USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Stoneham > History of Stoneham, Massachusetts > Part 12
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For many years he had been a great sufferer with asthma, not being able to lie down, but getting his rest and sleep while sitting in a chair. Six weeks prior to his death he accidentally bruised his leg below the knee. it became inflamed, and after a week of careful nursing the wound healed, but the foundation of what caused his death was laid, as phlegmonous erysipelas
DR. WINTHROP FLINT STEVENS.
I34
HISTORY OF STONEHAM.
accompanied with suppuration of the thigh, grew out of that sore, and as his constitution was completely broken down by asthmatic breathing, it resulted in his death at 59 years of age. The funeral services in the Christian Union Church were very impressive, being performed by Rev. S. W. Squires, of Franklin, a Universalist, who had also officiated at the funerals of Charles and Leonard. Large delegations from Columbian Lodge and Columbian Encampment, I. O. O. F., were present, and performed the beautiful cere- mony at the grave. Out of respect all the places of business were closed during the hours of the funeral.
DR. WINTHROP FLINT STEVENS.
Dr. Winthrop Flint Stevens, the son of Dr. William F. and Mary Jane Gould (Burnham) Stevens, was born at Stoneham, February 5th, 1848. He entered Phillips Academy, Exeter, in 1863, where he fitted for college, and entered Dartmouth College in 1865, graduating in 1869. Entering the Har- vard Medical School in the autumn of 1869, he attended lectures there for three years, taking his medical degree in 1872. In September, 1873, he married Helen Maria Curtis. Was appointed by Gov. Robinson Medical Examiner in 1885, and held that position until his death. For many years he was Town Physician and trustee of the Public Library. He died Sept. 5th, 1890, aged 42 years, leaving a wife and daughter.
A few brief sentences thus epitomize the story of a life; those who knew Winthrop Stevens will read between the lines those qualities of mind and heart that made him what he was.
As a physician he was widely known and esteemed. He was skilful and sympathetic, cheerful himself and inspiring hope in others. In his ministra- tions he never spared himself. During the last two years of his life, he was oftentimes sicker than the patients he attended, keeping about his work till the last call of the day had been made, and returning home prostrated by physical exhaustion. As a public official he was faithful in his duties, fearless in their discharge, and independent in his opinions. While he was always a welcome guest, he cared little for what is recognized as society life. He was preeminently a family man, finding his chief happiness in the home circle and in comradeship of intimate friends.
There was nothing in his character more conspicuous than the straight- forwardness of his dealings. Whatever object he wished to attain he knew no such word as policy, and tolerated no indirectness of approach. He was plain spoken without giving offence-perhaps the rarest of natural gifts. There was no doubt of his position on the leading topics of the day. He was decided in his convictions, and, when called upon, withheld not his tes- timony from fear of any possible loss. Above all things he despised shams,
CAPT. JAMES HILL GOULD.
136
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
whether shams in politics, religion, or social life; but while he cared little for the outward semblance of realities, for the realities themselves he had the deepest respect and reverence. His business kept him from regular attend- ance at church, and the constitution of his mind led him to disregard forms ; but he was devout by nature, and had an unquestioning faith in the great truths of religion. One can but feel that this life of plain duty and single faith, cut short in its prime, must find scope for its development in the hereafter.
CAPT. JAMES HILL GOULD.
Capt. James H. Gould was born in Woburn, February 18, 1793, where he spent the first eight years of his life. He was the son of Thomas Gould and nephew of Jacob Gould, who was murdered for his money, Nov. 25, 1819. Mr. Gould possessed a genial disposition ; was strictly honest and honorable in all his dealings; ever generous and open-handed to the needy, as many can testify ; none were allowed to leave his doors hungry or destitute. He possessed the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, taking an active part in town affairs, and was several times elected to fill offices within their" gift, and as Selectman or Assessor he was faithful and just. In military mat- ters, when he was a young man he evinced much interest, and for several years held the position as Captain of a company of state militia. At one time, in the prime of life, he was engaged in company with a brother-in-law, in the manufacture of shoes. By his energy, good management and economy he succeeded in accumulating a competency of property.
Mr. Gould was married to Heppzibah Lynde, daughter of Deacon Jabez Lynde, one child being the result of this union ; they both died several years before Mr. Gould, whose death occurred June 14, 1878.
WILLIE H. RICHARDSON.
Willie H. Richardson. only child of Henry M. and Emma G. Richardson was born in Stoneham, May 26, 1844.
He was one of the first to enlist in the defence of his country, joining Co. F, 5th Massachusetts Regiment, which left Boston on the 21st day of April, 1861.
About the middle of June while the Regiment was encamped at Alexan- dria, Va., Willie was one day loading his revolver and accidentally shot him- self, the ball entering his breast. Surgical aid was rendered and there was good grounds to hope for his recovery, but mortification set in and he died two weeks later, July 7, being the first Stoneham soldier whose life was sac- rificed. His father on hearing of the accident, went on and was with him at the time of death.
WILLIE H. RICHARDSON.
I38
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
. He was a young man of much promise, beloved not only by his friends and companions at home, but also by the officers and privates of the Regi- ment, who spoke of him as a young man of strict moral worth and integrity of character, and faithful and energetic in the performance of duty.
HON. GEO. W. DIKE.
This eminent and worthy citizen, son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Willey) Dikc was born in Stoneham, April 14, 1807.
Mr. Dike was one of our most respected and honored citizens, having served the town in almost every office within the gift of his fellow-citizens. He had been Selectman, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, Highway Surveyor, Town Treasurer, School Committee, Trustee of Public Library, Trustee of Lindenwood Cemetery, Auditor, &c. He was Governor's Councillor under Boutwell. He was also a candidate for Congress about fifty years ago-run- ning as a Democrat against the Whig candidate, Daniel P. King, of Danvers. For several years he took the census of the children, by request of the School Committee, always performing the duty efficiently and accurately.
Mr. Dike was first married in Stoneham May 22, 1828, to Martha Howard of Stoneham. Of this union four children were born. Mrs. Dike died Nov. 19, 1839. He again married in Stoneham April 2, 1840, to Clarissa, widow of John Howard. Of this union were two children. She died November 17, 1846. Mr. Dike was married for the third time at Ipswich in Junuary, 1848, to Lavinia, S. Fellows of Ipswich. Of this union were two children. The widow still survives.
He commenced business at his father's house on Marble Street, the west end of the house standing in Winchester and the east end in Stoneham, where he manufactured shoes- carrying his goods to Boston on his back, and returning with stock in the same way. He subsequently moved to a building which stood on the site now occupied by Mr. Arad Gerry's mansion, where he kept an old-fashioned country store, besides manufacturing shoes and running the post-office. He then moved to where Holden Bros.' store now is, and continued his business, finally moving to the building belonging to H. H. Mawhinney on Central Street, which was built by him and his brother Lyman.
Mr. Dike held the office of Postmaster under Polk, but lost it when Tay- lor came in, Mr. John Hill being then appointed. He was again appointed when Taylor went out, and lost it when Buchanan went out of power, Mr. Edward T. Whittier being his successor. He was associated on the Board of Selectmen with Mr. Thomas Melbourne and Mr. B. F. Richardson, in 1850 and 1851.
HON. GEORGE W. DIKE.
140
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Among other things he sold periodicals and papers, the first daily papers sold in town passing through his hands. A great run was made on the Daily Times when it first came out to this town from Boston. He always took a live, intelligent interest in politics, and was a life-long Democrat- always able to give good reason for his political faith. Nothing delighted him more than to have a good listener, to whom he could retail his battles and victories in this warfare. He commenced his political career in Jackson's time. Mr. Dike was a prominent and popular Odd Fellow, had passed through the chair, and was a representative to the Grand Lodge.
Mr. Dike died July 5, 1883, aged 76 years.
JOHN F. DORR.
John Frank Dorr, son of John and Martha Dorr, was born in Milton, N. H., June 24, 1852. He was educated in the public schools of Charlestown, Mass.
His father died when John was quite young and the latter having only his own resources for dependence in life left school at the age of sixteen years and went to work in the retail drug store of John Choate, in Fitchburg, where he remained eight or nine years, but was compelled to give up on ac- count of ill-health. He took a trip of a few months in the West and then accepted a position as travelling salesman for Gilman Brothers, wholesale druggists, Boston, his duties taking him into Maine and Western Massachu- setts. While employed by this firm he bought out the drug store of S. S. Howland, on Main Street, and also became a partner in a firm in the same business in Baldwinsville, Mass. His partner conducted the Baldwinsville store and Mr. Dorr engaged a clerk to take charge of the Stoneham business, but he continued in the employ of Gilman Brothers, although contemplating resigning his position to apply himself to his own enterprises.
While on a trip for the firm he was taken suddenly ill at Townsend, Mass., with typhoid fever. Although in a serious condition he started immediately for Fitchburg, where after a sickness of five weeks he died at the home of his sister, Mrs. John H. Scott, May 6, 1884.
Mr. Dorr was married in Stoneham, August 10, 1879, to Miss Mary E. Thompson, daughter of Jonathan Thompson of this town, and his home was here from the time of his marriage until his decease. Two children were the result of their union, a son, James Colby, now deceased, and a daughter, Louise Jeannette, who is now living.
Mr. Dorr was intelligent, active and progressive, and had he lived would no doubt have been a man of much influence in Stoneham, as he had already won the esteem and favor of our people, and an exceptionally suc- cessful business career was predicted for him.
JOHN FRANK DORR.
142
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
He was a member of Mt. Roulstone Lodge, I. O. O. F., and King David Encampment, I. O. O. F., both of Fitchburg, and an attendant of the Uni- tarian Church.
Since Mr. Dorr's decease the business left by him in Stoneham has been continued by his widow. It has been supervised by her father who has had the assistance of experienced clerks.
With admirable foresight in making provision for his family against the uncertainty of life, Mr. Dorr provided life insurance which in the event of his death might keep his dependent ones from want, and this with what he ac- cumulated has enabled his widow to carry forward a profitable business and enjoy a comfortabe living.
In 1888 she erected the large building on Main street which is now occu- pied on the ground floor by the Post Office and the drug store, the stock of which latter she removed from its quarters in the Gerry block when the new building was completed. .
The second floor is occupied by the Sportsmans' Club, and the upper floor by the Athletic Club.
STONEHAM TO-DAY.
The town of Stoneham lies a little west of north from Boston at a dis- tance of 5 1-2 miles for her southern boundary, and about 9 1-2 for her northern. Her eastern and western boundaries extend in the main along two ranges of hills whose general trend is north and south. Occupying as she does these hills, and the diversified country between them, considerably higher than the surrounding towns, she presents features of
UNSURPASSED ATTRACTIVENESS
to those who may be seeking suburban residences. Although the surface is everywhere broken into hills and valleys, yet every hill is easily accessible by gentle slopes and available and convenient for residences up to its very sum- mit. From the tops of many of these hiils the
MOST MAGNIFICENT VIEWS
of the surrounding country opens to the beholder. From the cupola of a house on any of these hills, the owner would have an outlook of from
THREE HUNDRED TO FIVE HUNDRED SQUARE MILES,
with views of far distant mountains, and, occasionally, beautiful glimpses of the ocean. And yet in most cases he would be only a few minutes walk from a railroad station.
One has only to stand on the top of Farm Hill to the North, or on any of the many elevations on the East extending from Dunckleeville to the site of the Langwood Hotel near Spot Pond, or on the Bear Hill and Turkey Mountain range or Nobility Hill on the West, to comprehend the truth of this statement.
SPOT POND
in the southern part of the town, discovered, described and named by Gov. Winthrop in February, 1632, is the most beautiful water scene in the vicinity of Boston. The shores almost all around it are high and dry, and furnish ideal sites for suburban residences.
145
STONEHAM TO-DAY.
One of the most important considerations for a residential town is the
QUESTION OF HEALTH,
and in this respect Stoneham can show an excellent record. Though de- pending entirely in this respect upon her elevated position and natural drain- age, the only town in the vicinity of Boston that can match her health record is Newton. For example, from the report of the Board of Health for 1889, the latest one before me; the average number of deaths per one thousand of population for the state, is about nineteen. For Woburn it is 17.42, for Wakefield, 15.32 ; Melrose, 15.08 ; Malden, 17.30; Arlington, 19.50; and
STONEHAM, 14.36.
For Newton it is about the same as for Stoneham. This is a fair sample of the record for years, and when the general condition and occupation of our people is taken into account, it can only be explained on the ground of pure air and freedom from miasma.
Another point may not be without interest. Two summers ago a gentle- man living in one of the towns on our western border, complained to the writer that the mosquito pest was almost unbearable, yet at the same time in Stoneham, trouble from that source was almost unknown.
THE SUPERIOR CLAIMS OF STONEHAM
to be a residential town, have been obscured by the lack of desirable railroad facilities to Boston. Again and again gentlemen seeking suburban homes have visited the town and been charmed by its natural beauties, but have gone elsewhere for better railroad accommodations. This objection, how- ever, is soon to be removed.
A new route has been surveyed, and to be constructed the present sum- mer, it is hoped, connecting the present terminus of the Stoneham Branch of the Lowell R. R. with the Boston and Maine at the Fells Station in Mel- rose-a distance of about three miles. By this link a
COMPLETE CIRCUIT WILL BE FORMED
so that trains can be run from Boston via the Lowell R. R., the present Stoneham Branch, the new road, and the Boston and Maine back to Boston again. The distance to Boston will thus be reduced
FOUR MILES
and the number of stops greatly reduced. If the management of the Boston and Maine is in wise hands as we must suppose it is, it will be for the inter- est of that corporatien to give Stoneham such accommodations as will be equal to any around Boston.
IO
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
147
STONEHAM TO-DAY.
When in time the system is completed by extending the new line through to Reading, and by a circuit of electric roads taking in the country to the westward of Spot Pond and bringing what is known as the Fells region into connection with the steam road, every inch of Stoneham will be available for suburban residences, and there will no longer be any need for those seeking suburban homes, to locate in low, swampy districts.
The section of the Fells alluded to, lying West of Spot Pond, is one of the most beautiful parts of Stoneham. Its charms have led some enthusias- tic individuals to agitate a scheme for making it a part of a great Park to be known as Middlesex Fells Park, but in the opinion of the writer a better use can be made of it by making it available for pleasant homes.
At present there is a horse railroad extending east and west through the town, connecting with Woburn on the West, and Melrose and places beyond on the East. Also there is projected an electric railroad from Wakefield to Stoneham. Both of these roads will aid materially in the development of the town.
THE CHURCHES OF STONEHAM
represent five different denominations, all of them active and aggressive, and all of them ready to extend a cordial greeting to strangers, or to new comers who may desire a church home.
The oldest of these churches is the Congregational (Trinitarian) whose building occupies a fine plat of ground between Main Street and that part of Central Street known as Church Square.
The present pastor is the Rev. W. W. Sleeper, installed May 15, 1890. It has connected with it a well organized and flourishing Sabbath School.
Other active organizations connected with this church. are the Stevens Home Missionary Society, the Benevolent Society, Prayer and Mission Cir- cle, Social Circle, Y. P. S. C. E., Junior S. C. E., a Choral Society, and other working clubs among the younger members.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. W. H. Meredith, pastor, stands at the north-west corner of Church Square, and is a commodious building, always open to every good cause.
Besides its excellent Sabbath School, it has among its active organizations a Ladies' Social Circle, a Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society, a Ladies' Home Missionary Society, a Young People's Epworth League, a Junior Epworth League, and a band of Young Mission Helpers.
The Unitarian Society, Rev. James H. Whitmore, pastor, has its edifice on the east side of Central. Street, north of Church Square. The building erected in 1869, is of the Gothic style of architecture, finished inside to the
U
E
25
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
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UNITARIAN CHURCH.
150
STONEHAM TO-DAY.
rafters, and is tasty and convenient in all respects. In addition to its Sab- bath School and Senior Bible Class, it has a Ladies' Social Circle, and a Young People's Social Union.
The Baptist Society is at the present writing without a pastor. It occu- pies a Chapel east of Church Square, but it is energetic and growing, and is making strenuous efforts to build a fine church on south Main Street, on a lot already procured for that purpose. The plans for the building have been adopted. It is to be of stone, and will be a beautiful addition to the public buildings of the town. Besides its Sabbath School it has among its working organizations, a Ladies' Benevolent Society, and a Young People's Baptist Union.
The St. Patrick's Catholic Society, Rev. D. J. O'Farrell, pastor, Father Ryan, assistant, occupies the largest church edifice in Stoneham. It stands on the corner of Central and Pomeworth streets, and is nearly new, having been completed in 1888. The Society are taking active steps towards build- ing a parochial residence. It has a large Sabbath School.
Besides these various Churches, the people of Stoneham unite in the sup- . port of a Young Men's Christian Association, which was first organized in 1883. Their present rooms are on Franklin Street, and though not by any means ideal accommodations, yet they are pleasant.
In addition to the main parlor, there is a reading room, and a gymnasium. The Ladies' Auxiliary has a parlor and dining-room adjoining. This is a society of devoted ladies to whom the Y. M. C. A. owes much for its suc- cess. The Association, even with its limited means. is believed to be a great influence for good in this community.
The principal officers for 1891 are, of the Association: President, J. B. Hawkins; Ist Vice President, A. H. Cowdrey, M. D .; 2d Vice President, J. S. Lewis; 3d Vice President, F. E. Park, M. D .; Secretary, G. A. Mathews ; Treasurer, A. S. Hovey ; Auditor, J. W. MacDonald; Directors, A. W. Tenney, E. B. White, E. L. Patch; General Secretary, Frank B. Robbins.
Of the Auxiliary : President, Mrs. J. B. Hawkins; Ist Vice President, Mrs. Clara Colley ; 2d Vice President, Miss Hattie Bryant; 3d Vice Presi- dent, Mrs. S. B. Jones ; Secretary, Miss G. A. Richardson ; Treasurer, Miss Louise D. Eddy ; Auditor, Mrs. Mary Patridge; Advisory Committee, Mrs. A. S. Hovey, Mrs. Sarah Perry, Mrs. E. B. White.
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.
152
STONEHAM TO-DAY.
STONEHAM SCHOOLS.
The citizens of Stoneham have ever evinced a lively interest in their public schools, and in consequence of their liberality the schools have been main- tained at a high standard, and compare favorably with others throughout the State. The proportion of appropriations applied to their support is more than one-fourth of the total tax levy, in 1890 the amount set apart for schools being $16,200 out of a total appropriation of $60,250 for all departments of the town.
The teachers are earnest in their work, and are an exceedingly capable body of instructors, and a degree of harmony exists among them that consti- tutes an important factor in conducing to the generally good condition of the schools. A gratifying consequence of this, and one which must convince reasonable minds cannot fail to be of benefit to the schools, is shown in the long-continued service of some of the teachers. The meetings of the Teachers' Association are a source of benefit to the teachers, and through them to the schools.
The High School was first put upon an organized basis in 1856. It has been fortunate in the principals charged with its care and direction, and has been maintained at a high standard, its rank at present comparing well with any High School, its reputation being so good that letters are being con- stantly received from all parts of the country inquiring as to methods pursued in different courses of study.
The school accommodations at present comprise the commodious High School building, in which are located the different classes of the High School as well as the three classes of the Grammar School and the Central Interme- diate ; three rooms in the Town House ; the North, East and South Schools, each in a four-room building, and the Wyoming and North Street Schools, each containing one room. Although the accommodations are not quite adequate to meet the present and ever increasing demand, yet the carrying forward to a consummation of the movement to erect a new Town Hall building will leave the present Town House, which is now partly occupied by the schools, wholly available for school purposes, and thus supply the need for more room.
According to the last school report the total number of scholars enrolled in all the schools of the town was 1036, of this number 533 being boys and 503 girls. The average number belonging was 860, and the average attend- ance was 807, or 94 per ce :. t., this being an excellent showing. The num- ber of children in the town between 5 and 15 years of age was 894.
A Roll of Honor is kept of the scholars who are neither absent nor tardy for one year or more, and on Feb. 1, 1891, Joseph A. Theobald headed the roll with ten consecutive years to his credit. while there were five with six years to their credit, two with five years, three with four years, ten with three years, and twelve with two years.
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
I54
STONEHAM TO-DAY.
The following list of schools and teachers, with the year in which each of the latter began to teach in Stoneham, will be of interest as a matter of record :
High,-James W. McDonald, Principal, 1876. Emma F. Lowd, First Assistant, 1889. Lilian E. Downes, Second Assistant, 1889. Grammar,-First Class, Mary L. Lincoln, 1878. Second Class. Eva F. Hard, 1859. H. Mary Bryant, Assistant, 1890. Third Class, Sec. A, Louise D. Eddy, 1889. Sec. B, Ermina Dike, 1881.
ยท Central Intermediate,-Alice V. Peyton, 1885.
All of the above being in the High School Building.
North Intermediate,-Cora E. Green, 1876.
North Upper Primary,-Mary V. R. Williams, 1868.
North Lower Primary,-Sec. A, Alice M. Pierce, 1885.
Sec. B, Mary F. Livingston, 1887.
These four being in the North School Building at Farm Hill.
South Intermediate,-Mary C. Chauncey, 1877.
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