History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 83

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 83
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 83
USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 83

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At Brockton, on January 1, 1895, occurred the marriage of Albert C. Blanchard and Edith May Dun- bar. Albert C. Blanchard, of Sandwich, New Hamp- shire, is a son of Arven and Nellie (Creighton) Blanchard, both natives of Sandwich. Mrs. Edith May Blanchard has a residence at No. 296 West Street, Brockton, and a summer home in West Bridgewater, where she divides her time between her literary efforts and the conduct of her antique shop.

BION F. REYNOLDS-The entire active career of Bion F. Reynolds has been identified with the shoe industry, first as an employee, and since 1881 as a manufacturer. In 1891 he began shoe manufacturing privately under the firm name of Bion F. Reynolds, which was incorporated in 1921, with Mr. Reynolds as president. The concern is now engaged in the manufacture of men's fine shoes, their factory being located in Brockton.

Bion F. Reynolds was born in Brockton, Massachu- setts, March 4, 1856, son of Charles T., who was en- gaged in the shoe manufacturing business, and of Sarah S. (Knowles) Reynolds, both deceased. He attended the local public schools, and at an early age found employment as a shoe worker, in which line he continued until he was twenty-five years of age. In 1881 he formed a partnership with his brother, L. M. Reynolds, and engaged in the manu- facture of shoes in Brockton. The partnership was maintained until 1890, when it was dissolved. In 1891 Mr. Reynolds organized his own business, the Bion F. Reynolds, manufacturer of men's fine shoes, and for three decades the business has steadily pros- pered and increased. In 1921 the concern was in- corporated with Bion F. Reynolds as president, H. W. Harlow, as treasurer, and Miss C. V. Reardon, as clerk, which official positions are still held by both men. The plant now includes a floor space totalling 16,000 square feet, and the volume of its output has increased to proportions which require the services of one hundred employees the year round. The prod- uct of the Bion F. Reynolds Shoe Company is known to the trade throughout the country, and its name is a guarantee for quality and workmanship. Politi- cally, Mr. Reynolds gives his support to the principles and candidates of the Republican party. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of all the bodies of the York Rite of the Masonic Order, also a member of Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order

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Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the Brockton Chamber of Commerce and of the Commercial Club, while his religious affiliation is with the Porter Congregational Church.

Bion F. Reynolds was married, in 1877, to Ida L. Phillips. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are the parents of one daughter, Marion S., who is a graduate of Smith College, from which she received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She also did post-graduate work in Boston University, from which she received the de- gree of Master of Arts. The family reside in Brock- ton.

SAMUEL NORTON-The entire active career of Samuel Norton has been identified with the banking business, and since 1922 he has been treasurer of the Medway Savings Bank. This bank has been in exis- tence since 1871 and is one of the well established and reliable banking institutions of this section of Nor- folk County. Mr. Norton is a descendant of a very old family of Whitman, Massachusetts, and was prominent in the affairs of that place while a resident there.

Samuel Norton was born in Whitman, Massachu- setts, November 11, 1886, son of Samuel Herbert, who was engaged in business as a merchant in Whit- man to the time of his death in 1918, and of Mary F. (Porter) Norton, also a resident of Whitman, who is still living (1928). He received his education in the public schools of Whitman and then entered the employ of the National Bank of Whitman, Massachu- setts, where he remained until 1915. In that year he assisted in organizing the Bridgewater Trust Company, of which he was elected treasurer. That official position he continued to fill until 1921. when he resigned and went abroad for a year, traveling throughout England and the continent, and returning late in 1922. Upon his return he accepted the posi- tion of treasurer of the Medway Savings Bank, which position he is still filling (1928). The Medway Sav- ings Bank was established in 1871 by a group of men who were residents of Medway, and most of them were engaged in business there. Milton M. Fisher was elected the first president of the new financial organization, with Orin A. Mason as its first treasur- er. These officials were succeeded, in time, by Archi- bald Park as sccond president, and Fred M. Fisher as second treasurer. The present official personnel is Addison E. Bullard, president, and Samuel Norton, treasurer. The business of the bank has steadily in- creased, and at the present time its assets total well over a million. Mr. Norton is a Republican in his political sympathies and beliefs. During the World War he served as a member of the Legal Advisory Board at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and also served on various other committees and boards, ren- dering service for which he received certificates from both the State and National governments. Fratern- ally, he is identified with Puritan Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, also with the Charles River Lodge, and he is a member of Chapter, Council, and Com- mandery, also of Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Or- der Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of several local clubs, and his religious affiliation is with the First Congregational Church.

J. ALLEN COLE, resident of Millis and engaged in business as proprietor of the Medway Box Com- pany at Medway, is a constructive force in this sec- tion. As chairman of the Board of Selectmen of the

town of Millis and former member of the Board of Assessors, he stands high in the estimation of his neighbors, while his successful direction of the manu- facturing plant at Medway has given him an enviable position in the business world.

Mr. Cole's father, a well-known farmer, was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, and died in 1900; his mother, Elizabeth (Brown) Cole, also of Nova Scotia, died in 1912. He received his education at the public schools, and early entered the business world. In 1894 he married. He engaged in the contracting and building business up to 1917, when he purchased the Medway Box Company and has since conducted the business under the same name as sole owner. This concern manufactures wooden and paper boxes for the trade, employs from fifteen to twenty-five work- ers, and distributes its products throughout this and adjoining States.

Mr. Cole has not only taken a keen interest in local government in the positions of assessor and select- man but has identified himself with Medway financial circles as a director of the Medway Co-operative Bank. He is also prominent in secret order affairs as a member of Orient Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Grange, the Daughters of Rebekah and the Order of the Eastern Star. In church affairs he belongs to the Unitarian denomina- tion.

Mr. Cole was married, in 1894, to Ida E. Wood- mansee, of Nova Scotia, and their union has been blessed with a daughter, Elinore E. Cole, a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music.

DANIEL M. MALLOY-Well known in Medway and vicinity is Daniel M. Malloy, who is treasurer of the Medway Co-operative Bank, and who for the past fifteen years has served as station agent at Med- way. Mr. Malloy is active in local affairs, is regis- trar of the Water Board of Medway, and has in many ways contributed to the development of the com- munity.

Daniel M. Malloy was born in Medway, Massachu- setts, June 29, 1894, son of Daniel J., of Millis, Nor- folk County, Massachusetts, who was identified with railroad work to the time of his death in 1915, and of Mary (McDonough) Malloy, a native of Ireland, whose death occurred in 1896. Mr. Malloy received his education in the public schools of his birthplace, including the high school, and then worked at various jobs for a number of months. About 1912 he was appointed station agent at West Medway, and for the past fifteen years he has been efficiently discharg- ing the duties of that position. In October, 1915, the Medway Co-operative Bank was organized with Wil- liam W. Ollendorf as president, and of that institu- tion Daniel M. Malloy is treasurer. The bank was organized by a group of business men in Medway, and since its organization has had a gradual and steady growth which has placed it among the well-estab- lished financial institutions of this section of the State. Its first president is still serving (1928) and the other officials are: Peter B. Hart, vice-president, and Albert L. Saunders, attorney. The bank now has assets of over half a million, and has firmly estab- lished itself in the confidence of the people of Med- way and vicinity. Mr. Malloy is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, and is also identified

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with several local clubs. His religious affiliation is with St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.

Daniel M. Malloy was married, in 1920, to Henri- etta T. Buckley, of Franklin, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of one son, Joseph M., who was born in Medway, Massachusetts, November 10, 1921, and one daughter, Margaret L., born April 22, 1928.

FRED P. CHAPMAN started his business career with the Gulf & Santa Fe Railroad as an instrument man, after which he went into the woolen mill busi- ness at Franklin, and then with Jacob F. Geb (q. v.), he established the Franklin Yarn Company, in which they have made a notable success, with himself as the head of it. He is prominently connected with associations having to do with the woolen trade and with banking interests, and withal, fills a very impor- tant place in the community life.

Fred P. Chapman was born at Franklin, February 1, 1866, son of Elisha P. Chapman, grocer of Brook- lyn, Connecticut, and Elizabeth J. (Stewart) Chap- man, of Brazil, his mother being deceased and his father having died in 1923. He attended the local public schools, then Dean Academy and finally Tufts College at Medford, Massachusetts, from which in- stitution he was graduated in 1886 with the degree of Bachelor of Mechanic Arts. He entered upon his business career with the Gulf & Santa Fe Railroad, and after some two years returned to Franklin and was employed at the Ray Woolen Mills. This con- cern was taken over by the American Woolen Mills and he remained as agent until 1902, then with Jacob F. Geb established the Franklin Yarn Company; upon its incorporation in 1910 he was made president, a place he has held with credit and ability ever since. At the same time, Mr. Geb was made secretary and treasurer. They employ more than one hundred workers, and their products are known far and wide for quality and reasonableness of price. The plant occupies more than an acre of ground and is thor- oughly modern in all particulars.

Mr. Chapman is a trustee of the Benjamin Franklin Savings Bank, and a director of the National As- sociation of Woolen and Worsted Manufacturers. He served as a member of the State Legislature in 1910-11, and was active in framing a number of pieces of legislation that is now on the statute books. This experience necessarily gave him a great advantage in the business world, for political conditions in New England are inextricably interwoven with business arrangements. He has been prominent in the Frank- lin and Norfolk Republican clubs, and is frequently consulted on the State and national situations. He is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Order, holding also membership in Excelsior Lodge and Aleppo Shrine. He is also prominent in the work of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Universalist church, and a member of the Business Men's Associa- tion, the Franklin Country Club, the University Club of Boston and the Victorian Club. He has been a member of the Water and Sewer committees of the town, and altogether is known as one of Franklin's most important citizens.

Mr. Chapman married Clara M. Craig, of Franklin, daughter of Charles B. and Melvina (Jenks) Craig, and three children have blessed their union: 1. Don- ald Palmer, born December 21, 1894. 2-3. Gertrude C. and Boyd Palmer (twins), born November 15, 1901. Boyd Palmer Chapman married Julie G. Owen, and they have two children: Boyd P., Jr., and

Nancy L .; and Donald Palmer Chapman married Margaret Emerson, and they have two children: Joan and Judith.

JACOB F. GEB-Quite frequently a man reverses the order of Horace Greeley, comes out of the West to make his mark in the East, and in this category falls Jacob F. Geb, secretary and treasurer of the Franklin Yarn Company, and partner of Fred P. Chapman (q. v.). Mr. Geb is a native of Wisconsin and proceeds from sturdy German stock of the qual- ity that has done so much to give dignity to industry and lend character to American institutions. He is prominently identified with local financial concerns, a leader in charitable movements and active in circles of the Republican party.

Mr. Geb was born at Racine, Wisconsin, June 10, 1861, son of John Geb, native of Germany, who died in 1884, and Mary (Young) Geb, who died in 1919. Having finished the public schools, he set to work in the mill business in the West, laid a firm foundation, and came to Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1886, and accepted employment in the Pacific Mills. In 1888 he removed to Franklin and became overseer at the Ray Mills, which was afterward taken over by the American Woolen Company in 1902. With Fred P. Chapman he founded the Franklin Yarn Company, which was incorporated in 1910, with Mr. Chapman as president and Mr. Geb secretary and treasurer. The concern has been successful from the first and its goods are nationally distributed, having become known for their excellent quality. The modern plant covers more than an acre of ground and employs more than one hundred men. Its equipment is ade- quate to the output of only the finest work.

Mr. Geb's business acumen not only advanced him in the woolen business, but caused his election to im- portant positions in the banking world. He became a charter member of the Dean Co-operative Bank, of which he is now the capable president; and he is the only living charter member; in addition, he is a trus- tee of the Benjamin Franklin Savings Bank. His value as a city official has been stressed by his eleva- tion to the post of selectman for Franklin for twelve years and as assessor for two years. In 1920 and 1921 he was chosen to represent Norfolk District in the House of Representatives, in which capacity he faith- fully and conscientiously served. He is a member of the Business Men's Association and of a number of the leading local clubs. In religious circles he be- longs to the Roman Catholic church.

Mr. Geb married, in 1882, Margaret Huff, of Lake- port, Indiana. daughter of John and Katherine (Snyder) Huff, members of an old-established family, and their union has been blessed by two sons: 1. Harry J., who is now superintendent of the Frank- lin Yarn Company. 2. George E., died December, 1926; had three children, i. Margaret. ii. Frances. iii. Harriet.

LESLIE S. WIGGIN-The position of chief of a fire department is one that carries with it great re- sponsibilities, for the lives and property of countless individuals are involved, and speed in getting to a fire may mean the difference between a slight loss and a conflagration. As one of the most successful fire-fighters in this section of New England, Leslie S. Wiggin, of Franklin, enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens, while his popularity finds its greatest expression in his work with several

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fraternal orders. Mr. Wiggin is also prominently identified with the undertaking business, having con- ducted his own establishment since he bought out Alfred Farrington in 1913. In this service he has likewise given eminent satisfaction in the community, to the extent that he enjoys a standing that places him in the class of the best citizens.

Leslie S. Wiggin was born August 28, 1883, at Medway, Massachusetts, son of George A. Wiggin, of Franklin, engaged in the shoe making industry, and Alma (Farrington) Wiggin, of Medway. He at- tended the public schools, but did not go higher in the educational world because of the necessity of making his own living and of assisting his parents. He first followed his father's trade of shoemaker, then entered the furniture business. Finally he be- came associated with Alfred Farrington in the under- taking line, which he has continued ever since. He is noted as one of the first undertakers in this section to make use of a motor hearse and ambulance. In May, 1925, he was made chief of the Franklin Fire Department, succeeding Ernest Metcalf. He took charge of the modern fire house, erected in 1922; the department now consists of five pieces of apparatus and thirty-three men; due largely to the efforts of Chief Wiggin it has attained a high state of efficiency.

Mr. Wiggin is a member of the Republican party and has taken an interest in local politics, but with- out seeking office. He is a member of the Business Men's Association, the Massachusetts Funeral Di- rectors' Association and the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs' Association. In religious affairs he belongs to the Congregational church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent and Protectve Order of Elks, and Excelsior Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons. He is unmarried.

HARRY T. JOHNSON-For more than six years Harry T. Johnson has been serving the residents of Medway, Massachusetts, as postmaster, and in that capacity he is rendering most satisfactory service. With the exception of a few years he has been in Uncle Sam's employ ever since receiving his dis- charge from the United States Army at the close of the World War, and he is well known and well liked in Medway.

Harry T. Johnson was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, November 29, 1898, son of Henry W., a re- tired shoe inspector who was in the employ of the government for many years, and of Marguerite (Phalen) Johnson, both of whom are living. After at- tending the public schools of Medway and of Woon- socket, Massachusetts, he further prepared for an active life by taking a course in a commercial school, but by the time he had finished, the United States had entered the World War. Mr. Johnson promptly enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed at Fort Monroe, where he remained until he received his discharge in December, 1918, holding at that time the rank of sergeant-major. Upon his return to civilian life he entered the employ of the New Eng- land Telephone Company, as night operator, which connection he maintained for a period of seven years. At the end of that time he was appointed postmaster at Medway, and in that capacity he has been serving Uncle Sam and the residents of Medway and vicinity with efficiency and with a whole-souled interest which has won him the warm commendation of those whom he serves. Politically he gives his support to the Republican party. His fraternal affiliation is with

the Free and Accepted Masons, in which Order he is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, and Com- mandery. His religious affiliation is with the Epis- copal church.

Harry T. Johnson was married, at Medway, Massa- chusetts, May 8, 1921, to Allevina Benson, and they are the parents of three children: 1. Frances, who is four years of age. 2. George, two and a half years old. 3. Virginia, nine months old.

ROBERT J. HODGSON-Among the successful manufacturers of Medway, Massachusetts, is Robert J. Hodgson, one of the founders and owners of the Stone Mill Company, manufacturers of woolen goods. Though the concern is one of the newly established manufactories of this place it has grown very rapidly during the two years of its existence, and has made for itself a recognized place in the industrial develop- ment of this section.

Born in Wales, Massachusetts, January 5, 1877, Robert J. Hodgson is a son of Samuel Hodgson, who for many years was engaged in the woolen manufac- turing industry, and of Bessie Hodgson, both de- ceased. Coming to Medway at an early age he at- tended the public schools here, and then engaged in the woolen manufacturing industry, first as an em- ployee, and in association with his father, and later giving special attention to the administrative and ex- ecutive side of the industry. In February, 1925, he established the Stone Mill Company, and engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods for himself. Hav- ing been engaged in the textile industry throughout his life, he was thoroughly familiar with the practical as well as the administrative side of the business and was known as a practical textile man, and the suc- cess which he has achieved during the two years which have passed since the establishment of the business has fully justified his undertaking this in- dependent venture. The enterprise is no longer an experiment, but is now (1928) an established and well-known manufacturing concern, which has already made for itself a name and place in the textile in- dustry. Shortly after establishing the business, Mr. Hodgson's brother James, also became associated in the business and has been president since his entry. In addition to his responsibilities as a manufacturer, Mr. Hodgson is also a member of the board of trustees of the Medway Savings Bank. Politically, he gives his support to the principles and the candidates of the Republican party. Fraternally, he is identified with the Blue Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has many friends in Medway, where both his factory and his home are located.

Robert J. Hodgson was married, in Medway, Massachusetts, October 10, 1908, to Caroline Hodges, and they are the parents of five children: Dorothy, Sylvia, Robert, Jr., Marjorie and Kenneth.

JOSEPH C. LINCOLN-In the quaint little town of Brewster, on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts, with its principal winding street and its elms that sway over picturesque gray and white houses, on February 13, 1870, was born Joseph C. Lincoln, magazine writer, and author of more than twenty- seven volumes, who now divides his time between his homes in Chatham, Massachusetts, and Villa Nova, Pennsylvania. In Brewster, Mr. Lincoln grew up amid seafaring folk, who had made the Cape so famous and who figure so delightfully in

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almost every story that is his. His own father was a sea captain, and so were his grandfather and all of his uncles. Indeed, the population of Brewster was composed almost wholly of the "cap'ns" and their families. Only a year after Joseph was born Captain Lincoln died, and upon the mother fell the task of shaping the boy's life. A brave and self- reliant woman, herself having made a number of voyages, her son has since paid many tributes to her, to her sympathy, and to her inspiration. But it was not to sea that young Lincoln went, when time came to choose a career; it was to Boston, to work in a banking house where he was sent by his relatives. For a number of months he struggled behind the wickets, his duties totally alien to his natural pro- clivities. Then he turned to art-drawing-nor in this was he overwhelmingly successful; and he found that by writing legends beneath the sketches, usual- ly in verse and of humor, the pictures sold more readily. Presently he found that the verses were most salable without the pictures, and he began to write poems and short stories in earnest. From hu- morous verse he evolved naturally into sentiment bespeaking his love of the Cape, after the manner of the following, illustrative of his method and quality:

The dear old Cape! I Love it! I love its hills of sand, The sea-wind singing o'cr it, the seaweed on its strand;

The bright blue ocean round it, the clear blue sky o'erhead ;

The fishing boats, the dripping nets, the white sails filled with spread ;-

For each heart has its picture, and each its own home song. The sights and sounds which move it when Youth's fair memories throng;

And when, down dreamland pathways, a boy, I stroll once more,

I hear the mighty music of the surf along the shore.

Such verses as these, in swinging metre, telling of the Cape and its people, and stories revealing the same quaint and wholly pleasing atmosphere quickly were recognized.

To the readers of Mr. Lincoln's numerous books his middle name, Crosby, is not generally known. It is the surname of his mother, who, previous to her marriage, was Emily Crosby. His father, who died when Joseph C. Lincoln was one year old, as here- tofore related, also was named Joseph, but never was known other than as Captain Lincoln, or more correctly "Cap'n" Lincoln, a hardy, courageous and kindly skipper beloved by the folk of the Cape.

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History of Plymouth, Norfolk and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 83

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