History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 125

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III > Part 125

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the Ancient Botanists and Herbalists ; " " A Group of Tolstoi's Women ; " "Ethics in its Practical Rela- tions; " " Morals of Materialism; " and the "Re- moval of Lord Elgin's Marbles from Greece."

Of the thirteen meetings condueted by elub mem- bers alone, two have been devoted solely to business. One was occupied with accounts of summer vacations, one with readings by members, two with debates, one with housekeeping essays, and a short entertainment to close, two with essays by members, the subjects be- ing "The Seience of Financial Success" and " The Ethics of Financial Success."

The main idea of mutual improvement has been advanced by original work, in writing, speaking and debating, as well as in listening. One feature has been an original magazine, containing compositions in prose and rhyme from the members of the club. There are also a writing-group and a reading-group formed by the elub, the former having been in existence about nine years, and the latter less than one year. The writing-group has been a great means of developing the literary and critical talent of those club members who belong to it. Its president from the beginning has been Mrs. R. F. Baxter. It is a rule that each of the twelve members of this group shall write at least five articles each year ; and these articles are read in the group and criticised in a friendly but eandid spirit by each one present. By this means the members have learned not only to bear the more adverse criticism, but also to know how to criticise frankly in return. Courses of publie lectures are occasionally given by distinguished lecturers, under the auspices of the Old and New. Another feature of the club's outside work is the formation of a committee which sends reading- matter every week to a number of women living in isolated localities.

It remains to speak of the management of Old and New, which is the most important fact regarding it, and the secret of its success. The leading principle upon which this club is founded is the belief that every woman has within her the germ of some latent talent, which only needs cultivation in order to bear fruit. " Old and New " stands for the development of the individual, and its main intent is to draw its members out and encourage them to speak their inner thought. In order to carry out their ideas, it was necessary to adopt two principles,-democratic man- agement and rotation in office. The business of the club is transacted by its members in executive session. There are no executive committee or directors, and, although under the charter trustees are necessary, these officers are merely nominal. They can do nothing unless first instructed by the elub at a regular execu- tive session. The opportunity for wire-pulling is thus reduced to its lowest terms. A new matter is first pre- sented before the whole elub by any individual who wishes to present it. It is then fully and fairly dis- cussed, and, unless referred to a committee for some reason, is decided by a majority vote.

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MALDEN.

It has been a rule from the beginning that no officer except the secretary and the treasurer and no member of a committee shall serve in the same position for more than two consecutive years, or be eligible for re-election until a year has intervened. It was felt in the beginning, and is now still more strongly, that a club whose object is " mutual improvement " cannot attain that object without giving opportunity to all to compete for the honorary offices. Without the provision for rotation, experience shows that only one or two women ever have a chance in any society to become a president or a vice-president, or a chairman, and thus to learn to preside and to conduct meetings. The result in Old and New has been that in twelve years six women have become educated in the duties of a presiding officer.

The principle of rotation in office does not apply so strictly in societies for philanthropie or special work ; but in a woman's club, where women meet together to learn and to grow, it is at the same time a safe- guard and an inspiration. Old and New has proved the value of this principle by long and successful ex- perience.

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. -This association was organized April 19, 1876. Mrs. P. S. J. Talbot was chosen president ; Miss Hattie A. Sawyer, secretary ; and Mrs. Charles Merrill, treas- urer. Mrs. Talbot still holds the office as president, a continuous service of more than fourteen years.

The object of this Union is to educate publie senti- ment to the standard of total abstinence from aleo- holic liquors as a beverage, to secure the right educa- tion of the young as to the use of alcoholie liquors and narcotics, to reclaim the fallen, to enlist and unite the women of the city iu temperance work, to obtain the legal prohibition of the liquor traffic, and by co-operation with other associations in the State and nation, to promote the cause of universal temper- ance and sobriety. The first work of the Malden W. C. T. U. was to assist in organizing a reform club, hiring a club-room, furuishing it with a library and games to interest these reformed men, that they might not return to their former resorts. A gospel temper- ance meeting was held every Sunday evening with large and interested attendance. Large numbers signed the pledge, and many intemperate men were reformed.

A juvenile temperance society was formed with Mr. S. F. Fairfield and sister as superintendents. It be- came very prosperous, with a membership of five hundred, and still continues under the name of the " Loyal Temperance Legion." Its present very efficient superintendent is Mrs. Dr. Peleg Wadsworth. One of the " boys " from this regiou recently organ- ized a total abstinence society in the University at Berlin, Germany, which is increasing iu influence and popularity.

The W. C. T. U. has placed scientific temperauce text-books in the Public Library, and in all the libra- 34-iii

ries of the Malden public schools; also treatises on tobacco ; and, in answer to their petition the School Board have placed the temperance text-books in the hands of each public-school teacher, also in the hands of the pupils of the three highest grades in all the public schools of Maldeu, at the same time directing that the children of the lower grades shall be taught orally by the teachers, examinations being required as in other studies.

Interesting temperauce books by the best authors have also been placed in all the libraries of the Mal- den Sunday-schools. Temperance lessons are taught, temperance Sunday-school concerts are held, and hundreds of children and teachers have signed the pledge, and the rolls of honor which are passed onec a year in the Sunday-schools, under the supervision of the W. C. T. U. superintendent.

Literature, written upon the different phases of the temperance question, is very widely circulated among the people at large. The press and the churches are influenced by the society to encourage and sustain a healthy, earnest temperance sentiment in the com- munity, which has for the past fourteen years been successful. No licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors have been granted by the city government ex- cept for medicinal and mechanical purposes ; and in no town or city of Massachusetts has the prohibitory law been so thoroughty respected and enforced as in Malden. The wonderful growth of Malden, it having doubled its population in ten years, is largely due to the fact of there being " No license," the result in a great measure of the W. C. T. U's. faithful work.

The work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union permeates every branch of society, and has de- partments seeking to reform the many vices and social evils which so constantly tempt the young from the path of truth and virtue. It is non-sectarian in relig- ion, and non-partisan in politics, seeking to save in the name aud spirit of the divine Master whom it loves and serves.

MALDEN MEDICAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY .- This society was instituted in 1888, but it was really an outgrowth of the llolmes Medical Club, which was started in the city of Malden some ten years ago, and included the select physicians of Malden, Medford, Melrose and Stoneham. This society is conducted on the same plan as the State Medical Society, meet- ing monthly, when essays and papers are read. There is also a presentation of cases. In the winter of 1889. there was given a course of lectures worthy of note. In this society was born the idea of the Malden City Hospital; and wheu Deacon Converse was asked what he could do to help embody the idea, he re- sponded nobly by giving $10,000 in cash, and several acres of beautiful land. John L. Sullivan is the pres- ent president of the society ; John B. Mahoney, seere- tary; Godfrey Ryder, treasurer.

THE BRITISH-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION .- The chief aim of this association is to get the British-American

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

people to become naturalized citizens, thereby ena- bling them to vote; also to encourage social inter- course among the members. The present officers are S: ml. P. Priest, president ; James Scales, vice-presi- dent; A. J. Crockford, secretary. The society now nun bers about forty members.

MALDEN INDUSTRIAL AID SOCIETY .- This society was organized in 1875, the year of the great fire at the Ribber Works. Its objeet, as stated in the constitu- tien s to relieve and prevent destitution, by render- ing prompt, efficient, and judicious aid to the deserv- ing, nece-sitous poor in our own town ; and to encour- age thrift, by endeavoring to cultivate the self-respect and self-reliance of those to whom aid is rendered.

The society also endeavors to find employment for the unemployed, and is conducted on the same plan as the Boston Industrial Society. The members number about two hundred, and meet once a year to select officers and to distribute about $1000. Any citizen can become a member by paying the small amount of one dollar. The present officers are E. S. Converse, president; J. K. C. Sleeper, vice-president; John W. Chadwick, secretary ; William H. Sargeant, treasurer, and John H. Parker, auditor.

UNITED ORDER OF THE GOLDEN CROSS, MYSTIC COMMANDERY .- This association was organized for the purpose of paying to its members a death benefit of from $500 to $2000, also of caring for sick members and for mutual help. It is a secret order, composed of about 100 members in Malden Centre, and about eighty in Maplewood.

The order itself was organized in Tennessee in 1876, and now numbers about 18,000 to 20,000 mem- bers. It ranks third among the great orders, the Ancient Order of United Workmen holding the first rank, secondly the Knights of Honor, and thirdly the Golden Cross. One of the features of the Golden Cross Order is that the members pledge themselves not to drink, buy or make intoxicating liquors while they belong to the order. Ladies are permitted to join. Harvey L. Boutwell, Esq., a citizen of Malden, goes to Louisville, Kentucky, this year, as the Su- preme Representative of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts. This society has gained more inem- bers within the past year than any other similar order in the United States.

GOOD TEMPLARS .- Laurel Lodge, No. 152, 1. O. G. T., organized in 1887, and now numbers from forty to fifty members. It is a temperance organization, whose object is to reform the drunkard, and keep sober men sober. It is the largest secret temperance organization in the country. The Sons of Temper- ance is an older order, but not as influential. When it was first organized it admitted men only ; but a few years later the Order of Good Templars was formed, for the purpose of admitting women as well as men. The order flourished rapidly, and did such good work that the Sons of Temperance changed their rules and admitted ladies, following the example so nobly set.

FREE MASONRY .- Masonry is more flourishing in Malden than in any other city or town of its size in the Commonwealth. The oldest organization is the Mt. Vernon Lodge. Its charter bears the date of A.D., 1857, and its members now number 230. Offi- cers : Worshipful Master, John Newell; Senior War- den, Joseph F. Wiggin; Junior Warden, Edward G. Wise ; Treasurer, James Hammett; Secretary, Alfred Tonks.

Converse Lodge .- This newer organization received its charter the 8th of January, 1887, and the brothers now number 142. Officers : Worshipful Master, Fred- erick J. Foss ; Senior Warden, Joseph W. Sanders ; Junior Warden, Eugene Nelson; Treasurer, Joseph M. Russell; Secretary, Charles R. Magee.

Following these orders come first : The Royal Arch Chapter of the Tabernacle, which received its charter in March, 1887. The companions now number 197. Officers: Most Excellent High Priest, Geo. E. Nor- ris; Excellent King, Frederick G. Currier; Scribe, George L. Griffin; Treasurer, Joseph M. Russell ; Secretary, Arthur W. Hutchins.

Second : Melrose Council, Royal and Select Masters, organized December 12, 1856; constituted February 27, 1868; 193 members. Officers : Thrice Illustri- ous Master, William Bickford ; Deputy Master, James Emerson ; Principal Conductor of the Work, Freder- ick G. Currier ; Treasurer, Winslow B. Southworth ; Recorder, Arthur W. Hutchins; Master of Ceremo- nies, George E. Cofran ; Captain of the Guard, Clarence O. Walker; Conductor, Edwin A. Kelley ; Chaplain, James H. Waite; Steward, Chas. C. Blanchard; Sen - tinel, Henry L. Putnam.

Third : Beauseant Commandery, Knights Templar. Date of charter, October 20, 1886. Officers: Emi- nent Commander, Sir T. Fred. Martin ; Generalissimo, Sir Rudolph Cramer; Captain-General, Sir Henry D. Wilder; Treasurer, Sir Joseph L. Bicknell; Seere- tary, Sir Allan J. Chase.

MALDEN YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. -In the fall of 1884 this institution first took form and shape in the mind of one young man whose hope it had been for several years, and then by the union of several others, whose desires were as strong as his. As a result, a dozen or more young men who desired an opportunity for self-culture and improvement in various studies, decided to join together in a kind of class, to meet at their houses one evening in each week, and talk over the readings which they should undertake in their leisure hours. They represented the various religious denominations of Malden, and sought religious progress as well as intellectual cul- ture. The meetings were continued during the win- ter, and when the spring approached the class de- cided to hold a small prayer-meeting on Sunday even- ings for the purpose of helping and influencing the young men of the city. The first meeting was held at the Baptist vestry, and then alternately among the various churches. Next they rented a hall in Bar-

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MALDEN.

rett's Building and finally in Bailey's Building. By Hon. J. K. C. Sleeper and Clarence (). Walker. Matthew C. Grier and Wilbur H. Sargeant were made respectively secretary and treasurer. To the impor- tant position of general secretary, the board called William R. Comer, who was formerly connected withi the Boston association. The next and very important step was to secure proper headquarters. The Masonic building was then being erected, and, through the this time many citizens were asking that the work might become permanent and that an active and effi- cient association might be formed. At this time the class consisted of the following members : G. Louis Richards, Samuel M. Fairfield, F. J. Salsman, Dr. George M. French, Geo. C. Currier, Chester Crosby, Arthur Leonard, Caleb Crawford, William Merrill, Fred. Schwartz, Chas. J. Bartlett, Richard Kerr, H. generosity of Malden citizens, handsomely furnished S. Howard, N. E. Nourse.

September 10, 1885, an initial meeting for the pur- pose of organizing a larger association was held at the vestry of the Baptist Church. At this time a com- mittee, representing the several churches, was ap- pointed to canvas for members. The ten who were appointed for the purpose entered immediately upon their task, and at the October meeting reported that been secured, also that a general feeling in favor of the work existed in the community. At the next meeting, held October 2Ist, Walter C. Douglass, the State secretary of the Massachusetts associations, was present. In his remarks, he said : “ We have a defi- nite and distinct work to do --- to labor for young men. This work is needed to meet the various temptations and pitfalls which the adversary has placed in their way. As the devil works distinctly in every large community for the downfall of this class more than any other, so our work is for the same class and to the opposite result."

The Malden institution, which chose to base its action upon the principles which had made possible the formation and successful prosecution of sixty sim- ilar associations in other parts of the State, adopted the truths expressed in that part of the constitution which states that " the object of the association shall be to improve the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical condition of young men by appropriate means and methods in harmony with the spirit of the gospel."

A further extract from the constitution, relative to the duties of members, shows what the institution ex- pects of itself: "The members of this association shall seek out young men and endeavor to bring them under moral and religious intluences by introducing them to the members and to the principles of the as- sociation. November 25, 1885, at a meeting held in the vestry of the Methodist Church, the following Board of Directors was constituted: Hon. J. K. C. Sleeper, George E. Gay, G. Louis Richards, Clarence O. Walker, John H. Parker, Herbert Porter, W. H. Sargeant, M. C. Gricr, Rev. M. M. Cutler, William B. de las Casas, A. D. Cromby, A. J. Chase, Freeman A. Smith, II. B. Griffin, S. M. Fairfield.

The board was empowered by the constitution to choose a president and two vice-presidents for the association. For president it chose the principal of the High School, Mr. George E. Gay, a man pre- eminently fitted for the position. For vice-presidents

rooms were opened to the public in that beautiful building in November of 1886. The rooms were made free, to be used by any young man, whether a member of the association or not. Classes for vocal music and instruction in penmanship were formed, and a course of entertainment furnished for the win- ter. At the annual meeting, in December, 1886, Mr. Gay declined further service, and Mr. Herbert Porter

the signatures of over three hundred young men had ' was elected president in his stead. Under his effi- cient care and faithfulness, for two years, the associa- tion gained in number and extended its influence.

October 12, 1888, a vote was passed, making the association a corporation under the laws of the State. With the new form of organization came a change in the filling of the offices. Those who had been the incentive and spirit in previous years declined to fur- ther serve, and at the head of the association was placed Mr. William R. Hawley, who also served effi- ciently for two years.

The community, secing, by the earnest efforts of former workers, that the influence of the association's work was being felt in every home, and in almost every church, gave it a zealous support. In August, 1889, Mr. William R. Comer resigned his position as general secretary, and Mr. W. H. Simonds, who was acting in a similar capacity in Keene, N. II., was elected to the office. It is due to Mr. Comer, how- ever, to say that the present prosperity of the associa- tion is largely due to his ability and faithful efforts during the previous years, which were the formative years of the society.

Each year of the association's existence had brought forth several young men to that point in every man's life when he accepts or rejects the proffered Gospel of salvation. But it was left to the laborers in the fall of 1889 to see the spiritual harvest for which many had long looked. The assistance of Messrs. Martin and Peabody were secured for this service, and the association could say with the apostle, " And the Lord added to the church daily."

In the fall of 1889 a short-hand class was formed and largely attended. In the spring of 1890 an Out- ing Club was organized, and, through the generosity of Hon. E. P. Converse, grounds were secured at the Fells for lawn tennis and base-ball.

In five years the Malden Young Men's Christian Association takes its place the eighth in size in the State, though the city itself ranks as the eighteenth in size. A large proportion of Malden's best citizens have enrolled their names among its members. To

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

the co-operation and influence of such men have been added the noble efforts of the Women's Auxiliary. These ladies have cared for the parlor, keeping it sup- plied with flowers, and have furnished refreshments at the association's reception. The value of their labor in behalf of the association can never be esti- mated.

The societies existing in Malden at present are as follows :

MASONIC.

Mount Vernon Lodge, chartered 1858 ; Converse Lodge, A. F. & A. M., chartered 1887 ; Royal Arch Chapter of the Tabernacle, chartered 1886; Melrose Council, R. & S. M., instituted 1867 ; Beanscant Commandery of Knights Templar, instituted 1886.

OUD FELLOWS.

Middlesex Lodge, No. 17, chartered 1×65 ; Malden Lodge Association, I. 0. 0. F., Middlesex Encampment, Nu. 9, chartered 1887 ; Mallen Odd FrHows Association ; Patriarchs Militant, 1. O. O. F. ; Canton Malden, No. 55.

MISCELLANEOUS.

American Legion of Honor, organized 1879.

Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division No. 12; organized 1572.

Ancient Order of Uuited Workwen, Alizpah Lodge, No In ; organized 1×79.

British. American Association, Linden Branch, No. 4, Landen.

Grand Army of the Republic, Major General Moram G. Berry Post, No. 40.

order of the Sons of Veterans, George Il Patch Camp, No. 80.

Major-tieneral Hiram 6. Berry Woman's Relief Corps, No. 6, oigan- ized 1878.

Golden Rule Alliance, St. John Chapter, No. 17; organized 1880. lome ('irele, Mystic Side Council, No. 32 ; organized 1x82.

Independent Order of Red Men, Wonepoykin Trilee, No. 47.

Knights of Honor, Malden Lodge, No. 352 ; organized 1876. Maple- word Lodge, Nu. 853, Maplewood ; organized 1878.

knights of Pythias, Spartan Lodge, No. 59. Frank 1. Converse Lodge, No. 70.

Knights and Luces of Honor, Linden Lodge, No. 391, Linden.

M. C. 0. 0. F., Ion Court, No. 10; organized 1879.

New England Order of Protection, Reliance Lodge, No. 3, Linden. Same, Progress Lodge, No. 11, organized 1888.

Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Company L, Fifth Regiment, Mal- den Rifles ; organized 1883.

Order of Columbus, John Hancock Settlement, No. 2; instituted 188 !. Order of the Iron Hall, Local Branch No. 238, Linden.

Onder of Tonti, Washington Lodge, No. 33 ; instituted 18st.

Order of United Friends, Longfellow Conneil ; instituted 1882. Same, Salome Council, No. 61, Linden ; instituted 1883.

P. F. Y. B. O.

Hoyal Arcanum, Mystic Side Council, No. 265; organized 1879. Sam, Linden Council, No. 172, Linden ; organized 1878.

R. S. of G. F., Stoum Assembly, No. 8G.

Woman's Christian Temperance I'nion of Mallen.

Paul Revere, No. 18, Temple of Honor ; organized 1877.

Whittomore Lodge, No. 180, Independent. Order Good Templars,

Sagante re Council, No. 3, Temple of Honor.

St. Mary's Total Abstinence Society, organized 1885.

Lamel Lodge, No. 152, Independent Order Good Templars,

Panie Revere Social, No 16, Temple of Honor.

He maner Division, No. 18, Sons of Temperance.

Buttold Division, No. : ,, Sons of Temperance.

I mon Endowment, orgamzed 1889.

hn d under af di elen Coors, Malden Commandery, No. 15 ; instituted 18 : Most Commonalory, No. 216, Faulkner ; instituted 1889. Same, Mayo. . It's om mulig, No. 219 Maplewant , instituted 1×82.

1 ant d Or ler of Pilgrimn Father, King Philip Colony, No. 17.

High Rek Colony, No. 22, Maplewood, instituted 1882.

( urpenters' and demer ' Chien, No. 152, instituted 188). Malden Board of Tr idde, in fitte | 188 1.

Maldon Civil Service Re vi Aner ratlos, Malden Deliberativo As- wembly, Malden Firemen's Relief AFormation, Malden Industrial Aid Society , Mallen Society for Medical Improvement, instituted 1858.

Maplewood Reading-Room.

Union Maternal Society, organized 1886. Maldeu Mutual Benefit Association, organized 1875.

Old and New-The Woman's ('lub.

Samaritan Circle.

Young Men Christian Association, organized 1885.

Women's Auxiliary and Young Men's Christian Association. Woman's Christian Temperance Umon.

BIOGRAPHIICAL.

ELISHA SLADE CONVERSE.

Elisha Slade Converse, son of Elisha and Betsey Wheaton Converse, was born in Needham, Mass., July 30, 1820. His parents removed to Woodstock, Conn., in 1824, and here he remained until twelve years of age, when he went with his parents to Thompson, Conn., and for nearly a year worked in a cotton factory at that place. In 1833 he came to Boston, where he lived for a short time with his brother, Deacon James W. Converse, and attended the Mckean School. Hle was subsequently employed by his brother-in-law, Mr. Aaron Buder, of South Boston, as clerk in his store, where he remained until 1836. He then returned to Woodstock, where he attended school and worked on a farm until seventeen years okl. At this time he went to Thompson and engaged for two years with Mr. Albert G. Whipple to learn the clothier's trade. He soon after formed a partner- ship with Mr. Whipple which continued until young Converse was twenty-one years of age, when he purchased Mr. Whipple's interest and continued the business.

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 125

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278