History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 165

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1706

USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 165

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The Eagle Cotton-Gin Company was formerly known as Bates, Hyde & Co., and established the manufacture of cotton-gins in 1833 on the site now occupied by Mr. Alfred Hall as his residence. Upon the completion of the railroad the works were re- moved to the present site, where the business was enlarged, and with improved facilities the company conducted a prosperous business. The main shop was destroyed by fire in 1852 or 1853, and rebuilt on a larger scale the same year. Joseph A. Hyde was the managing agent and the leading proprietor for more than twenty-five years until his death.

This important industry has given employment to

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

a large number of men, and the various improve- ments that have been added to the machine have given the Eagle gin a prominent place among the planters of the South. This company still do a large and prosperous business. In addition to the cotton- gin business, this company for several years has done a large business in the manufacture of boxes. For many years Mr. Asa Copeland was connected with this company, and is the oldest and only person living who was engaged in the cotton-gin business with Mr. Eleazer Carver, sixty years ago.

Mr. Edwin Keith and Philo Keith were, during their lifetime, connected with this company, the former as foreman, and Mr. E. H. Keith has been for thirty years a prominent artisan in connection with these works. The president of the company is Mr. Henry Perkins ; treasurer, Samuel P. Gates.

The iron foundry of Henry Perkins, situated oppo- site the Eagle Gin Company's works, on the line of the Old Colony Railroad, has long held an important place among the manufacturing establishments of the town. It is a substantial brick structure with slate roof, commodious and convenient for the purposes for which it was designed. Mr. Perkins established this business more than thirty years ago in connec- tion with the cotton-gin works, carrying on the busi- ness in that locality until he occupied the present spacious establishment.

The finest piano frames are extensively manufac- tured at this foundry, and Mr. Perkins has a high reputation in his special line of foundry business, as well as for his energy, promptness, and integrity as a business man. Mr. Perkins is a signal example of an untiring, energetic, self-made man. He has a family of five sons and four daughters.

During the years 1864 and 1865 the United States tax upon all kinds of manufactures was heavy, and as an illustration we will give that of June, 1865, as relates to two of our leading establishments. La- zell, Perkins & Co. (Bridgewater Iron Company), $1560.38; Bates, Hyde & Co. (Eagle Cotton-Gin Company), $788.69. This it will be observed was for a single month. This, with the income tax, was a burden that no one who did not live in that day can but faintly comprehend. The remarkable demand for all kinds of goods enabled the manufacturers not only to meet this war tax, but also enabled them to make good dividends. This high tax was not long continued; had it been, most manufacturers would have retired from business. The income tax was gradually modified, and has for years been quite un- known.

For the past ten years our manufacturers liavo had

much to contend with, and the low prices of most domestic goods have depressed the price of manu- facturing stocks nearly one-half in valuation. It is quite evident that it is time for the government to in- terpose with more vigorous protective measures if our great industries are to prosper in New England.

Biographical .- Dr. Samuel, youngest son of Maj. Judah Alden, of the Revolution, was born upon the ancestral estate of John Alden, the Pilgrim, at Dux- bury, Jan. 24, 1803, and graduated at Harvard Col- lege in 1821, and from Dartmouth Medical College ; settled in Bridgewater in 1825. He possessed bril- liant talents, and took a prominent position among the physicians of the county. His collegiate and medical course was marked with finc literary attain- ments, which gave him the prestige of high social position among the people of the town. He at an early period secured an extensive practice, and won the esteem and confidenee of the entire community. His rare social gifts and ready, cheerful wit rendered him a welcome visitor in sickness and in health, and his fund of anecdotes dissipated much of the depress- ing atmosphere of the sick-chamber. For fifty years his life was devoted to the people of the town, and amid the storms of winter and in summer's heat his cheerful service was ready at their command. The families of the town have long held him in the most affectionate esteem, and his ready response to the calls of the poor, when no fee was to reward him, has long since accorded to him the title of a public benefactor. He was happily married to Mary A., daughter of the late Ezra Hyde, Jan. 29, 1829, who shared with him more than fifty years of his professional life. They celebrated their golden wedding Jan. 29, 1879. Dr. Alden still retains his mental faculties to an unusual degree for one of his age, and sustains the infirmities of age with the same cheerful composure that has char- acterized his long and busy lifc. Dr. Alden is a lineal descendant of the distinguished Pilgrim in the sixth generation, and is an honored member of the Society of the Cincinnatus. His wife died May 31, 1883, aged seventy-seven years.

Dr. Lewis S. Hopkins was born in Boston, Sept. 15, 1815. He was the son of John Hopkins, a mer- chant, and fitted for college at Amherst, and entercd college, but, on account of his health, failed to grad- uate. He graduated at the South Carolina Medical College in 1837, was physician at one of the city in- stitutions in Boston for two years, and then traveled for two years in Europo (after a few years of profes- sional life in Northampton). He settled in Bridge- water in 1864, and purchased the Judge David Per- kins place, where he still lives as a retired gentleman.

Dr. H able to benevo Square ciates chosen Board Col. zen of Natha Washb early years b came uncle, that d busines ment o eled i wbich was int the pub in the and, u time c possess sented : was ar and ea For his Washb of stro He wa Plymou rious e was a t of tha daughter Sarah, 28, 188 Dr. Worcest 1824. emy, por bat oni school of Fram ister of in the ye BIOTe, MA the stud attended land, an

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HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.

Dr. Hopkins is a mau of fine literary endowments, an able theological scholar and writer, a large-hearted. benevolent citizen. He is a member of the Central Square Church, and is held in esteem by his asso- ciates and by his townsmen. having been frequently chosen school committeeman and chairman of the Board of Health of his town.

Col. Abram Wasbburn, who was a prominent citi- zen of Bridgewater during his long life, was a son of Nathaniel Washburn, and grandson of Capt. Abram Washburn. of Revolutionary fame. He spent his early years in Vermont, but in 1811, a number of years before his father's return to his native place, he came to Bridgewater, and became of service to his uncle, Capt. Abram Washburn, an active citizeu of that day. He was thus early connected with the business of Carver. Washburn & Co. in the develop- ment of the cotton-gin business, and for a time trav- eled in the South in the interest of the concern, of which he was a subsequent partner. Col. Washburn was interested in all good objects for the promotion of the public welfare. He was when quite young active in the organization of the local rifle company in 1819, and, under Col. Samuel Leonard, who was at that time captain, he first served as lieutenant. He was possessed of a fine physique, and in the saddle pre- sented a most commanding figure as an officer. He was an earnest advocate of the temperance reform, and early sympathized with the anti-slavery cause. For bis espoused principles of Christian living Col. Washburn was highly esteemed, and, though a man of strong prejudices, had a wide circle of friends. He was one of the early active members of the Plymouth Agricultural Society, and served in va- rious capacities as an officer. For many years he was a trustee of the academy, and was a firm friend of that institution. His first wife was Pamela, daughter of Isaac Keith, and his second wife was Sarah, sister of Hon. John A. Shaw. He died May 28, 1881, aged eighty-six years.

Dr. Samuel H. Worcester, son of Rev. Samuel Worcester, was born in Gloucester, Mass., Feb. 16, 1824. Fitted for college at the Bridgewater Acad- emy, pursued collegiate studies at Brown University, but owing to ill health left before graduating; taught school several years, among other schools had charge of Framingham Academy; was ordained as a min- ister of the New Jerusalem Church (Swedenborgian) in the year 1851 ; was settled as a clergyman at Balti- more, Md., for several years. In early life he pursued the study of medicine to some extent, and in 1850 attended medical lectures in the University of Mary- land, and in 1861 graduated at the New York Ho-

mœopathic College ; had a large practice at Glouces- ter, and later at Salem, Mass. ; retired to Bridgewater September, 187S, where he has since resided, engaged chiefly in literary labor. Dr. Worcester is a gentle- man of fine scholarly attainments, and has done much good work in couucction with the school board of the town, of which he is chairman.

Zebulon Pratt, Esq., was born Jan. S, 1816, aud was the son of Zebulon K. Pratt, of Middleboro', a lineal descendant of Phineas Pratt, who landed at Plymouth in 1623. He was one of a large family of brothers, and was educated in the schools of his towu and at the Bridgewater Academy. He engaged in teaching sehool for a few years, and at the age of twenty had a clerkship in Boston. Subsequently he engaged in the book-trade, starting for the West in 1837, visiting the principal cities, selling his books at auction. He followed this business for twenty-five years, visiting such important points as Washington, New Orleans, Nashville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Cleve- land, and various places, and the trade-sales of New York. Possessed of great energy, and gifted as an auctioneer, he became widely known to the trade, and soon entered upon a career of prosperity that gave him an excellent credit in all central points where the book-trade was carried on. His brother, Benjamin, was for a time associated with him and succeeded to the business when he retired, in 1862. Few men have seen more extended travel or have had a wider ac- quaintance. His promptness in meeting all his en- gagements was a characteristic that secured his suc- cess, and rewarded him with an independent for- tune. He was married to Matilda, daughter of Silas Hathaway, in 1842. Mr. Pratt has been identified with all public enterprises in his neighborhood for many years, and was the chief promoter of the Pratt Free School when that institution was estab- lished, and was liberal in his gifts to the building of the church at Titicut. He removed to Bridgewater in 1873, and is still active in the care of his cstate and in the promotion of the public interests of the town. He is a member of the Central Square Church, and of the American Board of Foreign Missions, and a liberal giver to the various religious and charitable associations of his denomination. He has been a trustee of the Pratt Free School from its organization, and for many years its president. Socially he is one of the live, wide-awake citizens of the town, and his beautiful residence is on the corner of South Street and Spring Hill Avenue.

- Edgar Parker, son of Charles Parker, was born in Framingham, Mass., June 7, 1840; was educated at Norwich University, and received his degrec of M.D.

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

from Harvard University in 1863; entered the United States service as assistant surgeon March, 1863; wounded at Gettysburg July 1, 1863 ; and was dis- charged by reason of disability.

Dr. Parker practiced his profession a few years as a physician, and then relinquished it for that of an artist in painting, for which he early had disclosed a special talent. He visited Europe, and had the ad- vantages afforded by such observation as was congenial to his taste. Having established his studio in Boston, he soon received the patronage of many distinguished persons as a portrait-painter, and his work has given him a high position among the profession. Dr. Parker has resided in Bridgewater for many years, and his wife is the daughter of the late Joseph A. Hyde.

. Lafayette Keith, Esq., has been a prominent citi- zen of the town for many years. He was the son of Solomon Keith, and was born Oct. 21, 1824. He was educated in the schools of the town, and early took an interest in public and political affairs.

He was appointed postmaster of Bridgewater April 1, 1854, continuing in that office until Jan. 1, 1862. Upon the enactment of the internal revenue law. in 1862, he was appointed an officer in that department for this district, which position he has held with special acceptance to the government until the present time.

At the annual meeting of the Plymouth County Agricultural Society (1863) he was chosen secretary in place of Williams Latham, Esq., which position he now holds. In 1872, at the organization of the Bridgewater Savings-Bank, he was chosen clerk of the corporation, and a member of the board of trustees.

Mr. Keith is one of a family of six brothers and two sisters; five of the brothers and one sister are still living. In all the relations of life Mr. Keith has been an example of rectitude and moral upright- ness of character worthy of imitation.

Hon. Philo Leach, who was born in Bridgewater in 1797, occupied a prominent place as a citizen for many years. He was the son of Apollos Leach, a master builder and farmer, who gave to his son the best op- portunitics for education that the schools of that day afforded. The subject of this notice was a young man of vigorous physique, and after finishing the allotted time for schooling made choice of the trade of his father, and became qualified to take his place as a master workman. For many years he was a successful and leading builder in the town. Mr. Lcach early took an interest in public affairs, and was active in political movements of the day. When a little more

than thirty years old he was chosen one of the select- men, and for nearly twenty years was chairman of that board. He was prompt and energetic, and as an assessor was vigilant in discovering the property of citizens, and few escaped their share of the public burdens under his administration. He was specially active in looking up the settlements of persons who became a public charge, and at one time the alms- house was almost vacant through his agency. He represented the town for several years, and was active and efficient upon committees. He had a wide repu- tation as an expert in matters of settlement, and was employed upon that subject in various parts of the commonwealth. He was early identified with the Free-Soil party, and was elected a member of the Governor's Council, serving with signal ability upon that board. He had an extensive acquaintance with public men, and was discriminating in his judgment of human character. He was of strong mind, with decided opinions, which he held with great tenacity. He was active in promoting the cause of education, and a zealous advocate of whatever was for the best interest of the town. His death, which was sudden and greatly lamented, took place Sept. 7, 1853.

. Mr. Jacob Perkins, son of Francis Perkins, was early connected with the Messrs. Lazells as a mill- wright at the iron-works. He was a skillful mechanic, and his services were in great demand wherever a new mill was projected. His rare ability soon secured him recognition as an adviser in the improvements that were being made at the Bridgewater works, and he became a partner under the style of Lazell, Per -. kins & Co. He resided near the works, and had per- sonal oversight of much of the mechanical department for nearly forty years. Under his special charge suc- cess was assured, and his careful supervision permitted no neglect or waste about the premises. His kind and genial disposition won the friendship of the workmen, and they sought his advice as that of a father. It was during his lifetime that the business of the iron company grew to large proportions, and it was in no sinall degree, owing to his wise counsel, that so great measure of success was attained. In his home he was an example of those virtues that win respect and admiration, and his large family of children grew up like olive-plants to love and venerate the kind and indulgent parent. He was a liberal supporter of the institutions of religion and education, and his family shared a place in the best social circle of the town. He will long be associated with the great iron industry of Bridgewater, and his memory will be treasured among the distinguished citizens of a past generation. He died in 1853, aged seventy-seven years.

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HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.

Hon. Artemas Hale. the oldest surviving ex-mem- ber of Congress for many years, and who died in Bridgewater Aug. 3, 1882, was born in Winchen- don, Mass., Oct. 20, 1783. His early life was speut on his father's farm. with the limited opportunities for education, which he improved to the best of his ability. At the age of nineteen years. he became qualified to teach school and to do the surveying for the town for several years. He was subsequently called to Hingham. Mass., where for several years he was a successful teacher, one of his pupils being the late Rev. Calvin Lincoln, who deceased. at the age of eighty-one years. a few years ago. Mr. Hale was teaching at Hingham in 1813 at the time the British were menacing the seaports of the New Eng- land coast. aud was a spectator to the memorable fight between the . Shannon" and the " Chesapeake" in Mas- sachu-etts Bay. After the close of the war he engaged in mercantile business at East Bridgewater. and in 1819 engaged with Lazell, Perkins & Co., at Bridge- water. as clerk. Subsequently he associated himself With Eleazer Carver. and was a partner in the firm of Carver, Washburn & Co., who were engaged in the manufacture of cotton-gins, acting as the agent and treasurer. He was a man of correct business habits, and proved a valuable acquisition to the new enter- prise. His sterling integrity and ability attracted the attention of his townsmen, and he was called to various offices of trust and responsibility which he filled with rare acceptance. He was chosen to repre- sent the town iu the Legislature in 1824, and was subsequently clected senator from Plymouth County, serving in both branches eight years. In 1846 he was elected to Congress, serving two terms with ability upon important committees. He was active in political affairs, being identified with the Whig party, and was a zealous advocate of the policy of protection to home industry and internal improve- ments. In all the high social virtues that distin- quish and adorn the best New England homes he was an example worthy of imitation. With pro- nounced adherence to the Whig party until its mis- sion was accomplished, he naturally allied himself to the Republican party, with which he was identified during the remainder of his long life, and few men in the prime of life were so well informed upon all current political matters. His religious faith was such as sprung from a decp reverence for the Scrip- tures, while he was a liberal supporter of the ordi- nances of the church with which he was long con- nected. Successful in the management of his own business, he was often consulted in the interests of others. He retained his physical and mental facul-

ties to a remarkable degree until a few weeks before his death, and long awaited its summons with seren- ity and resignation. His death was deeply lamented by a wide circle, particularly by the citizens of the town to whose interest and welfare his long life had been so largely devoted.

Hon. John Angier Shaw, who was long identified with his native town as a distinguished teacher, was the son of Dr. Samuel Shaw, and grandson of the second minister of Bridgewater, and was born Oct. 8, 1792. His early education and preparation for col- lege was at the Bridgewater Academy, and he entered college at Harvard with Edward Everett, Nathaniel Frothingham, John C. Gray, and Harrison Gray Otis, graduating in 1811. In the choice of a pro- fession his religious nature suggested a theological course, which was completed ; but he subsequently relinquished it for the profession of teacher. He went to Mississippi, where his success gave him a high reputation, and after several years he was called to the preceptorship of the Bridgewater Academy in 1825. In connection with this school he was enii- uently successful, and his connection with it as teacher and president of the board of trustees forms a very important portion of its history. His entire connec- tion as preceptor, in point of time, was sixteen years, terminating in 1841. For many years he was an efficient member of the board of trustees, and at the time of his death, which was Oct. 4, 1873, was presi- dent of that body. His interest in public affairs was not circumscribed to the school-room, but his broad culture fitted him for other fields of usefulness. In 1834 he was clected to the State Senate, and his sub- sequent election to that office in 1835, and four elec- tions to the House of Representatives by the citizens of his town, indicated the measure of his popularity as a legislator. He was distinguished for his deep interest in the cause of popular education, and was active in the many reforms of his time and prominent in reducing the number of representatives, which had become burdensome and unwieldy. In all the walks of social life he was endcared to those with whom he was associated as a man of great purity of heart, ex- erting a most beneficent influence upon all about him. He was early connected with the church of his fathers, and was ever a consistent example of the religion which he professed. The long catalogue of his pupils would show the names of many porsons of eminence in the learned professions, and his name is held by them with honor as a public benefactor. The town of his nativity, from which no allurements of station could estrange him, holds him in grateful remem- brance. The institution of learning with which he

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

was connected so closely will most indelibly inseribe his nainc as chief among its friends, and cherish it as an important page in its history. Of an honored an- eestry he left a name alike honored, and his example of moral uprightness and Christian living eannot fail of its influence upon sueeeeding generations.

Mr. Mitehell Hooper, who for half a century has been identified with the manufacture of brieks, an important industry in his native town, was born May 29, 1808. He was the son of Capt. Joseph Hooper, a prominent nian, who was aetive in the business of Bridgewater in his generation. Mr. Hooper com- meneed the manufacture of brieks in 1829, and from small beginnings has built up a large and prosperous business. His first yard was about half a mile below his present site, and Jeremiah Townsend was for a time a partner in the business. Mr. Hooper has given employment to a large number of men, and the production of a single year has been four millions. His life has been one of great industry, and his repu- tation for sterling integrity has never been questioned. His kind and generous nature has ever seeured the friendship and respeet of his workmen, while as a citizen he has ever been held in high esteem. His modest worth has frequently been recognized by his townsmen, and in 1861 he was the representative to the State Legislature. His quiet, unobtrusive man- ners have ever been a noticeable eharaeteristic. He has held a prominent place in the First Congregational Church and parish, having been its treasurer, and a liberal supporter. He is still active for one of his age, and his home is the seat of a cheerful hospitality. His only son, Mr. George M. Hooper, is a well-known citizen, and is aetive in the business with his father.

Dr. Noah Fearing died June 20, 1824, aged fifty- four years. He praetieed his profession in Bridge- water twenty-nine years. The cheerfulness with which he met every duty, and the faithful perform- anec which always ensued, gained for him general esteem and eonfidenee. March 6, 1823, he was stricken with apoplexy, preventing him from praetieing his profession, and his death was from a second shoek. In domestie life he displayed those virtues which are calculated to make affeetion pure and enduring. He was the son of Gen. Israel Fearing, of Wareham ; graduated at Harvard University, 1791 ; married Anne, daughter of Maj. Isaac Lazell, 1799, and had Jane, George, and Thomas B.

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 165

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1706

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1706