Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Worcester county, Massachusetts, with a history of Worcester society of antiquity, Vol. III, Part 47

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 47

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

of his known charitable gifts, testamentary and otherwise, exceeded $350,000. No part of this great sum was given to get himself a name. No one knew of it while he lived. He did not himself know; his right hand knew not what his left hand did. The largest amount of all his giving, save in one particular, was to colleges and to other institutions of learning. Because of his own lack in carly life he cherished a tender feeling for the claims of young persons seeking an education. But he refrained from giving his money for struc- tures of brick and stone. He had no ambition to build a monument of that sort to his own fame. An endowment of scholarships that would help a long succession of poor boys and girls was the favorite form of his educational gifts. With one school of learning he had special relations-the Worcester County Free Institute of Industrial Science, now the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His early friend and partner, John Boynton, had found it in his mind to bestow the bulk of his fortune for the edu- cation of the artisan class, the class to which he belonged. His first intention was to make the town of Mason, New Hampshire, his beneficiary. But under David Whitcomb's advice, he changed his purpose in favor of Worcester. Having no formu- lated scheme of his own, he finally made over to Mr. Whitcomb by an absolute deed of gift the sum of $100.000 to be used as the latter should think best for accomplishing the object. Mr. Whitcomb studied the situation, and then took counsel with his pastor, Dr. Sweetser, and with Governor Emory Washburn, the advisor of Ichabod Washburn, who had a similar purpose in inind. At a later stage, Stephen Salis- bury came into the scheme, broadening and strengthening it with his sympathy, wisdom and money. The result, made operative in 1869, was the Frec Institute. To David Whitcomb, therefore, the city of Worcester primarily owes that noble school of practical science. Nor was it only by diverting the first great monetary stream from a remote field to the 'Heart of the Commonwealth' that he became its benefactor; out of his own resources he added to the treasury of the institute more than $27,000. As its treasurer and as trustee, also, he watched over and guarded its interests for many years. This is not the place to enlarge upon this new departure in an educational scheme. It is sufficient to say that it was the first of its kind, so, after full proof of its admirable working, it became the model for others in different parts of the country north and south."

In 1883 Mr. Whitcomb made a voyage to Europe for his health. But his work was nearly done, and he prepared. as few men do, to take his leave of life. His death occurred July 8, 1887. The event called forth many warm tributes to his memory from per- sons of distinction, college professors, clergymen and others whose friendship he had long enjoyed.

"BLIC

Steny Whit comb

167

WORCESTER COUNTY

A sentence from the one by Senator Hoar may well conclude this sketch : "He was one of the best types of the New England character, faithful and true, and strong and wise."

The children of David and Margaret Whitcomb were: Abby Boynton, born January 7, 1834, died May 7. 1898; married Colonel Henry S. Smith, of Boston: Ellen Margaret, born March 31, 1841, died unmarried April, 1882; George Henry, see forward. (VII) George Henry Whitcomb, son of David Whitcomb (6), was born in Templeton, Massachu- setts, September 26, 1842, and lived in that town until 1853, when his father removed to Worcester. He attended the Thomas street school, then under the principalship of the late Caleb Metcalf, where among his schoolmates were Major E. T. Raymond and Fred Barnard, Esq. In 1856 he entered Phillips Academy, Andover, under the principalship of the famous Dr. Taylor, and was graduated in 1860. In the following fall he entered Amherst College. He was gymnasium captain of his class and orator at commencement. He was graduated in 1864 with the degree of A. B. Among his classmates and college associates were: Rev. C. M. Lamson, D. D., of Hartford, president of the American Board of Com- missioners for Foreign Missions; Rev. Henry M. Tenney, D. D., of Oberlin. Ohio; the Rev. M. L. Williston, of Barrington, Rhode Island; the late John A. Deady, Esq., of New York city; Colonel Mason Tyler, Esq., of New York; the late Rufus P. Lincoln, M. D., of New York; M. F. Dickinson, Esq., of Boston; Henry D. Hyde, Esq., of Boston, and Edward Strong, of Boston. On account of poor health Mr. Whitcomb made a trip to England in the summer of 1861 on a sailing vessel and returned much improved. In 1867 he received the honorary degree of A. M. from his Alma Mater. Ile was a member of the Gamma Chapter of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity.

During the summer of 1864, after graduation, he was employed in the hardware store of C. Foster & Company, now the Duncan & Goodell Company, in which his father was a partner, but in the fall of 1864 he went west looking for a business opportunity. Failing in this he returned from Chicago in October, 1864. and determined to locate in Worcester. Mr. James A. Arnold was at this time at work on de- veloping an envelope machine, and Mr. Whitcomb thought favorably of entering that field and of es- tablishing a manufactory of envelopes and of de- veloping the Arnold Machine. He started the firm of G. Henry Whitcomb & Company. The outlook was anything but encouraging. They had for com- petitors the concern now known as the W. H. Hill Envelope Company Division of Worcester, and the White. Corbin & Company Division of Rockville, Connecticut (of the United States Envelope Com- pany), besides several prosperous New York con- cerns. Mr. Whitcomb had his wife for their book- keeper, and he has said that it was her inspiration and encouragement that cheered him during the early years. In 1866 his father, David Whitcomb, became a member of the firm. The first machine built by Mr. Arnold was set up in the building now occupied by the city on School street. This machine was very unsuccessful, and it was not long before Mr. Whitcomb decided to purchase some Reay machines. With these he was soon able to supply the trade, and with an increasing business was soon obliged to seek larger quarters, and secured the second floor of the building next to the Five Cents Savings Bank, with entrance on Walnut street. The business grew rapidly, and soon it was decided to build a factory. The building on Bigelow Court, in the rear of the present Whitcomb Block on Front

street, was completed and occupied in 1868. In 1873 the present factory on Salisbury street, Lincoln Square, was constructed and the business moved there. With constant growth additions were made in 1878, 1886, and 1892 of about 50,000 square feet of floor space. The first year the firm lost $1,000 the second year saved $100; the third year $2,000 profits were shown. In later years the annual profits were much more satisfactory. The present capacity of this factory is nearly two million envelopes a day, and the average output is over three hundred mil- lion annually. The business was incorporated in 1884 as the Whitcomb Envelope Company with a capital of $150,000, with G. Henry Whitcomb as treasurer, and who remained at the head of the busi- ness as manager until 1898, in which year the plant was purchased by the United States Envelope Com- pany.

Since 1898 Mr. Whitcomb's attention has been given to various financial, educational and benevo- lent interests. Following his retirement from the management and treasurership of the Whitcomb Envelope Company, he became vice-president and director in the United States Envelope Company, and has been president of the Worcester & Marl- boro Street Railway Company, a director in the Columbian Paper Company, the First National Bank of Worcester, the Massachusetts Loan & Trust Com- pany of Boston, the United States Coal and Oil Company, and the Equitable Security Company of New York city ; and president of the Standard Cattle Company of Wyoming. During the past ten years he has invested largely in the prosperous city of Seattle, Washington, and has built some of the largest and most conspicuous business blocks in that city ; also he lias large interests in the business property in Pueblo, Colorado, and his largest building he has called the Amherst. He has been prominently identi- fied with the community life of Worcester, having served as vice-president of its board of trade, and trustee of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is a trustee of Amherst College, of which he was treas- urer 1895-97 ; a trustee of Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, and was trustee also Ober- lin (Ohio) College. He has been president of the Amherst Alumni Association of Central Massachu- setts; vice-president of the Andover Alumni Associa- tion; has been treasurer of the Gamma Chapter Corporation of the Psi Upsilon fraternity since its inception, and has been influential in shaping its affairs and molding its policy ; and also belongs to the Phi Beta Kappa honorary fraternity. He was a member of Central church (congregational) of Worcester until 1884, when with others he withdrew and united with Plymouth church, then under the pastorate of Dr. George W. Phillips, late of Rut- land, Vermont. In the affairs of the church he has been deeply interested, and active in promoting its welfare and shaping its policy. He has been presi- dent of the Worcester Congregational Club, and was for many years a member of the prudential com- mittee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, of which he was chairman 1903- 1905. He is an active member of the American Missionary Association. He has given of his time and means largely to educational, religious and philanthropic work throughout this country and the world. He has recently been elected a member of the American Missionary Association. on its Exec- utive Committee, appointed to its Financial Com- mittee. He is also director in Hartford Mann- facturing Company, Hartford, Connecticut, and this company has for years made all the stamped United States envelopes for the United States Post Office Department. In politics Mr. Whitcomb is a Re-

I68

WORCESTER COUNTY

publican, but he has never cared for public office, and the only public position he ever held was on the school board of Worcester for a few years.

Mr. Whitcomb married, October II, 1865, Abbie Miller Estabrook, of Dayton, Ohio, born April 8. 1842, died June 1, 1900. She was the daughter of Francis Chaffin and Caroline (Miller) Estabrook, a descendant of the pioneer, Joseph Estabrook, who emigrated from Enfield, England, in 1640. From whom the line runs, Joseph (I) ; Daniel (2) ; Cornet Daniel (3); Daniel (4); Jedediah (5) ; Francis Chaffin (6). Mr. Whitcomb married (second), Jan- ulary 22, 1902, Mrs. Elizabeth ( Shannon) Wickware, of Seattle, Washington. Children by the first wife: Frank C., deceased : Annie B., deceased ; Henry E. : Margaret, deceased; Emma C., deceased; David ; Ernest M.

ALFRED EDWIN JOHNSON, of Barre, is a son of Justus, a grandson of Marshall and a great- grandson of Seth Johnson. Justus Johnson, who was during his active years a well-known dealer in horses and cattle, traveled extensively through the western states, and encountered numerous adven- tures and personal experiences, which he frequently relates to interested listeners, He was originally of Hardwick, from whence he removed some fifty years ago to Barre, and is still residing there, a nonogenarian. Although he has survived the pass- ing of ninety-two years, his mental faculties continue to defy the ravages of time, and he readily recalls the dates and circumstances of events which trans- pired early in the last century. He married Sylvia Sophia Smith, daughter of Thomas Smith, and she is still living. Justus and Sylvia Sophia Johnson have had a family of four children, namely: Law- son S., born January 17, 1841, died in 1898; Charles W., born April 5, 1843, and is now the owner of an extensive cattle ranch in the far west; George Franklin, who died at the age of five years; and Alfred Edwin, of whom later.

The birth of Alfred Edwin Johnson took place in Hardwick, November 3, 1847. He was educated in the public schools of Barre, whither he was brought by his parents in early childhood, and after the conclusion of his studies engaged in butchering. He was for some time associated with his elder brother in that line of business in Worcester, but finally returned to Barre and has ever since carried on a large stock farm with gratifying success. He is engaged quite extensively in fattening young cat- tle for the market, and also devotes considerable at- tention to the raising and developing of trotting horses, having owned and trained several speedy animals which attained prominence on the turf. Politically he is a Republican. In his religious be- lief he is a Congregationalist.

In 1870 Mr. Johnson was joined in marriage with Ellen E. Ellsworth, daughter of Henry and Caroline (Page) Ellsworth, of Greenwich Village. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two daughters, namely : Edith, born September 5, 1875, married Henry K. Clark, of Somerville, Massachusetts; and Bertha E .. born September 12, 1880, wife of G. W. Cox, of Littleton, this state. Both are residing in Barre.

HENRY BRANDES. This well-known Ger- man-American citizen of Webster, civil war veteran and ex-member of the Massachusetts legislature, belongs to the first German family to settle in that town, and he possesses in a superlative degree that genuine sympathy for republican principles which has induced so many of the Tentonic race to seek new homes in the United States. His ancestors were of the potent industrial class, which for years

has constituted the real bulwark of the German confederation, and his father, the late Frederick Brandes, was born in the kingdom of Hanover in the year 1803.

Like all German youths of his class Frederick Brandes acquired educational advantages which qualified him for both civil and military service. He also received thorough training in the manufac- ture of boots and shoes and was a master mechanic in the Fatherland, having charge of many artisans in the custom made boot and shoe trade, and he re- mained there until he was over fifty years old. He married Sophia May Boton, whose birth took place in Hanover in the year 1800, and she became the mother of nine children, eight of whom lived to maturity. Early in the year 1854 he took passage on the ship "Sephilda" for the United States, ac- companied by his entire family, and from New York, where they landed on May 1, 1854, they proceeded direct to Webster, where the paterfamilias found im- mediate employment in the textile mills operated by the Slaters, whose father, Samuel Slater, was the pioneer cotton manufacturer in the United States. He subsequently went to Wisconsin, where he availed himself of the liberal inducements offered to prospective settlers, and located upon land alloted him by the government. He died in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, in 1860. The children of Frederick and Sophia May Brandes who grew to maturity are: Sophia, Johanna, Mary, Louise, Fredericka, Fred- erick, William and Henry, all of whom were born in Germany. Two of the sons, William and Henry, served in the civil war. William enlisted in Com- pany I, Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry, in which he attained the rank of sergeant, and would un- doubtedly have acquired further promotion but his honorable career in the army came to an end at the battle of Gettysburg, where he was killed.

Henry Brandes, son of Frederick and Sophia May (Boton) Brandes, was born in Germany, Jan- uary 23, 1848. He attended school prior to emi- grating and continued his studies in the public schools of Two Rivers and Webster. In May, 1864, when in his seventeenth year, he enlisted as a private in a division known as the Twenty-fifth un- attached division, which was afterward consolidated with the Fourth Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and under A. A. Oliver, company commander, was mustered into service on Gallops Island, Boston Harbor. He participated in some of the important events which transpired during the closing year of the rebellion, and was honorably discharged at Readville in 1865. Returning to Webster Mr. Brandes attained his majority in this town, casting his initial vote for Governor William Claflin in 1869, and his first presidential ballot was for Grant and Wilson in 1872. He is a well known figure in the shoe manufacturing industry of this locality, having for a number of years held the position of foreman of the Corbin factory, and he recently retired. From the time of his majority he has steadfastly adhered to the principles of the Republican party, and his upright character and profound interest in civic af- fairs have made his especially eligible to the pub- lic service, in which he has acquired an honorable record. For several years he was a member of the hoard of selectmen, and chairman of that board dur- ing his last year's incumbency, has served as as- sessor, constable, police commissioner and trustee of town property. He was one of the incorporators of the Five Cent Savings Bank, Webster. He rep- resented Webster in the lower branch of the legis- ature in 1887, being assigned to the committee on labor, which, owing to the serious labor troubles existing at that time, was one of the most im-

BUSTUN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Henry Brandes

169

WORCESTER COUNTY

portant house committees of that session. In 1902 he was again a member of the lower house and ren- dered valuable service upon the committee on ·counties. lle is now (1906) serving his third term as commander of Post No. 61, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Brandes is chairman of the com- miittee elected by the town of Webster for the erec- tion of a Soldiers' Monument to be erected on town land between Main and Negus streets, opposite the high school building, at a cost of $15,000. Mr. Brandes was the active factor in causing the de- velopment of the plan of this memorial and in the subsequent raising of the fund therefor. He is a member of the local lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, in which he has occupied all of the im- portant chairs, and is a member of the grand lodge of Massachusetts.

Mr. Brandes married Laura Ann Klebart, born in Webster, December 24, 1853, daughter of Fred- erick and Caroline Klebart. Mr. and Mrs. Brandes have had twelve children, one of whom died at birth. The others are: Emma Louise, born June 23, 1872; Amanda Amelia, September 6, 1874; Fred- erick August, March 17, 1876; William Henry, Feb- ruary 18, 1878; Carrie Laura, September 24, 1880 ; Nellie Bertha, October 14, 1882; Etta Agnes, June 5, 1884; Alfred Walter, March 30, 1886; Alice Laura, December 27, 1887; Minnie Lillian, November I, 1889; and Henry Robert, March 18, 1893. William Henry died November 20, 1880; Carrie Laura died November 1, 1882; Alice Laura died May II, 1889; Emma Louise married, June 1, 1897, Alois Elsner, of Webster, and have a daughter, Amanda Evelyn ; Amanda married Robert Straube, also of Webster, and has one daughter, Mabel B., born June 4, 1899, two other children having died in infancy.

Frederick August Brandes, who is now a drug- gist in Webster, has passed successfully the state boards of pharmacy in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, and is therefore legally qualified to ·compound and dispense medicine in three different states. On September 6, 1898, he married Bertha Rügel, of Newport, Rhode Island, who died April 13, 1899. He married (second), June 17, 1903, Anna Malloy.

ALBERT RANDALL STONE, a well-known resident of Barre, is a son of Nathaniel Millet Stone, of that town. The Stones of Worcester ·county, in common with the majority of that name in Massachusetts, are descended from Samuel and Gregory Stone, two brothers who immigrated from England prior to 1640, settling in Watertown and subsequently removing to Cambridge. These im- migrants were the progenitors of a numerous pos- terity. Several of their descendants were prominent clergymen and not a few of them have acquired dis- tinction in other fields of usefulness. Nathaniel Millet Stone, who was a successful carriage manu- facturer of Barre, was married in that town to Nancy Farr Twitchell. The children of this union are: Albert Randall, the date of whose birth will be given presently; Mary Rice, born December 17, 1849.

Albert Randall Stone was born in Barre, Septem- ber 22, 1847. After the conclusion of his studies, which were pursued in the public schools, he became an apprentice in his father's factory, where he ac- quired a complete knowledge of the building of car- riages and other vehicles, and he has ever since fol- lowed that business in Barre with profitable results. He is more or less active in civic affairs, having served as constable for more than twenty years, is chief engineer of the fire department, has held other town offices and as a public official has ren-

dered excellent service to the town. Some twenty years ago he was made a Mason in Mount Zion Lodge, and for several years past has officiated as senior warden of that body.

Mr. Stone married Clara Rebecca Wood, daugh- ter of Abijah N. Wood, of Rutland, this county. They have two sons, namely: Herbert Northey, born May 2, 1873, and Clarence Albert, born No- vember 2, 1876. Herbert N. Stone, who is em- ployed in the trunk department of the extensive establishment of the Henry Siegel Company, Bos- ton, and resides in Dorchester, married Jennie Gar- field. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Clarence A. Stone, who resides at Barre and is asso- ciated in business with his father, married Bessie Louise Bruce, daughter of Joseph S. Bruce, of Barre.

WILLIAM COOLEY BLISS. The Bliss fam- ily of Coldbrook Springs, represented in this work by William C. Bliss, went there from Hampshire county, some eighteen years ago. William C. is the son of William and the grandson of Abijah Bliss. William Bliss, who was a well-known resi- dent of Hatfield, married Laura Monson, and those of his children whose names are at hand are: Mary A., died July 17, 1899; she was the wife of C. H. Jones, of Northampton; Martha J., died No- vember 4, 1883; married Dr. Montville, of Hatfield ; William C., see forward; Amelia L., died April 19, 1874; she was the wife of Levi L. Pease, of Hat- field.

Born in Hatfield, September 16, 1855, William Cooley Bliss studied preliminarily in the common schools of his native town, and completed his edu- cation at the academy in Hadley. Prior to his majority he entered mercantile pursuits as clerk in a general store in Northampton, and going to Amherst, Massachusetts, about the year 1878, he was engaged in the hat business there for the suc- ceeding ten years. In 1888 he settled in Coldbrook Springs, where he established himself in business as a dealer in hay, grain and coal, and has built up an extensive trade. In connection with his regular re- tail business he operates a grist mill and also acts as local agent for several varieties of fancy stock foods. In politics he acts with the Republican party and is at the present time serving as con- stable. He is chief of records in the local tribe, Improved Order of Red Men; has occupied all of the important chairs in the local lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is now a member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts; and is also a member of the local Grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry. He attends the Congregrational church.

In 1877 Mr. Bliss was united in marriage with Alice F. Peirce, daughter of John A. Peirce, of Amherst, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss have two children, namely: Mildred F., born Novem- ber 15, 1879; and Edward L., born October 26. 1883. Mildred F. is residing at home and Edward L. is now employed as a traveling salesman for the National Biscuit Company in Worcester.

JOSIAH JACKSON DUNN. The Dunn fam- ily of Petersham is of revolutionary ancestry and went there nearly seventy years ago. Josiah Jack- son Dunn, is a son of John Dunn, of Leominster, and a grandson of John Dunn, a sterling patriot, who served as a soldier in the Continental army during the war for independence. After his death, his widow, Polly Dunn, was given a grant of land in recognition of her husband's services. She ac- cepted the land, which she sold to Dr. Samuel Tay-

170

WORCESTER COUNTY

lor of Petersham. John Dunn, father of Josiah J. Dunn, resided for a time in Westminster, this county, from whence he removed to what is now the homestead in Petersham, the improvement of which was largely due to his energy and persever- ance. The maiden name of his wife was Abigail Jackson, and he was the father of thirteen children.

Josiah Jackson Dunn was born in Westminster, March 18, 1834. He accompanied his parents to Petersham when four years old. His early education which was confined to the simple branches of study taught in the primitive district schools of that day, was acquired under considerable hardship, and at the age of seventeen years he left the parental roof to begin the battle for his own support. Finding employment in Phillipston, this county, he remained there for some time, and subsequently resided in Gardner, Athol, Barre, Winehendon and West Gardner for various lengths of time. For nearly twenty years he was engaged in mercantile business at Winchendon and West Gardner, during which time the postoffice was established, and being se- lected as its first postmaster he retained that posi- tion through successive reappointments for a period of seven years. After his retirement from business he returned to the homestead farm in Petersham, and has ever since devoted his energies to its man- agement. While residing in Winchendon Mr. Dunn served as overseer of the poor, and since his return to Petersham he has participated quite conspicuously in civic affairs and otherwise evinees an earnest interest in the general welfare of the community. It was entirely through his efforts that the system of rural free mail delivery was established in Peter- sham, as in the face of considerable opposition he was successful in securing from the postal authori- ties the benefits of an up-to-date mail service, which are now so universally appreciated. In politics he is a Republican, and has voted for governor fifty consecutive years in Massachusetts, and twelve times for president of the United States. For thirty-four years he has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a charter member of the lodge in Gardner, and in addition to serving as treasurer of that body for many years he has oc- cupied other important chairs.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Worcester county, Massachusetts, with a history of Worcester society of antiquity, Vol. III, Part 47

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