USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts, Vol. III > Part 81
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Charles EM Macchina
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fine woolen and worsted fabrics. Mr. Armstrong is at present (1923) president of the Manufacturer's Asso- ciation of Southbridge. During the war he acted as fuel administrator for Southbridge, and since 1915 has served on the Finance Committee of the town of Southbridge. As a young man he served as private in the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia from 1906-09. Fraternally he is identified with the Delta Tau Delta, and his clubs are the Boston City, the Southbridge, and Cohasse Country Club. He attends the Universalist church.
Mr. Armstrong married, in 1916, Annie Laurie Hill- yer, who was born in Topeka, Kansas, and they have four children : John P., Malcolm, and twin girls, Anne and Judith.
FRANK LINOPOLI-For the past sixteen years Frank Linopoli, professor of music, has been a resi- dent of Milford, Massachusetts. He is of Italian birth and parentage, having begun his life in Naples, Italy, June 6, 1864, son of Raffale Linopoli, who was the Recording Clerk of his town, and of Catenina (Ara- gona) Linopoli. He received his early and prepara- tory education in the schools of his native city and then became a student in the University of Naples, where his general education was completed. In 1907 he be- came a resident of Milford, Massachusetts, and since that time has been steadily following his profession of music in this city. He is a composer of opera and march music. In politics he is a Democrat, and his religious affiliation is with the Italian Catholic Church of Milford.
In Italy, in 1893, Frank Linopoli married Concetta Mellace, daughter of Pasquale and Maria (Zacconi) Mellace, and they are the parents of one son, Raffaele, who was born in Italy, in 1895.
GODFREY O. GRUNDSTROM-Along one of the most practical lines of business endeavor Godfrey O. Grundstrom is carrying forward a prosperous and growing interest. Still a young man and alert to the progress of the times, he is bearing a useful part in the welfare of the people, and has many years of activity before him. Mr. Grundstrom is a son of John Gustaf Grundstrom, a blacksmith by trade, who was born in Sweden, but has been an esteemed citizen of Worcester for many years. The mother, Emma (Horn) Grund- strom, was also born in Sweden, and is still living, a resident of Worcester.
Godfrey O. Grundstrom was born in Sweden, De- cember 1, 1893. The family coming to America in his infancy and settling in Worcester, he received his edu- cation in the public schools of this city, acquiring a' thorough training in the fundamentals of education. After completing his studies he learned the trade of tinsmith, also mastering plumbing, and worked as a journeyman in this general field until the year 1922, gaining breadth of experience and becoming broadly familiar with conditions affecting these trades. He then availed himself of an opportunity to strike out for himself, purchasing the long-established business of Christian A. Windt, which is located at No. 59 Com- mercial Street, Worcester. This interest follows the
line of sheet metal work of all kinds, and Mr. Grund- strom has carried it forward very successfully thus far, expanding the business and taking care of the regular customers, who have long depended upon this as their headquarters for service of this nature. With a broadly promising future before him and the ability and energy which count so vitally for success, he is numbered among the really progressive and forward looking young men of Worcester County. He has few interests outside of his business, but is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Godfrey O. Grundstrom married, in 1920, Esther Beauregard, who was born in Millbury, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of two children: Godfrey Louis, and Edward Raymond.
JOSEPH TALAMO-The city of Worcester, Massa- chusetts, may well be proud of its long list of worthy and able members of the legal profession. One of the well prepared members of the profession is Joseph Talamo, who, after receiving two degrees from Clark University, received his professional degree from Har- vard University.
Joseph Talamo is a son of Jacob M. Talamo, who was born in Russia, and throughout his career was en- gaged in the wholesale woolen business in Worcester, and of Fannie E. (Feingold) Talamo, who was also born in Russia, and who are now living in Worcester.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, September 3, 1894, Joseph Talamo received his education in the public schools of his native city and then became a student in Clark University in Worcester, from which he was graduated in 1914 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In June, 1915, he received from the same institution the degree of Master of Arts, during which year he served as assistant instructor in economics and sociology. He then began his profes- sional studies in Harvard University, from which he was graduated in 1918, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In 1919 he opened an office in Worcester, and since that time he has continued in general practice there. His offices are located at No. 927 Slater Build- ing. Though one of the youngest members of his pro- fession in that city, he is steadily building a large and extensive practice. Mr. Talamo gives his support to the principles and candidates of the Republican party, and is a member of the Republican City Committee. During the World War he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was in the service until 1919, when he was discharged with the rank of ensign. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias, and of the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, which he has served as presi- dent. He is also a member of the Tau Kappa Alpha. His clubs represent a variety of interests. He is a member of the University Club, Worcester Bar Asso- ciation, of the Alumni Association of Clark College, of the Harvard Club, and of the Republican Club. He is also a member of the Order of Maccabees, Young Men's Hebrew Association, of the Zionist Organization, and of the American Legion. He is very active in Jewish social work, and formerly served as chairman of the
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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY.
Zionist organization in Worcester, also chairman of the Keren Hayesod. He attends the Modern Synagogue of Worcester. Mr. Talamo is unmarried.
VINCENT J. VILKAS-Among the younger men of Worcester County, Massachusetts, whose activities are promoting the progress of this section and the wel- fare of the people, Vincent J. Vilkas is a well known figure in the city of Worcester. A resident of the United States only for the past sixteen years, he has won his way to success in his adopted country, and is taking a useful and practical part in the progress of the day in the real estate and insurance business. He is a son of Joseph Vilkas, who was born in Lithuania, and was active as a farmer until his death. The mother, Eva (Mereskericus) Vilkas, was also born in Lithuania, and still survives her husband.
Vincent J. Vilkas was born in Lithuania, January 20, 1888. Educated in the schools of his native land, he came to the United States at the age of nineteen years, and during the first twelve years of his residence here was employed in various positions, gaining a fund of useful experience along general business lines. Am- bitious to stand at the head of a business he might call his own, he struck out in 1919, opening a real estate office at Room 6, No. 314 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. In the development of the city and its environs he has been an active factor since, doing a prosperous and steadily increasing business along brokerage and development lines. He also handles in- surance of many kinds, and in this branch of the busi- ness as well is achieving marked success. He is a member of the Worcester Board of Insurance Under- writers, and an active worker for the betterment of conditions in the fields in which he is engaged. A mem- ber of the Knights of Columbus, he is prominently identified with the Lithuanian Naturalization Club, and is doing excellent work in this connection in the Amer- icanization of his fellow-countrymen who have taken up their residence here. He is affiliated with St. Cas- mere's Roman Catholic Church.
Vincent J. Vilkas married, in 1912, Annie Palovich, who was born in Lithuania, and they are the parents of five children : John, Vincent, Joseph S., Helen, and Julia.
OMER KILDA CHABOT-In the business world of Webster, Massachusetts, Mr. Chabot is a largely prominent figure, and in his own prosperity and success is contributing in a marked degree to the welfare of the people. A native of the Province of Quebec, Canada, he has been a resident of Webster since his boyhood. He is a son of Anthony and Arcila (Senez) Chabot, both residents of Webster for many years. His father was a butcher in Canada, but since his arrival in the United States became active in Chase's mills in Web- ster. He is now retired from all business activity and is enjoying the well-earned leisure which fittingly fol- lows a long and useful life.
Omer Kilda Chabot was born at St. Cezaire, Prov- ince of Quebec, Canada, October 9, 1876. His educa- tion was received at St. Cezaire College, a government school, then he came to America with his parents and the family settling at Webster, Massachusetts, he en-
tered the industrial world of this community. Four- teen years of age when he settled in Webster, Mr. Chabot has been active ever since his arrival here, first in the weave shop of Chase's mill, then in the A. J. Bates Company Shoe factory. In 1896 he entered the employ of the Raciot Brothers furniture store in the capacity of salesman, and was identified with that con- cern for a period of ten years. In the year 1906 Mr. Chabot established his own business, and his previous experience was excellent preparation for the problems and responsibilities which fell upon him in his inde- pendent endeavors. He began in a very small way, handling tea, coffee, household furnishings, and fur- niture. The furniture end of the business has grown to be the most important, but all branches have pros- pered largely, and this interest is one of the really im- portant commercial enterprises of the day in Webster. Mr. Chabot has several delivery wagons out with tea and coffee constantly, and has a full motor equipment for handling his larger merchandise. As the head of this prosperous and growing interest he stands among the progressive and enterprising men of the day in Webster, and commands the esteem and confidence of the people. While a Republican by political affiliation, Mr. Chabot has never taken a leading part in public life, but lends his influence to all progressive effort and bears a part in every worthy movement. He is a member of the Franco-American Foresters, the For- esters of America, and the Societe St. Jean Baptiste. His religious affiliation is with the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Chabot married, at Webster, Massachusetts, Azilda Beauregard, who is a daughter of Prosper and Mary (Chabot) Beauregard. Mr. and Mrs. Chabot are the parents of six children: Theresa, Martha, Ida, Clair, Jane, and Dorothy.
HENRY A. BENOIT-From the position of appren- tice to that of manager of the extensive concern which operates under the name The Felters Company, Inc., of Millbury, Massachusetts, is the record of Henry A. Benoit's long association with the textile industry. That he is ably filling his present executive position is evi- denced by the fact that he has been continuously con- nected with The Felters Company for the past fifteen years, and has been serving as manager for thirteen years.
The Benoit family, which originally came from France, was in Canada, in the vicinity of Three Rivers, during the early days of the settlement of the Le Siems (or Leshures) in that section of the county, and the two names appear frequently upon the early records of that section of Canada. Both families were settled in the Three Rivers section as early as 1704, and later descendants of the early immigrants of both names came to this country and settled in New England. The parents of Henry A. Benoit, however, were born in Canada, where Clovis Benoit, the father, was engaged as a millwright. Later he removed to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he continued to follow his trade tc the time of his death, about twenty-seven years ago. The mother Eleanor (Cossette) Benoit, died November 12, 1922, in Worcester.
Henry A. Benoit, son of Clovis and Eleanor (Cos-
Henry a. Benoch
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BIOGRAPHICAL
sette) Benoit, was born in Sherbrooke, Canada, May 5, 1876, but while still a young child removed to Wor- cester, Massachusetts, with his parents, where he re- ceived his education in the public schools. Upon the completion of his school training he found his first em- ployment with the Wright Wire Company of Worces- ter, with whom he remained for a number of years, making himself thoroughly familiar with several branches of the business with which he was identified. In 1908, however, he severed his connection with the Wright Wire Company and went to Millbury, Massa- chusetts, where he became associated with the Bowden Felting Mills. So well did he apply himself to the ad- vancement of the interests of that concern that two years later, in 1910, when the company was reorganized under the name of The Feiters Company, Inc., of Millbury, Mr. Benoit was made manager, and that important executive position he has continued to efficiently fill until the present time (1923). He is also a stockholder in the company and a member of the board of directors. When he. first began his connection with the textile industry he served a thorough apprenticeship, and from that beginning he has, during the past sixteen years, worked his way up to his present responsible position. He has won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he is associated, and both in the management of those over whom he has supervision and in his relations with his superiors, he has gives evidence of ability of a high order, and has made himself a valuable part of the business organization. His friends, both among his business associates and among those with whom he comes in contact in other connections, are many. He is a member of the Associated Industries of Massachu- setts, and in 1910 the concern with which he is identi- fied was made a Massachusetts corporation. He is a member of Worcester Lodge, Benevolent and Proter- tive Order of Elks. Mr. Benoit's religious affiliation is with the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.
On November 15, 1905, at Worcester, Henry A. Benoit married Ida Beaudry, of Worcester, Massachu- setts. Mr. and Mrs. Benoit reside in Worcester.
JOHN E. GOGGIN-In various branches of com- mercial and industrial activity Mr. Goggin has for many years been engaged in an executive capacity. Identi- fied with the progress of Webster since 1910, he has won wide prominence as secretary and treasurer of the United Optical Company, Incorporated. Mr. Goggin 1S a son of James H. Goggin, who was for many years identified with the grocery firm of John S. Ballard & Son, of Worcester. The mother, before her marriage was Catherine E. Shortall. Both parents are deceased.
John E. Goggin was born in Worcester, Massachu- setts, June 5, 1871. Following his early education in the public schools he attended the A. H. Hinman Busi- ness College, and his first business experience was in the capacity of bookkeeper in the employ of George S. Hoppin & Company, wholesale flour and grain mer- chants of Worcester, with which concern he continued for four years. He then became associated with the James Healy Railroad & Steamship Agency as chief clerk and followed this line of activity for fourteen years. In 1910 Mr. Goggin came to Webster to accept his present position as secretary and treasurer of the
United Optical Company, Incorporated, in which at that time he became financially interested. This is one of the old established concerns of its kind in New England and in the manufacture of optical frames, mountings and shell goods holds a leading position in this section. Employing about fifty hands in their fac- tory at No. 15 Maynard Avenue, they are doing a very prosperous and steadily growing business, and as an active executive in the organization Mr. Goggin is bear- ing a very practical and constructive part in the de- velopment and progress of the enterprise. In the civic and welfare work of the community Mr. Goggin has taken a deep interest for years, but until recently he has never permitted his name to be connected with public affairs in an official way. A Democrat by political affil- iation, he was elected Selectman of Webster, taking up the duties of this office in March, 1922, and still serving in this capacity. During the World War he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and was very active in all movements of a popular nature, especially the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives, and is still a member of the American Red Cross and active in its work. Fraternally he is a member of the Optical Manufacturers' Association, the Knights of Columbus, Webster Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. His re- ligious affiliation is with St. Louis' Roman Catholic Church, and he is a director of the choir, having served in that capacity for ten years. Music is his hobby and recreation, and for many years he has played the violin.
Mr. Goggin married Catherine L. Collins, of Wor- cester, daughter of John and Ann Collins. Mr. and Mrs. Goggin are the parents of four children: William R., a graduate of Worcester Business Institute and Bryant & Stratton Business College, who is now in business with his father; Catherine E., Mildred H., and Clare A.
JOHN U. ARBOUR-One of the prominent and successful enterprises of the town of Millbury, Massa- chusetts, is the Arbour Brothers' Garage, which is ad- vantageously located on one of the main traveled high- ways through Worcester County. John U. Arbour, who stands at the head of this business, is one of the leading young men of this community, enterprising and progressive, interested in all that pertains to the public welfare, and a veteran of the World War. He is a son of John Arbour, who was born at Three Rivers, Canada, and is now engaged as a mason. The mother, Helen (Stratford) Arbour, who was born in Canada, died in the year 1920.
John U. Arbour was born at Magog, Canada, Sep- temper 12, 1895. The family removing to Millbury, Massachusetts, in his childhood, he was educated in the public and high schools of this community, and fol- lowing the completion of his studies, he learned the trade of machinist and tool maker, which he followed in all for about five years. He then became interested in the automobile business and continued in this field as an employee until the year 1920, when he established the present interest. This enterprise was founded earlier in the same year by Peter Lynch, and was conducted by him for about six months, when John and Theodore Arbour bought out the interest, changing the name to
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the present form of Arbour Brothers. These pro- gressive young men do a general line of repair work and act as agents for the Maxwell automobile for the town of Millbury. In addition to their repair and service departments they carry a general line of auto- mobile accessories and tires, also act as agents for the Vesta Storage Batteries. John Arbour enlisted in the 30Ist Engineering Corps, United States Army, during the World War and served overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces for a period of one year, receiv- ing his honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant. He is now a member of the local post of the American Legion, and is one of the popular young men of Mill- bury. He attends the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption.
ERNEST EDWARD O'BRIEN-Among the offi- cials of Worcester County who are engaged in securing the observance of law is Ernest Edward O'Brien, who was recently appointed Deputy Sheriff of the county. Mr. O'Brien was born in West Quincy, Massachusetts, May 3, 1895, son of James J. and Mary E. (Phelan) O'Brien, who are the parents of five children: John J., Ernest Edward, of further mention; James H., William W., and Alice Patricia, who married Oliver Fressiwick.
Ernest Edward O'Brien received his education in St. Mary's Parochial School at Milford, and when school days were over learned the mechanic's trade, which he followed in Milford until 1917. In that ycar, after the entrance of the United States into the World War, he enlisted in Company M, 6th Massachusetts Infantry, but was later transferred to Company D, IOIst Supply Train, with which contingent he sailed for France September 7, 1917. He was in actice service on the Chemins-des-Dames front, on the Toul sector, took part in the battles of Chateau-Thierry and of St. Mihiel, and was gassed during his period of service. He was pro- moted to the rank of sergeant, which rank he held at the time of his discharge, April 29, 1919. Upon his return to civilian life he returned to Milford, Massachu- setts, and on March 14, 1920, he was appointed Chief of Police of that city. So well were the duties of that position discharged by Mr. O'Brien that on January 12, 1922, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Worcester County, which responsible position he is efficiently fill- ing at the present time (1923). Fraternally Mr. O'Brien is well known, being affiliated with the Fra- ternal Order of Eagles, with Milford Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, the Knights of Columbus, and the Foresters of America, in which order he is captain of the degree staff of the United States, and holds the 1921 championship. He is also a Past Commander of Milford Post, American Legion; and of Framingham Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and he serves the com- munity as a member of Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Ernest Edward O'Brien married, on June 6, 1919, at Holliston, Massachusetts, Ircnc Veronica Haley, daugh- ter of Cornelius and Josephine (Mahoney) Haley, and they are the parents of two children: Irene Veronica, who was born April 14, 1920, and Ernest Edward, born September I, 1922.
CHARLES ALBERT GOUCHER-Among the younger men of Milford, Massachusetts, Charles A. Goucher holds a leading position as superintendent of the Milford Armory. A native of this State and active in the shoe industry for a number of years, he has been a resident of Milford since his return from the World War and is one of the popular veterans of that struggle.
Charles A. Goucher was born at Peabody, Massa- chusetts, May 22, 1895, and is a son of Charles and Honora (Francis) Goucher. His education was ac- quired in the public schools of Peabody, and as a young man he entered the employ of the Regal Shoe Com- pany. He was thus engaged until the United States entered the European War, and for a time thereafter. Mr. Goucher's military record dates back to May 19, 1912, when he enlisted in Company M, 6th Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard. He saw ser- vice on the Mexican Border in 1916, with the rank of corporal, and it was as a seasoned soldier that he en- tered the World War when his regiment was transferred to the Federal service, becoming the 104th Regiment, United States Regular Army. He served in France for nineteen months, and in the course of that time was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Upon his return to America and his discharge from active service, he still retained his connection with the National Guard, and in January, 1922, was made superintendent of the Milford Armory. In this responsible position Sergeant Goucher continues at the center of interest of military affairs in Worcester County, and in this post of dignity and responsibility he is considered the right man in the right place. In the military chapters of this work, the history of the Milford Armory is given in detail and a picture of the armory is published. Mr. Goucher is identified fraternally with Lodge No. 628, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; the Knights of Columbus ; Lodge No. 120, Foresters of America; Lodge No. 587, Loyal Order of Moose; and John Powers Post, Ameri- can Legion. He is a member of the Milford Fire Com- pany, and is deeply interested in all civic and social advance. His religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Goucher married, at Milford, Massachusetts, on June 25, 1919, Marion Gertrude Davoren, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Davoren. Mr. and Mrs. Goucher are the parents of one son, Charles, Jr., born at Milford, September 28, 1920.
JOSEPH E. O'SHAUGHNESSY-In the profes- sion of the law in Southbridge, Massachusetts, Mr. O'Shaughnessy is one of the successful young men of the day, and his practice is constantly extending. His success is a matter of his own achievement, and he is numbered among the really noteworthy figures in pro- fessional circles in Southern Worcester County. He is a son of Thomas F. O'Shaughnessy, who was born in County Clare, Ireland, and came to America as a young man, settling in Southbridge. Here he was active in the employ of the Southbridge Printing Company until his death, which occurred in 1898. The mother, Mar- garet (Fitzpatrick) O'Shaughnessy, was also born in County Clare, Ircland, and still survives her husband.
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