USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 43
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Dr. Pagé married, in 1898, Lena M. Thibeault, of Framingham, Massachusetts, and they have two chil- dren: Beatrice G., now a student at Boston University, class of 1927; and George Joseph, nine years of age.
JOHN PARTRIDGE-In one of the most practical lines of mercantile activity John Partridge holds a lead- ing place in the city of Worcester as the head of the Partridge Paint Company. His natural business ability and long experience in this field of endeavor have placed him in a position to contribute largely to the welfare of the community through his management of this interest, and he has widely encouraged the use of paints and varnishes in this locality. Mr. Partridge is a son of G. W. Partridge, who was born at Paxton, Massachu- setts, and ran a bus line in Worcester until about 1900. From then until his death, which occurred in 1914, he was practically retired. The mother, Eva C. (Lyon) Partridge, was born in Spencer, Massachusetts, and died in 1919.
John Partridge, son of these parents, was born in Paxton, Massachusetts, April 10, 1874. The family coming to Worcester in his childhood, he received his education in the public schools of this city, and on the completion of his studies became interested in the paint business. First following this line as an employee, he has since continued without interruption in the same field of endeavor, striking out for himself in 1915. At that time he purchased the long-established paint busi- ness which was founded by a Mr. Chase, who was suc- ceeded by L. B. Holt about 1890. Upon taking over this interest Mr. Partridge changed the name to the Part- ridge Paint Company and materially increased and ex- panded the business. He has carried it forward with constantly increasing success, and it is one of the most important as well as one of the oldest enterprises of its kind in the city to-day. Mr. Partridge acts as the ex- clusive agent for the city of Worcester for the Oliver Johnson Company, nationally prominent manufacturers of paints. He carries a very comprehensive line of paints and varnishes, also painter's supplies, and is well known as one of the most progressive men in this field in Worcester County to-day. Mr. Partridge is identi- fied with Athelstan Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; Eureka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and the Masonic and Kiwanis clubs, and attends the Baptist church of Worcester. Interested in all branches of civic and benevolent advance, he is counted among the really prominent men of the day.
Mr. Partridge married, on July II, 1900, Lilla Burns, who was born in Worcester, and they are the parents of two daughters: Olive G. and Phyllis G.
HENRY PETER HERR, LL. B., a prominent fig- ure in professional circles in Athol, Massachusetts, attor- ney and counsellor-at-law, a public-spirited citizen, member of fraternities and clubs, and veteran of the World War, his success has come as the reward of his own efforts, and he is esteemed one of the really sig- nificant men in professional circles of Worcester County. He is a son of John Adams and Margaret Herr, his father a cabinetmaker by trade.
Henry Peter Herr was born at Dedham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, July 28, 1887. His education was begun in the grammar schools of Hyde Park, Massa- chusetts, and following his high school course he entered Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated in the year 1909 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Within the year he was admitted to the
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bar of Massachusetts and took up his professional career at Hyde Park, where he has since been active continu- ously with the sole interruption of the war. In 19II Mr. Herr was admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, and his activities have brought him into more than usual prominence. He has won large success, and is noted among the broadly progressive and influential lawyers of his native State.
Mr. Herr enlisted in the United States Army Oc- tober 4, 1917, and served as first sergeant with the 30Ist Infantry, 76th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, as a member of the supply company attached to that unit. He saw active service in France from July, 1918, to the end of December, 1918, when he was re- turned to the United States and was mustered out of the service January 18, 1919. Returning to his professional activities Mr. Herr settled in Athol, Massachusetts, opening his office here and has since developed a' very extensive practice in Northern Worcester County. With his ability and broad familiarity with public affairs and conditions in their general relation as well as their legal aspect, it was perhaps but natural that Mr. Herr should have been brought forward in the public service. He was a member of the Republican Town Committee of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, for about five years, and in financial circles there was also prominent, having been a' director of the Hyde Park Cooperative Bank for about eight years. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Norfolk County Bar Association, the Gamma Eta Gamma, legal fraternity, and is a lead- ing member of Athol Council, Knights of Columbus ; and Edward H. Phillips Post, American Legion, of Athol, of which he is commander. Before coming to Athol he was a member of Cecil W. Fogg Post, Amer- ican Legion, Hyde Park District of Boston, Massachu- setts, being among the charter members. He has few interests which do not more or less closely concern his professional work, but chooses outdoor recreations for relaxation, and is a member of the Poquaig Club of Athol, Massachusetts, and member of its executive com- mittee. His religious affiliation is with the Church of Our Lady Immaculate, of Athol, Massachusetts.
Mr. Herr married, October 21, 1923, Katharine Harris, of Dedham, Massachusetts, daughter of John H. and Margaret (Slattery) Harris.
WILLIAM THOMAS McBRIDE-For the past fifteen years William Thomas McBride has been suc- cessfully engaged in the pursuit of the dental profession in Athol, Massachusetts, and during that time has not only built up a large clientele, but he has also built for himself a reputation for excellent workmanship and for honest business methods. He has many friends in Athol and the territory surrounding that city, and is well known in fraternal circles here.
Born in Gilbertsville, Massachusetts, May 16, 1881, he is a son of John H. McBride, a native of Millbury, Massachusetts, who was long engaged in business as a barber in Palmer, Massachusetts, and of Matilda (Dog- gett) McBride, of Haverhill, Massachusetts. He re- ceived his early and preparatory education in the public schools of Palmer, Massachusetts, then became a student in Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland, from which he was graduated in 1908 with
the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. In the fall of the same year he came to Athol, Massachusetts, and opened offices there. During the years that have passed since that time he has not only built up a clientele which includes a large number of the best known people in Athol, but has won the esteem not only of his patrons but of his professional associates and of those with whom he is associated in civic activities. He has many friends in Athol and in the country surrounding that city. He gives his support to the principles and candi- dates of the Republican party, and has served on the Appropriation Committee; Public Safety Committee for the past five years; and at present is a member of the Board of Public Safety, Health and Hygiene. During the World War he served as a consulting dentist on the Draft Board, District No. 12, and as chairman of the Twelfth District Preparedness League of American Dentists. The league rendered valuable service by at- tending to the dental needs of the soldiers and of men who would soon go into service, nearly all of which was free of charge. Fraternally, Mr. McBride is a member of Lodge No. 1426, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Gardner, Massachusetts; and of the Knights of Columbus of Athol. He is also a member of the Poquaig Club of Athol. His religious affiliation is with the Roman Catholic church.
On October 11, 1911, at Orange, Massachusetts, William Thomas McBride married Annie F. Walker, of Orange, Massachusetts, daughter of Michael Walker, a native of Nova Scotia, and of Margaret (O'Connell) Walker. Mr. and Mrs. McBride are the parents of two children: Muriel Margaret, born November 10, 1912; and William Thomas, Jr., born March 27, 1917.
ERNEST L. SMITH-As treasurer of the Millbury Savings Bank, Ernest L. Smith holds a position of trust in the community and is affiliated closely with the financial advance of Worcester County, Massachusetts. His long experience in the world of finance and his nat- ural business ability place him in the front rank of progress, and he is counted among the foremost cit- izens of Millbury. A member of an old family of this State, Mr. Smith is a son of D. Herbert Smith, who was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and was active in the grocery business in the city of Worcester until his retirement in 1917. He is still living at an advanced age, and is a venerable and honored figure, a veteran of the Civil War, having served as private in the 5Ist and later the 25th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer In- fantry. He has been a member for many years of Wor- cester Post No. 10, Grand Army of the Republic. The mother, Helen A. (Lane) Smith, was born in Rutland, Massachusetts, and is also still living.
Ernest L. Smith was born in the city of Worcester, Massachusets, September 9, 1875. Receiving his early education in the local public schools, he also attended he Worcester Classical High School, then entered upon his career as an employee of the Quinsigamond National Bank of Worcester, beginning as a messenger. He con- tinued with this institution until it was taken over by the Worcester Bank and Trust Company and thereafter remained with the new concern until 1910 as check teller. His association with these two institutions cov- ered a period of fourteen years. After resigning from
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the latter, Mr. Smith came to Millbury to accept the po- sition of treasurer of the Millbury Savings Bank. He still serves in this capacity, and is also a trustee of the institution, further acting as clerk of the board of in- vestments. Fraternally Mr. Smith is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons, and the Royal and Select Masters, and he is identified with the Savings Bank Officers' Club and the Sons of Vet- erans. Mr. Smith's hobby is music, and since he was eight years old, has played the violin, and for many years has played at Central Church.
Ernest L. Smith married, in 1906, Clara M. Carter, who was born in Millbury, and they have one daughter, Mildred Irene, who was born in Worcester, Massachu- setts, December 19, 1908. The family attends the Cen- tral Church of Worcester.
DAVID FRANCIS (D. FRANK) DILLON-For several generations the name of Dillon has been a prominent one in the city of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and the D. M. Dillon Steam Boiler Works, the life achievement of the founder, is one of the noteworthy and largely prosperous interests of this city, David Francis Dillon, his son, now being one of the heads of the organization.
D. M. Dillon, who established this enterprise and has been president of the concern for many years, was born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, April 15, 1843, coming to Worcester, Massachusetts, when sixteen years old, and to Fitchburg in 1870, becoming one of the foremost citizens of this place. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the Quartermaster's Department of the United States Army, in June, 1863, serving during the remaining period of the war. As a youth he acquired training and experience in the manufacture of steam boilers, also along general mechanical lines. In the year 1870 he struck out for himself as an independent operator in this general field, founding this factory, which has become one of the leading enterprises of Fitchburg. Under the firm name of the D. M. Dillon Steam Boiler Works, this concern has enjoyed a very large and permanent growth, and Mr. Dillon's hand has directed its fortunes until the present time. In the pub- lic life of the city D. M. Dillon was long prominent. As early as 1886 he was elected Alderman from his ward and was a member of the Board of Aldermen for two years. His constant activity in the business world and his increasing importance as a manufacturer led to his election to the Fitchburg Board of Trade, which he served as president in the year 1893. Later on his long experience was eminently useful to the city through his service as a member of the Fitchburg Sewage Commis- sion, to which he was appointed June II, 1910, and upon which he served during the activity of that body which closed with the completion of the city's sewer system on June II, 19II. The mother, Margaret G. (Kava- naugh) Dillon, is a native of Greenfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts.
David Francis (D. Frank) Dillon was born at Fitch- burg, Massachusetts, October 19, 1873. His education was begun in the local public schools and completed at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he secured a practical preparation for his later activities. As a young man he became affiliated with his father in the
above enterprise and learned the various branches of the business by the practical method of experience in all departments. When he had thoroughly familiarized himself with the activities of the plant he assumed executive responsibility and has gradually risen in the organization until now he fills the office of vice-presi- dent of the D. M. Dillon Steam Boiler Works. For a number of years he and his brother, Frederick N. Dillon, have been the principal active executives of the firm, relieving their father of the larger share of respon- sibility, and the progress of the organization has been even more marked since their activity in it. David Francis Dillon has also been interested for a number of years in the Union Foundry Company of Fitchburg, and for several years he has been president and treasurer of the this concern, also a member of the National Metal Trades Association, Associated Industries of Massachu- setts, and the Alumnæ Association of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Dillon's prominence in the industrial world of the city has placed him among the well known and influential men of Northern Worcester County, and his social affiliations are wide. He is a member of the Fay Club, and the Oak Hill Country Club, of Fitchburg; the Worcester and Tatnuck Country clubs of Worcester, Massachusetts; the Boston Athletic Association, of Boston; and the Brae Burn Country Club, of West Newton, Massachusetts. His leisue interests are revealed in his wide connection with the country club activities of Worcester County, and he takes pleasure in all out-of-door interests. His chief hobby is raising fine bred Guernsey cattle on his farm , near Fitchburg. By political affiliation he is identified with the Republican party, although never an office seeker.
Mr. Dillon married, in New York City, on July 6, 1916, Janet Ansel Wright, daughter of Elwin T. and Mary (Frances) Wright, and they have two children : David Francis, Jr., born May 26, 1917; and Janet, born November 30, 1918.
WILLIAM A. EARLE-As vice-president of the Gardner Upholstered Furniture Company of Gardner, . Massachusetts, William A. Earle is holding a position of marked prominence in this city, and is associated with James H. Noonan and Thomas F. Denny, Mr. Denny being president of the concern and Mr. Noonan treasurer.
Mr. Earle is a son of John and Rebecca (Russell) Earle, both natives of Newfoundland and descendants of pioneer settlers of that island. John Earle was a shipbuilder by trade and followed this business for some years in Newfoundland, later operating a fishing station on the coast of Labrador. He was for some time master watch on a coastwise steamer, Captain John Bartlett commanding, Captain Bartlett having been the grand- father of Lieutenant Peary's navigator on one of the Peary expeditions to the North Pole. John Earle re- tired from business about 1892, and removed to British Columbia, where he made his home at New Westminster, among his children, two sons and two daughters having settled in that section some time previously. He died about 1919, the mother surviving him for about one year.
William A. Earle was born on the island of New- foundland, May 24, 1871. His education was acquired in the public schools of that place, and he later was em-
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ployed at his father's fishing station in Labrador for a time. In 1891 he came to the United States, but returned to Nova Scotia about a year later and spent two or three years in that vicinity. Thereafter coming to the United States for permanent residence, he secured his first nat- uralization papers in Boston about three months after his arrival, then came to Gardner. Here he entered the employ of the chair manufacturing concern of John A. Dunn Company, having secured a position in the uphol- stery department. There he learned the trade of uphol- sterer during his period of activity with that concern, which covered some six and a one-half years, and rose to the position of foreman of that department. He then resigned to accept a position with the S. K. Pierce & Son Company, where he was placed in charge of the upholstery department. Mr. Earle remained with the Pierce interests for a period of sixteen years, gaining a fund of practical experience which has been of great value to him in his subsequent activities. In 1919 Mr. Earle resigned from this position to become associated with Mr. Denny and Mr. Noonan in the incorporation of the Gardner Upholstered Furniture Company. This concern has made remarkable progress, and although one of the younger organizations now active in the manu- facture of furniture in Gardner, it has taken front rank in its field in the manufacture of the highest grade over- stuffed furniture for the living room or drawing room. The Gardner Upholstered Furniture Company make nothing but the finest and most beautiful upholstered furniture, of the most artistic design and perfect work- manship. They were the one firm in New England ex- hibiting at the "Home Beautiful" show in Boston in April, 1923, this fact alone placing them among the fore- most manufacturers of furniture in the East. Mr. Earle has been a significant factor in the progress of the enterprise, he is an expert in upholstery work and has charge of the factory end of the business while his part- ners take the oversight of the office affairs and sales branches.
Mr. Earle married, in 1897, Jenny F. Mckenzie, of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and they are the parents of four children: Clayton C., now in the employ of the Gardner Upholstered Furniture Company; Clarence W., employed with the same concern; Blanche R., a senior in high school; and Lois Christine, in the graded schools of Gardner.
ISIDORE W. SMITH, D. M. D .- A veteran of the World War, Dr. Smith is one of the leading members of his profession at Leominster, where he has an ex- tensive general practice. He was born on Prince Ed- ward Island January 12, 1891, son of George and Elizabeth (McKenna) Smith. His father, who is a master carpenter by trade, came to Leominster with his family when Dr. Smith was about four years old and has ever since been closely identified with the business and social life of the community.
Dr. Smith received his preliminary education in the public schools of Leominster and was graduated from the Leominster High School as a member of the clas's of 1909. During his school days his attention had been attracted by the profession of dentistry, and, as he was naturally of a scientific turn of mind and possessed a keen eye and a ready hand, he determined to become a
member of the dental profession. His parents were pleased with this decision and spared no pains to give him every advantage within their power so that he might begin his professional career with the best possible train- ing. Accordingly after his graduation from high school, Dr. Smith spent some years in special collegiate study, and was graduated from Tuft's Dental College in 1917 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. He re- turned to Leominster upon the completion of his profes- sional studies and established himself in an independent practice. But he did not long remain at home. The United States had declared war upon the German Em- pire in April of that year, and on August 30, 1917, Dr. Smith enlisted in the United States Army and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Dental Corps. He was assigned to service at Camp Dix, New Jersey, and remained in actice service until May, 1919, when he received an honorable discharge. His long period of military service gave him a great deal of valuable ex- perience, and the great variety of dental cases which came under his observation added to the breadth of his theoretical and practical knowledge. Upon his return to Leominster, after the end of the war, Dr. Smith resumed his private practice, which he had abandoned in order to enlist in the army. His thorough knowledge and wide experience, no less than his scientific and capable manner, inspired confidence, and his practice has grown steadily until it is now one of the most exten- sive and prosperous in Leominster. Dr. Smith spares no pains to maintain the utmost efficiency in his office and his equipment is of the best and most scientific kind. He is not a member of any professional organization, but he keeps fully abreast of the latest advances in dental science, and is a keen student of new methods of treatment.
Dr. Smith is a Catholic and belongs to the St. Leo's Roman Catholic Church at Leominster, taking the greatest interest in all the parish activities. He is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, attending the meetings of the local lodge of that order with the utmost regularity. He is also a member of Leominster Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of the Wachusett Dental Society.
On July 16, 1920, he married, at Leominster, Kathleen Lawless, daughter of John and Katherine (Daley) Law- less. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Kathleen Frances, born at Leominster, March 12, 1921.
RAYMOND MARCY BURNHAM-Representing some of the foremost insurance companies in the world, Raymond Marcy Burnham, of Southbridge, Massachu- setts, holds a broadly noteworthy position in the business life of this community, and is contributing in no small degree to the economic security of the people. Mr. Burnham is a native of the State of Connecticut, and was reared in the leading insurance city of the world, where he was born. He is a son of Ellery D. and Rinda M. (Marcy) Burnham, both also natives of Connecticut, the father born in Eastford, and the mother in Union. Both are now living in Southbridge. The elder Mr. Burnham has been engaged in business as a shoe manufacturer in Wethersfield for many years.
Raymond M. Burnham was born in Hartford, Connec-
William & Bod
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ticut, May 22, 1887. Receiving his early education in the public and high schools of his native city, he later entered Yale University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1909 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The same year he located in Southbridge. His first ex- perience in the business world was in the field of insur- ance, in which he has since been continuously active. In I9II he started for himself as an insurance broker and salesman, purchasing the present interest, which is the oldest established insurance agency of Southbridge. This enterprise was founded in the year 1875 by E. M. Phillips, who began a general insurance business and later received into partnership his son, Edgar M. Phillips, the firm name becoming E. M. Phillips & Son. This partnership continued until the death of Edgar M. Phillips, which occurred about 1901. For ten years thereafter the business was carried on by his widow, Mrs. Hattie L. Phillips, and during the latter part of that period Mr. Burnham acted as her assistant. In 19II Mr. Burnham purchased the interest and has since con- ducted it independently with large and increasing success. With offices at No. 76 Main Street, Southbridge, this is now the oldest and probably the largest agency in South- bridge and vicinity. Mr. Burnham represents thirty different insurance companies, including both the old line pioneers and the more recent forms of protection which cover accident and calamity of various kinds. He holds a noteworthy position in the business life of the community, and is counted among the leading men of Southbridge. Fraternally he is identified with Quine- baug Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; also all the York and Scottish Rite bodies of the Masonic order up to and including the commandery and consistory. He also is a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the Southbridge Club, the Cohasse Country Club, the Quinebaug Club, Zeta Psi frater- nity at Yale, and Boston Yale Club. He is a trustee of the Southbridge Savings Bank, a member of the South- bridge Chamber of Commerce, and attends the Congre- gational church.
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