USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 80
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E. miller Fay.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
residential section. Mr. Mazzarelli is now one of the largest real estate owners in Milford, and his influence is always cordially given to any movement which will forward the interests of the community and its people. He is a Democrat by political affiliation, but has never accepted public honors, although he is a faithful worker for the progress of his party. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Milford; also the Foresters of America; is identified with the Italian Roman Catholic Church, and is chairman of the board of trustees. He was very active in the work of building this church, giving largely of his own means and of his time in soliciting subscriptions for the build- ing fund. Early in his residence in this country Mr. Mazzarelli made two trips to Italy. On the second trip he brought his family back with him, and they have since resided here continuously.
Mr. Mazzarelli married, at Sulmona, Italy, on July 29, 1889, Nazaram P. Antonio, and they have nine chil- dren : Guido and Achillo, both born in Italy; and Fran- cis, Teresa, Mary, Vetrona, Anna, Ida, and Edith, all born in Milford.
ISIDORE L. DUCHENEAU, as one of the promi- nent executives in the optical manufacturing interests of Southbridge, Massachusetts, is bearing a very def- inite part in the local prosperity, and is also furnishing the trade with a product of dependable quality. Mr. Ducheneau has been active in other lines of business endeavor, but for the past six years has held respon- sible positions in this industry, and is now assistant man- ager and director of the Simpson-Walther Lens Company at their Southbridge plant. He is a son of Oliver Du- cheneau, who was born at Burlington, Vermont, and was active as a blacksmith until his death, which oc- curred April 19, 1897. The mother, Helen (Perreault) Ducheneau, was also a native of Burlington, and she lived to advanced years, passing away in 1923.
Isidore L. Ducheneau was born at Southbridge, Massachusetts, January 9, 1887. Receiving his early education in the local public schools, he also covered the high school course in this community, and during the first twelve or fifteen years of his career was active in the grocery business. In the year 1917 Mr. Ducheneau became affiliated with the Dupaul-Lockhart Company, where he filled the position of foreman until the year 1922, when the business was taken over by the Simp- son-Walther Company of Rochester, New York, and since that time Mr. Ducheneau has served as assistant manager and director in the local plant. This con- cern manufactures a comprehensive line of lenses, the material being received in the rough state and turned into finished lenses in this plant. They distribute their product principally to jobbers, and specialize in toric lenses. When this concern is running at full capacity they employ about one hundred hands and have a floor space of about 4,000 square feet. With the change of ownership mentioned, Mr. Ducheneau took over the management of the concern with Ferdinand Lemoine and holding a directorship in the concern he has been active in its management since. Mr. Ducheneau is in- terested in the progress of the community, he is the captain of the Southbridge Fire Department, and is devoting his energies to the progress and improvement
of that organization. He is a member of the Manu- facturers' Association of Southbridge, and fraternally is affiliated with the Societe St. Jean Baptiste, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. Ducheneau attends the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.
Isidore L. Ducheneau married, in 1907, Aldora Larivier, who was born at North Brookfield, Massa- chusetts, and they have one son, Oscar J., who was born October 19, 1908.
E. MILLER FAY-A noteworthy figure in the busi- ness life of Worcester, Massachusetts, is E. Miller Fay, whose activities bear a definite relation to the everyday welfare of the people. The scope of his in- terests is wide from a business point of view, but his name is locally familiar as one of the broadly progres- sive and forward-looking citizens of Worcester. Mr. Fay is a son of Irwin W. Fay, who was born at Coteau, Ontaria, and was a dry goods and general merchant, following this line of activity until his death, which occurred May 22, 1922. The mother, Anna E. (Miller) Fay, was born at Rowlesburg, West Virginia, and died in 1913.
E. Miller Fay, son of these parents, was born at Malone, New York, August 13, 1887. His education was begun in the local public schools, and following a course at Franklin Academy, he entered Cornell Uni- versity, from which he was graduated in 1909, with the degree of Electrical Engineer. Mr. Fay's early ex- perience in his chosen field of endeavor was with the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was active for ten years, during the last few years of that period holding executive responsibility. Next becoming affiliated with the E. W. Ham Electric Company, of Worcester, Massa- chusetts, he was active with that company for a period of two years as sales manager, then in 1921 established what has since been known as the E. M. Fay Electric Company. This concern began doing business January I, 1921, as wholesale distributors of various electrical appliances and devices. They are exclusive distrib- utors for New England of the Horton wash- ing and ironing machines, also for the America vacuum cleaner, and many article of household equip- ment for use in connection with the electric current. This is practically the only house in New England doing business strictly and exclusively along wholesale lines in this field of commercial advance. With headquar- ters at No. 85 Foster Street, they are constantly extend- ing the scope of their operations, and the business is rated among the really important interests of the city of Worcester. Mr. Fay is also the owner of the firm of J. W. & I. W. Fay, of Malone, New York, dry goods and general merchandise. He is a member of the Wor- cester Chamber of Commerce, of the National Electric Light Association, the National Credit Men's Associ- ation, and the Association of Electragists, he is also chairman of the executive committee and vice-president of the Worcester County Electrical League, and a mem- . ber of the United Commercial Travelers' Association. The official personnel of the E. M. Fay Company is as follows: E. M. Fay, president and treasurer; M. H. Fay, vice-president; and W. H. Stanton, secretary. Mr. Fay's more personal interests include membership
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
in the Free and Accepted Masons and the Masonic Club, and he attends the Presbyterian church ..
E. Miller Fay married, in 1912, Marion Howard, who was born at Malone, New York, and they are the parents of two children : George H. and Elizabeth W.
EDWARD H. BAUER-With wide experience in the world of engineering in the Middle West and also in the East, Edward H. Bauer came to Worcester, Massachusetts, January I, 1923, and took up the duties of his present position with extensive practical knowl- elge of his general field as well as excellent technical preparation. A native of Indiana, Mr. Bauer is a son of Emil and Sophia' (Werner) Bauer, esteemed resi- dents of Terre Haute for many years.
Edward H. Bauer was born in Terra Haute, Indiana, February 22, 1883. His education was begun in the public schools, and he also covered the high school course in his native 'city. Interested from boyhood in every branch of engineering, he then entered the Rose Polytechnic Institute, of Terre Haute, Indiana, and covered the course in mechanical and electrical engi- neering. His first experience in his chosen field of endeavor was in the employ of the American Steel Foundry Corporation, of Hammond, Indiana, and in the course of his connection with this great concern, was promoted to the position of mechanical engineer for the Simplex Works. He also acted as construction engineer for their Indiana Harbor plant. Then, owing to ill health, about 1910, Mr. Bauer was obliged to re- linquish his engineering activities, and spent two years on a farm in Michigan. Returning to his profession in 1912, he accepted a position with H. Koppers & Com- pany of Chicago, Illinois, in the capacity of mechan- ical and electrical engineer, then when that concern removed their plant to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he con- tinued with them in the new plant. This removal took place in 1915, and from that time forward, as long as the concern continued independently, it was known as the Koppers Company. During this period Mr. Bauer was again promoted to operating engineer, and was given charge of operating and keeping the product up to their exacting guarantee. This plant was later sold to interests which merged it with many other steel and gas companies, and in December, 1917, Mr. Bauer ac- cepted a position as mechanical engineer with the Provi- dence Gas Company, of Providence, Rhode Island, where he was later promoted to engineer of manufac- tures. This was in 1919, and Mr. Bauer continued for more than than three years in this capacity, having charge of all manufacturing of gas and coke for that concern, also participating in the management of the Public Relations Work. On December 28, 1922, he re- signed to accept the position of manager of the Wor- cester Gas Light Company, which duties he assumed on January I, 1923. His ability and energy are count- ing far for the progress of the concern and for the well being of the people it serves. He has gained a wide circle of friends in this city, and is numbered among the truly progressive men of the business world of Worcester County. He is an active member of the American Gas Association, the New England Associ- ation of Gas Engineer, and the Providence Engineering Society of Providence, Rhode Island. In fraternal
circles he is identified with Orpheus Lodge, No. 36, Free and Accepted Masons, of Providence, Rhode Island, and Chapter No. I, Royal Arch Masons, also of Prov- idence. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Worces- ter, and is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Bauer married, on September 5, 1906, Nora Belle Curtis, daughter of Walter and Stella (Strange) Curtis, of Chicago, Illinois.
THEODORE FINN-The various departments of automobile manufacture open wide doors of opportunity for the energetic and resourceful man, and in body work Theodore Finn, of Worcester, Massachusetts, is achiev- ing marked success. As the head of an independent business in this field he stands among the really sig- nificant men of the day in this city. Mr. Finn has been in the United States only about thirteen years, but in that period has won a position of dignity and useful, and is taking the part of the progressive citizen in the advance of the day. He is a son of Bennett Finn, who was born in Lithuania, and was active as a metal worker until his death, which occurred in 1921. The mother, Gertrude (Udell) Finn, was also born in Lithuania, and died in 1920.
Theodore Finn was born in Lithuania September 14, 1893. His education was acquired in his native land, and in 1910, at the age of seventeen years, the young man came to America to seek his fortune. At once se- curing a position in automobile body work, he was ac- tive in this field in the employ of leading manufac- turers until 1919, when he established his own business and has since continued as the owner and manager of this independent enterprise. He does a general line of automobile body work, also a general line of copper work, and with headquarters at No. 6 Plymouth Street, is doing a thriving and constantly increasing business. He commands the esteem and confidence of all who know him, and is counted among the prosperous and substantial citizens of Worcester. During the World War Mr. Finn enlisted in the 37th Division of the United States Army, and later was sent to France with the American Expeditionary Forces, serving overseas for one year. He served during the entire period of the war with the rank of private, and received his honorable discharge in 1919. Mr. Finn is a member of the Workmen's Circle, but has few interests outside his business. He is identified with the Hebrew Syna- gogue.
Theodore Finn married, in 1919, Julia Stein, who was born in Lithuania, and they reside in Worcester. They have two children : Lillian and Gertrude.
JOHN J. DOWNEY-In the public life of Black- stone, Massachusetts, John J. Downey holds a largely responsible and useful position as Postmaster, and with business experience behind him and the practical ability which counts so largely for progress, he is devoting his energies to the public welfare in such a manner as contributes in no insignificant way to the general advance. A native of this community, educated and reared in Black- stone, his lifelong activities have tended toward the development of useful lines of endeavor. He is a son of Thomas Downey, who was born in Ireland and came to the United States in the year 1875. By occupation
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the elder Mr. Downey is a mechanic, still living, one of the esteemed and venerble citizens of Blackstone, as is also the mother, Helen (McGabey) Downey, born in Glasgow, Scotland, March 15, 1858.
John J. Downey was born in Blackstone, Massachu- setts, January 19, 1877. His education was acquired in the local public schools, and his first business experience was in the employ of the Blackstone Manufacturing Company, with which concern he was connected for ten years as bookkeeper. He then became identified with the Woonsocket Machine Press Company in the capacity of molder, and remained with them for a sim- ilar period. In the year 1915, Mr. Downey was ap- pointed Postmaster of Blackstone by President Wilson, and his work in this office has been so acceptable to the people that he has been retained in this connection since. Mr. Downey is broadly interested in all phases of com- munity advance, and lends his influence to every move- ment which counts for public welfare. He is a mem- ber of the Foresters of America, and is identified with St. Paul's Church.
Mr. Downey married Angell Kennedy, born in Black- stone, Massachusetts, August 30, 1882, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (McCormick) Kennedy, both natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Downey have two children : John K., born in Blackstone, August 30, 1917; Mary, born in Blackstone, April 30, 1919.
WILLIAM E. ROBINSON-Prominent among the commercial executives of the city of Worcester, Massa- chusetts, William E Robinson holds a position of large responsibility as manager of the Worcester office of the Pratt Coal Company of Boston. Both as a busi- ness man and as a citizen he has won the confidence and esteem of the people of Worcester in the comparatively short time during which he has been thus engaged, and in his exacting position is giving of his best to the gen- eral advance. Mr. Robinson is a son of William J. Robinson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who for fifty- two years was active in the coal business in that city, but is now retired. The mother, Elizabeth (Major) Robin- son, is also still living.
William E. Robinson was born in the city of Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1886. His educa- tion was begun in the public schools of his birthplace, and upon the completion of the high school course he entered the employ of Whitney & Kemmerer, coal deal- ers of that city, in the capacity of shipping clerk, also doing general office work. The early years of this ex- perience determined the trend of his further activities, and for some fifteen years Mr. Robinson remained with the same concern. In 1917 he became identified with R. K. Pratt, of the Pratt Coal Company of Boston, Massachusetts, and remained with that concern in their Boston office until the year 1920. He was then placed in charge of the firm's branch office in Worcester on the occasion of its opening, and has since acted with the most marked efficiency as manager of their interests in this city. During the World War Mr. Robinson offered his services gratis to the United States Fuel Adminis- tration, and was appointed by James J. Storrow on the board in Boston, serving until the distribution of coal by Federal authorities was discontinued.
Mr. Robinson has found many congenial friends in
the city of Worcester, has become identified with the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Worcester Rowing Club; his fondness for outdoor sports comprises his chief recreative interest. He is single, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.
CLAUS O. JOHNSON-As superintendent, vice- president, and assistant treasurer of Hollander & John- son, Inc., Claus O. Johnson has been engaged in the manufacture of die tools during the past ten years. Mr. Johnson was born in Trollhattan, Sweden, February 15, 1880, son of John H. and Caroline (Anderson) Johnson, and having received a good education in the schools of his native country he became an apprentice in the locomotive shops in his native city, where he re- mained for a period of six years. When his apprentice- ship was completed in 1903 he came to the United States and followed his trade in Fitchburg, where he found employment 'in Iver Johnson's arms and cycle works. Four years later he widened his experience by going to Providence, Rhode Island, and associating himself with the Union Drop Forge Company, by whom he was employed for three years as a die sinker and four years as a foreman. At the end of that period he severed his connection with the last named concern and entered into partnership with S. G. Hol- lander for the manufacture of die tools and rubber molds. When the business was incorporated in 1917 as Hollander & Johnson, Inc., he became vice-president and assistant treasurer.
Mr. Johnson is a member of Boylston Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of the society known as the Order of Vasa. In Sweden he served his time in the militia. He is a member of the Boylston Men's Club, and his religious affiliation is with the Swedish Lutheran church.
In Trollhattan, Sweden, in June, 1899, Claus O. John- son married Ella Polin, daughter of Carl and Matilda Polin. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have six children: Al- bert C., Harry C., Elsie E., Ethel L., Walter H., and Edith V. The family residence is at No. 2 Eden Street, in Worcester, Massachusetts.
ALLAN N. DAVIS-As resident manager for the Packard Motor Car Company in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, Allan N. Davis holds a widely prom- inent position in the commercial life of Worcester County, and his natural business ability and practical experience in the automobile world are carrying him forward to large success in his chosen line of endeavor. Mr. Davis is a young man of more than usual prom- inence in this city, and is a son of Arthur E. and Alice (Nichols) Davis, his father a prominent retail clothing merchant of Worcester.
Allan N. Davis was born in Worcester, Massachu- setts, November 25, 1887. His education was begun in the public schools of this city and he is a graduate of the Worcester Classical High School. Following the completion of his education, Mr. Davis served an ap- prenticeship as a motor mechanic with the John S. Har- rington Company, motor car dealers of Worcester, where he spent one year. In 1907 he accepted a position as a private chauffeur which he filled for three years. He then became identified with the Packard Motor
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY
Company of Boston as a demonstrator, and shortly afterward became active in the interests of this firm as a salesman. On February 13, 1913, Mr. Davis was ap- pointed manager for the Worcester district of this concern, and in this capacity he still serves. He has made a splendid record of sales in this district, and is numbercd among the most successful and enterprising motor car representatives in this section. On Decem- ber 12, 1917, Mr. Davis enlisted as a flying cadet in the aviation section of the Signal Corps, United States Army. Reporting to the United States School of Mili- tary Aeronautics at Ithaca, he was graduated in Class 38, April 20, 1918, and was assigned to Camp Dick, at Dallas, Texas, a concentration camp for flying cadets. Later he was transferred to Dorr Field at Arcadia, Florida, in May, 1918, and there received advanced fly- ing instructions until August 15, when he was trans- ferred to Fort Worth, Texas, where he received his final instructions in flying and was commissioned as second lieutenant. The armistice intervened before he was called overseas and he received his honorable dis- charge from the service on December 12, 1918. Mr. Davis is a member of the National Aeronautical Asso- ciation and the American Legion, also of Quinsigamond Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Quinsigamond Boat Club, and the Tatnuck Country Club of Worcester, and his religious affiliation is with the Episcopal church.
CHARLES E. W. MATTHEWS-With lifelong experience in the textile industry, Charles E. W. Mat- thews has been identified with this branch of industrial activity in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, for the past eigh- teen years, and during the greater part of that time has served as superintendent of the Davis & Brown Woolen Company's plant, a responsible position which he still holds.
Mr. Matthews is a native of the State of Connec- ticut, and his experience has carried him to different point and given him a broad familiarity with industrial conditions in his own and other lines of endeavor. He is a son of Jabez Matthews, who was born at Trow- bridge, England, February 22, 1848, and also was en- gaged in the textile industry throughout his lifetime. The mother, Ruth (Overend) Matthews, was also born in Trowbridge, England, in 1848, but the greater part of their lives were spent in America, in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Charles E. W. Matthews was born in Putnam, Connecticut, September 25, 1873. The family remov- ing to Huntington, Massachusetts, in his childhood, he was educated in the public and high schools of that com- munity, and Williston Seminary at Easthampton, and he later covered a business course. His first experi- ence was in the employ of Greeley, Cushman & Record, which has since become known as the Huntington Man- ufacturing Company. Entering this plant as bobbin boy, he continued with the concern for seven years, then went to Baltimore, Maryland, as overseer of the dressing department with the Ashland Manufacturing Company of that city. There he was active for four years and a half, after which he returned North and became identified with the present concern at their Danielson (Connecticut) mill as overseer of the dress- ing department. After five years in this connection, Mr.
Matthews was transferred to the Uxbridge plant of the Davis & Brown Woolen Company, where he was given a bookkeeper's desk and eventually became superinten- dent, in which position he is still active. He is also a member of the board of directors of the company, and is vice-president of the Blackstone Valley Mills Asso- ciation.
Mr. Matthews has taken a constructive and useful part in the public and social life of the community, and his fraternal connection is with the Masonic order, in which he holds the thirty-second degree, and is a mem- ber of Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is Past Master of Solomon Temple Lodge, of Uxbridge, and has been its treasurer a number of years. He is also treasurer of the Masonic Building Association. He is also a member of Consti- tution Lodge, No. 78, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, of Baltimore, Maryland. He is treasurer of the Uxbridge Community Club, and a trustee of the Ux- bridge Savings Bank. Mr. Matthews is a member of the First Congregational Church of this place, and is treasurer of the Congregational Parish House.
Mr. Matthews married Hattie Mabel Gunn, who was born in Uxbridge, May 6, 1880, and is a daughter of Hiram E. and Emma S. (Wood) Gunn, both of whom were born in Uxbridge.
An uncle of Mr. Matthews, William Matthews, served in the Civil War, and was killed at the battle of Fred- ericksburg.
E. BENJAMIN ARMSTRONG-In the textile in- dustry in Worcester County, Massachusetts, E. Ben- jamin Armstrong is a noteworthy figure, acting as agent for the Hamilton Woolen Company, of South- bridge, Massachusetts. A broadly practical man, thor- oughly familiar in the general field in which he is en- gaged, Mr. Armstrong is doing much for textile ad- vance in this section, and his present position is one of large responsibility. He is a son of Thomas H. Arm- strong, who was born in Watertown, Massachusetts, and is a prominent lawyer of that section. The mother, Ellen Frances (Wellington) Armstrong, who was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, died in the year 1892.
E. Benjamin Armstrong was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, January 29, 1884. Educated in the pub- lic and high schools of his native place and Tufts Col- lege, he was graduated from the last named institution in the class of 1905, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Upon the completion of his education Mr. Arm- strong became identified with the Joy Langdon & Com- pany, of Boston, where he was active for four years, then continued for six years with their successors, the Wellington Sears & Company. Thereafter Mr. Arm- strong accepted a position in the treasurer's office of the Hamilton Woolen Company at Boston. There he be- came thoroughly familiar with the textile industry from the executive vicwpoint, and in 1916 was sent to Southbridge as agent for this company at their South- bridge plant. He has acted in this capacity continu- ously since, and his ability and energy have counted largely for the prosperity of the enterprise and its continued growth. This is one of the long established textile mills of Worcester County, and has for many years held a leading position in the manufacture of
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