History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 79

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 79

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385

BIOGRAPHICAL

he has a complete branch office in Marlboro, and these interests are growing and thriving constantly. Thus Mr. Davis has placed himself among the leading auto- mobile men in this part of Worcester County, and his success is contributing definitely to the welfare of the people and meeting the needs of the motoring public. Fraternally he is a member of Siloam Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Westboro; Houghton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Marlboro; Marlboro Council, Royal and Select Masters; and is also a member of the Westboro Country Club. He attends the Unitarian church.

Mr. Davis married, at Worcester, Massachusetts, Oc- tober 17, 1904, Flora H. Butler, daughter of Frank J. and Abbie (Bush) Butler.

REV. JOHN SOLAK-Devoting his life to the sacred offices of the priesthood and leading his people forward in earnest practical endeavor as well as in the spiritual life, Rev. John Solak is doing great good as pastor of the Holy Trinity Polish National Catholic Church of Webster, Massachusetts, which he has now served for nearly two years. Father Solak is a man of progressive spirit, and is in sympathy with all branches of civic and benevolent advance. He is a son of John and Frances (Michalik) Solak, farming people of Poland.

Father Solak was born in Tarnow, Poland, February 24, 1887. His education was begun in the public schools of his native land, and after completing the course at the gymnasium he was employed in Poland for a number of years. Coming to America in 1912 he trav- eled more or less for about a year, learning the language and customs of the country. He was deeply impressed with the need of his fellow-countrymen in America of religious leadership and instruction in their native lan- guage and by their own people. Seeking the greatest opportunity of service among them, he attended the Polish National Catholic Church Seminary, at Scranton, Pennsylvania, and was ordained from that institution in the year 1917, by the bishop of the church, Bishop Francis Hodur. His first appointment was in the State of Minnesota, where he organized the parish of the Sacred Heart Church at Alberta, and served as its first pastor. He built up a prosperous congregation, teaching and leading them in the doctrines of the church, and left them well established in the Christian life. Ap- pointed thereafter to the pastorate of the Holy Trinity Church of Webster, he came to this community in May, 1920, and took up the duties which he has since devoutly filled. Father Solak has organized many societies in the church for boys and girls, as well as for men and women, principally along educational lines of effort. He holds a school four days in the week for boys and girls to study the Polish language and religion, and the people of the congregation are constantly progressing as a re- ligious body under his leadership. During the World War Father Solak was very active in the many branches of home war work, giving largely of his time and en- ergies to the advancement of any movement for the aid and support of the Allied forces. He has won the con- fidence and esteem of the people of Webster, irrespective of their religious faith, and is counted among the broadly useful and progressive men of the day in this community.

Wor-25

BENJAMIN W. AYRES, JR .- In the life insurance business in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, the name of Ayres is prominent, Benjamin W. Ayres being active as agent for the State Mutual Life Assur- ance Company in this city, a position which he has ably filled for about three years. Highly educated and pos- sessing a natural business ability, Mr. Ayres is taking a constructive part in the business life of this city, and is steadily increasing the scope of the great organization with which he is identified in this vicinity. Mr. Ayres is a son of Benjamin W. and Madeline (Lavalle) Ayres. His father has been active for many years in Worcester as a typewriter distributor.

Benjamin W. Ayres, Jr., was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, June 28, 1898. His early education was acquired in the public schools of his birthplace, and after his graduation from high school he entered Dart- mouth College, from which he was graduated in June, 1920, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He then took a post-graduate course at Carnegie Institute, Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, in life insurance salesmanship, then became associated with the State Mutual Life Assur- ance Company as one of their Worcester agents, and is still active in this capacity, filling the responsiblities of this important position with the judgment and efficiency which might well reflect credit upon a man of greater age and wider experience. Mr. Ayres is prominent in social circles in Worcester, and is a member of the Common- wealth Club, the Century Club, the University Club, and the Worcester Country Club. He is secretary of the Dart- mouth Club, of Worcester, and fraternally is identified with Bezaleel Lodge, No. 100, Free and Accepted Masons, of Hanover, New Hampshire, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. During the World War Mr. Ayres enlisted, in July, 1918, in the United States Army, and was com- missioned second lieutenant at Plattsburg Barracks, New York, after which he was assigned to an infantry regi- ment at Camp Grant, Illinois. The armistice intervened before he was called into active service, and upon his return to civilian life Mr. Ayres completed his college course. He is a well known devotee of the game of golf and is a familiar figure on the links of the Worcester Country Club. His religious affiliation is with the Uni- versalist church.

Mr. Ayres married, on June 22, 1922, Ellen E. Barrett, daughter of Leon J. and Martha (Hyde) Barrett, of Worcester.

ANTON BERNARD SCHLICKMAN-One of the substantial and well established business factors of Clin- ton, Massachusetts, is Anton Bernard Schlickman, who has been conducting a retail shoe store here since 1908. Mr. Schlickman is a native of Borghorst, Prussia, where he was born March 7, 1866, a son of Henry and Eliza- beth Schlickman, both natives of Prussia. His father, who died when Anton B. was fifteen years old, during his life followed the occupation of a builder of thresh- ing machines. His mother died when he was five years of agc.

Mr. Schlickman acquired his education in the schools of his native land, and for nine years was engaged in the textile industry there before coming to this country in 1888. Arriving in Clinton in that year, he immediately secured employment in the Lancaster Mills, where he

386

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY

remained for two years, at the same time studying Amer- ican citizenship and language, leaving to accept a posi- tion with McQuaid Brothers, with whom he continued until 1908. He then established himself in the retail shoe business, by purchasing the store formerly owned by Lorenz Jenzer, and has ever since been engaged in this line of mercantile endeavor. He carries a fine stock of high-grade shoes, and is also agent for the well known "Walk-Over" brand of footwear in Clinton. The business is a very prosperous one, and is attracting a con- stantly increasing number of customers, who appreciate first class service and dependable merchandise.

Since becoming a permanent resident here Mr. Schlick- man has demonstrated his qualities as a public-spirited citizen, and has taken an active part in social, civic, and religious affairs. For three years he served as a member of the local Water Commission, and for a period cover- ing seven years was secretary of the Finance Committee of Clinton, Massachusetts. He maintains membership in a number of the leading clubs and societies here, and is especially interested in hunting. Some of his connec- tions in this line are the Clinton Rod and Gun Club, West Boylston Men's Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he was president of the German Turn Verein for Massa- chusetts. Mr. Schlickman was active in amateur theatricals in his native land and also in Clinton.

Mr. Schlickman married, in 1895, Katherine C. Brock- elman, and they have a family of four children: Kath- erine C., Henry F., Joseph O., and Paul B. The two sons, Henry F. and Joseph O. served in the United States Army during the World War as volunteers. The family are communicants of St. John's Roman Catholic Church.

FERDINAND LEMOINE, a noteworthy figure in the industrial world of Southbridge, Massachusetts, holds a leading position in the optical industry as man- ager in charge of the Simpson-Walters Company. A native of Southbridge and reared and educated in this community, Mr. Lemoine is a son of Paul and Victoria (Lariviere) Lemoine, both natives of Canada and both still living. The father is active in the textile industry in Southbridge.

Ferdinand Lemoine was born in Southbridge, Massa- chusetts, June 16, 1885. Securing a practical preparation for his life work in the local public schools, he entered the business world in an independent way, opening a grocery store in this community and was active along this line until the year 1918, when he was persuaded to accept a position with the Dupaul-Lockhart Company, manufac- turers of lenses. He remained with this concern as long as they held the present plant, then when the in- terest changed hands, Mr. Lemoine remained with the purchasers, the Simpson-Walters Company, whom he now represents as manager of their interests in South- bridge. This is one of the oldest optical concerns in Southbridge, and manufactures lenses in considerable variety, specializing, however, in toric lenses for eye- glasses. They employ about one hundred hands, and with a floor area of some 4,000 square feet, they are pro- ducing large quantities of these lenses, which are dis- tributed largely through jobbers. Mr. Lemoine has proved his ability as an executive, and the factory is

going forward successfully under the management of himself and his associate, Isidore L. Ducheneau. Mr. Lemoine owns an interest in the firm, and is a director of the corporation. He is affiliated with the Manufac- turers' Association of Southbridge, and fraternally holds membership in the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, also is a member of the Circle Canadien. His religious affiliation is with the Roman Catholic Church of Notre Dame.

Mr. Lemoine married, in 1907, Orise Craite, who was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of three children: Jeanette M., George A., and Blanche Ruth. The family residence is at No. 32 Pine Street, Southbridge.

FRANK C. BELLIS-In one of the most practical lines of mercantile endeavor and one which is the out- growth of the universal use of automobiles, Frank C. Bellis is attaining a large success in Worcester, Massa- chusetts. Mr. Bellis is a son of Garry B. and Annie (Irwin) Bellis, his father a foreman in the employ of M. S. Wright, a leading dealer in vacuum goods in Worcester.

Frank C. Bellis was born in Calais, Maine, March 31, 1886. Receiving a practical preparation for the respon- sibilities of life in the public schools of his native place, he came to the State of Massachusetts with his parents at the age of thirteen years, the family settling in Hopkin- ton. There he secured a position as grocery clerk in the employ of C. H. Morse & Company. The family removed to Hudson, Massachusetts, about three years later, but Mr. Bellis went to Medfield and was em- ployed there in a similar position with a grocer for about the same length of time. Then coming to Worcester, Mr. Bellis entered the employ of the H. E. Shaw Com- pany, where he remained for six months, after which he became identified with the E. A. Buck Company. This concern was at that time a leading one in the distribution of oils, petroleum, and grease, and Mr. Bellis was active in this connection as a salesman for a period of ten years (1910-20). On August 1, 1920, he established his present business, locating first at No. 10 Canterbury Street. With headquarters at this location for nearly two years, he also operated gasoline stations on Federal, Lincoln, and Grove streets. In April, 1922, Mr. Bellis erected his present fine modern plant on Tainter Street, and his business has since developed even more rapidly than previously. He deals in all petroleum products, gasoline, and grease of all kinds required by the motor- ist, and the motoring public has come to recognize him as a thoroughly dependable and always efficient dealer. Mr. Bellis is a member of the National Petroleum Marketers' Association of the United States, and fra- ternally is identified with Athelstan Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; also the Grotto, and the Wor- cester Masonic Club. He is a member of the United Commercial Travelers' Association, the Ancient and Mystic Order of Bagmen, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Kiwanis Club.

Mr. Bellis married, on October 31, 1920, Ruth Gordon, daughter of Arthur and Susie (Porter) Gordon.

JOSEPH W. CONE-The life of Joseph W. Cone, of Worcester, Massachusetts, is one of varied interests

Frank & Belli

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BIOGRAPHICAL

and constant activity, and while he came to this city only about five years ago, his name has come to be one of large prominence in this section, for as the manager of the Grand Theatre of Worcester, he is in close touch with the people, and his work is of daily significance to those who seek in high-class amusements relief and recreation. Mr. Cone is a Westerner by birth and has traveled much in the course of his daily occupation in this and other fields of endeavor.

Owen Sutton M. Cone, Mr. Cone's father, was born in Rochester, New York, and was active as a naval offi- cer during the Civil War. A man of brilliant mental at- tainments and dauntless spirit, he did much for the cause of the Union, and was wounded at the battle of Ball's Bluff. He was identified with the United States Merchant Marine for a number of years following the war, and later was connected with the United States Weather Bureau, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1909. For many years a member of Lincoln Post, No. 3, Grand Army of the Republic, of Washington, District of Columbia, he was also identified with the Army and Navy Club. He married Mary Ann Boyle, who was born at Bluffton, Indiana, and who is also now deceased.

Joseph W. Cone was born at St. Paul, Minnesota, January II, 1881. Receiving his education in the public and high schools of Washington, District of Columbia, Mr. Cone was interested from boyhood in naval and nautical affairs, and on the completion of his studies became identified with navigation activities on the Po- tomac River. For eleven years he continued along this line, on the river during the summers, and for three , artistic work in this line that other householders from years of this period at sea. In 1896, during the period of distant points, having seen his work here, seek him for special commissions. Mr. Norback is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the United Com- mercial Travelers' Association, the Svea Gelle, and is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce. He attends the Swedish Lutheran Church. his residence on land, Mr. Cone entered the theatrical business, his first position being in the box office. He has followed this business since more or less regularly, devoting his entire attention to theatrical matters since giving up the sea. During the greater part of his the- atrical career Mr. Cone has been active in a managerial Mr. Norback married, in 1902, Selma Strombom, who was born in Sweden, and they have two children: Dorothy A. and Nena. capacity, and in 1918 he came to Worcester, Massachu- setts, as manager of the Grand Theatre. His ability has been evident since his taking over this play house, and the people of Worcester have found in him a man CLARENCE E. ROBBINS-In theatrical circles in many parts of the United States Clarence E. Robbins is well known, and the city of Worcester, Massachu- setts, is reaping the benefit of his extensive experience as manager and producer. A progressive and public- spirited man, Mr. Robbins is contributing to many lines of advance in the world of amusements, and stands as an exponent of the successful and high-class theatrical pro- duction. He is a son of Captain George L. Robbins, who was born in Upton, Massachusetts, but spent the greater part of his life in the city of Worcester.' He was for thirty-five years identified with the fire depart- ment of the city of Worcester, continuing in the service until his death. The mother, Ida F. (Goodwin) Rob- bins, was born in Groveland, Massachusetts, and still survives her husband. ever alert to the progress of his profession, ever ready to cooperate with them in every forward movement. He has made many friends in this city and State, and holds a foremost position in his chosen field of endeavor. Fra- ternally Mr. Cone is very prominent, holding membership in the Masonic order, both the York and Scottish Rites, in- cluding the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is also a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. He is a member and past presi- dent of the Treasurers' Club of America, and is a mem- ber of the Lions Club. As a young man Mr. Cone served in the Washington Light Infantry Band during the years 1897-98, and has always been interested in music. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church. He finds his greatest recreation in golf, fishing, and swim- ming.

Joseph W. Cone married, in 1911, Catherine Cecilia Smith, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, and they are the parents of two children: Joseph Mortimer, born in 1912, and Catherine Dolores, born in 1919.

CARL NORBACK-In the many branches of the arts and crafts which are represented in the business life of the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, the enterprise conducted by Carl Norback is an interesting one. He manufactures picture frames, also doing a general line of cabinet work and building specially designed furni- ture of various kinds. Mr. Norback is a son of Gustaf Norback, who was born in Sweden and was active as a carpenter until his death, which occurred in 1921. The mother, Anna (Anderson) Norback, who was also born in Sweden, died in 1922.

Carl Norback, son of these parents, was born in Vearman, Sweden, September 9, 1874. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native land, and as a young man he learned the trade of carriage builder. He was employed along this line of endeavor in Sweden until 1892, when he came to America, and settling in Worcester, secured employment in the general line of cabinet work. In 1918 Mr. Norback entered business for himself, locating at No. 16 Foster Street, Rooms 303-306, and beginning in the making of picture frames he has gradually developed the business and extended its scope. He has turned out many very beautiful specimens of cabinet work, and in his department of special furni- ture, designs and builds odd pieces for every room in the house, giving the touch of individuality as well as artistic design and excellent workmanship to everything made in his plant. He employs only the most highly skilled assistants, and his product finds honored place in many of the most beautiful homes of Worcester and vicinity. Indeed it is so much appreciated by lovers of

Clarence E. Robbins was born in Worcester, Massa- chusetts, April II, 1880. Receiving his early education in the public and high schools of the city, he later at- tended Childs' Business College, and with this broadly practical preparation for his career, entered the theatrical

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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY

business. He was first employed in the box office, but in the course of his activity has filled every position connected with the management of the theatre. He be- came the first manager of the Franklin Square Theatre of Worcester, and filled this responsible position for a year and a half. Then for a number of years he acted as manager of the Lincoln Park Theatre, after which he went on the road as manager, taking various shows out on tour. In this connection Mr. Robbins was emi- nently successful, and in the period during which he was thus active he won an enviable reputation among theatrical circles, East, West, and South. In 1917 Mr. Robbins returned to Worcester to open the Strand Theatre. The success of this splendid playhouse is a matter of history in the city of Worcester, and Mr. Robbins, as its manager, is now one of the most familiar figures of the day in the city. A man of broad vision, with a comprehensive knowledge of his work and lofty ideals in it, Mr. Robbins has done much for the progress and uplift of amusements in Worcester, and his influ- ence for good is widely felt. Mr. Robbins is prominent also in fraternal circles, holding membership in all the York Rite bodies of the Masonic order, including the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His clubs are the Rotary and the Kiwanis, and he attends the Universalist church of Worcester.

Clarence E. Robbins married, on March 5, 1918, Flor- ence Mabel Nickerson, who was born in Malden, Massa- chusetts, and they have since resided in the city of Wor- cester, moving in the leading social circles of this section.

JOHN J. O'SHAUGHNESSY, a prominent figure in the business life of Southbridge Massachusetts, is a well known member of the firm long familiar in this community under the name of the Edwards Company, of which he is vice-president and general manager. This concern, which conducts one of the largest de- partment stores in the towns of Southern Worcester County, is one of the very old and important mercan- tile enterprises of this section, and is always at the lead where any progressive policy is concerned. Mr.

O'Shaughnessy,

is son of a

Thomas

O'Shaugh-

nessy,

who

; born in Limerick, Ireland,

and

came to the United States as a young man, settling in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Here he was engaged in the textile industry until his death, which occurred in the year 1898. The mother, Margaret (Fitzpatrick) O'Shaughnessy, is also a native of Lim- erick, Ireland, and still survives her husband.

John J. O'Shaughnessy was born at Southbridge, Massachusetts, July 14, 1876. His education was ac- quired in the public and high schools of this community, and as a young lad he entered the employ of the Ed- wards Company in the capacity of errand boy. This was in 1892, when he was only sixteen years of age, and he has since been continuously affiliated with this concern, during the early years of this period learning the business in its various branches and eventually as- suming executive responsibility. His energy and effi- ciency, backed by the unfailing good spirit which has always made him one of the valuable members of the organization, have carried him to a high position in the business life of the community, and as vice-president

and general manager of this concern he is now carrying forward its interests in an able and progressive manner. He is satisfied with nothing less than the most worthy achievement, and the policy of the store bears out his ideas and ideals, giving the people the best goods and the most efficient service in return for a reasonable price. Mr. O'Shaughnessy is a member of the South- bridge Chamber of Commerce, and supporting the Democratic party, has been active for many years in public affairs, serving for two full decades on the Board of Registrars. He is a trustee of the Southbridge Savings Bank and takes a deep interest in all economic advance. His more personal interests include member- ship in the Knights of Columbus, of which he is Past Grand Knight; the Improved Order of Red Men, of which he is Past Sachem; and the Ancient Order of Hibernians; and he is a member of the Cohasse Coun- try Club, also the Quinebaug Club. He attends St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. O'Shaughnessy married, on September 3, 1902, Mary J. Darcy, who was born at Providence, Rhode Island, and they have one son, John J., Jr., born April 1, 1910.

SANTO MAZZARELLI-Few native born Amer- icans have attained higher positions in the business world of Milford, Massachusetts, than has Santo Maz- zarelli, who has been a resident of the United States for thirty-one years and has made his home in Milford since coming to this country. With experience in vari- ous lines of industrial effort and the practical business ability which counts for success in any field, he has won his way to an enviable position, and is counted among the most successful men of this community. Mr. Maz- zarelli is a member of an old family in his native Italy, and a son of Francisco and Mary Mazzarelli, both na- tives of that country.

Santo Mazzarelli was born at Bari, State of Castelloni, Italy, April 15, 1862. He received an excellent educa- tion in the local schools, and as a young man became interested in the family enterprise which was a widely important one, the firm of the Mazzarello Road Building Company having been one of the foremost concerns in its field in that part of Italy, and ranking with the most important in the country. They built very many fine roads there, and their work is still considered of the highest class, the organization still being active in the same field. Upon coming to America in 1892, Mr. Mazzarelli located in Milford, and for about six years followed stone cutting. In the year 1900 Mr. Maz- zarelli started a small bakery, with a flour and grain business in connection, which line he continued success- fully until 1914, when he erected his present factory at No. 17 Genoa Avenue, and engaged in the manufac- ture of macaroni, along with his other successful en- terprises. From his first activity in this community Mr. Mazzarelli has been increasingly successful, and he has made it his policy to go forward fearlessly on his faith in the future of this town. Here he has won his success, and here he has invested his profits in real estate, principally of a residential nature, until at pres- ent (1923) he is the owner of almost the entire acreage fronting on Genoa Avenue. This property is almost wholly improved, and is an attractive and high-class

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History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III, Part 79

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