USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Leominster > Leominster, Massachusetts, historical and picturesque > Part 10
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was a member of the board of Overseers of the Poor and also one of the Road Commissioners, and filled many other import- ant positions of trust.
Mr. Cozzens was a straightforward, practical, business man. " He expressed his opinions plainly and positively, and was al- ways ready to fulfil just what he promised, nothing less, noth- ing more. No one loved a social hour with a friend better than he, and he made every one cheerful by that ready, jovial man- ner, so peculiar to him. Such men are missed, for they help make life pleasant."
WILLIAM MILTON HOWLAND was born May 18th, 1817, in Conway, Mass. He was a lineal descendent of John Howland, one of the Pilgrim Fathers who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. John Howland's wife was Elizabeth Carver, a daughter of John Carver, the first Governor of Plymouth Colony.
Mr. Howland was engaged in the manufacture of carriages in his native town. In 1847 he moved to Springfield, with his family, where he worked as a machinist, and soon after removed to Leominster.
Here, in 1855, he engaged in business with Mr. John H. Lockey, first in the manufacture of corn planters, and after- wards, very successfully, in the manufacture of apple parers. In 1866, Mr. Howland retired permanently from business. During the remainder of his life he was often called upon to fill positions of responsibility and trust. He was public spirit- ed, and his advice was sought in public enterprises. He was actively interested in getting a water supply for the town and was Treasurer of the Water Board, a position which he held at the time of his death.
Mr. Howland was married Oct. 10th, 1843, to Miss Louisa S. Look who, with their only daughter, Mrs. Clarence Kenney, survives him.
In 1850 he united with the Orthodox Congregational Church
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and, in 1872, when the Society built their present house of worship, he was one of the largest contributors. He was chos- en chairman of the building committee, and to him the Society is indebted for the good taste displayed in many parts of their beautiful edifice. He was, also, a member of the organ com- mittee, and by his taste and experience as a musician did most effective service.
He was an earnest christian, a model husband, and a loving father. "He always had a kind word for every one, and his genial disposition and cordial greeting made him many friends." He died, after a short illness, Sept. 3d, 1874.
JOEL CROSBY ALLEN was born in Leominster, in the house now occupied by Mrs. James Bennett, Main street, Sept. 2d, 1817. His early life was spent on what is known as the Miles farm with his uncle, Mr. Joel Crosby. He was named for Mr. Crosby, and at his uncle's death inherited a share of his prop- erty. At the age of 18 Mr. Allen, in company with his father, began the general merchandise business in a store which stood where Allen's block now is. Later he was in company with Mr. Chas. H. Colburn, under the firm name of Colburn & Allen. For some years, after this firm dissolved, Mr. Allen was not in business. During this time the store was in charge of his brothers ; first, of Geo. A. Allen and then of William T. Allen. Later Mr. Allen resumed the business in connection with Mr. Porter Kimball. When Mr. Kimball retired from the firm the business was continued by Mr. Allen until the formation of the First National Bank of Leominster, when he accepted the position of Cashier. At that time the bank was located in what was called " Allen's Building." After some years of faith- ful service he was forced, by pressure of public duties and pri- vate business, to resign ; but he remained a director of this bank, and its successor, until his death. He was, also, a trus- tee of the Leominster Savings Bank.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
As a public servant, Mr. Allen was most faithful and effi- cient. In 1845 he was elected Town Clerk and a few years later, Town Treasurer. He held both these offices at the time of his death. No other name was ever mentioned for either place in all the years he served the town as its Clerk and Treas- urer. He gave time and strength to these duties without stint, though the pay was no adequate return for the service rendered. His was a long and most honorable public service.
Mr. Allen served the public in other ways. He was chosen to represent the town in the Legislature in 1852, and in 1853 was the the chosen member representing the town in the State convention to revise and amend the constitution of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts. In the year 1863 he was elected Senator for this district, giving satisfaction to his constituency and honoring the office more than the office could honor him. He was Treasurer of the Fitchburg and Worcester R. R., while in process of construction, and afterwards Vice President and Director in the Company.
For the larger portion of his life he held the office of Nota- ry Public and Justice of the Peace, placing his seal upon hund- reds of documents without fee, simply because he thought the other party needed the money more than he. Allen's Block, built after the destruction of the old store by fire, stands as a monument to his public spirit and the pride he took in his na- tive town and its welfare.
Mr. Allen was, from his early youth, an active and earnest worker in the Unitarian Church. He shared, to the fullest extent, the work and burdens of both church and parish, and among its honored dead none are more honored than he, but he did not actually enroll his name as a member until the latter part of his life.
Of the minute things of his life and history it is not possible
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to speak here: but this may be said in all confidence, that Leominster has no more honored name than that of Joel Crosby Allen, and she never need desire a more faithful and loving servant. Mr. Allen died at his home June 23d, 1884.
SAMUEL MERRIAM was born in Mason, N. H., July 29, 1818. He received his education in the public schools of that town, and, at the age of 17, was apprenticed to the firm of Scripture & Ames, of Mason Village, to learn the tin and stove business. He remained there until he was twenty-one years of age. He was then hired by a firm in Woonsocket, R. I., where he worked as a journeyman a short time, and subsequently went to Nash- ua, N. H. In the spring of 1844 he went to West Boylston, Mass., and commenced business for himself; but not feeling quite satisfied, he sold out his business in the autumn and went to Worcester, where he engaged in the same business, in com- pany with P. D. Russell, remaining there until the year 1850, when he removed to Fisherville, [now Penacook] N. H., and formed a partnership with H. H. Amsden of that place.
In 1853, in connection with H. H. Amsden and B. F. Cald- well, he commenced the manufacture of pine furniture, under the firm name of Caldwell, Amsden, & Co. Wherever Mr. Merriam lived he took a deep interest in the welfare of the place. While there he served as Councilman and Alderman several years, and in 1853-4 was member of the Legislature at Concord.
In the spring of 1864 he came to Leominster and, in com- pany with George Hall of Nashua, N. H., purchased the land and water privilege and commenced the manufacture of furni- ture under the firm name of Merriam, Hall, & Co. When he came to Leominster he brought with him the same public spirit which had characterized him in other places. He was soon chosen Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and Director of
SAMUEL MERRIAM.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
the First National Bank, which offices he held at the time of his death.
When a young man he united with the Baptist Church in Mason, N. H., and all through his active life his church was very dear to him; he spent both strength and money for the pro- motion of its welfare. He was Deacon of the Central Baptist Church and Superintendent of the Sunday School many years. He was also interested in the Baptist Vineyard Association, being one of the Directors of the same at the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 30th, 1880.
MAJOR JOSEPH TENNEY, son of Joseph Tenney, was born in Bradford, Mass., Nov. 26th, 1776, and died Mar. 25th, 1858. He was a carpenter by trade and was for many years the only contractor in town. He was the first in this town to con- struct a building by the " square rule," the usual method being what was known as " the scribe rule."
During the greater part of his life he was interested in mil- itary affairs and was actively connected with the State Militia, and at the time the requisition was made, in the war of 1812, for artillerymen, the response came from the Old Leominster Artillery Company : "We will go as a Company," and they went to South Boston with Captain Tenney as their Command- er. The British failed in their attempt to "lay waste the whole American coast," and after the sacking and burning of Wash- ington were obliged to withdraw their army. The Company remained on duty until all danger was past when they returned, Capt. Tenney receiving a Major's commission.
MR. JAMES BURDETT was born in Leominster, on the old Burdett place, about one mile from the Center on the Lancas- ter road, where his father lived, and died at the age of 97 years, he having purchased it a few days after the battle of Bunker Hill, on which memorable occasion he was present. Mr. James
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Burdett was one of the pioneers in the comb business, and had his shop at the home place, the work at that time being all done by hand. Mr. Burdett was, also, engaged in farming. He was a quiet, unassuming man who understood his own business, and attended to it. He was an old pensioner of the War of 1812, and the oldest man in town at the time of his death. During his life he held many offices of trust. He was elected the first " Free Soil" Representative to the Legislature of the State, and at times held other minor offices, such as Select- man, Overseer of the Poor, Assessor, etc. He did his work faithfully, and was a respected and valued citizen. He died at the home of his son, Mr. A. L. Burdett, on Grove Avenue, June 1, 1884, at the advanced age of 92 years, 10 mos., 16 days.
JOSEPH SUMNER DARLING was born in Leominster, June 8, 1802, and for nearly four score years he was closely identi- fied with its growth and life, taking an active interest in all matters relating to the welfare of the place, and always dis- charging his duties with conscientious fidelity.
He was honored with the several offices of Constable, Assessor and Selectman, and represented his town in the State Legislature. As a citizen soldier he acquired the title of " Colonel" by reason of his connection with the then famous 9th Reg., Mass. Vol. State Militia, of which he was the com- manding officer for some time. For eight years he was con- nected with the Custom House at Boston, as Inspector of Cus- toms, and lost his position on account of his unflinching adherence to his political convictions. During this period he lived in the city and subsequently, for five years, in Belcher- town.
In the political questions of the day he took great interest. He was an old line democrat, and never swerved from his polit- ical faith, while he lamented the deficiencies and departures of
MAJ. JOSEPH TENNEY.
JAMES BURDITT.
COL. JOSEPH S. DARLING.
SILAS RICHARDSON.
GEN. AARON S. GIBBS,
MAJ. ELIAS JOSLIN.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
the party of his allegiance. He died as he lived, true to his convictions in this regard.
Mr. Darling was for 52 years a consistent member of the Orthodox Church of this place, uniting with it upon con- fession of Faith in 1831. This church was formed and for two years worshipped at the house of his mother, Mrs. Mary Lin- coln, who was one of the four women, of the original ten persons organized as a Church Dec. 25, 1822. This house is now oc- cupied by Mr. J. H. Johnson on West street. Mr. Darling was always loyal to the faith of the church, constant in his attend- ance upon its worship and liberal in the support of its ordi- nances.
He had more than ordinary endowment of that quality so rare in possession or exercise, " good common sense." He was wise as a counsellor, firm and righteous as an administrator of trusts, and his decision in matters referred to him for judgment, were rarely reversed. Mr. Darling was a man possessed of a very retentive mind. Since the days of his early manhood he had seen two generations come and go, and in his later years his memory of those who had passed away was more compre- hensive than his knowledge of, and acquaintance with, the living.
SILAS RICHARDSON was born March 22, 1802, at the old homestead of the family, in North Leominster, now owned and occupied by his brother, M. D. Richardson. He lived on the old homestead until he was twenty-one when he began life for himself, working on the farm in the summer and teaching school in the winter, for thirteen years. In 1846 he was appointed sexton of the town cemetery, which position he held for twenty-six years. His failing health caused him to resign the position to his son, Charles H. Richardson, who still holds it. Mr. Richardson was one of the hardest working men of his day, and most methodical and prompt in all his engage .. . 19
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ments. His duty was his pleasure, always. He died at his residence on Grove Avenue on Sunday morning, Jan. 16, 1876, mourned for, not only in his own family circle, but by the com- munity and the Church, of which for many years he was a member.
AARON S. GIBBS, familiarly known as General Gibbs, was born in Boylston, and came to this town in in 1833. He spent his early life in Leominster, being engaged in trade for several years in a building fronting on Monument Square, but now standing in the rear of Wood's Block. He kept a country store, supplying everything in the line of Dry and West India goods. In 1841 he went to New York, returning to Leomin- ster after a few years, and was for some time employed as book-keeper for Joel Smith. In politics he was a democrat, well read, and well informed on all political issues, and was not unknown to the distinguished men in his party. He held a General's Commission in the Mass. State Militia, and was well booked in military tactics. All his movements in private life showed that he had good military blood in his veins. He was a great reader and thinker and people enjoyed entering into conversation with him. Leominster was the place he loved above all others, and he chose to spend his last days here.
ELIAS JOSLIN. (Sketch in the following chapter.)
OLIVER G. CALDWELL, the second child of John and Mary Caldwell, was born in Lunenburg, in the year 1805. Five years later his parents removed to Ashburnham, where he was edu- cated in the public schools of the town. The early years of his life were spent on the farm with his father. Leaving the farm he engaged for a time in the teaming business, and for several years after this in running a saw and grist mill. Mr. Cald- well moved to Leominster in 1855, where, in company with Mr. S. A, Miller he was for many years engaged in the manufacture
OLIVER G. CALDWELL.
١
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
of tubs under the well-known firm name of Caldwell & Miller, in which business he continued till 1874, when he retired from active life. For some years previous to his death, in 1885, he was not actively connected with the business, though he still had a deep interest in business matters, and had at least an indirect con- nection with his former work in the person of his son-in-law, Mr. Lawrence. It may be said of Mr. Caldwell that he was a good business man, careful, painstaking and honest, against whose public or private life there was no reproach. He was not a man to thrust himself into notice. He was quiet and unassuming, but earnest and faithful. In his church relations as a member of the Orthodox church, he shared cheerfully its work and burdens, contributed liberally to its support and coun- seled wisely in its affairs. As a man and a Christian he is worthy to be honored and remembered.
AUGUSTUS WHITMAN was born at South Abington in March, 1821. His father, who died in 1878, aged nearly 94 years, was a prominent lawyer of Plymouth County, and served several terms in the State Senate. Mr. Whitman was educated in the schools of his native town and at Phillips Academy at Exeter. He was possessed of marked traits of character which distinguished him and rendered his life work successful Although he suffered from physical infirmities for many years, his mind was clear and active, and as a financier he had few superiors in this part of the State. His career gives an exam- ple of what may be achieved through uprightness of character, honesty of purpose, a just regard for the rights and happiness of others and an indomitable will, which, in his case, triumphed over physical infirmities. He was just and exact in all his deal- ings, kindly in disposition, generous in his contributions to both public and private enterprises, and a friend to worthy young men, many of whom have cause to bless his memory for
$
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material assistance and advice. Mr. Whitman made his home in this town for many years, where he gave considerable atten- tion to stock raising, and was one of the most extensive stock breeders in Worcester county, and paid a larger tax into the town treasury, than any other single individual or corporation. His death was caused by an accident. He was killed very suddenly by being thrown from his carriage, in the orchard adjoining his residence at Worcester, on Saturday, October 2d, 1880. By the provisions of Mr. Whitman's will, among other benefactions, the Congregational churches at North Leomin- ster and South Abington, received $5000 each.
DR. JAMES M. RANDALL, son of J. M. and A. R. Randall, was born in Woburn, Mass., Oct. 9, 1857. He was a graduate of Harvard Medical School. He settled in this town, in the year 1878, opening an office in the old Post Office build- ing, owned by Charles H. Colburn. He was young, ambitious and deeply interested in his chosen profession. At this time the age of Dr. Field made his large practice burdensome to him, and becoming acquainted with the young allopath, who was entering upon the same line of practice which he had fol- lowed successfully for half a century, a mutual respect and con- fidence resulted in a mutual benefit, Dr. Randall taking charge of the night work for Dr. Field and becoming quite intimately associated with him in his practice, and gained the confidence of his many patients, who naturally turned towards him when in need of a physician after the decease of Dr. Field. This, added to his own large practice, resulted in a heavy burden ; notwith- standing which, the doctor gladly devoted all his time and ener- gies fulfilling what he considered his mission to those in suffer- ing and distress. After being here some two years he moved into the Putnam house on Main street, his mother and sister coming to town at that time, to reside with him, and later on
EMERY TILTON.
WILLIAM TILTON.
EMERSON PRESCOTT.
J. AUGUSTUS KENDALL.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
he purchased the Dr. Field place, remodelling it to suit his taste. It was at this time, and in the midst of arduous profes- sional duties that sickness came, and he who had often been a source of strength to others, was himself unable to resist the destroyer. He passed away on the afternoon of November 4th, 1884, leaving the memory of a spotless character and an influ- ence for good which is still felt in the community.
EMORY TILTON was born in Conway, Mass., April 24, 1817. He removed to Leominster in 1853, purchasing the Leominster House of Mr. E. Balch, and was proprietor of the same for some fifteen years. Soon after leaving the hotel he went into the Dry Goods and Grocery business in which he continued until 1873, when he was elected a member of the Water Board ; and after the completion of the Works he was made the first Superintendent. This position he held up to the time of his death. In addition to his work in helping to secure a water supply for the town, may be mentioned his interest in the Fire Department. For many years he was a member of the Board of Engineers, serving at one time as Chief. His death occurred Jan. 1, 1880.
Though not a church member, Mr. Tilton was actively iden- tified with the Orthodox Congregational Society, where, as in his home and among business men, he was highly esteemed for his sterling worth and integrity.
WILLIAM TILTON was born in Brighton, Mass., in 1814, and that same year his parents moved to Conway, where he lived until twenty-four years of age. In 1838, he went to Ludlow, Vt., and commenced the horn comb business, which he carried on for twelve years. He was there honored with various town offices, and also served as a Justice of the Peace. In 1852 he came to Leominster, and shortly after went into partnership with the Messrs. Look Brothers, under the firm name of Look,
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Tilton, & Co., in the horn comb business. He was honored by the town with several important trusts, and was, for the last two or three years of his life, collector of taxes. In the winter of 1869-70, under the preaching of Rev. Mr. Earle, he exper- ienced religion and united with the Orthodox Congregational Church and ever after took an active interest in all its affairs. He was a member of the building committee of the new house of worship and one upon whom a full share of the labor and responsibility came, and by whom it was cheerfully borne. He was Treasurer of the Church at the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 7th, 1873. Mr. Tilton was married Nov. 24th, 1846, to Miss Cornelia A. Wyman. They had two sons, Wm. Francis and Edward B., the latter being one of the active busi- ness men of Leominster at the present time.
CHAPTER IX.
BIOGRAPHY BY FAMILIES.
No attempt will be made in this chapter to enter into the genealogy of the families referred to, but to give some items of family history, through the medium of brief sketch- es of the heads of families and most prominent members who are, or have been, residents of this town ; present- ing the most important facts in the
life of each. The families selected are the Morses, Burrages, Carters, Hills, and Joslins ; each rep- resented by numerous descendants in this immediate vicinity.
THE MORSE'S.
The families of Gardner and Augustus Morse are descend- ed from Joseph Morse, of whom history gives us the following : Born in England, in 1587, emigrated to New England, 1635, settled in Ipswich, prior to 1641. It further says he was prob-
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ably among the early but not the first proprietors and settlers of Ipswich, whose incorporation took place 1633, for it is evident from their records that he was acting as Commoner with them Dec. 28th, 1642, and the extent of his improvements four years later, indicate an earlier commencement than 1641. The de- struction of their earliest records precludes the hope of discov- ering his relative standing in the community ; but from the company in which he is found, the uncommon education in his family, and the references in his will to copies of precious re- ligious books, it is inferred that he was a person of standing and piety ; and that, by his prayers and godly example, as well as by his sacrifices and enterprise, he has imposed everlasting obligations on his race. His will is dated Feb. 2d, 1646. In this, he gave a dwelling-house to his wife, Dorothea, his new cloak to his son, Joseph, his great Bible to Hannah, and other Bibles and religious books to his children.
GARDNER MORSE was born in Dorchester, Mass., in 1811, came to Leominster in 1827, was apprenticed to Bezaleel Gibson for four years, to learn the comb business, bought his time the last three months, beginning business on his own ac- count July, 1832, in company with Erastus Thompson, on West street, at what is now the corner of Exchange street. This firm was succeeded by Gardner Morse & Co., the business be- ing removed to the old Stearns Mill, at the foot of Carter's Hill, where Smith's Piano Forte works are at present located. Later on the firm of G. & A. Morse was formed, and the build- ing up of Morseville, begun, a large brick factory being built for the manufacture of combs ; the firm employing some 100 hands in this line of business, doing a business of $100,000 a year; a large business for that period. Afterwards, on the same stream, they established the piano business, and later on, the chair business, employing, altogether, several hundred
GARDNER MORSE.
MAJ .- GEN. AUGUSTUS MORSE.
ALBERT G. MORSE.
RALPH G. MORSE.
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BIOGRAPHY BY FAMILIES.
hands, necessitating the building of between twenty and thirty houses for their accommodation, besides the factories. Morse- ville, up to the breaking out of the war, was a very busy part of Leominster. General A. Morse being called at that time, by the Governor, to assist in fitting out troops for the war, the firm was dissolved, continuing from that time forward as G. Morse & Co., covering a business career of over fifty years. Mr. Morse married in 1833, Mary, daughter of Manassah Wil- lard, of Sterling, whose death occurred in 1883, after a happy union of nearly fifty years, residing in the same house on West street, for a period of forty-five years, where a family of 8 chil- dren were raised to man and womanhood. Mary C., the eldest, died in 1872, George F., and Albert G., of whom mention will be made, Charles A., the youngest son, who died in 1883, was a graduate of the Institute of Technology, and had acquired quite a reputation as a chemist among those who knew him. Anna M. is a teacher of music and painting and resides in Leominster, as does Elizabeth A., who married, in 1859, John H. Rice, whose family consists of one son, J. F. Rice, engaged in business in Fitchburg, and three daughters, Mary, Helen, and Edith. Henrietta A. married E. K. Abbot, of Norwich, Conn., who died in 1870, leaving two sons, Willie and Charley, who reside, at present, in Norwich, Conn., with their mother. Sadie H., the youngest daughter, is Supervisor of Music in the public schools of Fall River.
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