1927, Bachelor of Arts, and prior to her marriage was associated with the Provident Institution for Savings. She is the wife of Alan H. Prentiss, a native of Holyoke, now associated with Ross Federal Research of New York and Boston, and they reside at Auburndale, Massachusetts. 2. Ernest Charles Alger, who was born June 27, 1911, was graduated from Holyoke High School, 1928, from Worcester Academy in 1929, and attended Syracuse University for three years. He was graduated from the New England Institute of Embalming in 1933 and is associated with his father in business.
THOMAS CHARLES MAHER-En- gaged in the practice of law in Holyoke, Thomas Charles Maher has merited by his accomplishments the position of high stand- ing that is his in his community and in Hampden County.
He was born in Haydenville, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, on December 22, 1872, son of Thomas F. and Margaret (Hen-
nessey) Maher. His father and mother were both natives of Clommel, Ireland, and died in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Thomas F. Maher was inspector for a brass manufac- turing firm in Haydenville, Massachusetts, but after his retirement from business he came to Holyoke to live. He was a Demo- crat in his political views and took a lively interest in the affairs of this Commonwealth. He was a member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church.
Thomas Charles Maher received his early education in the public schools of Hayden- ville, his native place, later attending high school in Northampton. In 1896 he was graduated from Boston University Law School with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, magna cum laude, and in the same year was admitted to the bar of Massachusetts. At first he took up his work in Northampton, this State, there practicing law independ- ently for eight years. He next came to Hol- yoke, associating himself with the law firm of Brooke and Hamilton, with whom he con- tinued for fifteen years. He has been en- gaged almost wholly in a general practice of his profession, and has come to be recog- nized as one of the leaders of the bar in his district of New England. As a member of the executive committee of the Hampden County Bar Association and president of the Holyoke Bar Association, he takes a con- structive part in the whole of the profes- sional field.
His legal work took him gradually into a place of leadership in the business world. Becoming counsel to the American Tissue Mills and to B. F. Perkins and Sons, Inc., he was afterward elected a director in each of these companies, and so serves them to- day. Politically he has held to the tenets of Democracy. For two terms he served Holyoke as city solicitor, to which office he was elected on the Democratic ticket. Dur-
205
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
ing the World War he was active as a mem- ber of the legal advisory board and in pro- motion of the Liberty Loan drives. Also in- terested deeply in fraternalism, Mr. Maher holds memberships in the Knights of Co- lumbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Thomas Charles Maher married, in North- ampton, Massachusetts, in 1909, Mary E. Meehan, daughter of Patrick and Joan (Hal- pin) Meehan, both of whom are now de- ceased. Mrs. Maher is a graduate of North- ampton High School and a member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, of Holyoke. Mr. and Mrs. Maher became the parents of one son, Thomas F. Maher, who was born May 26, 1915. He is a graduate of Holyoke High School and Williston Academy, and is now a student at Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts.
HUGH McLEAN --- As president of Mc- Lean Brothers, Inc., Hugh McLean heads one of the old established furniture houses of Holyoke. He has been active in the city's business life for many years and has as- sumed many responsibilities in public af- fairs.
Mr. McLean was born in Scotland on April 27, 1867, a son of Hugh and Elizabeth (McLaughlin) McLean and one of ten chil- dren in this family, of whom the others are Daniel, Thomas, Mrs. Agnes Clark, Mrs. Elizabeth Garrity and Mrs. Mary Osborne, all of Holyoke; Patrick, William, and Mar- garet, deceased; and one child who died in infancy. His father was born in Ireland, but was educated in Scotland and learned the trade of paper-making there. As a young man he came to America in 1854, and worked for a time at Bloomsburg, Pennsyl- vania, later returning to Scotland, where he married. In 1881, with his son Hugh and
daughter Elizabeth, he again came to Amer- ica and settled in Holyoke, where his wife and the other children of the family later joined him. He entered the employ of the Chemical Paper Company of Holyoke and eventually became superintendent of the rag room, continuing this connection until his death. He was a member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church of Holyoke and in politics was a Republican. His wife, Eliza- beth (McLaughlin) McLean, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, died at Holyoke in 1929.
Hugh McLean, the son, received his edu- cation in the public schools of Scotland. He was fourteen years old when he came to Holyoke with his father and sister, and on the day following his arrival obtained a place with the Chemical Paper Company, tending screens in the plant for four years. At the end of that time he became a paper- maker and machine-tender, working in va- rious mills at Unionville, Connecticut, and Malone, New York. While he was employed at Malone, he had the misfortune to crush his right hand in the mill, and this accident disqualified him from following his trade. He returned to Holyoke and about a year later, with his hand still in a sling began selling window screens. While he was suc- cessful enough in this venture to earn a sat- isfactory living, he desired a more perma- nent occupation and eventually entered the furniture business at Holyoke, with quar- ters at 22 Sargeant Street. After eighteen months, he moved to 413 Main Street, where he was located for a period of ten years. At the end of this time he purchased the property at 384 High Street, which he still owns. It comprises a six-story build- ing, with a frontage of 55 feet on High Street and a plot 100 feet deep, which has been the headquarters of the business during its recent history. In 1919, when the com-
206
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
pany was incorporated, Mr. McLean became president, treasurer and general manager, continuing in active control of the business until the present time. It has developed gradually through the years and is today an important feature of the Holyoke business community.
In spite of the pressure of his business interests, Mr. McLean has always recog- nized the obligations of good citizenship and has found time to participate actively in public movements and community causes. He has served for thirty years as a member of the Holyoke Board of Water Commis- sioners, of which he is now chairman, and has made the development of the Holyoke water-works and reservoir his principal hobby. He was also a member for four years, and for one year was chairman, of the Board of Aldermen of Holyoke. In politics he is a Democrat and has exercised an important influence in local councils of his party. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention of 1932, which nominated Franklin D. Roosevelt for President, and was also nominated by his party for Con- gress in this district, making the campaign against the Republican Treadway, who was elected. In addition to these connections, Mr. McLean served for three years as presi- dent of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and has taken a prominent part in its work. He is a member of Blessed Sacrament Ro- man Catholic Church of Holyoke, the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Aside from his services in behalf of the Holyoke water system, out- door life and gardening are his chief diver- sions.
Mr. McLean married (first) Ella K. De- neen, who was born in Constable, New York, and died at Holyoke on April 3, 1911, a daughter of Matthew and Eliza (O'Keefe) Deneen of Constable. He married (second),
in July, 1912, Nellie T. Gorman, daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Gorman and a native of Holyoke. She is a graduate of Holyoke High School and Holyoke business College, a member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church of Holyoke and has been very active in Isabella Court, Massa- chusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, or which she is treasurer.
Mr. McLean is the father of two sons and two daughters by his first marriage and of one son by his second marriage: 1. Hugh Deneen, now secretary of McLean Broth- ers, Inc., who married Florence Cameron of Glasgow, Scotland. 2. Marion E., wife of Walker Beebe Holmes, who is associated with the Chemical Paper Company of Hol- yoke. 3. Elsie Ann, widow of the late Fred Broulette of Holyoke. 4. Matthew F., vice- president of McLean Brothers, Inc. He married Rita C. O'Connor of Holyoke. 5. John Gorman, a student in Holyoke High School.
CHARLES DAVID COE-Engaged in business as a manufacturer of pads, tablets, school papers, blank books and many kinds of stationery, Charles David Coe has sub- stantially contributed to the economic life of Holyoke and Hampden County. He is president of the Reynolds Manufacturing Company, of this place, noted manufacturers and jobbers of stationery.
Mr. Coe was born- in Westfield, July 24, 1884, son of Emerson C. and Mary (Noble) Coe. His paternal grandparents were Adi- son and Jane Coe, both natives of Westfield, and both of whom died at that place. Adi- son Coe was a veteran of the Union Army, in which he served in the Civil War, and was for many years a tobacco grower at South- wick. Emerson C. Coe, father of Charles David Coe, was born in Hartford, Connecti- cut, in 1856, and died in Holyoke, Massa- chusetts, August 9, 1913. He had a coal and
Chas DEse
207
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
wood yard in Providence, Rhode Island, and at a later period owned and operated a chall of retail grocery stores in that same city. Afterward he removed to Westfield, Massa- chusetts, where he lived retired and took special enjoyment from following the horse races. He owned many thoroughbred horses at different periods of his life. A Republi- can in his political views, he none the less avoided public office. He was also active in the work of the Congregational Church. His wife, a native of Westfield, died there in 1921.
Their son, Charles David Coe, received his early education in the public schools of Westfield, and Providence, Rhode Island, and was graduated from the Thayer Street High School, Providence, in 1900. Imme- diately thereafter he became associated with his father in conducting chain stores in Providence, and there remained until the elder man retired from business and re- moved to Westfield. Mr. Coe then came to Holyoke, here associating himself with the Kelton Market. For six years he was in charge of the store. Then he was with the Affleck Ruling and Stationery Company, of Holyoke, in the capacity of traveling sales- man. For four years he continued his la- bors with that organization, and for ten years he served the Highland Manufactur- ing Company in a similar capacity. It was while he was with the Highland company that Mr. Coe met W. G. Reynolds, with whom he was destined to be much associ- ated in the years to come. Mr. Reynolds had charge of the office and Mr. Coe had charge of sales.
After Mr. Coe had been with that organi- zation for eight years, Mr. Reynolds with- drew from it and formed his present com- pany, the Reynolds Manufacturing Com- pany, makers of all kinds of stationery and large-scale jobbers. Mr. Coe then joined Mr. Reynolds a year later in this new enter-
prise, becoming its vice-president and sales manager. He is now president and sales manager of the Reynolds Manufacturing Company, and at the same time continues as a stockholder in the Highland Manufactur- ing Company.
He is a member of the Connecticut Valley Stationers' Association, the United Com- mercial Travelers' Association and other groups that are leaders in his particular realm of work. He is also a member of the Holyoke Lodge of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks and of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, of this city. Politically he supports the Re- publican party. Enjoying travel of all kinds, Mr. Coe finds especial pleasure in studying conditions among natives in the tropical countries, a subject upon which he is very well informed.
On July 4, 1904, Charles David Coe mar- ried Edith Seney, of Holyoke, daughter of Joseph and Delia (Gamache) Seney, of this city. Mr. Seney, who was associated for more than a half century with B. F. Perkins, in Holyoke, died in this city on December 14, 1934. Mr. and Mrs. Coe became the par- ents of one daughter, Mrs. G. T. Johnson, of Holyoke, whose husband is associated with the Westinghouse organization in Springfield. Mrs. Johnson was graduated from Holyoke High School, and for two years was a student at Massachusetts State College, at Amherst. The Johnsons have three children: Edith Mary, Theodore Charles, and Dorothy Ann Johnson.
JAMES T. BROWN-One of Spring- field's leading hotel men, James T. Brown has performed an important work in his community as manager of the Hotel Worthy.
He was born February 24 1885, in Lu- zerne, New York. His father was engaged in the mill business at Norwich, Connect-
208
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
icut, and also conducted a tannery. It was in Norwich that he received most of his formal schooling, and, completing his studies, he became an employee in a hotel in Day- tona, Florida, establishing himself in the work that he has continued since that time. Forging ahead with each passing year, he tried a number of hotel experiments and ventures of his own, most of them thor- oughly successful, and then accepted the managership of the Hotel Worthy, in Spring- field, in 1922.
Since that time he has remained in this same position, though he has added to his responsibilities by becoming manager and director of the Worthy Inn, at Manchester, Vermont, in 1919, and by becoming, in Oc- tober, 1924, the lessee of the Hotel Draper, at Northampton, Massachusetts. Carrying on his work in connection with these differ- ent hostelries, Mr. Brown has earned the very high regard of his fellow-citizens in all walks and departments of life.
At the same time he has figured prom- inently in civic and social affairs. He is a member of a number of leading organiza- tions in Springfield and its environs. In the Free and Accepted Masons he is affiliated with all of the different branches, including Melha Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and Bela Grotto, Springfield, and has attained the thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He also is active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On January 3, 1908, at Providence, Rhode Island, James T. Brown married Julia F. Lyon, stepdaughter of John Lyon and daughter of Mary Lyon. Mr. and Mrs. Brown became the parents of the following children : 1. Muriel E., born December 7, 1910. 2. William E., born November 7, 1913. 3. James T., Jr., born June 11, 1919. 4. Robert M., born November 4, 1921. The
Browns live at the Hotel Worthy, Main and Worthington streets, Springfield, of which Mr. Brown has been manager since 1922.
The Hotel Worthy in Springfield takes its name from its builder and former own- ers, Justin Worthy and his son, Frank L. Worthy.
Justin Worthy was successfully engaged in the grist milling business in Springfield and operated what was known as the Worthy Mill, which was erected for the Springfield Printing Company in 1872. It was a five- story brick block measuring 50 by 142 feet, on the southeast corner of Main and Worth- ington streets and was occupied by this firm until 1889, when it was transformed into the Glendower Hotel. This hotel was destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving evening in 1893. The following year work was be- gun on a fine six-story fire-proof structure of buff brick with terra cotta trimmings and was partly occupied by the City National Bank, the main body of the building being used as a hotel, known as the Hotel Worthy, with café, offices and parlors. In 1904, un-
der the direction of Frank L. Worthy, an addition was made to it increasing its rooms to more than two hundred and fifty, and at the time was considered the finest hotel in western Massachusetts. In 1913 the twenty-year lease of the bank expired and a part of the space they had occupied was taken by stores. The Hotel Worthy has always continued in popular favor, and since 1922 has been under the management of James T. Brown.
Frank L. Worthy succeeded to the great responsibilities of his father, and added many interests to those inherited which in- cluded manufacturing enterprises. He owned much real estate, becoming the largest tax- payer in West Springfield.
209
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RECORDS
HARRY EDWIN HANKS-During the past two decades, Harry Edwin Hanks has served as treasurer of the Holyoke Belting Company. He came to this organization after long business experience in various situations and has been for many years a well-known figure both in the life of Hol- yoke and at South Hadley Falls, where he makes his home.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.