USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of New Bedford, Volume III > Part 26
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Charles Henry Gifford was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, July 18, 1833, died in the city of his birth and lifetime residence, Febru- ary 4, 1908. He was educated in New Bedford private schools and Friends' Academy, completing his studies at Haverford College, a famous institution under control of the Society of Friends near Philadelphia. After leaving college he became associated with his father in the whaling business as office assistant, and soon after coming of legal age was ad- mitted a partner, and for several years after his father's death in 1866 he continued the business. He was connected with several business enterprises of the city, was a director of the New Bedford Gas and Electric Light Company, a long-time trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings, and served for several years as a member of the Massachusetts State Gas and Electric Light Commission, appointed by Governor Green- halge in 1894. A Republican in politics, Mr. Gifford cast his vote for every candidate of the party from John C. Fremont in 1856 to Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. He represented his ward, the Sixth, in Common Council, serving several terms ; was a member of the first city committee appointed to consider a water supply and system ; was a one-time trustee of the New Bedford Free Public Library ; and twice was the leader of his party ticket for the office of mayor. In 1889 he was appointed postmas- ter by President Harrison, and it was largely through his influence that
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a new post office building was obtained, although he only retained office about a year after moving into the new building. He succeeded Albert H. W. Carpenter, and on February 1, 1894, gave way to his own succes- sor, Charles S. Ashley. Mr. Gifford effected several badly needed re- forms in the administration of the office during his term, and illustrated the business-like, well-ordered way in which it could be conducted. He was a man of kindly, genial disposition, and, like his father, possessed a gift of making friends easily. He married, in North Dartmouth, Sep- tember 15, 1858, Elizabeth P. Cummings, born August 19, 1838, died in New Bedford, June 7, 1907, daughter of John Cummings of North Dart- mouth. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford were the parents of a son, Frank Herbert, of further mention; and of a daughter, Helen C. Gifford, born May 24, 1864.
Frank H. Gifford was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, August 8, 1859, and is yet a resident of the city of his birth. After completing preparation for college at Friends' Academy, New Bedford, in 1877, he entered Brown University, whence he was graduated, class of 1881. He at once entered business life as a mill engineer, 1881-82; engaged in mill operation, 1882-84; was a cotton broker, 1884-1897; treasurer of the New Bedford Spinning Company, 1897-99; and since 1899 has been engaged as a cotton salesman. He is a trustee of the New Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank ; vice-president of New Bedford Gas and Edison Electric Light Company ; was a member of city council, 1885-86; member of the school committee, 1887-89; is a member of Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, the Wamsutta and New Bedford Country clubs, Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and in politics is a Republican.
Mr. Gifford married, in New Bedford, June 3, 1890, Eliza Howland Cook, born in Saginaw, Michigan, August 13, 1867, daughter of Timothy D. and Ellen L. Cook. The family residence is at No. 380 County street, Mr. Gifford's offices at No. 17 Hamilton street.
FREDERICK H. ROBINSON.
A graduate of Tufts College Medical School, Dr. Frederick Hilliard Robinson came to New Bedford, where he is well established in practice with offices at 526 Purchase street. He is a descendant of that ancient Robinson-Robertson family which emigrated to Scotland from the Hebrides Islands, the family first appearing there. From Scotland they followed King James to England, first appearing in this country on the Maine coast at about the date of the earliest English settlement at Plymouth. From Maine, branches have spread to every State.
Dr. Frederick H. Robinson belongs to the New Hampshire family, a grandson of Augustus and Abiah (Wells) Robinson, he a bootmaker and devout Baptist. Augustus and Abiah Robinson were the parents of Daniel W., Augustus P., Henry L., Charles, Frank H., and Mary Robin- son, Dr. Robinson being son of Henry L. Robinson.
Thomas B. Tripp
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Henry L. Robinson, a merchant, was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in both the Eighth and Fifteenth regiments of New Hampshire Volunteers, and was a man of influence in his community. He was a member of the New Hampshire Constitutional Convention of 1877, and held other evidences of the esteem of his townsmen. He married Addie, daughter of Frederick Hilliard.
Frederick Hilliard Robinson was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, October 6, 1868. When a dozen or fourteen years of age, his parents removed to Manchester, where he attended the grade and high schools. He was variously engaged until entering Tufts College Medical School, whence he was graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of 1896. He came to New Bedford in 1908, and has since been engaged in the general prac- tice of his profession. He is a member of the Medical Societies, the Sons of Veterans, and the Protestant Episcopal Church. He married, in Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1897, Helen Brightman, daughter of Asa and Ruth (Nye) Brightman, of Acushnet. Dr. and Mrs. Robinson are the parents of two sons: George Nye, born in 1898; Winfield Nye, born in 1905.
THOMAS BUSH TRIPP.
The entire life of Thomas Bush Tripp was spent in his native New Bedford, and no man better served his city than he. His business enter- prise and public spirit were employed in behalf of his own community, and he was recognized as one of the strong men of the city. While he was president of the First National Bank at the time of his death, he had only filled that high position for about one year, although a director for more than twenty years. He completed an honorable business record in other lines and no stain of failure marred his record. He was a son of James and Eliza (Mosher) Tripp.
Thomas Bush Tripp, was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Au- gust 19, 1838, and died December 29, 1912. He was educated in the New Bedford public schools, completing the advanced courses of the high school in 1858. He was engaged in the grocery business in New Bedford until 1872, his store located in the block at the corner of County and Allen streets. After the death of his father he turned his attention to real estate, discerning with rare vision the rapid growth of the city which was to soon follow. He was a good judge of the value of real estate, and with unerring judgment selected large tracts of unimproved land which he purchased and improved with graded streets and sewers before offering a lot for sale. This policy he followed in all his additions, and so well were his locations chosen and so skillfully was his business conducted, that prosperity followed all his investments and likewise his investors. He dealt generously with the public, allowing ample time for those of limited means to secure homes, hundreds becoming home build- ers and owners for the first time in their lives. This meant not only pros-
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perity for Mr. Tripp and the home builders, but for the city, whose aggregate value of taxable property was greatly increased.
In addition to the management of his real estate business, Mr. Tripp was a director of the New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railway Com- pany, elected in July, 1873, the road having been incorporated the previ- ous year. He held the position until 1887, then resigned, but upon the organization of the Union Street Railway Company, he accepted a direc- torship, October 30, 1897, and became vice-president of the company, July 14, 1898, serving until his death. He was also a director of the New Bedford and Onset Street Railway Company ; became a director of the Dartmouth & Westport Railway Company in October, 1901, and vice- president, January 9, 1902, serving until his death. His devoted and efficient services to these concerns was the subject of fine tribute after his death. He was also a director of the Howland Mills Corporation, Dartmouth Mills Corporation, a director of the First National Bank in 1890, and on December 21, 1911, was elected president, holding this until his death. He was also a trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings, and relied upon by the board as their expert in all real estate investments.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Tripp took a deep interest in public affairs, and in his younger years was an ardent worker for the party. He was elected a member of common council in 1864, representative to the State Legislature in 1872, and a member of the board of aldermen in 1873. In 1891 he was appointed a member of the board of public works, a post he ably filled for several years, also holding a place upon the New Bedford water board, to which he devoted much time during the building of the Quittacus water supply for New Bedford. He was, at the time of his death, a trustee of the Kempton fund, the gift of Sarah E. Potter to the city. A thorough business man, Mr. Tripp was highly capable of filling these various offices or positions, and to his ability he added a strong principle that caused him to regard "a public office as a public trust." This resulted in the city and various organizations secur- ing the highest form of service and won for him the highest commenda- tion. He was a past master of Eureka Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, and highly regarded by his brethren of the order. In early life he was a member of the City Guards, and until his death he was a member of the Wamsutta Club, and was at one time its president. He was also a member of the Country Club of New Bedford. He was a man of regu- lar life and methodical habits, careful in all things and devoted to his home.
Mr. Tripp married, in 1888, Emma J. Ashley, daughter of Rodol- phos and Ruth (Parker) Ashley (q. v.). Mrs. Tripp survives her hus- band, with a daughter, Molly Bush Tripp, the family home No. 413 County street.
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CHARLES EDWARD BENTON, Ph. B.
Although a native son of Illinois, Mr. Benton since 1897 has been a resident of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and since 1899 the managing and directing head of Benton's Business School, which he founded and has placed among the highly useful educational institutions of the city. The name Benton has been an honored one in American annals since the early settlement of New England. From New England this branch located in Ontario and Jefferson counties, New York, and from the par- ent stock branches have gone out north, south and west. In New Bed- ford, the work of Mr. Benton as an educator will endure, and posterity as well as the present generation benefit through the work and influence of the school he founded and directs. In other branches of city life he has exerted an influence for good, and in church and Young Men's Chris- tian Association work has rendered valued assistance and inspiration.
The town of Guilford, Connecticut, was settled in 1639, by a colony from the vicinity of Guilford, England. It included two brothers, Ed- ward and Andrew Benton, both of whom were influential members of the colony, Puritans who left civilization to found homes in a savage wilderness in order that they might enjoy freedom of conscience. An- drew Benton moved to Hartford, Connecticut, about 1660, and died there in 1683. By his first wife he was the father of Andrew, Samuel, James, Mary and Dorothy. His second wife bore him Ann (who died in 1686), Ebenezer, Lydia and Hannah. The line of descent to Charles E. Benton is through James (1) Benton, son of the founder and his first wife. That James was of Hartford, Connecticut, and there he married, February 10, 1698, Sarah, daughter of Bevil Waters, of Hartford. James (1) was succeeded by his son, James (2) Benton, born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1699, who moved to Guilford, Connecticut, where he died August 30, 1785. His wife was Experience, daughter of Edward Stocking, of Lyme, Connecticut, whom he married March 1, 1719. James (2) and Elizabeth Benton were the parents of another James Benton, born 1720, and died in Guilford, Connecticut, June 22, 1801. This James (3) Benton married, September 27, 1736, in Guilford, Margaret Naughteye, of Guilford. Among their children was Bethel Benton, a Revolutionary soldier, founder of his family in Seneca, Ontario county, New York, and great- grandfather of Charles E. Benton, of New Bedford.
Bethel, son of James (3) and Margaret (Naughteye) Benton, was born December 14, 1750, in Guilford, and removed to Ashfield, Massa- chusetts, in 1767. The name of his brother Beza is found in a list of inhabitants of Ashfield between 1773 and 1798, and on a list of voters of the last named year. In that year Bethel Benton removed from Ashfield to Seneca, Ontario county, New York, where he continued to reside until his death at the age of ninty-six years. When over ninety he walked to Geneva to purchase a present for his granddaughter on the occasion of her birthday. He was a soldier of the Revolution, enlisting from
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Ashfield at three different times, first for a period of eight months in May, 1775, as a private in Captain Murray's company of Colonel Wood- bridge's regiment of Massachusetts troops; again in January, 1776, for one month, under Captain Barns, in Colonel Sargent's regiment ; lastly, at the expiration of that term, for twelve months in Captain Israel Chapin's company, of Colonel Porter's regiment. He participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, and was granted a pension August 28, 1832. He married Mercy Hawkes, who died in January, 1826. One of their sons, Dr. Abner Benton, married Hannah Cooper, a sister of Fenimore Cooper, the novelist. Another son, Chester Hawkes Benton, is next in line in this branch.
Chester Hawks Benton, son of Bethel and Mercy (Hawkes) Ben- ton, was born in Seneca, Ontario county, New York, November 25, 1800, died March II, 1846, a farmer, and a member of the Baptist church. He married, in February, 1824, Sarah Rose Sloan, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1801, died January 21, 1825, leaving a son, John Sloan Benton, of further mention. He married (second) March 7, 1826, Mary Chapman, born October 28, 1805, died January 1891, the mother of two daughters, Mary and Lydia A. Benton.
John Sloan Benton, only child of Chester Hawkes Benton and his first wife, Sarah Rose Sloan, was born in Seneca, Ontario county, New York, January 6, 1825, his mother surviving his birth but fifteen days. He died in Miami, Florida, November 13, 1914. He pursued the occu- pations of carpenter and farmer until his retirement from active life, and was a devoted Baptist. He married, in Waukegan, Illinois, August 15, 1859, Sarah D. Shute, born July 4, 1826, died September 16, 1878, daugh- ter of Henry and Louisa (Goodel) Shute. They were the parents of three sons: William Chester Benton, born January 3, 1863; Charles Edward Benton, of further mention ; George Henry Benton, born Janu- ary 17, 1868.
Charles Edward Benton, son of John Sloan and Sarah D. (Shute) Benton, was born in Evanston, Illinois, April 30, 1866. He was prepared in public schools, finishing in Lincoln Grammar School, Boston, in 1882, then continued his studies in Alfred University, Alfred, New York, com- pleting the business course with the graduation class of 1887. During the interval from 1882 until his entering Alfred University, he was em- ployed as clerk and in farming, and also after leaving the university. From 1887 until 1892 he was employed part of his time in the post office as clerk, and from 1890 until 1892 he also taught commercial subjects at Alfred. In 1892 Mr. Benton gave himself entirely to the cause of educa- tion, and for a quarter of a century, with the exception of one year, he has been engaged in teaching.
During 1892-93-94 he was an instructor in the New York Institute for the Blind, and in 1892 received from Alfred University the degree of Bachelor Philosophy. During 1894 and 1895 he taught commercial branches in Newport (Rhode Island) High School, and then spent a
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year as instructor in a commercial school in Terre Haute, Indiana, fol- lowed by a year as corresponding clerk in Chicago. In 1897 he came to New Bedford as instructor in the Business University, continuing two years. In September, 1899, he founded and opened Benton's Business School, of which he is principal and owner. The school is one of the recognized educational institutions of the city, fitting students for special lines of work, and each year graduating classes of skilled specialists.
Professor Benton is a member of the Eastern Commercial Teachers' Association, member of the Brooks Club, the Young Men's Christian Association, and North Congregational Church, his membership in all being active. In political faith he is a Republican. He married, in Waterville, New York, in 1894, Mary E. Rowell, born in Waterville, No- vember 12, 1860, daughter of James Pearce and Lucy Clever (Wilmot) Rowell, her father a blacksmith, farmer, and a veteran soldier of Com- pany D, One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, 1862-63. They are the parents of a son and a daughter: Roy Wilmot Benton, born August 22, 1895, a graduate of New Bedford High School, class of 1911, with highest credit, now a junior of Brown Univer- sity, class of 1818, qualifying for the Bachelor of Philosophy degree; Ruth Agnes Benton, born June 19, 1897, student of the New Bedford High School, class of 1917.
EDWARD WINSLOW HOLMES.
A twentieth century representative of the ancient family founded in Plymouth, Massachusetts, by John Holmes in 1632, Edward W. Holmes in his own right has won recognition as an honored member of the bar of Bristol county. Plymouth was the home, the old homestead at Mano- met being the birthplace of several generations, including Ezra Holmes, of the eighth American generation, father of Edward W. Holmes, who in youth located in New Bedford in 1861. John Holmes, the founder of the family in Massachusetts, was of Plymouth Colony as early as 1632; was made a freeman in 1634; was a messenger or page in the General Court in 1638; was listed among those able to bear arms in Plymouth in 1643, and there died October 13, 1667. His wife Sarah died August 18, 1650, leaving children : John, born in 1636; Josiah; Nathaniel, of further men- tion ; and a daughter Sarah.
Nathaniel Holmes was born in Plymouth about 1640, there married, in 1667, Mary, daughter of John Faunce, and resided all his days. He had children: Elisha, Mercy, married Ebenezer Cobb; Nathaniel (2), of further mention ; Sarah, John, Elizabeth and Ebenezer.
Nathaniel (2) Holmes was born in the town of Plymouth, in 1676, and there spent his life. He married, in 1698, Joanna Clark ; they were the parents of eight sons and daughters: Nathaniel (3); James, of further mention; Bathsheba, married Nathan Delano; Saul, Barnabas, Zepha- niah ; Joanna, married Paul Cook; and Ephraim.
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James Holmes, the second son of Nathaniel and Joanna (Clark) Holmes, was born in the town of Plymouth, in the year 1700, and there resided until death. He married, in 1729, Content, daughter of Joseph Sylvester. Their children were: Solomon, James (2) ; Seth, of further mention ; Nathaniel, Lothrop, Barnabas, Caleb and Ezra.
Seth Holmes, third son of James and Content Holmes, was born in Plymouth, in 1735, and there spent his life. He married in 1762, Mary Holmes, their family numbering seven sons and five daughters: Deb- orah, Mary, Rebecca, Seth, Sylvanus; Stephen, of further mention ; Jerusha, Amasa, Caleb, Nathan, Jesse, and Jerusha (2).
Stephen Holmes, son of Seth and Mary Holmes, was born in the town of Plymouth, in 1771, and there resided all his life, his farm located in that part of the town known as Manomet. He married, in 1798, Re- becca Bartlett, who bore him eight children: Wealthy, Stephen (2), Clark, Cromwell W., Ezra; Truman, of further mention; Marston, and Adriana.
Truman Holmes, sixth child of Stephen and Rebecca Holmes, was born at the homestead in Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, Febru- ary 22, 1811, died there in June, 1893. His youth was spent at the home farm, but in early manhood he adopted the occupation of a fisherman and made many passages to the fishing banks. Later he retired from the sea, bought a farm near his father, and there died at the age of eighty- two. He married Laurette Blackmer, born in Plymouth, 1821, died in 1898, daughter of John and Esther (Bartlett) Blackmer, she is buried beside her husband in the family plot in Manomet. Their children were: Ezra, of further mention; Sarah Amanda, died December 31, 1909, un- married; Truman Howard, who remained at the homestead; Mary Lau- rette, married George W. Griswold; William Thomas, settled in East Boston, Massachusetts.
Ezra Holmes, the eldest son of Truman and Laurette (Blackmer) Holmes, was born at the paternal farm in Manomet, Plymouth, Massa- chusetts, February 19, 1842, died in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Sep- tember 26, 1916. He attended the public schools of the district, and aided in the cultivation of the home farm until nineteen years of age, then came to New Bedford and secured a position in the drug store of Dr. Alexander Holmes. He continued as clerk in that establishment for six years, then became its owner by purchase. He was proprietor of the business located at the corner of Purchase and Hillman streets for fifteen years, retiring therefrom and selling out in 1882. This ended his connection with the mercantile life of New Bedford, as in January, 1883, he was appointed officer at the House of Correction in New Bedford, a post he most effi- ciently filled for thirty years. On the twenty-fifth anniversary of his appointment the officers of the institution testified their appreciation of his services by presenting him with a handsome mantel clock and many expressions of regard. Six years later, in 1907, he was retired on a serv- ice pension, having reached the age of seventy-one, and having served
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continuously for thirty years (1883-1913), his record being one of honor- able, efficient service.
He was an earnest useful member of North Congregational Church, serving as treasurer for twelve years and as secretary of the Sunday school for thirty-three years. His influence and interest were also exerted in behalf of the Young Men's Christian Association, and he gave freely of himself to advance its usefulness. In politics he was a Repub- lican.
Mr. Holmes married, in Plymouth, September 28, 1870, Freelove Scott Barden Hovey, born in Manomet, Plymouth, February 29, 1844, daughter of Josiah C. and Judith (Witherell) Hovey. They were the parents of two daughters and three sons : Margaret Hovey, born Septem- ber 3, 1871, a graduate of New Bedford High School, and Harrington Training School, a teacher in the city schools for fifteen years, married Arthur S. Briggs; Elizabeth Clark, a graduate of New Bedford High School and Business College, married Henry D. Waldron ; Joseph Buck- minster, born July 22, 1875, of New Bedford; Philip Curtis, born March 9, 1879, of New Bedford; Edward Winslow, of further mention.
Edward Winslow Holmes, of the ninth American generation of his family, youngest son of Ezra and Freelove Scott Barden (Hovey) Holmes, was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, December 20, 1880. He passed through the grade and high schools of the city, completing his high school course with the class of 1899. He then entered Brown University, completed a four years' course, and was graduated Bachelor of Philosophy, class of 1903. Deciding upon the law as his profession, he entered Boston University Law School in 1904 and was graduated with the class of 1906. During these years of preparation and in the early stage of law practice, Mr. Holmes in his spare time and summer vacations engaged as a reporter on the "Mercury," also for five summers was employed as a clerk by the city board of assessors. After gradua- tion from law school, he was admitted to the Bristol county bar, located in New Bedford, and is there well established in practice, with offices at 105 William street. In 1910-II he practiced in the State of New Mexico. He is a member of the bar associations, is a Republican in politics, and a member of North Congregational Church. His college fraternities are Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Beta Kappa, and Phi Delta Phi, the last named a law school fraternity. He is secretary of the Brown Club of New Bedford, and a member of Sippican Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men.
THOMAS ALOYSIUS CUNNIFF.
When in 1908 Mr. Cunniff, with his newly acquired diploma, re- turned to New Bedford, he secured admission to the Bristol county bar and began practice. The years which have since intervened have brought him high reputation, and he is one of the young men of the bar who hold a strong position in the estimation of the people of New Bedford. He
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