USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 68
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Miss Obershaw is deeply interested in all public and benevolent advance, and while she takes no active part in public affairs, lends her influence to all endeavors which count for civic prosperity.
EZRA O. WEDGE-Almost the entire commercial life of Mr. Wedge has been associated in a prominent way with light and power companies in several States, and at the present time is with the Leominster Gas Light Company and the Leominster Electric Light and Power Company, with both of which he occupies the position of manager.
Mr. Wedge is a son of Hiram B. and Hattie L. (Bur- dick) Wedge, both of whom are deceased. Hiram B. Wedge was born June 5, 1848, at Fairfax, Vermont, and was engaged as a building contractor until his death in May, 1914. He was active in building the Southeastern Railway, a branch of the Canadian Pacific; Deputy Sheriff, School Commissioner of Montpelier, Vermont, the last ten years of his life; an active member of the Masons for more than twenty years, and was a Civil War veteran. He served in Company I, 8th Regiment, Vermont Infantry, with the rank of private, and was wounded in the battle of Cedar Creek during the Civil War. He was a member and Past Commander of Brooks Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic, of Montpelier, Vermont. His widow was born at West- ford, Vermont, April 14, 1849, and died October 1, 1921.
Ezra O. Wedge was born at Lowell, Vermont, June 4, 1867, where he received an education in the public schools. His first business experience was secured in the granite business at Montpelier, Vermont, where he remained for three years, then entered the employ of the Montpelier Gas Light Company, and four years later went with the new company, the Consolidated Light and Gas Company, its successor. At the close of his thir- teen years of service with that company he was its assistant manager. In 1910 he moved to The Dalles, Oregon, to take up the duties of manager of the Pacific
Power and Lighting Company, remaining a short time before being transferred to Walla Walla, Washington, where he acted in the same capacity. He was then transferred, in 1913, to Sweetwater, Texas, as vice- president and general manager of the West Texas Elec- tric Company, and remained there until 1914, when ill- ness forced him into retirement for three years. Upon regaining his health he accepted, in 1917, the position which has continued to occupy his attention in Leo- minster.
Fraternally he is a Mason, being a member of that order of all bodies of the York Rite, including the Shrine, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Masonic Club, and the Chamber of Commerce, being a director of the latter. He served four years, from 1887 to 1891, with the Vermont Vol- unteer Militia, Company H, Ist Regiment, and was dis- charged with the rank of corporal. In religion, he is a member of the Leominster Episcopal Church.
Mr. Wedge married, October 27, 1888, Alice B. George, a native of St. Johnsburg, Vermont. Their children are: I. Ula S., who married Samual W. Nunn, and has one child, A. Ezra John Nunn. 2. Frank H., who has one child, A. Theodore G. Wedge. 3. Hiram E.
CHARLIE H. DAVIS-In his special line of work as civil and hydraulic engineer Mr. Davis has had wide experience with many concerns as well as municipalities, and has met with success in each instance. He is at present owner of the business formerly known as Pratt & Davis, in the city of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. His parents were Horace W. and Mary Ann (Claflin) Davis, both of whom were natives of Northfield, Vermont.
Charlie H. Davis was born May 2, 1871, at Northfield, Vermont, where he received his primary education in the public schools, graduating from the high school, and then entered Norwich University and was graduated with the degree of Civil Engineer. For one year fol- lowing his graduation he was employed in the engineer department of the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, and an equal period with the Worcester Consolidated Company on foundation work, then spent two years with Parker and Bateman, of Clinton, Massachusetts. After this for twelve years he was associated with Arthur W. Woods, a civil engineer, in charge of the field work. He was later engaged in road construction with the Massachusetts Highway Commission and remained at that for a year, coming to Fitchburg in 1913 to take charge of the office of Pratt & Davis (the last named a brother). After three years in this connection, he left to occupy the position of engineer and superintendent for D'Onfro Brothers, contractors, with whom he con- tinued for two years. Then in 1921 he bought out the firm of Pratt & Davis and continues to manage this business.
Mr. Davis is a member of the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club of Fitchburg, and president of the New Hampshire-Vermont Club (1924). He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the regular United States Army upon his graduation from Norwich University, but was not appointed. His church mem- bership is in the Congregational denomination.
He married Ina A. Blanchard, a native of Brookfield,
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Vermont, and they are the parents of five children, who are as follows: Ruth Ina, wife of Mr. Cutting; Ethel May, Allen Charlie, Edith Caroline, and Marion Elizabeth.
DAVID W. KENNEDY, one of the leading figures of Dana', Massachusetts, is widely known as owner and proprietor of one of the most important hotels of this section, and in his capacity as host of this house he is known to the traveling public as a genial and broadly public-spirited man, always alert to the interests of the day and always prepared to encourage any advance effort in whatever field of activity. Mr. Kennedy is a son of John and Ann Nora (Normile) Kennedy, both natives of Ireland, who settled in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, upon coming to America. John Kennedy was a stone mason by trade and was active in that line of endeavor in Ireland for a time, then followed it for several years after coming to America. He then bought a farm in West Brookfield which he conducted until his death. The mother is also deceased.
David W. Kennedy was born at West Brookfield, Massachusetts, January 24, 1860. His education was received in the local public schools and he was active even during his school days on the farm, taking care of the many odd jobs which always fall to the lot of the farmer boy. At the age of fifteen years Mr. Kennedy left home and for about a decade went about from place to place, as the fancy took him, and worked in different lines of business in many different points. He then entered the employ of a contracting company, but this kept him changing about more or less and not long after his marriage he severed his connections with this con- cern and settled at the lost point where he was active in their employ, this being Athol, Massachusetts. He secured a position in the Athol Theatre and was thus engaged for a period of eleven years, after which he went to North Dana, Massachusetts, and there purchased a hotel property and conducted the interest for nearly ten years. He also purchased a hotel in Dana, but rented the property to another proprietor and went to Spring- field, Massachusetts, where he was active for one year along similar lines of effort. Then returning to Dana, he took over his hotel property and has since conducted it himself, personally managing the business. Mr. Ken- nedy's appreciation of the needs and tastes of the trav- eling public give him large ability in his present line of business, and this hotel is widely sought by tourists from a distance as well as by the general run of travel familiar with this locality. He is numbered among the largely successful men in this field in this part of Worcester County, and in local affairs as well as among the guests of this house he is highly esteemed both as a man and a citizen. He has always supported the Dem- ocratic party in political matters, but votes independent of his party when he feels that the public welfare will thereby be advanced. He has never cared to take a leading part in public affairs, and has never permitted his name to be brought forward as a candidate for any elective office. Fraternally Mr. Kennedy is affiliated with the American Order of Foresters, of Athol, and Springfield Lodge, No. 61, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He belongs to the Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Kennedy married, June 23, 1890, at Ware, Massa- chusetts, Mary Boyce, daughter of John Boyce, a na- tive of Ireland. Mrs. Kennedy died at Dana, Massa- chusetts, November 10, 1922.
HOWARD W. COTTON, prominent in the busi- ness world of Northern Worcester County, Massachu- setts, as a merchant of Dana, Massachusetts, is a note- worthy figure in the local progress, and is taking a defi- nite part in the general welfare and advance of this sec- tion. Coming of an old Connecticut family, Mr. Cotton is a son of Charles H. and Elizabeth J. (Welles) Cotton, his mother also a member of an old and distinguished New England family. Charles H. Cotton is a prom- inent contractor and farmer of East Windsor, Connec- ticut, a man of large business ability, successful and esteemed in the community and interested in all that counts for business advance.
Howard W. Cotton was born at West Hartford, Connecticut, March 17, 1881. He received his early education in the local public schools and after two years' attendance at the West Hartford High School, he struck out in the world of men of affairs, taking up farming, which he followed for two years in the em- ploy of prominent farmers of that section. Thereafter for five years Mr. Cotton conducted a rural free deliv- ery route, then was made Postmaster of Windsorville, Connecticut, where he had resided during the period of his activity as a mail carrier. In the year 1917 he re- moved to Dana, Massachusetts, where he has since con- ducted a general store with large success, and he is now Postmaster of this town. He has won a position of prominence in the community and commands the highest esteem and confidence of the entire town. Pub- lic-spirited and in every way interested in the general progress, Mr. Cotton bears a part in every worthy move- ment and supports the Republican party. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, the American Order of Foresters, and the Fraternal Benefit Society, all of East Windsor, Connecticut, and he is a member of the Odd Fellows and Foresters clubs. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
Howard W. Cotton married, in New York City, Janu- ary I, 1914, Alma Ruth Joyner, daughter of Frank L. and Ruth (Clark) Joyner. Mr. and Mrs. Cotton are the parents of four children: Ruth E., born in 1915, now in the third grade in the primary school, in Dana, Massachusetts ; Gladys V., born in 1916; Arline F., born in 1920; and Barbara, born January I, 1922.
MORRIS H. MARCY-A leading figure in insur- ance circles in Southern Worcester County, Massachu- setts, is Morris H. Marcy, of Southbridge, who has for - many years been active in the insurance field and is counted among the most successful men in this branch of economic advance in this part of Worcester County. Mr. Marcy is a son of Morris H. Marcy, who was born at Union, Connecticut, and was active as a traveling salesman until his death, which occurred in 1896. The mother, Mattie J. (Miller) Marcy, was born in Wood- stock, Connecticut, and still survives her husband.
Morris H. Marcy, son of these parents, was born at Union, Connecticut, November 23, 1879. His educa-
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
tion was begun in the public schools of his birthplace, and he covered the high school course at Hartford, Connecticut. On completing his education Mr. Marcy became interested in farming, and for five years followed this general line of activity, then in 1903 entered the insurance business. At that time he became a partner in the firm of E. M. Phillips & Son Company, of South- bridge, Massachusetts, and was active in this connection until the year 1909, when he sold his interest in this busi- ness and established himself under his own name. With offices at No. 103 Main Street, Southbridge, he has since been continuously active in insurance advance, and is agent for thirty different insurance companies. He is now the oldest active insurance agent in Southbridge in point of consecutive advance in this general field. Mr. Marcy's contribution to various branches of commun- ity and fraternal progress have for years been materially significant. He served for two years as a member of Company K, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, during the World War, and was very active in all home war endeavors. A prominent member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons, he is affiliated with all the Scottish Rite bodies up to and including the thirty-second degree. He is a member of the Southbridge Club and attends the Baptist church.
JOHN H. BRODERICK, JR .- To have established a business with a little nine-foot frontage for head- quarters and developed within ten years to an enter- prise doing over $120,000 worth of business as has John H. Broderick, Jr., cannot but win the admiration and respect of the community in which it is accomplished. Mr. Broderick is a native of Manchester, New Hamp- shire, where he was born November 9, 1874. His father was born in the town of Church, Lancashire, England, and was engaged in the textile industry the greater part of his life. He came to the United States early in life, and was for forty-five years with the Lancaster Mills of Clinton. His mother, in maidenhood Elizabeth Huskie, was born in Melbourne, Canada, January 10, 1852, and died in 1910.
After completing his studies in the public schools Mr. Broderick secured a position in the Lancaster Mills, where his father was also employed, and remained with the company for a period covering twenty-two years. He then decided to make a change in his line of work and secured a position with the Adams Garage, which he retained for one year, and then went into business for himself by establishing the Broderick Tire Service Sta- tion, this was in 1912. At first he occupied a small place with but nine feet of frontage, and did only vulcanizing, but he built carefully on a firm foundation of highest class work in all he did, and as the reputation of the shop grew, additions were made to services rendered, and a stock of accessories added until now this is the largest place of the kind in Clinton. The business is now located in quarters with a fifty-foot frontage, and occupies two floors of the building, which is at the corner of Water and Main streets. While Mr. Broderick's first year's business was only $1,736 gross, he now car- ries a large line of tires and automobile accessories, as well as an oil storehouse of about 8,000 square feet of space, and in 1921 made $108,000 worth of gross sales. His line of tires includes all the popular makes, such as Diamond, Goodyear, Goodrich, Fisk, United States, and
Kelly-Springfield. He also maintains a completely equipped service and repair shop, his operations in this line being extensive.
As a leading business man of Clinton Mr. Broderick takes an active interest in social, civic, and religious af- fairs, and is a prominent member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while his religious affiliation is as a communicant of of St. John's Roman Catholic Church. His favorite recreation is touring.
John H. Broderick, Jr., was united in marriage, in I902, with Annie Kerrigan, a native of Louisburg, County Mayo, Ireland, and of this union seven children have been born, their names being: William Robert, Anna Elizabeth, George, Mary, Alice, James, and John (3).
FRANK GORDON (F. GORDON) HAFF- Among the progressive and enterprising manufacturing executives of Southern Worcester County, Massachu- setts, Frank Gordon Haff, of Southbridge, is a note- worthy figure, his position as treasurer of the South- bridge Foundry Company, Incorporated, giving him a leading place in local industrial advance. Mr. Haff is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and has had ex- tensive experience in the general field of endeavor in which he is now active, this experience contributing in a marked degree to his usefulness in his present position and to his success. He is a son of Frank Haff, who was born in Wisconsin and became a noted lawyer of his day in Kansas City, but died in the prime of life, in the year 1882. The mother, Laura J. (Bissell) Haff, was born at Rome, New York, and still survives the husband and father.
Frank Gordon Haff was born at Kansas City, Mis- souri, July 4, 1880. His education was begun in the public schools of New York State, where the family later resided, and he completed his studies at St. John's Academy, in Manlius. He then learned the trade of brass and copper smelting, and went forward along this line until the year 1922, when he located in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and became affiliated with Frank S. Mills, of this place, in the establishing of the South- bridge Foundry Company, Incorporated. The business is located on Worcester Street, and the concern manu- factures a' general line of gray iron castings, such as are in universal demand in the industries. This is the only foundry in Southbridge and occupying 35,000 square feet of floor space, they employ about twenty men. The personnel of the corporation is as follows: Frank S. Mills, president and general manager; M. E. Mills, clerk; and Frank Gordon Haff, treasurer. Mr. Haff is a' member of the Manufacturers' Association of South- bridge, and is prominent in many branches of community effort. As a young man Mr. Haff served three enlist- ments in the Ist Regiment, New York National Guard, his period of service reaching from the year 1902 to 19II inclusive, and received his honorable discharge from the service with the rank of sergeant. Fraternally Mr. Haff is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, but otherwise has few interests outside of his work. He is affiliated with the Congregational church.
Mr. Haff married, in 1918, in Stamford, Connecticut, Mary Miller, who was born in New York City, daughter of Nathan Holmes and Addie Louise (Jones) Miller, and they reside at No. 60 Dresser Street, Southbridge.
John ABroderick Je.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
EDWARD F. DAKIN-In mercantile circles in Southbridge, Massachusetts, Mr. Dakin is widely known, his interests as a newsdealer giving him a very exten- sive acquaintance among the people of this community. He has been active in this line for thirty-seven years, and is now one of the most important men in this field in Southern Worcester County. He is a son of Ephraim Dakin, who was born at Concord, Massachu- setts, and was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1898. Ephraim Dakin was also widely known as a manufacturer of pumps. The mother, Mary F. (Cozzins) Dakin, died in 1902.
Edward F. Dakin was born at Southbridge, Massa- chusetts, April 30, 1860. Receiving his early education in the local public schools and later attending the South- bridge High School, he made special preparation for his business career at Bryant & Stratton's Business Col- lege, in Boston. The first two years of his business ex- perience were spent in the employ of the American Op- tical Company, in Southbridge, then he went West and for about a year and a half remained in California. Upon his return East Mr. Dakin was active as a book- keeper in Boston for about a year and a half, then once more returning to Southbridge permanently, he again became affiliated with the American Optical Company in the capacity of boss shipper. This position Mr. Dakin filled for eighteen years. In 1886, while still employed in the American Optical Company, he established his present business, and beginning in a small way, he shortly developed a thriving interest in the newspaper business. Giving his closest attention to the wants of his customers and always meeting the trade with char- acteristic cordiality, he won large success. From time to time he added new lines to the business, and has now for some years been a leading dealer in tobacco, candies, ice cream, and soft drinks. In 1914 the business was incorporated as the E. F. Dakin Company, Incorporated, Mr. Dakin becoming president; William C. Flood, sec- retary and treasurer; and Ida. H. Dakin, vice-president. Mr. Dakin is affiliated with the Southbridge National Bank as a director, and is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias. The interests of his leisure include mem- bership in the Southbridge and Quinebaug clubs. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Dakin married, in 1883, Ida Hamilton, of Og- densburg, New York.
DEAN R. SPINDEL-After an alternating experi- ence as shoe manufacturer and proprietor of a meat and grocery business, Dean R. Spindel is now successfully operating a prosperous meat and grocery business of his own at No. 46 Main Street, in Milford, Massachusetts. Nathaniel Spindel, father of Mr. Spindel, was the son of a Baptist minister, and throughout his career was devoted to literary pursuits. He married Mary Sears, a direct descendant of Luther Sears, of "Mayflower" fame, and they were the parents of eight children: Willard, Theodore, George, Dean, of further mention; Lydia, Emily, Anne, and Elmira.
Dean R. Spindel, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Sears) Spindel, was born in Milford, Massachusetts, September 23, 1873, and received his education in the local public schools. After the completion of his high school course
he learned the shoe manufacturing trade in Milford, and continued in that line of activity until 1895, when he formed a partnership with Fred L. Day and engaged in the meat business. Eight years later he sold out his in- terest in the concern and returned to the shoe manufac- turing industry. This time he continued to make shoes for thirteen years, during which time he accumulated sufficient capital to again venture into business for himself. In March, 1916, he established a meat and grocery enterprise of his own at No. 46 Main Street, and since that time the business has been steadily grow- ing. First-class quality of goods, together with sound business methods constantly brings new patrons, and Mr. Spindel's most efficient advertising medium is the rapidly enlarging group of his satisfied customers.
Politically Mr. Spindel gives his support to the Re- publican party, and he is actively interested in local public affairs in Milford. He has served as Selectman, and few projects planned for the advancement of the public welfare fail to secure his earnest support. Fra- ternally he is affiliated with Montgomery Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Milford; with Milford Lodge, No. 628, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and with Milford Lodge, Royal Order of Moose. His re- ligious affiliation is with the Universalist church.
Dean R. Spindel married, in Milford, Massachusetts, June 7, 1896, Margaret Jones, daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Kelly) Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Spindel have no children.
EDWARD J. KEHOE-At the head of one of the widely important commercial enterprises of the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, Edward J. Kehoe is taking a useful and practical part in the business life of this section in the distribution of new and used automobiles, representing some of the leading makes in his principal sales department. Mr. Kehoe is a native of the State of New Jersey, and a member of a family long prom- inent in business affairs in that State and in New York City. His father, Edward J. Kehoe, was born in Dar- lington, New Jersey, and was one of the early electrical engineers of that State, doing much for the advance of electrical engineering in the early days of its history. He was a veteran of the Civil War and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic until his death, which occurred in 1886. The mother, Margaret (Rusher) . Kehoe, was born in New York City, and died in 1882.
Edward J. Kehoe was born in Darlington, New Jersey, April 19, 1878. His early education was received in the public schools of New York City, and he prepared for his career with a course at Eastman's Business College, of New York City. His first business experience was in the same city, in the real estate field, and he continued in this connection for a period of eleven years. He then became identified with the automobile business, still in New York City, and was engaged along this line until the year 1913, when he came to Worcester, Massachu- setts. Here he opened up the district of Worcester County for the Reo car, and with such marked success that he became a noted figure in automobile circles in the State of Massachusetts. Going into business for himself in 1915, Mr. Kehoe handled a line of used cars for about two years, then in 1918 accepted the position of manager for the Worcester district of the Packard
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