USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Vol II > Part 20
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It was while in Pittsburg in 1885 that a theory of exploiting the alternating-current system began to take definite form in Mr. Stanley's creative mind. and he explained it to Mr. Westinghouse, without. how- ever, receiving much encouragement. Mr. Stanley had faith in his sys- tem and after several unsuccessful efforts to engage capital in the enter- prise. finally concluded to risk his own. Accordingly he sold $25,000 worth of Westinghouse steck which he held to Mr. Westinghouse for half its value, and under a new contract agreed with that gentleman to turn over to the latter any satisfactory results he might attain as a fur- ther consideration for the purchase of his stock. The terms were hard and greatly to the Pittsburg manufacturer's interest, but as they seemed to be the only ones which Mr. Stanley could avail himself of at the time. he accepted them. His health having suffered by his close application to business, Mr. Stanley transferred his laboratory to Great Barrington. where he took up his new work. So successful was he that in 1886 he
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had designed a transformer and other devices for his novel system, which made it possible to make a practical demonstration in that village of a method of electrical distribution that was capable of indefinitely extend- ing the limits over which the lightning fluid could be served by means of a wire " no larger than a knitting needle." Mr. Westinghouse and a number of gentlemen interested in electric lighting were invited to view the little plant in successful operation in Great Barrington, with the result that the electrical art was unchained from that moment, old meth- ods were discarded, and the Pittsburg factories were put to work manu- facturing the Stanley inventions. That the first alternating-current sta- tion in the country to follow the initial one in Berkshire was installed in Buffalo in the fall of 1886 is substantial evidence that the new system went into commercial use as promptly as circumstances would permit. Mr. Stanley followed this with the invention of an alternating-current generator, and the three years from 1886 to 1888, inclusive, were studded with no less than twenty-four patents granted to him. For two years succeeding the latter date he continued as general consulting engineer for the Westinghouse interests. He then severed his connection with the Pittsburg concern to give his undivided attention to designing the necessary appliances for making the alternating-current system applica- ble to the transmission of power. In 1890 he removed to Pittsfield, where he was already a large stockholder in the local electric lighting company, and, taking into association with him Mr. C. C. Chesney, in- corporated the Stanley Laboratory Company with a capital of $10,000. To manufacture the devices invented by this company, the Stanley Elec- tric Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $25,000. was also in- corporated. To what an extent this latter company had grown up to the time it was amalgamated with the General Electric Company may be understood when it is said that it had increased its capital from time to
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time until it had reached $3,000.000. In 1890 no alternating-current motors were obtainable in the market, although the demand for them was very great. In the summer of 1892 Mr. Stanley had in his labora- tory company matured such a machine, and in 1894 the alternating-cur- rent system of long-distance transmission of power was successfully demonstrated by the Stanley inventions in Housatonic, a village in the town of Great Barrington, where a plant was installed for the Monu- ment Mills Company in order to utilize a water-power some distance from their inills. This system is now in very general use. Another long chain of inventions as a result of Mr. Stanley's fertile brain here followed, including condensers, two-phase motors, inductor-generators, etc.
In 1898 Mr. Stanley, after several years of experimental work, was granted a patent for an alternating-current Wattmeter, employing the novel principle of magnetic suspension for its moving parts in order to avoid the friction which results from the pulsations of the alternating- current. In this very important invention he was assisted by Mr. Fred- erick Darlington, who had been associated with him in earlier work. A company known as the Stanley Instrument Company was launched in Great Barrington to exploit this new meter, and Mr. Stanley, having disposed of his Pittsfield interests, transferred his permanent residence to the former town, where he has since resided.
JAMES EDWARD OSGOOD.
Although deeply attached to his former home in Maine, the late Mr. Osgood took a lively interest in the growth and development of Pittsfield, the city of his adoption, and as a gardener of ability for one of the handsomest private estates he contributed much in the way of
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exterior decoration toward beautifying the residential portion of the city.
James Edward Osgood was born in Freyburg, Maine. in 1842, and was descended from an early settler in that town. His ancestors were sturdy frontiersmen and staunch patriots during the Revolutionary period, and served with honor in the Continental army. After the close of the war they returned to the peace and tranquility of their primitive farms, which they subsequently improved, and they acquired property as the result of the toil and danger they experienced in establishing their homes in the wilderness. His father, Samuel A. Osgood, who was a life-long resident of Freyburg, possessed a good education and pro- vided his children with like advantage to the extent of his limited means.
Reared upon a farm amid the picturesque surroundings of old Freyburg, James Edward Osgood not only acquired a good knowledge of agriculture but found time to observe and study the beauties of na- ture, the contemplation of which was his especial delight. This inherent love for beautiful landscapes and the numerous varieties of plants and foliage subsequently inspired him to devote the best efforts of his life to the task of bringing nature's handiwork to a still higher state of per- fection. His life upon the farm also familiarized him with teaming, and 'finding that occupation the most available as a means of livelihood in his earlier years he adopted it. Shortly after locating in Pittsfield he became associated with T. E. Hall in the trucking business, and that partnership continued for about eight years. At the expiration of that time he found an opportunity of gratifying his long cherished desire for what was to him the more congenial occupation of gardening and land- scape decorating, and, accepting the proffered position of head gardener on the Clapp estate, he thenceforward devoted his energies to that work. His ability and faithfulness was of such a marked character as to com-
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mend him to the esteem and confidence of the Clapp family, and that his efforts in perfecting and maintaining at a high standard of excellence the exterior decorations of their home were heartily appreciated. is attested by the many years he was retained in their employ.
Mr. Osgood died January 14, 1905, aged about sixty-three years, and in accordance with an oft expressed desire his remains were taken to Freyburg for interment. In politics he was an active supporter of the Republican party, and although not an aspirant for public office he ren- dered in various ways efficient service to the local party organization. His fraternal affiliations were with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and he was a member of the South Congregational church.
In 1868 Mr. Osgood was joined in marriage with Miss Phebe Mc- Intire, daughter of Oscar and Mary (Fessenden) McIntire, of Frey- burg. Of their eight children born of this union but three are now living : Albert, who married Ida Richards and resides in Pittsfield; Frank, who is employed at Vermillion Bay, Canada, as a bookkeeper ; and Hattie, who is employed in a similar capacity in Pittsfield. Mrs. Osgood continues to reside in Pittsfield, where she has acquired many friends and acquaintances who hold her in high esteem for her numerous commendable qualities.
CHARLES H. DAVIS.
One of the first to answer President Lincoln's call for volunteers to preserve the Union, when hostilities between the North and South could no longer be avoided, Mr. Davis, who was then in the full vigor of manhood, marched gallantly to the front with the Allen Guards of Pittsfield, and all that was mortal of the intrepid young soldier now lies buried among his heroic comrades on the most famous battlefield of the Civil war.
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Charles H. Davis was born in Catskill, New York, in 1833. He was descended from an old Dutch family of New York state, and his parents were Ira and Eliza (Chapman) Davis. His earlier years were spent in his native state, and he acquired his education in the district schools. Preparatory to commencing the activities of life he served an apprenticeship at the painter's trade, and thenceforward followed it as a journeyman. Upon attaining his majority he married, and just prior to the breaking out of the Civil war he moved his family to Pittsfield.
The urgent appeal for volunteers sent out by President Lincoln in the spring of 1861 to preserve the integrity of the Union found him ready to enter the conflict, and he immediately enlisted as a private in the Allen Guards, one of the first companies to be organized in Pitts- field. With his comrades he participated in the sanguinary battles which marked the beginning and characterized the darkest period of the memorable struggle between opposing armies of equal courage and de- termination, and when necessary he did not hesitate to sacrifice his life to the cause he held sacred. At the battle of Gettysburg, which took place during the first days of July, 1863, he was fatally wounded, and although for a period of thirty days he struggled for life with the courage of a soldier, his efforts proved unavailing. His name was at length added to the long list of fatalities, and with thousands of others who constituted the flower of the Union army, he was laid to rest on the famous field of Gettysburg, where the almost innumerable graves of fallen heroes still attest the awful carnage which resulted from the terrific clash of two enormous armies of one nationality. Charles H. Davis was not permitted to join with his surviving comrades in organ- izing the Grand Army of the Republic, but his name remains bright upon the roll of honor which that body was established solely to per- petuate, and it will forever remain in the keeping of these veterans, and
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descend as a legacy of inestimable value upon the hereditary organiza- tion which must eventually succeed them.
In 1854 Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Roney. Her only brother, William Henry Roney, served in the Civil war under Colonel Weldon, and was killed while engaged upon the construction of the famous Weldon railroad. Her only surviving relative is a sister, who married William Vant Berg, of Richmond, this county. Besides a widow, who is still residing in Pittsfield, Mr. Davis left one daughter, Fanny, who was born in 1855. She is also residing in Pittsfield, and is the widow of John A. Hearn, having two children. The family attend the Congregational church.
ELIJAH G. DENISON.
For many years Elijah G. Denison has been numbered among the good citizens of Pittsfield. He is a son of Luke Latimer Denison, who was born at Sandy Lake, New York, and was the son of Roswell Deni- son. When Luke Latimer Denison first came to Berkshire county he settled in Adams, and two years after moved to Lee, where he worked a number of years with the firm of Patner & Smith. During the Civil war he served in the Forty-ninth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He was twice married. His first wife was Juliette Ellis, and of their children two lived to reach maturity: Elijah G. (see forward), and Roswell. After the death of his wife Mr. Denison married Eunice Cone, and they were the parents of three children: Charles, who lives in Beloit, Wisconsin : Louisa, married Lovel Dean, of Midland, Michi- gan; and Luke, who lives in Michigan. Mr. Denison spent his last years in Lee, where his death occurred in 1870.
Elijah G. Denison, son of Luke Latimer and Juliette (Ellis) Deni-
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son, was born November 18. 1841. in Adams. Massachusetts, and ob- tained his education in the public schools of Lee, after which he engaged in farming. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E. Twenty-seventh Regi- ment Massachusetts Volunteers, and was present at the following battles: Roanoke Island, Newberne. Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, Little Washington siege and Petersburg. In August. 1864, he was sent to the hospital, and from that time was on detached service. He remained in the service until the close of the war. On his return to civil life he settled for a time in Cheshire, and in 1883 moved to Pitts- field. turning his attention to the carpenter's trade. Failing health obliged him to relinquish this employment, and for the last few years he has engaged quite extensively in the manufacture and sale of sugared flagroot and candied fruits. He and his family are members of the Baptist church.
Mr. Denison married, April 25, 1866. Annis L., daughter of Daniel V. Cone, of Cheshire, Massachusetts, and two children have been born to them: George H .. who is a supervisor of drawing in the public schools ; and Minnie B., wife of Reuben J. Brooks, of Pittsfield.
JUSTIN FERGUSON.
For more than fifty years the late Mr. Ferguson was identified with the agricultural interests of Berkshire county, of which he was a life- long resident. and he was a representative old school farmer, a type of the sturdy, independent citizens who are fast disappearing. Living in an era in which the agricultural industry was subjected to a series of methodical changes and marked improvements, he had the opportunity of profiting by the advanced ideas provided by science for the benefit of farming interests in general, and availed himself of every invention which according to his superior judgment was practical and useful.
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Justin Ferguson belonged to an old and highly reputable family of Peru, this county, a wild and picturesque region noted for the purity of its air and the longevity of its inhabitants, which accounts for the extreme old age he was permitted to attain. His parents were John and Elizabeth Ferguson, sturdy and industrious farming people who were pioneers in that section of Berkshire county. His birth took place April 4, 1818, and his early surroundings were similar to those experi- enced by many of the grandfathers of the present generation during their younger days. Educated in the old fashioned district school and reared to the independent life of a farmer, he adopted that occupation upon reaching manhood and followed it continuously throughout the long period of his activity, realizing prosperous results. The last thirteen years of his life were spent in retirement at Hinsdale, where he died October 6, 1904, at the advanced age of eighty-six years and six months.
Mr. Ferguson was twice married, and of his first union there was one son, who is no longer living. His second wife, whom he married in Washington, this county, April 4, 1854, was before marriage Melissa A. Chapel, daughter of Peter and Rhoda Chapel. Of this union there are no children. Mrs. Ferguson is still living, and resides in Hinsdale.
LOUIS ALBERT.
Among the German-American population of Berkshire county none is more justly respected than Louis Albert, of Pittsfield. He is a worthy representative of the best class of our foreign-born citizens, alike loyal to the land of his birth and to the country of his adoption.
He was born in Germany, in the village of Quackburn, where he received a good education and followed the trade of a blacksmith. He married and was the father of a family. Immediately after the death
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of his wife he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York city, and thence proceeding to Albany, where he worked at his trade. In the course of time, by diligence and economy, he accumulated sufficient money to return to Germany and transport his children to their new home. They all became good citizens of the United States, the only one now living being Louis, to be further mentioned. Mr. Albert, the father, who passed away many years since, left behind him the memory of a good and worthy man.
Louis Albert was born in 1840, in Quackburn, Germany, where he was educated, and, after leaving school, worked at the blacksmith's trade until 1860, which was the year of his father's return home and of the emigration of the whole family to the United States. They lived in Albany, where the sons soon found employment. Louis was an ex- pert iron-worker and gunsmith, and his services were in great demand during the Civil war, at which period he worked for some time in the arsenal in Albany. A number of years ago, his sons having moved to Pittsfield, he joined them. They built a shop on Main street, where they established themselves as blacksmiths and carriage builders under the firm name of L. Albert & Sons. They prospered and are now con- ducting a flourishing business. Mr. Albert takes no very active part in politics, but on national issues votes with the Republicans. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Albert married, in 1864, Elizabeth Greb, his cousin, and a native of Horchenau, Germany, and their children are: I. Louis, born 1867, who was the first of the family to move to Pittsfield, and is the only one of the sons now in business with his father. 2. Delia, born in April, 1871. 3. Henry, born March 20. 1873, married Mary Mc- Anany, and lives in Lanesboro. 4. George, born 1875, and makes his home in Troy, New York. 5. Caroline, born 1877. is the wife of
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James McAnany, and lives in Lanesboro. 6. Amelia, born 1880, and resides at home. 7. Jennie, born 1882, recently graduated from the Pittsfield high school, and is now attending the North Adams normal school.
JOHN GLENN ORR.
Efficiency of mail service is one of the recognized necessities of enlightened communities in this enlightened age, for social, economic- all reasons, in fact. The protracted incumbency of the office of post- master of Pittsfield, and his well directed efforts as such by the gentle- man whose name introduces this article leads to the inevitable conclusion that he is one of the factors in the business and general progress of Western Massachusetts.
He was born in Yonkers, New York, February 27, 1857, son of the late James and Isabella (Glenn) Orr, the former a native of Pais- ley, Scotland, the latter of a suburban district of the same place. Mr. and Mrs. Orr were schoolmates in Paisley, and both came to the United States in youth, Miss Glenn to make her home with a sister in Prov- idence, Rhode Island. James Orr to follow his trade of block printer in a dyeing establishment in Connecticut. They were married, and had seven sons, all of whom are living, and of whom the immediate subject of these memoirs was third in order of birthi.
He received his education in Bridgeport, where his first business employ was by the Adams Express Company, and covered a period of ten years. The same company sent him in 1882 to establish an office at Pittsfield, where he remained in managerial charge until 1891. His first appointment to the postmastership of Pittsfield was by President Harrison, and his first term of service embraced some years of Presi- dent Cleveland's administration. He was reappointed in 1899 by Presi-
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dent Mckinley, and again in 1903 by President Roosevelt. From 1893 to 1899 Mr. Orr was in the employ of the Berkshire Life Insurance Company as special agent for Western Massachusetts.
Ile married, in May, 1880, Alida, daughter of Joseph R. Lockwood, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Orr have two children- James Glenn Orr, Jr., and Myretta Orr. The former is a graduate of Williams College, class of 1903, and the latter a student in the Pitts- field high school. The Orrs reside at 40 Henry avenue, and attend the First Congregational church.
CHARLES AUSTIN ACLY.
Berkshire, in common with every other historic county, points with pride and veneration to its old families as the founders and upholders of its institutions and prosperity, but it must not be forgotten that in all that pertains to the maintenance of the best interests of the county families of more recent origin are an indispensable reenforcement. Of this newer element in the life of the county no worthier representative can be found than Charles Austin Acly, of Pittsfield. The orthography of the patronymic varies in different branches of the family, the name being sometimes written Ackley.
Edward Acly was born at Castle Creek, New York, where his family had long been resident. By the demands of business he was fre- quently obliged to change his place of abode, and some years ago re- moved to Pittsfield. He married Harriet -, and they were the parents of two sons: Harry, for many years past in the service of the Stanley Electric Company, of Morningside; and Charles Austin, fur- ther mentioned. Mr. and Mrs. Acly have recently moved to Green- vich, Connecticut.
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Charles Austin Acly was born in 1876, at Castle Creek, New York,. where he received a good education. After the removal of the family to Pittsfield he entered the Waltham School for Jewelers, the range of his studies including the optical course. By close application he be- came a thoroughly well informed jeweler, and for the last seven years has been associated with the Stinson firm, their place of business being situated on North street. Mr. Acly takes the interest of a good citizen in all community affairs and is a member of the Pittsfield fire depart- ment, he belongs to Crescent Lodge. F. & A. M., of Berkshire, and to the Congregational Club. Although not an active participant in politics he affiliates with the Republican party and votes with the organization. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church.
Mr. Acly married, October 30, 1903. Jennie Florence, daughter of . Dr. Lorenzo and Frances (Bailey) Waite, of Pittsfield, the former a practicing physician of more than fifty years' standing. Mrs. Acly is a graduate of the high school. She has three sisters-Adelaide and Edith, who reside with their parents. and Mary, wife of Harry West, a member of one of the pioneer families of Pittsfield. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Acly, on Taylor avenue, is one of the prettiest and most at- tractive in the city.
STEPHEN COMSTOCK.
A true type of the Berkshire county farmer is found in Stephen Comstock, of South Williamstown, a representative of a family which has been resident in the county for a century and a quarter, having been founded by Thomas Comstock, who emigrated from England about 1780, and settled in Williamstown. He purchased a portion of what was known as the " Old Trees" grant, and the land is today in the possession of his descendants. By industry and frugality he laid
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foundations for the prosperity of those who were to come after him, and the work was worthily carried on by his son, Samuel.
Martin Comstock, son of Samuel Comstock, was born in 1813, in Williamstown, and in 1850 married Delliah, daughter of Ezra Berry, of an old Connecticut family, and their children were: I. Samuel, born 1851, went west when a young man and has made his home there ever since. 2. Mary, born 1854, married Daniel Locke, and became the mother of four children. 3. Stephen (see forward.) 4. Martha J., born 1858, married Frank Lampere, of Williamstown, and is now de- ceased, having left no children. 5. Delliah, born 1860, married Charles Potter, of Pownal, Vermont. 6. Ada, born 1862. married John Bur- bridge, of Williamstown. 7. Henry, born 1864, is married, has three children, and lives in Williamstown. 8. Martin, born 1866, makes his home in New York state. 9. Silas, born 1868, is unmarried and lives in Williamstown. 10. Nellie, who is at home with her mother, who is now a widow and resides on the old homestead.
Stephen Comstock, third child and second son of Martin and Delliah (Berry) Comstock, was born in 1856. and, like his brothers and sisters, received his education in the district school. On reaching man- hood he decided to devote himself to the calling which had been heredi- tary in his family for generations, that of a farmer, and the years have proved that in so deciding he made no mistake. His ancestral acres are maintained in a high state of cultivation and everything pertaining to the farm points to the owner as a man of industry, enlightenment, prac- tical ability and sound judgment. Mr. Comstock has never mingled actively in township affairs, and takes comparatively little interest in politics, feeling that the best field for his energies is to be found in the sphere of his chosen calling. He aids by his vote the Democratic party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
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