Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Worcester county, Massachusetts, with a history of Worcester society of antiquity, Vol. III, Part 49

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 49

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HENRY STEAD, prominently and actively identified in business circles in Worcester, Massa- chusetts, was born in Bramley, Yorkshire, Eng- land, June 30. 1830. He resided in England until he was twenty-two years of age; when he emigrated to America, landing at Portland, Maine, March 17, 1854. From Portland he went to Boston, Massa- chusetts, remaining there for three months, then to Mannville for a year. He spent about two years in Ashulott and Battleboro, Vermont, and subse- quently located in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1857, where he has since resided. In Worcester Mr. Stead commenced business in the Boiler Spin- ning and Woolen factory, and was also in the em- ploy of the Crompton Loom works for about seven- teen years. In 1864 he and his family returned to England, where they remained for about three years, and coming back to America in 1868, he estab- lished himself in business in the manufacture of woolen and cotton goods. He has been identified with this business ever since. and in it has met with eminent success. In politics, he helps support the Republican party. and although he has never as- pired to office, he has worked earnestly toward

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furthering the interests of his party. In religious affairs, he accords with the Congregational faith, and has contributed willingly and unostentatiously to the support of his church.

He married Marie Webster, born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, October 7, 1831, and died Jan- uary 25, 1897, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Stead were: Joseph H., born August 23, 1853. in England; Frederick, De- cember 1. 1858, in Worcester; Emma A., March 30, 1861, in Worcester; married Robert Taylor, of Worcester, and has one child, Anna M .; Hannah M., July 13, 1862, in Worcester ; Arthur, June I, 1870, in Worcester; married Mary Myrick, of Providence, has three children Henry W., Mable A., and Joseph M .; Sarah E., July 8, 1872; died December 30, 1877.

Mrs. Stead was prominently identified with church work. and it was at her home that the meetings were held, which resulted in the build- ing of the Immanuel church, a branch of Pied- mont church, in 1881. This church was enlarged in 1889. Before this church was built Sunday serv- ices were held in Green Hall, on Sargent street, for a year or more. The present church is situated in Endicott street, facing Crompton Park. The gatherings that were held at Mrs. Stead's house were in the form of Mothers' Meetings, and each week the attendance averaged fifteen people. Numerous baptisms occurred in the home of Mrs. Stead, Dr. Mears officiating.

DANIEL J. DEMPSEY. Each community is judged by the character of its representative citi- zens, and its social, intellectual and business stand- ing is determined thereby. The sterling worth, commercial ability and enterprise of the leading men are mirrored forth in the public life of the town, and therefore the history of the people of prominence is the history of the community. No account of Millbury would be complete without the life record of Daniel J. Dempsey, a man whose public spirit is manifested in his many efforts to improve the condition and promote the upbuilding of the town.

Jeremiah Dempsey, father of Daniel J. Demp- sey, was a native of county Cork, Ireland. He came to America in early manhood, and became a useful and respected citizen of Millbury, Massa- chusetts. He married (first) Mary Donovan. who bore him two children: Jeremiah F., born in Mill- bury, an employe of the Bowden Felting Mills, Millbury; and Mary, born in Millbury. He mar- ried (second) Anna (Hanlon) Rice, widow, who had one child by her first marriage, Kate Rice, who married John Wall, and has two children: Thomas L. and Mary Wall. The children of this union were: Susan and Norah, twins: the former mar- ried Frank G. Sweeney, and their children are: William, Annie and Frances Sweeney. Daniel J., of whom later. Jeremiah Dempsey. father of these children, died at his residence in Millbury, Decem- ber, 1904, aged ninety-one years. leaving behind him the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

Daniel J. Dempsey was born in Millbury, Massa- chusetts. June 8. 1866. He attended the public and high schools of Millbury, graduating from the latter in 1882. and completed his education by a course at Hinman's Business College at Worcester, from which he was graduated the following year. He at once entered the employ of the Cleveland Machine Works in Worcester as bookkeeper, serv- ing in that capacity for a period of ten years, during which time he received a .careful training in busi- ness methods, and became intimately acquainted

with manufacturing interests. In 1894 he was ap- pointed postmaster of the town of Millbury by President Cleveland, and during his four years incumbency of office the business connected there- with was conducted with promptness and despatcı and the only objection to his re-appointment was the fact that he was a Democrat, the town being strongly Republican. In 1898, after the expiration of his term as postmaster, he purchased the station- ery and news store of George B. French, Elm street, Millbury, and has since developed a large and lucrative business, which he is conducting at the present time (1906).

In 1899 Mr. Dempsey was elected on the board of assessors in the town of Millbury, and was twice re-elected to that office, each time by an increased majority, which amply testified to his popularity, also the fact that the town was strongly Republi- can reflected much credit upon his ability and upon the faithful performance of his official duties. From 1902 to 1906 he served on the board of selectmen, and during the past two years was chairman of the board. He was the youngest Democrat who ever held that office in the town, also the first man of Irish descent and a Catholic to be elected to the board of assessors or selectmen. He represented the eighth Worcester representative district in the general court in 1903-04. which comprises the towns of Auburn, Douglas, Millbury and Sutton, and was a member of the committee on street railways. He was also elected to this office by a good major- ity, the fairness of his methods winning the admira- tion of his opponents. His education, business ex- perience and successful administration in other official capacities fully equipped him for the duties of a member of the general court, and entitled him to the confidence and support of his constit- tents. He is serving in the capacity of chairman of the Democratic town committee of .Millbury, and delegate to state and county conventions. Hc is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, of the local council of the Royal Arcanum, Millbury Council. No. 889. and of Court Millbury. No. 79, Foresters of America. He was a prominent member of the C. Y. M. L. A., and was a conspicuous figure in debate.

Mr. Dempsey married, October 6, 1891, Mary G. Sullivan, daughter of C. D. and Ann Sullivan, of Worcester. Their children are: Anna, Mary, Helen, Gertrude, Daniel J., Jr., Clarence E., Mar- garet, and John F. The career of Mr. Dempsey has been characterized by fidelity. honesty and en- terprisc, and as a business man, citizen and public official he commands the respect and admiration of all with whom he is associated.

CHARLES WILLIAM KOSMALER, a pros- perous young German-American resident of Web- ster. is a son of the late Julius Kosmaler, of that town. Julius Kosmaler was born in the province of Silicia, Germany. May 27, 1840. In April. 1870, he married Johanna Jana, also a native of Silicia, born April 30, 1851, daughter of John and Mary (Otto) Jana, the former of whom served in the Franco-Prussian war. Shortly after their marriage Julius and Johanna Kosmaler came to the United States, locating in Webster, where they became the parents of eight children, namely: Charles Will- iam. of whom later; Anna, born September 1, 1872; Lena, born December 25, 1873; Frederick, born July. 1875; Henry, born May 22, 1880; Fritz, born May 2S. 1883: Selma, born August 4, 1885 ; and Matilda. born May 17, 1888. Anna died April 4. 1891. Frederick died in October, 1881; Fritz died March 17, 1889. Lena married, October 5,

DULTUN PUBLIC ARY

Chas M. Kasmaler

PUBLIC

LIRDER

Michael Sehrfield

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1896. W. H. Klebart, of Webster, and has one

Charles William Kosmaler was born in Webster, January 13. 1871. He attended the Webster public schools until he was fourteen years old, at which time he entered the employ of F. R. Childs and Company, cracker manufacturers, with whom he re- mained as apprentice and clerk for nearly eight years. About the year 1892 he engaged in busi- ness for himself. taking the local agency for the Grand Union Tea Company and establishing a cir- cuit or route for the sale and delivery of goods by wagon. This manner of dispensing tea, coffee, ete. has proved very successful and he now sup- plies regularly a large number of customers who are distributed over a broad area, including Web- ster. Southbridge, Oxford, North Grosvenordale, and Thompson. He is past chancellor of Mount Sinai Lodge. Knights of Pythias, and a member of Maanexit Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows.

On October 8. 1896, Mr. Kosmaler married Bertha Mildred Dahn, born in Berlin, Germany, July 11, 1875. daughter of John and Rose (Meyer) Dahn, and at the age of four years came to the I'nited States with her parents, who settled in Web- ster. Mr. and Mrs. Kosmaler have two children, namely : Mildred Rosanna, born July 26, 1897 ; and Clarence Henry, born May 11, 1902. The family attend the Congregational Church.

DANIEL MERRILL MARSH, deceased, for fifty-five years a resident of Boylston, was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth ( Clements) Marsh. His father, who was born in the vicinity of Lowell, Massachu- setts, followed the carpenter's trade during his active period. but for the last twenty years of his life was incapacitated for employment of any kind. He went from Lowell to Boylston, where he resided for some time, and removed from there to Worces- ter. He was a member of the Congregational Church. His wife Elizabeth hore him several chil- dren, among whom was Daniel Merrill Marsh, the principal subject of this sketch, whose birth took place in Lowell. April 2, 1823.

Provided with a knowledge of the elementary branches of study taught in the public schools. David Merrill Marsh began the activities of life as a teamster in Boylston, prior to his majority, and while still a minor sought to improve his health, which was seriously impaired, by travelling through some of the western states. Upon his return to Boylston he resumed the teaming business, which he followed successfully for the rest of his active life. His death occurred April II, 1904. Politically he supported the Republican party. In his religious faith he was a Congregationalist.

June 10. 1847. Mr. Marsh was married, in Put- nam. Connecticut. to Mary Ann. daughter of James and Eunice ( Wheeler) Budding, of Montpelier, Vermont. She became the mother of twelve chil- dren: Mary Elizabeth. Adeline F .. James B., Charles H., Ellen N .. Persis Ada. Laura Ann. Abbie A .. Carrie Louise, Sarah. Edward M. and Daniel. Mary Elizabeth married George Cadwell, who died in 1885: has had four children: Clara A .. living; Harry B., Nettie and George, deceased. Clara A. Cadwell married for her first husband Thomas Vaughn, by whom she has one son, Alfred, and she is now the wife of Alvali Holbrook. Adeline F. Marsh married William Adams, of Worcester : her children are: Dora, wife of Henry Phipps, of

Oxford; Ella, wife of George Wesson; Fanny, wife of Frederick Searles; and Everett. James B. Marsh is unmarried. Charles H., Persis Ada, Sarah, Edward M. and Daniel Marsh are no longer living. Ellen M. is now the wife of Eugene O. Haynes and resides in Worcester. Laura Ann married George Tower, and has two children, Marion and Harold. Abbie A. married John R. Mckay; she has had six children, two of whom are living: Ada B. and James B. The others were Willis N., Luman R., Mary E., and Hazel M. Carrie Louise is now Mrs. Henry Clinton, and has one son, Frank A.

ASA ANDREWS BENNETT, a prosperous farmer and a veteran of the civil war, is a son of Samuel Bennett, who was born in Boylston, March 6, 1803. Samuel Bennett, who for many years followed the carpenter's trade in Boylston, was a worthy, upright citizen. He was a regular attend- ant of the Congregational Church. When a young man he took an active interest in local military affairs and served in the state militia.

Asa Andrews Bennett, the principal subject of this sketch, was born in Boylston, November 10, 1845. Having concluded his attendance at the pub- lic schools he turned his attention to farming, but at the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted as a private in Company E, Fifth Regiment Massachu- setts Infantry. He served his country with credit and after receiving an honorable discharge from the army he returned to Boylston, where he re- sumed agricultural pursuits. He is still engaged in that honorable calling and has acquired pros- perity. Politically he acts with the Republican party and has served with marked ability as road surveyor. On January 25, 1876, Mr. Bennett was joined in marriage with Rebecca Moore Flagg, daughter of Montraville and Parney Parker (Houghton) Flagg. The children of this union are: Asa F., born October 15, 1876; Amelia H., born September 12, 1878; Eva H., born April 8, 1881; and Augustus R., born November 23, 1885. Asa F. Bennett, the first born, is no longer living. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett attend the Congregational Church.

MICHAEL SCHOFIELD, a veteran of the civil war. and at the present time superintendent of the Webster Water Works, is of English descent on the paternal side, and his maternal ancestors were Irish. His grandfather, Nicholas Scofield, who was a Englishman, crossed over into Ireland and settled in county Tipperary. His parents, Michael and Bridget (Dwyer) Schofield, who were both natives of county Tipperary. emigrated some fifty years ago and settled in Webster, where they resided for the remainder of their lives. Michael Schofield died in 1887, surviving his wife, whose death oc- curred in 1859. They were the parents of seven children : Catherine. Nicholas, Eliza, Bridget, Michael. John and Mary Ann. Catherine is the widow of Patrick Brean. late of Webster: Eliza is the widow of James. Hanley, who was also a resident of Webster: Mary Ann married Michael Carroll, of Worcester, who is now master mechanic for Crompton and Knowles of that city.

Michael Schofield was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, March 12, 1848, and emigrated to the United States with his parents when quite young. He attended the public schools of Webster until sixteen years old, when, contrary to the wishes of his parents, he enlisted for service in the civil war as a private in Company C, Sixty-first Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel

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Charles Walcott and Captain Azel Wheeler. He served the cause of the Union ably and faithfully during the last year of the struggle, or until after the surrender of the Confederate army at Appo- mattox in April, 1865, when he was honorably dis- charged and mustered out with his regiment. The first five companies, including Company C, of the Sixty-first, which was a one year regiment, left the state October 7, 1864, and were afterward joined in the field by. the other five when recruited. A portion of it was for a time attached to General Benham's engineer brigade, and the regimental records show that from its arrival at the front until the surrender of General Lee. it was almost cou- stantly engaged in active duty in the field. On February 5, 1865, it was in the front line and par- ticipated in the important movement which ex- tended the Federal lines beyond Hatcher's Run. On March 17, 1865, the regiment as a whole was assigned to an independent brigade commanded by Brevet Brigadier General C. H. T. Collis, and from March 29 until the surrender at Appomattox, April 9. it was constantly under arms, taking a most honorable and conspicuous part in the final siege and capture of Petersburg, as a part of the Ninth Corps. Early in the morning of April 2 the Ninth Corps by a most gallant coup de main, car- ried and occupied the enemy's works in front of Fort Sedgwick ("Fort Hell"), but as soon as the panic had subsided the dislodged occupants made a vigorous attempt to regain the lost position, and at length succeeded in recapturing Fort Mahone, to- gether with the adjoining breastworks. At the critical moment (about two o'clock P. M.) the Sixty-first, which had been lying in reserve, was ordered to charge the enemy, and in a few mo- ments it recaptured the breastworks, carried the parapet of Fort Mahone, and permanently routed its obstinate defenders. Considering the severity of both the artillery and musketry fire the loss, which did not exceed thirty-five men, was remarkably small. The works were held by the regiment until about midnight, when Brevet Captain Howard led a detachment of skirmishers along the enemies's line of works, which they found evacuated. These skirmishers who were the first to enter Petersburg, raised a Bay State flag upon the top of the court house tower, and the regiment was honored with promotions for gallant and meritorious services. The capture of Petersburg unquestionably caused the immediate fall of Richmond, which hastened the final event at Appomattox, and the skirmishing members of the Sixty-first have every reason to be proud of the important part they took in bringing to an end one of the most formidable rebellions of modern times. The regiment participated in the grand review held in Washington on May 23, 1865, and was mustered out in detachments during the summer of that year.

Upon his return to civic life, Michael Schofield learned the carpenter and wheelwright trades, com- pleting his apprenticeship in Providence, Rhode Is- land. In 1872 he turned his attention to mercan- tile pursuits, engaging in the clothing business in Webster, which he followed until 1884, and for the ensuing twelve years he was occupied at his trade. In 1896 he was appointed superintendent of the Webster water works, and has since discharged the duties of that responsible position with an energy and ability which are heartily appreciated hy the general public. Since attaining his majority he has been more or less active in local public affairs. sup- porting the Democratic party in politics, and for two years served as a member of the board of as- sessors. He is a comrade of Post 61, G. A. R., and

was post commander in 1903; is a member of Web- ster Council, Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Roman Catholic Church, St. Louis parish.

On May 9, 1869, Mr. Schofield was united in marriage with Augusta Behling, born in Irnanburg, kingdom of Hanover, August 23, 1851, daughter of Andrew and Frances (Marks) Behling, and came with her parents to Webster at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Schofield have three children : Frances Elizabeth, born July 25, 1871; Anna Au- gusta, August 26, 1873; and Lillian Theresa, June 2, 1878.

WALKER FAMILY. For several generations the family of which Edward Joseph Walker, of Boylston, is a representative, has furnished to the community citizens who have creditably filled local offices, both in church and state.

Nathan Sumner Walker was born in Peters- ham, Massachusetts, June 4, 1814, died September 2,7 1888, aged seventy-four years. He received his education in the schools of Athol, Massachusetts. He became a farmer, purchasing a farm in Oak- ham, on which he passed the remainder of his life. He was chosen a representative to the general court of Massachusetts, and in his own township was an overseer of the poor. He was a member of the Baptist Church, serving on the parish committee. His wife was Lydia, daughter of Cephas and Lydia (Cushman) Bumpus, of Plympton, Massachusetts, and they were the parents of three sons: Caphas N., Joseph, and Lyman Sumner, see forward. Mr .. Walker died at the age of seventy-four.

Lyman Sumner Walker, son of Nathan Sumner and Lydia (Bumpus) Walker, was born May 9, 18.40, in Barre, Massachusetts, and received his carly education in the common schools. In after years he moved to Boylston, where he has since lived, owning his farm in the eastern part of the township and also considerable property in the center of the town. For three years during the civil war he served in Company C, Thirty-fourth Regi- ment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in the Army of West Virginia, under Sheridan. and was present at the surrender of Lee. Like his father he has been a member of the general court of Massachusetts and has also filled local offices, in- cluding those of assessor, overseer of the poor and road commissioner. He is a member of the Grange and belongs to E. D. Baker Post, No. 64, Grand Army of the Republic, of Clinton, Massachusetts. His political affiliations are with the Republicans, and he has acted as delegate to different conven- tions. For twenty-five years he served as deacon in the Congregational Church, served as superin- tendent of the Sunday school for eighteen years, and is treasurer of the parish, besides being ap- pointed for a number of years on the parish com- mittee.

Mr. Walker married Harriet Allen Merriam, born September 22, 1843, in Ohio, daughter of Noah. K. and Harriet (Harlow) Merriam, of Grafton, Massachusetts, and their children were: Edward Joseph. see forward; Lena Ada, wife of George H. Langley. residing in Boylston; they have one child, Harriet Langley, born September 9, 1903.

Edward Joseph Walker, son of Lyman Sumner and Harriet Allen (Merriam) Walker, was born August 23, 1872, in Boylston, where he received his early education, and in 1889 entered the Agricul- tural College, Amherst, Massachusetts, graduating thence in 1893. April 1, 1894, he became the as- sociate of his father in the latter's agricultural labors and the connection was maintained until April 1, 1904, since which time he has been in

D.C. PUBLIC

E Alton

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partnership with Moses Stotler. He belongs the Grange and for three years has held the office of assessor. He belongs to Clinton Lodge, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, of Clinton, and also to the Sons of Veterans. He is a Republican in politics and has been a delegate to conventions, both representative and council. He is a member of the Congregational Church, assistant superin- tendent of the Sunday school and also serves on the parish committee.

Mr. Walker married, August 15. 1895, Louise Maria Bray, and they have three daughters: Beth Louise, born June 23, 1896; Alice Ada, January 27, 1899; and Edith Merriam, September 21, 1903. Mrs. Walker is a daughter of Charles and Betsey Lonisa (Cunningham) Bray, of Boylston, where she was born February 14, 1871, graduating in 1893 from the state Normal school at Worcester.

ARTHUR ISRAEL HUNTING. The grand- father of Arthur Israel Hunting, of West Boylston, was Israel Hunting. of Needham, Massachusetts, where his son, Daniel Hunting. was born in 1828, and received his education in the common schools. After leaving school Daniel Hunting learned the trade of shoemaking, which he made his means of livelihood. Some years ago he retired from busi- ness and is now living at Natick, Massachusetts. He has been chief of police and chief engineer of the fire department of that town. He is a staunch Republican and is orthodox in religious belief. Daniel Hunting married (first) Helen, daughter of Daniel and Helen Chapman, of Damariscotta, Maine, and their children are: Arthur Israel, and Willard, born August 6, 1865. Mr. Hunting mar- ried (second) Saralı Jones, of Stoneham, Massa- chusetts, who bore him one daughter, Bertha, wife of George Wright, resides in Natick. Massachu- setts.

Arthur Israel Hunting, son of Daniel and Helen (Chapman) Hunting, was born April 3, 1863, and was nine years old when his parents moved to Natick, where he attended the common schools until 1882. He then entered the Massachusetts School of Technology, in Boston, remaining there one year. After spending three years in the drug busi- ness. he was engaged until 1900 in the electrical business in Boston, and then went to West Boyls- ton, where he purchased a farm in the southern part of the township. He has since devoted him- self to the cultivation of his land. at the same time conducting an extensive fruit and dairy business in Worcester.

While living in Natick. he became a member, in 1884. of Company G, First Regiment, Massa- chusetts Infantry, and was afterward transferred to Company L of the Ninth Regiment and still later to Company E of the Sixth. He was com- missioned first lieutenant and his term of service expired just before the outbreak of the Spanish- American war. He volunteered for service. but was debarred from going to the front. He belongs to the Order of Red Men, is a staunch Republican, like his father, and like him is orthodox in faith. Mr. Hunting is unmarried.

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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 49

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