USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 14
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JAMES 11. STARK.
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Electrotype Company disposing of his interest in 1898. He has since devoted his attention to real estate investments. In 1868 Mr. Stark was one of the or- ganizers of the South Boston Yacht Club, and, in 1877, while commodore of the club, he incorporated the same. Three years later he removed to Savin Hill, Dorchester, where he has resided since. Here he organized and incorporated the Savin Hill Yacht Club of which he was commodore for several years. Ile joined St. Paul's Lodge of Masons in 1868 and incorporated and organized the Dor- chester Historical Society in 1891; was president of the British American Asso- ciation, and vice-president of the British Charitable Society and Victorian Club. He is well-known as a historical writer. Some of his best-known works are " The Antique Views of Boston " " British and Dutch in South Africa " "History and Guide to Bermuda, Jamaica, Trinidad, Bahamas, British Guiana, Barbados and Caribee Islands." During the past fifteen years he has spent a portion of each winter in the West Indies and South America, He was married at St. Mathews church, December 23, 1876 to Katherine J. Manton of Kingston, Canada.
CHARLES VAN STONE.
One of the best known of South Boston's citizens is Charles Van Stone, superintendent of the Walworth Manu- facturing Company's extensive works at City Point. He was born in Devonshire, England, in 1862 and came to Connecti- cut two years later. He is the son of John Francis Van Stone. His early edu- cation was secured in the Bridgeport grammar schools and soon after leaving school he entered the employ of Eaton, Cole & Co., iron founders at Bridgeport. Ile then came to South Boston and entered the large Walworth plant at City Point taking entire charge of the works in 1893. Mr. Van Stone is a practical mechanic and is always alive to the interests of his employers. His work- manship calls for a display of his natural talents and he has a high regard for the hundreds of employees who come under
his supervision. Mr. Van Stone is a Republican in politics and is held in high esteem by the members of his party. He attends St. John's M. E. church. In social and fraternal circles, Mr. Van Stone holds a high position. He is a member of St. Paul's Lodge F. & A.
CHARLES VAN STONE.
M .; the Odd Fellows of Bridgeport, Conn., Lincoln Lodge 63, Royal Arca- num and the South Boston ('itizens' Association. He was married in 1883 to Miss Emma Paul of Bridgeport and they have one child, Edward, as a result of the union.
HOLLIS R. GRAY.
One of South Boston's former promi- nent citizens is Hollis Randall Gray. lle was born in the Town of Westbrook, Maine, December 6, 1836. Ilis father, Samuel Gray, was an old resident of South Boston who had moved to Maine a few years previous but soon after the birth of the subject of this sketch returned to South Boston and resumed his business of brick making, in the loca- tion back of the old fort at the foot of what is now Old Harbor street. As a boy, the young Gray attended the South Boston schools, on leaving which he entered the employ of W. P. B. Brooks,
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furniture dealer in Boston. Inheriting an inclination for public life he entered the political arena in early years as a staunch Republican, with Josiah Dun- ham and Albert J. Wright, then leaders in South Boston, of Ward 12. At the age of twenty-one, he was elected clerk of the ward in which capacity he served during the years 1858-59 and 60. In the last year he was elected a member
HOLLIS R. GRAY.
of the common council, having as asso- ciates Sumner Crosby, Henry Souther and George W. Sprague. He could have been reelected but declined the honor. Hle then accepted an appointment in the custom house which he resigned in 1867 to establish himself in the furniture and carpet business, which he has ever since carried on with success, at, 38 and 40 Washington street. Mr. Gray was again elected to the common council in 1868,
1869 and 1870. He was chosen a member of the Boston water board in 1870 and rendered valuable service in that capacity. In 1880 he became a resident of Mal- den and at once interested himself with the working's of the town. When Malden became a city he was elected to the com- mon council there in 1885, and to the board of aldermen in 1886-1887 and 1888. While an alderman he was a mem- ber of the commission on the increased supply of water for that city. Although a staunch Republican he has always worked hard for the best in- terest of the public without regard to party, thereby earn- ing a reputation for courage. fidelity and independence, In business circles Mr. Gray has always been held in the highest esteem. His reputa- tion is not alone confined to the city but has spread to the neighboring cities and towns. Socially he is a promi- nent figure. He is a promi- nent Mason, being a past master of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M., where he received his degrees in 1859; Royal Arch Chapter of the Taber- nacle and Beausant Com- mandery, Knights Templar of Malden. Mr. Gray still maintains a deep interest in South Boston and its people and is the possessor of con- siderable property in this dis- triet. Ile married Miss Mary Stebbins, daughter of the late Dr. John B. Stebbins, in 1859. They have three children, all of whom are married, namely Effie Steb- bins, now Mrs. George B. Lawrence ; Mary Ellis, now Mrs. Frederick Davis ; and Lillian Richards now Mrs. William H. Foss. Mr. Gray is now attorney for the large Stebbins estate of South Boston.
CHARLES O. L. DILLAWAY.
A striking example of South Boston brain and intelligence is Charles O. L.
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Dillaway, president of the Mechanics National Bank. one of the sterling insti- tutions of Boston. Mr Dillaway, like his brother W. E. L. Dillaway, is a South Boston boy. Born and bred in this dis- trict, he accumulated the ideas in the local public schools which have served him in his later days. He is a graduate of that famous school of learning, the Old Hawes grammar school from whence many of Boston's brainiest business men of to-day learned their first lessons. Mr. Dillaway graduated from the Hawes school at the age of twelve years, afterwards he graduated from the Eng- lish High School. winning the Franklin medal. Being naturally of an ambitious mind he stepped in the direc- tion of the banking busi- ness. Like many other bright young men who have made their mark in this world he started at the bottom of the banking ladder. When quite a young man he was made a clerk, but this was only a start. Step by step he ad- vanced in the business, filling every responsible position, until finally he became presi- dent of the Mechanics National Bank, located at the corner of Washington and Franklin streets. Keen business methods and lively commercial competition has given this bank one of the best reputations in this city. For seventy years it has weathered the financial storms and through the active business policy of its heads has never been cast upon the shoals of failure in the times of adversity. Since assuming control of the presidency of this bank Mr. Dillaway has made much progress in the affairs of the bank. 'The accounts have increased daily, some of the best-known houses in Bos- ton being included among its depositors. Much of its success can be attributed to the practical methods of its president.
Mr. Dillaway, is an enthusiast when South Boston is mentioned. Being the place of his birth and early education anything proposed for the advancement of South Boston or its people meets with his hearty approval. He is deeply inter- ested in the working of the Old Hawes School Boys' Association and some of his pleasantest moments are spent in the company of his old school boy chums re-
CHARLES O. L. DILLAWAY.
lating incidents of when they trudged up and down the back stairs or played a practical joke upon the master.
JOSEPH J. WALL.
A man of sterling integrity long iden- tified with the interests of South Boston, both as a business man and resident is the above. Fortimate in the business world, he has also taken a successful
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part in public affairs. Until April, 1900, Mr. Wall was engaged in the retail grocery business and enjoyed a large trade, probably the largest in the district. It was at that time that Mr. Wall sold out his store at the corner of M and Sixth streets and bought a half interest in the large wholesale butter and egg business of Benj. H. Goldsmith & Co., a concern well known for its extensive
JOSEPH J. WALL.
operations and reliability and located at 57 Chatham street, Boston. Mr. Wall was born in Dover, Mass, started in business in South Boston in 1885 and has been a resident of South Boston since that time. He is a Republican in politics and for the past five years has been warden of the Republican caucuses held in Ward af and has also been honored with the nomination for alder- man. Mr. Wall has always been in-
terested in the welfare of South Boston and has done much to improve it in certain sections. Since coming to South Boston he has become quite heavily interested in real estate and considerable property has been greatly improved under his direction. He has recently become secretary of the Armstrong Manufacturing Company, dealers in drug- gists' specialties. Mr. Wall is probably as well known in fraternal circles as any individual in South Boston. He has al- ways occupied a prominent place in local fraternities, most of which have honored him in a signal manner. He is a past grand of Bethesda Lodge; past chief patriarch of Mt. Washington Encamp- ment; and a member of Ber- nice: Rebekah Lodge, I. (). O. F .; past noble commander of Mt. Washington Comman- dery, United Order Golden Cross ; and a member of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M .; St. Mathew's Royal Arch Chapter; St. Omer Comman- dery, Knights Templar: Royal Society of Good Fellows; United Order Golden Star, and several other organiza- tions. He was a popular member of the Boston Retail Grocers' Association and president and one of the founders of the Hatch Wall Flashing Company. Mr. Wall has always been inter- ested in the welfare of South Boston and this fact is amply demonstrated when is noted the local organizations with which he is affiliated.
UBERT K. PETTINGILL.
This former resident, who has made a notable success of life, is a lineal descend- ant of Noah Brooks the noted ship builder of former days, and a son of Ubert L. Pettingill for many years a leading resi- dent of South Boston. His mother was
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Rachel Kent who was also of an old South Boston family. He was born at Augusta, Me., June 2, 1848 and, coming to this district in 1852, not only, spent his boyhood days here but continued his residence in South Boston until 1878. He attended the old Hawes grammar school and later the Lincoln school. His father was the founder of the firm of Pettingill & Co., general newspaper ad- vertising agents now the largest concern in this line in the country ; and the sub- ject of this sketch entered his father's office immedi- ately after leaving school in 1865. Beginning at the bot- tom round of the ladder, upon his father's decease in 1883 he succeeded to the management of the bus- iness, and under his care- ful guidance it has be- come known and recognized throughout the newspaper world. The concern of which he has ever since been the head. has large offices both in Boston and New York, and some years ago absorbed the S. R. Niles advertising agency, making it the largest in the United States. The agency is also the oldest in the country and has dealings with every important news- paper and magazine pub- lished. The agency has among its clients many of the large advertisers of this part of the country, and enor- mous sums are placed in their hands for advantageous results yearly. The enormity of the business of Pettingill & Co. of the present day is due to the able leadership of its head. Mr. Pettingill is also interested in other important enter- prises and institutions. He is a stock- holder and one of the directors of the Mechanies National bank ; a director of the American Pnuematic Tube Service Company and one of the proprietors of Dr. Greene's Nervura one of the best
known patent medicines of merit of this age. He has also taken an active part in public affairs and was appointed by Mayor Quincy a member of the Board of Pauper Institutions, to succeed Prof. William T. Sedgewick. He is also one of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the City of Boston. His affilia- tion with South Boston at this writing, although he has pleasant and tender
UBERT K. PETTINGILL.
recollections of the district, comprise his membership with St. Omer Commandery and presidency of the old Hawes School Boys' Association, his term in the latter terminating in April, 1901.
B. F. TOMBS.
A retired merchant of South Boston, and one who has been an active resi- dent, is B. F. Tombs. He was born in
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Salem and came to South Boston from Hopkinton at the age of fourteen years. He is the son of the late Jonathan HI. Tombs, who was an active member of the 1) Street Methodist church and for many years a resident of this district. Mr. B. F. Tombs attended the Hawes school, under Masters Crafts, Harris and Morrill. His father was a well-known . grocer, and, after leaving school, the young man entered his employ as a clerk, in his store in the old Adams block, corner A street and Broadway. Six months before the decease of his father, in 1853, he engaged in business for himself at the corner of A and Fourth. George N.
B. F. TOMBS.
Parker was engaged six months later as a clerk and ten years later was admitted as a partner, thus continuing until the firm retired from business eighteen years ago. In addition to the grocery busi- ness Mr. Tombs found time to engage as a silent partner of the real estate firm of Tombs & Flynn, which firm built about one hundred and fifty houses in South Boston. After his retirement from the grocery business he travelled largely through the United States. He is a constant attendant of the St. John's M. E. church. He was twice married ; in 1862 to Miss Mary Bradstreet of Beverly, who died three years later, and in 1879
to Miss Lucy A. Goldthwaite of Lynn. No children were born to him. Mr. Tombs, since the decease of Joseph H .. in 1870: has cared for his brother's children, two of whom are now married. Mr. Tombs is a charter member of the Women's Suffrage League.
GEORGE N. PARKER.
One of the best known citizens of South Boston is George N. Parker, the faithful probation officer of the South Boston Municipal court. He was born in the town of Jay, Maine, October 4, 1831, where he lived during his minority.
GEORGE N. PARKER.
He left home at the age of twenty-one years and in 1852 came to South Boston, where he has resided ever since. He first engaged to work one year in a provision store, after which service he was employed by Benjamin F. Tombs, in the grocery store 112 and 114 Fourth street. Later he was a partner in the firm, being associated with Mr. Tombs in all for a period of twenty-eight years. The firm then disposed of its business and Mr. Parker intended to retire. His ambitions ruled otherwise and, shortly after relinquishing his interest in the grocery business, he received the appoint- ment of probation officer in the South
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Boston court and has held that position for nearly twenty years. The result of his work needs no elaborate eulogy. During his term he has encouraged thousands of men and women to lead better lives and his mission of charity has not been fruitless. There are many indeed who, acting upon the advice of Mr. Parker, are leading sober lives in the bosom of their families. He has been a most active worker with a humane regard for his fellow-man and has taken a deep moral interest in the welfare of South Boston. In 1858 he was married to Miss Mary Araminta Grant of Hermon, Maine, who still lives to bless and make his home happy. Mr. Parker is an interested mem- ber of the official board of St. John's M. E. church and its steward for thirty years. He is a member of Bethesda Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F.
W. L. MILLER.
The above is well known everywhere as a practical bridge builder and general contractor who has, upon more than one occasion, been confronted with problems that call for the keenest kind of solving. He is a self-made man and during the fifteen years he has been in business, has acquired a reputation in his line of work. During his career in business he has con-
W. L. MILLER.
structed the Federal street, L street and Castle Island bridges and the granite sea-wall on Dorchester avenue extension. He has also done important work in dredging and filling Marine Park. Mr. Miller has also done important work in Nova Scotia. He has at times employed as many as four hundred men. Mr. Miller is a product of South Boston and the son of the late William A. Miller, to whose business the younger Miller suc- ceeded He was educated in the Bige- low and English high schools and then went into the employ of George H. Cavanaugh. He lived in this district until 1899 having up to that time been a resident of South Boston from his birth. He is a trustee of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, a thirty- second degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine; Boston Society of Civil Engineers ; Boston Trade Club; Old Dorchester Club and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
SAMUEL H. WISE.
One of South Boston's well-known citi- zens is Samuel H. Wise. He was born in the South End, in 1846, and attended the Brimmer and English high schools. He removed to South Boston in 1870 and lives at 771 Broadway. He is a de-
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SAMUEL H. WISE.
.
ـية
Haper,
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scendant on the paternal side of Rev. John Wise of Chebacco Point, Ipswich, whose publication of " The Churches Quarrel Espoused " in 1710 was said to be the forerunner of the Declara- tion of Independence. On the mater- nal side he comes from Admiral Samuel Hood. He is a member of Zetland Lodge, F. A. M .; also St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter; De Molay Com- mandery, Knights Templar; Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine; Siloam Lodge, I. O. O. F .; Veteran Association of Odd Fellows; Old Dorchester Club; Matta- panock Lodge, Knights of Honor; Uni- versalist Club of Boston; Brimmer School Association; English High School Asso- ciation ; South Boston Citizens' Associa- tion; associate member of Dahlgren Post 2, G. A. R., and a member of the corpora- tion of the South Boston Savings Bank. He represented Ward 14 in the common council of 1889-90 and the school com- mittee in 1893-94 and 1895-96. While in the council he was instrumental in carry- ing out the project for the extension of L street and while on the school committee was an active worker for increasing the salaries of school teachers, and the South Boston schools will be perpetually bene- fited by the work which he was able to accomplish in diverting a share of the Gibson school fund also the Bowdoin school fund for their use. He is well known in the insurance field, having entered the employ of the Manufacturers' Insurance Company in 1862. In 1884 he retired as secretary, and established what is now a lucrative business at 38 Kilby street, Boston.
HON. PATRICK A. COLLINS.
One of America's best known men, and one who lived among the people of South Boston for years, is Hon. P. A. Collins, who first gained national renown representing South Boston in Congress. Ile is the son of Bartholomew and Mary (Leahy) Collins and was born near Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland, March 12, 1844. In 1848 his father died and he was brought by his mother to Chelsea, where he received his
early education. In 1857, mother and son removed to northern Ohio where he worked on a farm, in a coal mine and in a machine shop at different times. In the fall of 1859 he returned to Boston and learned the upholstering business with F. M. Holmes & Co., and acted as foreman for that concern. He was later with E. H. Brabrook until
HON. PATRICK A. COLLINS.
October, 1867, when he entered the law office of James H. Keith. He soon after entered Harvard, graduating in 1871. April 15 of the same year he was ad- mitted to the Suffolk Bar; he was admitted to the United States Circuit Court in 1873 and the United States Supreme Court in 1878. In 1893 he formed a co-partner- ship with Judge John W. Corcoran. In politics he is a Democrat. He served in the lower house in 1868-69 and in the senate in 1870-71, from South Boston; and was a representative from Massachusetts in the Forty-eighth, Forty- ninth and Fiftieth Congresses from the district largely made up of South Boston.
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In May, 1893 he was appointed consul- general to London by President Cleve- land and he served until May, 1897. He was chairman of the Democratic city committee of Boston in 1874-75 and of the Massachusetts state com- mittee from 1884 to 1890 and presided over several state conventions. He was also delegate-at-large from Massachusetts to the Democratic National conventions of 1876, 1888, 1892 and as permanent chair- man, presided over the convention of 1888. For four years he was judge ad- vocate of the First Brigade, M. V. M., and in 1875 he was judge advocate on the staff of Governor Gaston. He is one of the original members of the Boston Bar Association and a member of the National Bar Association. In 1899 he was honored by the Democracy of Boston with the nomination for mayor. He has been a director of the International Trust Company since its establishment in 1880, and is a member of the corporation of the Union Institution for Savings. He is also chairman of the American Board of Trus- tees for the National Assurance Company of Ireland. He is a member and a former president of the Charitable Irish Society of Boston, the oldest civic organization in continuous existence in this country. He is also a member and one of the founders of the Catholic Union of Boston, and a member of several Boston clubs and of the Manhattan and Democratic clubs of New York. July 1, 1873, Mr. Collins was married to Miss Mary E. Carey of Boston ; they have three children: Agnes R., Marie R. and Paul. Mr. Collins's career has been a brilliant one and most of his great honors were on while he resided in this district. In official life as well as in the practice of his profession he has achieved much prominence and distinction.
WILLIAM J. MILLER.
This rising young attorney and mem- ber of the Suffolk Bar, was born at the North End, Boston in 1868. He ob- tained his early education at the Elliot grammar school and subsequently entered Boston College. He commenced busi-
ness life as a journalist, becoming one of the staff of the Boston Herald. Deciding to enter the legal profession he attended the Boston University Law school from which he graduated in 1892, He was admitted to the bar and immediately commenced practice, in which he has con- tinued with more than the success of the average young lawyer. For the past
WILLIAM J. MILLER.
eight years he has been associated with Hon. Henry F. Naphen with whom he has maintained large offices at 42 Court street, Boston. Mr. Miller is not only well-known as an able lawyer but pos- sesses a wide experience in public life. He was elected to the Boston common council from Ward 5, and served with credit during the years 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897. In 1898 he was chosen to repre- sent the same Charlestown ward in the state legislature and was reelected the year following. Both in the city govern- ment and the legislature he took an active part in all proceedings, serving on many important committees. During the past year Mr. Miller has taken up his per-
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manent residence in South Boston where he has a wide acquaintance and has already proven himself to be an adopted citizen, interested in the locality where he resides.
STEPHEN M. MARSHALL.
One of the younger active members of the Republican party, and who now serves
STEPHEN M. MARSHALL.
the City of Boston as supervisor of bridges, is Stephen Mack Marshall. He has for several years resided in South Boston and is a native of Liverpool, N. S., where he was born January 1, 1866. He is the son of James S. and Augusta ( Mack) Marshall. His father was a lawyer, judge of probate and American consular agent, on the paternal side were many clergy- men of the Episcopal church. His great- grandfather was an intimate friend of
John Benjamin Wesley, with whose preaching he was so much impressed that he, a clergyman of the established church, embraced the doctrines taught by the founder of the Methodist denomi- nation. His son, also a clergyman of the Wesleyan faith, came to this country to preach and was first located at the Ber- muda Islands. His maternalgrandfather was a lumber man and an extensive mill owner. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of his native town and Arcadia College, Wolfville, N. S. In 1881 he came to Boston where he has since lived. He learned a mechanic's trade and early took an active interest in poli- tics. In 1894 he received the Republican nomination for the state legislature in Ward 14. This strongly Demo- cratic ward proved no excep- tion and he was defeated at the subsequent election, al- though he made a gallant fight. In 18:96 he was elected to serve as alternate delegate to the Republican National convention at St. Louis. In 1896, 1897, 1898 he represented Ward 14 on the committee to nominate the Republican candidates for school committee ; in 1898 he was secretary of the Tenth Congressional District Re- publican Committee ; in 1899 he was elected a member of the executive committee of the Republican state com- mittee and in 1900 chair- man of the Republican ward commit- tee of Ward 14, resigning May 1, to accept the appointment of supervisor of bridges for the City of Boston. Mr. Marshall's appointment to his present position by Mayor Hart was a fitting recognition of his work in behalf of the Republican party, in the ranks of which . he has been an indefatigable worker and popular young leader. He is a member of several social and political organiza-
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