Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Worcester county, Massachusetts, with a history of Worcester society of antiquity, Vol. III, Part 12

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, ed
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: New York, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 772

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. III > Part 12

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Mr. Rice entered upon public life at an un- usually early age. While yet a law student he was elected a member of the school committee; he was secretary for several years, and he remained a inember of the body until he was elected, in 1859, to the mayoralty, the youngest man who had, up to that time, been called to that position, and his ad- ministration has been characterized as one of the most sagacious in the history of the city. An im- portant accomplishment during his administration was the establishment of the Free Public Library upon an adequate scale, which was largely due to his intellect and persistent effort. In 1855 he was appointed special justice of the police court, and in 1858 was appointed judge of the court of insol- vency, a position which he held until its duties were united with those of the judge of probate. In 1868 he was elected district attorney, and he dis- charged the duties of the office with great ability until 1873, when he resigned. In 1876, after Hon. George F. Hoar was chosen United States senator, having served eight years as representative in con- gress, Mr. Rice was elected representative as his successor, and he was successively re-elected until March 4, 1887. In congress he exerted a strong in- fluence and he took a prominent part in the enact- ment of much salutary legislation. He served as a member of the committees on foreign affairs and Indian affairs, and of the select committee to pro- vide additional accommodations for the congres- sional library. The most important bill of his in- troduction was that to terminate the provisions of the treaty of . 1871 with Great Britain relative to the fisheries, which carried out a purpose that had been ineffectually attempted for a quarter of a cen- tury, and his report upon which his bill was founded was a most exhaustive treatise. His reports on the brig "General Armstrong" and on the St. Johns and St. Francis river bridges were also of enduring value. His report upon the Congressional Library Building was so complete that nothing could be added to it. His report from the committee on Indian affairs contained detailed accounts of the traditions of the Sioux and Dakota Indians which will ever be an authority upon that subject. The exhaustive report upon the Chili-Peru imbroglio made by the committee on foreign affairs was al- most altogether his work, although it is not directly credited to him. His principal speeches, all of which were highly meritorious, were those on "The Death of General Burnside," "The Approbation of Cherokee Indians," "Chinese Immigration," "The Congressional Library." the international fisheries question, the bill to protect innocent purchasers of patented articles, the bill granting the right of way through the Indian Territory to the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad. and on the transfer of the war department records to the state department building.

Mr. Rice cast his first presidential vote for Mar- tin Van Buren. He early allied himself with the free soil movement, and became a powerful ex- ponent of what became Republicanism. In 1854 he was elected an active member of the Kansas Emi- gration League, and in 1855 was an ardent sup- porter of Henry Wilson for a seat in the United States senate. From 1856, when he aided in the

organization of the Republican party, he was an un- compromising advocate of its principles.

The close of Mr. Rice's last congressional term marked his retirement from public life. He re- sumed the practice of his profession, and gave his effort unstintingly to the promotion of community interests. Until his death he was a director in the City National Bank and its solicitor. He was a member of the American Antiquarian Society, a trustee of Leicester Academy, of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and of Clark University, and an overseer of Bowdoin College, from which, in 1886. he received the degree of doctor of laws. He was a Unitarian in religion, and a member of the church committee.

In 1892, with his wife and Senator and Mrs. Hoar, he visited Europe, spending the greater part of his time in England. His health was already im- paired, and the benefit derived from his journey was but temporary. On his return he soon relin- quished the greater part of his professional work, and passed cach summer upon the maternal farm in Winchendon. He died lacking but six days of at- taining the allotted three score years and ten. His death was deeply deplored throughout the com- munity, and many tributes were paid to his memory. An "In Memoriam" volume, printed shortly after- ward, contained a biographical sketch written by Hon. Rockwood Hoar, and a narrative of the Whit- ney family from the pen of Mr. Rice based in part upon his investigation into the family history.in Eng- land.

Mr. Rice married, November 21, 1855, Cornelia A. Moen, of Stamford, Connecticut, who had been his pupil while he was a teacher, and who was a sister of Mr. Philip L. Moen. She died June 16, 1862. Two children were born of this union: William Whitney. Jr., who died in early childhood, and Charles Moen Rice. The last named was born November 6, 1860. He was fitted for college at Exeter Academy, and graduated from Harvard Uni- versity in 1882. He studied law in the Harvard Law School and under his father. He was admitted to the bar in February, 1886, and is now a member of the firm of Rice, King & Rice. He married, November 25, 1903. Winneola M. Emory, daughter of Parker A. and Elizabeth Alice Emory, of Wor- cester, Massachusetts. Hon. William Whitney Rice married for his second wife Alice Miller, Septem- ber 28. 1875. She was born in Worcester, July 22, 1840, a daughter of Henry W. Miller, of Worcester, and a sister of the late wife of Senator George F. Hoar. Mrs. Rice is now deceased.

ALDRICH FAMILY. George Aldrich (1), was the immigrant ancestor of the Aldrich family of Mendon and Uxbridge. He is the progenitor of Ralph Edward Aldrich, of Douglas, Massachusetts. The name was spelled Aldridge and Oldridge in the early records, and some hranches of the family still perfer the spelling Aldridge, but the famous Rhode Island family and the descendants in Wor- cester county, Massachusetts, have for many gene- rations adopted the spelling Aldrich. George Ald- rich was born in Derbyshire, England, about 1605. He was a tailor by trade. He sailed for America, November 6, 1631. He married in England, Sep- tember 3, 1620, Catherine Seald. She was born in 1610, according to her deposition made June 18, 1670, when she gave her age as sixty years. Ald- rich was admitted a freeman December 7. 1636. He settled first in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and he, with his wife Catherine, was member of the Dor- chester Church in 1636. He lived in Braintree from about 1640 to 1663, when he settled in Mendon, one

WORCESTER COUNTY

of the first seven settlers. He sold his place at Braintree to Richard Thayer. June 9. 1663. He died at Mendon, March 1. 1682. His wife died there January 11, 1691. His will was dated at Mendon, November 2, 1682, and was proved April 26. 1683. He bequeathed to his wife and to children: Jo- seph. John, Jacob, Mary Bartlett, Mercy Randall and Martha Dunbar.

Children of George and Catherine ( Seald) Ald- rich were: Abel; Joseph, ancestor of Senator Ald- rich and the Rhode Island family, marricd Patience Osborne; he was born June 4, 1635; Mary ; Miriam, buried at Braintree, January 27, 1640: Experience, died at Braintree, February 2, 1642. The following children were born at Braintree: John, April 2, 1644; Sarah, January 16, 1646, married -- Bart- lett: Peter, April 14, 1648; Mercy, June 17, 1650, married Randall: Miriam, March 16. 1652; Jacob. February 28, 1653, of whom later ; Mat- tithiah (as the old clerk chose to spell Marthia), July 10, 1656, married Dunbar.

(II) Jacob Aldrich, son of George Aldrich (I), was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. February 28. 1652, and died at Mendon. where he settled and lived all his active life. The date of his death is October 22, 1695. He was a farmer at Mendon on the old homestead. He married. November 3. 1675, Huldah Thayer. (See sketch of the Thayer family. All the Worcester county. Thayers, or nearly all of them were descendants of Ferdinando Thayer, of Mendon. ) Children of Jacob and Huldah Thayer. all born at Mendon, were: Jacob, Abel. Seth, of whom later ; Huldah. Rachel, Sarah, David. Peter. John, Moses, Mercy, Rachel.

(III) Seth Aldrich, son of Jacob Aldrich (2). was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, about 1680, and died there in 1737. He married Deborah Hayward. His second wife Mary is mentioned in his will. The estate was settled by agreement signed in 1737 by the heirs, twelve of the fifteen children being rep- resented, five being minors. The mother. Mary, was guardian for the youngest two, Edward Aldrich for the other three minor children. The children were: Abel. William. Seth, Jacob, of whom later; Sarah, married Isaac Richardson ; Susanna. married John Wiley : Edward, Jonathan, Abigail, Deborah, Sam- uel. Elizabeth.

(IV) Jacob Aldrich, son of Seth Aldrich (3), was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, about 1710 and died there 1776-77. He was a Quaker and many of his family and descendants have belonged to the Society of Friends. His will dated October 11, 1775, at Mendon, was allowed April 9, 1777. The sub- scribing witnesses, Samuel Fletcher and David Far- num, were Quakers, as stated on the probate rec- ords, and they affirmed instead of swearing to the will. The homestead was left to Nehemiah and Asahel Aldrich, his sons. Twelve children are men- tioned in the will. He married Joanna Bartlett. Their children were: William, Daniel. Seth, of whom later: Aaron, Jacob, Jr .. Nehemialı, Asahel, Mary, married Bennett; Abigail. married

Jenne : Joanna. married Twitchell ; Ruth, married - Martin ; Rachel.

(V) Seth Aldrich, son of Jacob Aldrich (4), was born in Uxbridge, formerly Mendon. Massa- chusetts. 1738. He married Mary Aldrich, who was born July 1. 1745, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Prentice) Aldrich. He died in 1818 and all his children named below were mentioned ex- cepting Joseph. The children of Seth and Mary Aldrich were all born at Uxbridge, viz: Joseph. August 2, 1764. died March 21. 1766: Noah, October 4, 1766. died May 13, 1812: Ephraim. October II. 1769, died August 24, 1826: Joel, July 14, 1772. died

December 25, 1838; Elizabeth, July 12. 1775, died February 14, 1829; married Gaskill; Mary, February 23, 1781 ; Joseph, May 13. 1784. died July 24, 1785; Rachel, September 28. 1788, died February 17, 1843; married Fletcher; Jacob, August 24, 1792, of whom later.

(VI) Jacob Aldrich, son of Seth Aldrich (5), was born at Uxbridge, Massachusetts, August 24, 1792. and settled in that town.

a farmer. He married three times (first) He also was Mary Blanchard, who died June 18, 1816. He married (second) Mchitable Daniels, who died February 4, 1833, and (third) Hannah Under- wood. The child of Jacob and Mary Aldrich was : Valentine M., born April 2, 1815, of whom later. Children of Jacob and Mehitable Aldrich were: Sarah D., born at Uxbridge, November 8. 1819, died September 13. 1901; Gilbert, born April 20, 1821, died December 13, 1889; Edwin A., born December 6, 1823, died October 18. 1888; Mary Jane, born Feb- ruary 12, 1826. died March 20. 1906; Leander H., born July 1, 1828; Allen P., born October 24. 1830.

(VII) Valentine M. Aldrich, son of Jacob Ald- rich (6), was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, April 2, 1815. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at the Friends school in Providence, Rhode Island. He worked at home on the farm in summer and taught school in winter for several years. He had schools in Uxbridge and Burrillville, Rhode Island. Ile worked with his father, also, making brick. He spent his active years mainly farming and brick-making. He was a noble figure in town affairs, and was elected to many positions of public honor and trust. He was a mem- ber of the school committee and of the board of selectmen. He was a very active and consistent member of the Congregational Church, and very pious and religious. He was naturally generous and charitable and won the affection and esteem of all his townsmen during his long and honorable life in his native town. He was a Republican in poli- tics, after that party was organized. He died at Uxbridge, June 29, 1894.

He married. July 1844, Abigail Williams, daughter of Stephen Williams. Their children, all born at Uxbridge, were: I. Eleanor Williams, born July 27, 1845, is a graduate of Mount Holyoke Col- lege, 1865: taught school in Uxbridge about eigh- teen monthts, then went to Northbridge to teach ; she retired at the end of the spring term May I. 1906, after over forty years of teaching in the public schools-an almost unparalleled record; she is loved, honored and respected by three generations of children, men and women : she is living with her nephew Ralph on the old Aldrich homestead, Ux- bridge. 2. Abbie Elizabeth, born March 18. 1848, in Uxbridge. died December 29. 1848. 3. Bayliss W. born December 5. 1849, of whom later. Valen- tine M. Aldrich married ( second) Betsey Williams, daughter of Stephen Williams, and sister of his first wife. November 6, 1851. They had no children.

(VIII) Bayliss Williams Aldrich, son of Valen- tine M. Aldrich (7). was born in Uxbridge, Massa- chusetts, December 5, 1849, and was educated there in the public schools, at Phillips Academy, Andover. Massachusetts, and at Dartmouth College, from which he was graduated. He taught school in Sut- ton, Massachusetts, and in Brooklyn, New York. He came to East Douglass in 1873 and engaged in the retail hardware business, and there he conducted his store with profit until his death, December 2, 1891. He died in the prime of life, beloved and honored by his neighbors as well as by his family, when he had fairly achieved success in his mercan- tile career and had great promise of future useful-

WORCESTER COUNTY

ness in the community. He had wor his place in the world by a long and laborious struggle, begin- ning with his school days when he won a liberal education largely by his own efforts.

In politics he was a Republican and he took the duties of citizenship seriously. He was elected by his fellow-citizens to many positions of trust and re- sponsibility, among them town treasurer of Douglas, serving several years. He never lost his interest in the public schools where he began his career as teacher. He served on the Douglas school committee and for a number of years was superintendent of schools. Well educated and progressive, Mr. Ald- rich gave freely of his time to the schools and did much to raise the standards and keep the schools of his town in step with the progress elsewhere. He never neglected to help an ambitious student who was traveling the path he had trod, beset with the difficulties and obstructions in the way of the student without means. But like all men who have won a college education by their own efforts. he appreciated it fully and advised young men to work for it if they could not get it as a matter of course.

Mr. Aldrich was a rare man. Attractive in his personality. cheerful, hopeful and persistent, he con- quered difficulties readily, won friends and enjoyed their confidence. He was kindly and charitable, giving freely to those who appealed to him, and always foremost in the good works of the com- munity. Moreover, he was a man of sound judg- ment and sterling character. He was a successful teacher, a successful business man and a successful citizen. In every walk of life he did his duty freely and fully. He was an active member of the Douglass Congregational Church. He was a member of the Blackstone Valley Agricultural Society of Uxhridge. charter member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and member of the Fire King Engine Company.

He married, September 4, 1872, Mary Angenette Ellison, who survives him. Their children are : Ralph Edward. of whom later; Lena May, born July 15. 1875; Abbie Elizabeth, born January 6, 18-6.

(IX) Ralph Edward Aldrich, son of Bayliss Williams Aldrich (8). was born in Uxbridge, June 21, 1873. He was educated in the public schools at Douglass and was graduated from the East Doug- lass high school. He was for a short time with his father in the hardware store, but when his father died in ISO1 the store was sold and he went to farming on the homestead in East Douglass, where he is now living. He has dealt extensively in wood and cattle, besides conducting the farm. He mar- ried, November 26, 1899, Sadie Gertrude Hodgden, daughter of James Monroe and Mary Abbie ( Fergu- son) Hodgden. Their children are: Bayliss Gor- don, born October 11, 1900; Richard Hodgden, born March 18. 1902; Stewart Ellison, born September 22. 1005.

(IX) Abbie Elizabeth Aldrich, daughter of Bay- liss Williams Aldrich (8), was born January 6. 1876, at Douglass. She is a graduate of the East Doug- lass high school, attended Wheaton Seminary and was graduated at Mount Holyoke College, where she was a teacher for one year. She also taught in the Springfield public schools one year.

(IX) Lena May Aldrich, daughter of Bayliss Williams Aldrich (8), was born in Uxbridge. Mass- chusetts. July 15. 1875. She fitted for college in the public and high schools of Douglas and graduated from Mount Holyoke College, taking a graduate course of study at Cornell University. She taught school in Douglass for a short time before her mar-

riage. She married, January 8, 1901, Walter E. Schuster, of whom later.

Walter E. Schuster, of East Douglass, Massachu- setts, was born at Adams, Massachusetts, August 6, 1876. He was educated in the public schools of that place, and in 1890 came to East Douglass and began his career there as bookkeeper for W. E. Hayward, woolen manufacturer. He demonstrated his usefulness to the business immediately and soon held a position of trust and resposibility there. In 1903 lie was advanced to the position of superin- tendent of the mill, his present incumbency, in which he has the entire confidence of the proprietors and the respect and esteem of the employcs in his charge. Mr. Schuster believes in a square deal for all and his men know it. The employes of the Hayward Woolen Company are loyal and interested in the success of the business.

Mr. Schuster is especially a favorite of the young men and hoys of Douglass on account of his love for base ball and other sports and his generous encouragement of the baseball teams. He is active in town affairs. In politics he is a Republican, and is a member of the town committee. He has been town treasurer for two years. He is a Free Mason, a member of Douglass Lodge. He is a director of the Schuster Woolen Company, and of the Forest- dale Manufacturing Company. He is an active mem- ber of the Congregational Church and is on the pru- dential committee.

He married, January S, 1901. Lena May Aldrich, daughter of Bayliss W. Aldrich. Their children are: Margaret Evelyn, born March 25, 1902; Win- field Aldrich, July 17, 1906.

(VI) Ephraim Aldrich, son of Seth Aldrich (5), was born at Uxbridge, Massachusetts. He settled there and married (first) Dorcas Hall and (second) Ruth He made his will May 8, 1826. It was filed shortly after his death, October 2.1, 1826. One of the witnesses was Gideon Mowry. The children : Ephraim, Jr., Daniel H., see forward ; Isabel. married Isaac Blanchard.

(VII) Daniel Hall Aldrich. son of Ephraim Aldrich (6), was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. He married Phebe Mowry, daughter of Gideon Mowry. They settled at Uxbridge and their chil- dren were: Gideon Mowry, born January 29, 1834, see forward.

(VIII) Gideon Mowry Aldrich, son of Daniel Hall Aldrich (7), was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, January 29, 1834. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native town and in the Friends School, Providence, Rhode Island. At the age of eighteen he left school and began work in a carriage and repair shop. In 1880 he went into business for him- self, dealer in wood and lumber, and operated a saw mill. In 1900 and for five years after he was associated with Augustus Daniel, of Southbridge, in the coal and wood business. In all his business ventures he was successful. He is enjoying a well-earned rest from active business since 1905. He is a Democrat in politics and has been very prominent in town affairs. He served as a member of the school committee fifteen years, assessor eight years, highway surveyor, and for twelve years select- man, the longest term with one exception of contin- uotis service in this office in Uxhridge. He has been on most of the important committees of the town. As a member of the water hoard which installed the water works of the town he performed one of his most creditable public services. He has been elected frequently as delegate to the county and state conventions. He is at present clerk of the board of selectmen, who depend much upon his

STON

PUBLIC LIRDARY

Gideon M. Warich

WORCESTER COUNTY

experience and counsel in administering the affairs of the town. In religion he is a member of the Society of Friends. He is one of the most honored and respected citizens of the town.

He married, 1855, Patience Pettiplace, daughter of Chad Pettiplace. She was born in Slatersville, Rhode Island. Their children: Frederick Jona- than. born April 23, 1856, see forward. Alice Maria, born July 20, 1860, educated in the public- schools at Millbury and at the Friends School, Providence; taught school for three years; married John H. Carpenter, of Glendale, Rhode Island; now living in Los Angeles, California, and they have children-Claude H., graduate of Warren high school, married, June 6, 1906, Eva Laura Hopkins, of Los Angeles : Edith Josephine. Leander Sawyer, born at Uxbridge, April 20, 1862, see forward.

(IX) Frederick Jonathan Aldrich, son of Gideon Mowry Aldrich (8), was born at Uxbridge, April 23. 1856, and educated there in the public schools and at the Friends School of Providence. He worked for a time for his father and for a few terms taught school in Happy Hollow. He worked at the carpenter's trade for a time, but finally went into business at Union. Connecticut, dealing in wood and lumber, and has built up an extensive trade. He is an active citizen and interested in town affairs. He has served his district in the legislature with distinction. In religion he belongs to the Friends Society. He married Lucy Horton, of Union, Con- necticut. Their children : Herbert Daniel, born October 1, 1888; Ida May, born December 31, 1800, died October 27, 1891 ; Harry Ralzamon, born No- vember 29. 1892; Gideon Mason, born March 15, 1895; Mildred Pauline, born June 24. 1897: Frederic Leander, born May 14, 1901; Oscar John. born July II, 1903: Mary Patience, born August 25, 1906.

(IX) Leander Sawyer Aldrich, son of Gideon Mowry Aldrich (8). was born in Uxbridge, Massa- chusetts, April 20, 1862. He was educated in the dis- trict schools and at the Friends School at Providence, where he was graduated at eighteen years of age. He taught school in Uxbridge, Glendale and Slaters- ville, Rhode Island, until 1884. He was clerk for two years in the general store in Glendale and then followed the carpenter's trade. He went into busi- ness a few years later as builder and contractor, and has had a very large and prosperous business. He has a spacious shop in connection with his car- penter work, located on Douglas street. and em- ploys a considerable force of men. His work has not been confined to Uxbridge; he has had many contracts in other towns in the county.

Mr. Aldrich has been especially interested in the public schools, both as a teacher and later as a member of the school committee, of which he was a member for three years. He has worked faith- fully for the maintenance of model public schools in Uxbridge: has served as secretary and auditor of the school committee and is at present the chair- man. His greatest public service was done in the construction and installation of the water works of the town, of which he was an assistant engineer. His executive ability and business shrewdness saved the town much expense in the course of the work. He is a member of the Friends Society. In politics he is independent.

LASELL FAMILY. John Lasell (1), the im- migrant ancestor of the Lasell family of Whitins- ville, Massachusetts, settled in Hingham, Massa- chusetts. when a young man. He was a French Huguenot, but his birthplace and date of birth are not known. We are told that the name was origin- ally La Hassell, corrupted to Lazell, Lassell, and

Lasalle. His name appears first in this country on the public records of Hingham, when he married, November 29, 1647, Elizabeth Gates, daughter of Stephen and Ann Gates, who came to Hingham with their children in 1638. Stephen Gates removed to Cambridge about 1652 and spent a few years at Lancaster; he made his will April 18. 1682; it was proved April S, 1683, and he made a bequest to his daughter Elizabeth Lazelle and other children. Stephen Gates is the ancestor of the old Worcester county families of this surname. (See sketch of the Gates family in this work.) Elizabeth was born in England, and died at Hingham, August 3, 1704.

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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. III, Part 12

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, ed Publication date: 1907 Publisher: New York, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 772

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, ed
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: New York, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 772