History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 198

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1464

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II > Part 198

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

HENRY EMERSON SMITH.

Colonel Henry E. Smith, of the firm of Childs, Smith & Co., jobbers in hoots and shoes, is one of the many patriotic Worcester County boys who shoul- dered a musket and went to war in the volunteer armies of the Union in 1861.

In his case the military title by which he is gener- ally known is no hollow mockery, but one of several honorable titles, honorably earned either by long and faithful service in camp and field during the Civil War, or by subsequent service and prominence in the military organizations of the State.

Of all the honors of rank and title which have been thus earned, the one which he prizes most, and which will live longest on history's page, undimmed by the dust of years, is that of the young and intrepid " color-bearer" of the gallant Fifteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers.

Entering the army as a private in Company F of that regiment, July 16, 1861, his stalwart figure and soldierly bearing speedily marked him for promotion from the ranks, and soon after reaching the field he was appointed color-bearer of the regiment. In this important and hazardous position he won distinction by his coolness and bravery, carrying the flag in all the bloody battles in which the " Old Fifteenth " was engaged, from Ball's Bluff, October 21, 1861, through the disastrous Peninsular campaign (under McClel- lan), the battles of Centreville and South Mountain, to the field of Antietam, where he was wounded in the leg, September 17, 1862.

The flag-staff, which was shattered at Ball's Bluff, was repaired with thongs until after the battle of Malvern Hill, when he found the handle of a tin dipper, while on a foraging excursion, from which he fashioned a ferrule to secure the fracture in a more thorough manner. This flag-staff, with its bullet- riddled ensign, is now preserved in the State-house at Boston, still hearing the ferrule made of the tin-dip- per handle and carried by him through the subse- quent campaigns.

The bullet which disabled him at Antietam changed but did not stop, his military career. He was sent to hospital in Philadelphia, and when convalescent was assigned to the command of the Hospital Guard at Chester, Pa., where he remained nntil the spring of 1864. His term of service having then nearly expired, he re-enlisted " for the war" in March, 1864, and re- joined his regiment in active service, and was again severely wounded in the breast at the battle of North Anna River, May 26th of the same year.

When in a measure recovered from this wound, he .

1736

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, as mustering officer, at Auburn, N. Y., and on July 4, 1865, he was commissioned as second lieutenant of the One Hundred and Ninety-third Regiment New York Volunteers, and assigned to duty at Wheeling, W. Va., as post adjutant. Later he served as provost marshal at Romney, W. Va., and as assistant superintendent of the Freedmen's Bureau at Harper's Ferry. In this department he established the first freedmen's schools in Harper's Ferry, Charleston, Martinsburg and Smithsfield, W. Va.

On July 18, 1866, he was mustered out, having completed over four and a half years of continuous service.

Since the war he has served in the State militia of Massachusetts as second and first lieutenant of Battery " B," Massachusetts Light Artillery, for four years, and in 1886 he was elected lieutenant-colonel and commander of the Worcester Continentals, an inde- pendent military organization of high character in the city of Worcester.

In 1878 he became a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, and at the annual meeting, June 7, 1885, he was elected first lieutenant of that honored and exclusive veteran organization. On the death of Commander Trull, November 21, 1886 (the first commander to die in office since the corps was organized in 1638), Lieu- tenant Smith succeeded to the command, and presided at the two hundred and forty-eighth anniversary of the corps, in Fancuil Hall.

Two years later, June, 1888, he was elected captain and commander, and during the past year has had the distinguished honor to command the oldest military organization in the country on the occasion of its two hundred and fiftieth anniversary, celebrated last June, and made memorable by the presence of a notable delegation from the parent corps of London, England, and observed as a general holiday in Boston.

In civil life Colonel Smith is widely known as a successful business man and a genial gentleman. He was born in North Brookfield, Mass., April 26, 1841 ; was educated in the common schools of the town, and began life in earnest, at fifteen years of age, as a shoemaker in his native town, where he worked at his trade until he left the shop for the battle-field in 1861. Benjamin Smith, his father, the son of Isaac Smith, was a native of Canterbury, N. H., and mar- ried Mary E., daughter of Nathaniel Smith. Her mother, née Susannah Bartlett, of North Brookfield, is still living at the age of ninety-seven years.

At the close of his long service in the army Lieu- tenant Smith returned to North Brookfield, and in September, 1866, he came to Worcester, and engaged as a traveling salesman with the well-known boot and shoe firm of S. R. Heywood & Co., manufactu- rers and jobbers. In 1870 he became a partner, suc- ceeding to the jobbing business of S. R. Heywood & Co., under the firm-name of A. J. Stearns & Co.

Later the business of this firm was consolidated with that of B. W. Childs & Co. (1874), under the name of Childs, Smith & Co., the present firm, in which he is a partner. The house does a large and successful jobbing business throughout the New England and Middle States in the general line of boots, shoes and rubbers.

Colonel Smith married Abigail C., daughter of Benjamin Nevin, of Ogsdenburg, N. Y., December 8, 1868, who died June 28, 1880, leaving three chil- dren,-two sons and a daughter. His second wife was Mary C. Wilson, of Worcester, whom he mar- ried April 26, 1882, and by whom he has two sons.

In politics he is a Republican, active, but not aggressive, preserving in all the relations of life the same manly and genial traits which have won him the respect and regard of his comrades in the army and a host of warm friends in business, military and social circles wherever he is known.

RANSOM C. TAYLOR.

Ransom C. Taylor, of Worcester, Mass., was born in Winchester, N. H., February 24, 1829. He is a son of Charles Taylor, of Winchester, and is the sixth of nine children. His mother's maiden name was Susan Butler, a daughter of an old citizen of Winchester, where the ancestors of both of his par- ents had lived for several generations. When Ran- som was four years old, in 1833, his parents removed to Northbridge, Mass. There, when of sufficient age, he attended the common-schools of the village and assisted his father on his farm and in the meat business, in which his father was engaged.

At the age of twelve years he drove his father's meat-cart through the neighboring villages, carrying out meat.

When he was seventeen years old he left home, and began business for his father in Worcester, manufacturing neats-foot oil, glue-stock and tallow, and dressing tripe for the market. He had been in the city only a short time when he had the typhoid fever, and was obliged to return home to rest and re- gain his health. The next year, being then eighteen years of age, he bought his time of his father for three hundred dollars, and went to Sutton, Mass., where he engaged in business similar to that of his father on his own account, He remained in business there four years. In 1850 he married Miss Mary Louisa Chase, an accomplished and excellent daughter of Capt. Abraham Chase, of that town. At the age of twenty-two he removed to Worcester, where he has since resided, carrying on for several years the same business that he had followed before.

His business grew to be the largest of its kind in this part of the country. Besides his establishment in Worcester, he had branches in New York City, Milford, Randolph, Taunton, Springfield, Hartford,

-6. Taylor

Ransom

1737

WORCESTER.

New Haven, Troy, Albany and other places. When he began business he employed only two men and used two horses, but his trade increased so much that at one time he required one hundred men and as many horses. While thus engaged in business he began investing in real estate, and after he had been in Worcester about twenty years he disposed of his extensive business before-mentioned, and turned his whole attention to transactions in real estate.

His first purchase was the Newton estate ou Front Street, now owned by Dr. F. H. Kelley. Much of his capital is invested in large buildings in the centre of the city, especially on Front and Main Streets ; among the best known being the Taylor building, the First National Bank building and the Chase building, all of which are ornamental to the city. He built the first five-story, six-story and seven- story blocks in Worcester. Mr. Taylor was one of the originators of the First National Bank and was one of the directors of that corporation for about twenty years. He was also one of the original stock- holders of the First National Fire Insurance Com- pany, of which he has been a director and large stockholder ever since.

Mr. Taylor's wife died in the year 1878. In 1880 he married Mary S. Stevens, daughter of Merrick R. Stevens, a flour merchant of Newton, Massachusetts. He has four children by his first wife-two sons and two daughters ; and by his second wife a son and a daughter. The two older sons are associated with him in business. Until 1883 Mr. Taylor lived at Quinsigamond Village, where he had built for him- self a large and handsome house, but in that year he purchased the Dr. Kelley mansion, on Main Street, where he now resides.

When he came to Worcester the population of the city was about seventeen thousand. He has been identified with its growth until the present time, it · being now a city of eighty thousand inhabitants. He has never sought office, and with the exception of two years, when he was a member of the Board of Aldermen of the city of Worcester, has not held pub- lic office. He is positive in his political views, but has not been a very active politician. He does, how- ever, take an active part in local affairs in the city, and was a contributor to the fund recently raised to procure the new location for the post-office in the city. It was largely owing to his influence that the new site for it was selected. He is a lover of fine horses and enjoys driving his speedy and handsome teams.

Mr. Taylor is a conspicuous example of what may be accomplished in New England by energy, industry, economy and perseverance. Starting in life without the advantages of education, except such as he ob- tained in the ordinary public schools in the small village where he was reared, he early manifested that aptness for business which gave assurance of success. He early acquired confidence in his own judgment as to business enterprises, and he possessed the courage

to enlarge his business and extend his field of opera- tions, and thus greatly increase his profits.

His operations in real estate have been large and equally successful. His purchases were followed by an advance in the market value of the estates purchased. These continued successes of his various branches of business have raised him from a poor boy to be one of the most wealthy men in the city. Popular rumor classes him among the millionaires. His success under difficulties is proof of his sagacity and the soundness of his judgment.

Possessing an accurate and retentive memory, he has been able constantly to carry in mind his numer- ous business transactions without much trouble of making entries on books-an advantage easily appre- ciated.

He is eminently a self-made man. It may be said of him in the words of Shakespeare, "Not propt by ancestry, neither allied to eminent assistants, by the force of his own merits he makes his way." Until quite recently Mr. Taylor was an attendant at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Worcester, and has been a liberal contributor to its support. He has also contributed in aid of the Whitinsville Methodist Church. His father was a prominent Methodist and contributed largely to aid in the building of a Methodist church in Winchester.

JAMES ANTHONY COLVIN.

Mr. Colvin was born in Cranston, R. T., on the 20th of June, 1833. His father's name was Caleb Colvin, and he was a descendant from John Colvin, who set- tled in Rhode Island near the close of the seven- teenth century.

The education of Mr. Colvin was gained at the common school, where his quickness of apprehension and application as a scholar made him proficient in the limited studies of such schools at that period. But whatever deficiences existed at the time he left school were soon supplied as he went out into the world; so that now few men, aside from those who are in what is called professional life and actual students of the times, stand before him for general intelligence, and that shrewd use of knowledge that always leads to success. But the success attained by Mr. Colvin is by no means to be attributed solely to shrewdness and industry, but in a large measure to that unswerv- ing integrity of character and manliness that have all along marked his course.

Mr. Colvin's first experience in the work of life was on the home-farm at Cranston. There he labored till eighteen years of age, when he left to learn the iron foundry business, and soon became so skillful that in 1863 he was able to commence business on his own account, which he did with his brother Caleb as a partner at Danielsonville, Conn. In about two and a half years after this commencement he purchased his brother's interest and continued on for some two

1738

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

and a half years more, when his establishment was burned. Though crippled by this disaster, he was far from being discouraged; and after duly considering the matter, determined on removing to Worcester as affording a more extensive field for contemplated future operation. Thus he became a resident of Worcester in 1868. In the business herc he again formed a partnership with his brother, a partnership which continued twelve years. After that period James A. Colvin, the subject of this sketch, com- menced on his sole account, and has continued to conduct a large and prosperous business to the present time. The reputation of the products of his foundry in the markets of the country is second to none; but the excellence of his products is not the only element of thrift, for his promptness and fair dealing have had their deserved influence. But the writer of this sketch has received a caution from Mr. Colvin not to give a word of undeserved praise-a caution which he feels bound to respect, though perhaps it was unnecessary, as he would not knowingly, in any case, bestow un- merited adulation, nor, especially, undeserved censure.

In public affairs Mr. Colvin has never been con- spicuous, preferring rather the quiet duties and enjoy- ments of home life when not engrossed by the cares of business. He is a reader of good books, historical, biographical and similar works, seldom wasting time over the ephemeral literature that at this day falls in such showers from the press, and which is so re- pugnant to the taste that is disciplined for the useful and dignified.

In his religions views Mr. Colvin ranks with those now commonly known as liberal, in distinction from those of the old Puritanical and Trinitarian theology. And in politics he holds allegiance to the principles of the present Republican party.

Mr. Colvin has been twice married. His first wife was Amy Ann, a daughter of John C. Johnson, of Natick, R. I., the marriage taking place January 21, 1854. His second wife was Anna, a daughter of Francis Lee, of Montpelier, Vt., the marriage taking place January 20, 1869. By his first wife he had two sons and one daughter ; and by his second wife he had two daughters, all of whom are now living.

WILLIAM HENRY SAWYER.

It would be unseemly, even were it proper, in a work like that now in hand, to indulge in personal com- parisons ; to show wherein this or that one is superior or inferior to some other. Such comparisons, of all others, are odious. But it is not invidious to remark of one possessing the characteristics of the individual whose name appears above, that he stands in the front rank of Worcester's most active, enterprising and successful citizens.

Mr. Sawyer is a native of Bath, N. H., and was born August 8, 1843. Like so many of the smart sons of New England, who, from humble conditions,

have attained high positions in the business world, his education was gained chiefly in the common school, though he was for a while a pupil in the New- bury (Vermont) Seminary. Yet he by no means came from the humblest rank, for his father was a well-to- do farmer, and the owner of many lumber producing acres, in laboring upon which the son commenced that course of training which finally led to the high position in the lumber business he now occupies, a position the most commanding of any in the trade now in Worcester, if not in all New England. The following statements found in an interesting and val- uable little work published in 1888 by F. S. Blanchard & Co., of Worcester, in the form of an almanac and county-hand book, give in a succinct form a view of Mr. Sawyer's progress in the lumber busi- ness : When he had attained his majority, "he and his brother started the lumbering business for them- selves, building a saw-mill, from which they turned out products for quick shipment to the cities. This was followed for several years and then, after visiting several cities to decide upon a location for establish- ing a retail lumber trade, William H. came to Wor- cester in 1870, and formed a partnership with Mr. Joseph Chamberlain in the lumber-yard on Grove street. He retired from the firm at the end of the first year and started for himself on Lincoln street." And he seems to have located on the very spot where the first business of the kind was started, in 1685, by Capt. John Wing. He was successful beyond expectation. " But it is not as a retailer of lumber that Mr. Saw- yer has accumulated his handsome fortune. He early foresaw the advantages of handling on a large scale the lumber from the great forests of Michigan and Wisconsin, and the pine centres of Canada, and in 1877 established a wholesale lumber-yard at Tona- wanda, New York, a few miles from Buffalo, and in 1880 established another yard at Bay City, Michigan. He also went into the forests of Tennessee and Ken- tucky for white wood, and into other Southern States for black walnut, shipping the products to the Mid- dle and Eastern States. He was one of the first to ship white wood from Tennessee to Massachusetts. He did an immense business when the prices of him- ber were high, and he reaped the benefit of his indus- try. He has consolidated his Bay City yard with that of Tonawanda, which has a capacity for thirty million feet of lumber, and employs one hundred men, all lumbering."

Mr. Sawyer enjoys an enviable reputation for honesty and fair dealing, as well as for readiness to lend a helping hand in all approved enterprises. And his abundant means enable him to indulge his natural inclination to liberality in aid of the worthy objects of charity so constantly presented. In the furtherance of missionary work he is especially in- terested. But he is not one to make an ostentatious display or obtrusive boast of his good deeds.

It is remarkable that in all his business career he

J. M. Barrett

1739

WORCESTER.

seems never to have entered into an undertaking that was not successful-at least where he had a control- ing influence ; a fact which will naturally be attribu- ted to his uncommon shrewdness, forecast and energy. Another element of success has been his habitual reticence concerning his business affairs. Still another, and, without doubt, one of the chief ele- ments of success, is his promptness in meeting ap- pointments and obligations of every kind. He is not one to put off till to-morrow a duty that can as well be done to-day, in this differing from a great many business men who allow that arrant thief-procrasti- nation-to steal so much of their substance.1

In public life, at least so far as official position is concerned, Mr. Sawyer has not been conspicuous, his inclinations never leading in that direction. He, however, accepted the office of Alderman of Worces- ter, and now, 1888, occupies a seat with that honor- orable board.

A good part of his few vacant intervals of time he spends in reading, and keeps well posted on the cur- rent events of the day. In historical researches he delights, and in books of permanent usefulness. But novels and similar light literature he eschews. He is accustomed to spend, as far as other duties will allow, his evening hours at home in reading and fire- side recreation, seldom appearing in the chab room or other outside place of entertainment.

Mr. Sawyer has been twice married. His first wife, with whom he was united January 4, 1870, was Miss Sylvina T. Child, of Bath, N. H., a lady belonging to one of the leading New Hampshire families. He had a daughter by her, and both mother and daughter died in 1872. His second and present wife was Miss Fanny A. Weld, an intelligent and estimable lady. Their marriage took place in May, 1874, and the fruit of this second union is four daughters and one son, all of whom are now living.

In his religious views Mr. Sawyer ranks with the Trinitarian Congregationalists, in that respect adher- ing to the old paths of the New England fathers. In politics he is a pronounced adherent of the Republi- can party.

1 The writer is aware that the Websterian doctrine teaches the con- trary, that is, never to do to-day what can be put off till to- morrow. The late John Glen King, of Salem, who was a personal friend as well as legal brother of Hon. Daniel Webster, many years ago related to the writer a scene which took place in one of the higher courts. Mr. Web- ster was counsel in an important case, and when it was called he arose in all his dignity, and much to the surprise of all, moved for a continu- ance. " Why, Mr. Webster," said the Judge, " for what reason do you make such a motion ? The parties, witnesses and council are all here, ready to go on. I am surprised at your motion, and must ask for some substantial reason. The homely old maxim, 'Never put off till to-mor- row what can be done to-day,' is a good one and worthy of application in this case." Upon that Mr. Webster, in his most solemn and measured toues, thanked the court for reminding him of the maxim, that was at least venerable for its years, but begged leave to remark, that wise as it appeared he was accustomed to follow one that seemed better fitted to his own habits, and that was, never to do to-day what could be put off till to-morrow. " Well, well," Mr. Webster, replied the Judge, " the Court and bar will never doubt that you have faithfully followed the teaching of your maxim. The case must go ou."

JOSEPH MASSA BASSETT.

Mr. Bassett was born in Eden, Vt., on the 31st of August, 1834, and was a son of George Bassett, a farmer of that place. His education was obtained in the common school of that period, in which, if there were not such a variety of studies pursued as is the case at this day, elementary instruction was given with a thoroughness not now excelled.

From the time he was able to make his services of value, till the age of sixteen, he led the life of a farmer-boy, and in that capacity secured the benefits of one of the most healthful and freedom-inspiring of all employments.

In April, 1851, when but sixteen years of age, he came to Worcester, and found employment in the manufacturing establishment then known as Court Mills for about six months, until compelled by failing health to return to his country home. After a few months, his health having been restored, he entered a country store, where, for two years, by dealing in all sorts of merchandise and with all sorts of people, he gathered an experience that in after years, as he entered upon a more extended and complicated busi- ness career, proved of very great advantage. Few situations are better calculated to develop the business capacity of a youth than a New England country store. The dilapidated little shop in old Danvers where the celebrated London banker, George Pea- body, began his business life was lately to be seen, if it is not still grimly smiling there.

In March, 1854, Mr. Bassett again came to Worces- ter as an incipient adventurer in trade, and from that time Worcester has been his home. His first employ- ment was in a lumber yard, where he remained for a year. After that, for eight years, he was bookkeeper in a manufactory of woolen machinery. His next step was to become a partner in the old firm of E. C. Cleveland & Co. At the end of four years he dis- posed of his interest to Mr. Cleveland, and for a year was in the wool business, with a partner, under the firm-name of Bassett & Hobbs. He then returned to his old business of manufacturing woolen machinery, and again formed a partnership with Mr. Cleveland, the style of the firm being Cleveland & Bassett. The firm met with difficulties and losses to such an extent that in about two years a failure took place.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 198

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1464

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1464