USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 16
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ever came before the people for suffrage. What success the Republican party has achieved in this city has been justly at- tributed in no slight degree to his assid- uous and unceasing labors. In 1893 Mr. Paige served as a member of the Ward 14 Republican Committee and since that time he has taken an active interest in all political affairs. He has
MILTON C. PAIGE.
been repeatedly elected to state and city conventions ; in 1894 he received the nomination for the state legislature. At the subsequent election he ran much ahead of his ticket and received the largest number of votes ever given to a Republican candidate in his ward. When aldermen were nominated at large, in 1897-98, Mr. Paige was elected, receiv- ing the second highest vote on the ticket. During these contests he led the Democratic candidates in this district.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
This was especially noticeable in Ward 13, where he received the largest num- ber of votes ever given to a Republican in this ward. The next year he failed of re-election ; at that time there were over forty candidates on the ballot and his name being near the foot of the list he suffered in consequence. In 1898 he was a candidate at the caucuses for Congress in the Tenth Massachusetts district. By a narrow margin he lost the primaries and at the convention Rev. Samuel J. Barrows was nominated after one of the hardest fought battles in the history of the district. May 1, 1900, Mr. Paige was appointed superintendent of public buildings by Mayor Thomas N. Hart, which high position he fills with marked efficiency. On April 26, 1899, he was united in marriage with Miss Emeline Marsters, a talented elo- cutionist and social leader of Haverhill. Mr. Paige became a member of Gate of the Temple Lodge, F. & A. M., Octo- ber 26, 1886. He is also a member of St. Matthews Royal Arch Chapter; East Boston Council, Royal Select Masters ; St. Omer Commandery; also a thirty- second degree Mason ; a member of Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine, an old Arabic order ; the Old New Hampshire Club; sergeant of the Amoskeag Veter- ans, one of the oldest and most honored military organizations in the country, organized in honor of General Stark; Derryfield Club, of Manchester; South Boston Yacht Club; Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club; United Order of the Golden Cross; United Order of the Golden Star ; Bethesda Lodge of Odd Fellows ; Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com- pany ; one of the trustees of the Boston Fusiliers ; honorary member of the Arion Singing Society ; honorary member of Dorchester Driving Club; one of the first members and promoters of the Bay State Driving Club; Boston Press Club ; associate member of Dahlgren Post, No. 2, G. A. R. ; and a member of Bos- ton Lodge of Elks and South Boston Citizens' Association. He resides at 129 K street, and is one of the most loyal and respected residents of the Pen- insula district.
EDWIN R. SPINNEY.
Edwin R. Spinney is the sole active representative of a family identified with the history of South Boston since 1836. His enterprise and interest in the public welfare are pronounced. He was born on old Copp's Hill, Boston, December 21, 1857. His parents, Thomas M. and Martha E. (Andrews) Spinney, imme- diately after his birth, returned to this dis- trict, taking up a residence at 180 K street, where they still reside. He grad- uated from the Lincoln grammar school
EDWIN R. SPINNEY.
in 1872 at the age of fourteen. He then entered Bill's commercial college. In May, 1873, he commenced his business career as a boy in the firm of A. D). Sternfeldt, & Bro. importers of French calf- skins, Fort Hill square. Later, he entered the employ of Howe & French, dealers in paints and oils, Boston, who were suc- ceeded by Charles W. Badger. He
remained with this concern until June, 1890, having filled every position from boy to manager with a splendid ability. A few weeks later Mr. Spinney estab- lished a real estate office at 643 E. Broad- way, removing January 23, 1895, to his present model office at 80 K street. During these years he has built up a prosperous clientage.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
In 1892 he succeeded in having the sum of $90,000, assessed on account of the Strandway, paid back to property-holders by the city. In 1894 he was a candidate for the legislature, and was chairman of the Ward 14 Republican committee in 1891 and 1892. In 1894 and 1895 Mr. Spinney served as second assistant assessor, and since 1896 has been a first assistant, having charge of one of the heaviest districts in Boston. He is a trustee of Hobah Lodge, I. O. O. F., a promi- nent member of the Citi- zens' Association, a member of the South Boston Aid As- sociation, and treasurer of the South Boston Republi- can Club.
JAMES A. COOK.
James Augustus Cook, the well-known dealer in hardware and wall papers. was born at the corner of Fifth and F streets, South Boston, May 5, 1852. His father, John F. Cook, was born in Portsmouth, N. H., in 1823, and died in 1868. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary Cole Perkins, was born in Salem in 1823, and was the daughter of the late Ezra Perkins, who for many years kept a cooperage on Fifth street, near the corner of C street. The subject of this sketch obtained his early education in the schools of this district, first attending the Mather school in 1857, his teachers being Misses Lincoln and Moody. He afterwards, in 1861, entered the Law- rence school, and passed through the rooms of Misses Towne and Cooper ; Mr. Hardon, sub-master, and Mr. Stearns, master. He left school in the summer of 1866 to enter the trunk mak- ing establishment of Alexander McDon- ald, on School street, where he continued until the latter part of 1867. He left
Photo, Purdy. JAMES A. COOK.
there to take a position as clerk in the hardware store of William G. Bird, on Merrimac street, near Causeway street, whose employ he left in June, 1868, and entered the store of John Q. Bird, whose store was then on Broadway, near D street. He remained there until Jan- uary, 1878, when, with C. Gardner Cope- land, he opened a store at 32 1 Broadway as a dealer in hardware, cutlery, paper- hangings, etc. Mr. Copeland retiring sixteen months later, Mr. Rufus K. Wood became Mr. Cook's partner in 1879. In July, 1880, they leased and altered the property at 287 Broadway, contin- uing together under the firm. name of Cook & Wood until April, 1887, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Cook has continued the business since that time, removing in 1900 to his present store at 385 Broadway. Mr. Cook mar- ried Miss Ella M. Disney, of Newbury-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Photo, Purdy. FRANCIS A. CAMPBELL.
port, Mass., by whom he has one son, George L. Cook, who is now an architect in Boston. Mr. Cook is well known in Masonic circles, being a past master of Gate of the Temple Lodge, a member of St. Matthews Royal Arch Chapter, and a past eminent commander of St. Omer Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also past protector in the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and past warden in Volunteer Lodge, New England Order of Protection, and has, since its organiza- tion, been a member of the executive committee of the Mather and Lawrence School Association, and takes an active interest in the affairs affecting the wel- fare of South Boston.
FRANCIS A. CAMPBELL.
One of the able members of the Suf- folk bar and also one of the Boston
school board, is Francis A. Campbell, son of Frank Campbell, formerly a promi- nent resident and business man of this district. He was born in South Boston, and obtained his early education by an attendance at the Park- man school, later entering the Lawrence school. He afterwards went to the Bos- ton Latin school, and later graduated from Mount St. Mary's College, Emmets- burg, Md. He then entered the law department of Har- vard College, where he stud- ied for his profession, and took a prominent part in the athletics of the University. He. is well remembered as the famous catcher of the college baseball team during the years 1887-1888, when he was recognized as the best all-round player on the team. He now has in his possession a handsome cup awarded him for being the best gen- eral player, and also one for securing the best batting average. After leaving col- lege and being admitted to the bar, he immediately commenced the practice of his profession, in which he has achieved marked success. He maintains offices in the Tremont building, Boston. In the win- ter of 1897 he became a candidate for mem- ber of the school committee, and in his sub- sequent election, for a term of three years, expiring in January, 1901, he is serving his first office within the gift of the people. He is a member of Harvard Graduates Athletic Association; a life member of Harvard Law School Asso- ciation ; a member of Hasty Pudding, D. K. E .; Boston Athletic Association ; Catholic Union ; Municipal Officers As- sociation, and several other organiza- tions. As a product of South Boston he has reflected much credit on the lo- cality where he was born, and his por- trait will be readily recognized by the reader.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
THOMAS J. KENNY.
Thomas J. Kenny is a South Boston boy, born on the peninsula, Nov. 18, 1865. He attended the Clinch and Bigelow schools, and subsequently a private school, and entered the law office of George W. Morse the well-known State street lawyer, in March, 1881. He at first studied and practiced stenography and later took up the study of the law. In 1897 he was admitted to the Suffolk County bar, and in July, 1898. to the cir-
THOMAS J. KENNY.
cuit court of the United States. In Oc- tober of 1897, he became associated with Mr. Morse as one of his law part- ners, and has since been a member of the firm. Mr. Kenny has travelled ex- tensively through the United States and has represented heavy Boston interests in the courts of several states in some of the large railroad re-organization and re- ceivership cases with which his firm has been connected. Although for many years a member of the Democratic or- ganization in Boston, Mr. Kenny has repeatedly refused to accept office, until the fall of 1898, when, without his con- sent, the leaders of the party placed him in nomination and elected him a member of the school board, leading the candidates of all parties and the entire ticket throughout the city. He is still
one of the most active and interested members of the Boston school committee and is now serving on its most impor- tant educational committee, viz : text- books and courses of study. He is al- so chairman of the committee on the Boston normal school.
ROBERT M. McLEISH.
Robert M. McLeish, the subject of this brief sketch, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland. His father was a soldier of
Photo, Purdy. ROBERT M. MCLEISH.
the queen for twenty-two years, and after receiving honorable discharges be- came a station master in Scotland, at Steeland, occupying the position till his death at the age of seventy-five years. Mr. McLeish's mother, who resides at Woods Holl, is eighty-two years of age. He himself is the youngest of six chil- dren, three sons and three daughters, all living. He went to work at the age of thirteen, and served an apprenticeship of five years in the dry-goods business, part of the time in the famous house of Arnott & Co., in Glasgow. Coming to this city in 1880, he became a salesman in the house of Hogg, Brown & Taylor, and has remained with the successors of this firm, having now been ten years fill- ing a responsible position with the firm of Houston & Henderson. He has also
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
LIEUT. GEORGE PROCTOR.
been a civil constable for this city for eight years. Mr. McLeish is a well-known mem- ber of many fraternal organizations, and especially of the Masonie bodies, among which may be mentioned Baalbec Lodge, F. & A. M .; St. John's Royal Arch Chapter, and William Parkman Com- mandery. He is also a member of the South Boston Citizens' Association, the South Boston Republican Club, the South Boston Aid Association and of the Dry Goods Clerks' Benefit Association. As a member of the South Boston organi- zations Mr. McLeish has been noted for his keen interest and activity in all mat- ters pertaining to the improvement of this district. His residence is 214 K street, where he has lived for many years, having married Sarah, daughter of the late John Rule, a veteran of the Mexican war. There are three children of the marriage, Sadie, Robert and John.
LIEUT. GEORGE PROCTOR.
Lieutenant George Proctor, Troop A. National, Lancers, M. V. M., was born in South Boston, and is the son of the late John Proctor, who is well remembered by older resi- dents of the district. He was a large contractor and build- ing mover who had resided in South Boston fifty years, up to the time of his death. The subject of this sketch was educated in local public schools and the English high school. He first commenced business life in the wholesale drug house of Weeks & Pot- ter. One year later the war broke out and he enlisted in the 44th Massachusetts Vol- unteers and went to North Carolina with General Foster, serving in the eighteenth army corps, third division. He saw immediate active ser- vice and took part in the fol- lowing engagements : King- ston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, Rauls Mills, Trainters Creek and the siege of Little Wash- ington. He was a first and second lieuten- ant in the Seventh Infantry, and was in Cooper street, New York, in 1863, during the draft riot, when the mob attempted to take the armory. He was also a corporal and sergeant in the South End Battery, and a member of the Old Guard. He entered the service of the United States a second time and served out the terms of his enlistment. When Washington Post 32 was organized, Lieutenant Proc- tor was a charter member and was for two terms its quartermaster. He has been a member of the National Lancers, Troop A, First Batallion Cavalry, Second Brigade, M. V. M., since 1883, and has passed through all the grades to captain of the troop. It was June 22, 1871 that he was elected second lieutenant of the troop, and afterwards succeeded General Curtis Guild Jr., as first lieutenant. He has had a vast experience in military life for
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
which he has always had a strong attachment. At the age of eighteen he was com- missioned second lieutenant, and the following year was made a first lieutenant. Even before the war he was a mem- ber of the boys' military com- pany, organized in South Boston. For many years he has been engaged in the lum- ber business and is of the firm of Proctor & Drummey, Har- rison avenue, Boston. He is also interested in other enterprises. Beside residing in one of South Boston's most comfortable homes on Broad- way, he owns and operates a large farm out of the city. He is a member of the South Bos- ton Citizens' Association and is one of the most interesting and influential men of this locality.
MAJOR GEORGE F. H. MURRAY.
From his prominence in military and social circles and long residence in South Bos- ton, Major George F. H. Murray is one of the most favorably known citizens of this district. He was born on board the packet ship Marcapolo, December 12, 1858, his parents then being on a voyage from Aus- tralia to Liverpool, en route to America. The family took up their residence in South Boston and young Murray attended the Mather, Lawrence and English high schools. He entered business life in the employ of Endicott & Macomber, and later acted as Boston correspondent of Morice & Preston, a marine insurance concern. Ile afterwards entered the office of the late Calvin A. Richards, then president of the Metropolitan horse railroad. After Mr. Richards' death he associated himself, as travelling salesman with George F. Ilewitt of Boston and Worcester, and Stanley & Co. of Law- rence. In 1896 he entered the employ of the New York Life Insurance Com-
MAJOR GEORGE F. H. MURRAY.
pany, and in November, 1899, estab- lished himself in his present real estate and insurance business, soon after adding to it the business of John H. Muldoon. Although he has been in his present business but a little over a year, he has become one of the leaders in his line in the district, and has achieved marked success, his familiarity with the values of South Boston property and reputation for equitable dealings with all being prominent factors in his success. He entered politics early in life and repre- sented Ward 13 in the common council in 1883, '84 and '85. His creditable work in the council won him the highest regard of his constituents. Major Mur- ray was secretary of the Democratic city committee in 1884, '85 and '86, and held the office of deputy collector of internal revenue, from 1886 to 1890. Hle first entered the state militia in 1887 as lieu-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
tenant of Company B, Ninth Regiment Infantry, M. V. M., being made captain of the same company the year following. On the breaking out of the Spanish war, he was the first captain to volunteer his command for the service. Enlisting in May, 1898, he landed in Cuba, July 1, the same year, and in command of Com- pany B, took an active part in the siege of Santiago. The following August he was commissioned major of the Ninth Regiment, U. S. Volunteers. After re- ceiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war, his regiment returning to the state militia, he was unanimously elect- ed senior major of the Ninth Regiment In- fantry, M. V. M., which office he still holds. Major Murray is a life member of the Young Men's Catholic Association, of Boston ; and is also active in the Knights of Honor; South Boston Citizens' Asso- ciation ; Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians ; Legion of Spanish War Veterans; Army of Santiago, and the Massachusetts Commandery of the Naval and Military order of the Spanish- American war. After his retirement from active service in the Spanish war, Major Murray was shown the esteem in which he was held by the men of his com- mand by being presented by Company B with a handsome sword and belt.
HENRY HUTCHINGS.
This veteran boat builder of South Boston, who has for many years resided at City Point, is one of the best authori- ties on boats and yachting in New Eng- land. He was born in Portsmouth, N. H., April 5, 1837 ; the son of a sea- captain, and was left an orphan at the age of five years. He then went to live with an uncle at Kittery who was a boat builder. He attended school in this town and grew up in the boat-building busi- ness. During the winter seasons he went on coasting schooners and at the age of eighteen years was master of the schooner " Sharon." In 1866 he came to South Boston and worked eight years for Pierce Brothers, the old boat builders. He then engaged in business for himself at City Point, in the firm of Hutchings & Prior,
at Hankey's wharf, where he built several well-known boats. Among the steam and sailing boats he built, may be men- tioned the "Water Witch," "Viking," "Ionia," "Myrtle," " Wave Crest," and "Golden Gate." The " Wave Crest" was sixteen feet in length and in it two men started on the phenomenal trip for Australia. This destination would have
HENRY HUTCHINGS.
been reached had it not been that the provisions becoming spoiled, they were forced, after twenty days' privation, to land at the Vaha islands. They were then picked up and brought home, with the boat, on a steamer. Mr. Hutchings also built the " Emelie," some fifteen years ago, the fastest of her class on the Atlantic coast, and a boat that captured nineteen straight prizes. Mr. Hutchings has also sailed in all the important races in Boston Harbor. He was formerly a member of the old Hull Yacht Club.
For the past three years he has been engaged in the boat business at City Point and his present location is at the public landing. He has married twice. His first wife was Miss Pamelia Keen of Kittery, Maine. They had five children, . three of whom are now living; Mrs. Woodman, Lientenant George H. Hutch- ings of the Boston fire department and
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Mrs. Mills D. Barber. After the decease of his first wife he was married to Miss Myra Lowell of Kittery.
HON. EDWARD J. LEARY.
The city messenger of Boston, Hon. Edward Joseph Leary, has always lived in South Boston, and is the son of John Leary an old resident of the district. He was born at the corner of Dorchester Avenue and Silver street, opposite the old and historic South Boston tavern, on property owned in the Leary family for an extended period. After obtaining his early education and graduating from the Lawrence school, he went to work in
HON. EDWARD J. LEARY.
the old Suffolk glass works. He is a music compositor by trade, at which call- ing he once served. He engaged in business by opening a clothing store at the corner of B street and Broadway, which he conducted with that success which has attended his every effort. For nearly a score of years Mr. Leary has been before the public eye. In 1886 -1887 he served as a member of the common council; in 1888-1889 in the legislature ; in 1890 to 1892 in the board of aldermen ; in 1893-1894 in the senate, and in 1896 was elected city messenger, being re-elected each succeeding year
since. Mr. Leary is a member of Boston Lodge 10, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; past chief ranger of SS. Peter and Paul Court, Massachu- setts Catholic Order of Foresters ; was recently elected grand knight of Red Brick Council, Knights of Columbus; is a member of the Celtic club; has been a member of the Boston College Associa- tion, and is enrolled in several other local organizations.
RALPH WARDLAW GLOAG.
Of the resident professional men of South Boston, Ralph W. Gloag, the well- known attorney at law, is one of the
RALPH W. GLOAG.
most interested citizens. He was born in Port Elizabeth, Cape of Good Hope, and obtained his education at the Sir George Grey Institute, becoming prize- man of his class. He continued his English and classical studies at Magee and Queen's colleges, Ireland. Coming to this country in 1890, he entered Har- vard University law school, graduating in 1893. Being admitted to the Suffolk county bar soon after, he immediately commenced the practice of his profession, entering the office of Hon. Sherman. Hoar, then United States district attor- ney. Later, upon his admission to the
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
bar of the United States circuit court, he began to practice on his own account with an office in Pemberton square, where he has since continued with marked success, being a familiar figure before the higher courts, and having been retained on many important cases during his professional career in Boston. He is a member of the Harvard Law School Association ; the Victorian Club, and is also a Knight Templar Mason, being a member of St. Paul's Lodge ; St. Matthews R. A. Chapter and St. Omer Commandery. He was united in marriage, in 1893, with Miss Lucy Cholmondley Dickson, and resides at 392 Broadway, South Boston.
DR. JOHN MACDONNELL.
Among the prominent physicians of South Boston, Dr. John MacDonnell of 38 I Broadway holds a conspicuous place. His practice is indeed a large one although his medical career in this dis- trict is a very short one. Dr. Mac- Donnell was born in Crossakiel, County Meath, Ireland, on June 4, 1862. His early education was acquired in the national schools of his native town, after which he entered St. Mary's College, Mullingar, where he studied classics for five years. He then went to Scotland, where
DR. JOHN MACDONNELL.
he studied medicine. After com- pleting his course in medicine he went to England, where he first commenced his practice which he continued success- fully for some time. In 1891 Dr. Mac- Donnell decided to come to this country, and arrived in Boston. After living here a short time he passed the M.D. exami- nation as required by law in both the Tufts School of Medicine and the College of Physicians. Since establishing him- self in this district he has made many friends and possesses a lucrative prac- tice. Dr. MacDonnell's specialty is the stomach, in which branch of his pro- fession he is recognized as a skillful practitioner and authority. In June, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Della Jones of Waltham, and five children have been born to bless their union.
THOMAS F. WALSH.
One of the best known of South Bos- ton business men is Thomas F. Walsh, proprietor of the South Boston Roofing company. The progressiveness of this young man is amply testified to by the rapid increase of his business. He started seven years ago in a small way. Success marked every step in his career, and the short time he has been located in South Boston business life has made scores of friends for him both in civil and business life. His employment covers a considerable amount of ground and extends not alone over South Boston but into the suburbs. He has extensive yards on First street and employs on an average fifteen men. Mr. Walsh has been a resident of South Boston since 1883. During the intervening time he has done much to promote the welfare of South Boston by an allegiance to its organizations. He is an enthusiastic member of the South Boston Citizens' Association, and all plans suggested for the improvement of the district, meet with his hearty approval. He is also an enthusiastic yachtsman and one of the popular members of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club. He is also affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Royal Arcanum.
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