History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 3

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 3
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 3
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 3

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they are the parents of three children: Stanley Rus- sell, Dorothy Gladys, and Alyce Elisabeth.

JUDGE EDWARD B. PRATT-A merited and popularly pleasing elevation to the bench was that of Judge Edward B. Pratt, of the Second District, Plymouth County, who has graced the profession of the law for more than thirty-five years. The judicial office is not wholly new to Judge Pratt, since he was appointed a special justice about thirty years ago, or only five years after he was admitted to the bar. On the death of the presiding judge of the district, Judge Pratt was named his successor. He also has an ex- emplary civic and military record.

Edward B. Pratt was born in Boston, Massachu- setts, December 22, 1866, the son of Samuel L. and Mary L. (Bixley) Pratt, his father, a native of Sherborn, Massachusetts, was connected with the shoe industry for many years; the mother born in New York City. His preparatory training in Boston schools was followed by a course at Harvard Univer- sity, from which he was graduated in the class of 1888 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He studied law at Boston University and was graduated in 1891 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws.

The same year of his graduation, 1891, he was ad- mitted to the bar of this State, and entered the practice of his profession at Boston. He was after- wards associated with Henry B. Gibbs, and this arrangement continued until 1910, since which year he has been engaged in private practice. Meanwhile, as has been stated, he was made a special Justice of the District Court, in which capacity he rendered most valuable assistance whenever assigned to service. His law practice grew to large and satisfactory propor- tions, and he early took rank as one of the leaders of the bar. His experience in the court and his seniority made him the logical successor of Judge Kelley in September, 1926, following the latter's death.

The enviable military record which Judge Pratt achieved was in his association with the famous First Corps. In this organization he served first as a pri- vate, and later was advanced to first lieutenant, battalion adjutant, and to captain, regimental adjutant. He was commander of Company A in the World War. In politics he is allied to the Republican party, and his interest in the municipal affairs of his home town of Hingham is both constructive and sustained, and the has served the community as a member of the School Board and the Library Board. He is affilia- ted with Old Colony Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a Past Master, being also Past Commander of his Commandery, Knights Templar. He is a member of the Wampatuck, City and Harvard clubs, and the First Parish Church of Hingham.

Judge Pratt was married, in 1901, to Alice L. Fearing of Hingham. His elevation to a full justice- ship is held by his colleagues, members of the bar and the people of the district to be a deserved tribute to his ability and popularity.

GRANVILLE R. FARRAR-The Abington Na- tional Bank, founded in 1850, has the unique record of having had but two cashiers during the more than seventy-five years of its existence. The first of these was Judson N. Farrar, father of Mr. Farrar, and the second, and present incumbent is Granville R. Farrar, who has been cashier since 1886. Mr. Farrar has been identified with the Abington National Bank du-

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

ring the entire period of his active career, to the present time (1928), and is one of the very well-known and highly esteemed men of this community.

Granville R. Farrar was born in Abington, Massa- chusetts, September 9, 1856, son of Judson N. Farrar, a native of Peterboro, New Hampshire, who was for many years cashier of the Abington National Bank, and whose death occurred in 1894, and of Mary A. (Whitney) Farrar, who was born in New Haven, Vermont, and who died in 1890. He received his early education in the public schools and left high school to become a student in Adams Academy. Upon the completion of his academic course he entered the Abington National Bank, in 1874, his connection with that financial institution having been continuous since. In 1886 he succeeded his father as cashier and that official position he has continued to most efficiently fill to the pressnt time. The bank was organized in 1850 as a State bank. with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and was first located on Bank Street. The newly organized financial institution met with gratifying success from the beginning and the orig- inal capital was soon increased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Ultimately the bank was moved to its present location. The first president, A. E. Dunbar, served from 1850 to 1867, when he was succeeded by Baxter Cobb, who served for ten years, 1867-1877. Richard J. Lane was president from 1877 to 1886, when Charles N. Cobb became chief execu- tive and served as such from 1867 to 1902, inclusive. In 1903 M. N. Arnold was elected president, and he served from 1903 to 1914 inclusive, when William S. O'Brien succeeded him, taking office in 1915. Mr. O'Brien has served continuously to the present time. Thus while only two cashiers have served the Abing- ton National Bank, six presidents have held office. The total assets of the bank now aggregate over half a million, and the Abington National Bank is known as one of the thoroughly well-established financial concerns of Southeastern Massachusetts. Mr. Farrar is, in addition to his responsibility as cashier of the Abington National Bank, a trustee of the Abington Savings Bank. He casts his vote for the candidates whom he considers best fitted for the offices to which they aspire, regardless of party affiliations, and is ac- tive in local public affairs, having served as town treasurer for a period of twenty-two years. During the period of the participation of the United States in the World War he assisted in all the various drives and campaigns by means of which the home war work of Abington was achieved, and he is one of the public-spirited citizens who can be relied upon to contribute his full share to the advancement of the in- terests of the community. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational church, which he serves as treasurer.

Granville R. Farrar was married, at Abington, Mas- sachusetts, in 1883, to Fannie S. King, of Abington, daughter of John Avery and Helen (Ware) King. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar are the parents of three children: 1. Eleanor E., a graduate of Wellesley College. 2. Alice W., a graduate of Wellesley College. 3. John R., who, after completing one year at Harvard became a student in the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, from which he was graduated.

CHARLES CHESTER EATON-His efficient executive control of the affairs of the nationally known Charles A. Eaton Shoe Company, of Brock- ton, is a tribute to the business stability and enterprise

of Charles Chester Eaton, one of the foremost shoe manufacturers in Massachusetts, and a practical in- dustrialist who has mastered all branches of shoe making and its salesmanship. Mr. Eaton represents Brockton's citizenship upon its highest plane in civics, in industry and in an untiring zeal in behalf of com- munity improvement, and of all matters that are rightly calculated to secure for Brockton its perman- ency as a city beautiful as well as industrial. Mr. Eaton is a son of Charles Apollos Eaton, a noted shoe manufacturer, who is now deceased, and of Abbie A. (Dunham) Eaton.

Of Charles Apollos Eaton it has truthfully been declared that "he was a man of fine spirit in every way, broad-visioned, sympathetic, looked up to for leadership, and at all times a dependable citizen." He was born September 11, 1855, in Brockton, son of Apollos Eaton of Freetown, and Mary (Hamelin) Eaton, and traced his ancestry to Francis Eaton, one of the "Mayflower" passengers. He attended the pub- lic schools, and was graduated at the high school with honors, afterwards spending his entire life in Brockton in business and civic activities. He first began business as a shoe manufacturer is 1883, in partnership with L. B. Terry, in the Marshall Build- ing on Franklin Street, where they continued six months, removing to larger quarters on Pleasant Street. In 1884, the firm erected a much larger factory on Walnut Street, and in 1888 a one-hundred- foot addition was built. In May, 1892, Mr. Eaton retired from this partnership, F. A. Ware and W. A. Alley taking his interest, Mr. Terry, who remained with the firm, having been in business since 1876.

In 1893, Mr. Eaton began the manufacture of shoes under the firm name Charles A. Eaton Shoe Com- pany, with a welt line specialty that retailed from two dollars to two dollars and twenty-five cents a pair, and catering to the wholesale trade entirely. The product has been graded up since those days to the present high standard. Mr. Eaton's factory at that time was on Belmont Street, near the corner of War- ren Avenue, where the firm continued until the erection of the present plant on Centre Street, in 1910. The firm leased its factory in Augusta, Maine, in Oc- tober, 1902, for the making of a cheaper line of shoes, while the higher grade of welts is made in Brockton, the firm continuing to operate under the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union stamp. The firm was a pioneer in the manufacture of army shoes, the first of such shoes being made in January and February, 1915, the year following the opening of the World War, for the Belgian Government, after which followed orders for the Italian Army. Upon America's entrance into the war, one of the first firms to come to the atten- tion of the department was the Eaton company, with whom orders were placed from the first, the Brock- ton and Augusta factories being kept busy with such orders.

Charles Apollos Eaton was a prominent member of the directorate of the National Association of Boot and Shoe Manufacturers. He joined the Brockton Fire Department when he was sixteen yars old, and shared in the history of firefighting from the days of the hand-tubs. from 1881 onwards. In 1886 he was made chief of the department, resigning in 1892 to devote himself to his business interests, and being succeeded by Chief Harry L. Marston. He was the second president of the Brockton Young Men's Chris- tian Association, following George E. Keith, and preceding Preston B. Keith in that office; and he

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

was a heavy contributor to the Association war-time campaign and other drives. A portrait of Mr. Eaton was unveiled in the association's parlor at the thir- tieth anniversary exercises in 1917. Outside his home, his closest interests were the Central Methodist Episcopal Church and the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Eaton married Abbie Allen Dunham. Their children were: Mary Abbie Eaton, born 1877 and died 1886; Charles Chester Eaton: and Louis Franklin Eaton, both members of the firm. Charles Apollos Eaton died April 26, 1918, a man of sterling worth, strict integrity, and clear judgment, honored by his associates and the men in his employ.

Charles Chester Eaton, the head of the shoe manu- facturing firm that bears his name, was born June 11, 1878, in Brockton, where he attended the public and high schools. He matriculated at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, and was graduated there in 1901 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, when he became associated with the firm established by his father, and he has been identified with shoe manufacturing throughout his successful career. Mr. Eaton at first learned the practical details of the business, after which he served in the capacity of superintendent, and then of general superintendent of the entire plant, after which he was appointed vice-president.

Succeeding his father as the head of the Charles A. Eaton Shoe Company, Mr. Eaton became the president of the firm in 1918, so continuing to the present.

Mr. Eaton, who is a Republican in his political views, has represented local city government as a member of the Common Council and the Board of Aldermen, and he was a member of the Brockton School Board from 1907 to 1922. While president of the Chamber of Commerce, he was a prime mover in the important matter of the extension of Centre Street into what is now known as Legion Parkway, which is one of the centres of municipal attraction of which Brockton is justly proud; and he has been identified in many other ways with the development of Brock- ton. He is a member of the board of directors of the Brockton National Bank, and of the Morris Plan Bank.

Fraternally, Mr. Eaton is affiliated with Paul Revere Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Satucket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Brockton Council; Bay State Commandery, Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Grotto, Mystic Order Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm; he is also a member of Massasoit Lodge and the Encampment of Odd Fellowship; and with the Damocles Lodge, Knights of Pythias. His club is the Commercial. He is a member of the board of trustees and the official board of the Methodist Epis- copal church.

Charles Chester Eaton married, September 24, 1901, at Providence, Rhode Island, Harriet B. Armstrong, of Providence, daughter of Henry and Julia (Dench) Armstrong. Their children: Marjorie, born December 20, 1905, and Charles C., Jr., born January 20, 1912.

CHARLES L. NUTTER-As treasurer and man- ager of the Old Colony Foundry Company, of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Charles L. Nutter is identified with one of the well-established concerns of this part of the State. He is also identified with the two leading banks of East Bridgewater, and is known as an able business man and a financier.

Isaac N. Nutter, father of Mr. Nutter, was born in

East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and died January 9, 1911. During the early years of his active career he was engaged in business as a merchant in East Bridgewater, where he conducted a general store, or rather a drygoods store. Later he was treasurer ot the East Bridgewater Savings Bank, and in 1893 or- ganized and became treasurer of the Plymouth County Trust Company of Brockton. He was a member of one of the very old New England families, tracing back to Hatevil Nutter, who settled in Dover, New Hampshire, in 1635. He married Anna M. Latham, who was born in East Bridgewater, Mas- sachusetts, and died January 23, 1903, daughter of Charles A. Latham, one of four brothers who settled in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and a direct descendant of Robert Latham, who came over in 1620, in the "Mayflower."

Charles L. Nutter, son of Isaac N. and Anna M. (Latham) Nutter, was born in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, June 1, 1871, and received his early education in the public schools of his birthplace. After attending the East Bridgewater High School he prepared for college in Phillips-Exeter Academy, at Exeter, New Hampshire, and then became a stu- dent in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893, receiving at that time the degree of Bachelor of Science. Upon the completion of his technical train- ing he identified himself with the Carver Cotton Gin Company, of East Bridgewater, and that connection he maintained from 1893 to 1914, a period of twenty- one years. Meantime, however, in 1902, he had also become identified with the Old Colony Foundry Com- pany, as manager, holding the position of manager in both concerns from 1902 to 1914. In that year he severed his connection with the Carver Cotton Gin Company, and since that time he has devoted his entire time to the Old Colony Foundry Company, of which he is treasurer and manager. The plant is located at No. 36 Cook Street, in East Bridgewater, and under the efficient management of Mr. Nutter is rapidly increasing the volume of its output and the number of its patrons. Mr. Nutter is a thorough business man, able, resourceful, and possessed of large executive and administrative ability, and he holds a high place in the confidence and esteem of his associates. In addition to his responsibilities in connection with the Old Colony Foundry Company, Mr. Nutter is clerk and a member of the board of trustees of the East Bridgewater Savings Bank and president of the East Bridgewater Co-operative Bank. He is a member of the New England Foundrymen's Association, of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, of the University Club, of Boston, of the Unitarian Club, of Boston, and of the American Society of Me- chanical Engineers. Politically, he gives his support to the principles and the candidates of the Republican party, is a member of First Parish Unitarian Church, and is chairman of the Parish Committee. Mr. Nutter is well known in East Bridgewater and vicinity, and has a host of friends there who respect him for his ability and for his sterling qualities of character. Prac- tically his whole active career has been devoted to the town of his birth, and he is known as one of its most able and public-spirited citizens.

CHARLES FREDERIC MANN-As treasurer of the East Bridgewater Savings Bank, Charles F. Mann has been rendering efficient service to that institution

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

and to the town for more than thirty years. He is also a director and a member of the executive board of the Bridgewater Trust Company. He is active in local affairs, and is known as one of the most public- spirited citizens of the community.

Frederick Chandler Mann, father of Mr. Mann, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, January 24, 1839, died in East Bridgewater, February 8, 1907, son of John Chandler and Silvia Lovell (Hedge). Mann. The sur- name Mann is found in England in the "Domesday Book," A. D. 1086, and in New England it has been known from the earliest of the Colonial times. The first of the family to come to America was Richard Man (spelled with one "n"), who settled in New England prior to 1644. His descendant, Frederick Chandler Mann, during his younger manhood, was engaged as a cabinetmaker and carpenter, but the greater part of his life was identified with the Carver Cotton Gin Company of East Bridgewater, part of the period of thirty-five years being spent as travel- ing representative selling machinery, on which he had made a number of inventions for the improve- ment of devices for the production of cotton-seed oil. He remained with the company until his death. He was a trustee of the East Bridgewater Savings Bank, affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons and the Republican party; in his younger years, a Good Templar, and always an advocate of temperance. He married Pamelia Leonard Hill, daughter of Leonard and Pamelia (Cushing) Hill, of East Bridgewater. Of their three children, the eldest was Charles Frederic, of whom further.

Charles Frederic Mann, son of Frederick Chandler and Pamelia Leonard (Hill) Mann, was born in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, April 12, 1869. He was graduated from the East Bridgewater High School in the class of 1885, and from Bryant & Strat- ton's Commercial College, of Boston, in 1886. In August, 1886, he joined the staff of the Carver Cotton Gin Company, being made timekeeper, paymaster and assistant bookkeeper, maintaining his connection with that concern until his resignation, April 30, 1893.

Mr. Mann began his career as a financier May 1, 1893, when he became treasurer of the East Bridge- water Savings Bank, which position he has ever since held. His long connection with the bank, his sound judgment and foresight have been important factors in the progress made by that institution. He also holds the confidence of his fellow-townsmen, and and had served them from 1902 to 1903 as town clerk and from 1902 to 1911 as town treasurer, when he resigned, having been the successor in the former office of Frank Smith, who left an unexpired term. He was treasurer of the East Bridgewater Board of Trade for several years, and served the Savings Bank Treas- urers' Club of Massachusetts in a similar capacity. He is a past-president of the Massachusetts Savings Bank Officers' Club, and is a member of the executive board of the Mutual Savings Bank Association of Massachusetts. As a trustee and member of the board of investment and treasurer of the East Bridge- water Savings Bank, he is rendering valued service both to that institution and to its patrons. He served as president of the Old Colony Group of the Mutual Savings Bank Association from the time of its organ- ization until 1925.

Mr. Mann is prominently identified with the Ma- sonic fraternity, affiliating with Satucket Lodge, Free

and Accepted Masons, of which he is a Past Master; Harmony Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is a Past High Priest; Abington and Brockton Coun- cils, Royal and Select Masters; Old Colony Com- mandery, Knights Templar, of which he is a Past Commander; and with the Scottish Rite bodies; Bos- ton Lafayette Lodge of Perfection; Giles F. Yates Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Mount Olivet Chap- ter, Rose Croix; Massachusetts Consistory, thirty- second degree. He is a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Twenty-fourth Masonic District and is a Past Grand High Priest of the Seventh Capitular District of Massachusetts. He belongs to the Boston City Club, and Brockton Commercial Club. He has his religious fellowship with the First Parish (Uni- tarian) Church, of East Bridgewater, and was form- erly a member of the parish committee for a num- ber of years.

CYRUS MONROE-The progress of Cyrus Mon- roe, of Whitman, serving as comptroller, assistant secretary and chairman of the president's council of the Regal Shoe Company, has been accomplished through a succession of upward steps from his modest beginning in 1906 as a clerk in the cashier's depart- ment-truly a high tribute to his industry and sag- acity. Mr. Monroe had become associated, first, with the Hood Rubber Company of Watertown, with which firm he remained a year before going with Regal. Three years after he had been employed by the shoe concern he was made cashier; in 1920 he was ad- vanced to the position of assistant treasurer; two years later he was promoted to treasurer, and also in 1922 he was elevated to the position he holds today. Thus, before reaching the age of thirty, he has many business successes in prospect.

Mr. Monroe was born June 11, 1889, at East Brain- tree, the son of Walter O. and Lydia J. (Chamber- lain) Monroe. His father, also a native of East Braintree, engaged in farming until his death in 1906; his mother is a native of Hanson. He was educated in the grammar and high schools of Whitman, after which he took a business course in the Burdett Busi- ness College of Boston. Then he entered upon his commercial career as stated above. For two years he served as chairman of the Finance Committee of the town of Whitman, and the same time on the Republican Town Committee, of which he is vice- chairman; he also served on the High School Build- ing Committee. He is past vice-president of the Whitman Board of Trade, of which he has also served on the executive committee. In religious affairs he attends the Christian Science church. In fraternal circles he is a member of Puritan Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He holds membership in the Boston Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Credit Men. His outdoor recreations are obtained through the Thorny Lea Golf Club.

Mr. Monroe married, in 1909, Helen M. Blanchard, a native of Kingston, and they are the parents of a son, Amber L. Monroe.

JOHN J. GEOGAN-For more than twenty-five years John J. Geogan has been; successfully engaged in the practice of law at Whitman, Massachusetts, and during his long and active career has acquired

PLYMOUTH, NORFOLK AND BARNSTABLE

considerable prominence in the circles of his chosen profession, in addition to having acquired many good and true friends from a social standpoint.

John F. Geogan, father of the well-known and popular Whitman attorney-at-law, was born and reared in Ireland, and after becoming a citizen of the United States and Massachusetts became interested in the operation of a furniture business, which pros- pered under his able direction until his decease in 1925. John F. Geogan married Mary Huzzy, · native of Ireland, and now deceased.

John J. Geogan, son of John F. and Mary (Huzzy) Geogan, was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, Sep- tember 3, 1878. He acquired his rudimentary educa- tion in the common schools of Taunton, and upon removal of the family to Whitman. became a student in the local high school, which institution afforded him a most substantial education, he being of the type of lad who regarded his studies seriously, par- ticularly due to the fact that he had long before determined to pursue the vocation of the law, for which he was confident nature had endowed him. True to his resolve, having exhausted the educational facilities of the Whitman High School, Mr. Geogan sought an association with a reputable law firm, in the offices of which he might secure the knowledge essential to qualification for admission to the bar. His pluck and apparent legal mind paved the way for Mr. Geogan, due to the fact that Charles B. Snow, eminent lawyer of the community in his gen- eration, took the lad into his offices and was there- after engaged as his preceptor, with such commend- able results that the young man was admitted, in 1901, to plead before the bar, and has since main- tained law offices in the Snow Block, on Washington Street, Whitman, which was the property of his original associate and mentor.

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History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 3

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