USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 10
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
that body. Mr. Nichols is married and lives in the pleas- ant residence located at 159 K street. He has alway been active in matters pertaining to the interest of South Boston and is respected as one of the leading citizens.
THE LATE SUMNER CROSBY.
This former resident of South Boston died in April. 1875. He was born in Bil- lerica, Mass., in 1801, and was a lineal descendant of Simon and Ann Crosby, who came from England in 1631 and settled in Cambridge. He was educated in the public schools of Billerica, coming to Boston in 1840, where he achieved success in business. His acts of benevolence and good will towards his fellow- men, will be long remem- bered. He was married in 1826 to HIariot Blanchard of Billerica, and with his estim- able helpmate took up his resi- dence in South Boston in 1840. In 1853, he established himself in the grain business on Dorchester avenue, taking in his son, William S. Crosby, as a partner in 1865, the business being after- wards, and to the present day, continued under the firm name of Sumner Crosby & Son. For many years the concern bas conducted the largest business in the line in this vicinity, the reputation of the house being of the best. Beside laying the foun- dation and building up the large business now continued by his son, Mr. Crosby occupied many positions of public trust. He served as a member of the com- mon council, state legislature and senate with that strict regard for the public good that characterized the service of men of his day and district. During the civil war his service was freely given in aid of the soldiers, and he occupied a place on the Soldiers' Aid Committee, dis- tributing public contributions, and his
THE LATE SUMNER CROSBY.
own funds when other means were not at his disposal, with that kindly nature pe- culiar to men of his temperament. His work for the sick, wounded and destitute was both arduous and faithful, and his sympathy for the suffering was always readily enlisted. He was one of the most interested workers in the establish- ment of the Boston City Hospital and was a member of the building committee of that institution: he also served for several years as a member of the original board of trustees. He was a member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and was an interested worker and active member of the Hawes Church.
THE LATE GILBERT WAIT.
Among the deceased residents of South Boston the loss of none have been more deeply felt than that of Gil-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
bert Wait. He was for many years active in the affairs of South Boston, was the owner of Wait's Hall, and a man known for his kindly acts to his fellow-men. He died at his comfortable home on Fourth street, after a two weeks' illness, Decem- ber 15, 1886, at the age of sixty-eight. He was born in the town of Mexico. Maine, March 8, 1818; came of an old
THE LATE GILBERT WAIT.
and distinguished family, among the early ancestry being Thomas Wayte, one of the signers of the death warrant of King Charles I of England, in 1648. On the paternal side were also William Wait and his son, minute men who fought side by side during the Revolution at Bunker Hill. Battle of Lexington, and took part in throwing up the fortifications at Dor- chester Heights. Gilbert Wait came to South Boston in 1869 and engaged in the provision business with store on
Fourth street. Although the locality was but sparsely populated at that time, he became successful. He gradually became interested in real estate and in 1857 built Wait's Hall, to the ground floor of which he removed his store, afterwards known as Washington market. The hall above became the leading place of this section of the city for select concerts, dancing parties and public events and served its pur- pose for many years. He acquired a thorough knowl- edge of the value of prop- erty here, and, being pos- sessed of unusually sound judgment, coupled with scrupulous honesty, his ad- vice was frequently sought, not only by the helpless widow and orphan to whom he was even an unfailing . friend and strong protector, but he was often called upon to act as expert in ap- praising public and other property. Mr. Wait was a consistent and faithful mem- ber of the South Baptist church, and was a helpful member of that society from 1842 to the time of his death. To this church he gave liberally of his means and time. He was one of the most influential of its members in raising the funds for the building of the edifice at the corner of F street ; and as a member of the building committee took a deep interest in its con- struction, personally superintending its erection for the society, after the failure of the contractor, who was engaged by the church, to carry out the work. Mr. Wait represented South Boston in the board of aldermen during the term of 1866-1867, was one of the corporation of the South Boston Savings bank, and was for many years one of the trustees of Mount Hope Cemetery. The deceased is sur- vived by his widow, one son and two danghters. '
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
THE LATE WILLIAM MCCULLOUGH.
The late William McCullough was the original florist of South Boston and one of the pioneer landscape gardeners of New England. To him is due, in a great measure, the progress made in gardening since the early days. He came to this district in the days when it was sparsely settled, in 1836, and occu- pied the old house on Fourth, between M and N streets. Surrounding this hand- some residence, was about one and one- half acres, made beautiful by the horti-
lough to retire from business and seek recuperation in Europe. His health was not benefited by his trip abroad, and he died in 1859 at the age of sixty- two years. Beside being a recognized artist in his line, his genial disposition made friends wherever he went. Mr. Mccullough left two sons and a daughter at the time of his death. After his re- gretted decease, his business was removed to the estate of Dr. S. G. Howe and con- tinued for some years by his son William, until his death. Of the sons. William has passed away, and Charles N. is still
THE LATE WILLLAM MCCULLOUGH AND HIS OLD HOME ON FOURTH STREET.
cultural skill of Mr. Mccullough. His grounds in those days were marvellous to behold. So magnificent was his display of flowers, that it was common for the elite of Boston to visit the grounds and ex- press their admiration of the picturesque scene. Mr. Mccullough won plaudits from all sides for his genins. He had charge of the Boston Public Gardens in 1847, with Rev. Charles F. Barnard. In addition to his reputation locally, he made a national reputation by his intro- duction of the tomato into the United States. Il-health forced Mr. McCul-
living, the latter being now engaged in mercantile pursuits. The daughter, Mrs. Mary B. Blom occupies a prominent position in South Boston social circles. She is a member of the Old Hawes School Girls' Association, and for ten years served that body as treasurer. Many of the older residents of South Boston will doubtless recognize the old house on Fourth street, and the likeness of Mr. Mccullough. His name is one that will be long remembered in the art of horticul- ture, and his place has never been filled as a neighbor and resident of City Point.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
LIBERTY D. PACKARD, M. D.
Among the citizens of South Boston few were better known or more beloved than Dr. Packard. His sterling charac- ter, genial disposition and sympathetic interest in his friends and in his city, made him welcome in many homes, and in pub- lic gatherings. One of the familiar sights was the doctor with his favorite horse
THE LATE L. D. PACKARD, M. D.
" Dolly " driving about the streets in his daily round of calls.
Born in 1831, in Brockton, Mass., then North Bridgewater, he received his early education at Adelphi Academy of that town. Later he studied at the Har- vard Medical School and New York Homeopathic College from which he was graduated in 1862. After a six- months' experience in East Boston he came to this section, and from that time
to the day of his death, he had a large and continuous practice. He was friend as well as physician to many families, and his books show thousands of calls made for sweet charity's sake.
Ile was a senior member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, a member of the New York Medical Society and senior member and ex-president of the Massachusetts Homeopathie Medical Society.
He was a strong Repub- lican and was honored by his party with prominent posi- tions. In 1872 he was elected to the House of Represent- atives of the General Court, and served two years. From 1867 to 1871, in 1883, and, again, from 1888 to 1891, he was a member of the Boston ·school board, under whom he was the chairman of the South Boston Division. Hun- dreds of South Boston boys and girls have received their diplomas from his hand, and often he has been called " the teacher's friend."
In the membership of many social organizations his name will be found, among them the Adelphi Lodge, F. and A. M ; Bethesda Lodge, I. O. O. F .; Boston Lodge 134, Knights of Honor; Unity Lodge, No. 5. A. O. U. W. ; Lincoln Council, Royal Ar- canum; South Boston Citi- zens' Association. He was a trustee of the South Boston Savings' Bank.
In his church life, he was a devoted member of the St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a trustee.
Ilis death, of heart trouble, came very suddenly at the close of a busy day, Jan- mary. 5, 1895, at his residence 538 Broad- way. He was married in 1853 to Lucy Kingman of Mansfield, Mass. His widow and three daughters survive him. His only son died in 1877 at the age of twenty-one years.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
THE LATE OTIS D. DANA.
Among the deceased residents of South Boston, none were held in higher esteem than the late Otis D. Dana, who, up to the time of his death, lived in the large brick residence at the corner of Broad- way and M Streets.
Mr. Dana was born in Boston, July 17, 1835. Ile came of an old and well-known family of merchants, and after receiving a good education, followed the example of his ancestors by engaging in mercan- tile pursuits early in life. At eighteen he entered the store of Eaton, Lovett & Wellington. where he remained during
THE LATE OTIS. D. DANA.
the whole of his noted business career. From a boy he worked up through the various departments of the large hard- ware business until, in 1865, he had earned a membership in the firm, which at that time became Eaton, Wellington & Co. In 1867 he changed the firm to a corporation under the name of Dana Hardware Co., and became its president and treasurer.
Up to the time of his regretted decease Mr. Dana was a tireless worker, and mm- der his guidance the business was brought to its present large proportions.
Hle was ever active in public affairs, and was interested in many large business
enterprises. He served as a member of the city government, was for a time presi- dent of the old South Boston Street Rail- way Company, a trustee of the South Boston Savings Bank, and a director of the Freemans National Bank. He was also a member of the Algonquin, Mer- chants' and Art Clubs.
He was widely known for his benevo- lence to the poor, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was a member of St. Paul's Lodge, St. Omer Commandery, and also a Thirty-three De- gree Mason. He built a large number of houses in this district, and improved property here to a noticeable extent.
FRANK E. PARK.
Of the older families of South Boston, there is no one more favorably known than Frank E. Park. A product of .South Boston, Mr. Park has watched the growth of the district from smaller pro- portions to the immense settlement that it is found in the close of the nineteenth cen- tury. He is a son of the late Deacon Wil- liam Park, who came to South Boston in 1825. Like his son, the father was also a mason and contractor and followed the business until the time of his death. The subject of this sketch was born in South Boston in 1835. His education was re- ceived in the Hawes grammar school on Broadway and the English high school. During the trying times of the Civil War he responded to the early call for volun- teers, and his name was found upon the rolls of the sixth Massachusetts volun- teers. Upon his return from the front, Mr. Park engaged in the business of mason and contractor, and has successfully car- ried on this business without interruption to the present day. During his career as a business man he has erected many mag- nificent buildings, including portions of the plant of the Jenney Manufacturing Company, the Jenkins Glass works, and the Walworth Manufacturing Company. These are but few of the buildings in which Mr. Park has done a major portion of the work.
In the political world he has always been sought by his friends, and has been
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
honored on several occasions for offices within the gift of the people. In 1890 he was elected to the common council from Ward 14 and last year was named as Re- publican candidate for the board of alder- men in the eighth aldermanic district, comprising Wards 14 and 15. Mr. Park made a magnificent showing in this over- whelming Democratic district. He has always been at the call of his party, and
FRANK E. PARK.
has given his time for the furtherance of its principles. He has on many occasion been rewarded with positions of trust in this community, and in the organizations which can claim him as a member. He is a past commander of Post 125 G. A. R. which was afterward merged with the Dahlgren Post 2, of which he is a mem- ber, the Boston Yacht Club, Hawes School Association, South Boston Citizens' Asso- ciation, different branches of the Masonic
order, and other civil and fraternal bod- ies. He takes a deep interest in the Hawes School Association, among which are numbered the boys of his school days, and in 1899 he served as president of that body after a unanimous election.
Mr .. Park takes pardonable pride in owning and living in the old Blake house at the corner of Broadway and P street, and from the windows of this historic residence he has watched the growth of South Boston from a thinly-settled place to a dis- trict with hardly a spare inch of building room. Anything proposed for the benefit of this district finds a firm sup- porter in the above-named well-known and esteemed resident.
DR. WILLIAM J. GALLIVAN.
Dr. William J. Gallivan, who occupies the distinguish- ed position of president of the Boston School Board, is also one of the leading mem- bers of the medical profession in South Boston. Although born in Boston, this district claims him as its own. He removed to South Boston with his parents when quite young, and with his family was educated in the public schools. Dr. Gallivan's alma mater was the Lawrence school on Bstreet, from which he graduated in 1879. He then attended the Boston Latin school, graduating in 1884. In order to further brighten his intellect, he took the academic course at Harvard college, attaining the degree of A.B. in 1888. After that he attended the Harvard Medi- cal school, graduating as an M. D. in 1892. Since becoming a member of the immense force of physicians in this district. he has succeeded in establishing a large practice among the residents not alone of South Boston, but of the neighboring district. During the past six years Dr. Gallivan has been selected by the great masses of
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Boston, to represent them in Boston's great school board. Last year, after five years' experience on the board, he was selected to preside over the deliberations of that body, which he has done with ap- parent ease and grace. To him belongs a large amount of credit for his untiring efforts in behalf of the new South Boston high school, which building now graces Dorchester Heights. Under his able leadership appropriations amounting to $300,000, were secured. The present site was obtained by him after a hard fought battle. To Dr. Galli- van's persistent efforts is partly due the final securing for the use of South Boston schools a portion of the cele- brated Christopher Gibson fund, left by the great phi- lanthropist, Christopher Gib- son, for the benefit of schools in Dorchester. Dr. Gallivan discovered the fact that at the time the bequest was made, South Boston was a part of Dorchester, and through his work a portion of the bequest has been donated to the use of South Boston's schools. For nearly four years the schools have been able to secure supplemen- tary reading by reason of this fund, Dr. Gallivan has been -
considered one of the strong- est men on the school board. and one profoundly interested in the cause of education. Jle is held in high esteem all over Boston and is a valued resident. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, Knights of Columbus. Columbia Yacht Club, Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, Chari- table Irish Society and the Massachu- setts Catholic Order of Foresters.
Few men of South Boston are better known than Dr. Gallivan, and few men of Boston are better able to fill his respon- sible position in the community. His interest in education makes him a valued citizen.
THE LATE E. H. BRAINARD.
One of the most successful business men in this locality was Mr. Edward H. Brainard. He was born in West New- bury, Oct. 28, 1813. At the age of seventeen, he left home, and served as a messenger in the employ of the Adams Ex- press Company. This position he held for several years, but it was not altogether
DR. W. J. GALLIVAN.
suited to his tastes, and did not give him the opportunity to develop his mechanical skill. After leaving the express company, he devoted his attention to the manufac- turing of wagons, carriages, etc. This afforded him wider scope for his inven- tive genius, and through rare business tact, and judgment, he built up a large trade in his special line. The large manufactory at the corner of Sixth street and Dorchester avenue was for a long
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
time, a hive of industry and prosperity. During the civil war, he made, and pat- ented ambulances which were adopted by the government, and recognized all over the world as a triumph of skill in the mechanical art. He was awarded a medal at the Paris Exposition, and, during the Franco-Prussian struggle, the French government accepted and prized his in- vention. Mr. Brainard in all his business transactions was a careful and industrious manager. His success in any project was always assured him by his foresight, and good judg- ment. These were in de- mand, and his services in common council, as well as upon the school committee gave him an opportunity where these qualities ren- dered valued assistance to the city. In social life, he was a popular and compan- ionable man. In 1854 he joined the St. John's Lodge, and a few years later on, be- came a member of St. Paul's Lodge, South Boston. The Knight Templars orders, he received in the De Molay Commandery of Boston. He was a Mason of the Thirty- second degree in the A. A. Scottish rite of Masonry, and for eight years was president of the Eastern Masonic Mu- tual Relief Association.
For many years, he served as a vestryman in St. Mat- thews Episcopal church. This church always had his gen- erous support, and constant interest. Mr. Brainard is an instance of the self-made man. His ventures in busi- ness life began in a small way as a pub- lisher and bookseller before he really began the life work of carriage building. His perseverance stands out in all his transactions. Honest and indefatigable in his work, he overcame many difficulties, and patiently worked his way up, so that some years before he retired from busi- ness, he acquired a large competence,
made possible by wise investments in real estate. He was greatly interested in all the topics of the day, and read with pleasure the new departures and ad- vances in his own line of business. After a life of ceaseless activity, he went to his rest. third of June, 1888, and the funeral services were held at his residence, three days later, the Rev. Lyman Abbott, D.D., and the Rev. A. E. George, officiating.
THE LATE EDWARD H. BRMINARD.
The interment was in Mt. Hope Come- tery.
THE LATE DAVID M. PIERCE.
The late Sergeant David M. Pierce was one of the best-known police officers in Boston. He served his city for twenty- six years, fourteen of which were in South Boston. He was born in Tunbridge, Vermont, in 1829. and when a young man he came to Boston, filled with en-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
ergy. During the trying times of the Boston riot, August 31, 1864, he became a member of the Boston police force, at the age of thirty-four years. He was assigned to duty at Station 1. While doing duty at the North End he was pro- moted to a sergeantcy, July 6, 1885. He was subsequently transferred to Station 7, East Boston, and later to Station 12, South Boston. At the latter station he served fourteen years, remaining there until his retirement January, 5, 1891. During his official connection with the
THE LATE DAVID M. PIERCE.
police force, Sergeant Pierce was re- garded throughout the department as a good officer, faithful to his trust on all occasions and discreet in the extreme. His duty was performed in a thoroughly conscientious manner, and at the time of severing his connection with the police department, he had the confidence of his superiors and the rank and file of the de- partment. His death occurred February 11, 1893. He was twice married, and to Joanna C. Powers, who now survives. in 1888. Hle left two sons, Frank S. Pierce, who is living, and Frederick D. Pierce, now deceased.
BENJAMIN JAMES.
Of the older residents of South Boston, there is no one who is dearer to the people than the venerable Benjamin James. One of the most devoted of South Boston's citi- zens, he has safely passed through eight decades, devoting much of that time to the welfare of South Boston, his adopted residence. He was born August 24, 1814, in the town of Scituate. His father, Dr. Elisha James was a practicing physi- cian in the town for over forty years. He is old old Pilgrim stock, being the sixth generation direct from Peregrine White, the first white child born in New England. Ilis father and mother both trace back their genealogy to the Pilgrim family of William White, father of Pere- grine White. Mr. James passed sixteen years in the town of his birth, attending school and working hard on his father's farm. Hle came to Boston in 1821 being apprenticed four years to the house and ship joiner trade. Ile was married at the age of twenty-two. His record in state and city affairs is without a blemish, and a record seldom made by a citizen of Boston. He served in the Common Council in 1848-49 ; the House of Repre- sentatives in 1850-51 and the Board of Aldermen in 1852-53. The board then consisted of eight members. He was re- elected in 1857-58 and also four more times in 1866-67-68 and '69. During the latter year he was chairman. In those days there were no commissions and the work of an alderman was no sine- cure, being a member of the board mean- ing hard work. When he retired from the board, he was given a unanimous vote of the members for his valuable assist- ance. In 1870, he visited California with the Boston Board of Trade. I 1872 he made a trip to Europe with ex-mayor Henry L. Pierce and James M. Bugbee, then clerk of committees in city hall. For the past sixty years he has lived in South Boston. Here he learned his trade, here he married and brought up six sons. all of whom attended the pri- mary. grammar and high schools, and who have added lustre to the history of South Boston. He has always been active in
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
real estate circles, and has built 1 23 houses all of which are to-day standing, never having been visited by fire or blizzard. In 1860-61 he was a member of the lumber firm of B. and G. B. James, Pope and Company, with yards, dock and mills on First street. He was for thirty-two years a trustee of the well-known Hawes fund, nine of which he served as treas- urer, with a bond of $40,000. He was a director of the South Boston Gas Light
THE LATE CAPTAIN M. J. DRISCOLL.
Company for sixteen years, eleven of which he served as treasurer. He is also one of the original corporate members of the South Boston Savings Bank, a direc- tor of the South Boston horse railroad, life member of the Massachusetts Chari- table Mechanic Association, having been a member for upwards of thirty years, and an original trustee of the Franklin Savings Bank. He is also a member of the Bos- ton Club, which organization presented
him with a gold-headed cane February 21, 1891. Mr. James has ever made friends, and never an enemy. His life is one bright page of love and esteem, and his memories are everlasting. He has been remarkably healthy, scarcely having a day's sickness in the last seventy years.
THE LATE M. J. DRISCOLL.
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