USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 15
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
tions among them the Knights of Malta ; United Order of the Golden Cross; South Boston Citizens' Association and the South Boston Aid Association.
JAMES HILL.
This well-known former resident of South Boston and past eminent comman- der of St. Omer Commandery, Knights Templar has, by his own ef- forts attained a prominent position in the business world. He was born in Edin- burgh, Scotland, April 15, 1852 ; the son of Francis and Mary Hill. His father was one of the old-time residents of South Boston who was well and favorably known. He was connected with the Bay State Iron Works for years and devoted much of his time to the welfare of South Bos- ton. He was esteemed by all who knew him and was a member of the congregation of the old church on E street. The senior Mr. Hill removed to South Boston from Scot- land in 1853 bringing with him, as an infant, the subject of this sketch. When the younger Hill became of the proper age he attended the Lincoln school under Mas- ters Barrett and Morrill. He afterwards finished his edu- cation in private study. He commenced his business career early in life and the age of fifteen years found him engaged in commercial life. Ile showed a natural aptitude for this line and his first experience was attained in the shirt and collar business which he has followed to the present time. Soon after entering he was placed on the road as a travelling salesman which he has fol- lowed successfully for twenty-five years. In this branch of the dry goods busi- ness he is now associated with the International Shirt & Collar Company of which he is one of the stockholders.
He has managed the Boston branch of the concern at 41 Kingston street since the business was established here. The concern is one of vast importance, having branches in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore, and Philadelphia and factories at Troy and Albany, N. Y. Mr. Hill is well known in fraternal circles where he is a favorite. He is a member of Winslow Lewis lodge F. & A. M., St.
JAMES HILL.
Mathew's Royal Arch chapter, and a past eminent commander of St. Omer Com- mandery, Knights Templar. Mr. Hill did his share towards promoting the wel- fare of South Boston. He lived in this district until he was thirty years of age when he removed to the city of Lynn. In this field of residence he has repeated- his duty as a citizen and won the hearty esteem of his fellow citizens. He has served the shoe city on its important
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
school committee and has done much toward improving the excellent school system of that city. What was South Boston's loss was Lynn's gain. Mr. Hill is a hearty worker in municipal affairs and is a firm believer in the im- provement of conditions for his fellow- man.
PATRICK LALLY.
This well-known citizen was born in Ireland in 1825. He came to America
PATRICK LALLY.
and has been a resident of South Boston since 1833. At the age of sixteen he secured a position in the Hinckley Loco- motive Works. Learning the trade of a blacksmith and beginning at the bottom round of the ladder, he advanced as he became proficient to the highest position in the works in his department. At the end of four years he accepted a position in the works of John Souther, then located in the old sugar refinery building on First street. Two years later, by strict
economy, he was enabled to start in busi- ness for himself, and purchased the business of Green & Davis, general black- smiths and wheelwrights, whose estab- lishment was located at the corner of Dorchester avenue and First street. His natural mechanical ability soon won him recognition and, prior to and during the Civil War, he built many gun carriages for the United States government. These gun carriages required wheels as large as eleven feet and four inches in diameter with measurements of twelve feet in- side the tires, the largest truck wheels ever made. He also furnished from his South Boston shop for the govern- ment, about the same time, a number of paddle arms for war vessels. Under his careful guidance the busi- ness became firmly established, and from the start it saw a steady and healthy growth. In 1871 Mr. Lally erected the five-story building now occupied by the firm of Patrick Lally & Sons, and located at numbers 2 1 to 25 First street, which he occupied as soon as completed and where he afterwards conducted a general manu- facturing business. During the early seventies a number of the hose car- riages and other wagons for the Bos ton fire department and the fire de- partments of adjoining cities were constructed by him at his factory. He has also fulfilled important con- tracts for many of the best-known concerns in the country, among them being the Oregon Improvement Com- pany of California, Standard Sugar Refinery, Downer Oil Works, South Boston Iron Company, Norway Iron Works, Ames Plow Company, Boston Elevated Railroad, also many prominent coal concerns, breweries, truckmen and contractors. He has made a specialty of building coal wagons and invented several hoist and chute wagons, now indispen- sable to the coal trade in and around Bos- ton. The product of the concern, namely : wagons, caravans, etc., is considered equal to any. In July, 1897, this veteran manu- facturer retired from active business life and the establishment has since been con- tinued with success by two of his sons
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
145
George W and Edward A. Lally, under the firm name of P. Lally & Sons, the young men maintaining the excellent reputation established by the well-known subject of this sketch.
DR. MICHAEL F. GAVIN.
Dr. Michael Freeborn Gavin has a national reputation as one of the leading physicians and surgeons in this country. His high standing in his chosen profes- sion is due to his general aptitude and thorough knowledge of the science of medicine. He is a native of Roscom- mon, Ireland, was born in May, 1844, and came to this country in 1857, where he was educated in the public schools and under private tutors in this city. Having decided to study medicine, he at- tended the medical school connected with Harvard University, where he re- ceived his degree of M.I). Dr. Gavin then pursued a course of study at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, re- ceiving his diploma in 1866. To become still more proficient in his profession he went to Paris, where he did post-gradu- ate work. He has practiced medicine in this city since 1867 and is known in his profession as most skillful and a high
RESIDENCE OF DR. MICHAEL F. GAVIN.
DR. MICHAEL F. GAVIN.
authority on difficult medical problems. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and of the Boston Society for Medical Improvement. Dr. Gavin is also associated with other medical societies, including the Boston Society for Medical Observa- tion, the British Medical Asso- ciation, the American Medical Association and the Royal Col- lege of Surgeons, Ireland. For the past twenty years he has been consulting surgeon at St. Eliz- abeth's Hospital, Boston, and has also been visiting surgeon to the Carney Hospital the same length of time. Since 1886 he has been visiting surgeon to the Boston City Hospital and was professor of clinical surgery at the Boston Polyclinic from 1888 to 1891. With the 57th Regiment, M. V. M., in 1865 he went to the front as assistant sur- geon. From 1878 to 1884 he was a trustee of the Boston City Hos -. pital. Dr. Gavin has been a writer of eminence and has con- tributed many scientific treatises
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
to magazines and medical papers. To the Dublin medical press in 1866 he con- tributed a paper on the "Treatment of Burns " and later an able paper on "Comparative Statistics of Suicide," which appeared in "Appleton's Weekly."
He has a wide and extensive practice, and, while not an active member of any local organizations, he is at all times in- terested in the welfare and advancement of the district. He possesses one of the handsomest residences in Boston and resides on Broadway hill.
In November, 1876, he was married to Ellen Theresa Doherty of New York city. Two children have blessed the union, Basil and Hilda Gavin.
JAMES MILLIGAN.
The subject of this sketch, Mr. James Milligan, recalls a man, who, by his many good works, expressed in charitable ways, endeared himself during his life- time to a large circle of friends and associates. Mr. Milligan was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish paren- tage, July 20, 1826. He was apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter for seven years, under the care of his father. Anxious to see more of the world, he enlisted in the English service while quite young, and was assigned to the duty of coastguardsman. When twenty- five years of age he came to America, and after spending a year here, he returned to his native land and married Miss Annie Quinn. The couple embarked for Boston after spending a short honey- moon in Ireland. Upon his return Mr. Milligan applied himself zealously to the trade of a carpenter, and rapidly rose in his calling. His ability and experience soon made him a desirable man for contractors. He became fore- man of a large concern, and under his care not a few of the largest and best buildings in Boston were constructed. Soon after the civil war, he located in South Boston, and purchased land on Ontario street, where he erected a num- ber of dwellings, and with a desire to advance the interests of the poor, he let these often at a great disadvantage to his
THE LATE JAMES MILLIGAN.
pecuniary prospects. He was in close touch with every household around him, and the hours of illness and sorrow made strong appeals to his ever-gener- ous nature. In 1870, he engaged in the hardware business on Federal street, and carried it on with good success until 1885, when he turned the management of it over to his two sons. The remain- der of his days, until his death, in May, 1889, he applied himself to the develop- ment of his real estate interests. He was a member of St. Matthew's Episco- pal Church, and was a great favorite among his Roman Catholic friends, whom he served in many ways. In social qualities he was genial, kind and tender-hearted. He was true to his word, faithful in his promises, and charitable in his relations to his fellow men. Many a heart felt the loss of such a kind and benevolent neighbor ; he left a widow and three children. Thomas (since deceased), William S., and Annie J. Hazlett, wife of Sergeant Hazlett of Boston police force.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
THE LATE VINCENT LA FORME.
Vincent La Forme was bornin Rheine, Westphalia, Germany, June 25, 1823, and, when ten years old, came with his parents to this country. His father was Anthony La Forme, a descendant of Peter La Forme, of St. Omer, France, an officer in the French army, who, in the year 1833, emigrated to Boston and entered into the manufacture of silver- ware, continuing until his death in 1846.
THE LATE VINCENT LA FORME.
He was educated in the Boston public schools, and after his graduation, entered his father's business. In 1843 he entered this business for himself at 5 Water street and remained in the loca- tion of the Carter building. He retired in 1890, taking with him the reputation of the most expert silversmith in the country. He married Sarah Jane Field of Boston, in 1845, and was the father of nine children, six of whom are now living. Mrs. La Forme was a descen- dant of John Sealy, of Boston, who. in 1776, left Boston and went to Halifax with the British and settled there, although he had two sons in the Federal army who remained in active service during the war. After the Declaration of Inde- pendence, he returned. Mr. La Forme joined the state militia in 1841, and was
an active member, and sergeant until 1848. He was a member of the famous Pulaski Guards of South Boston in 1846, also of the Light Infantry of Boston. In 1858 he joined the Ancient and Honor- able Artillery Company, during his thirty-five years' membership he was treasurer and paymaster seventeen con- secutive years. He was also an honor- ary member of the Veteran Apprentices Association. May 6, 1889, he was ap- pointed by Mayor Hart one of the
FRED P. LA FORME
commissioners of public institutions, con- tinuing in office until April 1, 1891, when he resigned. Mr. La Forme first resided in , South Boston in 1845, and was one of the leading citizens of the district, up to the time of his decease. He took a great interest in public mat- ters, and in the development and improve- ments in this section. He was one of the pioneers of the building up of Bay View, where he built three houses, the first in 1853, the second in 1855, and the third in 1860, which are situated on K street, where his children now reside. Hle was one of those who helped plant the beautiful trees which to-day grace K street. In 1883 he was elected presi- dent of the South Boston Citizens' Association, which position he filled for six years. His influence in the organi-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
zation did much towards extending the reputation of the association. Mr. La Forme died July 2, 1893, and was buried at Forest Hills cemetery.
FRED. P. LAFORME.
A life-long resident of South Boston and a member of the Old Hawes School Boys' Association is Fred LaForme. He is a son of the late Vincent La Forme, and was born on Bolton near Dorchester street in October, 1847. His father was one of the foremost citizens and one of the most aristocratic residents of the district. The subject of this sketch attended the Hawes grammar school and then went to the English high school from 1862 to 1865. He has lived in the old homestead on K street for forty years. When a boy Mr. LaForme carried news- papers at City Point and can well remem- ber when there were but few houses, widely scattered at the Point, and the historic stockade loomed up in the neigh- borhood and enclosed the institutions at that place. In business circles he is well- known to the clothing trade, having been identified with that line for many years. He has for twenty-five years been asso- ciated with Leopold Morse & Co., and his faithful service has been repaid to the extent that he is to-day one of the leading men of the establishment. He is one of the five brothers and one sister, now living, of nine children. He has for years been a member of the South Boston Citizens' Association, of which organiza- tion his father was president for six years. He is affiliated with the Knights of Honor and the City Point Catholic Association.
THE LATE JOSIAH DUNHAM.
Prominent among the earlier residents of South Boston, and one who was to a great degree identified with the interests and history of this section of the city was Josiah Dunham ; born March 11, 1775, at New Bedford, Mass. His father was a sea-captain, whose family were among the early settlers of Plymouth and their first records in this country date back to 1635. When a young man
he came to Boston and became employed in the cordage business by a Mr. Rich- ardson, who conducted a rope-walk in the vicinity of what is now Pearl street. When he entered business for himself, his rope-walk was situated near Boylston street. In 1807 Mr. Dunham purchased land on and near what is now B street, South Boston, and built an extensive rope-walk. He also built a fine residence here. He continued in the manufacture of cordage until 1853, and was in every sense a successful business man. Through thrift and enterprise he erected many buildings for residential and business purposes. In 1833 he represented South Boston in the common council, and for the following three years was an efficient member of the board of aldermen. Through his ceaseless efforts he was largely instrumental in the building of the north free bridge, which connected this district with Boston, which resulted in the increase of the values of property here and also the population.
He was a tireless worker for the suc- cess of any project which promised to be of benefit to South Boston, and dur- ing his terms of office in the city government, Fourth street and Broadway were made suitable for public travel. Mr. Dunham had great influence with his associates in the board of aldermen, and that influence was exerted on many notable instances when South Boston's interests were at stake. On one occa- sion he took matters into his own hands, placing a large number of men at work ploughing down and grading Fourth street and Broadway. Afterward, show- ing the needs of the improvements and by his able presentation of his case he succeeded in causing the board of aldermen to approve the bills for the work.
His charities were many and extended throughout his life. In 1823, when the society now known as the Phillips church was formed, he generously erected a hall on Fourth street, for their place of wor- ship, and gave them the use of sit with other substantial aid. His energy and perseverance were remarkable, his friendships strong, and his whole life
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
was marked with great activity and industry. His death occurred April 27, 1857.
THE LATE JOSIAH DUNHAM (JUNIOR).
Few names can be mentioned more intimately connected with the growth of South Boston and more closely identified with many public improvements tending to the prosperity of the place than that of Josiah Dunham (junior). Born in Boston March 8, 1804, he removed to South Boston early in life, with his father, with whom he afterwards engaged in the manufacture of cordage and in the real estate business. His connection with the city government commenced in 1837 when he was elected to the office of coun- cilman, serving again in that capacity in 1849, 1850 and 1851. In 1854 and 1855 he represented South Boston in the board of alderman, was identified with the project resulting in Thomas Park on the heights and planned Mount Washington avenue, introducing the resolves and having them passed by the city government. In 1860 he was a delegate to the National Republican convention at Chicago and he was appointed naval storekeeper, in 1861, holding the office for four years. He was a leading man of this district, active in politics and the recognized head of the Republican party here.
A member of the Masonic fraternity for fifty-two years, he was at the time of his death treasurer of St. Paul's Lodge, which office he had held for more than twenty-eight years. He joined the An- cient and Honorable Artillery Com- pany in 1828, and in 1836 became the captain of the Pulaski Guards, which company he had been instrumen- tal in forming. In 1853 he became a life member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, was a member of the Bunker Hill Monu- ment Association and other public and social organizations. For a number of years he had been an influential member of St. Matthew's church and under his leadership money was raised for building the present edifice.
He was a man of strong personality, public-spirited, energetic and untiring in his labors for the welfare of South Bos- ton, benevolent and liberal in his bene- factions, giving without ostentation. So- cially he enjoyed the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances and was a staunch friend and valued citizen. He died April 17, 1877.
THE LATE HENRY A. DRAKE.
The late Henry A. Drake whose mem- ory is perpetuated in the Drake school as well as by his excellent record in pub- lic service, was born July 17, 1828 and died April 27, 1868. His private worth was made manifest in purity of character and by his acts of kindness to his fellow- men. His life was one of usefulness and his decease, at the age of thirty-nine years, removed one of the most esteemed men of this part of Boston. He was the son of Jeremy Drake, one of the early citizens of South Boston who was active in the affairs of this district and one of the deacons of Phillips church. Henry A. Drake attended the public schools, and was graduated at the English high school. He, soon after, entered a short but notable business career in the whole- sale paper house of Gov. Alexander H. Rice. At the age of twenty-four years he became a member of the banking house of Burnett, Drake & Co., repre- senting the firm in the Boston Stock Ex- change, the concern becoming one of the best known banking houses on State street. Of this partnership he was a most useful member, and during the re- mainder of his life his business aptitude added much to the great measure of suc- cess secured by this firm. At twenty-six he was elected a member of the Boston school committee and his long service resulted in the good of education. His first connection with the school board was in 1854 and continued uninterruptedly until 1858. In 1864 he was again re-elected, and served continuously up to the time of his death. The resolutions drawn up by his - associates in 1868, when he was removed from their number, were supplemented the year following when the school building
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
at the corner of C and Third streets was built and named in honor of his long and valued service in the cause of Boston education. His pub- lic service was still further extended to the city govern- ment when, in 1862 -- 1863 he was a member of the common council, taking an active part in all matters coming before that body, and gain- ing strong popularity by his loyalty to the interests of this district. At the time of his death he was one of the directors of public institu- tions. as one of which he was a friend of the unfortunate and suffering. He was one of the founders of the South Boston Savings Bank, and one of its trustees up to the time of his death. He made the first deposit at this bank after its incorporation and his bank book, numbered one, is now in the possession of his family. He was a prominent figure in social life, and was a member of the South Boston Masonic bodies, being at the time of his de- mise master of Gate of the Temple Lodge, member of St. Matthews Royal Arch Chapter and St. Omer Comman- dery. A man of attractive personality, his even temperament and genial dispo- sition made him much beloved by those in all walks of life. He was connected with St. Matthews church, energetic and earnest in its work and welfare, and a member of the vestry. His attainments were above the ordinary ; he was a man unobtrusive in manner, firm in his at- tachments, loyal to his friends; and he is remembered as one of the most promising young men then residing in South Boston.
MILTON C. PAIGE.
One of the best-known men of Boston, socially and politically, is the subject of this sketch, who is a native of the old
THE LATE HENRY A. DRAKE.
granite state, and was born in the city of Manchester, December, 8, 1861. Mr. Paige comes from old New Hampshire stock who have resided in that state for several generations, but originally came from Scotland. His father was Orlando Paige, a prominent business man of Man- chester and for several years was super- intendent for large contractors, and also was engaged in agricultural pursuits and owned an extensive farm. Mr. Paige's mother was Susan Clark, of Manchester, a sister of Colonel Charles R. Clark, a well- known military man of that state. Mr. Paige is the third youngest of a family of nine children and has five brothers, all of whom have been successful business men ; Frank I. Paige is an enterprising grocer and provision dealer in Manchester; William H. Paige, a prosperous farmer of North Londonderry, N. H. ; Nelson W. Paige a large contractor and builder
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
in Manchester, who has been actively engaged in political affairs and formerly represented his constituency in the city and state governments; Samuel E. Paige, a well-known local milk dealer; and Lester C. Paige, who has general super- vision over Mr. Paige's large stock farm. His sisters are Mrs. C. F. Hall, Mrs. Laura A. Boyce, of Manchester, and Mrs Walter Plummer, the last of whom is now deceased. When sixteen years of age Mr. Paige came to Boston to learn stationary engineering and secured a position with the Boston Steam Laundry at Jamaica Plain. He made marked progress, and in six months' time was placed in charge of the engine room. He remained there about two years, but owing to ill- health he was advised by a physician to secure out- door employment. After a short apprenticeship in the milk business, at the age of twenty he embarked in this line for himself. At this time Mr. Paige had no funds at his command ; but through his honesty and integrity of purpose he was able to get almost unlimited credit. From this start he has built an extensive business and to- day is the largest milk dealer in South Boston and one of the largest in the city. Pluck, perseverance and en- ergy have been important factors in his bus- iness career. Beside the milk business he has been and is now interested in several other enterprises, both in Boston and in his native city. He is largely interested in real estate, and owns one of the finest stock farms in New Hampshire, sur- rounding the beautiful sheet of water known as Mosquito Pond, near Man- chester and upon this farm his mother and brother now reside. Politically Mr. Paige is one of the most popular men that
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