USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > History of South Boston (its past and present) and prospects for the future, with sketches of prominent men > Part 44
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The route of the parade was West Broadway, East Broadway, Q Street, East Fourth Street, L Street, East Sixth Street, K Street, East Eighth Street, I Street, East Fourth Street, G Street, around Thomas Park. Arrived at the monument the dedicatory exercises were held, the time being 2.30. Gov. Crane made a few remarks and then pulled a cord that unveiled the tablet on the western side of the monument.
The exercises were continued in the hall of the High School, close by, and consisted of an opening selection by an orchestra under the direction of Mr. Emil Mollenhauer ; prayer by Rev. William F. War- ren, D. D., LL. D .; response " Almighty Father" by a quartette com- prising Mrs. Alice Bates Rice, Miss Adah Campbell Hussey, Mr. Clarence Shirley and Mr. Arthur Beresford ; orchestral selection ; soprano solo " Star Spangled Banner," Mrs. Alice Bates Rice ; oration by Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, junior U. S. Senator from Massachusetts ; selection " The Victor's Return " by the orchestra, concluding with the hymn " America" sung by the entire gathering and followed by national airs by the orchestra.
In the evening the Evacuation Day banquet of the South Boston Citizens' Association was held in Gray's Hall, and upward of 400 people participated. Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley was the special guest of the association, and among the other guests were Speaker James J. Myers of the House of Representatives, President Rufus Soule of the Senate, Mayor P. A. Collins, Congressman Henry F. Naphen, Col. Curtis Guild, Jr., and Representative Edward B. Callen- dar, the orator of the occasion. Pres. John H. Means presided and Hon. William S. McNary was toastmaster.
Throughout the district the citizens joined heartily in the celebra- tion and there were many open houses, and the clubs and organizations had special programmes. During the afternoon there were athletic games, and in the evening there were band concerts and fireworks by the city, and Broadway was illuminated from one end to the other as Admiral Schley passed on his way to Gray's Hall.
479
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
ERRORS AND ADDITIONS.
In the publishing of a book of the magnitude of this History of South Boston, errors, great or small, are certain to creep in. Notwith- standing that the greatest possible care has been taken by the authors to avoid such mistakes, and especially to have names and dates abso- lutely correct, a few have occurred, but they are all typographical errors, overlooked in the correcting of proofs. With the completion of the work every line on every page was carefully gone over, and the few errors that did occur were noted. For the benefit of the reader we append herewith a list of the errors, showing also the necessary correc- tions.
As the weeks and months and years pass by, many changes occur in the condition of things. So it is with this book. The "South Boston of the Present" refers to the district in 1901. During that year the official publication of this history took place, although it was not until the following year that the general sale occurred. In that year there were a few changes. Men occupying prominent positions were promoted and made new places for others, some died and others removed from the city. These additions also are appended.
Readers would do well to make these changes and additions in ink as far as possible.
On page 35 is an illustration of " The Fourth Church erected in
Dorchester." The types made it the "Fourth Church, erected in Dor- chester." It was the fourth church erected but not named the Fourth Church.
On page 91, in the ninth line from the bottom, there should be a change from the word "heavy bronze" to "gold." The medal pre- sented to Gen. Washington by Congress was of gold.
On page 216, the name of "Henry S. Driscoll, Co. E" must be added to the list of privates of the Ninth Massachusetts Volunteer In- fantry, who died in the Spanish-American War.
On page 223, should be omitted the words "John Souther, well known machinist and inventor of the dredging machine." This is in the 27th and 28th lines from the top of page.
Page 330, BIGELOW SCHOOL- The new building, corner of E and West Fourth Streets, was occupied by the several classes in May of 1902 and on the re-opening of the school Sept. 10, 1902 the rooms were thus occupied, although the dedication did not occur until the fol- lowing year.
Page 337, JOHN A. ANDREW SCHOOL-In the sketch of Master Joshua M. Dill, instead of "In January, 1863," it should read "In January, 1873 he secured a position in the Quincy School, Boston."
Page 342, LINCOLN SCHOOL - Master Maurice P. White was elected a supervisor of the Boston Schools, Sept. 9th, 1902, thus vaca- ting his position as master. Sub-Master Perry was advanced to the
480
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
position of master. Sub-Master Charles N. Bentley of the Lincoln School, earlier in the year, was assigned to a similar position in the Thomas N. Hart School to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sub- Master Philbrick. The sub-masters of the Lincoln School, beginning Sept. 10, 1902, were Jonathan I. Buck and Charles S. Davis.
Page 349, THOMAS N. HART SCHOOL-Sub-Master John D. Phil- brick died in the spring of 1902 and Charles N. Bentley of the Lincoln School was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Page 357, PHILLIPS CHURCH AND CHAPEL -Rev. Percy H. Epler, assistant pastor, severed his connection with the church the latter part of December 1902, to accept a similar position in the First Church of Detroit.
Page 413, CARNEY HOSPITAL -The new out-patient department building, corner of Dorchester and Old Harbor Streets, completed in 1902 and dedicated on Thanksgiving Day with simple exercises.
Page 421, SUFFOLK COUNTY HOUSE OF CORRECTION -The buildings and property on East First Street were abandoned in Octo- ber, 1902 all the prisoners having been transferred to the new buildings on Deer Island. This marked an important event, inasmuch as the people of South Boston have been endeavoring since 1847 to be rid of this institution.
Page 428, MATTAPAN DEPOSIT AND TRUST COMPANY-President Richard J. Monks retired Oct. 1, 1902, and was succeeded by Ezra H. Baker.
Page 442, FIRE DEPARTMENT -During 1902 many changes were made, notable among them being the installation of Aerial Truck and Ladder IS, in the new house on Pittsburgh Street, in the rear of the house of Engine 38-39. This was put into commission Nov. 7, the company consisting of two officers and ten privates. Lieut. John W. Murphy of Combination 2 was promoted to the rank of captain Oct. 25, 1902 and placed in charge of the new truck and ladder. The tiller- man of the new truck is Thomas Wyllie. Lieut. Alfred J. Caulfield was transferred from Engine 38-39 to Combination Wagon No. 2, East Fourth Street, Oct. 25, 1902. The chief's driver, Charles Ingersoll, Jr., was permanently appointed Nov. 7, and transferred to Engine 43 and Fred P. Brophy of Brighton was appointed chief's driver Nov. 14. Ladder Company 5 of West Fourth Street had its truck rebuilt and equipped with rubber tires, making a fine appearing piece of apparatus.
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF THE TIME
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I
Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of Time. LONGFELLOW.
WILLIAM CAINS (SOUTH BOSTON'S GRAND OLD MAN)
BORN IN SOUTH BOSTON, JUNE 25, 1814, AND HAS ALWAYS LIVED IN THE DISTRICT.
483
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
EORGE H. ALEXANDER, druggist, at I 100 Dorchester Street. is a son of the late Andrew Alexander, M. D., and Lavania A. (Pratt) Alexander. He was born in this dis- trict and resided here the greater part of his lite. He received his early education in the public schools of South Boston, and entered the whole- -ale drug business in which he was engaged for seven vears. during a part of which time he also attended the Mass. College of Pharmacy. In 1879 he opened his own establishment on the site of his resent store. and has conducted business at hat place ever since. with the exception of a hort time when the building, in which he was riginally located, was razed to make way for le pre-ent brick structure. Mr. Alexander is member of Rabboni Lodge. St. Matthew's oyal Arch Chapter and St. Omer Commandery, . & A. M. He is also a member of the Mass. ollege of Pharmacy. Mr. Alexander resides at ; Wa-hington St., Dorchester.
F `RANK STANFORD ATWOOD, journalist, is a son of Richard A. and Mary L. Atwood and was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1870. He came to South Boston in IS78 and received his education here, having attended the Bigelow and Lin- coln Grammar Schools, gradua- ting from the latter in ISS6. After fin- ishing his studies he entered the em- ploy of the Boston Herald Company as an office boy and his labors have won promotions for him, his present position being that of assistant secre- tary to the man- aging editor.
About 1892 he moved to Dorchester and at present resides at No. 9 Humphrey Square. He was elected to the Common Council from his ward in 1899 and was re-elected in 1900 and 1901. On June 5, of the latter year, he inarried Miss Ella B. Wells of Dorchester. Mr. Atwood is a member of the Massachusetts Republican Club, the Business Men's Club of Dorchester, Boston Herald Benefit Association and the Twenty-Five Associates of the Boston Herald.
JON. JOHN E. BALDWIN was born in South Boston in 1869 and has always resided here. He attended the Bigelow Grammar School, and, finishing his studies there, he entered English High School and later took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College. He st entered upon business lite as a clerk for F. E. Atteaux & Company, later becoming nfidential clerk and bookkeeper for that concern. From 1 early age Mr. Baldwin had been interested in politics. but was not until 1893 that he became a candidate for office. that vear he was elected a member of the Common Coun- 1 by the Democrats of Ward 14 for the year 1894. The two cceeding years he was again chosen to represent his ward the -ame body. Again in 1897 and ISOS he was the choice the Democrats of his ward and during those years he presented them in the Massachusetts House of Represen- tive .. During these years as a public representative his fort- won for him the support of the people of South oston and he was next elected to represent the South oston district in the Massachusetts Senate, serving during 99. and was elected for a second term to that body, serving 1900. In his position as senator he introduced many bills great importance to South Boston and fought for the age of those introduced by the representatives in the wer house. and through his efforts many important iprovement- to South Boston were secured. He was tive in securing the removal of the House of Correction om South Boston and for the construction of Cove Street idge. He was also instrumental in securing from the state appropriation of $10,000 for the Carney Hospital. He elected a member of the Democratic State Committee r 1902 and 1903. In the former year he received the Demo- atic nomination for alderman in the Eighth Aldermanic strict, but was defeated at the polls. Mr. Baldwin is a member of Pere Marquette Council the Knights of Columbus, Division 57, Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Tammany Asso- ites and other organizations. He resides at 51 Emerson Street.
484
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
G EORGE F. BARRY, engineer and janitor of the high school, since Sept. 11, 1901, was born in Boston, December, 1865, of Patrick and Mary (Donovan) Barry. Removing to South Boston in 1872 he attended the Hawes and Bigelow Schools. For ten years he worked at printing, and in 1890 studied engineering in the Foster's Wharf Block, serving five years under John J. McCloskey and then, successively, for the McCloskey Varnish Co., Char- lestown Gas and Electric Light Co., Boston Storage Warehouse Co. During this time he also studied, taking the Wells Memorial Institute course and that of the American School of Correspondence, the Lowell Institute lectures and the South Boston Art School. Ile married Christina L. McCloskey, who died in 1899, and has four children, Chris- tina L., George F., Mary Margaret and Mabel He is a member of No. I Lodge N. A. S. E., No. 2 Lodge A. O. U. W., and the Boylston School Association, and lives at 295 D St.
JOSEPH W. BATEMAN, plumber and ste dealer, was born in Bury, England, ()) ber 28, 1862, of John and Sarah ( Bromw)) Bateman. He was educated in the schools of is native town, and in 1886 removed to South Boston, where he has lived cvcr since. In England he fol- lowed the trade of machinist, but, on arriving in this country, he was apprenticed to Charles M. Brom- wich, learned plumbing, and in 1901 he started in for himself, in the firm of Bateman & McAuliffe. He has since bcen located at 693 East Fourth Street. January 8, 1891, he married Miss E C. Dakin of Digby, N. S., and has four childr Ruby W., Bernice D., Joscph P. and Edgar Bateman. He resides at 672 East Eighth Str t. Mr. Bateman is a member of Mt. Washing Commandery U. O. G. C., (of which hei a past commander ) of Hope Commandery, O. G. S., (of which he is a past command and the South Boston Citizens' Association.
D ANIEL J. BARRY, deputy superintendent of public buildings of the city of Boston, was boris Boston, August 27, 1859, of John and Mary Barry. Educated in the primary and gramm schools of this district, he went to work shortly after leaving school, in 1873, and since i boyhood has been a resident of South Boston. A prominent worker in the Democratic ra and ever interesting himself in affairs of that party in city and especially in his own district, he was easily elec to the House of Representatives in the fall of 1894 in eight-cornered contest and served during 1895 and 1896 v particularcredit to himself and his district. He was a memln during those years, of the committees on parishes and if gious societies, pay roll and election laws, and ever took active part in legislation for the good of his district and i constituency. Having received the customary two years this lower branch of the Massachusetts Legislature, he not again a candidate until the fall of 1900, when, throw the urgent solicitation of his friends, he entered a spiri contest in Ward 14 for the Democratic nomination to Legislature and won, receiving a splendid majority, and, the first time in the history of the ward, was accorded distinguished honor of an election to the House of Repres tatives for a third term. During the year 1901 he served the committee on public health. In the mayoralty campa of 1899, when Hon. Patrick A. Collins was the candidate Mayor of Boston, Mr. Barry was one of the most earr workers of Ward 14 in the interests of the Democratic nomir Again, in the fall of 1901, Mr. Barry took a prominent par the municipal campaign in which Hon. Patrick A. Col was victorious, and aided largely in securing for him large vote in that ward. For faithful services it was but natt that he should receive recognition and on the new admin tration assuming control Mr. Barry was appointed deputy superintendent of public buildings un Supt. Hugh Montague. Mr. Barry is member of the Knights of Columbus and lives at 663 E Fourth Street.
48 5
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
R. BARNARD L. BERNARD, physician, a
son of Elijah and Sophia Bernard, was born in Russia in May, IS60, and was lucated there. He graduated from the gram- mar school in IS73, Gymnasium (Latin School) in IS79 and the Med-
ical College in ISS3. He served the
Russian govern- ment as a provin- cial physician until ISS;, and came to
Boston in ISSS. He practiced in Boston until IS96,
during which time
he took a post. graduate course at
Harvard Medical School. and then
came to South
oston. He is a member of the Massachusetts
Medical and Boston Gynecological Societies, "'inthrop Council, R. A., South Boston Con- ave, I. O. H., is visiting physician to the Home bor Destitute Jewish Children and Mt. Sinai ospital, and a member of the medical board E the latter. He married Miss Annie Segall,
graduate of St. Petersburg Medical Academy, 1 ISS6, and they have five children. His resi- ence and office are at 195 Dorchester St.
JAMES BERTRAM, carpenter, was born in
Scotland in IS57. His parents were Joseph and Isabella Bertram. He attended private schools in his native country, and when but twelve years of age came to South Boston where he has since resided. Early in his youth, he learned the trade of carpenter, and since 1SS9 has been in business for him- self, having been employed on many of the principal buildings, resi- dences and dwell- ings in South Bos- ton and vicinity. His place of busi- ness is 330 West Broadway. Mr. Ber- tram is married, lives at 675 East Seventh Street, and has one child, Herbert James Ber- tram. Ever fond of yachting, Mr. Bertram was one of the early members of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club and for many years its commodore, and has also been official measurer for the Yacht Racing Association of Massachusetts. He has owned several fine pleasure yachts. He is now a member of the South Boston Yacht Club and of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club.
FRANCIS E. BLAKE. a former resident. and treasurer of the George W. Wheelwright Paper Company. was born in Princeton, Mass., of Pvnson and Sarah (Dana) Blake. He is a de- scendant of the eighth generation from William Blake, an early settler of Dorchester, who, in 537. shared in the division of lands at Dorchester Neck and whose grandson, Deacon James Blake, ected the Blake House at what is now City Point. This itter was the second house built on the peninsula. The lake family in succeeding generations. and until within a «w years. have always lived in South Boston. As may be gen on page 54 of this history the early Blake family owned early one-eighth of the Dorchester Neck lands. Francis E. lake moved to South Boston when quite young, attending ne public schools of the district with his twin brother. Rev. frederick D. Blake. graduating in IS52 from the old Hawes chool. after which he entered the Boston Latin School. In 556 he was obliged to cease his studies owing to ill health, nd he entered the employ of George Wheelwright. paper manufacturer and dealer. By perseverance and strict attention › business he wa- rapidly advanced until he attained his pres- it responsible position of treasurer. During his residence 1 this district he was an attendant and deeply interested in the Id South Baptist Church holding many responsible positions here. An ardent admirer of South Boston he ever had an nterest in its history. has made exhaustive researches in re- ition to the grants of lands on the Neck, contributed articles › several papers. and wrote an account of the British Raid of ¡76 in a pamphlet entitled "Dorchester Neck.' He has also ublished a history of the South Baptist Church.
There is probably no man better informed or better osted on old South Boston history than is Mr. Blake. le is a devoted student of matters pertaining to old o-ton and its history and he has a splendid library. He married Miss Elizabeth C. Richardson, aughter of John D. Richardson, a prominent resident of the district. He now resides in 'o-ton.
486
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
J AMES E. BOWE, real estate dealer and auctioneer, was born in Hillsborough, County Kilkenn Ireland, March 1, 1844, of John and Mary Bowe. At one year of age he came to America, landin in New York, and three years later he was a resident of Salem, Mass., where he attended th primary school. In 1856 he removed to South Boston where he has since resided. He graduate from the Tuckerman School in 1858 and immediately wer into the grocery business with his brother, Patrick, at th corner of East Second and I Streets, conducting a large bus ness, and that partnership continued thirty-five years, the sam store being occupied during all that time and the concern wan dissolved only by the death of his brother, Patrick. In 18 the business was sold to other parties. Successful in the grocery business Mr. Bowe early in life took an interest in real estate matters and for nearly half a century he has been closely identified with the advancement of the peninsula di trict and in a large measure is responsible for the rapid stridel made in real estate matters east of Dorchester Street. He an extensive property owner and large tax payer.
It was the successful efforts of Mr. Bowe, about 1878 1879, that made it possible to secure the valuable land at th corner of East Fourth and I Streets, where the new Gate Heaven Church, St. Agnes Convent and St. Michael's Ha have recently been erected. Rev. Michael F. Higgins, for seeing the growth of the Catholic population at City Poir and its consequent needs, desired to get the land, but th owners were not inclined to part with it for Catholic churc purposes and it was only through the efforts of Mr. Bowe the this was accomplished, it being purchased at a price far belo the assessed valuation.
He is well informed on the growth of South Boston durin the past 50 years and remembers distinctly many importan events that occurred during that period. Mr. Bowe is married, lives at 619 East Fourth Street, an his real estate office is at 614 East Broadway. He is a member of the South Boston Citizens' Assc ciation and other local organizations.
H ENRY JAMES BOWEN, son of Hosea Ballou and Mary Dana Bowen, was born in Charles town. Mass., September 11, 1853. Seven or more of his maternal ancestors came over in th Mayflower in 1620. On his father's side his ancestors were from Wales and landed at Rehoboth Mass .. in 1640, afterward settling the town of Swansea. His grandfather was Henry Bowen, th publisher of the first Universalist Magazine, and his grand. uncle was Abel Bowen, well known as an engraver and the publisher of "Bowen's Pictures of Boston." The subject of this sketch has resided in South Boston since 1854. He first attended the Old Hawes School, and, when the Lincoln School was built, was transferred to it, graduating therefrom with a Franklin medal, at the age of twelve. He then entered the English High School and at the age of fifteen stood at the head of the graduating class. Immediately after leaving this school he accepted a position in a wholesale lumber house on State Street, where he remained five years and then had five years' experience in the retail lumber busi- ness in Brookline. He then took charge of the accounts of a wholesale flour and grain commission house on State Street, until the decease of his father in 1882, upon which he suc- ceeded to the real estate and insurance business in South Boston, which the elder Mr. Bowen had established in 1871. This business has greatly increased since the advent of the present Mr. Bowen, who is considered an authority upon all matters pertaining to South Boston real estate. He is a large owner of real estate in the section and has charge of many properties for clients. He is trustee for a number of large estates, one of the trustees of the South Boston Savings Bank, a member of the Real Estate Exchange and Auction Board (of which he was for three years a director), a member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Bostonian Society, and was for three years a director of the Mattapan Deposit and Trust Company. Mr. Bowen was married in 1880 to Miss Sarah E. Dean (who died in 1897) and has one son, Robert Montgomery Bowen, now a senior at Harvard.
487
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
TOL. J. PAYSON BRADLEY, merchant and manufacturer. is a native of Methuen, Mass., born June 7, 1848, of Capt. Leverett ad Catherine (Frye) Bradley. His paternal an- .stors were among the early settlers of Haver- Fill, Mass .. and in the Indian wars took an :tive part in the defence of the town. His great- randfather, Enoch Bradley, was a soldier in le revolution, and, by his mother's line of acestry. he is related to Col. Frye. who com- handed a regiment at Bunker Hill. His grand- .ther was captain of dragoons in the old militia avs and his father was a captain in the old ixth Regiment of Massachusetts Militia, and .ter in the War of the Rebellion.
Col. Bradley was educated in the public chools of his native town and the city of Law- ence. At the breaking ut of the War of the Re- ellion, he. with a brother nlv two years older, ined the army, enlisting 1 1S61. at the age of thir- een. as a drummer boy, 1 the Fourteenth Massa- husetts Infantry, which ·as afterward changed to he First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. of which .e became bugler. He vas present with his regi- nent in the terrible Battle i the Wilderness. where t suffered so severely in illed and wounded, and lso in all the many bat- les that that regiment participated in, ending with the Siege cf Peters- urg, from which place le was sent home disa- led.
After the war he re- noved to Boston and oined the Volunteer Mi- itia, of which he became ergeant-major and adjutant. He joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in :8,7, and was its adjutant in 1888 and 1889. When that famous military organization visited England in 1896, Col. Bradley carried the na- ional colors, being the first man to carry the American flag, under arms, in the streets of London and into Windsor Castle, before the Queen. In 1897 he was elected commander of the Company and served with ability and distinction during the customary term of one vear. In 1897, also, he wasappointed assistant adjutant general and served three years with the rank of colonel on the staff of Gov. Roger Wolcott.
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