USA > Massachusetts > Massachusetts of today; a memorial of the state, historical and biographical, issued for the World's Columbian exposition at Chicago > Part 65
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514
MASSACHUSETTS OF TO-DAY.
PRESTON BOND KEITH is one of the leading citizens of that portion of Brockton known as Campello. Campello has produced so many successful business men that she has grown tired of boasting about it. One of the ablest is the gentleman who is the sub- ject of this sketch. The extraordinary success of his business career is due more to his own ability and industry than to any fortunate external circumstances. Mr. Keith is a direct descendant of the Keiths who figure so prominently in the history of the city of Brockton, and particularly of its southern section. He is the son of Charles P. and Mary K. Keith, and was born in Campello, Oct. 18, 1847. His early education was obtained in the schools of Brockton. When he reached the age of eighteen years he started out in the business world and went to Boston, where he entered the office of Martin L. Keith's shoe fac- tory. He remained in this office five years, and there ob- tained a good knowl- edge of the business, in which he was eventually to be a decided success, and which was to make his fortune. In 1871 Mr. Keith decided that the time had arrived for him to start in for himself. He accordingly began business on his own account at Campello. The business increased so rapidly in volume that in July, 1878, Mr. Keith erected what was then the largest shoe factory in the place. His ambition was not satisfied even then. The business continued to grow, and at the present time the factory in size and capacity is nearly double what it was in 1878. This remarkable growth is paralleled by that
PRESTON B. KEITH.
of but few industries in the Commonwealth, and attests the capacity with which Mr. Keith has managed his business affairs. The shoes made by P. B. Keith are sold throughout the land. The sale is steady, and a chance to work at the factory is well regarded by the shoe operatives, for the reason that the factory has few idle weeks in the year. On account of the pleasant nature of his relations with his employees, Mr. Keith is one of the most popular manufacturers in Brockton. Labor troubles at his shop have been of rare occurrence. Mr. Keith has been for years a promi- nent figure in the social, religious and business life of the place. He is a lead- ing member of the South Congrega- tional Church, and is also superintend- ent of the Sunday- school connected with that church. Since its organization Mr. Keith has been prominently identi- fied with the Home National Bank. In every movement that has for its object the promotion of the material interests of Brockton, Mr. Keith is always one of the leaders. Mr. Keith is not a politician ; he is too busy for that. In 1883 and 1884, however, he reluctantly consented to represent Ward 'Three on the Brockton Board of Aldermen, where his business abilities made him a valued member. Since then public office has frequently been urged upon him, but the demands of his large and increasing busi- ness have always prevented his acceptance. Like other manufacturers who are alive to the importance of their business, Mr. Keith has utilized every device which has tended to place his industry on a higher plane.
NEWTON - V
LOA ENC Co BOSTON
N EWTON has well been termed the "Garden City," as it is located in one of the most delightful sections of the Commonwealth, and is the home of some of the wealthiest men in the State. The natural beauty of the place is enhanced by large streets and avenues, well laid out, and lined on each side by some of the hand- somest residences, taken collectively, that there are in the United States. The original territory of Newton has been curtailed by ceding certain portions to Brookline, Waltham and Watertown, and yet the following names are applied to different sections of the city : Newtonville, West Newton, Auburndale, Riverside, Chestnut Hill, New- ton Centre, Highlands, Waban, Eliot, Woodland and Nonantum. Originally, Newton was a part of Cambridge, but was released from ecclesiastical dependence on Cambridge and obligation to share in the expenses of religious worship in 1661 ; became a precinct in 1673 ; received the name of Newton in December, 1691 ; was incorporated as a town on Jan. 11, 1687-88, old style, or Jan. 11, 1688, according to the present style of reckoning ; and became a city with the beginning of the year 1874.
Although better known as the bed-room of Boston business, yet there are many small manufactories in the city. In Newton Lower Falls, paper making has been the chief industry for the last half century. The first Four- drinier press in use in the United States was placed here. Such well-known men as the Curtises, Crehores and Rices, prominently identified with the paper business in the New England States, have been interested in the paper mills in this section of the city. The Crehore mill is still in operation. An attempt was made here more than a century ago to establish a silk manufactory, but it was a failure, although at the present time there is a factory that spins silk yarns, embroidery silk, etc., for which the raw material is imported. The woollen mills give employment to three hundred and fifty laborers, and produce six hundred thousand dollars' worth of manufactured material annually. There is also a cordage factory in the place, and there are five houses employed in the manufacture of furniture, and thirty in the manufacture of clothing.
In educational matters Newton always has been and is to-day in the front ranks. In the early days the State Normal School, now at Framingham, was located here, and there has always been a great number of private schools in the place, so much so that at one time, in the early history of the city, they threatened to materially interfere with the success of the public schools, but this possibility happily came to naught. At the present time there are one high school in the place, forty-eight grammar schools, thirty-eight primary schools, one mixed school, making a total of eighty schools, with twenty-two school buildings, having a value with their furnishings of $581,600. The two most noted of the private institutions are the Newton Theological Institute and Lasell Semi- nary. The former was established in 1825, under the patronage of the Baptist denomination, and is located in Newton Centre. At the close of half a century the whole number of students that had availed themselves of the benefits to be derived at the institution were six hundred and ninety-nine. Of these fifty-five have been presidents or professors of colleges, and fifty-four had served as missionaries. Since then the institution has maintained its high reputation and has graduated many noted men. Lasell Seminary was established in 1851 by Edward Lasell, who sold it on account of failing health, to a party of ten Boston men, who placed Charles C. Bragdon in charge of it. Since then, on account of the practical features that have been introduced, this seminary has become noted all over the United States and also in Europe. Other private institutions of learning include the West Newton English and Classical School, Miss Spear's English and Classical School, Riverside Home and Day School, and Mr. E. H. Cutler's Preparatory School for Boys and Girls. There are thirty-seven churches in the city. The people in the city have always been noted for their charitable acts, and the charitable institutions are the Home for Orphan and Destitute Girls, Pine Farm School for Boys, the Home for Children of Missionaries, the Wesleyan Home for the Orphan Children of Missionaries, the Missionary Home and the Newton Cottage Hospital.
Club and social life flourishes in a surprising manner, the two most important social organizations being the Newton Club, which has just dedicated a new club-house, and the Newton Boat Club, which has a splendid house on the banks of the Charles, at Riverside,
516
MASSACHUSETTS OF TO-DAY.
J OHN A. FENNO, mayor of Newton, was born in the town of Revere in 1849, and is a good representative of the active yet conservative and suc- cessful young business man of the period who has made his way to the front by his own unaided efforts. He went to the public schools of Revere and finished his education in the Chelsea High School. After graduating from the high school, he went to work with a mercantile firm and left that position in 1875 when the Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn Railroad was organized, in order to take a clerkship with the new corporation. He continued to act as clerk in the treas- urer's office until 1878, when he was offered the position of general ticket agent, which he ac- cepted. In 1880 he was elected to the office of treasurer of the corporation, and he now holds both the office of general ticket agent and treasurer. He is also a director in several other business con- cerns. In 1874 he married Nina M. Hunt, the daughter of Dr. O. E. Hunt, a well-known practi- tioner in the city of Newton, and took up his residence in that city, living in the section known as Newtonville. His married life has been singularly happy, and he has moved in the best social circles of that wealthy city. This union has been blessed with two children, both of whom are girls. In politics Mr. Fenno is a Republican, and he has taken a great interest in the conduct of local affairs. His thorough knowledge of business methods has stood him in good stead in this connection and has worked to the advantage of the city in many material respects. He
JOHN A. FENNO.
held office in the Common Council in 1888 and 1889, and in the Board of Aldermen in 1890 and 1891. He retired from office in the following year and was induced to accept the position of trustee in the Newton Cottage Hospital. While in the Council and Board of Alder- men he held many important places on the various committees. While chairman of the Committee on Highways, in the Board of Aldermen, he, in connection with Mayor Hibbard, established the system of dividing the streets into sec- tions and holding the foreman of each sec- tion responsible for the condition of that section. This method is still con- tinued and has greatly assisted in keeping the roads up to the high standard for which Newton is noted. He was a member of the Sewer Committee, and in 1892 when the ques- tion of assessments for the payment of the Metropolitan Sewerage System came up, there then occurred an issue that interested all of the property owners of the city. It was on this issue that he ran for mayor and was elected by the largest majority ever given a candidate in the city who had a contestant. He is thoroughly earnest and devoted in everything he takes up, and has won the confidence of the citizens. He is a member of the Newton Club, and resigned the position of secretary when he was elected mayor. Although not much of a club man, preferring the enjoyment of his own home to the pleasures of the club life, he rendered much valuable assistance to the organization, while secretary, and during his occupancy of this office the handsome club-house was erected.
517
NEWTON.
A LDEN SPEARE, one of the most honored of Boston merchants, who makes his home in New- ton, was born in Chelsea, Orange County, Vt., Oct. 26, 1825. He was educated in the public schools of his native place, and entered the Newbury Seminary in Vermont with the intention of becoming a physician. His father dying, he went to Boston and entered a dry goods store as clerk, his salary consisting of his board and a suit of clothes. He afterwards entered a whole- sale store, and in 1851 organized the firm of Speare, Burke & Co., to carry on the oil and starch business. In 1853 the office was re- moved to No. 3 Central Wharf, where the business is car- ried on under the name of Alden Speare's Sons & Co., Mr. Speare being a special partner. He was married, March I, 1849, to Caroline M. Robinson, at South Reading, Vt. They had seven children, three of whom are now liv- ing. In 1860 Mr. Speare was a resi- dent of Boston, and was elected a mem- ber of the School Committee. He served in this capa- city until 1868, when he removed to New- ton and resigned his position on the Boston School Board. The following fall he was elected to the New- ton School Board, and served on that board until 1875, when he was elected the second mayor of the city. He was three times nominated, twice declining, and was elected without an opposing vote, there being no other candidate. He was re-elected for a second term. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Speare has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, and
ALDEN SPEARE.
while living in Boston was for several years a director, and in 1857 was president, of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association. He has been for years an active member of the Board of Managers of the Foreign and Home Missionary Society of the M. E. Church. For many years he has been a member, and in 1875, 1882, 1886, 1887 and 1888 he was president of the Boston Wesleyan Association. Since 1872 he has been a mem- ber of the Board of Trustees of Boston University, and has been vice-presi- dent. Mr. Speare has been a mem- ber of the Boston Chamber of Com- merce since its or- ganization, and for four years, up to 1891, was the presi- dent of the chamber. It was largely through his efforts that the present building for that body was erected, he securing the donation of the land from President Whitney, of the West End Street Railroad. He took an active interest in the erec- tion of the building, and laid the corner- stone. Mr. Speare was one of the in- corporators of the Boston Penny Sav- ings Bank, was one of the trustees and one of the vice- presidents. For nearly twenty years he was one of the directors of the Everett National Bank. He is a director of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, of the St. Louis & San Francisco, the Atlantic & Pacific, the Mexican Central and the Connecticut & Passumpsic ; is largely interested in several New England manufactur- ing corporations, and is president of the Arkansas Valley Town and Land Company. He is a member of the Boston Art Club, and various other organizations.
518
MASSACHUSETTS OF TO-DAY.
A USTIN R. MITCHELL is one of the greatest benefactors of Newton. He is at the head of several of the city's important institutions, and his pub- lic-spiritedness and great business abilities have materi- ally helped Newton to its prosperous position of to-day. He served in the Newton city government four years. He is one of the largest real estate holders in the city, and one of the largest taxpayers. He is president of the West Newton Savings Bank, and is the head of the large tobacco firm of A. R. Mitchell & Co., of Boston. He was born, May 31, 1828, in the little town of . Cummington, Mass., the same town which gave birth to William Cullen Bryant, the - poet, and Henry Laurens Dawes, the statesman. Until the age of eighteen he attended the schools of the town, and was then employed as clerk ina store, where he remained until at- taining his majority. He was diligent in business and careful and saving in his habits, and in 1849, when an excellent opportunity to start in the tobacco and cigar business pre- sented itself, he was enabled to em- brace it. In 1855 he disposed of the busi- ness and, with an old hotel man, bought the Bay State Hotel, in New York. For three years this business was conducted, and he withdrew from the partnership to enter the employ of P. Lorillard & Co., tobacconists, the largest and oldest house in the United States. He travelled for this firm until 1865, when he was appointed New England agent for the concern for fifteen years, and during that period built up an enormous business. Subsequently he became the New England agent of
AUSTIN R. MITCHELL.
another New York house, and this business is still held by him. The firm of A. R. Mitchell & Co. has also the agency for the Leggett & Myers Tobacco Company, of St. Louis, Missouri, the largest tobacco manufacturers in the world. In 1870 Mr. Mitchell moved to Newton- ville, at that time a rural village, but to-day the geo- graphical centre of the Garden City, and for more than a score of years he has been closely identified with the remarkable prosperity of his adopted city. His resi- dence is among the finest in the city. He was prominent in es- tablishing the West Newton First Na- tional Bank in 1888, and was elected vice- president and a di- rector. A year later, when the West New- ton Savings Bank was organized, he was made its president. He is a director of the Newton Associ- ates, and of the New- ton & Boston Elec- tric Street Railway, also being the largest stockholder in the latter corporation. For the past ten years he has been a di- rector in the Middle- sex Banking Com- pany, of Middletown, Ct., which is the most successful farm mortgage loan com- pany in New Eng- land, having total assets of $7,622,908. He is a director in the New Eng- land Street Railway Company. When the Newton Club- House was built, in 1892, Mr. Mitchell donated $5,500 to the club, and became a liberal subscriber to the club bonds. The Newton Club-House is now the finest in the State outside of Boston. In the development of the material interests of Newton Mr. Mitchell has been one of the most prominent factors during the past twenty years.
WOBURN
W OBURN, one of the chief seats of the leather industry in the country, is, as well, one of the most interesting places in Massachusetts from an historic standpoint, its incorporation as a town dating back to 1642, or only twelve years after the settlement of Boston. It had been settled two years before, being known as "Charles- town Village," the deed of grant to Charlestown being made by the General Court in 1640. It received its name of Woburn from the fact that the English town of this same name was the birthplace of Robert Sedgwick, the chairman of the committee of thirteen chosen by Charlestown to define the bounds between the two places, and to select the town site. The establishment of the church in the village, in 1642, was quickly succeeded by the town's incorporation, the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of which incorporation was appropriately celebrated by the people of Woburn only a few months ago.
The early settlers had the same difficulties to overcome as were characteristic of the reclaiming to civilization of the primeval wilderness of that early time ; but the stoutness of heart and indomitable purpose that triumphed elsewhere under similar circumstances overcame all obstacles, and laid the foundations of the town that five years ago blossomed into the fulness of municipal dignity.
The early history of Woburn is not associated with the tragic recital of Indian atrocities, its proximity to Boston giving it a security not enjoyed by more remote places ; but it contributed loyally its quota of stout hearts to the Indian wars prevailing during its first fifty years, to the French and Indian War about the middle of the last century, and to the Revolution. A company of Woburn Minute Men participated in the nation's first "baptism of blood" at Lexington and Concord, and two of their number -Asahel Porter and David Thompson-are among the martyrs of that historic day. In the eventful times that followed, from Bunker Hill to Yorktown, the sons of Woburn played a loyal part ; and neither were they found wanting in the second war with England, nor in that with Mexico, while in the Rebellion she contributed 775 men, eighty-two of whom were killed.
The business of tanning in Woburn dates back to the very beginning of the town's history, for the names of John and Francis Wyman, tanners, appear among the original signers of the town's orders. Thus this industry was associated with Woburn from the first, and it remains to this day practically the sole business of the place.
Situated about ten miles from Boston, and upon the great railroad highway between Boston and the North,- the Boston & Maine system, - it is easy of access, frequent trains daily putting it in close connection with the metropolis of New England. Considering its advantageous location, its growth, while steady, has not been in proportion to that which has been enjoyed elsewhere, a fact in the main due to its being dominated by a single industry, which has drawn thither only those interested in that calling. Not offering the inducement of diversified industries, it has been placed at a disadvantage compared with places more favored by such diversity, and conse- quently has been of slower growth. Its present population is about 14,000.
Its most noteworthy attraction to the visitor is its magnificent public library building, which, in architectural beauty, is not surpassed by any library structure in the country. This is a monument to the philanthropy and public spirit of Charles Bowers Winn, who died in 1875 and left $250,000 for the purpose. It is worthy of note that the initial step toward the foundation of the library was taken by the Hon. Jonathan Bowers Winn, father of the foregoing, as early as 1855 ; and that it received by his death in 1873, and by the death of the latter's brother, Timothy Winn, the same year, legacies aggregating $5,500.
Woburn abounds in historic landmarks, while within the city limits, or immediately adjacent thereto, are many romantic spots to catch the fancy and inspire the brush of an artist. Here still stands the house in which was born Benjamin Thompson, better known as Count Rumford, who was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable men of his time, although his Tory sympathies in his country's infant crisis removes him without the pale of respect of patriotic Americans. It was in Woburn that Charles Goodyear discovered the process of vulcanizing rubber, and the house is still standing in which he resided at the time.
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520
MASSACHUSETTS OF TO-DAY.
E DWARD EVERETT THOMPSON was born in North Woburn, Mass., Dec. 18, 1826, and is the son of Charles and Mary Wyman Thompson, being the youngest of nine children. He traces his ancestry back through seven generations to James Thompson, who was a member of the party which, under command of Governor Winthrop, landed at Salem in June, 1630. This James Thompson was one of the original settlers of Woburn, and in December, 1640, was one of the thirty-two signers of the Town Orders. He served as a mem- ber of the first Board of Selectmen elected in 1642, and contin- ued to hold this office for twenty years. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of his native town, finish- ing with the gram- mar school, which was the highest grade the town enjoyed in those days. Leaving school, he was for a number of years engaged in mercan- tile business with his brother Abijah, at North Woburn, where he also served as postmaster. In March, 1861, Wo- burn increased its selectmen from three to nine, and Mr. Thompson was chosen one of the number. At the breaking ont of the war, his brother having enlisted, and the duties of selectman demanding so much time, owing to the requirements of the time, Mr. Thompson sold out his business and devoted his entire time to public affairs. He continued a member of the Board of Selectmen for seventeen years, almost rival- ling in length of service the public career of his paternal ancestor in the town's infancy, and was chairman one year and clerk of the board for twelve years. In 1871
he was chosen clerk of the Water Board and Water Register, serving in this dual office for ten years. In 1871 he also represented Woburn in the General Court. For ten years he has been a special commissioner for Middlesex County, and for twelve years treasurer of the Woburn Five-Cent Savings Bank. When Woburn became a city, in 1889, Mr. Thompson was elected to the Common Council from Ward Four, and served two years as president of that body. In the campaign of 1891 he was elected third mayor of Wo- burn, and had the satisfaction of being the executive head of the city during the year that marked the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Woburn's incorpo- ration, and the cele- bration of which commemorated an event in which his ancestor, James Thompson, took an active part. Mr. Thompson has been a prominent worker in the counsels of the Congregational church, having been deacon of the First Church of Woburn for eight years, su- perintendent of the North Church Sab- bath-school for five years, superintend- ent of the First Church Sabbath - school ten years, collector and treasurer of the First C'on- gregational parish fourteen years, and a member of the Church Aid Committee of the Woburn Conference nine years. Sept. 9, 1848, Mr. Thompson married Sarah S. Hackett, of Wilton, N. H., and they have two children, Mrs. Charles M. Stront and Mrs. C. Willard Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have a pleasant home on Mont- vale Avenue, Woburn, made brighter by the fact that their children reside near by.
EDWARD E. THOMPSON.
521
WOBURN.
P HILIP KEARNEY ADAMS RICHARDSON is the son of George Adams Richardson and Lavina (Gillespie) Richardson, and was born in Chelsea, Mass., Feb. 20, 1863. When but five years of age his parents removed to Woburn, Mass., where his early education was obtained in the public schools, supplemented later by attendance at an art school in Boston. His tastes early turned to wood-engraving as the business which he later chose as his life-work, and which he has fol- lowed ever since with success, being at pres- ent a partner in the business of the Aldine Engraving Company, of Boston. In poli- itics Mr. Richardson, since the attainment of his majority, has been an ardent and active Republican, and has done efficient service as a member of the Republican City Committee of Woburn ; but until 1890, when he was appointed registrar of voters by Mayor Johnson, he had never held public office of any kind. Later he became a civil service exam- iner, and in the mu- nicipal campaign of 1891 he was nomi- nated as Republican candidate from Wo- burn's third ward, a seat which had been held by a Democrat from the time of Woburn's first municipal election. It is a tribute to Mr. Richardson's personal popularity among those without the pale of his own party that he scored a victory in this his first ap- pearance at the polls, and in a ward where the Demo- crats are in a decided majority. His discharge of his aldermanic duties was distinguished by that frank, manly independence of character and high-minded conception of his duties, as the representative of his ward, that was
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