History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 71

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, editor
Publication date: 1924
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 566

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 71

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(IV:) Thomas (3) Taft, tenth child of Thomas (2) and Lydia (Thompson) Taft, was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, October 30, 1753, and died in 1835. He married (first) Mary Spring, (second), June 16, 1793, Betsey Fletcher. Children by first wife: Amasa, Otis, Joanna, Deborah, Samuel, Sylvia, Polly, and Betsey. All these children were living in 1823, when their father made his will, which was probated in 1835. The chil- dren of the second marriage were: Arnold, Stephen, and Thomas (4), of further mention.

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(V.) Thomas (4) Taft, son of Thomas (3) and Betsey (Fletcher) Taft, was born in Mendon, Massa- chusetts, December 26, 1797, and died there September 24, 1872. He lived on part of the original Taft farm, and in his will set aside the burial ground in perpetuity for the family use. He married, December 2, 1819, Mary Harkness, who was the mother of all his children. In his will he refers to his wife as Mercy, who was his second wife and a sister of Mary Harkness. Children, all born in Mendon: Sullivan H., Alanson, Samuel Hark- ness, of further mention; Hannah, Susan, Elizabeth, and Mercy Ann. There was also another son, Thomas Jefferson, who died at the age of twenty-six, leaving no children.

(VI.) Samuel Harkness Taft, son of Thomas (4) and Mary (Harkness) Taft, was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, June 25, 1828, and died in Uxbridge, February 4, 1903. He was educated in the public schools of Mendon, and there settled on a farm follow- ing the example of his ancestors, all of whom had been agriculturists. He was also a capable civil engineer. He married Waitie E. Wood in 1856 (intentions dated December 29, 1856), born in Mendon, May 8, 1836. Samuel H. and Waitie E. (Wood) Taft were the par- ents of four sons, all of whom reached man's estate: I. William J. 2. Samuel B., who died in 1921. 3. Fred- erick C., who was a member of the firm of Taft Broth- ers from the beginning; he died in 1914. He was born in 1868. He married Mary E. Davison, of Uxbridge, and left his widow and five children: Raymond, de- ceased; Byron W., Earle, Maxine, and Jacqueline. 4. Silas, of further mention.

(VII.) Silas Taft, fourth son of Samuel Harkness and Waitie E. (Wood) Taft, was born at the home farm in Mendon, Massachusetts, March 2, 1871. He was educated in the public schools of Mendon, finishing with high school, then returned to the farm and for twenty years was engaged in the family occupation. He then became a mercantile clerk in Uxbridge, Massachu- setts, continuing this for two years before starting in business for himself as a partner with his brother Fred- erick C., they yet operating as Taft Brothers, and con- ducting the largest general store in Uxbridge. There is another firm of Taft Brothers, founded by William J. and Samuel B. Taft, but they are lawyers, and all the brothers are men of influence in Uxbridge. Taft Brothers, the merchants, began business in 1894, and have, in addition to their general store, a prosperous grain business operated under the same name.

. Silas Taft is a member of Solomon Temple Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Uxbridge, and the Royal Arch Chapter at Whitinsville. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the First Congregational Church; his political faith is that of a Republican.

Mr. Taft married, in Uxbridge, in 1896, Nettie E. Crocker, born there July 20, 1873, daughter of George A. and Jeanette (Seagraves) Crocker, her father also born in Uxbridge, of ancient and influential New Eng- land family. Silas and Nettie E. (Crocker) Taft are the parents of three children: Curtis G., Gladys, and an infant, all deceased. Mrs. Taft is Registrar of Deborah Wheelock Chapter, Daughters of the American Revo- lution, of Uxbridge.

JOHN KUNIHOLM, a native of Finland, and father of the boys who founded the Kuniholm Manufac- turing Company, came to this country in 1890, and typifies the immigrant of that period, imbued with a keen sense of "law and order," a vigorous determination to forge ahead, to develop, to build, and make a place for himself and his own. He worked in the factories of Gardner, Massachusetts, saved, began to invest in land and build; he was instrumental in developing land along Rock Street. He was one of the founders of the Fin- nish-Swedish Lutheran Church at the corner of Leamy and Church streets, the building of which developed a large tract of the city. He built a bridge across Otter River, which fact led to a development of another part of the city which is now known as Riverside, and where the Kuniholm Manufacturing Company's plant is located. The opening of this part of the city has increased the taxes to the town a hundred fold.

It was five sons of this immigrant who in 1919, when the World War had left business conditions in this coun- try in a state hardly auspicious for developing a new en- terprise, started the Kuniholm Manufacturing Company. Two of the brothers were bought out shortly after or- ganization, which left three to carry on the business, namely: Eric, C. Harry, and W. Gardner, who are justly proud of their enviable record, and are regarded with esteem by their fellow-townsmen.

Eric Kuniholm, the eldest of the three boys, has not been until the last year actively connected with the concern. During the period of organization, however, his advice was sought and he now serves as one of the directors. He was born in Wasa, Finland, June 9, 1876, and came over with the family, which then consisted of eight children. For the last twelve years he has been associated with O. W. Siebert as foreman and designer. He is a member of the Ridgely Club, Order of Wasa, and other fraternal organizations. He has always taken an active part in civic affairs, serving in different offices and on committees. His work in naturalization has been very prominent.

C. Harry and W. Gardner Kuniholm are the two in the family of ten that were born in this country, and upon them have rested the responsibility of the present success of the company. Both of them have been actively connected with the company from the very start, and both of them weathered the storm that be- sieged the infant industry during the business depres- sion of 1920.

C. Harry Kuniholm was born in Gardner, April 10, 1892, where he attended the public school. He attended the academy of Upsala College, Kenilworth, New Jersey, after which he entered Clark College, at Worcester, Massachusetts, graduating in 1918. At both institutions he was business manager of the school paper and actively engaged in different organizations. After graduating from Clark College he became instructor at Wilbraham Academy, Wilbraham, Massachusetts, which position he left to join his brothers in starting their busi- ness. He was treasurer, clerk and member of the board of directors from the start and still serves in this same capacity. He is a member of Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Gardner, Massachusetts.

W. Gardner Kuniholm was born in Gardner, Decem- ber 27, 1893, and attended the public schools there. He

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learned the machinist's trade in the E. E. Gage Manu- facturing Company. He has had a wide experience in this field, working in such plants as Taft-Pierce, Gray & Davis, Bosch Magneto, and the New England West- inghouse plant at Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, where, during the war, he worked on the Browning Machine Gun, and later enlisted in the Naval Aviation Corps as second-class machinist's mate. Shortly after his return from service the Kuniholm Company was organized. He is a member of Suffolk Lodge, No. 8, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Belcher Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts; Gardner Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 46, Knights Templar.

The Kuniholm Manufacturing Company manufactures hardware and wheels for baby carriages, doll carriages, cribs, and children's wheel toys, and small hardware for the chair industry. In the short time this company has been in operation its earnings have been such that the production has been doubled each year. Additions to floor space have been made each year, the last of which more than doubled the size of the plant. The in- dustry is one that found its place in the readjustment that took place after the World War, supplying the many new factories which began during and after the war, one of the two active members leaving a teacher's profession, the other the service and industry connected with supplying wartime needs. The officers of this company at present are: W. Gardner Kuniholm, presi- dent; C. Harry Kuniholm, treasurer and clerk. These two with Eric Kuniholm are the directors. The com- pany is a Massachusetts corporation, and all the brothers are members of the Gardner Chamber of Commerce.

CHARLES I. NEWTON-The manufacture of en- velopes has for many years been a leading industry of Worcester, Massachusetts, and in this field Mr. Newton holds a prominent executive position as treasurer of the New England Envelope Company, with which he has been identified for the past twelve years. A practical business man, with years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting before forming this affiliation, Mr. New- ton has done much to advance the progress and pros- perity of the organization. He is a son of Eugene I. and Elizabeth A. (Drew) Newton. Both parents now deceased. His father was prominent in business circles of Boston as an expert accountant.

Charles I. Newton was born in Boston, Massachusetts, September 19, 1874. His education comprised the usual public and high school courses, and as a young man Mr. Newton entered the business world in the employ of Ross Brothers, of Worcester, Massachusetts, in the capacity of bookkeeper and accountant. For about one year he remained in this connection, then was identified for a similar period with the Reed-Curtis Company of Worcester, also as a bookkeeper, after which he became identified with the Norton Company, also of this city, where he remained for eight years, doing accounting and clerical work. In 1911 Mr. Newton formed his present association with the New England Envelope Company, entering the organization as a bookkeeper. He later was promoted to sales manager, and in November, 1922, when the firm was reorganized, Mr. Newton was

elected treasurer of the company, Frank L. MacNeill being president. With a capital of $60,000, the concern manufactures envelopes and pasted paper boxes, holding a leading position in Worcester County in this general Field. Mr. Newton is one of the active managers of the business, and his excellent judgment and broad familiarity with conditions have given his activities great value to the concern. The progress of the enterprise has been steady, and as treasurer of the organization, Mr. Newton holds a largely prominent position in the business life of Worcester.

Mr. Newton is prominent fraternally, being a member of Morning Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; Worcester Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Hiram Coun- cil, Royal and Select Masters; Worcester Lodge of Per- fection, Goddard Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Law- rence Chapter, Rose Croix; and Massachusetts Consis- tory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; he is also a member of Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and of Aletheia Grotto. He is a well known member of the United Commercial Trav- elers, and the Worcester Association of Credit Men, and is a leader in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association. His clubs are the Kiwanis and the Economic of Worcester, and the Roosevelt of Boston. By political affiliation Mr. Newton is a Republican, but he takes only the interest of the progressive citizen in public affairs. His religious affiliation is with the Au- burn Congregational Church.

Charles I. Newton married, on September 14, 1904, in Worcester, Agnes B. Curtis, daughter of Albert B. and Emma (Titus) Curtis, of this city. Mr. and Mrs. New- ton are the parents of four children: Lawrence I., born April 7, 1906; Stanley C., born October 11, 1908; Eliz- abeth M., born April 25, 1916; and Richard C., born December 1, 1917.

HARRY B. SMITH was born at Lowell, Massa- chusetts, June 10, 1887, and began his education there in the public schools, and after leaving the high school entered the Kling Optical School at Boston. He gradu- ated from the latter in 1909, and served four months in the Boston Dispensary eye clinic. With this education in hand, he went into the optical business in Leomin- ster, in 1919, from which time he has been associated with R. H. Safford, at No. 59 Main Street. His parents were Sumner P. and Emma S. Smith; the former was born in Maine, and was a practicing physician; the latter was born in Buxton, Maine, and is still living.

Mr. Smith is a fraternal member of Wilder Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; also a member of the Masonic Club. In his religious faith he is a communi- cant in the Pilgrim Congregational Church.

Mr. Smith was married (first), on June 24, 1911, to Elizabeth Peet, born at Kent, Connecticut, who died in 1920, and they were the parents of one child, Madeline E. He married (second) Ruth Morgan, of Pepperill, Massachusetts, and by this marriage has one son, Harry C., born September 28, 1921.

MICHAEL T. CONLON, Chief of Police of Leo- minster, Massachusetts, has had a long and interesting career. He was born at Leominster, February 23, 1860, son of Owen and Margaret (Ulton) Conlon. His

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parents were long identified with the business and social life of the community, and played an important part in the development of Leominster during the years follow- ing the Civil War.

Mr. Conlon received his education in the public schools of his native town and completed his studies at the early age of fifteen. Anxious then to begin an independent career and to contribute his share towards the family income, he accepted a position in the factory of the Smith Piano Company. The connection thus established was destined to endure for no less than twenty-seven years, and dur- ing that long period Mr. Conlon acquired a thorough knowledge of business and manufacturing conditions and a wide experience of men and affairs. He proved a willing worker and learned the intricacies of the business with great rapidity, so that he was soon pro- moted to a position of greater responsibility than the one in which he began his career. He continued to rise in the service of the Smith Piano Company and finally attained a position of importance. He might have con- tinued to hold this position for many years had it not been for the fact that in 1902 he decided to seek a change of occupation. Always fond of outdoor life and gifted with a vigorous personality and a strong physique, he felt that the confinement of indoor work was be- coming unsuitable for him, and consequently, after care- ful consideration, he resigned from the position he held at the factory, and in June, 1902, having passed the necessary examinations, entered the Leominster Police Department as a patrolman. He found his new work very interesting, and devoted himself to it with unusual energy, not confining himself to a mechanical unthink- ing performance of his duties, but enlarging the field of his special knowledge by the study of scientific methods of crime detection, the identification of criminals, the various disguises resorted to by fugitives from justice, the advantages of the Bertillon system and finger printing, and the comparative values of foreign and American methods in police work. His devotion to his work and the energy and enthusiasm he displayed soon brought him recognition, and in May, 1913, he was ap- pointed inspector, with the rank of captain. Four years later, on February 4, 1917, he was appointed Chief of Police of Leominster, and this office he now holds. He has been instrumental in increasing the power and effi- ciency of the police department, and has inaugurated many reforms which have borne fruit in the splendid character and undisputed ability of the police force as a whole. Mr. Conlon is held in the greatest respect not only by his fellow-citizens in general, who appreciate his efforts to provide adequate protection for their homes and businesses, but also by every individual in the de- partment, which is noted for its loyalty to the chief.

As befits a man of unusual strength and vigor, Mr. Conlon has always found his chief recreation in sports of every description. Before his official duties required so much use of his time as they now do, he was known far and wide for his athletic prowess, and at one time he held the walking championship of Worcester County. He was also the anchor man of the tug-of-war team which held the championship for so long a period. As an officer of the law, Mr. Conlon has at all times taken a great interest in the work of the fire department, understanding in the fullest measure the terrible waste

of life and property occasioned each year by preventable fires. He is always active in the elimination of fire risks, and insists that patrolmen assigned to the work of fire inspection shall display the utmost care and zeal in their work. He has held various offices in the fire department himself, and served as captain of the Clipper Hook and Ladder Company of Leominster when the company beat the world's record and won the champion- ship for their skill. He also served for many years as captain of Hose Company No. 2, and as captain of the Hook and Ladder Company, and his services to these organizations will long be remembered.

An advocate of every measure designed to increase public prosperity and to improve social conditions, Mr. Conlon is a member of the Public Welfare Council of Leominster. He was president of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Union in 1922; and holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, holding membership in the Leominster lodge of that order and taking the greatest interest in all activ- ities. In religious faith Mr. Conlon is a Catholic, and belongs to the parish of St. Leo's Catholic Church at Leominster.

Mr. Conlon married, on April 3, 1881, at Leominster, Catherine M. Murphy, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Graham) Murphy. Mr. and Mrs. Conlon have four children : I. Agnes, deceased. 2. Mary T., who is at present engaged in work at the Boston City Hospital in the occupational therapy department. 3. Thomas M., who is a veteran of the World War, in which he served as a member of the Medical Corps of the United States Army; he is employed in the New Haven office of the American Film Company as office manager. 4. Florence, who is the youngest member of the faculty of the Fitchburg Normal School of Fine Arts.

MOSES J. PERAULT, JR .- In the industrial world of Worcester County Moses J. Perault holds a note- worthy position as the head of the Brown Engine and Machine Company of Fitchburg, his native place. An able executive and a broadly practical man in every phase of his activity, Mr. Perault is affiliated with various lines of organized advance in the community, and enjoys the highest esteem and confidence of the people.

Moses J. Perault, Sr., was born in St. Alexandre, Canada, July 12, 1841, and came to the United States with his parents at the age of seven years. His active lifetime was spent in the iron industry, and for many years he was one of the best known iron manufac- turers of New England. He is still living, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-three years, but for some time has been retired from all business activity. He married Mary A. Sullivan, who died October 30, 1922, at the age of eighty-two years and six months. Both were highly esteemed residents of Fitchburg for many years.

Moses J. Perault, Jr., was born in Fitchburg, Massa- chusetts, August 12, 1874. His education was begun in the local public schools, and he later attended Mount St. Mary's College, at Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was influenced to take up preparation for the medical profes- sion, and entering Harvard Medical School, continued along this line of study for a period of three years. Then determining upon following a more congenial oc-

Moses I Perault di

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cupation, Mr. Perault left the university and entered the plumbing and heating business in New York City. He was thus engaged for about fifteen years (1897-1912), then returned to Fitchburg to become affiliated with the C. H. Brown Engine Company in the dual capacity of manager and treasurer. In 1915 Mr. Perault, in association with his brother, Joseph F. Perault, pur- chased the business and the name was changed to the Brown Engine & Machine Company. The original con- cern was established in the year 1868, and in one form or another has done business continuously since. During the period in which the Perault brothers have owned and managed the interest, it has grown and developed largely and is now one of the really important concerns in its field in this part of Worcester County. Moses J. Perault holds membership in the Fitchburg Chamber of Com- merce, and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and is prominent in fraternal circles as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is Past Exalted Ruler, serving in 1918-19; also a mem- ber and a fourth degree member of Fitchburg Council, No. 99, Knights of Columbus, of Fitchburg ; and a mem- ber of the Fay Club, and Oak Hill Country Club, of Fitchburg. When a student at Mount St. Mary's Col- lege he was a leader in athletic sports, playing on the football team during the entire four years of his course, also on the baseball team. He acted as captain and manager of the football team in 1894-95, and in the latter year was also captain of the baseball team.

Moses J. Perault, Jr., married Mary K. Irvin, who was born in New York City, in the year 1871, and they are the parents of five children: Kathryn P., wife of F. F. Sullivan, of Winchester, Massachusetts, and they have one child, Kathryn Perault; May Irvin, Helen Irvin, Grace Irvin, and Ralph Irvin. The young people are widely known and popular in the social circles of Fitch- burg and vicinity.

RALPH G. HADLEY-As general manager and a director of one of the important mercantile concerns of the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, Ralph G. Hadley is holding a largely responsible position in the business life of Worcester to-day. Mr. Hadley is a son of Edward L. Hadley, who was born in Nova Scotia, and is engaged in the ice business. The mother, May (Lindsay) Hadley, was also born in Nova Scotia and is also now living.

Ralph G. Hadley, son of these parents, was born at Cambridge, Massachusetts, December 31, 1895. His education was received in the public and high schools of his birthplace and he later followed courses succes- sively at Rindge Technical School, and the Phillips- Exeter · Academy, in which later institution he prepared for college, and then entered Harvard University with the class of 1920. Upon the completion of his educa- tion Mr. Hadley entered the business world in associ- ation with the Newton Ice Company, with which con- cern he remained for a period of six months in the office of manager. He then became identified with the Walker Coal and Ice Company of Worcester, purchas- ing an interest in the business and taking a position on the board of directors. He was also made general man- ager of the concern and still serves in this capacity. The Walker Coal and Ice Company, Inc., was founded in

1856 by Benjamin Walker, and was conducted by him for a number of years. Levi G. White then took over the business in association with Edgar Bond and Alvin Sears. This group of progressive men carried it for- ward for many years, then in 1917 it was taken over by George Dewey, Charles F. Pharoah, and George Parker. The name of the concern was at that time changed to the Walker Coal and Ice Company, and its scope was greatly increased. In 1920 the company again changed hands, becoming a publicly owned corporation, a large part of the stock is owned by Worcester County citizens. The present officers are: Howard H. Dav- enport, president; and Edward L. Bennett, treasurer ; Merton S. Keith, assistant treasurer; and Ralph G. Had- ley, general manager. Besides the president, treasurer, and general manager, the following men constitute the board of directors : Bowen Tufts, vice-president; James E. Kimball, Edward L. Hadley, Edward S. French, and Edward C. Mason. The Walker Coal and Ice Com- pany, Inc., is one of the really noteworthy concerns of its kind in the State, and its subsidiary interest, the Bay State Coal Company, has within recent years materially enlarged its operations. It is understood that no other concern in Worcester County handles as important a business, this company having sixty ice wagons active in the summer time, several times as many as other individual competitors. Their main office is located at No. 102 Thomas Street, and they have other offices at No. 397 South Bridge Street, also at Coe's Square, Chadwick Square, and at No. 165 Lake Avenue. They have ice houses at Coe's Reservoir, at Indian Lake, at Brook's Pond, at Lake Quinsigamond, and Lake Quina- poxet. They handle about 85,000 tons of ice a year. They also do a correspondingly extensive business in coal and wood and do a very considerable amount of trucking.

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History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 71

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, editor Publication date: 1924 Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 566

Author: Crane, Ellery Bicknell, 1836-1925, editor
Publication date: 1924
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Lewis Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 566