History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 40

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, editor
Publication date: 1924
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 566

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In younger years Mr. Savage served a term of en- listment in the Massachusetts National Guard, his term expiring in 1908. He is a member of the Masonic order, affiliated with all bodies of the York and Scottish Rites. He is also a member of the Apollo Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and of Fitchburg Lodge, Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks.

Mr. Savage married, April 17, 1901, Inez F. Dodge, daughter of Samuel and Ida (Hunter) Dodge.

JACOB OGAN, LL. B., in legal circles in Wor- cester County, Massachusetts, is well known as a pro- gressive attorney of Athol, and although he is still a' young man and has been active in practice for only a few years, he gives large promise of the future, and is broadly interested in every branch of community advance. He is a son of Harry and Lena Ogan, his father being active in the dry goods business in the city of Lynn.

Jacob Ogan was born in Sidra, Russia, August 14, 1895. Coming to America with his parents in his child- hood, he began his education in the public schools of Lynn, and is a graduate of Ingall's Grammar School and the Classical High School of that city. He later cov- ered a course at the Northeastern Preparatory School of Boston, eventually entering the Northeastern Col- lege School of Law, also in Boston, from which he was graduated in due course. For three years before taking up his practice Mr. Ogan was active as governor of the Home for Destitute Jewish Children, which is located at Dorchester, Massachusetts, and while serving in this connection he did much for the progress of the home and the improvement of conditions among its inmates. In this connection Mr. Ogan feels under deep obligations to Dr. Solomon Z. Prokesch, superintendent of the in- stitution, and Judge David A. Lourie, of Boston, presi- dent, for their helpful advice and friendly attitude while executive of the home. In the year 1919 Mr. Ogan began practice in Lynn, Massachusetts, and early in 1922 in Athol, Massachusetts, where he now has offices at No. 451 Main Street, and where he is handling a

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large and constantly increasing practice. He is counted among the successful young men of this community and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. Mr. Ogan is also an accomplished violinist, and during his earlier years studied with some of the leading violin instructors in Boston. During his school and college years he was a private tutor of the violin, which helped finance his education. During the World War Mr. Ogan served as a member of Company E, 73d Infantry, 12th Division, United States Army. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Sam- son Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Lynn, and is also a member of Poquaig Club of Athol. He is identified with the Jewish synagogue.

Mr. Ogan married, at Roxbury, Massachusetts, on May 8, 1921, Sarah Singer, daughter of Louis and Ida Singer. Mr. and Mrs. Ogan are the parents of one child, Norman, born August 12, 1922.

JOSEPH C. FEINDEL, M. D., a prominent figure in professional circles in North Dana, Massachusetts, whose long experience, added to an unusually compre- hensive preparation, has carried him to a broadly note- worthy position in his chosen profession and given him large success. Dr. Feindel comes of a family for gen- erations distinguished on this side of the Atlantic, and is a grandson of John Feindel, who was a strong Empire loyalist at the time of the Revolutionary War, and leav- ing Boston, went to Nova Scotia, where he founded the family and spent his remaining years. In direct line from this ancestor, Ozais Feindel was born, in Nova Scotia, and was active as a general merchant and farmer until his death, at the age of seventy-six years, in 1907. The mother, Kate Lucy (Creighton) Feindel, was born in Nova Scotia and died there in 1895. Kate Lucy (Creighton) Feindel was a member of a very old and noteworthy English family, her father a captain in the English regular army, and her grandfather, Colonel John Creighton, was in charge of the English troops in Nova Scotia during the Revolutionary War. Dr. Feindel still has in his possession silverware of Colonel Creighton, which was saved from American privateers by a negro maid, by putting it in the well.

Joseph C. Feindel was born at Nova Scotia, April 25, 1865. Following his early education in the public schools of that province, he completed his academic studies in Nova Scotia, then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Maryland, grad- uating in 1897. He completed his medical studies at Harvard University and was graduated with the class of 1899, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Returning to his native country to practice, Dr. Feindel was active as a physician until the year 1909, when he went to California and thereafter for nine years prac- ticed in Los Angeles. He then came East and settling in North Dana, Massachusetts, took up the general prac- tice of medicine in this community and has won the confidence and esteem of the people, his success demon- strating his ability in a very definite way. Dr. Feindel has always been interested in public affairs, and has for some years been a citizen of the United States. Sup- porting the Republican party, Dr. Feindel gives his best endeavors to its advance, but has never thus far taken

a leading part in politics, serving only in such offices as align with his professional work. He was active as county coroner for some years in Nova Scotia, and also connected with the Board of Health. While still prac- ticing in Nova Scotia he was one of the first to advo- cate quarantine of all communicable diseases, and did much to bring this law into effect. Before his efforts were fruitful of success most of the infectious diseases were not quarantined in that province. He served for eight years as medical officer of the Canadian Militia with the rank of major, and was attached to the 75th Infantry Regiment. He is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Dr. Feindel married, May 23, 1901, at Boston, Massa- chusetts, Laura Lee Lonhes, of Nova Scotia, daughter of Elkaneh Lonhes, of Nova Scotia. Dr. and Mrs. Feindel are the parents of three children: Katherine Alexandra, born March 29, 1902, a graduate of Athol High School, also Westfield Normal School, and is now teaching school in Hartford, Connecticut; Charlotte Muriel, born June I, 1904, and Constance Elizabeth, born March 28, 1906, both attended the grade schools, also graduates of Athol High School, class of 1923.

PROFESSOR GEORGE IRA ALDEN-Few are better known or more beloved in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, than is Professor George Ira Alden, chairman of the board of directors of the Norton Com- pany, who for twenty-seven years was head of the me- chanical engineering department of Worcester Poly- technic Institute, and who, with the late Milton P. Hig- gins and others, helped to place the institute among the foremost technical schools of the country.

Professor Alden, who is a descendant of John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden, of the "Mayflower," was born in Templeton, Massachusetts, April 22, 1843, and received his early and preparatory education in the public schools of that town. After graduation from Templeton High School he became a student in the Lawrence Scientific School of Harvard University, from which he graduated with the class of 1868, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science. Subsequently, in 1891, he received from Sibley College, Cornell University, the degree of Master of Mechanical Engineering. Mean- time, however, before entering Lawrence Scientific School, he had learned the woodworker's trade and worked in various shops, studying evenings to fit himself for the Lawrence School. After graduation, during the fall of 1868, he enlarged his experience and also secured opportunity for further study by serving as assistant to Professor Winlock, director of Harvard College Ob- servatory. In November, 1868, he came to Worcester as a teacher in the Worcester County Free Institute of Industrial Science, which later became the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. From that time to 1896, a period of twenty-seven years, he was head of the mechanical engineering department of that institution, and the qual- ities of heart and mind which during that time were freely devoted to the advancement of the interests of the institute and of its students, not only contributed power- fully to the development of the organization, but won in an unusual degree the loyalty and affection of the young men who benefited by his instruction and by his

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personal influence. He made the plans for the build- ings and equipment of the engineering, power, and hy- draulic laboratories erected in 1895; was twice made acting president ; and was one of the most active of the group of devoted and gifted men who placed the little Worcester County Free Institute of Industrial Science among the best schools of its kind in the country.

But though he was naturally gifted as a teacher, Profes- sor Alden was much more than a teacher, and in that fact may be found the secret of his success as an instructor. He was an inventor and a creator, a pioneer in the field of technical education, and each step of his developing theory was put into practice in his laboratories. As a result of this method of combining theory and practice there was established in the institute by C. H. Morgan, trustee, and M. P. Higgins, in charge of the Washburn Shops, an industry which the trustees finally decided had grown to proportions too extensive for an educational institution. This was the manufacture of hydraulic elevators in the Washburn shops of the institute. When, in 1896, the trustees decided to sell this well-established industry, Mr. Higgins, who was chiefly responsible for the creation of the business, purchased it from the trus- tees, incorporated under the name of the Plunger Ele- vator Company, with a capital of $50,000, and Profes- sor Alden as treasurer and a member of the board of directors, and continued the manufacture of elevators in the Greendale factory. Later, this concern was sold to the Otis Elevator Company. Professor Alden and Mr. Higgins were also the founders of the Norton Emery Wheel Company, and a large plant erected at Niagara Falls, New York, operated by electric power, which engaged in the manufacture of newly invented materials for grinding wheels. A branch of this busi- ness was also established at Chippewa, Canada, and a grinding wheel plant at Wesseling, Germany. In 1917 Professor Alden, who had served as treasurer up to that time, was elected president of the Norton Company and of the Norton Grinding Company, also general man- ager of the latter. In 1919 he resigned these offices and was made chairman of the board of directors.

Professor Alden's interest in educational activities did not cease with the termination of his connection with the institute. For many years he was a member of the School Committee of Worcester, and for two years was chairman. In various educational societies he has been an active and prominent member, and is at present presi- dent of the trustees of the Worcester Trade Schools, in the founding and development of which both he and Mr. Higgins were influential, and a member of the board of trustees of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Professor Alden ha's travelled extensively in this country and abroad. In 1889 he made an extensive visit in Europe, studying technical schools and other insti- tutions in England and Germany and the Paris Exposi- tion. He is a member of the American Society of Me- chanical Engineers, the Worcester County Branch of the National Metal Trades Association, and of the Wor- cester County Employers' Association. He has been for many years a member and a deacon of a Congregational church, and at one time was superintendent of the Sun- day school. In politics he has always been a Republican. George Ira Alden married (first) Mary Elizabeth Lin-

coln, born July 18, 1853, died November, 1876, daughter of William and Maria Allen Lincoln. He married (sec- ond) Martha A. Broad, born in 1843, died in May, 1898, daughter of Lewis P. and Martha (Sawin) Broad. He married (third), May 29, 1900, Leah (Warren) John- son, a native of Bristol, England, daughter of Francis William and Eliza B. Warren. He has one daughter, Clara Louise, who is a graduate of Wellesley College. His home is at No. 8 Massachusetts Avenue, Worcester.

HERVEY C. PIERCE, who stands at the head of the Hervey C. Pierce Company, Inc., of Millbury, Massa- chusetts, is counted among the progressive and enter- prising men of the day in this community, and is the founder and manager of the only hardware business in Millbury. A native of Worcester County and a lifelong resident of this section, Mr. Pierce has been identified in a' constructive way with the various interests of Mill- bury for many years, and gives to the work of his present enterprises the natural ability of the executive and the skill of the experienced craftsman. He is a son of John W. Pierce, who was born in West Millbury, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1920. The mother, H. Catherine (Hayden) Pierce, who was born in Grafton, Massachu- setts, is still living.

Hervey C. Pierce was born at West Millbury, Massa- chusetts, July 23, 1881. Receiving his early education in the public and high schools of Millbury, he later at- tended the Massachusetts Agricultural College at Am- herst, in the class of 1904. Following the completion of his education, Mr. Pierce was employed in the hard- ware business with Harry W. Thomson of Millbury, and in 1909 Mr. Pierce bought the business. Sheet metal work, plumbing and steam fitting have always been important departments of the business. He has since continued as sole proprietor, and with an advantageous location on Elm Street, he has carried forward a con- stantly increasing interest and is counted among the prosperous and progressive men of the day in Millbury. In 1923 this enterprise was incorporated, Mr. Pierce be- coming president and treasurer. Mr. Pierce is prom- inent in the community as a public servant as well as in his private activities, having served on the Board of Health for a period of eight years, during one year of that time acting as chairman of the board. Fraternally he is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is now a Past Grand, also is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, of which he is Past Sachem, and the American Order of For- esters. His religious affiliation is with the Federated church of Millbury.

Mr. Pierce married, in 1902, Evelyn H. Whitehead, who was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of two children : Robert G. and Evelyn H.

HARRIS C. RUTHERFORD-As the owner and manager of the Millbury Grain Company, Harris C. Rutherford holds a prominent position in the commer- cial life of the town of Millbury, Massachusetts, and vicinity. Mr. Rutherford has been associated with this concern for the past twelve years in various capac-

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ities, but now, for eight years, has controlled the interest, and its growth and development during this period has marked his management as one of able and progressive administrative activities. Mr. Rutherford is a son of Arthur C. Rutherford, who was born at Ips- wich, Massachusetts, and he spent his lifetime in farm- ing until his retirement. The mother, Eunice G. (Gard- ner) Rutherford, was born in Leicester, Massachusetts, and is also still living.

Harris C. Rutherford was born at Temple, New Hampshire, August 29, 1882. His education was ac- quired in the public schools of Millbury and Oxford, Massachusetts, and as a young man he was engaged for a number of years as a teamster. In 1911 Mr. Rutherford entered his present business as manager, and was active in this capacity for about four years. In 1915 he bought a share in the business. This business was established by H. H. Ward in the early seventies. In 1880 A. S. Winter took over the business and carried it forward for a number of years, then Henry Houghton, who had been identified with the business as an employee since 1876, became the proprietor and so continued until the year 1915. At that time Harris C. Rutherford, in part- nership with Fred C. Wheeler, purchased the business resuming the original name of the Millbury Grain Com- pany, and continued it as a partnership until Mr. Wheeler's death, which occurred in 1922. Mr. Ruther- ford then became sole owner and has since carried it on. Mr. Rutherford is a prominent figure in the fraternal world of Millbury, holding membership in the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons, the Royal and Select Masters, and the Order of the Eastern Star, also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being Past Grand of Morning Star Lodge. He is identified with the Congregational church.

Mr. Rutherford married, in 1907, Ada I. Hobart, who was born in Millbury. Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford are the parents of one child: Eunice A., born October 15, III.

BURNHAM HARRISON DARLING, M. D .- In professional circles in Athol, Massachusetts, Dr. Darling holds a prominent position. With excellent training and several years of practice, he is taking a noteworthy place in this community. A native of the State of Ver- mont, Dr. Darling prepared for his profession in a Western college, and has been active in practice for the past six years. He is a son of Harry William and Jessie (Shorey) Darling, his father the owner of the Newport Bottling Works, at Newport, Vermont. The elder Mr. Darling died in the city of Chicago, but the mother, who was born at North Hatley, Quebec, is still living.

Burnham Harrison Darling was born at West Derby, Vermont, January 19, 1895. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Derby, and he was graduated from Derby Academy in the class of 1912. Thereafter he entered Des Moines College, at Des Moines, Iowa, in the medical department, from which he was graduated in the class of 1917, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Returning East, Dr. Darling began practice at North Abington, Massachusetts, then re- moved to Braintree, Massachusetts, and practiced for

three years in Quincy, Massachusetts. Coming to Athol, Massachusetts, on January 13, 1923, Dr. Darling took over the practice of Dr. W. S. Yates and is now carry- ing forward his profession as a successor of Dr. Yates, who has for many years been a leading physician of this community. Dr. Darling is winning the esteem and confidence of the people, and his future is considered very bright. He is interested in all that pertains to com- munity advance, but gives his efforts to every forward movement, rather than to champion any political party. He was a member of the Atlas Club at college, and is now affiliated with the Poquaig Club of Athol, Massa- chusetts. He attends the Unitarian church.

Dr. Darling married, at Chicago, Illinois, August 29, 1914, Janet Ferguson, of Scotland, daughter of William Ferguson, a native of Perth, Scotland. Dr. and Mrs. Darling are the parents of one child, Harry William, who was born March 22, 1919.

JOHN E. EDWARDS-One of the many striking examples of personal achievement which the records of the State of Massachusetts bear is that of John E. Edwards, who came to this country as a youth of seven- teen years, and without friends or influence has won his way to a position of dignity and responsibility. Mr. Edwards is a son of John E. and Amanda (Lindmark) Edwards, both natives of Sweden.

John E. Edwards was born in Sweden, in the north- ern part of that country, July 17, 1873. His family in humble circumstances, Mr. Edwards found life open before him as a responsibility when he was still only a young lad. At the age of seventeen years he came to the United States and handicapped by a limited educa- tion in his native land, as well as by his lack of familiar- ity of the language and customs of this country, he began, as it might be expressed, on a dead level. He has risen by the hardest effort. From the first he ap- preciated the value of education and gave every pos- sible moment to study. His first position was as clerk in a grocery store in Brooklyn, New York, and with the labor conditions in the nineties and the constant stream of immigration then flooding the country, he was obliged to make many changes. He was active for a time in the vulcanizing business, then for a number of years was engaged in building and contracting, after which he went West, securing a position in Nebraska with the International Publishing Company, in their circulation department. Remaining but a short time, however, Mr. Edwards returned to Brooklyn and was active for a period with a concern which manufactured chemicals, and of which he eventually became manager. He later went into this business in an independent way on a small scale, and in all spent ten years in chemical production. An opportunity to return to carpenter work seemed promising, and for two years he was active in this con- nection, then was variously engaged until 1918, when he filled the office of cashier of the Norwegian Hospital, of Brooklyn, New York. In 1920 he was chosen as sec- retary and treasurer of the Massachusetts Conference and Conferences Association and has since been active in the work of this body, with headquarters at Lancas- ter, Massachusetts. The progress of this body has already felt the impetus of his practical energy and his

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long experience in general commercial and constructive activities. Mr. Edwards has belonged to the Advent church for the past twenty-eight years, and his present position in the promotion of this faith is a field in which his breadth of usefulness will undoubtedly be of great significance.

Mr. Edwards married Valborg Muderspach, July 18, 1908, at Brooklyn, New York, and they are the parents of two children : John Ernest, born March 20, 1909; and Louis Eugene, born July 5, 1912, died January 31, 1920.

FRANKLIN PIERCE MUNN-In the life work of Mr. Munn, of South Lancaster, Massachusetts, the dis- criminating student of human nature may trace lofty ideals and an undeviating purpose to follow them to the end. Taking life as he found it in his own boyhood, facing conditions courageously, and overcoming ob- stacles with the energy which achieves, yet the modesty which asks no laudation, Mr. Munn lived out his years in useful activity, giving to those dependent upon him better opportunities than he himself had enjoyed, and giving to the world the honest, consistent effort which counts for universal and permanent well-being. Mr. Munn was a son of Ralph and Mary Harriman (Mar- tin) Munn, his father born on the farm and active in agricultural pursuits throughout his lifetime.

Franklin Pierce Munn was born in Corinth, Vermont, April 24, 1855, and died in the New England Sanitarium at Melrose, Massachusetts, on April 4, 1918. As a young lad he received only the most limited education, attending the district schools for a few weeks each win- ter, but otherwise finding no opportunity to store his mind with the knowledge to be found in books. He lived on the old Munn homestead at Corinth, where he was born, assisting his father in his youth, and later taking over the entire responsibility of the place. He carried on this farm until the year 1900, when he re- moved to South Lancaster, Massachusetts, in order that his children might have better educational advantages and gain more of a start in life. Mr. Munn became one of the highly respected men of the community, bearing a constructive part in all that pertained to its advance and identifying himself particularly with religious prog- ress. Mr. Munn was a member of the Baptist church until the year 1885, when he identified himself with the Seventh Day Advent church. He was an active factor in the growth of this denomination in Northern Worces- ter County, and his family united with him in his loy- alty to it. In this and in many branches of Christian effort he gave his best to the advancement of any cause of worthy import.

Mr. Munn married (first), at Vershire, Orange County, Vermont, on January 22, 1879, Abbie E. Under- wood, daughter of Nicholas and Maria C. (House) Underwood. Four children blessed this union: Charles Ralph, born November 23, 1879; Frank William, born April 19, 1882; Mark Rufus, born May 5, 1884, died in infancy; and Mary Maria, born June 17, 1886, who be- came the wife of W. H. Hersey. Abbie E. (Under- wood) Munn died, and Mr. Munn married (second) Etta Sophia Smith. They are the parents of three chil- dren : Bessie Roxana, born June 5, 1892, now the wife of H. S. Liese; Clinton Smith, born August 25, 1893;

and Lena Julia, born October 12, 1896, now the wife of D. E. Smith.

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History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 40

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, editor Publication date: 1924 Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 566

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, editor
Publication date: 1924
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 566