USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 37
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GEORGE W. KILMER-George W. Kilmer, founder and principal owner of the concern known as the New England Steel Roofing Company, was born in Hillsdale, New York, April 16, 1848, son of Jacob and Hannah (Pulver) Kilmer. He received his education in the public schools, and when his school training was completed, at the age of sixteen years, he learned the carpenter's trade in Canaan, Connecticut, and then went to Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where he worked at his trade. Later, still following his trade, he re- moved to Winsted, Connecticut. There he engaged in the restaurant business for about fifteen years. Then went to Waterbury, where he remained until 1892, en- gaged in the sheet metal business. He then removed to Worcester, where he has ever since been engaged. He formed a partnership with H. M. Smith, and locating at No. 96 Foster Street, began business in a small way. Later he purchased the interest of Mr. Smith. By 1901 the concern had grown to proportions which necessi-
tated the procuring of larger quarters, and the business was removed to its present location at No. 274 Main Street. In 1911 it was incorporated under the name of the New England Steel Roofing Company, of which Mr. Kilmer is the principal owner. Since that time the con- cern has been steadily growing, and it is now (1923) one of the well known and firmly established business enterprises of the city of Worcester. Along with his business activities Mr. Kilmer has found time for numerous fraternal affiliations. He is a member of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 64, Free and Accepted Masons; Meridian Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Winsted; Tyrian Council, Royal and Select Masters, of Winsted ; and Worcester County Commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar. He has taken all the degrees of the Scottish Rite, as far as and including the thirty-second degree; and is a member of Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a mem- ber of Quinsigamond Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; of the Rebekahs; the Order of Eastern Star; of Freedom Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Worcester, of which he is Past Chancellor Commander; and of the Masonic Club of Worcester. His religious affiliation is with the First Universalist Church of Worcester.
George W. Kilmer married, on March 27, 1872, Ida C. Blackmer, daughter of Hiram Blackmer, of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of two children: I. Stella K., who was born in Great Bar- rington; she married Frank P. Gilbert. 2. Herschel, who was born in Winsted, Connecticut, February 10, 1878, and is now treasurer of the New England Steel Roofing Company. He married Addie M. Marcy, daughter of Defoe A. Marcy, of Worcester, and they have two children : Irene Estelle, who married Raymond Goodline; and Harry A.
DR. JAMES ROSS opened dental offices on Decem- ber 15, 1885, at No. 359 Main Street, Fitchburg, Massa- chusetts, where he is yet in practice, the oldest active member of his profession in that community. He is a member of the firm of Ross & Russell, his partner being Dr. U. C. Russell, his associates Dr. R. B. Carter and Dr. J. L. Congdon. Dr. Ross is a son of John and Jane (McCullough) Ross, of Edinburgh, Scotland, who came to the United States in 1853 and settled in South Boston, Massachusetts, where their son, James, was born eight years later. He was one of seven sons and five daughters.
James Ross was born in Boston, Massachusetts, De- cember 13, 1861, and in that city completed full courses of grade and high school study. At the age of nineteen years he began his training for the dental profession in the offices of Dr. J. H. Brown, as an apprentice, .the doctor's offices being opposite the old Park Street Church. He studied and practiced in three well known dental offices of Boston during the five years following, then, at the age of twenty-four, December 15, 1885, he opened the offices in Fitchburg, at No. 359 Main Street, that he yet occupies, although thirty-eight years have since elapsed. His first partner was Dr. L. J. Parker, they practicing as Parker & Ross. Five years later an assistant was secured, and for more than thirty years the offices required the services of three dentists, and for
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the last two years four have been necessary. During his years of practice Dr. A. E. E. Lamere, Dr. T. K. Ross, Dr. Edward Cheney, all of Fitchburg, and Dr. Claude Beedle, of Leominster, have been associated with the office, and at the present time the firm name is Ross & Russell, with two associates previously named.
In addition to the responsibilities of a large practice, Dr. Ross has always been deeply interested in the ad- vancement of the community, and for thirty-five years he has been a member of the present Chamber of Com- merce and its predecessors under different names. He has also served as president of the Young Men's Christian Association for eight years; a past director of the Children's Home; is a charter member of Apollo Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; for more than a quarter of a century he has been a member of Aurora Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and a charter member of the Kiwanis Club and chairman of finance committee. In public position the doctor has just been elected (December 4, 1923,) to serve his eleventh and twelfth year as Councilman, he having now served ten consecutive years. He has been a member and chairman of practically all important councilmanic com- mittees, and is at present chairman of public safety and a member of the finance committee. He is a regular at- tendant and active worker in the Congregational church, having for many years been chairman of the finance com- mittee.
Dr. Ross married, November 11, 1886, Mary Emma Rowe, daughter of Samuel and Clarissa Rowe, of Cam- bridge, Massachusetts. Dr. and Mrs. Ross are the parents of three children: I. Marian, born August 2, 1890, graduated from Fitchburg High School. 2. Esther, born March 13, 1892, a graduate of Fitchburg High School and of Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York. She served as a reconstruction aide in army hospitals and camps in South Carolina, Massachusetts, and New York. 3. Leland Francis, born November 7, 1894, grad- uated from the Fitchburg High School, and from Wes- leyan University, class of 1916. He then entered the employ of Roger Babson, remaining with him until May, 1917, when he enlisted in the United States Army Am- bulance Corps, and was sent to a training camp at Allen- town, Pennsylvania. In December, 1917, he was ordered overseas on special duty with an American unit, and was loaned to the French Government, serving with the French Army for one year and eight months, reaching home on August 1, 1919. He has since been connected with the Parks Cramer Company of Fitchburg. The Ross family residence is at No. 48 Pleasant Street, the same home that was established thirty-seven years ago at the same number.
DR. THOMAS K. ROSS-Two of the most popular dental surgeons in Fitchburg are Dr. Thomas K. Ross and his brother Dr. James Ross (q. v.), with whom he began his professional career in Fitchburg. The brothers have separate establishments, both located on Main Street, and both are taking care of very large clienteles.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 16, 1874, Dr. Thomas K. Ross is a son of John and Jane (McCul- lough) Ross, the former of whom was engaged in busi- ness as a plumber. He received his early education in the public schools of Everett, Massachusetts. He then
removed to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where he entered the high school. When his high school course was com- pleted he began his professional study in Harvard Den- tal College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896. After graduation he returned to Fitchburg and began practice in association with his brother, Dr. James Ross, who is now (1923) the largest established dental surgeon in the city. For ten years the two broth- ers worked together, and then Dr. Thomas K. removed to No. 280 Main Street and opened offices of his own. Since that time both brothers have been continuously and successfully engaged in practice. Both are held in high esteem both among their professional associates and among their many personal friends.
Dr. Thomas K. Ross married, at Fitchburg, Massa- chusetts, September 17, 1898, Florence Rice, daughter of Henry L. and Sophia (Watts) Rice, and they are the parents of two children: Mildred, who was born May 14, 1903, and Alfred, born August 5, 1906, is a member of the Fitchburg Rotary Club and of the Oak Hill Coun- try Club, and is chairman of the advisory board of the Universalist church.
FLORENCE J. DONOGHUE-In the younger group of professional men of Worcester County, Massa- chusetts, Florence J. Donoghue is a noteworthy figure, and his activities are contributing in a marked degree to the general advance as well as to his personal success and prosperity. A leader in social and fraternal circles, he is one of the widely known young men of the day in this part of the State. Mr. Donoghue is a son of Jeremiah F. Donoghue, who was born in Ireland and came to the United States as a young man, settling in Worcester Massachusetts. The mother, Mary (Fo- garty) Donoghue, who was also born in Ireland, is well known in social circles in Worcester.
Florence J. Donoghue was born in the city of Wor- cester, Massachusetts, December 1, 1888. His early education was received at St. John's Parochial School, and later entering Holy Cross College, of Worcester, he was graduated from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in the class of 1911. His choice of a profession long since made, he then took up his legal studies at Georgetown University, at Washing- ton, District of Columbia, his graduation occurring with the class of 1914, he receiving the degree of LL. B. Within the year Mr. Donoghue was admitted to the bar of his native State and took up the practice of law in the city of Worcester. He has continued here suc- cessfully, and is now counted among the leading profes- sional men of this city, with offices at Suite No. 833, State Mutual Building. Mr. Donoghue is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and active in the work of this organization. On December 1, 1917, he was made attorney for the War Risk Insurance Bureau at Washington, District of Columbia, where he served until October 5, 1919, exclusive of a period of about four and one-half months, during which he served in the United States Army with the rank of corporal (July 21, 1918, to December 4, 1918). He is now a leading member of the American Legion in Worcester, and has for a number of years been identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and
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the Irish National Foresters. He is also a member of St. John's Alumni Association, the Worcester County Holy Cross Alumni Association, and the Georgetown University Club of New England.
Mr. Donoghue married, October 14, 1922, Ella M. Power, who was born in Worcester. Mr. and Mrs. Donoghue are members of St. Peter's Church.
ARTHUR E. PROULX, as the head of the South- bridge Roofing Company, of Southbridge, Massachu- setts, is a noteworthy figure in the business life of South- ern Worcester County, and is carrying forward to ever- increasing success the interest of which his father was for many years the owner and manager. He is a son of Joseph Proulx, who was born at St. Ours, Quebec, Canada. Joseph Proulx came to the United States as a' young man and settling in Southbridge, was engaged in the roofing business throughout his active lifetime, founding what is still known as the Southbridge Roofing Company. He retired from business in the year 1919, turning over to his son, Arthur E. Proulx, the respon- sibilities of this interest. The mother, Delima (Gagon) Proulx, was born in Canada. Both are still living.
Arthur E. Proulx was born at Southbridge, Massa- chusetts, May 1, 1881. He received his education in the local public schools, and following the completion of his studies became associated with his father in the roof- ing business. In the year 1909 he was received as part- ner in the firm, and in 1920, when the business was in- corporated, he was made treasurer and general manager, in which capacity he is still active. This business was established in the year 1873, by Joseph Proulx, who purchased from Alphonse Deslauriere the small enter- prise of which it was the outgrowth. Mr. Proulx con- ducted the interest under his own name until the year 1900, when the present title was adopted, and continued at its head until his retirement late in the year 1919, which was shortly followed by the incorporation of the interest without change of name. During the entire fifty years of this concern's history, the men who have had it in charge have gone forward along progressive lines and have met the needs of the people as roofing contractors in a prompt and capable manner. In the early years of the enterprise from three to five men were required to meet the needs of the rush seasons, but now thirty men are employed regularly. They are lead- ers in the field of roofing contracting in Southbridge to-day, and with their factory located on Hartwell Street, near the corner of Elm Street, they are doing an important and steadily increasing business. As the head of this enterprise, Arthur E. Proulx is a member of the Manufacturers' Association of Southbridge, but has few interests outside of his work, holding member- ship, however, in the Knights of Columbus, and at- tending the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.
Arthur E. Proulx married, in 1903, Malvina Caron, who was born at Allenburg, New York, and they are the parents of six children : Irene M., Lillian E., Loretta M., Arthur P., Prudence E., and Albert E.
JOHN W. LITCHFIELD, as treasurer of the Wor- cester Collateral Loan Association, is identified with an organization which is not only a business success in the usual sense of the term, but which has also performed
the useful task of curbing the small loan sharks of the city, and has rendered service to thousands of men and women.
The Worcester Collateral Loan Association was formed twenty-six years ago, as a direct result of an appeal for help by a local loan-shark victim, to Charles E. Burnham. A clerk in a Main Street store had bor- rowed one hundred dollars on a note with chattel security at a rate of sixty per cent per annum interest, and when he had paid in interest ninety dollars, the broker de- manded the entire one hundred dollars or the furni- ture. The young man appealed for help to Mr. Burn- ham, who paid the amount due and at the same time severely criticized the high interest rates charged. The reply of the broker caused Mr. Burnham to respond with a quiet but firm statement that he would take steps to stop that kind of business in Worcester. The story of the fulfillment of that threat is the history of the Wor- cester Collateral Loan Association. After consultation with Miss Miriam F. Witherspoon, secretary of the local Associated Charities, Mr. Burnham, upon her recommendation, communicated with the Boston Work- ingmen's Loan Association, which was the first com- pany in the United States to found an association for the purpose of making chattel loans at low rates of interest for the benefit of the borrower. Copies of all forms, methods of accounting, and legal blanks neces- sary for the organization of a company for the city of Worcester were secured from Robert Treat Paine, treas- urer of the last-named concern, and soon afterward the first of Mr. Burnham's threatened "steps" to stop that kind of business was carefully taken. The procedure as related in the twentieth anniversary report in 1917 being as follows :
The first step locally was to copy from the records of the Worcester city clerk a list of the total chattel mortgage business. This showed $50,000 loans made on chattel mortgage security in one year's time, all on a basis of interest charges from 60% to 120% per annum. A subscription book was at once started with a plan to raise a capital of $10,000 and organize a local corporation with which to try and remedy the existing loan situation. Dr. Charles L. Nichols subscribed for the first share of stock and gave Mr. Burnham a kind letter of introduction to Hon. Stephen Salisbury. Mr. Salisbury at once subscribed for $1,000, and said, "Come back again if you fail in raising the capital." Members of the local society of Associated Charities subscribed for almost the entire $10,000 wanted. The active help of Miss Witherspoon, the secretary of the Associated Charities, helped greatly in raising the money. After a hard eleven months' canvassing by Mr. Burnham in connection with his insurance busi- ness. $8,000 was subscribed. A second call on Mr. Salisbury secured the last $2,000 of capital stock.
A meeting of subscribers was at once called and it was delegated to Judge Charles Thornton Davis and Henry L. Parker. Esq., to draw up a charter and make application to the General Court, through the Com- mittee on Banks and Banking, for a charter. Mr. Burnham presented the petition, and the same was approved April 17, 1896. Not one dollar was expended for expense of organization or incorporation. The legal advice and help for organization was all con- tributed by Henry L. Parker, Esq., and Judge Charles Thornton Davis, and the organization work done by Charles E. Burnham. The first meeting for organiza- tion was held on June 22, 1896, at rooms of the Asso- ciated Charities, the call being signed by Henry L. Parker. Esq., John F. Kyes, Chas. E. Burnham, Alex- ander DeWitt, George F. Blake, Jr .. George T. Dewey, Esq., Dr. Charles L. Nichols, Francis H. Dewey, Esq., Judge Charles Thornton Davis.
The first meeting of the Board of Directors was held on August 12, 1896, at rooms of the Associated Char- ities. They organized by the election of Henry L. Parker, Esq., as president, A. L. D. Buxton as vice- president, Charles Thornton Davis, Esq., as clerk, and
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Charles E. Burnham as treasurer. The business of making loans was started in November, 1896, in the insurance office of John F. Crowell, who kindly donated desk room in connection with the business of the treasurer, Chas. E. Burnham. The first cashier and bookkeeper was Lola B. Andrews, and the total sal- ary list for the first year was only $700. This small operating cost allowed a dividend of 4% to be earned and paid in the first year's business. Twenty years ago a large amount of small loans were being made by foremen and small capitalists in the shop to their shopmates who could not finance themselves on the monthly payment plan then prevailing. The average rate charged was 60% to 120%. No regular brokers were charging less than 60% per annum. The Wor- cester "Daily Telegram" gave very valuable news items so that there was a rush of borrowers wanting to change 60% contracts to the new loan association.
Loan No. 1 was applied for and granted before the printed mortgage blanks were ready for business, and was made on November 21, 1896. The first month's business was a complete surprise to the Board of Directors, fifty-three loans being made amounting to $4,283, with fifty-five applications rejected amounting to $4,417. As a direct result of the first year's com- petition, almost all of the loan brokers on chattel mortgages at the high rates of interest went out of the business and Mr. Burnham had proven himself able to keep his word to the loan sharks. Predictions were freely made to some of the stockholders that loans could not be made without failure, at the low interest rates as advertised, on account of the large losses sure to come, but twenty-six years of increasing success has silenced these prophets of calamity.
In March, 1887, the capital stock was doubled to $20,000, in 1888 another addition of $10,000 was made, and in 1900 the capital stock was increased to $45,000. In 1902 the stock was increased to $60,000, and in 1905 to $70,200, where it has since remained. This with the present surplus of about $50,000 with facilities for bank loans seems entirely adequate to accommodate all legitimate demands for small loans in the City of Worcester. Hon. Stephen Salisbury, one of our wealthiest residents, found the Association a very convenient place to which they can refer borrowers, knowing they will be accommodated if the loan is wise. Many corporations are finding it pays to do some planning to relieve worthy employees from finan- cial troubles. It is being proved cheaper to take care of needy men rather than to discharge them and break in new men.
A department for making loans on pledges of watches, diamonds and jewelry was added in 1901. An attempt was made to lower the rate of interest to 1% per month, but the volume of business proved too small to provide sufficient revenue. The rate was restored to the 112 % per month, and the change of all of 50% in rate did not seem to either stimulate or retard the daily demand from those in need of money.
At the end of the first year's business the desk room with Mr. Crowell proved too small for the growing business, and suitable rooms were secured in the State Mutual Building. About fifteen years ago, these quarters proving too small, the present commodious rooms were secured in the Slater Building. The con- cern does not encourage, if known, habits of chronic borrowers, or try to induce people to pay bills cost- ing nothing for credit with borrowed cash costing interest expense. It has always counselled small loans for necessary uses only. It has tried to act as a con- servator in granting loans to the applicants. The foundation thought has been to help people out of trouble rather than to advise borrowing to pay bills. It has, until this last year, spent only a small sum annually for advertising, being careful not to try to stimulate public demand for borrowing, thinking money advertising should be largely to stimulate thrift and saving.
In the year 1900 this Association was invited to attend a conference at Buffalo, New York, of all the then existing Remedial Companies of the United States. This was to be at the same time and place as the National Conference of Charities and Correction. The result of this conference was the organization of the National Federation of Remedial Loan Associa- tions and the endorsement of the work by the Russell Sage Foundation. Fourteen societies were represented at this first meeting and much effective missionary work was done with delegates to the Charities Con- ference. The Russell Sage Foundation at once organ- ized a special department, called a Division of Reme- dial Loans, and this special work was put in charge of Director Arthur H. Ham. Information, forms and data necessary for the organization of a remedial loan company anywhere in the United States has been
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freely and promptly furnished by the Russell Sage Foundation. This effort has resulted largely in the organization of companies in most of the large cities in the United States, until we have thirty-six com- panies represented in the National Federation. Legis- lation favoring reasonable rates of interest for the benefit of any State or community has always been advocated. Mr. Ham has always been prominent in opposing any and all legislation for the benefit of high interest rates to increase the money lenders' profits. Annual conventions have been held in Boston, Buffalo, New York, and Detroit, and reports of attempted fraud and classification of bad debts have been of great benefit to the Federation members.
John W. Litchfield, the present treasurer (1923) of the Worcester Collateral Loan Association, was born in Cohasset, Massachusetts, son of A. Bradford, a native of Scituate, and of Eliza J. (Whitcomb) Litchfield, who was born in Cohasset, Massachusetts. The Litchfield family is one of the oldest in New England. It was es- tablished there in 1632 by Lawrence Litchfield, who came to this country in 1635. Mr. Litchfield is descended directly from him. He received his education in the public schools of his native city and after the comple- tion of his high school course entered the employ of the Fitchburg Railroad Company, which connection he main- tained for a period of four years. He then became as- sociated with the E. W. Lynch Furniture Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, with whom he remained until he began his connection with the Worcester Collateral Loan Association, which he first served as an appraiser. Since that time his whole ability and energy has been devoted to the interests of the latter concern, and he has steadily risen until now (1923) he is the very effi- cient and devoted treasurer. He has held the latter po- sition since 1918, and his deep interest in the work which the Worcester Collateral Loan Association has done and is still doing, together with his enthusiasm and his ability, are important factors in the steadily increasing success and usefulness of the concern. Mr. Litchfield is a mem- ber of the Adams Square Congregational Church of Worcester, and has held numerous offices there, at present being a member of the standing committee.
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