History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 33

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 33

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RESOLUTIONS.

" WHEREAS, In the providence of God, death has again visited us, re- moving our esteemed associate Thomas Mandell from our midst, who for forty years was actively engaged in the management of the affairs of this institution, and acceptably filled the office of president for the last fourteen years, we deem it proper to place upon our records a memorial of his active virtues and of the loss we have sustained by his removal.

" Resolved, That in his decease we recognize the loss of a valued friend, a faithful officer, a useful citizen, a Christian merchant and gen- tleman, whose deeds of charity and benevolence will embalm his men- ory and lead many to 'rise up and call him blessed." Identified with our institution almost from its origin, he has manifested an untiring de- votion to its interests, and in the management of its affairs his financial skill, combined with his uncompromising integrity, have largely con- tributed to its success.

" Resolved, That the secretary be requested to spread these proceedings upon the record, and to transmit to the bereaved family of our departed friend a copy thereof, duly attested by his signature."

THE MEMORY OF THOMAS MANDELL .- At the regular meeting of the directors of the Mechanics' National Bank, held at its banking-rooms, on Wed- nesday morning, February 16th, the death of their president, Thomas Mandell, was appropriately re- ferred to by Jireh Swift, Jr., who presented the fol- lowing resolutions :

" Resolved, That in the death of our beloved and honored president we inourn the loss of a faithful officer, whose connection with this in- stitution from its inception to its maturity has been eminently charac- terized by discriminating judgment and ability, and the most scrupu- lous fidelity to the welfare and prosperity of this corporation.

" Resolved, That we cherish his memory as a friend endeared to us by many fond recollections and pleasant associations, ever evincing as he did kindness and nobleness of heart and purity of purpose. The stream of benevolence that flowed so silently from his good heart has warmed many hearthstones, and the recipients of his bounty will now rise up to call him blessed.

" Resolved, That we tender to the family of our deceased friend our heartfelt sympathies in their affliction, and the assurance of our earnest hope that the Giver of all good may vonchsafe to them that consolation which alone reconciles humanity to such bereavements."

William W. Crapo, in seconding the resolutions, said, "It is not necessary on this occasion, with us who have known Mr. Mandell intimately for years, and whose daily duties have brought us in close per- sonal contact with him, to give a sketch of his life. The simple reading of the resolutions expresses the tribute of admiration and love which we pay to our departed associate and friend.

" But he was possessed of personal traits of char- acter which it may be proper for us, who have been on terms of such familiar intercourse with him, to al- Inde to and remember. It is to his sound, discrimi- nating judgment, his fearless and impartial discharge of official duty, acting as president or director during its history of nearly forty years, that this institution owes much of its prosperity and success.

"He was a man of spotless integrity, of quick ap- prehension, of accuracy, method, and faithfulness in business, and these qualities made him an acknowl- edged leader in the mercantile community.

"He was gentle in manners, true in principle, earn- est in his convictions, steadfast in his opinions, char- itable, benevolent, and kindly without ostentation. He was beloved by his fellow-citizens, for he took an active interest in whatever concerned the welfare of

1 Mr. Mandell was a few years in public life as a representative to the General Court from the town of New Bedford. He was elected for seven consecutive years, from 1830 to 1836, inclusive.

2 From the New Bedford Mercury, Saturday, Feb. 19, 1870.

In Greene

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the community, always doing his part cheerfully and generously. His sympathies were genuine. His love for his neighbor joined so closely with sincerity and earnestness in the performance of duty that during his long life he was constantly doing good and making others happy.

" The death of such a man is a public calamity, and to us, who have known him so intimately, it is a per- sonal affliction."

The resolutions were adopted, and votes passed in- structing the secretary of the board to forward a copy to the family of the deceased, and directing the whole proceedings to be placed upon the records of the board.

DAVID R. GREENE.

David R. Greene was born in New Bedford in March, 1794, and lived there continuously to the time of his death in 1879. His father was Robert Greene, a native of Liverpool, England, and his mother was Deborah Russell, a native of New Bed- ford. His father, who was a master-mariner, died while on a foreign voyage, when his son was about three years old, leaving his widow in straitened circumstances. After receiving a limited common school education young Greene began to go to sea, and after a number of coasting voyages became su- percargo, an officer indispensable to the trading voy- ages of the period. Having formed a distaste for the sea, he left it and went into the grocery business, at first as clerk, but was admitted a partner before he reached his majority. In 1820 he began to fit vessels for whaling voyages, and he gradually increased his interest in the whale fishery until he became one of the largest ship-owners of New Bedford. For many years he was in partnership with the late Willard Nye and the late Dennis Wood, under the firm of D. R. Greene & Co., and was engaged in fitting ships and dealing in the products of the whale fishery. In 1825 he was one of the projectors of the Merchants' Bank, now one of the principal banking corporations of New Bedford, and he continued a member of its board of directors for more than fifty years. He was an ardent Whig, and a firm believer in the protection of American industries, and was very active in found- ing the manufacturing enterprises which the protec- tive system has fostered. In 1847, he with others started the Wamsutta Mills, now one of the largest cotton-manufacturing corporations of New England, ' and was for thirty years one of the directors.

He took an active interest in the early develop- ment of railroads, and was one of the builders of the railroad between New Bedford and Taunton, and one of its directors from the time of its incorporation until it was sold for the purposes of consolidation. He was at the time of his death one of the oldest stockholders in the Illinois Central Railroad, which now owns a continuous line from Chicago to New Orleans. He took a great interest in the develop-

ment of the West, and early turned his attention to Chicago, and continued his business interests there as long as he lived. Mr. Greene was a man of strong convictions, of great energy and unyielding will, and was, as such men often are, somewhat rugged in speech and brusque in action, but he had a kind heart and quick sympathies. He not only gave liberally to charitable objects when solicited, but sought oppor- tunities of giving, and of such acts he never spoke. His long life was one of commendable industry, honorable labor, of enterprise, and of sturdy devo- tion to what he conceived to be right. If, as has been sometimes said, there is an immortality of good work, his influence will survive him.

THE PARKER FAMILY.

Ward M. Parker, of New Bedford, Mass., was a lineal descendant on his paternal side from William Parker, who came from England and settled with many others, among whom were the ancestors of Samuel J. Tilden, in the town of Scituate, Mass., at what date is not known, but probably at its earliest settlement. In September, 1640, a grant was ob- tained for a settlement at " Mattakese," situated be- tween Sandwich and Yarmouth, and in October of the same year a settlement was commenced from the town of Scituate, Mass., and among the many who settled at " Mattakese" was William Parker. From this grant Sandwich, Barnstable, and probably Yar- mouth became invested with the right of township, and these people commenced the settlement of Fal- mouth.

William Parker finally settled in Falmouth, where he remained during life. He left several sons, of whom Robert Parker was one, and one or more daughters. We know but little about Robert Parker. He had several sons, among whom were Thomas, born Ang. 24, 1669; Daniel, April 18, 1670, ancestor of John A. Parker ; and Joseph, born 1671.

Joseph Parker, son of Robert, was one of the original church members in Falmouth, Mass. He married Mercy Whiston, June 30, 1698, and died in 1732. Their children were Joseph, born April 23, 1699; John, born Sept. 11, 1700; Benjamin, born Feb. 16, 1702; Timothy, born Nov. 27, 1703; Seth, born Sept. 20, 1705; Sylvanus, born Sept. 11, 1707 ; and Mercy, born May 21, 1709. She married Rev. Samuel Palmer. Joseph Parker was buried in the old burying-ground at Falmouth, and a stone resem- bling Connecticut red granite lies horizontally over his grave and marks his final resting-place.

Sylvanus Parker, son of Joseph, married Martha Mayhew, of Chilmark, in 1748. They had two chil- dren,-Seth, born Oct. 12, 1750, and Lydia, who was twice married, first to Josiah Cotton, of Plymouth, and second to Dr. Thomas Smith.

Seth Parker, only son of Sylvanus, married Sophia Cotton, of Plymouth, about 1775 or 1776. Their

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children were Sylvanus, born 1777, who died single in 1811; Rossiter C., born 1779, and died 1804; Seth, born 1781, and died 1811; Ward M., the immediate subject of our sketch ; Lydia, born 1787, died 1848 ; John C., born 1793, died July 2, 1881. Mr. Parker died in 1813, leaving a widow and two sons, Ward M. and John, and one daughter, Lydia. Mrs. Sophia (Cotton) Parker was a lineal descendant from Rev. John Cotton, who was an Episcopalian minister in Lincolnshire and London, England.

There was but one family of Cottons originally in England, and they came from Normandy, in France, with William the Conqueror, in the year 1060, and from this family descended the Rev. John Cotton, who was a popular preacher in and about London until he was suspected of favoring the Dissenters, who had the audacity to doubt the infallibility of the Episco- pal Church. Being advised by friends that he was in danger of being arrested, he very quietly arranged to come to America with his family, in company with the Rev. Mr. Hooker, afterwards of Connecticut. They arrived in Boston in 1633, when Mr. Hooker went to Connecticut, and Mr. Cotton was settled as a minister in the King's Chapel, Boston, now called Stone Chapel, and there continued to preach with great acceptance till the close of his life, Dec. 23, 1652, aged sixty-seven. His name may be seen in- scribed with others on a monument adjoining the chapel in Boston. Mr. Cotton left several children, and from them descended the Cottons of New Eng- land. One of his sons, John, educated at Cambridge, studied for the ministry, and settled at Charleston, S. C., where he died. One of his (Rev. John Cot- ton's) daughters married the Rev. Dr. Mather, presi- dent of Harvard College, and they had a son, the well-known Cotton Mather. There were other chil- dren of the Rev. John Cotton, but their names are not known to the writer. Some of them settled at Plymouth, and were influential citizens in their day. From Thacher's " History of Plymouth" we find that the first Cotton he mentions is Josiah, a son of the Rev. John Cotton, and grandson of the original Rev. John Cotton, who was the first settled minister in Boston. Josiah Cotton was born 1679, graduated from Harvard College in 1698, taught school in sev- eral places, and finally settled in Plymouth, Mass. He was elected clerk of the court, register of deeds. etc. He wrote a supplement to the New England Memorial, now in the hands of the Massachusetts Historical Society. He died in 1756, aged seventy- six. He left a family of children, among whom was John Cotton, born in Plymouth in 1712, graduated from Cambridge College in 1730, and ordained in Halifax in 1736, but losing his voice by a severe fit of sickness, he was obliged to give up his chosen profes- sion, consequently he returned to his native town (Plymouth) and took his father's place as register of deeds, etc., which position he retained till his death, Nov. 4, 1789. John Cotton, the maternal

grandfather of Ward M. Parker, married Hannah Sturtevant, and left eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, of whom Sophia, who married Seth Parker, was one, hence the line of descent has been Sophia5, John4, Josiah3, John2, and John1. The line of descent in the Parker family has been Ward M.6, Seth5, Sylvanus4, Joseph3, Robert2, William1.

Ward M. Parker was born in Falmouth, Mass., June 18, 1784, and died in New Bedford, Aug. 6, 1881. In early life he was engaged in the coasting trade, commanding a vessel running to Charleston, S. C. He secured the confidence of the leading merchants and business men at that port, and his operations were uniformly successful. The war of 1812, with the embargo, broke up his coasting business at the South, but this did not dishearten him. For several years he was engaged in procuring live-oak timber in Florida under contracts with the government, and soon after embarked in the whaling business at Wood's Holl, where he built the ship "Bartholomew Gosnold." On the 12th of June, 1838, Mr. Parker removed to this city, though for a few years he continued his agency of the "Gosnold," which was fitted at Wood's Holl. He then retired from active business, devo- ting himself to the care of the handsome property which he had acquired, and which under his shrewd and judicious management grew to a large estate. For nearly forty years he was a director in the Marine (now the First National) Bank, and for many years was in the direction of the New Bedford and Taun- ton Railroad, the Gas-Light Company (also its vice- president), the Commercial Insurance Company, the Taunton Copper Company, and its president for many years, and the Taunton Locomotive-Works.

The architect of his own fortune, with full faith in " Poor Richard's" maxims, and with habits of rigid economy, he was not a close nor a hard man. No director of a bank was ever more liberal in affording accommodation to men of small means needing assistance, and many who failed of relief in tight times from the banks have been supplied from his private means. Cautious in his investments, he was not lacking in enterprise, and rarely hesitated to aid in starting manufacturing projects here which promised advantage to the city. Exact in all his transactions, he was always fair, honorable, and serupulously just. He was genial, kind-hearted, and unostentatiously benevolent, -a man thoroughly re- spected and highly esteemed in all the relations of life. Up to the close of that life so long protracted, he exhibited remarkable physical vigor, remarkable brightness and clearness of intellect, and a lively interest in affairs. In politics he was a Whig and Republican, and was a representative to the General Assembly from 1834 to 1838. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was twice married, first to Hepzibah, daughter of Deacon John Davis, July 27, 1815. She was born Oct. 4, 1793, and died Feb. 26, 1833. Their i children are Abby S. (deceased), Hannah C. (de-

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ceased), wife of J. A. Beauvais ; Abby S. (2d), wife of J. L. Ferguson, of New York City ; and Ward R., of New York City. Mr. Parker married for his second wife Marcia F., daughter of David W. and Cynthia Lewis, May 25, 1836. She was born in Falmouth, May 11, 1813, and belongs to an old and honorable family of that town. They have had ten children, five of whom are living,-Arabella, Lawrence II., Henry W., David L., and Lydia P., wife of C. W. Mitchell, of Baltimore, Md.

JAMES BUNKER CONGDON.

The death of James Bunker Congdon, which oc- curred on the 10th of June, 1880, demands more than a passing notice. Well may his name and worth have honorable mention in the archives of the Free Public Library, for to him perhaps more than to all others is it indebted not only for its existence, but for its continued prosperity, and for the measure of usefulness to which it has attained.

Mr. Congdon prepared and headed the petition to the City Council which resulted in 1852 in the perma- nent establishment of the library, and to his energy and untiring devotion it is due that the few thousand volumes of the old Social Library became the founda- tion of an institution of great public benefit, and of which the city has so much reason to be proud.

Elected a member of the first board of trustees, a position which he held, except during a brief interval, for more than twenty years, he watched with untiring zeal over its struggling infancy. As its hold on the community grew firmer and its usefulness broader, his watchful interest kept even pace with its benefi- cent development ; he was constantly suggesting, and, when authority had been secured, instituting meas- ures for its progressive advantage.

Secretary of the board of trustees from its organi- zation in 1852 until near the close of his life, the annual reports of the board to the city government, always scholarly and often ardent and glowing in their style, and which tended largely to invite and to hold the good will of the city government, and the public itself, were invariably from his pen. When the corner-stone of the beautiful library building was laid (which fully symbolized the permanence of the institution, while it opened the way to increased use- fulness) Mr. Congdon led in the ceremonies of the occasion, and delivered an address, in which he gave in detail the history of the enterprise, and foretold its success. He lived long enough to see its prosperity well assured, and to enjoy not only by himself, but through the public generally, its great and continually increasing benefits. He gave not only his services to the cause, but in 1876, having received from the city five hundred dollars for revising the charter and or- dinances, he gave it as a donation to the trust funds of the library.

Thus did he prove his interest by deeds of unselfish devotion. Yet, though his life was one of varied usefulness, while, as has been truly said of him, " No one ever wrought more continuously, ungrudgingly, and unselfishly for the public weal," it is certain that no fruits of his labor were so grateful to himself as those richly garnered in connection with the Free Public Library.

The history of his private life was not eventful, and is briefly told. He was born Dec. 19, 1802, and was the son of Caleb Congdon, a native of Rhode Island, who came here and was married to the daughter of Benjamin Taber. Mr. Taber was an early settler, whose house was burned by the British in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Congdon received his early education in our public schools. At the age of eighteen he became book-keeper for Messrs. Wil- liam H. and Gideon Allen, in whose employ he re- mained five years. When the Merchants' Bank was chartered and went into operation he became its cashier, which position he filled with superior ability, securing prosperity and credit for that institution, honor and confidence for himself, until 1858, a period of nearly thirty years, when severe illness caused by overwork compelled him to resign.

On his recovery, in the spring of the same year, he was elected city treasurer and collector of taxes. He was annually re-elected until, in 1879, advancing years warned him to relieve himself of the burden of his public responsibilities, when he resigned his post. He had been a signally faithful and competent officer. Throughout the civil war, when the labors of the city treasurer were greatly complicated and ang- mented, he proved himself equal to every emergency. To his other duties-from the time of the establish- ment of the Acushnet Water Board to his resigna- tion of his office a few months before his death-he added those of registrar of the board.

The public is always ready to place responsibility on competent, trusted, and willing shoulders. Mr. Congdon did not know himself when he thought to favor his increasing infirmities, and pass the remain- ing years in repose. The post of member of the Board of Health, then newly created, was offered to him, and he accepted it. He was elected chairman of the board. He entered upon his duties with enthu- siastic appreciation of responsibility and opportunity, and that spirit of conscientious fidelity which char- acterized all his exertions through life, and labored in his new field with intense earnestness and corre- sponding efficiency. The elaborate report of the board at the close of its first year was from his pen. It was the last monument of his public service.

These efforts were too much for his enfeebled frame. He made them only by force of a will that triumphed over physical suffering. On March 24, 1880, he was compelled to resign, and on the 10th of June he died. He wrought diligently in his unselfish and benevolent work until the evening shadows fell and the night

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came, when no man can work. It was fitting that at the funeral of such an officer the public offices should be closed, and the city government should attend the services in a body, and that highly complimentary resolutions, unanimously adopted, should have a per- manent place in the records of the City Council.

Mr. Congdon's philanthropy was as conspicuous as his fidelity. The kindness of his heart was never ap- pealed to in vain. The leisure which most other men would have devoted to relaxation he crowded with beneficent labor. He was a warm friend to the New Bedford Lyceum, giving it at all times the support of his voice and pen. He was one of the most active and efficient members of the Port Society, which has accomplished admirable results in behalf of the sea- men sailing from this port. He was a trustee of the institution for deaf mutes in Northampton. For eleven years he was a member of the school commit- tee, and then and ever after a champion of the public schools, a zealous friend of all measures tending to their improvement, and to the cause of education. From 1834 to 1841, and from 1842 until the acceptance of the city charter in 1847, Mr. Congdon was one of the selectmen of the town, and for many years chair- man of the board. Indeed, there was no philan- thropic movement in the community during his life that he was not its pronounced and active supporter, and for him to support a cause was to mortgage to its furtherance his time and his powers. He readily re- sponded to every demand made upon his facile pen. He wrote most of the annual reports, historical sketches, and other publications of the institutions with which he was permanently identified. His ad- dresses, essays, and reports would of themselves fill a volume.

His ready pen was busy at times in other important work. He drew up the charter for the city govern- ment which was enacted by the Legislature in 1847. He wrote most of the ordinances which from time to time have been adopted by the City Council. The historical details in the appendix to the "Centennial History of New Bedford," which was published in 1876, were edited by him. He was a frequent con- tributor to the press in both prose and poetry, and his productions were often admirable, always creditable.

He was a dear lover of books, which he read with avidity, appropriating what was best in them with acute discrimination. It was the valuable service which books had rendered to him in the moulding of his thought and the enlargement of his culture which intensified his interest in the Free Public Library. It was the wish of his loving heart that every soul in the community should have, "withont money and without price," the same intellectual advantages which he himself had received and so much enjoyed.

His portrait, the gift of grateful friends, hangs in the main hall of the library. It is in the most fitting place. He seems to be looking approvingly down (as if in realization of his fondest hopes) upon the library

itself, so much the work of his hands, and the vol- umes so much the delight of his heart. As those who avail themselves of the advantages of an institu- tion which he did so much to establish and foster pass and repass that silent image may they sometimes remember his example, and be inspired to lead lives of faithful citizenship and disinterested philanthropy. G. H. D.

JOSEPH KNOWLES.

Joseph Knowles, son of James H. and Ruth (Doane) Knowles, was born in Eastham, Mass., Sept. 23, 1819. He was a lineal descendant of Richard Knowles, the emigrant, who came from England prior to 1638, and who was stanch in defense of his convictions. Mr. Knowles received a liberal education and completed his studies at Phillips' Andover Academy, but choos- ing a mercantile life, he came to New Bedford, and engaged as clerk for his cousin, Thomas Knowles, when about seventeen years old. After five years' service he was admitted partner. The new firm was Thomas Knowles & Co., and its members were Thomas, John P., and Joseph Knowles. For thirty- four years, until his death, May 27, 1876, he was ac- tively engaged in trade, and was for a long time one of New Bedford's prominent merchants. He married, Nov. 14, 1844, Jedidah, daughter of Beriah and Eliz- abeth (Cole) Doane, of Orleans, Mass. Their chil- dren are Helen D. (Mrs. Charles D. Milliken), Eliza- beth, Joseph F., and Arthur.

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History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 33

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