USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Hampden county, 1636-1936, Volume III > Part 9
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Socially, Mr. Vogel is a member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and vari- ous other business and social organizations. He fraternizes with the Masonic Order, in which he holds a thirty-second degree, and belongs to Melha Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In his religious convictions he adheres to the Prot- estant faith.
In 1899, at Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Vogel married Agnes Stewart, of Erie, the daugh- ter of John E. and Phoebe Ann (Whitman) Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Vogel are the par- ents of two children : I. Ruth Stewart, who married Warren D. Russell of Petersham, and is the mother of two children: Neal Oliver and Joan A. 2. Jean Stewart. The Vogel residence is at No. 44 Converse Street, Longmeadow.
NESTOR BROWN-Among the promi- nent figures in the financial realm of the city of Springfield is Nestor Brown who, since
1917, has been the representative of the office of R. L. Day and Company in this community. Throughout his residence here he has won the esteem and respect of his colleagues and has taken a keen and active part in the affairs of this city, being identi- fied with many of the leading organizations.
Nestor Brown was born in Lynn, May 24, 1891, son of Nathan D. C. and Fannie (George) Brown, both natives of his birth- place. According to family tradition Mr. Brown is descended from Ezra Brown, a minute man and a drummer in Colonel Mansfield's Massachusetts Regiment. Na- than D. C. Brown is actively engaged in the leather business in New England. His grandfather, Nestor Brown, for whom he was named, was one of the pioneer shoe- makers of Lynn, first operating by handl and later becoming a manufacturer. Mr. Brown received a general education in the public schools of his native community and after completing his studies embarked on a ca- reer that brought him large success. Prior to joining the Boston office of R. L. Day and Company, investment dealers, he had had a well-rounded and practical experience in fi- nance. During the six years he worked in this metropolis he demonstrated an aptitude and ability for the business that won him recognition and promotion. He came to the city of Springfield in 1917 as representative for R. L. Day and Company, opening offices in the Third National Bank Building. His status as a financier is shown in the fact that he is frequently sought for advice and coun- sel by some of the leading business men in this city and serves as a member of the board of trustees of the Springfield Five Cent Savings Bank.
Apart from his business activities he is prominent socially and holds membership in many clubs, including the Colony Club, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and oth- ers. He was a member of the Nayasett Club
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until it went out of existence. In his reli- gious convictions he is a member, with Mrs. Brown, of Faith Congregational Church. During the World War, Mr. Brown enlisted in the United States Army, was dispatched to Camp Devens as a member of the Quar- termasters Department and at the time 'he received his honorable discharge had at- tained the rank of sergeant, first class.
In 1917 Mr. Brown married Laura Mil- dred Macomber of Lynn, and they are the parents of two sons : I. Nestor, Jr., born Oc- tober 10, 1924. 2. Lawrence M., born May 10, 1927.
MORRIS J. KITTREDGE-During a long and distinguished business career in the city of Springfield, which spans nearly a quarter of a century, Morris J. Kittredge has conducted one of the finest retail jewelry establishments in this section of New Eng- land. The enviable reputation he has estab- lished, as a merchant and citizen of this com- munity, is due to his unfailing courtesy, his integrity and his ability.
Morris J. Kittredge was born in Russia, September 25, 1882, the son of Simon and Rebecca Kittredge. During his boyhood he came to this country, received a general ed- ucation in the public schools and then em- barked on a business career that was to be stamped for its distinction and success. Shortly after his arrival in the United States, during 1897, he settled in the city of Spring- field, finished his education and secured his first position in a novelty button shop, re- maining with that concern for only a brief period. He then became a traveling sales representative, selling merchandise through- out the New England States. Later, he se- cured a similar position with a jewelry and novelty firm in Boston, and was to gain a practical and well-rounded experience that eminently equipped him for the important
tasks he assumed later in life. After work- ing with this organization for some time, he determined to enter business for himself and went to New York City, where he became a wholesale jobber, with offices at No. 317 Broadway. In this work he covered all of New England and the eastern states. In
this manner he had ample chance to judge the territories that had the greatest market possibilities. He determined on the city of Springfield, and in 1910 returned here to found the business which has since grown to be one of the finest and largest of its type in this vicinity under his able and careful man- agement. His first store was located at No. 136 Main Street, a site from which he was compelled to move due to expansion of busi- ness. He then went to No. 414 Main Street, and later established himself at No. 1354 Main Street, where he operates today. The enterprise was incorporated in 1923, under the firm name of M. J. Kittredge, Inc., and he became president.
Apart from his business pursuits Mr. Kit- tredge has been actively interested in the social and civic affairs of this community. He is a member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce; fraternizes with the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, is a mem- ber of the City of Homes Association, and belongs to B'nai B'rith, as well as several other societies.
In 1911 Mr. Kittredge married Eva Lewis, a native of Russia, and the daughter of Israel and Sarah Lewis. Mr. and Mrs. Kit- tredge are the parents of three children: I. Sidney L., born October 22, 1912; was a graduate of Central High School in 1929, then became a student of the Wharton School of Finance. He is a member of In- dian Orchard Lodge of the Masonic Order. In 1934 he was elected vice-president of M. J. Kittredge, Inc. 2. Irving S., born Octo- ber 30, 1917, a graduate of the Classical
Robert & Jarrell
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High School in 1935. 3. Selwyn B., born May 30, 1923. The family resides at No. 292 Washington Boulevard, Springfield.
ROBERT EDWARD BARRETT-Since 1923 Robert Edward Barrett has served as president of the Holyoke Water Power Company. He is an engineer of long ex- perience and distinguished record, whose leadership has been an important factor in the recent progress of his company, and whose authority in his profession is widely recognized.
Mr. Barrett was born on a farm in Fram- ingham, June 28, 1881,. son of Frederick and Laura Maria (Nutting) Barrett. His father was born at Hinsdale, New Hampshire, Feb- ruary 22, 1843, and spent his early life in that State. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he volunteered, and on October 2, 1861, enlisted in Company F, 5th New Hampshire Infantry. On October 23, 1861, he was mustered into service and thereafter fought with his regiment in the many en- gagements of the Army of the Potomac, of which the 5th New Hampshire formed a part. He was wounded at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and on October 29, 1864, was mus- tered out at Concord, New Hampshire, hav- ing served as orderly and corporal and hav- ing achieved a gallant record. On October 8, 1874, at Winchester, New Hampshire, he married Laura Maria Nutting, who was born at New Ipswich, New Hampshire, June 23, 1851, and died at Framingham, November 8, 1889, at the age of thirty-eight years. In 1875 he moved with his wife to Millwood Farm in Framingham, and continued to re- side there until the close of his long life on May 6, 1929, in his eighty-seventh year.
Robert Edward Barrett received his pre- liminary education in the public schools of Framingham, and after completing the high school course in 1899 entered upon his active career as assistant in the Engineering De-
partment of the Metropolitan Water Board of Boston. In that connection he did field work on the construction of the Wachusett Dam and Reservoir at Clinton, and the aque- duct and tunnels connecting that reservoir with the Boston metropolitan distribution system, running between Southboro and Chestnut Hill, Boston.
In 1902, seeking a technical education, he entered the Lawrence Scientific School at Harvard University as a student in civil en- gineering, completing his work with the class of 1905. In this three-year period he finished the entire course in civil engineering, with the exception of some minor work in languages and chemistry. He then resumed his career as an engineer in the Designing Division of the Charles River Basin Com- mission of Massachusetts, being engaged in the design of the dam and ship lock on the Charles River and the general improvement of the river basin between the cities of Cam- bridge and Boston. Having definitely de- cided to specialize in hydraulic engineering, he turned from Boston to New York in 1907 where, through competitive examination, he became associated with the construction of the Catskill Water Supply system then be- ing constructed for Greater New York. He was occupied in this work during the follow- ing seven years. He served as Civil Engi- neer Designer on this great engineering project and, in addition to the supervision of rock tunnel work in the Bronx, he was called upon to design the gate houses and regulating works for the Ashokan Dam at the Esopus' headwaters and the regulating works of the Kensico storage dam above White Plains.
In 1913, Mr. Barrett, as a result of a com- petitive examination, received an appoint- ment as Designing Engineer from the Mas- sachusetts Commission then known as the Directors of the Port of Boston, and re- turned to Massachusetts to begin his new
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duties. He later became acting chief engi- neer in charge of all engineering activities of the commission, which work consisted of dredging ship channels in Boston Harbor and design and construction work for the 1,200 foot Commonwealth Pier and the South Boston dry dock, which was later taken over by the Federal Government.
It was his plan for the revision of Boston Harbor Lines which was adopted by Chap- ter 334 of the Special Acts of the Legisla- ture of 1915, and which created a plan for the future development of both the South Boston and East Boston lands of the Com- monwealth.
In 1917 he was appointed construction engineer of the Turners Falls Power and Electric Company, which was then engaged in the construction of a 40,000 horse-power steam electric station on the Connecticut River at Chicopee. This corporation is now a major unit of the important Western Mas- sachusetts Companies. Subsequently, Mr. Barrett was employed in hydraulic engineer- ing work at Turners Falls and in supervis- ing the construction and maintenance of va- rious water storage dams and reservoirs built by the Connecticut River Conservation Company in Vermont and New Hampshire.
His connection with the Holyoke Water Power Company, a corporation organized in 1859, began in 1920, when he accepted the position of vice-president and treasurer of the company under Charles E. Gross as president. In 1923 the twenty-six-year term of his predecessor in the president's office terminated, and Mr. Barrett was elected to follow him as the financial and operating head of the company. For this position he was ideally qualified by reason of his long engineering experience and obvious execu- tive talents.
The history of the Holyoke Water Power Company under his leadership has been one of steady progress. This enterprise traces
its history back to the incorporation in 1792, of the "Proprietors of the Locks and Canals on Connecticut River," and the completion of the first dam on the Connecticut in 1795. Since that time many developments of the first magnitude in hydraulic engineering have had their origin at Holyoke.
The Holyoke Water Power Company to- day operates a world-famous water power system, which supplies hydraulic energy to the many mills located along its three levels of canals. Since 1920 the company, under the leadership of Mr. Barrett, has also been actively engaged in supplementing the hy- draulic power system by a more flexible method of delivering hydraulic power through its conversion into electrical en- ergy. Hydro-electric and steam hydro-elec- tric generators have been installed, which now supply electric energy to most of the large industries of Holyoke and the town of South Hadley.
Not only does the Holyoke Water Power Company supply local electric power needs, but through its operating agreements with the Western Massachusetts Companies, it is connected with other electric utility units whose combined power resources are of vast extent. A steel tower transmission line con- nects the Western Massachusetts Com- panies' system at Chicopee with the Hol- yoke Water Power Company's electric plant, making possible a two-way interchange of electric current in the interests of economy and as a safeguard against sudden need.
As president and treasurer of the com- pany, Mr. Barrett has been able through his engineering experience to lay a firm founda- tion for future engineering expansion, and through his skill as a financier he has also promoted the conservation of the company's assets and made possible the sound financial structure of the company as it exists today. Immediate needs, whether technical or not, have been met efficiently as a matter of
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course and under his continuing leadership the success of the company's destinies is assured.
In addition to this connection, Mr. Bar- rett has been associated with several finan- cial institutions and is now a director of the Third National Bank of Springfield and a trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank of Holyoke. He has been a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers since he was elected as a junior in June, 1905, progressing to associate membership in 1910 and full membership in 1919. He is also a life member of the Engineering Society of Western Massachusetts.
For several years Mr. Barrett served as chairman of the Massachusetts Division of the New England Council, with offices in Boston. Since November 15, 1934, he has served as a member of the advisory commit- tee of the New England Regional Planning Commission.
With all the pressure of his other inter- ests, he has found time during the years to be active in many civic affairs of both local and State-wide interest, and is now a trustee of the Holyoke Public Library, a director of Holyoke Hospital, and of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. He attends the First Congregational Church of Holyoke.
On June 13, 1908, Robert Edward Barrett married Grace LeBaron Esty, daughter of Frederick M. and Georgia E. (Harrington) Esty of Framingham. Her father, who is now deceased, was for many years registrar of probate of Middlesex County. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett are the parents of three chil- dren : I. Robert Edward, Jr., born May 12, 1909, now assistant engineer of the Holyoke Water Power Company. 2. Dorothy Le- Baron, born October 27, 1913, married How- ard A. Bloombergh of New York City. 3. Frederick Park, born July 5, 1916.
JOSEPH MINOTT TOWNE - Mr. Towne was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on July 7, 1875, a son of James W. and Cynthia (Gowing) Towne. His father, who was born in Milford, New Hampshire, on May 29, 1829, and died in East Orange on July 3, 1917, was a printer in early life and for a time a member of the staff of the "Farmer's Cabinet" at Amherst. Later, he went to California, where he followed his trade for a time and subsequently entered the paper business as a member of the firm now known as Blake, Moffitt and Towne, with warehouses throughout the Pacific Coast area. He settled in East Orange, New Jersey, in 1868 and served as eastern repre- sentative of that company until his retire- ment. In 1887 he purchased an interest in the National Blank Book Company of Hol- yoke, of which his sons, Edward S., Joseph M., and Frank B. Towne, are now president, vice-president and treasurer, respectively.
Joseph Minott Towne received his prelim- inary education in the public schools of East Orange, New Jersey, and at Stevens Prepar- atory School in Hoboken. In 1897 he was graduated from Stevens Institute of Tech- nology at Hoboken with the degree of Me- chanical Engineer, and shortly afterwards became associated with the firm of Hill and Turner, architects, in New York City. He continued as an architectural engineer until 1900, when he joined the Safety Car Heating and Lighting Company of New York City. Mr. Towne remained with this latter organi- zation for twelve years, during which time he was chiefly engaged in the design of car lighting and heating equipment and in lab- oratory research. He relinquished his posi- tion in 1912 to assume charge of the develop- ment of the loose leaf department of the National Blank Book Company at Holyoke, and since that time his activities have cen- tered in Holyoke
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Mr. Towne is a member of the Mt. Tom Golf Club, Mt. Nonotuck Lodge of Holyoke, the Rotary Club of Holyoke, the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Holyoke Ca- noe Club, also Hope Lodge of East Orange, New Jersey, the Engineers Club of New York City, and of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Among his civic connections, his principal interest is the Holyoke Hospital, of which he is president.
On February 1, 1912, he married J. Louise Dodd, of East Orange, New Jersey, daugh- ter of the late David Dodd. They have two sons: William Brewster, born August 10, 1914, and Robertson H., born January 4, 1917.
FRANK BECKWITH TOWNE-Frank B. Towne came to Holyoke from East Or- ange, New Jersey, in 1881, when he entered the office of the Syms Dudley Paper Com- pany.
In 1888 he, with his father, became finan- cially interested in the National Blank Book Company, and took over the duties of treas- urer of that company. This position he still holds. During the intervening years the company has made rapid growth until it stands high in the manufacture of loose leaf and bound books.
Mr. Towne married Harriet A. Peale, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, in June, 1894. They have one son, Richard P. Towne, who is now active in the National Blank Book Company, holding the position of assistant treasurer.
ARTHUR RYAN-Active in many branches of Holyoke and Hampden County affairs, Arthur Ryan has distinguished him- self in many capacities on the Holyoke "Transcript," serving on both the editorial and business staffs of this flourishing news- paper. At the same time he has lent his energies to many causes for civic betterment
and has performed valuable work in public office.
Mr. Ryan was born November 28, 1884, at Hadley, Massachusetts, son of Patrick and Catherine (Reilly) Ryan and the youngest of a family of seven children. He received his early education at Hopkins Academy. later attending Williston Seminary and be- ing graduated in 1908 from Princeton Uni- versity. In June of that year he began his work on the "Transcript," serving first as a reporter. As his journalistic powers became evident to his employers, he was advanced repeatedly to positions of higher importance, serving successively as sports editor, city editor, managing editor and business man- ager. He continues his valuable work with this paper today, and is recognized as being responsible for many of its wise policies and for much of the remarkable success that it has attained.
Aside from making his paper a beneficial force in the Holyoke community, Mr. Ryan has endeavored to direct his own life into constructive channels of public work here. For two years he served as alderman and as chairman of the finance committee of the Board of Aldermen in Holyoke. He is a member of Holyoke Council of the Knights of Columbus, and Holyoke Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the corporation of the Holyoke Public Library and of Holyoke Hospital's board of trustees. He greatly enjoys whist as a spare-time hobby, and has been at times president of the American Whist League, the Atlantic Whist League and the New England Whist Association. He was the first president of the Holyoke chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America.
In 1912 Mr. Ryan married Mary Elizabeth O'Connell. They have four children : James A., Elizabeth, Catherine, and Mary Ryan. The family residence is situated at No. 8
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Wright Place, South Hadley Center, and Mr. Ryan's business quarters are those of the "Transcript," at No. 180 High Street, Holyoke.
MAURICE J. MORIARTY-Among the outstanding figures of the paper industry of Hampden County is Maurice J. Moriarty, founder and organizer of the Morart Paper Company. He has devoted his life to this business. Starting in an humble capacity at the age of sixteen years he has risen through the diligence of his own efforts to become a leader in the trade. His long and varied experience, which spans over half a cen- tury, has eminently qualified him for the position of leadership he occupies today.
Mr. Moriarty was born in Chicopee, Mas- sachusetts, November 27, 1860, the son of Maurice and Helen (Sayers) Moriarty. His father, who was a native of County Kerry, Ireland, and came to this country during his youth, was a brick manufacturer in South Hadley. He was a Democrat in politics and worshipped at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. His mother, also a native of Ire- land, passed away in South Hadley in 1866.
Mr. Moriarty received a general education in the public schools of South Hadley Falls, where he established an outstanding scho- lastic record, being graduated from the high school there when he was fifteen years old. Shortly after completing his studies, he entered the business he was to make his life work. At this time he became associated with the Bay State Paper Company, work- ing as an office boy. He remained with this organization until he secured a position as bookkeeper for a meat and provision house in Holyoke, where he was to work for two years. At the expiration of this period he became billing clerk for the Albion Paper Company in the same city. The outstanding and efficient manner in which he executed his duties won him recognition and when
this concern was absorbed by the American Paper Company, he was appointed manager of the new firm, an office he occupied with distinction and success for ten years. In all he served the aforementioned organization for twenty-nine years and during that time enjoyed an experience in the business that enabled him to resign and organize a paper jobbing business of his own in Holyoke. In this business he bought and sold all types of paper and in addition became representative for the International Pulp Company of New York, the Illinois Zinc Company of New York and the Thomas Young Company of the same city. The members of the latter organization are dealers in Belfast linen. He still retains all these connections. About 1926 he and his son Charles F. Moriarty or- ganized the Morart Paper Company at No. 7 North Bridge Street, Holyoke. In this business they are converters of special papers for the wholesale trade and carry on extensive operations throughout this coun- try and abroad. Mr. Moriarty directs the activities of this organization as president and his son occupies the position of man- ager.
Throughout his career Mr. Moriarty has been interested in the social and civic affairs of his surroundings. For five years he was treasurer of the town of South Hadley and today is president of the board of library trustees in South Hadley. He fraternizes with the South Hadley Council of the Knights of Columbus, and is a member of Holyoke Lodge, No. 902, of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. Politically, he is a Democrat, though an independent voter, and in his religious convictions adheres to the Roman Catholic faith, worshipping at St. Patrick's Church in South Hadley. He finds his greatest diversions in the game of golf and fishing.
On June 6, 1881, Mr. Moriarty married Margaret O'Donnell, daughter of Mrs. Mar-
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garet O'Donnell, and a native of South Had- ley, where she passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Moriarty were the parents of five sons: I. William M., who is engaged in the insurance business at South Hadley. 2. Charles F., now manager of the Morart Paper Company. 3. Edward M., deceased. 4. Francis J., de- ceased. 5. James E., deceased.
REV. RONALD JOHN TAMBLYN- As pastor of the First Congregational Church of Holyoke, the city's oldest reli- gious society, the Rev. Ronald John Tam- blyn has performed a work of wide value. He is a beloved resident of this community and an individual who is known in a wide circle of acquaintance.
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