USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892 > Part 76
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In 1847 he was made trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings and con- tinues such to the present time. In 1870 he was made a member of its board of in- vestment, and in January, 1877, was chosen president of the corporation to succeed the late William C. Taher, and holds that position at this time. In 1852 he was made a di- rector of the Mechanics' Bank (now Mechanics' National Bank), and remained in the office until 1879, when he was tendered the presidency of the First National Bank and was unanimously elected. He remained in that position eleven years, when he declined longer service, but remains in the board of directors. He was trustee in the New Bed- ford Five Cents Savings Bank a few years, until the statute limited the trustees to one bank. He has been a director in the Potomska Mills Corporation from the beginning ; and was director in several marine insurance companies of New Bedford, in the years of activity in the whaling business.
His selection to fill these many positions of importance and responsibility is good evidence of the confidence reposed in him; and the further fact that he has been called upon to act in a private fiduciary capacity with relation to several very valuable estates, is a further tribute to his ability and integrity from the faith and trust of his friends. In all that contributes to make the able, honorable and upright business man, Mr. Wat- kins stands among the first. Retiring by nature, he has never been conspicuous in political affairs, nor has he withheld his influence or means from any worthy work.
Mr. Watkins married Melissa M., daughter of Lemuel and Melissa Kollock, of New Bedford; she died in May, 1873. Their children were three, two daughters living, and one son who died in infancy.
G IBBS, ROBERT .- The subject of this sketch was born at Buzzards Bay, Mass., June, 1790. He was the eldest of the six children of Caleb and Experience Gibbs, Robert, Bathsheba, Edward, Allen, George and Joshua. His opportunities for an education were such as New England furnished in its country schools during the earliest years of the century. It was of a wholesome kind that taught self-reliance, and that developed a race of men noted for their rugged honesty and integrity. Of good New England stock, he imbibed a taste for the sea, and like the boys nurtured on Cape Cod he was familiar with the romantic phases of a sailor's life. He came to New Bedford soon after the close of the War of 1812, and learned the cabinetmaker's trade of his uncle, John Gibbs. This, however, did not suit his taste, and he soon entered upon a sailor's life. But a few years elapsed before he came to the command of the sloop Experiment, and. Captain Gibbs made regular trips from New Bedford. In the sniminer they were made up the Hudson River. and in the winter to Savannah, Ga.
51
ROBERT GIBBS.
While this enterprise was successful he invested his earnings in the whale fishery, and was part owner with his friend, Alfred Gibbs, in the vessels Hibernia, Huntress and Enterprise, three of the successful whale ships in the fleet that sailed from New Bedford during the period of 1830-35. With prudence and economy he acquired a competency, and abandoning a sea life he engaged in business in New Bedford. He was connected with many enterprises of the city, and was associated with Mr. Charles H. Leonard in his extensive oil manufacture.
He was one of the early members of the Trinitarian Church, and one of its most gen- erous supporters. He represented the city in the State Legislature, 1860 and 1861.
Mr. Gibbs was twice married. He married in 1819 Anna, daughter of Jonathan and Hannah T. Bourne, of Monument, Mass. In 1852 he married Mrs. Lydia Adams, of Fairhaven, a most estimable lady. who greatly cheered and comforted him in his declin- ing years.
Robert Gibbs died April 5, 1865. The following tribute to his memory was received by the writer from Rev. George L. Prentiss, D. D., of New York city :
" NEW YORK, May 25, 1892.
" MY DEAR SIR :
" Although my recollections of Capt. Robert Gibbs go back nearly half a century, they are still vivid, as well as very pleasant. Largely through his influence I accepted a call to the South Trinitarian Church in New Bedford : and from the day of my set- tlement, April 9, 1845, to the close of my pastorate there he, more than any other man, cheered and upheld me in my work. Our acquaintance soon ripened into friendship- a friendship on his part strong, tender and most faithful. Nor did it cease upon my leaving the place, but continued unabated to the end of his life. How many bright and grateful memories are associated with him, his home, his friends and his kindness !
"New Bedford, when I went there, was noted for its manly vigor, enterprise and intelligence, as well as the fine personal and social traits that marked its leading citi- zens. Among the various influences which had wrought with power in the making of the town two were specially prominent in Captain Gibbs ; I mean Cape Cod and the sea. He was a genuine son of the Old Colony ; and some of its raciest, as well as most solid qualities conspired to form his character, and give to it its peculiar flavor. He had not a little of the generous impulse and large-heartedness which so often dis- tinguisha the men who go down to the sea in ships and sail from land to land.
" Although not trained in academy or college, and rather keenly alive to his lack of mental culture, Captain Gibbs was richly endowed with the sterling good sense, clear-eyed judgment and quick perception of right and wrong, which are far better than any knowledge gained in the schools. His native shrewdness, his observing eye and the plain, straight-forward style of his talk made him a favorite and at home with men quite above him in their learning and intellectual ability. In the summer of 1849 my brother, S. S. Prentiss, the famous lawyer and orator of the Southwest, visited me in New Bedford, and I remember well what a liking he took to Captain Gibbs, who got up for him while there a delightful sail in quest of blue fish. It seemed to me that, in spite of an occasional brusqueness of manner, almost everybody in New Bedford had a liking for Captain Gibbs.
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HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
" I have said that he, more than any other man, cheered and upheld me while at New Bedford in my pastoral work. He, perhaps, more than any other man, was at that time a pillar of strength to the South Trinitarian Church. His whole-hearted devotion to its prosperity was as beautiful as it was unremitting. Now, after more than five and forty years, I cannot recall his name without a fresh sense of my indebtedness to him for his wise counsels, his sympathy and his ready help in all my New Bedford ministry. He was through and through a true man, a worthy citizen, and a devout, humble disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
" Very sincerely yours,
" Mr. LEONARD B. ELLIS,
" GEORGE L. PRENTISS.
"New Bedford."
H OWLAND, GEORGE JR.1 George Howland, jr., was born in New Bedford, Octo- ber 20, 1806. His father was one of the leading citizens of the town, and a man of high character and of great business ability. The son was educated at a private school, at the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, and at an academy in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He also spent six months in a French family in New York city that he might acquire a knowledge of the French language. When he was fourteen years of age, he entered the office of his father and began a connection with the whaling busi- ness which continned for more than sixty years.
In 1829, George Howland, jr., married Sylvia G. Allen, of New Bedford. Three sons were born of this union, of whom two died in infancy, and the third died at the age of twenty-eight.
In 1832, George Howland, jr., was elected a trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings, an office which he held until 1877. He was one of the stockholders of the New Bedford and Taunton railroad, and in 1850 he became one of its directors. In 1840, while the road was in process of construction, Mr. Howland was sent to England on business connected with the shipment of the iron. He made another visit abroad in 1845, this time to the continent, in company with his brother and brother-in-law.
In 1840 Mr. Howland began his pohtical hfe by serving as a representative to the General Court, and he was re-elected for 1841. In 1842 he was chosen one of the se- lectmen of New Bedford, a position which he held until 1847, when New Bedford be- came a city. He was a member of the School Committee from 1843 until 1851, and during 1868 and 1869. In 1852 he was again a representative to the General Court, and in 1853, a state senator. In 1855 Mr. Howland was chosen one of the trustees of the Taunton Asylum for the Insane, an office which he held until his death. In 1857 he was a member of the governor's council.
In 1855 the New Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank began business. George How- land, jr., was chosen president of the corporation and held the office from that time until his death, a period of nearly thirty-seven years.
In municipal politics, George Howland, jr., held a prominent place for a number of years, although he never was a politician in anything but the best sense of the term. He was first chosen mayor in 1855 and again in 1856. He was a member of the Com-
I Written by Wm. L. R. Gifford.
53
OLIVER AND G. O. CROCKER.
mon Council, and president of that body, during the years 1858, 1861, and 1862. In 1862 he was chosen mayor once more to fill out an unexpired term and was re-elected for the years 1863, 1864, and 1865. The duties of this office during the period of the civil war were performed by Mr. Howland in a manner which called forth universal ap- proval. In 1875 and 1876 he was a member of the water board, and during 1877 he served as alderman.
George Howland, jr., was a member of the board of trustees of the New Bedford Free Public Library from 1855 until his death, with the exception of the years 1857 and 1860. In 1865, as mayor of the city, he laid the corner-stone of the present build- ing occupied by the library. In 1857 he gave the salary which he had received as mayor during two years as a perpetual fund, the interest of which was to be used for the purchase of books more valuable than the library could generally afford to buy. In recognition of this generous and timely gift (the first endowment the library had ever received), the City Council purchased the portrait of George Howland, jr., which now hangs in the library.
From 1847 until the time of his death, with the exception of the years 1862, 1863, and 1864, George Howland, jr., was one of the committee in charge of the Friends' School in Providence. He was also for a long period one of the managers of Haver- ford College. In 1852 he was elected a trustee of Brown University and held the office during the rest of his life.
Mr. Howland was always greatly interested in the Society of Friends, and was for many years treasurer of the New England Yearly Meeting. In 1870 he was one of the commissioners, composed of members of that society, to visit the Osage Indians and in- quire into their condition and into the nature of their difficulties with the United States. A life-long member of the Society of Friends, he always gave to its affairs his careful attention and willing aid.
Mr. Howland enjoyed the best of health throughout his long life until a short time previous to his death. He died in New Bedford, February 18, 1892.
George Howland, jr., was one of New Bedford's most valuable citizens. A man of genuine public spirit and of the highest character, he gave to every organization with which he was connected the careful attention which its best interests demanded. He lived to see in the city of his old age a great contrast to the town of his youth, yet he always kept himself in touch with the changed conditions and fresh demands thereby created. Too high a value cannot be placed upon so long a life of constant usefulness and unblemished character.
C ROCKER, OLIVER AND GEORGE O. The two nien whose names are here given occupied a conspicuous and honorable position in the business and social life of New Bedford. Oliver Crocker was born in the pleasant village of Cotuit, in the town of Barnstable, Mass., on the 3d day of August, 1788. He was educated at the theu cel- ebrated Sandwich Academy, under the tuition of Rev. Jonathan Burr. At the age of seventeen years he was put to an apprenticeship in Boston and served his time in a dry goods store in that city. After reaching his majority he engaged in Boston, and in 1812 removed to New Bedford, where he resided until his death. Until 1832 he was
54
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
engaged in the dry goods and grocery trade, and in that year began the manufacture of oil and became interested in shipping. In 1837 he was associated in the oil manufac- ture with his son, George O. Crocker, and the late George T. Baker. This firm contin- ued until 1843, when it failed. Mr. Crocker and his son immediately formed a new partnership, took the assets and assumed the liabilities of the old firm, and in a few years paid all of its debts, principal and interest. In 1852 he retired from active bnsi- ness, having accumulated a substantial fortune.
In 1835 Mr. Crocker was one of the nine members who represented New Bedford in the popular branch of the Legislature, an honor to which he did not aspire for a sec- ond term.
No New Bedford merchant ever enjoyed a higher reputation for strict integrity in all his dealings than Oliver Crocker, and none better deserved it. To fulfill every duty, whether public or private, to the best and utmost of his ability, was with him a cardinal principle, and his ultimate success was a monument that may be viewed with pride by all who knew him. Mr. Crocker's most prominent characteristic was, perhaps, his wide and judicious benevolence. He was keenly alive to the wants and necessities of the people, watchful for the interests of the unfortunate, and always ready, yes, anxious to aid them in any manner to promote their comfort and happiness. No one but himself and his Creator knew of the innumerable instances where he opened his hand and his purse for the needy ; and it was habitnal with him not to wait for such to reach him of their own volition, but to search them out for himself. So also, highly appreciating the influence for good which intellectual culture exerts upon the habits and character of the people, he with wise generosity gave liberally to the New Bedford Free Public Library ; winle of every public charity he was a liberal patron. This feature of his character is one of the most attractive and beautiful that ever graced any man's personality, and will live long in the memory of his fellow citizens. Mr. Crocker's death occurred on the 23d of May, 1878.
George O. Crocker, son of Oliver Crocker, was born in New Bedford, Jannary 17, 1814. He received his education in the public schools of his native place, graduating from the High School with credit. At the age of sixteen years he began as clerk in his father's store, and a few years later, when the latter engaged in the manufacture of oil and became interested in shipping, the son took a position in the counting-room. This enterprise not proving successful, a new firm was formed in 1837 in the same busi- ness, comprising the father, son, and the late George T. Baker, the style being George T. Baker & Co. This firm, too, after five or six years, failed; but the Messrs. Crocker at once formed a new partnership under the name of O. & G. O. Crocker, were promptly entrusted with the affairs of the old firm, assumed its debts, and in a few years paid every dollar. principal and interest. They continued in the manufacture of oil and can- dles, with a constantly growing interest in whaling ships, until 1852, when they sold the oil and candle works, but retained their whaling interests until abont the close of the War of the Rebellion. At one time they owned fractions of about forty ships, though they were the agents of only one. " It is no disparagement to the honored father," wrote one who knew them well, " to say that the success of the new firm was mainly due to the sagacity, prudence and nerve of the son. He conquered success in
55
EZRA KELLY.
the days of the early struggle by his single devotion to the work in hand-the oil man- nfacture. True, he ventured largely in the whale fishery ; but he knew whom to select as agents, and so reserved his force for his main business."
The firm continued until the death of the father in 1878, and the business was closed finally and wholly by the death of the son. He was not wont to accept position in in- stitutions outside of his own business, but after his retirement from activity he accepted a directorship in the Wamsntta Mills and the Boston and Albany Railroad. But his counsel was often sought in business undertakings of importance and given much weight.
In late years of hia life Mr. Crocker developed and gratified a taste for art, gath- ering quite a gallery of fine paintings, many of them rare gems, and they were always open to the enjoyment of his friends. He was a thorough gentleman, always accessi- ble, ready to listen and as ready to communicate; with a memory filled with facts, a kindly wit and unfailing good humor. The charity of his father was kept up by him on the same broad principle and be was mourned by thousands who had known his kindness and generosity.
DELLEY, EZRA, the subject of this sketch, was born in Dennis, Mass., and is ninety-four years of age. His genealogical record is as follows: He was the son of Cyrenus and Jerusha Kelley, and was born September 26, 1798. His father, Cyre- nus. was born February 19, 1770, and his mother, Jerusha, daughter of Judah and Mary Baker, was born September, 1767. His grandfather, Hattil Kelley, son of John O. Kelley, was born in Yarmouth, Mass., April 22, 1720, and died March 8, 1809, at the advanced age of nearly eighty-nine years. He married Hannah Wing, of Rochester, Mass. But little is known of his great-grandfather, Jolm O. Kelley, except that he came to this conntry from Ireland and settled on Cape Cod.
Ezra Kelley's father was a sturdy farmer, and like his cotemporaries in the days of the American Revolution obtained his living from the hard Cape Cod soil. He belonged to that race of men, who, through the hardships and deprivations of the colonial days, developed a character for self-reliance and unswerving integrity. It was these traits of nobility that he transmitted to his children, an inheritance above the value of gold or earthly treasure.
When Ezra was eighteen years of age he left the paternal roof and sought through hia own exertion to make a place for himself in the world. With a natural taste for mechanical art he apprenticed himself to Allen Kelley, of South Yarmouth, Mass., and took his first instruction in clock and watchmaking. Here he obtained sufficient rudi- mental knowledge to fit him, after two years' service, to enter the employ of John Bailey at Hanover, Mass, In this new field Mr. Kelley developed not only remarkable skill in his profession, but an executive ability that was to be of great service to him in his future career.
In 1820 he left the employ of Mr. Bailey and went to Venezuela, South America, and went into business for himself. He successfully pursued his avocation for several years in this new field. In 1838 he returned to his native country, and found a great change
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HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
had been wrought in the manufacture of clocks and watches. It did not, however, take long for him to adapt himself to new methods and inventions. Mr. Kelley established himself in New Bedford, and for more than half a century has been diligently em- ployed in the business. His clocks have almost a national reputation, and are to be found in many of the households of New England. When eighty-eight years of age Mr. Kelley made a clock that for finish, style and accuracy is equal to any that ever came from his hand. It is held by one of the family as a treasure and as a sample of the rare skill of this venerable man.
A more important and by far the most profitable invention and discovery of Mr. Kelley was that of a lubricant oil, especially adapted for clocks and watches. This ar- ticle he produced soon after he took his residence in New Bedford. The superior mer- its of "Kelley's watch and clock oils " were quickly appreciated, and their use became wider and more general as the years went by. To-day it finds a place in almost every country throughout the world. Mr. Kelley long ago passed the age at which most men cease to work, but he still exercises a vigilant supervision over his business, and thanks to the efficient management of Mr. John Wing, his son-in-law, the article for which he made a name maintains its high reputation. His oils were in the recent French Uni- versal Exposition. He has crossed the Atlantic five times, visiting many countries.
While Mr. Kelley has made his business life a success, he has not accomplished it at the sacrifice of other things that go to make a well-rounded and useful career. Being a birthright Quaker, he was expelled from the Society of Friends for marrying Nancy Simmons, a member of the Methodist Church, with which people he was for many years identified.
Mr. Kelley was an anti-slavery man of the most radical type, and it was because of his pronounced opinions on this subject that he withdrew from the Methodist Church. It was the action of such men as he that precipitated the separation of this body into two organizations - M. E. Church North, and M. E. Church South. In his later years he has rejoined the church of his father, the Friends Meeting.
Mr. Kelley enjoys comparative good health in spite of his advanced years. His genial and kind disposition is a benediction to his many friends. He is a great favorite with the children, and by his unostentations benevolence carries joy and comfort to the many recipients of his bounty.
Mr. Kelley married, January 30, 1823, Miss Nancy Simmons, daughter of Allen and Silence Simmons, of Hingham, Mass. She died in New Bedford, December 9, 1865, at the age of seventy-one years. They had six children, of which two are living, George S. Kelley and Joanna R., wife of John Wing. May 12, 1875, he married Abby S. El- lison, daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Wing, of Sandwichi.
P LUMMER, LEANDER A., was born in New Bedford, December 22, 1824, and died in his native place September 24, 1884. He was educated in the Friends' Academy and New Bedford High School, and soon after leaving school entered the employ of the New Bedford Cordage Company, which had been founded by William J. and Benjamin S. Rotch. After serving a period as clerk Mr. Plummer acquired an in-
57
L. PLUMMER - S. THOMAS.
terest in the business, became the treasurer of the company and held that office until his death. His excellent business ability, remarkably quick perceptions, rare good judg- ment and prudence, his entire devotion to the industry, largely extended its operations and gave to its productions their high reputation. In his management of this enter- prise and of other enterprises in which he was interested, Mr. Plummer acquired the unqualified respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and their trust in him was never in the slightest degree betrayed.
In the summer of 1875, with his family, he went abroad, where he spent several years in England and on the continent. On his return he gradually withdrew from active life. It was written of him at the time of his death: "It is not too much to say that while successful in business, he was greatly esteemed and widely known as an intelli- gent and thoroughly honorable man. Socially none was more admired and beloved, for few contributed more to the enjoyment of others. He was bright, genial and gen- erous, and his domestic life was all that the most exacting affection of the home could demand."
Mr. Plummer was married on September 20, 1849, to Elizabeth S. Merrihew, and had the following children : Richard C., Charles W., Susan R., Leander A., Thomas R., and Henry M. Plummer.
T HOMAS, SYLVANUS, was a native of Middleborough, Mass., where he was born in 1818. After availing himself of the somewhat limited educational advantages of his native place, he began his business life in the store of Hon. Peter H. Pierce, of Middleborough. But he soon (about the year 1838) removed to New Bedford. where his long business career was a marked success. Beginning trade in a small way in domestic goods, he afterwards extended into the grocery and West India trade, and still later embarked in the whaling business and the manufacture of oil. For many years and until the death of Colonel Pierce, that gentleman and Elisha Tucker, of Mid- dleborough, were associated with Mr. Thomas in business; but the greater share of the burden of the extensive operations of the firm fell upon the latter. He was eminently capable of fulfilling his trust and both his partners had unbounded confidence in both his capacity and his integrity.
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