USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 46
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 46
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 46
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Wendell F. Gurney was united in marriage, in 1899, to the late Bertha F. Benson. Mrs. Gurney died in 1923, the year prior to the attainment by her husband of the postmastership at Whitman. Mr. Gurney resides at No. 21 Blake Street, Whitman, Massachusetts.
GEORGE H. JACKSON, M. D .- As a general practitioner and as a physician who in public office has devoted himself to the interests of the health of the community, Dr. George H. Jackson has served
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with experience and skill in his profession, and long ago established himself in the confidence of the people of township and county of Plymouth. His ability and influence in his vocation are those of the accomplished and well-equipped physician, and in civic life he is a reliable factor in all movements for the general welfare. He is a son of George H. Jack- son, a lumber merchant, who was born at Plymouth and died in 1904, and of Hattie B. (Robinson) Jack- son, a native of Cape Cod, who died in 1892.
Dr. George H. Jackson was born September 17, 1879, in Plymouth, where he attended the public and the high schools. Continuing his intermediate studies at Fry's Private School in Boston, he prepared for his profession at the Medical School of Harvard University, where he was graduated in 1904 with the degree Doctor of Medicine. Following his special course at the Boston Dispensary, Dr. Jackson estab- lished his offices at Room B, in the Governor Brad- ford Building, at Plymouth, where he has continued to the present. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Massachusetts State Medical Society, and the Plymouth County Medical Society.
Dr. Jackson's political affiliations are those of the Republican party; and lie served thirteen years as chairman of the Plymouth Board of Health. He was active in all measures for the progress of the local drives during the World War, and served as a meni- ber of the local advisory board of Plymouth County. Fraternally, he is a member of the Plymouth Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Samoset Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Abington Council, Royal and Select Masters; Old Colony Commandery, Knights Teni- plar; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is that of the Unitarian Church.
Dr. George H. Jackson married, June 24, 1914, Mary L. Donovan, who was born at Turner's Falls.
FIRE CHIEF ALBERT E. HILLER-The effi- ciency and the excellent standard of the Plymouth Fire Department is attributable in a very large measure to the splendid system maintained by the executive head of that department, Chief Albert E. Hiller, who has risen from the ranks and has also held office with the State Fire Chiefs' Association. One of the best-informed men in the methods of fire- fighting in this part of the State, as well as one of the most progressive in his ideas concerning the adoption of present-day apparatus, Chief Hiller is also one of the most popular firemen on the general fire force in Southeastern Massachusetts. A direct descendant of Hugh Hiller, a pioneer settler of Sa- lem, Massachusetts, arriving on the ship "Salem" in 1638, Mr. Hiller is a son of Alpheus Barrows Hiller, a native of Mattapoisett, a carpenter, veteran of the Civil War in service with the Massachusetts Volun- teer Militia, and member of the New Bedford Post Grand Army of the Republic, who died in 1906, and of Hattie (Simmons) Hiller, of Somerset, who died in 1923.
Albert E. Hiller was born November 27, 1868, at Mattapoisett, where he attended the public and the high schools. For six years he was employed in the Reed Rattan Chair Shop in that town, and for twenty years he worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1910, Chief Hiller first became associated with the Plym- outh Fire Department, and rapidly rose to office, being made captain in 1911. He so continued until
1916, when he was appointed to his present office, chief of the department.
In political matters, Chief Hiller is a Republican, and he has a loyal interest in the progress of all civic matters. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Pilgrim Lodge, No. 97, Knights of Pythias; Plymouth Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Samoset Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Plymouth Lodge, No. 1476, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the National, New England, and Mas- sachusetts Fire Chiefs' associations; and the Old Colony Club; and his religious faith is that of the Universalist church.
Albert E. Hiller married, in 1895, Minnie Blacken- skip, who was born at Orange. They have one daughter, Marion (Hiller) Hatton, who married Clif- ton Hatton, and has two children: Jeanette, and Al- bert.
CAPTAIN DEXTER H. CRAIG-A master of seagoing sailing vessels before he had attained his twenty-first year, Captain Dexter H. Craig piloted his charges into many of the ports of the world before coming to Plymouth to settle down to a life on land devoted to business enterprises.
John Craig, grandfather of Captain Dexter H. Craig, a native of Ireland, was occupied as a ship- builder, and for several years was bound for service to the captain of the vessel that brought him to America. He was a soldier in the army of General Washington during the War of the Revolution. In later life he was a Baptist minister. He married a lady by the name of Lock, a native of Newport, Rhode Island. Following the war, they immigrated to Nova Scotia. Jonathan, son of John Craig, was born on January 4, 1800, in Lockport, Nova Scotia. He was engaged as a ship carpenter until his death in 1889. He married Jane Arnold, native of Lockport, now deceased.
Captain Dexter H. Craig, son of Jonathan and Jane (Arnold) Craig, was born at Lockport, Nova Scotia, on September 22, 1846. He was educated in the public schools of Marblehead, Massachusetts. At the early age of eleven and a half years, he became employed in the shoe manufacturing business, which he followed until his twenty-first year. He worked as a fisherman in the summers, in the vicinity of the Grand Banks, having begun this employment when in his thirteenth year. From the last-mentioned year until he had attained his majority, Captain Craig made twenty-two trips, during sixteen of which he was master of his vessel. In 1875, he made one of his last trips to Grand Banks. Master of the "Mollie Porter," he later sailed in the "Hattie Weston," and subsequently in the "Hannah Cooma." In the fall of 1878, he entered the green-fruit trade as master of the latter vessel, visiting ports in Jamaica, the South, and Bermuda. From 1877 to 1882, he sailed between this country and the Port of Spain, Island of Trinidad, and other sections, as an operator in the cocoanut trade. He made one trip up the Orinoco River, and to Rattan Island. In 1885, he came to Plymouth as a citizen, and entered the coal, hay and grain business under the firm name of Barnes, Craig & Shannon. In 1886, Mr. Craig bought the others out and changed the name of the concern to D. H. Craig, with offices at No. 7 Town Square. He con- ducts the largest coal business in the city, with coal yards located at the extension of Water Street. The
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business was incorporated in 1925, and the name changed to D. H. Craig, Inc.
Captain Craig is a member of Atlantic Lodge, No. 55, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Old Colony Club; Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth, and the Home Market Club, Boston. He served the town of Plymouth for twenty-six years as a selectman, being affiliated with the Republican party.
Captain Craig married (first), on December 24, 1868, Nannia Weston, born in Plymouth, and died in 1895. He married (second), Alice C. Diamond, a native of Oil City, Pennsylvania. By his first mar- riage, he had one son, Charles Dexter Craig, who died January 5, 1927. One daughter, Mary Arnold Craig, was born to the second union.
JOHN ARMSTRONG-For the past twelve years, John Armstrong has been efficiently contributing to the safety of the residents of Plymouth through his service as chief of the police department. He has been associated with that department of the city gov- ernment since 1910, and has risen through various promotions from the modest position of night patrol- man to the important position of head of the depart- ment.
Mr. Armstrong is of Scotch birth. His father, Henry Armstrong, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and was engaged as a laborer to the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1912. The mother, Esther Baker, also a native of Belfast, died in the same year that her husband's death occurred, 1912. John Arm- strong was born in Glenboig, Lanarkshire, Scotland, September 13, 1875, and received his education in the public schools of his birthplace. When his school training was completed, he found employment in the mines of Lanarkshire, but when he was nine- teen years of age he decided to leave his native land and seck the larger opportunities to be found in America. Accordingly, in 1894, he came to this country and settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he found his first employment in the engine room of the Plymouth Woolen Company. He was industrious and energetic and inclined to persist in his efforts in any line of activity, and so he remained with the woolen company for a period of two years, at the end of which time he associated himself with the Plymouth Cordage Company. Again he main- tained the connection for two years, leaving at the end of that time in order that he might return to his native land, Scotland. There he located in Glasgow, where for four years he was identified with the Glas- gow police department. In 1902, he returned to Plymouth, Massachusetts, and reentered the employ of the Plymouth Cordage Company, with whom he remained for a period of eight years. At the end of that time, in 1910, he became associated with the Plymouth police department in the capacity of night patrolman. The duties of that position he discharged with faithfulness and efficiency, and in 1914 he was made chief of the police department of Plymouth, which important position he is filling most ably. Politically, Mr. Armstrong gives his support to the Republican party. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of Plymouth Lodge, No. 1476, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and also of Plymouth Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Samoset Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; of Plymouth Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; and of Shedad Grotto, Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, of
Brockton. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the National Chiefs of Police Association, the New England Chiefs of Po- lice Association, and of Plymouth Chamber of Com- merce. Mr. Armstrong has a military record to his credit. He served as a member of the Fifth Battalion, F Company, Royal Scottish Rifles, from 1889 to 1894, and during the period of the participation of the United States in the World War served on the Safe- ty Committee of the town of Brockton. As recrea- tion Mr. Armstrong is devoted to music, and es- pecially gives attention to band music. He is a member of the Grotto Band of Brockton, of the Pilgrim Band of Plymouth, and of the Plymouth Cordage Band. His religious interest is with the Pilgrim Congregational Church.
John Armstrong was married, September 28, 1900, to Florence M. McLean, who was born in Marguerite Harbor, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, daughter of Alexander and Sarah McLean. Mr. and Mrs. Arm- strong reside in Plymouth. They are the parents of a son, William Henry, born in Plymouth, Massa- chusetts, July 22, 1902, who is now vice-president of the Bliss Hardware Company, Incorporated, of Plymouth, and who married Helen Louise McDer- mied.
FRANK A. KIRBY-The Kirby brothers, James T. and Frank A., born and reared in Whitman, have made their mark in the affairs of their native town, the former in the practice of the law and the latter in the field of insurance. Daniel Kirby, father of these gifted sons, is a native of Ireland, who many years ago came to Whitman, and liking the town, settled here and engaged in the shoemaking business, in which he is known as an expert. Daniel Kirby was married to Ellen Beary who, like her husband, was also born and reared in Ireland, and who died in 1922.
Frank A. Kirby, whose name is now most popular in insurance circles of Whitman and vicinity, was born January 1, 1891. He acquired the usual prelimi- nary education of the local public schools, subse- quently entered and was graduated from the Whit- man High School, and completed his studies as a member of a commercial class at the Brockton Busi- ness University. Thus well equipped for a success- ful career, Mr. Kirby, following his graduation from the last-named institution, became employed in a local meat market, thus continuing for a period of twelve years. In the meanwhile, he had been famil- iarizing himself with the details of a profession which Mr. Kirby had determined should constitute his life- work-that of insurance-and in 1918 he severed his connection with the meat business to inaugurate the insurance organization which has since become an outstanding factor among like enterprises in Whitman and the adjacent county. His offices are located in room No. 4, the Bank Block, Whitman, from which headquarters Mr. Kirby engages in the writing of all popular forms of insurance.
Mr. Kirby is an influential member of the Whit- man Board of Trade and also of the Fire Exchange of the State of Massachusetts. He is affiliated with the local Lodge of the Knights of Columbus, and, politically, is partial to the principles of the Repub- lican party. During the World War, Mr. Kirby served as a member of the Fourteenth Massachusetts Guards, of which unit he was a corporal. As diver-
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sion from his business duties, Mr. Kirby is an en- thusiastic patron of the golf links.
On June 21, 1916, Frank A. Kirby married Mabel K. Linn, a native of Rockland, Massachusetts, and to this union have been born: Frank A., Jr., Bernard J., Mary Marguerite, Norma H., and Rosalie K. The family are members of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, and reside at No. 37 Beulah Street, Whitman.
ABRAHAM BURACK, M. D., one of the most able physicians and surgeons in Brockton, Massachu- setts, was born July 10, 1891, at Boston, a son of Max and Elizabeth Burack, natives of Russia. Max Burack was engaged in merchandising until his death, which occurred in 1923.
Abraham Burack received his early education in the public schools of the city of his birth, and grad- uated from the English High School in Boston. He gained his professional training at Tufts Medical College, graduating from there in 1912, when he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served the usual interneship of one year, after which, in 1913, he began the practice of medicine and surgery, at Brockton, with his office in Room No. 209, at No. 142 Main Street. Here he has remained, making a definite place for himself among the citizens of that community. Dr. Burack has ever shown a deep in- terest in the general welfare of the vicinity in which he resides and works. In his political views he is a supporter of the Republican party, and he is noted for the zeal with which he supports movements de- signed for the advancement of Brockton. He is active in the sports and social circles of his city, his favorite recreations being tennis and volley ball. He is a member of many societies which pertain to his pro- fession, such as the American Medical Association, and he is also affiliated with Brockton Lodge, Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Dr. Abraham Burack married, in 1912, Sarah Nadel, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of a son: Jason Oliver. Dr. Burack and his family reside at No. 95 Waldo Street, Brock- ton, where they attend the Hebrew Temple.
WILLIAM C. B. POWERS-The Province of Nova Scotia has given many sturdy and capable sons to the various States of our country, particularly to the New England commonwealths, and notably the State of Massachusetts. In the person of Wil- liam C. B. Powers, prominent citizen and business man of Whitman, Massachusetts, we are permitted a glance at a representative member of the people who first saw light of day in Nova Scotia and are now substantial citizens of the United States.
James A. Powers, father of William C. B. Powers, himself a native of Conard, Nova Scotia, was in the latter years of his life connected with the Old Colony Street Railroad, and was thus active until 1909, the year of his death. James A. Powers married Mary A. Bill, daughter of William C. Bill, former Member of Parliament. She is a member of an old Nova Scotia family after which the community of Bill- town, in that province, was named. She was born in Billtown and passed from this life in 1916.
William C. B. Powers, son of James A. and Mary A. (Bill) Powers, was born at Lakesville, Kings County, Nova Scotia, December 16, 1888. His parents having removed to Massachusetts while the lad was quite young, he acquired his education in the public
schools of Rockland and Whitman, Massachusetts, and was graduated from the high school at Whitman. From 1907 until 1921, Mr. Powers was engaged in the operation of a grocery and general provisions estab- 1.shment. In the last-mentioned year he disposed of the business that he might devote his time to activities which held a great appeal-the real estate and insurance fields. He acquired commodious offices at No. 12 South Avenue, Whitman. Through his realty department, Mr. Powers is a specialist in nego- tiations for the purchase or sale of residential and business properties. He also engages in extensive operations of a similar character on his own account, and is widely known as one of the largest individual property owners in the locality, while his business enterprise is regarded as being among the most pro- gressive of its kind for many miles around, rendering as it does a high class and consistently satisfactory service to its clients.
Mr. Powers is an active member and director of the Brockton (Massachusetts) Real Estate Board, and also of the National Association of Real Estate Boards, being among the foremost leaders of those organizations in endeavoring to secure highly ethical standards among real estate firms in their dealings with patrons. Fraternally, he is a popular member of the Improved Order of Red Men, the local Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Webster Lodge, No. 13, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he favors the principles and candidates of the Repub- lican party, but is not personally desirous of being a public officeholder, his larger business interests precluding such a time-requiring connection. During the World War, Mr. Powers was a private in Com- pany "H" of the Massachusetts State Guards, and otherwise placed himselt at the disposal of the gov- ernment from a patriotic standpoint. Mr. Powers is a member and loyal supporter of the Baptist church. An ardent athlete during his entire life, he spends all of his available leisure hours in the open air. He is particularly fond of swimming, and is an enthusi- astic follower of the games of baseball and football.
On September 15, 1913, William C. B. Powers was united in marriage to Ruth C. Griswold, a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. By this marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Powers are the parents of three sons: Emerson Bill, William Kenneth, and Calvin Stewart. The family residence is at Whitman, where are centered the business interests of Mr. Powers.
NATHANIEL K. NOYES, M. D., prominent physician of Duxbury, Massachusetts, and who has been practicing there for more than thirty-four years, was born January 16, 1865, at Manchester, New Hampshire, a son of Hesakiah H. and Emily (Chand- ler) Noyes, both of whom are now deceased. Hesakiah H. Noyes was one of the leading farmers of his community, a man beloved by those who knew him well and respected by all with whom he came in contact.
Nathaniel K. Noyes received his early education in the public schools of the community in which he was born, and later graduated from the Manchester (New Hampshire) High School. He obtained his pro- fessional training at the Medical School of Dart- mouth College, at Hanover, graduating from there with the class of 1889, when he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1890, he was house surgeon at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Boston. He began the actual practice of his profession at Hanover, remain-
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ing there until 1892, when he removed to Duxbury. There he built up his practice until he has the honor to serve one of the largest and most aristo- cratic clienteles in this part of the county. He is one of the staff physicians at the Jordan Hospital, Plym- outh, and has been associate medical examiner of the Third Plymouth District since 1898.
In his political views, he is a staunch supporter of the Republican party; and he is noted for his interest in public affairs. During the World War, Dr. Noyes held the rank of captain, Medical Reserve Corps, United States Army, and served until the cessation of hostilities. He is a member of several societies related to his profession, such as the Amer- ican Medical Association, the Massachusetts State Medical Society, Massachusetts Medico-Legal So- ciety, the Plymouth County Medical Society, Brock- ton City Medical Society, Massachusetts Medico- Legal Society, State Association Board of Health, and Assistant Military Surgeons of the United States. He is a member of the Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks; and he also holds membership in the Old Colony Club.
Dr. Nathaniel K. Noyes married, December 30, 1890, Ella Kelly Nickerson, a daughter of Richard and Hope (Kelly) Nickerson, both of whom are now deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Noyes are the parents of five children: 1. Edwin, a graduate of Dartmouth. 2. Mable K., a graduate of Wheaton College. 3. Ralph M., who graduated from Tilden College. 4. Richard S., now deceased. 5. Emily C. Noyes, a graduate of Miss Wheelock's Business School. Dr. Noyes and his family maintain their residence in Duxbury, in which community they attend the Episcopal church.
LYMAN PORTER THOMAS, a member of the firm of Thomas Brothers, general storekeepers, of South Middleboro, and for many years identified with the world of civil and railroad engineering, was born on March 20, 1861. He is a son of William and Lydia (Bates) Thomas, and a great-grandson of Sylvanus Thomas, who was born in Halifax, removed to South Middleboro, and served with distinction during the Revolutionary War, having held the rank of lieutenant for four short sessions in the Continental Army. His son, John Thomas, was born in South Middleboro, where he lived all of his life as a farmer. He was the father of William Thomas, who was born in South Middleboro, where he held a prominent posi- tion in the lumber business. He died during the year 1896. His wife, Lydia (Bates) Thomas, the mother of Lyman Porter Thomas, was born in Carver, Mas- sachusetts; she died in South Middleboro in 1902.
Lyman Porter Thomas received his early educa- tion in the public schools of the community in which he was born, and graduated from Middleboro High School. He enrolled as a student at Dartmouth Col- lege, from which he graduated with the class of 1884, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Upon the completion of these courses of study, Mr. Thomas became a school teacher in Michigan, where he re- mained for a year. He then went to work for the Santa Fé Railroad, as construction and maintenance engineer, a position which he retained for more than four years, during which time Mr. Thomas had charge of many miles of trackage, with headquarters in Topeka, Kansas. He then returned East and ac- cepted a position with the New York, New Haven
& Hartford Railroad, employed in the capacity of civil engineer. Mr. Thomas remained with this sys- tem for four years, resigning to go into business for himself as a civil engineer and contractor. This proved to be a most successful venture, and he re- mained in this type of endeavor for five years. In 1916, he accepted membership in the firm of Thomas Brothers, grocers and general storekeepers of South Middleboro. This has proven to be his most success- ful venture, and Mr. Thomas has remained in this type of work.
In his political preferences, Mr. Thomas is strongly inclined toward the Progressive party; and has served the township of Middleboro as a member of the Board of Selectmen and as town assessor, hold- ing both offices for more than eleven years. He has also served, over a period of some twelve years, as County Commissioner of Plymouth County. Mr. Thomas is affiliated, fraternally, with Mayflower Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and South Mid- dleboro Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, in which he holds the rank of Past Master, having been the first Master of this branch of the National Grange. He also holds membership in the original organization of the Middleboro Historical Society.
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