USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Brockton > History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894 > Part 79
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Three years later he went to California where he remained two years, and returning, went into partnership with George Henry Sherman ; they bought out ' Hancock's" Express Line to Boston and conducted it for a year or two. Mr. Washburn sold that out and bought a cake, bread and pastry store at the corner of Main and Church streets in the "Studley building," of David Wilder. He was successful in this and after a while hired a store in the old " Goldthwaite's building," and opened an eating house in connection with his other business. One year later he took his brother, Sidney L. Washburn, with him and they started a bakery in the basement of the building; busi- ness increased and they built a second one on High street.
During this time Mr. Washburn conducted the best eating house in the place and many of our present business men recall the days when they boarded with him.
About 1863 S. L. Washbu n retired and Capt. R. B. Grover was admitted in 1864, the firm bought the old "Satucket " House of Tyler Cobb which stood where Wash- burn's block now stands, and they run both places. They finally closed up the place in Goldthwaite's block and about 1872 built the brick bakery and confectionery manufac- tory back of Washburn's block on School street. Capt. Grover retired from the firm in the 70's and Mr. Washburn conducted the hotel and bakery in a profitable manner. He at one time conducted a hotel at Craigville on the Cape. He remained in charge of the " Brockton " House, which name was given to the hotel when the town's naine was changed, until it burned down June 25, 1881, when upon the site he erected the large business block which bears his name.
The bakery he conducted personally until failing health obliged him to relinquish active business, when he formed a stock company with his sons, Frank and George, his son-in-law, Kenneth McLeod, as active partners, which firm was maintained up to his death.
Although never an active politician he was at one time influential in the Republican party and was especially prominent in matters which had to do with the material pros- perity of the town and city. He was a member of the committee on construction of the water works, and also of the committee that framed the city charter. He was also closely connected with the movement which resulted in the change of the name of the place from North Bridgewater to Brockton. He was also connected with the Masonic fraternity.
As has been said he married Nancy P. Abbott and they had seven children, Reubin, George R., Emma, Joseph, Ella, Elizabeth, Emma, Olivia, Frank and George, the two latter being the only ones now living.
F. B. Washburn was a man who enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his fellow
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
citizens, and had great faith in the future of the young city and was one of the men who helped its growth. The baking and confectionery business he established has reached large proportions and all through this section and on Cape Cod his name is a familiar one.
HENRY AUGUSTUS FORD
WAS the son of David and Polly (Wild) Ford, the grandson of David and Olive (Packard) Ford, and the grandson also of Richard and Rhoda (Cary) Wild. The lineage of the Fords being traced to Andrew and Elinor Ford, who came from England in the seven- teenth century and settled in Weymouth. The Wild lineage being traced to John Wild, who came a young man about the middle of the seventeenth century from Eng- land and settled in Braintree.
He was born May 16, 1826, was married March 10, 1859, to Abby Williams, daughter of Martin and Susan (Williams) Wild, of Easton, Mass. They have no children. In his youth he learned to make shoes, attended >chool-including three terms at the Adelphian Academy-and taught school several winters with fair success. In the decade ending 1865 he served eight years as a member of the School Committee, and two years as collector of taxes. In 1870 he was chosen on the Board of Selectmen, Assessors of Taxes and Overseers of the Poor.
That period in the history of Brockton embraced between 1870 and 1885 is of much interest. During that period the population of the town increased from 8,007 to 20,783. The valuation increased from $3,443,780 to $12,889,213. The selectmen then first assumed the duties of a Board of Health, formulating and publishing rules and regulations as snch. Great improvements were made in laying out and improving the highways. The name of the town was changed, water was introduced, large school houses were erected, several important lawsuits were contested, a franchise was granted to a street railway, a city government was assumed and inaugurated, a police system was established, a new Alms House was erected. During this period no individual perhaps was more continuously interested and active in municipal affairs than the sub- ject of this sketch. During these years he served nine years as selectman, six years as assessor, fourteen years as overseer of the poor, three years on the Board of Health, two years as School Committee, two years as town clerk, and five years as city treasurer.
In early life Mr. Ford had mapped out a course of study, which he could not fulfill, owing to ill health, and has been in various kinds of business. The most prominent was the shoe manufacturing, and for several years previous to his death he was not engaged in any business. He was well known throughout the county as a man of culture and wide reading, a friend of education, and gave much time to the schools of the town, the public library and everything that tended to uplift and educate the people. He always took pride in the fact that during all his official life he was never defeated when a candidate for town office, and looked back to no betrayal of trust, and to a very few mistakes. He often spoke with pleasure of the success which attended
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
his official action, which he attributed in a great measure to those who were associated with him, and remembered with affection and respect many marked instances of public spirit. His administration of the various offices which he held for a great many years, was characterized by a strict devotion to the interests of his native town and city, which will be interwoven with her history so long as paper, ink and memory lasts.
While Mr. Ford was a member of the Board of Selectmen in 1880 he had much to do with the introduction of a modified "Gothenburg System " for the management of the liquor business. Mr. Ford having studied the system as used elsewhere he became an enthusiast upon that subject and induced his colleagues to try the experiment, and he was appointed the agent to carry out their plan, which he did by opening an agency in the building south of Perkins' Block on Main street. The plan, although it did not meet with public favor enough to continue the same, was a success financially, resulting in a net income to the town of $10,000.
In politics Mr. Ford was a Republican in early life, but soon after arriving to man- hood he became a believer in the doctrine of free trade and united with the Democratic party as coming the nearest to his ideas. In early life he embraced the doctrines of Swedenborg, in which he remained an earnest believer to the close of his life.
Soon after leaving the Adelphian Academy, Mr. Ford entered Phillips Andover Acad- emy, where he remained some time, until feeble health compelled him to relinquish the course he had marked out, and we here place upon record a tribute to his memory lately received from a schoolmate of his while at Andover, and ever after a warm friend. He says: "I have met in college and elsewhere many bright and amiable characters, but I have always insisted that I have never seen his equal in keenness of intellect, sound- ness of judgment, or a profound sense of justice. Had his health allowed, he was worthy of any position he might be called to fill, and would have honored it."
Also from a local paper we quote: " Alderman White paid the highest possible compliment to ex-treasurer H. A. Ford on Wednesday night, when he said that Mr. Ford's name is a symonym for all that is just, upright and honest."
Since 1888 he has made his residence in Middleboro, although he never lost his inter- est in his native place, and was a weekly visitor to the same. His death was sudden, having retired to bed in his usual health, and died on Friday, November 2, 1894, at three o'clock in the morning, his death being due to heart failure. The funeral services of Mr. Ford were held at the New Jerusalem Church, Brockton, Monday afternoon, November 5, 1894.
HON. ZIBA CARY KEITH.
AMONG many of the fine mansions in the city of Brockton, some of the most elegant are in the southerly portion of the city, which formerly bore the euphonious name of "Salisbury Plain," now Campello. As the stranger pauses to admire the elegant abodes he naturally desires to learn something of those who reared them. Noticeable among these fine homes is one which is located at the junction of Main and Plain
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
streets. Standing, as it does, in a commanding position, it is a beautiful picture. From its grounds fine views of the city and surrounding country may be had. To the many friends of the occupant and to the great body of his fellow citizens who knew him well his history may appear almost too familiar to need recapitulation. It is in this beautiful abode, surrounded by its many objects of refinement, taste and wealth, that the subject of our sketch resides.
He was born on the opposite side of the street to the lot on which his dwelling is located, on the homestead of his father, Captain Ziba Keitlı, and his grandfather, Benjamin Keith, July 13, 1842.
Mr. Keith early learned that his success in life depended largely upon his own exer- tion, and he soon addressed himself to the work before him. From the time he was able to wield the hammer and drive pegs in the " old red shop," and the rake and hoe upon the farm he was improving his opportunities, afforded by the district schools of his native village and an attendance at the "Pierce Academy " in getting an education, until he arrived to the age of eighteen years, when he engaged in the shoe manufactory of his brothers, Martin L. Keith & Co., then doing a large business in their line. He was afterward bookkeeper and salesman for the same firm in Boston until July, 1863, when he returned to Campello and engaged in the dry goods and variety store trade with Embert Howard, under the firm name of Howard & Keith, which partnership continued for two years, when the business was sold to Jonas Reynolds, and the part- nership was dissolved. At the end of six months Mr. Keith bought the business, which he continued till 1882. For a year or two H. N. P. Hubbard conducted the dry goods department, and then Mr. Keith purchased the entire business interests. He afterward disposed of his entire business to Messrs. Pitts & Hayward, and Thayer & Whitman in 1882. While not a graduate of any college he had a good education, which has been found sufficient for a foundation upon which to build the superstruc- ture, reared day by day by reflection, association with people of culture, much intelli- gence and elevated thought.
He is not a seeker of office, but has been largely honored with the confidence of his fellow citizens, and has filled such as have come to him without the sacrifice of his sturdy self respect and characteristic devotion to his own principles of life and conduct.
In 1875 and 1876 he was elected representative to the General Court from the town of Brockton. In 1879 he was elected one of the Board of Selectmen, In 1881 he was a member of the committee for drafting the city charter. When the town was changed to a city form of government in 1881 Mr. Keith was elected as their first mayor and again has served in the years 1884, 1885, 1891, 1892 and 1893. Not only has he served the town and city of his nativity, but he has been called to serve the citizens of the Second Plymouth Senatorial District in the Massachusetts Legislature in 1887-88, and was tax collector in 1887, '88, '89. He was largely instrumental in organizing the Campello Co-operative Bank, which has been of great service in building the southerly wards of the city and stimulating the workmen in the many large factories to own and occupy their own homes. He is also director and first vice-president of the Brockton Savings Bank, director of the Brockton National Bank. He was one of the incorpora- tors of the Plymouth County Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and is now its presi-
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BIOGRAPHICAL ..
dent. In 1890 Mr. Keith was appointed by Governor Ames on the "State Commis- sion of Health, Lunacy and Charity " January 1, 1890. He is also a justice of the peace and was elected in the fall of 1882, member of the Governor's Council for Massachu- setts, which office he has held to 1895. He has ever had the interests of Campello in mind, having done much to promote its growth and prosperity, was a member of the Parish Committee several years, and when the society remodelled and enlarged their building in 1888 he was one of the committee to forward the same.
Mr. Keith is prominently identified with the commandery, chapter and lodge of the local Masonic fraternity.
In politics he is a staunch Republican, and in religion his affiliations are of the Trini- tarian Congregational order and has been for years prominently identified with the South Congregational Church and society in Campello.
It will be seen by what has already been written that the life of Mr. Keith has been an eveutful one, and such an one as those who have been more conspicuous in life might wish they had imitated. By example it attracts, and thus accomplishes a most worthy end. To such men it matters little whether or not the trumpet of fame sounds along their path in life, for they reahze its keenest blast can never reach the other shore.
Mr. Keith's life from his birth to the present writing is an open record of an honor- able and successful man, whose original stock in trade consisted chiefly in that old fashioned family legacy, personal industry, houesty and brains.
It is not strange that he has earned a large measure of success and an honorable recognition in the ranks of Brockton's substantial and reliable citizens. Mr. Keith was a corporate member of the original street railway corporation in Brockton, and treasurer of the same for several years; also treasurer of the Monarch Rubber Company, of Campello.
Mr. Keith has been a figure of public and practical importance for twenty years. He was a valuable town officer and able legislator, and his repeated elections to the office of chief magistrate of the city show that he is regarded as an able administrator of the duties of that responsible office. Wherever he has served it has been to the satisfac- tion to the great mass of citizens, and thus with honor to himself.
In March, 1889, Mr. Keith published a complete memorial to the memory of Benja- min Keith, of Campello, and his descendants, a work on which Mr. Keith had bestowed a vast amount of time and expense, and is worthy of great commendation.
During the mayoralty of Mr. Keith, several large enterprises were consummated, as the laying out of a system of sewerage for the city of Brockton, which has just been com- pleted under the superintendence of Mr. Snow, city engineer, and which is believed to be a great addition to the many benefits being derived to the city in the way of public improvements.
Another advance hasjbeen made by the city, and the Old Colony Division of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company, by which sixteen grade crossings have been abolished, the agreements all having been made within two years time, a dispatch not usual in matters of this magnitude.
The new and elegant City Hall has also been constructed during the administration of Mayor Keith, and brought to a successful termination.
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
That a good share of the prosperity of the carly history of the new city of Broekton was due to his able, honest and energetic administration of its municipal affairs is well known, and his wide knowledge of men and affairs added to a courteous personality has endeared him to his fellow citizens. Mr. Keith is a person universally beloved and esteemed, as any one whom it is our pleasure to know. Any one meeting him and know him could not be impressed with his sterling integrity of character, while ad- miring his frankness and kindly bearing towards every person irrespective of nation- ality or station. Being notably urbane and kindly in his intercourse with his associates and acquaintances he also possesses magnetic qualities which makes and keeps friends.
Mayor Keith has a fine ear for music and is a gentlemen of refined taste in such mat- ters, and the writer well remembers seeing him at the early age of ten years playing the violin with all the enthusiasm of an adult person. For forty years he was a musician. in the South Church choir, as organist, and has ever displayed an interest in the music at the church. He has also a high appreciation of life as demonstrated in his speeches upon all sorts of topics and occasions, and it is not saying too much that Brockton and Campello, in particular, is exceptionably fortunate in possessing a mayor such as they have in Hon. Zıba C. Keith.
Mr. Keith married Abbie Frances, born October 21, 1848, daughter of Oliver and Malvina Frances Packard Jackson, of North Bridgewater, now Brockton, December 31, 1865, and have one son.
I .- Willie Clifton Keith, born August 31, 1866, married Eva M. Place April 28, 1877, and have one son.
1 -Ziba Cary Keith, born June 13, 1888.
HENRY CLAY JACKSON.
THE subject of this sketch is a native of that section of Brockton, known as Campello. He was the son of Ephraim and Lucy (Wild) Jackson, born April 19, 1838. After the usual attendance in the district schools, he entered the Adelphian Academy, under the management of Messrs. Silas L. & L. F. C. Loomis, where he received the rudiments of a good practical business knowledge, which fitted him for the after duties of life. Upon arriving at the age of seventeen years, in 1855, he entered the dry goods house of William F. Brett & Brother, afterward known as Brett, Gannett & Co., and Brett, Newell & Co., located on Federal street in Boston. Here he remained until 1861, when he engaged with Josiah Caldwell & Co., in the same line of trade, where he remained until 1863. His business experience up to that time was such that when the firm of Pierce, Stearns & Adams, successors to the old and well known firm of Pierce, Howe & Co., was reorganized, Mr. Henry C. Jackson was invited to take an interest in the new firm, and from that date to January 1, 1867, he gave an impetus to the new firm by his energy and keen perceptions of the requirements of the trade. At the above named date he became a general partner and remained with the firm until December 31, 1891. A new firm was established under the firm name of Jackson, Mandel & Daniell, the members of the firm being Gustavus Jackson, Thaddeus S. Mandel, Josiah
/
taches
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
E. Daniell, B. S. Luther and Dwight Prouty, with Solomon H. Howe as special partner. With the inauguration of this firm a radical change took place in the general character and manner of conducting the business, with the purpose of making it a New England house. In 1878 Gustavus Jackson's health having become impaired, he withdrew from the firm, and Henry C. Jackson became the head of the firm, being then in the prime of life with a strong and vigorous constitution, he was able to perform any amount of physical and mental labor. Mr. Jackson was by nature endowed with remarkable energy, having keen perception, possessing a high order of executive ability, and there- fore was admirably adapted to fill just the position to which he was called, a forceful and positive character, as well as aggressive. With these qualifications he was well fitted to lead in a concern, which with able associates became the leading house in their line of goods in Boston. Year by year from the commencement of the business, the reputation of the house gained in strength and became known throughout the entire business community, as one of the best, with unbounded credit.
During the disastrous fire of 1872, when so many houses were crippled in their busi- ness, this firm stood up and asked no favors but immediately set at work with their usual energy and a new building was immediately erected for them by J. Montgomery Sears, where the firm is now engaged in trade, at the corner of Chauncy and Summer streets. It may here truthfully be said that this firm has always met its obligations notwith- standing the fire, and has never been obliged to give its notes.
December 31, 1891, Henry C. Jackson and Dwight Prouty retired with a competency and are living in the enjoyment of a well earned fortune. Upon the retirement of these partners the firm of Jackson, Mandel & Danieli ceased to exist, and the present firm of Chatman, Kendal & Daniell, became their successors. After two years of rest and re- cuperation, the Bank of North America needing a person to fill the office of president of their affairs, Mr. Jackson was solicited to take that position, and was appointed, and he accepted and is now located at the corner of Franklin and Devonshire streets. His extensive acquaintance with monetary and business institutions, his methodical, exact, and painstaking methods, render him eminently fitted for the position to which he was called. Being a man of sound judgment and strong common sense, he has often been called upon to advise in corporation matters, and has been trustee in settling estates. He is a trustee of the Home Savings Bank on Tremont street, and one of the invest- ment committee of that institution.
Mr. Jackson married Maria Amanda, daughter of Dr. Alvah and Mary (Dalton) Moulton of Ossipee, N. H., August, 15, 1860, and resides in an elegant house on Com- monwealth Avenue, Boston.
OLIVER A. MILLER.
BROCKTON has been noted for the character and ability of its prominent business men, especially in the manufacturing industries. Those who have had any part in the trans- formation of a community of ten thousand people into a thriving city of thirty-two thousand population have been foremost in courage, sagacity and enterprise, and a new
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
generation of people are coming forward, captains of industry, with all the energy and spirit of those who have preceded them.
Notable among these is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Miller was attracted to the town of Brockton in 1877, since which time it has grown to a " Greater Brockton." Having received marked encouragement from its energetic shoc manufacturers, he de- cided to cast his lot among them, and to remove his business there. In 1878 hc opened a small shop in the second story of a shoe building in Factory village, now Salisbury Heights The merits of his output soon compelled him to secure additional room, and in 1879 he leased the entire building, thinking that would last him for many years. Within fourteen months, however, he became cramped for floor space, and in 1880 le leased a three story building, 22 by 30 feet, on Prospect Hill, fitted up for his special use.
He continued in this factory about twelve years, with two additions, all the time sell- ing his splendid machinery, which had become famous all over America and in foreign countries. Needing additional room in 1892, he purchased a fine lot of land at the cor- ner of Ford and Cherry streets, near the old factory, where during the next season he erected the present new and commodious establishment, known as the Miller Shoe Tree- ing Machine Works, the largest and most complete factory of its kind in the world.
The present building is 180 feet in length, 35 feet in width and three stories in height. The building is fitted with every modern safeguard from fire, including the sprinkler service, automatic fire alarm, etc. ; also, a fire pump capable of throwing five hundred gallons a minute.
The Miller machines are conceded to be the best manufactured for fully restoring to a shoe at the least possible expense all of the style and form of the original last, so that the finished shoe will be in the most presentable condition. The best evidence of this fact may be found in the demand for the goods, which has constantly been increasing.
It was in Rochester, N. Y., the early home of Mr. Miller, that he became convinced that there was need among shoe manufacturers of a good shoe treeing machine. Fully believing in that idea, after many years of experiment he perfected his present machines, which ninety-five per cent. of the shoe manufacturers now use and endorse as the best machine that can be made for treeing shoes. The first machine he made was sold in 1876 to G. & D. Silver of Tarrytown, N. Y., and they are still using the Miller Tree at the present time. This is the best testimony as to the value of the Miller machines.
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