USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 61
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Louis Ferris, his brother, was born in Syria, on August 25, 1888, and migrated to Springfield in the first year of the present century. He entered the city schools and was educated in both the grade and high schools. In 1909, when he had reached his majority and his brother Michael was thirty- seven years old, the two joined forces and means in the starting of a small dry goods store on West and Exchange streets, Chico- pee. This was the beginning of their pres- ent establishment, the building in which it is housed on School and Centre streets be- ing erected in 1925.
Smocher
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Louis Ferris married at Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1909, Dora Mansour Dahrooge, a daughter of Mansour and Misady Dah- rooge, of Syria, and they have four chil- dren : Rosa, Dorice, Mary and Louise. Louis Ferris was a thirty-second degree Mason, and was affiliated with the Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Commandery, Knights Tem- plar; the Scottish Rite bodies, and Melha Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
ALFRED D. DUROCHER-For almost half a century, Alfred D. Durocher was a Holyoke merchant, founding and building to its present proportions the meat and provi- sions business now carried on by his sons. During this long period he enjoyed the un- failing confidence and respect of the people of the city and won for himself an estab- lished place in the community life. His interests expanded largely in latter years and both in business and civic affairs he became an outstanding figure.
Mr. Durocher was born in 1865, at Farn- ham, Province of Quebec, Canada, son of Pierre Durocher. He came to Holyoke, how- ever, when he was only thirteen years old and continued as a resident of this city for the remainder of his life. Educated in the public schools, he also attended college for a time but began his active career before he completed the course. Mr. Durocher ob- tained his first employment at Holyoke in a local paper mill, where he worked for a short period to accumulate sufficient funds to launch himself in business. In 1882 he opened his original meat and provisions store in Holyoke and quickly developed a flourishing trade. In 1905 he opened a sec- ond store on Sargeant Street, building a twenty-six tenement block at this location, which he owned and managed in addition to
his meat business. The soundness of judg- ment and principles of fair dealing with which he began his career served him well through the years and his store became one of the established mercantile institutions of the city. It has now been in operation for fifty-three consecutive years.
In later life, Mr. Durocher also became active in the real estate field, buying and selling several large buildings and tracts of land in Holyoke, which brought him a sub- stantial profit. He served as a director of the People's Savings Bank, the Mechanics Savings Bank and the Holyoke Credit Union, of which he was a founder, bringing to the management of these institutions the qual- ities of judgment which always distinguished him and winning the profound respect of all his associates. While he had no political ambitions, he was always a leading figure in civic affairs and for a number of years was a member of the Holyoke Board of Park Commissioners. He was prompt in his sup- port of worthy community causes and often his influence was an important factor in their success.
Mr. Durocher was a member of the St. Jean de Baptist Society and other French organizations and held a prominent place among his compatriots in the city and county. He was also a member of the Rochambeau and Artisans clubs of Holyoke and in religious faith was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Durocher married Georgine M. Dame, daughter of Antoine and Julienne (Pepin) Dame. They became the parents of the fol- lowing children : I. Alfred D., who served in the American forces during the World War. He married Clara Beaudette. 2. Ernest G., who married Merle Mulholland. 3. Aurore F. 4. Emil P., who also served during the World War and married Flora Driekorn. 5. Armand J. 6. Alice M. In addition to these
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children there are now (1935) six grand- children.
Mr. Durocher died at Holyoke on Octo- ber 26, 1929, at the age of sixty-five. His passing brought sorrow to many circles of the city which had come to know him so well through the years and to admire him both for his accomplishments and character. The highest value was placed upon his citi- zenship, and although he was a man of quiet tastes, devoting much of his leisure to his family, the circle of his friends and acquaint- ances was wide.
WILLIAM A. FLETCHER, JR .- One of the most widely known and highly esteemed figures of the insurance field of the city of Springfield is William A. Fletcher, general agent for the National Insurance Company, which does business in four coun- ties of western Massachusetts.
William A. Fletcher, Jr., was born in the city of Springfield, August 2, 1895, son of William A. and Ella A. (Stuart) Fletcher, the former a native of the State of Vermont, the latter of Clinton, Massachusetts. His father, who now resides in Enfield, Hamp- shire County, has been a prominent figure in the lumber industry of this section for many years. Mr. Fletcher received a gen- eral education in the public schools of his native community and after completing his studies attended college for two years. He then returned to Springfield and became as- sociated with his father in the retail lumber business, continuing in this capacity until the outbreak of the World War, at which time he resigned and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was assigned to transport duty and from which he was dis- charged with the rank of ensign. Today he is an officer in the Naval Reserve.
Resuming civilian life Mr. Fletcher be- came associated with the Garretson and
Ellis Wholesale Lumber Company, for which he was later to serve as junior part- ner. He continued with this organization until 1932, at which time he resigned to enter the insurance business. He succeeded R. H. Cutler as general agent for the Na- tional Insurance Company, one of the larg- est establishments of its type in this section. Mr. Cutler established the first agency for the company in this community and much credit for the efficiency and success of this organization today must be given to his dili- gent efforts, which are now being so ably carried on by Mr. Fletcher.
Mr. Fletcher married Beatrice Walker, a native of Vermont, and they are the par- ents of one daughter, Beatrice M., born No- vember 4, 1920.
PAUL GEORGE MARTEL-As clerk, taking a prominent part in the affairs of the Democratic organization in Hampden County, and serving it in various capacities, Mr. Martel has represented the Eleventh Hampden District in the State Legislature. He has also served as clerk of the board of Registration for four years. He is widely known for his activities and contributions to the advancement and welfare of his sur- roundings, and is highly esteemed and re- spected by a host of friends and associates.
Paul George Martel was born in the city of Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada, the son of Eugene L. and Emil (Crevier) Martel, both natives of his birthplace. The Martel family boasts a sturdy Norman an- cestry, and traces its lineage in the New World to some of the earliest settlers of the Province of Quebec. During his infancy Mr. Martel was brought to Holyoke, Massa- chusetts, by his father and mother, who are also the parents of four other children: I. Bertha, wife of William Poirer, of West- field. 2. Eugene G., who married Edyth
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Goodnow, of Vermont. 3. Eugenie, the wife of George Sharon, of Waterbury, Connecti- cut. 4. Margaret, wife of Patrick Shea, of Holyoke.
After removing from Holyoke to Chico- pee, his father, who is a merchant, estab- lished a dry goods business in this city, which he conducts today. Mr. Martel was afforded a general education in the public schools of Chicopee. On June 16, 1916, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in Holyoke D Company of the 2d Massachusetts In- fantry which took part in the American Punitive Expedition on the Mexican Bor- der. With this body he was dispatched to Columbus, New Mexico, and remained there until October, 1916, when he was mustered out as a private. He returned home and shortly afterward, on April 17, 1917, at the call for volunteers, he reentered the army and became a member of the 104th United States Infantry, formerly the 2d Massachu- setts Infantry. Until the middle of the month of August, 1917, he was stationed at the United States Arsenal at Springfield. From here he went to Camp Bartlett, at Westfield, and on September 17, 1917, was sent overseas, and served in the five major engagements the United States Army par- ticipated in. He saw action at Chemin de Dames, the Apremont sector, Chateau- Thierry, St. Mihiel and in the Argonne For- est. During the battle of Cheateau-Thierry he was wounded. After the Armistice he served for three months with the Army of Occupation at Treves, known as Trier in German, and located in Prussia. In May, 1919, he returned to the United States and was honorably discharged from the service at Camp Devens.
He became deeply interested in the social and civic life of his surroundings and through his efforts and accomplishments has been chosen by his fellows to occupy im-
portant and responsible offices of public trust. In 1929, as above stated, he was elected a member of the State Legislature from the Eleventh Hampden District, and served in this capacity for two terms. In April, 1934, Mr. Martel was elected to the State Democratic Committee from the Sec- ond Hampden District, serving in this ca- pacity for two years. He also was clerk of the board of registration in Chicopee for four years, an office he has conducted with outstanding success; and on September 16, 1935, he was appointed health officer for Chicopee.
Socially, Mr. Martel is a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Yankee Division Club, of Hol- yoke, and the Willimansett Club. He fra- ternizes with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in the city of Holyoke; and in his religious convictions adheres to the Roman Catholic religion, being a member of the Nativity Parish of Willimansett Ro- man Catholic Church.
Mr. Martel married Anne T. Collins, of Holyoke, the daughter of Patrick J. Collins.
WILLIAM STANLEY LOWE is rapidly assuming a prominent place in the civic af- fairs of the city of Springfield. As a member of the Young Men's Republican Club in this community he has contributed substantially to the growth and development of that or- ganization and through his efforts has been chosen by his colleagues to occupy impor- tant and responsible public office. Today he is a candidate for the City Council and seems destined to enjoy a distinguished political career.
William Stanley Lowe was born in the city of Springfield, June 1, 1896, of Scotch parentage, his father and mother both hav- ing come from that country. The elder Lowe, who died in 1907, was engaged in the
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mason contracting business. Mr. Lowe re- ceived a general education in the public schools of his native community and after being graduated from the Ludlow Textile School, entered that industry and worked at it for a period. He then became associated with the Indian Motorcycle Company and remained with that organization until 1923 when he joined the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company as an installer. Five years later he was promoted to the maintenance department of the central office in Springfield and has continued in this capacity since.
In 1913 Mr. Lowe enlisted in the Massa- chusetts National Guard, becoming a mem- ber of the 2d Regiment, and saw service dur- ing the Mexican border trouble. He re- turned to this city and in 1917 when the United States entered the World War was called for service. He was stationed at New London, Connecticut, and served as master- of-arms at that post. A brief time after he enlisted he was honorably discharged and returned to Springfield. As a worker for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company Mr. Lowe is a member of. the International Brotherhood of Telephone Workers. Since the formation of the Young Men's Republican Party in this city he has evinced a great interest in the affairs of that organization and politics. In 1935 he was a candidate from the Fifth Ward to the City Council. Though he has been interested in this phase of public life for several years this is the first time that he has sought pub- lic office.
On December 31, 1926, Mr. Lowe married Irene Lenore Stokes, a native of Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of one daughter, Janet, born July 9, 1928. The family reside at No. 205 Oak Grove Avenue, Springfield.
TROY THOMAS MURRAY-Never in the history of the Nation has youth been more interested in politics and government than today. The unprecedented conditions that have presented themselves for solution during the past decade have awakened a healthy consciousness on the part of the younger men and women of the country which is daily producing new leaders-lead- ers acutely aware of their place in society and who, through intelligent and thoughtful reasoning, are contributing their share to- ward the welfare and happiness of their sur- roundings. Classified in this category is Troy Thomas Murray, prominent young Springfield attorney, who already has en- joyed an experience in the field of practical politics, which, coupled with his understand- ing and sympathy for present-day problems, has established him as one of the foremost figures in the ranks of the Young Men's Republican Club of this city. In a profes- sional capacity he is widely recognized as one of the most promising and able young lawyers of this vicinity.
Troy Thomas Murray was born in Spring- field, March 10, 1908, son of William J. and Josephine T. (McGrevy) Murray, both na- tives of this community. Mr. Murray's father conducted several grocery stores and meat markets in the city of Springfield for many years. On his maternal side Mr. Mur- ray is descended from James McGrevy, who came to this city from the Dominion of Canada and served with the Union Forces during the Civil War.
Mr. Murray received a general education in the public schools of his native commu- nity and after being graduated from the Springfield Classical High School with the class of 1925, matriculated at Northeastern University, where he pursued the study of law and completed his course with honors,
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being awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree by this institution in 1932. The year he completed his studies he was admitted to the Massachusetts State bar and has since prac- ticed in this community, being associated with tl.e law firm of Judge James E. Davis at No. 115 State Street, Springfield. His brief career to date has been marked for its distinction and success. Professionally he is a member of the Hampden County Bar Association and of the Federal Bar.
His activity in politics dates back to the day he cast his first vote. Since that time he has taken an increasing interest in this phase of public affairs. The spirited and well defined action he took from the outset of his political career enlisted the recogni- tion and support of some of the most promi- nent figures in the county. In the fall of 1934 Mr. Murray was a candidate for the Republican nomination for registrar of deeds.
As one of the most prominent young Re- publicans he has served the city committee of this organization for five years and been an active leader in the affairs of the Young Men's Republican Club, which he now serves as auditor. His work has been char- acterized for its thoroughness and enthusi- asm, both valuable attributes.
In a social and civic capacity Mr. Murray is a member and secretary of the Lincoln Civic Club, serves in the same capacity for the Charter Club and is former secretary- treasurer of the Federation of the Western Massachusetts Taxpayers Association. He is a member of the Order of Foresters, in which he is Chief Ranger. Mr. Murray makes his home with his mother at No. 72 Bay Street, Springfield.
THE MASSACHUSETTS WHOLE- SALE DRUG COMPANY, founded in Springfield in 1923, represents the initiative
and enterprise of Benjamin I. and Maurice L. Goldstein, brothers, who came to this city during that year and have since developed the aforementioned organization into one of the largest of its type in this section of the State.
Benjamin I. Goldstein, president of the Massachusetts Wholesale Drug Company, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1893, where his parents, who were natives of Russia, had settled shortly after their arrival in this country. After a general education in the public schools of Hartford, Benjamin engaged in the retail shoe business, retiring from this work in 1923 to come to Spring- field with his brother Maurice and aid in founding the firm which he directs today. He is a member of the Young Men's Hebrew Association, the B'nai B'rith and worships at the Kodema Synagogue. In 1921 he mar- ried Lillian Felser of Baltimore, Maryland, and they are the parents of two children : Natalie and Brina Marsha. The family re- sides on Trafton Road in Springfield.
Maurice L. Goldstein, who is treasurer of the Massachusetts Wholesale Drug Com- pany at No. 40, Taylor Street in Springfield, also was born in Hartford, and after receiv- ing a general education in the public schools of his native community entered the whole- sale drug business in that city, working there for twelve years. During that period he acquired a well-rounded and practical ex- perience in that business that equipped him admirably for the position he occupies to- day. As a resident of this community for the past twelve years Maurice L. Goldstein has taken a keen and active part in civic af- fairs, being prominently identified with many of the leading organizations of this section. He is a member of the Oxford Country Club, the Probus Club and frater- nizes with the Samuel D. Sherwood Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons ; the B'nai
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B'rith and the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He belongs to the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Young Men's Hebrew Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. In his religious convictions he worships at the Beth El Temple. On May 10, 1917, Maurice L. Goldstein married Clara C. Silverman of Hartford, Connecticut, and they are the par- ents of three children : Selden E., Herbert H., and Mildred H. The family resides on Elwood Drive in Springfield.
WILFRED A. BARSALOU-Among the prominent produce merchants of the city of Holyoke is Wilfred A. Barsalou, presi- dent and treasurer of the Barsalou Market, Incorporated, one of the largest and finest establishments of its type in this part of Hampden County. He has been a resident of this city for over a quarter of a century and during this period has come to occupy an important place in the civic and social affairs of this community as well as business circles, where he is not only known as an outstanding and successful merchant, but also as a financier and realtor.
Mr. Barsalou was born in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, April 23, 1886, the son of Alexander and Leontine (Ostiguy) Barsa- lou. His father, who was born in St. Cesaire, Province of Quebec, Canada, on March 21, 1860, and died there on October 10, 1914, engaged in farming. During his youth the elder Barsalou conducted a retail grocery store in Stafford Springs, operating this establishment for ten years. He then re- turned to the Dominion where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, was prominent in civic matters having been a member of the Conservative party and served as a select- man. In religion he worshipped at the Ro- man Catholic Church. He was the son of Emery and Theresa (Collins) Barsalou,
both natives of Canada, where his father farmed. His wife, Leontine (Ostiguy) Bar- salou, was born in Ste. Angele, Canada, Jan- uary 10, 1860, and is now residing in St. Cesaire. She was the daughter of Louis and Louise (Leveau) Ostiguy, the former a na- tive of Marieville, the latter of Richlieu, both in Canada. Louis Ostiguy, her father, was among the first settlers of Ste. Angele and is buried there under a church, which bears an inscription to his memory. By vocation he was a farmer. Mr. Ostiguy was very active in the civic and social affairs of his community, having served as mayor of Ste. Angele, a position now held by his grandson, Adelaid Ostiguy, and also took part in the Revolutionary War in Canada during 1837, when he served as a private in the army. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Barsalou attended the schools of St. Cesaire, Canada, and was graduated from the Commercial College there with the class of 1902. Shortly after completing his studies, he aided his father on the family farm and worked there for two years. He then entered the retail and wholesale meat business in Saint Hyacinthe, Canada, and two years later came to Holyoke, Massachusetts, ar- riving here on March 20, 1909. At this time he became associated with A. A. Brouilet in Willimansett, and worked for this gentle- man for eighteen months. At the expiration of this period he served the aforementioned connection to accept the position of man- ager for the meat and grocery department of the Holyoke Baking Company, located at the corner of Bridge and Sergeant streets, and continued in this capacity until January 30, 1917, when he bought out this depart- ment of the business. In 1926 he removed this establishment to his own building at No. 18 Hamilton Street, where it is now lo- cated. The firm, which deals in groceries,
Wilfrid a Bausalones
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meats and fresh vegetables, was incorpo- rated in 1933 as the Barsalou Market, Incor- porated, and Mr. Barsalou became president and treasurer. The success that has attended his efforts has won him wide recognition as a business man and today, in addition to heading his own concern, he is also vice- president of the Service Wholesale Grocery Company of Holyoke and occupies the same position with the United Finance Company of this city, which he has held since Decem- ber 10, 1932. In addition, he has invested extensively in real estate throughout this section and is the owner of several valuable properties in this community.
Despite his great business activity Mr. Barsalou has found time to participate in the social and civic affairs of this city, and today is a member of several of the leading and important clubs and societies of this vicinity, including the Circle Rochambeau of Holyoke and the St. Jean Baptiste So- ciety. He fraternizes with Holyoke Lodge, No. 902, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in his religious convic- tions adheres to the Roman Catholic faith, worshipping at the Perpetual Help Church in Holyoke. An ardent sportsman and ath- lete, he finds his greatest diversion in fish- ing and baseball; the latter game he still plays with his sons.
On August 13, 1907, in St. Cesaire, Can- ada, Mr. Barsalou married Angelina Cho- quette, native of that community and the daughter of Joseph and Adeline (Gendrou) Choquette, both natives of this Province, where her father now resides as a retired farmer. Mrs. Barsalou was educated in the parochial schools of St. Cesaire, and is now a member of the Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Barsalou are the parents of six children: I. Rene A., born June 16, 1908, a graduate of the Thompson Institute of Holyoke, now
engaged in the auto accessory business in this community. He is married to Leonie Farly, of this city, and they are the parents of one son, Richard. 2. Ernest, born June 23, 1910, educated at the Perpetual Help Parochial School of Holyoke ; now agent for the Varnum Yeast Company, of Brookfield, Massachusetts. He is married to Florence Farly, of Holyoke, and they are the parents of one son, Gilbert. 3. Jeanne E., born Sep- tember 6, 1913, graduate of the Holyoke High School and the Thompson Business Institute ; now bookkeeper for the Barsalou Market, Incorporated, and the Barsalou Fill- ing Station. 4. Leo V., born February 8, 1917, now a senior in the Holyoke High School. 5. Bella E., born February II, 1919, a sophomore in the Holyoke High School. 6. Albert E., born May 14, 1924, a student in the Perpetual Help Parochial School.
NEW ENGLAND METAL CULVERT COMPANY-Among the prosperous and successful corporations of Hampden County is the New England Metal Culvert Com- pany, an organization which for nearly three decades has engaged in the manufacture of corrugated metal culverts at Palmer. This business, which had its inception in Warren, Pennsylvania, was organized and incorpo- rated under the laws of Massachusetts, in . December, 1907, at Palmer, by Lewis E. Royce, Theodore A. Norman and Edward WV. Campbell. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Royce and Mr. Norman became residents of this community, the former occupying the post of president for this concern the latter that of treasurer. Mr. Royce served in this capacity for about fifteen years and then retired due to ill health. Some time after he severed his connections with the company he passed away.
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