USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 109
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 109
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 109
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
HERBERT LINWOOD TINKHAM-Inheriting the qualities of a sterling ancestry, with a natural love for the finer things of life, Herbert L. Tinkham has developed the characteristics which have won for him success, close friendships, and the admiration of his associates in the community, attainments which were expected of him from the beginning of his busi- ness and civic training. He is president of the W. L. Douglas Shoe Company of Brockton, the creation and monument of "the world's greatest shoemaker."
Herbert L. Tinkham was born in Middleboro, March 13, 1869, the son of Charles C. and Abigail (Ashley) Tinkham. His father was engaged in farm- ing and heavy teaming, one of the much respected, dependable citizens of the town. After being gradu- ated from the public schools of Middleboro, Mr. Tinkham attended business college as a step to busi- ness life for which he early showed natural aptitude. After his business course he entered the employ of the Mitchell and Fales Company of Campello, a sub- division of Brockton. His service with that firm extended two years. He then became an employe of the W. L. Douglas Shoe Company, in the bookkeep- ing department, and has remained with that concern
408
PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE
ever since, daily mastering more and more of the intricacies of shoe manufacturing until he became the head of one of the largest shoe-making plants under one roof in the world.
Mr. Tinkham has always been a man upon whom responsibilities could safely be placed. In his business life with the Douglas Company he rose naturally from bookkeeper to treasurer, then vice-president, then general manager and, upon the death of the president and founder, Hon. William L. Douglas, succeeded him as president. This was in 1924 when the shoe manufacturing business throughout the country was in a decline. Mr. Tinkham took time to analyze conditions, inspired his associates with the necessity of changing some lines of manufacture and led them to a new position in footwear circles.
In all the years that Mr. Tinkham has been asso- ciated with, and a member of, the W. L. Douglas Shoe Company, his positions, whatever they have been, have demanded his personal work, long hours every day. Many years ago he became a good execu- tive, but never at the expense of separating his own thought and labor from the activities of the industry. He has pushed as well as directed the onward march of the company to higher levels.
With such a degree of devotion to the one business which he has helped build from comparatively small things to its present greatness it is especially com- mendable that he has entered wholeheartedly into the community life. His name can be found in numerous lists of prominent sponsors of civic enterprises. He was prominently identified with the War Chest organization during the World War, the various war- time drives, has been president of the Community Chest organization, Brockton Chamber of Commerce, Brockton Hospital Corporation, Thorny Lea Golf Club. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, beginning his Masonic career as a member of Paul Revere Lodge. He is a Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Brockton Council, Royal and Select Masters; Past Commander of Bay State Commandery, Knights Templar, and is also a member of Satucket Royal Arch Chapter of Brockton, Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine and numerous other Masonic bodies in Boston.
Among his club affiliations are the Commercial Club of Brockton, Boston City Club, Alonquin Club of Boston, and Boston Boot and Shoe Club. He has served the latter as president. Mr. Tinkham is a member of the board of directors of the National Shawmut Bank of Boston, and the Home National Bank of Brockton. He is a Republican in his politi- cal convictions. He attends the Universalist church in Brockton.
Early in life, Mr. Tinkham married Alice A. Doug- las, daughter of William L. and Augusta Douglas. After a brief but very happy wedded life together, Mrs. Tinkham passed away. She was a woman of unusually tender sympathies and lovable qualities. A few years later Mr. Tinkham was fortunate in securing for his second wife a woman of many of the same qualities, Kathryn W. Stetson, daughter of Leonard and Catherine Stetson. One child, Herbert Linwood Tinkham, Jr., has been born to them. He is still in college.
Mr. Tinkham is the owner of Rambleton Farms at Buzzards Bay. His summer home at the head of Buzzards Bay is one of the show places of the South Shore. At Rambleton Farms, Mr. Tinkham has a notable herd of pure-blooded Guernsey cattle. He
has also owned several prize winners at dog shows, and at times, show horses.
The owner of Rambleton Farms is a director of the Brockton Agricultural Society, sponsors of the Brockton Fair. He is chairman of the Dairy Show Committee, Dog Show Committee and a member of the Finance Committee.
Mrs. Tinkham is also prominent in the civic life of Brockton, a past president of the Brockton Woman's Club, past president of the Matrons Club of the First Universalist Church and president of the Brockton branch of the National Civic Federation.
CHARLES DELBERT NEVINS-The shoe manufacturing industry is one of the most important of those engaging the time and attention of the lead- ing business men of Brockton, Massachusetts, and Mr. Nevins is among those who have achieved marked success in that work. A very active promoter of all civic enterprises, Mr. Nevins holds various positions of trust and responsibility in community organiza- tions. He is the son of Libbeus L. and Carrie E. (Soule) Nevins. The father was a veteran of the Civil War, in which he was a member of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry under Colonel Robert E. Ingersoll.
Charles Delbert Nevins was born November 6, 1873, at Mills Court, Iowa. At an early age he came to Brockton, where he received his education in the public schools of this place. In 1890 he entered the employ of the W. L. Douglas Shoe Company as office boy, soon advanced to the position of book- keeper, and later to head bookkeeper. In 1902 he was appointed assistant treasurer; following which he was elected clerk of the corporation; in 1914 he was elected director, and in 1925 he was elected to the office of treasurer, which had been held by Herbert L. Tinkham until he became president at that time, upon the death of the founder, William L. Douglas. In January, 1928, Mr. Nevins was also elected to the office of vice-president, which office he holds in con- junction with that of treasurer. Mr. Nevins is a member of the board of trustees of the People's Sav- ings Bank of Brockton, and a member of the board of incorporators of the Brockton Savings Bank, and is a director of the Montello Cooperative Bank. Dur- ing the period of the World War Mr. Nevins served in the capacity of Liberty Loan director of the city. He is affiliated with the Paul Revere Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, and is a thirty-second degree Mason. He is likewise treasurer of the Masonic Building Association and treasurer of the Baalis Sanford Lodge of the Order. Mr. Nevins is a member and former vice-president and treasurer of the Commercial Club of which he served on the executive committee; is likewise affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce and belongs to the local organization of the Kiwanis Club. He has been made the treasurer of the corporation fund of $20,000 donated by William L. Douglas for the purpose of maintaining the Brockton Day Nursery. He is a staunch supporter of the Republican party, and with his family attends the First Congregational Church of Brockton.
Charles Delbert Nevins married, in 1905, Winifred May Livingston of Brockton, the daughter of John A. and Hattie (Foye) Livingston. Mr. and Mrs. Nevins are the parents of the following children: 1. Delbert L., a senior at the Rhode Island State Col- lege (1928), where he is studying electrical engineer- ing. 2. Barbara. 3. Phyllis. Both daughters are stu-
Harold M. Bullard
409
PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE
dents. The family reside in Brockton, and Mr. Nev- ins owns a summer home at North Falmouth, Massa- chusetts.
WARREN A. WEEKS-Associating himself with the W. L. Douglas Shoe Company in 1901, Mr. Weeks has risen with rapid gradation to a position of importance and responsibility in that organization. Of a pleasing and confidence-inspiring personality, he has won the high esteem of those with whom he comes in contact industrially and socially, and he enjoys a position of great respect in the community in which he resides. Identified with many of the movements for the welfare of Brockton, he is well- known in civic circles in which he has materially aided in various beneficial enterprises. During the World War, his work in connection with the patriotic drives in the city earned him national recognition, and for which he was given a medal in appreciation for his valuable service.
Warren A. Weeks was born October 24, 1875, at Randolph, Massachusetts, a son of George W. and Mary E. (Campbell) Weeks, of whom the father was prominently engaged in the shoe industry. The son attended the public and high schools of his native district, and then went to the Bryant & Stratton Business College, where he received a sound back- ground for his commercial career. Upon completing his education, Mr. Weeks entered the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Com- pany at Brockton, Massachusetts, engaged in clerical work. After two years of that work, he joined the W. L. Douglas Shoe Company organization in 1901 as paymaster. A few years later he was transferred to the credit department, and in 1922 was made man- ager of the department. In 1924, he was again advanced to the position of assistant-treasurer of the company and manager of the credit and collection departments, the duties of which he has faithfully and diligently discharged since. Under his super- vision the work of these departments has been organized, so that they function as one of the most efficient branches of the business. Active in the com- munity interests, he was identified with the Liberty Loan drives and many others during the World War, for which services he was presented with a bronze medal in recognition of his good work. He is a mem- ber of the Paul Revere Lodge of the Free and Accept- ed Masons, and of the Aleppo Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Weeks is affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce and the Commercial Club of Brockton, of which he is an active and popular member. A communicant of the Congregational faith, he is a member of the Porter Church of that denomination, and has been a mem- ber of its board of trustees for many years.
Warren A. Weeks married, in 1902, Helen L. Monk, a daughter of Edward and Lillian (Thayer) Monk, whose ancestry can be traced to very early American history and of whose family Deborah Sampson was a prominent member. Mrs. Weeks is a member of the Daughters of the American Revo- lution and numerous other societies in Brockton. They are the parents of a daughter, Beatrice H., who is a graduate of Wellesley College.
BURTON J. TORREY, born March 6, 1879, at Rockland, is the son of John E. and Mary E. (Bon- ney) Torrey. His father, who died in 1901, was identified with the advancement of Rockland for
many years; and his mother, a native of Sumner, Maine, is still living. Mr. Torrey attended the gram- mar and high schools, then became employed by the Douglas Shoe Company. The greater part of his service was in the store department, to which feature he was peculiarly adapted. Some years ago his efforts were rewarded: he was made manager of the depart- ment. He was the logical man for this promotion because he not only knew more about it than any other but had been in the employ of the firm since 1895. Later he was elected clerk of the corporation -and in 1923 he was elected to the directorate. In politics Mr. Torrey is a Republican, and in religious affairs a Congregationalist. He is a director of the Montello Co-operative Bank, and a member of the Paul Revere Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
Burton J. Torrey married, in 1901, Rose E. Holmes, of Brockton, daughter of Lester F. and Helen P. (Cobb) Holmes.
ERNEST S. ROGERS, born January 31, 1879, is the son of John Calvin Rogers, of Holbrook, who died in 1910, and Deborah (Beals) Rogers, who died July 22, 1914. After finishing the public schools and Thayer Academy he followed in the footsteps of his father in the shoe industry. In 1898 he became asso- ciated with the W. L. Douglas Company, in their store department, and has since been active in that depart- ment. In 1922 he was made a director of the com- pany.
HAROLD M. BULLARD-As president of the Taft Woolen Mills, at Caryville, Massachusetts, Harold M. Bullard is executive head of one of the strongest enterprises of its type in this section. Mr. Bullard is a man of wide experience in the woolen industry and his election to the presidency followed several years of successful service as superintendent of the Taft mills. His able direction of affairs has repeatedly been of the greatest value to his company.
He was born at Bellingham, Massachusetts, July 11, 1887, a son of Addison E. and Lydia A. (Metcalf) Bullard. His father is also well known in the New England woolen trade, serving as treasurer of the Taft Woolen Mills for many years. Harold M. Bul- lard attended the public schools of Bellingham and Medway, Massachusetts, and in 1909 was graduated from Worcester Academy, where he completed a sci- entific course. Soon afterward he accepted a posi- tion in the employ of the Bellingham Woolen Mills with whom he remained for three years, associated chiefly with the manufacturing departments. Mr. Bullard purposed to acquire a thorough knowledge of all phases of his subject, and to this end he devoted himself during the entire period of three years. At the end of this time, in October, 1912, he was appointed superintendent of the Taft Woolen Mills in full charge of production. His thorough training for the work and general executive ability were important factors in his success in this position, a success which soon manifested itself in the increased efficiency of operation. Mr. Bullard remained super- intendent until January 1, 1928, and meanwhile, in 1917, he had been elected president of the company, a position which he has since held, continuing in effect and widening the scope of the progressive poli- cies he first initiated as superintendent.
Mr. Bullard is also a member of the corporation of the Medway Savings Bank, and a member of the board of directors of the Forest Hill Manufacturing
410
PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE
Company, Forest Hill, Rhode Island. Politically, he supports the principles and candidates of the Republican party, serving as chairman of the Bel- lingham Board of Selectmen from 1911 to 1927. He has always been vitally interested in the welfare of the community, contributing liberally to worthy enterprises toward this end. Mr. Bullard is affiliated, fraternally, with the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is a member of Charles River Lodge, at Medway, of Mt. Lebanon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Milford Commandery, No. 11, Knights Templar; and Aleppo Temple, at Boston, of the An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of Milford Lodge, No. 628, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Frank- lin Country Club. Among the associations of the men of his profession, he holds membership in the Wool Institute of New York City. Mr. Bullard and his family attend the Congregational church, at West Medway.
On May 31, 1919, Harold M. Bullard married Gladys H. Handy, daughter of Arthur and Hattie J. (Knapp) Handy, of Attleboro, Massachusetts. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bullard is situated on Pearl Street, Caryville.
IRVING KURTZ TAYLOR - Distinguished among those residents who spend but a portion of the year with us is Irving Kurtz Taylor, a mining engi- neer of nation-wide reputation, whose summer home is at Bass River, Massachusetts, his permanent home being in New York City.
He was born in New York City, February 28, 1863, a son of William Lamont, banker, and Mary Martha Taylor. He received his education in Public School No. 35, New York City, and in private institutions, eventually becoming a civil and mining engineer. These professions he followed from 1880 until 1893, when he established an importing business, which he still conducts. During the participation of the United States in the World War, he served overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces, with the rank of major in the American Red Cross. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and belongs to the Racquet and Tennis and the Union League clubs of New York City, as well as the Explorers' Club. His church is the Protestant Episcopal.
Mr. Taylor married, in Orange, New Jersey, April 26, 1898, Edith Howes, daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Hinckley) Howes. The couple are the parents of three children: Ann Ellen, William Lamont, and Mary Howes, all born in Orange, New Jersey.
RALPH W. ALLEN-In Barnstable County, Massachusetts, Ralph W. Allen, of Brewster, has long been known as a skilled agriculturist and an able busi- ness man. He specializes in the growing of cran- berries and asparagus and is also a dealer in ice. He is active in local public affairs, has served in various public offices, and at the present time (1928) is serv- ing as a member of the Board of Selectmen of the town of Brewster.
Frank S. Allen, father of Mr. Allen, was a son of Joshua N. Allen, who was born in Sandwich, Massa- chusetts, was a tailor by trade, and a veteran of the Civil War. He was a traveling salesman during the greater part of his active career, but later in life was appointed postmaster of Brewster by President Cleve- land and served in that office for two terms. He
married Rhoda T. Lincoln, a descendant of Elder Brewster of the "Mayflower," and a cousin of Joseph C. Lincoln, the well-known writer. Her father, War- ren Lincoln, was a well-known Brewster sea captain, who was given command of his first ship at the age of twenty-one years, and during his later years was proprietor of a grocery store in Brewster.
Ralph W. Allen, son of Frank S. and Rhoda T. (Lincoln) Allen, was born in Brewster, Massachu- setts, March 17, 1882. He received his education in the public schools of his birthplace, and then engaged in farming, at which activity he has devoted all the years of his active career to the present time (1928). As has already been stated he specializes in the grow- ing of cranberries and asparagus, and also conducts a prosperous ice business. Along with his agricul- tural activities Mr. Allen has always found time for local public service, and at the present time he is serving as a member of the Board of Selectmen of the town of Brewster, having served continuously in that office since 1924 and at the last election having been chosen to continue in service until 1930. He has also served as a member of the Board of Asses- sors and as an overseer of the poor. Fraternally, he is identified with Pilgrim Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Harwich, Massachusetts; and with Ogun- quit Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, of East Dennis. He is a member of the local Grange, Patrons of Husbandry; and his religious affiliation is with the Unitarian church, which he has served as a mem- ber of the parish committee for a number of years.
Ralph W. Allen was married, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, October 11, 1902, to Elizabeth Little- field, of Rowley, Massachusetts, daughter of Charles Littlefield. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have six children.
HENRY S. RUBIN -- Overcoming the many ob- stacles which one must necessarily meet when com- ing to a new country, establishing themselves in business and conforming to the customs of this strange land, Henry S. Rubin has achieved remark- able success. A native of Russia and educated in the public schools of his native home, he has made splen- did progress since coming to the United States, and today a large amount of the success of the concern with which he is connected is due Mr. Rubin for the efficient manner in which he has conducted the management of this enterprise.
Born in Russia, September 27, 1874, he is a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Lederer) Rubin, both parents natives of Russia; the father a shoemaker, died in 1925, at the age of one hundred years, and his mother died in 1925. Henry S. Rubin came to America in 1897 and settled in the city of Brockton, where he became engaged in the shoe business. In 1912, when the Diamond Shoe Company was organized in Brock- ton, Mr. Rubin was made superintendent and general manager, a position he continues to hold, and a few years ago he was made a director of the company. The Diamond Shoe Company was established in 1912 by D. Davidovitz, J. P. Davidovitz and M. F. Fried- man, for the purpose of manufacturing men's and women's high-grade welt shoes. The plant was lo- cated on Sparks Street where it occupied a three- story frame building with only about 30,000 square feet of floor space and employed very few people. The capacity output at that time was thirty dozen pairs of shoes each day, while the output now is be- tween six and seven hundred dozen a day. From
411
PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE
time to time additions have been made until the firm now has approximately 100,000 square feet of floor space in the main plant, and also has an additional 40,000 square feet in the downtown factory. Fifteen hundred people are employed and the products are national in scope. The company has installed, for the benefit of employees, a salary saving plan, and under the auspices of the Massachusetts State House, a form of insurance. Therefore, under the direction of a wise counsel, the Diamond Shoe Company has gained a place of prominence among the leading in- dustries of the day.
Mr. Rubin has affiliated himself with the Knights of Pythias, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, of Brockton, and holds membership in various clubs in or near the vicinity of Brockton. He is an attend- ant of the Temple Israel, of which congregation he is president, and is a Republican by political faith.
Henry S. Rubin married, in 1897, Mary Baissen, of Russia, and they are the parents of the following children: 1. Ida, who married Dr. Robert Lasker. 2. Betty, married Leo Stone. 3. Manuel, a graduate of Dartmouth, and now associated with his father in business. 4. Mildred. 5. David Leonard.
ANTONIO RUSCITTO-One of the modern granite manufacturing plants of Quincy is that of Antonio Ruscitto, whose office and yards are located at No. 67-69 Brook Road, South Quincy. Mr. Rus- citto is sole owner of the concern and is conducting a business which requires the services of about fifteen men. He has been in business here for twenty years and does all kinds of memorial work for the cemetery trade.
Antonio Ruscitto was born in Italy, May 14, 1885, a son of Peter Ruscitto, a native of Italy, who is en- gaged as a shoemaker there, and of Philomena (Stel- luti) Ruscitto, also a native of Italy. He received his education in the local public schools there and after finishing his school training he served his ap- prenticeship in the granite business in Italy, going to work when he was nine years of age. In 1902, when he was seventeen, he came to this country and went first to Hillsville, Pennsylvania, where for a period of fourteen months he worked in a granite quarry. In 1904 he came to Boston and found a job in the Navy Yard, but a few months later, in the latter part of 1904, he came to Quincy and went to work as a granite cutter. He was an expert in that art, and after three years spent at this trade in Quincy, he engaged in the granite manufacturing business for himself, opening his place on Liberty Street, in 1907. There he built up a prosperous business, making all kinds of monuments and memorials for the cemetery trade, and there he continued until 1926, when he moved the business to its present location at Nos. 67- 69 Brook Road, in South Quincy. He has developed one of the largest and best known enterprises of its kind in Quincy and does the greater part of his work in New England granite, though he imports some from Finland. Mr. Ruscitto is a Republican in his political principles. Fraternally, he is identified with the Italian Relief Association. He is also a member of the Quincy Granite Manufacturers' As- sociation, also of the Chamber of Commerce. His religious affiliation is with St. John's Roman Catholic Church.
Antonio Ruscitto was married, December 24, 1908,
to Mary Dallora, a native of Italy, and they are the parents of five children: 1. Eva. 2. Ada. 3. Peter. 4. Roy. 5. Edna.
JOSEPH VANELLI-Of the many now engaged in the granite industry at Quincy, Joseph Vanelli is widely known as an expert marble worker besides, and one whose proficiency therein has made his manu- facture of granite products of value to the general public and his many prominent patrons. Mr. Van- elli had added art to industry, and the result of his lifelong experience is revealed, not only in monu- mental work of the highest type, but in portrait sculpture, as well. He is a son of Caesar Vanelli, mason and contractor, and Mary (Fortini) Vanelli, natives of Carrara, Italy, and both now deceased.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.