USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Leominster > Leominster, Massachusetts, historical and picturesque > Part 14
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LEOMINSTER, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE.
He was twice married, first to Dolly, daughter of the late Capt. John Buss. In 1836 she died, and March 4th, 1838 he was again married to Nancy W. Colburn. He died April 2nd, 1851, aged nearly 67 years. His three children, Josephine, Thos. A. and Chas. Wm., still survive him.
MOSES D. RICHARDSON. In July, 1630, among the Eng- lish immigrants who accompanied Gov. Winthrop to America, came three brothers named Richardson, who settled in Charles- town, Mass.
One of their descendants, Silas Richardson, who was born in Medway, Mass., Jan. 12th, 1762, bought a farm in Leomin- ster, and settled here in 1790. Besides carrying on this farm he also worked at his trade of wheelright. The house he occupied had been a garrison in 1777. In this house his youngest son, Moses D. Richardson was born in 1805, and died July 24, 1888, having spent his entire lifetime of eighty-three years under the same roof, except when he attended school in Groton. He joined the Baptist Church in 1828, sixty years ago, was its clerk from 1835 to 1838, and in 1840 was chosen deacon. He was also appointed to various services in the Ecclesiastical Society. His nature was quiet and unassuming, but he was nevertheless, an active member of the church in his younger years, and when age, with its increasing feebleness, came upon him, he still continued to attend church, longer, perhaps, than in the judgment of others would have seemed prudent and advisable. He died as he lived, leaving the memory of a good life well ended with those who survive him.
JAMES A. RICHARDSON, elder son of Moses D. and Abby W. Richardson, was born at North Leominster, July 19, 1854. After leaving the High School he resided at home until 1877, when he went to California. During the past ten years he has been principally engaged in real estate business in Oregon and California,
MOSES D. RICHARDSON.
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BIOGRAPHICAL -- CONTINUED.
DR. DANA P. RICHARDSON, younger son of Moses D. and Abby W. Richardson, was born at North Leominster, Oct. 14, 1855. He graduated from the Leominster High School in 1876, from the Harvard Medical College in 1882, practiced four years in his native town, and in Nov. 1886, removed to Gloucester. Oct. 18, 1888, he married Fannie L. Benton of Fitchburg, and at present, is successfully practicing at Bay View, Gloucester.
JACOB AUGUSTUS KENDALL, was born in Ashby, Mass., in 1827. He learned the painter's trade in Lexington, and came to Leominster when about 19 years of age, and started in busi- ness for himself. He was a man of unusual activity, indomit- able perseverance and pushed ahead to success.
In business matters he was thoroughly wide awake, and, in money matters, especially in dealing with his help, was always prompt and reliable.
Mr. Kendall never held town offices; he was too busy to seek office and when urged to accept it steadily refused. He was for twenty-two years a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a regular attendant at the Orthodox Congregational Church. In his home relations Mr. Kendall was peculiarly happy, and all his spare hours were gladly given given to his family. He died Nov. 13, 1886, at his home on Main street.
CHARLES CARTER was born in Peterboro', N. H., Jan. 25, 1802, and died in Leominster, March 23, 1887. He came to Leominster, when a young man and engaged in the tailoring business, making all the military and band uniforms in this sec- tion. Subsequently he manufactured combs, and was the first paper box maker in town. He took a deep interest in military affairs and was promoted from Captain to Lieut. Colonel. He was also a prominent mason and an active business man.
MR. JAIRUS LITCHFIELD, was born in Scituate, Mass., on Christmas day, 1807, and died in the 8Ist year of his age. At
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LEOMINSTER, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE.
ten years of age, his father's family moved to Leominster. In 1827, he united with the Orthodox Church, then a struggling organization only five years old. Of this church he was a mem- ber 61 years. He was a conscientious, upright, straightfor- ward man, respected and esteemed by his fellow-citizens. He served the town faithfully as Selectman, Assessor and Over- seer of the Poor. His wife and two daughters, Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Willard survive him.
JOHN COOLIDGE was born in Gardner, Mass., but removed to Leominster and there spent the rest of his days. He was employed in the comb and horn business and other works at different times. He died Feb. 3, 1885, the circumstances of his death being such as to call forth unusual expressions of sympathy. In doing a kind act for a friend and neighbor, watching by his bedside during his last illness, he received from his heated brow the poison which caused his death. It was a kind heart that prompted him to this act of self sacrifice, which will not soon be forgotten in the community.
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CHAPTER XI.
COMMERCIAL.
O BETTER index of the business activities of the town can be found than the two banking institutions, one of which fur- nishes all the needed monetary accom- modation to manufacturers, merchants and business men generally, and the other accommodating the large number of persons who make it a point to save some portion of their earnings to be laid by for a rainy day. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LEOMINSTER was organ- ized in 1864, with John H. Lockey for its first President, and Joel C. Allen, Cashier. Its charter having expired in 1884, by limitation. The present bank is its successor.
THE LEOMINSTER NATIONAL BANK, was organized with a capital of $ 150,000. Its officers are : Hamilton Mayo, Presi- dent ; A. L. Burditt, Cashier ; Fred J. Lothrop, Teller ; W. A. Putnam, Book-keeper ; Directors, Hamilton Mayo, Charles L. Joslin, John M. Lockey, F. A. Whitney, George L. Rice, Nahum Harwood, A. L. Burditt and A. W. Williams.
HAMILTON MAYO has held the position of President since the Bank was organized in 1884. He was born in Westmin-
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LEOMINSTER, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE.
ster, Mass., Feb. 26th, 1851 ; son of William and Mary Mayo, was graduated from Meriden Academy in 1869, Dartmouth College in 1873, and Albany Law School in 1874, at which time he was admitted to the bar, and in February of the follow- ing year, 1875, opened an office in Leominster. Since that time he has devoted himself to the practice of his profession. He was appointed Trial Justice in 1883, and still holds that office ; he is one of the Trustees and one of the Investment Committee of the Leominster Savings Banks. He was for several years a member of the School Board, and during the latter part of the time was chairman. Nov. 20th, 1878 was married to Florence G. Curtis of Portland, Maine.
A. L. BURDITT was first identified with the bank in 1865, at which time he went in as an assistant to Joel C. Allen, Cashier. He was appointed Cashier of the First National Bank in 1870 and Treasurer of the Savings Bank in 1871, and still holds both positions.
FRED J. LOTHROP has held the position of Teller since Dec. I, 1885, and W. A. PUTNAM that of Book-keeper, since May 4, 1882.
THE LEOMINSTER SAVINGS BANK was incorported in 1865. The three original charter members were John H. Lockey, Leonard Burrage and James H. Carter. Mr. Lockey, who was then in the State Legislature, being instrumental in securing the act of incorporation. The officers of the Bank are : Dwight B. Look, President ; Charles L. Joslin, Vice President ; A. L. Burdett, Clerk and Treasurer ; Trustees, C. C. Boyden, Ham- ilton Mayo, George Woods, F. A. Whitney, Geo. F. Colburn, Geo. Hall, J. G. Tenney, Clesson Kenney and D. C. Nickerson.
DWIGHT B. LOOK, President, is a native of Conway, Mass., where he was born April 19th, 1820. His education was such as the common schools of his native town and the neighboring village of Shelburn Falls afforded. In 1836 he left Conway
GEORGE HALL.
JOSEPH G. TENNEY.
CLESSON KENNEY.
D. C. NICKERSON.
GEO. L. RICE.
A. W. WILLIAMS.
GEORGE WOODS.
C. C. BOYDEN.
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COMMERCIAL.
and went to Hatfield and engaged in making corn brooms and brushes. In 1840 he returned to Conway and with his brothers engaged in the manufacture of horn combs of various kinds. In 1847 Mr. Look came to Leominster, and continued to work at the same business until 1854, when he associated himself with his two brothers, and William Tilton, under the firm name of Look, Tilton & Co., in the manufacture of the same goods. In 1856 he went into the Dry Goods and Grocery business with J. Q. A. Pierce under the firm name of J. Q. A. Pierce & Co. After two years he returned to the manufacture of horn goods associated with Wm. Tilton and J. W. Bates under the firm name of Tilton, Look & Co. In 1869 the firm was dis- solved, and the business and factory were sold. In 1872 he resumed the business with A. G. Derby and Geo. R. Damon, under the firm name of Derby, Look & Co. In 1876 Clarence Kenney bought out Mr. Derby's interest in the business and it was continued under the firm name of Look, Damon & Co. to Jan. Ist, 1882.
Mr. Look takes a great interest in his adopted town. He is always ready and willing to do all that he can to promote her prosperity. In 1880-I, he was elected to represent the seven- teenth Worcester District in the General Court of Massachu- setts. He has held various town offices ; three years on the Board of Selectmen, three years on the Board of Assessors, two years on the Board of Auditors, Collector of Taxes two years, now serving his second year as Chairman of the Board of the Overseers of the Poor, is a trustee to hold and disburse the income of funds left for the relief of the worthy poor of the town, was one of the original corporators, and is on the Board of Trustees and the President of the Leominster Savings Bank. He is a temperance Republican in politics, and Evangelical in his religious belief.
Mr. Look has been twice married. In 1844, he married
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LEOMINSTER, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE.
Fanny A., daughter of Dr. Washington Hamilton. In 1850 he married Emily, daughter of Col. Jabez Newhall, both of Con- way. They have two children, Frank N. and Fanny H. The former was a graduate of Amehrst College, in the class of '77, and is now treasurer and manager of the Florence Manufact- uring company, Florence, Mass. The latter completed her studies at Wellesley and Boston and is engaged in Kindergarten work at Florence, Mass.
CHARLES L. JOSLIN, Vice President. Sketch with Joslin family.
POST OFFICE.
The Post Office at Leominster Centre has been located in the Bank Block on Main street since 1874.
Thomas A. Hills is Postmaster, and his brother, C. W. Hills, Assistant Postmaster. We are unable to give the date of the establishment of the office, or the names of the first postmasters. For several years John Gardner held the posi- tion, and the Post Office was located in the first house west of the Dr. Pierce estate on West Street. Daniel Gates succeeded him for a short time, then John Kendall, locating the office in a building where Wood's Block now stands. It was here in 1833 that Charles H. Colburn entered upon his long term of service. The office was, after a time, removed to the store of Henry Allen in the old Allen block. Here, for two years, Mr. Colburn was associated with Joel C. Allen in the dry goods business, the firm being Colburn & Allen. In 1837 Mr. Col- burn removed the office to his house on Main St., where he also started in the dry goods business. After a few years he put in a stock of patent medicines in the place of dry goods and continued in that line of business up to Dec. 1887, when he disposed of his stock and discontinued the business. He resigned his position as postmaster in 1874, after a service of forty years and nine months.
Y
Duight B. Look
201
COMMERCIAL.
From the date of his birth, Jan. 23, 1808, Mr. Colburn has been a resident of this town, and intimately connected with its history. He is the last of a family of five sons and one daugh- ter, children of Elisha and Deborah Colburn, who were all reared from childhood in the little old house on the corner of Central and Lancaster streets.
THOMAS A. HILLS, the present postmaster, is a son of the late Capt. Thomas and Nancy W. Hills, and was born in Leom- inster, Sept. 15, 1840. He received his education in the public schools of this town.
In the winter of 1857 he entered the employ of Abner Parker & Co., Cordaville, Mass., proprietors of a country store. Subsequently he was employed in the store of John G. Thurs- ton & Co., South Lancaster, Mass., and was residing there at the time of his enlistment into the service of the U. S., in the autumn of 1862. He joined Co. C, 53d Mass. Vols. from this town, commanded by Capt. Joel A. Stratton. The regiment formed a part of "Banks' Expedition," and was assigned to the 19th Army Corps, Dept. of the Gulf.
Soon after the muster out of his Regt., in the fall of 1863, he entered the employ of Allen & Kimball in this town, remain- ing with them until July, 1864, when he again enlisted, this time for a period of one hundred days, joining Co. E, of Marlborough, 5th Mass. Vols., in which he served as Sergt. until the muster out of the Regt. in November of the same year. For several years after he was connected with the State Militia, serving as Lieut. in Co. K, 10th Regt. In January, 1865, he entered into partnership with Christopher Chase, under the firm name of Chase & Hills, conducting the dry goods and grocery business at the old "Gates" store on Central street. Subsequently he was in company with A. O. Wilder and later on, conducted the grocery business alone at the same place, remaining there till the summer of 1874.
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202
LEOMINSTER, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE.
July 1, 1874 he assumed the position of postmaster, suc- ceeding Charles H. Colburn, the retiring postmaster. He was first appointed by President U. S. Grant, and subsequently by Presidents Hayes, Arthur, and Cleveland.
He has been a member of Chas. H. Stevens Post 53 G. A. R. of this town since 1868, during which time he has filled various offices, and is now Commander of the Post.
THE NORTH LEOMINSTER POST OFFICE was established in 185I, at which time W. F. Howe, the present postmaster, was appointed.
Mr. Howe was engaged at that time in the tailoring busi- ness, in Baldwin's Block-now Fiske Block. He removed to the house now standing north of the depot, where, in 1858, he started in the store business. Here the office was located until 1861, at which time he removed his store and the Post Office to their present location. On the site of the present store (Howe's Block) stood an old store building for a long time kept by John Stratton, and later by L. W. Conant. Previous to 1861 the present building was owned and used by the town as a school house, but the Kendall Hall building having been pro- vided, it was no longer needed for school purposes, and was purchased by Mr. Howe, who moved it to its present location, fitting up the lower story for business purposes, the old store being moved and utilized as a back store.
REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE.
These important interests are represented by J. M. Lockey & Co., Real Estate Agents, the firm consisting of J. M. Lockey and Hamilton Mayo. The agency of Lockey & Allison, Insur- ance, with J. M. Lockey of Leominster, and Henry Allison, of Fitchburg as partners, and the Insurance agency of Chauncy WW. Carter, Esq. Sketches of H. Mayo and Chauncy W. Car- ter are already given.
W. F. HOWE.
-
JOHN M. LOCKEY.
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COMMERCIAL.
MR. JOHN M. LOCKEY is a native of Roxbury, Mass. He was educated in the schools of Leominster, together with two years at the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Entering the Insurance business in October, 1872, he continued alone in that business until 1878, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Charles B. Dennis, of Fitchburg, under the firm name of Lockey & Dennis. A year later Mr. Henry Allison of Fitch- burg purchased the interest of Mr. Dennis, and the business has since continued as Lockey & Allison. Mr. Lockey is also a member of the firm of J. M. Lockey & Co., Real Estate and Mortgages, office at Leominster. In October, 1887, he was chosen Treasurer of the J. H. Lockey Piano Case Co. He has been director in the Leominster National Bank since its organ- ization in 1884.
DOCTORS.
DR. CHARLES A. WHEELER was born in Fitchburg Dec. 6, 1836, graduated from the Fitchburg High School in the class of '54 ; graduated from Worcester Eclectic Medical College in '57. He began the practice of medicine in West Boylston, Nov. '58. He enlisted in the 15th Mass. Regt., Nov. '61 ; was com- missioned assistant surgeon in the 12th Mass. Regt. in Dec. '62 ; was mustered out with the regiment July 8th, '64 ; and came to Leominster, in August '64, where he still continues in practice.
DR. HENRY R. BROWN was born in Loudon, N. H., March IIth, 1841 ; attended the public schools until the age of four- teen, then entered Loudon Academy, where he studied to be- come a Civil Engineer. Disappointed in obtaining a satisfac- tory situation in that profession, he gave it up, and commenced the study of medicine in 1862, with Dr. W. S. Collins. In Sept. of that year, he enlisted in Co. G, 15th N. H. V. He ·served eleven months as orderly Sergeant, and on being dis-
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LEOMINSTER, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE.
charged he resumed the study of medicine and graduated in March, 1867, at the N. Y. Homoeopathic Medical College. The same month he commenced practicing in Waterbury, Conn., in partnership with Dr. E. C. Knight. He removed to Leomin- ster in July, 1869, where, with the exception of two and a half years that he was away on account of ill health, he has been located ever since.
DR. H. P. HALL, was born in Kennebunk, Maine, August 2d, 1853, and after studying in the college of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, graduated from Maine Medical College in 1873, after which he studied in the hospitals of London and Paris, and then returned to Portland, Maine, where he prac- ticed for awhile in the office of his preceptor, and finally settled in this town in 1876, where he has continued to practice until the present time.
DR. J. M. RANDALL, (deceased). Sketch already given.
DR. C. E. BIGELOW, was born in Danielsonville, Conn., Oct. IIth, 1855. He was educated in the public schools of Danielsonville, Friends Boarding School and Mowrey & Goff's Private School in Providence, R. I., and graduated from Brown University, Providence R. I., in 1878, and from Jeffer- son, Medical College in 1882. He located in Leominster in 1882. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
DR. EDWARD J. CUTTER, was graduated at Harvard Col- lege in 1877, and, four years later, at Harvard Medical School. He served, also, as House Pupil and House Sur- geon in the Boston City Hospital, from July, 1880, until Jan. 1882, when he was appointed Assistant Resident Physi- cian at the State Almshouse at Tewksbury. He resigned this position in Nov. 1882, to take the place of Assistant Super- intendent and Resident Physician at the Boston City Hospital. This place he resigned in Nov. 1884, and came to Leominster, where he has since resided. He is now one of the Consulting Staff of the Baldwinville Cottage Hospital.
DR. C. A. WHEELER.
DR. H. R. BROWN.
DR. H. P. HALL.
DR. J. M. RANDALL.
DR. C. E. BIGELOW.
DR. E. J. CUTTER.
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COMMERCIAL.
DR. E. ROSCOE MILLER was born Sept. 26, 1859, gradu- ated from Nichols Academy, Dudley, Mass., class of '83, and from Boston University, School of Medicine in 1887. He settled in Leominster, June 8th, 1887.
DR FRANK HENRY MOWE was born in Hill, N. H., April 7, 1864. He was educated at New Hampton Institute and Dart- mouth Medical College, also at New York Post Graduate Medi- cal College and Hospital. He settled in Leominster, May '88.
LAWYERS.
CHAUNCY W. CARTER, EsQ. Sketch with Carter family.
HAMILTON MAYO, EsQ. Sketch as President of the Leom- inster National Bank.
WILLIAM E. WHITE, son of I. C. and Frances W. White, was born at Worcester, Mass., May 26, 1863. He attended the public schools of Worcester, including the Worcester High School. He worked about a year as clerk in the office of E. W. Vaill, manufacturer of patent folding chairs, after which he studied for about one year at home, and took a course in book- keeping at Hinman's Business College. In the fall of 1882 he determined to take up the study of the law. With this end in view a year was spent in special study under the direction of the late Hon. Geo. F. Verry, and Hon. E. H. Bennett of the Boston University Law School. In the fall of 1883 Mr. White continued his studies at the Boston University Law School and also in the School of Liberal Arts connected with the Univer- sity, He was admitted to the Worcester County bar April I, 1886, at the age of twenty three years, entering immediately into practice in the city of Worcester, where he remained until Nov. 1, 1887, when he removed to Leominster.
DENTISTS.
DR. F. E. NIMs has been in the practice of his profession
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LEOMINSTER, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE.
in Leominster for the past fifteen years. He is a native of Rowe, Mass., where he was born, May 31, 1848, received his education at the Shelburne Falls Academy and the Pennsylva- nia Dental College of Philadelphia. He began practice in Shelburne Falls in 1859. In June, 1873, having disposed of his business, he came to Leominster and opened an office in Wood's block, at the end of about eleven months removing to his pres- ent office in Foster's block, which was then just completed.
DR. G. H. WOODBURY is a native of Bolton, Mass., born in 1864, and educated at Waterville Academy, Maine., Leomin- ster High School, and Boston Dental College. He succeeded the late Dr. L. N. Leslie, in Wood's block.
DR. E. A. EATON was born in Fitchburg, Mass., in 1838. He attended the public and High schools of that town, and in the year 1859 entered the office of Dr. T. Palmer of Fitchburg as a student in dentistry, remaing for five years. He began to practice in Lawrence, Mass., in 1865, but was ordered by his physician to California in 1867, on account of failing health. He practiced there for thirteen years, returning to Fitchburg in 1880. He located in Leominster in September 1886.
DRUGGISTS.
C. F. NIXON was born in Sterling, Aug. 16, 1857. He re- moved to Templeton and afterward, in 1868, to Leominster, where he attended school, and later entered the employ of C. E. Dresser, druggist, in Fosters' block. He graduated at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in May, 1884, having start- ed in business in Allen's block in 1879. He is now President of the Worcester North Druggists' Association. At the time Mr. Nixon commenced business he was the youngest druggist in town, and had also been the shortest time in business. Ow- ing to changes in the proprietorship of the other drug stores he is now senior in his line and longest in business.
C
M. A. GREENWOOD.
T. A. HILLS.
EDWARD PREVEAR.
A. O. WILDER.
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COMMERCIAL.
E. E. BURDETT. This business was established when Fos- ters' block was built, in 1874, by A. A. Burditt of Clinton, who afterwards disposed of the business to C. E. Dresser. In 1881, it was purchased by the present proprietor, who had, for four years previous to that time, been in the employ of Mr. Dresser.
Mr. Burdett is a son of A. L. Burdett, and a native of Leom- inster.
FRED P. PORTER was born in Lunenburg, Mass. He came to Leominster in 1877, and in 1887 purchased the drug business of Dr. A. H. French, in Wood's block, after having been in the employ of E. E. Burdett for six years.
Previous to Dr. French, John Dickey, S. A. Whittier, Chas. S. Perry, Wheelock & Whittier, and others carried on this business.
WATCHMAKERS AND JEWELLERS.
EDWARD PREVEAR was born in Northampton, Mass., Sept. 10, 1817, and educated at Amherst in the public schools and Academy. He went as an apprentice to the watch, jewelry, and optical business in Amherst in 1834, and succeeded his employers . Jan. 1, 1840, removing his business to Lynn in 1849, thence to Leominster in 1858.
The necessity of some simple method for ascertaining exact time, which is found only by the movements of the sun and stars, led him to construct a transit instrument for that purpose, for which he received letters patent in 1868. It was the, study of astronomy for the purpose of computing time, under the guidance of professors at Amherst and Harvard Col- leges, that led to his appointment by Gov. Claflin, in 1870, as Commissioner for establishing meridian lines in each county of the state of Massachusetts. With the efficient help of his son, Geo. F. Prevear, he still continues the watch, jewelry, and op- tical business at the corner of Main and Mechanic streets.
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LEOMINSTER, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE.
F. W. OSGOOD removed to Leominster from his native place, Salisbury, Mass., in March 1886, locating in the C. H. Colburn building on Main street.
PRINTING.
The first newspaper printed in town was the "Rural Repos- itory," which was started Oct. 22, 1795, and published weekly by Charles Prentiss, in a building near where Josiah Pierce now lives. The date of its death is not known, certainly, but in June, 1798, Charles and John Prentiss started the "Political Focus," which was devoted to the interests of the Federalists. This paper was printed at the same place as the "Rural Repository", and must have been as short lived, for in 1800, we have record of the advent of the "Telescope", published at the same office as the others, by Dr. Daniel Adams, (author of Adams' Arith- metic,) and Salmon Wilder. This ceased for want of patron- age, Oct. 14, 1802. The "Political Recorder" started in the summer of 1809, and was published by Salmon Wilder about half a mile west of the meeting house. The last number was issued July 19th, 1810.
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