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 45
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He has held high positions' in the Grand Army of the Republic and is an enthusiastic member of this organization.
At the close of the War of the Rebellion he prepared himself for a draughtsman and
engineer. In 1868 he entered the employ of the Downer Kerosene Oil Company of South Boston and in 1887 became a member of the firm of Allen, Bradley & Company, which succeeded the Downer Company. In 1894 the firm, with that of Seccomb-Kehew & Sons, was incorporated as "The Kehew-Bradley Company" with offices at 24 Purchase St., and he is yet con- nected with that important business.
During the administration of Mayor Hart, and until the spring of 1902, Col. Bradley served as chairman of the Boston Schoolhouse Commis- sion, being the first chairman of that new board.
This new commission, consisting of three members, had the difficult task of undertaking new and very responsible duties provided by the legislative enactment establishing the Board. All the public school buildings of the city were in direct charge of this Commission, and new buildings erected and all repairs to school buildings made by this Board. At the conclusion of his term Chairman Bradley re- ceived personal expres- sions of appreciation for efficient services per- formed from the Mayor and other city officials.
Col. Bradley married
Miss Emma Frances James, daughter of Fran- cis James, of an old and well-known South Boston family. Of this marriage were born four children, Francis E., Fannie J., Marion and Mildred. Col. Bradley is a trustee of the South Boston Savings Bank. a charter member
of Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. R., organized in 1880, president of the Dahlgren Memorial Hall Association, a member of the Boston Congregational Club, Bostonian Society, American Historical Society, Military Historical Society of Massachusetts, Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, New Algon- quin Club, Old Dorchester Club and Columbia Lodge, F. and A. M.
Col. Bradley, as a member of the Dorchester Heights Monument Committee, with Dr. Rud- dick and Mr. Toomey, did splendid service in urging the Legislature to make a sufficient ap- propriation for this magnificent memorial, per- sonally attending all hearings at the State House and devoting much time, as a member of this committee, to the carrying out of the desires of South Boston in this matter.
A member of the Phillips Congregational Church, he is an officer of that Society and has been actively engaged in its Sunday Schoo work. He lives at 499 East Broadway.
488
HISTORY OF SOUTHI BOSTON.
T HOMAS B. BRADLEY, eigar manufae- turer, was born in Navan, County Meath, Ireland, May 14, 1872, his parents being Ber- nard E. and Martha ( Phillips) Bradley. He was educated in the parochial sehool and St. Fenian Seminary, and, on his arrival in this ; country, heattended the Bigelow Gram- mar School. He has been a resident of South Boston since August 8, 1885. He was apprenticed to Morris Schendel, and at present is employed as a cigar maker for Frank K. Oberle. Affiliated with many young men's organizations and popular with the people of his ward, he was elected to the Common Council for 1903 and served on many important committees. He is a member of St. Augustine's Lyceum, Division 7, A. O. H., Celtie Association, St. Augustine's Court, M. C. O. F., Cigar-Makers' Union and Joseph Warren Conclave, I. O. H. He married Miss Edith H. Denson and has two children, Catherine Cecilia and Edith Frances. He re- sides at 22 Gates Street.
D ENNIS F. BRENNAN, born in Kanturn,
Ire., in 1844, of Michael and Mary, (Callahan) Brennan, scttled on Fort Hill in 1846, attended the Boylston School, Bo and enlisted in Co. A. 43rd Regt., in 1862. During his 9 months' service he was one of 200 to volunteer for hazardous duty. The remainder of the war, in the navy, he served on the "Ino" and other vessels. He was in the provis- ion business in South Boston, worked for Carter, Rice & Co., elected to the Legislature in 1882, as an In- dependent by 15 votes, and for 7 years was }, asst. assessor and 4 years chief of draws and bridges. Sinee 1901 he has been in the bridge da department and asst. assessor for Ward 23. In 1869 he married Katherine E. Collins, has one son, Michael V. F., and resides at 267 D Street. Fle De He was sen. dept, commander U. V. U., 1898 and 1899, now a member of the A. O. H., Irish American Club, Post 2, Veterans' Protective League and Mt. Washington Lodge, A. O. U. W.
H UGH W. BRESNAHAN, sanitary engineer and plumber, and alderman from the Fourth District, comprising Wards 7, 9 and 13, for the year 1903, was born in South Boston, November 25th, 1869, and has always lived in the district and ever identified with its in- terests. He attended the Mather Primary School and the Lawrence Grammar School and then learned the plumber's trade, making a specialty of sanitary engineering. He has, for many years, been active in the Democratic politics of Ward 13, serving in the Common Council in the years 1896 and 1897 with such credit to himself and his constituents that he was sent to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 1898 and 1899. As a member of the Legislature in 1899 he particularly distinguished himself by his untiring efforts in behalf of the Cove Street Bridge, and was the leader of the South Boston representatives in that famous contest against the gigantic corporation that sought to prevent South Boston getting what was considered only her just due. He also took a prominent part in several other measures that came before the House that year and was ever thoughtful of the interests of his district. Urged by his many friends and well wishers, in the fall of 1900 he was a candidate for Alderman, contesting at the polls as an Independent Democratic candidate. Although then failing of success he was nominated in the fall of 1902 and was elected by a splendid vote in the three wards, leading all other candidates by several hundred votes. Ile has ever been a resident of Ward 13 and is still engaged in business in that ward. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Improved Order of Heptasophs, Wolfe Tone Asso., Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Columbia Yacht Club, Lawrence School Alumni Asso., Winthrop Council, R. A., and the A. O. U. W. As an alderman he performed excellent service, serving as chairman of the standing committee on lamps and joint committees on auditing, lamps, and weights and measures departments, city messenger and institutions. He lives at 102 D Street.
Ma
489
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
EUGENE T. BRAZZELL. printer, son of William and Margaret (Haves) Brazzell, was born at 60 West Fifth Street, South
oston. March 17, ISTS. He attended the local primary and the Lawrence Grammar Schools after which he was apprenticed to the printer's trade, which he has fol- Iowed ever since. Always a resident of South Boston he has ever been iden- tified with its in- terests and has been prominent in several organiza- tions. He was elected to the Com- mon Council, representing Ward 3. for 1903 receiving a handsome vote at the aucus and at the polls, and was appointed on many important committees. He is a member f the Rosary Young Men's Catholic Associa- ion, Division 60, Ancient Order of Hibernians, frimount Conclave of the Improved Order of Heptasophs, vice president of the Young Men's Democratic Club and treasurer of the Waverly Associates, a leading organization of the dis- rict. He resides at 60 West Fifth Street.
O LIVER E. BURDICK, jeweler at 329 West Broadway. is a son of Stephen and Mary A. Burdick and was born in New Bedford. Mass., in 1847. He received his education in the schools of his native place and, then went to sea, shipping on the '.Leci Starbuck." Six days out she was captured by the famous priva- teer "Alabama"
and the crew held as prisoners for a month. On his re- turn home Mr. Burdick enlisted in the Union Navy, January 27, 1863, and did blockade duty on the U. S. S. "Huron," off Fort Sumter and at Dubois Sound, and was honorably discharged May, 1864. He then learned his trade and came to South Boston in 1869 where he started in business in 1870. now being the oldest in his line in South Boston. He married Miss Margaret J. Semple in 1871 and they reside at 361 West Fourth Street with their family, Mary T., Stephen R., Adeline E., and Oliver J. Mr. Burdick is a member of Post 2, G. A. R., Bethesda Lodge I. O. O. F., and South Boston Conclave I. O. H.
JOHN H. BUCKLEY, deceased May 5, 1903, born Dec. 25, IS28. from his infancy lived on old Fort Hill, where he was educated in the Boylston School, and in 1854 removed to So. Boston where he lived the remainder of his life. one of the best known ci- tizens of the dis- trict. Possessed of a most retentive memory he ever de- lighted to tell of old Boston, Fort Hill or So. Boston. In 1861 he was ap- pointed on the police force, was on the state police from IS69 to 1873. night
inspector in the Custom House, and in ISS2 in the city employ. In 1900 he was removed by Mayor Hart and reappointed in 1902 by Mayor Collins. Besides a wife he left two sons and five daugh- ters, John H. Buckley. Jr., and Frank A. Buckley, Mrs. Annie Crowley, Mrs. Josephine A. Robbins, Mrs. William Bowman, Miss Ella Buckley and Sister Henrietta. He was a member of Mt. Ver- non Council K. C., Boylston School Assoc., Suffolk Assembly R. S. G. F., Bostonian Society and Old Schoolboys' Asso. He lived at 146 K St.
S AMUEL M. BURROUGHS, undertaker at IIO Dorchester Street, was born in Lynch- burg, Va., in 1860 and is a son of Henry A., and Elizabeth C. Burroughs. He received his education at Lynch- burg, and, conclud- ing his studies. en- tered the undertak- ing business with relatives, and for several years was engaged in it both in Madison, New Jersey and New York City, gradua- ting as an embalmer at the latter place. He came to Boston in 1890 to accept a position with Lewis Jones & Son and, after remain- ing with that con- cern for about a year, he accepted a position with J. B. Cole & Son. He remained with the latter firm until 1900 when he leased his present place of business and has conducted his own establishment since that time. Mr. Burroughs married Emily A. Scofield of Stam- ford, Conn., in 1897, and resides at 112 Dorchester St. He is a member of Bethesda Lodge 30, I. O. O. F., Mt. Washington Encamp- ment 6 and the So. Boston Citizens Association.
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490
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
W ILLIAM CAINS, retired, South Boston's grand old man, one of the most estimable citizena of the district, was born on B Street, June 25, 1814, of Thomas and Mary Cains. Hi father, the pioneer glass manufacturer in the United States, came to this country from Bristol England, in April, 1811, and started an establishment at the westerly corner of B and West Second Streets. in the brick building originally built for the Boston Window Glass Company. In 1819 the business was moved across the street where a larger building was erected. There it was that William learned the business which he later managed in conjunction with a brother-in-law, Mr. Johnston, the elder Cains retiring temporarily. II 1857, on the death of Mr. Johnston, Mr. Cains, Sr., again took up the Portrait on Page 482. business, which he continued until his death in 1866. For four years thereafter William Cains conducted the business, but finally retired to private life. He has always resided in South Boston, and even now after a residence here of eighty-eight years, he is just as much en deared to the district as he ever was. It is with much pleasure tha Mr. Cains reviews the history and growth of South Boston, the loyalty of its citizens during every period, the prosperous times of the activ industrial period from 1860 to 1885, of the beautiful natural appearance of City Point in its early days, and particularly of the prosperous period of his father's business when more than one hundred and fifty men were employed. Through the courtesy of Mr. Cains, many in teresting reminiseences and events of old South Boston's history are narrated in this book. In the old Cains residence, corner of B anda West Second Streets, an illustration of which is given on page 123, were entertained many roya personages, including prominent Russian military officials. Rev. Father Mathew, the apostle o. temperance, was at one time a guest at the Cains mansion, and there was a strong friendship between the two. Thomas Cains, father of the subject of this sketch, was a most zealous and loyal citizen of this distriet. He was an expert in the art of mixing the materials to make flint glass and thoroughly understood all the other branches of the business. Frequently, in the midst of the most flourishing times at Mr. Cains' glass works, fire destroyed the plant, but heroically Mr. Cains reconstructed the buildings and thus was secured the name of the concern Phoenix Glass Works. William Cains resides at 557 East Fourth Street.
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F RANCIS A. CAMPBELL, lawyer, was born in South Boston, September 19, 1865. His fathe was Frank Campbell, for years a well known resident and business man of the peninsula distriet, who died several years ago and who was held in high esteem by all who knew him His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was Mrs. Rose Ann ( Shevlin ) Campbell, and stil lives in the old homestead in this district. Frank, as he wa familiarly known, attended the old Franeis Parkman Sehool Silver Street, and, after graduating from the Lawrenc School, attended the Boston Latin Sehool. He then attende Mt. St. Mary's College, Emmetsburg, Md., graduating il 1886. He entered Harvard Law School and subsequentl was admitted to the Suffolk Bar, having received the degree of B. A. and A. M. During his course in the Law School h figured prominently in athletics, was a member of th Harvard Varsity base ball team and, in ISS7 and ISSS, wa catcher, doing exeellent work behind the bat. His base bal eareer is well remembered by his fellow students and th people of South Boston, and he is vet the possessor o handsome prizes for being the best all round player an for securing the best batting averages.
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Mr. Campbell, on being admitted to the Suffolk Bar immediately commenced the practice of his profession and he now enjoys a large clientage, with offices at 701 an 702 Tremont Building. In the fall of 1897 he was nominate by the Demoerats for the School Board, and was elected fo the subsequent three years, served on many of the im portant committees and was prominent in debate. He is member of the Catholic Union, the New England Catholi Historical Society, lifc member of the Harvard Law Schod Association, of the Harvard Graduate Athletic Association the Hasty Pudding Club, D. K. E., the Boston Athleti Association and other organizations in Boston and vicinity. Hc is ranked among Boston's leadin lawyers. Mr. Campbell married Miss Mary O'Donnell who belongs to one of the prominent an leading Catholic families of Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Campell now live in Boston.
491
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
H ENRY CANNING, druggist since 1857, born in Boston. June 3, 1842,of Samuel and Mary Canning, was educated in the public schools. Largely as a vocalist Mr. Canning is known in South Boston, where, since 1874, he has been a member of the St. Augustine's church choir. In IS61 he was bass soloist in the chapel on No. Grove St., West End. In 1862 St. Stephen's Church was estab- lished, and for 13 years Mr. Canning sang there. He has frequently been heard in concert, opera and oratorio, and never refused a request for his services when possible to comply. In his 40 years choir work he has participated in more than 4000 church services. Mr. Canning was S years president and 20 rears trustee of the Mass. College of Pharmacy, past president of the Mass. State Pharmaceu- ical Asso., Boston Druggists' Asso. and the National Retail Druggists' Asso. and a member of the School Board, ISS5 to ISSS. His business is at 109 Green St. and he resides at 840 5th St.
C APT. WILLIAM J. CASEY. foreman Municipal Printing Department. was born in South Bo-ton. August 15, 1870, and at- ended the Lawrence and Evening High Schools. He then learned the printing trade with Rand. Avery & Co., and has con- tinued it ever since. He enlisted in Co. I. 9th Regt., Feb. 25. 1889. as private. advancing through the various grades to his present posi- ยท tion of Regimental Adjutant. with rank of Captain. He was mustered into the U. S. Vol. at South Framing- ham. May 10. 1898, served through the Spani-h War a- Ist Lieut. of Co. I. mustered Bout Nov. 26. 1898. and. on reorganization. was chosen to hi- present position. Prominent in athletics from 1889 to 1894, he competed for the Trimount Athletic Club. 9th Regt. Athletic Association and the B. A. A .. in leading games hroughout the country. He is a niember of Maj. M. J. ()'Connor Camp L. S. W. V .. Old Guard of Mass .. So. Boston Council, K. C., .nd Div. 58, A. O. H. He resides at 316 E St.
CHARLES H. CAREW, restaurateur and
confectioner, the former at 482 Broadway and the latter at 473 Broadway, was born in South Boston, Oct. 12, 1860, of John and Elizabeth Carew, well known resi- dents of the district. He attended the Lincoln Gramniar and Boston Latin Schools and at the age of 16 went to New York where he learned the prin- ter's trade. At the age of twenty he returned to Boston, worked as compos- itor on the "Boston Courier", later a proof-reader on the "Boston Star", and for six years was employed in the composing room of the " Boston Herald." In 1894 he opened a small restaurant at 482 Broadway which, receiv- ing his constant attention, became the present large establishment. In April, 1900, he pur- chased the ice cream and confectionery business of Edwin Barber which he has since conducted successfully. In June, 1897, he married Miss Ellen Terry, has two children, Charles and Helen, and lives at 77 Dorchester Street.
WILLIAM J. CASSIDY, undertaker at 457 West Broadway. and 120 Harrison Ave., Boston, is a son of William T., and Ellen E. (Harvey ) Cassidy, and was born in Toronto, Canada. He receiv- ed his education there. graduating from the grammar school in 1884. and Renard College, in 1887. The suc- ceeding year he se- cured a position with a prominent Toronto under- taker. In 1895 Mr. Cassidy went to New York, where he took a course in the Sullivan School of Embalming. He then came to Boston and opened his establishment on Harrison Ave. The following year he became a resident of South Boston and in 1901 he opened a place of business at 457 West Broadway. He resides at 381 Broadway. Mr. Cassidy is past grand knight of Franklin Council K. of C., and a member of St. Jerome Ct., M.C.O.F., Div. 12, A. O. H., Court Volunteer of the Hub, F. of A Boston College Asso., Boston Council, R. A. City Point Catholic Asso. and Catholic Union'
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492
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
C HARLES J. COLLINS, refractionist and optician, was born in Columbia, S. C., and is the son of John and Mary A. (Murphy)
Collins. At an early age he came to South
Boston with his parents and has been a resident of the district since that time. He gra- duated from the Lawrence School, after which he entered the English High School and, on concluding his studies there, he engaged in the gra- nite business with his father. He was appointed an ex- aminer at the Bos- ton Custom House later, where he remained until 1892. He has held various positions under the city government since then. He began the study of opthalmology in 1901 and later entered the Klein School of Optics, receiv- ing his degree in 1903. He is financial secretary of Redberry Council, No. 117, Knights of Col- umbus, of which he is a charter member, and is also a member of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. He married Miss Nellie A. Roth, and they reside with their daughter Marie at 134K St.
OSEPH W. COLLINS, manager for G. H.
Hammond Co., selling dressed cattle, sheep and hogs, was born in Providence, R. I., August 19, 1849, of Michael and Susan
Collins. Ile attend- ed the Line Street (parochial) and later the Summer Street ( public ) Schools. In 1861, at the age of 12, he removed to South Boston, where he has since resided and has been identified with its interests. On his arrival in Boston he entered the employ of Peter McAleer, provision dealer on West 4th Street, and later worked in one of the Faneuil Hall stalls. after which he was in business for himself in South Boston, and then worked for Swift & Co., Chicago packers, and in 1893 assumed man- agement of the Boston interests of the Hammond Co., in the Clinton Market. Mr. Collins is married, has five children, Joseph, Mary, John, William and Henry, and lives at 627 East 3rd St. He is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Con- ference, Royal Arcanum and the Workmen.
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JOHN CONNOR, grocer and provision dealer, Broadway, near I Street, was born in Boston of Patrick and Anastasia Connor. Early in childhood he came to South Boston and has resided in this district ever since. He first attended the Mather School on West Broadway, and was then a pupil at the Lawrence Grammar School on B Street, but left the latter place before grad- uating and entered Comer's Commercial College where he took a commercial course. He then went to work for his father, a leading grocer and provision dealer of South Boston. On the retirement of his father from business, Mr. Connor went to work as a manager for Daniel A. Noonan, in the same business, at the corner of I Street and East Broadway. Here he remained for about twelve years, and January 1, 1886, he started in business for himself and has been thus engaged ever since, one of the leading business men of this district, and one of the most respected men in the entire community. His place of business is at 618 East Broadway where he also resides.
During his residence in South Boston Mr. Connor has ever affiliated himself with matters pertaining to the welfare of the district, and for many years he has been a member of the South Boston Citizen's Association, and was one of the early members of the City Point Catholic Association. He is also a member of South Boston Driving Club, and one of the original members of the South Boston Historical Society, serving on the important committee on the celebra- tion of Farragut Day, June 28, 1896. Mr. Connor is also a member of the Lawrence School Alumni Association.
January 1, 1878, he married Miss Elizabeth T. McManus, daughter of the late James McManus, one of the pioneer settlers of South Boston. They have one daughter, Miss Anna Elizabeth Connor. January 2, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Connor celebrated the 25th anniversary of their marriage, and were the recipients of sincere congratulations and hearty well wishes from their host of friends and business men of the district.
493
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
THOMAS J. COLLINS. clothing cutter. was
born in Westport. Ire .. Oct. 2S. 1869. His parents were John and Bridget ( Halligan ) Collins. He attended school in his native town. the Christian Bro- thers being his teachers, and, on his arrival in this country. he attend- ed the Evening High School sever- alvears. Since IS82 he has resided in South Boston and has been identified with its interests and prominent in politics and various organizations. He was apprenticed to Leopold Morse & Co. as a clothing cutter.and has since been employed by that house at 135 Washing- ton Street. He was elected to the Legislature for 1902 a- an Independent. having previously been in the Common Council ( ISgS and 1899). ha- been president of Div. 7. A. O. H .. was state president of the Clan-na-Gaels and twice a delegate to the A. O. H. conventions. He is also a member of Winthrop Council. Roval Arcanum and Wolfe Tone Branch of the Clan- na-Gael -. He lives at 166 West Third Street.
II TILLIAM F. CONLEY is a son of John and
Mary Conley and was born in South Boston, where he resided the greater part of his life. He received his early education in the public schools
of the district and graduated from the Lawrence Gram- mar School. Finishing his studies there he entered Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., where he continued his edu- cation. During his school days he figured consider- ably in athletics and in those years there probably was no one better known in amateur rowing. in New England, than Mr. Conley. His career as an oarsman began about 1887 and he won many events until he became champion amateur oarsman of New England. He possesses a large collection of valuable trophies, won in the many events in which he participated. Mr. Conley married Miss Mary A. Foley and they reside on Columbia Road, Dorchester. Mr. Conley is a member of the Shawmut Rowing Club and the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club.
M ICHAEL J. CORLISS, importer and dealer in bottled wines and liquors and also groceries, was born in Galway. Oct. 15, 1859, of John and Mary Corliss. He came to this country at an early age. becoming a resident of South Boston when but five years old. He attended the Lawrence Grammar School and then went to work as a clerk in a grocery store where he remained five years and in ISSo started in business for himself on West Broadway, near E Street. In later years he moved and is now located at 354 and 360 West Broadway, catering entirely to a family trade in fancy groceries and fine wines and liquors, possessing one of the largest establishments of its kind in the district. It is located near E Street. Mr. Corliss was one of the first in South Boston to branch out in this line of business, catering especially and almost entirely to a famliy trade.
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