USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 59
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position of field driver, which he held at the age of twenty-one years, he has advanced until he has become one of the community's leading farmers and has held nearly all the offices of the town. For three terms, total- ing three years of time, he has served as a selectman, and for two three-year terms, six years in all, he has been a member of the school committee of the town. For many years he has been tax collector of the com- munity, beginning this work in 1917. In 1920 he became a member of the Cemetery Commission of the community. No matter of public interest in Hampden has failed to interest him, and he has given most unself- ishly of his time and energies to local affairs.
On August 22, 1888, D. Lincoln McCray married Anna F. Leach, daughter of Wil- liam and A. Elizabeth (Atchinson) Leach, of Wilbraham. Her father was a prominent man there, having served as road commis- sioner, selectman and member of the board of assessors of the town. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Cray have become the parents of two chil- dren : I. William D., of Hampden. 2. Lena E., wife of Hawley S. Keeney, of East Long- meadow, who is associated with the United Ticket Company.
WILLIAM F. GRISWOLD -- Listed among the most highly esteemed and re- spected citizens of the community of Palmer is William F. Griswold, proprietor and owner of the Griswold Park Garage and large realty holder, who has come to occupy a prominent position in the social, civic and business life of this place. During his resi- dence here, which spans nearly fifteen years, he not only has achieved success in business but has also come to be recognized as one of the outstanding civic leaders and in this capacity has served in a number of impor- tant and responsible public offices as well
as being identified with many of the larger organizations of this vicinity. In his achieve- ments he is carrying on the traditions estab- lished by his forebears, which for genera- tions have been active and prominent in the life of their surroundings.
William F. Griswold was born in East Hartford, Connecticut, August 24, 1881, son of John E. and Dorothy R. (Pelton) Gris- wold, both members of old and distinguished New England families. His father, who was born in Ellington, Connecticut, has engaged in farming throughout his life and resides in Somers, Connecticut, his home for many years. His wife, Dorothy R. Pelton, is de- ceased. Mr. Griswold, the eldest of seven children, four of whom are living, removed to Somers, Connecticut, with his parents when he was six years of age. Here he ob- tained a general education in the public schools until he was fifteen years old. At this time he abandoned further scholastic studies to work on a farm, his vocation for the following five years. At the expiration of this period he went to Little Falls, New York, and worked in a shoe factory there for one year. He returned to Somers in 1902 and enjoyed his first mercantile train- ing, becoming associated with the general store of Willard P. Fuller as a clerk. He remained with this establishment for two years and then went to Hartford, Connecti- cut, where for several years he worked for the United States Rubber Company. Later he came to Springfield, Massachusetts, and entered the Fisk Tire and Rubber Company. Throughout his career he had been careful of his savings and by 1914 was in a position to start a business of his own. At this time he purchased a general store in Russell which he operated with great success until November 1, 1918, when he disposed of it. He then came to Brimfield and acquired the Brimfield Hotel which he operated until
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1921, when he sold it to enter his present business.
During the aforementioned year he pur- chased a plot of land from the John D. Breckenridge estate on Park Street in Palmer and erected his present business site. Through his unfailing courtesy, his industry and his fair dealing, Mr. Griswold has developed a large and prosperous busi- ness. The Griswold Park Garage today carries a complete line of automobile acces- sories, does expert repair work and also deals in used cars. Until 1935 a branch of the business was maintained at No. 384 Main Street, under the management of Harry J. Griswold. In addition to this busi- ness Mr. Griswold also owns extensive real estate in this section of the county and among his properties is the Apple Tree Inn, also the Post Road Garage, which he ac- quired in 1928 and is located in North Wil- braham.
A popular figure throughout these parts, Mr. Griswold is regarded as one of the fore- most civic leaders of Palmer. He has al- ways been ready to assist or cooperate in any civic or social movement designed to better the welfare of his surroundings. For the past six years he has served as a mem- ber of the town finance board and has also taken an active part in the affairs of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Palmer Rotary Club and fraternizes with the Palmer Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In March, 1902, at Little Falls, New York, Mr. Griswold married Anna Belle Wells of Herkimer, New York, and they are the par- ents of four children: I. Harry J., who is married to Violet Waterhouse and is the father of two children : Richard and Ronald. He is associated with his father in business and resides in Palmer. 2. Roselyn, wife of Alexander Rychling of Malden, and the
mother of three children: Neal, Geraldine, and Shirley. 3. Howard. 4. Anna Belle.
PAUL FROILAND-The largest inde- pendent machine shop in Springfield, The Froiland Manufacturing Company, owes its present importance and business standing to the leadership of Paul Froiland, its founder and head. His most unusual career is both interesting and inspiring. He was born June 3, 1878, at Avendal, Norway, only child of Aralt and Georgia Froiland. His father was a seafaring man, a steward on sailing ves- sels, and in 1881 the ship he was on sailed from Adelaide, Australia, and was never heard from again.
At the age of sixteen Paul Froiland started as an apprentice in the Akers Steam- ship and Engine Works in Oslo, Norway, and studied engineering in the evening school. After four years shop work he started his marine experience, as fireman, following the sea for three years and visiting practically every country west of Suez. In the fall of 1900 he left his last ship in Bos- ton. He rose to the rank of engineer at the age of twenty-three, before this phase of his life was brought to a close. He was desirous of entering the United States Navy, but an injury, in the line of duty, prevented.
After leaving the sea, Mr. Froiland settled in Boston, and utilized his training and ex- perience in various kinds of machine work. He started in the machine department of the well-known shop of Albert and G. M. Ander- son, in South Boston, and from 1900 to 1908 worked at the trade as machinist and tool- maker. In the meantime, finding it most important to increase his education in me- chanics he took up a course of Mechanical Engineering with the International Corre- spondence School. From there he went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for two years, as foreman of the tool room and later be-
Paul Freiland
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came general foreman with the Lycoming Foundry and Machine Company. Returning to Boston in 1910, he became the superin- tendent of the Boston Gear Works of Quincy, Massachusetts, gaining much ex- perience in making drives and transmissions for early racing cars and airplanes. While with the Boston Gear Works he was ap- pointed instructor at the Wentworth Insti- tute, teaching shop practice and mathe- inatics to evening classes of foremen and toolmakers. From 1912-22 he was superin- tendent, and from 1915 was works manager of the Duckworth Chain and Manufacturing Company, of Springfield, Massachusetts.
In 1922 Mr. Froiland started a business of his own in a small shop at the corner of Main and Bancroft streets, specializing in special machinery and screw machine prod- ucts. His business increased so largely that five years later he purchased an acre of land on Albany Street with three hundred feet of railroad siding, and erected a new and thoroughly modern plant, one not only of sufficient size to take care of the business he then had but also with enough floor space and equipment to be ready for any immedi- ate increase. In these recent years when business progress has been at a standstill and industrial concerns have been conserva- tive in their purchases of new equipment or in the repair of old, Paul Froiland's business has expanded, and, as has been indicated, is the largest independent machine shop in Springfield. Its products comprise special machinery and screw machine parts and the scope of their delivery approaches interna- tional proportions. Mr. Froiland is the sole owner of the business.
Fraternally, he is a member of Springfield Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Springfield Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; and has attained the thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite, and is a Noble of Melha Tem-
ple, Mystic Shrine. He is active in civic and community affairs, and is always ready to lend his assistance to any movement for the public good: As president of the Nor- ivegian-American Republican Club of Mas- sachusetts he was active in the campaign when Samuel W. McCall and Calvin Coolidge were the successful candidates for Governor and Lieutenant-Governor. The family are members of Faith Church.
Paul Froiland married, at Boston, on Feb- ruary I, 1902, Grethe O. Hall, a native of WVestfossen, Norway, and the daughter of Theodore and Mina Christina Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Froiland are the parents of two children : I. Ralph Edward, born May 12, 1903. He is a graduate of the Springfield schools and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, and is now assistant manager of his father's business. He mar- ried Josephine E. Holmes and they have a son, Ralph Edward, Jr., born May 27, 1935. 2. Ethel Adelaide, born January 7, 19II, who is a graduate of the MacDuffie School of Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Weylis- ter School of Milford, Connecticut. Mr. Froiland's residence is at No. 18 Leyfred Terrace.
JOHN A. MCKINSTRY-The history of the industries of Hampden County contain many interesting features which, while not of major importance, throw a great deal of light upon the enterprise, ingenuity, and the capacity to do things better than other com- munities. An example is the W. M. Young Regalia Company, since 1929, owned and operated by John A. Mckinstry. Many years ago this business was started by a man named Hosley, who thought there might be money in the making of uniforms and the distinctive symbols of fraternities, orders, clubs and societies. He deliberately limited the scope of his productions and
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built up a large trade. In 1904 one Colonel C. L. Young, came out of the West, al- though of New England parentage, and bought this prosperous Springfield concern. He had studied law and had been admitted to the bar, but the regalia business became his vocation, as it was to other members of his family. In 1929 J. W. Young died, and John A. Mckinstry purchased the establish- ment, but retained the old name, so well- known throughout the United States.
John A. Mckinstry was born February 23, 1896, at Longmeadow, son of Dr. John A. and Adella (Gage) Mckinstry, both na- tives of Massachusetts, his father being a practicing physician. After attending the public grammar and high schools, the son matriculated at a technical institution, and for a time after completing his education, was associated with the Monarch Life In- surance Company, of Springfield. He was just past his majority when the United States entered the World War, and Mr. Mc- Kinstry enlisted for army service and was a member of the 76th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in campaigns in France, and later with the Army of Occupa- tion, in Germany, after the signing of the Armistice. Upon his return home from overseas he took up his civilian activities by joining the staff of the J. W. Young Re- galia Company. As indicated, upon the death of J. W. Young, he purchased the company, and has since continued its opera- tions as its president and treasurer. Mr. Mckinstry is a member of the American Le- gion, and fraternally is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, and Melha Tem- ple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is that of the Congregational Church. He makes his home in one of the fine historic houses of Longmeadow.
In 1927 John A. Mckinstry married Laura S. Campbell, of New York.
GEORGE S. COOK-To those interested in the use of builder's materials in Hampden County, George S. Cook is well known as the president of one of the oldest and larg- est companies engaged in this business. As a past president of the New England Build- ers' Supplies Association, his name is more widely recognized for his important contri- butions to the trade, and his attendance upon the conventions of this organization all over the United States. In recent years he became a member of the code committee, and has devoted a great deal of his time and energy to the promotion of the best interests of the trade and the people they supply.
Mr. Cook was born March 22, 1880, at West Springfield, son of William F. and Florence G. (Steele) Cook, the former of whom was a native of Warwick, and who died in 1915. The mother was born in Springfield. William F. Cook was long en- gaged in the coal, ice and trucking business, and his son initiated his commercial career in association with the older man. Later, George S. Cook entered the employ of a concern carrying on wholesale dealings in grain. In 1911 he went in business for him- self, on Bridge Street, under the name of the W. F. Cook Supply Company, dealers in grain, mason's materials, and other materials used in the construction trade. In 1919 the company was incorporated as the Cook Builders' Supply Company of which he has since been the president. With the steady increased of business, the location of the company was changed to Cypress Street, where he has one of the largest supply houses in Hampden County. The bulk of the products sold are distributed within a radius of twenty-five miles. As has been indicated, the company is one of the oldest of its kind in Hampden County.
The demands of business have not pre- vented Mr. Cook from taking an important part in civic affairs. He has served several
Frank J. Hegy
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terms on the Common Council, of Spring- field, and was a member and president of the Board of Aldermen. From 1919 to 1928 he was a county commissioner, and during the last four years of this connection was chairman of the board. As a public official he has been identified with civic affairs and achievements in Hampden County. While he was in office he fostered the building of the fine Memorial Bridge; the plans for the Courthouse were inspired and came up for his approval, and his activities extended to numerous important commissions. Besides being a member and past president of the New England Builders' Supplies Associa- tion, he is a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Longmeadow Country Club, and by rea- son of his notable ancestry, is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Fra- ternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a mem- ber of the South Congregational Church of Springfield.
In 1905 George S. Cook married Mabel G. Eye, of Maine, and they are the parents of two sons: I. G. Rodney, born February 24, 1907. 2. Norman, born May II, 19II, a student at Colgate.
FRANK JOSEPH HEGY -- Just as in the famous Guilds old secrets and marvelous skill were passed down from father to son, so, in the plant of Hegy's Inc., has fine old tradition played its part. Frank Joseph Hegy succeeded his father in the cleansing and dyeing business more than four decades ago, and has added new lustre to a worthy family name. He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, November 9, 1875, the son of Theobald and Mary (Sender) Hegy. His father was a native of Alsace-Lorraine, France, born in 1848 and who died in Hol- yoke in 1891. He was educated in his native land but learned the dyeing and dry cleans- ing profession in France. After serving in
the Franco-Prussian War, he migrated to Holyoke, in 1878, and established a business on Main Street in the city, which went under the name of Holyoke Dye Works. Later the business was removed to Elmwood and then to Main Street, where the present plant was built in 1916; the present firm was incorporated three years later.
Frank Joseph Hegy was given the ad- vantages of an education before he became continuously associated with his father in the cleaning and dyeing industry. As he proved his ability he was advanced in em- ployment and positions, becoming a part- ner and, upon the death of his father in 1891 he carried on the business with his brother, the late Theobald A. J. Hegy, as a partnership. When, in 1919, the concern became Hegy's, Inc., Frank J. Hegy be- came treasurer and general manager, and later was president and treasurer, offices which he has continued to hold. In more recent years, his brother, John B. Hegy. has been chosen vice-president, and another brother, George S. Hegy, is clerk and assist- ant manager. The Hegy's plant is one of the finest and most modern of its kind in the United States, sanitary and fireproof, and scientifically equipped. Branches are maintained in Springfield, Holyoke, North- hampton, Greenfield, and Westfield, Massa- chusetts.
A trade magazine recently said of Frank J. Hegy that
His whole life has been devoted to his calling. A prominent figure at national conventions, Frank J. Hegy has been a director and vice-president of the National Association of Dyers and Cleaners and is a past president of the North Eastern Association. As president of Hegy's, Inc., he has won an enviable reputation as a sterling business man and citizen, of which Holyoke may well be proud.
He is a member of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and president of the Kiwanis Club. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Hol-
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yoke Lodge, No. 902, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Columbus. He plays golf as a member of the Holyoke Country Club. He is a com- municant of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
On June 29, 1910, Frank Joseph Hegy married Anna B. McCabe, born in Lee, Mas- sachusetts, daughter of Patrick and Ann (Tully) McCabe, of Holyoke, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Hegy is a graduate of the Holyoke High School and the Teachers Training College, and was an educator prior to her marriage. She is a member of Holy Cross Church, the Women's Club, associate member of the Holyoke Teachers Club, and the Professional Women's Club, all of Holyoke.
RALPH CLIFTON CHAPMAN-Among the prominent figures in the paper manu- facturing industry of Hampden County is Ralph Clifton Chapman, vice-president and sales representative of the Chatfield Paper Company, of New Haven, Connecticut. He has devoted his life to this business and dur- ing his career has risen from a modest posi- tion to become a leading executive in one of the larger New England paper concerns. Apart from his business activities he is prominent in the social and civic affairs of Holyoke and widely known in fraternal cir- cles.
Mr. Chapman was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, September 23, 1887, the son of Clifton M. and Lena A. (Yetter) Chap- man, the former a native of Bellows Falls, Vermont, the latter of Greenfield. His father, who was born on July 17, 1872, is now living in retirement in Holyoke, where for over forty years he served as foreman for the Worthington Pump and Machinery Corpo- ration. He was the son of Sumner and Ma- ria E. (Hurd) Chapman, both natives of New Hampshire. The former, who was
born in Windsor, passed away in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1915, and his wife died there in 1927. Mr. Chapman's mother Lena A. Yetter, a native of Greenfield, who died in Holyoke, June 3, 1907, was the daughter of John and Wilhemina Yetter. Her father, a machinist, came over to this country from his native Germany in the early 'fifties. Both he and his wife died in Greenfield.
Mr. Chapman received a general educa- tion in the public schools of Holyoke and after completing his studies here, embarked on a business career in the paper industry, which has been marked for its distinction and success. At this time he became asso- ciated with the Judd Paper Company of this city as an office clerk. He soon displayed a business ability and aptitude that were to win him recognition and pave the way to promotion. In due time he became a trav- eling representative for the firm, and on January 1, 1908, severed his connections with this concern to enter the employ of the Chatfield Paper Company of New Haven, Connecticut, in the same capacity. In 1921 he was elected a member of the board of directors of that corporation and the follow- ing year was elected vice-president, a post he has occupied since. This concern is en- gaged in the wholesale marketing of paper, twine and boxboard.
Mr. Chapman is a member and Past Coun- sellor of Springfield Council No. 12 of the United Commercial Travelers of America, and a member of Mount Tom Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, in Holyoke. In his religious convictions he worships at the First Congregational Church of this city. An enthusiastic sportsman, Mr. Chapman is a devotee of the game of golf.
On June 30, 1909, in the city of Holyoke, Mr. Chapman married Lucy F. Mooney, born in Athol, Massachusetts, April 12, 1881, the daughter of James R. and Frostina
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(Parker) Mooney. Her father, who was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, and died in Holyoke during 1913, was overseer for Wil- liam Skinner and Sons in this city. His wife, who was born in Lowell, also passed away in Holyoke in 1920. Mrs. Chapman, who was educated in the public schools of Hol- yoke, is now a member of the Holyoke Women's Club, the Glenwood Rebekah Lodge, and the First Congregational Church. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the parents of one daughter, Dr. Eunice Lillian, born in Holyoke, February 20, 19II, a graduate of the Holyoke High School and the Allen School of West Newton. After completing her general education she attended the Phil- adelphia College of Osteopathy and was awarded a degree of Doctor of Osteopathy in the class of 1933. She did graduate work at the Boston City Hospital for one year and then established herself at Waltham, where she is now practicing. She is a mem- ber of the American Osteopathic Associa- tion, the New England Osteopathic Society, the National Axis Club, and of the First Congregational Church, of Holyoke. Dr. Chapman now resides in Needham.
MORTON (McCULLOCH) SNOW was born in 1876 in Hatfield, Massachusetts, son of Isaac Burrows Snow and Jeannie (Knight) Snow. He descends from Nicholas Snow, who settled in Plymouth in 1623, and Constanta Hopkins, "Mayflower" passenger, and through collateral lines from Mayflower and Massachusetts Bay Colonists.
Infancy and childhood were spent in Kan- sas and Missouri, and he was educated in the public schools of St. Louis, at Washburn Preparatory School, Topeka, Kansas, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kansas, and the de- gree of Doctor of Medicine from the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, in 1900. After hos-
pital service in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, he practiced in Chicago, and was an instruc- tor in the Medical Department of North- western University. He was a member of the Ist Cavalry Illinois National Guard, and retired as major, surgeon, on leaving the State in 1908 on account of health. He spent a year in Mexico and later became medical referee of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, in Nashville, Tennes- see. He located in Springfield, Massachu- setts, 1912, in the service of that company, and was elected medical director in 1917, which position he has held since that time.
He is a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fra- ternity, thirty-second degree Mason, and of various clubs and societies, including the Colony, Longmeadow Country, University, and the Sons of the American Revolution. Dr. Snow is a vestryman of Christ Church, Springfield, and a member of the chapter, Christ Church Cathedral.
He married, in 1905, Elizabeth Isabel Stark, of Boston. They have two daughters, Katharine M. (Mrs. William S. Prescott), and Sybil K.
JOHN CLARENCE ALLEN, D. D. S .- For well over a quarter of a century Dr. John Clarence Allen has conducted one of the largest and most lucrative dental prac- tices in the city of Springfield. He estab- lished himself in this community shortly after the turn of the century and since that time has devoted his entire professional ca- reer to this section. His ability and accom- plishments have won him wide esteem among his colleagues and an enviable repu- tation with the public-at-large.
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