USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 21
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WILLIAM R. TAYLOR.
return to South Boston, where he has since resided. He was married September 11, 1884, to Emma L. Nason of South Boston and has been blessed with three children, two boys and a girl, all living. The family reside at 5 Linden street, his own property. He is connected with St. John's M. E. church, and for a number of years was superintendent of the Sunday school. He is also a member of Bethesda Lodge, I. O. O. F.
William R. Taylor was born in Her- mon, Me., August 31, 1862. His early days were passed in Bangor, Me., Auburn- dale and Sudbury, Mass. After leaving Sudbury he came to South Boston, and entered the Bigelow school, from which he graduated in the class of 1879. He then entered the business with his father,
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
remaining there one year, returning to Sudbury, where he was employed by the Central Massachusetts Railroad. From here he went to Burnside, Ky., where his eldest brother employed him until he was called home by the disability of his father. Admitted to a partnership in his father's business in 1884, he has since been a resident here. In 1884 he married Emma C. Badger of Natick. Three children were born, including two boys now living.
He is a past grand of Bethesda Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F .; past chief patri- arch of Mount Washington Encampment No. 6; and trustee of Bernice Rebekah Lodge No. 36 I. O. O. F. He is also a member of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he is now marshal. He resides at 156 Dorches- ter street, having purchased the estate about three years ago.
HUGH R. GRAY.
One of the bright young business men of South Boston is Hugh R. Gray, of the firm of Hugh R. Gray- & Co., druggists, at the cor- ner of Broadway and Dor- chester streets. He is a busi- ness man of the young school, but one who has shown by his ability and perseverance that his lesson was learned from the lives of people older and more accomplished than he. His pharmacy is conducted on the plan of all high-class drug stores, and prescriptions are compounded in a thor- oughly systematic manner. Mr. Gray is also president and general manager of the Gray Chemical Company, a concern that has placed several patent prepara- tions on the market, which have met with a ready sale. Mr. Gray was born in the famous old town of Bucksport, Maine, July 13, 1864. His father was a ship
owner and for a great many years a cap- tain in the merchant marine. He was educated in the grammar and high schools of his native town after which his education was completed in the East Maine Conference Seminary in Bucks- port. He longed for a broader field of commercial life early in his career, and about twenty years ago he left his home
Photo, Ayer.
HUGH R. GRAY.
and came to Boston. He was not long in this city when he secured employment. One of his first positions was with Charles E. Eames, a druggist at the cor- ner of Charter and Hanover streets ; a store that has been occupied as a phar- macy for seventy-five years. He was after- wards employed by several other well- known druggists, notably W. HI. Knight, - of Hanover and Court streets, and Tower & Co., Worcester and Washington streets. With the knowledge attained in these
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
stores, and a course at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy he soon became a registered pharmacist. He came to South Boston over three years ago and opened a store at the corner of I) and Fourth streets. When the store at the corner of Broadway and Dorchester street became vacant he at once secured it and established the healthy business that is found there at the present time. Mr. Gray is well known in social and fraternal life. He is a member of the Boston Lodge of Elks ; St. Omer Lodge, Knights of Pythias of Cambridge; Bucksport Lodge 30, Ancient Order United Work- men, of Bucksport, Maine; South Boston Lodge, Improved Order Heptasophs ; Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club; Ingomar Club and South Boston Wheelmen. He was married June 10, 1885, to Miss Harriet Morrill Fifield of Bucksport. Mrs. Gray is an officer of Mt. Washington Colony, United Order of Pilgrim Fathers.
EDWARD L. HOPKINS.
In the ranks of South Boston's most energetic young men is found Edward L. Hopkins, whose rapid advance in the business world has placed him on the pedestal with many men of more ma- ture years. He is one of the well-known real estate men and is also a constable. He comes from a family that has held an honored name in South Boston for over half a century. Mr. Hopkins is but twenty-nine years of age. Ile was born in South Boston and graduated from the Lawrence school in the class of 1886. Ilis business career commenced early, when he accepted a position as clerk for Edward Tracy, a real estate dealer. Ten years ago Mr. Hopkins branched out for himself and established himself in the store 362 Broadway. His, success in a number of real estate transactions is con- clusive evidence that he has not made any mistake in his choice of a business life. His experience in the real estate field, coupled with a natural foresight has made him familiar with the value of real estate in all parts of South Boston, in the past and future. His activity has secured success for him. At the present time
EDWARD L. HOPKINS.
he is agent for over one hundred houses in South Boston and has the care of a number of important estates. He is an able auctioneer, a justice of the peace and a legally appointed constable. Mr. Hopkins is a member of Winthrop Council, Royal Arcanum ; Robert Fulton Council, Knights of Columbus; Division 13, Ancient Order of Hibernians ; Mos- quito Fleet Yacht Club ; South Boston Citizens' Association and an honorary member of the Shawmut Rowing Club. Mr. Hopkins has always been known as a successful athlete. Time and again he has been honored as an official at big athletic meets, where he served success- fully and without hesitation, and has always given honorable decisions. His history although short is an honorable one.
JAMES ELLIS.
This leading furniture dealer, located in business at the corner of Broadway and B street, has always been closely
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
identified with the interests of South Boston. Mr. Ellis came to this district in 1884. His present store is one of the oldest in its line in South Boston. It was formerly conducted by A. G. Neary and later by C. H. Robinson. The sub- ject of this sketch first entered business in this district under the firm name of Ellis & Lewis. Later the firm consoli-
JAMES ELLIS.
dated with C. H. Robinson and for six years Mr. Ellis was at the Boston store. It was during this time that he gave up his residence in South Boston. He could not foresee the advisability, at the time, of taking the South Boston store again, and as his business took him to the city he changed his place of residence. In 1895 Mr. Ellis returned to South Boston and assumed charge of his old store, re- maining here ever since. During the succeeding years he has made many im-
provements in the building. His con- stantly increasing business demanded more floor space, and besides changes in the old building, he added the entire block on B street, through to Silver street. He also occupies stables in the rear of the stores. The old building owns its share of military history, as it was formerly used as an armory for the South Boston companies of the Ninth regiment. The firm makes a specialty of selling goods on the instal- ment plan, a system that appeals strongly to many of his customers. The busi- ness of the house is not confined to South Boston as the delivery wagons are regular objects in the suburbs. Mr. Ellis is well- known in social life. He is a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company and was sergeant in that organization in 1896, when that company made its famous trip to London and the Continent. He is also a member of the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; South Boston Citizens' Association ; Cath- olic Union of Boston, Bos- ton Athletic Association and the Old Dorchester Club, and a member of the Mt. Washington Encampment, A. O. U. W. Two years ago he took a leading part in the election of Congressman Henry F. Naphen. He spends his summers on his farm near Blackstone, Mass., where he enjoys an uninterrupted view of four states, Massa- chusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire, from Wigwam Hill, the highest point in south-western Massa- chusetts, which is on his farm. Mr. Ellis has added much to the business suc- cess of South Boston and is esteemed as one of its leading men. He is recog- nized as an able business man of the district.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
HARRY J. MEGHRAN.
One of the most successful of South Boston's younger business men is Harry J. Meghran, the deservedly popular real estate agent with a place of business at 494 Broadway. Mr. Meghran is one of the few young men in his line of business who has been brought up in the real es- tate school. From the time he left the influences of school life his hopes were centered in this particular line. He is a South Boston boy by birth and breeding. He. is the son of Mary A., and the late Patrick T. Meghran and was born September 12, 1872. His father was one of South Boston's oldest residents, having been born in this district. His mother is an old Fort hiller. He at- tended the Bigelow school and completed his educa- tion at Comer's Commer- cial College, thereby adapt- ing himself to the par- ticular line of business he is destined to follow. After leaving college he entered the employ of John A. Devine, as clerk, and rapidly won his way to the favor of his employer. He remained with Mr. Devine from 1889 to 1898 and was confidential clerk and finan- cial agent. It was in 1898 that he determined to ven- ture out for himself and opened the office at 494 Broadway. In May, 1900, he opened an office on Bow- doin street, Dorchester. In both of these offices he carries on a general real estate business, auctioneering, collections of . rents, management of real estate, placing of mortgages, justice of the peace. ap- praiser and fire and life insurance. One of the most notable events in Mr. Meghran's short career, is the highly creditable manner in which he has handled the immense Dorchester estate
known as Mount Ida. This land, which covered about twelve acres, has been cut up into house lots. He is a young man of a retiring disposition. He is affiliated with Pere Marquette Council, Knights of Columbus. He was married October 9. 1900, to Miss Margaret F. Heffren of Dorchester. After his marriage he took up his residence in Dorchester and occu-
HARRY J. MEGHRAN.
pies a pretty residence at 468 Quincy street.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN.
A dry goods merchant of South Boston and leading citizen of the district is John M. Sullivan, who holds a place high in the ranks of business men. Mr. Sullivan was born in Moncton, N. B., in 1860. After attaining an education in the schools of his native town, he came to Boston and
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
entered the employ of the firm of Hogg, Brown & Taylor, at that time one of the best-known dry goods houses in this city. He served three years in the employ of this firm, during which time he gained a valuable knowledge of the business which he chose for his career. After severing his connection with this firm he came to South Boston and entered the employ of
JOHN M. SULLIVAN.
B. Eldridge, for years a well-known dry goods man of this district. September 28, 1889, he purchased the store 441 Broadway and started in the dry goods business on his own account. Since that time, by his wide-awake methods and his faculty of pleasing customers, he has in- creased his operations from small dimen- sions to an extremely large and growing business. In 1895 he was obliged to en- large his store by building a thirty foot extension to the rear. This made the
store seventy-five by thirty feet with a basement of the same dimensions. Every nook and corner of this store is filled with a stock of desirable goods, well suited to the large buying population of this district. Mr. Sullivan has been an active and interested resident of South Boston, and has always been classed as a progressive merchant and public-spirited citizen. He is a member, and at the present time sec- retary, of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club, and a member of the Columbia Yacht Club; City Point Cath- olic Association; Knights of Columbus; Division 66, A. (). H .; Royal Arcanum; Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also a director and one of the original incorporators of the South Boston Coop- erative Bank. Mr. Sullivan was married in 1887 to Miss Catherine Moffett of Charles town. The result of the hap- py union is three bright chil- dren. As one of the district's best-known business men, Mr. Sullivan's advice has been availed of on many matters of interest concern- ing the development of South Boston.
LESTER E. AYER.
This leading photographer of South Boston, and prob- ably one of the youngest men pursuing this line of busi- ness in Boston, is Lester E. Ayer, who conducts a creditable studio at 202 Broadway. Mr. Ayer is a sturdy New England boy, with all the pluck and cour- age for which the boys of this section are noted, and his advancement to the position he now occupies was won only by hard work and perseverance. He was born February 24, 1869, in the city of Augusta, Me. There he grew up and attended the public schools of the city until he reached the age of sixteen. He looked for- ward, like many other Maine boys, to the
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
greater cities, where youth was encour- aged and ambitions fostered. With business sentiments uppermost in his mind he came to Boston. His intellect drove him in the direction of the art of photography, and he at once proceeded to sharpen his mind on the trade which seemed his by nature's calling. He spent several years in different studios in
LESTER E. AYER.
New England until he mastered the pro- fession. Then his zeal and energy dictated to him the seeking of another field and he went to California. He remained at the Golden Gate until 1895 when he returned to Boston. Soon after returning he entered the employ of J. C. Latto. Mr. Latto, up to the time of his demise some months ago, held the repu- tation of being one of the leading photog- raphers of Boston. His trade included some of the best residents of South Boston and the neighboring sections.
It was under W. C. Thompson, of the Opera House Studio, at Amesbury that the subject of this sketch received the finishing touches of his education in the art of photography. In the last days of Mr. Latto many important changes were made in this profession. Improvement followed improvement and the old school was obliged to make way for the new school. When Mr. Latto died, Mr. Ayer purchased the busi- ness. All improvements of the new school of photography have been made the special study of Mr. Ayer. He has kept the pace made by the leading photographers of the country.
P. F. QUINN.
[ {Among the younger busi- ness people of South Boston is P. F. Quinn, the proprie- tor of the " Broadway Hat Box," situated at 375 Broad- way, opposite the Bank. Mr. Quinn is a South Boston boy, born in this district twenty- five years ago. He is a young man who, by his own per- severance, individuality and determination, to-day occu- pies a position in the busi- ness world high above many who have been for years fostering different lines of business. His career in the hat and cap business is a very short one, dating back but three and a half years. After graduating from the Bigelow school he entered mercantile life, in which he continued for six years. In April, 1897, he accepted a position as salesman with M. F. Quinn at the corner of D street and Broadway. Here he re- mained until January, 1899, when, hav- ing mastered the hat and cap busi- ness, he purchased the new store in the Glynn building. Although but twenty- three years of age he showed the material he was made of, and since assuming con- trol of the store has built up a large and
£
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
substantial patronage, having a line of headwear and gloves best suited to the wants of the people of South Boston. He is a member of St. Vincent's choir, a
P. F. QUINN.
teacher in the St Vincent's Sunday-school and a member of South Boston Council, K. C., and the South Boston Citizens' Association.
THOMAS F. PHILLIPS.
Thomas F. Phillips, the well-known coal and wood merchant of South Boston, the son of Patrick Phillips, an old resi- dent and merchant, was born in South Boston, March 26, 1857. Hle has always resided in this district and has been identified with its interests. He was educated in the Lawrence grammar and English high schools, and this was sup- plemented with a course at Comer's College. He then entered mercantile life and became bookkeeper for John Cavanagh and Sons, the building movers and bridge builders. In 1882 he engaged in the coal and wood business for him- self, which business he has carried with success ever since. At the time of the building of the new South Station his wharves and main offices were located at 424 Federal street. The advance of passenger terminal facilities in Boston forced him to surrender his coal pockets, with a capacity of forty thousand tons, to the Boston Terminal Company. Since
then he has been located at 56 Dorches- ter avenue. He controls a large trade, not only in South Boston and Dorches- ter but in the city proper and Brookline, and supplies many institutions and churches. He has several branch offices in this district and Dorchester. In April, 1899, the business was merged into a close corporation, with Mr. Phillips, the principal stock holder. Mr. Phillips is a member of the Boston Coal Club; South Boston Citizens'Association; Chari-
THOMAS F. PHILLIPS.
table Irish Society; Catholic Union of Boston, and is also a director of the Mount Washington Cooperative Bank.
RUSH BROTHERS.
Perhaps no young business firm has achieved greater success in South Boston during recent years than that of Rush Brothers, who conduct extensive markets, on Broadway and Dorchester street, in South Boston, and on Warren street, Roxbury. The firm consists of Reuben Rush, who was born in England, Febru- ary 6, 1868 and Thomas Rush, born in England, August 12, 1869. They came to Boston from their native heath in 1884. After working three years for the West End Street Railway they went to Chicago, and engaged in business. Soon after
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
they moved, and their new scene of action was in Akron, Ohio. They finally located in New York city where they engaged in the sale of typewriters, with offices in Baltimore, Boston and New York. It was in 1893, that they disposed of their typewriter business in New York City. Reuben went to the World's Fair in Chicago, and Thomas came to Boston. Upon the return of Reuben from the World's Fair, Thomas had bought out the provision business located at 439 Broadway. They then removed to South
REUBEN RUSH.
Boston, where they have since made their homes. The year following the purchase of the establishment on Broadway they extended their business operations by opening the store on Dorchester street, and sometime later they opened their successful store in Roxbury They are unusually enterprising men and are heartily interested in the progress of South Boston. Reuben Rush, who for many years had made a study of finan- cial and labor questions, came into prominence in local politics in 1896, when he met Edward Atkinson, the well- known citizen and orator of Brookline in joint debate. The event took place in Gray's hall and Mr. Rush showed him- self to be an able expounder of the money question. He is an able and eloquent
orator. He has figured quite promi- nently in the Democratic politics of Ward 15 having served as chairman of the ward committee. In 1893 he was united in marriage with Miss Georgia Lailee. Four children have blessed their union, three of whom are now living.
Thomas Rush is just as well and favor- ably known in the business world as his brother. He has not, however, occupied as prominent a place in every-day affairs, being of a retiring disposition. He de- votes all his time to the successful busi-
THOMAS RUSH.
ness he assisted in establishing. He was married in 1894 to Miss Annie Eden and they have one child, a bright boy of five years. Rush Brothers have contributed much to the success of South Boston and stand well in the estimation of its citizens.
W. H. MILLS.
The proprietor of the great China and Pacific Tea Company, importer of high grade teas and coffees, has been in busi- for twenty years. It was in 1880 that he engaged in the tea and coffee business at 241 Broadway near C street. His trade gradually increased and his opera- tions were soon extended to two other stores located at 437 and 649 Broadway.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
These he conducted in addition to the original store. Mr. Mills systematized his affairs to such an extent that he was enabled to concentrate the entire busi- ness into one store.
He employs several courteous clerks, and deals in teas, coffees, butter and eggs. He also carries an extensive stock of china-
W. H. MILLS.
ware, kitchen furnishings, and glassware, which are given away to regular custom- ers. Mr. Mills' store has always been known as one of the most reliable places in South Boston where high class goods can be obtained. Mr. Mills is identified with St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M .; St. Matthews Chapter of Royal Arch Ma- sons; St. Omer Commandery, Knights Templar ; Ancient Order of United Work- men, and Troop A., National Lancers. He has always resided in South Boston and takes a deep interest in the welfare of its community.
H. GORDON.
If fair dealings with all and a clean business record count, then II. Gordon, the enterprising jeweler whose store is one of the best known on Broadway, has well earned a position in the history of South Boston. He is a native of Ger- many, but an adopted citizen of Boston for some years. Since casting his lot with the business men of this district, in
August, 1897, he has achieved that suc- cess which only rewards the industrious and the deserving. First starting in a small way in a small part of what now comprises his present handsome store at the corner of B street and Broadway he has gradually forged ahead. At the beginning of the year 1900 his business had outgrown the quarters. Securing a lease of the adjoining store, he took away the partition and enlarged and re- modelled the establishment to its present state. A clever judge of diamonds and precious stones, a practical watch-
ELGIN & NALTHAN WATCHES
142 1.GORDON OPTICIAN.
GORDO
STORE OF H. GORDON.
maker and all-round jeweler, his success has been rapid. In the watch-making de- partment he now gives steady and remu- nerative employment to skilful watch- makers, and oftentimes has more than two hundred time pieces in process of repair. Ilis reputation for honorable treatment of patrons has now become firmly estab- lished in this district where business rep- utations are never achieved unless justly earned. Mr. Gordon is active in all South Boston matters of public interest.
JAMES W. ROSE.
One of the younger progressive busi- ness men of this district is James W. Rose, who has been engaged in the bicycle
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
221
JAMES W. ROSE.
and phonograph business for the past five years. Mr. Rose is a South Boston boy, and well known thoroughout the dis- trict. After obtaining a practical edu- cation, he finally entered the store of John E. Lynch, the well-known wall-paper dealer, where he remained for eight years, and gained a valuable insight into busi- ness life. He displayed much talent in the interior decoration of homes. Since start- ing in business for himself he has been particularly fortunate in all his trans- actions, all his efforts turning out success- fully. During the summer season his store has been the Mecca for South Boston bicylists. During the winter months he conducts a large business in phonographs and graphophones. He also possesses an orderly temperance pool room. He is a versatile young man and an accomplished banjoist. His ser- vices are required on many occasions for the entertainment of his friends who con- sider him a recognized artist on this instrument.
EDWARD J. WHEELER.
One of the most reliable tailors of South Boston, is Edward J. Wheeler,
who was born in Canada and educated there. He acquired his trade in Ottawa, Canada in 1880 being then a resident there. He later went to Chicago and Minneapolis, where he plied his trade, and 'in 1884 he came to Boston. He has been the instructor in the business of several young men and he has given many a good start. On Octo- ber 1, 1888, he started in business for himself, at the corner of Broadway and I street, where he has been ever since. Since coming to South Boston Mr. Wheeler has gained a high reputation
EDWARD J. WHEELER.
and is known as one of the most reliable and accurate tailors in Boston. He de- signs his own patterns, a portion of the trade that is not known by all who are engaged in it. Mr. Wheeler has for his customers some of the leading men of South Boston and the city proper. All goods that leave his establishment must not alone be satisfactory to his customers, but to himself, a point he is strenuous about. His employees are the best to be secured for his line of high grade work. He is a member of the Art Society of Boston; Knights of Columbus; Ancient Order of Hibernians; the South Boston Citizens' Association and the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club.
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