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 48
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In 1SS4 Mr. Flood secured a position as clerk 1 the office of Superintendent of Streets, Michael Meehan, and remained there until ISS9, when he was removed by Mayor Hart for olitical reasons, having been advanced to the osition of chief clerk. For a few months Mr. "lood, then, was in the employ of H. Gore & Co., s foreman, and relinquished it only when he ecame a candidate for the Board of Aldermen in he fall of ISS9. Wards 14 and 15 were then argely Republican. Mr. Flood received the Dem- cratic nomination and in a three-cornered fight, sith Alderman Samuel Kelly, the Republican iominee. and Hon. Charles J. Noyes, an Indepen- lant candidate. Mr. Flood was elected by 135 otes. From his very entrance into political office Alderman Flood has been a vigorous worker und ever thoughtful of the needs of his district. In the fall of 1890 he was re-elected by a majority close on to 1300, and during the follow- ng year continued his excellent work. He was ilso re-elected for the terms of 1892 and 1893, out in the fall of the latter year, nominations being made by delegate votes in a convention, oy representatives from every district in the city, he failed to secure a nomination in the convention. He, however, ran as an Independ- ent Citizens' candidate, and, throughout the city, received more than 22,000 votes, the vote of the lowest successful candidate being 26,000
in a field of 25 candidates. The following year, however, he was nominated unanimously in the convention, led the entire ticket on election day, and served in the board of IS95.
At the opening of Mayor Quincy's administra- tion, in 1896, the chief executive, recognizing Mr. Flood's experience and ability, appointed him to the important position of commissioner of wires, which he filled very satisfactorily and until 1900, when Mayor Hart went into office and decapitated the Democrats. Since then he has not held public office, but has been a leader of his party and recognized throughout the city as an active party worker.
No public official, representing South Boston, has ever had a larger or more sincere circle of friends, than has Mr. Flood. During his entire career, as an alderman and. as wire commis- sioner, he was ever honorable in all transactions, an earnest student on matters of municipal government. and ever conscientious in all promises that he made. In the fall of 1892, the leading business men of the district, irrespective of party affiliations, endorsed his candidacy for re-election, and Republicans as well as Demo- crats, worked unceasingly in his interest. As an alderman, representing South Boston, he did much in securing for his district a fair share of the annual appropriations. He was a hard worker, during his first term, for the securing of an appropriation for the L Street Bridge, and was always interested in the Strandway and Marine Park, insisted on the proper care of Thomas Park, and was watchful for the good condition and care of the thorough- fares. As wire commissioner he did excellent service and retired with a splendid record of work done in that new and difficult department.
Mr. Flood is a member of Winthrop Council, Royal Arcanum; Mt. Washington Lodge 115, A. O. U. W .; South Boston Conclave, I. O. H .; South Boston Council K. of C .; South Boston Citizens' Association ; Mattapannock Club of Ward 14; City Point Catholic Association ; Division 13, A. O. H .; Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club; Young Men's Catholic Association of Boston College ; Boston Lodge 10, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, Bay State Riding and Driving Club of Watertown. He is married, has one daughter, Mary Flood, and lives at 600 East Fourth Street.
508
HISTORY OF SOUTHI BOSTON.
H ON. CHARLES T. GALLAGHER, lawyer, was born on Old Harbor Street, South Bos May 21, 1851. His parents were William and Emily Gallagher, who had moved fil Dorchester about 1847, his father being all his life a dealer in stoves and ranges, corne Broadway and Dorchester Avenue. Charles first attended the Bigelow, then the Hawes and t the Lincoln School, and then, again, he attended the Bige School, graduating in 1865. In 1864, before he was 13 ye old, he enlisted as a drummer boy in the Ist Unattachin Co. Mass. Infantry, known as the Lincoln Guards, and ser four months. After the war he joined the 10th Massachuses: afterward known as the Ist Massachusetts, Volunteer Mili After graduating from the Bigelow, he attended the Eng High School where he organized the first drum corps for Thị public school battalion. Prevented from entering Harve owing to ill health, he entered mercantile life, working the pine woods of Canada a year and a half, and, on his turn, continued his studies under a private tutor. In 1873 took the first year's course in Harvard Law School, tl entered the office of Hon. Ambrose A. Ranney and contint his studies in the Boston University Law School from wh he graduated, with the degree of LL.B., in 1875, and wi admitted to the bar the same year, and to the United Stas Supreme Court in 1882. He received the degree of A. from Dartmouth College in 1894. Since then he has c tinued active practice. For 12 years he was a member of School Board, for four years president of the Board, was the Senate in 1882 and twice refused the nomination Congress. Prominent in Masonry, he has been Grand Masth a director of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and attain to the 33rd degree. He is a trustee of Boston University, is the executive council of the Boston Bar Association, preside of the Art Club and the Art Commission, a member of the Exchange, Algonquin and Univers Clubs, and numerous other societies. In 1880 he married Nellie W. Allen, of Scituate. In 1898 removed to Roxbury, where he still resides with his wife and three children.
H ON. JAMES A. GALLIVAN, a street commissioner of Boston, was born in South Boston, at t corner of B Street and West Third Street, Oct. 22, 1866, of James and Mary Gallivan. attended the Mather and graduated from the Lawrence School in 1879, from the Boston Lat School (with a Franklin Medal) in 1884, and from Harvard University in 1888, with the degree A. B. He was for a time employed in the city architect's office and later followed journalism, writing for many of the leading Boston papers and securing a high reputation in the newspaper world. Ever interested in politics and affiliating himself with the Democratic affairs of Ward 13, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 1895 and 1896, in the Senate of 1897 and 1898, and in the fall of 1900, after a warm contest, he was elected one of the street commissioners of Boston for three years.
As a legislator, Mr. Gallivan was ever prominent in debate and was identified with numerous measures of particular im- portance to his constituency. When Federal Street was abolished to make way for the new South Terminal Station, Representative Gallivan introduced the famous bill for a Cove Street Bridge and extension of the street, and did much to secure its passage against tremendous opposition of this great corporation. He also introduced measures for the heating of street cars and the establishment of the sanitarium at Rutland, which institution has saved the lives of thousands of men and women of Massachusetts afflicted with incipient tuberculosis, by a system unequalled anywhere in the world, and eminently successful.
Commissioner Gallivan is captain and aide-de-camp on the staff of the Second Brigade, M. V. M., and a member of the Boston Athletic Association, the Athletic Association of Harvard Graduates, South Boston Council Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Old Guard of Massachusetts, Ancient Order of Hibernian and the Shawmut Rowing Club. In 1898 he married Miss Louise A. Burke, has one child, and now resides at 353 West Fourth Street.
509
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
DR. WILLIAM J. GALLIVAN, physician. member of the Boston School Board and prom- inent in educational circles. was born in Boston, Feb. 2, IS65. of James and Mary Gallivan, and came. with them. to South Boston, when quite young. He attended the Lawrence Grammar bol on B Street. graduating in IS79, then from the Boston Latin School in ISS4. from Harvard versity. with the degree of A. B., in ISSS. and from the vard Medical School. with the degree of M. D .. in 1892. immediately began practicing in South Boston.
o grander or nobler work was ever conceived by any mem- of his profession. than that of 1895. when. through his rts.in securing valuable facts and information, and proving necessity of such. a bill introduced into the Legislature ni- brother. James A. Gallivan. for the sanitarium in land. was passed. and sufferers from tuberculosis have e received much benefit and numerous cures have resulted. · hundreds of cases treated in that institution and the es of permanent cures effected bear evidence of the im- ise value of the sanitarium, the idea of Dr. Gallivan.
. warm supporter of Boston's public schools and interested ducational matters. he was elected to the School Board in fall of IS94. and, twice re-elected. each time for three rs. he has served ever since. His present term expires at close of 1903. Prominent and vigorous in debate and h an extensive knowledge of the needs of the public ools. he soon was foremost among the members in in- 12 nce. and was president of the board in 1900 and 1901. rough his personal efforts the local high school was ·hed to completion. He also rendered valuable assistance -ecuring a portion of the Bowdoin and Gibson funds for school- of South Boston. He is a member of the Massa- Hisetts Medical Society, Columbia Yacht Club, Mosquito et Yacht Club, Charitable Irish Society, and the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. 1894 he was married to Mis- Charlotte Gilfether, and has a daughter, Agnes, and a son, William Gallivan. Jr. He resides at 743 East Broadway.
OSEPH C. GALLIVAN. undertaker. son of James and Mary Gallivan, was born October 21. IS77. in South Boston. He attended tlie wrence School, from which he graduated and then entered the Boston Latin School. Later he studied pharmacy and was in tbe em- ploy of D. J. Kiley and C 'A. Curtis at different times. Later he took a course at the Massachusetts Col- lege of Embalming. entering his present business April 8, 1896, at 359 West Broadway. Mr. Gallivan married Miss Nellie Teresa Fitzgerald.October . 1899. They have two daughters, Mary and nna, and reside at 466 East Seventh St. Mr. allivan is past chief ranger of St. Michael's ourt No. 70, M. C. O. F. and Our Lady of tbe osary Court 1034, C. O. F., past vice-pres- ent Acme Branch, C. K. A. and is deputy gh chief ranger, M. C. O. F. He is a member Trimount Conclave I. O. 11., Division 32, . O. H., St. Augustine's C. T. A. Society id the Massachusetts Embalmers Association.
D R. THOMAS J. GIBLIN was born in Lowell, Mass., Dec. 10, 1861. His parents were John H. and Mary A. ( Hardiman ) Giblin. He removed to South Boston where he attended the Lawrence and Lincoln Grammar Schools, Boston College, and the Mass. Institute of Technology and graduated from the Harvard Dental School. In 18S5 he opened an office at 491 East Broadway, and has since been located here. He has been identified with leading organ- izations and was one of the organ- izers of the City Point Catholic Association, and the Mt. Washington Co-Oper- ative Bank, of which he is president. He is president of the llolliston Harness Co. and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, South Boston Council, K. C., M. C. O. F., Mass. Dental Society and the Odontological Society, and the N. E. Cath. Historical Society. He mar- ried Miss Mary E. O'Connor, has six children, Catherine, John, Thomas, Mary, Louise and Con- stance and lives at 37 Mayfield St., Dorchester.
DR. MICHAEL F. GAVIN.
511
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
DR. MICHAEL F. GAVIN, physician and surgeon. of 546 East Broadway. although ot a native of this district. has been a resident ere for many years and is one of its best known esidents to-day.
He was born in Roscommon. Ireland. in May, $45. and received his early education there un- er private tutorage. until he came to the United States in IS5 ;.
On coming to this country he first took up lis residence in the city proper residing there or some time. He immediately resumed his tudies which were continued in the old Boyl- .ton Grammar School and under private tutors s well. Early in life he showed a great apti- ude for the study of medicine. which was trengthened with increased study. Accordingly, his studies tended in this direction, and he inally fitted himself for the thorough study of his profession.
After taking a preparatory course and suc- cessfully pas-ing the examination, he passed he entrance examinations for Harvard Medical School succes fully and then took the entire course there. finally graduating from that insti- cution in 1864 with his degree of M.D. He ini- mediately entered the Boston City Hospital where he became senior resident physician. He remained with this institution about a year, only then giving up his position to go to the Front for the Union.
He enlisted with the Fifty-Seventh Regiment, Massachusett- Volunteer Militia in 1865, having received an appointment as assistant surgeon. He remained with his regiment until it was mustered out at the close of the war and then returned to his home in Boston. He did not remain long. however. for desiring to ›till con- tinue the study of his chosen profession and further fit himself for it he went to Europe.
The main object of his visit abroad was to make a thorough -tudy of surgery and surgical method -. and with this object in view he first went to Ireland. There he entered the Royal College of Surgeons and after a year's study there received hi- diploma from that institution in 1866. Shortly after that he went to Paris and there entered the School of Medicine, where he took the post-graduate course.
This concluded he became affiliated with several of the hospitals of that city and con- tinued his studies in these places remaining in Paris until 1868, when he concluded his studies
abroad and sailed for home. Arriving in Bos- ton again he took up his residence on Harrison Avenue. where he immediately began active practice.
Shortly after his arrival he was appointed visiting surgeon to the out-patient department of the Boston City Hospital, which position he held for several years. About a year after his appointment he moved to South Boston, first taking up his residence at No. 11 West Broadway, and soon became one of the best known physicians in the district.
In November. 1876, he married Miss Ellen Theresa Doherty of New York and they re- turned to South Boston to reside. Shortly after. he moved to 99 West Broadway where they lived for several years, moving to their present home, 546 East Broadway, in 1887. Their resi- dence, the old Souther estate, is one the finest in South Boston, not alone in construction but in location as well. being situated on the apex of Mt. Washington. From it an excellent view of Boston, Boston Harbor. the Blue Hills and many other places of interest can be had. They have two children, Basil and Miss Hilda Gavin. Since 1880, Dr. Gavin has been visiting surgeon to the Carney Hospital, and also consulting surgeon to St. Elizabeth's Hospital. He has been visiting surgeon to the Boston City Hospital since 1S86, and from 1888 to 1891 he was professor of clinical surgery at the Boston Polyclinic. From 1878 to 1884 he was a trustee of the Boston City Hospital.
On several occasions Dr. Gavin has con- tributed to magazines and medical papers both at home and abroad, scientific treatise on various subjects pertaining to his profession. Notable among these was an article that appeared in the Dublin Medical Press on "The Treatment of Burns." Another and one that attracted widespread notice at the time, appeared in Appleton's Weekly under the title, "Compara- tive Statistics of Suicide."
Among the medical societies with which he is affiliated are the Boston Society for Medical. Improvement, Massachusetts Medical Society, Boston Society for Medical Observation, Am- erican Medical Association, British Medical Association, and the Royal College of Sur- geons. He is also a member of the Papyrus Club and is a director of the Mattapan Deposit and Trust Company.
512
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
D R. PATRICK F. GAVIN, physician, at 331 West Broadway, was born in Roscommon, Ireland in 1844, and is a son of John and Mary (Freebern) Gavin. He attended the Classical School i Roscommon and in 1863 he came to the United States with his parents and they took up thei residence in South Boston where he resumed his studies. He entered Harvard Medical School i 1867, finishing the course in 1870, at which time he receive his degree of M. D. Ile then took an examination for assist ant as interne at the Boston City Hospital, was appointed and served during 1871.
He then returned to his birthplace where he pursued th study of surgery for a period of sixteen months under Dr Peyton. He next attended King and Queen's College o Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin, which is affiliated with Trinity College. At the end of his course there he receive degrees in medicine and obstetrics.
Finishing his course in the college, he then entered Si William Wildes Eye and Ear Hospital, and after considerabl service there, he then attended Madame Stephen's Hospital and later did service in Meath Hospital, all of which ar situated in Dublin.
He went from Dublin to Yorkshire, England, and fron there to Devonshire, spending two and one half years at thes places, during which time he continued his studies an practiced quite extensively. He then returned to Sout Boston, taking up his residence at 331 West Broadway, with his office at the same location, and he has practiced ther since then.
Dr. Gavin, besides being medical examiner for numerou organizations, is a member of the Charitable Irish Society the American Irish Historical Society, United Irish League Division 57, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and other societies He married Miss Mary Josephine Harding in 1883, and they have seven children, Marie, Agnes Olivia, Gerald, Edmund, Frances and Constance. Dr. Gavin, during his long residence in South Boston, has taken considerable interest in its welfare and is numbered among its leading residents.
D AVID J. GLEASON was born in South Boston, July 14, 1864,of Bartholomew and Hannah Gleason, and was educated in the Lincoln Grammar School.
For many years he followed the trade of machinist, being employed at the Walworth Manu- facturing Co.'s works on East First Street, and later in the employ of his brother, James F. Gleason. Affiliated with several young men's clubs and identified with poli- tics in Ward 14, he was elected to the House of Repre- sentatives for 1898, re-elected for 1900, serving on the committee on fisheries and game in the former year, and the committee on water supply in the latter. In 1901 he was again a candidate and served in the General Court for 1902, on the committee on harbors and public lands. He is a member of Trimount Conclave, I. O. H., Division 13, A. O. H., the Wickett Associates and the Mattapannock Club of Ward 14. He was six years on the Ward Committee. He lives at 865 West Broadway.
JAMES F. GLEASON, was born in Boston August 8, 1862, of Bartholomew and Hannah Gleason, and was educated in the public schools of South Boston. In ISSI, after the death of his father, he continued the latter's grocery business on Dor- chester Street for many years, and successfully cared for a large family. He was for many years an enthusias- tic worker in the Democratic ranks and was rewarded by his party in 1892, by election to the Massachusetts Ilouse of Repre- sentatives for 1893, during which year he served on the committee on fisheries and game, and, re-elected for 1894, he served on the same committce. He has continued a loyal party worker. He was at one time chief ranger of St. James Court, Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, of which he is yet a member, Farragut Lodge 165, Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Tammany Associates of Ward 14 and several social clubs of the district. He lives at 865 East Broadway.
513
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
C APTAIN ELIJAH H. GOODWIN, retired, is one of the best known of South Boston's citizens. He has enjoyed the distinction of having given long years of service to the fire department, and finally to the police department. He was born in Vineyard Haven, Mass., January 19, IS20, mjund ten years later, with his parents, removed to Scituate, where he attended school until he was ourteen years of age. For five years he worked in the store of Jenkins & Webb, and then went to Boston where he shipped on the "Arab," a ship of 600 tons, the largest vessel then sailing out of Boston. He sailed to Mobile, and then with Mi load of cotton started for Liverpool, and on this voyage the crew of the ship, comprising eight different nationalities, nutinied. The ship was burned to the water's edge, the crew saved, and returned to Mobile. August 5, 1839, young Goodwin came to South Boston and learned the trade of ship oiner. March 1. 1841, he joined the fire department, becoming a member of Mazeppa Company No. 17, and later was mcAdvanced to clerk. assistant foreman and foreman. In IS54 ne resigned, owing to ill health, but in 1857 he joined S. R. r Spinney Company No. 2, remaining until 1861, long after the introduction of the steam fire engines. Captain Goodwin recalls the experiences of the old South Boston engine com- Icqpanies. and has a vivid recollection of old South Boston. On mesigning from the fire department he joined the police department, the date being March, 1861, and was detailed to Station 5 as a patrolman. April 1, 1863, he was promoted to lieutenant. was assigned to the Harbor Police, (Station S) and in August, 1569, at his own request, was transferred to Station 10. where he remained until appointed captain, May 11, 15;4. and assigned to Station 12, South Boston, remaining until his retirement. January 5, 1893. The Boston Police Department has never had a more honorable nor conscientious official than Captain Goodwin, ever faithful in the performance of duty and reflecting credit on the department. In 1849 he married Miss Emeline Simpson who died in 1893. He has a son and a daughter, Frank S. Goodwin and Mrs. M. L. Pierce. He lives at 196 K Street.
CAPT. ELDRED C. GLAWSON, who, from IST to 1900. was in charge of the City Point Life Saving Station, is well x known in South Boston, particularly among the yachtsmen who frequent Dorches- ter and Pleasure Bay -. Capt Glaw- son was born in Beverly, Mass., and received his educa- tion in the town of his birth. After finishing his studies he tried various branches of trade, but his natural trend appeared to be the sea, and he entered the revenue cutter service of the United States Gov- ernment. He re- mained in the service for some time and was later connected with the lighthouse depart- ment. He then took the examination for the life saving service and, passing successfully, was appointed in 1896. Shortly afterward he was selected to captain the City Point Station and his record there was a most remarkable one, six persons being rescued in 1897, 19 in 18,8 and 33 in 1899. He resigned in 1900. He is now master of a private steam yacht.
T HOMAS R. GRIMES, druggist and apothe- cary, was born in South Boston, April II, 1852, of Thomas and Ann Grimes. His father was one of the oldest residents of the district and died over 100 years old. Young Thomas attended the Hawes School, then the Lincoln School, and finally Boston College. In 1869 he entered the em- ploy of Michael H. Gleason, 1121 Washington Street, the leading Boston druggist of that time, and there he remained until 1880 thoroughly learn- ing the business, in all its branches, and otherwise advancing himself still further in the study of pharmacy. In 1880 he went into business for himself at the corner of Fourth St. and Dorchester Avenue, afterward removing to the corner of C Street and Broadway, and, in 1895, removed to his present location, corner of L and East Fourth Streets. He married Margaret H. O'Connor and had five children, of whom Thomas P., Anna C. and Robert A. Grimes Hfre still living. He lives at 728 E. Fourth St.
514
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
H TON. FREDERICK S. GORE, contractor, and prominent in political circles of the city, wa born in South Boston, in old Ward 15, April 15, 1862. He attended the local primary an then entered the Bigelow Grammar School from which he was graduated.
In 1886 he went into the contracting business with the firm of Fred S. Gore & Co., and i 1892 he entered a partnership in the firm known as H. Gor & Co., contractors, which concern he is now connected with their offices being located at 45 Kilby Street.
For many years hc was interested in Demoeratie politi and in 1892 represented Ward 15 in the Common Counei serving on many prominent committees and ever taking a active part in debate and interesting himself in affairs for th good of his district and the general welfare of the city. Wit the redistricting of the city in 1895, Ward 15 was divided an Mr. Gore found himself in the new Ward 16 and there he wa the Democratic leader for three years and until 1898 when moved to Ward 24, Dorchester, his present residence During the famous congressional campaigns of the early '90 in the toth District, Mr. Gore was treasurer of the distri committee and prominently identified with the campaigns Hon. William S. McNary, and in 1898 he was chairman of th district committee in the campaign of Hon. Henry F. Naphe for Congress. In the fall of 1902 he was urged to enter th field as a candidate for the Senate in the Seventh Distric comprising Wards 16, 20 and 24, and, although it is a Repu lican district, his popularity was well attested by his electi with a splendid majority. In the Senate of 1903 he performe particularly meritorious work as a member of the speci committee on coal investigation. He was a delegate to tl National Convention of 1896. Mr. Gore married Mi Cynthia Geddes and they have one child. Mr. Gore is member of the Heptasophs, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Independent Order of Odd Fellow St. Omer Commandery of Knights Templars, Columbia Yacht Club, Beverly Yacht Club and t Dorchester Driving Club. He lives at 1016 Adams Street, Lower Mills.
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