USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 78
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Sinod & Maddox
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BIOGRAPHICAL
experience soon placed him in line for promotion., Only two years and a half after coming to this organization he was made superintendent of the plant, and this posi- tion he still ably fills.
Mr. Maddox has few interests outside of his work, but is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and Mystic Tie Lodge, No. 7, Knights of Pythias, of Saco, of which he is a Past Chancellor. He also is a member of the Economic Club, Worcester Congregational Club, National Association of Cotton Manufacturers, Boston Textile Club, and the Southern New England Textile Club. His religious affiliation is with the Congrega- tional church.
Mr. Maddox married Lucretia S. McKeen, who was born in Biddeford, Maine, and is a daughter of Aaron and Harriet (Clark) McKeen. Mr. and Mrs. Maddox are the parents of four children: Ernest G., born in Saco, Maine; Harold A., born in Saco, Maine; Amos R., born in Linwood, Massachusetts; and Harriet O., born in Linwood, Massachusetts.
EDWIN S. PEASE, ranking as the oldest dealer in his line in Clinton, Massachusetts, is one of the best known and most substantial business men of the com- munity. Mr. Pease is a native of Newfields, New Hampshire, where he was born February 16, 1857, a son of Hollis and Mary (Jones) Pease, both of whom were New Hampshire born. His father, who died in 1885, followed the occupation of a contracting carpenter during his lifetime. His mother died in March, 1923.
Mr. Pease acquired his elementary education in the public schools of his native community, after which he took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College in Boston, Massachusetts. When he had finished his studies he began his career as a wage earner by taking a position with the Highland Street Railway Company of the Hub City, continuing in that work for a year and a' half. The following two years he was in the meat business, and at the end of that time he came to Clin- ton and followed the same line for a short time, after which he became an independent factor for two years. Following that he took a position with the Fairbanks Company of Clinton, with whom he remained until 1884, when he went to Swift & Company in New York for two years. Subsequent to that for a similar period he was engaged with the Squires Company, and in 1888 returned to Clinton, where he has resided ever since, and been continuously engaged in the meat trade as retail dealer. Mr. Pease is a citizen of the progressive type, and a leading factor in the social, civic, and re- ligious life of the community. He is a valued member of the Chamber of Commerce, and also belongs to the Prescott Club, while his religious support is given to the church of the Unitarian denomination.
Mr. Pease married (first), in 1884, Ida J. Booth, and of this union two children were born: Amy Booth, and Hollis E., who enlisted in the 76th Division of the United States Army for World War service in 1917, and served until 1919, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. Mrs. Pease died in 1908, mourned by all who knew her as a woman of beautiful character and a devoted wife and mother. On May 20, 1922, Mr. Pease married (second) Mary L. Evans.
WALTER EMERY MILES-As superintendent of the Edgar E. Miles bookbindery, located in South Lan- caster, Massachusetts, Mr. Miles is contributing to the development of one of the largest publishing houses of vest pocket diaries and dictionaries in this country. He is a son of Edgar E. and Ruth L. (Cutler) Miles.
Edgar E. Miles was born in Cayuga County, New York, August 7, 1859, where his education was begun in the local public schools and later completed at the Battle Creek College, Battle Creek, Michigan. When he had graduated from the latter institution he entered into ministerial work among Seventh Day Adventists and continues as a lay preacher in that denomination. His father was William E. Miles, born in Warren, Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming until 1912, the year of his death. His mother, Elector Cornelia (Ful- ler) Miles, was born in Cayuga County, New York, and died in 1915. In June, 1883, Edgar E. Miles married (first) Ruth Cutler, of Moravia, New York, who died in September, 1905, and they were the parents of the following children : Carol Cutler, Myrtle Estelle, Seth Herbert, Walter Emery, of whom further; Gerald Ed- gar, and Inez Ruth. He married (second), January, 9, 1910, Martha V. Lord, a native of Switzerland.
Walter E. Miles was born in South Lancaster, Massa- chusetts, April 27, 1892. His education was obtained in the South Lancaster Academy. After completing his studies he at once became associated with his father in the publishing business and continues in that line at the present time. In 1903 the idea of establishing a book- binding business for publishing vest pocket editions of diaries and dictionaries, which would provide work for students of South Lancaster Academy, became a reality. This academy, a denominational school for the prepara- tion of evangelists in foreign fields, has grown to such proportions that it is now recognized as a college and known as the Atlantic Union College. By action of the School Board students are credited with vocational training and are equipped with a knowledge of book- binding. The growth of the publishing company has placed it among the leaders in their line, and such con- cerns as the F. W. Woolworth stores are supplied with these small editions. All of the work, and the greater part by machinery, is done in the company's building, which consists of two floors and basement and employ- ing about sixty people.
Walter Emery Miles was united in marriage, Sep- tember 10, 1916, with Marie King, a native of New York City.
G. MONTI, in the designing and manufacture of cemetery memorials of the firm of Monti & Rossi, of Milford, Massachusetts, is a noteworthy figure. Mr. Monti is a native of Italy, but for twenty-one years has been a resident of the United States, and during his long activity in America he has given of his best en- deavors to the welfare and progress of the country of his adoption. Mr. Monti is a member of a distinguished family of Italy.
He was born in Milan, Italy, December 19, 1872, son of Michael and Josephine Monti, both natives of that country. His education was acquired in the schools of his native city, and as a young man he chose his present
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field of activity, believing that in this line of work he would find worthy opportunity for the expression of his artistic talents. In the employ of the Milan Monumen- tal Works of Italy, he served four years of unpaid ap- prenticeship, working in all the various departments and thoroughly mastering the trade in that center of Italian art. He continued with the same concern as a master worker until coming to America' and thereafter followed his trade. In the year 1911, Mr. Monti came to Milford, Massachusetts, and established his own business in this community. The people of this section have found.his work to be of unusual artistic value. He works from living models, and from the simplest shaft to the most beautiful mausoleum, he gives his work the touch of distinction which is only found under the hand of a' genius. He turns out most beautiful memorials, and the demand for these has been so great, since his coming to Milford, that he has had no time to devote to the smaller memorials. He is considered in this section an artist, rather than a monument worker, and from his hands memorials are being sought at constantly more distant points, until his name has become widely known throughout the New England States. In the public life of the community, the State and the Nation, Mr. Monti feels the deepest interest, and since becoming an Amer- ican citizen, he has supported the Republican party ; he has not sought nor desired public office. His religious affiliation is with the Church of the Sacred Heart.
Mr. Monti married, at Milford, Massachusetts, Vir- ginia Clerici. They are the parents of one child, America.
THOMAS B. JOHNSON-Conducting as he does the largest business enterprise of its kind in Clinton, Thomas B. Johnson has a clear title to a place among the leading men of the community. Mr. Johnson came originally from Lancashire, England, where he was born August 16, 1890, a son of Bolton and Margaret (Waddington) Johnson, both of whom were natives of the same city as their son. His father was engaged as a coal miner the greater part of his life, and is now employed in Clinton. His mother passed away in 1896.
After completing his education in the national schools of his home community, Mr. Johnson took employment in the textile industry, and continued therein until 1914, when he came to Clinton and was for the following eight years identified with the garage business here. In 1922 he bought out what was formerly known as the Hartwell Garage and sales office for Durant and Reo cars, and has since conducted the business for himself as an independent factor, and now owns the largest and best equipped garage and shop in Clinton. The shop is fully equipped for all kinds of machine work, and makes a specialty of automobile repairing. The business is in a very properous condition, and under Mr. John- son's energetic and competent management will doubt- less experience still greater expansion in the future.
Thomas B. Johnson was united in marriage, in 1914, with Emma Cooke, who is also a native of Lancashire, England, and they are the parents of one child, a son, Frank B., Jr., who was born October 16, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Clinton Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they give generous support in its various activities, both in financial and personal service capacities.
HERBERT B. SAWYER-Since 1906 Herbert B. Sawyer has ably filled the position of agent of the American Railway Express Company at Clinton, Massa- chusetts, and he is esteemed both as a business man and as a citizen. In the retrospect Mr. Sawyer's career has been one of hard work but of constant progress, and he is in every sense of the phrase a' self-made man.
Mr. Sawyer was born in Bolton, Massachusetts, March 24, 1871, son of Benjamin and Priscilla Sophia (Rice) Sawyer. His parents were farming people, and it was upon one of the old New England farms that Mr. Sawyer grew to manhood. He attended the old district school in Bolton, and during such vacations as the summer period and holiday time, he was accustomed to aid his father in the work about the homestead. In this way he grew up through a sturdy, healthy boyhood, accustomed to hard work and with a determination to make a success of whatever task he undertook. When he was twenty years of age Mr. Sawyer was conducting a milk route in Clinton, and was thus occupied for a period of five years. He then returned to his native town and farm- ing interests claimed his attention until 1900, in which year he first entered the employ of the company of which he is now agent. He began at the very bottom in the business with the American Express Company, as this was previous to the general consolidation of the express companies, and after two years as a driver of one of the wagons, Mr. Sawyer was appointed train messenger. His route was from Clinton to Boston, and daily for four years he made this trip. From the begin- ning his record was one that commended him to his su- periors, and accordingly in 1906 he was appointed agent at Clinton. This was during the old regime, and when the companies combined to form the present American Railway Express Company, Mr. Sawyer was retained in his office as agent, which in itself is sufficient proof of his ability and business acumen.
During the many years he has been a resident of Clin- ton, Mr. Sawyer has very naturally interested himself in its welfare; as an officer of one of the public utilities, he takes more than a passing interest in other public matters, and is always anxious to further any movement having the welfare of the town at heart. He is a Re- publican, staunch in his support of that party, and fra- ternally is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being Past Noble Grand of Clinton Lodge. His hobby is fishing.
Herbert B. Sawyer married, October 27, 1903, Alice Stearns White, daughter of Charles H. and Mariette (Merriam) White. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are attend- ants of the Clinton Baptist Church, and both are earnest workers in its support and charitable work.
HENRY B. SAMPSON-The postmastership of South Lancaster, Massachusetts, is held by Mr. Samp- son, who is well known to his fellow-citizens both in that connection and through his prominence as a fra- ternity member and public official. He is a son of George A. and Sarah E. (Turner) Sampson; the for- mer of whom was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and the latter in South Lancaster, Massachusetts.
Henry B. Sampson was born in South Lancaster, Wor- cester County, Massachusetts, May 14, 1885. He at- tended the public schools here, graduating from high school in 1903, then attended the South Lancaster Acad-
Edward J. Stevens.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
emy. His first position after leaving school was with the Clinton Wire Cloth Company, where he acted as clerk in the shipping department, and by 1921 he had risen to the position of paymaster. At that time he left the company to accept his present position in the post office, February 22, 1922.
Fraternally Mr. Sampson is a Mason and a member of Trinity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Clinton Chapter, No. 2453, Royal Arch Masons; and the com- mandery; he is also a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 1306, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Prescott Club. During the World War he was first lieutenant of the Clinton Rifles. For twelve years has served as Town Auditor and Republican Town Com- mitteeman. He is a member of the Unitarian church. Being an enthusiast of outdoor sports, he takes great pleasure in fox hunting, fishing, golf, and tennis.
ELLIOT R. B. ALLARDICE-For twenty-seven years Elliot R. B. Allardice has been identified with the Metropolitan Water Works of Massachusetts, and since 1907 he has been the efficient superintendent of the Wachusett division. Since the completion of his school training his energies have been devoted to his profes- sion, that of civil engineer, and in the department of which he has been superintendent for the past sixteen years, he is recognized as an able engineer.
Mr. Allardice is a' descendant of very old families, both on the maternal and paternal sides, and through his father's line traces his ancestry to James I, of Eng- land. His mother's family are of "Mayflower" ancestry, and the Elliot name has been prominent throughout the early Colonial history of the country as well as in later years. His father, David Allardice, now deceased, was for many years employed by the Rhode Island Company, and his mother is Fannie Foster (Elliot) Allardice. Elliot R. B. Allardice was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, October IO, 1873, and removed to Providence,
Rhode Island, when seven years old, receiving his education in the public schools of that place, in- cluding the high schools. When school days were over his first employment was in the office of the City Engineer at Providence, Rhode Island, and it was there that he served his four years' apprentice- ship. He utilized every moment and devoted his full energy to the study of his profession, with the result that in a comparatively short time he was promoted to the position of assistant engineer. In 1896 he removed to Clinton, Massachusetts, and became associated with the Metropolitan Water Works as a rodman, and later was made senior engineer. In 1901 he was placed in charge of construction and the maintenance depart- ment, and six years later, in 1907, he was appointed superintendent of the Wachusett division. The last- named position he has continued to hold to the present time (1923), a period of nearly three decades.
Mr. Allardice is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Boston Society of Civil Engineers, and of the New England Water Works Association; he has always kept closely in touch with the advancement and with the accomplishments made in civil engineering lines throughout the country. He is a resourceful and progressive man in his profession, and has given excel- lent service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and
to the district which is dependent upon the water supply system. In addition to his responsibilities as superin- tendent of the Metropolitan Water Works, Mr. Allar- dice is a member of the board of directors of the Wa- chusett Cooperative Bank. He has a host of friends in Clinton ; is fond of out-of-door sports, and is well known in Masonic circles, being a member of Trinity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Clinton, and of Clinton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is also a member of the Prescott Club of Clinton, and his religious affilia- tion is with the First Church of Christ, Scientist.
Elliot R. B. Allardice married, on June 1, 1899, Nettie F. Harrington, daughter of Denzel and Mary (Goodale) Harrington. Mr. and Mrs. Allardice are the parents of two children: I. Carleton B., who was born October I, 1901; was educated in the grammar and high schools of Clinton, Massachusetts ; Phillips-Exeter, of Exeter, New Hampshire; and Dean Academy, Franklin, Massachu- setts, graduating in 1921. He then entered the auto- mobile business. 2. Janice G. B., who was born May 7, 1905, was educated in the grammar and high schools of Clinton, Massachusetts, and is now a freshman in Sim- mons College, Boston, Massachusetts.
EDWARD J. STEVENS, as manager in the city of Worcester for the Tait Brothers, Incorporated, holds a widely prominent position in the business world of Wor- cester County. He has built up this interest from the smallest beginnings, and his practical ability has car- ried him to a high position among the really significant men of the day in this city. Mr. Stevens is a son of Josiah P. Stevens, who was born at Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, and spent his active life in railroading. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served as a member of Company I, 27th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He saw action in many of the im- portant engagements of that struggle, including Cold Harbor, Shiloh, Ball's Bluff, and the battle of the Wil- derness. Mr. Stevens' maternal grandfather, Michael Lyons, was lieutenant under General Fremont in his campaigns against the Indians, and Mr. Stevens now has
his commission. Mr. Stevens paternal great-grand- father, Nathan Stevens, fought in the Revolution at Bos- ton, and after that removed to what is now Indian Or- chard and bought several hundred acres of land. On part of that farm the family cemetery was established, and it still remains at the forks of the road formerly known as Stevens' Crossing, at Indian Orchard, and the generations of the family since have been buried there.
Edward J. Stevens was born in Springfield, Massachu- setts, February 2, 1870, son of Josiah P. and Margaret (Lyons) Stevens. His education was acquired in the public schools of that city, and as a young man he learned the printer's trade, which he followed for sev- eral years. During this period he went to Readsboro, Vermont, and at the age of twenty-one years had full charge of the "Readsboro Enterprise." Later selling that paper, Mr. Stevens returned to Springfield, where he was associated in the grocery and meat business with a partner for twelve years. On May 1, 1908, he came to Worcester to open a branch for the Tait Brothers Company, but he began in a very small way with one horse and cart and one small ice cream machine. Mr. Stevens' energy and business ability is well demon-
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strated in the fact that under his management the Wor- cester branch of this concern now handles more than $500,000 worth of business per year in milk, butter, and ice cream, placing this concern among the foremost in this field in Worcester County.
Mr. Stevens commands the respect and esteem of his contemporaries in every field of business effort, and is an influential member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of Hampden Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Springfield ; Aletheia Grotto, of Worcester; Worcester Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is Past High Priest and the present treasurer; Hiram Council, Royal and Select Masters; Worcester County Commandery, Knights Templar; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; the Worcester Masonic Club; Worcester Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; is Past Chancellor Commander of Freedom Lodge, No. 121, Knights of Pythias, of Worcester; and a member of the United Commercial Travelers' Associ- ation; and the Rotary Club, of Worcester.
Mr. Stevens married Carrie Leone Reed, who was born in Readsboro, Vermont, and they are the parents of the following children: Edward R., J. Elmer, Dorothy I., Leone E., Margaret Lyons, and Thomas R.
CHARLES B. BORDEN-In the electrical world of Westboro, Massachusetts, Charles B. Borden holds a leading position as superintendent of the Westboro Gas and Light Company. Trained for his profession in leading institutions, he has won a position of prom- inence, and in achieving his own success is doing much for the welfare and prosperity of the community. Mr. Borden is a son of the late Charles A. and Elizabeth (Johnston) Borden, and his father, who died in 1920, was a sea captain for twenty-five years, and during the latter part of his life was active as a contractor and builder at Saugus, Massachusetts.
Charles B. Borden was born at Lynn, Massachusetts, March 27, 1892. The family removing to Saugus, Massachusetts, when he was about a year old, he re- ceived his early education in the public and high schools of that community. He later became a student at the Lynn Young Men's Christian Association Electrical School, where he studied for two years, then, for two years, continued this same line of study with the Inter- national Correspondence School, and more recently he has done advanced post-graduate work in business ad- ministration with the La Salle Extension University, of Chicago, Illinois. His first experience was with the Brockaway-Smith Company of Boston and Lynn, Massa- chusetts, and he later became identified with the General Electric Company, where he spent a period of appren- ticeship learning the practical application of his tech- nical knowledge. He was active in the meters and in- struments departments for some time, then became as- sistant engineer of these departments. Resigning from this position, he went to Summit, New Jersey, where he was associated with the Commonwealth Water and Light Company, where he had charge of the electric meter department for two years. Then returning to his native State, Mr. Borden located at Marlboro, Massa- chusetts, as the new business representative of the Marlboro Electric Company. There he remained until
October 14, 1917, when he accepted the appointment as superintendent of the Westboro, Gas and Electric Com- pany, a property leased by the Marlboro Electric Com- pany. Mr. Borden has increased the volume of busi- ness done by this concern more than one hundred per cent since it has been under his supervision, and the efficiency of the plant is a subject of remark among its patrons. Mr. Borden supports the Republican party in political affairs, but has never accepted public honors. Fraternally he is a member of Siloam Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Westboro; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Westboro Country Club. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Borden married, at Lawrence, Massachusetts, Oc- tober 15, 1916, Mary Lucy Leader, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Saunders) Leader.
MELVIN H. DAVIS-One of the most successful garage enterprises of Westboro and vicinity is that of Melvin H. Davis, who has won a very wide reputation for his excellent work and his obliging way of meeting the needs of his numberless customers. Mr. Davis has achieved his own success, working up from the smallest beginning to his present comprehensive automobile ser- vice and sales interest. He is an esteemed citizen of Westboro, and is prominent in fraternal circles. Mr. Davis is a son of Adin and Ada A. (Blatchsford) Davis, his father a shipbuilder of Gloucester, Massachusetts, for many years.
Melvin H. Davis was born at Gloucester, Massachu- setts, October 17, 1873. His education was received in the local public schools, and after completing his studies he served an apprenticeship at the trade of machinist with the firm of Richardson Brothers, of Gloucester. Upon the completion of that period of preparation for his career, he materially added to his usefulness by also learning the craft of pattern making at Hopedale, Massachusetts, in the employ of the Draper Company of that place. After two years in this connection, Mr. Davis went to Schenectady, New York, where for one year he was active as a pattern maker in the employ of the General Electric Company. He then went to Phila- delphia as foreman of the pattern making department of Schaum & Uhlinger, where he remained for two years. He next returned to New England, and for one year was identified with the P. & F. Corbin Company of New Britain, Connecticut, as designer. He then went to Lynn, Massachusetts, where he was engaged in the same capac- ity with the General Electric Company at their Lynn plant. Then, in 1913, Mr. Davis came to Westboro, Massachusetts, and at that time determined upon striking out in an independent way, although his resources con- sisted principally of courage and experience. He hired a barn large enough to store two automobiles and here founded his present fine garage business. From this small start he has developed a very extensive business and now acts as agent for the Studebaker and Over- land cars, as well as conducting a first-class and thor- oughly modern service station and storage garage. His interests center in Westboro, and here he has a handsome modern salesroom of concrete construction 26x40 feet in ground dimensions, his service station being 40x70 feet, and the storage building, 55x70 feet. In addition
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