USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 62
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
Julian C. Gabree was born at Milton, Vermont, April 18, 1885. His education was begun in the local public schools and completed with the high school course at Milton. When he was eighteen he located in South- bridge, where he found employment for a few months. He then went to Bridgeport, where he was employed for five years in a drug store. He then returned to South- bridge and bought the hardware business theretofore conducted by Oldham & Ranahan Company. This was in 1912, and while the business was a long established enterprise and also one of the most important of its kind, it has grown and developed under Mr. Gabree's management, until now it holds a leading position among the towns of Southern Worcester County. Located at No. 99 Main Street, Southbridge, the store occupies
-
S. R. Gu
319
BIOGRAPHICAL
about 7,000 square feet of floor space, employing seven people and distributing a general line of hardware, crockery, and toys. Mr. Gabree displays in his man- agement of this interest the genius for administration, as well as for salesmanship, and his display of stock makes this store one of the show places of the town. The patronage is constantly growing, and Mr. Grabee is numbered among the really successful men of South- ern Worcester County. He is affiliated with the world of finance as a trustee of the Southbridge Savings Bank and is a leading member of the Southbridge Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, and his clubs are the Southbridge and the Canadian. He attends Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Gabree married, in 1913, Anna Lemoine, who was born in Southbridge, and they have three children: Lorraine C., Louise E., and Armand L.
WILLIAM T. ROBINSON-In newspaper circles in Southern Worcester County, Massachusetts, William T. Robinson holds a noteworthy position, for he has now (1923) been active as editor and owner of the Southbridge "Herald" for a period of thirty-seven years.
He also is at the head of an important commercial printing business, and his success is contributing in a marked degree to the constant uplift of public sentiment along all progressive lines. Mr. Robinson is a son of Benjamin Franklin Robinson, who was born March II, 1833, at Exeter, New Hampshire, and died in Dorches- ter, Massachusetts, August 2, 1909. He was engaged in farming and the hotel business until his death. He was a veteran of the Civil War, widely known in that sec- tion of his native State, and a man of fine character and progressive spirit. The mother, Caroline Augusta (Taylor) Robinson, was born at Epping, New Hamp- shire, November 2, 1834, and died April 7, 1915, in Dor- chester. They were married May 9, 1854.
William T. Robinson was born at Exeter, New Hamp- shire, January 9, 1860. His education was begun in the local public schools, and following his completion of the high school course he entered the business world and for about fourteen years was associated with his father in the hotel business in Boston. In the year 1886 Mr. Robinson purchased the Southbridge "Herald" and the printing business connected with it, and since that time he has devoted his attention to the development and prosperity of this interest. The Southbridge "Herald" was founded in October, 1881, by W. W. Corbin, who conducted the business as a general printing plant, es- tablishing this newspaper, which is now the oldest local paper in continuous circulation in Southbridge. In addi- tion to his activities as editor of this sheet, Mr. Robin- son conducts a prosperous and constantly extending business along the line of commercial printing, the quality of his work and the excellent taste he displays in preparing it contributing in no slight degree to the business standing of those who place their printing work in his hands. As a young man Mr. Robinson served for eight years in the Massachusetts State Militia, from 1877-1885, and always has felt a deep interest in mili- tary affairs. Fraternally Mr. Robinson is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Fraternal
Order of Eagles, the Patrons of Husbandry, and the Lodge of Rebekahs. Mr. Robinson is affiliated with the Congregational church.
Mr. Robinson married, in 1884, Clara Ida Morton, who was born in Southbridge, and they are the parents of two children: Mildred M., and George H., who served in the United States Army during the World War.
S. RALPH CROSS-Of large importance to the industries of Worcester County Massachusetts, is the enterprise of which S. Ralph Cross is the founder, and still the owner and manager. As a manufacturer of patterns Mr. Cross holds a leading position in this sec- tion, his plant being one of the largest in this field in Worcester County. Mr. Cross is a son of W. Alfred Cross, who was born in Pleasantville, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, and for many years was engaged in business there as a' custom shoemaker. The mother, Catherine (Hubley) Cross, is also a native of Nova Scotia. Both parents now reside in Marlboro, Massa- chusetts.
S. Ralph Cross was born in Nova Scotia May 9, 1887. Receiving his education in the public schools of his native place, he came to Worcester, Massachusetts, as a young man and entered the employ of the American Wire & Steel Company, of this city, and was thus engaged for about four years. Thereafter for a number of years Mr. Cross was active in various pattern shops until the year 1916, when he established the present interest. Secur- ing the best location available in the Lowell Building, at No. 9 Norwich Street, he continued there until 1922, when he removed to his present place at No. 20 Madison Street. Doing business under his own name, he manu- factures wood and metal patterns for castings of every kind, and employing twenty skilled workmen, occupies part of the second floor and the entire third floor of the building. An expert in this field himself, Mr. Cross permits nothing but the most perfect work to go out from his establishment, and the industrial concerns of this section have come to depend upon him for a thoroughly reliable and dependable product. He is a man of pro- gressive spirit, and takes a deep interest in all that per- tains to industrial advance, holding membership in the Employers' Association and the United Commercial Travelers Association. In fraternal circles he is well known, being a member of Montague Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; also all the York and Scot- tish Rite bodies in Worcester up to the consistory, being a member of the Massachusetts Consistory and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston. He is also a member of Central Lodge, No. 168, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a well-known member of the Exchange Club of Worcester. He attends the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Cross married, on June 29, 1921, Rhea F. Jacques, who was born in Worcester, and they are the parents of one son, S. Ralph, Jr., born January 30, 1923. The family home is at No. 4 Barr Street, Worcester.
JOSEPH C. SULLIVAN, M. D., a successful phy- sician of Worcester County, has practiced at Webster for the past ten years and has won his way to a posi- tion of marked prominence in professional circles in this county. A member of a family long in this State and
320
HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
for several generations located in Webster, he was reared in the traditions of this community and took up his life work among the people who had known him as boy and youth. He is a son of John F. and Mary (Sheehan) Sullivan.
Joseph C. Sullivan was born at Webster, Massachu- setts, May 27, 1883. Following his early education in the local grammar and high schools he was active in the business world for a number of years, thereby largely financing his professional education. He entered Georgetown University at Washington, District of Co- lumbia, and was graduated from the medical depart- ment of this institution in the class of 1913, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served as interne at Mercy Hospital, at Springfield, Massachusetts, for a time, then returned to Webster and opened his office here. He has followed general lines of practice, and in every way has become one of the successful and influ- ential men of the day in this section. Early in the period of the recent war he offered his services, enlisting in the United States Army and was commissioned first lieutenant and stationed at Camp Jackson. There he was assigned as regimental surgeon to the 4th Regi- ment, Field Artillery, and received his discharge in January, 1919.
Politically Dr. Sullivan holds independent convictions, supporting the party or candidate whom he believes best fitted to serve the public welfare. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, Webster and Dudley Posts, No. 184, American Legion; and the Phi Ki col- lege fraternity. He is a member of the Putnam Coun- try Club. the American Medical Association, the Massa- chusetts State Medical Society, the Worcester Medical Society, and the Webster and Dudley Medical Club.
Dr. Sullivan is single, and is identified with St. Louis' Roman Catholic Church.
EDWARD L. KNOWLTON is a son of Everett W. and Mary E. (Brown) Knowlton, long residents of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and both members of old families of this section. He was born at Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, March 23, 1863. His education was begun in the local public schools, and following the completion of his high school course, he became associated with his father and brothers in the meat and grocery business in Shrewsbury, remaining thus employed for twenty- eight years, after which he entered the employ of Swift & Company. For upwards of eighteen years he was engaged in this connection, then in 1920 Mr. Knowlton established himself in the insurance and real estate business in Shrewsbury. Mr. Knowlton represents many of the standard insurance companies. He has also been identified with the public service, serving during two terms as a Selectman of the town of Shrewsbury, the first term having been from 1900 to 1903, and the second 1918 to 1920. During the past three years, 1920 to 1923, he has been active as a member of the Board of Asses- sors He is a member of the United Commercial Trav- elers Association, the Patrons of Husbandry, and the Shrewsbury Club; and his religious affiliation is with the Congregational church.
Mr. Knowlton married, November 24, 1892, Sarah E. Howe, daughter of Silas B. and Elinor F. (Free- man) Howe.
HARRY POSNER-The election of Harry Posner to the presidency and treasurership of the Worcester Paper Box Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, was one of the significant events in the manufacturing world of this section in the early part of the year 1923. Mr. Posner, who is a man of ability and initiative, brought into existence this important and growing industry, and has made it one of the largely prosperous enterprises in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Harry Posner was born at Mogelev, Russia, October 17, 1878, and is a son of Harry and Lena Posner, his father a master mechanic. As a young lad Mr. Posner attended the common schools of his native land and later came to the United States, where he secured a position as clerk in a store in New York City. He mastered the tailor's trade and entered that field independently in Worcester. Opening a shop in an excellent location and achieving marked success, he felt, however, that he was capable of larger accomplishments, and when his little tailor shop on Myrtle Street had enabled him to save the sum of three thousand dollars, he invested in two small machines for the manufacture of the type of boxes known as the "set-up box," and in constant use by man- ufacturers of shoes also by producers of candy. This was in 1908, and for a time he was office force and em- ployee, but soon he was obliged to increase his equip- ment and hire a number of assistants. His aggressive- ness and excellent judgment came to the attention of some of the hard-headed business men of Worcester, and in 1909 he was joined in his enterprise by these men. This enabled him to expand his operations, but at all times Mr. Posner alone has been the leading spirit in the enterprise. He handled practically all his sales personally for many years, and the growth of the plant was so marked that he was continuously obliged to add new and up-to-date equipment. Machinery was brought in almost constantly, and it has been said that for sev- eral years "there was some machine or new part on the way to this plant nearly all the time." It was not long after that the idea of manufacturing folding boxes was developed and Mr. Posner was one of the earliest to take up this branch of the business. The convenience of marketing collapsible boxes has made it possible materially to increase the output and greatly widen the scope of use to which the product is applied. Mr. Posner within recent years has secured contracts from such world-famous concerns as Lever Brothers, the manufacturers of the famous flaked soaps known as "Lux" and "Rinso." It is interesting to note that the Worcester Paper Box Company is now turning out be- tween fifty and sixty million "Lux" boxes every year, besides making millions of containers for other products manufactured by the Lever Brothers. The Worcester Paper Box Company handles every operation in the manufacturing of their product from printing and cut- ting to shipping, and the contracts with the Lever people alone are, at the present time, consuming nearly 2,000 tons of paper and 30,000 pounds of colored inks per year. Every kind of modern and approved equipment is included in the plant of the Worcester Paper Box Company, including four two-color cylinder presses, four big cylinder cullers and creasers, and many special machines and equipment running in value into an in- vestment of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their central plant is at No. 40 Austin Street, Worcester,
Harold T. Sween
321
BIOGRAPHICAL
besides occupying a large share of the adjoining build- ing. The report of the board of directors for the year 1922 shows that the business of that year went beyond the six hundred thousand dollar mark and with the newly reorganized corporation they expect to reach a gross business of one million dollars in the present year (1923). Harry Posner is now president and treasurer of the Worcester Paper Box Company; H. Z. Posner, vice-president; William Farrell, secretary; and L. A. Ford, general manager. Mr. Posner is a member of the United Commercial Travelers Association, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Kiwanis Club. In religious affiliation he holds the Jewish faith.
Mr. Posner married, at Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 30, 1922, Hannah Ziskin, daughter of Harry and Minnie Ziskin, and they reside at Worcester, Massa- chusetts.
THOMAS J. QUIRK-Among those who are serv- ing their community by devoting their time and their ability to the education of the boys and girls of the city is Thomas J. Quirk, principal of Milford High School. Mr. Quirk is a native of Milford, and is well prepared for the work in which he is now engaged.
Born November 29, 1892, son of Francis T. and Mary (Murphy) Quirk, Thomas J. Quirk received his early and preparatory education in the public schools of his native city, and after his graduation from Milford High School in 1910, became a student in Holy Cross College, at Worcester, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1915. Continuing his studies while engaged in teaching, he received from his alma mater the degree of Master of Arts in 1919. In September, 1920, he became principal of Milford High School and since that time has been most efficiently discharging the duties of that responsible position. He is deeply in- terested in the welfare of the boys and girls who are studying under his able direction and keeps closely in touch with their interests and their aims, endeavoring to so direct the student activities and social life of the school that character, as well as mental power, may be developed. He keeps in touch with the educational work of the State through membership in the Massa- chusetts High School Masters' Club, and served the town as a member of the board of trustees of the Town Li- brary. He is also a member and past president of the Milford Teachers' Association. Fraternally he is affili- ated with Valencia Council, Knights of Columbus, of which he is a Past Grand Knight, and which he now (1923) serves as lecturer. His clubs are the Indian Club and the Holy Cross Club of Worcester County. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Milford.
Thomas J. Quirk married, on April 30, 1921, at Brooklyn, New York, Marcella M. Dignan, daughter of William J. and Julia (Feeney) Dignan. Mr. and Mrs. Quirk reside at No. 25 South High Street, in Milford.
ALBERT O. RAYMOND, M. D .- A native of the State of Maine and trained for his career in the edu- cational institutions of New England, Dr. Raymond has won a position of marked significance in the professional
world of Worcester County, Massachusetts, and is now a leading practitioner of Worcester. His experience with the American Expeditionary Forces in France has added largely to his equipment for his profession, and he is taking high rank in present day medical advance. He is a son of William and Cora E. (Brett) Raymond, and his father is connected with the United Shoe Ma- chinery Company of Brockton, Massachusetts, as fore- man of the last department.
Albert O. Raymond was born at Brockton, Massachu- setts, January 25, 1889. His education was begun in the local public schools, and following the completion of his course at the Brockton High School he entered Tufts Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1914 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. From May of that year until November, 1916, Dr. Raymond served as interne at the Worcester City Hospital, then his in- terest in the progress of the European War was so great that he did not further await American interven- tion. Leaving the United States as a civilian in Decem- ber, 1916, he went with the Harvard Surgical Unit to Lon- don, England, where he was commissioned honorary first lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps on January 15, 1917, and assigned to duty with Queen Mary's Military Hospital at Lancashire, England. He was later transferred to Flanders, France, for duty with the field ambulance and battalion service. Following the coming of the American troops, he was again trans- ferred as first lieutenant of the Medical Corps from Flanders, France, to the American lines. This was in March, 1918, and he went into active service with the American Expeditionary Forces on March 21, 1918. He saw active service at the Cambrai front and received the British Military Cross in October, 1918. In the fol- lowing February Dr. Raymond was transferred to Cologne, Germany, where he was attached to the British Army of Occupation for a period of five months, then for two months was with the American Army of Occu- pation and received his promotion to the rank of captain. This was in June, 1919, and at that time Captain Raymond was transferred to Coblenz, Germany, then, in the fall of the same year, he was returned to the United States, receiving his honorable discharge from the ser- vice November 15, 1919, with the rank of captain. Upon his return to civilian life Dr. Raymond entered upon the general practice of medicine, in which he has since been active in Worcester, and also has a growing obstetrical practice. He has won marked success, and in connec- tion with his private practice, serves on the staff of the Worcester City Hospital. Dr. Raymond is a' member of the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the Worcester Medical Society. Fraternally he is affiliated with Paul Revere Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Brockton, Massachusetts. He attends the Unitarian church.
HAROLD T. SWEENY, in the development and growth of various sections of the city of Worcester, Massachusetts and its environs, has for a number of years been a significant factor as a leading dealer and operator in real estate. A man of progressive spirit and alert to all advance, Mr. Sweeny is giving to his work the constructive element which makes it a force for
Wor-21
322
HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
advance. A native of this city, he is a son of William HI. Sweeny, who was born in New York City. He came to Worcester as a young man and was active in the wholesale and retail mercantile business there until his death, which occurred in 1901. The mother, Elizabeth E. (Tyler) Sweeny, was born in Worcester, and still survives her husband.
Harold T. Sweeny was born in Worcester, Massa- chusetts, January 5, 1888. His education was acquired in the public and high schools of this city, and on the completion of his studies he entered the real estate busi- ness independently. Beginning thus as a very young man, Mr. Sweeny has gone forward to large success, handling real estate sales and brokerage, and also mort- gages. In 1914 he organized the concern which is now known as Sweeny & Company; he is, however, sole owner of the interest. With offices at No. 610 Park Building, he holds the leading position in his field and is going steadily forward to even greater success. Mr. Sweeny is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, but has few interests outside of his work and those activities which are in line with it. He is a charter member of the Lions Club, and attends St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Sweeny married, on June 28, 1918, Margaret G. Gannon, sister of John F. Gannon, of Worcester, who formerly was the assistant superintendent of schools of this city.
HECTOR M. Le CLAIR, as vice-president and treasurer of the Central Optical Company, Incorporated, stands among the leading manufacturers of Southbridge, Massachusetts, producing optical goods in considerable variety. A practical man, well trained in his field and possessing the administrative ability which counts for success, Mr. Le Clair has been a force for progress in this organization since the early years of its history, and is largely responsible for its present importance. Mr. Le Clair is a son of Paul N. Le Clair, who was born in Canada and came to Southbridge as a young man. He was engaged in the grocery business in this com- inunity for a period of forty years and continued this line of activity until his death, which occurred in 1911. A man of broadly progressive spirit and the highest in- tegrity, he commanded the esteem of all with whom he came in contact, and his influence was always on the side of civic progress. The mother, Albina (Bigoness) Le Clair, was also born in Canada, and she survived her husband for only two years, passing away in 1913.
Hector M. Le Clair was born at Southbridge, Massa- chusetts, January 1, 1884. Receiving his early education in the local public and high schools, he made a definite preparation for his future at Burdette's Business Col- lege at Boston Massachusetts. In the year 1904 Mr. Le Clair became affiliated with the Central Optical Com- pany, Incorporated, of Southbridge, and familiarizing himself with the business in every detail, eventually assumed executive responsibility. This concern was founded in the year 1900, and was incorporated in the following year. The plant is located at No. 76 Elm Street, and during the course of its history the concern has developed a' very extensive and far reaching in- terest. They now occupy three floors of a large build- ing and employ one hundred hands, manufacturing a
general line of spectacles, eyeglasses, and goggles. They are among the leaders in this field in this section of Worcester County, and the business is constantly grow- ing and expanding under the able management of the executive heads. The personnel of the concern is now as follows : Renaldo Guilmette, president; Hector M. Le Clair, treasurer and vice-president; and Edward E. Le Clair, secretary. Mr. Le Clair is a member of the Manufacturers' Association, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Optical Manufacturers' Associ- ation, and the Eyesight Conservation Council of America. In local affairs he gives his support to every worthy movement, and while his attention is almost wholly cen- tered upon the activities of his business, he has served for three years on the local School Committee, and is just now active as a member of the Park Commission. Fraternally he is affiliated with the United Commercial Travelers Association, and belongs to Notre Dame Ro- man Catholic Church.
Mr. Le Clair married, in 1906, Leontine M. Janson, who was born at Fall River, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of three children: Hector M., Jr., Ger- trude, and Narcisse I. J.
GEORGE E. PROULX-Standing at the head of cne of the foremost retail jewelry establishments in Southern Worcester County, Massachusetts, as owner and manager, George E. Proulx holds a leading position in the business life of Southbridge. A son of the founder of this business and familiar with its interests from his childhood, Mr. Proulx has been at the head of the enterprise since his father's death and has at- tained a marked degree of success. Francois X. Proulx, father of the subject of this sketch and founder of this business, was born at St. Robert, Canada, June 1, 1857, and was active in the jewelry business throughout his entire lifetime. He came to the United States as a young man, settling in Southbridge, and became one of the leading business men of the community and a use- ful and valued citizen, esteemed by all who knew him and always a leader in community advance. His death, which occurred in Southbridge, in the year, 1904, was a source of regret to all whose privilege it had been to know him. The mother, Adelle (Cantara) Proulx, was born at Sorel, Canada, and still survives her husband.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.