USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, 1622-1918, vol 2 > Part 5
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Mr. Clapp was a native son of Massachusetts, his birth having occurred at Scituate, Plymouth county, on the 6th of February, 1844. His parents were James S. and Elizabeth (Bates) Clapp, who were likewise natives of that state. The father was a shoemaker by trade and followed that pursuit throughout his entire life, passing away in 1885, while the death of his wife occurred in 1853.
EDWIN CLAPP
THE NEWYORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ACTOR, LENNY AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R
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Edwin Clapp was reared and educated in East Weymouth, Massachusetts, from the age of seven years, his parents having re- moved to this place in 1851. When a youth of but twelve years he started out in the business world on his own account and secured a situation in a shoe finishing shop. Gradually he acquainted him- self with the business and his increasing efficiency brought him pro- motion. He carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry had secured him sufficient capital to embark in business on his own account when he was twenty years of age. On attaining his majority he entered into partnership with his elder brother, James Henry Clapp, under the firm style of J. H. Clapp & Company, a relation that was maintained until the death of the senior member of the firm in 1882, when Edwin Clapp became sole proprietor. At that date he discontinued the sale of his products to the jobbing trade and began soliciting trade from retailers. So successful was he in this that he was soon forced to enlarge his factory and erected an extensive plant near his home on Charles street. In 1901 he admitted his son, David Bates Clapp, to a partnership but soon afterward suffered the loss of this only son, who passed away September 5, 1901, when but twenty-three years of age. The son was well known as an athlete and his father erected the beautiful David Bates Clapp Memorial building with an athletic field adjoining as a monument to him. This is one of the finest buildings of its kind in the state. He also presented an organ to the First Unitarian church at Hing- ham, Massachusetts, as a memorial to his son, who was a member of the choir there. After the death of his son Mr. Clapp continued the business, incorporating in 1905 under the style of Edwin Clapp & Son, Incorporated, and it has since been conducted under that name in a splendidly equipped plant supplied with all the latest machinery for shoe manufacturing. Mr. Clapp was active in the management of the business until his death, which occurred May 27, 1909, after an illness of four weeks.
In early manhood Mr. Clapp had wedded Frances H. Whiton, of Hingham, Plymouth county, Massachusetts, a daughter of Bela and Hannah (Whiton) Whiton, both of whom were natives of Hingham. Her father was a carriage maker and wheelwright by trade and operated a shop at Hingham throughout his entire life, his labors being terminated in death in 1898. His wife passed away in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Clapp were the parents of three children : Edith, now the wife of Alfred L. Lincoln, who is president of Edwin Clapp & Son, Incorporated ; Eleanor, the wife of Horace R. Drink-
1
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water, who is treasurer of the company; and Davis Bates, deceased. Mrs. Clapp still owns the controlling interest in the business.
In his boyhood and youth Mr. Clapp was a well known ball player and in the early '6os was considered one of the best catchers in the state. He always, therefore, took a deep interest in boys' sports and games and did not a little to promote healthful activity of that character. He had much sympathy with the young, was ever interested in their pleasures and did all in his power to direct their tastes into natural, healthful and beneficial channels. Mr. Clapp was a member of Orphans Hope Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Pentalph Chapter, R. A. M .; and South Shore Commandery, K. T. He was also affiliated with the First Unitarian church of Hingham and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. He ever stood fearlessly for what he believed to be right, his position never being an equivocal one, and his efforts in behalf of public progress were farreaching, effective and resultant. He was ever guided by high ideals and honorable principles and his record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what can be accomplished in a business way and proving conclusively that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
SOLON ABBOTT, M. D.
Dr. Solon Abbott, whose well appointed office at No. 30 Dean avenue in Franklin, Massachusetts, is an indication of the success which he has achieved in medical and surgical practice, was born in Brookfield, Vermont, December 8, 1856, a son of Sylvester S. Abbott, who was born in Pittsford, Vermont, and was descended from one of three brothers who came to America at an early period in the col- onization of the new world, settling at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Sylvester S. Abbott was a successful farmer of the Green Mountain state and in 1892 removed to Franklin, Massachusetts, where he passed away February 17, 1905. Had he lived three weeks longer he would have reached the age of eighty-one years. In early man- hood he had wedded Dolly T. Lyman, a native of Brookfield, Ver- mont, whose genealogical line is traced back to King George III, the family coming of good old English stock. Mrs. Abbott passed away in April, 1892, at the age of sixty-two years, her death occurring in Franklin, Massachusetts. In the family were three children, of
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whom two are living, the older being Dr. Edward C. Abbott, of San Jose, California.
Dr. Solon Abbott was educated in the public schools of Brook- field, in the Normal School of Randolph and in the Barre Academy of Barre, Vermont, thus completing his more specifically literary course. He decided upon the practice of medicine as a life work, after which he matriculated in the University of Vermont, in which he pursued a three years' medical course. Later he entered Hahne- mann Medical College of Chicago and won his professional degree upon graduation from that time honored institution as a member of the class of 1882. Following his graduation he immediately began practice at Morrisville, Vermont, where he continued for two years, and then removed to Biddeford, Maine, where he practiced for nine years. On the expiration of that period he came to Franklin in 1894, and has since successfully followed his profession in Franklin. While he continues in general practice he specializes in electro-therapeutics and has attained expert knowledge and skill along that line. He is a member of the Massachusetts Homeopathic Medical Association, the Thurber Medical Association and the New England Associa- tion of Physical Therapeutics.
On the 17th of October, 1883, Dr. Abbott was united in mar- riage in Morrisville, Vermont, to Miss Evvah B. Waite, of Eden, Ver- mont, a daughter of Horace and Eliza (Leach) Waite, both now deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Abbott have become parents of three chil- dren, Gladys Louise, Marjorie Irene and Dorothy Waite.
In politics Dr. Abbott is a progressive. He was elected a mem- ber of the school board of Franklin and served in that capacity in an acceptable manner for seven years, acting as chairman of the board for two years. His connection with the office covered the years from 1907 until 1909, then from 1912 until 1916, completing his term in March of the latter year. He has always been deeply in-
terested in the cause of education. After completing his normal school course he taught for eight years, entering upon the work of the profession when a youth of seventeen, and thus secured the funds which enabled him to pay his way through college. He has ever been actuated by a laudable ambition of attaining the highest measure of efficiency possible in anything that he has undertaken and in his professional work he has held to the most advanced standards, recog- nizing how great is the responsibility that devolves upon the individ- ual in his efforts to allay disease and restore health.
Dr. Abbott is a past master of Excelsior Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He was made a Mason in Brookfield, Vermont, in 1881, and has
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ever been most loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft. He also belongs to the New England Order of Protection, to the Frank- lin Business Men's Association and to the First Congregational church-connections which indicate the nature, breadth and value of his interests and activities. He says that his greatest heritage was good Christian rearing, the training that came from wise and de- voted parents, who not only gave to their children every possible advantage they could afford but who stimulated them along the lines of character development and the cultivation of high ideals.
WILFRED H. BARTLETT.
Wilfred H. Bartlett, treasurer of the Emerson Coal & Grain Company, Incorporated, of East Weymouth, and treasurer of the South Shore Coal Company of Hingham, Massachusetts, is a sub- stantial and enterprising business man whose close application and indefatigable energy are strong features in his growing success. He was born at West Pembroke, Maine, July 1, 1871, a son of Pliny H. and Gertrude E. (Gardner) Bartlett, who are natives of Vermont and of Maine respectively. In 1876 the father removed to South Boston, where he worked at his trade of steamfitting. In 1897 he became a resident of East Weymouth, where he has since resided, and his wife is also living.
Wilfred H. Bartlett was reared in Boston and acquired his education in its schools, being but five years of age when his parents removed to that city. He was graduated from Comer's Commercial School following the completion of his public school course and then accepted a position as bookkeeper, being employed in that way until 1908, when he engaged in the poultry business in East Wey- mouth, Norfolk county. Thus he continued for about eight years, on the expiration of which period he sold out and purchased Mr. Emerson's interest in the Emerson Coal & Grain Company, In- corporated, the other member of the firm being James D. Bosworth. They conduct a large business and operate an extensive mill, dealing in all kinds of grain and also handling hay and coal. By reason of careful management, watchfulness of all details of their business, indefatigable energy and honorable dealing they have built up a trade of large and gratifying proportions and theirs is today one of the profitable commercial concerns of the city.
In June, 1897, Mr. Bartlett was united in marriage to Miss Angie
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May Perry. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political allegiance is given to the re- publican party and he keeps well informed on all the vital questions and issues of the day. He is never remiss in the duties of citizenship yet he does not seek nor desire public office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, and he is now treasurer of the South Shore Coal Company of Hingham as well as treasurer of the Emerson Coal Company and is thus controlling important interests. His office is at the corner of Wharf and East streets in East Weymouth and in addition he is the owner of the old Dizer estate, comprising three and a half acres, on which is erected an attractive and commodious residence which he and his wife now occupy.
CHARLES T. FARRELL.
Charles T. Farrell is filling the office of postmaster in the city of Stoughton, where his birth occurred on the 9th of September, 1873, his parents being Thomas and Mary E. (Drake) Farrell, who were likewise natives of Stoughton. The father was a shoe worker, devoting his entire life to that line of business, and he always re- mained a resident of Stoughton until called to his final home on the 2d of January, 1888. His widow still survives and following the death of her first husband she became the wife of Martin H. Carr, who passed away in October, 1917.
No event of unusual importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Charles T. Farrell in his boyhood and youth, which were passed in his native city, his time being largely devoted to the ac- quirement of a public school education. When his textbooks were put aside he began work in a shoe factory and was engaged in that way until February 16, 1916, when he was appointed to the position of postmaster, and in that capacity he has since served.
On the 4th of October, 1899, Mr. Farrell was united in marriage to Miss Annie T. Willis, a daughter of Henry F. and Maria (Mc- Donald) Willis, who are natives of Ireland. They came to America in early life and established their home in Massachusetts, where the father engaged in business as a tanner. About 1887 he became foreman with the Stoughton Rubber Works and has held that position throughout the intervening period, covering three decades.
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His wife is also living. Mr. and Mrs. Farrell have become the parents of nine children, Eldon W., Helen G., Dorothy, Claire E., Clarence F., Charles T., Elva M., Naomi and Richard O. Five of the number are now attending school.
Mr. Farrell has served as secretary and as chairman of the democratic town committee for a period of two years and has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and has done everything in his power to advance its interests. His grandfather, John Farrell, was the first Irishman that ever settled in Stoughton. He took up his abode here when a youth of seventeen years and died at the age of eighty-four. He was of the Catholic faith and to that faith the family have since adhered, Mr. Farrell being a com- municant of the church at Stoughton. He is a grand knight of the Knights of Columbus and he belongs to the Hibernian Lodge, of which he has been president. He has always lived in Stoughton and his life history is as an open book which all may read. His career has been one of diligence and his perseverance and energy have brought him to the creditable position which he occupies in the public regard.
JOHN H. STETSON.
John H. Stetson, treasurer of the Weymouth Trust Company, has for over forty-two years played an important role in the financial circles of his part of the state, for he has been connected with the same institution since 1876, although the present name was adopted in 1916. The Weymouth Trust Company was formerly known as the First National Bank of South Weymouth.
John H. Stetson was born in East Sumner, Maine, October 28, 1849, a son of Solomon M. and Naomi (Bonney) Stetson, natives of that city. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit all his life, being successful along agricultural lines. He has passed away, as has also his wife, who died in 1859.
John H. Stetson was reared and educated in his native state, there completing his learning, preparing himself for a business career. In 1870 he came to South Weymouth and found employment in a factory and in 1876 he accepted a position with the First National Bank and became its cashier. For forty years, or until August, 1916, he held this important office and contributed much to the success of the institution. He proved himself a progressive yet conservative
JOHN H. STETSON
NO NEW YORK
AS OR LENOX AND ILDEN FOUNDATIONS K
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banker, doing all within his power to extend the business relations of his institution and at the same time taking scrupulous care of the in- terests of its stockholders and depositors. In August, 1916, the First National Bank was changed into a trust company under the name of the Weymouth Trust Company and Mr. Stetson was elected treasurer of the same. He has since continued in this position and has vigor- ously taken up the larger scope of their business. The Weymouth Trust Company is located in the Fogg building on Columbian square and occupies modern and well appointed offices, affording its patrons the best conveniences of banking. Its capital is one hundred thousand dollars, its deposits exceed four hundred thousand dollars, its sur- plus and profits thirty-five thousand dollars and its resources half a million dollars. They not only do a general trust business but also re- ceive checking accounts and savings accounts. The interest paid on the latter is four per cent, while on checking accounts of over five hundred dollars an interest rate is also paid. George L. Barnes, of South Weymouth, is the president of the institution.
John H. Stetson was united in marriage to Miss Emily V. White, a daughter of the Hon. Benjamin F. and Mary A. (Tirrell) White, natives of Weymouth. The father was a prominent banker and one of the chief factors in organizing the First National Bank of South Weymouth in 1864. He was not only well known as a financier but also participated in the public life of his city, serving to good purpose in the house of representatives and the state senate. After a very successful business and financial career he retired and crossed the continent to Riverside, California, where he made his home during his remaining years. His death was a shock to the family and the oc- casion of deep regret to his many friends, as it came very suddenly as the result of an accident, he being thrown out of his carriage and killed. His wife has also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Stetson have one child, Anna, who married the Hon. George L. Barnes, president of the Weymouth Trust Company and one of the foremost attorneys of Boston. For three years he served in the state senate, being a mem- ber of a number of important committees and contributing in formu- lating a number of laws, which have been of the greatest benefit to the commonwealth. He resides in South Weymouth.
Mr. Stetson has not, however, confined himself to his private in- terests entirely, but has found time for public service and has served as the town treasurer of South Weymouth since March, 1884, or for more than thirty-four years. He has carefully safeguarded the in- terests of his community and has contributed toward its sound finan- cial condition. He is also treasurer of the Independent Order of Odd Vol. 11-4
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Fellows Hall Association and has served as such since this organiza- tion was founded. He is treasurer of the Fogg trust funds, amounting to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and his administered these funds to the great satisfaction of those interested. Along banking lines he has proved himself capable, conscientious and farseeing and enjoys the complete confidence of all those who have to do with him or the institutions with which he is officially connected. Politically Mr. Stetson is a republican, believing in the principles of this party and giving his loyal support to its candidates and measures although he has never desired political honors for himself. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and he is interested in its work, never failing to give his help to any movements undertaken in the interests of the growth of the church and its affiliated societies. Fra- ternally he is well known and is prominent in the Masons, being a member of the blue lodge, the chapter and the commandery, while he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The family resides in a handsome home at No. 544 Main street.
DAVID W. CORSON.
No resident of Franklin is more widely or favorably known than David W. Corson, who was long prominently associated with com- mercial interests as proprietor of a meat market. He was likewise widely known as an auctioneer and, more than that, he has been most active in office, loyally discharging his duties for the interest and benefit of the community which he represents. His life, ever honorable in its purpose, fearless in conduct and stainless in repu- tation, has commanded for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated.
Mr. Corson is now in the seventy-ninth year of his age, his birth having occurred at Shrewsbury, Worcester county, Massachusetts, on the 11th of August, 1839. His parents were William W. and Elmira (Foote) Corson, the latter a cousin of Commodore Foote, the distinguished naval commander. The parents were natives of New Hampshire and of Connecticut respectively. The father was a carpenter and builder of Massachusetts for many years and eventu- ally was killed while engaged in the construction of an ice house at Natick, Massachusetts, his remains being interred in Shrewsbury. He was a self-made man, his prosperity being due entirely to his persistent, earnest and intelligently directed efforts. His political
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allegiance was given to the democratic party and while he was a firm believer in its principles he was never an office seeker. To him and his wife were born five children: Henry, who was the most prom- inent architect of Franklin for a number of years and later was equally prominent in Natick; Mary and Ezra, who died in child- hood; David W .; and Charles, who was drowned in Uncas pond, near Franklin, when thirty-five years of age.
In his boyhood days David W. Corson became a pupil in the public schools of Whitinsville and Oxbridge, pursuing his studies until he reached the age of fourteen. He afterward worked for others upon a farm for about a year and then entered upon a seven years' apprenticeship to the butchering business in Worcester. At the outbreak of the Civil war, however, all other interests were put aside, for his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns had scarcely cleared away when on the 15th of April, 1861, he responded to the call for military aid and joined the Sixth Massa- chusetts Regiment, which was the first to engage actively in the war, and the first death among the Massachusetts troops was that of a mem- ber of this command. The regiment was commanded by Colonel Edward E. Jones and Mr. Corson saw active service under this colonel for three months, when his term of enlistment expired and he was mustered out. Not long afterward, however, he enlisted for nine months' service as a member of the Eleventh Massachusetts Battery, which was assigned to duty with the Army of the Potomac. He enlisted this time for three years' service in the same battery and in September, 1863, he assisted in quelling the draft riot on Cooper street in Boston. During the period of his first term's en- listment he was active in hunting guerrillas and also aided in sup- pressing the riots in Baltimore. During the period of his later enlist- ment he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements, including the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Courthouse, Bethesda's Church, Weldon Railroad, Gaines' Mill, Peebles' Farm, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Gettysburg and the battle of Ap- pomattox. In fact, he was in twenty-nine general engagements, tak- ing part in the first and last battles of the war, and on many a hotly contested field he proved his valor and his loyalty.
Following the surrender of General Lee, whereby the preserva- tion of the Union became an assured fact, Mr. Corson returned to his home in Franklin, where his brother, Henry W., and his parents had in the meantime removed. Later he went to Fall River, Massa- chusetts, where he conducted a hotel and meat market from 1866
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until 1870. In the latter year he returned to Franklin and estab- lished a meat market which he conducted for forty years, becoming one of the best known, most valued and highly respected business men of the city. During that period he also engaged in auctioneering and he is still active to some extent in that way in spite of his ad- vanced years.
Mr. Corson is equally well known for the prominent and help- ful part which he has played in the public life of the community. He has been town constable for the past quarter of a century and he is also at present writing overseer of the poor. He has been an appraiser for several years and for more than twenty years he has acted as marshal of the day on occasion of public celebrations. He was largely instrumental in establishing the Boulder monument on the common and he has been keenly interested in all those measures and movements which have had to do with the public welfare or events which have figured upon the pages of Franklin's history.
On the 25th of October, 1866, Mr. Corson was married to Miss Hannah M. Allen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Allen. She was born in Millbury, Massachusetts, on the 8th of March, 1833. She lost a brother, John J. Allen, in the battle of Balls Bluff Virginia, while he was serving as a member of the Fifteenth Massa- chusetts Infantry. Her father was a carpenter and shoemaker and for a considerable period resided in Canton, Massachusetts, where both he and his wife lie buried. To Mr. and Mrs. Corson were born three children: Harry S., who is now with his father in business; Maud, who is the wife of Othello S. Brown, of Franklin; and Fred, who died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Corson celebrated their golden wedding October 25, 1916, the occasion being one of great interest to all who attended.
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