USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 35
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During the war period, 1917-18, Mr. Cranska was a member of the War Service Committee, which repre- sented the thread industry of the United States, in co- operation with the War Industries Board.
FRANK B. FRYE-Few of the citizens of Wor- cester County are better known than is Frank B. Frye, who for many years was engaged in mercantile business in various communities of the State, and who is now the owner of a farm in Royalston, and a winter residence on Alder Street, in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Born on the old homestead in Royalston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, April 13, 1856, Frank B. Frye is a great-grandson of Captain John Frye, one of the earliest settlers of Royalston, and chairman of the first Board of Selectmen of the town; and a son of Benja- min and Miranda (Barton) Frye, the first named of whom was prominent in the affairs of the town, held many positions of trust, and was chosen to serve two years in the Massachusetts Legislature. He received a careful education in the public schools of Royalston, and then engaged in mercantile business in Winchen- don, Massachusetts. After a time he extended his opera- tions to Gardner, and still later to Orange, both in Massachusetts, and in all three localities he was suc- cessful. He resided in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, for a time, and in 1885 and 1886, served as selectman of that town. He also served as collector in 1884. Mr. Frye is one of the public spirited business men who give earnest support to projects which are wisely planned for the advancement of the public good, but though he has not evaded the responsibilities of local public office, he has neither sought nor desired the honors or the emoluments, of official position. At the present time (1923) Mr. Frye spends his winters at the family resi- dence on Alder Street, in Waltham, and a part of each summer on the farm in Royalston. Mr. Frye and his family are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Waltham, and have been for years deeply interested in the civic and religious welfare of Worcester County.
On November 17, 1886, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Frank B. Frye married Elsie W. Merrill, who was born in Northbridge, Massachusetts, June II, 1861, daughter of Rev. William and Elsie A. (Bixby) Merrill. Before her marriage Mrs. Frye was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Beverly, Massachusetts. Since her marriage she has rendered splendid service in church, school, and home. Mr. and Mrs. Frye are the parents of four children : I. Royal Merrill Frye was born May 27, 1890, at Milford, New Hampshire, and graduated from Waltham High School, as valedictorian, in 1908. He then became a student in Boston University, from which he was graduated in 1911 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, becoming a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and receiving the degree Master of Arts in 1912. He then continued his studied at Harvard as a Jacob Sleeper fellow. For two years he served as in- structor in Chemistry and Physics at Boston Univer- sity, and at present (1923) he is a member of the fac- ulty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He takes an active interest in local public affairs and was a member of the Board of Aldermen of Waltham City in 1916. He is the owner of a residence in Waltham, and of a fine country place in Royalston. He married, June II, 1915, Louise Alexander, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
George The fight.
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George Alexander, of Boston. Mrs. Frye was born at Falmouth, and before her marriage was engaged as a teacher in the Sea Pines School, at Brewster, Massa- chusetts. She is a graduate of Boston University, Col- lege of Liberal Arts, from which she received the de- gree Bachelor of Arts in 1913, with Phi Beta Kappa honors. She is an able assistant in the educational work of her husband. 2. Merton Benjamin Frye, born March 4, 1893, in Waltham, graduated from Waltham High School, with the class of 1913, studied in the New England Conservatory of Music, and graduated from the American Institute of Normal Methods in 1914. For two years he served as instructor in music at St. George's School, Newport, Rhode Island, and he has also served as conductor of the Newport Oratorial Society, of the Community Chorus of Newport, and as organist of the First Baptist Church at Lowell, Massa- chusetts. He has also served as organist of the Ascen- sion Church, of Waltham, and for nine years as organ- ist of St. John's Church at Newport, Rhode Island. He is at present engaged as organ instructor at Boston Conservatory of Music and is organist and choirmaster of Emanuel Church, Newport, Rhode Island. 3. Wil- liam Bixby Frye, born in Waltham, Massachusetts, November 15, 1895, graduated from the Waltham High School as valedictorian, class of 1914. Graduated from Boston University, receiving the degree Bachelor of Arts in 1917, and at present is connected as department head with the Boston Rubber Shoe Company, of Mal- den, Massachusetts. He is a member of the choir of Trinity Church, Boston. 4. Elsie Frances Frye, born in Waltham, March 28, 1901, graduated from the gram- mar school in 1915, and was an honor member of the class of 1919, Waltham High School. She was editor of the school paper, "The Mirror," and a member of the high school orchestra. Her death occurred Jan- uary I, 1919.
DR. EARL GUSTAVUS CROCKETT-Among the present day professional activities of Milford, Massachusetts, Dr. Crockett is a well known figure, and although a young man, he holds a leading position in professional circles. A member of a well known family in this State, Dr. Crockett is a son of Captain Elbert Monroe and Marion (Force) Crockett, and grandson of Gustavious and Laura (Munyon) Crockett. Captain Crockett is one of the foremost figures in pub- lic and military affairs in Worcester County to-day and a review of his life appears elsewhere in this work.
Dr. Earl G. Crockett was born at West Medway, Massachusetts, March 23, 1894. His early education was acquired in the Hopedale primary schools and he later attended Milford grammar and high schools. His choice of a profession was made, and following his graduation from high school he entered Tufts College in the dental department, from which he was graduated in due course. He has since practiced in Milford, gain- ing the confidence of the people who have known him from boyhood, in his professional work, and with con- stantly increasing success has gone forward until now he stands among the noteworthy professional men of the day in this part of the State. Dr. Crockett enlisted in the military service in 19II, at the age of seventeen years, joining Company M, 6th Infantry, Massachusetts National Guard. He served as private for one year,
then was promoted to corporal, and after a year in that capacity was made sergeant, then six months later was promoted to second lieutenant, which rank he held until 1915. He was sent overseas, attached to Base Hos- pital No. 88, in France, then was later transferred to Base Hospital No. 204, in England, and served through- out the period of the World War in the dental depart- ment, receiving his discharge from the service June 29, 1919. He is now attached to Company G, 18Ist Infan- try. In social circles in Milford and vicinity Dr. Crockett holds a prominent position and fraternally is widely known, holding membership in the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Foresters of America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the order of the Eastern Star, and the American Legion. He is a popular mem- ber of the Milford Fire Department and for a number of years has acted as captain of Combination Truck No. I. He is also a leading figure in the Combination Athletic Club. His religious connection is with the Congregational church.
Dr. Crockett married, on August 20, 1917, at Mendon, Massachusetts, Lucilla Greenwood Rogers, daughter of Harry N. and Georgiana (Hall) Rogers.
GEORGE McKNIGHT-The members of one of the leading business firms of Clinton, Massachusetts, the Gannon & McKnight Company, plumbers and steam- fitters, enjoy the esteem and respect of their contem- poraries through their high standard of workmanship and their business ability. One of the members of this firm, George McKnight, was born in Clinton, October 31, 1890, son of Joseph and Lillias (Stirling) McKnight. His education was obtained in the public and high schools of Clinton, and soon afterwards he served an apprenticeship in the plumbing business. This training occupied three years, during which time he was asso- ciated with George McLeod, and for two years subse- quent he was employed at his trade in Somerville, Massachusetts. A long illness contracted by Mr. Mc- Knight in Somerville made it necessary for him to retire from active business for two years, but soon after recovering his health he removed to Clinton and there formed his present partnership with John J. Gannon, a sketch of whom follows. Their first location was at No. 63 High Street, where they remained until 1920; in the latter year the partners purchased the location known as the Fiske property, at No. 248 High Street, and during their two years of ownership have developed the property suitable for their use and have a most modern and up-to-date plumbing and steamfitting business es- tablishment. On December 24, 1921, the business was incorporated, George McKnight being made president; John J. Gannon, treasurer; and W. S. Duncan, clerk. The block where the business is located, contains seven stores and five tenements, and occupies a space 150x150 feet.
Mr. McKnight is one of Clinton's representative citi- zens in several ways; through his connection with pub- lic organizations and fraternal bodies he has made many lasting friends and he is always to be found prominent in these matters. He is a staunch Republican, and for many years has been an ardent worker in this party's interest in Clinton. Military matters have also shared his attention, and for seven years he was a member of
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the Ninth Regiment, Company K, M. V. M., of Clin- ton. He is a member of St. Andrew's Mutual Benefit Society; of the Clinton Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Lamsdec Club and the Prescott Club. He is a communicant of the Congregational church.
Mr. McKnight married, October 29, 1919, Mildred Freitag, daughter of Otto and Frederika Freitag. Mr. Freitag being one of the oldest residents of Clinton. Mr. and Mrs. McKnight are the parents of a son, Roger Joseph, born January 18, 1922.
JOHN J. GANNON, of the firm of Gannon & Mc- Knight, of Clinton, Massachusetts, is a native of Clin- ton, Massachusetts. He is one of the prominent, indus- trious business men of that city who has not found it necessary to leave their home environment in order to achieve a career.
Mr. Gannon was born August 3, 1894, son of Patrick M. and Mary (O'Malley) Gannon, and his education was obtained in the public and high schools. His ap- prenticeship in the plumbing and steamfitting business was served under the able training of the established firms of W. H. Walker and O'Toole Brothers, of Clin- ton. He was employed by these firms until forming a partnership with George McKnight, whose sketch pre- cedes. This was in the year 1915, and after seven suc- cessful years of constant and steady growth their firm is considered a leading one in this line in Clinton. On December 25, 1920, Mr. Gannon was made treasurer of the Hudson Heating and Ventilating Company.
Mr. Gannon is one of that type of alert and pro- gressive young business men, often found in our Ameri- can towns and cities, who attain their objective despite any obstacle. He is prominent in the civic life of Clinton, and active in the work of the Democratic party. His fraternal connections are with Clinton Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Council 1701, (Fourth Degree), Knights of Columbus; and the An- cient Order of Hibernians. His religious connection is with St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and he con- tributes liberally to the support of this institution. He finds his recreation in hunting and fishing.
Mr. Gannon married, December 27, 1922, Kathryn Burns, of Ware, Massachusetts.
SILAS RICHARDSON-From the beginning of his active career, Silas Richardson has been associated with the Charles H. Richardson Undertaking Establishment, of which he is now president. The business was founded by his father and is now continued by Mr. Richardson and his brother, Walter M. Richardson (see following sketch).
Silas Richardson was born in Leominster, Massa- chusetts, June 5, 1873, son of Charles H. and Harriet E. (Richards) Richardson. Charles H. Richardson was a native of Leominster, Massachusetts; he died in 1908. Harriet E. (Richards) Richardson was born in Wor- cester, Massachusetts, and died in Leominster in 1920.
Mr. Richardson received his early education in the public schools of Leominster, including the high school, and then prepared for active life by a course in the East- man Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. After completing his business course, he at once became associated with his father in the undertaking business,
and that connection he maintained until the death of the latter in 1908. The following year his brother, Walter M., who since the completion of his college course had been engaged in business as a landscape architect, gave up his profession and became associated with the Charles H. Richardson Undertaking Establishment, of which Silas Richardson was made president and Walter M. secretary and treasurer. During the fourteen years which have passed since that time the business has con- tinued to grow and to prosper, and the brothers have made a reputation for high-class workmanship and ex- pert service. The tact and courtesy which makes as easy as possible the times of sorrow in which those who follow this business must serve is never lacking, and the Richardson brothers are called upon to arrange funeral appointments for patrons far beyond the limits of Leominster.
Fraternally Mr. Richardson is affiliated with Wilder Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Leominster ; Fitchburg Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Jerusalem Commandery, Knights Templar ; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Leominster Club, and his re- ligious interest is with the Congregational church of Leominster, of which he is an attendant.
Mr. Richardson married, July 14, 1904, Annie H. Lambert, who was born in Liverpool, England, daughter of Henry and Mary (Wright) Lambert. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are the parents of two children : Charles L., who was born May 26, 1905; and S. Francis, who was born May 26, 1907.
WALTER M. RICHARDSON-Born in Leomin- ster, Massachusetts, October 21, 1880, Walter M. Rich- ardson, secretary and treasurer of the Charles H. Rich- ardson Undertaking Establishment, has had a varied ex- perience. He is a son of Charles H. and Harriet E. (Richards) Richardson, and brother of Silas Richard- son (see preceding sketch).
After receiving his early and preparatory education in the public schools of his native city, Walter M. Rich- ardson became a student in the Lawrence Scientific School, from which he was graduated in 1904 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Upon the completion of his college course he became a landscape architect, and that profession he successfully followed for a period of six years. At the end of that time he gave up that line of business in order that he might associate himself with his brother in the management of the large and growing business of the Charles H. Richardson Undertaking Establishment. That connection he maintains to the present time, and since 1920 he has held the official position of secretary and treasurer of the concern, his brother, Silas Richardson, serving as president. The business is a thoroughly established one, and under the management of the brothers is steadily growing. It commands the patronage of the best class throughout a' wide area of country surrounding Leominster, and is well known for its tactful, sympathetic, and courteous management as well as for the excellent quality of funeral appointments which it furnishes. Mr. Richard- son is a member of Wilder Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and of Leominster Lodge, No. 1237, Benev-
Joh John Lemon
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BIOGRAPHICAL
olent and Protective Order of Elks, and he is also a member of the Leominster Club and of the Monoosnock Country Club.
On August 29, 1921, Walter M. Richardson married Helen E. Howe, who was born in Leominster, daughter of Charles and Charlotte (Groat) Howe. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson reside at No. 138 North Main Street, in Leominster.
GEORGE H. KENNEDY, JR., B. S., M. P. L., has won a foremost position in the legal profession in Wor- cester County, his interest centering in the city of Wor- cester. His extensive education in various lines has given him wide preparation for his work in the field of patent law, and has placed him in a position to serve in a very efficient way the manufacturing interests that center in and around Worcester. Mr. Kennedy is a son of George H. Kennedy, who was born in Washington, District of Columbia, and was for many years a lead- ing banker in that city. The mother, Katherine (Wil- liams) Kennedy, was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is still living. Both parents are now residents of Wash- ington, District of Columbia.
George H. Kennedy, Jr., was born in Washington, District of Columbia, August 25, 1888. His early educa- tion was acquired in the public schools of his birthplace, and he later entered the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, in the class of 1910. Thereafter, while serving as an examiner in the United States Patent Office, he studied law at George Washington University, and after his ad- mission to the bar he took up an exhaustive post-gradu- ate course in patent law at the National University Law School at Washington and was graduated with the de- gree of Master of Patent Law. Mr. Kennedy took up the practice of law in Worcester, in the year 1913, in association with Rufus B. Fowler, under the firm name of Fowler & Kennedy. This partnership continued very successfully until the death of Mr. Fowler, which occurred in 1921. Meanwhile, in 1919 Mr. Kennedy's younger brother, Owen W. Kennedy, was received into the firm and they now comprise the partnership. Being composed of progressive and forward-looking young men, the firm of Fowler & Kennedy is counted among the leading firms of patent lawyers in Massachusetts. George H. Kennedy, Jr., is a prominent member of the Worcester County Bar Association and Quinsigamond Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; also of the Worcester Club, the University Club of Worcester, the Tatnuck Country Club, the Quinsigamond Boat Club, and other organizations.
George H. Kennedy, Jr., married, on December 15, 1916, Margaret Smith, who was born at Norfolk, Vir- ginia, and they have one son, Douglas S., born August 1, 1919. The family attends the Unitarian church.
OWEN W. KENNEDY stands among the promi- nent patent attorneys of Worcester County, Massachu- setts, as a member of the firm of Fowler & Kennedy, of the city of Worcester. A progressive and talented young man and alert to the movement of the times, Mr. Kennedy is achieving marked success and is considered one of the promising young men of the day in his pro-
fession. He is a son of George H., Sr., and Katherine (Williams) Kennedy, mentioned in preceding sketch.
Owen W. Kennedy was born in Washington, District of Columbia, May 26, 1891. Receiving his early educa- tion in the public schools of the city, he later attended the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and was graduated in the class of 1913 with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. On com- pleting this course Mr. Kennedy became associated with the Westinghouse Electric Company and continued in that connection for about four years, working in the shop, engineering and patent department. He then en- listed for service in the World War and was commis- sioned second lieutenant in the Engineer's Reserve Corps of the United States Army. He was sent to the Engi- neering Training Camp at American University, Wash- ington, District of Columbia, and attended until Septem- ber, 1917, when he was commissioned first lieutenant and was assigned to the chief engineer's office in the search- light investigation section, attached to the 606th Engi- neers. Discharged from the service in March, 1919, with the rank of first lieutenant in the Engineering Corps, Mr. Kennedy returned to civilian life, coming to Wor- cester to become associated with his brother in the patent law firm of Fowler & Kennedy, and has been associated with this firm since. The firm of Fowler & Kennedy is taking a leading rank among the patent solicitors in Worcester County to-day. Mr. Kennedy is identified with Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, the American Legion, and the University Club, and his chief leisure interest is art, his work, especially in landscape paint- ing, having brought out very favorable notice at ex- hibitions. He is considered one of the most promising of Worcester County's amateur artists. He resides on a farm on the Northboro Road, at Boylston, where he has a studio.
Owen W. Kennedy married, on October 2, 1921, Made- lene Bell, who was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and before her marriage was children's librarian at the Worcester Public Library for a number of years. Mrs. Kennedy is well known in literary circles in Worcester.
REV. WILLIAM F. GRACE, in ecclesiastical cir- cles in Milford, Massachusetts, is a noteworthy figure as pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. With the same pioneer spirit which inspired the early settlers of New England to dedicate the new land to their God, Father Grace has gone forward in his leadership of the people of this parish and has carried the work of the church into the highways and hedges, gathering into the fold many new members and leading the congregation to ever higher and nobler spiritual attainment. Father Grace is a native of the State of Massachusetts, and is a son of Edward V. and Catherine ( Hamilton) Grace, long esteemed residents of Hayden, Massachusetts.
Father Grace was born at Hayden, Massachusetts, September 25, 1865. His early education was acquired in the local schools of the community, and for his class- ical studies he went to Canada, where he entered St. Michael's College, of Toronto, Ontario, then continued his studies at Grand Seminary, at Montreal, from which he was graduated in 1889. He was ordained at Montreal Seminary in the same year, and his first appointment was as curate at St. Peter's Church, at Worcester,
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Massachusetts, where he served for three years. He was then appointed to St. Aloysius' Church, at Gilbertsville, Massachusetts, as pastor. This was at that time a mis- sion field only, and Father Grace formed the parish, built the rectory and school, and established the congre- gation in good works, remaining for nine years. During his pastorate he built the present church at Wheel- wright from the plans of George Wheelwright, and there also established the new congregation and started the people in the path of righteousness. His next church was at Lenox, Massachusetts, as pastor of St. Anne's, there he built a beautiful stone church from plans of Burrill Hoffman. He also built SS. Vincent and Paul's Church at Lenoxdale, where he also did a great work during the seventeen years of his stay in that community. At Lenox Father Grace was made chairman of the School Board, and was instrumental in bringing about the erection of two school buildings there. He was ap- pointed to the pastorate of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Milford in the year 1922, and in the period during which he has been active here he has gained the esteem of the people and has commanded the respect and confidence of his colleagues in Christian labor, re- gardless of their religious creed or opinions. St. Mary's Church is one of the most prosperous and progressive in Worcester County, and connected with it are a gram- mar and high school, both conducted by the Sisters of St. Anne. St. Mary's Cemetery, which is also a part of this church property, is famous for its Irish Round Tower, which also comes under the jurisdiction of Father Grace. Father Grace takes a deep interest in all branches of organized advance, and is the leading figure in the local council of the Knights of Columbus, which he serves as chaplain. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and of the Ladies' Aux- iliary of that order.
CHESTER M. STANLEY-As president and treasurer of the Worcester Buick Company, Chester M. Stanley is at the head of a concern which is annually selling hundreds of Buick cars to the people of Wor- cester and vicinity. Connected with their beautiful dis- play rooms at No. 72 Shrewsbury Street, the company also conducts a well equipped and efficient service de- partment where prompt attention and skilled workman- ship are securing a steady increase of patronage. Mr. Stanley is a son of Frederick H. Stanley, who through- out his active career followed the trade of the wheel- wright, and of Adeline (Slater) Stanley, and was born at Essex Junction, Vermont, October 2, 1881. After at- tending the public schools of that place and completing his high school course he clerked in a local grocery store for four years, and then, in 1901, went to Worcester, where he entered the employ of B. A. Robinson, a dealer in automobiles, safes, and mill supplies, whose estab- lishment was located at No. 671 Main Street. Four years later, in 1905, he associated himself with Norcross, Shiland & Company, agents for the Packard and Buick cars, located at No. 212 Summer Street, and the follow- ing year that concern changed both its name and its place of business. It reorganized under the name of the Norcross Auto Company and removed to the old skating rink at No. 43 Foster Street, where it sold Buick and Peerless cars. As business increased they were
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