History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 54

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 54
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 54
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 54

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John Matheson married, in 1893, Mary L. Bossel- mann, a daughter of Henry and Mary J. (Sadler) Bosselmann, of Dorchester, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Matheson have four children: 1. Malcolm H., who married Louisa Stewart. 2. Gladys M., who married Arthur Blood. 3. Marion P., who married Carl Anderson. 4. F. Dorothy. Mr. and Mrs. Matheson maintain their residence in Abington, where they attend the Congregational church.

FRANCIS J. GEOGAN-Since 1910 Francis J. Geogan has been successfully engaged in the practice of law in Rockland, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, where he has made for himself an assured place, pro- fessionally, and as a public-spirited and helpful citi- zen. He is president of the Rockland Co-operative Bank, Special Justice of the Second District Court of Plymouth and director of the Rockland Trust Com- pany, and is one of the members of the community who can be counted upon to contribute a full share to the advancement of the interests of the town.

Francis J. Geogan was born in Taunton, Massa- chusetts, December 23, 1884, son of John F. Geogan, a native of Kings County, Ireland, who was engaged in the furniture business in Taunton, and who died in 1925, and of Elizabeth (Reilly) Geogan, a native of County Cavan, Ireland. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, and after the completion of his high school course studied law in the office of J. J. Geogan, successfully passing the ex- aminations for admission to the bar in February, 1906. He began his professional career in the city of Haver- hill, Massachusetts, where he was engaged in general practice for about a year. He then located in Boston until 1910, when he came to Rockland, and opened an office. Here he steadily built up a clientele, which during the sixteen years which have passed since his coming has grown to most satisfactory propor- tions, and is increasing each year. He is well known as a skilled and resourceful practitioner and he has won a very high place in the esteem of his associates, both in the profession and among those with whom he is associated politically, socially, and in civic af- fairs in general. In addition to the care of a large

clientele Mr. Geogan is president of the Rockland Co-operative Bank, and he serves the community as president of the board of trustees of the Public Li- brary. He casts his vote independently, giving un- qualified allegiance to no political party, and giving his support to the candidates whom he considers best fitted for the office to which they aspire, regardless of party affiliation. He is vice-president of the Rock- land Chapter of the Red Cross, and a member of its legal advisory board. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, and he is also identified with several of the local clubs. His religious affilia- tion is with the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Family.

Francis J. Geogan was married, in Rockland, Mas- sachusetts, September 17, 1918, to Hortense M. Bowler, daughter of John and Mary (Magara) Bow- ler. Mr. and Mrs. Geogan are the parents of one son, Robert J., born March 23, 1920.

ALFRED H. NASH, insurance man of Abington, Massachusetts, and one of the leading citizens of that township, was born on March 6, 1869, at Abing- ton, a son of Erastus M. and Lucy Augusta (Keene) Nash, both now deceased. Erastus M. Nash was prominent in Abington (where he was born), as a note-broker and accountant; he died in 1896, while Lucy Augusta (Keene) Nash was a native of Marsh- field, Massachusetts, and died in 1910.

Alfred H. Nash received his education in the public and high schools of Abington, and he later branched out for himself in that town. He has been identified with the insurance business for practically all of his business career, being associated with the Abington Mutual Fire Insurance Company, as secretary and treasurer, and as treasurer of Howland, Nash & Cole, Incorporated, of Abington and Whitman. Mr. Nash has assumed a number of outside commercial interests, among the more important being the office he fills as a trustee of the Abington Savings Bank. As a member of the Republican party, he has served on many important town committees. He was also ac- tive during the World War, doing much to forward the work that was so necessary in order to give the proper support to our troops in France. He is prom- inent in the social life of his township, 'and he is affiliated with John Cutler Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, which he has served as the secretary for more than thirty years, succeeding his father, who was the first secretary of this lodge. Mr. Nash is also a Past High Priest of Pilgrim Chapter; Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Abington Council; and a Past Commander of Old Colony Commandery, Knights Templar.

Alfred H. Nash married, in 1897, Mary W. Hunt, a daughter of John W. and Mary B. (Nash) Hunt, of Abington. Mr. and Mrs. Nash are the parents of one daughter: Dorice B., a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College. Mr. Nash and his family reside in Abing- ton, and attend the Congregational church, of which Mr. Nash is clerk.

ALBERT S. PETERSON-One of the best- known men in Rockland, who has done much to advance Rockland to its present high commercial status, was born on January 6, 1868, at Abington, Massachusetts, a son of Jabez B. and Sarah B. Pe- terson, both descended from sterling Massachusetts families. Sarah B. Peterson was born in Duxbury,

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and lives at Rockland. Jabez B. Peterson, born at Rockland, died there on February 21, 1883. He was a mason by trade, a man beloved by those who knew him well, and respected by all with whom he came in contact.

Albert S. Peterson received his education in the grammar and high schools of the community in which he was born; and immediately entered the grocery business. He remained in this work for two years, after which he engaged in the news, stationery and wholesale and retail tobacco business in Rockland. For the ensuing eleven years, Mr. Peterson was em- ployed by William Douglas, of Rockland. He then purchased Mr. Douglas' interests and continued the business under his name. This was in 1898; he has remained in this establishment ever since, his con- cern being the oldest of its kind in Plymouth County.

Despite the volume of his duties, Mr. Peterson has found time in which to take a keen interest in the public affairs of his township. In his political views he is an Independent, and he is affiliated with John Cutler Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; the Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons; the Council, Royal and Se- lect Masters; the Commandery, Knights Templar; the Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias; and is a charter member of the Union Glee Club.

Albert S. Peterson married, in 1890, Lottie E. Douglas, a daughter of William and Ellen (Wiggins) Douglas, of Rockland. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have three children: 1. D. Lloyd. 2. Robert C., a student at Boston University. 3. Shirley A. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson and their family reside in Rockland.

REV. PETER J. McCORMACK, pastor of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Hingham, Massa- chusetts, has devoted many of the years of his active career as minister to the needs and problems of the unfortunates. Jeremiah McCormack, sire of Father McCormack, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and died in 1919. He married Elizabeth McHugh, who was born and reared in County Leitrim, Ireland, and passed from this life in 1926.

Peter J. McCormack, son of Jeremiah and Eliza- beth (McHugh) McCormack. was born in Marlboro, Massachusetts, on October 24, 1875. After attend- ance at the public schools of Hudson and graduating from its high school he entered Boston College, re- maining there a year and then became a student at St. Anselm's College, Manchester, New Hampshire. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts there- from as a member of the class of 1897, and com- pleted his studies for the priesthood at St. John's Seminary, Brighton, Massachusetts. During his early years he ministered to the people in Ohio and Ken- tucky.

For approximately twenty years, Father .Mc- Cormack functioned as a chaplain or in similar capacities in connection with various hospitals and penal institutions, in Boston, Massachusetts, having thereby endeared himself to the unfortunate people confined in those institutions. His first church affili- ations following graduation from the ecclesiastical seminary were with several denominations which he served as assistant pastor. His first pastorate was located at Hanover, Massachusetts, and in 1925, Father McCormack was transferred to his present

church, St. Paul's, at Hingham. In addition to being a popular pastor and spiritual adviser of his parish- ioners, Father McCormack is widely known because of his talents as an author of books and magazine articles, and also as a playwright. He is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters of the State of Massachusetts.

BERNARD L. STETSON-During the earlier years of his career, Bernard L. Stetson of Hanover, Massachusetts, was engaged in the clothing business, but fate decreed that he should devote his talents to other fields of endeavor. Mr. Stetson is not only one of the most popular residents of this community but is also a member of an old and highly respected family of Hanover. His father, William L. Stetson, was a native of Catskill, New York, and died in 1924: he married Grace H. Damon, who was born and reared in Hanover where she continues to reside.

Bernard L. Stetson, son of William L. and Grace H. (Damon) Stetson, was born at Hanover, Massa- chusetts, on July 22, 1878, and received his education in the local grammar and high schools and also at Burdett's Business College. For a time during his young manhood, Mr. Stetson engaged in the clothing business at Boston. Subsequently, he became asso- ciated with a large iron foundry at Providence, Rhode Island, where he remained until 1915. In the latter year, Mr. Stetson accepted the responsible positions of town clerk and town treasurer of Hanover, which dual capacities he has filled most efficiently. He is also engaged in the insurance business, being the proprietor of the largest agency in Hanover, and in many other ways he is prominently identified with the best interests of the community. Mr. Stetson is a member of the board of directors of the Rockland Co-operative Bank. He is a Republican in political affiliation. During the World War he rendered serv- ices of inestimable value as a member of all local wartime boards and promoter of other activities. He is affiliated with the Masonic Order, being a member of Phoenix Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a popular member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. An active churchman, he is a member of the First Congregational Church of Hanover, and treasurer for that denomination locally.

In 1912, Bernard L. Stetson married Marion E. Mitchell of Bangor, Maine, daughter of David L. and Addie M. (Glidden) Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Stetson are the parents of one son: Damon M., the date of whose birth was August 1, 1915.

FREDERICK H. KING-As superintendent of the Alden Shoe Company, of Abington, Frederick H. King has been rendering most efficient service for more than a quarter of a century, having accepted that position in 1900 and maintained his connection with the company, in that capacity, to the present time (1928). He is also a member of the board of directors of the company.

Frederick H. King was born in Abington. Massa- chusetts, December 31, 1854, son of Joshua H. King, a native of Abington, who was engaged in the shoe manufacturing business in Abington, and whose death occurred in 1866, and of Mary Ann (Elms) King, of Boston, now deceased. Mr. King received his education in the public schools of Abington, and when his school training was completed, found employment

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with Henry Dunham, of Abington, who was engaged in the manufacture of shoes. He continued that con- nection for eight years, during which time he was made foreman. He widened his experience by asso- ciating himself with the Cobb and Thompson Shoe Company, of Abington, and later went to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with the Robbins-Kellogg Shoe Com- pany, where he remained as superintendent for seven- teen years. He returned to Abington and engaged in business, in association with his brother, under the name of King Brothers. That was in 1891, and the brothers were successfully engaged in the manufac- ture of shoes until 1900, a period of nine years. In 1900, however, disaster came in the form of a fire, which destroyed the factory with all its equipment and stock, and the business was discontinued. Since that time, Mr. King has been associated with the C. H. Alden Shoe Company, of Abington, as super- intendent and as a member of the board of directors. Mr. King is an Independent in politics, believing that local government should be conducted without refer- ence to party affiliations. He takes an active interest in the public affairs of the town, is a member of the town finance committee, and is known as one of the public-spirited citizens who can be depended upon to contribute generously of time and ability to the ad- vancement of the general welfare. Fraternally, he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a former Chancellor. He is a member of the Frank- lin Club, and his religious affiliation is with the Con- gregational church. Mr. King was well known to the shoe trade throughout New England, while he was engaged in the manufacture of shoes, and he still is one of the well-known men of the shoe industry.

Frederick H. King was married (first), in 1876, to Lillian Taggart, daughter of James M. and Mary Taggart; (second), May 9, 1894, to Nellie Francis Hunt, of Abington, daughter of Seth and Lydia (Mes- erve) Hunt. To the first marriage three children were born: 1. Ellen, who married James Howard. 2. May, died young. 3. Frederick, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and who is now (1928) identified with the Lynde Air Products Company, of New York. He married Francis Roth- sus of Buffalo, New York.

STEPHEN GRANT STONE, who has done a great deal for the general advancement of Abington, was born on March 3, 1893, at Brookline, Massa- chusetts, a son of Captain Eugene Potter and Maude Margaret (Grant) Stone, descendants of pioneer New England families. Maude Margaret (Grant) Stone was born in Boston; and Captain Eugene Potter Stone, born in New Hampshire, died in 1916. He was a physician and surgeon, and held his rank in the Medical Section of the United States Navy. He was a particularly able officer, a man beloved by those who knew him well and respected by all with whom he came in contact.

Stephen Grant Stone received his early education in the public and high schools of the community in which he was reared, graduating from Columbia University with the class of 1915, and received the degree of Master of Arts. Immediately after the completion of these courses of study he became affili- ated with the C. H. Alden Shoe Company, at Abing- ton, Massachusetts, where he has since remained. He has served in various positions, and is now an ex- ecutive in this concern, a phase of the work in which

he shows a particularly marked ability. His actual rank in this concern is not easy to define, for he is office manager, buyer, auditor, and also handles other phases of the business. The simplest construction one might put upon it is that he is acting as a' gen- eral executive and doing the actual work of many of the departments, more or less, under his direct care. Certainly he is a most active individual, and his efforts are not limited to commerce alone, for he contributes generously of his time for community affairs of his township. In his political views, he is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and was elected to the School Board of Abington, an office which he is now filling. He has also been a liberal supporter of movements which in any way tend to- ward the civic, commercial and social advancement of Abington. He also served, for three years, as president of the Abington Board of Trade. During the emergency created by the entry of the United States into the World War, Mr. Stone served as a member of the Heavy Artillery, United States Coast Defense, in which branch of the service he held the rank of second lieutenant, and was assigned to duty as an instructor. Prior to the World War, Mr. Stone had long held membership in the New York State National Guard.

Stephen Grant Stone married, in 1917, Edith Schuyler Walsh, daughter of William S. and Ann (Cudlipp) Walsh, of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are the parents of three children: 1. Stephen Grant, Jr., born in 1918. 2. Eugene Cudlipp, born in 1922. 3. John Schuyler, born in 1927. Mr. Stone and his family maintain their residence in Abington, where they attend the Episcopal church.

WILLIAM J. SHEEHAN of Abington, who has been identified with the ice cream manufacturing and sales business for practically all of his business career, was born on June 1, 1865, in Abington, son of Michael and Bridget (Smith) Sheehan, both now deceased. Bridget (Smith) Sheehan, born in Ire- land, died in 1916; Michael Sheehan, also a native of Ireland, died in 1919. He was identified with the shoe industry in Massachusetts, and served with dis- tinction in the Civil War. He began his enlist- ment as a member of the Minute Men, and he was later transferred to duty with the Twelfth Battalion Light Artillery. A prominent man in Abington, Mr. Sheehan was a character beloved by those who knew him well, and respected by all.

William J. Sheehan received his early education in the public schools of the community in which he was born, from which he graduated in 1881, and he later graduated from Thayer Academy, after a four-year course. He then began a professional course at Harvard Medical College, but this failed to hold his interest, and he did not complete it. After leaving Harvard, he engaged in the ice cream manufacturing and sales business. After various positions in this field, in 1910, Mr. Sheehan established the Plymouth Rock Ice Cream Company, on North Avenue, at North Abington, Massachusetts. This turned out to be a most successful enterprise, and although Mr. Sheehan began in a small way, he is now one of the most important men in this field in his section of the country. In the early part of 1926, a large, modern factory was erected for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing products of this company; more than seventy-five people are kept in constant employ, and

William b. Britt

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the company now operates a fleet of twenty-two motor trucks for distribution of ice cream and allied prod- ucts. The output of the company is consumed throughout Abington and the surrounding district for a radius of approximately thirty miles, and finds a ready market, although the plant itself is capable of producing more than a half-million gallons per year. The officers are: Thomas F. McAnarney, president; John W. McAnarney, secretary; W. J. Sheehan, treasurer and manager. Mr. Sheehan has held public office for a long period, having been chairman of the Abington School Board for more than thirty years, and chairman of the School Board of Bridgewater for ten years. That he filled these posts of trust with much ability is amply evidenced by his length of service. There are other worthy proofs of his par- ticular aptitude for this phase of civic and social administration. During the World War, Mr. Sheehan was particularly efficient as vice-chairman of the Allied War Drives in this part of the State, and he served as a member of the Public Safety Committee, receiving a certificate from the Government for this work. Without attempting to detail all of his ac- tivities, it is pertinent to relate, that he served on practically every important board and committee formed in Abington, and contributed materially of time, talents and money in bringing the war to a suc- cessful conclusion. He is justly known as an inde- fat gable worker, and he is also noted for the ex- cellent manner in which he promotes the general wel- fare and advancement of his community. He has also been a forceful factor in social life, and is affili- ated, fraternally, with the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters of America, and Ancient Order of Hiber- nians. He also holds membership in practically all the local, civic, commercial, and social organizations, and he is a charter member, as well, of the Sons of Veterans of the Civil War.

William J. Sheehan married, in 1916, Mary E. McAnarney, a daughter of John and Bridget (Mc- Cormick) McAnarney, of Abington. Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan are devotees of the St. Bridget's Roman Catholic Church of Abington.

WILLIAM C. BRETT-Although he has been re- tired from active business for more than six years, William C. Brett of Abington, is still identified with the North Abington Co-operative Bank, of which he was one of the founders in 1888, and which' he has served as president. Before his retirement he was engaged in the hay, grain, and coal business.

William C. Brett was born in Rochester, Massa- chusetts, July 16, 1855, son of William L. Brett, of East Douglas, Massachusetts, born December 30, 1815, died in 1891, having been engaged in the dry- goods business during the early years of his active career and as a farmer during his later years, and of Abbie C. (Clark) Brett, of Rochester, Massachu- setts, born September 17, 1815, died November 11, 1863. Mr. Brett attended the local public schools and after the completion of his high school course learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a short time. He then engaged in the hay, grain, and feed business in Brockton, Massachusetts, but later formed a partnership with H. R. Burbeck under the firm name of Burbeck and Brett, and engaged in the same line in North Abington. 'The partnership was continued for about ten years, when it was dissolved and Mr. Brett continued alone until 1920,

when he retired. In the meantime, however, he had been one of the founders of the North Abington Co- operative Bank, established in 1888 by a group of business men, which included Major E. P. Reed, Jo- seph L. Greenwood, M. M. Loud, E. P. Boynton, S. N. Turner, M. N. Arnold, E. Ripley Bates, and William C. Brett. The first president was Major E. P. Reed, who was succeeded by Joseph L. Green- wood, and the third president was William C. Brett. The first treasurer was M. M. Loud, then Fred E. Reed, who was succeeded by E. W. Calkins, who, in turn, was succeeded by the present treasurer, George D. Witherell. The bank started in a very small way, and developed gradually and steadily until at the present time (1928) its assets total over $1,728,000. It is the only cooperative bank in the Abingtons, and Mr. Brett has been one of the important factors in the success which it has achieved. He has devoted much of his time and his energy, as well as his very considerable influence to the development of the bank, and the results of his efforts in this direction may be seen in the high place which the bank now occupies in the confidence of its patrons and in its rating among other banks. Mr. Brett has always been a public-spirited citizen, and though he has never sought nor desired the honors cf public office he has not refused when his acceptance would be of definite service to the community. He gives his support to the Republican party, and he has served as assessor of the town of Abington. During the period of the participation of the United States in the World War he served on various boards and committees and contributed his full share to the work of carrying Abington "over the top" in the various drives and campaigns by means of which the home war work of the community was achieved. Fra- ternally, Mr. Brett is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a Past Chancellor; and of the Knights of Malta. He is a member of the Abing- ton Board of Trade and his religious affiliation is with the Congregational church of North Abington, which he serves as deacon.

William C. Brett was married, in 1884, to Clara J. Johnson, of Deerfield, New Hampshire, daughter of Jonathan H., who served in the Civil War in the New Hampshire Volunteers, with the rank of cap- tain, and cf Nancy H. (Mudgett) Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Brett are the parents of three children: 1. Alden C., a graduate of Amherst Agricultural College and of Bentley College; married Katherine Blanchard, and they have four daughters. 2. Clarence W., grad- uate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; married Verdi Watson, and they have one son and two daughters. 3. Ralph J., married Bernice Beatty, and they have one son.

EBEN G. TOWNES, prominent young lawyer of Brockton, Massachusetts, who served in the United States Army during the World War, was born No- vember 25, 1893, at Brockton. He is a son of Charles B. and Abbie P. (Perry) Townes, both descendants of pioneer Massachusetts families. Charles B. Townes, born in Plymouth, was a merchant, and is now re- tired. Abbie P. (Perry) Townes is a native of Dux- bury, Massachusetts.

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History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 54

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