USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 64
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George H. Hartwell, the second, was born in South- bridge, Massachusetts, July 27, 1863. He was educated in the public and high schools of this community, and, interested from boyhood in the business in which his father was engaged, he made special preparation at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, then entered this business as his life work. In association with his father he was active in the management of the store, and fol- lowing his father's death in 1881, he became sole owner. He has continued at the head of the enterprise since that time, and when his son came to be of an age to take an interest in the business he received him into part- nership. George H. Hartwell, Sr., has long been a leader in fraternal advance, holding membership in all Masonic bodies both the York and Scottish Rites, in- cluding the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He mar- ried Nellie E. Needham, of Wales, Massachusetts, and their daughter Catherine Fay, married February 7, 1924, Freeman G. Spalding, of Southbridge, a well-known lumber dealer. Their son is George H. Hartwell, Jr., of whom further.
George H. Hartwell, Jr., the son of George H., Sr., and Nellie E. (Needham) Hartwell, was born in South- bridge, Massachusetts, March 13, 1892. His education was begun in the local public schools, and following the high school course he entered the Hartwell Drug Store, where he learned pharmacy under the preceptorship of his father. With the introduction of young blood into the concern the prosperity of the business was increased, and Mr. Hartwell has become a leading factor in its progress. Holding executive responsibility, he has demonstrated his worth and his practical ability, giving new impetus to the business and adding some attractive lines of merchandise which form a part of the complete
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drug store. Mr. Hartwell is a member of the South- bridge Chamber of Commerce, and since attaining his majority has been deeply interested in public affairs. In 1918 he was elected clerk of the Overseers of the Poor, in which capacity he still serves, and since 1917 he has been chairman of the Cemetery Committee. In fra- ternal circles George H. Hartwell, Jr., is widely prom- inent, holding membership in all the York and Scottish Rite bodies of the Masonic order, including the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; he is fur- ther affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Improved Order of Red Men; the Fra- ternal Order of Eagles; the Knights of Pythias; and the Massachusetts Association of Relief Officers.
Mr. Hartwell married, in 1913, Agnes J. Kirby, who was born at Fiskdale, Massachusetts, and they have two daughters: Patricia K., born January 20, 1920; and Bar- bara Needham, born December 28, 1923.
CHARLES F. HELLNER-In the world of elec- trical contracting and engineering in Southern Worces- ter County, Charles F. Hellner holds a noteworthy posi- tion as a leading contractor of Southbridge, Massa- chusetts. Prominent in his business and a veteran of the World War, Mr. Hellner is active in various branches of community effort, and is one of the really significant citizens of Southbridge to-day. He is a son of Carl Hellner, who was born in Denmark, and was a veteran of the War of 1864, when Denmark fought Germany. He was at that time only twelve years of age and had the distinction of being the youngest bugler in the Danish Army. He was a cigar manufacturer by occupation, and lived to a ripe age, passing away in Copenhagen in 1920. The mother, Emma Louise (Levin), was born in Denmark and died in 1909.
Charles F. Hellner was born in Copenhagen, Den- mark, October 2, 1874. His education was begun in the local public schools, and after completing his high school education he followed the sea for about six years, then came to the United States, where he settled per- manently. Following various lines of endeavor until the year 1908, he then became interested in electrical ad- vance, and fitting himself for contracting activities in this line, he opened his present business in Southbridge, in the year of 19II. He has since been actively en- gaged in an independent way in this line of endeavor, and now holds a leading position in Worcester County. His success has placed him among the foremost men of Southbridge, and he is highly esteemed in this commun- ity. In September, 1917, Mr. Hellner was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Massachusetts State Guard, and on December 12, 1918, was commissioned captain of that body, then received his discharge from the service in the year 1920. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Southbridge Club. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal church.
Mr. Hellner married, in 1896, Mary French, who was born at St. John's, Newfoundland, and they are the parents of four children: Charles E., of further men- tion; Emma Louise, born January 5, 1898; and Clayton Bartlett and Clifton Mehder (twins), born October 29, 1912.
Charles E. Hellner was born April II, 1897, and thus attained the age of twenty years only a few days after the United States intervened in European affairs. He enlisted in Company B, Ist Engineers, Ist Division, and served in France with the American Expeditionary Forces for two years. His spirit and attitude towards life and the responsibilities of citizenship were well demonstrated in the fact that he was the first man to enlist in Southbridge, and in achieving this noteworthy distinction he won signal honor. He served in the battles of Cantigny, Mondidir, Noyon, Soissons, the Argonne, the Toul sector, and St. Mihiel. He was wounded twice in action, once in the battle of the Argonne, and once in the Soisson sector. Following his return to his native land, Mr. Hellner was discharged from the service on September 30, 1919, with the rank of sergeant.
DANIEL WEBSTER BAKER, one of the promi- nent citizens of Phillipston, Massachusetts, since the death of his father, has been engaged in agricultural pur- suits on the homestead farm. He also conducts a saw mill and is deeply interested in forestry.
Silas Washington Baker, father of Mr. Baker, was born in Phillipston, on March 9, 1815, and died on the homestead farm on March 29, 1901. Silas Baker, Sr., the grandfather of Silas W. Baker, was a great-great- grandson of William Baker, who came from England to Concord, Massachusetts, in 1660. He came to Phillips- ton in 1777, at the age of twenty-nine years, and settled on the homestead farm, building a log cabin, which was replaced by the present building in 1807. His wife came to the homestead one year later. Their grand- son, Silas Washington Baker, married, on December 18, 1850, Harriet La Duke, who was a native of Canada, but had come to Vermont when very young. They were the parents of twelve children: Harriet Almira, born July 13, 1851; Abbie Maria, born March 13, 1853; Sarah Ella, born June 23, 1855; Lucy Jane, born January 12, 1857; Ida Lunette, born August 3, 1858; Daniel Webster, of whom further; Mary Elizabeth, born June 22, 1863; Lucia Antoinette, born June 20, 1865; Silas Francis, born March 13, 1867; Charlotte Isabelle, born January I, 1869; Florence Agnes, born October 31, 1870, and Leonard Washington, born April 29, 1874. Of these children two are deceased, Lucia Antoinette, and Abbie Maria. Harriet Almira and Daniel Webster live on the homestead.
Daniel Webster Baker son of Silas Washington and Harriet (La Duke) Baker, was born in Phillipston, Massachusetts, October 12, 1860, and received his early education in the public schools of his native town and Templeton High School. He then completed his prep- aration for an active career by a course in the North Adams Academy. For two terms after completing his academic course he was engaged in teaching in the West, and also in Phillipston, Massachusetts, but at the end of that time he decided to leave the teaching pro- fession and embark on a business career. He accepted a position as station agent for the Fitchburg Railway, serving in various places and maintaining the connection for a period of eight years. He then returned to the homestead farm at Phillipston, and since the death of his father has taken complete charge of the farm, and in addition to the usual agricultural pursuits has also con-
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ducted a saw mill. The homestead farm comprises a large amount of timber land, and Mr. Baker is deeply interested in the science of forestry. Besides this home- stead farm he owns other land with a large frontage on Queen Lake, a summer resort in Phillipston, and has several cottages along the lake front which he rents to summer residents. He also has about one hundred acres of land extending from the lake, but in all this the farm is not included. Besides these various business activ- ities, Mr. Baker has always taken an active part in local public affairs.
He is chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and chair- man of the Board of Assessors, as well as Overseer of the Poor, and he serves also as clerk of both the former bodies. He has been a member of the School Board, is a member of the board of trustees of the Library, and takes an active interest in the local grange, being Master of the same. In all of these services he has been efficient, and a helpful and progressive worker. In his religious affiliation he is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Baker is unmarried.
ANNIE (STOCKS) FRANCE-As librarian of the Phillip's Free Public Library of Phillipston, Massachu- setts, Annie (Stocks) France is a noteworthy figure in the community, and is bearing a constructive part in the moral and ethical advance of her day. Mrs. France is a native of England, and has been a resident of the United States since the year 1889. She is a daughter of Charles William and Mary (Donkersley) Stocks, her father a prominent builder and contractor in England throughout his active and useful career.
Annie Stocks was born at Huddersfield, England, Sep- tember II, 1863. Her education was received in the city schools of her birthplace. She chose teaching as her profession, and trained in her native city. For five years she was first assistant of the Christ Church School, Ashton-u-Lyne Lancashire, and later became principal of the Uplowman School, Tiverton, Devonshire. In 1889 she resigned this position to become the wife of Rev. William France, who was pastor of the Congre- gational church at Union, New Hampshire. She has also lived in Bath and in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, and in Duxbury and New Braintree, Massachusetts. For six years she has resided in Phillipston, where her hus- band is pastor. Always broadly interested in educational advance and in every phase of literary activity, Mrs. France accepted the position of librarian of the Phillip's Free Library, which position she has ably filled until the present time (1923). She is managing the affairs of the library judiciously and wisely, and her influence among the young people of the community as a leader of public thought and a director of popular reading is of more than immediate significance, for it tends toward the permanent uplift of the people. Mrs. France is a member of the Congregational church and a Patron of Husbandry.
Mr. and Mrs. France are the parents of three chil- dren: Wilfred C., born at Bath, New Hampshire, De- cember 9, 1892, now a trainman; Eunice Mary, born at Bath, June 25, 1895, wife of Edward Rodgers, principal of the schools at Devon and Milford, Connecticut; and Donald, born also at Bath, March 4, 1897, a graduate of Middlebury College, and now active as a draftsman in Cleveland, Ohio.
MYRON FRED CUTLER, M. D .- In professional circles in Worcester County, Massachusetts, Dr. Cutler is highly esteemed and widely known, and in his prac- tice, which centers in the town of Webster, he is doing much, not only for the welfare of the people at the mo- ment, but for the general advance of his profession. Dr. Cutler comes of a well-known New York State family, and is a son of George O. and Emma Caroline (Barrett) Cutler, his father a commission merchant by occupation, and his maternal grandfather, William Marshall Barrett, served in the Civil War as surgeon to the 53d Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, from which he was mustered out on September 8, 1863.
Myron Fred Cutler was born at Vandalia, New York, April 6, 1879. The family removing to Somerville, Massachusetts, when he was two years of age, his edu- cation was begun in the local public schools, and he was graduated from the Somerville High School in the class of 1906. Having chosen his present profession early in life he then entered the medical department of Tufts College from which he was graduated in 1912 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Serving as interne for three months at the Boston City Hospital, his work in that connection was principally in surgery, and he gained invaluable experience. He then spent one year at Grace Hospital, in Boston. Then in 1913 Dr. Cutler opened his offices at Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he continued in practice for about five years very suc- cess fully. He then came to Webster and opening offices at No. 129 Main Street, has since been active in his profession in this community. He has thus far carried forward a large general practice, but his growing interest is in the nose and throat, and he has had great success in these specialties. A Republican by political affiliation, Dr. Cutler has served for the past few years on the Webster Board of Health but has never thus far accepted public responsibility except along the line of his profession. In 1898 he tried to enlist for service in the Spanish-American War, but was rejected for defective eyesight. In May, 1898, he was mustered into Company B, 5th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and served until 1899. He reënlisted in 1901 and served until 1904. When the United States entered the World War he was one of the first to offer his services but was twice rejected. He served, however, as first lieutenant in the 18th Infantry Guard, and during the first draft examined 1,030 men. He is a member of the Ameri- can Medical Association, the Massachusetts State Med- ical Society, the Worcester County Medical Society, and the Webster and Dudley Medical Club. He is identi- fied with the local lodges of the Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons, Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is affiliated with the Bap- tist church.
Dr. Cutler married Mary U. Hoenig, daughter of John and Anna Hoenig of Webster.
FREDERICK V. JOHANSSON-After receiving a thorough technical training as electrical engineer Frederick V. Johansson successfully followed that pro- fession for a period of twelve years and then became identified with the Jewett Piano Company of Leomin- ster, Massachusetts, of which concern he is now manager and general superintendent.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, November 19, 1882,
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I.F. murphy
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Mr. Johansson is a son of Charles F., D. D., who, in addition to his services as a minister of the gospel, has traveled extensively and done a large amount of ex- ploring in Africa and other countries, and of Augusta (Schuck) Johansson. After receiving his early educa- tion in the public schools of his native city, Frederick V. Johansson entered the Mechanic Arts High School in Boston, where he took a post-graduate course in the sciences. He then entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from which he was graduated in 1905, with the degree of Electrical Engineer. Upon the com- pletion of his technical training he became associated with the Edison Company in research and engineering work, maintaining that connection for some time, finally resigning to accept a position as research engineer for the development of heating apparatus and devices for the Simplex Electric Heating Company. After secur- ing valuable experience in these two connections he became the assistant to Professor Sabine, of Harvard University, engaged in scientific research in the Jefferson Physical Laboratory of that institution. In 1909 he again made a change and removed to Leominster, ac- cepting a position with the Massachusetts Lighting Com- pany as assistant manager. That position he continued to efficiently fill until 1912, when he resigned and asso- ciated himself with an entire new line of business. He became associated with the Jewett Piano Company, and a little later was made assistant superintendent. In May, 1917, he was appointed manager and general superinten- dent of the entire plant, and this responsible executive posi- tion he has continued to fill to the present time ( 1923). His energy and ability are important factors in the notably successful career of the Jewett Piano Company since 1912, and his services are highly appreciated by the officials of the company.
Politically Mr. Johansson gives his support to the Republican party, but he does not take an active part in its work. In the quiet ways of the public-spirited cit- izen he has always been ready to contribute his share to the advancement of the public welfare, and is well known among a host of friends and associates as a man of sound principles. He is a member of the Leominster Club, and his religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Frederick V. Johansson married, on August 14, 19II, in Leominster, Massachusetts, May E. Zangenberg, daughter of Frederick J. and Augusta (Lindberg) Zangenberg. Mr. and Mrs. Johansson are the parents of two sons: Charles F., who was born February 17, 1915; and Warren J., born April 1, 1921.
FREDERICK E. THOMPSON-With long exper- ience in various lines of commercial endeavor, Frederick E. Thompson, of Westboro, Massachusetts, has for a number of years been at the head of one of the most attractive and popular enterprises in this community, dealing in confectionery, ice cream, and tobacco. Mr. Thompson is a son of Eugene W. and Minerva C. (Buck) Thompson, his father and grandfather both having been natives of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and boat builders by occupation, as well as farmers.
Frederick E. Thompson was born at Hopkinton, Massachusetts, September 22, 1865. His education was begun in the public schools, and he also covered a prac-
tical course at the Hopkinton High School. Mr. Thompson's first business experience was with the Adams Express Company, joining the force of the Boston office in 1883. There he was active as extra messenger until his transfer in the fall of the same year to Westboro, Massachusetts, where he served as clerk of the local office of the same company. Active in this connection for about two years he then was transferred to the New London, Connecticut, office of this company, remaining there as messenger for three years, then was transferred once more to Mount Vernon, New York, as agent. There he was active in this responsible office for fifteen years, and thereafter became night agent at Hartford, Connecticut, filling this position for four years. His next change was to Holyoke, Massachu- setts, where for four years he acted as agent, then re- signed to return to Westboro. Upon locating in West- boro, Mr. Thompson filled an office position with the Westboro Hat Company for seven years, his brother-in- law being one of the owners of the company. In Oc- tober, 1916, Mr. Thompson opened the store, which has since been such a popular gathering place of the people of this community, at the corner of Milk and Main streets. About five years later H. W. L. Fox became a partner in the business, which had prospered largely from the first. In May, 1921, Mr. Fox sold his interest to Burt Trook, and this partnership still continues. The business receives the patronage not only of the entire community, but of the countless motorists who are con- stantly passing through. Mr. Thompson's genial spirit and progressive policies have carried this business to a very high level of efficiency and success, and he is numbered among the really prominent men of Westboro. As a young man Mr. Thompson was active for eight years as a member of the IIth Separate Company of the Ist Regiment, New York National Guard, of Mount Vernon, New York, and has always taken a deep interest in the general advance, but has never accepted public office. His fraternal affiliations are with Siloam Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Westboro, of which he is Past Master, and is a member of the Past Masters' Association of the Twenty-third Masonic District; is a member of Houghton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Marlboro, Massachusetts ; Marlboro Council, Royal and Select Masters; Trinity Commandery, Knights Temp- lar, of Hudson, Massachusetts ; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston; Aletheia Grotto of Worcester; Bethan Chapter, No. 13, Order of the Eastern Star, of Westboro; and Westboro Grange, No. 116, Patrons of Husbandry.
Mr. Thompson married (first), at New London, Connecticut, October 5, 1887, Mary Elizabeth Latham, daughter of William L. and Frances A. (Oothout) Latham. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of four children: Viola O., born June 3, 1889, now the wife of Willie E. Whitney ; Beatrice L., born September 29, 1898, who became the wife of Ralph Smith, but is now deceased; Edith F., born May 22, 1900, now the wife of George Newell Ayers; and Marion A., born at Holyoke, January 15, 1908. Mr. Thompson married (second) Mrs. Lillian E. Whittier, neé Mason.
THOMAS F. MURPHY-Not only in his residence town of Southbridge, Massachusetts, but among the
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traveling public in the East, Thomas F. Murphy is well known, being the owner and manager of the Hotel Co- lumbia, of Southbridge. Active along other lines of business in his earlier years, Mr. Murphy has been en- gaged in hotel interests for the past thirty years and dur- ing the greater part of that time at his present location. He is a son of Patrick Murphy, who was born in Ire- land and was engaged in the shoe industry until his death, which occurred in 1890. The mother, Ellen (Halpin) Murphy, was also born in Ireland and died in the year 1916.
Thomas F. Murphy was born at Brookfield, Massa- chusetts, February 22, 1858. He received his education in the public and high schools of his birthplace and immediately thereafter he entered the shoe industry, fol- lowing this line of activity for a period of about twelve years. In 1893 Mr. Murphy entered his present field, be- coming active in the hotel business, and in 1904 came to Southbridge and purchased the Hotel Columbia, and has conducted this house since. Mr. Murphy is sole owner and has personally managed the hotel, his wide experi- ence and popularity developing a very extensive and lucrative patronage. This hotel has forty rooms and a restaurant for its guests, and is a leading hostelry of Southbridge. Mr. Murphy's genial spirit and cordial manner have made for him countless friends, and he has contrived also to keep the home atmosphere, which is so grateful to the traveling public. He is interested in all local affairs, is a member of the Southbridge Cham- ber of Commerce and takes a deep interest in all that contributes to the general welfare. He is affiliated with the American Hotel Association, his fraternal con- nection is with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and his clubs are the Southbridge and the Quine- baug. For years he has been one of the executive com- mittee of five of the Worcester South Agricultural So- ciety, having charge of the annual fair. He has given a' great deal of time and money to the promotion and success of this society. Mr. Murphy attends St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Thomas F. Murphy married (first), in 1888, Margaret Blake, who died in 1910, leaving two children: William B., born in July, 1894, who served in the World War as a second lieutenant in the United States Army; and Helen W., born in 1897, now active as a nurse in New York City. Mr. Murphy married (second), in 1912, Mabel Phelps Whitford, daughter of Warren C. and Josephine Russell (Phelps) Whitford, of Southbridge.
LULA DOT (FAY) PRATT-One of the active and influential citizens of Athol, Massachusetts, is Lula Dot (Fay) Pratt, who in addition to the management of her home and the discharge of her duties as a mother, finds time for club activities, for civic service, and for church work.
Mrs. Pratt is a daughter of Othello Augustan Fay, a broker and lumber dealer of Athol, and of Clara An- geline (Lee) Fay. She was born November 7, 1872, in Athol, and her early education was obtained in the public schools of her native city. After the completion of the work of the primary and intermediate grades in the schools of Athol, she entered the high school there, but upon the completion of her first year she became a student in the Prospect Hill School for girls at Green-
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