USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 23
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father's partner under the firm name of T. Hanks & Son. Soon after it be- came apparent that the trend of business was moving up Broadway, the business was removed to larger quarters at 319 Broadway.
January 7, 1892, Thomas Hanks died leaving a wife and three children. The business was then con- ducted by his two sons, Sidney A and Joseph H. Hanks, under the name of T. Hanks' Sons, when it was removed to its pres- ent central location, 449 Broadway. In December, 1899, after a bright and active business career, the elder brother, S. A. Hanks died. Since his death the business has been successfully contin- ued under the same style by Joseph H. Hanks. He has upheld the good name of the store, while modern methods have been intro- ducedto keep pace with the times. General hardware, tools, cutlery, paints, oils and glass are the principal articles carried and a large and increasing trade has been conducted from the start. The present proprietor is a native of South Boston and obtained his education in the public schools. He was brought up in the hardware business and absorbed in large degree the extended knowledge of cutlery possessed by his father. He is a member of Gate of the Temple Lodge F. and A. M. St. Matthews Chapter, and St. Omer Commandery K. T .; and is well-known as one of the most reliable of South Boston's young business men. Although most of his life has been spent as a resident of this district, he now re- sides in Dorchester.
The business as now conducted reflects credit upon its able management, the reputation of the concern being unsullied since its foundation.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
THE LATE THOMAS HANKS. THE LATE SIDNEY A. HANKS. J. H. HANKS.
JOHN J. TEEVENS, JR.
One of the ambitious young men of this community is Councilman John J. Teevens, Jr., of Ward 14. His father, Col. John J. Teevens, has been actively engaged in business here for the past thirty years, Councilman Teevens was born in Boston, June 7, 1875, but when very young he removed with his parents to this section. After attending the Cyrus Alger school he entered the Bige- low, from which he graduated in the class of 1890. He then pursued a course of study in the English high school, graduating in 1893. While here
JOHN J. TEEVENS, JR.
Mr. Teevens had the distinction of being major in the Boston school regiment. He also took the one year advanced course, and prepared for college. In his last year at the English high school, he was connected with the school paper as one of its editors. In 1898 he grad- uated from Harvard College and since that time he has been attending the Har- vard law school. He expects to be admitted to the Suffolk bar next June. For a young man, Mr. Teevens has been quite active in political affairs and last year he was elected to represent Ward 14 in the lower branch of the city govern- ment. He is a member of the Celtic Club; City Point Catholic Association, William E. Russell Club; Jefferson Club ; Somerset Associates and Parnell Monu- ment Fund Association. He resides at 87 P street.
EDWARD R. McCORMACK.
This young and progressive business man has been a resident of South Boston all his life and was born February, 21, 1876. His education was received in the public schools of this district, having attended the Tuckerman, Pope and Lin- coln schools, graduating in the class of 1892. He then entered the employ of his father, Raphael McCormack, and for two years took full charge of his property. Mr. McCormack then entered the employ of Isaac N., Tucker, a leading plumber of the city. He showed natural aptitude
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
and became proficient in this line of business. While in the employ of Mr. Tucker, he became a skilled workman in all branches of the work. After remain- ing here for eight years he embarked in business for himself. Although in busi- ness but a short time, he is recognized as one of the leading plumbers of this see- tion. His place of business is at 724 Broadway. He is honorably identified with many societies including the Ush- ers' Literary Society, of which he is
32
EDWARD R. MCCORMACK.
treasurer ; Young Men's Lyceum ; Catho- lic Order of Foresters ; Trimount Con- clave, Improved Order of Heptasophs ; the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and other kindred organizations of the Gate of Heaven church. He resides at 8 Na- tional street.
ALBERT C. HALEY.
One of the leading painters and decor- ators of Boston is Albert C. Haley, whose business establishment is situated under the shadow of the historic SS. Peter and Paul church. He was born and brought up in South Boston, and his father was an old and valued citizen who lived here up to the time of his death. Mr. Haley has been en- gaged in the painting and decorating busi- ness for the past twenty-two years, and
makes a specialty of sign painting. A majority of the business establishments of this district are adorned with Haley's signs, and speak volumes for his skill and talent in this direction. While he designs and makes every description of signs his business is by no means con- fined to that branch ; his work is broad in its scope and the painting of large buildings, not only in this district but far outside of it, is extensively carried on by him. He employs a force of from ten to
Mouse
PAINTED
HALEY.
SHOP OF A. C. HALEY.
thirty men and has a high reputation for honest work and reasonable prices. Mr. Haley has been president of the master painters' associations of Boston and South Boston. He is a man of strong phys- ique and athletic build and has taken several prizes as an oarsman. He is a member of the Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club ; South Boston Council, Knight's of Columbus ; Ancient Order of United workmen and the South Boston Citizens' Association.
WILLIAM WASS NICHOLS.
This old and respected resident of South Boston, who has for many years been a leading spirit in the district, was born in Columbia, Maine, and is a son of the late John Nichols, a sea captain whose
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
ship was seized at Liverpool, England, by the British, at the breaking out of the war of 1812, and he was put in Dart- mouth prison until the close of the war. He saw active service in the Mexican war and commanded the first steam war vessel of the United States government, and which took part in the bombardment and capture of Tabasco, Mexico. The
WILLIAM WASS NICHOLS.
subject of this sketch is also descended from inter-colonial ancestry. He obtained his early education partly in the district schools of his native town and concluded his schooling by being graduated from the English high school at Newburyport, to which place his family had removed some years before. He then came to Boston and studied to become a mechani- cal engineer, his tutor being the late Otis Tufts.
It was in 1851 that he came to South Boston, and has resided here continuously since. He was at that time appointed superintendent of the Union Locomotive department of Wilmarth's works. In 1854 he built and was the proprietor of the Novelty Iron Works, which concern employed a large number of men and made machinery for the Philadelphia navy yard, and the Watertown arsenal. Upon the breaking out of the civil war. he was appointed by the secretary of the
navy, on the recommendation of Governor Alexander H. Rice, to be an engineer in the navy, and after a rigid examina- tion by chief engineer, George Sewell, Naval Constructor Hanscom and Com- modore Preble, he was passed, and was assigned to duty in charge of the foundry department in the Boston navy yard, employing three hundred men. It was here the vast projectiles and war mate- rial were manufactured for the navy. Mr. Nichols takes pride in the fact that the shot and shell used by Commodore Worden in the little Monitor which destroyed the Merrimack, was made under his direction.
Mr. Nichols was a candidate for the state legislature, and was elected and served in 1869-70. For the past twenty years Mr. Nichols has been engaged in the real estate business, during which time he has done much towards improv- ing considerable property. Mr. Nichols is a man of sterling qualities, has the interest of South Boston at heart, and is a strong advocate of temperance. He is a member of the South Boston Citi- zens' and other associations, and St. John's M. E. church. He resides on W. Fourth street.
E. AUGUSTUS PERKINS.
The subject of this sketch is an ex- member of the fire department, having served the city for thirty-one years. He was born in Salem in 1826, and is the son of Ezra Perkins, who conducted a cooper shop at the corner of Fifth and C streets. He came to Boston in 1843 and has lived here continuously since that time. Mr. Perkins is a graduate of the Franklin school. After leaving school he was employed by J. M. Barnard and Leonard Ware & Co. In 1868 he went to work as shipper for Felton & Sons, where he has remained ever since. In 1843 he joined the fire department and has served both as volunteer and paid fireman. He first became a member of Suffolk No. I and then went to Perkins No. 16, of South Boston, serving from 1848 to 1850. From 1851 to 1859 he was with Engine 2, and from 1870 to
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
1887 he was a member of Hook and Ladder company 5. In 1887 he was re- tired by law regulating age limit. He is still entitled, however, as a veteran, to wear the badge of the fire department. Mr. Perkins is a member of the Boston Veteran Firemen's Association ; Boston Firemen's Charitable Association ; Boston Firemen's Relief Association and the Mechanics' Apprentice Association of
E. AUGUSTUS PERKINS.
Veterans. He married Miss Ellen Cotton of this district and they lived happily to- gether for forty-nine years and six months. Three children were born to them who are all living, namely : Mrs. Navine E. Loud, Frank M. and Sarah F. Perkins.
GEORGE H. CAVANAGH.
Long prominence in the building world has made George II. Cavanagh a familiar figure in business circles. He is a son of the late William P. Cavanagh, one of the pioneer pile drivers and building mov- ers of Boston, and formerly of New
Bedford, who moved to South Boston from the city proper in 1852, and re- sided here until his death. George H. Cavanagh was born on Bay street, in 1839. After moving to this district he attended the old Hawes grammar school, graduat- ing in 1824. He then went one year to the English high school, after which he went to work for his two elder brothers. April 19, 1861, he responded to the President's call for volunteers and en- listed in the Boston Light Artillery, for three months, serving at Baltimore under General Butler. October 8, 1861 he re- enlisted for three years in the First Mas- sachusetts Cavalry. He saw continued active service, and in 1862 was made a sergeant and received honorable mention for valuable service. November, 1863, he was transferred to the Sixth New York Horse Battery, and concluded his service in Horse Battery D. Second United States Artillery, receiving his dis- charge, November 7, 1864. After the war he re-entered the employ of his brothers. John and William, who carried on the pile driving and building moving business. January 1, 1868 he engaged in business for himself, taking the pile driving branch of the business. Since that time he has become known as one of the most reliable in his line, and has completed many large and important contracts, among which may be men- tioned, that of the pile driving under the Boston Art Museum, old Providence depot, new Old South church, Youth's Companion and Pope Manufacturing companies' buildings on Columbus avenue, and a great many other large structures. Mr. Cavanagh also drove five thousand piles over which two-thirds of the new Public Library building now stands. With his brother he built the Dover street bridge in 1876; also a sec- tion of the improved sewer in the South End, and sub-structure of the Dart- mouth street and Broadway extension bridges. He was married May 30, 1865 to Miss Eliza Phillips, now deceased. Fourteen children were born to them, - eleven of whom are now living. In 1883 Mr. Cavanagh removed with his family to Dorchester Lower Mills where
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
he now resides. His chil- dren, most of whom were born in South Boston, are all talented and interesting. His oldest daughter is now Sister George at the convent of the Notre Dame, Roxbury. His oldest son is Dr. Charles R. Cavanagh a pros- perous practicing physician, Richmond street, Dorchester. Next is Joseph, a well-known lawyer at 23 Court street ; John P. and George H., Jr., are both associated with their father's business. There are also Thomas and Gerald, Margaret, Mollie, Eva and Anna. Mr. Cavanagh rep- resented South Boston in the common council in 1878- 1879. He is now one of the incorporators of the South Boston Savings Bank and a prominent and well- known member of the Mas- ter Builders' Association ; Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association ; Post 15, G. A. R .; Union Veter- ans Union; Society of the Army of the Potomac, and the First Massachusetts Association.
JOHN CAVANAGH & SON BUILDING MOVING COMPANY.
In the above-named corporation South Boston possesses the oldest and largest concern in its line in New England. The business was started in 1845 by the late William P. Cavanagh and three generations have been associated with it. The founder came to Boston from New Bedford and was the pioneer building- mover and pile driver. His first wharf was on old Federal street where is now the South Union station. There was not much business carried on in his line at that time, but during the history of the concern the demand for the work has been in keeping with the growth of the city, and in recent years the name and
Photo, Purdy. GEORGE H. CAVANAGH.
Cavalry
fame of the Cavanaghs has brought them innumerable large contracts, many of them hundreds of miles away. William P. Cavanagh removed his wharf to Harrison avenue and finally to South Boston. His sons John and William R. Cavanagh succeeded him and conducted the growing business until 1873 when they dissolved partnership, John Cav- anagh continued alone until 1877 when his son William H. Cavanagh became his partner and the firm became John Cavanagh & Son. In 1893 the firm be- came incorporated and has since con- tinued under the name of the John Cava- nagh & Son Building Moving Company, its officers being John Cavanagh, president, and William H. Cavanagh manager and treasurer. Since shortly after the close of the civil war, when the pile driving branch of the business was turned over to George II. Cavanagh, the concern
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
has devoted its energies to building moving and general contracting. Among the large contracts in building moving and shoring carried out by the concern the following list comprises but a few : Court House at Lowell; Registry of Deeds building, Cambridge; Manchester House, Manchester, N. H .; Cotton Ex- change, Savannah, Ga .; the shoring of the Equitable buildings of both Boston and New York; raising of the Hudson River Bridge at Albany, N. Y .; moving
JOHN CAVANAGH.
House from City Point to Quincy, the work being done by float; the concern has also had screws under nearly all the large mercantile buildings in the dry- goods district, and have fairly earned the high reputation accorded them in the building world. John Cavanagh, presi- dent of the company, came to South Boston in 1858, where he resided until 1868, when he moved his family to Braintree and where he now resides. William H. Cavanagh, born in Chelsea,
Photo, Purdy. WILLIAM H. CAVANAGH.
of ten brick buildings at once at Chelsea ; raising depot at Roxbury Crossing; re- moval and placing of General Wool Monument at Troy, N. Y., necessitating taking a shaft of one hundred tons, and monument in several pieces, of 365 tons, from floating barge, carrying two miles up a steep hill, six hundred feet in height, and setting up; moving tall brick chimneys in Keene, N. H., Lynn, Salem and else- where ; moving single brick wall, corner of Eastern avenue and Atlantic avenue, from close to building without breaking a pane of glass or spoiling a brick. The company occupy yards on Dorchester avenue, South Boston, of three acres, and employ from thirty to one hundred men and a large number of teams. Other notable jobs done by them should be mentioned the removal of the old Head
came to this district when an infant. He went to Braintree from South Boston with his parents, but afterward took up his residence here. He has for some years resided in Dorchester.
THOMAS F. BELL.
One long and honorably identified with this district is Thomas F. Bell. He was born in Salem, in 1831. While a boy he removed with his widowed mother to South Boston. The population of the peninsula was then about eight thou- sand, and Mr. Bell has watched its rapid growth with interest. His education was received in the Hawes and Mather schools. He was for many years asso- ciated with Howard A. Doe, and together they erected between two hundred and
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
239
fifty and three hundred dwelling houses. Mr. Bell met with marked success in his building enterprises and has been wise in his investments. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Susan T. Trask of Mount Vernon, Maine, now
THOMAS F. BELL.
deceased. Three children were born to them, all now living : Minnie F., Edward E. Bell, and Mrs. E. J. Richards of Mechanicville, N. Y. For many years Mr. Bell has been actively interested in the Republican party, and served as chairman of the ward committee for five years. For the past seven years he has been a vice-president of the Citizens' Association. Mr. Bell is also identified with the Pilgrim Fathers and a member of Mount Washington Colony. He is a charter member of the Old Hawes School Boys' Association. He was one of the organizers of the South Boston Republican Club. Although never hold- ing an elective position he was appointed in 1889, sealer of weights and measures, by Mayor Hart. He resides at 826 Fifth street.
THE LATE DANIEL F. SULLIVAN.
A citizen much respected and esteemed in business circles of this community, was the late Daniel F. Sullivan. He
was a native of Lowell, Mass., where he was born April 7, 1855. His father died when he was a young boy, and when only ten years of age he was obliged to go to work and help provide for his mother. He entered the employ of one of the thriving mills of that muni- cipality, where he remained several years. Being a young man of strong athletic build, and superior muscular development, he became interested in aquatic sports, and he is remembered as one of the best oarsmen of his time in New England. His expert work in this line of sport won for him scores of friends who remember with pleasure his contests with the famous oarsman Kennedy, whom he defeated. He was also a member of the well-known Sullivan crew of Lowell, who were many times victorious. Mr. Sulli- van's brother was a member of this famous erew. Although much interested in athletics he was not unmindful of the fact that he must fit himself for a success- ful business career, so when he was twenty-one years of age he left his native city and came to Boston. He entered into the liquor business with a well-known concern where he remained several years. Realizing that his early educa- tion had been neglected he improved every spare moment, putting aside each
THE LATE DANIEL F. SULLIVAN.
£
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
week a small portion of his earnings so that in some future time he might em- bark in business for himself. While thus employed he also found time to indulge in his favorite sport, and entered many matched races with decided success. He met and defeated that celebrated oars- man, George Faulkner, of the Faulkner- Reagan crew of Boston, and was also a winner over Lynch, another crack sculler. Mr. Sullivan was a member of the old time Lakeman four, and rowed for many years under the colors of the West End Club, and the Leverett Boat Club. He also won from Meany of Charlestown, and took part in many other memorable rowing events. In 1885, Mr. Sullivan became a resident of this district and opened a liquor store at 70 I street. He gave his undivided attention to his busi- ness and in a short time built up a most respectable trade. He established an ideal business place and solicited a choice family trade. He was kind-hearted to the extreme, and his benevolence, never contributed to win public approv- al, was offered out of a naturally gener- ous disposition. Ile was married Novem- ber 12, 1890, to Miss Emma F. McShane, daughter of Henry P. McShane, a pioneer in the baking business in this city. Five children were born to them, Henry, Arthur, Francis, Marie and Emma. Mr. Sullivan was much devoted to his home and the welfare of his family. After a brief illness he passed away July 9, 1900, leaving a name for honesty and be- nevolence that will live in the minds of his friends, and one never to be forgotten. While not a public man, in the sense the word is used, he was at all times inter- ested in every worthy movement pertain- ing to the welfare of this community. Ile was honorably identified with many societies including the Knights of Honor; St. Michael's Court, Catholic Order of Foresters ; Knights of St. Rose ; Divi- sion 13, A. O. H. ; Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club ; South Boston Conclave, Improved Order of Heptasophs : honorary member of the Friday Night Club, and president of South Boston Liquor Dealers' Asso- ciation. Ilis widow and children still reside at 761 Broadway.
J. FRANK O'HARE.
Councilman J. Frank O'Hare, of Ward 14, who is now serving his second term in the common council, was born of Irish parents, in St. Andrews, N. B., twenty-six years ago. When very young he came to Boston with his parents. He attended the Sherwin and Lincoln gram-
J. FRANK O'HARE.
mar schools. He began life as a news- boy at the age of fourteen, and entered the printing business, and learned the trade of pressman. At the present time he is employed by the Boston Co-opera- tive Press. Mr. O'Hare has for a number of years taken an active interest in the labor movement in Boston. He is a charter member of Printing Pressmen's Union, No. 67, a delegate to the Boston Central Labor Union, and has served this body as financial secretary, vice- president, and as chief marshal of its division in the Labor Day parade. He is a member of the Ushers' Literary, So- ciety ; Division 13, A. O. HI .; Robert Ful -- ton Council, Knights of Columbus, a director of City Point Catholic Associa- tion, and president of Somerset Associates.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
WILLIAM S. CROSBY.
William S. (Sumner) Crosby is one of the former South Boston residents. He was born in this district April 22, 1844, and his career in this section has been marked by honesty and faithful service to South Boston. His early education was acquired in the Boston public schools
WILLIAM S. CROSBY.
and at the age of sixteen years he was graduated from the English high school with one of the highest honors, - that of securing a coveted Franklin medal. After leaving school he entered the em- ploy of his father in the hay and grain business and when he attained his major- ity, his father at once took him into partnership, the firm name being Sumner Crosby & Son. The firm name has con- tinued since the death of his father. Mr. Crosby has always devoted his time to
the business so successfully established and maintained by his father, continuing in the channels made by the late Sumner Crosby. He never has held public office of any kind although he has been solic- ited on many occasions. He was married in 1877 to Miss Eleanor Everett Davis of Boston. They have one child, Sumner Crosby, a graduate of the Harvard Uni- versity class of 1901. Mr. Crosby's reputation is well known all over the country, the firm name of Sumner Crosby & Son occupying a prominent position in the hay and grain market.
WILLIAM E. BARTLETT.
No history of South Boston . would be complete without a brief sketch of the life and business interests of William E. Bartlett. Born at Charles- town, November 25, 1835, his childhood, with the ex- ception of his sixth year, when occurred the death of his father, passed unevent- fully until his eleventh birth- day. His mother then be- ing left with two daughters and he, the only son, the financial condition of the family being none too good, it devolved upon him to render such aid as a child can. Hle then secured a po- sition, acting as extra hand between school hours on Studley's omnibuses, a pas- senger transportation line consisting of four coaches, which han- dled all the traffic, at that time, between Charlestown and Boston. Thus he con- tinued for two years, at the early age of thirteen laying aside his school books and boyish sports and taking his place in the ranks to fight with men for the reward of labor. Rapidly rising, he served as regular conductor on the coaches until the death of his mother, in 1851, when he and his two sisters were sent by their guardian to live with their uncle in West
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