History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 104

Author: Thompson, Elroy Sherman, 1874-
Publication date: 1928
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642

USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 104
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 104
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 104

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(V) John Kenrick (2), the second child and only son, was born October 9, 1819. He was a farmer, merchant, and at the age of nineteen a school teacher. Like his father, he held many offices in the town, a man of importance. In his record are inscribed these facts, that he was: First chairman of the board of trustees of the Orleans Public Library;

fourteen years a selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor for Orleans; Superintendent of the Schools for Orleans eight years, and twenty-five years a member of the town's school committee; a trial justice, in 1850, serving until 1857; member of the Governor's Council, 1855-56, representative in State Legislature two terms, 1852-1853, and a trustee of the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank. Inheriting much of his father's gift of native eloquence, of commanding presence, and magnetic personality, he was a notable figure in all church, town and State activities. He was much interested in re-forestation, and did a great deal to promote the planting, and preservation of trees in Orleans. Member of the Barnstable County Agricultural Society, he was its delegate to the State Board in 1866. At his death, December 26, 1898, at the age of seventy-nine years, the town was cast into mourning at the loss of a dearly beloved citizen.

John Kenrick (2) married, July 30, 1843, Thankful Crosby, daughter of Joshua Crosby, who was on the "Constitution" in the action with the "Guerriere" and with Perry in his victory on Lake Erie, of Orleans. She died, March 14, 1886, and Mr. Kenrick married (second) Catherine A. M. Cros- by, of Brewster, daughter of Nathan Crosby. Of the second union were no issue, but of the first: 1. Sophia, born January 23, 1845, died. November 26, 1845. 2. Emma, born March 28, 1846, died February 18, 1847. 3. Clara, born December 16, 1847, died June 10, 1903. 4. Rebecca, born March 16, 1850, died Decem- ber 7, 1892. 5 Eva, born November 22, 1852, died February 22, 1853. 6. Alice T., born July 30, 1854, died November 21, 1887. 7. John (3), of whom follows.

(VI) John Kenrick (3), youngest child, only son, and last surviving member of his line, was born in South Orleans, October 25, 1857. He received his academic training in the schools of Orleans, and in 1891 succeeded to the business of his father, who had founded it in 1840. The same year he served in the State Legislature; and in the Senate, 1893-94, assisted in securing the legislation that created the Massachusetts Highway Commission, the Metropo- litan Park Commission for Boston, a State Marine Park from the Province Lands of Massachusetts, and additional State Normal Schools. A Republican, Mr. Kenrick has ever been loyal to the principles of the party, and a power in it. From 1892 until 1899 he was secretary of the Republican Town Com- mittee. Since 1899 he has been Postmaster of South Orleans, and from that year until 1911 served as selectman, having been moderator for some ten years, assessor for thirteen years, overseer of the poor, and member of the Orleans Board of Health. As chair- man of the Board of Assessors, in 1911, Mr. Ken- rick was instrumental in lowering the tax rate of Orleans to three dollars, this figure being the lowest in the State. He has succeeded his father in the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, of which he is vice-president, trustee and member of the Board of Investment. His judgment in matters of finance is recognizedly sound, based on sane thought, and long experience.

While Mr. Kenrick has thus been financially and politically occupied as a leader in the town's affairs, he has been no less active in general affairs pertain- ing to cultural progress, society, fraternity and Christianity. He is a member of the Republican Club of Massachusetts, has been a lifelong attendant of the Universalist church, of which, as recounted,

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his grandfather was a founder, and fraternally is affiliated prominently with the Free and Accepted Masons, in which order he is a member of Pilgrim Lodge of Harwich, and Universal Lodge of Orleans, being Past Master of the latter body; Sylvester Baxter Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, at West Har- wich; New Bedford Council, Royal and Select Masters; De Molay Commandery, Knights Templar, at Boston, and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In 1925-26 he was District Deputy Grand Master for the thirty- second Masonic District. He is Past Worthy Patron, Orleans Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Nauset Grange, in Orleans. Student of American history, and particularly well informed as to interesting facts of historic bearing on New Eng- land, Barnstable County, and Orleans, Mr. Ken- rick frequently is called upon to speak on patriotic holidays at various centers throughout the Cape.

Distinguished member of an honored, ancient fam- ily, John Kenrick (3) is one of the foremost citizens of Orleans, progressive factor in all move- ments designed for the general welfare.

HENRY ALVERADO WHITE, M. D .- After twelve years in the practice of medicine in Taunton, Massachusetts, Henry Alverado White came to Orleans and took over the practice of Dr. R. J. Mar- vel, August 28, 1924. Of established reputation, with background of extended education in his profession, a man of vitality and with a deep interest in the gen- eral public affairs looking toward the welfare of the community in which he lives, his welcome to the ranks of citizens of Orleans has been sincere.

Henry Alverado White was born in Taunton, July 6, 1886, a son of Alverado Borden and Abbie Eliza- beth (Thayer) White, of Dighton and Taunton, respectively. His father was engaged in various suc- cessful enterprises, owned the Music Hall Theatre in Taunton, and operated a wholesale fruit establish- ment. He retired in 1914, and died January 19, 1919.

Henry Alverado White received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and was graduated from the high school there in 1904. He then attended Phillips-Exeter Academy, Harvard University for one year, and Tufts College Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1911. For one year he was an interne in the State Hospital at Tewksbury, Massa- chusetts, then establishing himself in practice in Taunton. There he became vice-president of the Whittenton Hosiery Corporation, as well as its assist- ant treasurer; vice-president of Alden Kindred of America, Incorporated, of Randolph; and was a mem- ber for six years of the Taunton School Commission. He is a Republican in politics, and in Orleans is a member of the Board of Trade, and of the Masonic Club. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons; and belongs to the American Medical Asso- ciation and the Massachusetts Medical Society.

Henry A. White married, in Taunton, April 22, 1913, Zora C. Wheeler, daugther of John C. and Ida Wheeler, of that city. Their children are: 1. Gordon Thayer, born December 19, 1915. 2. Constance Adrienne, born September 22, 1917. 3. Clayton Al- den, born November 30, 1918.

THOMAS A. WISWALL, M. D .- Prominent among the physicians of Falmouth, Massachusetts, is Thomas A. Wiswall, who also takes an interest in civic, social and fraternal activities of his community.

He is descended from old and well-known New Eng- land families, a son of Clarence A. and Harriett M. (Boit) Wiswall, born July 28, 1883, at Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Thomas A. Wiswall received his preliminary edu- cation in the public and high schools of the com- munity in which he was born, and then entered Dart- mouth College, from which he was graduated in 1905, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Later he was graduated from the Middlesex Medical College, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Two years he spent as an interne at the Chelsea and Middlesex Dispensaries of Boston, after which he established himself in the general practice of his profession at Falmouth. Through his vigorous personality and unselfish devotion to the interests of his patients Dr. Wiswall's clientele has steadily increased and he has built up one of the largest practices in the community.

Along with the many duties incident to his profes- sion, Mr. Wiswall finds time to take a keen and active interest in the civic and general affairs of Falmouth, and is now serving as school physician for the Fal- mouth District. He is a member of the Boy's Work Committee and a charter member of the Falmouth Rotary Club. In connection with his profession he is a member of the National Massachusetts and Bos- ton Eclectic socities. In his fraternal affiliations Dr. Wiswall is a member of Marine Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and Wareham Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and the Middleboro Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His club is the Woods Hole Golf.

Dr. Thomas A. Wiswall married, April 17, 1912, E. Claire Cable, of Jamaica Plain, and they are the parents of two children: 1. Elizabeth, born July 5, 1913. 2. Harriett, born August 14, 1914. Dr. Wis- wall and his family reside in Falmouth, where they are communicants of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.

FRANKLIN LUTHER WHITCOMB-Begin- ning his active career as a salesman, Franklin Luther Whitcomb, through perseverance and steady ambi- tion, became one of the most prominent men in the manufacture of car wheels in the world. The Griffin Wheel Company, of Chicago, of which Mr. Whit- comb is president, is known throughout the world through its many products, specializing in wheels for street cars and steam railways. Mr. Whitcomb came to the office of president after many years of hard work in various departments of this concern. Loyalty to his employers, and as he assumed higher positions, consideration for the welfare of his own employees, has brought his business added prestige, and has won for him the respect and devotion of his colleagues and commercial associates.

Mr. Whitcomb was born in Worcester, Massachu- setts, son of Carter and Emilie (Spring) Whitcomb. His father was a machinery manufacturer throughout his life, located in Worcester, and became well known throughout industrial circles in the East.

Franklin Luther Whitcomb attended the public schools of his native district, after which he was grad- uated from Williston Academy, and soon after the completion of his studies entered the Griffin Wheel Company of Chicago, starting as salesman. Begin- ning with the first day of his employment with this organization, he devoted himself assiduously to study- ing the various ramifications of the industry, and this, coupled with his opportunities for contact with out- siders, soon brought him to the attention of his

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superiors. Promotion followed promotion, and as his experience increased and the advancing years further demonstrated his capabilities, he eventually attained the presidency of the company. Having served in almost every department of the organization, at the time he assumed the presidency, he is thoroughly familiar with every detail entering into the construc- tion of the company's product, and also has that experience which can only be gained through actual selling. Thoroughly devoted to his business affairs, Mr. Whitcomb has little time for social contacts and fraternal organizations, although he is a charter mem- ber of the Wianno Club at Wianno, Massachusetts. He and his family have maintained a summer home at Cotuit for more than thirty years.

Franklin Luther Whitcomb married Mrs. Mary Piatt (Parry) Vandergrift, of Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania, the daughter of Rees H. and Mary Frances (Piatt) Parry, of Cincinnati, Ohio. By her first mar- riage, Mrs. Whitcomb had one daughter, Henrietta Virginia Vandergrift, now Mrs. McKay, the mother of two children: Mary and Patricia. To Franklin Luther Whitcomb and his wife have been born three sons: 1. Carter Parry, born in 1895, who served in the United States Navy during the World War, and was commissioned an ensign. 2. Franklin L., Jr., born in June, 1896, enlisted in the navy during the World War, and later was transferred to naval avia- tion. 3. Pemberton, born December 21, 1900. Mrs. Mary P. (Parry-Vandergrift) Whitcomb and her daughter, Mrs. Douglas Imrie Mckay. are active members of the Daughters of the American Revo- lution, being direct descendants of John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The sons are members of the Sons of the American Revo- lution.

JOHN BURSLEY-Born in West Barnstable, January 27, 1859, John Bursley is of the eighth gen- eration to be born on the property which has been in his family since about 1650, the present home being the third Bursley house to be built on the farm. His earliest ancestor, John Bursley, an early settler of Weymouth, Massachusetts, was admitted. a freeman at Dorchester in 1630, but later removed to Barn- stable, and here his son, John, Jr., was born in 1652. From him the line descends through his son, Joseph; his son Joseph (2); his son John (3); his son. Heman: his son, Charles H .; his son, William T., father of the subject of this sketch, who married Sarah Allyn, and they are the parents of John (4), of the ninth generation. William T. Bursley was a farmer, and he conducted his acres with prosperity. His memory is warm in the hearts of those who have survived him.

John Bursley attended the public schools of Barn- stable, and, raised upon the family farm, it was natu- ral that he should continue in agriculture. Since 1882 he has had control of the farm, and for the past twen- ty years has engaged in dairying and the retailing of milk. As husbandman his success has perhaps exceeded that of his ancestors, and the regard in which he is held so universally is undoubtedly equal to that felt for the earlier generations of his family. Since 1891, Mr. Bursley has served on the State Board of Agriculture, and when that board went out of existence in 1919, he was appointed a member of the Advisory Board of six men, of the Massachusetts State Department of Agriculture. For twenty years he was a member of the board of overseers of the State Agricultural College at Amherst. and was one of the founders and director of the Cape Cod Farm

Bureau, now the Cape Cod Extension Service. For over a quarter of a century Mr. Bursley held office as an auditor of Barnstable Township, and in 1927 was elected a member of the finance committee of the town of Barnstable. He is a director of the Coop- erative Bank, of Hyannis, and for twenty-four years, or since 1904, has been a member of the Massachu- setts State Grange, in which for twenty-two years he held the rank of district deputy. For a number of years Mr. Bursley has been custodian of the West Barnstable Parish Church trust fund. Toward char- ity he is ever generous, giving in a spirit truly humanitarian, without thought of narrowing distinc- tions. In the World War he took part tirelessly on the boards and committees and organizations charged with prosecution of the conflict from within this country. During the Liberty Loan campaigns, like- wise, he was active, and instrumental in securing sub- scriptions. Throughout all of his life to the present, the actions of Mr. Bursley have been devoid of sel- fishness; but rather he has served his fellowmen, and in so doing has helped himself.

On Christmas Day, December 25, 1888, in Barn- stable, John Bursley was united in marriage with Florence Parker, daughter of William H. Parker, native of Lynn, Massachusetts, and of Abbie (Ray- nor) Parker, of Wakefield. This union is blessed with children: 1. Allen P., born in West Barnstable, January 7, 1891; graduate of the public schools of his native community and of Tabor Academy, at Marion, Massachusetts; graduate of Massachusetts Agricul- tural College, at Amherst, in 1911, with highest schol- astic honors and membership in Phi Beta Kappa; now engaged in his profession as engineer, specializ- ing in problems of landscape engineering, associated with A. D. Taylor, of Cleveland, Ohio; married Mar- jorie Brand. of New York, and they are the parents of two children, John B., and Betty. 2. Grace, born in West Barnstable, in March, 1895, graduate of Barn- stable High School and student at Brown University; married Henry E. Medbery, and they have one child, Elizabeth; their residence is at Mount Vernon, New York. 3. Ellen, born in West Barnstable, June 23, 1896, graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, class of 1918, and from Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, as a nurse, class of 1923; married Cecil I. Goodspeed and resides in Osterville, Barnstable County; they are the parents of one son, Roger, born July 20, 1927. Thus blessed with children and grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Bursley reside on the family acres off Kings Highway, West Barnstable.

Captain C. H. Allen, maternal uncle of Mr. Burs- ley, is the only living deep sea master now residing on the Cape, it is believed, and resides near West Barnstable, in Hyannis.

NATHANIEL AUGUSTUS BEARSE-The sea has been the center of interest and the source of liveli- hood for Nathaniel Augustus Bearse throughout his active life, as it was of his father before him. He is now living retired in Chatham, the place of his birth, but during the winter season he takes care of a lively scallop business. Mr. Bearse is noted as a sailor of racing yachts, having handled the yachts of many noted owners, and he has also won recognition in the life-saving service.

Nathaniel Augustus Bearse was born in Chatham, Massachusetts, March 30, 1865, son of Fernando, who was a fisherman throughout his lifetime, and of Cor- delia (Snow) Bearse, both natives of Chatham. He

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received a good, practical education in the public schools of Chatham, and then, at the age of fourteen years, went to sea. For seven years he continued to follow the life which he had so early chosen, but at the end of that time he made a change and entered gov- ernment service as a member of the Life Saving Corps. Here he was instrumental in the saving of many lives, and he continued in this connection for. a period of nine years, leaving in 1897. His next line of activity was a varied one, made up of yachting, handling the yachts of such noted and wealthy own- ers as Crane of Chicago, and Sears, of Boston, and acquiring an enviable reputation as a sailor of racing yachts, and of fishing. For twenty-eight years he continued this varied and highly interesting career, always drawing his living from the sea, either by fish- ing or by handling vessels upon its waters. The sea has been his constant companion through the years of a long life, and there are none of its changing moods with which he is unfamiliar. Upon his retire- ment, he still remained close to his life-time compan- ion, and he still finds interesting occupation and source of gain within and upon its waters, for during the winter season he handles a large scallop business. Good roads and the great interest which auto tourists are taking in all of this section of the State, bring him plenty of interest and occupation in the summer time, and the better markets and the better prices which sea food now commands enable him to make a very satisfactory profit in a form of activity with which he has always been familiar. He is one of the representative citizens of this section of the State, though he has never been actively interested in public affairs. He casts his vote for the candidates of the Republican party, and retains his membership in the local Grange, but has discontinued his connection with other organizations, having no special interest in their affairs.

Nathaniel Augustus Bearse was married, in Chat- ham, Massachusetts, in 1888, to Helen Gould, who was born in Chatham, daughter of James and Phoebe (Howes) Gould, both of Chatham.

EDWARD COTTMAN CLARK-A man who is active in the industrial life of Barnstable County is Edward Cottman Clark, who has been with the Keith Car and Manufacturing Company, of Sagamore, since 1908, when he came from New York City. Since that. time he has been keenly interested in the civic and social development of the town and the district, although he never has been active in a political way.

Edward Cottman Clark was born in Washington, District of Columbia, October 26, 1868, the son of Edward and Evelyn F. (Freeman) Clark. His father was a Government architect, holding the title of Archi- tect of the Capitol, Washington, District of Colum- bia, an office which he received by Presidental appointment and which he held for forty years. After Edward Cottman Clark had received his pre- liminary education, he attended the Emerson Insti- tute, in Washington, District of Columbia, and later became a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from which he was graduated in the class of 1892. For ten years he was with Waring, Chapman and Farquhar, of New York City; then, in 1902, he entered business with a proprietary interest in the firm known as Swinborne & Clark, civil engineers of New York City. In 1908 he came to Sagamore, to enter the Keith Car and Manufacturing Company. Since that time he has lived in Sagamore, although he spends

his summers on the old Freeman estate, in Sandwich, an original grant of land whose history dates back to Colonial days, when Edmund Freeman was assist- ant to Governor Bradford. It was a distant relative of Mr. Clark who was the author of the last Freeman History of Cape Cod. In his political opinions Mr. Clark is associated with the Republican party. He also has a broad general interest in the business and industrial life of his town and community, and is an active member of the Cape Cod Chamber of Com- merce. He and his family attend the Unitarian church.

In Sandwich, on October 15, 1904, Mr. Clark mar- ried Mary N. Freeman, who died October 15, 1925. She was the daughter of Watson and Clara (Wil- liams) Freeman.

ISAIAH WILLIAM CROWELL-Prominent in the affairs of the insurance business in Boston is Isaiah William Crowell, of Winthrop, who maintains a summer residence at West Yarmouth, which was his native town. He continues to take an active interest in the life of the community and participates in all projects for its development and welfare. Mr. Crowell was born in West Yarmouth, April 1, 1880, son of Isaiah Crowell, who died in 1909, and Mercy (Crowell) Crowell. Isaiah Crowell was a sea-captain for twenty years, after which he returned to West Yarmouth and operated a general store from 1864 to 1892, when he retired from active business. He was a leading figure in the civil life of the town, being a selectman, member of the school committee, deacon of the Congregational church and Free and Accepted Mason. He died and is buried here.

Isaiah William Crowell received his education in the local public schools, and after high school, entered Burdett's Business College of Boston. After the com- pletion of his studies, he became associated with the Pettegill Andrews Company in Boston, where he served as auditor for twenty-seven years. In 1927, he became affiliated with the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company of Boston as special agent, and in this capacity, his ability and personality have made him one of the successful men in the insurance busi- ness of the city. In civic affairs in Winthrop, Mr. Crowell is prominently active, being a town repre- sentative, at the town meeting. Being particularly interested in sports and athletics, he acts as treasurer and director of the Winthrop Golf Club and holds membership in the Bass River Golf Club and in the Salem Country Club of Salem. In fraternal organi- zations, he is a member of Winthrop Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Winthrop Royal Arch Chapter. He attends the Episcopal church of Winthrop.

Isaiah William Crowell married, in 1910, at Plain- field, New Jersey, Lillian A. Walsh, daughter of Wil- liam M. and Mary (Hupcraft) Walsh.

PRINCE M. CROWELL-The interests of Prince M. Crowell of East Dennis have been many and varied indeed, and for a number of years he has been accorded a place prominent in the business life of Cape Cod. The family of the surname Crowell, of which Prince M. Crowell is a member, is one of the oldest on the Cape, and was founded in its American branch by an ancestor born in England, who came to this country on the "Mayflower." From this ances- tor the line continued directly down to Prince F. Crowell, father of Prince M. Crowell. In the early

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frontier years of the Middle West Prince F. Crowell engaged in business in Nebraska, as merchant in lumber and grains. He was an able and resourceful man of commerce, and his future appeared most promising; but he died before he had attained to the prime of life, and certainly before attaining what life had in store for him, at the age of thirty-five years. He was put to rest in East Dennis, where the family maintains its cemetery lot. Prince F. Crowell was unitted in marriage with Mary F. Underwood.

Prince M. Crowell, son of Prince F. and Mary F. (Underwood) Crowell, was born in Dennis, October 25, 1863. After graduating from the pubic schools of East Dennis he continued his academic training in the Allen School, of West Newton; then, studies com- pleted, he spent two years in a quarry, in Virginia, and returned to Cape Cod. In Hyannis he launched into his first commercial enterprise, that of a dry- goods store, and conducted it successfully for the next five years, when it was destroyed by fire, at some loss to Mr. Crowell. Undaunted he turned to another venture, the cranberry business, and some time afterward he became treasurer and manager of the Crowell Cold Storage Company, of East Dennis. In 1914 he severed his connection with the cold stor- age company to become treasurer of the Old Colony Freezer Company, of Barnstable, acting also as its manager, and a director. He has been associated with the Old Colony organization since, and continuously. His ability, sound judgment, and well-known integ- rity have won for him the confidence and sincere esteem of business associates, and through the years of his activity have built up a reputation of great value as a commercial asset. While the major portion of his time has of necessity been given to business, Mr. Crowell has by no manner of means neglected the general and public affairs of the community. Nev- er has his name been refused in support of an enter- prise calculated toward the benefit of the people. He is a trustee of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library of East Dennis, and fraternally is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge of West Harwich, Orient Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Hyannis, and Sutton Commandery, Knights Templar, of New Bedford. He is a communicant of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, of East Dennis, and for more than thirty years has been a member of the church com- mittee. Toward charity he is sympathetic, and con- tributes with large heart to all worthy appeals, re- gardless of race, creed or other non-humanitarian consideration. In the World War, while he was too advanced for service in the military, he did serve, nevertheless, and tirelessly, on the boards and com- mittees in charge of the prosecution of the conflict from within this country, and was instrumental in securing subscriptions for the several Liberty Loan campaigns.

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History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 104

Author: Thompson, Elroy Sherman, 1874- Publication date: 1928 Publisher: New York, Lewis historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 642

Author: Thompson, Elroy Sherman, 1874-
Publication date: 1928
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642