USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 20
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CHARLES H. ADAMS.
One of the leading house furnishers of South Boston is Charles H. Adams who conducts a large business in the historic old church building at the corner of A street and Broadway, where, for many years, the services of the Phillips church were held. Mr. Adams was born in Ludlow, Vt., and, after receiving a prac- tical education, came to South Boston, about thirty years ago. He entered the store of O. Adams & Son, the senior Adams being a great-uncle of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Adams remained with this concern. growing up with the business from clerk to proprietor. In 1879, with his brother-in-law, A. J. Adams, the firm of C. H. & A. J. Adams, so familiar to the older residents of South Boston, was established. Five years ago, Mr. Adams acquired his partner's interest and has since conducted the store under the name of C. II. Adams & Co. The building occupied is seventy-five, feet by eighty feet and contains four floors thoroughly supplied with medium-priced furniture, carpets, housefurnishings and a general stock of goods for furnishing
the home. Since starting in business Mr. Adams has met with continued success. The business has increased steadily with a trade extending within a radius of several miles. It is a known fact that he sells goods at prices lower than stores in the city proper, where high rents and high salaried clerks take a large portion of the
CHARLES H. ADAMS. Photo, Purdy.
profits. He is a resident of South Boston and to-day is one of the most interested citizens of the district.
HORACE N. HATCH.
One of the leading men of this district is Horace N. Hlatch, who is engaged in the plumbing and hardware business at 130 Broadway. He was born in Jeffer- son, Maine, and learned the trade of a plumber and tinsmith in Damariscotta. In 1866 he came to South Boston and went to work for S. F. Thompson. Later he went to Cambridge where he was em- ployed for two years at his trade. He later returned to South Boston, and with his brother, M. L. Hatch, purchased the business of his former employer. Two years later he bought out his brother's interest and has continued with success to the present time. He conducts a large hardware, heating, plumbing and general jobbing business and gives employment
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
to from twelve to eighteen men. He has also become interested in real estate and is one of the large taxpayers of the dis- trict. He is a member of the South Boston Citizens' Association ; Bethesda Lodge and Mt. Washington Encampment, 1. O. O. F. ; St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M. ; St. Mathew's Royal Arch Chapter
HORACE N. HATCH.
and St. Omer Commandery, Knights Templar and is a thirty-second degree Mason. He has not been in active poli- tics, nor a seeker for office, but was elected member of the Ward 15 Republi can committee for 1901. Ile was mar- ried to Miss Georgie D. Teague of Da- mariscotta, Maine, and three children have been the result of the union, but one of whom, Walter HI. Hatch, now a man grown, is living.
ROBERT KERSHAW.
One of the influential business men of this district is Robert Kershaw. He was born in Bury, Lancashire, England and came to America in 1889. He has been in business in South Boston ever since that time. His business in this district embraces the South Boston collection agency, district agency Dominion Atlan- tic Railway and Yarmouth Steamship companies ; he is also agent for the Union
Mutual Life Insurance Company and several fire and liability companies. He is an active Republican and was a candi- date for the House of Representatives from Ward 15 in 1900. Mr. Kershaw is a charter member of the South Boston Aid Association and since its organiza- tion has been successively honored with
ROBERT KERSHAW. Photo, Cassill.
the office of financial secretary. He joined John Bright Lodge 403, Sons of St. George at its organization, and was chosen president for two years. He was appointed grand sentinel of the grand lodge in 1896, and passed through all the chairs, being elected grand president in 1899. Ile is also a member of the South Boston Citizens' Association. He was a trustee of the Victorian Diamond Festival and conducted a large chorus of children at the Victorian Jubilee Festival in Mechanics building in 1897. He has been a member of the Harvard church quartette of Charlestown for ten years, and its director for nine years, previous to which time he sang in St. Mathews church of this district. He is identified with many societies in Boston.
SYDNEY J. OLPIN.
A veteran carpenter and builder, and resident of South Boston for the past
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
thirty-four years, is Sydney J. Olpin. He was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1837. After a practical schooling he spent seven years as an apprentice at his trade in England, coming to this country in 1866. He entered the employ of Hol- brook & Harlow. Eighteen years ago he commenced business for himself and has worked on several of the leading buildings of South Boston, earning a high reputation for his thorough work. He is connected with the United Order of the Golden Cross and is also a member of the South Boston Citizens' Associa-
SYDNEY J. OLPIN. Photo, Cassill.
tion. Mr. Olpin is a prominent member of the Phillips Congregational church, having been a teacher in the Sunday- school for several years. Since coming to Boston he has made his residence in. South Boston, with the exception of three years spent in Jamaica Plain and two years in Somerville. He was mar- ried in 1866 to Miss Elizabeth Sarah Wescombe, at Bristol, England. They have had six children born to them, three of whom are now living : John Sydney, Walter Wescombe and Bessie Joyce. Mr. Olpin has for many years resided on Eighth street. He is a man of sterling integrity combined with strict temperance principles.
JAMES P. TANCRED.
A leading plumber of South Boston is James P. Tancred, who, for a quarter of a century, has plied his vocation in this district. He has been located in busi- ness for himself in his present quarters for twenty years. He carries a large stock of stoves, ranges, and furnaces, and has at all times an efficient corps of experi- enced plumbers in whom he places the greatest confidence. Mr. Tancred is con- sidered one of the most practical men in drainage matters in Boston. His wide
JAMES P. TANCRED.
experience in ventilation and sanitary plumbing has made for him a name which holds well in this community. His estab- lishment is always a busy one. During the many years he has been catering to the wants of the people of South Boston he has made his work satisfactory. He has done much important work in South Boston and vicinity. a feature of his line being remodelling the plumbing of resi- dences, which work he has done to a great extent. He has lent his coopera- tion in matters of importance relating to this district. He is a member of the Master Phimbers Association of Boston, a body that stands high in the circles of mas- ter mechanical organizations of this city.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
JOHN HOGAN.
One of the prosperous men of South Boston, and one who holds an enviable reputation in real estate and general business circles is John Hogan. He has always held a prominent position in the public eye, and his methods of dealing with all have made him popular, not alone in South Boston, but in a large portion of the metro- politan district. Mr. Hogan does a large business in South Boston ; but his transactions are not confined to this dis- trict alone. He has manipu- lated many extensive deals in real estate all through New England. For twenty-five years Mr. Hogan has been a resident of South Boston and his career during that period has been marked by a his- tory of strict integrity and square business dealings. Mr. Hogan possesses a thorough knowledge of the value of real estate properties; the smallest tenement house and the largest business block are easily within the scope of his keen judgment and can be appraised by him with accuracy. As a public- spirited citizen he bears a name of which any might well feel proud. During his long residence in this section he has been identified with many important transactions that have tended to increase the standing of South Bos- ton. It may be said that he was one of the originators of the idea of selling houses on easy monthly payments, thus enabling those of moderate means to occupy a home and at the same time pay for it. Mr. Hogan also stands high as an auctioneer and represents fourteen companies as an agent of fire and plate glass insurance. Mr. Hogan occupies a high social position in South Boston. His genial disposition and manner of good fellowship make him popular with
all with whom he comes in contact. He is past regent of Winthrop Council, R. A. ; past chief ranger of St. Michael's Court, Massachusetts Catholic Order of Fores- ters, and past chief ranger, Bay State Court, Ancient Order of Foresters. For several years he was one of the principal officers of the Knights of St. Rose. He is also a member of the Mosquito Fleet
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JOHN HOGAN.
Yacht Club, the South Boston Citizens' Association, Mt. Washington Lodge, A. O. U. W., and Robert Fulton Council K. of C.
CHARLES H. CAREW.
The success of Charles H. Carew, the well-known restaurateur and confectioner presents a shining example of South Boston pluck and energy. He was born in South Boston. October 12, 1860, and
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
RESTAURANT.
LADIES CAFE
OYSTER
HOUSE
CAREW'S RESTAURANT.
attended the Lincoln grammar and Bos- ton Latin schools. At the age of sixteen he left home to learn the printers' trade in New York. He learned the trade of compositor and, after four years, he returned to Boston and secured employ- ment on the mechanical force of the Boston "Courier." Later he became proofreader on the Boston "Star." He then served six years in the mechanical
department of the Boston "Herald." This was the end of his career in the print- ing business. for over six years ago he launched into the restaurant business in a small way. The growth of his busi- ness has been apparent to all in South Boston. So rapidly has the business increased that to-day finds him the pro- prietor of the largest and most successful dining-room in this district. The estab-
CAREW'S SUMMER PALM GARDEN.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
lishment is open night and day for the accommodation of the public. April, 1900. Mr. Carew determined to spread his busi- ness and purchased the ice cream and confectionery busi- ness of Edwin D. Barber, which for years had been one of the leading stores in South Boston where the best grades of con- fectionery were to be found. May I, he commenced exten- sive alterations of the premises and constructed in the rear of the store, the famous palm gar- den, known as Carew Hall, the most attractive ice cream par- lor in Boston. During winter seasons this is used as a public hall for parties and entertain- ments. All modern appliances are at hand for the manufacture of select grades of candies and ice cream. Mr.
CHARLES H. CAREW.
Carew is interested in South Boston real estate and is a member of the South Boston Citizens' Association.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM STEPHENS.
Captain William Stephens, one of the most active members of the South Boston Citizens Association, is the son of the late
CAREW'S CONFECTIONERY STORE.
J. W. Stephens, who was the leading insur- ance agent of this district and who came to South Boston in 1855. The subject of
CAPTAIN WILLIAM STEPHENS.
this sketch was born in South Boston and attended the Lincoln school. The young man had a liking for the sea and at the age of twenty was one of the youngest sailing masters on the New England coast. He was first master of the bark A. Houghton, which sailed from Boston to Sierra Leone, West Africa. He then commanded the barks Bolivia, Emma F.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Herriman, Julia E. Haskell, Alber- tina and the Horace Scudder. Fif- teen years ago he retired from the seafaring life and for five years was a conductor on the old South Boston railroad which in those days operated horse cars. Ten years ago he was placed in charge of the Otis D. Dana estate and has ever since looked after the business with extreme vigilance. He is a Republican and takes a deep interest in politics, being chairman of the ward committee from 1897 to 1900. He is a member of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M., Ancient Order United Workmen, New England Order of Protection. He has always been held in the highest esteem by the fellow members of the organiza- tions of which he is a member, and has assisted the Citizens' Associa- tion on committees of importance.
JOHN C. NEAL.
A reliable grocer of South Boston, is John C. Neal, whose well-known store is located at the corner of Dor- chester and National streets. Mr. Neal's standing in South Boston business circles needs no better statement than the fact that he has been located in the same store for twenty-seven years, which is the long-
JOHN C. NEAL.
est period any grocer in this distict has been located in one store. He is therefore not only one of the oldest merchants in South Boston but one who has always had a high standing in South Boston bus- iness circles. Mr. Neal came to Boston thirty years ago from the town of Newcastle, N. H. Before attain- ing his majority he engaged in business with a young com- panion, under the firm name of Neal & Thom- as. The twain had no practical experience in the grocery business and it was only their rough country educa- tion that stood for the young men in their early business career. They continued in business for thirteen years. Mr. Neal con-
INTERIOR OF J. C. NEAL, & CO.'S STORE.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
tinued business after the partnership had been dissolved and he has to this day maintained a reputation for being honorable in all his dealings and pro- viding only the best class of goods the market affords for his select line of cus- tomers. His store is the acme of perfection in neatness and highly attrac- tive at all times. Mr. Neal's endeavor is to satisfy his customers, a trait that never fails to please even the most fasti- dious. Mr. Neal is interested in many societies, he is a director in the Boston Re- tail Grocers' Association and a member of Rabboni Lodge, F. & A. M .; Ancient Order United Workmen ; Pilgrim Fathers; New Eng- land Order of Protection and was a charter member of Pow Wow Tribe, Im- proved Order of Red Men. Mr. Neal at the present time is a resident of Mattapan where he has a beautiful home. He is an active member of the Norfolk Uni- tarian Society, a body well- known in church circles throughout Massachusetts. This merchant has always been interested in the wel- fare of South Boston.
J. C. TIBBETTS.
One of the leading grocers of South Boston is J. C. Tib- bets, whose standing in this community is most excellent. He conducts a prosperous business at the corner of B street and Broadway. Mr. Tibbetts was born in Essex, but his parents removed to Hamilton when he was an infant, where he spent his boy- hood days; and, after receiving a prac- tical education, he entered mercantile life, in a grocery store at Hamilton, at the age of twelve years, Mr. Tibbetts now owning the land upon which stood the store. He spent six years in that thriving country store at Hamilton, when
he determined to come to Boston. His first application for a position was in the old store of W. B. Mendum, where he served his employer faithfully for a period of four years. Strict economy and popu- larity with the trade enabled him then to engage in business for himself. Since his first engaging in business for himself he has continued successfully without inter-
J. C. TIBBETTS.
ruption to the present day. Although a young man in appearance, he has been engaged in business since 1869, when he established his first store at 185 Fourth street. AAt the end of three years his business had assumed such proportions that he was obliged to seek new quarters and he moved to the store at the corner of B and Fourth streets, nearly opposite his first stand. He continued to prosper in this place of business until 1893, when he removed to the present prominent loca-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
tion at the corner of B street and Broad- way. Mr. Tibbetts has always been looked to as one always square in his business methods, and to-day retains trade that came to him in his early business career. His place of business is thoroughly stocked, and customers express them- selves as never having been disap- pointed with either his goods or business methods. He is one of the most interested citizens in the welfare of South Boston and has added his full quota in benefit- ting the locality in which he resides. He is a member of the South Boston Citizens' Association ; a founder of the Boston Re- tail Grocers' Association ; a past grand of Tremont Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was a district deputy of the Grand Lodge for five years. He is also a member of Mas- sasoit Encampment, I. O. O. F .; and an associate member of Dahlgren Post, G. A. R. Mr. Tibbetts is a Republican in politics. He is a faithful attendant of Phillips Congregational church. His career is one that adds lustre to the his- tory of South Boston. His long con- nection with this district has made him one of the popular business men. In 1873 he was united in marriage with Vera A. Grover of Foxboro, Mass., and two chil- dren have blessed their union. Alva G. who is now associated with his father at the store, and John C. Tibbetts now de- ceased.
EDWARD W. BARRY.
Nearly a half century of successful business life Edward W. Barry has rounded out in the peninsular district. Another half century of life may be his if the longevity of his paternal ancestry is borne out in him. He was born in Ireland, near the Lakes of Killarney in the county of Kerry, November 22, 1835, he attended the brothers' school at the monastry in Killarney until he reached the age of fifteen when he was attracted to America and sought a home and fortune here. His first employment in this country was at Weston, Mass., where he began life as 'an apprenticed baker with compensation of fifty cents a week and board. Three years later he came to
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L STREET WHARVES. METROPOLITAN COAL COMPANY.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
South Boston and took the position of foreman for Samuel Newmarch whose business was at the corner of 4th and C streets. A few years later he began his prosperous business career by starting a baking establishment in a humble way on Northampton street; and, subse- quently, with increasing growth, he moved to Harrison avenue ; where is now the residence of the Archbishop of Boston at the rear of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. About the beginning of the War of the Rebellion Mr. Barry came to South Boston again, and opened his baking business in a new building which he erected between C and D streets, on Fourth street. Success seemed to meet his every endeavor and soon his wares became known to the people of Boston and to this day the old families of the Peninsula and the South and North Ends, and Dor- chester well remember " Bar- ry the Baker." In the early seventies there were three of his bakeries in South Boston and six teams were kept busy supplying his trade through- out this city. The public in- stitutions and other places were numbered among his patrons and to-day, still active in business, he retains as his customers several large con- sumers, notably the Massa- chusetts Eye and Ear Infirm- ary and Suffolk county jail. In 1880 Mr. Barry erected a block at the corner of Mercer and Eighth streets and there removed his business, while still retaining possession of his first South Boston property holdings, which he had increased largely, and which he still owns. About this time he branched out in the horse sale and boarding and carriage stable business under the firm name of Barry & Locke; but this he discontinued after a few years and devoted his time to his baking interests. Mr. Barry's only hobby in life has been good horses and
he has raised some of the fastest ever bred in the East. Among them were Belle Wilkes and Foxy, for which he refused $8,000. He now owns the fam- ous pacer Dandy ()., 2.11, the only twelve heat race winner living. Mr. Barry has taken a lively interest in politics in South Boston and was one of the early organ- izers of the Democratic party in this city.
Photo, Cassill.
E. W. BARRY.
In 1874 he represented old Ward 7, now Ward 13, in the common council, when men now high in national and state affairs sat in that body. He has since served only as a member of the ward and city committee in both Wards 13 and 15 and on delegations to conventions; as he has refused to accept other public offices tendered him. Mr. Barry is at" present connected with several fraternal and benevolent organizations, though not as many as in earlier years, when he was
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
the active head of the first South Boston athletic club and was president of the American Association of Hibernians. Mr. Barry's wife's maiden name was Miss Sarah Shea who came from an old and honored Irish family. His great- grandmother was the original Kate Carney, of whom poets and men of re- nown in both England and Ireland have written. His mother who still survives, and is hearty and well at one hundred, was of the famous family of Burkes. Mr. and Mrs. Barry have four children living. Thomas Jackson Barry, leader of the Suffolk bar on theatrical laws and contracts, Mrs. D. H. Cram of New York one of the few women contractors in America, Edward P. Barry president of the Inquirer Publishing Company and Wm. A. Barry a professor of music.
ELBRIDGE H. GROVER.
One of the oldest business men of South Boston is Elbridge H. Grover. He is one of the best-known druggists of this section, and a citizen who has always been held in the highest esteem. Mr. Grover was born in Newton Upper Falls where he attained his early educa- tion, afterwards attending a commercial college in Boston. His mercantile life
GROVER BLOCK.
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ELBRIDGE H. GROVER.
was commenced in Boston, where, as a young man, he received his first insight into business life. In the Civil War he served with credit as an officer in the navy with the fleet commanded by the famous Admiral Farragut. He served on the Arkansas, Admiral and Augusta Dinsmore. In 1868 he came to South Boston and entered the employ of Howe & Nelson, then a well-known firm on Broadway near E street, as a elerk. He was afterwards employed by Dr. Gardner of Merrimae street and later by Levi Dodge of Charlestown. Mr. Grover launched into business for himself and purchased the store of William C. Jen- kins, at the corner of B and Fourth streets, which he has conducted with success to the present day. The build- ing, at the time of its purchase was a two and a half-story structure, and it was in 1870 that it came into possession of Mr. Grover. In 1880 he tore down the old building and, in its place, erected a four-story brick building which added much to the architectural ornamentation of this district. During his business life in South Boston, Mr. Grover has been held in high esteem by the people of South Boston, and has occupied - a place high in the ranks of the business men of this district. He is well-known among the older residents of this dis-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
trict as a reliable business man, honest in all his dealings and true to his friends. He is a member of several organizations, including the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy ; St. Omer Commandery, Knights Templar ; the Kearsarge Associ- ation of naval veterans, and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
TAYLOR BROTHERS.
The business carried on by Taylor Brothers, wholesale and retail dealers in
ALBERT J. TAYLOR.
butter, cheese and eggs, at 132 Dorches- ter street, was established in 1873 by Joseph P. Taylor. father of the present proprietors. On March 1, 1883, one of the sons was taken into the firm, and a little later the other. The firm name was changed at this date to J. P. Taylor & Sons, and so remained until Septem- ber 1, 1889, when the senior member, who is still living at the age of eighty years, retired.
Since his retirement the concern name has been Taylor Brothers. The busi- ness has always been conducted on honest lines ; nothing is misrepresented, customers are sure of getting just what they buy, courteous treatment, and right prices.
Albert J. Taylor was born in Hermon,
Me., February 16, 1859. His childhood was passed in Bangor, Me., and Auburn- dale, Mass. where he attended the public schools until fifteen years of age. About this time his mother died, and the home being broken up, he began life by going to work in Boston and later in Bangor. From that place he went to Easton, Pa. where he spent one year in a large furni- ture house, leaving there to engage in business with an elder brother in south- ern Kentucky. The failure of his father's health made it necessary for him to
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