USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 78
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 78
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 78
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In 1909, owing to the death of George H. Mans- field, the business passed to Frank W. Mansfield, son of Frederick W., and grandson of the founder.
Frank W. Mansfield was born in Canton, Massa- chusetts, April 12, 1876, son of Frederick W., whose death occurred in 1915, and of Sarah (Gibbs) Mans- field, of Chicopee, who survived her husband, her death occurring in 1924. He received his early educa- tion in the public schools of Canton, and after the completion of the high school course became a stud- ent in Burdett Business College, in Boston. After the commercial course was finished he became as- sociated with the Frank A. Packard Company, of Brockton, Massachusetts, engaged in the manufacture of high-grade shoes, and this connection was mail- tained until 1907, when he became manager of the G. H. Mansfield Company, at Canton. After the death of his uncle, George M. Mansfield, in 1909, he became general manager and president of the con- cern, and these positions he still holds (1928). This change in management marked the beginning of still more rapid growth in the business. The old time water wheel was replaced by electricity, a new loca- tion was secured near the old factory and a three- story brick structure with several smaller out-build- ings was erected to meet the increasing demands. In the spring of 1926 a three-story annex adjoining the main building was erected to serve as a stock storage, spooling, packing, and shipping department, as well as to provide special space for the storing of many cartons and containers, spools, etc. This addi- tion made available space for the addition of machin- ery, and an equipment for throwing the raw silk (which process had been done in outside factories) was installed, and a completely equipped dye house was provided, as well as the services of a color ex- pert, for dyeing all the silk used. A complete printing
Hallo Hayward
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department designed especially for printing all forms, stationery, labels, etc., was put in operation, and the factory was made in all respects one of the most completely and scientifically equipped of its kind in the country. It is also one of the largest of its kind in the country, including a floor space of about 225,000 square feet. At the present time (1928) the official personnel is as follows: Frank W. Mansfield, presi- dent and general manager; E. T. Seward, of New York City, vice-president; F. Winslow Mansfield, Jr., son of Mr. Mansfield, treasurer; George M. Mans- field, son of Mr. Mansfield, secretary. Mr. Mansfield is a thirty-second degree Mason, and a member of Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is identified with most of the local clubs. His religious affiliation is with the Universa- list church.
Frank W. Mansfield was married, in 1900, to Laila E. Packard, of Stoughton, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of three sons: 1. F. Winslow, Jr., who is a graduate of Harvard College, 1921, and is treas- urer of the G. H. Mansfield Company. 2. George M., who was a student in Dartmouth College for two years, and is secretary of the G. H. Mansfield Com- pany. 3. Harold P.
WALDO HAYWARD, D. D. S .- The profession of dentistry has no better known representative in Plymouth County than Dr. Waldo Hayward, who from the beginning of his successful career has main- tained his popular offices in the Drew Building in Plymouth, and whose increasing practice is not limited to this township. A prominent member and official in the Masonic Order, Dr. Hayward is one of its most active devotees in this State, and he is promi- nent as well in his many professional affiliations. His ancestors for nearly three hundred years have main- tained in practice the honored traditions of industry and of patriotism, and the family name Hayward is one of the foremost in the history of Old Colony towns, Dr. Hayward being a direct descendant of Thomas Hayward, who settled in old Bridgewater in 1638, as an original landowner and proprietor, and whose son, Thomas Hayward, Jr., was a soldier in the King Philip War. Dr. Hayward's father was William A. Hayward, a shoe dealer, and veteran of the Civil War, who was born in East Bridgewater, and whose death occurred in 1903, and his mother was Louise B. (Holmes) Hayward, also a native of East Bridgewater, who died in 1893.
Dr. Waldo Hayward was born December 15, 1878, at East Bridgewater, where he attended the public and high schools. Preparing for his profession in the Dental School of Maryland University, he was graduated there in 1903 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery; and the same year he established himself in dental practice with his offices in the Drew Building, at Plymouth. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts State Dental Association, and Southeastern Massachusetts Dental Association.
In the political field, Dr. Hayward is a Republican, and with his vote and influence he supports the prin- ciples of that party. During the World War, he served as a member of the Plymouth Dental Advisory Board.
Fraternally, Dr. Hayward is one of the most active members of the Masonic Order in this part of the State: he is a Past Master of Plymouth Lodge; High Priest of Samoset Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; mem-
ber of Brockton Council, Royal and Select Masters; Bay State Commandery, Knights Templar; and Alep- po Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a Past Patron of Plymouth Chapter, No. 163, Order of the Eastern Star; Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter in Massachuetts of that order; member of the White Shrine of Jeru- salem, Trinity Shrine, No. 12, and is Past Watchman of Shepherds of that Shrine.
Dr. Waldo Hayward married, September 15, 1906, Lydia Winthrop Dunbar, of Brockton; and they have one son, Waldo, Jr., who was born January 9, 1910.
WILLIAM H. BEEVER-Associated with the ac- tivities both of banking and industry largely in Plym- outh and in Boston from the beginning of his busi- ness career, William H. Beever, of the staff of the Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank, has the qualifica- tions and the executive ability of general business leadership, and has the high regard of all with whom he is associated in the various institutions and or- ganizations of which he is a member and a director. A veteran of the World War, he is foremost in all patriotic interests, and a loyal ally in all plans for civic and community progress. He is a son of John Allen Beever, an overseer with the Plymouth Cordage Company, who was born in England, at Hudders- field, and Ada E. (Park) Beever, a native of Stone- house, Gloucestershire, England.
William H. Beever was born June 14, 1892, at Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, England, and with the re- moval of his parents to the United States, he attended the public and high schools at Plymouth. In 1910- 1911, he became a member of the office force of the Plymouth Cordage Company, and from 1911 to 1913, he was employed in the Smith News Store.
In 1913, Mr. Beever entered upon his banking career, and for eight years he was a member of the clerical force of the Plymouth Savings Bank, the last two years as assistant treasurer of the bank. Resign- ing that position in 1921, he went to Boston in the employ of the commercial banking firm of Lee, Hig- ginson and Company, remaining there until 1924, when he joined the staff of the First National Bank of Boston. In 1925, Mr. Beever became associated with the Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank, and he has continued with that firm to the present. He is also a director of the Jordan Hospital and treasurer of the Boys' Club of Plymouth.
In his political convictions, Mr. Beever is a Re- publican, and with his vote and influence he supports the principles of that party. Enlisting in the World War, he joined the United States Army Tank Corps, and he received his discharge with the rank of ser- geant. Fraternally, Mr. Beever is affiliated with Plymouth Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Samo- set Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Abington Council, Royal and Select Masters; Old Colony Commandery; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and he is a member of the executive committee of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and a trustee of the Pilgrim Society. His religious faith is that of the Unitarian church.
William H. Beever married, October 8, 1913, Lillian F. Burke, who was born in Plymouth. Their chil- dren: 1. Helen Frances. 2. Joan Eaton. 3. Howard Park.
WILLIAM WETHERELL BREWSTER-Finan- cial circles of the Cape area lost one of their most
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distinguished and highly esteemed figures in the death of William Wetherell Brewster, who spent fifty years of identity with the Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank, during practically the whole of that period in official capacity. But while the greater part of his activity was given to finance and banking he was known also as a citizen of loyal public spirit, whose contributions privately to various movements designed for the general welfare were large, spon- taneously donated. His was a life that inspired those persons who came into contact with it, and the wide- spread feeling of loss felt at the time of its termi- nation was confined to no single category of people- unless one may say that a single category was com- posed of those who held him dear. If this be said, then it must be added that the people to whom he was be- loved lived in every station, from wealth to com- parative poverty, and were so many in number as to be incalculable.
William Wetherell Brewster was born March 20, 1849, at Plymouth, Massachusetts, the son of Isaac and Sarah J. (Bartlett) Brewster, descended in the seventh generation from Elder Brewster, who came to America aboard the "Mayflower." His father, a native of Kingston, Massachusetts, engaged in business as a storekeeper and lumberman, later be- coming a shipping official, with six or eight freight- carrying vessels. His mother was a native of Plym- outh.
In the public schools of Plymouth, William Weth- erell Brewster received his elementary and second- ary instruction, then became a student in Massachu- setts Institute of Technology, Boston. After having completed his studies at the Institute he taught school several years, at Lawrence (Massachusetts) Academy; but his interest in business increased to such degree that he decided to abandon the profes- sion with which he had been identified, and in 1877 began his long connection with the Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank, of his native city. His progress was rapid. Talent was his; so was industry. And in 1880, barely three years after commencement of contact with the bank's affairs, he was put into the post of treasurer, which he retained thence onward until the time of his death, forty-eight years later. The confidence of his associates was far from mis- placed. He played a considerable rôle in the suc- cessful direction of the banking organization, per- sonally having been responsible for numerous con- structive alterations in its conduct.
Such was his business career, in curtailed form. But William Wetherell Brewster engaged liberally in general affairs, by no means confining the fruits of his diligence to one course of endeavor. Deeply in- terested, he became a leading figure in civic matters, was elected to the school committee and water board, and in all served the community in public positions for several years. In later years, while he held no public offices, his interest as a good citizen was perhaps even greater. As his resources increased this devotion to the common welfare took on added proportions. He had much to do with the building of the Jordan Hospital, and was treasurer of the hospital after its completion through a sizeable period. In a broad sense, but in a sure one, he was his native town's benefactor, and the benefactor of mankind. His aid to charitable bodies was to be depended upon regularly. Men turned to him for solution of per- sonal troubles, and usually found comfort in his counsel.
William Wetherell Brewster married, in October,
1878, Annie L. Barnes, of Plymouth, a descendant of William Bradford, second governor of New Plym- outh Colony, and of Elder Brewster, both of whom were among the handful of colonists aboard the "Mayflower," thus having as one of her ancestors the forefather of William Wetherell Brewster. Of this union were born children: 1. Sarah. 2. Lois. 3. Ellis Wetherell. Sarah and Ellis Wetherell Brewster survive their father.
Mr. Brewster was of distinguished lineage, secre- tary of the Pilgrim Society; but unlike many men whose forebears blazed trails as pioneers many gen- erations back, he did not satisfy himself in the dimly reflected and long removed glories of personal genea- logy. He himself had the will to do, and made a distinguished place for himself as a man among men. His name is forever graven on the hearts of those who knew him, and will live in the historic annals of the community in which he was born.
William Wetherell Brewster died June 6, 1927.
ARTHUR E. BLACKMER-A practical engineer and roadbuilder, his training and experience having been devoted wholly to those interests from the begin- ning of his successful career, Arthur E. Blackmer, the head of the waterworks and highways depart- ments at Plymouth, has continued to put into opera- tion his plans for the township development, and for the permanent maintenance of the chief public util- ities, and with results that have met wih popular approval. He is a son of Ivory Blackmer, who was a well-known operator of a number of Grand Banks fishing schooners, and whose death occurred in 1915, and Maria (Manter) Blackmer, who died in 1911, both parents natives of Plymouth.
Arthur E. Blackmer was born July 7, 1874, in Plymouth, where he attended the grammar and high schools. Matriculating at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he was graduated there in 1899 with the degree of Bachelor of Science, when he entered the employ of the Boston & Albany Railroad for a year; and for two years he was an assistant engineer with the New York Central Railroad.
In 1912, Mr. Blackmer returned to Plymouth to enter upon his duties as superintendent of the town water works, and in 1913, he added to those duties those of town engineer. In 1920, Mr. Blackmer re- ceived his third additional appointment, that of super- intendent of highways for the town of Plymouth, and he has capably and acceptably served therein to the present; and he is also a member of the board of di- rectors of the Plymouth Savings Bank.
In his political views a Republican, Mr. Blackmer has always cooperated for civic improvement and community betterment; and he serves as secretary of the Plymouth Planning Board, and as a member of the Cemetery Commission. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Plymouth Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; with Samoset Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and with Mayflower Lodge, No. 54, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a Past Noble Grand.
In his professional affiliations, Mr. Blackmer is a member of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, the New England Waterworks Association, and the Massachusetts Highway Association; and he is also a member of the Old Colony Club, and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.
Arthur E. Blackmer married June 12, 1905, Helen G. Malley, who was born in Wareham.
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GEORGE H. NICKERSON (2)-An outstand- ing figure in the financial life of Chatham, George H. Nickerson is a leader in the commercial activities of Massachusetts and Cape Cod, while in the. civic affairs of this vicinity, he has always taken a promi- nent part. Mr. Nickerson is a trustee of the Cape Cod Savings Bank of Harwich, a director of the Chatham Railroad, member of the finance committee of the town of Chatham, and was one of the organ- izers, served as president for a time and is now a di- rector of the Chatham Trust Company. To further the welfare and advancement of this community has always been his sincere desire, and he has left noth- ing undone to promote the interests of his town and fellow-citizens, lending his support and influence at all times to all projects which had for their ultimate purpose this worthy motive.
Mr. Nickerson was born in Chatham, November 27, 1855, son of Zenas and Mary Ann (Taylor) Nick- erson, both of whom were natives of Chatham and are now deceased. Zenas Nickerson followed the sea in his early years, working his way up to the position of ship owner and captain of his vessel and reaching a prominent place in maritime affairs. His last voy- age ended disastrously when his bark, the "Velma," was lost in a severe storm off Manomet, 1867, the vessel being in distress for some time, several of the crew freezing to death in the violent gales and zero weather, but Captain Nickerson and the sur- vivors were rescued by inhabitants along the shore. After this tragic experience, he gave up the sea and engaged in business on land, opening a grocery, hay, grain, wood and coal establishment in Chatham.
George Henry Nickerson was educated in the public schools of Chatham, later becoming associated with his father in the latter's extensive business. When he was eighteen years of age, he made a long voyage of several months' duration but after his return, decided against a marine career and pre- ferred to engage in the more substantial and cer- tain business of land enterprises. Upon the death of his father, Mr. Nickerson and his brother assumed charge of the business, and after his brother's death, he took over the management of the establishment, which had been known as Zenas Nickerson's Sons, and conducted it with great success until 1902, when he closed out this mercantile business and devoted all his time to financial interests, in which he has ever since been occupied. Mr. Nickerson is a trustee of the Eldridge Public Library, has been treasurer of the Methodist church for fourteen years (1927), and has served as treasurer of the board of trustees for twenty-two years. He is prominently identified with the Chatham Board of Trade. During the re- cent World War, he was chairman of the local food administration and was a leader in all the various drives for Liberty Loans, Red Cross, War Chest, etc., serving on the committees attached to these activities.
George Henry Nickerson married (first), at Chat- ham, December, 1881, Hattie A. Tripp, of Chatham, a daughter of James H. and Marion (Hardy) Tripp, both natives of Chatham. To this union was born one child: Marion Augusta, married Augustus C. Ellis, of Chatham. Mr. Nickerson married (second), at Chatham, February 24, 1897, Rebecca Atkins Hammond, born in Chatham, daughter of William and Mercy (Atkins) Hammond, both natives of Chatham. Mrs. Nickerson is the custodian of the Chatham Historical Society, president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the First Methodist Episcopal Church,
and an active and admired figure in all community affairs.
GEORGE B. HOWLAND-A descendant of one of the oldest families of the State of Massachusetts, George B. Howland is a worthy representative of his illustrious ancestry; this branch of the Howland fam- ily are direct descendants of Henry Howland, set- tled as early as 1633 in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
George B., son of Charles H. and Eunice (Finney) Howland, was born at Plymouth, Massachusetts, on January 9, 1879. He was a student in the public schools, graduated in the class of 1895 from Plymouth High School, and completed his education at Bryant & Stratton Business College.
For fourteen years, Mr. Howland was connected with the Brockton and Plymouth Street Railway Company in various capacities. In May, 1914, he re- signed his position with the Street Railway Company to accept the offices of town clerk and treasurer for the town of Plymouth, and has continued to func- tion in these dual capacities to the present time. Mr. Howland is also active in business and financial circles, being vice-president and a director of the Plymouth and Kingston Street Railway Company, and vice-president, a trustee and member of the in- vestment committee of the Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank.
Mr. Howland is a member and treasurer of the Massachusetts Town Clerks' Association, member of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and affiliated with Pilgrim Lodge, No. 97, Knights of Pythias, of which he is Past Chancellor; and a prominent mem- ber of Plymouth Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 1476.
EDWARD L. BURGESS-As cashier of the Old Colony National Bank of Plymouth, Edward L. Bur- gess fills a responsible place in financial circles in his native city, in which his rise to prominence has been steady and attended by substantial service to his community in many fields. He is a son of Freder- ick Burgess, also born in Plymouth, who followed the sea for twenty-five years before retiring to life on shore as a farmer. Frederick Burgess married Harriet Leland, born in Milford, and both are now deceased, the father's death having occurred Novem- ber 4, 1901.
Edward L. Burgess was born May 1, 1868, at Plym- outh. He was educated in the Plymouth public schools, and preferring to go to work early rather than attend a classical institution. he entered the East- man Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, when he graduated with the class of 1885. On com- pleting his course he was employed by A. C. Chand- ler and Sons, who conducted a livery stable at Plyn- outh. In 1897 he was elected to the double position of town clerk and treasurer, and for seventeen years creditably discharged his duties. In 1914 he became associated with the Old Colony National Bank as cashier, and has filled that position ever since. He further won a place in the business world by becom- ing a director and member of the board of invest- ments of the Plymouth Co-operative Bank and a trustee of the Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank. He was chosen president of the Jordan Hospital and of the Public Library, and treasurer of the Plymouth Pageant Association.
Mr. Burgess is past president of the Old Colony Club; Past Master of the Plymouth Masonic Lodge,
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Free and Accepted Masons; a member of Samoset Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Old Colony Com- mandery, Knights Templar, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Order of United American Mech- anics.
Edward L. Burgess was married, June 15, 1904, to Jane R. Burgess, a native of Plymouth, and they have one son, Edward W. Burgess.
HARRY B. DAVIS-One of the very well-known residents of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is Harry B. Davis, attorney, and Presiding Judge of the Third District Court, from June, 1910, to January 1, 1928, at Plymouth. Mr. Davis is a Dartmouth College man, and is well known in club circles. He is a trus- tee of the Plymouth Savings Bank and a member of its board of investment, and is known as one of the public-spirited citizens of the community. He has taken an active interest in the Boy Scout movement, and has always been a generous supporter of any movement which promised increased development for Plymouth.
Harry B. Davis was born in North Easton, Plym- outh County, Massachusetts, November 13, 1876, son of Robert B. Davis a native of Seekonk, Massachu- setts, who for more than fifty years was employed by the O. Ames and Sons Company, in the manufac- ture of shovels, to the time of his death, in 1905, and of Martha R. (Bailey) Davis, who was born in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and survives her husband (1927). Mr. Davis received his early and preparatory education in the public schools of North Easton, and then became a student in Dartmouth College, at Hanover, New Hampshire, from which he was gradu- ated with the class of 1900, receiving at that time the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Three years later, in 1903, he was admitted to the Massachusetts bar, and in 1905 he came to Plymouth and opened an office. Here he has been successfully engaged in general legal practice during the more than twenty years which have passed since his coming to Plym- outh. His offices are located in the Howland Build- ing in Plymouth. In 1906 he was appointed associate justice of the Third District Court, at Plymouth, and since 1910 he has been presiding judge of that district. Mr. Davis has always been a public-spirited citizen and has given freely of his professional knowledge and skill in the service of the public. For three years he served as a member of the Board of Health, and for one term he served as a member of the School Board. He was chairman of the building committee which erected the New Memorial Hall at Plymouth, and he is a member of the board of directors of Jor- dan Hospital. He is a trustee of the Plymouth Sav- ings Bank, and a member of its board of invest- ment. During the period of the participation of the United States in the World War, Mr. Davis was chairman of the Legal Advisory Board for Division No. 39, and he was one of the "four-minute" speak- ers for Plymouth. In addition to the public services already mentioned, Mr. Davis has also been deeply interested in the Boy Scout movement, and for three years served on the Boy Scout Council for the Plymouth District. His religious affiliation is with the Unitarian church.
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