USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 20
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Denry Wilkinson
Henry Wilkinson received a common school education, and was obliged to discontinue his studies on account of having to earn his own livelihood at an early age. His schooling was thus decidedly slender, but his ambition was great, and he sought in independent reading and study the education which had been denied him. When he became of age, Mr. Wilkinson decided - to leave the place of his birth and come to America. Fearing objections by other members of the family, he departed without informing them of his whereabouts, and upon reaching Liverpool, England, he accidentally met a friend whom he told of his journey to the New World, with instructions to break the news to his family at home. Leaving the parental roof as he did, Mr. Wilkinson possessed a very limited capital when he arrived in the city of Bos- ton, October 15, 1885, his sole assets consisting of only two shillings. This did not appear discouraging to the young man, for he immediately sought work and his efforts were rewarded, as he became employed in the market at Faneuil Hall with the firm of H. Bird & Company, dealers in meat and sup- plies, with a salary of seven dollars a week. Mr. Wilkinson's evident aptness and talent for business rapidly commended him to the notice of all with whom he came in contact, and he worked his way upward, until he was commanding a salary of fifty dollars a week. In 1891, the firm with which he had been connected was changed to the Sturtevant & Haley Beef Supply Company, and Mr. Wilkinson was admitted as a partner in this business. He continued to hold his position as a salesman, manager and buyer for the firm, for he was considered as one of the best judges of beef, both on the hoof and dressed, in the city of Boston.
Mr. Wilkinson was a practical man in this line of business, and contin- ued as a member of the Sturtevant & Haley Beef Supply Company for about twenty years, after which period he sold his interest and started for himself in the same market house, having two stalls, numbers 77 and 79. Mr. Wil- kinson remained there about four years, and then death claimed him. Having been located there during those years, he was a well known figure and greatly esteemed by his customers. He was in the midst of laying the solid founda- tion of a very large business when he was taken away, while in the very prime of life. His high reputation for honesty and sagacity brought him much pat- ronage from the leading hotels and cafés, as well as from persons of all classes. In the days when people did their own marketing more than is now customary, Mr. Wilkinson made the acquaintance and gained the friendship of many of the men best worth knowing. Although reasonably conservative, he was one who kept abreast of the times, promptly adopting new methods of conducting business, and his good judgment was recognized by his associates, who saw in him a safe leader whom they gladly followed. Politically, Mr. Wilkinson was a Republican, but was averse to public life, never having sought office, al- though he would have been a most desirable candidate. He was an attendant of the Episcopal church.
Mr. Wilkinson was beloved by all who knew him, his fellow associates, his
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employers, his customers and all business men with whom he had dealings. In his death a kindly and familiar face was taken from Faneuil Hall, and it is sincerely hoped that there will be more such men given to the world, fit to follow in his footsteps. At the time of his death, Mr. Wilkinson was a member of the Boston Fruit and Produce Exchange. He was a member of Bethesda Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Brighton, Massachu- setts; of St. Andrews Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; of Aleppo Temple, of Boston, and of the Cœur De Leon Commandery, Knights Templar. Mr. Wil- kinson derived much pleasure from his membership in these various orders, and was the possessor of many staunch friends. He was very fond of out- door life and a believer in plenty of fresh air as conducive to good health. He selected Lexington, Massachusetts, as the place of his residence, having pur- chased a house there to which he moved in the spring of 1902. Mr. Wilkin- son had great expectancy of enjoying the fruits of his labor in a home to his liking, but this happiness only lasted four years, for he died in 1906. He had also been very anxious to visit his old home in England, and had patiently waited for the time to come when he could leave his business interests, and with Mrs. Wilkinson return to the place of his birth for a visit. The funeral services were held at the home of Mr. Wilkinson in Lexington, Massachusetts, and interment took place in Evergreen Cemetery, Brighton, Massachusetts.
On November 14, 1888, Henry Wilkinson was united in marriage, at Brighton, Massachusetts, with Ada Page, who was born in York, England, the daughter of William and Esther ( Minter ) Page, both natives of England. The last years of their lives were spent in the vicinity of Boston. William Page was connected with the railroad industry while living in England. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wilkinson were the parents of two children, both daughters, as follows: I. Esther, who was born in Brighton, Massachusetts, became the wife of John C. Graham; they are living in Lexington, Massachusetts, where Mr. Graham is interested in farming; two children were born to this union, namely: Catherine E. Graham and John C. Graham, Jr. 2. Helen, born in Somerville, Massachusetts, and is now a student in the Lexington High School, this being her last year. Mrs. Wilkinson attends the Episcopal church, and since the death of Mr. Wilkinson has continued to reside in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Mr. Wilkinson was a good, kind husband and father, and when not en- gaged at his business could be found at his home, surrounded by those he loved most dearly. Home was as a haven of rest for him, and he was always happiest when there. The traditions of good citizenship, the reputation for substantial, honorable business dealings established by Henry Wilkinson, should be maintained by those who come after him, and his name will always occupy a most enviable place in the business world of Eastern Massachusetts.
Edwin Clapp
A MONG the successful business men of the State of Massachu- setts, whose labors and achievements placed their community in its present influential position in the world of commerce, no name is more synonymous with enterprise and probity than that of Edwin Clapp, one of the most prominent shoe manu- facturers of East Weymouth, Massachusetts. He was a con- spicuous example of that class of men who win the confidence and respect of their fellow-men and business associates by strictly adhering to the rules established by the unwritten laws of honor and integrity both in business and in private life. Liberal, clear-headed, and of broad views, as a manufacturer his business methods rested upon sound foundations, which had been carefully considered before they were adopted. Probably the greatest com- pliment that can be paid a man is that he has made himself an honor to his Nation in the great manufacturing world, as well as a credit to the mercan- tile community in which he lived. Such a man was Mr. Clapp, who by his own honorable exertions and moral attributes gained for himself all that a man could desire, namely, friends, affluence and position. Being a public- spirited man in the highest degree, he was ever forward in encouraging those enterprises which would in any way advance the interests of his adopted town, East Weymouth. Mr. Clapp was one of those men who might almost be called incarnations of progress, whose very being seemed to radiate force sufficient to mold events to his own liking. In the proud list of her citizens and sons, known and honored throughout the business world for stability, integrity and fair dealing, the State of Massachusetts has no cause to be other than satisfied with the record of this prominent manufacturer and benefactor, who introduced into his business all the elements of success. The methods by which he at- tained the high position which held the estimation of his fellow-men attested his qualities of mind and heart. Courageous, cheerful, clear of judgment, alert to opportunity, untiring in labor and masterly in the management of men, Mr. Clapp carved out of enduring granite his success as a monument to himself and to his exceptional qualities. His death, which occurred May 27, 1909, at the age of sixty-five years, removed from Weymouth, Massachusetts, one whose potent influence had always been exerted for the good of the community, and for the assistance of the less fortunate members among his fellow-citizens.
Edwin Clapp was born in Scituate, Massachusetts, February 6, 1844, being one of a family of nine children of James S. and Elizabeth (Bates) Clapp. The other members of the family were as follows: Helena, who is the widow of Ezra Tirrell, and makes her home in North Weymouth, Mas- sachusetts; James Henry, deceased; Eunice, deceased, who became the wife of
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Orin Pratt; Charles, deceased; Davis, deceased; Adelaide M .; Edwin, in whose memory this is being written; Benjamin F., deceased, and Emeline F., also deceased. James S. Clapp, the father, was born in Scituate, Massachusetts, and was a shoemaker by trade. His wife was a native of East Weymouth, Massachusetts, and both died there.
Edwin Clapp removed to East Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1851, with his parents, and made that his home until the end of his life. He attended the public schools there for his education, and upon leaving school learned the trade of a shoemaker. He was of an ambitious nature and eager to become en- gaged in business on his own account. At the age of twenty-one years, this desire was realized, and in 1867 Mr. Clapp entered into partnership with his older brother, James H. Clapp, under the firm name of James H. Clapp & Com- pany, continuing in that capacity until the death of his brother in March, 1882, when he became sole proprietor of the well established business, and conducted it with a high degree of success. To have established on solid foundations and to build up the enterprise under his excellent management required traits rarely found in the walks of every-daylife. Mr. Clapp was a man of marvelous courage, and where others might have failed or yielded he stood firm and won success. His mind was well balanced, his judgment practical, and his execu- tive ability was one of his marked characteristics. He was recognized as one of Weymouth's most honored and esteemed citizens, and the sterling qualities of his character were such as commended him to all his fellow-men. His faithful industry, methodical habits, and impregnable integrity, were qualities which they could not fail to appreciate. He was the possessor of a natural aptitude for business and a fixed determination to succeed in anything that he attempted. His admirable business career suggests the conspicuous qualities of his mind and temperament, as the world saw them. It could hardly be expected that a man possessing the activity of mind and body, the executive ability, and public spirit which characterized Mr. Clapp, would fail to be in- trusted in the promotion of all measures affecting the prosperity of the com- munity in which he dwelt, and he lived to enjoy the fruition of a successful business career.
On February 21, 1871, Edwin Clapp was united in marriage with Frances Howe Whiton, a native of Hingham, Massachusetts, a daughter of Bela H. and Hannah R. (Whiton) Whiton. The Whiton family was one of the oldest fam- ilies in Hingham, Massachusetts, where both Mr. and Mrs. Bela H. Whiton passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Clapp were the parents of three children, as follows: I. Edith Whiton, who became the wife of Alfred L. Lincoln, of Hingham, and they are the parents of one child, Edwin Clapp Lincoln. 2. Eleanor R., who became the wife of Horace R. Drinkwater, and they are resid- ing in Braintree, Massachusetts, their union being blessed with four children, namely, Elizabeth Davis, Eleanor Clapp, Davis Clapp and Albion C. 3. Da- vis Bates, the only son and junior member of the firm, died September 5, 1901, at the age of twenty-three years. He was an athlete, and upon his sad death
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his father erected a memorial building and built an athletic field on Middle street to his beloved son's memory. Mr. and Mrs. Clapp donated the organ in the "Old Ship Church" at Hingham, Massachusetts, also known as the First Unitarian Church, in memory of this son, who was a member of the choir of the church. Edwin Clapp derived his greatest pleasure and happiness from his own family circle, and it was there, surrounded by his loved ones, where his many admirable characteristics shone forth in their fullest light.
In his religious belief, Mr. Clapp was affiliated with the First Unitarian Church, of Hingham, Massachusetts, where he was a regular attendant. This is the oldest church in the United States, having been built in 1681. He was a member of Orphans' Hope Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of Pentalph Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and of the South Shore Commandery, Knights Templar. Mr. Clapp was rigidly honest in all his business dealings with the manufacturing world, and in fact, in all his relations, and through his gen- iality and sociability soon acquired numerous friends from the various walks of life. He was indeed a man whose usefulness as a citizen has made him wor- thy of commemoration, and was an ardent sympathizer with every movement making for the uplift of humanity. The memory of the life of Edwin Clapp and his business career remains as an inspiration and a most pleasing thought to those who were so privileged as to have known him in an intimate manner. He passed from life's fleeting drama leaving a host of aching hearts to mourn his departure, and to deplore the fact that his acts of benevolence can prob- ably never be reproduced by another.
Lyman Holman
W E should not forget those who, although unobtrusive in their everyday life, yet by their individuality and great force of character mold the commercial destinies and give tone to the communities in which they live. Among the citizens of the city of Salem, Massachusetts, who have achieved distinc- tion in business entitling them to be placed among the repre- sentative men of the commmunity, there are some, whose quiet perseverance, in a particular pursuit, while it excites little notice from the great masses, as the years pass by, yet results in elevating them to positions enviable in the eyes of their fellow-men, and as lasting as well merited. In an extend- ed search it would be difficult to find one who would be a better example than the late Lyman Holman, who gained success in life that is not measured by financial prosperity alone, but is gauged by the kindly and congenial associa- tions that go toward satisfying man's nature. His name ever stood as a syno- nym for all that was enterprising in business and progressive in citizenship, and his industry, energy, courage and fidelity to principle were illustrated in his career. His death, which occurred n Salem, Massachusetts, September 10, 1910, removed from the city of his birth a business man of marked force and energy, and one who possessed sterling personal qualities.
The birth of Lyman Holman occurred in Salem, Massachusetts, January 6, 1854, the son of Lyman and Fannie (Smith) Holman, both being of Eng- lish descent. The progenitor of this family first settled in Orange, Massa- chusetts, and then came the father of Lyman Holman and his two brothers, from the port of London, and likewise settled in Orange, the one brother going to New York, the other to the State of New Hampshire. They first landed at Shiprock, Lynn, Massachusetts, where soon after they separated, each one seeking a home in a different state. Lyman Holman, Sr., later went to Salem, Massachusetts, where he settled permanently, and became a mover of buildings and other large edifices. Contracts were awarded to him from all parts of the State of Massachusetts, and he was looked up to as a conscientious business man, and one whose word was as good as his bond. Both he and his wife died in Salem.
Lyman Holman, Jr., was one of eight children, of whom five grew to ma- turity. His early childhood and youth were spent in the acquirement of an excellent education, first at the old Hacker public school on Aborn street, Sa- lem, and later at Dummer Academy, and in this way was well equipped to start life's battle. He was the youngest of the family, and the only son who entered into business with his father, which he did at the age of seventeen years, learning the business in every detail. At the death of his father, he be-
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came the successor, and the business under his careful management prospered and steadily increased. It is interesting to note that his first team were a pair of oxen, and he delighted in relating his many experiences of those days of long ago. He became well known all over the State of Massachusetts, and his own labors constituted the secure foundation upon which he built his success. His name was known and recognized in the highest circles of the business world as that of a man to be trusted and one with whom it was a satisfaction to transact business. After carrying on this business for a few years, Mr. Holman retired, and gave his entire attention and time to the cultivation and improvement of his fine farm. He was one of the larger real estate owners in Salem, being the owner of several houses there, and his relations with his tenants might be called benevolently feudal. He also owned real estate in Dan- vers, Peabody and Middleton, Massachusetts. On October 21, 1880, Lyman Holman was united in marriage with Annie M. Muchmore, who was born in Salem, Massachusetts, a daughter of George Richard and Jeanette (Norie) Muchmore, both being of old Scotch families, dating back to the time of Lord Muckelmore. The Muchmore coat-of-arms is as follows :
Arms-Argent, three martlets gules.
Crest-A moorcock proper in grass and reeds.
George Richard Muchmore was born in Salem, and died there in the same house on Church street in which he was born. Mrs. Muchmore was born in Halifax, and to Mr. and Mrs. Muchmore two children were born, namely, An- nie M., who is now Mrs. Lyman Holman, and Georgette, who is the widow of Howard Reeves, and is living in the old home on Church street in Salem, which was built over two hundred years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Holman were the par- ents of eight children, as follows: Fannie, who died in infancy; Joseph R., who was united in marriage with May Edgar; Fannie May, deceased, who became the wife of Frank Perley, and they were the parents of three children; Theodore, who is now in the French army; Pauline, now Mrs. Harry Skeffing- ton; Lena, who became the wife of H. Raymond Allen, residing in Providence, Rhode Island, and they are the parents of one daughter, Barbara; Ruth Stock- well, now Mrs. Edward Slattery; and Lyman. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Holman has continued to live at No. 29 Dearborn street, Salem, Massa- chusetts.
Mr. Holman was a man of rare courtesy and kindly feelings towards all, and no one ever came in contact with him who did not realize and admire his many splendid qualities. A strong will and a loving, gentle and unselfish na- ture, firm convictions and high ideals, were characteristics of his. His loss was keenly and deeply felt by the entire community, and left a vacant place in so many hearts. The Rev. De Witt Clark officiated at the funeral, and the in- terment was at Harmony Grove.
Mr. Holman was ever faithful to life's nearest duties, and faithful to both the demands of his work and his home. He was essentially a "home man,"
Muchmorr
Hluchmore
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Lpman Holman
for his inclinations always brought him to the home circle and there lay his chief recreation in the society of his wife and children. Regarded as a citizen and in his social relations, he belonged to that useful and helpful type of men whose ambitions and desires are centered and directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent benefits to the greatest number. He had many friends, probably because to that strong and essential honesty that is the very foundation of social life he added a toleration of others that drew all men towards him, as to one they instinctively recognized as a faith- ful friend, and such he truly was. To illustrate that he was socially inclined, Mr. Holman was a very prominent Mason, a Mason of high degree, exempli- fying the true principles of that order, and was also a Shriner and a Knight Templar. He was an honored business man of Salem, Massachusetts, and by his own honorable exertions and moral attributes he gained for himself all that a man could desire. Public-spirited in the highest degree, he was ever, forward in encouraging those enterprises which would in any way advance the interests of the community in which he lived.
The career of Lyman Holman is one that well repays study. He was one of those characters which impress themselves strongly upon those about them, until they have left a certain stamp of their own quality upon the community, which is thus enriched by their presence. His influence in a very large cir- cle of associates in this direct and personal way was remarkable and seemed far out of relation to the comparatively humble recognition his powers re- ceived officially. He will long be remembered as one of the foremost of the able men who promoted and developed his home city, and directed its growth upon lines which have made it in many respects a model municipality.
George Hamilton Stearns
I N the death of the late George Hamilton Stearns the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, lost a citizen who could always be depended upon, the family its wise counselor and devoted champion, and humanity in general a kind, thoughtful and con- siderate friend. While he took the keenest interest in the af- fairs of his adopted city, Mr. Stearns was essentially a home man, and was never happier than when seated by his own fireside and surrounded by those who were most dear to him. It was there that his loss was most deeply felt, when death claimed him on October 28, 1909, at his home in the Cantabrigia Apartments in Cambridge, for he had proved him- self a good husband and a kind father, faithful, steadfast and true. His ad- vancement in life was largely due to the advancement of the city in which he lived for so many years. By industry and ability he met with success in his undertakings, while his labors were appreciated and rewarded. The career of Mr. Stearns strikingly illustrates the possibilities of the typical, sturdy New England character. Perhaps he did not inherit great wealth from his ances- tors, but he did inherit that which cannot be expressed in definite terms of value, because it is beyond value. He had the inheritance of generations of right living and the correct ideas of life. It has been well said that every one is placed in this world with an account upon which they may draw to its full extent. And it has been said further and truthfully that very few ever draw to the full extent of their credit upon this account. Mr. Stearns displayed great foresight by making full use of the precious account placed at his dis- posal. He was always faithful in small things and came to be master of great things in later life. Dying at a ripe old age, he left an example that should be of great value to the young generations throughout the New Eng- land States.
The birth of George Hamilton Stearns occurred in Charlestown, Massa- chusetts, February 17, 1833, the son of Thomas and Eunice (Cilley) Stearns. His father, Thomas Stearns, was born in Paris, Maine, and removed to Cam- bridge, Massachusetts, shortly after his marriage. For many years he ran the omnibus line between Harvard Square and Boston. Allusion should be made to the ability Mr. Stearns always showed as a business man and his love for horses.
Five hundred years ago, more or less, when the population of England had become sufficiently dense to make surnames necessary, some Englishman assumed the name of Stearn. He may have taken it from the sign of the Sterne, or starling, which is the symbol of industry, or it may have been taken from some event in which a starling was concerned. This surname has become
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common in England in the counties of Nottingham, Berks, Norfolk, Hertford, Suffolk and Cambridge. The name was originally spelled Sterne, and there were many prominent representatives of the family in England. There were three immigrants of the name, Isaac, Charles and Nathaniel. Family tradition claims that there were three brothers who came to America, and while there is no proof that the relationship existed yet it is quite probable. Isaac Stearns in his will calls Charles "my kinsman," and the names appearing in the succes- sive generation would tend to show that some relationship existed between them. The belief is entertained by many members of the Stearns family that three Sterne brothers, Isaac, Daniel and Shubal, came to America in 1630 and settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, that Daniel died unmarried, that Shubal and Isaac brought families with them, and upon the death of Shubal and his wife their two sons, Charles and Nathaniel, were brought up by their Uncle Isaac. There is a tradition that these sons, as well as their Uncle Isaac, left many descendants, from whom all of the name in America are descended.
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