USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 30
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 30
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 30
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Their son, James S. Swanton, received his early education in the national schools of the community in which he was born, Queenstown, but he voyaged to this country when he was twelve years of age, and settling in Plymouth, he continued his studies under the competent preceptorship of a private tutor, Professor Perry, of Plymouth. Upon the comple- tion of the various courses he thus studied, Mr. Swanton then branched out for himself, working in Plymouth at various types of endeavor until 1896, when he entered the carpentry trade, which he fol- lowed with increasing success for about ten years. In 1906, he opened a business of his own as a con- tractor and builder, and such was the success with which this venture met that, in 1914, he expanded his business to include the purchase and sale of real estate in and around Plymouth, later including all types of insurance in his work. He now has his office in the Emond Building, Main Street, Plymouth, and is specializing in residential real estate in Plym- outh, Duxbury and Cape Cod.
Despite the many exacting duties of the work in which he is, and has been engaged, Mr. Swanton has found time in which to take a keen interest in the civic and community affairs of his township. In his political preferences he is strongly inclined toward the independent vote, preferring to cast his ballot for the man best fitted for the office, irrespective of the nominating party. Mr. Swanton is an active member of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and is treasurer of that organization. He has also taken an interest in the club and social life of his vicinity, for he is affiliated, fraternally, with Plymouth Lodge, No. 1476, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he also is a member of the Plymouth Country Club, and the Old Colony Club. James S. Swanton resides at No. 54 Allenton Street, Plym- outh, in which township he attends St. Peter's Ro- man Catholic Church.
GEORGE S. DUNHAM-The city of Brockton is not only prominent as a manufacturing center; her people are also interested in the finer accomplish- ments and aims of life, such as the arts, and music in particular. In the person of George S. Dunham, Brockton is fortunate in having in her midst one of the most best-known musicians in Plymouth County.
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A son of Frank A. Dunham, who died in 1912, and of Hattie (McSawyer) Dunham, George S. Dunham is a native of Brockton, having been born in this city in 1875. He undoubtedly inherited a measure of his interest in music from his late father and uncle who were professional musicians. After comple- tion of his studies in the local schools, Mr. Dunham entered the New England Conservatory of Music, from which he was duly graduated in 1899. Follow- ing completion of his studies, he was first engaged as an organist of the Old Ship Church, at Hingham, Massachusetts, and later at the Congregational church at Charlestown. He was then located at New- ton Centre as organist of a church in that community. He finally came to Brockton and up to the present time (1928), has been engaged as organist at the Porter Congregational Church, of this city. Recog- nized as a capable organ director and choral con- ductor, Mr. Dunham is now retained in the last- mentioned capacity by the following organizations: The People's Choral Union of Boston, the Mas- sachusetts Federation of Women's Clubs Vocal So- ciety, the Fitchburg School, the Orphan Club of Auburndale, the Choral Art Club of Brockton, and the Boston Art Club. He is also the acting head of the music department at La Salle Semi- nary, and has complete charge of the musical exercises at the Brockton High School. He is past president of the Alumni of the New England Con- servatory of Music, the members of which are resi- dents of every section of the United States and many foreign countries. Mr. Dunham is affiliated with the Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Com- mandery, Knights Templar. He holds membership in the Brockton Country Club and the Rotary Club of Brockton. Politically, he is a Republican, and his religious affiliation is with the Porter Congregational Church, of which he is organist. The family resi- dence is at No. 28 Oak Street, Brockton.
AUGUSTUS L. CHASE, M. D., the third physi- cian to register in Massachusetts, and now the oldest living registered physician and surgeon in this State, his principal office having been at Randolph, for the major portion of this time, was born on March 9, 1849, at Somerset, Vermont. Dr. Chase is a son of Abram and Catherine Chase, both of whom were descended from old and well-known New England families, particularly of Vermont. Abram Chase, the father, was one of the well-to-do farmers in Ver- mont; a man beloved by those who knew him well and respected by all with whom he came in contact.
Augustus L. Chase received his early education in the district schools of the community in which he was reared, Whitingham, Vermont, and later attended the Cincinnati Medical College, graduating from there with the class of 1872, when he received his degree as Doctor of Medicine. After the completion of these courses of study, Dr. Chase removed to Ran- dolph, Massachusetts, and here began the practice of his profession. And such was the success with which he met that it is in Randolph he has since remained, carrying on his humanitarian service with much honor to himself, with great success from a profes- sional point of view, and with the ensuing happy results for those he serves. As has been stated, Dr. Chase registered as a physician and surgeon under the ruling concerning such registration in the State of Massachusetts, during the year 1872, thus becom- ing the third man to so place himself upon record.
The two who preceded him have since passed away, so that now (1928), Dr. Chase is the eldest living registered physician in his State, and a man of much prominence.
Despite the exacting duties of his profession Dr. Chase has found time in which to serve the people of his general vicinity in other than a professional capacity. In his political views he is a staunch sup- porter of the Republican party, and he has served as president of the Bi-Board of Pension Examiners' Surgeons at Brockton, Massachusetts, for over twenty years. He has also served as a member of the Board of Medical Registration for almost thirty years. These long terms of office eloquently bespeak the great esteem in which Dr. Chase is held. He has been active in social life, and is affiliated with Randolph Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a Past Grand Master.
Dr. Augustus L. Chase married, November 3, 1873, in Randolph, Mary Louise Madden. By this union three children were born, one daughter and two sons: 1. Ella S. 2. Herbert M., a graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Law School. 3. Gilman S., a graduate of the Medical College of Harvard Uni- versity, from which he received his degree as Doctor of Medicine.
GEORGE EDWARD BELCHER-Of unusual character, totally unspoiled by prosperity, with the dominant trait of consistent consideration for his fellows, George Edward Belcher rose from a minor position in the shoe trade of Stoughton, Massachu- setts, and of New England, to foremost rank in the industry, setting the standard of quality and service in the conduct and operation of his company. No part of his wealth was derived from any other man's loss, but, rather was a large part of it expended in advancing the interests of his associates. He was a pioneer in introducing welfare policies for his ein- ployees, and by his inspiring leadership created an admirable morale and esprit de corps in his organiza- tion. Of wide and varied interests, Mr. Belcher was substantial landowner throughout the district, active in civic affairs and a deep student of science and natural history to which he devoted much study and interest. His career was replete with hardships and full measure of difficulties, and he had not greater advantages than the average boy of his age and time, but with his diligent application, sincere devotion to his daily tasks and a natural ability combined with a commanding personality, he surmounted the barriers which beset his path to achieve substantial and dis- tinguished success in his chosen field.
The Belcher family is of ancient and historic origin, tracing to the early days of Henry VIII of England, when Edmund Belcher, of Norman descent, is re- corded as a resident of Guilsborough, Northampton- shire, England. The first progenitor of the family in America was Gregory Belcher, who came to New England in the first quarter of the seventeenth cen- tury, and was later made a freeman in 1640, settling in Braintree, Massachusetts. From him is descended his son, Joseph; his son, Edward; his son, Clifford; his son, Joseph; and his son, Sarda. Among the noted members of the family was Jonathan Belcher, who was sent to England, in 1730, as a representative of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and made such a favorable impression upon George I, King of Eng- land, that the latter appointed him Governor of his native province. Sarda Belcher, born in 1803, and
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died in 1869, married Eveline Blunt Leighton. They had a son George Edward, of whom further.
George Edward Belcher was born in Canton, Mas- sachusetts, November 8, 1850. He spent his youth in Stoughton, Massachusetts, where he attended the local public schools. When he was fifteen his father became unable to work because of ill health, and the son was forced to discontinue his formal education to take his place in the industrial world. After a year of intermittent and desultory work, he decided to learn a trade, and his first apprenticeship was with a manufacturer of piano keyboards at Deep River, Connecticut, with whom he remained for two and a half years. At the end of that time, he transferred to the Hallet and Davis Company of Boston, and thereafter to the Smith Organ Factory. His health became undermined with this type of confining work, and he found it necessary to spend two years on a farm in Easton, Massachusetts, where he engaged also in contracting on timberlands. This out-of- doors life built up his strength and within a short time he returned to Stoughton, Massachusetts, and entered the employ of the Dale, Walker and Phinney Last Company, embarking thereby upon his career as last-maker in which he was destined to attain an outstanding reputation and record. At first his duties were shaving lasts, and being alert and an apt stu- dent, he soon mastered the intricacies of the manufac- ture and the conduct of the business, rising with rapid gradation through the various departments of the industry. At the end of twenty years, his importance was so formidable and his ability so pronounced that he purchased the entire plant in which he was em- ployed and incorporated with the new company as the George E. Belcher Company, with himself as president and treasurer. With full appreciation and knowledge of the opportunities for expansion, Mr. Belcher erected a completely new plant, and on four later periods made further additions to meet the de- mands of increasing foreign and domestic business. Under his careful and skilful management and di- rection his company became the largest exclusive manufacturer of men's welt last in the world.
He possessed noted inventive genius, and found a productive outlet for his talents in the creation of various labor-saving devices for his factory, the most important of which was the "Belcher Last Block Fastener," which still is in use in making all block lasts and has been left unchanged by all later im- provements. He was also the patentee and manufac- turer of several varieties of articles, such as shoe- trees, shoe-stretchers, hinge-lasts, and hollow-fillers. In conjunction with this, he also engaged in the man- ufacture of shoes for some time. In the interests of his company, he was ever active in bringing about and establishing policies for the benefit of his work- ers, and his is the distinction of being one of the first New England manufacturers to introduce life insurance and group insurance for his employees. A characteristic attitude, that "a good apprentice is most likely to make a good citizen," was the keynote of his policies and principles. In addition to his busi- ness, Mr. Belcher had large interests in real estate and banking, being for many years one of the largest taxpayers of Stoughton. He was a founder, for some time president, and for nearly thirty years a member of the board of directors of the Stoughton Co-operative Bank, and was also a member of the directorate of the Neponset National Bank.
Ever interested in academic fields, Mr. Belcher's
greatest activity was in the study of natural history, particularly ornithology. He devoted much of his spare time in this work, and made a valuable collection of birds, most of which he mounted himself and which has been generally recognized as the finest and largest private collection of its kind in New England. So profound and comprehensive was his knowledge, and so accurate and scientific were his observations, that for many years prior to his death, he was considered among the foremost ornithological authorities in this country. Because of his ability and interest in this science he was elected a life-member of the Massa- chusetts Audubon Society. Mr. Belcher was also a member of the Boston City Club, the Boston Boot and Shoe Club, and one of the founders, a charter member and a former president of the Chicataubut Club.
On November 29, 1870, Mr. Belcher married Elva Arminell Pope, a daughter of Edmund Pope, of Stoughton, and they became the parents of a daughter, Gertrude Hervey Belcher.
Death ended the career of George Edward Belcher in Cambridge, Massachusetts, August 28, 1924, at the age of seventy-four years. He had been an exemplar of devotion to his life tasks, of solicitous attention and consideration to his family, of loyal service to his community, and of faithful adherence to the ethical principles of life in his every phase of endeavor, business, social and civic. A touching and fitting tribute was embodied in a resolution adopted at his death, by the officers of his company to which he had given the best years of his career:
To know him and to work with him was an inspiration and a delight; his mind was keen, active, inventive, and of world-wide distinction; his counsel unfailingly sound and helpful; his disposition ever cheery; more thoughtful and sparing of others than of himself.
HON. ALBERT F. BARKER-During a con- siderable portion of his career an active representative of his District and State in Legislature, and as Dis- trict attorney bearing the increasing responsibilities of that office in the most comprehensive and efficient way, Hon. Albert F. Barker, one of the leading mem- bers of his profession in Eastern Massachusetts, is also one of the veteran practitioners in Brockton, where his offices have been established since 1893. Honored by his constituency throughout a series of years with the duties of public office, Mr. Barker has at all times been a dependable ally and leader of affairs for the good of the community and the Com- monwealth. He is a son of Benjamin Barker, a farmer and lumberman of Hanson, Massachusetts, who died in 1885, and of Deborah C. (Damon) Bar- ker, who died in December, 1903; the mother a native of Hanover.
Albert F. Barker was born October 24, 1869, at Hanson, where he attended the public schools. He made a thorough study of law in all its branches in the offices of Judge Benjamin W. and Robert O. Harris, and he was admitted to the bar in 1893. He established himself in the practice of his profession in Brockton in that year; and in 1896, he formed a partnership with Robert O. Harris, under the firm name Harris and Barker, which continued until Mr. Harris was elevated to the bench. Since then, Mr. Barker has conducted an independent law practice, and his place in his profession is one of widely rec- ognized prominence. He is a past president of the
Albert & Backen
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Brockton Bar Association, and a member of the Plymouth County bar. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Brockton Savings Bank, and a director of the Abington Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
A Republican in his political views, Mr. Barker has served as Representative from the District of Scitu- ate, Norwell, Pembroke and Hanson, in 1904-1905, and as Senator from the eastern half of Plymouth County in 1896-1897. He was assistant District At- torney for four years, and was elected and reelected to the office of District Attorney for the ensuing seven years. During the World War, Mr. Barker was an indefatigable aid in all the causes and the drives of that time, and he had charge of the Civilian Secret Service in the county of Plymouth and ad- joining towns.
Fraternally, Mr. Barker is affiliated with Paul Revere Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; with the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a Past Chancellor and District Chancellor; and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a charter mem- ber, and was the first president of the Brockton Ro- tary Club; and a member of the Commercial Club. His religious fellowship is with the Porter Congre- gational Church.
Albert F. Barker married, January 12, 1888, Lucy C. Reynolds, of Harwinton, Connecticut, daughter of Henry and Lucy A. (Catlin) Reynolds. Their children: 1. Albert D., graduate of Harvard Uni- versity, famous high jumper, who went to England, in Cambridge and Oxford athletics. 2. Marjorie D., married Nahum P. Gillespie, of Brockton. 3. Robert H., captain of signalmen; was killed in France, near Soissons, in the World War. 4. Arlene N., married Harvey A. Scranton, of West Bridgewater, Massa- chusetts. 5. John S .. a student at the Suffolk School of Law, and associated with his father in the practice of law.
JOHN P. THOMAS-Since November 12, 1926. John P. Thomas has been president of the shoe manufacturing concern which operates under the name of Howard and Foster, Incorporated. The factory is located in Brockton, and is one of the older concerns of this town.
John P. Thomas was born in Hopkinsville. Ken- tucky. July 10. 1878, son of John Q .. deceased, who was a successful physician, and of Mary (Phelps) Thomas, who survives her husband (1928). He re- ceived his education in the public schools of Hopkins- ville, and then secured a position in a retail shoe store in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where he remained for six and one-half years. At the end of that time he severed his connection with this concern and en- tered the employ of P. Cogan & Son, manufacturers of boys' shoes, with whom he remained as salesman for a period of six years. In 1906 he began his long connection with Howard and Foster, shoe manufac- turers of Brockton, and his association with that concern has been continuous to the present time (1928). After several years as salesman he was given other responsibilities in the business and finally was made vice-president. which official position he held for some time. On November 12, 1926, the firm was incorporated with Mr. Thomas as president, and he is still serving as chief executive of this well-known concern. The remaining members of the official
personnel are: T. F. Whelan, vice-president; H. E. Lynch, Jr., treasurer; C. O'Neill, secretary. The fac- tory is located at No. 160 Pleasant Street, Brockton, and manufactures fine men's shoes. During the twenty-one years of his connection with this concern Mr. Thomas has become well-known to the trade in this State and is rendering valuable service to the corporation. Mr. Thomas is a Mason, Knight Tem- lar, Shriner, and is prominent in the affairs of that order. He is president of the Southern Shoe Sales- men's Association and in Brockton is popular in the M. and M. Club, and in Thorny Lea Country Club. His religious affiliation is with the Baptist church.
John P. Thomas was married, June 19, 1919, to Agnes Flack, and they are the parents of one son, John P., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas make their home at No. 78 Belcher Avenue, Brockton.
JAMES V. DONOVAN, treasurer of the Ran- dolph Trust Company, and a man who is very well- known in Randolph, Massachusetts, was born on January 22, 1899, in that community. He is a son of Joseph J. and Catharine (Gibbons) Donovan, both of whom were prominent in Randolph. Joseph J. Donovan, the father, now deceased, was for a number of years identified with the shoe industry in this part of the State. He died in 1912.
James V. Donovan received his early education in the public schools of Randolph, graduating from Ran- dolph High School, and later attending business school. Upon the completion of these courses of study, he entered the employ of the Randolph Trust Company. Mr. Donovan has worked in various ca- pacities in this bank, steadily winning his way to higher positions by his ability and keen judgment until now (1928), although he is still a young man, he is treasurer of this well-known financial institu- tion. The Randolph Trust Company was founded on April 10, 1915, by a group of business men of Ran- dolph, including Charles D. Hill, J. D. Henderson, Guy Ham, and others. The first president of this institution was J. D. Henderson, who held that office until 1921, when he was succeeded by Louis E. Flye. This bank has had a remarkable growth, and its resources now amount to approximately one and a quarter million dollars. Mr. Donovan fills the important post of treasurer of the Randolph Trust Company, is vice-president of the Shore Associates of Braintree, and is treasurer of the Randolph Asso- ciates.
Despite the duties of the work in which he is engaged, Mr. Donovan has found time in which to serve the people of his community in other capaci- ties. In his political views, he is an Independent. preferring to cast his ballot for the man best fitted to take office. He has served Randolph as town auditor, and he is especially noted for the excel- lent manner in which he stands behind any movement designed for the welfare or betterment of his com- munity. Mr. Donovan has been active in his club and social life; is a member of the Young Men's Catholic Lyceum, and of many of the local clubs and social organizations.
James V. Donovan married, in 1922, Helen E. Kel- leher, of Holbrook, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Donovan are the parents of two children: Jean and Mary. Mr. Donovan and his family maintain their residence in Randolph, in which community they attend the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
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ERSKINE H. COX, now retired from mechanical and naval engineering, one of the very active and well-known citizens of Randolph, and descended from the sturdiest of American pioneer stock, was born on November 10, 1869, at Orange, New Jersey, a son of James S. and Mary F. (Hazard) Cox, both of whom were natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Erskine H. Cox traces his lineage through ten gen- erations to Governor William Pynchon, and through nine generations to Governor Thomas Welles, both of whom were prominent leaders in the early days of the new world. Governor Pynchon was one of the very early settlers of New England, for he voyaged to this country from England during the year 1630.
Erskine H. Cox obtained his early education under the competent preceptorship of private tutors, after which he attended Amherst College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He later pursued his technical education at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating from there with the de- grees of Bachelor of Science and, later, Mechanical Engineer. Immediately after the completion of these courses of study, he at once branched out for him- self, following the work of engineer throughout vari- ous places in the United States. During the Spanish- American War, Mr. Cox served as an inspector in the United States Navy, after which he returned to his profession as a mechanical engineer, working thus until the year 1902 when he was enabled to retire from commercial and professional enterprise. He has long been a resident of Randolph, is one of that com- munity's most highly esteemed citizens, and a man of decided importance in his township.
His interest in the civic and general welfare of Randolph has been a great deal more than passive, for, as a staunch supporter of the Republican party, he is now (1928) serving his third term as a member of the Town Board of Selectmen; he is also a mem- ber of the Board of Health, and overseer of the poor for the Randolph district. Mr. Cox is, indeed, noted for the excellent manner in which he stands behind any movement designed for the commercial or social advancement of this interesting community. He has been almost equally active in his club and social life, for he is not only a member of a number of learned organizations pertaining to his profession, such as the American Society of Naval Engineers, but he is also active as a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, the University Club, and he is a leader in the worthy projects of the Randolph Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
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