USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 65
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field, Massachusetts, where her education was completed. From the time of the finishing of her school training to the time of her marriage she resided in the home of her parents and was occupied with various social, civic, and church activities, and during her more mature years she has, along with her duties as wife, mother, and "home maker," found time for public service in various fields. She is a stockholder in the Athol National Bank and in the Miller's River National Bank. Polit- ically, she gives her support to the Republican party. Mrs. Pratt is always ready to contribute her share to the advancement of the public welfare. During the World War she was very active in the work of the Red Cross Society, opened a headquarters for knitting, and took part in the house-to-house canvass for funds for the Red Cross work. She is a member of the Athol Girls' and Woman's Club, and of the Ladies' Alliance of the Unitarian Church, in both of which she rendered valuable service. Fraternally, she is affiliated with the Eastern Star, Themis Chapter, which she has served as a matron. Her religious affiliation is with the Uni- tarian church of Athol. Mrs. Pratt has a pleasing per- sonality, and readily makes friends, having many in Athol who value her friendship highly, esteeming her ability and her high ideals.
On November 4, 1892, at Athol, Massachusetts, Lula Dot Fay was married to Charles Wellington Pratt, son of George Bancroft, of Sherburne Falls, Massachusetts, and of Sarah (Francis) Pratt. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Welling- ton Pratt are the parents of one son, Othello Fay Pratt, born August 28, 1896.
ALBERT HENIUS is among the younger execu- tives of Worcester County, Massachusetts, and holds a' very responsible position as general manager for the New England Telephone Company at the Milford branch. Experience in telephone work has well fitted him for the responsibilities of his present position, and he is well known and popular also as a veteran of the World War. He is a son of Marcus and Frances Henius, for many years residents of the city of Boston.
Albert Henius was born in Boston, Massachusetts, July 19, 1890. His education was acquired in the public schools of the city, and as a young man he entered the employ of the New England Telephone Company, start- ing in the installation department. He spent twelve years in this connection, and in the course of that period became thoroughly experienced in telephone work. He was then transferred to Springfield, Massachusetts, as credit manager, after which in 1920 he was further transferred to Milford, where he was given the general management of this branch. His work has given him an enviable reputation, and as an able and conscientious executive he is esteemed by all who know him in this community. A Republican by political affiliation, Mr. Henius has served as secretary of the Milford Chamber of Commerce during the years 1920, 1921, and 1922 and still in the present year (1923) fills this office. During the World War Mr. Henius served in the United States Coast Artillery, being stationed first at Fort Warren as a member of Company C, 7th Regiment, on September 5, 1917. He was transferred to Fort Banks on Decem- ber 24, 1917, and was sent to France in June of 1918. He saw active service in some of the most desperate drives
Clifton Entation
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BIOGRAPHICAL
of that fearful time, including St. Mihiel, Verdun, and the Meuse-Argonne, and upon his return to America received his honorable discharge from the service with the rank of corporal on May 6, 1919. Fraternally Mr. Henius is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Boston; and of the Springfield Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; he is a prominent member of the Milford Post, American Legion, which he serves as chairman of the entertainment committee.
Mr. Henius married, in September, 1919, in Boston, Massachusetts, Ethel Good, and they reside in Milford.
JAMES FULLERTON SHAW-It was forty years ago that James Fullerton Shaw came to this coun- try from Scotland, then a young man still in his teens, and settled here permanently. He is a native of Paisley, Scotland, where he was born January 12, 1867, a son of William and Mary (Kennedy) Shaw. His father, who was a' machinist by trade, was born at Johnston, Scot- land, and died in Scotland in 1880, when his son, James F., was in his thirteenth year. His mother, born at Saltcoats, in the same country, survived her husband three years, her death having occurred in 1883. Mr. Shaw attended the public schools of his home com- munity, but was obliged to leave off his studies when in his early youth and become a wage earner. He se- cured a position in the machinery line for two years, then came to the United States, arriving in Clinton in 1882. He immediately sought work and in the same year was successful in making a connection with the Bigelow Carpet Company, which later became the Bige- low-Hartford Carpet Company, his first position being that of changer. Being ambitious and industrious, he gained promotion from time to time until he achieved his present position as superintendent of weaving, which he has now held for the past five years.
As a representative citizen of Clinton Mr. Shaw is held in the highest esteem, and is connected with a num- ber of the well known clubs and societies of the com- munity. Among those in which he maintains member- ship are the Prescott Club, the Bigelow-Hartford Carpet Club, St. Andrew's Mutual Benefit Association, and Trinity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
On June 11, 1891, Marion Hamilton, a native of Ruth- erglen, Scotland, became the wife of Mr. Shaw, and they have a family of three children: Margaret H .; William K., who served as a private in the Hanley- Paige Aviation Unit in the United States Army during the World War; and James F., Jr., who is now (1923) a student at Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont. The family are attendants of the Congregational church of Clinton.
CLIFTON E. WATSON-Meeting the demands of the textile industry throughout New England in certain lines of mill equipment, Clifton E. Watson is active in the management of The J. H. Williams Company, one of the leading concerns manufacturing shuttles and heddle frames for looms. Mr. Watson is a native of Worcester County, Massachusetts, and now lives in Worcester, Massachusetts. His training and experience have been along the lines in which he now holds execu- tive responsibility. He is a son of Walter C. Watson, who was born in Leicester, Massachusetts, and is active in the same organization, being treasurer of The J. H.
Williams Company, also president and treasurer of L. S. Watson Manufacturing Company, Leicester, Massa- chusetts. The mother, Leila B. (Jordon) Watson, was born in Maine, and is also still living.
Clifton E. Watson was born in Leicester, Massachu- setts, July 25, 1898. His education was begun in the local public schools, and he later attended Leicester Academy, after which he took a course at the Worcester South High School. He prepared for college at Phillips-Exeter Academy, at Exeter, New Hampshire, then entered Dartmouth College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1922, with the degree of Bach- elor of Science. While there he made special prepara- tion for his present activities at the Amos Tuck School of Business and Finance, at Dartmouth, after which he became associated with The J. H. Williams Company. This concern was founded in 1830, in Utica, New York, and was carried forward at that location beyond the close of the last century. It was incorporated in Utica in 1897, then, on January 1, 1909, in order to go forward in the New England centers of the textile industry, where its product was largely distributed, the company removed to Millbury, Massachusetts. Hudson W. Hakes, who was manager of the H. W. Hakes Manu- facturing Company at that time, took over the manager- ship of the plant and for just a decade filled this respon- sible position. Upon his resignation Arthur O. Buzzell was appointed manager, and a year or two later the two companies became merged. He ably filled this po- sition until his death, which occurred December 25, 1922. In January, 1923, Clifton E. Watson was appointed man- ager, to succeed Mr. Buzzell, and took over the respon- sibilities of that office immediately. The present per- sonnel of The J. H. Williams Company is: John R. Roberts president; Walter C. Watson, secretary and treasurer; Clifton E. Watson, vice-president and gen- eral manager; and Wilbur L. Watson, assistant treas- urer. This company manufactures a line of mill sup- plies, principally shuttles and heddle frames. The Williams shuttle is known throughout the textile indus- try for its quality, durability, and dependability, and the concern has won its present enviable reputation on the merit of its goods, and on the unquestioned integrity of the organization. Occupying about 25,000 square feet of floor space, they hold a leading position in their field in this section of the country and employ about sixty people. Clifton E. Watson is widely known in social and fraternal circles, and is a veteran of the World War. He is also vice-president of the L. S. Watson Manufacturing Company, Leicester, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the United States Marine Flying Corps as gunnery sergeant on September 1, 1918, and received his honorable discharge from the service the following year. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, and a member of the National Manufacturers' Association, the United Commercial Travelers' Association, the Worcester Com- mercial Travelers' Association, the American Legion, the Worcester Country Club, the Leicester Men's Club, the University Club, the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and the Sphinx Senior Society of Dartmouth College.
Mr. Watson married, in August, 1922, Madelaine Prentice Howe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Weston Howe. Mr. and Mrs. Watson attend the Congregational church.
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
JOHN EDWARD LA BONTE, D. M. D .- In the dental profession in Webster, Massachusetts, Dr. La Bonte is considered one of the promising and able practitioners of the day. Trained in New England in- stitutions and further qualified for practice by experi- ence in Europe during the World War, Dr. La Bonte is considered a master in his profession and has already won a gratifying measure of success.
John Edward La Bonte was born at Marlboro, Massa- chusetts, March II, 1895, and is a son of John and Margaret (Cassidy) La Bonte. The family removing to Webster, Massachusetts, when Dr. La Bonte was five years of age, he first attended the public schools of this community, and is a graduate of Webster High School. Entering Tufts College for his professional training, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1917 with the degree of D. M. D. Passing the State board examinations within the year Dr. La Bonte entered the service, then following his return to civilian life he opened his offices both in Webster, Massachusetts, and on Copley Square, in Boston. Residing in Webster, his practice here became so extensive and so largely de- manded his time that he eventually discontinued the Boston office in May, 1922.
Following his graduation from college Dr. La Bonte was commissioned a lieutenant of the American Red Cross, and later was promoted to captain. He served in charge of dental work at the Children's Bureau, in Paris, France, for fourteen months, then for six months was active in Servia and the Balkan States. He received decorations from the Servian Red Cross, also received the San Sava, the King's decoration. Dr. La Bonte is a member of the Louis Pasteur Club of Tufts College, of which he is one of the organizers, and he is actively identified with the Knights of Columbus, which he serves on the board of trustees. He was elected a mem- ber of the Webster Board of Health in 1923.
Dr. La Bonte is single and is a member of Saint Louis' Roman Catholic Church.
EDWARD G. OSGOOD, since 1915, has been effi- ciently serving as secretary of the Chamber of Com- merce of Clinton, Massachusetts. Mr. Osgood was born in North Andover, Massachusetts, August 29, 1865, son of Charles W., a native of Andover, Massachusetts, who was engaged in the machinery business until his retire- ment, and of Fanny Maria (Searl) Osgood, who was born in Hollis, New Hampshire, and who died in 1920. He received his early education in the public schools of Bellows Falls, Vermont, and then became a student in the preparatory school known as Vermont Academy, at Saxton's River, Vermont. Upon the completion of his course in the academy, in 1884, he entered Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts. Afterward he learned the trade of the machinist, and for fifteen years followed that line. At the end of that time he went to Nashua, New Hampshire, where for a period of one year he was engaged in the machinery business. He then accepted a position as secretary of the Board of Trade in Nashua, which official position he held until 1915. In that year he removed to Clinton, Massachusetts, where he was elected secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, which position he has continued to fill to the present time (1923). Mr. Osgood has his
offices in the town hall, and it is probably true that no other individual in the city is so thoroughly familiar with business conditions there as Mr. Osgood. He has taken a deep interest in the economic development of the city, and has also found time for other outside activities. Before coming to Clinton he served on the Governor's staff in Vermont, from 1884 to 1886. During the World War he served as secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, at the Watertown Arsenal.
Mr. Osgood is widely known throughout the city of Clinton and is highly esteemed both because of his busi- ness ability and also for his personal qualities, which have won him many friends. He is a member of King Solomon Temple Lodge, No. 45, Free and Accepted Masons, of Bellows Falls, Vermont; and of Bellows Falls Lodge, No. 23, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational church of Clinton.
Edward G. Osgood married, on June 10, 1899, Florence Farnham, who was born in Bradford, Vermont, daugh- ter of ex-Governor Roswell and Mary (Johnson) Farn- ham. Mrs. Osgood is managing director of Neshobe Camp for Girls in South Fairlee, Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Osgood are the parents of two children: Elizabeth F., who married Philip L. Carret, of Cambridge, Massa- chusetts; and Edward, who is a student in the Univer- sity of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.
PATRICK H. McINTYRE-A man who has mer- ited the confidence of this community and filled a posi- tion of trust for many years is Patrick H. McIntyre, who for over thirty years has been connected with the post office in Clinton. Mr. McIntyre, who is a lifelong resident of this community, having been born here July 23, 1872, received his education in the schools, pub- lic and high, and pursued his business career here. He is a son of John McIntyre, a native of Sligo County, Ireland, who followed the occupation of combmaker until his death in 1885, and of Ellen (Connaughton) McIntyre, who was born at Galway, Ireland, and died in 1903.
After completing his education and he was ready for a position in the commercial world, Mr. McIntye de- cided to enter the postal service and was appointed to the position of auxiliary clerk in the Clinton Post Office, then, in 1890, was appointed regular clerk, which he re- tained until 1908, when he was made Assistant Post- master, and has filled that office ever since. Through- out his service he has proven himself faithful and re- liable, winning the esteem of the whole community. Mr. McIntyre is a member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, which he supports generously with personal service and in financial contributions to its various phases of charitable and philanthropic work.
Mr. McIntyre was married in 1904, when he took as his wife C. Mae Messer, who was born at Groton, Massa- chusetts. They have two children : Phyllis, born July 5, 1906, and William V., who was born May 23, 1912.
JOSEPH BURNETT CHOATE-In Boston and in Southboro, Massachusetts, Joseph Burnett Choate is well known, both as an enterprising and successful busi- ness man and as a progressive citizen, who, having re- ceived much in the way of personal ability and liberal
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education, gives freely of his best for the advancement of the general welfare.
Mr. Choate was born in Southboro, Massachusetts, May 3, 1893, son of Charles F. and Louise (Burnett) Choate. After receiving his early education in the Fay School, he prepared for college in S. Mark's Prepara- tory School, from which he was graduated in 1911. He then matriculated in Harvard College, from which he was graduated in 1916 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Immediately upon the completion of his college course he identified himself with the firm of Harris, Forbes & Company, investment bankers and bond brokers, with offices at No. 24 Federal Street, and his connection with that concern has been maintained to the present time, in the capacity of salesman. Mr. Choate is freely devoting his youth, his energy, and his ability to the advancement of the concern with which he is identi- fied, and there is every reason to predict that his work will, in the years to come, be an important factor in the advancement of the interests of the concern. During the World War Mr. Choate enlisted and was commis- sioned a captain of cavalry, commanding a horse troop in the 82d Division. He saw active service in the Ar- gonne offensive, as a captain in the 320th Field Artillery, 82d Division, and was honorably discharged February 4, 1919, with the rank of captain. He is now captain of cavalry in the Reserve Corps.
Mr. Choate resides in Southboro, Massachusetts. He is a Republican and is contributing his share to the ad- vancement of the public interests of the community by serving as a member of the Board of Selectmen of that town. He is a member of the Turf and Field Club of New York City; of D. K. E. college fraternity; of the Hasty Pudding Club, Harvard; of the Institute of 1770; and of the S. K. Club of Harvard.
Mr. Choate's chief interest is in the breeding of thoroughbred horses. His mares are kept at A. B. Han- cock's Claiborne stud at Paris, Kentucky. He has im- ported a number of thoroughbred mares from England by such sires as "Sundridge," "Symington," and "Grey Fox." Among the yearlings he has bred and sold in this country is a sister in blood to the sensational Eng- lish filly "Mumtaz Mahal," both being by a "Samaritan" horse from a "Sundridge" mare. He has also bred a brother in blood to "Man o' War," and now owns a Star Shoot mare in foal to this remarkable horse.
THOMAS F. McGOVERN, B. S .- In large con- struction work in Worcester County, Massachusetts, the name of Thomas F. McGovern is one of large prom- inence and with interests centering in Southbridge, Mr. McGovern is achieving marked success in this branch of progressive endeavor. Mr. McGovern is a native of this county and received his education in the institu- tions of his native State, where his activities now prin- cipally lie. He is a son of Patrick and Annie (Hay- den) McGovern, both deceased. The father was born in Ireland, but the mother was born in Leicester, Massa- chusetts, and died as recently as the year 1922.
Thomas F. McGovern was born at Spencer, Massachu- setts, December 29, 1879. His education was begun in the local public schools, and his high school course was cov- ered in the city of Worcester. Later entering Holy Cross
College he covered the course in the liberal arts in that institution, then entered Dartmouth College for his tech- nical training and was graduated in the class of 1901 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Mr. McGov- ern's first experience was in the employ of A. W. Woods, of Worcester, then a leading engineer of this section, and he remained in this connection for a year and a half. In the year 1903 Mr. McGovern entered business for himself as a contracting engineer in the city of Worcester and followed this general line in that location until the close of the year 1909. Early in the following year he removed to Southbridge and has since been ac- tive in this community in the same general line of en- deavor, with offices on Main Street. Mr. McGovern's success has been won by his own efforts and by the large administrative ability which places him among the lead- ers in this field. He has done much important engineer- ing work in this section and holds an enviable position in his chosen field of endeavor. He has further busi- ness affiliations of a local nature, including a director- ship in the People's National Bank of Southbridge. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and his clubs are the South- bridge, and the Quinebaug. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Church.
DONALD E. SMITH-The printing business is thoroughly known to Mr. Smith, and his entire commer- cial life has been devoted to his one line of industry. He is known to residents of South Lancaster as vice-president of the South Lancaster Printing Company, which concern is engaged in book publishing, periodical, catalogue, and general commercial printing.
Donald E. Smith is a son of Joseph L. and Jessie (Noons) Smith, natives of Jasksonville, Illinois, where he was born July 25, 1892. His father was a lumber merchant in Michigan, and died in 1920 after retirement from business. His mother is still living. When his education in the public schools at Battle Creek, Michi- gan, and high school at Lincoln, Nebraska, was com- pleted, he entered Union College at College View, Ne- braska, and graduated in 1911. Then he came to South Lancaster, Massachusetts, being employed at that time by the South Lancaster Printing Company at thir- teen and a half cents an hour. As he learned the details of the business he was advanced, and in 1920 took over the establishment in cooperation with his brothers, Edgar J. and Charles Roy Smith, comprising the present part- nership. The greater part of the work of this plant is done by means of automatic machines, and fifteen em- ployees are retained by the company, which publishes the "Atlantic Union Gleaner," a weekly publication.
Mr. Smith is a' member of the United Typothetæ So- ciety, Franklin Club of Salt Lake City, Utah, and the American Legion. He enlisted in the United States Army in July, 1918, serving at Kelly Field, Texas, and in the Curtis Company test field in Buffalo, New York, remaining at the latter place until discharged from the army with the rank of private in December, 1918.
In January, 1918, Donald E. Smith was united in mar- riage with Lena J. Munn, a native of Vermont. To this union two children were born: Phillis Donna, born July II, 1919; and Donald E., Jr., born in 1920.
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
PETER J. CANNON-Except for a period during the Spanish-American War, Mr. Cannon has served the community of Clinton Worcester County, Massachusetts, continuously, as Water Registrar, in an efficient manner. His parents were natives of Inish Boffin, county of Gal- way, Ireland, where the father, Arthur Cannon, spent his life as a farmer, and died in 1904. The mother, Bridget (O'Malley) Cannon, died there in 1886.
Peter J. Cannon, born in Inish Boffin, county of Gal- way, Ireland, January I, 1865, obtained his education in the public schools at Clinton, and the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Boston, Massachusetts. After leav- ing the latter institution he engaged in business with the Boston Plate Window Glass Company, remaining with that concern until his appointment to the office he now holds, which was in 1898. At that time the war with Spain necessitated his being granted a leave of absence to serve in the United States Volunteer Army, and at the close of the war he returned to his position.
On December 7, 1885, he joined Company K, 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and was transferred later to Company K, of the 9th Massachusetts, where he became first sergeant. He received the Captain Shaw medal for the best drilled man and the General Atwood medal presented to the best all-around man, and while a' member of the latter outfit he qualified through all grades of marksmen to sharpshooter. He was appointed first lieutenant of this company on May II, 1891, and was promoted to captain of Company K in 1898, of the Massachusetts United States Volunteers. He was stationed at Camp Dewey, South Framingham, Massachusetts, during the month of May, and from June I to 24, at Camp Alger, Virginia. On the latter date he left for Cuba, arriving there July I of that year. The Santiago campaign found him a participant in the battle which lasted two days, July 2 and 3, and the siege from July 3 to 17, then was in the Army of Occupation from July 18 to August 29. He was among the troops to em- bark on the transport "Rumanian" for Montauk Point, Long Island, after reaching which he was granted a sixty-day furlough, beginning September 8, 1898, and was mustered out of service November 26, 1898, at Clin- ton, with the rank of captain. In February of the fol- lowing year he resumed active work with the State militia as captain, until June 23, 1903, at which time he was retired.
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