USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > History of the town of Douglas, (Massachusetts,) from the earliest period to the close of 1878 > Part 16
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Colonel Emerson was a member of the Uxbridge Lodge F. & A. M., and held positions of responsibility and honor in the order. He had but little taste for polities, although he kept himself thor- oughly acquainted with the questions and issues of the day, and voted as he talked - intelligently and consistently. He was an earnest advocate of woman's suffrage, and hoped to live to see the day when all persons, irrespective of rank, color or sex, should have the same rights at the polls, and the same recognition by the laws of the land. He was a member of the Second Congregational Church in Douglas from its organization, and was a most consist- ent Christian.
LUTHER STONE
was born Sept. 22, 1801, in the town of Leominster. He went to Fitchburg when quite young, and from there he removed to Doug- las, about the year 1820, with his brother Theodore, with whom he was associated in the business of masonry for many years. They built several houses in North Uxbridge, Douglas and surround- ing towns, doing the larger part of the brick work. About the year 1850 they gave up working at their trade, and Luther
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worked at polishing axes for a while. He was afterwards employed in keeping books for Deacon Hunt. He built the N. W. Preston house, and lived there for a time. In 1858 he removed to Wor- cester, and of his residence there and of his death the Worcester Spy of Friday, Sept. 6, 1878, speaks in the following terms : " We record this morning the decease of this aged and worthy citizen, who was taken with cholera morbus at Scarboro' Beach, where he went some days ago for rest and the improvement of the slender health of his wife. He was brought to his home on Ox- ford street in a prostrated condition on Tuesday evening, and died Thursday morning, lacking seventeen days of 77 years of age.
Mr. Stone came to Worcester from East Douglas twenty-eight years ago, entering the employ of Henry W. Miller, with whom he remained until his death. In personal habits he was simple and regular, and in business efficient and trustworthy. His native vigor of mind suffered no apparent decline, but kept company with an almost unabated natural force of body. Until seven years ago he was connected with the Old South Church, where, as a teacher and superintendent of its Sunday-school, he rendered acceptable service for many years. In the Plymouth Church, with which he afterwards identified himself, he was universally respected. Al- ways unassuming, his worth was best known to the few who will most sensibly feel his loss."
DR. EZEKIEL WOOD
was a prominent physician in East Douglas. He studied for the medical profession and received his diploma at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1828. HeTpracticed medicine in Douglas from that time until his death, which occurred Nov. 4, 1850.
" It has fallen to the'lot of few to gain so wide a reputation and to win so generally the public confidence as did the Doctor.". He was a good citizen, a successful physician, a patron of learn- ing, and a supporter of religious society. He was a prominent member of the Odd Fellows, occupying the rank of Noble Grand at the time of his death. His public spiritedness led him to take a deep interest in the cause of education, and whatever tended to promote good morals in the community. At the time of his resi-
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dence here the High School was supported by the payment of tuition by those who had children to send. Being few in number, it came heavily upon some, and, not having children of his own, he provided schooling for two or three children, and at his death left $500 to be used for school purposes. This is now known as. the Dr. Wood Fund. In later years the appropriation of a portion of this for repairs on the High School building led to a litigation of the subject in the courts, in which the town as plaintiff was. beaten and the trustees sustained.
MR. CHARLES HUTCHINS,
for many years master mechanic of the Douglas Axe Company, was born in Biddeford, Me., June 7, 1814. Without the advantages. of an early education, his sterling character was developed and moulded in youth by the influence of a Christian mother, and his- subsequent success was attained by integrity and tireless energy. He, like all his brothers, was a natural mechanic. When a lad of" ten years his life was saved from drowning by Jarvis Manly, of Pennsylvania, a prominent contractor, and engaged in the build- ing of heavy machinery, and Mr. Manly ever after manifested. great interest in him, and subsequently took him under his patronage and into his employ. Mr. Hutchins traveled in all sections of the country, setting up new machinery and starting: rolling-mills in different localities. With the assistance of Mr .. Manly, who was an educated man, he labored hard and successfully to overcome the defects of his early training, and soon became a. master mechanic.
In 183- Mr. Manly visited Douglas for the purpose of adding: some improved machinery for cutting bar iron to the Axe Works, and Mr. Hutchins came to set it up. About this time he became. acquainted with Harriet N. Hunt, whom he subsequently married, and then removed to Hepburn, Pa., where he operated a nail mill till 1846, when he returned to the employ of the Axe Com- pany as master mechanic, a position he retained until his death.
He was the inventor of several valuable machines, that were not only successfully introduced to the public, but are still in use with.
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but few improvements, so perfect were the original designs. Upon his machine for making axe polls, an invention by which five men with one machine could accomplish more than twenty men were able to do without it, he spent the best portion of his life, plan- ning, altering and perfecting, with the confidence and patience of a true inventor, and nothing has yet been made that can compete with it successfully.
Mr. Hutchins was a man of great nerve, firm and determined in every undertaking, and unwilling to yield to the difficulties that conquer ordinary men. In private as well as among his friends he was social and fond of pleasantry, and especially a thorough believer in the saying, "there's no place like home." In faith and practice a strong temperance man, he was for many years Secre- tary of the Sons of Temperance. In 1864 he was elected Repre- sentative to the General Court by the Republicans of his district. In the Church he took an active part, engaging in all branches of Christian work, and was connected with the Sabbath-school either as teacher or superintendent as long as he lived. Benevolent, dis- cerning, firm in his convictions yet reserved in the expression of them, he had that native force of character that seemed to win the instinctive confidence of those about him.
His death, which occurred April 10th, 1867, was sudden and painful, and marked by many singular coincidences. While ex- perimenting on a buzz-wheel that revolved with incredible rapidity, a defective welding of the rim caused it to burst, and one of the flying fragments inflicted such severe injuries that he lived but a few hours. The pure example of his life was intensified by the suddenness of his death, and left a deep and salutary impression upon the community.
GARDNER CHASE.
Gardner Chase, for many years a prominent and honored citizen of Douglas, was born in Sutton in October, 1805. When quite young his parents removed from that town to Burrillville, R. I., where he remained till about nineteen years of age, when he came to Ux- bridge to attend school under the tuition of "Squire " Jacques. He boarded at Jona. Whipple's, a famous resort for students in those days. He remained in Uxbridge a number of years in the
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employ of the Caprons, and then went to Lynn to carry on a dry goods and grocery store in company with another man, but soon sold out his interest and returned to the mills at Uxbridge, where he remained until March, 1839, when he removed to Douglas. Here he purchased the building on Main street opposite the Hunt estate, took the store already established in the same, and continued a suc- cessful business for many years. In time the business accumulated to such an extent, and his devotion to it was so complete that his health became impaired, and acting under the advice of his physi- cian, he permanently retired, after having been engaged in it about twenty years. From that time till his death he was a perfect exam- ple of incessant industry, being constantly occupied as health permitted in farming and other duties. He was for a long time Chairman of the Selectmen and the Assessors, besides filling other town offices - went one term to the Legislature, and was frequently
Gardner Chase
called upon to settle estates and give advice with reference to the management of private interests. For fifty years he never failed to vote on election day, and the last year of his life, though hardly able, he insisted on being carried to the polls. Scrupulously hon- est and exact in trifles, he could never tolerate in others that petty carelessness which, to say the least, is closely related to dishonesty. Intelligent in town affairs, practiced in all matters of business, never obtruding himself in public, he always readily consecrated his ener- gies on the side of principle or to the faithful discharge of the duties of any position he was called to fill. Few, if any, enjoyed in a greater degree the confidence and respect of the community. He belonged to the type of exceptional men who live in the memories of people long after others are forgotten, just as some days in the ever-gliding years stand out in bold relief when the months that came with them have gone and left no record.
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DR. JOHN TAYLOR.
Dr. Jennison was succeeded in practice by Dr. John Taylor, who moved to Douglas from Lunenburg in 1780. He took the farm then owned by Dr. Jennison, the same now occupied by John Robbins. He in turn was succeeded by his son, Dr. Samuel Taylor. It is evident from the journals of the second Provincial Congress of Massachusets, which held four sessions between Feb. 1, 1775, and May 29, 1775, that Dr. Taylor was an influential citizen and patriot as well as a good physician, for we find him enrolled among the members of a constant succession of commit- tees, many of them important, throughout this Congress.
SAMUEL LOVETT
was born in Paxton, Mass., Aug. 7, 1791, and died at the house of his son, Samuel Pike Lovett, in Uxbridge, Oct. 12, 1864, at the ripe age of 73 years. In very early life he removed to Smith- field, R. I., where he was employed as a clerk in the factory store of Samuel Slater, the pioneer cotton manufacturer of Amer- ica. Here he not only became proficient in mercantile business, but also gained a good insight into the manufacture of cotton cloths as carried on at that day. At this time cloth was woven on hand-looms at the homes of the weavers, and it was a part of Mr. Lovett's business to parcel out the yarns and take account of the cloth when returned.
Here he became acquainted with Miss Lucinda Courtney, who was born in Providence, R. I., April 17, 1797, and to whom he was married in Slatersville, Sept. 17, 1815. Mrs. Lovett was a weaver, and it was the practice of Mr. Lovett to take her place at the loom after the close of his day's labor at the store and factory. By their united industry and prudence they were enabled to ac- cumulate a respectable sum of money for the times in which they lived, and thus lay a foundation for that measure of success which attended their efforts in subsequent life.
About the year 1826 Mr. Lovett left Slatersville and settled in the village of East Douglas, where he engaged in the manufacture of cotton cloth, in company with the late George Howe, of Boston.
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This firm was known as the " Douglas Manufacturing Company," and their business was carried on in the old green mill at the Lower Village, as it was formerly called, and in the stone factory which stands nearly opposite the Heath store. After a number of successful years in this business, Mr. Lovett disposed of his interest in the lower mill, and obtained the sole ownership of the upper, or stone mill, where he continued business till about the year 1849, when he sold his establishment to the Douglas Axe Manufacturing Company, and retired from active business life.
Mr. Lovett was a model manufacturer, always giving his personal attention to the details of his business, by which he was enabled to manufacture the best goods of their class. He always regarded the interests of his help with thoughtful solicitude, and there are . some still living who remember him with grateful affection. The following extracts from a tribute to his memory by his pastor and friend. the late Rev. Joshua L. Maynard, is well deserved :
"He was one of the kindest of men to all in his employ, often being at pains to minister special help and comfort to such as were in need of them. His family and numerous friends well remember him as a man of clear and discriminating mind, wise in counsel, of an even and amiable disposition, united with force of character, as a good husband and father, and a valuable friend, and (not to be forgotten) a Christian of evangelical views and implicit faith and hope."
Mrs. Lovett outlived her husband seven years, her death occur- ring at East Douglas June 8, 1871, in the 74th year of her age. In a notice which appeared in the local newspaper soon after her decease, it was said of her that " she was a woman of much more than common ability, possessing unusual energy and decision of character, always industrious, and ever ready to lend a helping hand where her services were needed. In the sick-room her as- sistance was often required while health lasted, and she was al- ways ready to do what she could. Her interest also in public affairs was noticeable. Whatever tended to elevate and improve society and the community in which she dwelt for so many years received her aid and support. In the religious parish and the Church (Congregational) with which for a number of years she was connected, she felt a deep and lively interest, and many are the works that attest her devotion and attachment to their best
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good. When such a person departs, the community, as well as those who are nearest and dearest by the ties of earthly affection, suffer no common bereavement, and all will miss her and mourn her loss."
The remains of each rest in a beautiful lot in Rural Cemetery, Worcester, which Mr. Lovett purchased some years before his de- cease, and where he erected a massive monument of marble to perpetuate the family name.
Mr. and Mrs. Lovett had the following children : 1. Mary Ann, born at Smithfield, R. I., July 22, 1818, married to Scotto Berry, son of Scotto Berry, of Hardwick ; she died at Worcester, No- vember, 1863. 2. Lucinda, born at Smithfield, R. I., May 7, 1821 ; married at East Douglas to Samuel Elias Staples, Dec. 25, 1844, by Rev. Chauncey D. Rice. 3. Samuel Pike, born at Smith- field, R. I., March 31, 1824 ; married Sarah Ann, daughter of Job and Sarah Balcome Knapp, of East Douglas. 4. Frances Eliza- beth, born in East Douglas Nov. 29, 1826 ; married Frederick Brigham, of Worcester. 5. Minerva Malvina, born in East Douglas Sept. 16, 1834 ; married Isaac S. Balcome, formerly of Douglas, now of Brunswick, Maine. 6. Harriet Berry, born in East Douglas May 5, 1839, died September, 1842.
DR. D. P. WHITE.
Dr. D. P. White, a well-known physician of Douglas, was born in the southern part of the town, about the year 1806. He early manifested a strong preference for the medical profession, and al- though his parents were too poor to give him the necessary educa- tion, this inclination was so ardent that he was able to overcome every obstacle. By teaching school in the winter season, and doing various other kinds of both mental and manual work, he struggled bravely in order that he might meet all his expenses. He entered upon the study of medicine in Bellingham with Dr. Thurber, grad- uated at Pittsfield Medical College, and finally entered upon the practice of his profession, which he followed through a period of forty-three years, thirty of which were spent in Douglas.
While his chief energies centered in his profession, he was inter- ested in all educational matters, was always present at lectures,
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literary entertainments, and all exercises of a public character con- nected with the schools. Though inclined to be conservative, he was by no means averse to new ideas of practical value, but was seldom led astray by popular notions. In politics he was out- spoken, regardless of policy. Of a jovial temperament, he could not resist the temptation to give or to take a joke, and his regular appearance in the post-office of a winter evening was the signal to prepare for laughter.
He was in poor health for nearly two years before his death, which took place May 23, 1874, when his son, Dr. Levi White, who had just graduated from Bellevue Medical College, succeeded to his practice.
ARCHELAUS STONE.
Archelaus Stone, a carpenter and builder by trade, who was intimately connected with the building interests throughout the southern part of Worcester county, lived on a farm about a mile north of the village of East Douglas. As he became known for skill and industry, work came in from neighboring towns and cities, so that he was eminently successful in business, employing a large number of men. At his death, which occurred Jan. 1, 1856, he left a large family of children, several of whom still live in Douglas.
MILTON D. WHIPPLE.
Milton D. Whipple, first son of Welcome Whipple, Esq., was probably one of the most active and ingenious men that ever lived in Douglas, and he was chiefly known as the originator of several useful inventions. One of them, a machine for cutting files, gave such promise of utility that a stock company was formed to manufacture them for market, in which he owned stock to the amount of $40,000. The company subsequently failed, and he lost the whole. Although another invention of his, a burring machine used in the manufacture of woolen goods, proved of great practical value, he met the fate of many inventors in failing to reap any substantial benefit from its adoption, and it cost him more to defend his rights than he ever received in consequence of them.
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Until his death he was constantly occupied with efforts to utilize "new ideas." He succeeded in perfecting a large number of ma- chines.
CULLEN WHIPPLE,
also son of Welcome Whipple, Esq., a machinist by trade, for several years a resident of Douglas, won some celebrity on account of his successful invention of a machine for the manufacture of gimlet-pointed screws. It was made in the brick house on Main street, now owned by Mr. N. S. Caswell. After this machine was partially perfected Mr. Whipple removed to Providence, R. I., where, in connection with one Hopkins and Philip Stiness, he organized a company for the manufacture of screws, which, as other parties were interested, finally developed into the New Eng- land Screw Company. Mr. Whipple obtained a portion of the stock, and a position in the company with a salary of $2,000 per annum. He sold the renewal of his patent for $4,000, and finally, after inventing a wool combing machine that promised well, gave up his connection with the Company and went to England, where he sold this last improvement for £2,000.
LYMAN PARSONS.
Among the former postmasters of our town, Lyman Parsons will be remembered by many of our citizens. He was born in Ludlow, but his father soon after moved to Monson, where he spent the early years of his life, and received his education at the
Lyman Parsons
Monson Academy. He removed in 1831 to Douglas from Whitins- ville, where he was employed as a clerk. He taught school for a number of years at the Forge District (now No. 3), and afterwards in a private school. He was for twenty-five years a Justice of the
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Peace, a Notary Public, and was in the United States Revenue service as Collector during the war. In 1851 he became agent for the old Worcester Mutual Life Insurance Co. (succeeding Rev. Chauncey D. Rice, who was its first agent in Douglas), and con- timed in the insurance business until the time of his death, which took place Feb. 12, 1875. He was postmaster for about three years prior to that time, and the last public act of his life was sign- ing his resignation as such.
S. W. HEATH
was born at Marblehead, Mass., in 1805, and learned the paper- maker's trade at Franklin, Mass. The business did not agree with him, and he returned home. He subsequently eame to Douglas, and went to work in the store of Job and Moses Knapp, in the old, low buildings now standing on the Knapp place. After Moses Knapp withdrew from the firm Mr. Heath bought a half interest in the establishment. He soon after moved to the store on Main
street, and became sole proprietor, continuing so for forty years, until his retirement from aetive business life. During the latter years of his life he was Trial Justice, and filled that office with mueh acceptability. He had a elear sense of justice, and gave his decisions without regard to outside influences. He was a cau- tious, far-seeing business man, a man to be trusted in any respon- sible position, and these qualities fitted him for the town offiees he was called upon to fill during so many years.
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MR. JEREMIAH B. LUTHER
was born Feb. 6, 1805, and came to Douglas at the age of 14. He was a man of few words, but exerted an influence for good wher-
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ever he went. He was a constant attendant at church, a teacher in the Sunday-school for many years, where he accomplished much good through his faithful labors in that capacity, as well as by his example. He twice represented the town in the Legislature, and was a most active and useful member of the community, and in his life strictly exemplified his religious principles and profession. He lied Aug. 8, 1873.
WARREN HUMES, ESQ.,
son of Amos Humes, was born in July, 1802. He possessed to a great degree the native ability which characterized his father. His education was limited, but notwithstanding this lack of early advantages he made his mark in the world, and exerted a power- ful influence in local affairs generally. He was endowed with a remarkable memory, being able to retain and correctly impart a vast amount of general information. He commenced surveying at 25 years of age, and was for years considered the best land surveyor in the south part of Worcester county. He was good authority on real estate law, making it a part of his business as surveyor to be thor- oughly posted thereon. He was Justice of the Peace, and was largely employed in executing deeds and other legal documents ; and so accurately was this business done that little opportunity was afforded the lawyers in detecting errors. As an adviser he was safe to follow, and his statements were always backed by proofs. For about thirty years, at the head of the Democratic party in Douglas, he may be said to have controlled the town in all matters of importance. The question of purchasing a town farm, instead of renting one, as formerly, came up before the town, and encoun- tered his opposition. After a warm and lengthy discussion, in which he did not approve of buying the one suggested, the propo- sition to purchase succeeded, and the 'Squire failed to carry his point, for the first time, probably, in many years. The significance of this victory may be estimated from the great excitement follow- ing, guns being fired and a general jollification taking place.
Many incidents are related showing his rare promptness and accuracy in business. One of the legal hearings in which he was interested came on at Worcester. The counsel needed an accurate
4
WHITIN RESERVOLE
BASS FISHING, AT WALLUM POND
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CAMPING OUT AT WALLUM POND
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plan of the land in dispute, and supposed as a matter of course that it was quite impossible to get it at that late hour in the trial. On learning what was needed the 'Squire volunteered to furnish it, and left Worcester for his home at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. The night was clear and cold, and there was some snow lying on the ground. On reaching his house he took the necessary survey- ing instruments and proceeded to the land in question, which was near Shockalog Pond, made the survey by the light of tallow candles, returned to his house, made his plan, and presented it in court at 9 o'clock the next morning. It is hardly necessary to add that he won the case.
EUNICE BALCOME,
wife of Ellis Balcome, or " Aunt Eunice," as she was universally known, deserves notice as one of the best and most respected women of Douglas. She was possessed of a mild and gentle dis- position, and was characterized by great strength of mind as well as soundness of judgment. She was also blessed with great powers of endurance, and was always ready to be serviceable to those about her, nothing but absolute necessity preventing her from rendering every assistance in her power to the sick and suf- fering. She was thus by years of self-sacrifice and devotion to others' interests endeared to them by strongest ties of friendship. In all of her intercourse with her neighbors she showed herself a sociable, companionable, warm-hearted friend, and she was often cheered by many tokens of the kindly feeling entertained for her by all. Persons of all ages, and especially the children, greatly loved her society, and she was the recipient of many loving and deeply prized favors during her last days.
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