History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 17

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 17
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 17
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 17

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).

RICHARD MAURICE ASH, M. D .- Combining to secure the standing and success of Dr. Richard Maurice Ash in the practice of his profession, are those valued basic circumstances of his calling, his early training in the household of his father, a medi- cal practitioner, his professional school course and interneship, and World War experience of a phys- ician, whose skilled care and attention saved the lives of many of his comrades in French base hospital service overseas. Esteemed for his record and his abilities, he is one of the foremost active physicians in Quincy. He is a son of John H. Ash, M. D., a re- view of whose life appears in the preceding biog- raphy, and Alice T. (Keohan), a native of Wey- mouth, now deceased.

Dr. Richard Maurice Ash was born October 18, 1895, in Quincy, where he attended the public and high schools. Preparing for his profession at Tufts College Medical School, he was graduated there in the class of 1917, with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine; and following his twenty months' interneship at Carney Hospital in South Boston, he established himself in private practice of medicine and surgery, with his offices at No. 66 Greenleaf Street, Quincy. He is a member of the Massachusetts State Medical Society, of which he was secretary for two years; and of the Norfolk South District Medical Society. In his political views an Independent voter, Dr. Ash has interested himself in all matters that pertain to good government. He received the appointment of Quincy City Physician in 1925, and was serving as such in 1928.

With the call to service in the World War, Dr. Ash in November, 1917, was commissioned first lieu- tenant in the Medical Corps, United States Army, and

in August, 1918, joined the American Expeditionary Forces overseas. Stationed at Base Hospital No. 61, at Baume, France; in February, 1919, he was com- missioned captain in the Medical Corps, and was discharged in August, that year, with the rank of captain. Fraternally, Dr. Ash is affiliated with the local post of the American Legion, and with Ave Maria Council, Knights of Columbus. He is a com- municant of St. John's Roman Catholic Church.

Dr. Richard Maurice Ash married, in 1921, Albina Dupont, who was born in Hamilton, Rhode Island; their children: John Clement, and Richard Maurice, Jr. .

JAMES FRANCIS REYNOLDS-The city of Quincy, Massachusetts, is fortunate in its long list of members of the legal profession, and the ability and equipment of its legal representatives is a matter of which Quincy may well be proud. Among those who have opened offices here within the present dec- ade is James Francis Reynolds, a graduate of North- eastern University, whose offices are located at Room No. 21, Adams Building. Mr. Reynolds has a host of friends in Quincy and is taking care of a very satisfactory clientele.

James Francis Reynolds was born in West Quincy, Massachusetts, September 7, 1895, son of John F. Reynolds, who was born in North Easton, Massachu- setts, and who was engaged as a stonecutter to the time of his death, which occurred in 1916, and of Mary S. (O'Connor) Reynolds, who was born in Rockport, Massachusetts, and died in 1907. Mr. Rey- nolds received his early and preparatory education in the public schools of West Quincy, and after the completion of his high school course began profes- sional study in the Law School of Northeastern Uni- versity, from which he was graduated with the class of 1922, receiving at that time the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the Massachusetts bar that same year and opened offices at Room No. 21, Adams Building, in Quincy, where he has since been successful in laying the foundations of what promises to be an eminent career. He has been admitted to all the courts of the State and to the Federal courts, and has made a reputation as a skilled practitioner, and an able advocate. He is a member of the Quincy Bar Association. In June, 1918, Mr. Reynolds en- listed for service in the World War, as a member of the Fifth Company, Depot Brigade, and was located at Camp Devens, Ayer, Massachusetts, until he re- ceived his discharge, May 29, 1919, with the rank of sergeant. He is a member of the American Legion, and, fraternally, is identified with Ave Maria Council, No. 1535, Knights of Columbus. He is fond of all kinds of sports, and is known as a genial and loyal friend and a public-spirited citizen. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

James Francis Reynolds was married, June 24, 1925, to Gertrude A. Mahan, of Randolph, Massachusetts, who was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are the parents of one daughter, Mary Elizabeth. Their home is at No. 60 West Street, in Quincy.

GEORGE W. PRESCOTT-To the late George W. Prescott, more than to any other person, the Quincy "Patriot Ledger" owes its present high standing and its prosperous condition. For more than fifty-five years Mr. Prescott was identified with its interests and with the publications which were later

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

merged into the Quincy "Patriot Ledger," and for many years Mr. Prescott was the principal factor in its development. Beginning as a newsboy, delivering the old Quincy "Patriot," he found opportunity to learn to set type, and then learned the printer's trade and mastered the details of the business. Finally, upon the death of his employer, and as a mere boy, he stepped in and, with the assistance of the widow of his employer, kept the business going. Since the death of Mr. Prescott, in 1908, the concern has been incorporated under the name of the George W. Pres- cott Publishing Company, with Mr. Prescott's daugh- ter, Annie L. Prescott, as treasurer and active in the management of the business.

The life of the Quincy "Patriot Ledger" dates to January 7, 1837, when, in one room, which was office, sanctum, and workshop, was printed the first issue of the Quincy "Patriot." That first issue reflects credit upon the two young editors who launched the enterprise, John Adams Green and Edward Butler Osborne, both of whom were twenty-two years of age. Both had learned the printing business, Mr. Green being the son of John Green of Quincy, born August 1, 1814. As a boy he had become interested in printing and learned the trade at Hingham, later becoming the editor of the Oswego "Republican," of New York. Mr. Osborne was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, August 3, 1814, and he, too, learned the printing business. The boys had become friendly while following their trade, and being ambitious to start a newspaper, selected Mr. Green's home town, Quincy, for their venture. The partnership lasted only until April 1, 1837, when Mr. Osborne withdrew, going to Danbury, Connecticut, where he founded the Danbury "News." In June, 1853, he purchased the Poughkeepsie "American," changing the name to the "Democrat," and in August, 1855, he merged it with the "Telegraph," under the name of the Poughkeepsie "Telegraph," publishing it both as a daily and as a weekly. Mr. Osborne continued as a successful pub- lisher throughout his life.

Meantime, while Mr. Osborne was prospering else- where, the Quincy "Patriot," under young Mr. Green's management, was prospering in Quincy. He was a practical printer, a young man of pleasing per- sonality, who easily attracted friends, and he soon se- cured a circulation of between three hundred and four hundred. It is interesting to note that at the present time (1928) the children and grandchildren of those first subscribers are readers of the paper. The ad- vertising patronage was also good, and soon the Quincy "Patriot" had secured a "standing" not only

in Quincy, but throughout Norfolk County. After conducting the paper for fourteen years, in July, 1851, Mr. Green sold to Gideon F. Thayer and George White, Judge of the Probate Court of Norfolk County. The following year, in 1852, Mr. Thayer sold his interests to Judge White, who, in April, 1853, sold it to its former owner, Mr. Green, who con- tinued to publish it successfully to the time of his death on July 11, 1861. The last owners, Mr. Thayer and Judge White, being inexperienced in the publishing business, had lost several thousands of dollars in the enterprise, but Mr. Green soon brought order out of confusion, and again placed the paper on a firm foundation.

During the time of the ownership of the paper by Judge White, it had happened that among the boys who had come to the office to see the type set up and to watch the press print the paper, was George

W. Prescott, a newsboy delivering the Quincy "Pa- triot" to a number of subscribers. He was often al- lowed to set a few lines of type, and when Mr. Green repurchased the publication, young Prescott entered his employ to learn the business. The boy was quick to learn and was thoroughly interested in the business. He also possessed unusual ability, and soon mastered most of the details of the business. So thor- oughly did the lad make himself familiar with the management, that when Mr. Green suddenly died, leaving a widow and three children in somewhat straitened circumstances, Mr. Prescott had mastered all the details of the business from the business office to the pressroom. He felt that, with some assistance from Mrs. Green, he could go on with the business and make a living for Mrs. Green and her family. Mrs. Green, a woman of education and of fine char- acter and disposition, soon made a place for her- self in conducting the "Patriot." She was undoubtedly one of the pioneers of her sex in the field of journal- ism, and all through the years, to the present time, there has always been a woman vitally interested in the success and prosperity of the Quincy "Patriot," Annie L. Prescott, daughter of the late George W. Prescott, now being closely identified with it.

During the Civil War, when, as a result of the enlistment of subscribers and advertisers, nearly one- fourth of the newspapers of the country had to sus- pend business, the Quincy "Patriot" continued its issues, and as soon as the war was over made rapid and steady progress, winning a high place, not only in the town, but in county and State. In 1869, Mr. Prescott, who had been most successfully "carrying on" all these years, purchased a half interest in the business, and the firm became Green and Prescott. In later years the "Patriot" was enlarged three times. In 1889, after Quincy became a city, the Quincy "Daily Ledger" was started, the two papers con- tinuing as separate publications until 1914, when they were merged and published as a daily. The firm also owned and published the Braintree "Observer" from 1878 to a few years ago. This was a fine, newsy paper, with a large subscription list, and added mater- ially to the profits of the firm." When age and ill health came to Mrs. Green she sold her interest to Mr. Prescott, who was the owner and publisher at the time of his death, which occurred in 1908. On May 18, 1903, a few years before his death, Mr. Pres- cott celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his en- trance into the business by entertaining the New Eng- land Suburban Press Association at dinner in Quincy.

During nearly a century the publication now known as the Quincy "Patriot Ledger" has made steady progress, with an increasing circulation and a large advertising patronage, recognized as one of the best advertising mediums in the State. Holding to the principle that quality of output makes friends and permanent subscribers, the Quincy "Patriot Ledger" has never indulged in circulation "booms," nor offered premiums and prizes for new subscribers, but has relied upon the substantial and steady increase which is the natural result of excellence of service. The Quincy "Patriot Ledger" is the "home daily," read by all the family, and has made its own way until, in 1928, it is read by from forty thousand to sixty- five thousand readers daily. From one room on the second floor, the housing space has grown to the whole of the second floor, then to the whole building, and finally, after eighty-seven years, and also after the death of Mr. Prescott, outgrew its old quarters

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

entirely. After Mr. Prescott's death, in 1908, the busi- ness was incorporated under the firm name of the George W. Prescott Publishing Company, the stock being held by the family, and Miss Annie L. Pres- cott, who had been her father's private secretary, was made treasurer of the company and active in its nianagement. Through her personal interest and ability the enterprise continued to make steady prog- ress, until a new building became a necessity if the concern was to continue its progress. A piece of ground was purchased, architects consulted, 'and plans carefully studied by Miss Prescott, after which the fine new building which the firm now occupies on Temple Street, opposite the old First Church, was built in 1924-25, and dedicated to the memory of George W. Prescott, who gave of his best for more than fifty-five years.

While there are at the present time many women in the newspaper business, they are mostly associated with weekly publications, and the work of Miss Pres- cott is notable in that she has been and still is the head of a daily newspaper.

Miss Prescott is a member of the National Editor- ial Association, the Massachusetts Press Association, and the New England Women's Press Association. She is a charter member of the Quincy Women's Club, and its first treasurer; a charter member of Adams Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution, of Quincy; a member of the Neighborhood Club of Quincy; the Quincy Alliance and Fragment Society of the First Parish Unitarian Church of Quincy; Quincy Chamber of Commerce; Hospital Aid As- sociation; and is interested in several local organi- zations, especially in those concerned with civic im- provements and advancement.

JOSEPH H. CORDELLA-Friends have taken occasion to point to Joseph H. Cordella, Quincy lawyer, as an example of what an ambitious young man may expect in the way of advancement in the United States. Born of Italian parentage in this country, Mr. Cordella learned the correct speak- ing of the English language in the public schools, and when twenty years of age enlisted in the United States Army for World War service. After the war he attended college, graduated with his law degree and has ever since been a prospering member of the profession. He played on the college baseball nine, and was so good that he has been director of athletics and captain in the local field, and also for a time played in the Eastern League. The result of his adaptability is that in a land of plenty he has made his way: he has accepted American conditions, ap- plied to them Italian enterprise and imagination, and has been the pride of his parents and friends. Since he has before him many more years of usefulness, he can hopefully look forward to the day when he will be a man of even greater power and influence in his community.

Joseph H. Cordella was born August 13, 1897, at Barre, Vermont, son of Vincent A. Cordella and Amelia (Cardenelli) Cordella, his father a native of Venice, Italy, a hard-working stone-cutter, and his mother born at Carrara, Italy, in a beautiful valley of the Appenines near the Ligurion Sea. Mr. Cor- della began his education in the public schools of Hardwick, Vermont, where he advanced rapidly, and when he was well prepared, he entered the Boston University Law School, from which institution he was graduated in 1921 with the degree of Bachelor

of Laws. His progress at the law had been arrested, however, by the outbreak of the World War. He en- listed in Battery A, Thirtieth Regiment, Coast Ar- tillery Corps, in September, 1918, as a private, and served until May, 1919, when he was mustered out, and went back to his studies. On graduating from the Boston University Law School he passed the bar examination and was admitted to practice in Massa- chusetts. He has done unusually well with a con- stantly growing clientele of Americans and Italo- Americans, and enjoys a high standing for his ability and interest in civic affairs. When he came out of college he continued playing baseball, of which he is extremely fond, and was put in charge of the base- ball team of the New Departure Manufacturing Com- pany of Bristol, Connecticut, and also played for a time in the Eastern League for the Waterbury Club. He is also an excellent man on the basketball court.

Mr. Cordella maintains offices at No. 1433 Hancock Street, and has been admitted to practice in all courts of Massachusetts. His Federal Court practice is also considerable. He is a valued member of the Quincy Bar Association, the Psi Chi Fraternity and the Re- publican party. He is a member of Caspian Lake Lodge, No. 87, Free and Accepted Masons, and at- tends the Congregational church.

WILLIAM A. BOYDEN-The place of leader- ship that William A. Boyden has won in the real estate and insurance business, as well as in impor- tant industrial matters in Brockton, is the direct outcome of his outstanding ability in civic and busi- ness matters, and the broad interest that he has at all times shown in serving the people and the city's institutions. He is rightly accounted one of Brock- ton's best informed citizens; and he has held and continues to hold office of the most important charac- ter in the upbuilding and the general progress of the city. He is a son of William Boyden, a mason by trade, who died in 1912, and Elizabeth (Rae) Boy- den, who died in 1918. Both parents were natives of County Tyrone, Ireland.

William A. Boyden was born July 28, 1866, at Bridgewater. At the age of five years he came to Brockton, where he attended the public schools. He was first employed by the Sampson and Appleton Company, where he continued for seven and a half years, when he joined the Brockton Fire Depart- ment and was the first hoseman to be appointed to the permanent department. He so continued for six years, and he then took an examination for the Police Department. This he passed with the highest mark, with the exception of one, that has been recorded. After two years, he was appointed to an inspector- ship, and in that department he served twelve years, after which he succeeded City Marshal Beals in that office. Following his two years' service as City Mar- shal of Brockton, Mr. Boyden resigned to accept the position of superintendent of the D. W. Field Shoe Company where he remained for ten and a half years, proving his thoroughness and capability in industrial lines, as well.

In 1911, Mr. Boyden established his present real estate and insurance business in Brockton, with his offices at No. 16 Court Street and in pursuance of business is intrusted with the care of some of the largest estates in the city of Brockton. In 1917 he founded the William A. Boyden Solid Fibre Box Company, which is the only industrial concern of the kind in Brockton.

MERRILL ŚTUDIV DROCKTUN, MASS.

Milliany Dr. Bryder

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

A Republican in his political views, Mr. Boyden is prominent in all matters that have to do with the city's well-being. He is a trustee of the Home for Aged Men in the city of Brockton and is also a mem- ber of the board of directors of the Brockton Agri- cultural Society; is chairman of the Sunday Concert Committee, and of the Sanitation Committee; and for fifteen years he was in charge of all police regu- lations at the Brockton Fair. He was for seven years a member of the Fifth Massachusetts Regiment

Band. Fraternally, Mr. Boyden is affiliated with Paul Revere Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Council, Royal and Select Masters; Bay State Commandery, Knights Templar; the Grotto, Mystic Order Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm; and the Loyal Order of Orangeman. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, and he is chairman of the finance committee of his church.

William A. Boyden married, September 2, 1885, Kezia P. Gossen, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Tebeau) Gossen. Their children: 1. Ralph, who died in Manila, Philippine Islands, while serving as clerk of the Court of Land Registration, for the United States Government. 2. Mabel E., married George Metcalf, of New Bedford. 3. Lillian E., a graduate of the State Normal School, Lasell Seminary, and Boston University, with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy and is now Dean of the State Normal School at Gorham, Maine.

YRJO MATTHEW MATSON -- Through applica- tion of his personal gifts and abilities, Mr. Matson has proven his right to represent his profession as an attorney-at-law in the Quincy courts, where he has won his pronounced success; and as an incumbent of important public office, he has the executive di- rection of the Park Board interests of one of the most attractive communities in this county.

A son of Daniel Matson, a native of Finland, in city employ at Gloucester, Massachusetts, and of Au- gusta (Lunden) Matson, who died in 1908, Yrjo Mat- thew Matson was born March 9, 1891, at Nivala, Fin- land, and upon the removal of his parents to Glouces- ter, he attended the grammar and high schools of that city. He was for some years variously employed, at first with the Gloucester Water Works, and then with the L. E. Smith Hardware Company; and in 1911 he entered the employ of the Boston & Maine Railroad as clerk and stenographer, so continuing until 1916, when he went to Boston to work for the New Eng- land Freight Association. It was in this year that Mr. Matson began the study of law in Northeastern University, and coming to Quincy in the latter part of 1917, he was for some time engaged in the gro- cery business with Mr. Karhu, under the firm name Karhu and Matson, this partnership continuing until 1919, when he bought out Mr. Karhu's interest and continued in his own name until 1920, when he es- tablished a real estate and insurance office, at the same time acting as court interpreter. In 1923, Mr. Matson began the practice of law, and he has con- tinued therein to the present most successfully at No. 1372 Hancock Street, Savings Bank Building.

A Republican in his political views, Mr. Matson serves very capably and efficiently in public office. In 1925 he was appointed a member of the Quincy Park Board, and in 1927 he was elected chairman of the board. Besides his membership with the Quincy Bar Association, Mr. Matson is affiliated with Quincy

Lodge, No. 943, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; with Uljas Koitto Temperance Society of Quincy, which he has served as secretary; with East- ern Finnish Temperance League, in which he has been secretary; and he is a past president of the Finnish Young People's Club. His hobbies are base- ball, football, hockey, and fishing.

Yrjo Matthew Matson married, August 15, 1917, Hilma Malin, who was born in Finland; and they have two children: Robert Y., and Ruby L. The family attend the Finnish Congregational Church.

FORBES A. CRAIG-Contributing to the high re- pute of the granite cutting business through the ex- cellent product of his own firm, Forbes A. Craig has been associated with all branches of the industry in Quincy throughout his successful business career; and today his standing is unrivalled as to the sub- stantial methods in use at his plant, the fine quality of output, and the steadily increasing activities of his establishment. He is a son of the well-known granite cutter, Forbes Craig, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, who was engaged in granite manufacturing to the time of his retirement in 1918, was founder of the Forbes Craig Company in South Quincy, and died in 1924, and of Margaret M. (Thompson) Craig, also a native of Aberdeen, who died in 1920.

Forbes A. Craig was born March 4, 1884, in Quincy, where he attended the public schools. He then be- came associated with his father in the business of the Forbes Craig Granite Company, in 1903 was made a member of the firm, and has been sole owner of the plant since 1918. The Forbes Craig Company was started in 1892 by Forbes Craig, who continued actively in the business until 1918. The offices and cutting sheds of the company are located at No. 55 Gilbert Street, South Quincy, where this concern cuts and polishes granite, and manufactures monu- mental work for memorial and cemetery require- ments, employing thirty people, and with repute sec- ond to no other engaged in similar lines. In political matters, Mr. Craig is affiliated with the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of Manet Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Clan McGregor, Order of the Scottish Clans; and the Granite Manufacturers' Association, on whose executive board he has served. He attends the First Presbyterian Church in Quincy.

Forbes A. Craig married, in 1906, Gertrude A. Den- nen, who was born in Quincy. Their children: Rus- sell William, Gertrude A., Frank Gilbert, Marie, and Joseph.

HESLIP ENGLISH SUTHERLAND-Since 1924 Heslip English Sutherland has been engaged in laying the foundations of his legal career, in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he has his office at No. 1359 Hancock Street. Mr. Sutherland is a Boston Uni- versity man, and is a native of Quincy. Since 1927 he has been associated with Mrs. Emma S. Tousant in the practice of law under the firm name of Tousant and Sutherland.

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.

History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 17

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