USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 11
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James Barrett Wood
a Master Mason in Manchester, Vermont, and was a charter member of Wal- den Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. A quiet, retiring, genial man, never a ready talker, but always a responsive listener, he was not in later life con- spicuous in town affairs or on occasions when public questions were publicly discussed, and deafness, which came with increasing years, tended to make him more silent in general company; but his interest in all that was going on was keen, and he was frequently consulted on matters relating to the wel- fare of the town, and especially when some fellow-townsman had met with mis- fortune or affliction.
Few men hereabout were better judges of standing timber, and he knew much about the different varieties of trees. The trees were his friends and he loved them; and his affection for them was not at all prompted by visions of so many running feet of lumber at so much a thousand feet. When he marked a noble tree for the ax, he did it not as one might doom his victim to slaughter, but rather in that reverential spirit in which the finest animal of the flock was selected for the sacrifice. Henry Thoreau, whose pupil he had been at the Academy and with whom he was well acquainted, was often em- ployed by him to survey woodlands; and Thoreau, much interested on hearing from Mr. Wood that he was cutting down the primeval forest in Vermont, at one time contemplated paying him a visit there, remarking that he should not take a train but should draw a bee-line and walk. In a communication to one of the local papers in 1902, Mr. Wood wrote: "Unfortunately, or, as I view it, fortunately, I am one of those terrible men whom one of your correspond- ents rank with the hangman. I have always been a destroyer of standing wood. Probably no one man in Concord has cut over more woodland than I have. ... Notwithstanding I have destroyed several thousand acres of wood- land, I do not think any one thinks more of a pine grove than I. Where is there a more beautiful drive than up Elm street across to Main street, by the old Abel Hosmer place? (When I take a drive with my friends, that is my fa- vorite one.) . .. I have often said that the owners of these pines-I mean the grove between the Hosmer house and Elm street-ought to receive a pen- sion from the town for letting them stand." To take his friends for a drive was a favorite recreation of Mr. Wood's; and during his later years a plump, sedate, well-kept horse, attached to a neat two-seated vehicle, in which sat Mr. Wood, driving decorously along the village streets, and accompanied by some member of his family and a friend or two, was a familiar sight to many. The sociability of it and the pleasure that it gave to his guests were always to him important factors in these pleasant drives.
"Major" Wood, as he was often called, was about five feet eleven inches in height, well favored and well proportioned, with delicately formed hands and feet. The merry twinkle that played about his dark eyes showed his ap- preciation of the humorous. In youth his hair was very dark and his com- plexion clear. He was always scrupulously neat in dress and person. At- tired in the imposing uniform of an officer of the old artillery and marching
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James Barrett 1Good
at the head of the column, his company dragging the guns with ropes, their tall plumes swaying as they swung along, he is said to have been a striking figure, and he was generally accounted a handsome man.
His home life was most attractive. He was fond of his home, fond of the friends that gathered there, appreciative of the peace and comfort and companionship that make home a blessed haven. To him the family ties were sacred ties, and he was always a considerate and affectionate husband and an indulgent father.
His general health was excellent and his last illness very brief. He died January 17, 1903, and was buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Mr. Wood was no misanthrope. Melancholy and he were not even speak- ing acquaintances. He was blessed with the spirit of contentment, and seemed to feel that to live was a fortunate privilege. His happiness was not of the boisterous kind, he was never boisterous about anything, but his quiet cheer- fulness, his serene and unvarying good-nature and kindliness, were much es- teemed by those who knew him well and were recognized by all who came in contact with him. In very comfortable circumstances himself, though not rich, he rejoiced in the prosperity of others, and he was ready to lend assistance to those who seemed to him to need it. If now and then he misjudged a man, his error was usually that of an optimist. He valued highly his membership in the Social Circle and was a very regular attendant at its meetings. He was methodical and systematic in his business and correct in his habits, a modest, sensitive, democratic, hospitable man, a man of uprightness and integrity.
Frank E. Colilbur
W E should not by any means forget those who, although unob- trusive in their every-day life, yet by their individuality and great force of character mold the commercial destinies and give tone to the communities in which they live. In an extend- ed search it would be difficult to find one who would be a better example than the late Frank E. Wilbur, for many years a well known business man of Boston, and one who enjoyed the respect and confidence of the business world and the friendship of those whom he met in a social manner. Mr. Wilbur was a self-made man in the strictest sense of that term. The excellent management of his business interests was mainly due to his good judgment, decision of character and a strict integrity. His success in life was also due to the possession by him of a combination of virtues and talents greatly in demand in this world. His sterling good quali- ties were very generally recognized, and his honor, candor and the demo- cratic attitude he held toward all men won for him a most enviable reputation and the admiration of a host of friends. The death of Frank E. Wilbur oc- curred in the city of Boston, January 23, 1910, and the news of his passing away cast a gloom over the business community of that city where he had been held in high esteem for a great many years.
Frank Edward Wilbur was born in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, Octo- ber 10, 1849, the son of George Seaman and Lucy A. (Chickering) Wilbur, both of whom were respected natives of the State of New Hampshire. George Seaman Wilbur was a shoemaker of the old school, having his shop at home and employing help. The latter part of his life was passed in Randolph, Massa- chusetts, where he manufactured boots and shoes. Mr. and Mrs. George Seaman Wilbur became the parents of four children, all of whom are now de- ceased.
Frank E. Wilbur, in whose memory we are writing, attended the public schools of Randolph, Massachusetts, for his early education, and later entered Middleboro College. His desire to enter business life was a strong charac- teristic in the young man, and accordingly he left college, when quite young, and immediately became employed with Chandler & Company of Boston, where he remained but a short time. When eighteen years of age he entered the firm of C. W. White & Company, of Boston, wholesale dealers in surgical supplies. Mr. Wilbur started with this firm as a traveling salesman, and in a short time became the owner of some stock in the company, which he in- creased from time to time, until he finally became sole owner. Mr. Wilbur remained in that business until the time of his death, which occurred when he was in his sixty-first year. Great credit is due such a man, who started
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Frinik E. Mllillhir
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Frank E. Mailbur
in a small way and by his great energy and business intelligence increased the growth of his holdings and subsequently that of his business. To the very last, as well as in the beginning of his business career, Mr. Wilbur was ever ambitious, energetic and a believer in being an early riser. He spent the greater part of his life in Boston, where he won many friendships and gained the confidence of the business community through honest dealing. From the year 1847 Mr. Wilbur's place of business was located at the corner of Court and Hanover streets in Boston. He was extremely industrious and a very hard worker, and when not attending to his business affairs was always to be found by his own fireside at home, preferring the comforts and intimate in- tercourse of his immediate family and household to any other form of social life and pleasure.
Mr. Wilbur was of a quiet and unassuming character, and possessed no ambition to win public honor. He never took part in the public life of his adopted community, although he always amply lived up to the tasks and du- ties imposed upon him by virtue of his citizenship. He was one of those men who contented himself with the discharge of his duties as a citizen, and the influence he could exert through his personal associations with others. He took a keen interest in young men, especially those in his own employ, and many men to-day owe much of their success to the helping hand extended to them by the late Frank E. Wilbur. Thus he moved serenely and unostentatiously along the different walks of life, unconsciously winning honors of far more value than those which are attached to public station. As Mr. Wilbur did not enjoy formal social life to any extent, he for this reason was not a member of clubs nor similar organizations, but devoted his time and attention to his business interests and to his home.
The energy of Mr. Wilbur has already been commented upon and was indeed remarkable. His business acumen was also of the highest type, and there were many other sides to his nature which, while probably not so con- spicuous, were quite as worthy of praise. Mr. Wilbur was not a member of any one denomination of religion, for he believed that man's every-day life as he lived it was his religion. His success in life was deserved, and the uni- form happiness of his family relations and his life in general was the mer- ited result of his own strong, fine and winning personality. He was fond of good books, and in this way kept abreast of the times. We are always duly interested and properly impressed by the success won through unusual tal- ents and powers out of the common, for it appeals to a very fundamental trait in all of us. Especially are we interested in that class of records which de- scribe how worth has won its way upwards, through doubts and difficulties, from humble beginnings to a recognized place in the regard of men, and trusted to no power but its own indomitable courage and indefatigable patience for the result. We feel a reawakened sympathy, a renewed wonderment re- garding the forces and traits of character that have thus triumphed over ob- stacles and difficulties, and a strengthened determination to emulate them. Such
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Frank &. Wilbur
an example we may find in the life story of Frank E. Wilbur, who, by sheer perseverance and hard work, gradually forged his way upward from a humble position to one of influence and control in the business world.
On December 17, 1887, Frank E. Wilbur was united in marriage with Madge E. Hunter, who was born in Grenada, Mississippi, a daughter of James M. and Lucretia (Snell) Hunter. James M. Hunter was a veteran of the Civil War; he was a captain in the Confederate Army under the gallant Gen- cral Forrest, of Mississippi; upon the close of that terrible conflict he was a commission merchant and dealer in cattle and horses. Mr. and Mrs. Hun- ter were the parents of five children, as follows: 1. James S., of New Or- leans, Louisiana. 2. Joel M., who is manager of C. W. White & Com- pany, of Boston. 3. Mrs. V. A. Lonaker, who is the wife of V. A. Lonaker, the automobile manufacturer of Indianapolis, Indiana. 4. Mrs. J. W. Maheu, of St. Louis. 5. Mrs. Frank E. Wilbur, above mentioned. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Wilbur has sold their beautiful residence at No. 194 Humboldt avenue, Roxbury, and makes her home at the Hotel Somerset, Bos- ton. She is a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, also a member of the McClure Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy.
The self-reliance, sound judgment and energy of Frank E. Wilbur brought him success. His character was an unusually strong one, and his record should be as an inspiration to every youth who seeks to improve his position in life and earn and retain the good will of his fellow-men.
Wlilliam Greenwood
A S man in society finds the most important feature of his life in his relations with his fellow-men, so in the upbuilding of a State perhaps the most salient feature to be considered is its commercial relations with other States, and as it is with States and nations so it is with cities, the foundations upon which they are resting being their commercial activities and the quali- ties of their leading merchants and manufacturers. The im- portance to a municipality, therefore, that its representative business men should possess the highest attributes of the race cannot be overestimated, for it is in the hands of these chief citizens that its destiny lies, and with them its fortunes must rise or fall. In the proud list of her citizens, known and honored for their sagacity, integrity, and fair dealing, Boston, Massachusetts, has no cause to be other than satisfied with the record of William Greenwood, who was engaged in the baking business, into which he introduced all the ele- ments of success. The methods by which he attained success attested his qualities of mind and character, and withal he was untiring in labor, clear of judgment and alert to opportunity.
William Greenwood was born in Yorkshire, England, remaining there un- til he reached the age of about thirty years, at which time he came to the United States. His parents always stayed in England, never coming to this country. His death, which occurred in East Boston, April 19, 1905, was lamented by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and was a severe loss to the community in which he lived. He re- ceived his education, at the common schools of the country of his birth, in the meantime working at various kinds and lines of work, but his bright and attractive manner always found for him a good position, and he began his business career in an extremely humble way. One of his later employers was a baker, and it was in that establishment that he learned the baking business, and had his interest directed to the possibilities of scientific baking. He was a thrifty and an industrious youth, a combination which always means money saved, and accordingly, when he had attained the age of thirty years, he had saved a sufficient portion of his earnings to enable him to take up business on his own account. About this time he came to this country, and started a small baking shop, the ovens, the store, and the office where he kept his own books, were all in exceedingly narrow compass. Mr. Greenwood was a progressive man, however, and at the same time a prudent one. Keeping step by step with an increasing trade, he enlarged his output accordingly, but he never attempt- ed more than circumstances warranted. Little by little his sales increased and spread over a large area of the city, until he found himself possessed of a con-
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William Greenwood
siderable local reputation. His courteous manner and alert mind proved a strong asset in his business, and he ever strived to give his patrons the very best. He was what might well be called a "hard worker," his business al- ways coming first, to which he gave not only his time and attention but the benefit of his best efforts. He conducted this baking business for over forty years, and was very successful. Later he became interested in an employ- ment department for employing bakers, drivers and clerks. In this he also met with success, being the possessor of a natural aptitude for business and a fixed determination to succeed in anything that he attempted. He was a man of marvelous courage, and where others might have yielded he stood firm.
It has been remarked that the educational advantages of William Green- wood were of a limited order, and this fact was appreciated by him most keenly, so that it became his purpose to remedy the defect. Therefore he spent much time in study, and derived great pleasure in reading at his own fire- side. He was a member of the Methodist church, of which he was a zealous, influential and respected attendant. He was ever willing to contribute to its support, and his wise counsel in church matters was often sought. Few men have led a more active and useful life than did Mr. Greenwood, and his ca- pacity for making friends easily was a marked characteristic. He was of a sociable nature, and an excellent companion. All through his life he was true to the creed of "Once a friend, always a friend." His was a congenial nature and he greatly enjoyed the intimate intercourse of his fellow-men.
In his political belief, Mr. Greenwood was a Republican, and though he took an active and interested part in public affairs, yet he never aspired to office, and the opportunity of holding an office was given to him, but he always declined. He was a member of the United Workmen, to which organization he was also generous in his support.
William Greenwood was united in marriage with Hannah Carr, a native of England, and they were the parents of two children, both sons, Albert E. and Leonard G. It was in his own home that Mr. Greenwood experienced more real happiness than he could extract from any other form of occupa- tion, and every hour which he felt free to dispose to his own pleasure was thus spent among those he loved best. He was a man of domestic tastes, and one to whom the ties of home and family were sacred. Always tender and loving in the home circle, his heart was no less filled with love toward all humanity. The traits of character possessed by him were such as commended him to his fellow-men. His faithful industry, methodical habits, sound judg- ment and impregnable integrity were qualities which they could not fail to recognize and appreciate. He was remarkably quick to pick up business prin- ciples and methods of all kinds, and probably his success was based on this fact. As he himself was in life, so now should his memory serve as an ex- ample of what can be done and accomplished from small beginnings by con- sistent effort and unfaltering faith.
Charles Lewis Blakney
A MONG the class of men who, in the days gone by, added to the growth and importance of Fall River, Massachusetts, better known as the Mill City of Massachusetts, who became prom- inent by the force of their own individual character, and who stood in the front rank, was the late Charles Lewis Blakney, one of the best known contractors of that community in which he had lived for nearly forty years. The record of Mr. Blak- ney's life is well worth preserving, as it furnishes good instruction for the generations to come. His name ever stood as a synonym for all that was en- terprising in business and progressive in citizenship, and his industry and energy were well illustrated in his career. Even though the careers of such men as Mr. Blakney may not happen to have been conspicuous, it will be found that wherever they have lived, and among whomsoever they have moved, they have left a strong impression and their lives and characters have had an ele- vating and beneficial influence. It is just such men who help so much to strengthen and preserve that reputation for sturdy honesty and high ideals which New England still has the right to claim, and with which, if we could arrive at the truth, we should find that she is still regarded by the remainder of our countrymen. Honorable in every relation of life, Mr. Blakney com- manded the respect and confidence of all who knew him, and it is scarcely nec- cessary to add that as a business man he was held in the highest estimation by his fellow-men. Happy in his many friends, and exceptionally happy in his domestic relations, honored and respected by all, and deeply loved by those who had the good fortune to command his friendship, always courteous, pos- sessing personal dignity, Mr. Blakney represented in his person and char- acter one of the highest types of the Christian gentleman. When he passed away at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, March 25, 1916, the commun- ity sustained a real personal loss, not only from the fact that the example of a good and useful life was gone forever from daily sight, but also because Mr. Blakney was a public-spirited citizen, and one who had earned for himself the best eulogy that a man can receive from his fellow-men; that he lived a useful life.
The birth of Charles Lewis Blakney occurred in Rothsea, New Bruns- wick, January 20, 1842, thus making his age at the time of his death seventy- three years and seven months. He was the son of the Rev. James and Cather- ine (Kasted) Blakney. Rev. James Blakney was an Englishman by birth, a native of Kent, England. After completing his education he taught school, and later studied theology, becoming consecrated as a minister of the Baptist
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Charles Lewis Blakney
church. He was a God-fearing man, loved and honored by all who had known him, and he lived to see three of his sons enter the Baptist ministry.
Charles Lewis Blakney received his education in the town of his birth, Rothsea, New Brunswick, and when still a youth learned the trade of ship- building in St. John, New Brunswick. Upon finishing his course in that line of work, Mr. Blakney went to Portland, Maine, where he followed his trade of ship-building. He also spent some time in the East Boston Ship Yards, and through close application to his work climbed the ladder of success, becoming a prominent contractor. With an unyielding purpose in the enlargement of his activities and usefulness, he laid the foundation of an honorable and substan- tial life, and his success was the result of a merited reward of industry, abil- ity and honesty. In all his words and deeds he was ever faithful to every per- sonal and public obligation, and his commanding influence among his friends was the natural product of superior mental and moral qualities. Mr. Blakney removed from Portland, Maine, to Fall River, Massachusetts, where he estab- lished a reputation as a contractor and builder. For many years he was asso- ciated with the firm of Beattie & Wilcox, and supervised the construction of many of the cotton mills that have been built in that city in the last twenty-five years. Mr. Blakney was also connected with the Fall River Iron Works, dur- ing the construction of the newer mills, and his latest work was to supervise the building of the Charlton Mills. This occurred just before his retirement from all active business pursuits, after which he removed to Brookline, Massachu- setts, where he made his home until the time of his death.
On December 25, 1868, Charles Lewis Blakney was united in marriage with Elizabeth Richardson Jackson, of Kennebunkport, Maine, the daughter of Benjamin and Marguerite Ann Jackson. Benjamin Jackson was born in England, and came to Chatham, New Brunswick, when he was fifteen years of age, there learning the trade of ship-building. He built ships in East Boston and Portland, Maine, and located in Kennebunkport, Maine, where he es- tablished himself as a ship-builder. Mr. and Mrs. Blakney were the parents of five children, as follows: I. Kate Minnard, born April 5, 1871, in Kenne- bunkport, Maine, became the wife of Fred Russell Hollister, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, February 14, 1894. 2. Benjamin Jackson, born May II, 1879, in Fall River, Massachusetts. 3. Charles Judson, born in East Hampton, Massachusetts, September 12, 1885. 4. Foster Malcomb, born June 6, 1889, in Fall River, Massachusetts; he was united in marriage with Ann Jones, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1916. 5. Leroy Glendon, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, July 16, 1891; he was united in marriage with Anna Louisa Beauregard, of Providence, Rhode Island. Since the death of her hus- band, Mrs. Blakney has continued to reside in Brookline, Massachusetts. Mr. Blakney was faithful to his family, a man who loved his home above all else, and in spite of his membership in a number of social and fraternal organiza- tions and his activity in some of them, he spent most of his time at his own fire- side. He proved to be a kind brother and indulgent father, a devoted hus-
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Charles Lewis Blaknep
band, a loyal friend, and will be greatly missed by all those who had been so privileged as to have known him.
In his religious beliefs, Mr. Blakney was a member of the Baptist church, and always very proud of the fact that his father and three of his brothers were ministers of the Baptist religion. He was an active worker for the Bap- tist Temple of Fall River, Massachusetts, and did all in his power to extend its doctrines to those outside the church. He was a man of the highest integrity, and his honesty and sincerity were recognized by all with whom he came in contact. Mr. Blakney greatly enjoyed the informal intercourse and interming- ling with his fellow-men, and this social, genial side of his nature won for him the favor of many, but the sterling traits of his character were of so large a number and so well developed that they proved to be the attractive points that appealed to his associates. Mr. Blakney was a prominent member of the Masonic order, being affiliated with Mt. Hope Lodge of Fall River, Massa- chusetts.
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