Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Worcester county, Massachusetts, with a history of Worcester society of antiquity, Vol. II, Part 76

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, ed
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: New York, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 732

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Worcester county, Massachusetts, with a history of Worcester society of antiquity, Vol. II > Part 76

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CHARLES PAUL DAVIS, a prominent mer- chant of Webster, is a representative of an old and highly reputable Worcester county family, being a lineal descendant in the eighth generation of Dolor Davis, founder of this branch of the Davis family in America. If this family is of Welsh origin, as has been asserted, the writer is unable to verify it by any authentic record, nor can he find any ac- count of three brothers, who, according to a family tradition, came from Wales and were its American progenitors.

(I) Dolor Davis, accompanied by his wife's brother, Major Simon Willard, came from the county of Kent, England, in 1634. He located first in Cam- bridge, then called New Towne, from whence he re- moved to Concord, and from the latter place he went to Barnstable, where he died in June, 1673. By his marriage with Mary Willard, his first wife, he was the father of Ruth, Simon and Samuel. Simon and Samuel were probably born in Cambridge. Simon became active in the early military affairs of the colony, serving as a lieutenant, and won distinction in the campaigns against the Indians.

(II) Samuel Davis married, January II, 1665, Mary Meads, and their children were: Mary, Sam- uel, David, Eleazer, Stephen and Simon.

(111) Simon Davis was born August 9, 1683. He located in or near Holden about 1722, eighteen years prior to the incorporation of that. town (1740), and resided there for the remainder of his life, which terminated in 1763. Like his uncle, previously men- tioned, he participated actively in military affairs, holding the rank of lieutenant. The maiden name of his wife was Dorothy Hale, and his children were : Simon, Israel, Joseph, Eleazer, Martha, Oliver, Mary and Azubar.

(IV) Israel Davis was born in 1717. He be- came a prosperous farmer in Holden and his death occurred in that town in 1791. His wife was before marriage Mary Hurbert, and his children were : Betsey, Mary, Israel, Hannah, Paul, Esther, Joseph, Solomon, Samuel and Catherine.

(V) Paul Davis, who was born in Holden in

1747, hecame familiarly known as Landlord Davis, as for a period of forty years he kept a tavern, which was located on a hill overlooking Eagleville, and was not only widely known throughout that section of the commonwealth, but acquired the sin- cere respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact for his numerous commendable qualities. Although compelled by the universal custom of his day to dispense stimulating refreshments at his hostelry, he was himself a total abstainer from the use of liquor, and strenuously refused to partake of a dose of hot sling prescribed by the physician on the day of his death. His activities were not alone confined to his private business, as he took a promi- nent part in local public affairs, and for seventeen years served as town clerk. He married Lydia Black. Paul Davis died in 1835, surviving his wife, whose death occurred October 20, 1826. Their chil- dren were: Lydia, Paul and Daniel.

(VI) Major Paul Davis was born in Holden, December 8, 1779. He was the grandfather of Charles Paul Davis and succeeded to the property of the first Paul. He became one of the well-to-do farmers of Holden in his day, and was prominently identified with public affairs, both civic and military. Succeeding his father as town clerk he retained that office continuously for a period of thirty-seven years or until 1857, when he resigned, much to the regret of his fellow-townsmen, who at an annual meeting accorded him a unanimous vote of thanks for his long and able services, and the resolution was ord- ered to be entered in the town records. He also served as a selectman and as representative to the general court. March 2, 1810, he was commissioned lieutenant in the state militia, became a captain March 31, 1812, and May 14, 1812, was promoted to the rank of major. Major Paul Davis died August 27, 1863. On November 25, 1802, he married Millia Clapp, who was born in Holden, November 19, 1781, and died May 15, 1842. The twelve children of this union, all of whom entered life at the old Davis tavern, were: Mary, born August 1, 1803, died July 21, 1826; Joseph, born November 28, 1804; Lucy C., born December 1, 1806, died March 21, 1877; Theresa, born October 10, 1808, died September 28, 1841; Samuel, horn July 11, 1810, died October 10, 1863; Paul, born July 16, 1812, died September 28, 1815; Daniel, horn June 15, 1815, died October 31, 1901; John, born November 9, 1817, died November 17, 1843; Avery, born March 6, 1820, died November 14, 1898; Maria M., born July 3, 1822, died January 23, 1842; Dennis, born August 26, 1826, died Sep- tember 17, 1826; and Mary Jane, born February 17, 1828, died February 24, 1883.

(VII) Joseph Davis, father of Charles Paul Davis, successfully followed the occupation of his father, and was a progressive agriculturist appreciat- ing to the fullest extent the possibilities obtainable by the use of improved methods and machinery. In him was preserved and frequently exemplified the high standard of character so notable with his an- cestors, and in turn he was regarded as one of Holden's upright, conscientious and substantial citi- zens. He held the office of town treasurer for a number of years. He was actively interested in the general welfare of the community, assisting with his influence and otherwise in securing any improve- ment calculated to be of benefit to the town, and his death, which occurred June 2, 1880, was the cause of sincere regret. Joseph Davis married, October 9, 1831, Emily Clemens, who was born in Charlton, Massachusetts, August 21, 1814, daughter of Asa and Ruhanah (Case) Clemens, of that town. She died August 8, 1871. Joseph and Emily ( Clemens ) Davis were the parents of nine children, namely :

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Mary Emily, born September 3, 1832, died July 31, 1904; Jane Maria, born June 3, 1838, died in 1844; Emerette Francis and Emer Franciler, twins, born May 11, 1841, the latter died January 19, 1888; John Nelson, born August 11, 1845, died 1848; Elena Jane and Edward Chapin, twins, born June 21, 1851, and both died September 17, 1851; Charles Paul, the principal subject of this sketch; and Caroline Elizabeth, born December 7, 1854, died July 21, 1864.

(VIII) Charles Paul Davis began his education in the Holden public schools, continued it at the Webster ( Massachusetts) high school, and concluded his studies at Dean Academy, Franklin, this state. At the age of nineteen he entered mercantile business as a clerk for his brother-in-law, J. M. Rawson, who carried on a clothing store in Webster, and has ever been identified with that business. In 1890 he purchased the establishment, which under his able management has not only been kept fully abreast of the times, but has undergone some important im- provements. He carries a large and well selected stock of clothing and gents' furnishing goods, and is transacting a profitable business. He is also in- terested in local financial matters and is a trustee of the Webster Five Cents Savings Bank.

Mr. Davis is a member of Webster Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; a past noble grand of Maanexet Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows; Ben Franklin Council, No. 333, Royal Ar- canum, and is past regent of the local lodge. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Work- man. He is an active member of the Universalist church, having served as clerk of the society from 1880 to the present time, and is now serving upon the church committee.

Mr. Davis married, June 14, 1877, Ada May Labaree, who was born in Springfield, Vermont, July 4. 1857, daughter of C. K. and Alzina M. (Royce) Labaree, then of Webster, Massachusetts, subse- quently of Bellows Falls, Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two daughters, namely: Alice May, born February 4, 1881; Beatrice Labaree, born Novem- ber 13, 1890. Alice May Davis, who was edu- cated at the Webster high school and Mount Hol- yoke Seminary, has been teaching school in Webster since 1901. Beatrice Davis is a student at Web- ster high school, class of 1908.

CYPRIEN DANDURAND. Germain Dandur- and (1), the grandfather of Cyprien Dandur- and, the well known merchant of Webster, Massa- chusetts, was a Canadian ship owner and captain. He sailed his own vessels and he used to tell his children that he was forty years old before he ever had a home on shore. He was brought up on board ship. He settled on a farm at St. Alexandre, Prov- ince of Quebec, Canada, where his children were born. The family is of French extraction. His chil- dren were: Germain, Pierre, Cyprien, Guillaume, Janvier, Mary, Celina, Esther, Antoinette.

(11) Germain Dundurand, son of Germain Dandurand (1), father of Cyprien Dandurand, was born in St. Alexandre, February 13, 1813, and died at the age of ninety-one years at Farnham, Quebec, March, 1904. He became a captain in the militia; he had his father's farm.

He married Zoe Nollen. All of his children were born there, although about 1850 the parish was di- vided so the homestead came in the Parish of Notre Dame des Anges. The children of Germain and Zoe (Nollen) Dandurand were: Zoe, born 1836, married Napoleon Beaudreau; she died 1858, two years after her marriage. Germain, born 1838, took religious orders and is a brother superior in a Catho-

lic school in the west, formerly in Providence. Mary, born 1840, married, 1856, Joseph Lumb. Guillaume, born 1842, married Flora Perrault, resides in Canada. Cyprien. Maderise, born 1850, married Emil Flavian, of New Bedford. Trefley, born 1852, married Marie Ladue, resides at Careyville, Massachusetts. Dali- mos, born 1855, married Vital Bersolo; she died at New Bedford. Peter, born 1864, married Marie Eber, resides at New Bedford.

(III Cyprien Dandurand, son of Germain Dandurand (2), was born in St. Alexandre, prov- ince of Quebec, Canada, July 5, 1844. The life of Mr. Dandurand is an example of what may be ac- complished in this country by industry and frugal- ity, at first, and business shrewdness and careful investment of savings. He started with nothing. He had a common school education in Canada, and was only fifteen years old when he struck out for himself and came to America. He started to work his way at North Adams, Massachusetts, where he took a job with the pick and shovel in the cemetery. After six months he came to Shrewsbury to work in the tanyard, and stayed there about eight months. He worked about a year on the roads at Manchaug, Massachusetts, and then returned to his trade of tanner, working in the tan yard at Dudley for a year. lle worked as a hodcarrier on the Webster Baptist Church. About the time his marriage he worked for a year in the Shrewsbury tannery. No work was too hard or disagreeable for him. Soon after the close of the war he ventured in business for him- self, opening a livery stable and establishing a bak- er's shop. Both ventures proved profitable and he has continued among the merchants of Webster ever since. In 1892 he sold his bakeshop to his son, Frank Dandurand, and his livery stable to David Perrault.

Mr. and Mrs. Dandurand enjoyed an extensive trip lasting nearly a year through the United States and the provinces. They took their sons, William and Joseph, with them. In the course of this unique trip, which Mr. Dandurand refers to as his wedding trip delayed for some years, they visited all their relatives. Since his return to Webster he took back the livery business and has continued for some years as proprietor of the stable business that he built up. Mr. Dandurand is a Democrat in politics. He is a Roman Catholic, a member of th Sacred Heart Church and parish. He was a charter member of the St. Jean Baptiste Society of Webster. He was a supporter of the project of connecting Webster with Worcester by electric railway, and became a large stockholder and director of the Webster Elec- tric Railway Company. He retained this position un- till the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail- road bought the Webster road. He has invested largely in Webster real estate. He owns a farm in Dudley.

He married (first), September 15, 1866, Rosalie Gauchier, of Canada, at Webster. She died March, 1872. He married (second), August 28, 1872, Marie Derosier, at Webster, daughter of Stanislas and Elizabeth Deshotel (Delapointe) Derosier. The children of Cyprien and Rosalie (Gauchier) Dandur- and: Francis Xavier, born in Webster, November 23, 1867, proprietor of the bakery. Fred, born May 30, 1870. John Baptiste, born 1872. The children by the second marriage were : Joseph, born February 13, 1877, died at the age of three. Marie, born June 29, 1878, died at the age of three. Jo- seph Cyprien, born August 27, 1880, went from Web- ster high school to Holy Cross College, Farnham, Quebec, where he won the medal of the four colleges. Resides at Coalinga, California, where he is a hotel chef in charge of about twenty men; lives in Cali- fornia on account of his health. Ile was one of the

UN PUBLIC LIBR 177

LEONARD HANNA

BUE . U .. PUBLIC LIBRIT 1

MY Hanna

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thousands who had the unpleasant experience of be- ing subjected to the California earthquake of May, 1906, being fortunate, however, in escaping serious injury as the damage to the room where he slept consisted only of the falling of the plastering, a rude awakening and one well calculated to inspire terror. Antonio William, born June 15, 1882, resides in Webster, married August 4, 1901, Alexcina Corneille, and has one child, Leo Cyprien Antonio, born Sep- tember 28, 1905; he is a machinist by trade. Emma (twin), born September 27, 1883, died October 17, 1884. Hermidos (twin), born September 27, 1883, died October, 1884. Luvina, born December, 1885, died February, 1886. Christine, born November 21, 1887, died aged three months. Louis Martin, born November 12, 1889, died aged two years, seven months, January, 1892. Agnes Eva, born January 28, 1893, studying in Convent school in Webster.

PAUL BROTHERS. John Brothers (1), father of Paul Brothers, of Webster, was born in St. Hya- cinth, Province of Quebec, Canada, about 1782, and died in 1878. He came with his family to Sutton, Massachusetts, about 1850. He was a blacksmith by trade, and worked in Sutton for many years. He was twice married, and by the first wife had nine children. The second wife was Mary Ann Shepard, born about 1800, died 1885. She was the mother of twelve children by this marriage, making twenty-one children of Jolin Brothers, eighteen of whom reached reached maturity. Paul was one of the twelve chil- dren by the second wife.

(II) Paul Brothers, son of John Brothers, was born at St. Hyacinth, Providence of Quebec, January 15, 1843. He had no schooling, having to go to work at the earliest possible day to help support the family. At ten he went to work in a inill at Sutton, where he was employed for about seven years. He then worked in various shoe factories in Sutton, Grafton and Oxford, Massachusetts. When he was twenty- one he went to East Douglas to work in the ax fac- tory, there, but a year later entered business in Douglas as the proprietor of a barbershop. He fol- lowed this business successfully for about thirteen years, residing at East Douglas, and then moved to Sutton where he conducted a barber shop for five years. Gradually he became interested in other lines, and as hotel proprietor and manager, and in the wholesale produce commission business, became one of the leading business men of Sutton. He acquired a competency, and in 1899 moved to Webster and re- tired from business. He has always taken a part in public affairs. He is a Democrat, and was on the town committee of Sutton from 1889 to 1897. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, and a member of Sacred Heart Church of Webster. He married, June 4, 1864, Mary Gondeau, born May 1, 1845, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary ( Paul) Gondeau. Their children : 1. Eliza, now deceased, married Cornelius Dixon, of Sutton; two children: Alice B., born in 1898; Flossie, born 1901. 2. Paul. 3. Joseph. 4. Lavina, deceased. 5. Mary, married Arthur Racicot (see sketch), and has a child, Florodora, born Au- gust, 1902. 6. Edward. 7. Emma, deceased. 8. Charles. 9. Lena, a graduate of Webster high school, class of 1902.

HANNA FAMILY. Few family names among the fourteen million or more by which the inhabi- tants of the United States of America are at present recognized have during recent years been more con- spicuously brought before the American people than that of Hanna, and to that prominent figure as a citizen, business man and statesman, the late Mar- cus Alonzo Hanna, must to more than any other be

given the credit. This family traces its descent from Patrick Hannay, who in the thirteenth century built and occupied the castle known in history as "Castle Sorby," which is still to be seen, a pictur- esque ruin by the waters of the mull of Galloway, in Wigton, Scotland. Although the ownership of this famous castle has passed out of the name of Hannay, it is still in the possession of descendants from its first occupant, now the Earls of Galloway. (I) Among the Scottish families who passed over into the north of Ireland were representatives of Patrick Hannay, and there at Ballybay, the county of Monaghan, lived Thomas Hanna and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Henderson. They, with their children, John, James, Robert, born 1753; Hugh, Martha and Thomas, came to America in the year 1763. The father was then but forty-three years of age. He died in 1864, and was buried at the Quaker Settlement in Buckingham, Bucks county, Pennsylvania.

(II) Robert Hanna, above named, born March 2, 1753, was twin brother of James. They with their parents and the remainder of the family landed on American soil at Newcastle, Delaware, soon mak- ing their way to Buckingham, Bucks county, Penn- sylvania. Although his early home was cast among that sect termed Quakers, advocates of peace, he sided with the patriots and was a member of the Provincial committee who met in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, in July, 1774, to demand the appoint- ment of delegates to the first Continental congress, a movement which resulted in the enunciation of the Declaration of Independence. January 31, 1776, he married Catharine Jones, in Chester county, Penn- sylvania, and they began their housekeeping in a stone house then standing upon the spot made fam- ous by the battle of the Brandywine, where their eldest son, Thomas, was born May 2, 1777. Two years later they removed to Campbell county, Vir- ginia, where Mr. Hanna, in partnership with John Lynch, laid out the city of Lynchburg on lands owned by them. While a resident of this city eight children were born to Robert and Catharine Hanna, three of whom died young. In 1801 the family re- moved to Fairfield township, Columbia county, Ohio. Five years later the family removed to Middletown township, where Mr. Hanna laid out and founded the village of Clarkson, remaining here until 1819, when they went to New Lisbon, where the mother died September 28, 1835. He died July 16, 1837, liv- ing and dying in the Quaker faith. Catharine (Jones) Hanna was a cousin of James Monroe, fifth Presi- dent of the United States. Children of Robert and Catharine (Jones) Hanna : Thomas, born May 2, 1777, died September 17, 1828, Lisbon, Ohio; Benja- min, born June 14, 1779, died July 15, 1853; Esther, born August 6, 1781, died November 3, 1791, Lynch- burg, Virginia; David, born January 9, 1784, died October 24, 1791, Lynchburg, Virginia; Caleb, born September 4. 1786, died July 15, 1790, Lynchburg, Virginia; Robert, born June 20, 1789, died Septem- ber 25, 1854, Wilmington, Delaware; Esther, born April 10, 1792, died December 6, 1849, Carmel, Ohio; Catharine, born November 25, 1794, died May 3, 18SI, Augusta, Ohio; Ann, born July 30, 1797, died March 3, 1867, in Iowa; Joshua, born February 16, 1802, died September 1I, 1804, Middletown, Ohio.

(III) Benjamin Hanna, born June 14, 1779, married, December 15, 1803, Rachel Dixon. She died February 28, 1851, and he married (second) Hannah Kersey, daughter of the eminent minister Jesse Kersey. Mr. Hanna died in New Lisbon, Ohio, July 15, 1853. He was of a kindly nature, after the disposition of the Quakers, to which body he belonged. His early home was in the town of

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New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, where his son Leonard was born. In 1812 he took charge of a Friends' Company store in Salem. Two years later he removed to New Lisbon and opened a store for the sale of general merchandise. He was a promi- nent and public spirited citizen, and president of the Sandy and Beaver canal. His children were: Joshua, born November 8, 1804, died July 7, 1881 ; Leonard, born March 4, 1806, died December 15, 1862; Levi, born February 7, 1808, died May 5, 1898; Zalinda, horn February 23, 1810, died December 4, 1854; Robert, born August 15, 1812, died April 3, 1882; Tryphena, born June 12, 1814, died May 23, 1893 (twin) ; Tryphosa, born June 12, 1814, died January 17, 1815 (twin) ; Rebecca, born September 21, 1816, died October 15, 1847; Thomas B., born May 22, 1818, died November 9, 1885; Anna, born March 3, 1821, died January 26, 1846; Benjamin J., born March 4, 1823, died April 3, 1881; Kersey; Elizabeth, born June 12, 1827, died January 26, 1833.

(IV) Leonard Hanna, M. D., born March 4, 1806, married, September 10, 1835, Samantha Con- verse, who was born in Randolph, Vermont, April 3, 1813, and died in Asheville, North Carolina, April 16, 1897. During the latter portion of her life, with the exception of the five weeks just prior to her death, which she passed in Asheville, North Caro- lina, she resided in Cleveland, Ohio, where she was generally beloved for her amiable and charitable disposition, as well as for her interest in church work, she being a member of the Third Presbyterian Church of that city. Also an honorary member of the Early Settlers' Association of Cuyahoga county. Dr. Hanna, after acquiring a medical education, graduating from several medical schools, began the practice of his profession in New Lisbon, but, on ac- count of the severe physical strain incident to a large practice over a rough country, his health be- came somewhat broken, and he entered into business with his brother Robert in Cleveland, Ohio, con- ducting an extensive commission business and own- ing a line of steamers on the great lakes. He was a gentleman of fine and imposing appearance, and an attractive public speaker. Often and most effectively was his voice heard in opposition to the practice of human slavery and in the interest of temperance. Dr. Hanna was a skillful physician and surgeon, and became eminent in the practice of his profession. He was a popular lecturer on medical and va- rious scientific subjects. He died December 15, 1862, in Cleveland, Ohio. His children were: Helen G., born July 17, 1836, died November 28, 1891; Marcus Alonzo, born September 24, 1837, died February 15, 1904; Howard Melville, Salome Maria, Seville Sa- mantha, Leonard Colton, Lillian Converse.

(V) Salome Maria Hanna married, September 10, 1868, George W. Chapin, who was born Febru- ary 22, 1837. He died, and she married (second) J. Wyman Jones. He died October 27, 1904, in New York city, at the age of eighty-three years. He was the founder of Englewood, New Jersey. Her chil- dren by first husband were: Henry H. Chapin, born December 5, 1869, died July 12, 1881; Charles M. Chapin.

(V) Perhaps no member of the family, past or present, has brought more honor and renown upon the family name than the elder brother of Salome Maria (Hanna) Jones, Marcus Alonzo Hanna (V), who was born September 24, 1837, at New Lisbon, Ohio. lle was for several years the most prominent figure in the political life not only of the state of Ohio, hut of the United States. From his boyhood on through the various ouward and upward steps to a scat in the United States senate, he displayed the same open, frank and manly traits of character

that seldom fails to succeed when re-enforced by an active brain, sound judgment, and a determination to triumph over every impediment in the pathway to victory. In the various undertakings assumed by Mr. Hanna he recognized no defeat. Whether the building and the sailing of ships, operating of street railways, mining, buying and selling coal or of iron ore, directing banking establishments, as well as the financing of divers enterprises, all were handled with the same wise judgment and steady hand. The same individuality prevaded his whole political life, from the ward caucus to the state campaign, and on even the management of the great presidential contests of 1896 and 1900, when he led the Republican party to victory by unprecedented pluralities, that force of will with which he was so abundantly endowed proved the power behind the throne. Because he succeeded when others might fail, he was sometimes but without good reason termed a tyrannical, austere man. But seldom was there to be found a kinder nature or one more true. His word was as good as his bond; he kept his promises, was genial, oblig- ing and friendly, without dishonesty, and devoid of trickery.

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Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Worcester county, Massachusetts, with a history of Worcester society of antiquity, Vol. II, Part 76

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, ed Publication date: 1907 Publisher: New York, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 732

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, ed
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: New York, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 732