USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 49
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 49
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 49
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Windsor Herbert Wyman was married, in George- town, Massachusetts, May 26, 1886, to Florence Alma McIntire, daughter of Charles and Ella (Moody) Mc- Intire. Mr. and Mrs. Wyman became the parents of four children: 1. Florence Mabel, born May 23, 1889. 2. Richard McIntire, born April 28, 1892. 3. Donald Dearborn, a partner in the Bay State Nurseries, and whose record follows. 4. Rachel Alma, born Decem- ber 23, 1904.
DONALD DEARBORN WYMAN - As half- owner of the Bay State Nurseries, of North Abing- ton, Massachusetts, Donald Dearborn Wyman is iden- tified with the largest enterprise of its kind in New England. The business was founded by his father, Windsor H. Wyman, an account of whose life pre- cedes this, and Donald D. Wyman was admitted as an equal partner in 1922. Mr. Wyman has a host of friends in this section of Plymouth County.
Donald Dearborn Wyman was born in Abington, Massachusetts, April 27, 1898, son of Windsor Her- bert and Florence Alma (McIntire) Wyman, and after attending the grammar and high schools of Abington, continued his studies in Worcester Academy, Worces- ter, Massachusetts. At an early age he became his father's assistant in the nurseries, helping at various times and in that way gaining a working knowledge of the business. The Bay State Nurseries were founded by the father, Windsor H. Wyman, after failing health compelled him to leave the Baptist min- istry and seek an out-of-door occupation. From the original two acres, purchased in 1894, four years prior to the birth of the son, the father gradually developed the big concern which today is known throughout the country and in some foreign lands. Acreage has been added from time to time as the steadily growing busi- ness demanded more growing space, until at the pres- ent time (1928), the Bay State Nurseries comprise six hundred and fifty acres of land, located in North Abington, Rockland and Hanover. Of this big acre- age nearly half is under constant cultivation, and the Bay State Nurseries are known as the largest in New England. Their products are sent throughout the United States and to some foreign countries, and the reputation which they have made for honest business methods, together with the skill which long experi- ence, close application, and natural ability has devel- oped, places them easily at the head among the lead- ers in their line. In 1922, Donald D. Wyman was made an equal partner, and he is proving himself to be equal to the work of continuing the business along the sound lines which his father, the founder, has so faithfully followed. Mr. Wvman is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. During the World War he served as a member of the Naval Reserve, but was not called to action. Fraternally, he is identified with John Cutler Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons,
and he is a member of several local clubs. His re- ligious affiliation is with the Baptist church.
Donald Dearborn Wyman was married, in 1919, to Edith Mae Gardner, of New York City, daughter of Frank E. and Charlotte L. (Mitchell) Gardner. Mr. and Mrs. Wyman are the parents of three chil- dren: Paige G., Muriel, and Helen.
ERNEST J. SWEETSER, of Duxbury, long iden- tified with the general store in that community, was born April 5, 1857, at Wakefield, Massachusetts. He is a son of James M. and Sarah (Whiting) Sweetser, both now deceased. Sarah (Whiting) Sweetser was a native of Vermont, while James M. Sweetser was born in Wakefield; he was a veteran of the Civil War, but when peace had been restored to the land, returned to his native county, and was thereafter identified with the shoe industry.
Ernest J. Sweetser received his education in the public schools of the community in which he was reared and, in 1870, when thirteen years of age, went to work as a helper in the general store then owned and operated by Winfield Scott Freeman. With this establishment he has since remained, and to it has given more than half a century's service. His indus- try, integrity and keen insight into general business methods soon won him a definite place in this store, and as the years went by Mr. Sweetser became more and more acquainted with operation methods, held various positions in the concern, and finally was ad- mitted to partnership with Mr. Freeman. Then, upon the death of the senior member, Mr. Sweetser became head of the firm, and he, in turn, admitted Mr. Arnold to partnership. The name of the store was changed to Sweetser & Arnold and a very profitable business was conducted for a long period of time. Later, how- ever, Mr. Sweetser purchased Mr. Arnold's interests and has since operated the store under his own name. The business has progressed tremendously since the day when the thirteen-year-old boy walked into the store and demanded a job, and it is now a general store in the fullest sense of the word, carrying almost everything imaginable, from farm machinery to a complete grocery line; and from men and women's clothing to toys and baby layettes. It is housed in a large building, and being one of the oldest stores of its kind in this section, it enjoys the largest trade.
Mr. Sweetser is a staunch supporter of the Repub- lican party, and is noted for the excellent manner in which he contributes to the welfare and general ad- vancement of Duxbury. He holds membership in the Society of Sons of Veterans of the Civil War, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Encampment.
Ernest J. Sweetser married, in 1877, Sarah A. Peter- son, daughter of Samuel S. and Sarah C. (Holmes) Peterson, of Duxbury, and they are the parents of a daughter: Ethel L. Sweetser, who married Lemuel Wyman, and is the mother of Clifford Wyman. Mr. and Mrs. Sweetser reside in Duxbury, and attend the Pilgrim Congregational Church.
GEORGE S. MARSH, of Hingham, Massachu- setts, is a native of that community, where he has engaged for the many years of his active career as a progressive citizen who has devoted his best efforts to the well-being of the town. Caleb Marsh, father of Mr. Marsh, was, during the latter years of his life- time, engaged as foreman by the Burr & Brown Man- ufacturing Company of Hingham, and died in 1872.
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His wife, before her marriage to Caleb Marsh, was Annie Stratton, of Hingham.
George S. Marsh, son of Caleb and Annie (Strat- ton) Marsh, was born on February 18, 1858, at Hing- ham, Massachusetts, and derived an excellent educa- tion in the local grammar and high schools. For a period of twenty years after completion of his edu- cation, Mr. Marsh was an employee of the Burr- Brown Company, having served part of that time as foreman. Subsequently he became associated with the Thaxter & Brother enterprise, his duties with the latter firm having been those of optician, and he thus continued until 1911, having been identified with the business in all for twenty years. President William Howard Taft appointed Mr. Marsh postmaster at Hingham in 1911, in which office he served for the following four years. He became a member of the State Legislature in 1917, and served in the latter year and in 1918 and 1919. In 1920, the board of directors of the Hingham Co-operative Bank elected Mr. Marsh a member of the board of directors of that institution and also as its official treasurer, in which capacity he continues to serve (1928), and is also a member of the board of trustees of the Hingham In- stitution for Savings. Since 1915, Mr. Marsh has been a member of the local Board of Selectmen. In 1916, he was elected a member of the Board of Assessors of the town of Hingham, serving until 1925. He is an active member of the Village Improvement So- ciety and of the Hingham Historical Society, and is identified with numerous lodges and other organiza- tions, including Old Colony Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, of which he is Past Master and Dis- trict Deputy; the Worshipful Masters' Association of the State of Massachusetts, and the Wampatuch Club. He is a thirty-second degree Mason.
Mr. Marsh has been twice married, his first wife having been Harriet E. Stephenson, and his second, Sarah L. Nye. Mr. Marsh is a member of the Third Congregational Church at Hingham, the town of his residence.
DR. JAMES ALFRED-The shoe business of New England is so well organized that a man without previous experience can now and then enter it and make a splendid success, as did Dr. James Alfred, of Brockton, who engaged in the practice of medicine until 1920. At this time he founded the Union Shoe Company, manufacturer of men's fine shoes, which at the start had an output of forty pairs of shoes a day, whereas it now employs one hundred and fifty people, occupies 18,000 square feet of floor space, and turns out eight hundred pairs of shoes daily, which go to customers all over this country and abroad. The concern has thus assumed an importance in the manufacturing and financial world somewhat out of proportion to expectations. A good augury for its continued success is found in that fact that Dr. Al- fred has trained his son, James LeRoy Alfred, to be- come manager of the concern. While it is proper to attribute part of this splendid record to native con- ditions, which for many years have favored the shoe manufacturing industry, it is but fair that Dr. Alfred should be given full credit for the exercise of those qualities of judgment and principles of economics which were necessary concomitants. Even though the business world does not usually look to the pro- fessions for its recruits, now and then the qualities that make a professional man successful are the very
attributes which will also build him a success in the business world.
Dr. Alfred was born in Armenia, December 1, 1873, coming to Boston when fifteen years old. He re- ceived his early education in the Armenian and the local schools of Boston, and graduated from the Tufts College Medical Department in 1895 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He worked his way through night schools and college. Thus well equipped, he undertook the practice of his profession in general work at Montello, Plymouth County. He built up a large and lucrative practice and acquitted himself well in World War work; being on the Ex- amining Draft Board and also a member of the Medical Reserve Corps; but in 1920 he saw a splen- did opportunity to establish a factory along new lines at Brockton, and giving up his profession, he whole-heartedly threw himself into the business of making shoes. The spectacle of a physician turned manufacturer caused considerable speculation as to the degree of success Dr. Alfred would attain, but the public had not long to wait to be convinced that in a short time he would be a serious competitor of concerns which had been in business many years. From a small shop and a handful of employees, as stated above, the concern has grown to sizable pro- portions. The giant strides of the Union Shoe Com- pany, furthermore, are a source of local pride be- cause Dr. Alfred is long a resident of Boston.
Dr. Alfred is prominently identified with all for- ward-looking community interests, and his services for committee work are frequently in demand. In fraternal order circles he is popular as a member of the Knights of Pythias. In the religious world he gives allegiance to the Congregational church.
Dr. Alfred married, June 1, 1895, Alice Maud As- bell, who, like himself, is the representative of a long line of ancestors of accomplishment, and their union has been blessed with a son, James LeRoy, born in 1900, who as manager of the Union Shoe Company has shown that he inherits in generous measure the business ability, integrity and personality of his talented father. He married, June 6, 1922, at Boston, Vera Constance Heap, and they have a daughter, Norma Constance, born Ferbuary 27, 1925. James LeRoy Alfred is a member of St. John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and secretary of the Masonic Club of Brockton.
WALTER F. STEPHENS-Well known among the members of the legal profession in Eastern Mas- sachusetts is Walter F. Stephens, who, since his admission to the bar in 1900, has been successfully engaged in general practice in Brockton. He has also been active in public affairs, both local and State, and has represented his district in the State Legislature for two terms.
Walter F. Stephens was born at Hornell, Steuben County, New York, November 6, 1878, and received his early and preparatory education in the public schools of Brockton, Massachusetts. After gradua- tion from high school he matriculated in the Law Department of the University of Boston, from which he was graduated with the class of 1899, at which time he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar that year, and opened an office for general practice in Brockton. He experi- enced the usual period of slow growth of practice, knew what it was to wait a bit for delayed calls of
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clients, but his practice steadily grew, and during the past quarter of a century, he has built up a very large and important clientele and made for himself an enviable reputation as a skilled attorney. His clear grasp of the essential facts of a case, his power of rapid organization, his forceful presenta- tion, and his eloquence when pleading a case have made him a force to be reckoned with, and, he has won in a high degree the confidence and esteem of his professional associates. Along with his professional responsibilities Mr. Stephens has found time for ac- tive participation in public affairs. He is chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Randolph, and was chosen in 1920 to represent his district in the State Legislature, where he served for the term of 1920- 1921 and for 1921-1922. During both of his terms of service in the Legislature he was a member of several important committees. Fraternally, he is af- filiated with Norfolk Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, of Randolph, Massachusetts; with Mount Zion Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Brockton Council, Royal and Select Masters; and with Bay State Com- mandery, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Sons of Veterans, and his religious affiliation is with the Baptist church.
Walter F. Stephens was married, in 1903, to Bessie H. Farnham, of Randolph, Massachusetts, daughter of Charles C. and Annie W. (Howard) Farnham. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are the parents of two chil- dren: 1. Charles F., who was born in Randolph, Massachusetts, April 6, 1904. 2. Robert, born Au- gust 8, 1907, now a student in Burdett College.
CHARLES H. BARDEN-Without doubt the oldest undertaking establishment in this section, if not in' all New England, the firm of Vinal and Bar- den has consistently earned a reputation for reli- ability and efficiency equalled by none. The con- cern was established in 1827, by Messrs. Howard & Clark, on what was then known as Brockton Heights; it later moved to the building at No. 85 Main Street, where it remained for eighty years and then re- moved to its own building on School Street, where the business is now conducted. In 1870 W. H. Savage took over the business and continued under his name until 1901, when E. T. Vinal and S. J. M. Brooks took possession. In 1907, Mr. Brooks died, and the present firm of Vinal & Barden was formed and still continues under that title, although Mr. Barden is sole owner, Mr. Vinal having died some years ago.
Charles H. Barden is the son of William H. Barden, a native of Middleboro, Massachusetts, and Lydia J. (Kent) Barden, a native of New York. He was born at Brockton, Massachusetts, and was educated in the public and high schools of his native town. He began preparation for his life-work by entering the employ of Howard & Clark, where he made a thorough study of the undertaking business through all departments, and so thoroughly equipped himself in this line that today he is recognized as one of the leading funeral directors of Brockton and its vicinity. His model funeral house is exceptionally up-to-date, and unfailing courtesy, together with a personal attention to every detail given by its pro- prietor, adds to the high standing of this well-known establishment.
Politically, Mr. Barden is a Republican, and was formerly a member of the Common Council, repre-
senting Ward Seven, and was also member of the Board of Aldermen for a time. Fraternally, he is a member of Paul Revere Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; a Knight Templar, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He holds membership in the Commercial Club, the Massachusetts Undertakers' Association, and the Chamber of Commerce of Brockton.
Charles H. Barden married, in 1909, Lettie Kings- ley, of Brockton, daughter of John P. and Ellen (Thayer) Kingsley, and they attend the First Con- gregational Church, and Porter Congregational Church, of which Mr. Barden is treasurer and a member of the board of deacons.
A. EDWARD ERICKSON-As civil engineer, A. Edward Erickson has had careful preparation and extended experience. Since June, 1926, he has been located at Brockton, where he is building up an en- couraging business. In addition to his professional activities, Mr. Erickson is also a collector of sta- tistical records, concerning which subject he is especi- ally well informed.
A. Edward Erickson was born in New York City, New York, January 14, 1882, son of A. M. Erickson, a native of Sweden, who was engaged in business as a merchant tailor and whose death occurred in 1906, and of Alice (Olson) Erickson, also a native of Sweden, who survived her husband, her death occur- ring in 1924. Mr. Erickson received a good practical education in the public schools, including the high school, and when his high school training was com- pleted, continued study under private instructors. He early became interested in civil enginering, and went to Texas, Illinois, where he learned that profession and where he began his career in that field of activity. After a time, he left Illinois and came to Massachu- setts, settling in Brockton, where he associated him- self first with Mr. White, and later with Mr. Tru- fant. He made for himself a reputation as a skilled civil engineer, and in 1919 he was made assistant engineer of the city of Brockton. In this connec- tion he did much of the extensive designing and topographical work at Silver Lake, and in other ways rendered valuable service to the city. He had al- ways been desirous of establishing an independent business, however, and in June, 1926, he engaged in business for himself in Brockton. His patronage increased steadily, and at the present time (1928) he is taking care of a prosperous and steadily grow- ing business. His, office is located at No. 106 Main Street, in Brockton, and he has won in a high de- gree the confidence and approval of those whom he has served in professional capacity. He is known not only as a skilled civil engineer, but as a man of sound business principles as well, and he has made many friends in Brockton and vicinity. Politically, he gives his support to the principles and the candi- dates of the Republican party, but he has never sought the honors and the emoluments of public office. He is a member of several of the local clubs, and his religious affiliation is with the Episcopal church. Mr. Erickson is a public-spirited citizen who is always anxious to contribute his share to the gen- eral welfare, and projects planned for the good of Brockton never fail to receive his generous support.
A. Edward Erickson was married, in 1911, to Mrs. Helen (Cusick) Hutton, of Manchester, New Hampshire.
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MAURICE J. MURPHY-His valued services to the bar of Plymouth and Bristol counties have brought Maurice J. Murphy into his popular and able association with legal matters, and whether as a pleader at the bar, or a personal adviser concerning questions of law, he is an attorney of pronounced attainments. He is prominent, as well, in fraternal associations, and he possesses the confidence and good will of the community. He is a son of Dennis Murphy, a retail grocer, and of Ellen (Sullivan) Murphy, both parents natives of Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland.
Maurice J. Murphy was born August 22, 1888, at Brockton, where he attended the grammar and high schools. Preparing himself for his profession in the Law School of Boston University, he was graduated there in 1909, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and he was admitted to the bar in 1910. Mr. Murphy began the practice of his profession that year, and he has been associated with O. N. Fortier and H. C. Thorndike. He is now conducting his law busi- ness in his own name, and is a member of the Plym- outh County and the Brockton Bar associations.
A, Democrat in his political / convictions, Mr. Murphy is interested in all matters pertaining to civic advance; and he was at one time assistant clerk of the District Court. He was a member of the Legal Associates Board during the World War. Fraternally, Mr. Murphy is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Ancient Order of Hibernians; Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters; and he is a communicant of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.
Maurice J. Murphy married, June 27, 1922, Edith Saxton, of Brockton, daughter of John and Cath- erine (Geary) Saxton. Their children: 1. Denise, born March 13, 1923, deceased. 2. John S., born Feb- ruary 21, 1926.
ALFRED E. WALKER-The second oldest in point of time in business here, and one of the largest dealers in his line in Wollaston is Alfred E. Walker, who since 1911 has been engaged in the real estate and insurance business here. Mr. Walker has his office in the Walker Apartment Building, corner of Beale Street and Greenwood Avenue, where he does a general real estate and insurance business. He has also erected a number of first-class dwelling houses here, including, in 1927, the Walker Apartment Building, comprising twenty-one apartments, and five stores.
Alfred E. Walker was born in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, February 22, 1868, son of Gilbert W. Walker, a native of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, who was en- gaged as a farmer to the time of his death, and of Margaret (Wickwire) Walker, who was born in Mil- ford, Nova Scotia, and is now deceased. He attended the public schools of his birthplace, and then, in 1888, secured a position as telegraph operator in the employ of the Intercolonial Railroad (later taken over by the Canadian National Railways), with whom he remained for a period of four years. In 1892, he came to Boston and became identified with the Old Colony Railroad, in the operating department, where he remained from 1892 to 1898. His next connection was with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, as stenographer in the legal de- partment, and here he remained for two years. In 1900 he made a complete change in the line of his in- terest and entered the employ of a wholesale leather
house in Boston, with whom he continued to serve until 1911. In 1901 he came to Wollaston and in 1911 entered the real estate and insurance business for himself, under his own name, locating at No. 91 Beale Street, where he built up a large and prosperous business. He conducts a general real estate and in- surance business, and in addition to this he added, in 1914, a considerable building business. He has erected a number of fine residences in Wollaston, and at the present time (1928) is the second oldest real estate and insurance man in Wollaston, that is, in point of time spent in the business here. His concern is also one of the largest in this place. He has the agency for the Northern Assurance Company, Limited; also for the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company. Fraternally, he is identified with Merrymount Lodge. Knights of Pythias; and of Quincy Lodge, No. 943, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Wollaston Improvement Association, the Quincy Real Estate Exchange, of which he is secretary and director, and of the Insurance Federa- tion of the State of Massachusetts. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party. He is a member of Quincy Chamber of Commerce, which he has served as a director; and he is also a member of the Men's Club of the Wollaston Congregational Church. His two hobbies are automobiling and farm- ing, and he has a host of friends in Wollaston. His religious membership is with the Congregational church.
Alfred E. Walker was married, in 1900, to Mary L. Cowen, who was born in Wareham, Massachu- setts, and they are the parents of one child, Kenneth C. Walker.
HARRY W. FLAGG-A man whose excellent at- tainments have won him the high regard of the mem- bers of his profession, Harry W. Flagg is one of the most prominent lawyers of Brockton, Massachusetts. Born August 19, 1860, in Monroe County. Wisconsin, he is a son of Samuel H. and Lydia M. (Wyatt) Flagg, both of whom are now deceased. Samuel H. Flagg, a native of Massachusetts, was for many years engaged in merchandising at Providence, Rhode Island, and died in 1898. Lydia M. (Wyatt) Flagg died in 1910.
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