USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 14
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Before his removal to North Reading, Massachusetts, Mr. Carpenter was an enthusiastic school committee man, an efficient constable and a faithful tax collector for the town of South Royalston. His loyalty and admiration for the town never ceased, and he kept in touch with all the vital affairs to the time of his death. Mr. Carpenter had always been interested in public af- fairs, believing thoroughly and rightly that the only possible means of securing
Carpenter
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effective and just government was through parties, and he was willing to give up much of his personal judgment to reconcile the views of himself and his associates upon a few principles. In his political opinions, Mr. Carpenter was a Republican, and had served his party often as a delegate to nominating con- ventions. He was chosen chairman of the Board of Selectmen of North Reading for four years, and was collector of taxes for five years while resid- ing in South Royalston.
In 1870, Mr. Carpenter joined the Congregational church in South Roy- alston, and retained his membership from that time on, never failing financial- ly or otherwise to honor the church. The principles at the base of his Chris- tian life ever abounded in sympathy, charity and benevolence. He was a continuous helper in all practical church work and an advisor and loyal friend and brother to every pastor. The sterling, ethical and religious uprightness of Mr. Carpenter will stand as a perpetual memory in the communities in which he dwelt.
Mr. Carpenter was a member of Parker Post, No. 123, Grand Army of the Republic, but upon removing to North Reading he relinquished his member- ship, retaining, however, a loyal interest in all memorial events of volunteer soldiery. He was marshal of every Memorial Day celebration, being chosen by the unanimous vote of the veterans and the people in North Reading. His ability and personality were of such a high standard that he was in constant demand for office, and he acquiesced in serving faithfully the interests of the town, more often than otherwise at the sacrifice of his own personal welfare and interests. He was treasurer of the North Reading Grange, Patrons of Husbandry; president of the Board of Trade, trustee of the Public Library; was one of the twelve organizers and a director of the First National Bank, and trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank of Reading, Massachusetts. . He was also one of the overseers of the poor of North Reading. He was a mem- ber of the Men's Good Fellowship Club of Reading, and acted in the capacity of assistant postmaster of North Reading for twenty-six years. Mr. Carpen- ter was an indomitable worker in whatever he undertook. It was his business sagacity, accompanied by untiring energy, that made him a man among men, always in command of himself and the situation.
On April II, 1868, Edward Albert Carpenter was united in marriage with Effie F. Brooks, of South Royalston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Carpenter's mother makes her home with her daughter in North Reading, and was eighty- seven years old March 25, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter were the parents of one child, a son, Eugene Carpenter, who died at the age of four years, his death causing deep sorrow for his parents. Some years afterward, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter adopted a daughter, Annie L. Carpenter, who became the wife of Charles F. Burditt, of North Reading, who later entered into the employ of Mr. Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Burditt are the parents of three children, name- ly: Edward Eugene, Mabel Marian, and Charles Sumner.
One of the saddest blows to the town of North Reading, Massachusetts,
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was the quick and sudden death of Mr. Carpenter. He was a man of varied interests, born of a broad sympathetic spirit. There was a wholesome spirit about his business life, because he made his business a trust, a means not an end, and he owned it, it did not own him. Success came to him and he de- served it, for it came through industry, fidelity, thrift and ability. He loved his church, was generously appreciative of its work and loyally supported all its plans for progress. The funeral services were held in the Union Con- gregational Church, in North Reading, and was the largest in attendance ever held in the town. The floral tributes were profuse and beautiful, and came from various organizations, from business friends and citizens, and evinced the truest sentiments of the one who had passed away, loved and honored. The services were conducted by his friend and pastor, the Rev. Eugene E. Colburn, of Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
Mr. Carpenter was frequently chosen to fill various positions of trust and responsibility, in which he displayed the utmost efficiency and capability. It has been said of him that he was a man of sterling public worth, of strict integrity, and his success in life was largely due to these admirable traits of character. The record of his achievements both in the time of war and in general business was extended and honorable, and such were the qualities of his mind and the forces of his character that in any calling he would have occupied a commanding position in life.
Willard Hawthorne Brown
T THE development of character in the individual is, after all, the most potent instrument of the individual to control and lead others, quite irrespective of what place he may hold in the formal organization of the community. Such in a large meas- ure was true in the case of the late Willard Hawthorne Brown, whose life was one of singular interest. A man of forceful character and marked ability, Mr. Brown from the date of his arrival in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, was a prominent figure in the business life of his adopted city. The years prior to his going to Salem were spent in various occupations, formative years, in which he gathered an expe- rience in trade that fitted him for the future years of usefulness. He was a man of genial nature, kind in heart, and generous in deed. Honorable and upright, he rendered every man his just due, and where there was a doubt as to exact justice he cheerfully resigned his claim. He was truly a gentleman, not only of the old school, but in fact of every school, and his death at his home in Salem, Massachusetts, in the year 1896, at the age of seventy-three years, was sincerely mourned by a wide circle of friends and business asso- ciates, of which he had a legion. He demonstrated through the long years of his useful life an ability as a business man and a spirit of Christian service that won for him universal respect.
The birth of Willard Hawthorne Brown occurred in Plaistow, New Hampshire, April 24, 1823, a son of the Rev. Edward and Eunice (Porter) Brown, both having been born in Salem, Massachusetts. Rev. Edward Brown was a son of Bartholomew Brown, who was a carpenter and built the first Franklin Building in Salem. Rev. Edward Brown was a Universalist, and a follower of John Murray, establishing churches in Vermont and New Hamp- shire, and died in Rochester, Vermont. The son, Willard Hawthorne Brown, spent his childhood and early youth in Plaistow, where he studied under his father, who was also a teacher and a most learned scholar. When quite young, Mr. Brown went to Salem, where he learned the trade of currier under the tutelage of an uncle. About the first day of December, 1845, he became a partner of James H. Battis, who was engaged in the cigar manufacturing and tobacco business. The name of the firm was changed to that of Battis & Brown. At first they had a small store located on Derby street, Salem, and later moved into a larger place at No. 30 Front street. Mr. Brown was the traveling salesman for the concern, and became well known all over that part of the State. He remained there in successful business, building up a large trade, and winning the friendship of every man who dealt with him. He finally withdrew from the firm of Battis & Brown after twenty-eight years of
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service, though against the wishes of his associate, Mr. Battis. Soon after the firm dissolved, and about the year 1875 Mr. Brown and his son, Herbert P. Brown, engaged in the retail cigar and tobacco business with a store at No. 137 Washington street. Since the death of Mr. Brown, the son has continued business at that place. Mr. Brown was prominent and influential in business circles, and his unceasing work proved an important element toward laying the foundation upon which he built his success. Promptness and exactness were two of his characteristics. His friends often said of him that "he was much too big a man for this small field," but he nevertheless found plenty there- in to occupy his time and attention. He was an indefatigable worker, and was most deliberate in his actions and decisions. He was public-spirited and ever ready and willing to promote the welfare of his adopted city.
Willard Hawthorne Brown was united in marriage with Anna Proctor, a daughter of Benjamin Proctor. Both she and her parents were born in Sa- lem, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were the parents of two children, as follows: S. Ellen; Herbert Porter, who was united in marriage with Sarah A. Allen, and they became the parents of two children, namely, Willard Allen Brown, who died at the age of fourteen years, and Helen Proctor Brown, who became the wife of Charles F. Cabeen, and they are the parents of one child, a daughter, Janette Allen Cabeen. Mrs. Brown died during the year 1900, a woman greatly loved and admired. Both she and her husband were members of the First Unitarian Church, and liberally contributed to its support. The home life of Mr. Brown was an ideal one, and when not at work he was al- ways to be found in his home, to which he was so devotedly attached. Around his home he seemed to shed a benign influence, which acted as a ray of sun- shine, the household being rendered by his presence a center of domestic peace and harmony. Always tender and loving in the home circle, his heart was no less filled with love toward all humanity, and what more beautiful and fit- ting thought to associate with him than that he was one who loved his fellow- man.
Mr. Brown derived great enjoyment and genuine pleasure in the informal intercourse with his fellow-citizens, and especially through the medium of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he was a member, and highly regarded in that circle. He was a capable business man, and during his life- time was ever seeking for opportunity and never waiting for fortune to seek him out. He was intensely public-spirited, and in both his public and private life an example of integrity and of sterling manhood worthy of emulation. He was a vital force for good in his community, and aided, where he did not lead, in all efforts to promote the spiritual as well as the temporal welfare of his fellow-men. The personal qualities of Willard Hawthorne Brown were of a rare order, and coupled with them he had great consideration for the feelings of others, and a loyalty in friendship which was expressive of his deep and affectionate nature. These qualities endeared him to his many friends and business associates.
Leonard Augustus Valorcester
D URING his active years, Mr. Worcester was engaged in mercan- tile business, many years of his useful life having been spent as traveling salesman, and solely through his own efforts he won an honored name among business men. He was a vet- eran of the Civil War, giving three years of his life to his country's service. He loved his home and was in all things honorable and upright. He was a son of Leonard and Mi- nerva (Carpenter) Worcester, his father a native of Salem, Massachusetts, his mother of Vermont birth. Leonard and Minerva Worcester were the parents of eight children, two of whom are living, Ebenezer and Martha P.
Leonard Augustus Worcester was born at Concord, New Hampshire, and died in Lowell, Massachusetts, May 6, 1906. Three years after his birth the family moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, and there he obtained a good edu- cation in the public schools. After leaving school he worked with his father, a tailor, for some time, but he craved a more active business life, and for three years was connected with a wholesale house in New York City. He then be- came a traveling salesman, handling different lines during his career on the road, but usually represented wholesale grocery houses. He was well known throughout New England territory, and until his final illness continued a com- mercial traveler. He was a member of various organizations, including the Grand Army of the Republic, his three years of service in the Union Army entitling him to that honor. Mr. Worcester married, August 10, 1868, Ellen F. Carll, born in Lowell, Massachusetts, who survives him, a daughter of Francis and Mary Ann (Wooster) Carll.
Francis Carll was born in Waterbury, Maine, October 29, 1825, and died in Lowell, Massachusetts, September 7, 1892, son of Jeremiah and Melissa (Pitts) Carll, his father a farmer. Jeremiah and Melissa Carll were the par- ents of fifteen children, all of whom married save one, two of the children yet living, Adelia, wife of George A. Gardiner, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Fidelia Carll, of Boston, Massachusetts.
Francis Carll was educated in Maine public schools, there residing until accomplishing his minority. He then located in Lowell, Massachusetts, there learned the carpenter's trade and in due course of time became a leading build- ing contractor of the city. He erected many of the fine houses in Lowell, sev- eral of those on the Highlands being constructed under his management. He purchased the land through which Westford street runs, laid out the street and owned all the land on both sides for several blocks. He built for himself the first house on the street at that time, there being no water, gas or mod- ern conveniences on the street. He sold the lots with the restriction that all
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houses should be built seventeen feet back from the sidewalk line and this restriction was strictly observed. After several years of successful contract- ing business he retired and confined himself entirely to real estate dealing. He was a careful, judicious investor and was an authority on real estate val- ues. He bore a high reputation as a man of honor and uprightness, and all his transactions bore the closest scrutiny.
He was a Republican in politics and served his city as alderman, declin- ing a nomination for mayor. He was elected a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, serving two years, and was one of the useful pub- lic men of Lowell, that city losing a good citizen with his passing. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, active in all good works, and greatly beloved by all who knew him. He was a thirty-second degree member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, highly esteemed by his Masonic brethren. He was also an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. He made for himself an honored name, and was one of the men who from an humble beginning won their way through industry, perseverance and integrity to high positions of honor and trust.
Mr. Carll married (first) Mary Ann Wooster, of Maine birth, who bore him two daughters, Ellen F., now the widow of Leonard Augustus Worcester, and Etta, wife of Frederick A. Fielding. He married (second) in 1881, Emma C. Pitts, born in Waterbury, Maine, daughter of Benjamin and Myra (Thorne) Pitts. Mr. and Mrs. Pitts had four children, two of whom are liv- ing, Emma C., widow of Francis Carll, and Mrs. H. C. Worcester, of Leacock, New Hampshire.
Mager Page
T HROUGHOUT the length and breadth of our country we find men who have worked their way unaided from the lowest rung of the commercial ladder to positions of eminence and power in the community. The more credit is due them for the addi- tional obstacles they have been obliged to overcome and the in- domitable courage with which they have been possessed. An example in point was the life of the late Mager Page, of the city of Salem, Massachusetts, whose unabating energy and unfaltering indus- try, combined with great executive ability, brought him success. Unlimited strength was the impression conveyed by his appearance, and his entire life and the impression was a well founded one. He possessed the deep admira- tion of the citizens of his adopted city, not only as a keen and upright busi- ness man, but as one who was ever foremost in advancing the interests of the city. The progressive business man, if he be at the same time a citizen of large and liberal public spirit, remains even after his being taken away from earthly environment, a power in the community, lending aid and force to all that makes for advancement and betterment. Such a man was Mr. Page, his invincible courage and his stout-heartedness in times of disaster being well- nigh phenomenal. His death, which occurred in Salem, Massachusetts, Octo- ber 3, 1899, at the age of forty-seven years, cut short a career of great usefulness, and came as a severe blow to the many who were numbered as his friends. The business world suffered the irreparable loss of one who was al- ways ready to approve of that which was right, and for the betterment of com- mercial life.
The birth of Mager Page occurred in Newfield, Maine, a son of Jacob and Esther (Thompson) Page, old and highly respected natives of that State. His father, Jacob Page, was a farmer in Maine, and later in life became in- terested in the shoe manufacturing business in Salem, Massachusetts, where he was associated with his son, Warren Page. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Page died in Salem. They were the parents of four children, namely, I. Warren, who died in Boston, May 19, 1900, a resident of Salem, and was the founder of the Page Counter Company of that city ; with seven dollars as his sole capi- tal, and a wheelbarrow for delivery, was the way in which he started this great concern, first making shoe counters, which is the stiff leather used on the inside of the heel, in one small room on Dodge street; he sold these prod- ucts to shoe manufacturers in Salem, and later erected a large factory, sell- ing the shoe counters all over the New England States. 2. Mary, who is the widow of the late Burt Tilman, and resides in New York. 3. Mager, who is the subject of this memoir. 4. Annie, who became the wife of Ira Berry. MASS .- 3-9
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The boyhood and early youth of Mager Page were spent on his father's farm, where he assisted with the chores, but he yearned to make his way in life and felt that for this purpose a larger field was very necessary. Accord- ingly, after attending the country schools of that locality, he left home at the age of fifteen years, and went to Haverhill, Massachu- setts, where he was employed in a soap factory for one year. While there he managed to save one hundred dollars, which made him feel very inde- pendent and capable of doing greater things. He returned home, and loaned this money to his father. His desire to enter business life was so strong that he soon left his home again, this time going to Summersworth, Massachu- setts, where he was employed in a morocco shop, his work being that of fin- ishing the morocco. He remained there for five years and continued in that line of business. He then went to Salem, Massachusetts, where his brother, Warren Page, was engaged in business, and soon after his arrival in that city he bought out his brother's partner, James Knight, and thus entered the es- tablishment of the Page Counter Company. He was a man who first saw pos- sibilities and then realized them. He was the possessor of a keen, analytical mind, and was quick to foresee the advantages of business investments and their ultimate worth. Mr. Page remained a member of the Page Counter Com- pany until his death, and in his life there were elements of greatness because of the excellent use he made of his opportunities. Vigorous intellect, magnanim- ity, patience with people and events, these are a heritage of infinitely greater value than that of mere wealth. What the world needs is men such as Mager Page, men capable of conducting business on terms fair alike to employer and employed, men of genuine worth, and of unquestionable integrity and honor.
On July 30, 1871, Mager Page was united in marriage with Augusta A. Wilkinson, of Freedom, New Hampshire, where she was born, a daughter of George and Susan (Wilkinson) Wilkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Page were the par- ents of five children, as follows: I. Frank A., who was united in marriage with Edith Thompson, and they are the parents of three children, Raymond M., Doris and Marjorie Augusta; they reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 2 .. Fred A., who married Gertrude Davis, and they are the parents of two children, Louise and Mager, the latter being named for Mager Page, the sub- ject of this memoir. 3. Cora L., who became the wife of Howard Rudder- ham, and they are at present living at Shirley, Massachusetts. 4. Edgar W., who was united in marriage with Alice Philbrook, and they are the parents of one child, Evelyn Margaret. 5. Margaret J. D., who lives at home with her mother, in Salem, Massachusetts, at No. 2 Loring avenue.
The Page Counter Company, of which Mager Page was a member, is now managed by Charles I. and William F. Wilkinson, brothers, who are half- brothers of Mrs. Page. Despite his close attention to business, Mr. Page al- ways held that every citizen should interest himself keenly in public affairs, and in all matters affecting the welfare and growth of Salem he faithfully cooperat- ed. Courteous and dignified in his manner, he was always considerate of others
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in action and speech. Happily gifted in disposition and taste, enterprising and original in all of his ideas, personally liked most by those who knew him best, and as frank in declaring his principles as he was sincere in maintaining them, Mr. Page's career was rounded with success and marked by the appreciation of men whose good opinion is best worth having. He was a man of strong domes- tic affections, finding his chief recreation and pleasure in the home circle. He possessed a most lovable, sympathetic disposition, and was always a staunch friend. Truth-loving, fearless and fraternal, there was in his manner a cer- tain warmth and geniality which was extremely winning and never failed to attract those with whom he was brought in contact. A man of large heart and social nature, Mr. Page was always accessible to his friends. He was a mem- ber of the United Workmen, and in his political belief was a staunch sup- porter of the Republican party, having served in many city offices. He was essentially a man of deeds rather than of words. Self-made, and partly self- educated, the city of Salem, Massachusetts, may well be proud to number this man among her sons.
Cyrus Valoodman
A MONG the representative men of the community of Massachu- setts stands the name of the late Cyrus Woodman, who rep- resented high ideals of citizenship. Commercial integrity meant much to him, but intellectual enlightenment and civic righteousness meant more. His influence for good was felt either directly or indirectly by all his associates, and his life has left a lasting impress on them. He was a type of the American citizen whose interests are broad and his success was won by honora- ble enterprise.
The Woodmans of New England are of English descent, and in the mother country this family is said by genealogists to have been of great antiquity. The origin of the surname and its signification are variously de- scribed, and may have been first given to one whose abode was in a forest, and hence classed with names derived from localities. In 1635, Edward Woodman and his wife Joanna came to Newbury, Massachusetts, where they resided until their death. Of the ninety-one grantees who settled Newbury, fifteen persons were entitled to be addressed as "Mr.," a title indicating social posi- tion above that of the average colonist. Edward Woodman became promi- nently identified with affairs of the church, and figured as leader of the move- ment which resulted in setting aside some strict regulations of church govern- ment. He was a deputy to the General Court in 1637, and in 1638 was one of the three commissioners to end small causes in Newbury, and died in 1694.
Cyrus Woodman was a direct descendant of Joshua Woodman, the sec- ond son of Edward and Joanna Woodman, and was born in Buxton, Maine, June 2, 1814, a son of Joseph and Susanna (Coffin) Woodman. A man of exceptional physical vigor, he was apparently unusually well on the morning of the day he died, and had gone to Boston to attend to some matters of busi- ness. His death, which occurred at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, March 31, 1889, was wholly unexpected. His life was a solid, true, strong and serviceable life, leaving the impress of his personality upon the enterprises with which he was identified, and upon those with whom he was associated. He was buried in Buxton, Maine.
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