USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 70
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Felix A. Lajoie was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, September 9, 1884. His education was begun in the local public schools, and he later had the advantage of a course at Post's Business College, of Worcester. With this broadly practical preparation for his business career, Mr. Lajoie became associated with his father in the meat
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market and continued with him permanently. Follow- ing the death of his father he took over the management of the business, but later, in 1919, turned over the re- sponsibilities of this business largely to others, although he still owns the interest. At that time Mr. Lajoie associated himself with John D. Amelotte in the under- taking business, and has followed this line of endeavor since. With his natural ability along commercial lines, added to his deep appreciation of the ethics of the under- taking profession, Mr. Lajoie is attaining large success, and is sought among the people of Worcester and a wide territory adjacent for funeral and embalming work. The headquarters of the firm of Lajoie & Amelotte are located at No. 75 Southgate Street, and are fitted up in the most modern way, also with the most excellent taste. With a complete motor equipment they handle the com- missions of an extensive patronage, which includes many of the leading families of Worcester and vicinity. Mr. Lajoie has few interests outside of his profession, but is a member of the Artisan's Order of Mutual Pro- tection, the Societe St. Jean de Baptiste, and the Circle Gagnon. He attends the Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church.
Felix A. Lajoie married, in 1907, Amanda M. Ame- lotte, who was born in Spencer, Massachusetts, a daugh- ter of Edward F. and Celina (Mandeville) Amelotte. They have two children : Archibald A. and Carmen E.
WINDSOR W. ALLEN stands among the promi- nent industrial executives of the day in Gardner, Massa- chusetts, as treasurer of the Frank W. Smith Company, manufacturers of sterling silver hollow ware and flat- ware. In this activity he is bearing a definite part in the advance of the organization, and he also is well known in social circles in this city. Mr. Allen is a son of William F. and Carrie (Morse) Allen, both natives of Gardner and members of old families of Worcester County. Windsor W. Allen was reared in Gardner and educated in the local public schools. As a young man he was active in the meat business here, but later joined the production force of the Heywood Brothers & Wake- field Company, where he was later made foreman of the chair department. He served in that capacity until his death, which occurred in 1915. The mother is still living and is a resident of Gardner.
Windsor W. Allen was born at Gardner, Massachu- setts, February 4, 1891. His education was begun in the public schools, and he attended the Gardner High School. He later took a commercial course at Post's Business College, at Worcester, Massachusetts, and his first ex- perience was in the silverware manufacturing plant of Frank W. Smith, of Gardner, of which the present cor- corporation is an outgrowth. Mr. Allen became identi- fied with this interest as a member of the office force and later acted as salesman. In September, 1921, he purchased an interest in the firm and was made treas- urer of the corporation, which was organized at that time. This concern is taking a leading place in its field, not alone in Gardner, but in the silver industry in Massachusetts. Their product is distinctive in design and of the highest quality and workmanship, and is being received with the greatest favor by connoisseurs. Mr. Allen is a member of the Gardner Chamber of
Commerce and the Gardner Boat Club, and is identified with the First Congregational Church.
Mr. Allen married, on August 7, 1920, Marguerite Ruth Butler, of Gardner, daughter of Frederick L. But- ler, of Gardner, formerly treasurer of the Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company, now treasurer of the Whitney Carriage Company, of Leominster, Massachu- setts. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have one daughter, Mar- guerite.
GEORGE M. JOHNSTON-A man who has through his own industry and ability attained an im- portant position among Clinton's influential commercial factors is George M. Johnston, who is superintendent of the Wickwire Spencer Steel Corporation's branch here. Mr. Johnston is a lifelong resident of this com- munity, having been born here May 10, 1893. His father, Thomas J. Johnston, came here from his birth- place in Ireland, and was connected with the Clinton Wire Cloth Company until his death in 1898. His mother, a native of County Down, Ireland, was born Elizabeth Linton, and still survives.
After completing his studies in the public schools of Clinton Mr. Johnston immediately entered the ranks of wage earners, his first position being that of office boy for the Clinton Wire Cloth Company, which he took in 1907. Continuing with this company until it was taken over by the Wickwire Spencer Steel Corporation, he remained in the employ of the new owners and worked himself up to his present position of superintendent. Mr. Johnston belongs to the younger element of Clinton's business men, and his progress in the past justifies the prediction that the future holds for him still greater successes. He is a man of clear judgment and progres- sive character, and is interested in every project that has for its object the upbuilding and development of this section of Worcester County. Mr. Johnston is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of Trin- ity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and was for two years, 1919-20, Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Clinton Lodge, No. 1306. His religious affiliation is with the Protestant Episcopal church of Clinton.
ARTHUR W. PRATT is the owner of the Gardner Clothing Company, the oldest established retail clothing store in the city of Gardner, Massachusetts. During practically all of its career Mr. Pratt has been actively identified-as clerk, manager, and finally proprietor- with the business of which he is now the sole owner.
Born in Gardner, Massachusetts, June 20, 1876, Mr. Pratt is a son of the late Walter Pratt, a native of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, who was a chairmaker and was for many years superintendent in the factory of E. Wright & Company, of Gardner. His mother was Anna Eliza (Wright) Pratt, now deceased; his ma- ternal grandfather, Captain Ephraim Wright, was one of the original chair manufacturers of the town.
Mr. Pratt received his education in the public schools of his native city, and found his first employment in the chair factory established by his grandfather. While so employed he worked evenings in the clothing store, later giving up his work in the chair shop to devote his
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entire time to the clothing business. That connection he maintained for a period of about twenty years, at the end of which time he invested his savings in the purchase of an interest in the business, subsequently acquiring the interests of all the other owners.
The Gardner Clothing Company is widely known throughout Northern Worcester County, and draws a large part of its patronage from the surrounding towns. Mr. Pratt has given his full energy to the management of his business, and the degree of success attained by him has been brought about through strict personal application, during which time the store has gained a reputation second to none for reliability and fair dealing.
In addition to his business connections, Mr. Pratt is an enthusiastic outdoor sportsman. He is widely known and highly esteemed among a host of personal friends, most of whom have known him since his boyhood days. He is a member of the Gardner Chamber of Commerce ; Gardner Lodge, No. 1426, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Ridgely Club; the Ridgely Country Club; and the North Worcester County Fish and Game Club.
NAPOLEON J. BOUSQUET-One of the pros- perous and substantial business men of Clinton, who has been identified with the life of this community for many years is Napoleon J. Bousquet. Mr. Bousquet is of Canadian birth and parentage, and came originally from Roxton Falls, Canada, where he was born August 23, 1878. His parents were Joseph and Virginia (Dupuis) Bousquet, the father following the occupation of car- penter until his death in 1878, the same year his son was born.
After finishing his education in the public schools of his home community Mr. Bousquet secured employment as a clerk in a general store, retaining the posi- tion for three years. He then left Canada and went to Brunswick, Maine, working there in various capac- ities for a time, after which he arrived in Clinton (1902), and has been a resident here ever since. He was for three years connected with the Bigelow-Hartford Car- pet Company here as an employee, then for seven years was with the Clinton Wire Cloth Company. Resigning from that position he decided to go into business for himself, and, accordingly, in 1912, opened a garage, re- maining in this line ever since. The venture proved to be a very successful one, and five years later, in 1917, he moved into his present quarters, having a fine, up- to-date garage and fully equipped repair shop, as well as conducting the sales agency for Hudson and Essex cars. Besides giving all of his own time and attention to the business Mr. Bousquet requires five assistants in its conduct, catering to a constantly increasing trade.
As a public-spirited citizen Mr. Bousquet takes an active interest in the local social, civic, and religious affairs of the community, and is a member of the Cham- ber of Commerce and Lamsdec Club, while in religion he is a devout communicant of St. John's Roman Catholic Church.
Napoleon J. Bousquet married, July 17, 1917, Jeanette B. Frazer, of Providence, Rhode Island.
He began work when very young and received $2.50 a month. His first work in Clinton netted him $4.52 a week. Later this was raised to a better figure, yet
during all the time he worked for others his weekly pay did not exceed $16. From this he saved money to start in business on his own account, and to-day he owns his new garage and salesroom, which occupies a space of fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, and a fine bungalow home adjoining.
HUGH STEWART-As a contracting painter in Clinton, Massachusetts, Mr. Stewart is regarded as the leader in point of workmanship and length of service in this line. Many of the mill and public buildings of this city have been entrusted to his skill and artistry.
Hugh Stewart was born in Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, June 26, 1869, of parents who were natives of Grey Abbey, Ireland. His father, Hugh Stewart, operated his own machinery business until removed by death in 1901. Elizabeth (Gibson) Stewart, his mother, died in 1907.
When Mr. Stewart's education in the local public schools was completed, he worked for two years in the tea and coffee business, leaving it to learn the trade of painter, but at that time the way was open for him to launch out into business for himself in 1901. From the very first he met with success, which has increased until now the preëminence of his position in the trade is thoroughly established. He employs from twelve to sixteen men.
Mr. Stewart is a fraternal member of the Clinton Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In business organ- izations he is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. His religious affiliation is with the Clinton Congrega- tional Church.
On June 1, 1897, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hanna, daughter of Hugh and Mary (Findley) Hanna. Her father was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and engaged in the textile business until his death in 1909. The mother was born in Grey Abbey, Ireland, and died in 1903. Mrs. Stewart is a member of the Degree of Honor Protective Association, of which she was State President for 1922 and 1923, practically two terms, and was president of the local lodge for four terms.
ANDREW W. CARLSON-Thousands of infants all over the country are taking their "airings" in ve- hicles which are manufactured in Gardner, Massachu- setts, by the Hedstrom-Union Company, of which An- drew W. Carlson is superintendent. The plant is a thoroughly modern and up-to-date one, and in addition to baby carriages also manufactures baby carriage hard- ware.
Andrew W. Carlson was born in Sweden, October 10, 1869, son of Carl and Sophia (Farsberg) Carlson, and received his education in the public schools of his native country. He was an able and energetic young fellow, and realizing that opportunity was greater in the wide lands across the seas than in his native country, decided to try his fortune in America. He landed in Boston, Massachusetts, June II, 1893, and soon found employ- ment with the Heywood Brothers, with whom he re- mained for a period of eight years. At the end of that time, in 1901, he severed his connection with the Hey- wood Brothers and associated himself with the Rams-
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dell Manufacturing Company, which concern is engaged in the making of reed furniture. His next employment was found as foreman with J. A. Dickerman, who was engaged in the same line of production, and this latter connection he maintained for a period of thirteen years. During those years and the earlier years of his career he had been thriftily saving a fair proportion of his earnings, and had accumulated sufficient capital to think of engaging in business for himself. He began to look about for a favorable opportunity to invest his savings and his experience, and first went out to Michigan, where he remained for six months. He then returned to Gard- ner, and in association with Carl Hedstrom, W. P. Shuffleton, Oscar Fovelin, and Ernest Johnson became one of the founders of the manufacturing concern which was known as the Union Manufacturing Company. The concern engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of baby carriages, and later, after merging its interests with those of the Hedstrom Company, added to its products baby carriage hardware. The firm then became known as the Hedstrom-Union Company, and under that firm style has made for itself a place among the well-known and well established manufacturing enter- prises of the county. Mr. Carlson was made superin- tendent of the plant, and his efficient discharge of the duties of that important position has been one of the important factors in the success which the enterprise has achieved. Mr. Carlson is a member of the Gardner Chamber of Commerce, and is well known and highly esteemed among a very large group, both of business associates and of personal friends. He is a member of the Swedish Baptist Church of Gardner, and on the official board.
Andrew W. Carlson married, on April 6, 1895, Caro- line Peterson, a native of Sweden, daughter of Per and Caroline Peterson. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are the par- ents of two sons: William G., who was born March 17, 1897, and Paul H., who was born April 7, 1906, and died March 29, 1907.
PIERRE J. CHERON-As secretary of the F. W. Smith Company of Gardner, Massachusetts, Mr. Cheron is a familiar figure among the executives of the indus- trial life of the city, but his connection with the concern, as designer and superintendent of manufacture, is a matter of broader significance to the progress of the or- ganization. Mr. Cheron has had wide experience in his field, having been connected with the world-famous Tiffany & Company, of New York City, and with other nationally important concerns. Mr. Cheron is a son of Jules J. and Caroline (Soule) Cheron, both natives of Paris, France. The father came to the United States as a young man of twenty-seven years, while the mother has resided in this country since nine years of age, hav- ing come over with her parents. Jules J. Cheron was for a number of years superintendent of the firm of Duparquet Huot Moneuse Company, manufacturers of French cooking ranges, continuing with this firm until his death.
Pierre J. Cheron was born in New York City, April 2, 1871, and his education was begun in the public schools of the metropolis. Early displaying a talent for artistic activities, he entered the National Academy of Design for a course of training, and upon the completon of his
studies, secured a position in the designing department of Tiffany & Company, of New York City, with whom he was associated for about twelve years. He was thereafter identified with the production branches of the silver industry with different concerns, and for five years was active in the field of sculpture in New York City. In 1901 he came to Gardner as designer for Frank W. Smith, in the manufacture of silverware, then, in 1909, returned to New York City, where he was con- nected with various important manufacturing concerns for about twelve years. Coming to Gardner in 1921, he purchased an interest in the F. W. Smith Company at the time of its incorporation in September of that year. He was placed in charge of process and manu- facture, and was also made designer of the firm, as well as superintendent of the company. His work as designer places the product of this plant in the highest rank in the silverware trade, and the company holds a leading position in this county and State. They manu- facture both hollow ware and flat ware in sterling silver only. Mr. Cheron is a member of the Gardner Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally is identified with Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. His recreative in- terests include outdoor sports, and he is a member of the Gardner Boat Club, and the Oak Hill Country Club, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He is identified with St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Gardner.
Mr. Cheron married, on November 18, 1896, Harriette L. Medole, of Jersey City, and they have one daughter, Adrienne L., who married, on September 1, 1923, Arthur C. Totten.
JOSIAH ISAAC HENSHAW, one of the leading farmers of Templeton, Massachusetts, owns a thor- oughly up-to-date and is distinguished as the owner of one of the largest herds of brown Swiss cattle in the State of Massachusetts. Mr. Henshaw has resided in Templeton for thirty-seven years and more, and his activities have contributed much to the general pros- perity and advance of this community. He is a son of Eli Forbes Henshaw, who was born in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, March 2, 1818, and died in February, 1893. He owned a farm which he conducted until his death, and as a man and a citizen was most highly esteemed by all who knew him. The mother, Ruth M. (Gleason) Henshaw, was born in Warren, Massachu- setts, April 10, 1825, and died in 1893.
Josiah Isaac Henshaw was born at Munson, Massa- chusetts, August 24. 1857. His education was begun in the public schools of West Brookfield, where the family later removed, and he completed his studies at Hitch- cock Academy, at Brimfield, Massachusetts. On the completion of his education Mr. Henshaw returned to the homestead farm and assisted his father until the year 1886, during the latter part of the period being part owner. In April of the year mentioned he came to Templeton and bought the farm on which he is now ac- tive and which comprises extensive timberland, as well as fine farming land. His principal interest is dairy farming. Beginning with a few choice individuals, Mr. Henshaw has developed a remarkably fine herd of brown Swiss cattle, many of them having made excellent milk and butter records. This herd is now one of the most noted in the State of Massachusetts, and Mr. Henshaw
Silas Jafr
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constantly has people come from distant points to see his stock. Mr. Henshaw is a broadly public-spirited citizen, interested in all that contributes to community advance, and a loyal Republican by political affiliation, but he has never accepted political honors. He is a member of Templeton Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, and his religious affiliation is with the Trinitarian church.
Mr. Henshaw married, at Oakham, Massachusetts, June 19, 1883, Mary J. Robinson, who was born at Oak- ham, Massachusetts, December 16, 1859, and is a daugh- ter of John and Ruth H. (Egery) Robinson. John Rob- inson, who was a prominent farmer, owning his own place, was born in Oakham, January 4, 1820, and died September 18, 1885. Mrs. Robinson, who was born at Hardwick, February 27, 1829, died August 2, 19II, was a former teacher of Barre, Massachusetts. Mrs. Hen- shaw is a member of the Grange and the Templeton Women's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Henshaw are the parents of two children: I. Fred Forbes, born May 21, 1884, was educated at the Massachusetts Agricultural Col- lege, at Amherst, Massachusetts, was later in the United States Geological Survey, at Portland, Oregon, and is now district engineer for that State; he married Carrie Lamond, of Cleveland, and they are the parents of two children : Lamond and Jesse. 2. Charles Robinson, who was born October 26, 1889, attended the schools at Tem- pleton, and now works with his father on the farm.
GERDON A. BROWN-One of Clinton's useful business men is Mr. Brown, who has acted in the ca- pacity of secretary of the Clinton Foundry Company since 1907. His occupancy of this responsible post has resulted from evident ability and lengthy service with the corporation. He was a son of Abijah and Lucy A. (Baker) Brown, the former of whom was born in Marlboro, Massachusetts, and served as Chief of Police in Clinton for a number of years, death occurring in 1903. The mother, a native of Suffield, Connecticut, died in IgII.
Gerdon A. Brown was born in Bolton, Massachusetts, August 16, 1851, where his education was begun, and later continued in the public schools of Clinton and a commercial school at Worcester, Massachusetts. When his education was completed he secured employment with Gibb Harness and Loom Company of Clinton, where he remained for four years. In January, 1882, he entered the employ of the Clinton Foundry Company and became a partner in the business in 1899.
The Clinton Foundry Company was organized in 1847 by Gilman M. Palmer and conducted by him until 1881, when Christopher C. Stone purchased the business. In 1897 W. A. Stone, George C. Stone, and Gerdon A. Brown were made partners in the enterprise, which in 1907 was incorporated as the Clinton Foundry Company, Inc. The officers of this corporation are W. A. Stone, president ; George C. Stone, treasurer, and G. A. Brown, secretary. Manufacturing iron, brass, and aluminum castings for machinery and structural work, they have no competitors in this line in Clinton, and their employees number between sixty-five and seventy-five.
Mr. Brown is a Mason and Past Master of Trinity Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Past High Priest of Clinton Chapter. He served on the
Library Board for four years, and was a member of the Sinking Fund Commission; also a member of the Chamber of Commerce; trustee of Clinton Savings Bank, and a member of the investment board. He is a member of the Unitarian church, and was president of the church body for nine years, still holding that position, Mrs. Brown being a member of all the benevolent and social bodies of the church. Fishing is Mr. Brown's hobby.
Gerdon A. Brown married, on April 28, 1880, Hen- rietta L. Stone, a native of Clinton, Massachusetts.
SILAS TAFT-A successful farmer for twenty years, Silas Taft then entered mercantile life, and for thirty years has been a successful merchant, a member of the firm of Taft Brothers, grocers and grain dealers of Uxbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He is a son of Samuel H. and Waitie E. (Wood) Taft, and a descendant in the seventh generation of the family founded in New England by Robert Taft, or Taaffe, as the name was originally spelled.
(I.) Robert Taft was probably born in England and died in Mendon, Massachusetts, February 8, 1725. Tra- dition says he located first at Braintree. He is first on record in Mendon, January 3, 1680, when he was elected Selectman an became influential in both town and church. He and his three sons built the first bridge across the river in 1709, and in 1729 Tafts built the second bridge. He was a large land owner and one of the ten proprietors of the town of Sutton. He married
Sarah , and they were the parents of five chil- dren, all of whom lived in Mendon; Thomas, of further mention; Robert (2), Daniel, Joseph, and Benjamin.
(II.) Thomas Taft, eldest child of Robert and Sarah Taft, was born in 1671, and died in Mendon, Massachu- setts, in 1755. He married Deborah Genery, daughter of Isaac Genery, of Dedham, Massachusetts, and settled on a part of the original Taft farm at Mendon with his father and brothers. Children: Joseph, Sarah, Eleazer, Hannah, Rebecca, Deborah, Rachel, Martha, Isaac, Susanna, and Thomas (2), twin with Susanna, of fur- ther mention.
(III.) Thomas (2) Taft, youngest child of Thomas and Deborah (Genery) Taft, was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, March 15, 1713, and died early in 1793. He settled on a part of the original Taft farm. The Tafts were Puritans in their religious faith, but this Thomas took a violent dislike for his minister and was suspended from communion. He preferred charges against the minister, who was acquitted but later dis- missed. Thomas (2) Taft married Lydia Thompson about 1732, but eight of their children died young, only two sons, Nathaniel and Thomas (3), and a daughter, Lydia, reaching mature years.
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