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 54
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Mr. Paige is a member of Gate of the Temple Lodge, F. and .\. M .. St. Matthew's Royal Arch Chapter. East Boston Council Roval Select Master>. St. Omer Commanders Knights Templar. is a thirty-second degree Mason. a mem- ber of Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine. the old New Hamp- shire Club. sergeant of the Amoskeag Veterans, Derryfield Club of Manchester, South Boston Yacht Club. United Order of the Golden Cro->. Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co., Dorchester Driving Club. Bo-ton Press Club. Boston Lodge. 10. of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. and numerous other societies, in all of which he is interested and very active. April 26, 1899. he married Miss Emeline Marsters, of Haverhill. and they live in the Hotel Eaton.
W ALTER PERRY, fish merchant, son of William W. and Emma S. Perry, was born in Essex. Eng .. (town of Walthan- stow) and attended schools in his native town and later in New York and in Charlestown. He came to South Bos- ton in 1887, and started in the fish business as an order boy, about 1887, for Mr. Frisbee. In 1594. he entered the employ of W. N. Lanman, fish dealer, and in 1897 bought the business and formed a part- nership with Frank J. Coughlin. Nov. 16, 1898 the part- nership was dis- solved, and Mr Perry has conducted the business Broadway. Having
since then, at 667 East made a study of fish, Mr. Perry is an expert on cod and haddock fishing, trapping of lobsters and eels, and the digging of clams in various sections of the coast, and is thoroughly acquainted with the coast and harbors from Bar Harbor to New York. Mr. Perry married Miss Ella A. Crowley and resides at 667 East Broad- way
GEORGE G. PROCTOR, broker, was born and educated in Essex, Mass., his parents being Joseph and Elizabeth G. R. Proctor. He came to Boston in 1874, and the following year to South Bos- ton. He was at first in the mercan- tile business, but the greater part of his life has been spent in organizing and financiering corporations
and taking hold of and developing many important inven- tions. all with great success. As a resi- dent of South Box- ton he has been deeply interested in political affairs, and.although never a candidate for office, he has been an impor- tant factor in the Republican circles of the district, has managed several successful cam- paigns and has been recognized as a leader of the party. In 1880 he married Miss Louisa Page of South Boston, and they, with their daughter, Camille L. Proctor, reside at 665 East Sixth St. His office is at 7 Water St. Mr. Proctor is a member of the Knights of Honor, Royal Arca- num and the Order of the Golden Cross.
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552
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
E DWARD J. POWERS, printer and see- retary of South Boston Citizens' Associa- tion, was born in Boston Feb. 7, 1860, of John and Ellen M. Powers.
With his parents he came to South Boston the follow- ing year. He at- tended the Law- rence and the Bigelow Schools,
graduating from the latter in 1873. For a time he was in the office of the now ex-gov- ernor, J. Q. A. Brackett, in Joy's Building, was ap- prenticed to the printing trade in 1877 and began for himself in 1888 at his present loca- tion, 157 Washington St. Mr. Powers was elected to the Common Council from Ward 14 for 1887, 1888 and 1889, was commodore of the Columbia Yacht Club five years and secretary of the Citizens' Association 12 years. He is also a member of Winthrop Couneil, R. A., James E. Hayes Council K. C., Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Boston Typothetae, Master Printers' Association and the Halfus Mugus Club. He is single and resides at 916 East Fourth Street.
M ICHAEL J. REIDY, telegrapher, was born in South Boston, August 8, 1870, and has always been a resident of the district. He was educated in the publie schools and later mastered stenogra- phy and telegraphy and for many years has been employed by the leading tele- graph companies of the city, and is one of the most rapid operators. Inter- esting himself from early manhood in political matters, especially in Ward 15, he was elected to the Common Council for the years 1894 and 1895, serving with much distinction to him- self and his constituents, and was then elected to the Legislature for 1896 and 1897. He has ever been a deep student of public affairs and a very interesting and forceful speaker, his voice having frequently been heard in the legislative halls and in important campaigns. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of llibernians, and was a mem- ber of the Ward Committee. He is married and lives at 103 Old Harbor Street.
PATRICK F. REDDY, health inspector, wa
born in Boston, Mareh 1, 1840, of Rober F. and Mary Reddy, who eame to thi country in 1836. His father was in the emplo. of the iron works at Saugerties, N. Y., and from 1839 of the Bay State Roll- ing Millon the Mill- dam, and came with that firm to South Boston, and was foreman nearly 40 years. Patriek, on removing to South Boston, in 1846, attended the Hawes School and Comer's College. He served his time as molder and ma- chinist in Little Falls, N. Y., and worked in the Bay State Rolling Mills for moreira than 20 years, advancing rapidly, until he waston in charge of the rail mill. Since 1880 he hascc been health inspector. In 1867 he spent a yearfon in Europe, and, in 1868, married Mary Farrel me Bo in New York. Four children are now living Mrs. Mary Phelan, Mrs. Margaret Carew, Rob que ert F. and Josephine Reddy. He is a member ou of the Hawes School Asso. and City Point
Mary Catholic Asso., and lives at 897 Broadway.
D R. CHARLES ROBERT ROTHWELL
physician, 387 West Broadway, a son o Canon Thomas Robert Rothwell and Ara bella Rothwell, was born in Kingstown, Ireland ac in 1870. Here he received his early training. He at- he tended the Mid- dleton College Preparatory School and then entered te the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and at the same time pur- sued his studies at in the Royal Univer- sity, receiving the degree of A. B. from the latter in 1891. He finished his studies at the former in 1893 re- eeiving the degree of M. D). In the same veal he took a six months' course in the Rotunda B Hospital, Dublin, and also the Dublin Eye and Ear Hospital. Hle then became house surgeon in the City of Dublin Hospital, where he re- mained a year and then to the Liverpool North End Dispensary. He married Miss Esther Falk- iner in 1893 and they have two children, Estelle Dorothy and Marjorie Adelaide. Dr. Rothwell came here in 1895 and has since resided here. h i
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553
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
EDWARD P. B. RANKIN. local representa- tive of the Boston Herald's staff, is a son of the late Editor Edward B. Rankin and f Frances T. (Roth) Rankin, and was born in Boston. While an infant. his parents moved to South Boston. where he has resided since. first at 200 K Street and later at 127 K Street. On the death of his father, in ISS9. the family moved to 483 East Broadway. Mr. Rankin received his early education in the public school> of this district. hay- ing attended the Lincoln and Thomas N. Hart Grammar Schools. and was about to enter Bos- on Latin School when the death of his father occurred. He entered the employ of the Bos- on Herald. and. when 20 years old. was made a nember of the staff, and assigned to the South Boston district. He is a member of Pere Mar- quette Council. K. of C., the Boston Herald Suburban Benefit Association, and is an honor- ury member of the Tremont Cycle Club. He esides at 516 East Broadway.
D R. JAMES E. ROURKE, dentist, at 4744 West Broadway, was born in the city pro- per, in the old Fort Hill District, and resided there during his early life. While quite young he came to South Boston with his parents and has resided here since that time. He re- ceived his early education in the public schools of this district, and, concluding his studies, he entered upon a business life and for several vears was engaged in mercantile pur- suits. About the vear 1897 he con- cluded to study the profession of dentistry and accordingly gave up business to enter the Boston Dental College. He was suc- cessful in his studies and after passing his examinations opened an office at his present location and has been practicing since that time. Dr. Rourke is favorably known for his partici- pation in many amateur theatricals in and about the city in the interest of local charities. He is a member of the Mass. Dental Society, St. James C.T.A. Society, A.O.H., and other bodies.
R EUBEN RUSH. formerly of Rush Brothers, provision dealers, is one of South Boston's bright young men. He was born in England Feb. 6, 1868, and came to Boston in 18S4. After work- ing three years for a big business firm at the West End, Mr. Rush went to Chicago, accompanied by his brother. Thoma> Rush. where they engaged in business, soon afterward re- moving to Akron. Ohio. Shortly afterward they were located in New York City. where they did a flourishing busi- ness in the sale of typewriters. In 1893 they disposed of the business and Reuben went to the World's Fair. At the close of that exposition the brothers came to South Boston and bought out the provision business at 439 West Broadway, which they continued successfully until their retirement a few years ago, at one time conducting two large stores.
Mr. Rush has ever been a careful and diligent reader, and is well informed on leading topics and well equipped to dis- cuss the questions of the hour. He has ever been interested in political affairs and taken a prominent part in debates. His notable debate was with the well known economist and orator of Brookline, Edward Atkinson. During the presiden- tial campaign of 1896, when gold and silver standards was the issue of the day, Mr. Rush participated in a public debate with Mr. Atkinson. in St. Augustine's Hall on E. Street, which was crowded to the doors. Mr. Rush ably handled his side of the debate, which was in advocacy of the princi- ple contained in the Democratic platform during the famous Bryan campaigns, that of the free coinage of silver, and he then presented strong arguments, which were difficult to overcome. He then, as ever, displayed exceptional ability as an orator and expounder of principles. In 1898 and again in 1900 he successfully managed the campaign of Congress- man Naphen and in 1902 that of Congressman-elect McNary.
He was for many years identified with Ward 15 politics but never would accept public office, although frequently urged to be a candidate for high elective positions. In 1893 he married Miss Georgia Lailee, who died in 1901. He has three children living.
EDWARD B. RANKIN.
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555
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
"DWARD B. RANKIN. deceased. a journal- ist of note. and for several years prominent public life in Boston, was a resident of South oston for several years. He was a son of John d Ellen Rankin, the former a native of New ork, although Mr. Rankin was born in Queens- wn. Ire., in December, IS46. His parents died nile he was in his infancy, and he was left to e care of relatives who shortly afterward came the United States. His early education was ceived in the schools of Boston and Lynn. and · graduated from the Boylston School with onors. Shortly afterward he secured employ- ent from Edwin C. Bailey, at that time the pro- ietor of the Boston Herald. Beginning as an fice boy his duties were multifarious, but after ree years he was given an opportunity to learn e printers' trade. In 1865, the management. cognizing the latent ability in the then sturdy outh. made him a regular member of the repor- rial staff. His ability and conscientious in- istry in his new post won for him the com- rendation of his employers, and he was later romoted to the editorial department. During is 29 years' service as an employe of the erald. Mr. Rankin served successively as gen- al reporter. special writer, court and city overnment reporter, war correspondent, tele- raphic new» editor. military editor, and sport- 1g editor. At the time of his death he was ngaged as a general writer, with special refer- nce to athletic -. aquatics. etc .. of which de- artment of the Herald he was the efficient chief. lis work on the Herald. as well as on other burnals of note throughout the country. of which he was the local correspondent. was ¿cognized as of -pecial merit. His journalistic ork was not confined to the United States, as e was a frequent contributor to the columns of ne pre»» of London and other cities. For many ear- Mr. Rankin had attended the national olitical conventions as special envoy of the Ierald. and on three occasions visited Europe $ it- special correspondent, having returned rom there but a short time previous to his eath.
Mr. Rankin was well known in social circles. lis heart beat warmly for the poor, and to the fficted his purse was always open. Not only noney but time and strength he gave in the ause of charity, and many charitable institu- ions owe much to him for their successful landing to-day. Of the Working Boys' Ilome je wa- a con-istent patron, toiling indefati-
gably to relieve that worthy institution of the heavy debt that hampered it, and at the time of his death was its vice-president. He was also an untiring worker for the Carney Hospital and other charities. For fourteen years prior to his death, he had been a prominent citizen of Bos- ton, and political honors innumerable were within his grasp. He was peculiarly modest and retiring. however, and refused to seek anything, declining everything except such honors as were actually thrust upon him. He served on the School Board from IS71 to IS75 inclusive. From IS72 to 1875 he represented his district in the Mas- sachusetts Legislature, achieving a reputation for probity and judgment. In ISSo he received a handsome complimentary vote as the Demo- cratic candidate for presidential elector. As a member of the now defunct Board of Directors of Public Institutions, he upheld his undoubted reputation for integrity, and, among all the in- timations and accusations of misconduct against members of that board, not a whisper was heard against him, men of all shades of political opin- ion, upholding and applauding his course throughout. His main work in the board was in the matter of schools, and the present splen- did equipment and management of educational institutions, which were under the control of the board. are largely due to his efforts.
In the welfare of the Charitable Irish Society, of which he was a member, he had always taken an active interest, and in the summer of 18S9 he was intrusted with the important mission of delivering to Messrs. Parnell, O'Brien and Davitt, the certificates of membership voted them. He was keeper of the silver key of that organization in IS85, and its honored president in 1886. Other organizations of which Mr. Rankin was a member are: the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Boston Press Club and the Boston Athletic Association. His death occurred at the Rose Standish House, Downer's Landing, Sept. 6, 1889. It was the subsequent result of a severe nervous shock sus- tained in a railroad accident which occurred while he was returning from Burlington, Vt. His last journalistic labors were at the tennis championship games, between Kerr and Pettitt, at Newport, R. I. He was married to Miss Frances T. Roth, Oct. 25, 1872, and moved to South Boston in the late seventies, residing there up to the time of his death. Mrs. Rankin, her daughter Frances E., and son, Edward P. B. Rankin, reside at 516 E. Broadway.
556
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
D R. WILLIAM H. RUDDICK, physician, was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, February 25, 1845. His parents were Dr. James and Ellen (Skinner) Ruddick. In April, 1862, while a resident of Boston, young Ruddick enlisted as a private in the Seventh Mass. Battery, serving from May, 1862, to June, 1865 as private, hospital steward and later in the M. V. M. as assistant surgeon of the Seventh Infantry and first lieutenant of Light Battery A. In 1863, while he was in the army, Dr. Ruddick's widowed mother removed to South Boston and he took up his residence there in 1865. After his early education in his native town he continued his studies in the Massachusetts Institute of Techno- logy, ex-class '75: M. D., at Harvard in '68, B.A. Sc., Har- vard 1881, accepted candidate for M. A. and Ph.D., in zoology Tuft's College, and a post graduate student of the University of Vienna, Austria, and also studied in Paris and London hospitals. He has been assistant physician for the New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane, pro- fessor of diseases of the skin at the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons, district physician of the Bos- ton Dispensary, ac- coucheur Carney Ilospital, etc.
DR. WILLIAM H. RUDDICK.
At the breaking out of the Spanish War in 1898 Dr. Ruddick volunteered his services to the United States Government, either in a military and medical capacity and was the recipient of a letter from Surgeon-Gen. George M. Ster berg, in which the latter stated that in case Fort In- dependence were to be garrisoned the Govern- ment would be glad to avail itself of Dr. Ruddick's services and a letter of acknowledgment was received from Gov. Walcott.
. Dr. Ruddick is a member of the Harvard Union, Lawrence Scientific School Association of Har-
vard University, Harvard Medical Alumni Asse ciation, Harvard Graduates Magazi Association, American Academy of Medici! American Medical Association, Massachuse Medical Society, Boston Medical Libra Association, American Association for the A vancement of Science, American Morphologi Society, Boston Society of Natural Histo Boston Mycological Club, Naturalists' Club Boston, Massachusetts Horticultural Socie" New England Agricultural Society, Canadi Club of Boston, British Charitable Society Boston, Scot's Charitable Society of Bosto Edward W. Kinsl Post 113, G. A. of Boston, Seven Massachusetts Ba tery Association, O Guard of Massac usetts, Catholi Alumni Sodality Boston, Catholi Summer School (
America, Publi School Associatio of Boston, the Dan Society of Cambridg and the Boston Yach Club.
Dr. Ruddick was th first president of th South Boston Histor cal Society, and wa chiet marshal of th parade at the unvei ing of the Farragu Statue, June 28, 189
Beginning in 1897 he was a vigorous an determined supporto of Representativ John J. Toomey in hi efforts to secure the erection of the Dorchester Heights monument, which efforts were finall successful. Dr. Ruddick attended every heat ing and secured the presence of influential citi zens who advocated the proposition.
In March, 1872, Dr. Ruddick was married to Miss Sophia Ada Means, who died May 16 1901. He has one son, William A. Ruddick.
In June. 1903, Dr. Ruddick was married to Miss Margaret Gannon of Charlestown. H resides at 502 East Broadway, where his office is also located.
557
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
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APT. WALTER S. SAMPSON. born in Kingston. Mass., February 21. IS35, and. educated there, came to Boston in IS;1, ning the Fire Department and the State Mili- tia. During the Civil War he was captain of Co. K. 6th Regt .. and then captain in the 22nd Regt. From 1870 he was a contractor, first in the firm of Sampson, Clark & Co. and then W. S. Sampson & Son, having built the Suffolk County Court House, jails in Rutland. Vt .. and Keene, N. H., about twenty Bos- ton schools and the car stables at City int. Heis a member of the Mass. Char. Mech. so .. Mvles Standish Asso., Sons of Colonial ars. Sons of the American Revolution, 6th gt. Asso .. Post 7 G. A. R .. A. & H. A. Co., which he was color bearer. carrying the colors o Windsor Castle and saluted Queen Victoria ring the visit in 1896, Master Builders' Asso .. ·teran Firemen's Asso .. and all Masonic bodies. ipt. Sampson ha- three sons, Benj. F. W., m. A. and Walter S. Sampson. Jr.
ATRICK J. SHIELS. was born in Ireland in IS;4. and came to the United States in IS91. He first settled in River Point. R. I., here he worked at the Clyde Print Works, re- maining there three vears, and then he came to South Boston He soon obtained employ- ment with the Boston Elevated Railway Company, and remained in that employ until 1902. From his very arrival in South Boston he took an interest in political affairs and, quickly mak- ing friends, he was nominated and elected to the Com- on Council for the years 1901 and 1902. In e fall of 1902 he was a candidate for the Legis- ture. the entire ward committee being against m. vet he lost by only a few votes. In the 11 of 1903 he was again a candidate, and secured e nomination in a hotly contested campaign, ith a margin of three votes. In politics, Mr. niels has been a vigorous worker for the in- reits of Democracy, and was loyal throughout s career in the Common Council.
F REDERIC JAMES SHEEHAN, druggist, 226 West Broadway is a son of Patrick and Margaret M. Sheehan, and was born in Malden, November 4, 1873. He resided there several years, at- tending the West End Grammar School. In ISS6 he came to South Boston and attend- ed the Bigelow and John A. Andrew Schools. graduat- ing from the latter in IS91. He then entered the Mass- achusetts College of Pharmacy and while studying there was in the em- plov of Cornelius P. Flynn. Finish- ing his course he worked for Charles A. Curtis, with whom he remained until 1900, when he entered business for himself at 226 West Broadway. Mr. Sheehan married Miss Edith H. Wiley in 1901 and they reside at 26S East Cottage Street. They have one daughter, Margaret Anna. He is a member of Pere Marquette Council, K. of C., Bay State Conclave, I. O. H., Twenty Five Asso- ciates and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy Club.
H ARLAND R. SKELTON was born in South Boston December 9, 1876, and is a son of the late Robert P. and Sarah ( Parks) Skelton. He has resided in South Boston all his life, receiving his education in the public schools of the district. Finish- ing his grammar studies at the Thomas N. Hart Grammar School. he later took a com- plete course in a Boston commercial college.
He entered the milk business with his father in 1896 and was engaged in it for about three years. He then secured a position as clerk, which he held until 1901, when he en- tered the livery stable business for himself, con- ducting the St. James Stables on Washington Street. He is now in the employ of the Colum- bia Graphaphone Co.
Mr. Skelton has been affiliated with many organizations. He was a member of Battery A., Ist Massachusetts Regiment in 1896, and was secretary of the Mazeppa Club for several years. Ile is a member of Pelham Conclave, I. O. H.
558
IIISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
C HARLES H. SLATTERY, lawyer, 10 Tremont Strcet, Boston, is a son of Edward and Joan Slattery, and was born in South Boston in 1869, and has always resided in the district. I attended the Bigelow Grammar School and left there to enter the Boston Latin Schod graduating from the latter in 1885. In the fall of the same year he entered Harvard College at after a thorough course received his degree in 1889. T next year he devoted to tutoring and then entered Harva Law School. He concluded his law course in 1893, an receiving his degree, immediately began the practice of la with the firm ot Myers & Warner, of which Hon. James Myers, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Represent tives, is a member. He remained with this firm for son time and then entered into partnership with Judge Josi Dean, at 28 State Street, the firm name being Dean and Sk tery. This partnership being dissolved, Mr. Slattery mov to his present office at 10 Tremont Street.
During his course at Harvard, Mr. Slattery devoted mu time to the study of municipal government and he has sin been able to use the knowledge thus gained, to excelle advantage. In 1894 he was a Democratic candidate f representative in Ward 14, but was defeated in the caucus the remarkably small margin of two votes. This did no cause his interest in his party to waver, for he has alwa" been an active worker, giving both time and energy in beha of his party's candidates.
In 1901 he was elected a member of the Board of Alderme from the Eighth District and served the following year wit marked ability. He was a candidate for re-election that yea but was defeated in the caucus. He then became an indeper dent candidate, and, later, receiving the Republican endorse ment, he was re-elected for 1903, after one of the most spirite campaigns ever conducted in South Boston, by more than 300 votes.
Mr. Slattery is a member of the Boston Bar Association, City Point Catholic Association, Sout Boston Citizens' Association and the Mattapannock Club. He resides at 520 East Broadway.
A LFRED SMART, insurance, was born in Lancashire, England, his parents being Frederick and Elizaheth Smart. Receiving his early education in his native place, Mr. Smart came to this country in 1881, taking up his resi- dence in South Bos- ton on September 19 of that year. He now resides at 899 E. Broadway and his office is at 221 Columbus Avenue. Mr. Smart is mar- ried and has two children, Percy Frederick and Lił- lian Gertrude Smart.
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