USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 7
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Mr. Rice married, in 1914, Sarah Jupp, who was born
in Cincinnati, Ohio, and they are the parents of two children : Ellen Booth and Alfred Jupp.
HON. FRANK WESLEY FENNO-A lifelong resident of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Mr. Fenno has risen from the position of the struggling youth without friends or influence to that of president of one of the foremost financial institutions of this part of the State, a record of which any man might well be proud, and which he has achieved by virtue of tireless endeavor along useful lines of activity, and the lofty personal integrity which commands the respect of every man. His usefulness in the public service has added significance to his record of honorable personal achievement, and he is counted among the really im- portant men of Gardner, where his business interests center, and Westminster, of which he has been a lifelong resident.
The Fenno family is a very old one in Westminster, and Captain Reuben Fenno, Mr. Fenno's grandfather, was a farmer and shoemaker of this community early in the nineteenth century. Frank Bond Fenno, his son and Mr. Fenno's father, was born in Westminster, was a soldier of the Civil War, serving in a Massachusetts volunteer regiment, in which he enlisted in 1861. He died in 1875, at the age of forty-two years. He mar- ried Mahala Gould Estabrook, also a native of West- minster, who died in 1910, at the age of seventy-six years.
Frank Wesley Fenno was born in Westminster, Oc- tober 24, 1861. His education was begun in the local public schools, and it was only through his own efforts that the boy, left fatherless in his thirteenth year, se- cured any formal training. His education has been largely self-acquired, his alert and retentive mind gain- ing useful and valuable information from every source. At the age of seventeen years he was working on a farm in Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, receiving $12 per month for his services. Thereafter, securing the means of a short course at the Bryant & Stratton Business College in Boston, he entered the offices of Nichols Brothers, chair manufacturers of Westminster, at the age of twenty years, in the capacity of bookkeeper. Some four years later, in partnership with a fellow workman, he began manufacturing chairs in spare liours, doing all the work themselves and plac- ing their goods on sale as they had opportunity. At the age of twenty-five years Mr. Fenno was offered the cashiership of the Westminster National Bank, a rare tribute to the character of a young man of no experi- ence whatever in banking. His acceptance of this offer placed Mr. Fenno in a field of business endeavor for which he was especially fitted, and in which he has re- mained continuously since. The history of the West- minster National Bank was merged with that of the Gardner Trust Company in the year 1916, and upon the death of John A. Dunn, who had served as president of both institutions, Frank W. Fenno was elected presi- dent of the Gardner Trust Company, which position he ably filled until January, 1923, when elected chairman of the board, rounding out thirty-seven years since his first entrance into the world of finance. Mr. Fenno is affiliated with several industrial concerns of Worcester
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County, being vice-president of the Nichols & Stone Company, chair manufacturers of Gardner, a director of Tom Wye, Incorporated, of Winchenden, and he is also a director of the Bean & Simonds Company of East Jaffrey, New Hampshire, match block manufacturers. He is a member of the Gardner Chamber of Commerce.
In public affairs Mr. Fenno has, for many years, been a progressive leader. For thirty-five years he has held the office of treasurer of the town of Westminster, and has taken a foremost part in all movements for the bet- terment of the community and vicinity. In 1902 he was elected to the Legislature of the State as Represen- ative from the Third Worcester District. His record as a legislator was one of which the people were proud, and he was given large responsibilities in that body, serv- ing as chairman of the Committee on Towns and as a member of the Committees on Mercantile and Military Affairs. Through his efforts the bill which provided for the turning over to the State the care of roads about the State colony which are located in the towns of West- minster and Gardner, was brought before the Senate and became a law. He was returned to the House the following year, when the bill he introduced to settle the dispute for damages between Fitchburg and Westmin- ster on account of taking property for a water supply became a law; this called for a cash payment from Fitchburg to Westminster, and was, perhaps, Mr. Fenno's greatest achievement in the House. In 1904 he was a candidate for the State Senate, his defeat at that time, by one vote, having been credited to the manœuvers of the "machine." Mr. Fenno served for many years as chairman of the Republican Town Com- mittee of Westminster, Massachusetts. He also kept in touch with the progress of agricultural affairs in this section, being a member of the Westminster Grange, and was formerly president of the Westminster Far- mers' and Mechanics' Association. He is a charter member and Past Commander of Camp No. 101, Sons of Veterans, and fraternally is identified with Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Ivanhoe Commandery, Knights Templar ; and Gardner Lodge, No. 1426, Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the Gardner Boat Club.
Mr. Fenno, married, on October 24, 1893, Mary A. Nichols, of Westminster, daughter of Charles Nichols, chair manufacturer and banker of Westminster and Gardner. Mrs. Fenno died March 24, 1912, leaving six children: I. Doris Martha, a teacher in the West- minster schools. 2. Thaddeus B., postmaster of West- minster, who in taking up the duties of this office at the age of twenty-five years, walked through the same door which his father entered at the same age to assume the duties of cashier of the Westminster National Bank. 3. Alice Mahala, a' graduate of Simmons' College, with the degree of Bachelor of Science, who holds a respon- sible position in Lowell. 4. Barbara May, a graduate of the Sargent School of Physical Education, and at pres- ent an instructor in Lasell Seminary, Auburndale, Massachusetts. 5. Frank Wesley, Jr., a midshipman at Annapolis Naval Academy. 6. Charles Nichols, in the United States Marine Service.
FRANCIS H. OLIN, M. D .- Holding a leading position in the medical profession in Southern Worces-
ter County Massachusetts, Dr. Francis H. Olin has been active in practice in Southbridge for the past thirty- four years, and has won not only a large measure of success but has become also one of the most beloved and revered physicians of this part of the State, people of the community and the surrounding villages looking up to him as an advisor and friend, as well as in his pro- fessional capacity. Dr. Olin is a son of Francis M. Olin, who was born at Liverpool, Ohio, and was engaged in foundry work practically until his death, although he lived to the great age of ninety-four years. He passed away in 1919 in Falls Village, Connecticut. The mother, Caroline (Segar) Olin, was born in New Hartford, Connecticut, and also lived to an advanced age, passing away in 1913.
Francis H. Olin was born at Falls Village, Connec- ticut, February 23, 1855. His early education was ac- quired in the public schools of his birthplace and he later attended Rocky Dell Institute, also Sedgwick Institute, then after completing his preparatory studies under the preceptorship of Drs. Hobart and Jordan of Worcester, he entered the University of Michigan in the medical department, from which he was graduated in the class of 1881 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Follow- ing one year of hospital work, Dr. Olin returned to his native State in 1882 and opened his offices for the prac- tice of medicine at Woodstock, Connecticut. There he was active for about seven years, then in the year 1889 he was persuaded to remove to Southbridge and has since been active in practice here at No. 27 Hamil- ton Street. He was successful from the first, and his ability as a physician has been augmented by his wide experience. He has seen the children whom he has brought into the world grow to youth and maturity and take useful positions in life, and in recent years his own status in the community is more truly that of the father and family friend than that of the professional man and he is most highly esteemed in all circles. Dr. Olin is a member of the American Medical Associ- ation, Massachusetts Medical Society, and the Worcester County Medical Society, and for a number of years he has been a member of the Board of Health of South- bridge. During the World War he was very active as a member of the medical advisory board at Palmer, Massachusetts, and gave his best endeavors to all the home activities of that trying period. Fraternally Dr. Olin is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and all the York Rite bodies of the Masonic order, also the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mys- tic Shrine. He is further a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal church.
Dr. Olin married, in 1911, Mary N. Simpson, who was born in Dallas, Texas.
HAROLD G. PRATT, as junior partner of the con- cern known as E. O. Pratt & Son, is associated with the largest hardware establishment in the city of Clinton, also with one of the oldest and best known enterprises of its kind in Worcester County.
Eugene O. Pratt, father of Harold G. Pratt, was born in Irving, Massachusetts, May 9, 1856, son of Gil- bert Pratt, a native of Royalston, Massachusetts, who was engaged in business as a chairmaker to the time of
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his death in 1865, and of Julia A. (Delaney) Pratt, a native of Canada, who died in 1917. He received a good, practical education in the public schools of Athol, Massachusetts, and after completing his school training became associated with the hardware business. He later, in 1890, purchased the old concern which was established by H. E. Starbird in 1860, and from 1890 to 1920 conducted a prosperous business under the name of E. O. Pratt. When, in 1920, his son, Harold G., was taken into partnership the firm name was changed to E. O. Pratt & Son, and under that style has continued to the present time. Eugene O. Pratt has been associated with the hardware business for more than fifty years, and there are few in his section of the State who are more familiar with that branch of business activity than is he. He is a member of the Clinton Chamber of Com- · merce, and for forty-five years has been a member of the Masonic order, his lodge being Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Athol. He is also a member of the Prescott Club and the Clinton Historical Society. His religious interest is with the Congregational church of Clinton, of which he is a member. He is a director of Wachusets National Bank. On January 15, 1880, Eugene O. Pratt married Stella R. Maynard, who was born in Orange, Massachusetts, daughter of Charles and Caroline (Reynolds) Maynard. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene O. Pratt are the parents of two children: Beulah M., who was born in Orange, Massachusetts, December 5, 1889; and Harold G., of further mention.
Harold G. Pratt was born in Clinton, Massachusetts, July 19, 1894, and received his early education in the public schools of Clinton. He then became a student in the famous Phillips-Exeter Academy, from which he was graduated in June, 1914. The following fall he entered the Massachusetts Technical Institute, where he continued his studies for two years, when the World War interfered. Upon the completion of his war ser- vice, he associated himself with his father in the hard- ware business under the firm name of E. O. Pratt & Son, and that connection has been maintained to the present time. The business is a steadily growing one, and as the largest in Clinton, has made for itself an enviable record.
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Shortly after the entrance of the United States into the World War, Mr. Pratt enlisted, October 6, 1917, and was assigned to the 76th Division with the rank of private. In May, 1918, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Infantry, and on Septem- ber 8, 1918, he was promoted to the rank of first lieu- tenant, United States Infantry. He was discharged March 5, 1919, holding the last-named rank. In addi- tion to his business interest Mr. Pratt finds time for various social and other connections. He is a member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, in the activities of which he takes a keen interest, and he is also a member of the Prescott Club and of James R. Kirby Post, American Legion, of Clinton. His religious affili- ation is with the Congregational church of Clinton. For his recreation he indulges in the game of golf.
REV. JAMES WILLIAM DOLAN-Under the spiritual leadership of Rev. James William Dolan the people of Saint Martin's Parish, in Otter River, Massa- chusetts, are going forward to ever higher attainments.
Father Dolan has been pastor of this church for the past seven years, and his work in this parish and in the community has contributed in no slight degree to the general advance. Covering, as his pastorate here has, the recent years of conflict and sorrow, his spirit of benevolence and loving kindness has meant much to the people of this section, and he is beloved as well as esteemed both among the members of his church and among the people generally.
Father Dolan was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, November 3, 1868, and is a son of Lawrence and Ellen (Mulvey) Dolan, his father active throughout his life- time as a teamster. Father Dolan's education was be- gun in the public schools of his birthplace, and he at- tended Holy Cross College, of Worcester, for four months, then entered Saint Michael's College, at To- ronto, Canada, from which he was graduated in due course, taking his degrees from Toronto University. Taking up his theological studies at Grand Seminary, in Montreal Canada, he completed his course in theology and philosophy at the Catholic University, in Washing- ton, District of Columbia. He was ordained to the priesthood in Springfield, Massachusetts on December 24, 1892, and his first appointment was as assistant priest in Salem, Massachusetts. He was next sent to Springfield, Massachusetts, in a similar capacity, then was appointed to the Church of St. Bernard, at Fitch- burg, Massachusetts, where he did excellent service in encouraging the people in their forward labors and im- proving the church property. Successively active there- after at Adams and Webster, Massachusetts, Father Dolan came to Otter River in October, 1916, and has since been the honored and beloved pastor of Saint Martin's Church. He not only gives to his own con- gregation the devoted care which leads the people ever to higher spiritual levels but endorses all community advance and bears a constructive part in the general progress of the day. He will be-longest remembered in Fitchburg for his activities among the young men of the city. He organized and brought to its very highest the Young Men's Catholic Lyceum, which, during all his years there, was the leader in every branch of clean sport. This club house was the centre of all sporting activities of the city and surrounding towns. From it went many young men to the various colleges, Holy Cross naturally leading, where they became known throughout he college world. Father Dolan commands the esteem and admiration of all the people and of his contemporaries of the cloth in whatever religious de- nomination.
SOLON WILDER, one of the most widely known of the younger business men of Gardner, Massachusetts, lived a very busy, useful, successful life that, measured in figures of time, was all too short. His success as a business man was the natural result and reward of tire- less diligence in the manifold duties laid upon him by needy causes, sorority institutions, and business, and of honorable dealing with his fellow men, which forgot itself in kindly interest for others. A devoted church- man and member of several fraternal orders, his circle of friends extended far beyond the church or lodge and included college fellows, kindred spirits in appreciation
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of music, business associates widely scattered, employees, and various classes of his fellow-men.
He came from an ancient English family recorded in Berkshire as land owners in 1407, Nicholas Wilder receiving lands from his king.
The American ancestor in this branch is Thomas (2) Wilder, son of Thomas and Martha Wilder, a great- grandson of Nicholas Wilder, and a resident of Ship- lake, Oxfordshire, England. Two of the sons of Thomas and Martha Wilder came to New England, Thomas settling in Charlestown and Edward settling in Hingham. After the death of her husband Martha Wilder joined her sons in New England, coming on the ship "Confidence," in 1638, with her daughter Mary, and settling near her son Edward in Hingham.
Thomas (2) Wilder, son of Thomas and Martha Wilder, was born in Shiplake, Oxfordshire, England, in 1618, and was a proprietor of Charlestown, Massachu- setts, in 1638. He was admitted a freeman June 2, 1641 ; in 1659 moved to Lancaster; was Selectman in 1660 and in 1667, and held other offices. His wife, Ann, whom he married in 1641, died June 10, 1692, surviving her hus- band twenty-five years, he dying October 23, 1667. The line of descent from Thomas and Ann Wilder, the Amer- ican ancestors is thus traced: Thomas Wilder and his wife Ann; Lieutenant Nathaniel Wilder (killed by Indians) and his wife, Mary Sawyer; Ensign Oliver Wilder and his wife, Mary Fairbanks; Moses Wilder and his wife, Submit Frost; John Wilder and his wife, Sally Whipple; John Warren Wilder and his wife, Betsey Wellington; Jonas Brooks Wilder and his wife, Louisa Davidson; William Henry Wilder and his wife, Helen Marion Laws; Solon Wilder and his wife, Edith Leavens; Richard Wilder, born September II, 19II.
John Warren Wilder of the sixth generation, moved from Massachusetts to Belfast, Maine, where his son Jonas Brooks Wilder, and his grandson, William Henry Wilder, were born. Jonas Brooks Wilder was a mechanic and inventor, the design of the hillside plow being credited to him.
William Henry Wilder, M. C., of the eighth genera- tion, was born at Belfast, Maine, May 14, 1855, died in Washington, District of Columbia, September II, 1913, being a member of the Sixty-third Congress of the United States. In 1866 Massachusetts again became the family home, he finding employment in Gardner. At the age of seventeen years he began business under his own name as a contractor of painting and house decoration, passing from that business in 1884 to an association with A. M. Greenwood and Calvin H. Hill, through whose influence oil stove manufacturing became a Gardner in- dustry. Mr. Wilder's inventive genius was of great benefit to the business, and for a quarter of a century, 1884-1909, there was not a year that he did not obtain at least one patent, and they numbered half a hundred. His partners were more interested in chair manufacture, and the oil stove business was left to Mr. Wilder, who developed a large business. He was a prominent factor in bringing about a consolidation of the various plants under the corporate name of the Central Oil-Gas Stove Company, and was its treasurer. Factories were op- erated in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Michigan, with warehouses in Boston, New York, and Chicago In 1895, through no fault of his own, he found himself
involved in business disaster with a quarter of a million dollars indebtedness. He assumed these obligations and before his death the entire amount was paid or abun- dantly secured. In 1896 he organized the business in Gardner now conducted under the name Central Oil- Gas Stove Company. In 1897 he placed on the market the famed blue-flame oil stove made under his own patents, and built up a business which restored his fortunes.
Mr. Wilder was a man of great energy and public spirit, doing a great deal for his community. He was a Republican from early life, and at the time of his death was representating the district in Congress, his second term. He made five trips to the Pacific, four trips to Europe, and in 1909 spent a month in Panama. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Gardner; a member of lodge, chapter, command- ery, and consistory of the Masonic order; a' Noble of the Mystic Shrine; honorary member of the Grand Army of the Republic; and greatly interested in his farm near Gardner.
Mr. Wilder married (first), June 20, 1876, Helen Marion Laws, born March 7, 1855, in Gardner, died there November 30, 1909, daughter of Samuel Newell and Fidelia (Whitney) Laws. He married (second), March 22, 1912, Irene Paula Uibel, who survived him. By his first marriage five children were born, the eldest a son, Solon.
Solon Wilder, eldest son of William Henry and Helen Marion (Laws) Wilder, was born in Gardner, Massa- chusetts, May 19, 1883, and there died December 5, 1922. He was educated in the public schools of Florence and Gardner, Massachusetts, finish- ing with graduation from Gardner High School in 190I. He then entered Harvard University, whence he was graduated Bachelor of Arts, class of 1905. For two years after leaving college he represented the interests of the Central Oil-Gas Stove Company on the road, and succeeded his father as president of that company after the latter's death in 1913. The business became one of the largest industries of Gardner. Solon Wilder inherited the strong business ability of his father, and under his management the prestige of the Wilder name grew greater in the business world. Affable, genial, warm hearted, and generous, he made many friends and won all hearts.
In the Masonic order Mr. Wilder was affiliated with all bodies of both York and Scottish rites. He was a Master Mason of Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; a companion and Past High Priest of Gardner Chapter, Royal Arch Masons (his father the first High Priest of that chapter) ; District Deputy of Masonic District No. II; a Sir Knight of Ivanhoe Commandery, Knights Templar; all of Gardner. In the Scottish Rite he held the thirty-second degree; was a noble of Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston; was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Sons of Veterans, and Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks. His clubs were the Gardner Boat, Ridgely, Fay, Oak Hill Country, Worcester Country, Harvard, and Boston City. In politics Mr. Wilder was a Republican and in religious faith a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church. He was a lover of music and an accomplished
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performer on piano, pipe organ, and cello. He often acted as organist at church functions, and aided largely in maintaining the music of the church. To him is largely due the high character of the vesper concerts, which became the special contribution of the First Church to community life, and every Sunday he lent the inspiration and influence of his presence at the church service. He gave of his business ability to the church council, and when his pastor pronounced the eulogy over his friend he paid an eloquent and heartfelt tribute to the man who had been a pillar of strength to the church and to its pastor.
While the Central Oil-Gas Stove Company was the chief business interest of Mr. Wilder's life, he had other connections of importance. He was president of the Meals Printing Company and a director of the First National Bank, both of Gardner. One of his marked characteristics was his deep interest in the public welfare, and while he never held public office he wielded a strong influence in community affairs. He served as secretary of the City Hall Memorial Building Committee, and was always ready to "lend a hand" to aid either a cause or an individual. As a mark of public esteem all town offices, factory offices, and stores throughout his city were closed during the funeral services. He was laid at rest in Crystal Lake Cemetery, the funeral services being conducted in part under the beautiful ritual ser- vice of the Knights Templar, of which he was an honored member. From the "Memory Book," compiled from tributes to his character, life and virtues, from minister and friends, old and new, of college days, and social and business association; a few excerpts are here reproduced.
Mr. Wilder lived a busy, suecessful, helpful life. His success as a business man, as an honored citizen and a widely known and deeply beloved friend was not the result of chanee. It was rather the natural result and reward of tireless diligenee in the manifold duties laid upon his great shoulders and heart by needy eauses, worthy institutions and business inter- ests, of honorable dealing with his fellow-men, and of a pleasing brotherly personality whieh forgot itself in kindly interest for others. Because he chose such principles to be the foundation of his life, it is as natural as the harvest which follows the sowing and the long patient cultivation that his life should be the kind these friends and this community recognizes and honors. "We reap as we sow," and to him death is only a passing, a transition.
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