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 50
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52I
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
RANCIS JAMES, engaged in the real estate business, was born in Scituate. Mass., July 16. ISI9. His father was Dr. Elisha James, for more than forty years a practicing physician in that town. Few names can be mentioned more intimately connected with the growth of South oston, than that of Francis James. He is descended from Pilgrim stock, being the sixth genera- on from Peregrine White. Removing to South Boston, .pril 18. IS37, Mr. James apprenticed himself to Luther "hitcher, of whom he learned the mason trade in all its ranches, and has ever since that time resided on the penin- ula. being to-day one of the oldest residents. In 1841 he as emploved on the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown. fter it had been left in an incomplete state for many years e helped carry it to completion, walking back and forth to is task, from South Boston, and devoting more than twelve ours a day to steady work. He also built the old Gate of Heaven Church at the corner of East Fourth and I Streets, he old South Boston car stables on Broadway, and many ther of the large buildings in the district. Mr. James is one f the few men living who can take pride in having actively articipated in the building up of South Boston during that memorable period of the district's rapid growth, just after the Var of the Rebellion In 1849 he married Hannah Barker 'riggs of Scituate, Mass., and in 1899 they celebrated their olden wedding.
Mr. James was, for many years, an assessor for the city f Boston. a director of the South Boston Horse Railway Company and of the South Boston Gaslight Company. vice resident of the Howard Benevolent Society and treasurer of he Philips Congregational Church of which he has been a onstant attendant from the days when it worshipped in the uilding at the corner of Broadway and B Street. In 1870 nd IS,I he represented old Ward 12 in the Legislature. For many years he has been a director nd vice president of the Mechanics National Bank of Boston and, although 84 years of age, he eldom misses any of its regular meetings. He resides at 495 East Broadway.
"OHN T. KALER, insurance broker, member of the firm of Curtis. Clark & Co., and Bo-ton manager for the Agricultural Fire asurance Co. of Watertown, N. Y., National Union Fire Insu- rance Co. of Pitts- burg. Pa .. British American Fire In- surance Co. of New York. N. Y., and North German Fire Insurance Com- pany of New York, N. Y .. representing assets of more than $4,000,000, was born in Boston, Oct. 6, 1868, of John T. and Mary A. (Gough) Kaler. Graduating from the Lincoln School about 1882 he en- red the employ of Curtis, Clark & Co., 55 ilby Street, and became a member of the firm in ky, their present offices being at 114A Milk reet. He was aresident of South Boston from 72 to 1900. He married Miss Kate A. Devine, as one child, Harold Kaler, and lives at 85 aumbeck Street, Elm Hill. Mr. Kaler is a ember of the Boston Board of Fire Under- riters, Boston Protective Dept., Hull Golf lub and the Insurance Golf Association.
D R. HERBERT J. KEENAN, physician,
was born in South Boston, Feb. 10, 1871. He graduated from the Lawrence School, and then entered the English High School, from which he graduated in 1889. He took the post graduate course the follow- ing year, after which he entered Harvard Medical School. After a thorough course he received his degree in 1894, and im- mediately began the practice of medicine at 279 West Broadway, his present loca- tion. Besides his regular practice, he is medical examiner for several fraternal and life insurance organiza- tions. In December, 1902, Dr. Keenan was elected to the School Board for three years. He is a member of the Harvard Medical Alumni Association, the Mass. Medical Society, So. Boston Council, K. C., So. Boston Citizens' Association, Catholic Knights of America, Non- pareil Conclave, I. O. H., Rosary Court, Cath- olic Order of Foresters of the United States and Canada, and the Union Fraternal League.
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522
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
E DWARD W. KELLY, proprietor of the Broadway Bowling Alleys, was born in South Boston, April 24, 1867, and has re- sided here all his life. He is the son of Hugh and Euphemia Kelly, old residents of this district. He was educated in the Mather and Lawrence Schools, and, after finishing his studies, entered the billiard a n d pool business, and he conducted an establishment of this kind for many years at 339 West Broadway. He opened the Broad- way Bowling Alleys at 324 Broadway in 1899 and has con- ducted them since that time. During the winter season Mr. Kelley arranges a series of tourna- ments in which teams representing many of the prominent local organizations participate. In 1896 he married Miss Katherine O'Neil. They have one daughter, Mary, and reside at 850 East Broadway. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Elm Hill Council, Knights of Columbus and Trimount Conclave, Improved Order of Heptasophs.
WILLIAM J. KELLY, painter and decor tor, was born corner of Emerson St. a Broadway, March 18, 1854, of Patrie and Mary (Galvin ) Kelly. Ile attended t
public schools and when but a boy worked in the chain factory, corner of F and 3rd Sts. At 16 he worked at polishing and gild- ing furniture, later worked at polish- ing and varnishing pianos and organs. În 1892 he started in the painting business for him- self at the corner of F and 6th Sts .. where he is now located. He mar- ried Miss Julia Foley of Seneca Street, South End, and has of son, Thomas F. Kelly, a well known piani He married, the second time, Miss Winifred Clinton, of Roxbury. He is a member of M Washington Lodge, A. O. U. W., So. Boste Council, K. C., St. Augustine's Lyceum, tr Twenty-Five Associates and Div. 58, A. O. 1 He resides at 222 W. Seventh St., where he h lived 25 years. Mr. Kelly's brother is John Kelly, the well known comedian.
D ANIEL J. KINNALY, plumber, gas fitter, steam and hot water heating, sheet iron, copp and stove work, is a native of South Boston, having been born in the district, May 8, 185 His parents were Daniel and Mary ( Regan ) Kinnaly. As a boy he attended the Tuckerm and the Lincoln Grammar schools, after which he worked at the grocery business, but only for year. At the age of 14 he went to work for Charles Bromwich, plumber, remaining three years with him, a then he was apprenticed in various shops in the city until started in business for himself in 1890. He has thus be interested in his line of business for more than 33 years a is an expert in its every branch.
Mr. Kinnaly was in business, at first, at the corner of D chester and G Streets, and, in 1893, he removed to his prese location, 126 Emerson Street, where he does a large busine and employs a large number of men. Outside working hou Mr. Kinnaly interested himself in politics, served on t Ward 14 Democratic Committee for fourteen years, and h been chairman of the Senatorial District Committee for s years. In the fall of 1892 he was elected to the House of R presentatives, serving during 1893 and 1894 on importa committees of that body, and was afterward a candidate f alderman, failing of election, in one of the most hotly co tested campaigns, by less than twenty votes. During his e tire political career Mr. Kinnaly has received flattering i dorsements from the voters of Ward 15 as well as of his ov section, and has ever been a loyal worker for his frien when they have sought office.
Mr. Kinnaly is a member of the Master Plumbers' Ass ciation, of Farragut Lodge 165, Ancient Order United Wor inen, South Boston Conclave of the Improved Order Heptasophs, Division 74, A. O. 11., South Boston Citizen Association, South Boston Yacht Club, Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Mattapannock Club of Wa 14, and an associate member of Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. R. Ile married Miss Mary E. Harringt and has two sons and one daughter, Edward T., Daniel and Catherine. He lives at 100 L Stre
523
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
'HOMAS J. KENNY. lawver, 28 State Street, was born in South Boston, November, IS65, and has always resided here. After private course of studies he entered the office of Morse. Loomis & Lane. to study law. He was admitted to the Suffolk County bar in March, IS97, and the same year became a law partner of George W. Morse. The following year he was elected a member of the Boston School Com- mittee for three years and was re- elected for a similar term in 1901. A> a member of the board. Mr. Kenny was identified with its ost important educational work, serving as a member of the committee on courses of study and text books. January 1. 1903. the law firm Morse. Hickey & Kenny was organized. with porge W. Morse as senior partner. Mr. Kenny past grand knight of James E. Have, Council of C .. and master of the 4th degree. He is a ember of the Catholic Union. Young Men's itholic Association. and president of the acon Association.
JAMES M. LANE, prominent in political affairs of the district, was born in South Boston, Dec. 1, IS72. His parents were James and Mary (Keefe) Lane, estimable resi- dents of the district. Attending the pub- lic schools he grad- uated from the Lawrence School in ISS2 and immedi- ately entered the office of the well known lawyers, Gargan and Keat- ing and has remain- ed there ever since, their present offices being at 702 Pem- berton Building. Entering politics at an early age, he was elected to the Common Council for 1901 and 1902 and to the Legislature for- 1903, serving in the latter on the committee on drainage. Mr. Lane was married, in IS96, to- Miss Margaret A. English, has one child, Mary Ethel, and lives at 27 Vale Street. He is a member of the South Boston Conclave, Improved Order of Heptasophs, West End Council of the. Knights of Columbus and the Twenty Associ- ates, and a member of the Ward 15 Democratic Committee.
/ R. JOHN G. LANE. physician. 496 East Broadway, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in IS54, but went to Ireland while very young where he received his education. He first attended the- public schools in his district in County Cork and when ten years old entered a private Latin hool. Finishing his studies there he entered Clongowes Wood College, County Kildare, con- cted by the Jesuit Fathers. Passing through the highest glasses here he entered Dublin University under the tutorship Rev. Dr. Stubbs, senior fellow and professor of astronomy. hile at Trinity College, Dublin, he graduated with honors 1876 in arts, medicine and surgery. receiving the degrees A. B .. M. B .. B. C. H .. L. M., L. S. and T. C. D. At the me time he received an L. M. from the Coombe Lying-in ospital. Dublin. It was during his college career that he made his reputation as an athlete. During his last two years Dublin University he won the all-round champion belt, e contests including - printing. hurdling. running, jumping, ot put, etc. He also won the world's record for running ng jump defeating the champion of Cambridge University, ng., who held the world's record and that of Great Britain. he first contest was even and in the second. which occurred Trinity College Park. Dr. Lane won by 3 1-2 inches. He as one of the best high hurdle runners of his time in Great itain. particularly in the 120 yard ten flights, finally being mpelled to be a scratch man and even then invariably won. the long and pole jumps he had to allow 20 inches in the rmer and ten in the latter, but with that he captured and eld two Irish champion challenge cups. He was defeated the 100 vard dash on grass by a small margin, but did it in e remarkable time of 10 seconds. He possesses six cham- on Celtic crosses each representing a championship of all Ireland. He was chosen to represent. eland against England at Lilly Bridge, London, in 1876, in two events, but came to the United ates at that time. He married Miss May E. Lavery, daughter of a well known business man of yuth Boston, November, 1899. He is a member of South Boston Council, K. of C., is surgeon- ajor in the Montgomery Light Guard Vet. Assn., and is a member of various local organizations.
524
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
OHN W. LAVERY, one of the most re-
J spected and best known citizens of the dis- trict, has been in the undertaking business, originally established in 1850 by his father, Francis L. Lavery, since 1870. Natur- ally, Mr. Lavery is one of the oldest funeral directors, not only of South Boston, but also of the whole city. After graduating from the Lawrence Grammar School, and upon the death of his father, he im- mediately entered the business, and in a few years in- creased it to a large andextensive estab- lishment. Finan- cially he is one of our solid men, and has large holdings in real estate. He is identified with many organizations, including South Boston Council of the Knights of Columbus, Winthrop Council Royal Arcanum, SS. Peter and Paul's Court, M. C. O, F., Improved Order of Hepta- sophs, and the United Order of Fraternal Helpers. Ilis warerooms are at 54 A Street, with a branch office at 869 Dorchester Ave., and his residence is at 682 Columbia Road.
RANCIS W. LAVERY, identified as he he
been since his youth, with his father funeral director, is thoroughly equipp for his business. He is one of the family of th name which has been connected with the history of the peninsula for almost a century, and is the son of John W. and Mary T. Lavery, and was born in 1873. Ilis education was re- ceived in the pri- mary and grammar schools of the dis- trict, (the Mather, Lawrence and Bigelow Schools) and the English High School. In 1890 he entered the business with his father, learning it in its eve detail, and in 1898 became a member of the fit under the style of John W. Lavery & Son, wi warerooms at 54 A Street, and a branch off at 869 Dorchester Ave. He resides at 871 Do chester Ave. He is well known in the distri interested in the younger social world, and i: member of the Catholic Union and the Ci Point Catholic Association, besides several the fraternal societies.
H ON. EDWARD J. LEARY, city messenger, was born in South Boston, at the corner Dorchester Avenue and Silver Street, the son of John Leary, an old and highly respect resident of the district, recently deceased. Graduating from the Lawrence School, you Leary went to work for the Suffolk Glass Works and later was engaged as a music composit serving his apprenticeship with J. Frank Giles. For th years Mr. Leary conducted a clothing store at the cori of West Broadway and B Street.
Always prominent in Democratic contests in Ward Mr. Leary soon entered the political arena himself and w elected to the Common Council for 1886 and 1887, then the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 1888 a 1889, thence to the Board of Aldermen for 1890, 1891 a 1892, and finally to the Senate for 1893 and 1894. Hle serv on many of the most important committees of the Sta Legislature, prominent among them being the committee railroads, and during his entire nine years of service in pub elective office he manifested a deep interest in his district a his constituency. His repeated elections to public off testify to the high esteem in which he was held by t people of his district. In 1896 he was elected to the positi of city messenger of Boston, succeeding Alvah Peters, w had filled that office a quarter of a century. Since then M Leary has been re-elected each year. In his official capac he has directed affairs for the city in the entertainment many prominent and royal dignitaries while visiting Bost
City Messenger Leary is a life member of the Young Me Catholic Association of Boston College, a life member Boston Lodge 10, of the Benevolent and Protective Order Elks, past chief ranger of SS. Peter and Paul's Court of t M. C. O. F., past grand knight of Redberry Council of t K. C., and a member of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, South Boston Yacht Club, South Bost Citizens' Association and the Irish Charitable Society. In 1902 Mr. Leary married Miss There G. Power and they live at 351 West Fourth Street.
525
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
EWIS W. LEARY. funeral director, undertaker and embalmer, was born in Sharon, Mass., Dec. 25. 1862. His parents, well known and highly esteemed residents of that town, were Lewis Leary and Anna (Toomey) Leary. He attended the schools of his native place, grad- Fting with honors from the Centre Grammar School of Sharon. and the Sharon High School. e is also the possessor of a degree from the Stoughtonham istitute.
In 1SSo Mr. Leary removed to South Boston, and appren- ced himself as a funeral director and undertaker, mastering · art in every branch. and. in IS93, he started in for him- If at 146 West Broadway. one of his present locations. e also has warerooms at SS Dorchester Ave .. and 625 ashington Street. Dorchester.
In 1890. Mr. Leary was married to Miss Mary E. G. unne. and they have two children. Marie Josephine Leary id Lewis Walter Leary. and they reside at 774 Columbia oad. Dorchester.
Mr. Leary has always been prominently identified and in- rested in social and fraternal organizations of South oston. He has been chancellor of the South Boston Coun- 1 of the Knights of Columbus. dictator of the Knights of ionor. and ruler of the Royal Society of Good Fellows. le is at present a member of Boston Lodge. No. 10, of the enevolent and Protective Order of Elks. South Boston Council of the Knights of Columbus. City Point Lodge of ne Knights of Honor, Winthrop Council 538 of the Royal Arcanum. South Boston Conclave 433 of the Improved Order f Heptasophs. St. Gregory's Court 24. Massachusetts Cath- lic Order of Foresters, Boston Lodge 5 of the Royal Society f Good Fellows. Div. 5S of Ancient Order of Hibernians. Volfe Tone Association. South Boston Citizens' Association. Ia-achusetts Undertakers' Association, and has been a member of the legislative and executive ommittee of the latter organization for several years, and has ever been a zealous worker for the velfare and advancement of all these organizations.
RANK J. LINEHAN, occupation building construction. prominent in political circles of Ward 13, was born in Ireland in 1869 ind, with his parents, came to this country in 1876. They moved to South Boston and he has been a resident here ever since, identifying himself with the interests of the peninsula district. He received his education in the private and public schools. Manifest- ing an interest in government affairs he entered politics, and, becoming ac- tive in this line, he was elected to the Common Coun- cil for the years 1899, 1900 and 1902, serving on important committees and taking a very prom- inent part in debate. He was elected to the Legislature for 1903 and distinguished himself there, likewise. Mr. Linehan was ever an earnest and conscientious public servant, a care ful student of all measures on which he had to vote and vigorous in argument in behalf of the people. He is a member of several organiza- tions and lives at 195 W. Fifth St.
M ICHAEL J. LYDON, dealer in wines, liquors and cigars, and prominent in poli- tical affairs of Ward 13, was born in South Boston. September 13, IS72, has always been a resident of this district and was educated inits public schools. When but a youth he took an interest in politics and was elected to the Com- mon Council for 1898 and 1899, iden- tifying himself with many of the leading measures of that body and being an earnest advocate in behalf of his district. He was instrumen- tal in securing for his ward improvements and additions to the ward room in Spellman Hall for which it had so long advocated. He was a member of the Leg- islature for 1900 and 1901, in the former year being on the committee on labor and in the latter year clerk of the committee on pay roll and a member of the insurance committee. He is a member of Division 57, A.O.H., of the Wolfe Tone Club, Shawmut Rowing Club and other organizations. He lives at 321 West Fourth St.
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COL. LAWRENCE J. LOGAN.
527
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
POL. LAWRENCE J. LOGAN was born in - Ireland. August 10, 1842 : was educated in he national schools of his native country, and ame to America when but sixteen years of age. le first located in Worcester. He was appren- .ced to the iron moulding trade. remaining in hat business but a few years. and. in 1862. he emoved to Boston. where he engaged in busi- .ess with his brother. P. F. Logan. In 1866 he ras admitted to partnership with his brother, under the firm name of P. F. Logan & Brother, which continued until I873. when he succeeded o the business, that of wholesale and retail iquor dealer. continuing to the present time. dis place of business is 397 Harrison Avenue, orner of Dover Street.
Ever interested in public affairs. and, since his removal to South Boston in 1872. devoted to the nterests of the district. Col. Logan has taken in active part in political affairs. doing excellent service for the district and for the city. For many years he was a member of the Democratic City Committee. and for four years served as treasurer of that organization. In 1886 and ISS, he represented the Fourth Councillor Dis- :rict in the Executive Council, under Govs. Robinson and Ames. and shortly afterward, owing to the necessity of devoting all his time to his rapidly increasing business, he retired from active participation in politics. although yet possessing an interest in such affairs.
As a successful business man he is recognized throughout Po-ton. and is one of its representa- tive citizen». He i- a director of the Mattapan Deposit and Trust Company and the Federal Trust Company. and al-o of the South Boston Building Association. a trustee of the Dorches- ter Saving- Bank and a member of the Irish Charitable Society, the Boston Athletic Asso- ciation. the South Boston Citizens' Association and several other organizations.
In the militia of the Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts Col. Logan has rendered long and valiant service. He first enlisted in the Fifty- fifth Unattached Company in 1865. On the organization of the famous Ninth Regiment he was elected first lieutenant of Company D April 28. 1866, and was promoted to the posi- tion of captain April 2, 1869, commissioned major March 4, 1872, and honorably discharged April 28, 1876. Still having a love for military life. he again entered the Ninth Regiment, being elected lieutenant-colonel Jan. 20, 1879, which position he resigned July 10, 1889, and
was re-elected to the same office Nov. 6, ISS9. Immediately on the declaration of war with Spain, in IS98, Col. Logan determined to par- ticipate, and, with his regiment, was mustered into the United States service. It was known as the Ninth Regiment of Massachusetts In- fantry, M. V. M. He was commissioned lieu- tenant-colonel May 11, 1898. With the regi- ment he left Camp Dewey, South Framingham, Mass., May 31, IS98, and arrived at Camp Alger, Va., June I, where the regiment was attached to a brigade under Brig. Gen. Duffield. June 24, the regiment left camp for Newport News, Va., whence, June 26, it sailed in the U. S. S. Harvard, for Siboney, Cuba, landing there July I.
At ten o'clock that evening, Col. Logan took over the command from Col. Bogan, who was stricken with a mortal illness, and he led the Ninth Massachusetts Regiment to the front, and reported at Gen. Shafter's headquarters at daybreak, July 2, after a tedious and memorable march, the entire night through. After a brief halt. the advance was resumed, and by noon of the same day, the Ninth Regiment reported to Gen. Bates, who assigned it to an important position in the trenches, on the extreme left, which position was held until after the surren- der of Santiago, July 17. 1898.
July 18, 1898, the regiment was ordered to a swamp which was very unhealthy, breeding malaria, and two days later, Col. Logan was at- tacked with yellow fever which incapacitated him from further duty. After a slight improvement he was ordered home, and after many weeks of care and nursing he regained much of his good health.
August 18, 1898, he was commissioned col- onel, vice Col. Fred B. Bogan, deceased, and he was mustered out of the United States service with his regiment, Nov. 26, 1898. On the re- organization, Col. Logan remained with the regiment and is yet a member.
In business and military circles Col. Logan is held in high esteem and he has frequently dis- . played a thorough public spirit and manifested a zealous interest in local and city affairs.
In 1872, Col. Logan was married to Miss Catherine M. O'Connor. Eight children are living, Ex-Representative Edward L. Logan, a young lawyer, Joseph A., Leo J., an instructor at Malinao, Phillippine Islands, Martha T., Theodore M., Elizabeth, Francis and Malcolm J. Col. Logan resides at 560 East Broadway.
528
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
CHARLES GOODWIN CLARK First Master Gaston School
HON. BENJAMIN DEAN Congressman 1877-1878
LIEUT. TIMOTHY ENRIGHT Station 6
REV. P. F. LYNDON Pastor SS. Peter and Paul's Church 1853-1863
REV. WM. A. BLENKINSOP Pastor SS. Peter and Paul's Church 1863-1892
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