History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 212

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 212

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).

ALEXANDER HAMILTON WILLIAMS, youngest son 56

of Francis and Louisa Williams, was born on the an- cestral home of his great ancestor, Richard, Dec. 26, 1823. He received the same lessons of thrift, in- dustry, and economy as his elder brothers, and early worked at brick-making, farming, or lumbering, as occasion demanded. His education was derived from the common schools of his native town and its acade- mies. Being the youngest son, it devolved on him to succeed his father in his business operations when the active brain was tired with age and the worn frame succumbed to the weight of years, and during his last years his father lived with Alexander. Mr. Williams was about twenty-five years old when he assumed the management of his father's affairs, and under his energetic labors and youthful ambition they did not lose in magnitude. His has been an active life. Always ontspoken and frank in expressing his views, he has labored with earnestness to carry them into practical results. He is a member of the Unita- rian Church, a member also of King David Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Although not a politi- cian, and avoiding as much as possible official pre- ferment, he has held strong political opinions, and was a pronounced Whig and Republican. He has been called on to serve as counselor in the city gov- ernment of Taunton, is now director in Taunton Brick Company, and also stockholder in various cor- porations and institutions.

Mr. Williams is the largest manufacturer of bricks (outside the Taunton Brick Company ) in this section, so noted for its production of this building material, keeping himself the leader in this direction. He started the Taunton Brick Company in the summer of 1868, and organized the Williams Brick Company in 1872. This business has attained enormous pro- portions, and his son, Capt. George F. Williams, has been connected with him in this company since 1873. Their production of brick in 1882 was two million nine hundred thousand. In 1880, Mr. Williams con- tracted with the Conant Thread Company of Paw- tucket, R. I., to furnish them five million brick. This he filled, and also furnished them with quite a quantity beside which they needed to complete their work. This was, beyond question, the largest con- tract for brick ever taken.

Mr. Williams is in possession of about ninety acres of the more than one hundred which consti- tuted the homestead farm of Richard Williams. This historic place is highly valued by him, and affords him a beautiful and comfortable home. It used to be in early times the principal fording-place of the people, and was noted for the shallowness of the river. Mr. Williams married, Jan. 16, 1851, Jane Knight King. She was daughter of Dr. Dan King and Cynthia Pride, his wife. She was born in Charles- town, R. I., June 4, 1826. Their children are: (1) George F., who is book-keeper, overseer, and general business manager of the Williams Brick Company. He was chosen captain of Company G, Taunton

882

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Light Guards, Massachusetts States Militia. He married Adella, daughter of Shubael Bliss, of Taun- ton, and has one daughter, Emma; (2) Cynthia P., born June 18, 1856, who resides with her parents. Mr. Williams is of fine personal appearance, tall and well proportioned, of light complexion, showing strong Saxon characteristics, and is social and genial by nature, and although careful in financial matters, is at the same time generous and hospitable. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle for his solid worth and many good qualities.

A. K. WILLIAMS.

Abiathar King Williams, the subject of this sketch, is descended from Richard Williams1, the first settler of Cohannet, now Taunton, Mass. This memorable pioneer was from Glamorganshire, Wales, and settled at Cohannet in 1637. Two years later he was one of the founders of Taunton. His wife, Frances Dighton, was from Somersetshire, England. Their third son, Joseph2, and wife Elizabeth, had a son Richard3, who had a son, Col. George Williams+, who resided at South Raynham, and was the father of Abiathar Williams5. The latter was born in Raynham, and married Nancy Dean. They had eleven children, of whom our subject was the seventh in the order of birth. (See history of the Williams family, Taunton.)

Abiathar Williams was known as "Capt. Wil- liams." He ran a sloop from Taunton to New York from the time he was thirteen years of age till he was fifty-five. He was a successful and influential citi- zen, represented his town in the General Court, and held various local offices. He died in June, 1856, and his wife in 1858.

A. K. Williams, son of Abiathar and Nancy (Dean) Williams, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 11, 1815. He received his education at the common schools, and at an academy in his native town. In 1828 his father began the lumber business in partner- ship with D. W. G. Cobb (firm of Williams & Co.), and in connection with this interest young A. K. was brought up, and in 1849 was received by his father as a partner in the firm, which then became A. Wil- liams & Son. It remained under this style till about 1853, at which time the firm-name was changed to A. K. Williams & Co., the company being George B. Williams, and so remained till A. K. Williams re- tired in 1877.

Mr. Williams is reputed to be wealthy, and is a large stockholder in various manufacturing enter- prises, both at home and abroad.

He married Sarah G. Andrews, daughter of Henry R. and Sarah Parker (Hill) Andrews, of Boston, Mass., Dec. 17, 1857. Their only son, Everett A., died at the age of seven years.

SYLVANUS NELSON STAPLES.

Sylvanus Nelson Staples, son of Sylvanus Staples, was born in Taunton, Mass., Aug. 2, 1811. His father was born in the same town Nov. 24, 1783, and married, Ang. 25, 1805, Sally, daughter of Capt. Jacob Phillips. She was born June 25, 1783, in Taunton, Mass. Of this union eleven children were born, viz., (1) Ase- nath (deceased), married Robert Abell ; (2) Sally A. (deceased), married Jabez Irish ; (3) Rebecca A., married Albert Carpenter ; (4) Sylvanus N .; (5) Eliza N., married Adam Reed ; (6) Abiathar I. (deceased), married Esther Jones; (7) Hopy T. (deceased), mar- ried George Edgar; (8) Tila Ann, married Nathan Maker; (9) Deborah (deceased), married Abel Reed ; (10) Henry, died unmarried ; and (11) John, who was drowned at the age of nine.

Mr. Staples was a brick-maker by trade, and a Democrat in politics. Both Mr. and Mrs. Staples were members of the Baptist Church at Pawtucket, R. I., whither they had gone to live in 1830, and where their two youngest children were born. Mrs. Staples died Sept. 25, 1851, aged sixty-eight years and three months, and Mr. Staples died Feb. 24, 1852, aged sixty-eight years and three months also.

Sylvanus Staples, father of Sylvanus, and grand- father of Sylvanus N., was a native of Taunton, mar- ried a Miss Peirce, and had four sons and two daugh- ters, of whom Sylvanus, father of Sylvanus N., was the eldest son. He was a farmer by occupation, and died at a ripe old age. Sylvanus Nelson Staples traces his maternal history back through Sally Phillips and Capt. Jacob Phillips, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was several times taken prisoner, and sue- ceeded in escaping twice at great peril of his life. He was master of vessels, and for many years was engaged in the coasting trade between Taunton, New York, Boston, and many Southern ports. He died at seventy-six years of age.

SYLVANUS N. STAPLES received a common school education, working with his grandfather, Capt. Jacob Phillips, summers, and attending school winters. He commenced a seafaring life as a cabin-boy when not more than ten years of age, and gradually rose through the various grades till he became master of a sloop at the early age of eighteen. He continued in the coast- ing trade, visiting the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico till he was twenty-eight. In the mean time he had several vessels built for his trade. In 1836 he com- inenced dealing in wholesale and retail commission flour and grocery business with Francis D. Williams as partner, under the firm-title of F. D. Williams & Co. After a few years Mr. Staples purchased his partner's interest, and the business was carried on under the title of S. N. Staples & Co., Hiram Burt, a brother-in-law, being the company, though not actively engaged in the business, as he was constantly at sea. After several years Mr. Staples bought his partner's interest, and associated with him Messrs. James M. and Horatio Williams. They had places

A. S.Williams

S. A. Staples

IF Wheeler

883

TAUNTON.

of business at this place (Weir, Mass.), S. N. Staples & Co .; at New Bedford, James M. Williams & Co .; and at Norfolk, Va., under the firm-name of Williams, Staples & Williams. Their business was extended to the West Indies and all along the Atlantic seaboard. Their West India enterprise did not prove altogether successful, and in 1850 the partnership was dissolved.

Mr. Staples began life again at the bottom of the ladder, and by the friendly aid of his friends, built a vessel called the " William Mason," named after Wil- liam Mason, one of Taunton's most enterprising and wealthy citizens. Mr. Staples ran her a few years, was successful, and gave her to his brother, Abiathar, who ran her until she was sunk in a collision with the " Queen of the West," off Tortugas, in 1861. She was laden with a cargo of sugar, and was the last vessel that left Louisiana at the breaking out of the civil war. Mr. Staples began commercial business, dealing in iron, coal, lime, and the general freighting business with William H. Phillips in 1857, under firm-title of Staples & Phillips. They have been very successful in their business, selling three thousand tons of coal the first year, which has steadily increased, till now (1883) they sell more than one hundred and sixty thousand tons annually. The iron trade has increased also. They are also extensively engaged in the ship- ping trade, and are large owners in a great many ves- sels and steamers. Mr. Staples is also interested in various manufacturing enterprises, in all of which he has been successful. He is a director in the Bristol County National Bank, trustee of the Taunton Savings- Bank, president and director of the Dighton Furnace Company, director in Taunton Cracker Company, director in Taunton Iron-Works, and Walliston Foundry, near Boston, president and director of Globe Coal Company, Fall River, president and director of Forest Hill Garden, Fall River, director of Park Mills, Taunton, director of Taunton Cotton Machine Company, and president and director of Empire State Steamboat Company.

In politics he is a Republican. He has held some local offices, but never aspired to official honors, pre- ferring to attend to his own business.

He is a member of the Unitarian Church at Taun- ton, and one of its liberal supporters. He married, May 22, 1835, D. Adeline Hood, daughter of Nathaniel and Fanny Hood, of Taunton. They have children, viz., (1) Elizabeth A. (deceased), married Stephen A. Jenks, of Pawtucket; (2) Adeline N., married Lewis Williams ; (3) Edwin S. (deceased), married Cora . F. Cook ; (4) Herbert M., married Alice M. Presbrey ; (5) Harriet F. (deceased) ; (6) Adell L., resides at home.

J. F. WHEELER.

Jeremiah Fisher Wheeler, son of Russell and Mary D. Wheeler, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., Jan. 8, 1811. He comes of some of the best New England families of early colonial days, and was himself a good

representative of this active, industrious, and enter- prising race. His father, Russell, was eighth child in the family of twelve children, and was son of Jer- emiah and Betsey Wheeler. He married Mary Da- vis, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Mason. She was oldest in a family of fifteen children. He was for many years a manufacturer of cotton with his brother Nathaniel, a noted manufacturer, in Digh- ton, and was of esteemed worth and a useful citizen. He had eight children,-Elizabeth Troop, Joseph Russell, Mary Davis, Ann Mason, Jeremiah F., Sub- mit Anthony, Augustus Mason, and William Mason.

J. F. Wheeler studied civil engineering and me- chanics, and became a machinist. He went to New Orleans as a civil engineer, and took charge of the construction of the canal leading to Lake Pontchar- train, where he employed over two hundred men. He afterwards established an iron foundry and machine- shop, in connection with others, and for nearly forty years devoted himself strictly and closely to his busi- ness. He was senior partner of the well-known house of Wheeler, Geddes & Co., which did an extensive business in the manufacture of steam-engines, sugar- mills, and all kinds of machinery and iron-work at 208 Girod Street, New Orleans. He amassed a large prop- erty, and retired about 1859. He died Jan. 4, 1864, aged fifty-three years. He owned a large estate in New Orleans.

He married, first, Martha Marshall, of Tennessee, who died in 1850, leaving one son, Albert W., who married Mary Manders, and died, leaving one son, also Albert. Dec. 12, 1853, Mr. Wheeler married Louisa, daughter of Ebenezer and Betsey (Crane) Hathaway. The Hathaway family of the entire sec- tion of New England traces its origin to Arthur and John Hathaway, who came to America in 1630, from one of the Welsh counties of England. Arthur set- tled in Plymouth, had a son, Arthur, who married Sarah, daughter of John Cooke, one of the large land-owners of Dartmouth, Nov. 20, 1652; lived first in Duxbury, then in Dartmouth, and died in 1712. He had sons, John, Thomas, Jonathan, and numerous daughters. John, his son, lived on the New Bedford side of the river, and had sixteen children. John Hathaway, the emigrant, in 1638 was a landholder in Taunton (now Berkley), where he died. His son John2 had two wives and several children, among them John3. He settled in Freetown, had wife Christian and ten children. Isaac (fourth generation) married Sarah Makepeace, and had eight children. Nicholas (fifth generation), his second son (born 1722, died 1800), married Rebecca Myrick, and had numerous children, among them Stephen (sixth generation), who was born 1745, died 1819, married Hope Pierce, Feb. 12, 1767, and had twelve children. His son Ebenezer (seventh generation), born Ang. 21, 1779, married Betsey Crane, daughter of Ebenezer and Si- lence (Pitts), Sept. 22, 1805. She was born March 15, 1786, and died June 7, 1853. Mr. Hathaway died

884

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

March 14, 1842. They had ten children, of whom Louisa (eighth generation) was seventh. She was born in Dighton, Mass., May 29, 1819.

Mr. Wheeler's only surviving child by his second marriage is Eleanor B., who lives with her mother, and resembles in personal appearance her father.

Mr. Wheeler was of erect and dignified bearing, fine-looking, commanding presence, and an aristo- cratic mien. He said few words, but no one ever misunderstood him, and under this reserve he car- ried a warm and kindly nature. He was one of the best types of " self-made" men, of acknowledged probity and integrity and sterling worth. He had a large circle of friends. Since June, 1864, Mrs. i Wheeler has made her home in Taunton. She car- ries her years lightly, and is an agreeable social con- panion.

PERLEY IDE PERRIN.1

Perley Ide Perrin was born in Seekonk, Bristol Co., Mass., March 1, 1812. He is a lineal descend- ant in the seventh generation from John Perryn, who came from London in the ship "Safety," Aug. 10, 1635, and settled in Braintree or Weymouth, Mass. His wife's name was Ann. They had five children, of whom Mary, born in Braintree, Dec. 22, 1640, was probably the oldest. She is the only one whose birth is recorded in the Braintree records. The family soon after removed to Rehoboth, Mass., where John Per- ryn was buried, Sept. 13, 1674, and his widow, Ann, March 11, 1688. The line of descent from John Perryn to the subject of this sketch is as follows: John1, John, Jr.2, Daniels, Daniel, Jr.4, David5, John6, Parley Ide7.

They have been farmers throughout their genera- tions. David5 married Abigail, daughter of Thomas Cooper, of Attleborough, Mass., and had twelve chil- dren, of whom John, the father of our subject, was one. David died Feb. 15, 1825, aged eighty-five years, three months, and twenty-three days. His wife, Abigail, died Feb. 3, 1830, aged eighty-five years, three months, and twenty-five days. John6, son of David, was born Feb. 6, 1786 ; married Huldah, daughter of Capt. Jacob Ide, of Attleborough, Mass., and had two sons,-Anson E. and Perley Ide. He married for his second wife Widow Hannah W. Bucklin, daughter of Ephraim Walker, of Seekonk, Mass. He was a Republican in politics and a mem- ber of the Congregational Church. He died at about seventy-eight years of age, July 1, 1864, and was buried in East Providence Cemetery.

The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and has always been a thoughtful reader and a close observer. He is therefore well informed on all the current events and questions of the day. His mother died when he was about two years old, and he was cared for by his aunt, Sarah

Kent, and his grandmother, Perrin. At nineteen he left home for Pawtucket, R. I., where he spent three years in learning the trade of a machinist, when he went to Bridgewater, Mass., and at the expiration of one year to Lowell, and thence to Newark, N. J. In Lowell he had worked at locomotive building, and this was also his occupation in Newark, where he was among the first employés of Seth Boyden. After sev- eral years he returned to Pawtucket, R. I., where he worked on the farm and in the shop until he went to Philadelphia and worked a while on stationary en- gines, returning again to Pawtucket, where he estab- lished a small shop in the spring of 1841. He, how- ever, conducted this business only about a year, when he was called to his native town to take care of his uncle David, a farmer and bachelor. After his uncle's death he married Eunice Kent, daughter of Seba and Abigail Kent, Oct. 10, 1843. She was born in See- konk, May 27, 1812. Their children are Emily Frances, born July 28, 1844; Huldah Ide, born Dec. 16, 1846, married Everett D. Godfrey Oct. 7, 1868, and has two children, Edith I. and Chester S.

Mr. Perrin remained on the farm some two years after his marriage, and then went to Providence, R. I., where he again embarked in the business of a machinist, remaining till June, 1846, at which time he removed to Taunton in the employ of the Taun- ton Locomotive Manufacturing Company as foreman and draughtsman. He next became general superin- tendent, and succeeded to the position of agent and treasurer in 1877. After a few years he became in- terested in the business, and is now one of the stock- holders of the company. For five years Mr. Perrin served efficiently as an alderman, in the City Council, and for six years was president of the board of direc- tors of the Taunton Water-Works. He is one of the trustees of the Taunton Savings-Bank, and a liberal supporter of the Baptist Church, of which he is a member.

One of the strongest personal traits of Mr. Perrin is energy of character, and this is guided by good sense and sound judgment. Few men are more highly esteemed, and few enjoy more fully the com- forts of a happy home.

ELI H. ELDRIDGE.

Eii H. Eldridge, senior partner in the firm of El- dridge & Co., was born in Taunton, Mass., May 26, 1828. He is the son of Eli and Charlotte (Curtis) Eldridge, of Barnstable County, Mass., where the . ancestors have for several generations resided. Like most young men of his day in that part of the coun- try where he was brought up, Mr. Eldridge had but limited educational advantages. About three months of each year at the public school of his town (Har- wich) was the most he could hope for, and after his fifteenth year even that was denied him. His early boyhood was spent on the farm; at about fourteen

1 Spelled variously,-Perryn, Perrin, Perain, Perin, Perram, Peren, and various other ways.

Parley I. Perim

▲

Elbridge & Dean

El . He Eldridge

J.O. Dunbar

885

TAUNTON.

years of age he sought and obtained employment in the britannia-works of Reed & Barton, at Taunton, as a general employé, learning the different branches of the trade. Here he continued till seventeen years old, when he went to Dorchester, Mass., and obtained employment with Roswell Gleason, in whose shop Eli Eldridge, Sr., was superintendent. Here he spent the next three years, when both he and his father re- turned to Taunton and began, in a small way, the manufacture of various small articles in britannia. In 1860 they began making a specialty of coffin- plates, which to the present time has been one of the leading features of their business. Upon the decease of Mr. Eldridge's father, in September, 1875, lie took his son John H. into partnership with him. They operate under the firm-name of Eldridge & Co., and manufacture coffin-plates, hinges, lining-tacks, etc. They employ a number of hands, and their trade reaches all through the Eastern, Middle, and Western States to California. They have the latest improved machinery adapted for their particular kind of work, and are continually adding to and increasing their facilities. They do first-class work only. Mr. El- dridge married, May 2, 1850, Lydia A., daughter of John and Deborah Thrasher. They have two chil- dren living, one deceased,-John H., born Jan. 7, 1853; Alice B. (deceased) ; Albert S., born Nov. 15, 1859. Both of the sons are married, and are con- nected with their father in the manufacturing busi- ness. Mr. Eldridge is a Republican in politics, and an ardent temperance man.

ELBRIDGE G. DEAN.

Elbridge G. Dean, son of Abel2 and Mehitable Dean, was born in Taunton, Mass., Dec. 9, 1811. His father was only son of Abel1 Dean, a farmer and shoe- maker, and a worthy member of the Baptist Church, who was son of Ezra Dean. Thus for several gener- ations has this branch of the Dean family been among the reputable citizens of Taunton. Abel Dean2 served as a private soldier in the Mexican war, and married Mehitable, daughter of Elkanah Dean, and was a carpenter by trade. Elbridge had limited com- mon school education. He was early taught to labor, and being of robust frame enjoyed it, and followed brickmaking until he was nineteen, when, in company with Joseph A. Hall, he began the manufacture of brick. This partnership continued two years. Mr. Dean then for thirteen consecutive years followed this laborious avocation, becoming practically familiar with every department, and shrinking from none even the heaviest labor. Since then he has coupled other departments of business which his shrewd practi- cality could see would be remunerative. He has been a farmer, conducted milk business, and dealt largely in real estate. He now owns numerous houses in Taunton, and several farms in different parts of the county. He is one of the money-making, practical

men of Taunton to-day, and can and does perform a hard day's work with greater ease than many men much his junior in years. He is conservative and cautious, and is a thoroughly successful "self-made" man, enjoying the satisfactory results of his energy, economy, and thrift. In politics, like his father and grandfather, he is Democratic. He would never ac- cept office, other than highway surveyor. He married, first, Caroline, daughter of George and Hopy (Payne) Briggs, of Freetown. They had six children,-Charles F., who went into the military service during the last war in a Rhode Island regiment, and has never re- turned ; Andrew G.1 (died young); Gustarus L., a soldier, also in the Rebellion, now a farmer in Rayn- ham. He went out as a private, served three and a half years, and when mustered out was a lieutenant. He received a wound in the foot from which he still suffers. Andrew G.2; Alfred, now with his father, as- sisting in brick manufacturing and farming; Ann Janette, married Henry Lincoln, and lives in Norton ; and Georgianna (died young). Mrs. Dean died March 19, 1872. In February, 1879, Mr. Dean married Mrs. Sarah A. Chase, widow of Robert Chase, and daugh- ter of David Perkins, of Freetown. She has one son, Algernon, by her first marriage.

SAMUEL O. DUNBAR.

Samuel O. Dunbar was born at Tittecut, Mass., Aug. 9, 1800. He is the son of Samuel and Abigail (In- gall) Dunbar, and grandson of Samuel Dunbar. The ancestors were originally from Scotland.

In the day of Mr. Dunbar's youth there were very limited opportunities afforded for obtaining an educa- tion. Owing to serious and protracted illness in his father's family, Mr. Dunbar was deprived of even the very limited advantages offered by the common schools, and his education, scholastic as well as busi- ness, was chiefly acquired outside the school-room. In 1818 he went to Boston and engaged as a salesman in a dry-goods store. He continued with this same employer until 1834, when he came to Taunton and embarked in the drug business, which he has con- tinued from that time to the present. At that time Taunton was comparatively a small place, and Mr. Dunbar's business was very small compared with what it afterwards became. By diligent and earnest application to his chosen pursuit he soon won his way to the confidence of the people, and while he was building up his fortune in the shape of a profitable business, he also built up a much more valuable and rare fortune in the esteem, good will, and good opin- ion of his fellow-townsmen. He is now the oldest druggist in Bristol County, and yet gives his personal attention and supervision to his business every day. He is a hale, hearty, well-preserved man for one of his great age, and in full possession of all his facul- ties. He has made it his rule through life to attend strictly to the business he had chosen, and to this

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.

History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 212

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1818

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818