Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of Worcester county, Massachusetts, with a history of Worcester society of antiquity, Vol. III, Part 83

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 83

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this has been his line of work ever since. For the past nine years he has conducted the business on his own account. He is located at Athol, where he makes a specialty of making celluloid and horn combs and hair ornaments. By skillful manage- ment his business has grown to be. he believes; thie largest of any single concern in the country. He makes many beautiful designs, some of which re- semble genuine tortoise shell, in fact only an expert can detect the difference. This factory is a three- story brick structure, fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, crowned with a massive chimney of great ele- vation. Here about one hundred and fifty hands are employed, twenty-five of whom are girls, while the most of the remainder are skilled workmen. These employes are nearly all local persons who have the good of the place at heart, and Mr. Wilcox takes every precaution to have the best and most approved appliances for the safety and convenience of his help. Mr. Wilcox's years of practical ex- perience in mastering all of the details of the manu- factures to the production of which his plant is devoted, have pre-eminently fitted him for the meeting of the emergencies of constantly occurring changes in the styles of these species of goods, and lie has the artistic ability as well to evolve many of the styles of ornamental goods manufactured at his plant. The building now occupied by Mr. Wilcox was erected originally by the town ( one of the best factory buildings in the town), for the pur- pose of encouraging local manufacturers, and was to be used as a boot and shoe factory, which was operated for some time, but finally was moved, hav- ing been given better inducements to move to an- other point. Mr. Wilcox then ( 1904) purchased the property.

Mr. Wilcox is a member of the Unitarian Church and a member of the parish committee. He is also connected with Athol Lodge, F. and A. M .: Chapter. R. A. M .: and Athol Commandery, K. T .; Aleppo Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, as well as the Eastern Star of the Masonic order He · is a member of the Independent Order of Red Men and a member of the executive committee of the Grange. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. At this time he is serving as a member of the district committee. February 28, 1895, Mr. Wilcox married and six children were born to him: Francis, died when young ; Joseph, born October 5, 1887, attending high school ; Florence, born May 23, 1889, attends high school ; Mary Eugenie, born April 20, 1890, in school ; Charles Edwin, died young; John, died young.

CHARLES FESTUS AMISDEN, one of the oldest dry goods merchants in Athol, Massachu- setts, was born in that place, December 29. 1849, the second child of Festus F. and Mary L. ( Battle) Amsden, of Athol. Festus F. Amsden was a soll of Jacob and Binda H. (Hoskins) Amsden, of Dana. Mr. and Mrs. F. F. Amsden had the fol- lowing children: Fenno Elliott, married Kate Hor- ton; Charles F., of whom later: Mary Ellen, mar- ried Frank Fish; Carrie M., married Ed. Hubbard, of Vineland, New Jersey, now deceased; Fred E., married a daughter of Hapgood Davis, of Athol ; Frances B., married Reuben Starkweather, of Cam- den, New Jersey ; Linda H., formerly a teacher at Athol and unmarried. There were two children the same name as the first and third above named, but they died in childhood. Fred E., the fifth child, born March 19. 1858, was in business with his brother, Charles F., for sometime but now con- ducts a wood and lumber business in Athol. He married Helen Davis, and they have two chil-

dren-Ruth D., born 1885, is attending college at Boston; Mildred, born 1896.

Charles F. Amsden was educated in the com- mon schools of Athol and at the academy at Vine- land, New Jersey. After leaving school he chose mercantile business for his lifework, and has been constantly engaged at it for thirty-eight years. He is the proprietor of a large dry goods and gentle- man's furnishing store. He is a member of the Unitarian Church, and in politics a Republican. lle has served as town officer in many capacities and is now one of the Republican town committee- men. Frequently he has represented his people at conventions as a delegate. He is one of the co- operators of the Athol Savings Bank and one of the directors, and a member of the board of investment of the Athol Co-operative Bank. He is secretary and treasurer of Mt. Pleasant Water Company, and has contributed of his influence and means towards the advancement of the manufacturing and general interests of his town. He was made a Mason in ISSo and now belongs to the Blue lodge, chapter and commandery at Athol.

Mr. Amsden was united in marriage, May 7, 1879, to Jennie D., the daughter of J. F. Dunbar, of Athol, and they have three children : S. Maud,born April 22, 18So, who has charge of musical culture in the schools of Athol, Orange and Dana; Ralph D., March 23, 1890, now in school; Burton R., Au- gust 16, 1894, now in school.

JAMES WHITE (1), father of James White, Jr., of Warren, Massachusetts, was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1822. He received the best edu- cation afforded by the public schools of his native parish. When not in school he spent his boyhood on the farm, and farming was his business as a young man until he came to America. He settled in Warren, Massachusetts, and conducted a farm all of his active life. He was prudent, saving and very industrious, and accumulated a competence after years of hard work. He died in Warren in 1868, a comparatively young man. He married Ann McNamara, also of Clare county, Ireland. Their children were: Ellen, born in Warren, Massachu- setts, married Lewis Ranchor, and they have five children, viz .: James, Anna, Lulu, George and Louis; Augusta, born also in Warren, married Sam- uel Adams, and they have nine children; James, of whom later.

(Il) James White, Jr., son of James White (I), was born in Warren, Massachusetts, December 28, 1859. He was educated in the common schools there and went to work on the farm at an early age. He removed to Warren and began to work in a livery stable. He followed his father's example in industry and saving, and was able in 1888 to establish himself in the livery business at Warren, which original establishment he conducted for four years, when he bought the leading stable of War- ren and carried it on for twelve years, with great success in a financial way. During the last five years of this business he also cultivated a farm of two hundred and twenty acres, one of the best in Worcester county, located on Coy's Hill, Warren, and for a number of years subsequently conducted it himself. In 1904 he disposed of his livery business for a farming property of two hundred and twenty-five acres in Dunhamtown, Brimfield. He conducted both of these properties for one year and in 1905 leased the Coy's Hill farm and the following year sold the Dunhamtown farm and retired from active pur- suits, occupying himself only with the care of his property and investments.

Mr. White is a loyal Democrat in political affilia-

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tions and is interested in public affairs. He has served the town of Warren on the board of select- men, and was his party's candidate for state as- sembly in 1904. He is a Roman Catholic in re- ligion and an active member of the parish. Ile is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. White is a fine representative of the American self-made man of the present generation, and is a substantial and highly esteemed citizen of his native town.

He married, 1887, Catherine Rooney, daughter of Michael and Hannah (Burns) Rooney, also of Warren. Their children are: James, died young ; William J., born 1889, student at Holy Cross Col- Iege; May (twin), born 1890; Mabel (twin), born 1890; Charles, died in infancy; Charles (second ), died young; Annie, born 1897; Frederick (twin), born 1902; Francis (twin), born 1902; Helen, born 1903.

ALBERT ELLSWORTH, proprietor of the opera house at Athol, Massachusetts, was born at Barre, Massachusetts, October 19, 1855, and when but a small boy his parents removed to Worcester, where he was educated in the public schools. Upon the completion of his education, he became inter- ested in the drug trade and followed it until about 1875, when he moved to Athol. He is the son of Samuel and Harriet ( Proctor) Ellsworth. The father was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and comes from a well known family. The paternal grandfather was John Ellsworth.

The mother of Albert Ellsworth was the daugh- ter of Esquire Joseph Proctor, one of the first law- givers of the town of Atbol and a famous old-time justice. To Samuel Ellsworth and wife were born : Warren, Charles, Alexander, deceased; J. Lewis, Hattie, died young; Albert, the subject. His brothers all reside at Worcester, Massachusetts.

Mr. Ellsworth owns and operates the only opera house in Athol. It was erected by him in 1892. He employs the lower floor and basement for a restaurant. This edifice is one of the most notable structures in Athol and vicinity and contains a commodious auditorium and stage. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, is far advanced, be- longing to the Blue lodge, chapter and commandery at Athol. Mr. Ellsworth and family attend the Unitarian Church, and in his political affiliations he stands with the Republican party and is quite prominent in local affairs; has held many town offices, including highway surveyor for five years. Since 1902 he has served as selectman of his town and in that connection is the surveyor of the water- works board. He has taken an active interest in the general welfare of Athol and an especial interest in the Athol Cattle Show and Fair Association, having served as secretary of that body since 1900, and being in large measure responsible for the su- perior showing which has been made for the com- munity along these lines.

Mr. Ellsworth was married in 1880 to Mina, daughter of John Augustus and Sybel (Fogg) Swan, and by this union one child was born, Helen C., September 26, 1886.

BENJAMIN WHITE SPOONER, a well known and highly respected citizen of Petersham, Massachusetts, retired, was born July 8, 1837, on the old Spooner homestead at Petersham. He is the son of Stevens Spooner, who for fifty years was noted for his singing and the playing of the double- bass fiddle in the church choir. He was the grand- son of Wing Spooner, born 1738, died 1810; he was a captain in the Continental army under Washing-

ton. It was he who erected the residence in which the subject of this notice now lives. It is a beau- tifully situated mansion of the old Colonial style of architecture, and is greatly valued by the family for the associations connected with it. Captain Wing Spooner married Eunice Stevens and their children all born at Spooner homestead, were: Charles, Stevens, Joel, Ruggles, Wing, Daniel, Asa, Hannah, Lois, Dolly, Eunice.

Wing Spooner Jr., born 1775, died 1853; mar- ried Polly Gould, and their children were: Lebbeus, Stevens, Laura, Sarah.

Stevens Spooner, born ISOS, died 1882; married Mary Angela Negus, and their children were : George H., born 1833; Caroline N., 1835; Benja- min W., 1837.

Benjamin White Spooner received his educa- tion in the schools of his native town, completing it, however, at Westminster, Vermont. He com- menced to farm with his father as soon as he fin- ished his schooling. At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted as a member of Company F. Fif- ty-third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer In- fantry, serving through the Gulf campaign and was present at the siege of Port Hudson, as well as many minor engagements. He was also with General N. P. Banks on his famous Red River expedition. He held the office of corporal. At the close of the war he returned to Petersham and resumed the work of a farmer; also was a large dealer in stock and car- ried on a meat business. In his political bearings, he is a pronounced Republican and has ever taken an active part in local affairs. For many years he was on the parish and shed committees for the Uni- tarian Church, of which he is a life-long member. He is connected with the Athol Grand Army Post and the Grange.

Mr. Spooner was united in marriage in 1862 to Fannie M., daughter of Sylvester Grout, of West- minster, Vermont. Mrs. Spooner died December 23, 1904. They have had five children born to them : I. Carrie, born July 8, 1864, married George W. Harris, of New Salem, Massachusetts, a farmer, and to them have been born five children-Mabel Rosalie, born February 10, 1890, she being the sixth generation born in the old Spooner house ; Bertha S., born July 22, 1891 ; Eleanor Negus, born June 4, 1894; Clarence Channing, born June 15, 1896; Fanny A., born November II, 1900. 2. Mabel A., born April 8, 1866, unmarried, and at home. 3. Gertrude, born May 15, 1868, married H. N. Tower, of East Pepperell, and their children are: Fannie F., born 1889; Arthur A., 1892; Sidney S., 1895; Lloyd L., 1898. 4. Edith Blanche, born January 24. 1874, married B. W. Towne, of Petersham, and their children are: Warren B., born 1897; Dorothy E., 1900; Robert E., 1902; Milton C., 1904. 5. George Hayes, born March 5, 1877, resides in California ; he married Fredericka Fuhr, of Columbus, Ohio.

MERRICK ELIJAH HILDRETH, a farmer of Worcester county, Massachusetts, living at Peter- sham, was born August 1, 1840, son of Elijah and Malinda (Williams) Hildreth, who were married in April, 1830. The line of ancestry runs to the sub- ject as follows :

(I) Isaac Hildreth was the first of the family name to locate at Petersham, and it is believed that he came from England.

(II) John Hildreth, son of Isaac Hildreth, the founder at Petersham, was born 1745, died March 16, 1808, lacking one month of being sixty-two years old.

(III) Elijah Hildreth, son of John Hildreth (2), was born December 27, 1770, and died June

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4, 1823, of a cancer on his face, which a record says, "was a very terrible and painful death to die." He married Polly Stearns and they had three children- Clarissa, Leuna and Elijah.

(IV) Elijah Hildreth, son of Elijah Hildreth (3), was born July 8, 1807, died June 7, 1890. He married Malinda Williams, daugh- ter of Nathaniel Williams, and by this union were born two children: Mary, May 27, 1832, died July 15, 1897, unmarried; Merrick Elijah, see forward. Merrick E. Hildreth was born August 1, 1840. After completing his educa- tion he engaged in farming with his father, on the old homestead. He is still carrying on the old place, a single man. Politically he is a Repub- lican and takes much interest in such matters. He has been one of the selectmen for twenty years, nineteen of which he has served the board as its chairman. He is also one of the overseers of the poor and surveyor of the highways. He is an act- ive member of the Unitarian Church and one of its parish committeemen.

GEORGE S. GIBSON, of Clinton, Massachu- setts, was born in Middlesex county, Massachu- setts, August 26, 1843. He is a descendant of John Gibson, who emigrated to this country from Eng- land, settling in Middlesex county, Massachusetts, where he resided all his life, following the occupa- tion of farming. He married and had a son, John, the grandfather of George S. Gibson. John also followed farming, having received a good common school education in his native county. He married and among his children was a

son named Appleton.

Appleton Gibson, father of George S. Gibson, was born on the home farm in Middlesex county. He received what education the common schools of that day afforded, and then, like his father and grandfather, turned his attention to farming, which he followed throughout his life. In politics he was a Whig, and while he never aspired to office was an earnest party worker. He was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Stone, of Shrewsbury, Massachu- setts, and their children were: Jane, married W. H. Sibley, of Westboro, Massachusetts, died in 1895. has one living child, Nellie C. C .; Alfred, died July, 1906; married Mary Jones, of Milford, Massa- chusetts, has one son, Frederick A. Stephen G. residing in Chicago; has one son Frank. Emerson G., residing in Marlboro, Massachusetts, married (first) Sarah King, of Hopkinton, Massachusetts; no family by this union. Married (second) Mary Whipple , of Hopkinton; no living family by this union. Married (third) Mary Bunton, of Boston ; by this union there are two living sons. Hamilton, died in infancy. Adelia C., unmarried, resides in Brookline, Massachusetts. John T., residing in Southboro, Massachusetts, married Ella S. King, deceased; no living children. George S., of whom later. Jennie L., wife of Henry C. Moses, of West- boro; has five living children.

George S. Gibson, the son of Appleton and Lydia (Stone) Gibson, acquired his education in the common schools of his native place, and on leaving the schoolroom, when the great civil war was in progress, enlisted, in 1862, in the First Massachu- setts Heavy Artillery Regiment, commanded by Colonel Green, and saw three years of active serv- ice, being in the army of the Potomac. He partici- pated in nineteen different engagements and was severely wounded in the battle of Petersburg. He distinguished himself during his military career for his bravery and fearlessness, but is ever modest and reticent over his gallantry. At the close of the

war he received an honorable discharge, and re- turning to Middlesex county, accepted a position as clerk in a store, in which occupation he remained two years. He later removed to Worcester, where he conducted a clothing store for some time with considerable success. He subsequently removed to Clinton, Worcester county, Massachusetts, where he now resides, and there opened a marble yard, where he conducts an extensive business in that line.

Politically Mr. Gibson affiliates with the Repub- lican party, and works earnestly toward advancing the interests of that organization. He held the office of assessor for seven years, and was also on the water commission and fire engineers board for many years in Clinton. He is a director of the Co-Opera- tive Bank of Clinton, and is a member of Trinity Lodge, F. and A. M., Clinton Chapter, R. A. M., and Trinity Commandery, K. T. He is also a mem- ber of Clinton Lodge, I. O. O. F., and an enthusi- astic follower of the Grand Army of the Republic. member of Post No. 64. Mr. Gibson is interested in all public affairs that pertain to the welfare of his community, and has filled all positions of trust imposed on him with great fidelity and earnestness. He is respected by all his fellow-townsmen as being a self-made man.

Mr. Gibson married, July 15, 1868, Mary A. Comey, a daughter of Elbridge G. Comey, the fam- ily being one of prominence in Middlesex county. By this union the following children were born: Bradford A., married Edith Herrick, of Vermont, and they have two children, Lucile and Herrick. Bertha L., married Eugene Jaquith, and they have one son, Lester. Helen C., married Dudley H. Dorr, of Lancaster. Jasper M., married Nellie Stevenson, and they have one child, John. Lester, unmarried, residing in Pasadena, California.

HARTWELL MAYNARD, of Athol, Massa- chusetts, retired, was born July 17, 1824, in that part of New Salem now known as Orange. He is the son of Martin and Rebecca Irene (Reynolds) Maynard, the former of Whitingham, Vermont. the latter of New Salem. They have two children : Hartwell, see forward, and Charles, born July 16, 1837. Martin Maynard was a son of Asa Maynard, who was a farmer of Phillipston, Massachusetts. Hartwell Maynard was educated in the school of Orange, became a farmer and also fol- lowed bottoming boots, which was a large and profitable business before the introduction of mod- ern machinery. He later turned his attention to the manufacture of pails and furniture. About 1896 he retired from active business and now resides with his family at Athol. When the old Whig party was in existence, he gave it his hearty sup- port and since the formation of the Republican party was effected he has always voted with that, seeing in the party the greatest good for the great- est number. The Methodist Episcopal Church creed is nearer his religious views than any other, and he always worships with that denomination. Mr. Maynard married (first), in 1844, Louisa King, who died in 1853. Four children born of this union died in childhood. He married (second), in 1854, Susan Brown, who died in 1896, leaving one child, Lizzie A., born January 1, 1861, married Charles Perry and has one child, Leslie.

GEORGE REMINGTON PAINE, of Temple- ton, is a descendant of the early colonial family of that name, and on the maternal side he is descended from the Morleys, a well-known Rhode Island family, who were prominently identified with the.

SIUN

IUBLIC

Go, S. Gibson

PUBLIC

Joshua Thissell

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Society of Friends. His father, Smith W. Paine, son of Wilbur Paine, was born either in Uxbridge, this county, or at Lyme Hill, and for many years resided in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He was at length induced to seek his fortune in the great west, and being favorably impressed with the outlook in Missouri, he settled there permanently. Smith W. Paine married for his first wife Mahala Remington, of Rhode Island.

Born in Woonsocket, October 25, 1842, George Remington Paine was reared and educated in his native town. He began the activities of life as a carpenter and builder with his uncle, Sullivan Taft, but subsequently relinquished that business and en- gaged in the manufacture of straw goods. After his marriage he went to reside in Oxford, Maine, settling upon the old Bryant homestead, which had been inherited by his wife. This property was a noted landmark in Oxford, owing to the fact of its having been the first farm cleared in Oxford county. He carried on general farming successfully for about twenty-five years, at the expiration of which time he sold the property and came to Massachu- setts. Locating in Templeton in 1901, he turned his attention to the raising of fruit and vegetables for the Boston market, making a specialty in the winter season of cultivating hot-house cucumbers, which command fancy prices during the months of Janu- ary and February. While residing in Oxford he participated actively in civic affairs, and since set- tling in Templeton has continued his activities in that direction, holding at the present time the office of warden of the fourth precinct. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic Order.

- Mr. Paine married Myra, daughter of Alanson Bryant, of Oxford, Maine. His only son is Alan- son R. Paine, see forward.

Alanson Remington Paine, a prosperous hot- house gardener of the village of Baldwinville, in the town of Templeton, is not only identified with the industrial development of that town, but is also prominent in its civic affairs and a leading spirit among the younger generations of its thrifty resi- dents.

Alanson Remington Paine was born in Oxford, Maine, December 4, 1872. He attended the public schools of Oxford, including the high school, and completed his studies at the Hebron ( Maine) Acad- emy. Adopting educational pursuits temporarily in his native town, he relinquished teaching after one term in order to engage in brick making. Following nine years service in a clerical capacity, he established himself in the business of raising vegetables under glass and with a spirit of enthusi- asın which invariably leads to success, he was not long in realizing his ambition to its fullest extent. Although giving some attention to seasonable pro- ducts he specializes in the raising of fancy vege- tables under glass for winter marketing. His cucumbers are among the first received in the Bos- ton market during the winter months. and bring exceedingly high prices. His other products are also noted for their superior quality, and his hot- houses, which are equipped with the latest improve- ments in conformity with advanced horticultural methods, are the most perfect establishments of their kind in that section of the state. A Repuh- lican in politics, he is qualified by education, busi- ness ability and sound judgment in civic affairs for any public office within the gift of his fellow- townsmen, and served two years as town auditor. He made a very creditable showing as his party's can- didate for the office of selectman in 1904, has been delegate to conventions and served his party as

town committeeman. He is a leading spirit among the warriors of the Improved Order of Red Men, having occupied all of the important posts in the tribe, and is now (1906) officiating as deputy dis- trict great sachem. He attends the Congregational Church. Mr. Paine is a member of the Narragan- sett Club of Baldwinville. He is a trustee of the local Savings Bank. He takes an active interest in athletics and has contributed to the advancement of those interests and the general well-being of the community where opportunity afforded. Mr. and Mrs. Paine are well known social factors, the later being an active member and president in 1905-6 of the Woman's Educational Club. She was for nine years a teacher in the local schools and princi- pal of the lower school.

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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 83

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