History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 80

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 80
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 80
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 80

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Carl L. Sturgis married, in 1903, Mrs. Lucy F. La- tham, of East Bridgewater, and they are the parents of the following children: 1. Virginia Lee, a student at Bradford Academy. 2. Carlisle L.

EDGAR F. BLISS-An experience of more than forty years in the hardware business has made of

Edgar F. Bliss an expert in that field of business ac- tivity. In Boston, Jamaica Plain, and Plymouth he has been associated with various hardware concerns, both as an employee and as a partner in the business, but since 1919 he has been conducting a prosperous hardware business in Plymouth under the name of the Bliss Hardware Company, Incorporated, of which he is treasurer and general manager.

Frederick D. Bliss, father of Mr. Bliss, was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and was engaged as a manufacturer of jewelry there to the time of his death. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served as a seaman in the United States Navy, and was an active and interested member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Hannah B. Crosby, who was born in Orleans, Massachusetts, and is now deceased.

Edgar F. Bliss, son of Frederick D. and Hannah B. (Crosby) Bliss, was born in Attleboro, Massachu- setts, January 18, 1869, and received his education in the public schools of Jamaica Plain, Boston. After the completion of his school training he entered the employ of the New England Telephone Company, of Boston, Massachusetts, with whom he remained until 1884, when he began his lifelong connection with the hardware business by entering the employ of the H. M. Darling Company, a hardware firm of Boston. Three years later he enlarged his experience by sever- ing his connection with this company and associating himself with the Mayo and Balkam Hardware Com- pany of Jamaica Plain, with whom he remained until 1892. In that year he went out to Chicago as manager of the heating exhibit of the Ridgeway Fur- nace Company at the World's Fair, and when the fair was over he maintained his connection with the Ridgeway Furnace Company for two years, as travel- ing representative. In 1895 he returned to Jamaica Plain as a member of the firm of S. D. Balkam and Company, which association he maintained until 1905, when he withdrew and became associated with Frank Harlow and A. R. Mosman, of Plymouth, under the name of the Plymouth Hardware Company. This group purchased the hardware business of H. P. Bailey and Brother, and engaged in business in Plymouth, with Mr. Bliss as president and general manager, which official positions he filled until 1919, when he sold his interest in the concern and with- drew. He then established a business of his own under the name of the Bliss Hardware Company, with his son, Frederic A., of which he is treasurer and general manager, and this enterprise he has continued to successfully conduct to the present time (1928). The Bliss Hardware Company, Incorporated, has come to be known as one of the most reliable and well- managed concerns in this section of the county, and as the years have passed the volume of its business has steadily grown. Mr. Bliss is known as one of the able and successful business men of Plymouth, and also as one of its public-spirited citizens. Politi- cally, he gives his support to the principles and the candidates of the Republican party. He is a men- ber of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and of the New England Hardware Dealers' Association. Fraternally, he is identified with Mayflower Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with Saga- more Encampment; also with the Junior Order United American Mechanics. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational Church of Pilgrimage. Mr. Bliss is a direct descendant of Thomas and Jonathan Bliss, who settled in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He

Addio E, Bullard,

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has a host of friends in Plymouth and vicinity, and is one of the influential men of the community.

Edgar F. Bliss was married, in 1897, to Evelyn M. Craig, who was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are the parents of two children: Frederic Arthur, and Marion Evelyn. The business is located on Main Street, in Plymouth, and the fam- ily home is at No. 207 Sandwich Street.

ADDISON E. BULLARD-One of the nationally known woolen manufacturing concerns at Caryville, Massachusetts, is the Taft Woolen Company, of which Addison E. Bullard is treasurer. Mr. Bullard has been identified with this concern since he was twenty years of age, and has been treasurer since the business was incorporated under its present title in 1904. He is active in local public affairs and has served in the State Legislature.

Addison E. Bullard was born in Medway, Massa- chusetts, March 7, 1855, son of Joseph Bullard, a farmer, who was born in Holliston, Massachusetts, and died in 1879, and of Sarah Ann (Patridge) Bul- lard, a native of Medway who died in 1888. He re- ceived his education in the public schools of Med- way and in a business college, and then, when he was twenty years of age, became identified with the con- cern of which he is now treasurer, though the busi- ness was not then incorporated under its present name. In 1856 this plant was operated as a cotton mill, at Caryville, but about 1865 it was operated as a manufactory of cassimeres and satinettes, under the name of C. H. Cutler and Company. It continued under this firm name until 1880, when the firm style became Taft and Mckean Company, and still later the name was changed to the Taft and Murdock Company. In 1904 the business was incorporated under its present title, the Taft Woolen Company, with L. H. Taft as its first president, and Addison E. Bullard as its first treasurer. In 1907 H. T. Mur- dock was made president, Mr. Bullard continuing as treasurer, and in 1917, Harold M. Bullard, son of Mr. Bullard, was made president, which office he still holds (1928). Aaron W. Hobart is clerk. The concern continues the manufacture of woolen cassi- meres and satinettes, and has achieved a national reputation for the excellence of quality of its prod- uct. The scope of the enterprise has steadily grown until at the present time (1928) it has reached di- mensions which require 50,000 square feet of floor space and the services of about two hundred and sixty operatives. Some idea of the growth of the busi- ness can be gained by the fact that when Mr. Bullard entered the firm the output of the factory was pro- duced by fifty-four looms. Today one hundred and eighty-five looms are kept busy all the time, and the number is still being increased. The product of the Taft Woolen Company mills in Caryville goes to all parts of the country, and it has long ago achieved a reputation which makes the name of "Taft Woolen Company" a guarantee for quality and workmanship. In addition to his responsibilities as treasurer of the Taft Woolen Company, Mr. Bullard is also actively interested in banking activities, serving as president of the Medway Savings Bank, Medway, and as a member of the board of directors of the Home Na- tional Bank, Milford. He also is active in public affairs, town, county, and State. He gives his sup- port to the principles and the candidates of the Re- publican party, and has always been willing to serve in public capacity, when by so doing he could best promote the general welfare. He has served as a

member of the school committee of Bellingham, as chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and he was chosen by his fellow-citizens to represent them in the State Legislature during the term of 1906-07. During the period of the participation of the United States in the World War he served as chairman of the Liberty Loan Drives, and in other home war work, and was an important factor in carrying his home town "over the top." Fraternally, Mr. Bullard is identified with Charles River Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; the Royal Arch Chapter, Council, Knights Templar; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Ara- bic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and his clubs are the Franklin Country Club, and the Pomham Club. His religious affiliation is with the Second Congregational Church, of Medway, which he serves as chairman of the board of trustees.

Addison E. Bullard was married, in 1879, to Lydia A. Metcalf, of Bellingham, Massachusetts, daughter of Francis and Maria (Adams) Metcalf. Mr. and Mrs. Bullard are the parents of three children: 1. Alice M., a graduate of Framingham Normal School, who married W. W. Ollendorff. 2. Agnes E., a graduate of LaSalle, who married Aaron W. Ho- bart (see a following biography). 3. Harold M., a graduate of Worcester Academy, who married Gladys H. Knapp.

AARON WHEELER HOBART-Since 1918. Aaron Wheeler Hobart has been identified with the Taft Woolen Company, of Caryville, of which he is a member of the board of directors and office man- ager. Mr. Hobart is a native of Milford.

Aaron Wheeler Hobart was born in Milford, Mas- sachusetts, October 16, 1890, son of Edward Everett Hobart, a manufacturer of Dennisville, Maine, and of C. E. (Wheeler) Hobart, of Tennants Harbor, Maine. He attended the public schools of his birth- place, including the high school, and then entered the employ of the Home National Bank of Milford. which connection he maintained for a period of nine years. At the end of that time, in 1918, he became associated with the Taft Woolen Company, of Cary- ville, as clerk and office manager, and also as a mem- ber of the board of directors, in which official and executive capacities he is still serving (1928). Politi- cally, Mr. Hobart gives his support to the Republi- can party, and he is interested in local public affairs, serving, at the present time, as a member of the School Board. He is well known in local Masonic circles, being a member of Montgomery Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and also of Chapter and Con- mandery; and he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Men's Club, of West Medway, and his religious affili- ation is with the Second Congregational Church of Medway.

Aaron Wheeler Hobart was married, in 1916, to Agnes E. Bullard, of Medway, Massachusetts, daughter of Addison E. (an account of whose life precedes this) and of Lydia A. (Metcalf) Bullard. Mr. and Mrs. Hobart are the parents of one son, Aaron Addison, who was born April 14, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Hobart make their home in Bellingham.

CAPTAIN OBED BAKER (3)-The history of the early days of the maritime trade of New England. when its clippers were seen in every important port

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in the world, contains accounts of many famous and romantic characters. One of the most interesting men who sailed the seven seas was the late Captain Obed Baker (3), who followed the sea for forty years and then retired to follow land interests, be- coming one of the important financial factors in the life of the Cape, and having an active and earnest in- terest in all affairs concerning the progress and wel- fare of his community.

Captain Baker was born in South Dennis, Novem- ber 22, 1817, and died at West Dennis, August, 1890. Always ambitious and industrious, he was a self-edu- cated man and one of the keenest and best informed men in the town, always having been a great reader and very fond of telling stories. When he was nine years old, he went to sea as a cookie boy and cook's helper and soon became a popular figure with captain and crew. His winning personality and thor- ough ability caused him to advance steadily and when he was about twenty, he became master of his ship. During his career as a mariner, he spent about twenty years in connection with sailing vessels, and about twenty years with steam boats, which had only re- cently come into use when he first served on one. He became interested in the Philadelphia Steamship Lines, and was later made commodore, and in this connection it is interesting to note that he was made captain of every new steamer that was constructed by this company. His career is replete with many successful voyages over the great waters, and he was a familiar and respected figure in many ports, as well as being a thoughtful and liberal captain to his crews. On December 10, 1849, he entered the Harbor of Malta on the first American vessel to enter therein, on the ship "Luther Child." Giving up the life of the sea, he turned his attention to his many financial interests and was for many years a director of the South Yarmouth Bank and of the First Na- tional Bank of Yarmouth. He was also an active member of the School Board and was deeply inter- ested in everything pertaining to local advancement. In fraternal circles, he was a member of Mt. Horeb Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons in Yarmouth, and was a faithful attendant and liberal supporter of the Methodist church of West Dennis. He built a magni- ficent home at West Dennis, called "Elm Gate" and there he spent the rest of his life. On the lawn surrounding the house, there still grow three immense willow trees and a number of smaller ones, their off- shoots, the original slip for which Captain Baker secured from a willow which grew directly above Napoleon's tomb at St. Helena. In

1848, , a New Bedford whaling bark touched at that island on her homeward passage, and the captain cut a small branch from this tree, and when he arrived in New Bedford, it had budded into a small tree. Captain Baker secured a part measuring eighteen inches in length and about two inches in circumference, divid- ing it into three pieces and with watchful care, suc- ceeded in sprouting them, and today, the three splen- did trees have trunks measuring nine feet in circum- ference and rise to a height of seventy feet. The home is now occupied by his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Lester C. Keith, of whom later.

Captain Obed Baker (3) married (first), January 10, 1839, Susan Kelley Crowell, of West Dennis, and they had six children: 1. Obed Franklin, born in 1840. 2 and 3. Two daughters, who died in infancy. 4. Chris- topher, born in 1845. 5. Edward Forrest, born in 1849. 6. Susie Kelley, born in 1852. Captain Baker married (second) Rebecca Howes Nickerson of West Dennis,

on March 12, 1857, and to this union were born: 1. Elvira Nickerson, born in 1862. 2. Rebecca May, born in 1866; married Lester C. Keith.

LESTER C. KEITH-An outstanding figure in the commercial life of the State, Lester C. Keith is one of Dorchester's prominent citizens as well as being a popular figure in West Dennis, where he maintains his summer residence, where, with Mrs. Keith, he occupies "Elm Gate," the home built by her father more than seventy years ago. Mr. Keith, although retired from active business, is the sole owner of the Butler Plating Manufacturing Company of Boston, in addition to which he maintains a fi- nancial interest in a number of various business ven- tures.

Mr. Keith was born in Brockton, September, 1866, son of Edwin and Ellen (Richardson) Keith, of Brockton. Edwin Keith was a prominent shoe manu- facturer in that city, having established a reputation for dependable products and upright dealing.

Lester C. Keith received his education in private schools, after which he entered Bryant & Stratton Business College in Boston. After completing his course, he became associated with his father in the shoe manufacturing business, advancing steadily and successfully by reason of his keen business ability and thorough attention to all details. He continued in this organization for many years, conducting a prosperous real estate business in addition, and later sold out all his interests. He then purchased his present manufacturing business which is one of the leading industries of its kind in the city. Mr. Keith also owns large oil fields at Bryant, Indiana.

Lester C. Keith married, on January 27, 1892, Re- becca May Baker, of West Dennis, daughter of Cap- tain Obed Baker (3) and Rebecca Howes (Nickerson) Baker, and to this union was born one daughter, Florence May, on May 24, 1893, who married Warren E. Bittner, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and they have two daughters: Carolyn Rebecca, born September 7, 1922, and Marie Louise, born February 14, 1926.

HENRY W. BARNES-Throughout his success- ful career actively associated with the financial and industrial interests of Plymouth, is Henry W. Barnes, whose ancestry from Pilgrim days have resided in this section of the county, and participated in the civic and social life of the Old Colony, the line of descent being traced through the maternal, the Bag- nell side, to Myles Standish, the military leader of the first comers. Mr. Barnes is a son of Ellis Barnes, a wheelwright, and afterwards a member of the firm of E. and J. C. Barnes Company, and Lois J. (Bag- nell) Barnes, both parents natives of Plymouth, and now deceased.

Henry W. Barnes was born January 17, 1858, in Plymouth, where he attended the public and high schools. He was first employed by his father in the box manufacturing industry, so continuing three years, and during the following ten years he was in the employ of the Plymouth Cordage Company. Then began Mr. Barnes' long association with the Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank, in whose service of thirty-five years he became a veteran employee. In 1927, he was elected treasurer, which office he now holds. In political matters, Mr. Barnes is affiliated with the unpartisan voter. Fraternally, he is a mem- ber of the Plymouth Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and with Samoset Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and his clubs are Old Colony, Pilgrim So-

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ciety, and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce; and he is a member of the board of directors of Jordan Hos- pital. His religious faith is that of the Unitarian church; and he is a trustee of the Fuller Ministerial Fund.

Henry W. Barnes married Hannah S. Loring, who was born in Plymouth. Their children: Howard P., Helen L., Philip S., served with the United States Army Field Artillery in France, and was wounded in action; Henry W., Jr., served in both the United States and the French armies in France, in the World War.

ROSWELL H. NYE-The successful business career of Roswell H. Nye has been one with the present-day expansion of the lumber industry at Harwich, where, as manager of the Harwich Lumber Company he is well known as one of the leading fac- tors in a business that gives prestige and business standing to this progressive community. Mr. Nye has pronounced leadership in many matters, business, financial and social, that are distinguishing features of this south shore section of the State, and he has the respect and confidence of this, one of the most substantial townships in Barnstable County.

Roswell H. Nye was born April 3, 1899, at Dor- chester, a son of Walter E. R. Nye, and Edith K. (Perkins) Nye. Walter E. R. Nye is a farmer, cran- berry grower, and lumber merchant, as well as select- man and overseer at Bourne. Roswell H. Nye was graduated at Worcester Academy, Worcester, in 1917, and he received his degree of Bachelor of Science at Columbia University, New York City, with the class of 1921. He first became interested in the lumber business at Naugatuck, Connecticut, where he was superintendent of the Naugatuck Lumber Company; and in 1923 he was made manager of the Harwich Lumber Company, at Harwich, where he is also treasurer.

Mr. Nye is a member of the board of directors of the Cape Cod Co-operative Bank, at Yarmouth- port; and he is treasurer of the Harwichport Library Association.

At the time of the World War, Mr. Nye was a sergeant in the Officers' Training School at Columbia University. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Pilgrim Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, at Harwich; and with Alpha Chi Rho College Fraternity; and he is also a member of the South Shore Club, of Harwich- port, and of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church.

Roswell H. Nye married, October 18, 1923, at Meriden, Connecticut, Eddis Beckley, daughter of Edgar M. and Addie Beckley. They are the parents of one son, Roswell H., Jr., born December 3, 1924, at Harwichport.

EDWARD A. BUTTNER-The son of a success- ful business man Edward A. Buttner has likewise fol- lowed the lines of trade, and has built up one of the most important commercial organizations in the State of Massachusetts.

Edward Buttner, a native of Boston, was engaged as proprietor of a number of bakeries until his death in 1921. He married Bertha T. Thomas, also born and reared in Boston.

Edward A. Buttner, son of Edward and Bertha T. (Thomas) Buttner, was born in the town of Rox- bury, Massachusetts, on May 9, 1882. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of

Boston, and was subsequently a student of the En- glish High School, Boston, and Harvard University. His education completed, he became engaged as a traveling salesman for Brown and Durrell Company of Boston, and thus continued for a period of ten years. He then went into business for himself, as a drygoods commission merchant, with offices at No. 31 Bedford Street, Boston. He carried on the com- mission business until 1923, and in the meanwhile had operated a department store in Hudson, Massachu- setts, known as the Hudson Department Store. In 1923, Mr. Buttner came to Plymouth, and purchased the department store of Moore Brothers. In 1924, he opened another store, in Harwichport, under the name of Buttner and Company, and in 1925 founded a third store under the same name at West Dennis. He has continued to operate these three stores to the present time, maintaining the executive offices of his organization in the town of Plymouth, and is sole owner of the enterprises.

Mr. Buttner is affiliated with the Plymouth Ma- sonic Lodge; Hudson Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Plymouth Lodge, No. 1476, Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Old Colony Club, member of the executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Dry Goods Alliance of New York.

Edward A. Buttner married, in 1907, Annie J. Ricker, born at Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, who died in 1920. He married (second) Grace C. Hayes, a native of Pittsfield, Vermont. By his first marriage, Mr. Buttner has two children: Edwin R., and Ruth E. By his present wife, he has a daughter, Priscilla J.

Mr. Buttner is a member of the finance committee of the town of Plymouth; a director of the Jordan Hospital, and was chairman of the finance committee of the Hospital drive which raised $90,000 by his efforts. He belongs to the Congregational church.

SEABURY W. BEARSE-One of the well-known men in the building contracting industry of Cape Cod, Seabury W. Bearse, of Centerville, has created a high place for himself in the ranks of the leading builders in the short time that he has been engaged independ- ently in the construction business. Mr. Bearse was associated with some of the finest builders of Massa- chusetts for a number of years, but in March, 1925, he inaugurated his own independent organization, and has been continuously successful in all enter- prises. The buildings erected by him have brought him a splendid reputation by reason of their modern and artistic construction, the durability and high quality of all materials used, and the substantial man- ner in which even the least detail is carried out. His services are continually sought by prospective clients who recognize and appreciate the charm and distinc- tion of all his projects and the thorough dependence they can place in his judgment and ability to provide the most suitable building at the most reasonable cost.

Mr. Bearse was born in Centerville, September 14, 1882, son of Charles W. Bearse, a native of Falmouth, and Flora A. (Childs) Bearse, born in Centerville. Charles W. Bearse was a prominent jeweler for many years in Hyannis.

Seabury W. Bearse was educated in the public schools of Barnstable, and after the completion of his formal education, served his apprenticeship to the carpenter trade under Chester Bearse, with whom he was employed for sixteen years, becoming thor-

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oughly familiar with all aspects of his work which stood him in good stead when he entered business of his own. He was next associated with Daniel Brothers, of Centerville, prominent builders and con- tractors, operating in this town and in Osterville, and was occupied for seven and a half years with this concern, until, in 1925, he founded his present pros- perous venture, which grew and expanded rapidly, and at present, requiring the services of fifteen em- ployees. Through his modern and improved build- ing plans and methods, Mr. Bearse has done much to advance the interests of the town by creating edi- fices and buildings which are a credit to the town and an attraction to sightseers and visitors. He takes an active part in all projects which have for their purpose the advancement and improvement of local conditions and the promotion of community wel- fare. He is an attendant at the Congregational church.

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History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 80

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