USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 15
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During this period an additional factory was erected in Chicago in 1892, and eight years later a steel mill was established by the company in the same city. In 19II the steel mill was removed to Lockport, New York, where a complete new and modern equipment was in- stalled. The Fitchburg plant was rebuilt and enlarged in 1905-06, and in the latter year the present great fac- tory in Montreal, Canada, was placed in operation. In 1906 also the manufacture of hack saw blades and files was undertaken in a separate factory, and this branch of the business grew so rapidly that in more recent years new buildings have been continually added to accom- modate the routine operation of the interest. Daniel Simonds received into association with him in the busi- ness his three sons: Alvan T., who since 1913 has been president of the company, of further mention; Gifford K., now general manager, of further mention; and Har- lan K., now treasurer, of further mention. These brothers act as directors also, the board numbering four other members: Thomas F. Howarth, John E. Kelley, Charles L. Sands, and Albert E. Culley. In De- cember, 1922, shortly after the opening of the branch office in Detroit, Michigan, the company sold its assets
in the Simonds File Company, in combination with other interested parties, to a new incorporation known as the Simonds Saw and Steel Company, the personnel of this concern comprising the same officers and directors. The product of this concern is distributed throughout the world, wherever wood or metal is cut. In the various factories and branch offices at the present time (1923) no less than 2,200 people are employed.
Alvan Tracy Simonds, eldest son of Daniel and Ellen M. Simonds, was born at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, De- cember 23, 1876. His education was begun in the local schools, and he was graduated from the Fitchburg High School in the class of 1894. Next attending Phillips- Exeter Academy for one year, he later entered Har- vard University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1899. Specializing at this institution in eco- nomics and metallurgy, Mr. Simonds then took up ad- vanced research in the latter field at the School of Metallurgy, at Sheffield, England, his graduation occur- ring in the year 1900. Thus completing his preparations for his work at the steel center of the old world, he entered upon his career well equipped for responsibility. First filling the position of laboratory assistant with the Simonds Saw and Steel Company, he gained invaluable experience in both the production and distribution de- partments of the plant. He next filled the position of department foreman, then successively order entry clerk, cost accountant, advertising manager, purchasing agent, and vice-president, succeeding to the presidency of the corporation on the death of his honored father. He is further identified with the industrial advance as a director of the Hunter Arms Company, Incorporated, of Fulton, New York, and is a director of the Fitchburg Bank & Trust Company. Mr. Simonds was elected a director of the United States Chamber of Commerce in May, 1922. He is a member of the National Manufac- turers' Association, the American Iron and Steel Insti- tute, a director of the American Supply & Machinery Manufacturers' Association of New York City, and a member of the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce. Dur- ing the World War he served with the rank of captain, from May until December, 1917, in charge of the pur- chase and production of helmets and body armor for the United States Army, then at the close of that period Captain Simonds was relieved from duty at Washington, where he had served under the immediate direction of the ordnance department, to manufacture armor plate for this department. In many other phases of progres- sive effort Mr. Simonds holds executive responsibility or bears a constructive part. He was a founder and guarantor of the Fitchburg Open Forum, and held his office during the years 1919, 1920, and 1921. He is a member of the visiting committee of the Harvard School of Business Administration, of the Harvard Club of Boston, the Engineers' Club of New York, the Brookline Country Club of Boston, and the Fay and Oak Hill Country clubs of Fitchburg. He attends the Calvanistic Congregational Church.
Alvan Tracy Simonds married, on April 16, 1901, at Albany, New York, Susan Gansevoort Lansing, and they are the parents of two children : Robert Mcclellan, born April II, 1902; and Daniel, born February 28, 1906.
Gifford Kingsbury Simonds, second son of Daniel and Ellen M. Simonds, was born at Fitchburg Massa-
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
chusetts, November 29, 1880. Following his early and preparatory studies in the city of his birth, he attended military school at Ossining, New York, then completed his formal education at Hopkinson School, in Boston. He then spent five years in the Fitchburg factory of the concern, working through the different departments, thereafter devoting a certain period of time to each of the various office departments, thereby familiarizing him- self thoroughly with every branch of the business. He subsequently became treasurer of the corporation, and is now also general manager. He is further active as a director of the First National Bank of Boston, and is a director of the Safety Fund National Bank of Fitch- burg. He is prominent in various local affairs, was at one time Alderman of Fitchburg, is a member of the Fay, Oak Hill Country, and Tedesco Country clubs, all of Fitchburg; of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Marble- head, Massachusetts, and the Eastern Yacht Club. He attends the Calvanistic Congregational Church. Gif- ford K. Simonds married, at Fitchburg, Ruth Wood- ward, daughter of Frederick F., and Elizabeth (How- land) Woodward, and they are the parents of three children: Priscilla, born in 1911; Kingsbury, born in 1914; and John, born in 1917.
Harlan Kenneth Simonds, youngest son of Daniel and Ellen M. Simonds, was born January 5, 1883. His early education was received in the local institutions, and he later attended military school at Ossining, New York, also the Hopkinson School of Boston. As his brothers had done, he entered the plant of the Simonds Company and learned all branches of the business through the eminently practical method of experience. Thus fitting himself for the executive responsibility which now de- volves upon him as treasurer of the concern, he is hold- ing high rank in the business world of Fitchburg.
ELMER ALONZO ONTHANK-Those who build up and safeguard the interests of financial institutions which encourage thrift and protect the savings of the public serve the community as well as the organization with which they are connected, in a substantial way. To them is committed much, and upon their integrity and faithfulness depends much of happiness. If they fail in honor or in watchfulness, misfortune and unhappiness must come to many. One of the many faithful pro- tectors of financial prosperity of others is Elmer Alonzo Onthank president of the Safety Fund National Bank of Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
Mr. Onthank is a native of New England, a son of Nahum Ball, a portrait painter, whose work may be seen in many of the prominent galleries of the country, and of Caroline Heath (Clancey) Onthank. Born in West Newton, Massachusetts, April 5, 1870, he completed his education in the English High School of Boston, Massa- chusetts, and then began his long association with the banking business. His first position was with the old Blackstone National Bank of Boston, in the employ of which he held various positions for a period of nine years, from 1888 to 1897. In the latter year he severed his connection with the Blackstone National Bank in order to accept the position of cashier of the Safety Fund National Bank, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. During the more than a quarter of a century which has passed since that time, he has continuously main-
tained his connection with that institution, giving to the advancement of its interests his constant care and de- votion. The value of his service has been fully appre- ciated, and in 1907 he was made president of the bank. His ability and his knowledge of banking affairs have brought to him responsibilities which affect the interests of many financial institutions outside of Fitchburg, and in 1919 he was made president of the Massachusetts Bankers' Association, serving until 1920. In that year his sphere of activities was widened and he became a member of the executive council National Bank Division of the American Bankers' Association for the New Eng- land division, which office of trust he still holds (1923). He is also chairman, stockholder and on the advisory committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Fraternally Mr. Onthank is a member and Past Mas- ter of Aurora Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, in which order he has taken all the degrees up to and in- cluding the thirty-second. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is well known in club circles, being affiliated with the Algonquin Club of Boston, Bankers' Club of New York City, Corinthian Yacht Club of Marblehead, Massachusetts; and Fay Club and Oak Hill Country Club of Fitchburg, Massa- chusetts. He has many friends who esteem him both for his business ability and for his personal character- istics. He religious affiliation is with the First Parish Unitarian Church of Fitchburg.
Elmer Alonzo Onthank married, on March 10, 1903, at West Roxbury, Massachusetts, Grace Bandini Pierce, daughter of Josiah and Mary (Stearns) Pierce. Mr. and Mrs. Onthank are the parents of three sons : Pierce, who was born January 18, 1904; Curtis Heath, who was born May 24, 1905; and Elmer Alonzo, Jr., who was born June 4, 1910.
FRED M. JOHNSON-Throughout the entire period of his business career Fred M. Johnson has been identified with the lumber industry, and as treasurer of the W. A. Fuller Lumber Company of Leominster, and principal owner of the F. M. Johnson Lumber Company of Fitchburg, he is connected with two of the important concerns of their kind in the county. He is also identi- fied with other lumber interests and is thoroughly fa- miliar with all angles of the lumber business.
Born in Newport, Vermont, October 8, 1868, Mr. Johnson is a son of Isaac D. Johnson, a native of Jay, Vermont, who was engaged in the insurance business to the time of his death in 1920, and of Elizabeth (Sias) Johnson, born in Swanton, Vermont, died in 1920. He attended the public schools of his native district, and when his school term was completed found his first employment in a lumber concern, which line of business he has continued to follow. At the present time he is treasurer of the W. A. Fuller Lumber Company of Leominster, which concern is one of the well known and oldest establishments of the State. He is also asso- ciated with the Foster-Johnson Company as one of the partners in a lumber operating company, which has large holdings in Maine, and is also the principal owner and treasurer of the F. M. Johnson Lumber Company of Fitchburg. The latter is the successor of a concern which had for years been operated as a branch of the W. A. Fuller Lumber Company of Leominster Massa-
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BIOGRAPHICAL
chusetts. On January I, 1922, it was incorporated as the F. M. Johnson Lumber Company. The plant is lo- cated on one of the most desirable sites in Fitchburg, and has a ground area of 40,000 square feet, about half of which is covered by modern buildings. The opera- tions of the concern extend beyond Fitchburg to the cities-Gardner, Ashby, Westminster, Princeton, and other parts of that section of the State. Throughout his long career Mr. Johnson's close and continuous as- sociation with the lumber trade has made him an expert in that field, and he is widely known as one of the best authorities on the lumber market and on lumber qualities in the East. He is well known in Masonic circles, being a member of all bodies of the York Rite as far as that of the Knights Templar, and his club is the Leominster Club. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and is also president of the Mutual Cooperative Bank of Leominster. His religious affiliation is with the First Church of Christian Scientists.
Mr. Johnson married, September 14, 1892, Mary G. Graves, who was born in West Shefford, Canada, daugh- ter of Sylvester and Mary (Kent) Graves. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of one son, Stanley G. Johnson, who was born August 23, 1903, and is now manager of the F. M. Johnson Lumber Company of Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
ALFRED FREE, Ph. D .- Of wide social experience and varied scholastic attainments, Dr. Free has had an enviable career not only as a minister of the gospel, but also as an educationalist. He was born at La Grange, New York, April 2, 1850, son of John T. and Mary E. (Doughty) Free. His father, who was a member of an old New York family that had long been resident in Dutchess County, was a veteran of the Civil War. He served during the entire period of the conflict, having been one of the first to enlist and one of the last that was mustered out. When the war was over he returned to his farm and began to rebuild his business, which had been sadly interrupted by his long period of military service. The owner of a fine tract of land, he spent the remainder of his life in the cultivation of the soil. A great believer in scientific methods in agriculture, he experimented unceasingly and took an active part in all public matters relating to the needs of the land and the efficient transportation and marketing of farm products.
As a boy Dr. Free enjoyed exceptional educational ad- vantages, his parents sparing themselves no expense in an effort to give him an ideal cultural and scientific edu- cation. At an early age he was entered as a pupil of the La Grange public schools. After he was graduated from high school he proceeded to Colgate College at Hamilton, New York, graduating therefrom in the year 1872 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In Europe he became a post-graduate student at Leipsic Univer- sity and was graduated from that famous institution of higher learning with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Returning to his native land Dr. Free was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist Church. His first charge was at Norwich, Connecticut, where for three years he was actively engaged in ministerial work. From Nor- wich he was transferred to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and for the next thirteen years he carried on his work in that city as pastor of the Falls of Schuylkill Baptist
Church. In 1880 Dr. Free, whose theological ideas had slowly been undergoing a change decided to resign from the Baptist ministry in order to enter the Unitarian Association. As a Unitarian minister his first charge was at Turner's Falls, Massachusetts. In 1896 he went to Florence, Northampton, where he remained until 1909, in charge of the Free Congregational Society. For the past fourteen years he has had charge of the Church of the Unity at Winchendon, where by his preaching, popular lectures, and entertainments he has endeavored to foster an enlightened interest in religious and edu- cational affairs. His first service in connection with the public schools were given during his pastorate in Phila- delphia, where for several years he was a member of the School Board. He has been a member of the School Board at Turner's Falls, and also at Winchen- don. Widely known as a scholar and thinker, Dr. Free has delivered many lectures on popular science. Mining engineering is one of his favorite subjects of study, and he is regarded as an authority in matters concerning mining laws and regulations, as well as a geological expert of long experience in the practical study of min- ing problems. Dr. Free's intellectual interests have always been wide, and he has followed up many lines of thought and conducted many researches to advance the sum of human knowledge. He has had the ines- timable privilege of coming into contact with the best minds both here and abroad, and is widely known for his scientific and philosophical attainments.
Dr. Free is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to the Grand Lodge of that organization of Pennsylvania. He also belongs to the Avon Club of Winchendon.
Dr. Free married (first) May Morton Woodbury of Willimantic, Connecticut. In 1917 he married (second) Marion Moore Perkins, daughter of Thomas A. and Delia A. Perkins. Mrs. Free is a native of Norwich, Connecticut. Dr. Free has no children.
GEORGE ELI HOWE-One of the long familiar and always honored names of New England is that of Howe, and George Eli Howe, of Lancaster, Massachu- setts, is a direct descendant through both paternal and maternal lines of the immigrant ancestor of this family, who settled in Massachusetts in the early half of the seventeenth century. Mr. Howe is a leading citizen of Lancaster, and in many branches of organized advance in this part of Worcester County he bears a construc- tive and progressive part.
John Howe, the pioneer of this family in America, settled at Sudbury, Massachusetts, in 1639 and shared in the division of Sudbury Meadows in that and the fol- lowing year. With the progressive spirit of his time he reached outward to wider possibilities, and became one of the petitioners for the grant of land which eventually comprised the town of Marlborough, Massa- chusetts. To that locality he removed from Sudbury, in 1657 or 1658, and was one of the earliest, if not the first white inhabitant of Marlborough. He opened the first tavern in that town about 1661, and his influence in the community was great. He had served as Selectman in Sudbury, and from 1661-64 he was active as Select- man of Marlborough.
In direct descent from John Howe through his son,
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
Josiah Howe, Eli E. Howe, father of the subject of this review, is the seventh generation from the pioneer. Eli E. Howe was engaged as a farmer throughout his active lifetime, but has for a considerable period been retired, and is now (1924) still living, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. In direct descent from John Howe through his son, Samuel Howe, Joseph Toombs Howe, late of Natick, Massachusetts, was the seventh generation from the pioneer, and his daughter, Ella J. Howe, became the adopted daughter of George W. Howe, late of Lancaster, Massachusetts. Eli E. Howe married Ella J. Howe, thus uniting the two lines after the lapse of more than two centuries.
George Eli Howe, son of Eli and Ella J. (Howe) Howe, was born at Lancaster, Massachusetts, May 19, 1874. Receiving his early education in the public and high schools of his birthplace, Mr. Howe later attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute. From that time for- ward for twenty years Mr. Howe served as private secretary to George W. Howe. Meanwhile, various public duties commanded his attention, and from the year 1912 he served as member and secretary of the Board of Health of Lancaster. . He was appointed milk inspector in 1914 and became prominently identified with the Social Service Association. He has now for a number of years served as chairman of the Public Health Committee, and in this capacity he has general charge of the work of this organization. He has also, since 1899, ably filled the office of Justice of the Peace, and through both his public and private activities has con- tributed in no slight degree to the general progress and welfare. He is a member of the Massachusetts Asso- ciations of Boards of Health, and is one of the trustees of the Lancaster Charitable Fund. He is a member of the Unitarian church, and chairman of the standing com- mittee of the official board.
George Eli Howe married, on September 4, 1907, at Lancaster, Massachusetts, Mabel Ward, daughter of Richard and Fannie A. (Andrews) Ward, both of Lan- caster, but formerly of Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Howe reside in Lancaster and are leading figures in the social and welfare activities of the community.
REV. ROBERT C. DOUTHIT-In the religious advance of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Rev. Robert C. Douthit holds a prominent position as pastor of the Petersham Unitarian Church, which office he has now consecutively filled since the year 1912. In all that pertains to community advance, as well as along the special line of religious duties, Mr. Douthit keeps in touch with all progress, and is a supporter of individual and community effort in the right direction. Entertain- ing broadly liberal convictions, his natural benevolence of spirit and keen interest in humankind fit him in a peculiarly happy way for the duties of his sacred office, and he has done much for the local advance and the spiritual welfare of the people. He is a son of Jasper L. and Emily (Lovell) Douthit, his father a Unitarian clergyman since 1867 and now (1923) one of the ven- erated figures of the church.
Robert C. Douthit was born at Shelbyville, Illinois, and following his early studies entered the Meadville, Pennsylvania, Theological School, from which he was graduated in due course. He later took up special post-
graduate work at the University of Wisconsin, and was ordained to the ministry in 1894. His first charge was the Unitarian church at Baraboo, Wisconsin, and there- after he served successively at Dover, Massachusetts, and Castine, Maine. In Petersham, Massachusetts, Mr. Douthit has served two pastorates, having been appointed to the local Unitarian church in 1898, and serving at that time for a period of four years, then later returning in 1912. Since the latter date he has continued active in this community, his work counting in a large measure for the public advance as well as for the welfare and spirit- ual growth of his congregation. Supporting the Repub- lican party as a rule in public affairs, Mr. Douthit nev- ertheless endorses all worthy effort of whatever nature, or under whatever auspices. He served as moderator of the town meeting for several years, but has other- wise never accepted public office. Fraternally Mr. Douthit is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Patrons of Husbandry, of which he was master of the Petersham Grange for two years, and the Knights of Pythias.
Robert C. Douthit married, at Shelbyville, Illinois, August 8, 1894, Lillian McGilvra, daughter of Alex- ander McGilvra, and they are the parents of two chil- dren: Alison M. D. Beardsley, born January 6, 1896; and Macleod L., born September 26, 1898.
FRANK H. FOSS-Broadly successful in the con- struction world of Worcester County, Massachusetts, and indeed active throughout a wide region in New England, Frank H. Foss is a noteworthy figure in the business life of this State, and with interests centering in the city of Fitchburg is bearing a practical part in the general advance. Mr. Foss is a son of Orrin F. and Hannah H. (Fiske) Foss, his father for many years a successful mason contractor in the State of Maine, and later active along the same line of endeavor at Medfield, Massachusetts.
Frank H. Foss was born at Augusta, Maine, Septem- ber 20, 1865. His education was begun in the public schools of Maine, and he later attended Kents Hill, Semi- nary, Maine. Meantime, when still in school, Mr. Foss devoted the summer months to activity with his father, and under the instructions of the older man served a regular apprenticeship, thoroughly mastering the trade, and gaining at the same time a general familiarity with the business side of contracting activities. In the year 1884, the family removing to Livermore Falls, Maine, Mr. Foss became associated with his father in business under the firm name of O. F. Foss & Son, masons and contrac- tors. This enterprise continued successfully for a period of eight years, then both father and son were induced to locate in Medfield, Massachusetts, and become fore- men for Darling Brothers, leading contractors of Wor- cester and Medfield. About one year later Mr. Frank H. Foss became associated with Walter K. Wiley of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, under the firm name of Wiley & Foss, and together they have developed a very exten- sive and largely prosperous interest. They are engaged along various lines of contracting, their activities em- bracing construction work of many kinds, masonry, building, cement, the setting of foundations for boilers, etc., also stucco work and outside plastering. They hold a leading position in their field in this State.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
In various interests of the city, the State and the Nation, Mr. Foss keeps in touch with the movement of the times, and has served in the public administration of the city of Fitchburg on more than one occasion. As far back as the year 1906 he was elected to the City Council, and served for three successive years. In 1909 he was elected to the Board of Aldermen, and was a member of that body for four successive years. During 1914-15-16 he was active on the Water Board, and in 1916 he was elected to the highest local office in the gift of the people-that of Mayor. He ably served in this responsible capacity during a period of four years, his reëlections definitely appraising his efficiency and usefulness in the public service. Mr. Foss was elected a member of the Republican State Committee in the year 1915, and that body elected him as their chair- man in 1921, which position he still holds (1924). In the local world of finance his name is also influential as a director of the Fidelity Cooperative Bank, and he serves on the board of investments of the Fitchburg Savings Bank. He is widely affiliated fraternally, being a' member of Aurora Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Thomas Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Jerusalem Com- mandery, Knights Templar; Massachusetts Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in which he holds the thirty-second degree; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; also a member of the Masonic Club. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Boston Athletic Association, the Fay and Oak Hill Country clubs of Fitchburg, and is identified with the Universalist church.
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