USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 21
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In 1834 when George Hamilton Stearns, in whose memory we are writ- ing, was but one year old, his parents removed from Charlestown, Massachu- setts, to Cambridge, where he continued to live during the remainder of his life. He became a well known resident of Cambridge and had been for many years identified with local real estate operations. As a business man he was cautious, far-sighted and honest. He was a shrewd observer, a careful student, and an accurate judge of men and events. The public knew him as a man of most original qualities, while his friends knew him as one of the most congenial of men.
Mr. Stearns obtained his early education in the public schools of Cam- bridge, and at the age of sixteen years, during the year 1849, he left his home and went to California, where he served for several years in the United States Coast Survey. This was an exceptional experience for such a young man, and one of which he was very fond. Upon returning to the East, Mr. Stearns engaged in the livery business, having a stable located on Church street. He was successful in this line of endeavor, and relied upon himself and experience to gain for him the good will and patronage of customers. His success proved the wisdom of his methods and his eminent ability. In all the relations of life he was a man to be esteemed and loved, and all who came in contact with him learned to know his worth and to prize his valued friendship. Mr. Stearns was prominently connected with the financial affairs of Cambridge, having been a director of the Charles River National Bank, also of the Reliance Cooperative Bank, and a member of the corporation of the Cambridge Sav- ings Bank. He was a member of Mount Olivet Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the California Pioneers of 1849.
On April 23, 1862, George Hamilton Stearns was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Stone, a daughter of Charles and Mary Elizabeth (Spear) Stone. Mr. Stone was a native of Newton, Massachusetts, and his wife was born in Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stone were the parents of three chil-
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dren, namely: 1. Catherine Frances Stone. 2. Mary Elizabeth Stone, now the widow of George H. Stearns. 3. Henry Herbert Stone. Mrs. Stearns was born in Brighton, Massachusetts, in November, 1842. When thirteen years of age her parents removed to Lakeland, Minnesota. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Stearns has continued to reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Stearns was blessed with five children, as follows: 1. Georgiana Gertrude, born in Cambridge, became the wife of Fletcher B. Gibbs, of Cambridge; she died at the age of twenty-two years in Chicago, Illi- nois. 2. Harry Cranston, was united in marriage with Sarah Page Edmunds, of Cambridge and they are the parents of three children, Gladys Edmunds, Ma- rion, who died in infancy, and Helen Cranston. 3. Guy Herbert, was united in marriage with Anna Wilson, of New Jersey; they are residing in Califor- nia. 4. Edna Joyce, born in Cambridge, makes her home with her mother. 5. Charles Stone, passed away at the age of thirty-eight years, the date of his death being December 5, 1917; he was educated in Cambridge, and owing to impaired health never engaged in any mercantile pursuits.
The surname Stone may have been derived through the probability of the original ancestor of the Stone family living near a large stone or owning a field which had a stony character. Within the first quarter of a century following the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth in New England, there were no less than ten persons of the name of John Stone who settled in the plantations of that region, and by reason of frequent removals on the part of some of them from one place to another much confusion of names and heads of families has long been a source of annoyance to chroniclers of Stone Genealogy. The name of John Stone in early Salem and Beverly history figures most prominently in connection with the establishment of the first ferry across the Bass river. He is considered the emigrant ancestor of those bearing the name of Stone in this country.
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About six months before his death, Mr. Stearns was thrown from an electric car and sustained a fractured hip as a consequence. He had been con- fined to his bed practically from that time on, and his death came as a result of the accident. The funeral services were held from the Mount Auburn Chapel, the Rev. Alexander P. Bourne, assistant pastor of the Shepard Me- morial Church, conducting the services.
The personal character of George Hamilton Stearns was one to command the admiration and affection of all. He was a business man of the type that Cambridge could ill afford to lose. He was always ready to give generously to any movement that promised to benefit the community or its business inter- ests. His long career displayed talents and abilities, but most especially has it shown those first and cardinal virtues of courage, honesty, and charity with- out which no normal or lasting achievement may be wrought.
Daniel D'Lara
TTNASSUMING in his manner, painstaking in his habits, and ge- nial in his nature, Daniel O'Hara gained and held the esteem of all. As a friend, he was loyal and true, and once taken into his confidence, his friendship was lasting. As a business man, he believed in and followed a safe, sound and sane business policy. He was one of those men, beloved, because he was genuine, whole-hearted, honest, direct, just and prompt in all his dealings, as well as considerate and thoughtful of all with whom he came in contact. Mr. O'Hara was always the same sterling, kindly friend to human- ity, and in his passing away the community was brought face to face with an irreparable and distinct loss. The death of Mr. O'Hara occurred in Waltham, Massachusetts, November 19, 1912, at the age of fifty-seven years. If one at- tempted to enumerate the men of talent and capability of the Irish race, he would be confronted with such a list as would discourage the most enterpris- ing. These men have identified themselves with all that is best in American life and tradition, and are well deserving of the highest praise. Mr. O'Hara, though not a native of Ireland, exemplified in his own person the best virtues and abilities of the race. He was a self-made man in the true sense of that term, having achieved success in the operations which he undertook. He was instinctively charitable, but obeyed literally the Biblical precept not to let his left hand know what his right did. His loved ones at his own fireside were life and love to him. To them he gave his best, his all, and in return was the cherished friend, the idolized husband, and the kind father. In his business career, Mr. O'Hara began at the bottom of the ladder, relying upon the merit of his work and faithful discharge of tasks to bring the advance he desired.
The birth of Daniel O'Hara occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 1, 1855, the son of Edward and Bridget (Curren) O'Hara, both of whom were highly respected natives of Ireland. Daniel O'Hara was the oldest of the sons of the family. As a boy he was noted for his bright, intelligent ways, and his friendly, attractive manner. He began his educational training in the city of his birth, and all his life was untiring in the gaining of knowledge and mental discipline. Leaving school, he entered the employ of the Dueber Watch Case Factory, at that time located in Newport, Kentucky, but after some years was transferred to the Chicago office of the company, and subsequently to New York, in the interest of the gold case department of the American Waltham Watch Company. In 1882, he was again transferred, this time to Waltham, Massachusetts, where he was made foreman of the case department then car- ried on in that factory. He occupied that position for eight years, and when MASS .- 3-13
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the company removed its case making establishment to New York in 1890, Mr. O'Hara did not care to leave with it. He then dropped case making, and be- came eager to engage in business on his own account, an ambition that was realized soon afterwards. In 1890, he started in business for himself, as a manufacturer of enameled dials, and took a lease of the small factory on Bed- ford street, in Waltham. The excellence of his product brought him so much business that he was obliged to build the present factory and he removed to Crescent Park, where he established one of Waltham's most important indus- tries. While connected with the Dueber Watch Case Factory, Mr. O'Hara had perfected several patents relative to casings for watches. His inventive faculty was brought out constantly by the necessities of whatever he was in- terested in and his business ability, organizing and managing, as well as his high integrity, were recognized continually by his associates. It was not long before the product of his factory was known all over the world.
As a business man, Mr. O'Hara was resourceful to a remarkable degree. From his boyhood he had been in touch with a large number of the leading men in the watch-making industry in this country, who appreciated his worth as an employee and his ability as a manufacturer. His frequent visits abroad acquainted him with the foreign trade and his inventive genius enabled him to compete successfully with both home and foreign markets in the manufacture of dials and enameled goods of many kinds. His factory is a monument to his personal skill and business ability.
Upon his removal to Waltham, Massachusetts, Mr. O'Hara became keen- ly interested in all civic affairs, and served on the school committee from 1899 to 1902. He also served from 1895 to 1898 as a member of the license com- missioners, when Waltham was a licensed town. As a citizen he was always interested in all local affairs, and although not seeking office himself, was ever engaged in securing for the city the best municipal service. He contributed in an advisory manner in these affairs, giving most willingly of his matured and excellent advice. He was always ready to listen to the views and theories of others, generously considering what was best for all, but when the time for action came he followed his own sound judgment. Mr. O'Hara possessed a great influence for good in the community which he had adopted for his own, his help and aid being given in an unostentatious manner. He was charitably inclined, and his heart was ever in sympathy with the sorrows of the unfortu- nate. He was a man of rare kindliness of heart, and no charitable call ever appealed to him in vain.
Although the family attended the Unitarian church, Mr. O'Hara was very broad in his religious beliefs, realizing that there is good in all religions. He was a great reader, as well as a deep thinker, and possessed initiative. He . was one of those men who labored energetically not only to win success for himself, but to make his life a source of benefit to his fellowmen. By his hon- orable exertions and moral attributes he carved out friends, honor and position. As a friend, he was true and staunch, ever ready to do a good turn to those to
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whom his friendship extended. He was an extensive traveler, visiting France, Switzerland, and practically all European countries, as well as many parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada.
On May 22, 1889, Daniel O'Hara was united in marriage, at Potsdam, New York, with Mayfred Leonard, of Pierrepont, New York, a daughter of Lorson and Anna (Sturtevant) Leonard, both having been born in New York State. Larson Leonard was in the department of the United States Treasury at the time of the Civil War, under General Spinner, and died in 1864, aged twenty-seven. Mrs. O'Hara received her education in the Normal School at Potsdam, New York, and taught in the public schools of Waltham, Massachu- setts. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O'Hara was blessed with four chil- dren, all of whom were sons, as follows: I. Eliot, born in Waltham, Massa- chusetts, June 14, 1890; attended the public schools of his native city, then the Allen School, in West Newton, Massachusetts, spending one year at the Uni- versity in Norwich, Vermont, a United States Military School, and two years in Paris, France; he succeeded his father as head of the business. 2. Dwight, born in Waltham, September 30, 1892; was educated in the Waltham public schools, at the Allen School of West Newton, later attending Dartmouth Col- lege, and graduating there with the class of 1915; he is now attending Har- vard Medical School. 3. Ezra Fitch, born in Waltham, September 26, 1894, obtained his education in Waltham, and later attended the Huntington School of Boston; he enlisted in the quartermaster's department of the United States Army, and is now in active service. 4. Skidmore, born in Waltham, January 19, 1896; received his education in the Waltham public schools and at the Hun- tington School; he now is with the United States Army in France.
Daniel O'Hara was as kind and devoted a husband and father as ever lived, and it was in the home circle where he found his chief happiness and relaxation. There was not, in fact, a relation of life in which he did not play his part most worthily, and in which he might not well serve as a model for future generations. By those who knew him intimately he was very highly esteemed. He kept well posted upon the affairs of the day in city, state and nation, and talked entertainingly and understandingly about the questions of the hour. He possessed a retentive memory which was well stored with recol- lections of men and events. He was very thoughtful of those who were in his service, and the kindly deeds performed by him in their interest and for their comfort were innumerable, and many have in their hour of need had cause to be thankful to him and bless him for his good heart. He was gifted with a very ready pen, and his business letters rarely missed making the recipients his personal friends. His fine sense of humor and ready wit made him a delight- ful companion at home and abroad.
Mr. O'Hara was a man beyond the average in intellectual power and ex- ceedingly skillful in his department of work. He was quick of discernment and prompt in action, two important qualities for the achievement of success in the business world. His life was filled with zest and tireless energy, and he leaves
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behind him in the hearts of his many friends an ineffaceable memory of kindli- ness, devotion and courage. There is no need of sculptural marble or of a la- bored epitaph to say who or what Daniel O'Hara was, for his manly virtues, his unostentatious charities, his kindness and his good will are so well known that it is unnecessary to recapitulate traits so strong and which are graven on the hearts of the many who knew him. He had always that respect for others which insured his own, and with it a delicacy which won all hearts, as well as a fervor which commanded love and admiration. One of the friends who knew him best has summed up his life in the following words:
He was what he was, never because the outside shaped or hewed or moulded him. He was what he was where God had set him simply for the love of it. He simply could not help letting the big hearted manhood of him have its way. He shrank from all meanness, but never because people would say that it was mean. There was only one reason why he kept himself from unworthy conduct, never because of what others might say or think, but simply because it was impossible to him, it did not belong to the kind of man he was, as between himself and himself.
So he was a real living man. Is a real living man still to me; for all such vital things know no death. And his religion is my religion. He might phrase it differently, for he was shy of all religious phrasing. But the fact remains that I knew in him the only re- ligion which is worth anything, the awakening of the miracle of a personal life which grows responsive to the call within itself of the great life from which it comes and to which it passes.
Cyrus Moulton Barrows
T HE life of New England has developed many self-made and pros- perous citizens, whose industry and close application have brought to them success, and won the confidence and esteem of their fellow-men. Such a man was Mr. Barrows, whose life- time, during which he advanced to a position of importance in business circles, was passed in the vicinity of Boston. His death, which occurred at his home in Reading, Massachusetts, May 16, 1912, came as a severe shock to all those who had been so privileged as to have known him in an intimate manner. Association with Mr. Barrows always meant expansion and elevation, for his interests were in touch with those broadening processes which bring a wider, higher knowledge of life, and en- able the individual to place a correct valuation upon those things which go to- ward making up life's activities and interests.
Cyrus Moulton Barrows was born in Hartford, Maine, July 26, 1844, the son of Tilson and Elizabeth (Allen) Barrows, both of whom were highly re- spected natives of Hartford, and were interested in farming. Mr. Barrows' boyhood days were spent on the farm, and his education was obtained in the common schools of Livermore Falls, Maine, where he also attended high school, graduating with high honors. Upon the completion of his studies, he decided upon following teaching as his course through life, and accordingly taught school for a short time. This was about the time of the outbreak of the Civil War, and his youthful enthusiasm caused him to obey his country's call to arms. He tried to enlist, but, owing to his extreme youth, he was allowed to enlist only as a musician, and thus became a player on the fife, in a regimental fife and drum corps, for about one year. He then enlisted for actual serv- ice, and was accepted, serving until the close of the war. Mr. Barrows served in the Twenty-third and Thirtieth Maine regiments of infantry. He was in service from 1862 until August, 1865, being mustered out at Washington, D. C. He made a splendid soldier, and easily became accustomed to military ways and discipline.
Upon returning to his home in Livermore Falls, Maine, at the close of the war, Mr. Barrows entered upon a business career, accepting a position with Seaverns & Company of Boston as an accountant and bookkeeper, and remained in their employ until the year 1876. All this time Mr. Barrows attended Comers' Business College in the evenings, and well fitted himself for the place he was destined to hold in the business world. Energetic, ambitious and zealous, his devotion to acquiring knowledge knew no bounds, and what- ever duty he was called upon to perform was done to the entire satisfaction of those in superior authority. He was a man of marvelous courage, and where
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others might have yielded, he stood firm, and thus met with success. Leaving the employ of Seaverns & Company, Mr. Barrows established what is now known as the C. M. Barrows Corporation, located at No. 2 North Market street, Boston, a printing firm. Having learned the printer's trade through his own tireless energy and perseverance, Mr. Barrows started his printing busi- ness in a small way, but through his own efforts and strict application to busi- ness, he soon enlarged, and his business rapidly increased, until to-day it is considered as one of the large concerns of that line of business. Mr. Barrows became president and treasurer of the firm, and at his death his son, Bernard Barrows, succeeded him as president. He was a member of the Boston Fruit and Produce Exchange; from 1876 until his death published "The Market Re- port," which he established, and he also established the "Credit Association." Mr. Barrows was also a member of the School Board of Reading for many years, and had been trustee of the Public Library almost from its inception, holding this position at the time of his death, and making it a term of twenty- five years that he was a trustec. He was a member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, serving as its president and treasurer.
Mr. Barrows' mind was well disciplined and evenly balanced, his judg- ment was practical in the highest degree, and his executive ability was one of his marked characteristics. He bore a high reputation as a man of honor and uprightness, and all his transactions could have undergone the closest scrutiny. But he was not one of those men, so often found to-day, who gave his entire time and attention to his own business affairs, for, on the contrary, he was deeply and keenly interested in all town affairs of Reading, Massachusetts, where he came to reside thirty-five years prior to his death. Previously, be- sides his native place, he had lived in Melrose and Somerville, Massachusetts, and in every town was looked upon as the highest type of citizen, and was appreciated by all as such.
On November 30, 1868, Cyrus Moulton Barrows was united in marriage with Augusta Kilbreth, who was born in Augusta, Maine, a daughter of Wil- liam Johnson and Abby (Hanscom) Kilbreth, both of whom were natives of the State of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Barrows were the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters, as follows I. Alice Augusta. 2. Herbert Cyrus, who was united in marriage (first) with Flora May Symms, who died leaving one child, a son, Robert Barrows. Mr. Barrows was united in mar- riage (second) with Nina Kincaid. 3. Harold Kilbreth, who was united in marriage with Mabel Jordan, of Maine. 4. Bernard, who is at the head of the business, which his father so well established. 5. Edith, who became the wife of William T. W. Underwood; their union was blessed with one child, Jeannette Underwood. 6. Allen Hanscom.
Mr. Barrows was a devoted husband and a kind father, and in every re- lation of life his conduct was well worthy of being held up as an example to the youth of the community. Closeness of application to business, willingness to meet in full the responsibilities of citizenship, strength of his own convic-
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tions, and attachment to his home and family were predominating traits in his character. Mr. Barrows did not believe in devoting his entire attention to the accumulating of material wealth for himself, but was extremely fond of informal social intercourse with his fellow-men, and was a well known figure in the general life of the community. He had no preference for political life of any kind, and consistently refused to become a candidate for public office, but his interest in the town of Reading, Massachusetts, was proverbial, and he did much to encourage legitimate enterprise and business of all kinds.
Mr. Barrows was a member of the Boston Typothetæ, of the Bos- ton Board of Trade, the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association, the What Cheer Colony, the Pilgrim Fathers, and was a veteran of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 194. His nearest and dearest friends, many of whom were members of the above mentioned associations, scarcely realized of how much value he was to them until his sad death forced the reality upon them. The funeral service of Mr. Barrows was held from his late residence in Reading, Massachusetts, at No. 281 Lowell street, the Rev. M. Franklin Ham, of the Christian Union, being the officiating clergyman.
The death of Cyrus Moulton Barrows caused the community to suffer a heavy loss, for he was a man of worth, and one of whom any community might justly be proud, and whose memory it should cherish most highly.
Lewis Dap
A MONG the public-spirited citizens of Norwood, Massachusetts, there are few more worthy of comment and respect than Lewis Day. There is scarcely a department in the life of the com- munity that has not felt something of his influence for the better, from the purely industrial and financial interests to those of general enlightenment and culture. His death oc- curred at Norwood, March 3, 1910.
Lewis Day was born at Norwood, then South Dedham, April 14, 1835. He was the son of the Hon. Joseph and Hannah ( Rhoades) Day, and a member of one of the oldest New England families. The progenitor of the line in this country was Ralph Day, who emigrated from England and lo- cated at Dedham, where he was admitted townsman in 1644. He later mar- ried a daughter of Jonathan Fairbanks, who built the famous Fairbanks House at Dedham in 1636. The Hon. Joseph Day was one of the foremost citi- zens of Massachusetts during his life, and intimately connected with the de- velopment of the great leather industry in the eastern part of the State. The life of Lewis Day was spent in his native town of Norwood, and it was there that he gained his education in the local district schools, after which he at- tended the academy at South Woodstock, Vermont, for two years. Upon returning to Norwood he became associated with his father in the manufac- ture of hides and leather in Boston, and was eventually taken into partner- ship by the elder man, the firm being known as Day, Wilcox & Company. For many years Mr. Day continued in this firm, conducting a very large and suc- cessful business until the formation of the leather trust, when he retired en- tirely from active business life. From that time until his death he spent his summers in New England and went to Florida for the winter, where he found a more congenial climate during those months.
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