USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 39
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Mr. Walsh married, on July 16, 1917, at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Margaurite Alice Sheehan, daughter of Timothy and Mary Sheehan, both now deceased.
DR. JOHN L. (J. LOWELL) BACON-Worcester County is served by a notable body of men of the med- ical profession, men who have carefully prepared to meet the responsibilities of their chosen field of activity and who have devoted their energy and their ability to the efficient discharge of the duties of their practical pro- fessional careers. One of the well known and successful physicians of the county is Dr. John L. Bacon, who for the past two decades has been engaged in general practice in Southboro.
Dr. Bacon was born in Belchertown, Massachusetts, July 1, 1875, son of John L. and Sarah (Charles) Bacon. After receiving his early education in the public schools of his native city he prepared for college in Munson Academy, and then matriculated in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1897 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then continued his medical studies for another year, as a student in the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia. After serving an interneship of eighteen months in the Phila- delphia City Hospital he became associated with the Massachusetts State Hospital at Westboro, where he remained for a period of three years. In 1903 he re- moved to Southboro, Massachusetts where he opened an office and engaged in general practice. During the more than two decades which have passed since that time he has been continuously and successfully engaged in taking care of the needs of a very large and steadily increasing practice. His patients come, not only from Southboro, but from a large section of country surround- ing that city. Among his professional associates, as well as among his many patients, Dr. Bacon is held in very high esteem. He has always devoted the greater portion of his time and energy to his professional re- sponsibilities, but along with his many duties as a physician he has found time to render valuable public service, mostly of a professional nature.
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During the World War Dr. Bacon served as chair- man and medical advisor of the Draft Board, and he has also served as medical examiner for the John Han- cock Life Insurance Company, the New York Life In- surance Company, the Metropolitan, the State Mutual, the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, and the Pennsylvania Life Insurance Com- pany. For twelve years he has been associate medical examiner for Worcester County. Professionally he is affiliated with the Worcester County Medical Society, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the American Medical Society. Fraternally he affiliates with St. Ber- nard Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and with Houghton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Marlboro. His religious affiliation is with St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Southboro.
Dr. John L. Bacon married, on October 16, 1906, at Southboro, Massachusetts, Ruby B. Barney, daughter of John and Georgia (Safford) Barney.
ALFRED D. HARRINGTON, LL. B .- The younger professional men of Worcester, Massachusetts, form a group in which the city may well take pride as her hope for the future, and in this group Alfred D. Harrington holds a prominent position and is taking a leading place in the legal profession in this city. Mr. Harrington is a son of Thomas D. Harrington, who was born in Ireland and came to the United States as a young man about 1888. He located in Worcester, and after a time entered the employ of the Boston & Maine Railroad Company until he was killed at an early age while in the perform- ance of his duties, on October 27, 1915. The mother, Elizabeth McGee, who was also born in Ireland, still survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington were married in Worcester, where all their children were born and still reside. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters, as follows: Alfred D., of further men- tion; Sylvester L., May M., Emmet R., Madeline, de- ceased; Thomas D., Francis, and Everett.
Alfred D. Harrington was born at Warren, Massa- chusetts, March 1, 1893. His early education was re- ceived in the public schools of Worcester and he re- ceived his professional training at Boston University School of Law, from which he was graduated in the class of 1913, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Unable to practice law until twenty-one years of age, he was not admitted to the bar of the State until the fol- lowing year, but since 1914 has practiced with steadily increasing success at his present offices in the Park Building in Worcester. He follows general lines of practice, and is winning his way to more than ordinary success. His friends are confident that the future has in store for him high honor and distinction. Mr. Har- rington is a member of the Worcester County Bar As- sociation and the Knights of Columbus, and attends the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church.
CHARLES L. MORSE-In the world of finance in Worcester County Mr. Morse holds a prominent posi- tion as head of the firm of Morse, Bliss & Company, investment brokers, and is one of the successful men in this field in Worcester County. Mr. Morse is a son of William H. and Mary H. (Moore) Morse, for many
years residents of Worcester, the father during his life- time prominent as a banker and broker.
Charles L. Morse was born in Worcester, Massachu- setts, July 3, 1883. His early education was received in the public and high schools of the city, and he at- tended Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His first busi- ness experience was in the employ of the Crompton- Knowles Loom Works, of Worcester, where he acted as draftsman, also working in the cost department. In January, 1907, Mr. Morse became identified with the firm of B. F. Sturtevant & Company of Boston, as sales- man, and continued with them for nearly three years, or until November, 1909. He then became associated with William A. Read & Company, now known as Dillon, Read & Company, bankers and brokers, of New York City. There he was engaged as a salesman and con- tinued with the firm until November, 1914. At that time Mr. Morse returned to Worcester and opened his own office at No. 390 Main Street as investment broker and banker. With his former breadth of experience and the natural ability which had carried him thus far, Mr. Morse soon attained a position of large prominence, and after a time, in order to broaden the scope of his ac- tivities, he formed a partnership with two associates in July, 1920, under the name of Morse, Bliss & Smith. On January I, 1922, the firm wa's succeeded by the pres- ent organization under the title of Morse, Bliss & Co., with offices at No. 372 Main Street, Worcester. This firm has developed an extensive clientele and is handling large interests in the way of investments, bonds, and local securities. It also acts as correspondent for the Boston firm of Parkinson & Burr. Mr. Morse is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Quin- sigamond Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Worcester; the University Club of Worcester, and the Economic Club, also the Tatnuck Country Club and Worcester Club. Politically he supports the Repub- lican party, but his interest in the public affairs is only that of a progressive citizen.
Mr. Morse married, on September 16, 1916, at Grafton, Massachusetts, Gertrude M. Sawyer, daughter of William and Frances (Weld) Sawyer, and they have two children: Charles L., Jr., born December 12, 1917; and Anne Weld, born December 31, 1919.
FRANK S. MILLS, as president and general man- ager of the Southbridge Foundry Company, Incor- porated, holds a leading position in the industrial world of Southern Worcester County, Massachusetts, and his activities are contributing not only to his own success but to the advance of industrial interests in this section and to the general prosperity of this community. Mr. Mills is a son of James Mills, who was born at Paisley, Scotland, and was engaged in the lumber business in Sherbrooke, Province of Quebec, Canada, until his death, which occurred in 1921. The mother, Jennie (Knapp) Mills, was born at Haverhill, Vermont, and died in 1912. Her great-grandfather Bailey served in the Revolutionary War.
Frank S. Mills was born at Sherbrooke, Province of Quebec, Canada, December 12, 1868. His education was acquired in the public schools of his birthplace, and after completing his studies he became identified with
Розра А. Ми,
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foundry work, which he followed as an employee until the year 1922. In 1885 he located in Worcester and fol- lowed his trade there for several years, and after that had charge of several foundries in various places until 1922. At that time, in association with Frank G. Hoff and M. E. Mills, Mr. Mills established the present in- terest in Southbridge. This concern manufactures a general line of gray iron castings for the trade and they employ about twenty men. Although it is only a com- paratively short period since the concern was estab- lished they have grown materially and now occupy about 35,000 square feet of floor space and are constantly in- creasing the scope of their activity. This is the first and only foundry in active operation in Southbridge. During the World War Mr. Mills was active in the employ of the Ingersoll, Rand Company of Canada as inspector of shells, also with the Laconia Car Works at Laconia, New Hampshire, an important American plant in a similar capacity. As a young man he served one enlistment in the Canadian militia, with the rank of sergeant. Mr. Mills has commanded the esteem and confidence of the people of Southbridge during his resi- dence in this community, and is an active member of the Manufacturers' Association of that town. Fra- ternally Mr. Mills is identified with the Improved Order of Red Men, and his religious affiliation is with the Con- gregational church.
Mr. Mills married (first), in 1891, Gertrude Poole, who was born at Worcester, Massachusetts, and died in the year 1902, leaving one son, Reginald Francis, born in 1902. Mr. Mills married (second), in 1903, Mary E. Jellison, who was born at Ellsworth, Maine, and they reside on Park Avenue, in Southbridge.
BURTON E. JOHNSON, engaged in the printing business from the time of leaving school until the present, has advanced to the position of president of the Leominster Printing Company, Inc., of Leominster, Massachusetts. His parents were Denzel and Hattie E. (Burpee) Johnson, the latter of whom was born at Westminster, Massachusetts, and died in 1884. The father, a native of Leominster, was in business as a carpenter contractor.
Burton E. Johnson was born in Leominster, Worces- ter, County, Massachusetts, February II, 1874. His edu- cation was obtained in the local public schools, and when completed he turned his attention to learning the printer's trade with the Leominster Enterprise Com- pany. After nine years employment in that concern he left Leominster to go to Boston, Massachusetts, where he remained in the printing business for eighteen years. He then returned to Leominster and entered the Leo- minster Printing Company's establishment, of which he became president, and of which Ralph A. Whitney is treasurer and one of the organizers (see sketch fol- lowing). Fraternally he is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red Men and the Grange, having passed through the various chairs in both orders, acting as trustee in each. He attends the Unitarian church of Leominster.
Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Tressa M. Russell, a native of Nova Scotia, to whom was born one child, Elmer R.
JOSEPH AUGUSTUS TITUS, colonel, lawyer, manufacturer of violins, was born in Leicester, January 21, 1838, son of Vernon and Mary (Moore) Titus. Vernon Titus was born in Sutton, April 3, 1803, died in Leicester, January 4, 1879. He was a music teacher, builder, and farmer. He was descended from Robert Titus, one of the original purchasers of the town of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and brother of Colonel Silas Titus, of the English Parliament, a "Roundhead." Mary (Moore) Titus, wife of Vernon Titus, was born in Worcester in December, 1801, and died in Leicester, March 3, 1853; she was a daughter of David Moore and granddaughter of David Moore, of Worcester. Mr. and Mrs. Titus were the parents of the following chil- dren : Helen Moore, born in Millbury, April 7, 1831, died unmarried, January 2, 1906, in Leicester; Mary Ann, born in Millbury, April 19, 1832, died in May, 1916, married Samuel G. Davis; and Josepr Augustus of this review.
Joseph A. Titus was educated in the public schools of Leicester, in Leicester Academy (graduating in 1859), and in Amherst College, from which he was graduated in 1863, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He read law in this city and was admitted to the bar in 1868. Beginning to practice law here in 1868, he continued until 1891, when he opened an office in Orange, Massa- chusetts, moving two years later to Athol and later returning to Worcester, where he practiced from 1900 to 1904. After spending the following year in Boston he returned to Athol in 1906, and resumed practice. Upon his retirement, March 1, 1913, he returned to Worcester and since then he has made violins as a' business. He has made a study of violin making from early youth, seeking to establish the model which will produce the tone that appeals to the taste of the artist. He has repaired many violins during the years of his law practice in his leisure hours.
Generally a Republican, he has always been indepen- dent. He has devoted much time to the study and dis- cussion of political questions, addressing audiences in various parts of the Commonwealth, and he has lec- tured on many subjects, especially on agriculture and the raising of cattle for beef. Soon after his admission to the bar he was appointed by Governor A. H. Bullock Associate Justice of the Municipal District Court of Worcester, an office he held five years. In 1872 he was elected Representative to the General Court, serving one term. Later he served in the Common Council one term. He is a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting in July, 1862, in Company F, 42d Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, served as orderly sergeant and was mustered out August 20, 1864. He reënlisted in August, 1864, in Company F, 60th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, served as second and first lieutenant, and was mustered out in November, 1864. During the following winter he was appointed by Colonel Ansel D. Wass, adjutant of the 62d Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. At that time he was teaching in the Leicester High School and was to join the regiment at the end of the term, but the war ended the day that school closed. He continued in the military service in the State militia, serving as captain of the Worcester City Guards; was appointed major and inspector-general of the 3d Brigade by General Robert H. Chamberlain; later was com-
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missioned lieutenant-colonel and assistant adjutant-gen- eral, serving on staff duty for six years. He was a member of the old Worcester Home Guard after the Civil War, and a charter member of the Worcester Continentals.
Colonel Titus has made music his principal recreation, and for twenty-one years was a member of some church choir in the city, singing tenor. He is a charter member of George H. Ward Post, No. 10, Grand Army of the Republic, and commanded the post four years. In 1898 he was judge advocate of the Department of Massachu- setts Grand Army of the Republic, by appointment of Department Commander William H. Bartlett. He is now patriotic instructor of the Grand Army. He is a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, and was a' member of the old Hancock Club. In religion he is a Congregationalist.
Colonel Titus married, in this city, in 1868, Bertha G. Manning, born at Paxton, in 1840, died October 19, 1894, daughter of David and Lucy (Grosvenor) Manning. Her parents were both born in Paxton. Her father was a shoe manufacturer of Worcester, Paxton, and Leicester. Colonel and Mrs. Titus had three children : George Augustus, born June 4, 1870; Albert Grosvenor, born September 10, 1872; and Bertha Manning, born January 23, 1878, who married Herbert E. Currier.
RALPH A. WHITNEY, as one of the organizers of the Leominster Printing Company, Inc., is well known to many citizens in Leominster, Massachusetts, where he was born and has since lived. He is a son of Elwin F. and Ida F. (Danforth) Whitney, the former a native of Vermont and engaged in the jewelry business in Leominster until his death in 1892; the mother is still living in Leominster, which is her birthplace.
Ralph A. Whitney, born June 13, 1887, was educated in the Leominster public schools, and after leaving the high school learned the printer's trade. Six years later he formed a partnership with H. M. Owens, starting in October, 1911, the Leominster Printing Company, which was incorporated in 1915 with the following officers : Burton E. Johnson, president, a sketch of whom precedes ; Ralph A. Whitney, treasurer, and Susie E. Whitney, secretary. This company occupies about 3,000 square feet of floor space, and is the largest in the country printing comb, pin, and novelty cards for the celluloid trade, in which they specialize; they also do general printing. Mr. Whitney is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Improved Order of Red Men, New England Order of Protection, and the Leominster Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Whitney has three children: Edward Forrest, Ralph Raymond, and Eleanor.
GEORGE P. NORTON, M. D., of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, has won distinction in his chosen pro- fession, and is numbered among the leading physicians of Worcester County. With special training covering an unusually long period of time, and comprehensive experience, Dr. Norton's success has become well known throughout the State of Massachusetts, and he is con- sidered an authority in the realm of his specialties. He is a member of an old and honored family of Ireland, his grandfather, John Norton, having been a pioneer in America.
John Norton came to this country in middle life, settling in Savannah, Georgia, and became a prosperous leather merchant. Patrick Norton, his son, and Dr. Norton's father, was born in Ireland, and was a little child when he came to this country with his parents. Coming North as a young man, he became interested in railroad ac- tivities and for thirty-five years was an engineer for the Old Colony Railroad, now the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. He married Mary Nester, also a member of a' prominent family. The Nester family, however, longer residents in America.
George P. Norton was born at Fitchburg, Massachu- setts, January 1, 1874. Attending first the public schools of his birthplace and later the Fitchburg High School, he eventually realized his youthful ambition in covering the medical course at the Bellevue Medical College in New York City, from which he was graduated in the class of 1895 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Norton's professional experience began as interne at the New York Skin and Cancer Hospital, where he spent one year and later spent a similar period at the New York Polyclinic Hospital. Returning to Fitch- burg he took up the general practice of medicine and has won a leading place in his chosen field of endeavor. His success in surgical work was marked from the be- ginning, and he has now for many years served on the staff of the Burbank Hospital of Fitchburg. He served three years as city physician and was appointed by Pres- ident Wilson United States pension examiner for the Fitchburg district. He also served for a number of years as medical examiner for this city.
Dr. Norton is a member of the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and Worcester North Medical Society, and in all that per- tains to medical and surgical advance he keeps in close touch with the movement of the times. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is prominent in local social circles. He is a member of St. Bernard's Church.
Dr. Norton married, in the year 1910, Edna Dole, daughter of Myron and Annie Dole, and they are the parents of three children: George, born October 14, 1914; Nancy, born July 12, 1916; and Joseph, born January 12, 1918.
JOHN I. HASTINGS-The career of a man who has been the architect of his own fortune is always interesting. and the Hastings family of Clinton, Massa- chusetts, is very well represented in the annals of that town through the achievements of the two sons of this family. The elder son, John I. Hastings, was born August 27, 1888, in Clinton, and his brother, whose biography follows, was born four years later.
John I. Hastings was a son of Thomas and Mary Hastings, and attended the public schools of Clinton. He entered high school but did not complete his studies there, starting to make his own way in the world when he was sixteen years of age. His first employment was in the mills of Clinton, and for nine years he followed similar occupations. In 1913 he secured a position with the packing firm of Swift & Company, starting as a teamster and doing other lines of general work. So well did he perform his various tasks that he received rapid promotion from time to time, eventually being appointed
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manager of the Clinton branch of this firm. During his managership there has been a noticeable increase in the volume of business, the first year showing a total reach- ing to 100,000 pounds. This has steadily grown with each year, and Mr. Hastings has made himself one of the valued employees of this firm through his business acumen, he has likewise attained a place of high stand- ing in the community where he resides. Mr. Hastings is identified with movements of general interest to the advance of Clinton, and is an active supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and prominent in several other local organizations. His religious connection is with the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, and in the charitable and committee work of this institution he takes a leading part. The favorite recreations of Mr. Hastings are hunting and fishing, and he forgets the business cares of his office two or three times a year to indulge in these sports. On April 25, 1917, Mr. Hastings married Eva, daughter of John H. and Clarinda (Her- bert) Rouleau, and they are the parents of two children : Paul, born November 23, 1920; Natalie, born July 21, 1922.
MICHAEL F. HASTINGS-It is a noticeable fact that the town of Clinton, Massachusetts, has many of its native sons actively engaged in business there, and they represent success and progress. One of these busi- ness men who is deserving of mention is Michael F. Hastings, who was born there July 9, 1892, the son of Thomas and Mary (Hastings) Hastings, both parents now living (1923). The former has been employed for several years as a foreman in one of the Clinton mills.
Mr. Hastings attended the public and high schools of his home town and then entered Holy Cross College, where he was a student for two years, discontinuing his studies there to pursue a course in pharmacy at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Mr. Hastings is what is termed a "self-made" man. During the time Mr. Hastings was attending college he was also gaining a practical knowledge of his future profession as an employee in Burke's Drug Store. For five years Mr. Hastings continued this association, three years of which he was attending' college and two subsequent to his graduation. In July, 1919, he engaged in the drug business on his own account, with a location on High Street, where he continued until January, 1923, when his store was destroyed by fire, but he has again started in business. Mr. Hastings is a successful business man and a competent and able pharmacist. He is a public- spirited citizen, and a man who enjoys high esteem among his associates. He has been very active in matters of civic interest, and was made a member of the direc- torate of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce in 1922 in appreciation of his efforts. He is also a member of the Prescott Club, Clinton Lodge, No. 1306, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Knights of Colum- bus, Clinton Council No. 1701; and of St. John's Church.
Mr. Hastings married, October 5, 1921, Agnes B. Ryder, daughter of Edward J. Ryder, of Clinton.
WILLIAM H. SAVAGE-After several years of shop and selling experience, William H. Savage located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and there founded the
Charlestown Machine Company, Inc., of which he is president. He has continued head of that company since 1908, and has guided its destinies from a small beginning to a recognized place among the industries of Fitchburg. He is a man of ability and integrity, thorough, capable, and equally reliable.
William H. Savage, son of Frederick S. and Susan Jennie (Clark) Savage, was born at Turners Falls, Massachusetts, July 15, 1882, his parents both of Massa- chusetts birth. He was educated in the public schools of Harvard and Lancaster, Massachusetts, finishing with high school. His first employment was with the Putnam Shop, in Fitchburg, where he spent five years before taking a position with the Fairbanks Scale Company as a traveling salesman, spending three years with that company, resigning in 1908 to begin business for himself as The Charlestown Machine Company, Inc. This com- pany is a corporation manufacturing machine grinding machinery and handling, as sales agent, other lines of machinery, including the Reed Prentice Company's line of machine tools. Mr. Savage is president of the com- pany which he founded, and he has brought the enter- prise to a prosperous condition.
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