USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Brockton > History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894 > Part 64
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
besides, giving the public an opportunity to purchase their goods, in Boston, Lowell, Providence, New York, Brooklyn, Baltimore, Wash- ington, etc., at retail. E. J. Bliss, son of L. C. Bliss, has associated himself with his father, and has introduced many new designs, which are very popular in the cities where they have been introduced. The Royal Piccadilly is a specialty.
T. D. Barry & Co. came to Brockton from Randolph, where he had been superintendent for George H. Burt & Co. His business was pros- perous, and after changing locations three times, he purchased the fac- tory formerly occupied by W. L. Douglas, on Pleasant street, where they have a capacity of manufacturing 1,800 pairs per day. William A. Hogan is the partner of Mr. Barry.
Montello Shoe Company .- This enterprising company was organized in January, 1894, with Frank M. Elms, of Newton, as proprietor and manager. They are located in the "Means" factory, on Montello street, and have a capacity for making seventy-five twenty-four· pair cases daily. This firm has a store in Boston.
Whitman & Keith .- This firm was organized in August, 1883. The senior member of the firmn was William E. Whitman, who for five years previous, had been the senior member of the firm of Whitman, Churchill & Alden. Daniel N. Keith, of the firm, was formerly engaged in manufacturing at the present location of the firm in Campello.
Walker & Whitman commenced business in December, 1887. The firm comprising W. O. Walker, of Newton, and William E. Whitman, of the firm of Whitman & Keith. This firm is really one concern. The trade in New England is looked after by Whitman & Keith, and the Southern and Western by Walker & Whitman. They have a manu- facturing capacity of 1,500 pairs daily, giving employment to 350 hands. Their goods are of a medium grade of men's, boys' and youths' calf goods. Factory at Campello-store in Boston.
James Means & Co .- One of the first indications of progress and thrift, to one approaching the city of Brockton, is the large factory on the right of the railroad track, at Montello, bearing the name of this firm. We hardly need mention the fact that this concern was the first to stamp their name and retail price of their goods on the bottom of their
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BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURE.
shoes. Their goods are well known throughout the country. Their factory is 200 feet in length, about forty feet in width, and is complete in all of its appointments for the manufacturing of shoes. The firm was formerly composed of James Means and Charles J. Means, of Bos- ton, brothers. Mr. James Means has lately retired, and the remaining partner is conducting the business alone. This firm have advertised extensively and they make a specialty of the " Three Dollar Shoe." Salesroom in Boston.
L. M. Reynolds .- Mr. Reynolds belongs to a large family who have always been identified with making shoes or manufacturing them for the trade. He served an apprenticeship with his father, Charles T. Reynolds, making custom goods in a small way until 1869, when he engaged with Peleg S. Leach, then an extensive manufacturer in his native town, remaining four years; afterward had the management of the factory of B. F. Campbell & Co., of Boston, eight years, purchasing their business February 2, 1881, began business with his brother, Bion F. Reynolds, May 1, 1881. This partnership continuing until August 1, 1890, when he became the sole proprietor of the business. The first factory was in Charles Howard's building, corner of Ward and Montello streets, from where they removed to their new building erected in 1883, near Court street Their building is 150 feet long, thirty feet wide, be- sides two large additions, and is fitted with the most approved machin- ery for producing a good article, their goods having a range of prices from $1.50 to $4.00. From 175 to 200 hands are employed. Mr. Reynolds has a salesroom in Boston.
McCarty, Sheehy & Kendrick Co .- This new firm is one which bids fair to be a large concern. The partners are enterprising young men, and their business is growing. The members of the firm are James R. McCarty, fornierly with George G. Snow, as superintendent and sales- man, Dennis Sheehy also in Mr. Snow's employ. Arthur 'E. Kendrick, a well known manufacturer of shoe counters. They manufacture a medium class of goods for the jobbing trade throughout the country. Factory on Crescent street.
Walker, Taylor & Co .- This firm, composed of Marcellus Walker of Cambridge, Edward E. Taylor, of Boston, and Cornelius Walker, also
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
of Boston, have a manufactory in "Grady's Court," Campello, formerly occupied by the late Flavel Bailey Keith. They began business in 1887, and have a capacity for making 150 twenty -four pair cases, daily. They have a salesroom in Boston. The members of this firm are grad- uates of the firm of Thomas White & Co., of Brockton and Holbrook.
Bowe, Crawford & Co. Corporation .- Frank Hill may be said to have been the originator of the idea of selling goods in their own stores, the first of which was under the United States Hotel, in Boston. Mr. Hill was formerly connected with Perkins & Joyce, and had an experience of fifteen years, as a travelling salesman, and is now a member of the firm of R. B. Grover & Co. Mr. Hill became interested in the retail business as above with Harvey F. Crawford, and made a specialty of the " Crawford Shoe," which has had an extensive sale. In 1887 the firm above named was organized, and continued to manufacture in Brockton, purchasing the factory of Nahum Johnson on Dover street, and later the well known establishment formerly occupied by S. Gardner Jones, on Hervey street. In 1890 this firm was incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts, with Harvey F. Crawford as president, George F. Bouve, treasurer, and Lander M. Bouve, clerk. They have stores for the sale of their goods, directly to the retail trade as follows : Two in Boston, four in New York city, three in Brooklyn, N. Y., two in Philadelphia, two in Washington, and one each in the following cities : Baltimore, Providence, New Haven and Newark, N. J.
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PHYSICIANS.
CHAPTER XXXI.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Philip Bryant -- Dr. Peter Bryant-Dr. Luther Cary-Dr. Issachar Snell-Dr. Elisha Tilson-Dr. Ziba Bass-Dr. Nathan Perry-Dr. Jonathan P. Crafts-Dr. Adol- phus K. Borden -- Dr. Abel W. Kingman -- Dr. Horatio Bryant -- Dr. James F. Richards -- Dr. Edgar E. Dean -- Dr. Thomas Stockbridge -- Dr. James Easton -- Dr. Nahum Smith -- Dr. E. R. Wade -- Dr. Henry Eddy -- Dr. James L. Hunt -- Dr. George B. Cogs- well -- Dr. Alexander Hlichborn -- Dr Silas L. Loomis -- Dr. Lafayette Charles Loomis -- Dr. Henry F. Borden -- Dr. James C. Swan -- Present Physicians.
D R. PHILIP BRYANT was born in Middleboro', Mass , in December, 1732. He lived some time with his father in Titicut (Teightaquid), a parish formed of part of Middleboro' and part of South Bridgewater. With his father he removed to North Bridgewater, now Brockton, con- cerning which he was wont to say that he remembered the time when a greater part of it was thought quite unfit for the purposes of settle- ment. He studied medicine with Dr. Abiel Howard, of West Bridge- water, whose daughter he married. He was a man of great bodily activity, a calm and even temper, healthful habits, and kindly manners. He continued to practice medicine with much success to a very old age, which was terminated by his death, which took place February, 1817, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was buried in the small grave- yard near the westerly portion of the Agricultural Society's grounds.
Dr. Peter Bryant, son of Dr. Philip Bryant, was born in North Bridge- water, now Brockton, August 12, 1767. This man early distinguished himself by his love of study. In his frequent visits to the house of his grandfather, Dr. Abiel Howard, of West Bridgewater, he found, in a library well stocked for that time, the means of gratifying his thirst for knowledge. He studied medicine and surgery, completing his course with Dr. Lewis Leprilete, a French physician of eminent skill and a celebrated surgeon, of Norton, Mass. He then removed to Cum- mington, in the western part of Massachusetts, which was just beginning
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
to fill up-rapidly with settlers from the eastern counties of the State. -Here he established himself as a physician, and married a daughter of Ebenezer Snell, esq., also a North Bridgewater family.
For several years he represented the town of Cummington in the Legislature of the State, and in the latter part of his life held a seat in the Senate. While in the Legislature he took a prominent part in bringing forward and passing laws still in force to raise the standard of medical education in the State. In politics he belonged to the Federal party, whose doctrines and measures he supported with zeal. He wrote for the county paper-Hampshire Gazette-certain humorous poems of a satirical cast, the design of which was political. With these he took great pains, pruning and retouching them, and polishing and in- vigorating the lines. His scholarship, though not extensive, was re- markably exact. He had, subsequently to his settlement in Cumming- ton, made a voyage to the Indian Ocean, and passed six months in the Isle of France, where he acquired the French language, and preserved his familiarity with it for the rest of his life. He was a surgeon of great dexterity, firmness of hand, and precision in his operations ; in private life amiable and much beloved. His life was closed in consumption the 19th of March, 1820. William Cullen Bryant, esq., the well known American poet, was his son.
The house in which Dr. Peter Bryant was born is now standing on Belmont street, and was occupied for many years by Fiske Ames, esq., for many years deputy sheriff of Plymouth county.
Dr. Luther Cary was the son of Zachariah and Susannah (Bass) Cary, and was born in North Bridgewater, now Brockton, May 30, 1761, married Nabby, daughter of Benjamin King, of Raynham, Mass .; studied medicine with Dr. James Freeland, of Sutton, Worcester county, Mass., 1782; appointed justice of the peace June 8, 1800, justice of the peace and of quorum August 23, 1804, and justice of the Court of Common Pleas for Oxford county March 30, 1805. He first resided at Sterling, Mass. ; removed from there to Williamsburg, Mass., from which place he removed to Turner, Oxford county, Me., April 2, 1798. He was an excellent physician, had a very extensive practice, and was very successful ; raised up a large and respectable family.
Dr. Issachar Snell was son of Issachar, esq., and Mary (Keith) Snell ;
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PHYSICIANS.
was born in North Bridgewater, now Brockton, Mass., June, 1775, graduated at Harvard College in 1797 ; studied medicine and became an eminent physician. He had given an especial attention to surgery, and had practiced as a physician previous to his removal to Winthrop, Me. He had performed the operation of lithotomy with great success, and soon gained a large practice in town, especially among those who emigrated from Bridgewater, Mass., of whom there were not a few. His success as a surgeon gave him such celebrity that he was often called to the neighboring towns, many miles away from his home, to perform operations. To the great regret of the people of Winthrop he removed to Augusta, Me., in 1828, where he continued to practice till his death, which took place very suddenly in 1847, aged seventy-two years and five months. He was a member of the Massachusetts Medi- cal Society.
Dr. Elisha Tillson resided in Brockton a short time only; married Molly, daughter of Capt. Zebedee Snell September 2, 1792, and had one son, Elisha Snell, born in 1794 ; married Betsy Chandler, of Easton, 1819.
Ziba Bass, M.D., was the son of Edward Bass. He was born in Brain- tree May 28, 1774; studied medicine with Dr. Ebenezer Alden, of Randolph, Mass., and commenced practice in North Bridgewater, now Brockton, about 1800, under the most favorable auspices, with the fairest prospects of usefulness to his fellow men. He was a man of very pleasing address, of an affectionate and amiable disposition, and gave unwearied attention to the welfare of his patients. His assiduity in search of knowledge, and his constant and undeviating fidelity in all the duties of his profession, won the affection and established the confi- dence of a numerous class of the community in the circle of his ac- quaintance ; but he was suddenly called, soon after commencing in life, from his earthly labors, leaving a weeping multitude to deplore his loss. The following is on his tombstone :
Erected to the memory of Dr. Ziba Bass, who died September 23, A. D., 1804, in the thirty-first year of his age, giving full proof that usefulness was his grand object in life, He was a pattern of modesty, temperance, fidelity, prudence, economy, and up- rightness, and died in hope of eternal rest and glory. Hence the following appropria- tion: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
Dr. Nathan Perry. This good man was born in Norton May 27, 1776; was educated in the common schools of his native town, never having received a college education ; pursued the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Isaac Fowler, of Rehoboth, Mass., and Dr. Ebenezer Alden, sr., of Randolph, both of whom were physicians of eminence in their day, and accustomed to the instruction of young men. Having completed his pupilage Dr. Perry commenced practice in Read- ing, Mass., 1802 or 1803, where he acquired a good reputation and a competent share of employment. On the death of Dr. Ziba Bass, which took place September 3, 1804, at North Bridgewater, now Brockton, on the recommendation of his instructor, and by the solicita- tions of many respectable citizens of that town, he was induced to change his residence, and take the place of his deceased friend. He was immediately introduced into a wide circle of practice, and during a period of nearly thirty years was the principal physician in the town. At length, in connection with reverses in his worldly circumstances and the loss of most of the members of his family by death, his spirits be- came depressed and his mind impaired. Subsequently he suffered from paralysis, and never fully recovered the perfect exercise of either his bodily or mental powers; consequently, during the last twenty-five years of his life, he relinquished to a great extent the active duties of his profession. In 1823 he became a fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society by election, and a retired member in 1830. He was a good physician, a man of sound judgment and sterling integrity, always pur- suing the course he judged to be right, whatever might be the conse- quences to himself. In early life he made a public profession of his faith in Christ, and his character was in perfect harmony with his profession. He died peacefully in a ripe old age, more from the debility incident to decay of his vital powers than from any manifest disease. Such was Dr. Perry, a good man and a worthy citizen. He closed his earthly career Sabbath morning August 16, 1857, at the advanced age of eighty one years, leaving behind a memory cherished with affectionate regard by those who have shared his friendships and benefited by his counsels. His residenee was at the corner of Main and West Elm streets.
The following incident in relation to Dr. Perry is found in Clark's " History of Norton :"
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PHYSICIANS.
About the year 1792 Nathan Perry, afterward Dr. Perry, of North Bridgewater, then a youth of some sixteen years of age, was one day passing by Judge Leonard's deer park in Norton ; he playfully reached his hands through the fence and took hold of one of the old buck's horns, and for some time annoyed him in that way. At length the deer got ont of patience, broke away from his hold, and quite unexpectedly leaped over the fence, seven or eight feet high, and made a furious attack upon young Perry, throw- ing him upon the ground ; but, very fortunately, the horns of the enraged deer, instead of striking his body, passed down on each side of it. While in this position Nathan grasped the horns of the buck, and succeeded in preventing him from doing any injury till his brothers, Gardiner and Alvin, with one of Judge Leonard's men, came and rescued him from his perilous situation.
Dr. Jonathan Porter Crafts was son of John and Olive (Porter) . Crafts ; born in North Bridgewater, now Brockton, September 9, 1792 ; grad- uated 'at Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1817; studied medi- cine, but never practiced his profession ; he died in 1822, aged thirty years.
Adolphus Kinsman Borden, M.D., was born in the town of Horton, Nova Scotia, January 26, 1802. He was the oldest son of David and Elizabeth Borden, the former being a direct descendant from the Bor- den family, who came to England from Normandy at the time of the conquest. He received his early education under private tuition, and came to the United States at about the age of nineteen years, where he took up his abode with his uncle, Samuel Borden, of Fairhaven, Mass. He soon afterwards went to East Bridgewater, Mass., where he com- menced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Hector Orr. Later he studied in the office of the late Dr. Jacob Bigelow, of Boston, and after attending two courses of lectures at the Harvard Medical School, received his degree of M.D. from that university in August, 1824. He went to the town of Wareham, Mass., where he practiced his profession about one year, and then returned to East Bridgewater, where, on the twenty second day of December, 1825, he was joined in marriage to Lucy Ann Lazell, daughter of Bartholomew and Betsey Brown, by the Rev. Richard M. Hodges. As a result of this union the following chil- dren were born to them : Elizabeth Kinsman (died in infancy), George Kinsman, Edward Adolphus, Mary Mitchell, and Henry Francis, the latter being a practicing physician in the city of Brockton at the present time.
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
He removed to North Bridgewater, now Brockton, and commenced his career as a physician in that place by settling in that part of the town known as the West Shares (now Brockton Heights). About one year later he removed to the central part of the township. His practice was extensive and successful, and he continued it without rest until within a few months' of his death, which took place on January 29, 1875, after severe suffering from a sub-acute abscess of the brain and meningitis. As a physician he was an acute and careful observer, a thorough be- liever in the methods of study as laid down by Lord Bacon, viz. : "ob- servation and induction." Always cool and cheerful in the sick room, he was able to study his cases without any preconceived notion as to their nature, but ready to state them as he found their nature and ex- tent to be. As a man he was one of the kindest of husbands and fath- ers, sensitive in his nature, strong in his likes and dislikes, and quick to resent any thing that tended to place him in the light of any character that was otherwise than honorable.
Abel Washburn Kingman, M.D .- The subject of this notice was the son of Hon. Abel and Lucy (Washburn) Kingman. He was born in the old parish of Bridgewater, Mass., April 22, 1806, fifteen years previous to the incorporation of the town of North Bridgewater, now Brockton. The doctor was the seventh of a large family of sixteen children the father of whom was for a long time a prominent man in the old town, often filling positions of trust in the North Parish as se- lectman and overseer of the poor, besides representing the town in both branches of the Legislature several years. He was active in the move- ment to have the parish incorporated into a town. He was also a cap- tain in the militia, justice of the peace, and held various other offices. Possessing a strong, clear and discriminating mind, it is not strange that his descendants inherited some of those qualities which go to make de- sirable citizens. The son received his early education in such schools as the times afforded at home, and graduated at Amherst College in 1830, and located in the practice of the medical profession at Dart- mouth, Mass , from whence after a short time he returned to the home of his early life. Here he began his life work as a gentle and tender physician always abounding in sympathy for his patients, and soon won the hearts of the people by his faithful ministering in season and out
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PHYSICIANS
of season, and held the affectionate confidence of the families whom he visited, and was indeed a beloved physician
In his private life the doctor exhibited all the graces of a Christian life, both in heart and spirit, never parading his theological views in words and professions which his daily living did not illustrate, and he will always be remembered as a genial friend, a gentle physician, a gen- uinc man. He always had an interest in public affairs, and every mat- ter of public concern received from him that consideration which the matter deserved, and if a worthy one received his support. He was not given to public speaking, nor did he proclaim his views from the house- top, and yet his influence was felt in many ways.
In politics he early became a Democrat, and during President Bu- chanan's administration he was appointed postmaster of what is now Brockton. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War the doctor became an ardent supporter of the government. In social life he was indeed a rare man. He had a fund of ready humor, like a perennial fountain, and this with cheerful expression, wide observation and clear intelli- gence made him a most agreeable person in conversation.
For nearly ten years previous to his death he suffered the loss of his eyesight and was confined to his room, during all of which time he was radiant with cheer, and delighted in having his friends visit him, and upon leaving one was the better for having had an interview.
Towards the close of his life Mr. Kingman had a lingering sickness, and quite painful, and it is a pleasure to know that during his last days and hours, he was surrounded by all that the loving hands of his sons could provide, ministered to him by his faithful and loving wife, with patient tenderness, attended by the best medical skill that could be had, he passed away on Saturday, May 5, 1883.
The funeral was attended by a large circle of warm and devoted frends, at the Porter Church. The clergymen attending were the pastor Rev. Mr. Warfield, Thomas, and McNeille. The services were of the most fitting character, solemn and impressive. The floral offerings rich and elegant. The body was laid to rest in the family lot in Union Cem- etery, the three sons strewing flowers on the casket after it was lowered to its last resting place.
He left three sons, all of whom have become distinguished merchants
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
in Boston and New York, and occupy prominent positions in mercantile life, viz. : Abel Willard, Thomas Sewell and Barton Elliot Kingman.
Horatio Bryant, M.D., is son of Micah and Drusilla (Harlow) Bryant ; born in Plympton, Mass .; fitted for college with Rev. Elijah Dexter, and at Amherst Academy ; entered Amherst College ; taught school at Castleton, Vt. ; graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. ; taught the academy at Plainfield, N J. ; studied medicine at Yale College, where he graduated in 1839; he commenced practice as a physician and surgeon at Blandford, Mass., where he remained several years. He married Lucretia, daughter of Ebenezer Clark, of Conway, Mass., and had one daughter. He removed from Blandford to Campello, Mass., about 1848. From thence he removed to Independence, Iowa.
James F. Richards, M.D., was the son of Colonel Jason and Sophia (Forsaith) Richards, of Plainfield, Mass. ; was born July 16, 1832 ; taught school in Virginia ; studied medicine with Dr. Forsaith, M.D., of South Abington, Mass. ; graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York in 1859, and was a resident of Campello, enjoying a lucra- tive.practice. He is now a resident of Andover, Mass.
Edgar Everett Dean, M.D., was a son of Charles Dean, of Easton, Mass. ; born December 17, 1837 ; came to Brockton in June, 1861, and succeeded Dr. Alexander Hichborn in the practice of medicine.
Dr. Thomas Stockbridge was born in Scituate, Mass. ; came to Brock- ton about 1837, and practiced as a physician several years, until he re moved to New York ; he continued his practice in that city till about 1855, when he returned to Brockton, and continued to practice as be fore, till his death, which took place January 14, 1863.
Dr. James Easton was in practice for some time.
Dr. Nahum Smith was a botanic physician in the town for many years, till he removed to Haverhill, Mass.
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