USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Stoneham > History of Stoneham, Massachusetts > Part 11
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Enga by A H. Ritchie
Luther Hill
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Hill was the first to apply the sewing-machine to the fitting of shoes, and later connected it with steam-power. Many of the best and most complicated machines used in the manufacture of shoes to-day have sprung from these inventions of Mr. Hill. He retired from the firm Nov. 10, 1866, after a suc- cessful business career of forty years, bearing with him the love and esteem of all with whom he had been associated.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Hill had the welfare and progress of his native town warmly at heart, and was prominently identified with all meas- ures for its advancement. He was largely interested in real estate, helped to introduce street lighting by gas, and with six others planned and pushed to completion the Stoneham Street Railway. His good judgment, progressive views and dispassionate manner in debate gave him influence as a citizen. His townsmen's appreciation of these qualities was shown by his election to the office of selectman, school committee, overseer of the poor and assessor. He discharged these duties with the same fidelity, honesty and integrity that distinguished his conduct in every relation of life. Strong in his sense of justice and the principle of universal right, he was a warm supporter of George Thompson and William Lloyd Garrison, and was among the first to join the anti-slavery movement in the days when to avow and maintain its principles meant almost social ostracism. He was one of the founders of the Unitarian Church in Stoneham, and showed the sincerity of his religious faith by the purity of his daily life. In June, 1840, Mr. Hill was married to Sarah At- well Stevens, of Stoneham, daughter of Darius Stevens, and granddaughter of the Rev. John H. Stevens, who officiated at the marriage ceremony. This marriage was in all respects a most fortunate and happy one, and in his home the utmost harmony and confidence prevailed. Mr. Hill was a strong advo- cate of woman's suffrage. His daughters shared equally with his sons his thoughts and wise counsel, and to all he gave the same opportunities for edu- cation and usefulness. Mr. Hill was a self-made man in every sense of the word ; whatever he achieved in life was due to his own efforts. While he was sincere and firm in his convictions, his nature was kindly, his impulses generous, and his judgment of others most charitable. He died at his home in Stoneham, October 31, 1877, leaving his wife, four sons and four daughters.
AMASA FARRIER.
The name at the head of this article will long be held in the memories and hearts of the people of Stoneham. Though not a great man in the sense of national recognition and service ; though eminence in the eyes of the great world was not his portion ; yet, in the virtues which cluster about and form a noble manhood, Amasa Farrier was the peer of the greatest. His worth was made
AMASA FARRIER.
JOHN FARRIER.
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up of sterling, manly acts-cts, that like his speech, were the offspring of a nature, every fibre of which breathed with honesty and manliness. His wealth was in character, not in reputation or the estimate placed upon one by others, but in that other, and nobler Lecause higher, attribute of manhood, which is made up of what a man is, and not what he appears to be.
Mr. Farrier, son of Elizabeth and John. was born in Peterboro', N. H., Aug. 2, 1803. While a young man he taught school, afterwards removing to Boston, where he opened a dry goods store, keeping the same for several years. He came to Stoneham in 1838, soon after marrying Miss Cynthia Center, of East Wilton, N. H., and entering into business at the old Com- modore Richardson store. His tact, thrift, and honest business methods commended him to our people, and for about twelve years he was a model storekeeper. At this time he was much engaged in surveying, and was held in such esteem by his fellow-citizens that he was selected for various town offices, in fact, few men have been so often honored by their fellow-citizens as Amasa Farrier; and few have proved so deserving, or have brought to public office such high character and qualifications as this typical American. From 1837 to 1839 he was Town Clerk, also in 1844. He was Selectman in 1839-51-56 and 1857 ; and Assessor in 1839-51-57-66-67-69-76 and 1879. He was Overseer of the Poor in 1839. Town Treasurer in 1836-37-39-40 and 1841. Town Collector in 1836-37-39-40 and 1841. School Committee in 1837-38 and '44. He was a member of the committee for laying out of William Street Cemetery in 1844, and Lindenwood Cemetery in 1862, and was elected treasurer of the latter in 1863 and 1864. and in 1868-73-78 and 1883.
Only one child was born to this union, a son John, who resided with his parents till 1860, when he shipped on a merchant vessel bound to Key West, being absent nearly one year. In 1861, at the time of the beginning of the Civil War, John was 21 years of age, and anxious to enlist, but instead em- barked again for a voyage to Key West. Arriving in England the crew of the vessel were discharged and cheaper help employed for the balance of the voyage. John wrote to his parents giving the facts of the case, saying that he should sail in another vessel for his destination, and upon its arrival he would again write, but the letter never came, and as year after year rolled by with no tidings from the absent one he was at last given up as dead, as yel- low fever was raging there at that time. In another place we give his por- trait.
We would call the attention of our young men to the life and character of Mr. Amasa Farrier as furnishing the best evidence that, in the race of life, earnest effort, backed by that manhood whose speech and acts possess the ring of honesty and genuineness, will always win what all are after, viz : Contentment and competency. Mr. Farrier was comfortably situated in point
DARIUS STEVENS, (See Page 93.)
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of worldly goods, thanks to his industry and habits of thrift. In the beau -- tiful words of Pope, he was-
"A public man, yet friend to truth ! of soul sincere, In action faithful, and in honor clear; Who broke no promise, serv'd no private end, Who gained no title, and who lost no friend."
Mr. Farrier was the founder of our beautiful Lindenwood Cemetery, and. attended to the duties of a Trustee till within a few days of his death. He also took a great interest in the erection and care of the Soldier's Monument there. It was he that suggested that Henry Wilson be invited to deliver the. oration at its dedication.
Mr. Farrier died August 20, 1883, at the age of 80 years. His widow now resides at the homestead on Central Street.
JOSEPH LEEDS.
He was the son of Josiah and Anna G. Leeds, and born at Dorchester,. November 12, 1799. He came to Stoneham when about 21 years of age,. and established himself in the blacksmith business. He married, June 5th,. 1823, Eliza, youngest daughter of Capt. David and Sarah R. Gerry. She died of lingering consumption Jan. 19, 1824. March 6, 1825, he married. Betsy, daughter of Stephen and Hannah W. Lynde. She died March 22, 1826. March 27, 1827, he married Eliza, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Lynde, of Malden. They lived harmoniously together nearly forty-five years, united by indissoluble ties of sympathy and affection. He was a kind, ten -. der, provident husband and father, social and domestic in his feelings and a dear lover of home. He was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends,. temperate and moral in his habits, and a trustworthy, exemplary citizen. By industry and economy he accumulated a handsome property. He had a large share of the religious element in his nature, and was one of the founders of the Universalist Society in this place, and one of the prominent stockholders of the Stoneham Branch Railroad. He was a liberal supporter and earnest advocate of the doctrine of unlimited salvation. He died Dec. 17, 1871.
LUKE GOVE.
Mr. Gove was born in Ware, N. H., April 26, 1804, of Quaker parents. who died when he was but 10 years of age. Thrown upon his own resources he finally learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for sev- eral years. At the age of 23 he married and removed to Vermont, where he followed his trade for a time ; he returned to Ware and remained there three years ; removed to Hancock, N. H., and kept the Hancock Academy board -- ing house three years. In 1841 he came to Stoneham and engaged in mak-
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ing shoes, at which occupation he remained eighteen months. Not liking this employment he went to Lowell and opened a boot and shoe and dry goods store, in which business he remained eleven years. In 1855 he re- moved to Woburn, kept a dry goods store one year, then returned to Stone- ham, where he remained until his death. On his return to Stoneham he en- gaged in the manufacture of shoe boxes, and received a liberal patronage from the manufacturers in town.
During his sojourn in Stoneham he made many sincere friends ; his pleas- ant countenance was ever welcome in all circles; and although possessed of strong prejudices, yet his genial nature, his kindness and sympathy for all, were a sure passport to the society of all whom he chose for associates, and by his sterling honor and integrity he won the confidence and respect of all.
He had been a Mason for many years, a Knight Templar, and a member of Hugh de Payne Commandery of Melrose. Mr. Gove became interested in the subject of spiritualism at Lowell in 1843, but was a member of the Chris- tian Union Society in Stoneham several years before his death.
Politics were not particularly attractive to him, but his sympathies and labors were for the oppressed, for the greatest good of the greatest number, and for the reformation of all evils, political, moral and social. His motto seemed to be, Progression in all things. Whatever course of conduct he pursued, it was with a sincere belief of its being the best and noblest. He died August 22, 1876.
J. CLINTON CHASE.
J. Clinton Chase, son of Abram and Deborah Chase, was born in Deerfield, Centre, N. H,, June 25, 1835, and was 51 years of age at his death, which occurred October 28, 1886.
He received his education in the district schools and at Pittsfield (N. H.) Academy, which he left in 1857 and came to Wakefield, Mass. Mr. Chase came to Stoneham in 1860 and worked for M. P. Sweetser & Co., grocers, in the old store where Chase's Block now stands. In 1862 he purchased the business and carried it on until 1864, when his brother, A. Alfred Chase went into company with him, under the firm name of Chase Brothers. In 1874 they built the brick block which bears their name and occupied one of the large stores for 16 years. Mr. Chase was one of the town's most active business men, and was always ready to aid any enterprise in the interest of the town, or his fellow citizens. Of a jovial nature, people coming into his store were at once attracted to him by his natural way of winning their friend- ship. By his manly disposition and genial kind-hearted nature, he drew around him a large circle of friends, both in his public and private life. When his death was announced it sent a gloom throughout the community.
He was Collector of Taxes in 1867-8-9, and was chairman of the Board of
J. CLINTON CHASE.
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Selectmen in 1877, and held various offices of trust in the different organi- zations of which he was a member. He was a member of Columbian Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of King Cyrus Lodge, F, & A. M., being a Past Master, and at the time of his death treasurer of the Lodge. He was also a member of Hugh de Payne Commandery of Knights Templars. of the Scottish Rites of Masonry, and had taken nearly all of the higher degrees.
DAVID HIBBARD MESSER.
David Hibbard, son of Ebenezer and Lydia Messer, was born in Landaft, N. H., March 17th, 1820. His father was a country shoemaker, and he worked with him, and also at Littleton.
At the age of nineteen he came to Stoneham, and followed the same occu- pation, both in making custom work and cutting, working in a little building that stood in rear of the home on Common street, a place of resort well re- membered by our older citizens.
He did not work at the business continuously. For a number of years he was a clerk in James A. Green's country store on Main Street, and janitor of the Town Hall. He was also a pioneer photographer. His studio was on Pleasant Street. on the northerly side in the house that stands first from Cen- tral street.
To our people and those of the surrounding towns he was best known as Undertaker Messer. As far back as 1843 he engaged in this business. Of late years his son Frank H. Messer was associated with him.
Deceased was very cour eous and pleasant in his manners, and in the house of mourning his care and quiet thoughtfulness was manifested on every occasion, lightening the burdens of the sorrowing.
As a citizen he was greatly respected. From boyhood up he was a hard, earnest worker, and did faithfully whatever duties were entrusted to him, and fairly won the popularity he held in the community. In his religious views he was broad and liberal, and quite a firm believer in spiritualism.
August 12th, 1841, Mr. Messer was united in marriage to Martha A. Stone, daughter of Aaron Stone, one of the old Stoneham families, residing corner Franklin and Summer Streets. They were a devoted and affectionate couple all through life.
For over thirty years he resided in the house on Common Street. Here all but three of a family of nine children were born. Two daughters and four sons are alive : Miss Lura J., Willie W., Frank H., Walter A., Charles W. and Mrs. Nellie M. Walker of Reading.
Mr. Messer was the last but one of a family of twelve children, eight boys. Mr. Loring Messer, of Warren, Ohio, is the only living brother.
Among the Odd Fellows of Stoneham Mr. Messer possessed the warmest
DAVID HIBBARD MESSER.
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and most sincere friends. He joined Columbian Lodge, No. 29, in 1871. He never aspired to high office, but his brother Odd Fellows showed their confidence by electing him treasurer for several terms. This position he held when the lodge bought the property ili Central Square. He was a member of Columbian Encampment No. 43, and with his wife a member of Evergreen Degree Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. He died April 4. 1890.
JESSE CURTIS.
Jesse Curtis, son of Israel and Phoebe Curtis. was born in Middleton, Mass., March 24, 1816. His boyhood days were spent in that town, and at the age of eighteen he came to Stoneham, working for the late Ira Gerry at the shoe business, and boarding in his family, afterwards manufacturing shoes on his own account. In 1844 he married Miss Helen Gerry of Malden, Mass., three children were born to them, two of whom still live. His wife died in Janu- ary, 1855, and in November of the same year he married Miss Sarah Jane Bell, of Boston, Mass. ; to them five children were born, three of them dying in infancy. In 1850 he started a dry goods store on Winter Street at his late residence, and when Dow's Block was completed he moved his stock into one of the stores there, having at that time the largest dry goods store in town.
Perhaps there never lived in any town a man who occupied so many offices so long a time, without alienating, in a much larger degree, the friendship of fellow-citizens. His first public office was held in 1856, being elected to the office of Selectman. Tbe next year he served as Selectman and Assessor, and since 1856 he had been elected to the office of Selectman 8 years, held the office of Assessor 18 years, Overseer of the Poor 4 years, serving the last three years of his life as Chairman of the Board of Assessors. Mr. Curtis was one of the war selectmen of Stoneham, serving in '61 and '62. He was possessed of sterling principles, and having once satisfied himself that he was right on any point, he could not be induced to swerve. He counted neither position nor money in the performance of his duties, and at the frequent sac- rifice of both, sustained his honor and retained a conscience void of self- offence.
Mr. Curtis possessed a disposition that easily ripened into friendship, cor- dial and genial. He had a large circle of friends among the working class, who frequently went to him for counsel or guidance, always to meet with a willing assistance. In his religious views he was very broad, being governed by a sense of right. Mr. Curtis was never of very robust health, even when a young man passing the winter of 1849 in the South for his health, return- ing greatly restored.
Mr. Curtis died August 2, 1882, at the age of 66 years, leaving a wife, three daughters and one son.
JESSE CURTIS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SHETCHES.
GEORGE ALBERT COWDREY.
George Albert, son of George and Emily Cowdrey, was born in Stoneham, Massachusetts, Apri: 9th, 1848. After the usual course in the public schools he attended Waitt's Academy at Wakefield, and French's Commercial Col- lege, at Boston, graduating there. He early gave his attention to the shoe business. He was given employment in the shoe factories of E. P. Dunck- lee and William D. Brackett, Jr., where he held several positions of respon- sibility and trust, until failing health caused him to retire.
Mr. Cowdrey was elected to the House of Representatives of 1878, serving on the Committee on the Liquor Law. He had held the offices of Selectman and Assessor for several years. Mr. Cowdrey was a popular young citizen, and esteemed very highly by his acquaintances. He married Caroline A. Young of Dorchester, Mass., Nov. 27th, 1872. He died July 12th, 1881, leaving a widow and one son. He was a member of King Cyrus Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
EDWARD F. BUSWELL.
Edward F. Buswell, son of Samuel and Susan (Eaton) Buswell, was born in Candia, N. H., November 17, 1831. He obtained his education in the public schools and at the academy. In early life he was employed at shoe- making, but having other desires and qualifications, he taught school in his own town and Dunstable, Mass., with the utmost satisfaction. He also was a master of music and penmanship. April 7, 1857, Mr. Buswell was married at East Boston to Miss Clara L. Cass, of Candia, N. H., and on the following day came to Stoneham to reside.
For several years he followed with untiring energy the business of shoemaking, and know well what was involved in a hard day's toil at the bench. For his many exceptionally good traits of character, among which predominated a pleasing and cheerful disposition, he won many friends. Mr. Buswell, with Mr. Charles H. Drew, operated the first heeling machines in town, being at that time in the employ of John Hill & Company. In 1865 he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Chas. H. Drew, under the style of Drew & Buswell, and they very successfully conducted the shoe manufactur- ing business for fourteen years. During his business connection with this firm he endeared himself to those who served in his employ by his love of fair and just treatment, and lis social disposition. Although solicited on frequent occasions to accept of town offices, he always declined, preferring the independence and quiet of private life. Three children were born to him, Harry L., Lena May, who passed away March 13, 1871, and Edna Frances.
Like many other hardy sons of New Hampshire, he was a self made man and by his push and business tact, was more than comfortably well off. He
GEORGE ALBERT COWDREY.
EDWARD F. BUSWELL.
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was a member of Waverly Chapter of Melrose, and King Cyrus Lodge, F. and A. M., of Stoneham, and was closely identified with other local socie- ties.
After a brief illness of malignant diphtheria Mr. Buswell died on April 6, 1879, in the 48th year of his age, after a life of much usefulness to his fel- lowmen. His widow, Mrs. Clara L. Buswell, resides in a handsome modern residence on Main Street.
EDWARD TUCK WHITTIER.
Edward T., son of Isaac and Sarah Whittier, was born in Deerfield Cen- tre, N. H., August 13th, 1819, and was the sixth child in the family, an only brother, Samuel, of Deerfield Centre, N. H., now surviving. His early days were spent at home, working on a farm, attending during its brief sessions, the district school. At the age of sixteen he was enabled to attend Pem- broke Academy for two or three terms, and having acquired considerable knowledge and ability, taught school for several terms in his native State. About the age of nineteen he was induced to come to Stoneham by Wm. G. Skinner, the well-known auctioneer of Wakefield ; on his arrival here or soon thereafter, he was employed as a teacher in the public schools, and not a few mothers and many fathers to-day were under his skilful tuition. About this time he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Jane Young, and four sons and one daughter were born to them.
He next tried the business of shoemaking, and after working at the bench for two years, it became distasteful to him and he abandoned it. In 1840 he opened a periodical and variety store in the basement of the Universalist Church. He was also local agent for the Boston Daily Bee and Herald, eight or ten copies of each being requisite at that time to supply the wants of his patrons.
About the year 1856 he purchased the land and building in Central Square owned by George W. Dike, and removed his business thereto. In 1858 the Post Office, which at the time was in the Dike Building (now T. H. Jones'), was removed to this store, and at the recommendation of Hon. Geo. W. Dike, postmaster, Mr. Whittier was appointed his assistant, which posi- tion he held three years. In 1859 he erected a substantial two and a half story business block on the vacant lot south of the old building, and again removed his business. In 1867 the old building was removed to the rear, and the present Whittier Block was erected.
Mr. Whittier being of a natural literary disposition, and having acquired considerable mechanical skill, he purchased in 1860 his first installment of type, press, and other articles of utility required in a printing office, where- with to supply the demand of the community in this direction, only venturing in this enterprise on a small scale. The work was executed in a room at the
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D.,
EDWARD TUCK WHITTIER.
4:
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HISTORY OF STONEHAM.
rear of the Post Office. Success crowned his efforts, his business increased, the plant was enlarged, extensive additions of material and presses being made during the ten years following. Only the untiring energy, perseverance and business integrity displayed could have accomplished so desirable a result.
In 1861, under the administration of President Lincoln, he was appointed Postmaster, and held the office until 1872, when his successor was appointed. During these years he was called upon to fill several offices of trust and re- sponsibility, among which were the positions of Selectman, School Commit- tee, etc., serving with the 'same zeal and fidelity that had always characterized his actions in private life.
At the breaking out of the war he was a worker for the interests, and a strong friend of the Country's defenders, two of his eldest sons, Charles and Leonard, whose portraits will be found on page 90, sacrificed their lives.
March 21, 1870, he issued the first number of the STONEHAM AMATEUR. The pages were 62 x 9, and were printed singly on a Gordon job press. The first six issues of the paper were distributed gratuitously, after which a small subscription price was charged. The paper was enlarged as demands re- quired, four times, and the name was changed in 1876 to the STONEHAM INDEPENDENT. At Mr. Whittier's death the size of the paper was 24 x 36. For quite a while Mr. Whittier was the local correspondent of the Middlesex County Journal. In the early stages of his newspaper work he performed the writing, composition, etc., being assisted in the mechanical work by his two remaining sons, and by his thrift and industry built up a thriving and successful business. Liberal in his views and possessing a spirit of charity of undoubted genuineness, the columns were always open for outspoken ut- terances on any question, whenever required, especially in religious matters.
For several years he played the organ in the Universalist Church, during Mr. Squires' ministry here. For fifteen or twenty years Mr. Whittier occu- pied a prominent position in the community by his strong avowal of spirit- ualism. For a number of years he was President of the Children's Progres- sive Lyceum.
He was a beloved and respected member of Columbian Lodge and Colum- bian Encampment, I. O. O, F., serving as Vice-Grand and Treasurer of the Lodge for a number of years, being prevented, through ill-health, from pass- ing through the chair. He and his son Leonard were charter members of Crystal Gem Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars, Mr. Whit- tier serving as Worthy Chief Templar for one term. He was also connected with various town institutions.
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