USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 26
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It was not merely in the business world, however, that Mr. Owens played a conspicuous part, but in many other aspects of the life of Boston and its vicinity he was held in the highest esteem. He was a staunch and ardent? Democrat in his political affiliations, and something of a power in politics in the city, but always in the capacity of the private citizen, as he consist- ently avoided anything like public office or political preferment. He was a man of charitable instincts, and his public heart was universally recognized and approved. While he himself had enjoyed a good common school edu- cation, he always regretted keenly that he had not had the advantage of a college training, and endeavored all through his life to compensate for his lack in this direction by reading.
Mr. Owens, as well as all the members of his family, was a member of the Roman Catholic church in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and was very active in the affairs of the parish, liberally supporting the work of the church. In his church life, as well as in business and social circles, Mr. Owens had a very wide circle of acquaintanceship and wherever he was known met with the same uniform respect and affection. He met with success in the business world, owing to his many sterling qualities of character, and also that he put closeness of application to his business affairs.
In January, 1878, Andrew Owens was united in marriage with Isabella Hanna, who was also a native of Ireland, and a daughter of John and An- astasia (Conron) Hanna. Mr. and Mrs. Owens became the parents of seven children, as follows: I. James, who was united in marriage with Mary Rooney. 2. Mary A. 3. Isabella, who became the wife of Phillip Dolaher. 4. Thomas, who was united in marriage with Catherine R. Simpson. 5. Redmond J. 6. Andrew, Jr. 7. Anastasia. Mr. Owens was a man of strong domestic instincts, and found his greatest happiness with his fam- ily, to whom he was so devoted. He was also a true friend and one whose
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attitude towards his fellow-men in general was open and candid, yet genial in the extreme, so that he casily won and retained the friendship and respect of those who came in contact with him. He was the possessor of strong ex- ecutive ability, marked by a strict adherence to the loftiest principles of integ- rity. In his life may be found a worthy example for the emulation of all young men who desire to establish themselves in the good will of their fel- low-men, to accomplish something worth while in the world, and to leave with their successors a name which is far better than monuments of bronze or marble.
John Frahill
JF one attempted to enumerate the men of talent and capabil- ity of the Irish race, which have appeared even in a small portion of the community, one would be confronted by such a list as would discourage the most enterprising. The city of Lynn, Massachusetts, for instance, can show amongst its dis- tinguished citizens so large a proportion of those who own their origin to the "Emerald Isle" as to excite wonder and admiration. A splendid example of these men was John Frahill, whose death when forty-seven years of age, at the very height of his career, was a loss to the business world in that region of the country, and to the commu- nity in general. He was a member of that strong and dominant race which has sent so many of its sons to this country, and which has placed us under a bond of gratitude for the introduction into the fabric of our citizenship of the peculiar virtues and talents that are its especial birthright. One of the most delightful spots in Ireland is Queenstown, where the family of which Mr. Frahill, the distinguished gentleman whose name heads this memorial is a member, had its origin. Among the many countries whose peoples have come together in this Western land and together made up its complex popula- tion, none stands higher, either in the generosity with which she has given of her sons to us or the quality of the element she has thus added to our body politic, than Ireland. Certainly in the large number of those that have come here from those green shores she has shown how warm was the hope with which her oppressed sons and daughters looked towards a new life in a new home, and not less certainly are we grateful for the splendid virtues, the peculiarly Irish qualities of courage and light-hearted enterprise with which the whole great fabric of our citizenship has been colored. Mr. Frahill well exemplified in his own person the best virtues and abilities of this race, and his death, which occurred in Lynn, Massachusetts, January 7, 1890, left a gap in the life of his many associates and friends which was difficult to fill. The life of John Frahill flowed in an even, unbroken current, the line of ac- tivity that he chose in early manhood claiming his talents all through life. As a citizen, friend and neighbor, he was highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends, and being a man of quiet retiring disposition, he found the true source of his joy and contentment in his home, surrounded by the family to whom he was so devoted.
The birth of John Frahill occurred in Queenstown, Ireland, during the year 1843, the son of Edmund and Elizabeth (Welsh) Frahill, who were na- tives of that country. His father, Edmund Frahill, passed away in Ireland, leaving his wife with the sole support of three children, namely, Mary, now MASS .- 3-16
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John Frabill
deceased, John, our subject, and James, deceased, who had served in the United States navy during the Civil War. Mrs. Edmund Frahill, after the death of her husband, came to the United States, with her three children, and located in Lynn, Massachusetts, buying a small house in West Lynn, near the residence where her son's widow now lives. Her death occurred in Lynn, during the Civil War, and she was considered as one of the early residents of that part of the city, having many friends among the early settlers of Lynn.
John Frahill remained in his native land until after he had gained his education there, and then moved to Wales, where he became engaged in the iron works. He came to the United States with his mother and the remain- der of the family, making his home in Lynn, Massachusetts, from that time until the end of his life. Coming to this country virtually a stranger, he spent some time in seeking employment, and when the Civil War broke out, like his brother, James Frahill, he enlisted in the United States navy. He went to New York to enlist, and first served on the "Sabine," which was later destroyed by fire, and after this was then transferred to the "Niagara." He served his term of one year, and then received an honorable discharge. Mr. Frahill returned to Lynn, Massachusetts, with the intention of reënlist- ing, but his mother would not permit him as he was too young. He proved to be a man of great enterprise, and he succeeded through the practice of the strictest economy and the closest attention to his work. He was con- nected with a large shoe factory in Lynn, and was associated with that in- dustry until the time of his death. He was well known for his high integrity and the absolutely upright life which he led.
It was in Lynn, Massachusetts, in October, 1868, that John Frahill was united in marriage with Margaret Kent. Mr. and Mrs. Frahill became the parents of eight children, seven of whom died while young. Francis Fra- hill, the only surviving child of this union, is associated with the General Electric Company, at Lynn, and resides with his mother at No. 24 Linden street, West Lynn, Massachusetts. Mrs. Frahill is also a native of Ireland, born in County Cork, a daughter of John and Nora (McDonald) Kent, both of whom passed away in their native land. They were the parents of four children, namely, Mary, deceased, Kate, Margaret, the widow of John Fra- hill, and William Kent. Mrs. Frahill was the only member of the family to come to America, and she left her native land on April 26, 1865, on board the ship "City of Manchester," and arrived at New York May 10 following, after being fifteen days at sea. She came at once to Lynn, Massachusetts, and joined her uncle and aunt who lived there, Roger McDonald and Mary McDonald, her mother's brother and sister. Roger McDonald was in the em- ploy of Nathan Breed, of Lynn, for over forty-one years, and was like one of the Breed family. His sister, Mary McDonald, was with the Blainey family for twenty-one years. Both of these admirable characters are now deceased, but are still remembered very distinctly by many of the older citi-
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zens of Lynn. They were good honest Christian people, a credit to the "Em- erald Isle" from whence they came. After her marriage, Mrs. Frahill and her husband lived in the little house in the rear of her present residence, and it was in this same small place that they were living when Mr. Frahill died, and since then Mrs. Frahill has shown that she possesses her share of the wit and pluck for which the Irish race are so well noted the world over. She has not only paid off the debt upon the house, but by her own management and good business judgment has been able to buy the adjoining land and house, where she has erected a three-story family house, and it is there that she and her son, Francis Frahill, now reside. Mrs. Frahill has witnessed many improvements which have been added to the city of Lynn and to Lin- den street, and has aided most generously towards improving the neighbor- hood in which she lives. Mrs. Frahill and her son are members of the Ro- man Catholic church, as was also her husband, John Frahill, and attend St. Patrick's Church of that denomination in Lynn, Massachusetts.
The success of Mr. Frahill in his chosen employment was due to the pos- session by him of a combination of virtues and talents greatly in demand in this world. At the basis of his character were the virtues of sincer- ity and courage, a sincerity which rendered him incapable of taking advan- tage of another, and a courage that kept him cheerful and determined in the face of all obstacles. To these he added a practical grasp of affairs, and an idealism which kept his outlook upon life fresh and his aims pure and high-minded. In all the relations of his life, in all his associations with his fellow-citizens, these same qualities stood out in a marked manner, and gained for him the admiration and affection of all who came in contact with him, even in the most casual way. In his family life his conduct was of the highest type, a devoted husband and father who found his chief happiness in the intimate intercourse of his own household by his own hearthstone.
Dennis Callahan
T
HE late Dennis Callahan, for a number of years a respected citizen of South Boston, was a type of man valuable in any community and valued wherever found. The life led by Mr. Callahan in our city, while extremely quiet and retired, was one of industry and usefulness, abounding in acts of kindness and good-will toward all with whom he was associated.
Dennis Callahan, father of Dennis Callahan, of Boston, was of County Cork, Ireland, and was fairly provided with this world's goods. Among his neighbors he was known as "Honest Dennis," a fact which seems to prove that he was a man of irreproachable character.
Dennis (2) Callahan, son of Dennis (1) Callahan, was born in County Cork, Ireland, and grew to manhood in his native country. He engaged for a time in the provision business, purchased cattle and became quite a well- to-do man. Nevertheless he believed that, in the new country across the sea, better opportunities awaited him and his children, and, acting on that be- lief he embarked for the United States and began to seek his fortune in South Boston. His family remained behind to wait until circumstances should jus- tify him in sending for them. The first employment secured by Mr. Callahan in South Boston was in the iron foundry of Mr. Conrey, but shortly after his family joined him he went into business for himself as a dealer in second- hand articles of merchandise. The venture prospered, Mr. Callahan possess- ing good business abilities and having the respect of the entire community. As a citizen Mr. Callahan was self-respecting and law-abiding. Personally he was much liked, being a man of many friends. His countenance gave evi- dence of the sterling traits of character which all who knew him could testify that he possessed, and his kindliness of disposition endeared him to many. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Callahan married, in Ireland, Margaret Callahan, to whom he was not related, notwithstanding the similarity of name. The father of Mar- garet Callahan met with an accidental death and she was cared for by her maternal grandparents, whose name was Mahoney. Mr. Mahoney was the owner of a farm in County Cork, Ireland. He lived to the age of one hun- dred and five years, and his wife was still more remarkable for longevity, be- ing one hundred and ten at the time of her death. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Callahan were the following, four of whom were born in County Cork, Ireland: I. Dennis, engaged in business in Boston, and died at the age of thirty-two; married Nellie Ford, who also died, leaving one child, Mary, now living in Dorchester. 2. Thomas, was for over thirty years engaged in the provision business in South Boston, making his home with his sister,
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Annie E. Callahan; Thomas Callahan, who was well known and much re- spected, died seven years ago. 3. Timothy, a merchant in South Boston, died eight years ago; married Fannie Burke, now also deceased, and they were the parents of two sons, Herbert, a lawyer, and Joseph, a well known singer. 4. Annie E., now the sole survivor of the family, who resides in the old home on Dorchester street. 5. Jane, married John Collins, and is now de- ceased, as is her husband; of their seven children only three are living, Mary, Jane and Lewis. 6. Mary, died young.
When Mrs. Callahan came to the United States with her children they embarked on a sailing vessel and had a tedious voyage of several weeks. Some time after their arrival Mr. Callahan purchased a house in Athens street, later they moved to Third street, and thence to Dorchester street, where they remained. Mr. Callahan was a man of strong domestic affec- tions and was never so happy as at his own fireside, the place made pleas- ant for him by the devotion of his wife and children. Mrs. Callahan lived in and for her husband and their sons and daughters.
The moderate measure of prosperity which had attended Mr. Callahan in his business was just beginning to assume larger proportions when the good man was summoned to rest from his labors, and one year later his faithful wife followed him. Although Dennis Callahan had not great worldly possessions to bequeath to his children, he was able to leave them the far richer legacy of a good name and the record of a useful and honest life.
George Abner Bolbert
A MONG the successful and prominent business men of Marl- boro, Massachusetts, in the generation just past, the name of George Abner Golbert stands out as an example of one whose entire career was followed with the most scrupulous concern for the rights of others, who never wittingly harmed a fellow-man, even a rival in busness, and who left behind him an unsullied reputation and a feeling of loss which extended to all those who had ever come in contact with him, even the most casual acquaintances. His death, which occurred at his residence in Marlboro, Mas- sachusetts, July 21, 1886, marked the end of a career in all respects of value to his immediate friends and to the community-at-large. His passing away when in his thirty-fifth year was felt as a very real loss in the business world generally throughout that region. Mr. Golbert was a young man, but his career had already reached a point where it could be prophesied that a brilliant future lay in store for him. He was closely identified with many interests in the community of his adoption, and his end came so suddenly as to leave many severed strands in the business world which it was difficult to unite and build up again. During his short but active career, Mr. Golbert stood for the highest ideals of business integrity, while his activities con- tributed in no small degree to the welfare of his fellow-citizens. His private life was a model of virtue, and his home relations ideal. He possessed that frank, open manner that is so attractive, and his democracy was genuine and fundamental, never feeling contempt for the most humble and taking it frankly for granted that not the proudest would feel contempt for him.
The birth of George Abner Golbert occurred in the city of Boston, Sep- tember 17, 1851, the son of George and Mary Ann (Ruck) Golbert, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts, and members of old and prominent families of that State. The name of Golbert and Ruck is connected with the best of New England families and names, and those who bear the name have every reason to be proud of it and their illustrious ancestors. George Gol- bert, the father of George Abner Golbert, inherited many of the sterling qual- ities of his forbears. His manly principles and congenial disposition won for him many friends. As the majority of boys in those days, he had no oppor- tunity for attending school, and at an early age started to earn his own live- lihood by following the trade of ship building. He displayed great talent in this line of work, and continued in that business the remainder of his active life, having worked for many years in the Charlestown Navy Yard. He was the father of four children, two sons and two daughters.
George Abner Golbert, in whose memory we are writing, like his father,
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obtained only a common school education. Very early in his life his am- bitious nature began to manifest itself, and accordingly he was a young man when he started his battle for existence. He had long desired to engage in business on his own account, and this wish was granted when he embarked in the express business in Boston, where he remained until the year 1877. At first Mr. Golbert conducted this business in just a small way, but gradually laid the foundation of what afterwards became a well established concern. As his trade grew, Mr. Golbert thought it more to his advantage to settle in a smaller town or city, and for this reason he removed with his family to Marl- boro, Massachusetts, where he remained connected with the express business, and in which line of endeavor he continued until the time of his death. Mr. Golbert's short life was an active one. He was a typical example of the ener- getic young business man whose united labors have built up New England's commercial and industrial development. In him also, as in this type so char- acteristic of New England, this energy and industry was based upon a foundation of moral strength. His success in life was made permanent, founded, as it was, upon the confidence of his associates, and he built up for himself an enviable reputation among all classes of men. Mr. Golbert was an attendant of the Episcopal church in Marlboro, and a generous contributor to its support. He was of a quiet and unassuming nature, and held in admi- ration as a gentleman in every respect. He was a man of culture and refine- ment which, coupled with his genial manners and the warmth of his attach- ment towards his friends, secured for him a high place in the affection and esteem of his large circle of friends and acquaintances.
On November 24, 1875, George Abner Golbert was united in marriage with Annie E. Howe, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, D.D., at Charlestown, Massachusetts. Mrs. Golbert is a daughter of Stephen A. and Roxanna (Bemis) Howe, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts, Stephen A. Howe being a native of Marlboro, and his wife of Southboro. Stephen A. Howe was a son of Jonah Howe, who was married three times, his third wife being Lydia Moss. The Howe family have lived for years in the town of Marlboro, Massachusetts, and were among the noble families of England many generations prior to the settlement of New England. They owned estates in Somersetshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Nottingham and in Ireland. Two sturdy Puritans of this name arrived in Massachusetts shortly after the settlement of Boston. They were probably relatives, perhaps brothers, but whether or not they came to this country to- gether, both were residing in Marlboro, Massachusetts, at the time of its in- corporation in 1666. The Howe coat-of-arms is as follows:
Arms-Or, a fesse between three wolves' heads couped sable.
Crest-A gauntlet lying fesseways proper, lined gules, holding a falchion argent, hilt or, the middle part of the blade debruised by a wolf's head couped sable.
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Stephen A. Howe, a descendant of the former named, inherited their qualities of honesty, integrity and hard work. He received his education in the district schools, and when a young lad started to work on the home farm, which he later decided to make his life work. He began by studying farming along those lines which would prove to be the most prof- itable, and at once learned that to be a successful farmer one must leave the old methods to adopt the new ideas. He displayed marvelous skill as a farmer, and proved that farming, as it is conducted to-day, along the modern and scientific methods, was most profitable. Every year would bring new implements to the farm, in which Mr. Howe was greatly interested. He devoted his entire life to farming and became recognized as one of the most successful men in Marlboro, as well as one to whom it was safe to go to when seeking advice. He was not only a prominent figure in Marlboro as a farmer, but as a citizen too, being a very public-spirited man, and giving his hearty support to further the advancement of the town in which he lived. Politically Mr. Howe was not affiliated with any one party, rather being an independent voter, believing in voting for the man best fitted for the office instead of the party. In his death Marlboro lost a good citizen and the peo- ple a true friend. To him and his wife were born two children, Albert O., now deceased, and Annie E., who is the widow of George Abner Golbert. Mrs. Golbert is an attendant at the Universalist church, and since the death of her husband has continued to reside in Marlboro, Massachusetts.
Mr. and Mrs. Golbert were the parents of four children, as follows: I. Lillian Maria, born in Charlestown, October 27, 1876; became the wife of Daniel J. Delorey, with whom she was united in marriage, June 2, 1909; this union was blessed with one child, Alvin Earnest. 2. William Irving, born in Marlboro, Massachusetts, September 4, 1878; is employed in the hardware business in Marlboro; was united in marriage with Lulu H. Martin, who bore him one child, Stephen Robert. 3. Nellie May, born June 6, 1880. 4. Earnest Cleveland, born October 29, 1884, died aged twenty-one years.
There is no doubt that the career of George Abner Golbert, successful as it had been, would have known a still more brilliant future had not that grim tyrant Death cut it so abruptly short. One of the chief factors in his success was his remarkable power of making friends, but this power in turn depended upon some of the most fundamental traits of character for its ex- istence. His death, at the age of thirty-four years, ten months and four days, left a gap in his adopted community which despite the years which have since elapsed is still unfilled. He was taken away when starting life's jour- ney, with all prospects of a very successful life confronting him, and the sorrow of the many who knew and loved him was greatly intensified by the suddenness with which the blow fell upon them.
ŁOWE
Samuel Julius Shaw, D.D.S.
T "HE standing of the professions in the city of Boston, Massa- chusetts, is exceedingly high, and it is therefore all the more a distinction for any member of them that it should be said of him that he was a leader among those who practiced his call- ing there. Yet this may undoubtedly be said with truth con- cerning the late Dr. Samuel Julius Shaw, whose death, which occurred on July 25, 1911, at the age of eighty-one years, in Marlboro, Massachusetts, was felt as a severe loss among a host of friends and his large clientele of patients. His practice of dentistry in Boston had covered a period of many years, and he had in that time won for himself a prominent place in the life of his adopted community. Dr. Shaw lived up to the best traditions of his race, and when that life finally ended it was with- out blemish or stain: He was a type of man valuable in any community and valued wherever found. His life was one of industry and usefulness, abound- ing in acts of kindness and good-will towards all with whom he was associ- ated. As a citizen he was self-respecting and law-abiding, and was person- ally liked very much. His countenance gave evidence of the sterling traits of character which all who knew him could testify that he possessed, and his kindliness of disposition endeared him to many. He left to his family the rich legacy of a good name and the record of a useful and honest life. In all the relations of his life, Dr. Shaw displayed those cardinal virtues that have come to be associated with the best type of American life and charac- ter, an uncompromising idealism united with a most practical sense of worldly affairs.
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