History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 19

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 19
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 19
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 19

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Eugene F. Skinner married, in 1886, Anna E. Burr, a native of Hingham and daughter of Pyam C. and Annie E. (Hersey) Burr.

GEORGE D. WITHERELL-As treasurer of the North Abington Co-operative Bank, George D. With- erell is identified with a financial concern which has an assured place in the banking world of Eastern Massachusetts. Mr. Witherell is the fourth treasurer of the bank, which was founded in 1888, and he is well qualified for the efficient discharge of his duties, as his entire active career, to the present time (1928) has been identified with the banking business.

George D. Witherell was born in Abington, Massa- chusetts, July 4, 1898, son of E. Milton Witherell, of Pembroke, Massachusetts, who was engaged in busi- ness as a merchant and who died in 1903, and of Ann Elizabeth (Cushman) Witherell, of Abington, who died in 1920. He received his early and prepara- tory education in the public schools of his birthplace, and after completing his high school course matricu- lated in Northeastern University. When his college course was completed he began his active career as clerk in the Abington National Bank, which connec- tion he maintained for two and a half years. At the end of that time he resigned in order that he might accept the responsible position of treasurer of the North Abington Co-operative Bank, which official position he has continued to hold. This is the only co-operative bank in the Abingtons, and was founded in 1888 by a group of business men which included Major E. P. Reed, Joseph L. Greenwood, M. M. Loud, E. P. Boynton, S. N. Turner, M. N. Arnold, E. Ripley Bates, and William C. Brett. It was organ- ized with Major E. P. Reed as its first president and M. M. Loud as its first treasurer. Major Reed was succeeded by Joseph L. Greenwood, and he by Wil- liam C. Brett, a full account of whose career appears elsewhere in this work. The second treasurer was Fred E. Reed, who was succeeded by E. W. Cal- kins, and he, in turn, was succeeded by George D. Witherell. the present treasurer. The bank began in a small way, building its foundation carefully and soundly, and during the forty years which have passed since its organization it has taken its place among the thoroughly well-established financial concerns of Eastern Massachusetts. At the present time its assets total $1,728,000, and it ranks among the best. Although a young man, Mr. Witherell is known as an able and thoroughly efficient banker, and he is deeply interested in his work. He takes an active part in local public affairs, is now serving as town treasurer,

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

and during the World War enlisted for service and was stationed at Fort Andrews with the Sixth Coast Artillery. Fraternally, he is identified with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also a member of the Sons of Veterans and of the American Legion. He is identified with several local clubs, and his religious affiliation is with the Congregational church, of which he is a junior deacon and serves as a member of the standing committee.

George D. Witherell was married, in 1923, to Doro- thy E. Richardson, of Abington, Massachusetts, daughter of Ernest L. and Lottie B. (Littlefield) Richardson. Mr. and Mrs. Witherell are the parents of one daughter, Priscilla A., who was born April 3, 1926.

WALTER B. FOSTER-The distinction of hav- ing still further cemented the strength of the financial structure of Plymouth County in general and of Hing- ham in particular is rightfully bestowed upon Walter B. Foster, to whose far-sightedness and organizing ability are due the inception and continued existence of the highly useful and widely popular Hingham Co-operative Bank. As secretary-treasurer of this institution from the time of its founding to the pres- ent, he has been a major factor in shaping the policy and determining the purposes that have been attended with a success that is everywhere recognized as the fruit of most capable management.

Born in Hingham, Massachusetts, June 7, 1863, Walter B. Foster is a son of Timothy and Emma T. (Burr) Foster, both natives of Hingham, his mother having died in 1914. He attended the public schools of the town and finished his education at the Farm and Trade School, located in Boston. Having served his time as an apprentice in the carpenter's trade, he was declared to be a full-fledged journeyman, and was a member of the craft for ten years. By this time he had yielded to an insistent urge to engage in some profession by which he would be enabled to bestow the benefit of his endowment upon a greater body of people than by his trade. The profession that he elected was the praiseworthy one of civil engineering, and into the practice of it he threw all his resources of mind, energy and training. The re- sult has been a large and satisfied body of clients, for whom he has executed many commissions of im- portance. He has also been town surveyor of Hing- ham and of Hull for many years, and in this con- nection has made a number of surveys and rendered an official decision in cases on which hung issues of moment in which the town had an intimate in- terest.

As showing the ready adaptability of Mr. Foster's mind to really great affairs, he conceived the idea of establishing the Hingham Co-operative Bank. Of this institution he should be properly declared the founder, since it was actually the creature of his brain and was developed under the magnetism of his personality and organizing ability. The bank was in- corporated May 28, 1889, with E. L. Ripley, president; Walter B. Foster, secretary-treasurer; and E. W. Burr, William Fearing (2), Edmund Hersey, Thom- as Howe, E. W. Bartlett, F. M. Ripley, George Price, E. G. Tinsley, E. M. Lane, H. N. Andrews, C. W. Burr, W. W. Simmons, C. S. Henderson, E. F. Skinner and A. M. Bibby, directors. To the office of president Ira G. Hersey was elected as the suc- cessor of Mr. Ripley, and he is still the occupant of that position. Mr. Skinner is the vice-president. The

bank has its headquarters in an excellent location in the Water Company Building, where it has always carried on its business. Total assets of nearly one and one-half million dollars attest the strength and popularity of this institution.

Mr. Foster has found time to devote to matters of public interest during the very busy years of his con- cern with banking and surveying. He is a trustee of the Farm and Trade School of Boston, of which he is a graduate. In the World War period he per- formed in his usual able manner the duties of food administrator for the town of Hingham under the Federal Government, which presented him with a cer- tificate of honor in recognition of his valued service. In his political relations he is a Republican, and is also affiliated with Old Colony Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, of which he is a Past Master. He holds membership in a number of local clubs, and has his religious fellowship with the Unitarian church of Hingham.

Mr. Foster married, in 1889, Adelaide L. Lincoln, of Hingham.

CALVIN R. BARRETT-Thirteen years ago the voting population of the city of Brockton selected Calvin R. Barrett to assume the office and heavy re- sponsibilities of the post of city clerk. So well did he carry out his trust, his fellow-citizens decided at the polls, in 1922, that Mr. Barrett was duly quali- fied and therefore should be elected to the office of city treasurer, to succeed the late incumbent, J. J. O'Reilly, and as city treasurer Mr. Barrett continues to give the utmost satisfaction to those who reposed in him their confidence as to his integrity and ability.

Calvin R. Barrett is a native of Brooklyn, New York, as was his late father, William H. B. Barrett, who followed the occupation of ship joiner, and who married Sarah E. Elliott, of Philadelphia, who died in 1910.

Calvin R., son of William H. B. and Sarah E. (El- liott) Barrett, was born on October 28, 1859, in the city of Brooklyn, New York. He received his edu- cation in the public schools, and came to Brockton in 1884. He secured employment with the Burt and Packard Shoe Company, occupied the position of superintendent of the factory until 1898, and then be- came a traveling representative for Farnsworth, Hoyt & Company, and thus continued until 1915, in which year he made his first official connection with the municipal government in the capacity of city clerk, which position he held until his present office as city treasurer was tendered to him, in 1922. A Republican in political preferences, he was a member of the School Board of Brockton for three years. He is affiliated with Paul Revere Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Satucket Royal Arch Chapter; Brockton Council, Royal and Select Masters; and Bay State Commandery. He is also Past High Priest of the Chapter and Past Master of Bay State Commandery. In religious belief, he is an active member of the vestry and senior warden of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

In 1888. Calvin R. Barrett married Florence M. Browne, daughter of Cyrus P. and Olive M. (Alger) Browne. Children: 1. Olive M., married F. L. Mac- donald. 2. Lawrence W., graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and served in the United States Army during the World War with rank of hospital sergeant. 3. Edna M., a graduate of Normal School, now a teacher in the Brockton schools. One

Herbert Boyden

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

other child, Harold R., died in infancy. By his daugh- ter, Olive M., Mr. Barrett has two grandchildren, Robert M., and Margaret B. Macdonald. By his son, Lawrence, he is the grandfather of two boys, Law- rence W., Jr., and Harold R. Barrett.

LEON S. FAIRBANKS, long identified with financial and banking circles of New England, and a citizen of broad and important commercial interests, was born August 20, 1884, at Marlboro, Massachu- setts, a son of Herbert E. and Luella S. (Burr) Fair- banks, both natives of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Luella S. (Burr) Fairbanks died in 1924; while Her- bert E. Fairbanks has retired from commercial en- terprise.

Leon S. Fairbanks received his education in the grammar and high schools of the community in which he was born, and immediately after entered the bank- ing field of New England. He was still a very young man and the work he performed was in more or less direct ratio to his age. He began as a messenger for the Commercial National Bank of Boston, and he remained with this institution, serving in various positions until 1914. He then resigned to go to Abington, where he started in as clerk of the cor- poration of the Abington Savings Bank. Mr. Fair- banks was appointed treasurer of this institution, in 1915, succeeding David Poole in the post which he, Mr. Fairbanks, has retained ever since that time. The Abington Savings Bank is one of the oldest and one of the most substantial financial houses of its kind in this part of the land. It was established in 1853, and its first president was Ezekiel Thaxter; its second was Jenkins Lane; its third, Zichri N. Whitmarsh; its fourth, Otis W. Soule; its fifth, Joseph L. Green- wood, who served until his death, December 20, 1912, when he was succeeded by William J. Coughlan, who is still filling this important post. The assets of the bank are well in excess of five million dollars, and it serves more than 6,000 depositors, all of whom show a high credit and standing in their respective commun- ities. In connection with this work, Mr. Fairbanks holds membership in the Boston Bank Officers' As- sociation, and the Massachusetts Association of Sav- ings Bank Treasurers. He has also found occasion to assume a number of outside commercial interests, being a director of the Abington Mutual Fire In- surance Company, one of the oldest and most con- servative in the Eastern United States.

Mr. Fairbanks has devoted much of his time and talents to public affairs of his community during the emergency created by the entry of the United States into the World War; he was active in connection with the various Liberty and Victory Loan drives in- stituted by the United States Treasury Department. He also gave material aid to many other committees and drives which worked for the final benefit of the Amer- ican troops. In his political views, he is a supporter of the Republican party. He is also affiliated with John Cutler Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.

Leon S. Fairbanks married, in 1907, Lucelia E. Crockett, daughter of George B. and Mary H. Crock- ett, of South Paris, Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks are the parents of one daughter, Marjorie Fairbanks, born September 22, 1914. Mr. Fairbanks and his family reside in Abington, and attend the Congrega- tional church.

HERBERT BOYDEN-To Mr. Boyden belongs the distinction of being the first civilian to be ap-

pointed city marshal of Brockton, Massachusetts, in which office he has served so diligently and ably that at the expiration of his term on January 1, 1926, he was immediately reappointed. During the tenure of his office, the city of Brockton prospered most hap- pily and has a reputation as one of the finest law- abiding cities of the State. Of recognized talents, he has been very active in politics for more than a quarter of a century and during that time has held various posts of civic importance and political in- fluence. He is the son of William and Elizabeth (Ray) Boyden, both of whom are now deceased.

Herbert Boyden was born July 1, 1875, at Brockton, Massachusetts, where he attended the public schools. Upon leaving school, he was employed for a num- ber of years as foreman for the D. W. Fields Shoe Company, but later joined his brother, William A. Boyden, in the insurance business, with which he is still connected. During the years of progress, they have established a factory manufacturing fibre boxes and related articles in addition to the insurance busi- ness. Ardently supporting the Republican party, Mr. Boyden has won great prominence in the organiza- tion as a result of his striking and dominant personal- ity which inspires confidence and respect among his associates, who have found in him an able leader and industrious worker. He has had charge of many of the political campaigns of candidates for mayor and Congressman and recently guided the campaign of Joseph Walker, candidate for Governor of the State. In 1917, Mr. Boyden was made city marshal in which capacity he is still serving his community. A man of severe discipline, he has impressed this char- acteristic upon the people of Brockton, the result of which has been a very peaceful and free-from-crime period during the years of Mr. Boyden's term of office. During the World War, he was actively en- gaged in the Liberty Loan campaigns, and was a distinguished figure in all of them. He is a member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Affili- ated with the Porter Congregational Church of Brockton, which he attends, Mr. Boyden is also chair- man of the Men's Club of Ushers.

Mr. Boyden married Anna M. Babb of Gardiner, Maine, daughter of Joseph and Armina Augusta Capen (Roberts) Babb, in 1896. They have one daughter, Elva R., to whom they have given a splendid musical education.

WILLIAM F. BATES, of Hanover, has long been active in the banking and commercial worlds of that community. He is now the surviving partner of the firm of Phillips, Bates & Company, hay, grain and coal merchants of Hanover and Marshfield. He was born September 17, 1860, at Abington, Massachusetts, a son of Alvin and Irene (Ford) Bates, both of whom were born in Massachusetts. Irene (Ford) Bates, a native of Abington, died in 1866, and Alvin Bates, born at Weymouth, died in 1904. He was for many years associated with the shoe industry in his native State.

William F. Bates received his education in the public schools of Abington, and obtained his first contact with the world of commerce near his pres- ent place of business, Hanover. In 1886, however, he formed a business partnership with Lot Phillips and Edward Y. Perry, under the firm name of Phil- lips, Bates & Company, for the purpose of dealing in hay, grain and coal. This was a most successful

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

venture-so successful, indeed, that it is the business in which Mr. Bates has since remained. The head- quarters for this company has always been located in Hanover, thus today it enjoys the honor of being among the oldest enterprises of its kind in this part of the State. The trade increased steadily, due to the high standards of integrity and keen com- mercial foresight of the partners, until finally, in 1896, a branch office was opened at Marshfield, Massachu- setts. Even now an exceedingly large volume of business is handled by this company, although Mr. Bates is now alone in the enterprise. Shortly after the inauguration of this service, Mr. Phillips retired, and now, although Mr. Perry died in 1899, the con- cern still operates under the original name. Excel- lent equipment for the handling of the business of the company has been installed in both Hanover and Marshfield, and at both places a private railroad spur is maintained for conducting the business.

Notwithstanding his many business duties, Mr. Bates has nevertheless assumed a number of other responsibilities. He is president of the South Scitu- ate Savings Bank, and a director of the Rockland Trust Comany. Mr. Bates is also, with Henry W. Chandler of Whitman, a trustee of the estate of his late partner, Mr. E. Y. Perry, who left property, real and otherwise, to the value of more than a half million dollars; the income of the estate, as stated clearly in his will, is "for the benefit of the people of Han- over, Hanson and Pembroke, Massachusetts."

Mr. Bates has also taken a profound interest in the general welfare of Hanover. In his political views, he is a Republican. During the World War, he was generous, aiding and giving freely of his material support to the various boards and committees formed for the purpose of aiding the troops. He took a personal part in all the Liberty and Victory Loan drives in- stituted by the United States Treasury Department. Mr. Bates has shown much interest in social life, is a member of the local clubs of Hanover, and has held membership in the Boston Chamber of Com- merce since 1888; and also the Boston Grain and Flour Exchange. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, being a Past Master of Phoenix Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Hanover; Past High Priest of Pilgrim Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Abington Council, Roy- al and Select Masters; Past Eminent Commander of Old Colony Commandery, Knights Templar, of Abington; and a member of Massachusetts Con- sistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret.

William F. Bates married (first) Fanny S. Whiting, of Abington, Massachusetts, since deceased. By this union one child was born, Olive Ford, who married George C. Dumas of Hanover. Mr. Bates married (second) Ella Cobbett, daughter of Charles F. Cob- bett, of Rockland, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Bates reside in Hanover, and attend the Episcopal church.

HOWARD P. HERSEY-With banking as the principal activity in which he has been engaged virtually all his life, Howard P. Hersey, treasurer of the Hingham Institution for Savings, has the honor to have been connected for forty-five years with a bank that is very near the century mark in its length of esteemed service to its community. Mr. Hersey has also been broadly active as a member of practically every organization that has to do with benefiting the people of Hingham in their various

endeavors to promote the best interests of this beautiful and interesting old town. At the close of business in 1927, the Hingham Institution for Savings had total assets of $4,838,755.80.

Born in Hingham, Massachusetts, August 28, 1864, Howard P. Hersey is the son of Edmund (2) and Mary (Howard) Hersey, both natives of that town, the former having died in 1905 and the latter in 1892. His father was engaged as a merchant for many years, and was regarded as one of the influential and sub- stantial members of the community. Having re- ceived his public school education in the Hingham schools, the son, Howard Hersey, took a course in a business school, where he familiarized himself with the theory of commerce and finance. Possessing a strong inclination to take up banking, as his life- work, shortly after leaving school he accepted a posi- tion with the Hingham National Bank, where he re- mained one year, going thence to the Hingham In- stitution for Savings, in 1881. Events have since proved that this association was mutually beneficial, and Mr. Hersey's contribution to the prestige of this ancient bank is a matter of local pride and history. The Hingham Institution for Savings was incorpor- ated April 2, 1834, and it had its first quarters on North Street, where for more than a quarter of a century it catered to the financial needs of the com- munity, and grew in favor and strength with the people, who reposed implicit confidence in its man- agement. By 1860 the institution had outgrown its old banking rooms, and in that year a building was erected on Main Street for the joint use of the bank and the Hingham Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The institution has figured prominently in the history and progress of Hingham and the contiguous area which it serves. As one of the oldest financial in- stitutions of Plymouth County, it may rightfully lay claim to the title of being a financial bulwark of this jurisdiction. An idea of its strength may be gathered from the fact that it has total assets of $4,838,755.80. It has been most fortunate in its official personnel, the executives and chief fiscal officers having been men noted for their financial acumen, unimpeachable integrity and broadly helpful relations with the de- positors and clientage who have helped it very ma- terially to attain its record of success and high stand- ing. The presidents of the institution, and their tenure, from its inception to the present incumbent, have been: David Whiton, 1834-1843; Daniel Bas- sett, 1843-1848; David Fearing, 1849-1863; Atherton Tilden, 1863-1868; Isaac Barnes, 1868-1873; Daniel Bassett, 1873-1890; Joseph Sprague, 1890-1893; Emos Loring, 1893-1907; Francis H. Lincoln, 1908-1911; Morris F. Whiton, 1912, to date. During its ex- istence it has had only three treasurers, all of them strong, able, upright men of large financial calibre. David Harding, the first treasurer, saw the institu- tion well on its way from a comparatively small be- ginning to a place of commanding influence in the financial structure of the county. His son and suc- cessor, Henry C. Harding, administered the office with a fine record for ability, while the number of depositors and the volume of assets continued to show satisfactory increase. Henry C. Harding's suc- cessor is Mr. Hersey, who has consolidated his office on the basis of his own background of experience as a banker and on the desirable record written high by his predecessors. Under his wisely guiding hand the strength of the institution is unassailably main- tained.

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

While Mr. Hersey, at one time or another, has had some official or a membership connection with about every worth-while endeavor that the progressive town of Hingham boasts, he has narrowed the number of these associations down to the limit which he believes he is enabled to serve best with the time and energy at his command. He has been a director of the Hingham Trust Company and is a director of the Hingham Mutual Fire Insurance Company. His political affiliation is with the Re- publican party. He is a member of Old Colony Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Chap- ter of that order, also of the Wompatuck Club. His religious association is with the First (Unitarian) Parish, being its clerk and a member of its board of trustees.

Mr. Hersey married. in 1885, Ruth B. Lane of Hingham, daughter of Morallus and Ellen J. (Glover) Lane. They have two daughters: Ethel L. and Celia H., both of whom are graduates of Wellesley College.

HAROLD S. CROCKER is well known in Brock- ton, where for several years he has served as city engineer. During his service as engineer for the city, splendid progress has been made for Brockton and vicinity in the development of the sewerage and water system, which is second to none in the United States. Under his supervision the old disposal plant of Brockton was entirely reconstructed with plain sedimentation and trickling filterer. The pumping plant was completely electrified, also the lowering of streams was accomplished for drainage purposes. This was begun in 1920, and has progressed ex- tensively under Mr. Crocker's supervision, nearly ninety-six miles of pipe having been laid and many other important engineering results accomplished under his régime.

Harold S. Crocker was born in Brockton, Novem- ber 26, 1888, the son of Frank L. Crocker, a tire dealer of Brockton, and of Mabel S. (Simpson) Crocker, a native of Charlestown, Massachusetts, who died in 1926. The son, Harold S. Crocker, was educated in the public and high schools of Brockton, Thayer Academy, Braintree, and Massachusetts In- stitute of Technology, of Boston, attending the latter institution for two years. After completing his technical training Mr. Crocker entered his profes- sional career as a civil engineer for the city of Brockton, in 1911, and his efficient and conscientious service in this connection led to his appointment as city engineer to succeed B. R. Chapman, and he has since continued the same painstaking and effective service. Mr. Crocker has allied himself with various civic interests, and is at the present time assistant treasurer and one of the directors of the Brockton Agricultural Association, a director of the Security Co-operative Bank, and retains other connections of local importance. A Republican in political faith, he is actively interested in the welfare of his party.

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History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 19

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