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 55
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Ever identified with matters per- taining to the in- terests of South Boston, Mr. Smart was one of the charter members of the Mt. Washington Co-Operative Bank, one of the most beneficial institutions of South Boston, and is also a member of the South Boston Citizens' Associa- tion, the Sons of St. George, (of which he is a past president), and he is employed as assistant superintendent of the Metropolitan Life Insur- ance Co. He is also a member of St. Paul's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
W ILLIAM F. SPENCER, undertaker, 40 West Broadway, is a son of James an Catherine Spencer, and was born in Can ton, Mass., in 1872. He received his educa tion in his na- tive place, having been a pupil of the Cranc School and also St. John's School. Upon finishing his studies he entered the em- płoy of a local undertaker and has been in that busi- ness since. He
worked in Canton for several years and, in 1891, camc to South Boston where he entered the employ of Jamcs F. O'Don- nell. He remained in his employ until 1897, when he formed a partnership with Joseph C. Gallivan. They conducted business until 1900, when Mr. Spencer opened his own cstablish- ment, which he has conducted with marked success since that time.
He is a member of Division 13, Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Vincent's Holy Namc Club and St. Vincent's Ushers Club. He resides at 38IA West Broadway.
559
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
1 LPHEUS STETSON, deceased, born in Scituate. Mass., April S, 1794. was descend- ed from Robert Stetson, commonly known Coronet Stetson, who came from England to Scituate in 1630. Alpheus came to South Boston in ISI4 and for many vears was en- gaged in ship building, at the foot of Dor- chester St. His uncle, Noah Brooks, was foreman for Lot Wheelwright, who was proba- bly the first ship builder in the district. Mr. Stetson, in 1836, mbarked in the lumber and coal business on vest First Street, at the foot of F Street, and in 1542 the business was removed to the foot of I treet, where it has been located ever since, onducted by his son. then his grandson and reat grandson. December 4, 1819, four years after his removal to South Boston, he married Hannah W. Kent of a well known South Boston amily. There were eight children, of whom bree are now living, Mrs. Sarah A. Baker, wife f John F. Baker of Brookline, Mrs. Mary A. "eale of Pittsburg, and Alpheus M. Stetson of Last Broadway, South Boston.
ALPHEUS M. STETSON, retired, one of south Boston's oldest residents and most re- pected citizens. was born in a house on Dorchester Street, between First and Dresser Streets, Sept. 21, 1820. He attended the old Hawes School and took a Franklin medal in 1834. Mr. Stetson and George Allen were the only ones thus hon- ored that year. In 1836, on his father entering the lumber and coal business, he went to work for him and later ucceeded him. Still enjoying excellent health, le delights to recall the early days of South Boston. He remembers, in 1830, when he was ut ten years of age, riding with his father on he first railroad built in this country, which ras experimented with in Quincy, Mass., and led to carry granite. Sept. 7, 1842, he married sophia B. Osborn, and of their three children, ohn R. Stetson is the only one now living.
JOHN A. STETSON, dealer in coal and lumber, was born at the corner of C and Athens Streets, July 28, 1844. and has always lived in the district up to 1903, when he moved to Brook- line. He was edu- cated in the district, graduating from the old Hawes School in 1859, a member of the larg- est grammar class in that school. For many years Mr. Stetson and his father have attend- ed the reunions of the old Hawes School Boys' Asso- ciation, the only father and son who . survive who were graduates of the school and are now members of the Association. John A. Stetson continued in the coal and lumber business with his father, until, in ISS2, he bought the business and has since conducted it with his son. June 20, 1866, Mr. Stetson was married to Miss Julia Van Veghten of New York, of one of the oldest Knickerbocker families of that state Of five children by this marriage, only two survive. Herbert Osborn Stetson and W. Graydon Stetson.
During his more than fifty years as a resident of South Boston, Mr. Stetson has been one of its most loyal and public spirited citizens. In social, business and political circles he has ever been prominent and esteemed.
HERBERT OSBORN STETSON, the eldest son of John A. Stetson, was born in South Bos- ton, June 3, 1871, and is in the coal business with his father, thus continuing in that line started in 1836 by his great-grand- father, Alpheus M. Stetson. January 31, 1895, he was married to Miss Georgia Conway, of Louisville, Ky. One child, Dorothy Stetson, was born September 4, 1899. Until his marriage Mr. Stetson always lived in South Bos- ton, but since then, with his wife and daughter, has re- sided in the town of Waban, Mass.
W. GRAYDON STETSON was born in South Boston, February 18, 1878, and Sep- tember 17, 1900, was married to Miss Sally Col- burn Nickels. Mr. Stetson is now treasurer of the Newark Faucet Co. and resides in Newark, N. J.
560
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
D ANIEL F. SULLIVAN, who died in July,
1900, was one of South Boston's most es- timable citizens. Born in Lowell, Mass., in 1855, at ten years of age he worked in the mills, where he re- mained several years. When a young man he was noted as an athlete, and participated in numerous events, particularly rowing races, defeating such men as George Faulkner and Lynch, and also Meaney of Charles- town and the fam- ous Kennedy. He was a member of several famous crews. In 1876 he moved to Boston, and in 1885 to South Boston, opening a liquor store at 70 I St., in the latter year. In Novem- ber, 1890, he was married to Miss Emma F. McShane, and five children were born, of whom four, Henry, Arthur, Francis and Marie survive. He was a member of the Knights of Honor. the M. C. O. F., Knights of St. Rose, the A. O. H., the I. O. H., Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club and other organizations. Mrs. Sullivan and chil- dren now live on N St.
L IEUT. JAMES P. SULLIVAN, of the Boston Police Department, is a son of Michael and Johanna Sullivan. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 8, 1858, where he was educated. He came to South Boston in Noveni- ber, 1872, and re- sided here until 1900. In 1874 he made a cruise as an apprentice on the U. S. S. Vandalia. On his return he became agent for the Hingham Steamboat Co. He was appointed pa- trolman June 14, 1886, and assigned to Div. I and was made "special offi- cer" in 1889, pro- moted to sergeant Jan. 5, 1893 and assigned to Div 4. 1Ie was transferred to Div. 3 in August, 1894, and in October was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Division 5. He was transferred to Div. 12 March 1, 1898, and to Div. 13, Nov. 27, 1900. He is married and resides at No. 8 Den- nison Street, Roxbury. He has three children, Joseph P., Molly and Gertrude. Lieut. Sullivan is a member of the Police Relief Association, A. O. U. W. and Nonpareil Associates.
D R. GEORGE A. SULLIVAN, dentist, sol of Josephine and the late Jeremiah Sul livan, was born in South Boston, and after graduating from the Lawrence Gramma School in 1889, at- tended the English High School. On concluding his studies there he entered the whole- sale firm of Thomas Kelly & Co., where he remained until 1896, then entering the Boston Dental College. He re- ceived his degree in 1899, being chosen valedictorian of his class. Dr. Sullivan located his office in this district first at 179 West Broad- way and then at 363 West Broadway. He is chancellor of Pere Marquette Council of the Knights of Columbus, and is a member of Divi. sion 58, A. O. H., the Massachusetts Denta Society, the English High School Class of '92 Alumni, the Lawrence School Alumni Associa- tion and the Boston Dental College Alumni. He is a brother of Dr. John J. Sullivan of Dorchester. Dr. Sullivan resides at 161 West Third Street.
JEREMIAH J. SULLIVAN, contractor, at 95 Milk Street, Boston, was born in South Boston, 1856, being a son of John and Mary Sullivan. He attended the Lawrence School, graduating in 1873. His father, who was a contractor, died in 1867 and the business was conducted by his son, John J. Sul- livan and Michael Murphy. In 1873 Mr. Sullivan be- came junior mem- ber of the firm. Hisbrother Michael died in 1874, and his brother John, seven years later. The business then de- volved upon him. Mr. Sullivan re- sides at 273 West Fifth Street with his wife, Mrs. Jennie (Mullen) Sullivan, and daughters, Mary F., Jennie and Carrie (twins). He is a member of South Boston Council, K. of C., Mt. Washington Lodge A. O. U. W., Win- throp Council, R. A., and South Boston Citi- zens' Asso. Mr. Sullivan cleared away much debris after the Boston fire, graded and filled Broadway Extension in 1869 and has laid out many of the principal thoroughfares for the city.
561
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
H ON. MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN, lawyer, was born in South Boston, Oct. 23, 1870. His parents were Patrick and Winifred (Joyce) Sullivan. Michael attended the Lincoln Gram- mar School. graduating in 1886, the English High School, graduating in 1889, and then the Boston University Law School from which he graduated in 1896, being admitted to the bar shortly afterward. As a professional baseball player Mr. Sullivan is well known throughout the country, having played contin- uously with National League teams from ISS9 to 1899, being two years with Washington. two years with Cleveland, two vears with Cincinnati. one year with Chicago, two years with the New Yorks and one year in Portland, Me., all the time as a pitcher.
Mr. Sullivan has ever been identified with political affairs of the peninsula district, having served as warden in the Demo- cratic caucuses several years. and was elected to the House of Representatives for 1899 and 1900. In the fall of 1901 he was elected to the Senate from the Sixth District (Wards 13, 14 and 15, by direct vote of the people. which law he helped to establish and he was re-elected in the fall of 1902, for the fol- lowing vear. He has served on the important committees of Metropolitan Affairs and Mercantile Affairs and in 1903 was chairman of the Committee on Probate and Chancery, a particular honor for a Democrat. In 1899 he married Miss Margaret Hickey and they have one daughter. Mr. Sullivan is a member of Trimount Conclave of the Improved Order of Heptasophs. Division 13. A. O. H., Robert Fulton Council 134 of the Knights of Columbus (of which he is a past grand knight). City Point Catholic Association, Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. South Boston Citizens' Association and the Clan-na-Gaels. His office is at 27 School Street and he lives " at S4 P Street.
A. a candidate for the Governor's Council, in the fall of 1903, Mr. Sullivan easily vanquished his opponent in the primaries, notwithstanding that the machine was against him, Mr. Sullivan receiving over 12.000 votes to about 6.000 for his opponent, an unprecedented accomplishment.
TIMOTHY J. SULLIVAN was born in Kerry. Ire., in IS4S, and came to this country when but 14 years of age. He was educated in his native town. He remained in New York three months, in Boston but a short time be- fore he came to South Boston, in 1865, and has since made this district his home. He was first an entry clerk for W. K. Lewis, then followed ath- letics on the New England circuit for five years, and in 1875 went into the livery stable busi- ness on Dorchester Ave., and soon went into the un- dertaking business, both of which he has since continued, now located at 628 E. 4th St., with an office at 332 Broadway, and he resides at 386
West 4th St. He has ever been interested in political affairs, serving four years in the Com- mon Council (1891, 1892, 1893 and 1894) winning the fourth time on " stickers," by but 12 votes. Owing to close attention to his business affairs he forgot to file papers, but distributed
"stickers" and was elected.
WILLIAM J. SULLIVAN, lawyer, was born April 14, 1865, of Daniel and Mary Sul- livan. He attended the Lawrence School, and, in ISTS, went to work for the Norway Iron Co. and later served three years with the S. A. Woods Ma- chine Co. lle at- tended the Evening High School and then Boston Uni- versity Law School, was admitted to the Suffolk bar in 1898 and now has an of- fice at 27 State Street. He was elected from Ward 13 to the Common Council for 1892 and 1893 and to the Legislature for 1901 and 1902, during the former term serving on the committee on re- vision of the Public Statutes, and in his second year, on the committee on Judiciary. He is single and lives at 3 B Street. He is a mem- ber of the Irish-American Club, Twenty-five Associates, Division 58, A. O. II., SS. Peter and Paul's Court, M. C. O. F., South Boston Council, K. C., SS. Peter and Paul's Confer- ence, and the Young Men's Catholic Association of the Church of the Rosary.
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562
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
JOHN J. TEEVENS, Jr., insurance, was born in Boston, June 7, 1875 and removed to South Boston in his infancy. He attended the Cyrus Alger and also the Bigelow Grammar School, from which latter institution he graduated in IS90. He entered the English High School in October 1890, after return- ing from a trip to Ireland and Eng- land, and graduated in 1893. He was major of the 4th battalion of the Boston School Regiment and also one of the editors of the English High School paper, "The English High School Record." He took one year advanced course at the English High School and entered Harvard College in 1894, graduating in IS98. In 1899 and 1900 he was at Harvard Law School. He was a member of the Common Council from Ward 14 for 1901 and 1902 and is a member of the Celtic Club, the City Point Catholic Asso., the Somerset Associates, Tammany Associates and other organizations. He resides at 87 P Street, with his parents.
J
OHIN CIIASE TIBBETTS, grocer, 139 W.
Broadway, is a son of John and Sarah Whipple (Dunnels ) Tibbetts, and was born in Essex, Mass., Nov. 15, 1846. While an infant his parents moved to Hamilton, where he received his early education and first business train- ing. Ile entered the grocery business when 12 years old, and when IS, he came to South Boston, securing a clerkship with W. P. Mendum. In 1869 he opened a store at 135 W. 4th Street, and in 1872 moved to the corner of W. 4th and B Streets, and to his present store in 1893. He is past grand of Tremont Lodge, and a member of Massasoit Encampment, and district deputy of Grand Lodge, 1. O. O. F., founder of the Boston Retail Grocers' Asso., associate member of Post 2, G. A. R., treasurer and a deacon of Phillips Church, and a member of the Citizens' Asso. He was married to Miss Elvira Anna Grover of Foxboro in 1873. They reside with their son Alva Grover Tibbetts at 94 G Street.
D R. PATRICK J. TIMMINS, physician, is a son of Francis and Mary Timmins and was born in County Fermanagh, Ire., Feb. 28, 1851. His earliest school was conducted by a teacher, a part of whose compensation was his board at the homes of his pupils. When able to make the journey, he was sent to the nearest National School, about two miles distant. At the age of fourteen he went to a classical school at Clinooney, near Clones County, Monaghan. He next entered St. McCartan's Catholic Seminary at Monaghan. Having completed the classical course he was sent to Maynooth College, where he made the two years course in philosophy and in 1871 came to the United States. Here he secured a position as teacher at Holy Cross College, and remained from 1872 to 1875, leav- ing to fill a similar position at St. Francis Xavier's College, N. Y. Here he began the study of medicine, entering the class of 1875 at the Medical School. Early in 1876 he ac- cepted a position as teacher at Georgetown University, con- tinuing his professional studies at the Medical School there. Here he took his degree with honors in 1878, winning the faculty prize, a gold medal, besides being valedictorian of his class. He was then appointed resident physician of the Childrens' Hospital, Washington, which position he held during 1878 and 1879. He then went to Troy, N. Y., where he began the practice of his profession, remaining until ISSo, when he married Miss Mary A. Doyle, of Boston, and then moved to Malden. Boston had ever been the goal of his am- bition and after two and one-half years successful labor in Malden he settled at his present residence 497 East Broad- way, where he has found professional opportunities and home surroundings all that could be desired. Dr. Timmins has one son, Edward F. Timmins, who is studying the profession of his father. Dr. Timmins has always been active in every- thing pertaining to the welfare of his native country and is prominent in the United Irish League, being a member of the National Executive Board, vice president of the Central Branch and a mem- ber of South Boston Branch, U. I. L., Div. No. 6, A. O. H. and the M. C. O. F.
563
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
JOHN J. TOBIN, druggist, was born in Boston, March 7, 1872, of Michael and Johanna (O'Brien ) Tobin, and graduated from the Phillips Grammar School in ISS5 and attended the Massa- chusetts College of Pharmacy. He was in the business two vears at the West End, over three years with D. J. Kiley. and over four years with Samuel Meadows, and has been in business for him- self. corner of Eighth and Dor- chester Sts. since
IS97. Mr. Tobin was married to Miss Delia M. Foley. and they have four children. John F., Mildred A., Charles L. and Frank M., and they live at 5 Telegraph St. Mr. Tobin was hospital steward with the 9th Regt. for three years. He is a member of the S. B. Council, K. of C .. Div. 32, A. O. H., So. Boston Yacht Club, Mass. State Pharma- ceutical Asso .. and secretary of the S. B. Drug- gist's Asso .. Vernon Drug Co., Greater Boston Druggists' Asso .. and Auxiliary 3 of the Boston Apothecaries' Asso. of N. A. R. D.
M ARTIN E. TUOHY, 'florist, a son of Michael and Bridget [Tuohy, was born in Galway, Ire., Aug. 5, 1879, where he received his early education in the Ballanakill National Schools. He came to the United States in 1896 and first en- gaged in the busi- ness of florist in Dedham, Mass.
In 1897 he came to South Boston, where he took up the same business and later went into business for him- self at 427 West Broadway. Since then he has opened another establish- ment at 253 Main Street. Charles- town. He resides at 137 Dorchester Street.
Mr. Tuohy is a member of Pere Marquette Council, Knights of Columbus ; Division 66, Ancient Order of Hibernians ; St. Augustine's Catholic Total Abstinence Society : Defender Lodge, New England Order of Protection ; Trimount Conclave, Improved Order of Hep- tasophs ; Rescue Lodge, F. H., and the Colum- bus Associates. In 1903 Mr. Tuohy went abroad remaining four wecks in his native city.
JOHN J. TOOMEY. of the reportorial departmentof the Boston Globe, was born on Washing- ton St .. Boston. His parents were Thomas and Annie V. (Walsh) Toomey. He attended the primary schools of Roxbury, and, for a year following his father's death, in 1876, while he was a resident of Springfield, Mass., he attended school there. Removing to South Boston in June, IS77. he attended the Bigelow School. graduating in 1882. He then, for seven winters, attended the Evening High School and Comer's College. For a short time he worked in the hat business. then as a printer, and for six years as book-keeper in a merchant's office, and. in May, 1889, joined the Boston Globe staff. For two years he did assignment work on the city staff, getting experience in all branches of the work. In 1891 he was assigned to the South Boston dis- trict and ha- retained that position ever since.
Identifying himself with all public matters concerning the district, and. manifesting an interest in politics, he refused all propositions of his friends to be a candidate for office. until 1894, when he was a candidate for the Legislature. but was defeated. In the fall of 1896 he was nominated and elected to the Legislature for 1897, without the assistance of any political leader or faction, was defeated the following year, and again was elected, for the year 1899, this time as an Independent Citizens' candidate in a hotly contested cam- paign. During his legislative career he was instrumental in securing an appropriation of $25,000 for the Dorchester Heights monument, and also led the successful fight for the exemption of labor unions from insurance laws. He also started the agitation and urged the national government to establish the life saving station in Dorchester Bay, and in 1896 was authorized by the Historical Society to publish a history of South Boston. In June, 1897, he was married to Miss Margaret A. Lynch of Oakdale, Mass. They have one daughter, Anna Mathilde, and live at 776 East Broadway. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of United Workmen. Citizens' Association and Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club.
THOMAS TOOMEY.
565
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
T `HOMAS TOOMEY, whose death occurred April 10. 1876. was one of the leading law- "ers of his time, had a very extensive practice in Boston and in Springfield, Mass., and was a resi- lent of South Boston for many years. He was porn in the county of Cork. Ire .. in 1825. His parents were Daniel Toomey and Mary Mulcahy) Toomey, well known residents of hat place. With other ambitious young men, n 1839, when but 14 years of age, he came to America, landing in Boston, and almost imme- diately removed to South Boston. He attended he Hawes School, but soon left, to go to work. He learned the mason's trade and continued at t for several years. Ever a studious youth, he nad still higher aspirations, and, after working hours. he was ever found pouring over his books and preparing for the study of law.
In 1849, Mr. Toomey removed to Springfield, where he continued his studies. There he found a good friend in Mr. Erasmus D. Beach, one of the leading lawyers of that city, and in Mr. Beach's office he pursued his studies sufficiently to encourage him to apply for admission to the bar. He had previously studied in the office of Otis A. Seamans. also of Springfield. In 1857 he returned to Boston. received final instruction and assistance in his studies from a Mr. Adams in the Massachusetts Block, and, on Oct. 17 of that year. on motion in the Superior Court, he was admitted to the bar.
His practice was continuous in Boston, save for frequent visits to Springfield. whenever some of his friends there requested his services. He remained in the office of Mr. Adams, having charge of many of his cases, until the latter's death. One of Mr. Toomey's first and most im- portant cases. and one that secured for him cel- ebrity throughout the state, was his defence of a woman who, having been wronged by an ad- mirer, shot him. The defence was most care- fully prepared, and Mr. Toomey's argument re- ceived warm praise from the judges, and numer- ous complimentary articles in the public press.
Prior to his admission to the bar, while still a resident of Springfield. Mr. Toomey figured prominently in political affairs, although iden- tified with the Democratic party and a vigorous advocate of its doctrines. This party was then and for a long time afterward in a hopeless minority, and seldom elected its candidates to office. No matter how brilliant or competent the candidate, if a Democrat, his chances of being elected to office were small.
In the state campaign of 1857, about the time of his admission to the bar, Mr. Toomey fre- quently spoke for the Democratic ticket, headed by Beach and Currier, the former being Erasmus D. Beach of Springfield, in whose office he had studied. On the night of Oct. 23, 1857, at the ratification meeting in Faneuil Hall, at- tended by thousands, he was one of the speakers with Hon. B. F. Hallett, Hon. John S. Wells, Benjamin F. Butler, Francis J. Parker and Edward Riddle. It was in this year, 1857, that Nathaniel P. Banks was elected governor, and the following year, while filling the office, one of his first acts was to disband the famous Montgomery Guards, a prominent military or- ganization of which Mr. Toomey was the cap- tain. This act created considerable excitement throughout the city. A few years afterward another military company was organized by Mr. Toomey and performed excellent war service. This latter company waited upon Capt. Toomey in the Pearl St. House and presented him with a magnificent sword as a token of their esteem.
Throughout his entire career as a lawyer Mr. Toomey stood high in his profession. He gave his entire time and attention to his clients, carefully studied and examined into each case entrusted to him, with the result that he was thoroughly informed in regard to each. In court, he was a vigorous and eloquent pleader and an orator of considerable reputation.
Not alone in politics, but in social affairs, was Mr. Toomey well known. In Springfield he was chosen the first president of the first Irish society organized in that city. He was also, for many years, the leading male singer in the first Catholic Church established in Springfield, and was eagerly sought after to speak at society meetings. In Boston he was a member of many of the leading organizations and was identified with the old Franklin St. Cathedral in the latter days of old Fort Hill ..
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