USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 18
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Mr. Klebart married Elizabeth A. Rawley, of Put- nam, Connecticut, daughter of Thomas and Lena (Falk) Rawley, the former was superintendent of a woolen mill in that section; they reside in Putnam. Mr. and Mrs. Klebart have one son, William A. R.
FREDERICK H. SPRAGUE was born at North Dana, Massachusetts, in the year 1866, and is a son of Elbridge and Ellen (Doane) Sprague, lifelong residents of the town of North Dana. Mr. Sprague's father was for a' great many years in the meat business.
Frederick H. Sprague received only a common school education, and in 1880 became clerk in the country store of Lindsey & Freeman, in North Dana. In 1882 he entered the employment of the Orange Clothing Company, Orange, Massachusetts, as clerk, where he continued until 1892, when he began the manufacture of men's pants in connection with George E. Whitney, of South Royalston, Massachusetts, under the name of Fred'k H. Sprague & Company, Orange, Massachusetts, putting their work out to families to make at home, and were burned out in the big fire at Orange in 1892. In 1899 the firm was changed to Mann & Sprague, and in 1904 Frank L. Grout bought out the interests of T. S. Mann, and they continued the business under the name of Fred'k H. Sprague Company. In 1916 they moved to Fitchburg, where they continue to manufacture boys' clothing only. In 1917 Mr. Sprague was made manager of the Fitchburg Garment Company, of which Russell B. Lowe is proprietor, where they manufacture girls' gingham dresses. In 1919, on the death of Frank L. Grout, the Orange factory was reorganized under the name of Sprague, Grout & Lowe, Inc., of which Mr. Sprague is vice-president and general manager, where they manufacture men's and boys' pants. Mrs. Frank L. Grout retains the interest of Frank L. Grout in the Fred'k H. Sprague Company. Mr. Sprague, to-day, is the active manager of these three concerns, which are known to the trade as "The Sprague Lines."
He is past president of the "Old Home Day" at North
Dana, chairman of the Orange Centenary of 1910. He is a director of the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally is affiliated with the Orange Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Thomas Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Fitchburg; Orange Commandery, Knights Templar; Social Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Orange; Fitchburg Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and Orange Lodge, Im- proved Order of Red Men. Mr. Sprague takes a deep interest in many branches of welfare and benevolent activities, and is president of the Fitchburg Council of Boy Scouts. His further affiliations include member- ship in the Rotary and Fay clubs, of Fitchburg.
Mr. Sprague married, in January, 1890, Lillian P. Carter, of Athol, Massachusetts, daughter of Alba and Hannah (Morse) Carter.
EDWIN CHESTER DEXTER-The town of Petersham, Massachusetts, has, during the last year, been conscious of a vacancy which cannot easily be filled. Many citizens of high merit and large ability have con- tributed to the civic, social, and economic welfare of the community, but few have occupied so large a place in the esteem of their associates in that town as the late Edwin C. Dexter, who though born in Albany, New York, devoted the latter part of his life to the advance- ment of the interests of Petersham.
The Dexter family is an old one in England and New England, dating back to Thomas Dexter, who came to America either with the Endicott in 1629, or in the fleet with Governor Winthrop in 1630. He settled in 1630 on a' farm of eight hundred acres, in the town of Lynn, Massachusetts, and in 1631 was made a freeman. His house was on the west bank of the Saugus River, where the Saugus Iron Works were later built. In 1633 he built a bridge over the river, stretched a weir across it, and afterward built a mill there. He was largely in- terested in the establishment of the Lynn Iron Works, interested English capital in the enterprise, and became general manager but when convinced of the unprofitable- ness of the enterprise, withdrew. He was an impulsive man, often involved in law suits, and at one time tem- porarily lost his rights as a freeman. He acquired ex- tensive tracts of land, and spent his last days with his daughter Mary, wife of Captain Oliver, in Boston, where he died in 1677. He had two sons, Thomas and William; and two daughters, Mary and Frances. The line of descent from the immigrant ancestor, Thomas Dexter, to Edwin C. Dexter, is through the immigrant's son, William; his son, John; his son, John (2) ; his son David; his son, Charles; his son, Chester, and his son, Edwin Chester, of further mention.
Edwin Chester Dexter was born in Albany, New York, March 21, 1845, and after attending a private school in Troy, New York, for a short time, became a student in the public schools of that city. He then went to Wilbraham Academy, and after completing his aca- demic course, finished his preparation for an active life by taking a business course in the Bryant & Stratton School. He found his first remunerative employment with J. M. Warren Company, of Troy, with whom for two years he was employed as salesman. At the end of that time he was taken into the business of his uncle,
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R. G. White, as the junior partner, the firm being or- ganized under the name of White, Pevey & Dexter Company, pork packers, of Worcester, Massachusetts. At the time of the death of Mr. Pevey, Mr. White and Mr. Dexter sold their interests to the Swift Company and retired. Mr. Dexter then removed to Petersham, where he purchased the old Deacon Willard home, one of the oldest pieces of property in the town, and there in the midst of the old apple orchard planted by Deacon Willard nearly one hundred and fifty years ago, he built his home. His retirement from the active re- sponsibilities of business life however, did not mean for him a period of idleness. During all of the years of his residence in Petersham he was one of the most ac- tive and energetic of its citizens, devoting the greater part of his time and energies to the advancement of the welfare of that community. He held at different times practically every office in the gift of the town, serving as Selectman for thirteen years, and in addition to his numerous civic responsibilities, the duties of which he met with considerable efficiency, he was also exceedingly active in the affairs of the Unitarian church. He served as treasurer of the new Unitarian Church Building Fund, and at the very first meeting raised $20,000, a large sum to be raised so quickly in so small a town. For sev- eral years he served as superintendent of the Bureau of Highways, in which connection he came in contact with many business men and with many political offi- cials of the county, and few men have been more popular in the town of Petersham than was Mr. Dexter. The business ability and the personal characteristics which won for him a ready success in the business affairs, also won him, in the town of Petersham, an enviable reputa- tion for sound management and progressive principles. Politically he gave his support to the principles and the candidates of the Republican party, but he considered the welfare of the town and of the county, rather than party success, as the goal toward which a public official should strive. Wherever he came in contact with other citizens, whether in business, social or political con- nection, he won new friends, who in the course of time became old friends, and who learned to hold him in the highest esteem both as a public-spirited citizen and as a personal friend of sterling qualities of character. He was a member of the Commonwealth Club of Worcester, Massachusetts, and his religious affiliation was with the Unitarian church. His death, June 8, 1922, left a va- cancy which the town of Petersham has not been able to fill, and caused the deepest grief among his many friends and associates. It is true, however, that though Mr. Dexter has passed from the scene of his labors of the latest years of his life, his influence has not passed with him, but remains, the potent influence for good in the community which he served so long and so well.
Mr. Dexter married (first) Alice F. White, of Wor- cester, Massachusetts, on June 2, 1886, and she died the same year. He married (second), on December 12, 1898, at Boston, Massachusetts, Mary V. Mackenzie, who was born in New Brunswick, Canada, February 14, 1870, Rev. George L. Perin performing the ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. Dexter are the parents of one child, Kath- erine Tyler, born February 5, 1901, at Petersham, Massa- chusetts, who attended Dana Hall and Miss Capen's
School, and upon the completion of her education en- gaged in private tutoring at home.
WILLIAM H. ROSE, M. D .- Standing among the foremost surgeons of Southern Worcester County, Massachusetts, Dr. William H. Rose is one of the most noteworthy figures in professional circles in the city of Worcester to-day. With rarely comprehensive train- ing and the natural genius for his work, which counts for success in any field of endeavor, Dr. Rose has won an enviable position in his chosen field of endeavor. He is a son of John and Emma (Cooper) Rose, his father a master mechanic by occupation.
William H. Rose was born at Worcester, Massachu- setts, February 20, 1876. His early education was re- ceived in the local public schools and he later covered the high school course in his native city. His choice of a profession early made, he entered Harvard University Medical School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1898, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Shortly thereafter he entered Boston City Hospital as interne, and was active in the surgical service of that institution until the year 1900. Then, with the purpose of specializing, Dr. Rose associated himself with the Boston Lying-in Hospital, where he was active for a year or more. Coming to the Worcester City Hospital in 1902, he was active in that institution as obstetrician for ten years, meanwhile, also, from 1902, he served as chief surgeon for the American Steel and Wire Com- pany. Since 1912 Dr. Rose has acted as consulting ob- stetrician for the Worcester City Hospital, and in 1903 he became assistant surgeon at the Memorial Hospital, and has been surgeon there for about ten years. He has also developed an extensive private practice wholly along surgical lines. He has gained a wide reputation as an authority along the line of his specialty, and in all sur- gical science he is counted among those men who are pioneers in worthy effort in every branch of professional advance. He is a member of the American Medical Association; is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a inember of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Politically he supports the Republican party, but takes only the interest of the progressive citizen in public affairs, his time being wholly commanded by the exactions of his profession. Fraternally he is affiliated with Athelstan Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Eu- reka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Hiram Council, Royal and Select Masters; Worcester County Com- mandery Knights Templar; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston. His clubs are: The Worcester and the Tatnuck Coun- try. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational church.
Dr. Rose married, at Winchester, Massachusetts, No- vember 10, 1908, Grace M Martin, daughter of William and Susan (Hopkins) Martin.
JOHN F. HAYDEN, one of the foremost figures in the public life of the town of Athol, Massachusetts, whose career has been spent in local public affairs, and whose business ability is counting in a marked degree for the welfare and advance of the community, is a man of energy and initiative, possessed of the gocd
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judgment which form an excellent balance for these characteristics, and his work is of broad significance to the people.
John F. Hayden was born in Athol, Massachusetts, July 12, 1879. Receiving his early education in the ele- mentary and grammar schools of the community, he was graduated from Athol High School in the class of 1895. Thereafter making special preparations for his career at Prouty's Business College, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1897. He at once became identified with the public service of the community as Tax Collector, in which responsible office he served for a period of twelve years. He has also acted as a mem- ber of the Board of Assessors for seven years, and for a similar period he has been identified with the Athol Board of Trade as secretary of that body, which office he still ably fills, having been also one of the founders. In this connection he serves as secretary of the Town Hall Building Commission and the Town By-Laws Commis- sion, and is one of the promoters and a trustee of the Athol Fair Association. Mr. Hayden's ability to grasp every phase of a situation is counting far for the public ad- vance, and his far-sightedness and general efficiency make him an able and useful public servant. During the World War he was a member of the Massachusetts Na- tional Guard (1917-18), also one of the founders of the Public Safety Association. He also was a "four-minute" man, speaking in various sections of the State. Fra- ternally Mr. Hayden is very prominent, being a mem- ber of the Foresters of America, in which order he held the office of Grand Chief Ranger of the State of Massa- chusetts, being elected in 1922, this placing him at the head of the order in this State, and is now Supreme Deputy in the national order for the State. He is also a member of the local lodges of the Knights of Colum- bus, the Improved Order of Red Men, and Order of Pocahontas, and a member of Gardner Lodge, Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a mem- ber of the High School Alumni Association, of which he is past president; the High School Athletic Coun- cil, one of the founders and vice-president; and the Poquaig Club. In the benevolences and the charitable endeavors of the community he takes a deep interest, and serves as a member and trustee of the Hospital As- sociation, also as vice-president of the Athol Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is a' member of the Massachusetts Collectors' Association, the Massachu- setts Assessors' Association, and other bodies of or- ganized endeavor. He is identified with the Church of Our Lady Immaculate.
GRANBY A. BRIDGES-In the manufacturing ac- tivities of Worcester, Massachusetts, Mr. Bridges holds a noteworthy position as treasurer of the Williams & Bridges Company, for in the product of this concern one of the daily needs of various industries of Worcester is filled. It is in the manufacture of wood and paper boxes and packing cases that this concern has gained its present eminence, and they stand among the pro- gressive and enterprising industrial organizations of the day in Worcester County. Mr. Bridges is a son of Augustus Bridges, who was born in Hopkinton, Massa- chusetts, and was active in the shoe industry until his
death, which occurred in the year 1906. The mother, Sarah A. (Stevens) Bridges, was born in Phillipston, Massachusetts, and died in 1914.
Granby A. Bridges was born in Hopkinton, Massachu- setts, August 18, 1859. His education was received in the public schools of his native place, and following the completion of his studies he became active in the ex- press business, which he carried forward for about ten years. His next experience was in the shoe industry, and he was employed in this field for a similar period. He then became affiliated with his present associates as a member of the firm of Williams & Bridges. This enterprise is one of the long established industrial or- ganizations of the city of Worcester, having been founded in the year 1840 by I. N. Keyes, who continued at the head of the business for fifty-six years. Then, in 1896, the plant was purchased by George A. and W. K. Williams, and the business was continued under the name of Williams Brothers. Only a year later, however, a further change in the name was occasioned when Mr. Bridges purchased an interest, and thenceforward until its incorporation the concern was known as Williams & Bridges. When the incorporation took place, in 1904, the title of the concern became Williams & Bridges Company. At that time Fred H. Claflin was received into the concern and the officials became as follows: G. A. Williams, president; F. H. Claflin, vice-president; and G. A. Bridges, treasurer. Mr. Claflin was made president in 1910, and since the death of Mr. Williams, in 1918, the business has been carried forward without change of name by Messrs. Bridges and Claflin. They manufacture a general line of wood and paper boxes and packing cases, and with their main plant located at Nos. 74-86 Central Street, Worcester, they employ about eighty people, this being probably the largest concern in this field in the city of Worcester. In the year 1889 a branch factory was established in Hopkinton, Massa- chusetts, and in 1910 this plant was removed to the town of Framingham, where it is still located, and is one of the prosperous industries of that place. Mr. Bridges is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, and when a resident of Hopkinton served for one term on the Board of Selectmen; but the demands of his busi- ness have latterly prevented his participating in an offi- cial capacity in public affairs. He is a prominent mem- ber of the Masonic order, belonging to both the York and Scottish Rite bodies, including the consistory and Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Rotary Club, attends the Congrega- tional church, and is affiliated with the Congregational Club.
Mr. Bridges married Edith L. Howard, who was born in the city of Worcester.
HON. ALBERT E. HUTT-Strength of spirit and singleness of purpose are leading characteristics of Al- bert E. Hutt, whose prominence in southern Worcester County, Massachusetts, is a matter of many years standing, and has brought about his present service as a Representative of the town of Southboro, Massa- chusetts, in the Legislature of the State. Mr. Hutt has been a resident of Southboro for forty years, and has borne a constructive, although largely unofficial part in
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the growth of the community and its progress as a civic body. Mr. Hutt comes of sturdy pioneer ancestry of Nova Scotia, and is a son of Peter Hutt, who was an old time fisherman from the port of Halifax. Peter Hutt married Sarah Ann Conrad.
Albert E. Hutt was born in Tangier, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, near the city of Halifax, April 7, 1865. As a lad he attended the common schools of his native town. His father was drowned when he was four years old, and he worked in the gold mines in Tangier from his sixteenth to his eighteenth year. Coming to Southboro at the age of eighteen years he worked for the towns- people of this community in various position, such as gardening, farming, and teaming, and was employed by William Collins, and also by a Mrs. Chamberlain, act- ing as her gardener for five years. Later he was em- ployed by Samuel Long for one year, when he bought the Simpson farm, where he now lives, and developed it in to a wonderfully fine and model place along the line of diversified farming. A tireless worker, and devoted to any undertaking with which he identifies himself, Mr. Hutt has won an enviable reputation as a man who accomplishes things without bluff or bluster, but with the force of the man of large mental resources. Fur- thermore, Mr. Hutt is a man who takes his own way, and gives to his associates or his opponent equal priv- ileges along the pathway of progress, never casting a slur upon the name of another, no matter how widely his interests or principles may differ. Mr. Hutt has served the town on various committees, always keeping the best interest of the people in mind. He has cared little for the honors of public life, and except in com- mittee work and the local activities that carry neither official title nor salary, he has not accepted public re- sponsibility until recent years. He was elected to the House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts, where he served in 1923 and 1924, and his reelection returned him to the same body. Mr. Hutt's record as a Legislator is one of honor and distinction, and the people feel that they are well represented in his activities at the State House. Mr. Hutt's quiet dignity and careful attention to every phase of the public business mark him as a man who deserves the esteem and confidence of the people, and he is constantly making new friends, while those who have known him long deeply esteem and admire him. Fraternally he holds membership in the Royal Arcanum, in which order he held the office of Deputy Grand Regent; and of Parkman Council, of Westboro, Massachusetts. He has been a member of the Patrons of Husbandry for thirty-eight years, and is influential in many branches of agricultural advance. He is a member of the City Club of Boston, and of the Royal Arcanum Club of Massachusetts, and he attends the Congregational church.
Albert E. Hutt married, December 24, 1890, Mary Ann Shellnutt, daughter of Henry Shellnutt, of Pleasant Harbor, Halifax County, Nova Scotia. Mr. and Mrs. Hutt are the parents of three children: Pearl, born Oc- tober 16, 1892, now the wife of A. W. Ruggles; Walter, born in 1893, who is now associated with his father in the work of the farm; and Grace, born September 7, 1899. Mr. Hutt takes the greatest pride in his three grandchildren, who are the children of Mrs. Ruggles:
Cortland, born October 7, 1913; Vida Jane, born Janu- ary 25, 1915; and Alberta Pearl, born August 10, 1917. The Hutt residence is on Middle Road, Southboro.
MILTON L. CUSHING is president and manager of the J. Cushing Company, one of the largest distrib- utors of grain products in New England, in which con- cern he has been active for thirty-five years. He is a son of Milton Marble Cushing, who was a partner in the firm of J. Cushing Company from 1866 until his death in 1879, and a descendant in the tenth generation of Matthew Cushing, who was a son of Peter Cushing, of Hardingham and Hingham, England, and whose ancestry has been traced through Peter (XX), Thomas (XIX), John (XVIII), William (XVII), Thomas (XVI), William (XV), through fourteen generations to one Hrolf Nefja Jarl, a Viking, whose deeds are re- corded in the "Scandinavia Sagas," relating to the latter half of the eighth century.
(I.) Matthew Cushing, immigrant ancestor, was bap- tized in Hingham, England, March 2, 1589, died in Hingham, Massachusetts, September 30, 1660. With his wife, four sons, and his wife's sister Frances Beecroft, widow, he sailed from Ipswich in 1638, on the ship "Diligent," John Marton, master. He left England ow- ing to religious troubles. He settled in Hingham, Massachusetts, where he at once became identified with public affairs. He was a town officer and a deacon of Rev. Thomas Hobart's church. He married, August 5, 1613, in England, Nazareth Pitcher, baptized Oc- tober 30, 1586, died in Hingham, January 5, 1682, aged ninety-six, daughter of Henry Pitcher, of the family of Admiral Pitcher, of England, and they were the parents of five children: Daniel, of further mention ; Jeremiah, baptized July 21, 1621; Matthew, baptized April 5, 1623; Deborah, baptized February 17, 1625, married Matthias Briggs; and John, born 1627.
(II.) Daniel Cushing, son of Matthew and Nazareth (Pitcher) Cushing, was baptized in Hingham, England, April 20, 1619, died December 3, 1700. He settled in Hingham, Massachusetts, where he was granted land in 1665. He was admitted a freeman in 1671, and was an active magistrate for many years. He was town clerk of Hingham and left a valuable set of records, which are of great value to the antiquary. From 1682 for many years he kept a general store. He was Select- man in 1665, and many years after; in 1680-82-95, dep- uty to the General Court. A book called "Extracts From the Minutes of Daniel Cushing of Hingham," with a photograph of his manuscript, etc., was printed in 1865. His will was dated September 11, 1693. He married (first), January 19, 1645, Lydia Gilman, born in Eng- land, died in Hingham, March 12, 1689, daughter of Edward and Mary (Clark) Gilman. He married (sec- ond), March 23, 1691, Elizabeth, widow of Captain John Thaxter, and daughter of Nicholas and Mary Jacob. Children born in Hingham: I. Peter, born March 29, 1646. 2. Daniel, born July 23, 1648. 3. Deb- orah, born November 13, 1651, married (first), Septem- ber 25, 1679, Henry Tarleton; (second), August 31, 1686, Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, died January 15, 1710. 4. Jeremiah, born July 3, 1654. 5. Theophilus, of further mention. 6. Matthew, born July 15, 1660.
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(III.) Captain Theophilus Cushing, son of Daniel and Lydia (Gilman) Cushing, was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, June 7, 1657, died January 7, 1717-18. He was a farmer and Selectman in 1697-1707-15, and a deputy to the General Court in 1702-03-04-07-13. His house was on Main Street, Hingham. He married, No- vember 28, 1688, Mary Thaxter, born August 19, 1667, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Jacobs) Thaxter. She married (second), January II, 1721-22, Captain Joseph Herrick, of Beverly. Children born in Hingham: Ne- hemiah, born July 18, 1689; Mary, born February 9, 1690-91, died August 8, 1699; Adam, born January I, 1692-93; David, born in December, 1694; Abel, of fur- ther mention; Rachel, born August 17, 1698, died Sep- tember 9, 1699; Mary, born September 26, 1701, died August 30, 1716; Theophilus, born June 16, 1703; Seth, born December 13, 1705; Deborah, born September 26, 1707, and Lydia, born February 13, 1709-10, died young.
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