USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 29
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Mr. Carstein's sense of duty was ever the strongest motive in his life, and it was often said of him, in reference to his devotion to his church and business, that he divided his time between "mill and meeting." They should have added his home, however, for there was never any one more devoted to his family and own hearthstone thanMr. Carstein, or a more devoted hus- band. The same sterling qualities which made him loved at home, and re- spected universally in his public and business life, also gathered about him many faithful friends whose fidelity he repaid in kind. He was never weary of working for the benefit of the community and identified himself with many movements undertaken for the general good. He became layman and reader in the Protestant Episcopal church of which his family were also members, and he conducted mission work in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, from 1891, in connection with the Church of the Ascension, where he conducted serv- ices every Sunday, in a congregation of between sixty and seventy German families, residents of the neighborhood of the mission house. It was. Phil- lips Brooks, the noted divine, who suggested to Mr. Carstein that there was a field for mission work in East Cambridge amongst the German families, if conducted in the mother tongue. After giving it due consideration, Mr. Car- stein founded the German mission, and his family maintains the mission as a memorial to his memory. With his family, Mr. Carstein was connected with St. James Church, North Cambridge, from 1888, and was made treas- urer of the church corporation. He was a member of the Pilgrim Fathers, the Young Men's Christian Association of Cambridge, and held offices as direc- tor, trustee and treasurer of these organizations. He was also a trustee of the Fitchman Estate in Cambridge, and was an active member of the Cam- bridge Club, the Colonial Club, and of the Middlesex Republican Club.
Hans Louis Carstein was united in marriage twice, his first wife being Ida Peterson, a daughter of a German Lutheran clergyman, with whom he was united in 1876. She bore her husband three children, namely: I. Ernst. 2. Claus Henry, who died in infancy. 3. Gustave Emile, born July 24, 1881, in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, and was prepared for college, going
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through Harvard University, and graduating with the class of 1905; upon leaving college he engaged in business with his father, as manager of the coal yards. Mrs. Carstein, the mother of these children, died in 1881. Hans Louis Carstein was united in marriage (second) June 17, 1883, with Mag- dalene Doring, a daughter of the Rev. C. F. Doring, a German Lutheran clergyman. Mr. and Mrs. Carstein became the parents of three children, as follows: 1. Lorenz William, born May 14, 1884, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Maryland. 2. Hans Louis, Jr., born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, October 13, 1885, and after leaving school took a three-year course at Culver Military Academy, in Indiana, graduating as a commissioned officer, first lieutenant-quartermaster, prepara- tory to engaging in business with his father and elder brother. 3. Gret- chen, born in Cambridge, October 22, 1888, and was prepared for entrance to Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, at the Gilman School of Cambridge, and at Burnham School, in Northampton, Massachusetts. Mr. Carstein made his home and his family circle the happiest place that he or any member of it could know.
The honesty and kindliness of Mr. Carstein, whether in business or so- cial matters, surrounded him with many friends and associates whose re- spect for him increased as time went on. He was indeed a rare and admir- able character in every way, and one of those of whom it may be said that the world is better for his having lived. He was a self-made man in the fullest sense of the term. Starting as a friendless young man in a strange city, by dint of his unaided efforts he worked into a position of prominence and won an enviable reputation for himself in his adopted community for integrity and capability. The city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, parted most sorrowfully with such a man as Mr. Carstein, who spent there an active and highly useful and most honorable career. His memory and his example, however, will long remain as one of the city's best heritages.
James Lynch
I O her citizens of Irish birth, Boston owes much of her prog- ress and prosperity, and prominent among these able and use- ful men was the late James Lynch, for many years one of the best known business men in the southern section of the city. Mr. Lynch was active as a citizen and was always willing to "lend a hand" in charitable enterprises.
John Lynch, father of James Lynch, was of County Meath, Ireland. The Christian name of his wife was Katherine. Their chil- dren were: Patrick, of St. Louis; John, deceased; William, of South Bos- ton; James, mentioned below; Bryan, deceased; Julia, married James O'Brien and is now deceased; and Katherine, deceased. In their latter years Mr. and Mrs. Lynch came to the United States, joining their son James in Boston and there passing the closing days of their industrious and useful lives.
James Lynch, son of John and Katherine Lynch, was born in County Meath, Ireland, and at an early age emigrated to the United States, settling in South Boston, which was his home during the remainder of his life. It was a bold deed for a mere youth to cross the sea with the intention of mak- ing his way, single-handed, in a new country, but James Lynch did it and what is more he succeeded. His first employment was in a foundry in "K" street, and such were his energy and thrift that before many years had elapsed he found himself in circumstances which justified him in going into business for himself. But he was prudent. Not despising "the day of small things," he began modestly. Later he bought the property on the corner of Ninth and Frederick streets, building thereon a large barn and two houses. This was in 1863. Several years later Mr. Lynch sold the property and purchased land on Eighth street, moving to the house in Knowlton street in 1895, which was his home for the remainder of his life. Meanwhile his business prospered. When he moved to Knowlton street he became the larg- est dealer in empty barrels to be found in the southern section of the city. His factory and yards covered ninety by ninety feet of ground space, the establishment giving employment to eight or ten persons and necessitating the use of four wagons in collecting and delivering barrels. The goods were collected in South Boston, Dorchester, the city proper and its vicinity, and were supplied to brewers, fish dealers, grease, glue and paste manufacturers and others, no fewer than an average of two thousand barrels being disposed of weekly to these and other patrons of the concern.
In addition to being a buisness man of fine abilities, Mr. Lynch was a good citizen, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the wel- fare of his adopted city. He was a member of the United Irish League.
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Charitable, genial, kind to the poor and every ready to extend an encourag- ing hand to one who had fallen by the wayside, he was widely respected and sincerely loved. His face reflected his disposition and his cordial greeting was always welcome. In politics he was a Democrat. He and his family were members of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Lynch married, in South Boston, about the close of the Civil War, Margaret Sheridan, whose family record is appended to this biography, and of the nine children born to them four died young. Those living are the fol- lowing: 1. James F., now in the barrel business in Champion street; mar- ried Catherine McGinley and has the following children; James, Joseph, Mary, Catherine, Florence, John and Walter. 2. Bernard R., formerly associated with his father in business; married Emily Williamson and has one child, Sheridan. 3. Joseph, married Frances Kadlec. 4. William, lives at home with his mother. 5. Margaret, wife of William S. Martin; Mr. and Mrs. Martin also reside with Mrs. Lynch. Bernard R., Joseph and William have succeeded their father in business. Mr. Lynch was devoted to home and family and throughout the many years of their union he ever found in his wife a true and sympathetic helpmate. In their days of limi- ted means and unceasing effort she faithfully assisted him, and when suc- cess came he owed it not a little to her cheerful and indefatigable endeav- ors. During her long residence in South Boston Mrs. Lynch has witnessed many changes, the city having altered much since she came thither in her childhood.
On December 29, 1911, Mr. Lynch passed away at the age of seventy- five years, closing a long life of honest toil which had been crowned with well-merited success. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Father McGilbride, who spoke of the lessons to be learned from such a record as that left by Mr. Lynch. The pall-bearers were Messrs. Reed, Creed, McDonald, Healey and Lynch, and the interment was in Holyhood Cemetery. Many beautiful floral tributes testified to the esteem and affection in which Mr. Lynch had been held. Always a true Irishman, James Lynch was also a loyal American citizen, and Boston remembers with respect and gratitude his upright life and faithful service.
Patrick Sheridan, father of Mrs. Margaret (Sheridan) Lynch, was of County Meath, Ireland, and the Christian name of his wife was Mary. Their children were: 1. Bridget, married Michael Doyle. 2. Ann, married John Smith. 3. Mary, married John Wayland. 4. Margaret, mentioned below. 5. Kate, widow of Tobias Burke, resides in Decatur, Illinois. 6. Patrick, lives in Missouri. Bridget, Ann and Mary are deceased. Patrick Sheridan, the father, came to the United States to prepare a home for his family, but during his absence his faithful wife passed away.
Margaret Sheridan, daughter of Patrick and Mary Sheridan, was born in County Meath, Ireland, and was but nine years old when death deprived
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her of her mother. Shortly after that sad event she was sent to her father in Boston and later all the other members of the family came to the United States. Margaret grew to womanhood in Boston and became the wife of James Lynch, as stated above.
MASS .- 3-18
James Kelly
JAMES KELLY was one of those rare, and shall we say fortu- nate, individuals, in whose lives seem to be exemplified that strange but beautiful saying of the Greeks, that "those whom the Gods love die young." Certainly within the compass of years, comparatively few as measured by the usual standard of human life, there was compressed a great amount of liv- ing, a sum of achievement greater far than is generally found in the three score years and ten allotted to other men. The story of his ca- reer is a long record of high ideals realized, and good of all kinds accruing from his activities, not only to himself, but to all those about him. His un- timely death on December 26, 1881, when but forty-eight years of age, de- prived his adopted community of one who had been most active in its interests and whose life seemed to promise an even more important career of service.
Born in County Cork, Ireland, James Kelly was a son of William and Margaret (Hurley) Kelly, and was brought up amid rural surroundings which in that land and at that time were in a decidedly primitive state. William Kelly, his father, was a farmer in the region, and though by no means wealthy was well thought of and highly respected there. James Kelly him- self remained on the paternal farm until he had reached young manhood and then, in common with so many of his fellow countrymen, sought a haven from the difficult and oppressive conditions in his native land in the great republic of the Western hemisphere. Upon reaching America he located at the city of Boston, where he secured work in a number of different employ- ments and finally settled down to a more regular task in the foundry near the Fourth street bridge. He began work in this place at a time when vast amount of ammunition was being manufactured for the United States army, and molders were in great demand. So, it was that before long he found him- self engaged in this particular work and continued to be so employed until the time of his death. The position of molder is a responsible and difficult one, and Mr. Kelly became an adept at this work. During the years in which he was so engaged he purchased his residence on Bolton street, Boston, and it was here that his death occurred. Mr. Kelly was a staunch Democrat, and although not a politician in any sense of the word was active in the interests of his party in the community. He was a man who possessed strong social instincts and was fond of social intercourse with his fellowmen. He was extremely popular and possessed many warm and devoted friends. He was universally respected for his sterling virtues, while his attractive personality made him an object of affection to all with whom he came in contact. In religion Mr. Kelly was a Roman Catholic, as his forebears had always been
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before him, and attended the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, on Broad- way, Boston.
He was married by Father Linden at the priest's house of St. Peter and St. Paul Parish, to Joanna Mahoney, a daughter of Jerry and Joanna (Mur- phy) Mahoney. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly five children were born as follows: I. Margaret, who became the wife of Daniel Driscol, of Dorchester, Massa- chusetts. 2. William, who married Annie Connell, by whom he had five chil- dren: Jennie, James, Josie, Katie, and Margaret, who now reside at Dorches- ter. 3. Jerome, who died at the age of forty years; was employed as a molder. 4. Mary, who became the wife of Richard Morrissey, of No. 4 Grafton street, Dorchester, to whom she bore the following children: Dick, Mary, Edward, James and Margaret. 5. John Joseph, who is now a practic- ing physician at Marlboro, Massachusetts; a graduate of Boston College and Tufts Medical College; married Elizabeth Dailey.
Mrs. Kelly, who survives her husband, was a native of County Cork, Ireland. After the death of her mother, which occurred there, her father came to the United States, bringing his daughter with him as well as two other children, and settled in South Boston, where he conducted a grocery store. Mrs. Kelly was the eldest of the three children; the other two were Hannah, deceased, who became the wife of Patrick Conlin, of New Hamp- shire, and Dennis, deceased, who resided at Marlboro, Massachusetts. They were all quite young children at the time they came to this country and the little orphans were cared for by Mary Carney, a friend of the family, whom their father employed in this service. As has already been said, Mrs. Kelly was only a child when she came to this country, her means of conveyance be- ing a sailing vessel which took six weeks to make the voyage across the At- lantic. She grew to young womanhood in South Boston, attending the local public schools there, as there was no adequate Catholic school in the neigh- borhood at that time. Her home being in this quarter of the city for many years, Mrs. Kelly has witnessed many important changes, and she recalls that as a girl she often took long walks with her comrades from her home at that time to the very corner upon which she now resides in Dorchester. She also recalls that at that time it was a vacant field and naturally enough she had small thought that one day she would build a three-story block there. She was married to Mr. Kelly when but sixteen years of age, and after a few years of very happy married life was left a widow by him, with five children to rear. Nothing daunted by this task, seemingly so heavy for such a very young woman, Mrs. Kelly at once set to work with a courage that has characterized her throughout her life. She was, and still is, a firm believer in the value of education for children, and in spite of the difficulties surrounding her path she made it her task to see that her children received the best possible advantages in this direction. She was possessed of a natural business talent and all her business ventures met with uniform success. She sold the Kelly home on Bolton street and bought the property at the corner
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of Dorchester avenne and Grafton street and erected the handsome three-story block which stands there at the present time. This was very much against the advice of her friends, who said that she would regret so foolish a move, but the event has fully justified her judgment, and since its erection the block has proved an excellent investment and brought in a large return in the form of rent. Somewhat later she was able to put up a simi- lar building adjoining the original structure on Dorchester avenue and still later erected the handsome house at No. 4 Grafton street. At the present time she has in all nine important "rents," including two store rooms, all of which are at present occupied. Mrs. Kelly looks after these personally and is regarded as a remarkable business woman by all her friends and asso- ciates. She is a member of the Roman Catholic church and attends St. Margaret's Church of that denomination, where she is the possessor of many friends.
Patrick O'Sullivan
THIS is a success-worshiping age, it is the men of deeds and accomplishment that we delight in honoring. We demand suc- cess and, as though in response, we have a progress in all the departments of material achievement, such as the world has never before witnessed. Perhaps the most characteristic of all the achievements of the day is that in the line of industrial and commercial development and it is the leaders of activity in this direction that are our choicest heroes. Among the important mer- chants of Dedham, Massachusetts, of the generation just passed, the name of Patrick O'Sullivan is conspicuous, as much for the high principles he ob- served in the conduct of his business as for the success that attended it. His death, January 6, 1900, removed from Dedham one who was in the fullest sense of the term a progressive, virile self-made American citizen and a mem- ber of the great Irish race which has given so many citizens of this kind to our country. He was a man thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of this modern age, and who in compassing his own success performed a correspond- ing service for the community which he had adopted.
Born in County Limerick, Ireland, in the year 1831, Patrick O'Sullivan was a son of Patrick O'Sullivan, Sr., who for many years was a farmer in that region and who finally died there. Patrick O'Sullivan Jr., passed the years of his childhood in his native land, and attended the local public schools for his education. His opportunities in this direction were, however, decidedly scanty, and he left school at an early age so that much of the excellent educa- tion which he possessed was self-acquired and the result of keen powers of observation and a habit of reading good books. When only sixteen years of age he left his father's home and set sail for America. He was the young- est member of the family and three of his sisters, Julia, Margaret and Sta- tia, had preceded him to this country. They had located at East Dedham, Massachusetts, and there purchased property, and it was in this town that their brother Patrick joined then upon reaching this country. Once settled in East Dedham, he secured employment as a stone cutter at Quincy, Massa- chusetts, but did not continue for any great length of time in this position, as he soon found a position in the mills about Dedham, where he worked for sev- eral years. He was a youth of unusually thrifty habits, and from the first made it a point to save such proportion as he could of his earnings. He did this especially with a view to one day having a business of his own, nor was he a great while in desiring this before he was able to start a grocery store on Curve street, Dedham. Here he prospered highly, and some time after- wards built on the location of his store a handsome business block, in which
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his establishment found ample quarters. He continued to carry on this busi- ness with a high degree of success until about six years before his death, when he retired from active life altogether. At about the same time, Mr. O'Sullivan built a house next door to his store and there passed the re- maining years of his life.
Besides his activities in the world of business, Mr. O'Sullivan was a participant in many departments of the life of the community which he had adopted as his home. He was a conspicuous figure in social circles, and was affiliated with many important movements undertaken for the welfare of Ded- ham. In his religious belief, Mr. O'Sullivan was a Catholic and for many years faithfully attended St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Dedham and liberally supported it in the work which it did there. He was a member of the Order of Foresters, and was highly popular among all his associates and friends.
On March 1, 1870, Patrick O'Sullivan was united in marriage with Mary O'dea, a native of Boston, and a daughter of Ira and Margaret (Lynch) O'dea. Her parents were born and married in Ireland but came to this coun- try while still young. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick O'Sullivan thirteen children were born, three of whom died in infancy. The ten which survived are as follows: I. William, who married Mary Dowd, and makes his home at Worcester, Massachusetts. 2. Mary, who resides with her mother at Ded- ham. 3. Edward, died at the age of thirty-three years. 4. Joseph, who married May Twomby, and resides in Brooklyn, New York; they have five children : Marion, Frank, Grace, Robert and Reeta. 5. John, who married Mary Kane, by whom he has had three children, Eleanore, John and Ed- ward. 6. Catherine, who resides with her mother at Dedham. 7. Ger- trude, who also resides with her mother. 8. George, who married Lorine Clemm, and makes his home at Dorchester, Massachusetts. 9. Margaret, who resides at home. 10. Thomas, who also resides at home. Mrs. O'Sul- livan survives her husband, and since his death has built a beautiful residence on Whitney avenue, where she and five of her children make their home at present. All the children of Mr. and Mrs. O'Sullivan have received excellent educations, it being a particular determination of their father that this should be so.
Mr. O'Sullivan was a model citizen, and the example which he set in all the relations of life will long survive him. He was particularly devoted to his family and home life, and it was by his own hearthstone that he spent his happiest hours. His home indeed was always a delightful one, the O'Sul- livan family being remarkably harmonious in the relations of its members, and those who enjoyed its hospitality very justly considered themselves for- tunate. To the fundamental virtues of honesty and simplicity, he added the graces of culture and refinement, so that among all his associates, whether in the way of business or the more personal relations of life, he was both loved and admired, and a complete confidence was felt in him that he would
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fulfill both the spirit and letter of whatever he engaged to do. He was pos- sessed of the most charitable nature, and could not bear to witness need without an attempt to alleviate its circumstances. Although his support of charitable movements of a public and semi-public nature was most generous, his private philanthropy was ever larger, and he gave away with a prodigal hand a really large proportion of his income. Probably no one, certainly no one outside of his immediate family, knew the extent of these benefactions, for he gave with that Christian humility which is recommended to us, and his one response to those who cautioned him against such liberality was to ex- press regret that he had not more to give. He died a comparatively young man, yet he had won a degree of respect and affection from the community- at-large which would gratify any man, and was especially welcome as the reward of real merit. His death was a loss not merely to his immediate fam- ily and the large circle of devoted friends which his good qualities had won for him, but to his fellow-citizens generally, none of whom but had benefited in some way by his life and example. At his death it was said of him that "Dedham has lost one of her best citizens."
Frank Carolan
F RANK CAROLAN, whose death on December 9, 1912, at Lowell, Massachusetts, left a gap in the life of that city impossible to fill and difficult to forget, was another example of the capable and successful Irishman who, coming to this country without friends or influence, rapidly makes his way to a position of leadership in the community which he has chosen for his home and quickly identifies himself with all that is best in American life and tradition.
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