History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 55

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 55
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 55
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 55

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Eben G. Townes received his early education in the public and high schools of the community in which he was born, and attended Rhode Island State College. He obtained his legal training at Boston University, graduating from there with the class of

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1917, when he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Mr. Townes was admitted to the Massachu- setts bar during that year, and began practicing law under his own name, establishing an office at No. 106 Main Street. This work was soon interrupted, how- ever, by entry of the United States into the World War, and Mr. Townes at once offered his services to his country. He was assigned to duty with the Forty-fifth Depot Brigade, stationed at Camp Devens, but later was transferred to the Intelligence Depart- ment, where he served until the cessation of hostil- ities. Upon his return to civilian status he picked up the interrupted threads of life. Such as been his success that he is already considered one of the most promising of the younger attorneys in Brockton.

In his political preferences, Mr. Townes favors the Republican party, and is interested in the com- munity affairs of his town. He has also found time to contribute to the social life of Brockton, for he is not only a member of practically all of the local clubs and organizations, but he is also affiliated, fra- ternally, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Encampment, and he holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Eben G. Townes married, in 1918, Helena E. Costa, daughter of Stephen and Rose Costa, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Townes are the par- ents of one son: Eben G. Townes, Jr., who was born May 11, 1923. With their son they reside at No. 36 Brier Street, Brockton, and attend the First Con- gregational Church.

JOHN FARQUHAR REID, Jr .- Since 1910, John Farquhar Reid has been a member of the well- known firm of J. F. Reid and Company, a concern which was founded by his father and which is en- gaged in the granite manufacturing business, spec- ializing in granite turning and polishing, and pro- ducing round monuments, rolls, plinths, urns, vases, columns, balls and balusters. The office and cutting sheds are located at No. 14 Furnace Avenue, West Quincy, where the firm takes care of a very large and important patronage.

John Farquhar Reid, Sr., father of Mr. Reid, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, about 1861, and died in Quincy, Massachusetts, September 20, 1923. He re- ceived his education in the public schools of his native district, and then learned the trade of the gran- ite cutter. As a young man he came to this country and located in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he worked at his trade until 1907. In that year he es- tablished the firm; of J. F. Reid and Company, under which title he engaged in the granite manufacturing business for himself, continuing the business alone until 1919, when he admitted to partnership his two sons, John Farquhar Reid, Jr., and Desmond Albert Reid (q. v.). Mr. Reid was one of the first in Quincy to engage in granite turning, and he steadily built up his patronage, soon placing his enterprise among the foremost in this section of the State. During his active career, Mr. Reid did work on some of the prominent buildings of New York and Boston, in- cluding the Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City. He married, in 1886, Margaret Gordon Anderson, of Montreal, Canada, a former resident of his native town, Aberdeen, Scotland, and they were the parents of four sons and three daughters: Des- mond A., John F., Jr., of further mention; George, Fred, Isabell, who married a Mr. Ward; Ger-

trude, and Lucy. Mr. Reid, the father, was a member of Dorchester Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Foresters of America, of Quincy, and the Quincy Granite Manufacturers' Association.

John Farquhar Reid, Jr., son of John Farquhar and Margaret Gordon (Anderson) Reid, was born in Barre, Vermont, July 20, 1891, and received his edu- cation in the grammar and high schools of Milton, Massachusetts. After completing his education he entered the employ of his father, John Farquhar Reid, with whom he remained as a workman until 1910, when he and his brother, Desmond A., were ad- mitted to partnership. The partnership was con- tinued until 1923, when the father died, and the sons took over the business. Since that time they have continued to operate under the original name and have consistently maintained the high standards es- tablished by their father, the founder of the enterprise. Most of the work is done on New England granite, and they do various kinds of turning and polishing, specializing in round monuments, rolls, urns, and vases. They cut the baluster for the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, and have done many other im- portant pieces of work. Politically, Mr. Reid gives his support to the Republican party. Upon the en- trance of the United States into the World War, he enlisted, September, 1917, as a member of the Three Hundred and Second Infantry, Seventy-sixth Divi- sion, and for fifteen months served overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces, receiving his dis- charge in October, 1919, with the rank of sergeant. Upon his return to civilian life he returned to Quincy, Massachusetts, and resumed his duties as a member of the firm of J. F. Reid and Company. He is a mem- ber of the American Legion, also of the Granite Manufacturers' Association and of the American Granite Manufacturers' Association. His favorite recreation is golf, and he is a member of the Wampa- tuck Golf Club. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational church.

DESMOND ALBERT REID is a son of John Farquhar Reid (q. v.), founder of J. F. Reid & Com- pany, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, about 1861, and died at his home in East Milton, Massa- chusetts, September 20, 1923.

Desmond Albert Reid, son of John Farquhar and Margaret Gordon (Anderson) Reid, was born in Barre, Vermont, September 15, 1889, and received his education in the public schools of Milton, Massachu- setts. After completing his course in the high school he became associated with his father in the granite turning business as a workman, and continued in his father's employ until 1910, when he was admitted to partnership in the firm of J. F. Reid and Company. The office and cutting sheds are located at No. 14 Furnace Avenue, in West Quincy, where all kinds of turning and polishing are done for the cemetery and building trades. This concern cut the baluster for the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, and has done work for many other important buildings in the large cities of the country. Most of its work is done in New England granite, and the reputation which this com- pany has established places it among the foremost of its kind in this section. Mr. Reid is a Republican in his political sympathies, and is a progressive and pub- lic-spirited citizen. He is a member of the Granite Manufacturers' Association and of the American Granite Manufacturers' Association. Fraternally, he

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is identified with Macedonia Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, of Milton. He is also a member of the Masonic Club, and he finds his chief recreation on the golf links. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational church.

Desmond Albert Reid was married, in 1921, to Gladys May Stanton, who was born in Canton, Mas- sachusetts, and they are the parents of two children: Richard Stanton, and Dorothy May.

EDMUND J. CAMPBELL-Although a compara- tively young man, Edmund J. Campbell has already achieved a substantial position in the affairs of the city of Brockton, where he is engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, law, and as a director of several business and commercial enterprises.

The parents of Edmund J. Campbell, William H. and Jennie F. (Gogan) Campbell, are natives of the towns of East Bridgewater and Randolph, Massachu- setts, respectively. William H. Campbell is asso- ciated with the United States Customs Service.

Edmund J. Campbell was born in the town of East Bridgewater, October 19, 1897. He was a student in the public schools, Dorchester High School, Boston College, and the Boston University, and was gradu- ated from the last-named institution in 1921 with Doctor of Laws degree. Admitted to practice before the bar in the latter year he became thus actively engaged, as an associate of ex-District Attorney Al- bert F. Barker, which connection continued until 1923, when Mr. Campbell became associated with Judge Herbert C. Thorndike, with whom he remained until 1924, since which year he has carried on a most successful independent practice, under his own name and with law offices located at No. 106 Main Street, Brockton. A member of the Brockton Bar Asso- ciation, Mr. Campbell has been chosen for the re- sponsible post of secretary of that organization. He is a director of the Court Street Garage; also a di- rector of the William M. Fyffe Electrical Company, Incorporated, prominent Brockton concern, and has several real estate holdings in the city. Mr. Camp- bell, an Independent in political matters, was recip- ient of an appointment, by Governor Cox, as Master of Chancery. During the period of the World War, he was connected with the Ordnance Department of the Army. He holds membership in the American Legion and the Lions International Club.

Edmund J. Campbell married, in 1924, Mary A. English, of Brockton, daughter of Patrick H. and Mary A. (Condon) English. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have a daughter, Carolyn M., born July 30, 1925. The Campbell family are communicants of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.

JOHN W. SIMMONS-The city of Brockton is a humming hive of industry devoted particularly to the manufacture of shoes. In addition to the large factories which daily turn out thousands upon thou- sands of finished shoes for shipment throughout the United States and foreign countries, there are numer- ous other smaller plants which manufacture certain parts of shoes which have an equally great demand. The Baxendale Box Toe Company is an outstanding example, and its products are known in every section of the United States. John W. Simmons, a native of Brockton, is sole owner of this business, the oldest of its kind in the United States, having been founded in 1872, by Thomas A. Baxendale under the firm name

of Baxendale & Company. In 1898, the father of the present proprietor purchased the business and its name was then changed to the Baxendale Box Toe Company.

John Simmons, prominent manufacturer, and at the time proprietor of the Baxendale Box Toe Company, died in 1920. He was born and reared in North Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He married Ella M. Thayer, likewise a native of North Bridgewater, who continues to live in Brockton.

John W. Simmons, son of John and Ella M. (Thayer) Simmons, was born November 14, 1877, in Brockton. He was a student in the local grammar and high schools and also attended a business college. He has been connected with the Baxendale Company for practically the entire period of his business career, having begun as a youth in the employ of his father, and he worked in various departments of the factory to gain a thorough knowledge of the business. The Baxendale Box Toe Company occupies an entire floor at its present location in Belmont Street, Brockton, and has been operated at that address since 1914.

Mr. Simmons is a Republican. He is a member of Baalis Sanford Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He also holds membership in the Brockton Chamber of Commerce, the Brockton Commercial Club, and the Thorny Lea Golf Club. He attends the Porter Congregational Church.

Mr. Simmons married (first) Ruby W. Alley, daughter of William and Abbie (Phelps) Alley. He married (second) Phyllis E. Gay, daughter of H. H. and Alice (Blood) Gay. Children by the second mar- riage are: 1. John W., Jr., born August 8, 1914. 2. Elizabeth G., born November 18, 1916. 3. Nancy Thayer, born February 4, 1924.

JOSEPH M. VERACKA-Although in the prac- tice of the legal profession a comparatively short time, Joseph M. Veracka has established a remark- ably large clientele, which is truly an evidence of the popularity of his wise counsel. Coming to a strange land in his boyhood and conforming to strange customs, Mr. Veracka very early fitted him- self for his life-work and bids fair to becoming one of the leading attorneys of his surrounding terri- tory.

He was born in Lithuania, February 19, 1901, and is a son of Michael and Theresa (Lekys) Veracka, both parents natives of Lithuania, the former a tailor. Coming to this country, with his family, when three years old, he was educated in the public and high schools and at Boston University; he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the Suffolk School of Law with the class of 1923. Mr. Veracka, like many other successful men of this age, earned the money for his educational expenses by working during his youth. Admitted to the bar in the same year, he immediately began a general practice of law in Brockton, where he has since continued. He is a director and attorney for the Legion Realty Company. Mr. Veracka is an Independent in his political views, placing his judgment on the man rather than on the party. He is a member of the Brockton Bar Association, and Brockton Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a regular com- municant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church.

Joseph M. Veracka married, in 1924, Anna Vish- inskas, .of Boston, Massachusetts, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Kalinauskas) Vishinskas, and

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they are the parents of a son, Joseph S., born No- vember 15, 1925.

JOHN ROBERTSON-For many years John Robertson has been a resident of Quincy, and dur- ing all that time he has been identified with the granite manufacturing business. Since 1913 he has been engaged in business for himself as a member of the firm of Christie and Company, manufacturers of monuments and memorials for the cemetery trade. The office and yards are located on Gass Place, in Quincy, and the business is strictly whole- sale.

John Robertson was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, October 27, 1876, son of William, a native of Aber- deen, Scotland, who was engaged in the granite business there to the time of his death, and of Annie Johnstone Robertson, a native of Aberdeenshire, Scot- land. He received his school training in his native dis- trict, and at the age of fourteen years went to work in the granite business. When he was seventeen years of age he came to this country, locating first in New York City, where for several years he was employed in the granite business. He then went to Westerly, Rhode Island, but one year later, in 1899, came to Quincy, where he entered the employ of Milne and Chalmers. That connection he maintained continu- ously for fourteen years, giving to his employers most efficient service and thoroughly mastering the various branches of the business. In 1913, in com- pany with Alexander Christie and Andrew Christie, he became a partner in the newly established firm of Christie and Company, which located on Centre Street and engaged in the granite manufacturing business. One year later the business was removed to its present location on Gass Place, in Quincy, and there it has been continued to the present time (1928). They are wholesale manufacturers of mem- orials for the cemetery trade, and have built up a patronage which places them among the leading concerns of their kind. Mr. Robertson is a member of the Quincy Granite Manufacturers' Association, and of the American Granite Manufacturers' Asso- ciation. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Clan Mc- Gregor, Order of the Scottish Clans, and in his political sympathies he is a Republican. He finds healthful recreation in bowling. His religious af- filiation is with the Episcopal church.

John Robertson was married, in 1899, to Emily Ellard, who was born in Manchester, England. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are the parents of two children: Mildred A., and Lillian A.

ALEXANDER CHRISTIE -- As one of the founders and owners of the granite manufacturing firm of Christie and Company, located on Gass Place, in Quincy, Massachusetts, Alexander Christie is numbered among the well-known and successful business men of the granite industry. He is a na- tive of Scotland, where he learned the trade of the granite cutter, and his entire life has been identified with the granite industry. The concern is engaged in the wholesale manufacture of memorials for the cemetery trade, and has built up a patronage which places it among the leading establishments of its kind in this granite manufacturing section of the State.

John Bonner Christie, father of Mr. Christie, was born in Huntley, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, received

his education in the local schools of his birthplace, and then went to sea. Eventually, he became captain of a ship, and during the World War he was one of those who gave their lives in the performance of duty. As captain of the steamship "Norwood," he had been transporting troops for nineteen months, when his vessel was mined off the coast of Scotland, while running between Aberdeen, Scotland, and New- castle, England. Captain Christie had been following the sea for more than sixty years, and was well known and honored as an able ship master and as a man of sterling qualities of character. He married Jessie Geddes, who was born in Burghead, Scotland, and who died in 1915. Among their children were: Alex- ander, of further mention, and Andrew B., an ac- count of whose life follows.

Alexander Christie, son of Captain John Bonner and Jessie (Geddes) Christie, was born in Peterhead, Scotland, June 11, 1868, and received his education in the public schools of his birthplace. When his school training was finished he learned the trade of the granite cutter, which he followed in Scotland until 1887. In that year, when he was nineteen years of age, he left his native land and came to this country, locating in Barre, Vermont, where he engaged in granite work, and where he remained for nine months. At the end of that time he returned to Scot- land. There he located in Aberdeen and followed his trade until 1891, when he returned to this country and settled in Quincy for a short time. He then went to Barre, Vermont, but in 1894 he came back to Quincy and entered the employ of the Milne and Chalmers Granite Company. That connection he maintained for a period of twelve years and then widened his experience by associating himself with two other granite manufacturing firms. In 1913, in association with his brother, Andrew B. Christie, and John Robertson (q. v.), a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, he formed the concern known as Christie and Company and engaged in the wholesale manufac - ture of memorials for the cemetery trade. The yards and office were first located on Centre Street, in Quincy, but about a year after the founding of the business the plant was removed to its present loca- tion on Gass Place, Quincy. There, during the thir- teen years which have passed since the removal, the firm of Christie and Company has built up a large patronage, and has made for itself an es- tablished place in the granite trade. The three part- ners have been associated with the granite industry since boyhood, all having learned the trade of the granite cutter after leaving school, and all are men of extended practical experience in the industry. Mr. Christie is a member of the Quincy Granite Manu- facturers' Association and of the American Granite Manufacturers' Association, and is well known to the trade. Politically, he is a supporter of the prin- ciples and the candidates of the Republican party. He is fond of football and baseball, finding in those out-of-door sports healthful recreational interest, and his religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church.

Alexander Christie was married, in 1925, to Amanda Nelson, who was born in Cambridge, Massa- chusetts.

ANDREW B. CHRISTIE-Since 1913, Andrew B. Christie has been a member of the firm of Christie and Company, engaged in the wholesale manufacture of memorials for the cemetery trade. The concern

Clean T. Holes

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is well known and thoroughly established and Mr. Christie is also well known as a man of practical ability and of wide experience . in the granite in- dustry, both in this country and in Scotland.

Andrew B. Christie was born in Peterhead, Scot- land, October 28, 1875, son of Captain John Bonner Christie, a native of Huntley, Aberdeenshire, Scot- land, and of Jessie (Geddes) Christie, a native of Burghead, Scotland, whose death occurred in 1915. Captain John Bonner Christie was one of the heroes of the World War who gave their lives in service, going down with his ship, the "Norwood," after having been a follower of the sea for more than sixty years, and after having been engaged in trans- porting troops between Aberdeen, Scotland, and Newcastle, England, for nineteen months. His vessel was mined and he and all on board went down with the ship. Andrew B. Christie, the son, attended the public schools of his birthplace, then removed to Aberdeen, Scotland, where he learned the trade of the granite cutter. This line of activity was to his liking, and for a period of nine years he worked at this trade in Aberdeen. At the end of that time, in 1899, he came to this country and settled in Barre. Vermont, where he followed his trade for about fifteen months, when he decided to return to his native land. He returned to Aberdeen and there accepted a position as superintendent of a large granite manufacturing concern, which con- nection he maintained until 1906. In that year he again came to the United States and settled in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he entered the employ of Milne and Chalmers, granite manufacturers, with whom his brother, Alexander Christie, had been em- ployed for several years. In 1913, in association with his brother, Alexander Christie, and John Robertson, another native of Scotland, he became one of the organizers of the firm of Christie and Company, and under that name engaged in the manufacture of monuments and memorials for the cemetery trade. The new enterprise was located first on Centre Street, but about a year after the organization of the company the concern removed to its present lo- cation on Gass Place, in Quincy, where it has since been carrying on a very extensive business. Its trade is strictly wholesale, and the firm of Christie and Company has become widely known for the excellence of its product. The three members of the company are practical, skilled stone cutters, and have made for themselves a reputation which is a valu -. able business asset. Mr. Christie is a member of the Quincy Granite Manufacturers' Association and of the American Granite Manufacturers' Association. Fraternally, he is identified with Rural Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons: Operative Chapter, No. 41, Royal Arch Masons: and he is also a member of Clan McGregor, Order of the Scottish Clans, and of the Foresters of America. He gives his support to the Republican party. His favorite form of rec- reation is automobiling, and his religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church.

Andrew B. Christie was married, in 1899, to Wil- liamia Smith, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Christie are the parents of three chil- dren: Andrew, Arthur, and Evelyn, and make their home at No. 43 Edgemere Road, Quincy.

CLEON F. FOBES, United States Postmaster at Stoughton, Massachusetts, and one of the very well- Plym.1-14

known men in that community, was born on August 5, 1867, at Easton, in this State. He is a son of Alpheus and Hannah (French) Fobes, both of whom, now deceased, were born in Bridgewater, Massachu- setts. Alpheus Fobes was for many years identi- fied with the shoe industry at Easton, and he also served as a Representative to the Massachu- setts State Legislature from Easton. He was prom- inent in Easton, beloved by those who knew him well, and respected by all with whom he came in contact.

Cleon F. Fobes received his education in the gram- mar and high schools of Easton, and immediately after leaving high school he entered the shoe indus- try in Brockton, Massachusetts. He remained in this type of endeavor for a comparatively short period, however, for in 1890 he moved to Stoughton, where he was appointed to the office of town treas- urer, a position which he filled with honor to him- self and satisfaction to the people up until his ap- pointment, on May 16. 1922, by the late President Warren G. Harding, as Postmaster at Stoughton. This proved a most successful pursuit for Mr. Fobes, and in it he has remained, having been reappointed by President Calvin Coolidge. Mr. Fobes has given great satisfaction in the post office service, having a remarkable high record of efficiency at his branch.

Despite the many exacting duties of his work Mr. Fobes has found time to participate in civic and gen- eral affairs of his township. In his political views he is a supporter of the Republican party, and it was upon this ticket that he was elected to the office of town treasurer, as above noted. He also served as a member of the Republican Town Committee for many years; and he is noted, too, for the manner in which he stands behind any movement designed for the welfare or advancement of Stoughton. Mr. Fobes has been active in social life. He is a member of many local organizations. including the Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated, fraternally, with Rising Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Stough- ton, of which he is secretary; the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. the Council, Royal and Select Mas- ters: the Commandery, Knights Templar; the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and the Improved Order of Red Men, of which he is Past Sachem and District Deputy.

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History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 55

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