USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of New Bedford, Volume III > Part 6
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Captain Weston Howland, son of Abraham and Ruth (Hicks) How- land, was born in the town of Dartmouth, May 30, 1764, and died in New Bedford, Massachusetts, August 8, 1841. He was a master mariner for some years engaged in the coastwise trade, then established a flour and grain business with storehouses on Rotch's Wharf. He was a large ves- sel owner and kept quite a fleet engaged in transporting the grain and flour he sold. He maintained a branch of his business at Alexandria, Virginia, which was in charge of his son Thomas, and had many inter- ests, varied in character. He was a good business man, and as a citizen highly esteemed and honored. He married (first) Desire Crandall ; (sec- ond) Abigail Hathaway, who survived him at the family home, at the corner of Spring and Eighth streets, New Bedford, and died July 12, 1867. His sons were active in New Bedford business circles, and one of his daughters, Alice R., married Joseph C. Delano.
Abraham H. Howland, son of Captain Weston Howland, and his second wife, Abigail (Hathaway) Howland, was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, March 2, 1802, and there died May 24, 1867. After leav- ing school he entered business life as a clerk and passed through a long
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Abrahame . Howland tr
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and arduous course of training to fit him for the position he was to occupy. He mastered merchandising, then went to sea and became a master mariner, making two extended whaling voyages. After becom- ing a merchant he also became a ship owner, and at his place of business, now the site of the plant of the City Manufacturing Corporation, con- ducted a large and prosperous business, and accumulated a generous competence. As the whaling industry declined he sought other avenues of wealth, and was one of the first men in this country to refine petroleum as a business. He continued active in business until the end of his years, sixty-five. Mr. Howland was at one time a director of the Western rail- way, later a part of the Boston and Albany system, and from the date of organization was a director of the New Bedford Gas Light Company. Although a birthright member of the Society of Friends, he only openly joined in the service of the society a few years prior to his death. He was a member of the Masonic order, and for many years an active mem- ber of the City Volunteer Fire Department, and on one occasion it was entirely through his influence that the department was saved from dis- bandment. In 1844 he was elected to represent New Bedford in the Massachusetts Legislature, and served three years through reelections. In the house he served on the committee on mercantile affairs, and was one of the active, influential men of that period. In 1847, under the new charter, he was elected the first mayor of New Bedford, then a city of 12,000 inhabitants, and so well did he administer the responsibilities of that office that his four reelections followed. So in usefulness and honor his years, sixty-five, passed, there being no flaw upon his public or busi- ness record.
Mr. Howland married Mehitable Earle Russell, who died August 26, 1892, at the age of eighty-two. She was a daughter of Reuben and Anna (Tucker) Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Howland were the parents of seven children : Abigail, died in infancy ; Anna, died in young womanhood ; Abraham H. (2), whose sketch follows; Alice Russell, died August 2, 1916; Horace G., died February 2, 1909; Mary Tucker, yet a resident of New Bedford ; and Edmund Howland, died in infancy.
ABRAHAM H. HOWLAND, JR.
One great advantage possessed by Abraham H. Howland, Jr., was the association in business with his honored father until the death of the latter in 1867. What this meant to the young man may be best judged by observing how closely his career paralleled that of his father, this con- clusively showing how deeply the individuality of the father had im- pressed the son. Both were honored by their fellowmen with election to the highest office in the city government, the father being the first man to be chosen mayor under the charter, the son being chosen in 1875 and 1876, after one of the most exciting contests the city had ever known,
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forty-six hundred votes being cast, a number never before reached in a mayoralty contest. Other parallels are found in the lives of these two men, both of whom gave so liberally to the business growth and civic uplift of that city.
Abraham H. Howland, Jr., eldest son of Abraham H. and Mehitable Earle (Russell) Howland, was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1840, and died in the city of his birth, April 20, 1887. He was educated in the New Bedford schools, and the Paul Wingo Academy, in Sand- wich, Massachusetts. He began business life in his father's counting room, and until the death of the senior Howland in 1867, the two men were very close in their business relations. The son thoroughly mastered the business of manufacturing sperm and whale oil, the plant being located at the corner of Second and South streets. When petroleum refining became a part of the Howland business he made several trips to the oil fields of Pennsylvania, as agent of the New Bedford firm, and was manager of the plant at the foot of South street. After the death of his father, Abraham H., Jr., succeeded to the business and went forward to greater achievements. He was a director of the New Bedford Gas Light Company, member of the board of investment and clerk of the New Bed- ford Institution for Savings, director of the Merchants National Bank, and had other business interests, private and corporative. The public service rendered by Abraham H. Howland, Jr., was varied and exceed- ingly valuable. He was long a member of the fire department, being foreman of Franklin Engine Company, No. 10, and of Cornelius How- land Steamer, No. 4, serving as chief engineer of the department in 1871- 72-73. Many reforms were instituted in the department during his term as chief and a plane of efficiency was reached higher than ever before attained. The telegraphic fire alarm apparatus was installed in the city during his term as chief, his influence going far toward that desired end. In 1875 he was elected mayor of New Bedford and reelected in 1876. As mayor he was ex-officio chairman of the school committee, board of trus- tees of the Public Library, and Board of Water Commissioners, and on these boards his business ability was of the greatest service to the city. He retired from the mayor's office with the knowledge that he had hon- estly striven to advance every city interest confided to him, and with the respect of even those politically opposed to him. From the time he re- tired from office until his death in 1887, Mr. Howland was a member of the board of trustees of the Public Library. He displayed a great deal of political sagacity, and on several occasions while mayor used his .won- derful powers of oratory to the delight and satisfaction of his friends.
Special mention must he made of the Masonic eminence attained by Mr. Howland, he being the only man from New Bedford who had ever held the high office of grand master of Massachusetts Free and Accepted Masons. He was a past worshipful master of Eureka Lodge, past high priest of Adoniram Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, past eminent com-
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mander of Sutton Commandery, Knights Templar, all these being New Bedford bodies. In 1875 he was elected grand senior warden of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, was deputy grand master in 1877-78-79, and in 1883-84-85 was grand master. He was most faithful and earnest in his Masonic work, giving to every office his whole-hearted devotion and rising to his highest flights of oratory at Masonic gatherings. He was greatly beloved in the order, and at his funeral Masons of high degree gathered from all over Massachusetts and neighboring states. His name is perpetuated in the order by Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Lodge of New Bedford, chartered March 8, 1916.
A man of pleasing personality and sterling quality, Mr. Howland made many friends. He did whatever he had to do with all his might and in his hours "off duty" he gave himself up to whatever recreation he had chosen. Being of a mechanical turn of mind and living in a seaport, boat-building became one of his fads, and his numerous boating trips were taken in boats built by himself. Thus a useful life was passed, a life which ended all too soon. Mr. Howland impressed himself indelibly upon the life of his city, and his excellent qualities of head and heart were fully recognized and appreciated. He was a worthy son of a worthy sire, and New Bedford was greatly benefited by the lives of Abraham H. Howland, Sr. and Jr.
GEORGE AMOS YORK.
For well over a quarter of a century George A. York has been one of the men interested in the placing of fire insurance risks upon New Bedford property, and for a large part of that period his agency has been a leader in that branch of the city's business. The present firm, George A. York & Company, was organized about 1897, his partner Jean B. Jean. They are now located at room 42, No. 105 William street, a line of gen- eral insurance business there being transacted. On paternal lines Mr. York is of the first American born generation of his family, but on the maternal side he traces to the old Cape Cod family Hinckley, founded by Samuel Hinckley, who came from the County of Kent, England, in 1635. Mr. York's mother, Julia Ellen (Hinckley ) York, was of the eighth gen- eration of Hinckleys in New England, her descent from Samuel Hinck- ley, the founder, coming in direct male line.
The York family also traces to England, Amos York, grandfather of George Amos York, of New Bedford, being born in that country, was an officer of the English army, married a Greek lady, their son, John York, being born in Corfu, Ionian Isles. John York married in Oster- ville, Massachusetts, July 18, 1854, Julia Ellen Hinckley, born in Oster- ville, Massachusetts, August 20, 1823, died at the home of her son in New Bedford, Massachusetts, November 5, 1909. Their son, George Amos York, of New Bedford, being of the ninth generation of Hinckleys in
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Massachusetts, his ancestry tracing to England through the York, Hinck- ley and Scudder lines, George Hinckley of the sixth generation, marry- ing Pruella Scudder, of English ancestry, sister of Zeno Scudder, mem- ber of Congress, mentioned by Dickens as an example of American names, and of Henry A. Scudder, a judge of the Massachusetts Superior Court.
Amos York, born at Barking, Essex, England, in 1776, died in Zante, Greece, in 1826. In 1793 he joined the English army, serving until March 18, 1818, being stationed in Sicily, Zante, the Ionian Isles, and the Island of Malta, holding military rank. He married a Greek lady, Katherine Neodosius, and their children were: Mary, Anne, Spiridon and John.
John York, son of Amos and Katherine (Neodosius) York, was born in Corfu, Ionian Isles, January 15, 1816, died in Washington, D. C., July 22, 1876. He was a graduate of Brown University, a gifted linguist, and teacher, later in the office of the United States commissioner of customs, and an official of the Treasury at Washington, D. C. He was a member of the Baptist church, a scholarly, cultured gentleman. He married, July 18. 1854. Julia Ellen Hinckley, of previous mention, who survived him thirty-three years, and died at the home of her son in New Bedford, Massachusetts. John and Julia Ellen (Hinckley) York were the parents of George Amos, of further mention; John Waldo, born December 12, 1856, died November 8, 1861 ; Emily Ella, born June 12, 1859, died No- vember 8, 1906: Herbert Waldo, born February 18, 1864.
George Amos York was born in Osterville, Barnstable county, Mas- sachusetts, July 13, 1855, his mother's family, the Hinckleys, having been resident of that section of Cape Cod since 1640. They lived then in Jamaica Plains, later West Roxbury. Later his father was appointed to an official government position, and the family moved to Washington, D. C., where he prepared for college at the C. B. Young School and Columbian Preparatory School. He then entered Columbian University, Washington, there completing his freshman, sophomore and junior years, but in his senior the death of his father compelled him to leave before graduation. For twelve years he was in the United States Reve- nue Cutter service, now the Coast Guard, beginning as cadet, gaining promotion to third and second lieutenant. In 1889 he resigned from the service, and in the same year entered the life insurance business, which he yet continues, head of the well known firm, George A. York & Com- pany, of New Bedford, a city of which he has been a resident since 1889. He is a Republican in politics, and a vestryman of Grace Protestant Epis- copal Church.
Mr. York married in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Eliza Pernmiman Cornell, born there May 16, 1855, daughter of Joseph H. and Eliza (Pernmiman) Cornell, her father a whaling captain, later treasurer of the Gosnold Rolling Mills, alderman, school committeeman, and mem- ber of the Massachusetts House of Assembly, serving several years in
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each position. Mr. and Mrs. York are the parents of a son and daughter, Waldo Cornell, born July 22, 1888, a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Civil Engineer, was engaged as engineer on the construc- tion of the Cape Cod and the Panama canals, now engaged in power con- struction work as engineer ; Margaret, born November 30, 1894, a gradu- ate of Westover School, Connecticut.
(The Hinckley Line).
Samuel Hinckley, of County Kent, England, sailed in March, 1635, with one hundred and one others, including his wife Sarah and four chil- dren, from Sandwich, England, on the ship "Hercules," Captain John Wetterly. The ship reached Boston in safety, Samuel Hinckley and his family going thence to Scituate. There he built a house and resided until July 16, 1640, when he moved to Barnstable on Cape Cod, later mov- ing to West Barnstable. The line of descent from Thomas and Sarah Hinckley is through their tenth child, Samuel (2) Hinckley, born in Barnstable, July 24, 1642. Samuel (2) Hinckley married (first) Decem- ber 14, 1664, Mary Goodspeed, died December 20, 1666, and married (sec- ond) January 15, 1668, Mary Fitz Randolph. He died January 2, 1726, leaving four sons, the line tracing the eldest, Benjamin, the only child of Samuel (2) by his first wife, Mary Goodspeed.
Benjamin Hinckley, of the third American generation, was born in Barnstable, December 6, 1666, married, December 27, 1686, Sarah Cobb, they the parents of nine sons and daughters, the eldest being Benjamin (2) Hinckley, through whom the line continued. Benjamin (2) Hinck- ley, born July 18, 1694, married Abigail Jenkins, November 2, 1716, and died in 1745, head of a family of eleven sons and daughters. Sylvanus Hinckley, sixth child of Benjamin (2) and Abigail (Jenkins) Hinckley, was born in Barnstable, August 25, 1729, he the father of Sylvanus (2) Hinckley, born in Barnstable, August 25, 1756. Sylvanus (2) Hinckley was a soldier of the Revolution, serving from December 15, 1775. He was at the siege of Boston ; aided in building a fort at Lochmere's Point under Captain George Lewis; served in 1776 under Captain Elisha Nye at Falmouth and on Nashawena Island, successfully defending the fort there from a landing party from the English frigate "Diamond." He served with the militia again in 1778-79-80, under Captain Jacob Lovell. Sylvanus (2) Hinckley married, March 5, 1786, Mary Hawes.
George Hinckley, son of Sylvanus (2) Hinckley, the Revolutionary soldier, was born in Centreville, town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, May 10, 1793, died in Boston, January 17, 1871. He was a carpenter and builder, a member of the Baptist church, a man of industrious, prudent life. He married, August 13, 1820, Pruella Scudder, who died in 1880. They were the parents of two daughters, Hannah Lovell and Julia Ellen. Julia Ellen Hinckley, daughter of George and Pruella (Scudder) Hinck- ley, was born at Osterville, on Cape Cod, August 20, 1823, died at New Bedford, Massachusetts, November 5, 1909. She married, July 18, 1854, John York, they the parents of George Amos York, of New Bedford.
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CHARLES EDWARD BUCKLEY.
After graduation from New Bedford Textile School, class of 1902, Mr. Buckley ranked as a designer rather than a weaver of cotton cloths, although he was an expert weaver even before entering the Textile School. The special courses which he pursued developed his inventive talent, and for several years thereafter designing patterns and weaving of samples were his special fields of labor. As the years progressed his ability for filling more important posts became apparent and promotion to his present position followed. The Gosnold Mills Company, of which he is superintendent, operates two mills, employs eleven hundred hands in the operation of eighty-two thousand, two hundred and thirty-two spindles, and three thousand, two hundred and fifty looms, producing fine cotton goods, plain and fancy jacquards, silk and cotton mixtures. The post of superintendent of this large plant requires a man of varied experi- ence and technical knowledge, and these qualities are centered to a remarkable degree in the present suprintendent, who is one of the young- est in the district. He is a lover of books, and to personal experience has added the learning and experience of others. He is a son of Charles H. and Annie (Devlin) Buckley, his father of English and mother of Scotch birth.
Charles Edward Buckley was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, January 14, 1882. After his public school education was completed, he entered mill employ, and at Warren, Rhode Island, Natick, Rhode Island, and New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed from bobbin boy to weaver in the employ of B. B. & R. Knight, the Warren Manu- facturing Company, and the Wamsutta Mills at New Bedford. He then pursued courses at the New Bedford Textile School, specializ- ing in designing, and in 1902 was graduated. His first position as a designer of patterns was with the Hargreaves Mill of Fall River, leaving there after eighteen months to accept a similar position with the Bristol Manufacturing Company of New Bedford. After a year and a half with the Bristol Company, he went to the Whitman Mill, New Bedford, as sample weaver, assistant designer and second hand, eventually becoming head designer, remaining with the Whitman Mill seven and one-half years. He then came to the Gosnold Mills, as head designer, filling that position five years, until 1916, when he was pro- moted to his present position, superintendent. While engaged at the Whitman Mill he was assistant instructor at the New Bedford Textile School, from which he had graduated not many years before, an institu- tion whose usefulness he appreciated and was willing to extend.
Mr. Buckley married, July 1, 1908, Ruth Whalley, born in New Bedford, daughter of John and Ann Whalley, her father an overseer of spinning at the Whitman Mills. Charles E. and Ruth Buckley are the parents of three sons and a daughter : Norman C., born April 29, 1909: Edward W., born April 28, 1910; Ruth, born August 23, 1912, and James M., born March 24, 1915.
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CLARENCE E. BENSON.
Although born in Biddeford, Maine, Mr. Benson was brought to the State of Massachusetts by his parents at so early an age that he is to all intents and purposes a native son. His mill career began at Fall River, the foundation there being laid upon which he has since built wisely and well, being now superintendent of the Booth Manufacturing Company, a corporation of New Bedford operating two mills and employing six hundred hands in the manufacture of plain and fancy silk goods and novelties. He is a son of Luther J. Benson, born February 12, 1840, a loom harness manufacturer at Fall River, now living there retired. Lu- ther J. Benson married Harriet E. Davis, born in 1842, she and her hus- band both born in Biddeford, Maine.
Clarence E. Benson was born in Biddeford, Maine, August 8, 1867. At the age of five years he was brought to Lawrence, Massachusetts, and there completed his public school course in high school. He began mill work at Fall River, Massachusetts, with the Richard Borden Manufac- turing Company, there remaining two and a half years. His next engage- ment was with the Centerville Cotton Manufacturing Company at Cen- terville, Rhode Island, and continued two and one-half years, his posi- tion, overseer of spinning. From Centerville he went to the Berkshire Cotton Manufacturing Company at Adams, Massachusetts, remaining there seven years as overseer and eight years as assistant superintendent. He was next on duty as superintendent of the spinning department of the Arlington Mills at the home of his boyhood, Lawrence, Massachusetts, and there he was until October, 1914, when he resigned to accept his present post, superintendent of the Booth Manufacturing Company, New Bedford. He is a capable official, well liked, and highly regarded by those over whom he has authority and holds the confidence of those in authority over him. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic order, being past master of Berkshire Lodge of Adams, and a member of St. Paul Commandery of North Adams, Massachusetts, also a member of the Congregational church.
Mr. Benson married, at Fall River, Massachusetts, July 23, 1893, Agnes G. Musson, born June 5, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Benson are the par- ents of Edith Irene, born January 6, 1896, Colby Hamilton, February 2, 1897.
JOHN CARLOS da SILVA PITTA, M. D.
Of ancient family, both paternal and maternal, which is duly recorded and preserved in the Library of Angra, Terceiva Island, Azores group, Portugal, Dr. Pitta brought to New Bedford the medical and surgical lore gained in the schools of Lisbon and here has demonstrated the depth of his learning and skill. Not only has he ministered to the physical woes of his countrymen, but as their vice-consul, representing
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the government of Portugal for over ten years, he was to them much more than the physician. He is the only child of John Augusto Betten- court Pitta, a lawyer, and a grandson of Nicolau Bettencourt Pitta, a physician, born on the island of Madeira, Portugal, who later was physician at Holy Ghost Hospital in Angra, Azores, Portugal. He had children: Nicolau Bettencourt Pitta: Theotanio Bettencourt Pitta ; Manuel Nicolau Bettencourt Pitta, a physician ; John Augusto Betten- court Pitta, of further mention; Gregorio Bettencourt Pitta; Helena Bettencourt Pitta; Adelaide Bettencourt Pitta; Sampaio and Carlota Bettencourt Vasconcellos Pitta.
John Augusto Bettencourt Pitta was a lawyer and district attorney, first in Fayal, Horta, later in Angra, Terceiva, Azores. He married Maria da Gloria da Silva, of Angra, they the parents of an only child, whose career follows :
John Carlos da Silva Pitta was born at Horta, Fayal, Azores, Por- tugal, May 26, 1860. Later his parents moved to Angra where his father was eminent in the law, his grandfather in medicine. He obtained his primary education in Angra, then was sent to Lisbon, capital of Por- tugal, and a city of fine educational institutions, there completing academic and professional study. From the Academic School he passed to the Polytechnic School, thence to the schools of medicine and sur- gery, finally receiving his degree and authority to practice in 1884. He visited Paris at three different periods where he was in receipt of instruction in the leading hospitals. He also spent a short time in Charing Cross Hospital, London, and his work in the United States has been supplemented by attendance in various cities at hospitals and clinics. For a season he practiced in Angra, and then was physician and surgeon to Holy Ghost Hospital in addition to a private practice. In 1895 he came to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he is firmly established as a physician and surgeon of learning, skill and integrity. He is a member of the emergency staff of New Bedford; Bristol County Medical Society ; Massachusetts State Medical Society; New Bedford Medical Society ; the International Surgeons Club, Rochester, Minnesota ; Ameri- can Medical Association; Monte Pio Society, a beneficial society ; The Portuguese Fraternity of the United States, America; the Portuguese Catholic Beneficial Society ; St. Anthony Portuguese Beneficial Society ; life member of the American Red Cross and of the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a member of the Dartmouth Club, the New Bedford Country, the Portuguese Masonic Club, and in religious faith is a Roman Catholic. For ten years preceding the overthrow of Portugal's mon- archial form of government, he represented the interests of his fellow countrymen in New Bedford as vice-consul, duly accredited by the government of Portugal to the government of the United States.
Dr. Pitta married, in Boston, Massachusetts, January 31, 1900, Anna Mac Kay de Almeida, born in the Island of Flores, Azores, Portugal, April 26, 1876, daughter of Manuel Pedro Fustado de Almeida, a lawyer,
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