USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 63
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George E. Proulx, son of these parents, was born at Southbridge, Massachusetts, October 29, 1881. His edu- cation was acquired in the local public schools and fol- lowing the completion of his studies he became associ- ated with his father in the jewelry business. This in- terest was founded in Southbridge by Francois X. Proulx in the year 1881 as a retail jewelry store, and was first located at the corner of Cross and Hamilton streets, where it was continued until the year 1894. They then removed to No. 68 Hamilton Street, where they went forward for twenty-one years. During this entire period the business continued to expand and prosper, and more suitable quarters becoming impera- tive, the present location at No. 93 Main Street was se- cured in 1915, and after considerable alterations and re- fitting, the business was removed to this store. George E. Proulx, who has been at the head of the interest since the death of his father, has carried it forward under the title of the F. X. Proulx Estate, and no finer monu-
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ment to his father's memory could be erected than the handsome store which now bears his name and com- prises one of the most noteworthy commercial enter- prises in Worcester County. This is second to none in Southbridge in attractiveness and fresh desirable stock, and is the oldest jewelry establishment, as well as one of the finest in this community. Mr. Proulx is a mem- ber of the Southbridge Chamber of Commerce, but he has few interests which do not align more or less closely with his business affairs. He is also a member of the Union St. Jean de Baptiste, and is a member of the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Proulx married, in 1907, Eva C. Ferron, who was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and they have five children : Yvonne I., Evelyn F., George F., Raymond, and Rodolph M.
JOHN T. NEARY, D. M. D .- A broadly note- worthy figure in professional circles in Worcester County, Massachusetts, is Dr. John T. Neary, who for more than a decade and a half has been active in the practice of dental surgery in Marlboro. Dr. Neary gives to his work in this community not only the fruits of excellent training and the skill gained thereby, but the natural ability and the progressive spirit which make even the simplest service worthy of commendation.
John T. Neary, Dr. Neary's father, was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1846. He came to Southboro, Massachusetts, about 1870. He was an ex- pert stockman, and for thirty years was with the Deer- foot Farm at Southboro, as herdsman. During his later years he was widely sought on all matters pertaining to fine cattle, and made several trips to the Isle of Wight, England, purchasing thoroughbred cattle for such noted fanciers as the Vanderbilts, the Appletons, the Townleys, the Windsors, and the Ames families. He also executed commissions of various natures in the West for wealthy families, and his genius in preparing cattle for shows and fairs was nationally known and ap- preciated. He was a man of the highest integrity, and always in close touch with general affairs as well as the advance of his own field of interest. He married Della Moran, of Newton, Kansas, and they were the parents of five children : Philip, active in the real estate business in Boston; Margaret, a teacher in the public schools of Southboro, Massachusetts; Katherine, also engaged as an educator in Boston schools; Mary, assistant head of the tracing department of the Dennison Manufacturing Company of Framingham and Marlboro, Massachusetts ; and John T., Jr. The father of this family died Au- gust 9, 1906.
John T. Neary, Jr., was born at Southboro, Decem- ber 15, 1885, and following his early education he en- tered Tufts College Dental School, from which institu- tion he was graduated in the class of 1907. Passing the State board examinations shortly thereafter, Dr. Neary established his offices in Marlboro and has developed a very extensive and lucrative practice. Keeping pace with modern advance in his chosen field of professional endeavor, he holds high rank therein, and is universally esteemed, both a's a professional man and as a citizen. During the World War Dr. Neary served as a member of the dental department of the Draft Board for the Sixteenth District of the State of Massachusetts, and
this added experience is also of great value to him in his work. Always interested in every phase of the gen- eral advance, Dr. Neary is active in local affairs as a member of the Finance Board of the town of Southboro. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Colum- bus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
CHARLES E. BEACH-Merchandising ability, professional skill, and that unquestioned integrity which counts so largely for success in any field-these are the foundations upon which has been built the success of Charles E. Beach, druggist of Southboro, Massachu- setts. Highly trained for his work and with many years of successful experience now to his credit, Mr. Beach is numbered among the largely prominent pharmacists of South Worcester County and is esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact. He is a son of Daniel M. and Jane (Vaughn) Beach, his father a farmer of Ac- ton, Massachusetts, and a resident of that community until his death.
Charles E. Beach was born at Acton, Massachusetts, May 4, 1878. His education was begun in the local public schools, and later entering the Massachusetts Col- lege of Pharmacy, he gained his first experience in his chosen profession in the employ of Brewer & Company, noted chemists in the city of Worcester. Mr. Beach was active in this connection for a period of seventeen years ; meanwhile, during the latter part of that time, he became the owner of a drug store in Westboro. In 1915 he formed a partnership with William Blois, op- erating a drug store at Westboro. The interest was very successful, but in 1919 Mr. Beach sold his share to Mr. Blois and bought his present interest at Southboro, Massachusetts, which he still conducts as an up-to-date pharmacy. A resident of this section for many years, Mr. Beach has become a noteworthy figure in fraternal circles. He is a member of Siloam Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Westboro; Houghton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Marlboro, Massachusetts; and he is a member of the Worcester Grotto. Politically, Mr. Beach is identified with the Republican party, although never an office seeker. His leisure interests are those of the outdoor world, his membership in the Westboro Country Club giving him a wide circle of friends interested in out-of-door pursuits, and he is affiliated with the Congregational church.
Mr. Beach married, May, 1910, at Westboro, Etta Forbes, daughter of Henry and Anna (Harrington) Forbes. Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the parents of three children : Anna Forbes, born in Westboro, May 10, 1911 ; Marjorie Louise, born September 15, 1913; and Grace Elizabeth, born June 27, 1917.
WALTER S. HALL, who is carrying forward a broadly useful enterprise in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, was born at Isle La Motte, Vermont, June 8, 1894, and is a son of Aldis Owen and Mary (Chamberlain) Hall, his father a manufacturer of Boston. Mr. Hall's educa- tion was begun in the public schools of Buffalo, New York, and Fitchburg, Massachusetts; and after complet- ing the high school course, he covered a special course in metallurgy at the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology. He learned the machinist's trade with the Fitch- burg Steam Engine Company, and for a few years there-
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after was foreman and assistant superintendent with the Union Screen Plate Company. The World War then interrupted his career, and for more than two years he was active in naval and military service. Meanwhile Mr. Hall invented the new bronze screen plates for use in pulp and paper mills, which he is now manufacturing, and shortly following his return to civil life after the war, he formed the Fitchburg Screen Plate Company, which organization received its charter on January I, 1920. During the period which has elapsed since that time (1923), they have developed a thoroughly progressive and widely known enterprise. These screens form a great improvement over the old mill equipment and are a definite contribution to the industrial progress of the day.
Mr. Hall's military record begins with his enlistment in 1917 in the United States Coast Guard, and his as- signment to the Coast Guard Academy, at New Lon- don, Connecticut, being later detailed to convoy duty as radio officer. In 1918 he was placed in command of the Coast Guard cutter "Catherine," having charge of all telephone, telegraph, and cable lines between Coast Guard station from New York to Pensacola, Florida. He re- ceived the commission of warrant officer in the Coast Guard and later was transferred to the army and com- missioned first lieutenant in the aviation section. After the armistice he was commissioned first lieutenant in the Officers' Reserve Corps, aviation section; and was also transferred to the Coast Guard service as warrant officer, having charge of radio and communication work until he received his honorable discharge from active service in November, 1919.
Fraternally Mr. Hall is affiliated with Aurora Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Fitchburg; Thomas Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Jerusalem Commandery, Knights Templar; and he is also a member of the Ma- sonic Club, all of Fitchburg. He is also a member of the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce, is affiliated with the Oak Hill Country Club, and the Sportsman's Club of Fitchburg, and in his religious connection is a mem- ber of the Rollstone Congregational Church.
Mr. Hall married, on September 8, 1920, Veda Violet Johnston, daughter of George and Violet (Hopkinson) Johnston; the father of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, and the mother of Waterville, Maine. They were mar- ried at Worcester, Massachusetts.
Edward Hitchcock Hall, Mr. Hall's brother, who is a sales manager for the firm, was also born at Brook- line, Massachusetts, and was educated in the public and high schools of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, thereafter spending two years at the University of Toronto, Canada. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force at Toronto in 1917, and was detailed a's instructor of stunt flying in Canada and in England, being commissioned first lieutenant. In 1918 he was returned to this country, receiving his discharge the following year, and commissioned an honorary lieutenant in the Royal Air Forces. He is a member of the Aurora Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; Thomas Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Jeru- salem Commandery, Knights Templar; and is also a member of the Masonic Club of Fitchburg.
DUGALD E. WALKER-Economic prosperity is one of the essentials of municipal growth, and those
who furnish opportunity for the earning of a livelihood in a community are offering a sure inducement to new residents. Among those who have established success- ful business enterprises in the city of Worcester, is Dugald E. Walker, organizer and president of the Lyseth Thread Company.
Duncan Walker, father of Dugald Walker, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where, after receiving a good, practical education in the schools of his native city, he learned the machinist's trade and became a master mechanic. In 1858 he left his native land and came to this country, accompanied by his wife, Agnes (Dunni- gan) Walker, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Dugald E. Walker, son of Duncan and Agnes (Dun- nigan) Walker, was born in East Hampton, Massachu- setts, September 30, 1873, and received his education in the public schools of his native city. After his grad- uation from high school he followed his father's example and learned the trade of machinist. When the term of his apprenticeship was completed, however, he entered the employ of the Warren Thread Company of Ashland, with whom he remained for a period of six years, the latter part of which time he served as foreman. He then removed to Worcester (1898) and became identified with the Cranska Thread Company as foreman and assistant manager, which executive position he continued to hold for eighteen years. He had become an expert in his line, and being possessed of a large executive and ad- ministrative ability, he started to engage in the manu- facturing business for himself. Forming an association with Mr. Sutton Lyseth and Charles Windmiller, he organized the concern which is known as the Lyseth Thread Company, of which he is president and Mr. Ly- seth treasurer. The business was established in May, 1916, and is engaged in the manufacture of spool cotton for the clothing industry and for the shoe trade. During the seven years which have elapsed since the organization of the enterprise, the amount of production has steadily increased, and at the present time (1923) the Lyseth Thread Company is numbered among the prosperous and well-established concerns of the city of Worcester. In addition to his business activities Mr. Walker has found time for fraternal affiliations. He is a member of North Star Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Worcester; Alpha Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Framingham; and a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church.
Mr. Walker married Gertrude A. Parsons, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, who died in Worcester February 7, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Walker were the par- ents of three children: Arthur E., who was born May 4, 1903; Agnes, who was born October 21, 1904; and Ruth Parsons, who was born February 15, 1906.
RALPH HEIGHWAY FALES-Affiliated with the industrial world of New England as a manufacturing executive, and devoting his attention exclusively to the paper industry, Ralph H. Fales holds a broadly prom- inent position in the commercial world of Northern Wor- cester County with interests centering in Fitchburg. Mr. Fales has demonstrated his progressive attitude towards the field in which he is engaged and is carrying large responsibility.
Ralph H. Fales was born at Harvard, Worcester
Sugal E. Walker
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County, Massachusetts, December 2, 1886, and is a son of George H. and Francena (Heighway) Fales. Re- ceiving his early education in the public schools of his birthplace, he later attended the Fitchburg schools, the family removing to this city when he was about nine years of age. During his attendance at the Fitchburg High School he took special courses of outside study, supplementing the usual high school course with special preparations for his career. His first business experi- ence was in the bookkeeping department of the Fitchburg National Bank, which later became the Fitchburg Bank and Trust Company. Filling various positions in that connection he became successful as a teller and assistant to the president, taking over the duties of the latter position February 15, 1915. Very shortly there- after, however, Mr. Fales had an opportunity to form other affiliations in a field in which he had always been interested. On March I, 1915, he became associated with Linton Brothers, paper mill agents, of Fitchburg. He has since continued in this connection with ever in- creasing success and gaining wide familiarity with com- mercial conditions and the demands of the paper trade in various sections, he is filling an important position in the distribution of this commodity which forms so important a part of the daily activities in every branch of business progress. Mr. Fales enlisted in the United States Army July 1, 1918, and was stationed at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, then later transferred to the Officers' Training Corps at Camp Lee, Virginia. The signing of the armistice intervened before he was called overseas, and he received his discharge from the service in November, 1918. Mr. Fales has few interests outside his business affiliations, but is a member of Royal Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; the Fay Club, and the Oak Hill Country Club, being secretary and treasurer of the last named organization.
Mr. Fales married, on September 19, 1919, Katherine Smith, daughter of C. B. and Mary (Tilton) Smith, and they reside at No. 118 Pleasant Street, Fitchburg, Massa- chusetts.
ARTHUR I. LA ROCHELLE, D. M. D .- The dental profession in Worcester County is represented by an able and progressive group of men whose activ- ities are contributing in a marked degree to the welfare of the people. Dr. Arthur I. La Rochelle, who holds a leading position in this profession in Webster, is thor- oughly representative of this group, and although he is one of the younger dentists of this county, he has at- tained an assured position in his chosen profession, and is considered very highly by the public. He is the son of Napoleon and Marie (Senecal) La Rochelle, and his father was for many years in charge of the gold depart- ment of the American Optical Company of Southbridge, Massachusetts.
Arthur I. La Rochelle was born at Southbridge, Janu- ary 15, 1893. His education was begun at the Brochu Academy, after which he attended the Saint Hyacinthe's College at Saint Hyacinthe, Canada. He then entered the dental department of Tufts College, from which he received his degree upon graduation in the class of January, 1918. Meanwhile, as soon as the United States entered the World War Dr. La Rochelle enlisted for service overseas and was sent to Camp Devens, but in
November, 1917, he was discharged from the service to complete his college course, and immediately follow- ing his graduation he was commissioned first lieuten- ant and sent to Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, where he was attached to a dental company of the Officers' Training Camp, but was not finally sent overseas. Dr. La Rochelle opened his offices in Webster in 1919, shortly after his final discharge from the military service, and with the breadth of experience gained therefrom has de- veloped a very considerable and most promising prac- tice. He is now in charge of the Webster Dental Clinic, and in this responsible position is doing much good along educational lines as well as in its direct benefit to the people. He is a' Republican in politics, and a member of the Advisory Board of Webster. He is a member of the National Dental Society, the Worcester County Den- tai Society, and the Massachusetts State Dental Society. Fraternally Dr. La Rochelle is identified with the Franco-American Foresters, of which he is Supreme Deputy; the Societe St. Jean Baptiste, of which he is the Past Chief; and he is a member of the Club Gagnon, and the Cour Marquette. His further affiliations include membership in Webster Post, American Legion; the Louis Pasteur Club of Tufts College; and the Psi Omega fraternity. He is a member of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. La Rochelle married, at Webster, Hortense G. Genereux, of Webster, daughter of Dr. Joseph Oliver and Heloise (Marciel) Genereux, and they have one daughter, Genevieve H. "
BERNARD W. DOYLE-In the application of mod- ern principles and inventions to present day manufac- ture, particularly along the line of specialties of many kinds, Bernard W. Doyle holds a leading position as secretary, treasurer, and general manager of a group of manufacturing concerns now widely famous. These are : The Viscoloid Company, Inc., Sterling Comb Com- pany, and Harvard Novelty Company. Mr. Doyle is a broadly efficient, thoroughly progressive business exec- utive, and his leadership of these combined interests is eminently constructive.
Bernard W. Doyle was born in Leominster, Massa- chusetts, October 29, 1873. Receiving his early educa- tion in the local schools, he was graduated in due course from the Leominster High School, then made special preparations for a career in the world of men and affairs at the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeep- sie, New York. Mr. Doyle has since been engaged in the manufacturing industries of Leominster, principally those producing horn and celluloid goods. For twenty years he served as secretary and general manager of the Horn Supply Company, dealers in horn for the indus- tries of the day and manufacturers of pressed horn and fertilizer. For fifteen years Mr. Doyle was identified as treasurer with the Paton Manufacturing Company, a concern long active in the production of horn special- ties. Then, in association with A. S. Paton and Ludwig Stross, he established The Viscoloid Company, Inc. This concern was formed for the exploitation of a special pyroxlin composition manufactured by them which was given the name of "viscoloid," and The Vis- coloid Company, Inc., began the production of an attrac- tive line of combs, toilet articles, and other novelties.
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY.
With the growth of the interest and the advisability of specializing in various directions, the Sterling Comb Company was formed, later also the Harvard Novelty Company. Each concern now manufactures a special line of goods largely from viscoloid, and Mr. Doyle acts as secretary, treasurer, and general manager of the entire group. He has also at various times been identified with other fabricating plants in Leominster, and is now pres- ident and treasurer, also general manager of The Vis- coloid Company, Inc. He is further active as a di- rector of the Safety Fund National Bank of Fitchburg, and is also a director and one of the organizers of the Merchants' National Bank of Leominster.
Bernard W. Doyle married, in Leominster, February 22, 1909, Elizabeth H. P. Haley, and they are the parents of two daughters: Marjorie E., born April 10, 1910; and Louise I., born May 15, 1912.
JOSEPH J. CONDON-In the largely responsible office of Chief of Police of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Joseph J. Condon holds a' noteworthy position in the community, and is numbered among the really progres- sive men of the day. A member of an old Worcester County family, he is a son of John and Johanna (Witty) Condon, his father a well-known wheelwright in this section for many years, an esteemed citizens, and pros- perous in his business affairs.
Joseph J. Condon was born at Worcester, Massachu- setts, April 10, 1875. His education was begun in the public schools, and as he entered the world of industry when still scarcely more than a young lad, he supple- mented his regular course with various lines of study in the Worcester night schools, acquiring a broadly useful education. Meanwhile, Mr. Condon entered the employ of the Southgate Mill, leading woolen manufacturers of this section, then, after a few years, became identified with William J. Hogg at the carpet mill, taking up the yarn end of the business. Mr. Condon determined then to discontinue mill activities and enter some other field of endeavor. Accordingly he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade and served a' regular apprenticeship under a prominent carpenter and builder of the day. Continuing in this line of endeavor for about sixteen years, Mr. Condon meanwhile came to Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in 1901, and was active in a very consid- erable way in the building trades until the year 1908. He was then appointed Chief of Police of Shrewsbury, his interest in public life having placed him in a leading position in local affairs. Other responsibilities were placed in his hands which he was peculiarly well fitted to fill in his appointment as superintendent of public buildings and building inspector. He was further ap- pointed plumbing inspector for the Board of Health. The duties of these various offices almost wholly com- mand Mr. Condon's time, and his energy and excellent judgment in their performance gives his activities large influence for progress in the community. Mr. Condon's leisure interests include agricultural matters, and he is a prominent member of the Shrewsbury Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, also of the Shrewsbury Farmers' Asso- ciation. He is a member of the Shrewsbury Club, and is interested in all out-of-door sports, having been at one time one of the best bicycle riders in Worcester County and a rider for five years.
Mr. Condon married, at Worcester, November 19, 1902, Eleanor G. Keeven, daughter of Edward E. and Ellen (Dunn) Keeven. Mr. and Mrs. Condon are the parents of two children: Everett J., born February 8, 1904; and Chester F., born December 10, 1907.
GEORGE H. HARTWELL, JR., a leading drug- gist of Southbridge, Massachusetts, is at the head of the Hartwell interests in association with his father. This name has been identified with the drug business in this community for four generations, and for almost a cen- tury has been a' prosperous concern and the oldest drug business in Massachusetts. George H. Hartwell, Jr., the third of this name, has spent his lifetime in South- bridge and his active career thus far in this business.
George H. Hartwell, the first, was born in Vermont, and came to Massachusetts as a young man, settling in Southbridge permanently. In the year 1856 he bought from S. & S. C. Hartwell the present business which was established by them in the year 1827. Mr. Hartwell car- ried this enterprise forward until his death, which oc- curred in 1881. It was he who built the Hartwell Block in Southbridge and removed the store to this location in the year 1868. Here the enterprise has continued until the present time, constantly growing in importance, and it is one of the oldest landmarks of this community. He married Ellen Greene, who was born at Westboro, Massachusetts, and died in the year 19II.
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