USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 49
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Francis N. Luce was born at West Boylston, Massa- chusetts, January 5, 1895. His education was begun in the local public schools, and following his completion of the high school course he attended Worcester Poly- technic Institute, from which he was graduated in the class of 1918 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. His experience since his graduation has been confined to the connection with the present firm which still endures, and his part in the progress of the organization is one of vital importance. The Norton Company of Worces- ter is one of the progressive and noteworthy industrial organizations of that city, its activities including the manufacture of Alundum and Crystolon grinding wheels, floor tile, and high temperature refractories.
During the World War Mr. Luce was active as ser- geant in the United States Machine Gun Corps, enlist- ing in April, 1918, very shortly after the United States intervened in European affairs. Stationed at Camp Han- cock, Georgia, as instructor, he was later transferred to the 3d Machine Gun Officers' Training School, but was not sent across, receiving his discharge from the service December 7, 1918. Sergeant Luce was Com- mander of Harold T. Keith Post, No. 204, American Legion, in 1921 and 1922, and is still a leading member of this organization. He has for some years been ac- tive in public affairs, but not in an official way until quite recently he was elected Selectman of West Boylston in February, 1923. Fraternally he is affiliated with Boylston Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and Wor- cester Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. His religious affili- ation is with the Congregational church.
Mr. Luce married, June 18, 1921, at West Boylston, Mildred F. Prescott, daughter of Nelson and Angeline (Sawyer) Prescott.
BERNARD L. PLOUFFE, A. B., M. D .- The younger group of medical men of Worcester County, Massachusetts, is a body of progressive and alert spirits, whose activities are counting materially for the welfare of the people and the progress of the profession. In this group Dr. Bernard L. Plouffe is a noteworthy figure, and as one of the well-known practitioners of Webster, Massachusetts, is winning marked success. He is a son
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of John D. and Mary Plouffe, formerly of North Oxford, Massachusetts, but for more than thirty years residents of Webster.
Bernard L. Plouffe was born at North Oxford, Massa- chusetts, January 4, 1890. The family removing to Webster when he was one year old his education was begun in the public schools of this place, and following his high school course he entered Holy Cross College at Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he was gradu- ated in the class of 1911 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. For his medical studies the young man entered Harvard University, from the medical department of which he was graduated in the class of 1915 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served an interne- ship at Carney Hospital of Boston, where he spent six months, then for eighteen months was active in a sim- ilar capacity in the Boston City Hospital. In both in- stitutions he did principally surgical work. He worked also as an assistant at St. John's Long Island City Hos- pital, New York; the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; and Worcester City Hospital, Worcester. coming to Webster in the year 1917, Dr. Plouffe opened his office here at No. 359 Main Street, and except for the interruption of his military service he has continued here since, and has gained an assured footing in his chosen profession. He is looked upon as one of the most promising of the younger surgeons of Worcester County.
The military service of Dr. Plouffe began with his commission in the Medical Reserve Corps in Septem- ber, 1917, when he was commissioned first lieutenant and detailed to Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, Medical Offi- cers' Training Corps. He was assigned to the Ist Bat- talion Tank Corps, and remained for six months at Gettysburg, the original training camp of the tank corps. Going overseas, Dr. Plouffe was stationed for six months at the American Tank Corps' Training Camp at Bourg, France, where he was on battalion, post, and ward ser- vice as acting camp surgeon and adjutant of camp hos- pitals. He is a member of the American Medical So- ciety, the Massachusetts State Medical Society, of which the Worcester County Medical Society is a part, and fraternally is identified with the Elks and the Knights of Columbus, the Moose, the Eagles, the Franco-Amer- ican Foresters, and Foresters of America. He is also identified with the Club Gagnon, and is a member of St. Louis' Church.
Dr. Plouffe married Cecile C. Delehanty of South- bridge, Massachusetts, in 1917, and they are the parents of one child, John Bernard Plouffe, who is now five years old and already willing to follow in his father's footsteps when he grows older.
(MRS.) ADELAIDE B. HOWLAND, a prominent figure in social and literary circles in Templeton, Massa- chusetts, for many years was active as an educator in Boston, and her home has been in Templeton since her retirement. Mrs. Howland takes a deep interest in the advance of the community, especially along educa- tional lines, and has done much for civic progress in Templeton. She is a descendant of Captain Parker, who led the "minute men" at the battle of Concord in Revo- lutionary days, and other ancestors also bore a part in that early struggle for liberty
Adelaide B. (Smith) Howland was born at Temple- ton, Massachusetts. Her education was begun in Mrs. Lucy Richardson's private boarding school of this com- munity, and following her intermediate courses she at- tended Templeton High School, from which she was graduated. She then became a teacher in the elemen- tary schools of Walpole, New Hampshire, and later followed this line of endeavor in Boston for twenty-six years, and was first assistant in the Concord Street School. Naturally gifted as an instructor and devoted to her work, also possessing the love for children which makes of this duty a joy and privilege, Mrs. Howland did much in forming the characters of her charges and in starting on the paths of truth and uprightness the young spirits placed in her care. Since her retirement from her profession Mrs. Howland has been active in educational and welfare interests in Templeton, where she has resided. She retains her affiliation with the Boston Teachers' Association, and is a leading member of the Templeton Woman's Club. With the duty of citizenship devolving upon women as its does in the present day, Mrs. Howland supports the Republican party and is a member of the Unitarian church.
She became the wife of Charles W. Howland, of Boston, who died in 1917. Mr. Howland came from a long line of patriotic and public-spirited ancestors, being a direct descendant of John Howland, one of the "Mayflower" pilgrims in 1620. He was educated in the public schools of Charlestown, Massachusetts, and in the engineering course of that navy yard. For many years Mr. Howland was one of the trustees of the large estate of his uncle, the well-known Jacob Foss, of Charlestown. Mr. Howland was intensely American, being a member of the Bunker Hill Association, the Mayflower descendants, Society of Colonial Wars, Sons of the American Revolution, and of the Old Charles- town School Boys' Association. He also took a great interest in Masonry, and in his early twenties was ad- mitted to the Henry Price Blue Lodge, continuing through the chapter and the Mystic Shrine. He also belonged to the De Molay Commandery, and finally be- came a thirty-third degree Mason and member of the Massachusetts Consistory. Mr. Howland's last years were spent in Templeton, after many months of world- wide travel, where his public spirit continued to be mani- fest in many ways. The family has long borne arms as follows :
Arms-Argent, two bars sable, in chief three lions rampant of the second.
Crest-A leopard passant sable, ducally gorged or.
GEORGE MARSH-For many years active in the contracting business in his native town of Petersham, Massachusetts, George Marsh holds a prominent posi- tion in this part of Worcester County, and has long been active in the public service as well as in his indi- vidual endeavor. Mr. Marsh is a member of one of the oldest and most noteworthy families of Massachu- setts, the immigrant ancestor of his line having landed in Boston in 1633 on the ship "Mary and John." In early generations the pioneers were blessed with many children, and numerous representatives of this family have been scattered throughout the country. Hiram Marsh, father of the subject of this sketch, was born
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at Barre, Massachusetts, and after a long and useful life in agricultural occupations. died at Petersham in 1888. He married Mary Jane Dudley, who was born in Petersham, Massachusetts, in 1823, and died in her native place in 1901.
George Marsh was born at Petersham, Massachusetts, January 24, 1861. Receiving his education in the public schools of his birthplace he began learning the carpen- ter's trade in 1883, also mastering the trade of painting. A few years later he struck out for himself as an in- dependent contractor, and at one time did nearly all the work of this nature in Petersham, but for the last four or five years has taken only such contracts as would give him a little activity and occupy his attention rather than retire to idleness. Mrs. Marsh owns a one hundred and fifty acre farm, which is considered one of the finest pieces of property in this section, as on this land stands a million and one-half feet of splendid pine tim- ber. Always active in any branch of forward endeavor, whatever its purpose might be, Mr. Marsh has at dif- ferent times served the people of Petersham in public office. He is a Republican by political affiliation, and was first elected Constable, later being made Forest Warden when this office was created. He has served in the latter capacity continuously until August, 1923, when he retired from its dutes. He has also served on the Fire Department and served as Forest Fire Warden. He is a member of the Arcadian Club of Petersham, and is one of the honored figures in the social and business life of the community.
George Marsh married, at Athol, Massachusetts, No- vember 5, 1885, Emma A. Wyman, of Petersham, Massa- chusetts, a daughter of Charles G. and Nellie Wyman, esteemed citizens of Petersham. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are the parents of two sons: George Homer, born July 30, 1890, at Petersham, Massachusetts; and Kenneth Earl, born July 24, 1895, also at Petersham, both now engaged in the painting and building business.
THURSTON BUCK-A venerable but still active figure in the business world of West Sterling, Massa- chusetts, is Thurston Buck, who is famed through- out the United States as an authority on both forestry and lumber, and is one of the leading figures of the day in Worcester County. Mr. Buck is one of the few remaining pioneers in the manufacture of chairs in Wor- cester County, and the history of his enterprise is marked by the same problems and vicissitudes which, undoubt- edly, attend the development and permanent establish- ing of any worth-while endeavor. He is a son of James O. and Azubah (Smith) Buck, his father an early pro- ducer of ladder rounds and chair stock.
Thurston Buck was born in Sterling, Massachusetts, November 14, 1851. He had the advantage of only a common school education, and in his early youth be- came identified with his father in the small and seem- ingly important business, which was the forerunner of the present large interest. From his first connection with the business Mr. Buck was a force in its progress and development and, with his brother, E. R. Buck, began to manufacture chairs, as well as to handle the stocks of which they are produced. The plant was entirely wiped out by fire June 14, 1883, but the young men were undaunted by this misfortune, and made a
second start. This time they were practically penni- less, but with strong and capable hands and gallant, courageous spirits they rebuilt the plant and once more gained a foothold in the industry. They soon brought the business to a prosperous condition, and the firm of T. & E. R. Buck became a fact, of which Thurston Buck is still the head. Two years after the death of his brother, Thurston Buck bought his brother's interest and became sole owner under the same firm name, which has never been changed, and which is one of the leaders in its field in New England. This concern has made a specialty of producing chairs for great occasions, and they have filled contracts in many parts of the United States. They furnished the chairs for the ceremonies held at the dedication of the Grant Memorial, in Washington Heights, New York City; for the inaug- uration of President Roosevelt, at the Nation's Capitol, in 1905, and previous to this had furnished chairs for Presidential inaugurations, also for the Christian En- deavor Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, many years ago. A more recent contract which they have filled was the furnishing of 10,000 chairs for the Johnson-Jeffries fight at Reno, Nevada. An interesting feature of the T. & E. R. Buck plant is their modern drying system for the preparation of wood for chair stock, this system having been devised by Thurston Buck and put in operation under his supervision. By this means they produce a finished chair in ten days from the standing timber. The tree can be cut, the wood dried, manufac- tured and shipped within ten days by the use of this modern drying method, thereby shortening the time re- quired for the manufacture of chairs to a minimum. This achievement has given Mr. Buck wide recognition not only in the chair industry but in modern forestry activities. He is recognized as an authority on forestry, and his judgment is sought by State and national offi- cials who are engaged in the conservation and preserva- tion of existing forests and in reforestration work. Mr. Buck owns 1,600 acres of woodland, making him the heaviest taxpayer in the town of Princeton, Massachu- setts. On this property he has done wonders in refores- tration, accomplishing the production of successive growths of hard wood or soft wood, whatever varieties he may desire. He has made this property an example of what can be accomplished by intelligent and persistent care of forest lands. Thurston Buck is a prominent member of Trinity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Clinton, Massachusetts.
Thurston Buck married Olive Sheppard, daughter of Jeremia and Delia (Newton) Sheppard, and they were the parents of one son, Harry T., and three daughters : Lila; Ethel, deceased; and Helen.
Harry T. Buck was born in West Sterling, Massa- chusetts, April 22, 1876. Following his early studies in the local schools he attended Ridge's Technical School of Cambridge, from which he was graduated in the year 1894. He then entered his father's factory for three years, after which he became a student at Becker's Business College of Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated in 1899. For about nine months, at the solicitation of the institution, Mr. Buck taught at Becker's Business College, then resigned to enter the chair industry in association with his father. He has been associated in this enterprise with his father
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L. B. Ramsdell
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ever since. He is identified with Trinity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Clinton, and the Grange, of which he is Past Master, and is a prominent figure in the social and business affairs of Princeton.
Harry T. Buck married, at Princeton, Massachusetts, November 26, 1902, Cora Clapp, daughter of George H. and Susan (Kingsman) Clapp, and they are the parents of five children: Ruth A., born September 19, 1903; Ethel, born November 28, 1906; Harry T., Jr., born September 6, 1910; Susie Olive, born February 17, 1914; and James O., born August 7, 1921, all born in Prince- ton, Massachusetts.
THOMAS CASEY-A distinctive figure in the pro- fessional life of Fitchburg is Thomas Casey, whose ca- reer as a lawyer has now covered a period of nearly nineteen years. Born and reared in the State of Massa- chusetts but trained for his profession in a Western university, Mr. Casey unites in his experience the best opportunities and possibilities of both the East and the West. He is a son of John and Bridget (Leary) Casey, his father a teamster by occupation and a veteran of the Civil War, a man of the highest character, esteemed by all with whom he came in contact.
Thomas Casey was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, August 15, 1875. His education was begun in the local public schools, and later he attended the Fitchburg High School. He entered the Massachusetts Agricultural Col- lege, at Amherst, from which he was graduated in the class of 1901. His choice of a profession made, Mr. Casey entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Passing the bar examination of his native State on Feb- ruary 16, 1905, he took up the general practice of law in Fitchburg, and has since been thus active, filling a position of definite importance. In connection with his general practice he specializes on probate work, and in this field has come to be regarded as an authority. Fra- ternally Mr. Casey is widely known, being a member of the Fitchburg Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and the various bodies of the Masonic order, including the Fitchburg Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston; the Masonic Club of Fitchburg; Fitchburg Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and the Fitchburg Grange, of which he is Past Master. He supports the Republi- can party in political affairs, but has never taken a leading part in public life. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal church.
Thomas Casey married, in Boston, on October 20, 1909, Nancy K. Teal, and they are the parents of one daughter, Margaret T.
FRANK LEROY MAGUNE, M. D .- With excel- lent preparation for his chosen profession of medicine and some fifteen years of experience as a general prac- titioner in Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. Magune has for a considerable period held a leading position in pro- fessional circles in Southern Worcester County, and his activities are contributing in a marked degree to the general welfare. He is a son of Francis A. and Mellie T. (Blaisdell) Magune, his father a seafaring man throughout his lifetime and master mariner.
Frank Leroy Magune was born at Rockport, Maine,
November 15, 1880. His education was begun in the public schools of his birthplace, and he took up special studies in the sciences at Bowdoin College in 1899 and spent two years in this department, after which he en- tered Bowdoin Medical School and was graduated in the class of 1904. Coming to Worcester shortly afterward. Dr. Magune acted as interne at the Worcester City Hos- pital from 1904 until 1906 inclusive, and after an in- terval of rest and further study, he took up the general practice of medicine in this city in 1908. He has won an enviable position in local professional circles, and his activities are doing much for the general advance, as well as giving him high standing in the profession. In connection with his private practice Dr. Magune acts as physician to the Worcester House of Correction, and during the World War he served with the rank of cap- tain in the Medical Corps of the State Guard (1917- 1919). Fraternally he is affiliated with St. Paul's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Eureka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Hiram Council, Royal and Select Mas- ters; and Aletheia Grotto. His clubs are the Economic and the University. His religious affiliation is with the Old South Congregational Church.
Dr. Magune married, at Lynn, Massachusetts, April 28, 1909, Mildred A. Richards, daughter of Alfred P. and Carrie E. (Perry) Richards. Her grandfather Perry served in the navy in the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Magune are the parents of four children: Mar- jorie F., born February 9, 1910; Robert R., born August 24, 1911; Mildred Avilla, born February 14, 1915; and Francis A. (2), born July 28, 1916.
LEDOIT BAXTER RAMSDELL-The person- ality of Mr. Ramsdell was one that will not be quickly forgotten by the great hosts of those who called him friend. Although afflicted for a long time with failing eyesight, his inner sight, thoughtfulness, and desire to give pleasure to his friends and to those less successful than he endeared him to all in this great circle. He was a man who combined gentleness and firmness, yielding easily where his sense of right and justice was not con- cerned, but inflexible where his conscience had rendered its decision. A delightful companion, he loved to re- member and recount the interesting experiences through which he had passed on his travels and told his stories with vivid power. All men respected him and with their respect gave him that yet rarer and more precious gift, their affection. All in all, Mr. Ramsdell made an ideal business man and citizen, possessing all the sterling qualities of character that made him worthy of emulation.
Mr. Ramsdell was a descendant of John Ramsdell, who was born September 20, 1738, died October 29, 1816. He married, at Abington, Massachusetts, Eunice Cobb, then removed to Warwick, Massachusetts, and in 1786 to Wardsboro, Vermont. There John Ramsdell took up 700 acres of land, partly cultivated it, built a cabin, and sowed grain.
Job Ramsdell, son of John and Eunice (Cobb) Rams- dell, was born July 8, 1779, died November 10, 1870. He married Abigail White, and they lived in Wards- boro, Vermont.
Alanson Ramsdell, son of Job and Abigail (White) Ramsdell, was born February 14, 1808, died January 24, 1873. He married Maria E. Derby, born January 16,
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1819, died July 31, 1909. They were the parents of two children : Hattie A., and Ledoit Baxter, to whose mem- ory this review is dedicated. The family, as outlined above were of English ancestry, and they were promi- nent in their respective neighborhoods.
Ledoit Baxter Ramsdell was born in Wardsboro, Ver- mont, April 5, 1845, died at Gardner, Massachusetts, April 8, 1916. He came to Gardner when a young man and entered the employ of his maternal uncle, Philander P. Derby, a manufacturer of chairs. After remaining with his uncle for a few years Mr. Ramsdell formed a partnership with P. A. Goodale, establishing' a shop on Mill Street, where they manufactured toys and developed a good business. Later Mr. Ramsdell bought his partner's interest and operated alone, under the name L. B. Ramsdell. He continued the manu- facture of toys until about the year 1900, when he added the manufacture of children's go-carts, chairs, and reed furniture, finally abandoned, and the factory devoted to the manufacture of the other commodities named. In 1904 the business was reorganized and incorporated as the L. B. Ramsdell Company, Mr. Ramsdell, president. At that time Thomas E. Cody became a member of the corporation and was elected treasurer and appointed business manager. Mr. Ramsdell was very active in the affairs of the company until health failed him, and to him is due the credit of the wonderful expan- sion of the business from the small toy shop to a large manufacturing business. The L. B. Ramsdell Company were pioneers in the use of fibre in the manufacturing of baby carriages and chairs, beginning its use more than a decade before any other company. In 1904, when the business was incorporated, only comparatively few people were employed in the factory, but at the time of his death one hundred and seventy-five people were required to meet the demands of the Ramsdell goods. Mr. Ramsdell experienced many discourage- ments in his business career, was burned out twice but always retrieved his fortunes, saying, "I'm down to-day but will still reach the top." He was determined to suc- ceed and did, continuing to grow of more and more im- portance in the business world so long as he lived.
Mr. Ramsdell was a member of Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, his membership with that body cov- ering a period of thirty-seven years; he was a com- panion of Gardner Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; a knight of Ivanhoe Commandery, Knights Templar; and an honorary member of D. G. Farragut Post, Grand Army of the Republic. He was a man of deep re- ligious feeling and belief, but tolerant and broad-minded in his views. After his business was well established and he had leasure, he spent it in travel and also de- veloped a passion for collecting china' and rare coins, his home becoming filled with beautiful curios from all parts of the world. His collection is said to have been one of the best in Western Massachusetts. He appreci- ated all the sterling qualities of life and was himself a possessor of those qualities of character which he so greatly admired in others. Besides this, his business ethics and the simplicity of his life acted as an inspira- tion to all who came in contact with him.
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