USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, 1622-1918, vol 2 > Part 9
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of Charles Mason, who was born August 16, 1713, and on the 17th of September, 1731, was married to Keziah Miller, who was born August 3, 1715, and passed away on the 5th of June, 1797. Their son, Noble Mason, was born November 23, 1747, and was married to Lydia Thurber, who was born November 26, 1750, a daughter of James and Lydia (Harding) Thurber. Her father was born June 28, 1721, and died September 19, 1805, while her mother was born August 1, 1697. As stated, their daughter Lydia became the wife of Noble Mason and they made their home at Taunton and at Swansea, Massachusetts. Noble Mason died August 13, 1827, hav- ing for a quarter of a century survived his wife, who died January 17, 1802. They were the parents of Aaron Thurber Mason, grand- father of Albert C. Mason, of this review. Aaron T. Mason was born March 15, 1778, and married first Mary Bullock and second Patsy Peck, who was born February 9, 1794. The ancestry of the Peck family can be traced back through twenty generations to Joseph Peck, Esq., of Belton, Yorkshire, England, who flourished in 1638. Patsy (Peck) Mason was a granddaughter of Jonathan and Ruth (Wheeler) Peck, who were married February 22, 1759. The former was born January 17, 1734, and the latter on the 19th of September, 1739. Jonathan and Ruth (Wheeler) Peck were the parents of Gideon Peck, who was born August 2, 1766, and on the 17th of March, 1791, was married to Lydia Bullock, who was born March 23, 1765. Gideon Peck died December 20, 1843, and his wife's death occurred November 30, 1846. As stated, they were the parents of Patsy Peck, who became the wife of Aaron Thurber Mason. They resided in Attleboro and Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and his death occurred August 17, 1848, while Mrs. Patsy Mason passed away May 21, 1884. Their family included Gideon Peck Mason, the father of Albert C. Mason of this review. Gideon Peck Mason was born September 6, 1832, and his death occurred Feb- ruary 25, 1905. He resided at Swansea, Massachusetts, and he mar- ried Ruth Ann Luther on the 12th of January, 1859. She, too, was born at Swansea, March 12, 1832, and through the Luther line she traced her ancestry back to Nathaniel and Sarah (Gallup) Luther. The former was born May 10, 1733, and the latter on the 21st of November, 1733. They were married June 12, 1756, and resided in Swansea, Massachusetts. They were the parents of Samuel Luther, who was born November 27, 1760, and on the 3d of October, 1784, married Patience Hill, who was born January 22, 1767, and was a daughter of Caleb and Mary (Luther) Hill. Her parents were married July 29, 1766. Mr. Hill was born June 25,
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1728, and died in May, 1799. His daughter Patience became the wife of Samuel Luther and they resided at Swansea, Massachusetts, where Mr. Luther's death occurred March 20, 1826, while his wife died January 22, 1816. Their family included Thomas P. Luther, who was born January 1, 1805, and who on the 10th of February, 1832, married Adeline Peck, who was born January 21, 1810, and was a granddaughter of Ambrose and Polly (Lindley) Peck. The former was born November 17, 1747, and died April 9, 1819, while Mrs. Polly Peck was born September 2, 1754, and died between 1810 and 1819. Ambrose and Polly (Lindley) Peck were the parents of Robert Peck, who was born January 10, 1782, and died in February, 1832, while his wife, Mrs. Polly (Millard) Peck, was born in 1783 and was a daughter of Aaron and Ruth (Ingalls) Millard. The latter was born June 30, 1749, and died after 1777. Polly (Millard) Peck, their daughter, died August 14, 1859. Robert and Polly (Millard) Peck had also made their home at Swansea, Massachusetts. They were the parents of Adeline Peck, who, as previously indicated, became the wife of Thomas P. Luther. They were married February 10, 1832, and made their home at Swansea, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Thomas P. Luther died May 20, 1884, having for many years survived his wife, who died December 16, 1840. They were the maternal grandparents of Albert C. Mason of this review, their daughter, Ruth Ann Luther, having become the wife of Gideon P. Mason. She was born March 12, 1832, her marriage was celebrated January 12, 1859, and she passed away March 2, 1907, while Gideon Peck Mason died Feb- ruary 25, 1905. He was a farmer of Bristol county, Massachusetts, spending his entire life near Swansea, and he and his wife were well known and highly respected people of that locality.
Albert C. Mason, whose name introduces this review, was reared and educated at Swansea, Massachusetts, and at Warren, Rhode Island. After completing his studies he turned his attention to the drug business, becoming a clerk in that line when eighteen years of age. He has since concentrated his efforts and attention upon the drug trade and became a registered pharmacist on the 21St of March, 1892, in Massachusetts, while in 1893, he was licensed as a registered pharmacist in Rhode Island. He took up his abode in Franklin in January, 1891, and was employed in the drug store of Howard S. Wilkes for two years, on the expiration of which period he purchased the business of his employer in partnership with Eben H. Googins. Their business association continued for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Mason bought the interest of
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his partner and has since conducted the business alone. He has a first-class store, carries a large stock and enjoys an extensive and well deserved patronage, the integrity of his business methods and his unfaltering enterprise commending him to the confidence and support of the general public.
On the 9th of October, 1897, Mr. Mason was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Munson, a daughter of Theodore H. and Lovicy F. (Maker) Munson, who were natives of East Machias, Washington county, Maine. Her father was a sea captain, devoting his entire life to the sea. His death occurred June 7, 1877, while his wife died August 6, 1907, having survived him for thirty years. In the Munson line the ancestry is traced back to Joseph and Sarah (Morse) Munson of Scarboro and Machias, Maine. The latter was born Jan- uary 23, 1722, and they were married June 24, 1749. Joseph and Sarah (Morse) Munson were the parents of John Munson, of Machias, Maine. He had married Sarah Niles, who was born April 26, 1764. They were the parents of Jeremiah Munson, who was born March 14, 1789, at Whiting, Maine. He was married in May, 1815, and died September 10, 1870. His son, Theodore Hill Munson, was born at East Machias, Maine, October 13, 1817, and married Lovicy F. Maker, as previously stated, their daughter Mabel Munson becoming the wife of Albert C. Mason. The mother of Theodore H. Munson was Mary Hill and was a descendant of Joseph and Sarah Niles (Smith) Hill. Joseph Hill was born September 25, 1743, and his wife was born March 7, 1736. They resided at East Machias, Maine, and he died October 1, 1812, while his wife's death occurred June 15, 1811. Their son, Enoch Hill, was born November 23, 1775, and married Hepsibah Gardner, a daughter of David and Zorish (Huntley) Gardner, the former born May 9, 1750. They were married August 18, 1771. Hepsibah Gardner, as stated, became the wife of Enoch Hill. They, too, made their home at Machias, Maine, and his death occurred Feb- ruary 8. 1850, while his wife died March 11, 1860. Their daughter Mary became the mother of Theodore H. Munson, who married Lovicy F. Maker and thus brought into the family relationship another of the old families of New England. The ancestry of the Maker family is traced back to John Maker, who was born Sep- tember 30, 1759, and died February 14, 1829. He had passed his life at Cutler, Maine. His wife bore the maiden name of Molly Gray and was born November 4, 1763, a daughter of Reuben and Abigail (Black) Gray. Her father was born May 7, 1745, and died March 11. 1832, while her mother was born May 31, 1745,
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and died August 24, 1820. Their daughter Molly became the wife of John Maker and died January 12, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. John Maker were the parents of Reuben Maker, who was born Feb- ruary 20, 1797. He married Betsey Ramsdell, who was born Sep- tember II, 1802, and was a daughter of Bartlett and Emma (Bean) Ramsdell. Bartlett Ramsdell was a son of Nehemiah and Rebecca (Chamberlain) Ramsdell. Nehemiah Ramsdell was born Novem- ber 13, 1734, and his wife in 1736. Their son Bartlett was born February 18, 1770, and on the 14th of April, 1796, married Emma Bean, who was born December 6, 1773, and died July 22, 1814, while his death occurred January 25, 1832. Bartlett and Emma (Bean) Ramsdell were the parents of Betsey Ramsdell, who was born September 11, 1802, and on the 22d of March, 1819, became the wife of Reuben Maker. They resided at Cutler, Maine, and Reuben Maker passed away November 10, 1875, while his wife sur- vived until January 10, 1897. Their daughter, Lovicy Maker, be- came the wife of Theodore H. Munson and they in turn were parents of Mabel Munson, the wife of Albert C. Mason.
Mr. and Mrs. Mason occupy a very attractive residence at No. 67 Alpine street in Franklin, theirs being one of the finest homes of the town. Fraternally he is a Mason of high rank, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and he is also a mem- ber of the Mystic Shrine. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is interested in all that has to do with the progress and welfare of his community and gives his hearty co- operation to all plans and measures for the general good. At the same time he has carefully and wisely directed his business affairs and success has attended his efforts in this connection.
HARRIE F. GRAY.
Harrie F. Gray, occupying the position of treasurer of the Fox- boro Savings Bank and well known as a representative of financial interests in his section of Norfolk county, was born January 12, 1869, in Foxboro, his parents being Lewis E. and Sarah M. (Curtis) Gray, who are natives of Massachusetts, the former having been born in the eastern part of the state, while the latter was born in Stoughton, Norfolk county. It was in the year 1849 that Lewis E. Gray es- tablished his home in Foxboro, where he was employed in the mills for several years. He then engaged in business on his own account
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and was associated with his son Harrie in the news business for thirty years and four months. The father retired, however, a few years before from the active management of the business. He is still well known in financial connections as the president of the Foxboro Sav- ings Bank and both he and his wife are numbered among the most highly esteemed and valued residents of the city in which they reside.
Harrie F. Gray, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, was educated in the schools of Foxboro and when his textbooks were put aside he became connected with his father in business, an association that was maintained until March 1, 1915. On April 20, 1916, he became an active factor in the conduct of the Foxboro Sav- ings Bank, assuming the duties of treasurer, in which capacity he has since served, making an excellent record in this connection. This is one of the old established banking institutions of Norfolk county, having been organized and incorporated in 1855. Today there is a million dollars on deposit in this bank. Aside from Lewis E. Gray, who is the president, the other officers are: Horace G. Smith and Jarvis Williams, vice presidents; and Harrie F. Gray, treasurer. Since entering upon active connection with this bank the last named has bent every energy toward the mastery of the principles of the banking business and is now bending his activities to constructive effort, administrative direction and executive control.
On the 26th of January, 1898, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Lindley, a daughter of Captain Henry C. and Mary J. (Perry) Lindley, the former a native of Watertown, Mas- sachusetts, while the later was born in Rochester, this state, and in early life became a resident of Foxboro. Mr. Lindley enlisted from Foxboro for active service in the Civil war and was also a veteran of the Mexican war. He was a carpenter by trade and when not engaged in the military service of his country followed building operations, doing active work in that connection. Both he and his wife have departed this life.
Mr. Gray has long figured prominently in association with pub- lic affairs. He is connected with the electric light department of the city as a member of the prudential committee and he was con- nected with the fire department for thirty years, acting as engineer during a part of that time. He has also served as clerk and treasurer of the water district for a number of years and he cooperates heartily in all well formulated plans and projects for the advancement of municipal interests and for the upholding of civic standards. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees of lodge,
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chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine, and he is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political faith is that of the democratic party and he has served as chairman of the democratic town committee for a number of years. He has never deviated from a course which he has believed to be right between himself and his fellowmen, and the sterling worth of his character has commended him to the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been associated.
JOSEPH R. McCOOLE.
Norfolk county on the whole has been favored in the class of men who have occupied her public positions. There are few who have not been loyal to trust and capable in the performance of the duties that devolve upon them. Proving most efficient and trust- worthy is Joseph R. McCoole who is now register of probate and insolvency and makes his home in Dedham, where he was born in 1879. His father, P. J. McCoole, was a native of Somerville, Mas- sachusetts, born in 1857, and his life record was ended in death in 1886. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Ann J. Carlin, was born in Dedham and, long surviving her husband, passed away in the year 1915. They were the parents of three sons, the brothers of Joseph R. McCoole being: George F., who is now living in Quincy; and John A., of Dedham.
In the public schools of his native city Joseph R. McCoole mas- tered the elementary branches of learning and afterward took up the study of law, being graduated with the class of 1908 from the Young Men's Christian Association Law School, now the North- eastern College of Law, in Boston. Prior to his graduation, begin- ning in 1895, he had become a clerk in the office of the register of probate and insolvency in Dedham. Ten years later, on the Ist of June, 1905, he was appointed assistant register and held that office until November, 1913, when he was elected to the position of register, assuming the duties of the office on the Ist of January, 1914. When a candidate for register of probate and insolvency he received the unanimous endorsement of the Norfolk Bar Association. He has made a most excellent record in office and his ability is attested by the stanch and liberal support which he received when a candidate for the position.
On the 25th of June, 1907, in Dedham, Mr. McCoole was united
JOSEPH R. M.COOLE
THE NE 120X PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENTA END TILLEN FOUNDATIONS R
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in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Harris, a daughter of John A. Harris, and they have one child, Pauline. The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. McCoole is that of the Catholic church and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political support is given to the republican party and he has been an active worker in its local ranks, doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He is now serving as vice presi- dent of the Norfolk County Republican Club. Mr. McCoole is widely known and he has a social, genial nature which wins him friends wherever he goes. All who know him, and he has a very wide acquaintance, speak of him in terms of high regard, enjoy his com- panionship and regard him as one of the most capable men in public office in this section of the state.
PROFESSOR ARTHUR W. PEIRCE.
Professor Arthur W. Peirce, head master of Dean Academy at Franklin, was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, June 3, 1860, a son of John Winslow and Anna Lydia Peirce. The father was also a native of Arlington and was a representative of one of the old families of Massachusetts, being a descendant of John Peirce, of Watertown, who settled there in 1630 on coming from England to the new world. Representatives of the family took active part in win- ning American independence during the Revolutionary war, Solo- mon Peirce, the great-great-grandfather of Professor Peirce, hav- ing served with the rank of captain in the colonial army. He par- ticipated in the battles of Lexington, Bennington and Bunker Hill, engagements that contributed to the final victory which crowned the American arms. John Winslow Peirce was a successful coal mer- chant and also a prominent and influential citizen, being called upon by his fellow townsmen to represent them in the state legislature in 1872. He was elected upon the republican ticket, and was long a very active and earnest supporter of republican principles. He died in Arlington in 1885, when but fifty years of age. His wife was a native of Watertown, Massachusetts, and was a descendant of John Pierce. She came from the same ancestral line as her hus- band but her branch of the family spelled the name Pierce, while the original spelling was Peirce. The death of Mrs. Peirce occurred in 1863, leaving Professor Peirce as the only surviving member of
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the family. . There had been another son, who died, however, at the age of four years.
After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public and high schools of his native city, Professor Peirce of this review continued his studies in Tufts College of Boston and won his Bache- lor of Arts degree upon graduation with the class of 1882. In 1900 the honorary degree of Litt. D. was conferred upon him by Tufts College of Boston. Following his graduation he took up the pro- fession of teaching, becoming connected with Goddard Seminary of Barre, Vermont. There he continued in that position until 1891, when he was made principal of Goddard Seminary, remaining at the head of the institution until April, 1897, when he came to Frank- lin, Massachusetts, to assume the position of head master of Dean Academy. For twenty-one years he has remained in this position and his efforts have ever been stimulated by the most earnest desire to advance the interests of the school and promote the efficient meth- ods of instruction. His work has been attended by most gratifying results and the consensus of public opinion places him among the able educators of New England. In addition to his work in the teaching profession he is a director of the Franklin Bank of Frank- lin, is president of the Universalist Publishing Company of Boston and is a trustee of Tufts College of Boston.
On the 25th of June, 1903, Professor Peirce was married to Miss Lydia Paine Ray, a daughter of Joseph G. and Emily (Rockwood) Ray, representatives of a very old and prominent family of Franklin.
Professor Peirce always votes with the republican party but has never held office of a purely political nature. He has served, how- ever, as president of the Franklin Library Association and has been an active worker in the Universalist church, serving for years on its parish committee. He is well known in club circles as a member of the Boston City and of the Boston University Clubs.
THOMAS PAUL MURRAY.
Thomas Paul Murray, filling the office of town treasurer at Ded- ham, was born in East Boston on the 2d of February, 1852. His father, David Murray, was a native of County Cork, Ireland, born on the Ist of April, 1819. He came to the United States in 1847 with his wife, who in her maidenhood was Ann O'Leary. In 1849 they established their home in Dedham, where their remaining days
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were passed, the death of the father occurring in 1892, while the mother passed away in 1886.
Reared under the parental roof, Thomas Paul Murray pursued his education in the schools of Dedham until he reached the age of fifteen years and then started out in the business world, securing em- ployment in a cotton mill at Readville, Norfolk county. After re- maining there for a year he sought employment in a woolen mill in Hyde Park, near Readville, where he also remained for a year. He then returned to Dedham and for seven years was connected with a grocery store, after which he spent a year in a grocery house in Stoughton, Norfolk county. Again he returned to Dedham and accepted the position of manager of a grocery store, of which he thus had charge for three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased the business and also bought an adjoining lot, on which he erected a business block and opened another store. In 1906 he sold out his block and his business and has since that time largely devoted his attention to real estate activity and to the insurance business, as well as to official duties which have devolved upon him. Since 1886 he has been a director and the treasurer of the Ded- ham Cooperative Bank.
On the 24th of September, 1886, in Franklin, Norfolk county, Massachusetts, Mr. Murray was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Frances Dowling, a daughter of the late Dennis Dowling. To them have been born five children, as follows: Thomas Paul, whose birth occurred on the 24th of September, 1887, and who passed away in 1902; Mary Theresa, the wife of Martin A. Carney; Sarah Dow- ling; Veronica Paul; and Leo Joseph whose natal day was March 18, 1906.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Murray belongs to the Society in Dedham for the Apprehension of Horse Thieves. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he has been called to serve in various positions of public honor and trust. For twenty years he has filled the office of justice of the peace. In March, 1884, he was elected a selectman of Dedham and occupied that position for eleven consecutive years or until 1895. serving as chairman of the board of selectmen, while in 1893 and 1894 he was chairman of the board of assessors. He was also for a period of seven years a member of the board of overseers of the poor. From 1895 until 1901 Mr. Murray was not in public office, but in the latter year was elected a member of the board of sewer commissioners and was made its chairman. It was this board that prepared the report on which the present sewer system has been
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established, and in 1901 and 1902 the board built eleven miles of sewer. Mr. Murray continued upon the board until March 1910, when he resigned to accept the office of town treasurer, to which he had been elected in 1910. In January, 1910, he was called to the office of deputy sheriff of Norfolk county and is now filling both positions-that of deputy sheriff and that of town treasurer. His official duties claim his entire time and attention and are discharged in a most capable, faithful and acceptable manner.
ERNEST B. SOUTHWORTH.
A prominent figure in the business circles of Stoughton is Ernest B. Southworth, a forceful and resourceful man, who is now occupy- ing the responsible position of manager with the George E. Belcher Last Company and is thus controlling the activities of many em- ployes in what is one of the largest and most important productive industries of the city. He was born in Stoughton, April 18, 1872, his parents being Gurdon and Sarah B. (Staples) Southworth, the former a native of Stoughton, while the latter was born in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. The father was a manufacturer of machine screws and later purchased an interest in a bakery business at Stoughton, becoming a member of the firm of Staples & Southworth. He was also prominent in community affairs and served as one of the select- men of his town, while for two terms he represented his district in the state legislature, giving thoughtful and earnest consideration to the vital questions which came up for settlement during that period. At length he sold his bakery business and became interested in the Packard Dressing Company, with which he was identified to the time of his death, which occurred in March, 1912, when he was sixty-five years of age. His widow is still living.
Ernest B. Southworth supplemented his public school educa- tion, acquired in Stoughton, by a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Boston and later entered upon his business career as an employe in the office of the Stoughton Rubber Company. There he remained for twenty years and, advancing step by step through successive promotions, was holding the position of superin- tendent at the time when he resigned on the Ist of April, 1909, to take his present position as manager with the George E. Belcher Last Company. Theirs is the largest manufactory in the world de- voted to the making of men's welt lasts, and the fact that Mr.
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