USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 36
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Diram Bartlett Lawrence
A MONG the educators of Massachusetts who have left a name indelibly stamped upon the community should be placed first Iliram Bartlett Lawrence, late of Holyoke, Massachusetts, who served the public schools of that city for the greater part of his useful life of seventy years, the last thirty-eight of which were as principal of Appleton street school, this period covering the years from 1872 until his death in 1910. He was then dean of the Holyoke corps of educators and in but few instances has his term of active teaching service been exceeded in the entire State. Thoroughly consecrated to his work, he was more to his pupils than a teacher, he was their friend, their guide and their inspiration. The good influence he exerted over them in the school continued after they passed from under his teachings and his memory is warmly cherished by men and women now in the sere and yellow leaf, who recall his deep interest in their welfare and his many acts of kindness. Thousands of boys and girls passed through the Appleton street school during those thirty-eight years and in each he felt a personal in- terest, and his ambition was that the Appleton street school should be to them a true alma mater in shaping the course of their lives. Many of those scholars were men and women of Holyoke when Mr. Lawrence ended his earthly career, and it was in response to a strong public sentiment created by them that the board of education renamed the Appleton street school and honored the man who had so long been its head by calling it the Lawrence School, thus officially designating it by the name the public had long before given it. And truly in the Lawrence School his influence permeated every department and inspired every teacher and every pupil to their best en- deavor.
The years spent in Holyoke schools did not cover Mr. Lawrence's entire career as an educator, for both in Maine, his native State, and in New Hamp- shire he had been principal of high school and academy. He educated himself for the profession of law and was regularly admitted to the Maine bar, but being compelled to teach in order to finance his college education, he developed a deep love for that profession and after a short period of law practice he fol- lowed the leadings of his heart and gave himself to the cause of education.
On the paternal side Mr. Lawrence traced his ancestry to Robert Law- rence, who, about 1664, left England, going to Holland, coming thence to Massachusetts and settling at Sandwich, Barnstable county. In this branch he traced his descent to Sir Robert Lawrence, who attended his sov- ereign, Richard Cœur de Lion, to the Holy Land and as a Crusader won high honors. He particularly distinguished himself at the siege of Acre
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and was knighted Sir Robert of Ashton Hall. Fifteen generations of the family flourished in England ere the transplanting to America where the name is an equally honored one. On his mother's side Mr. Lawrence traced to Robert Bartlett, who came to America on the ship "Ann" in July, 1623, settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he was prominent in early Colo- nial affairs and founded one of the strong New England families.
Hiram Bartlett Lawrence, son of Oliver A. and Lemira ( Bartlett) Law- rence, was born in Wayne, Kennebec county, Maine, March 8, 1840, and died at his home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, December 20, 1910. His boyhood was passed on the home farm, the winter months being devoted to school work, the summer months to farm labor. After exhausting the advantages offered by the Wayne schools he attended Towle Academy at Winthrop, then taught for two winter terms in Kennebec county schools. He spent one year as a student at Maine State Seminary at Lewiston, entering Bowdoin Col- lege in Brunswick, Maine, in 1862. He spent four years at that institu- tion, paying his own way with money earned during vacation periods. He won high honors at college and was class orator of the graduating class of 1866. He had decided upon the profession of law and registered as a law student in a lawyer's office at Gardiner, Maine, pursuing his law studies in connection with his duties as principal of the Gardiner High School. On August II, 1866, he was admitted to the Maine bar and he formed a partner- ship and began his legal practice. Shortly afterward his partner died, and after due consideration and no suitable partner being available, he decided to abandon the law and dedicate his life to the profession of teaching, in which he had already proved a success and to which he felt strongly drawn. His first position after arriving at that decision was as principal of the Gardiner High School, of Gardiner, Maine. After completing his work there he next went to Penacook Academy, New Hampshire, where he remained until 1872, when he was elected principal of the Appleton street school, Holyoke, Massa- chusetts, and in that position the remaining thirty-eight years of his life were passed. Appleton street school was organized in 1864 and had three princi- pals prior to Mr. Lawrence, he taking charge in 1872. His term of service exceeded that of any teacher ever connected with the Holyoke schools, and in recognition of his long and valuable service, his usefulness and his devo- tion, the school is now officially known as the Lawrence School, a fitting trib- ute to his long and faithful service. But his monument is in the hearts of all who personally came within the circle of his influence, and their "name is legion," including the youth of two generations, there being scarcely a fam- ily of standing in Holyoke in which one or more members do not lovingly recall their school years at the Appleton street school under his instruction, training and example.
A lover of nature himself, he introduced the nature study, Appleton street school being the first school to form classes for indoor and outdoor na- ture study. The decoration and beautifying of school rooms and grounds MASS .- 3-22
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was also due to his initiative, in fact, his progressive mind led in all mod- ern forms of educating the young. He kept ever abreast of his times and in no particular did he lag behind. Himself a man of education and culture, he craved the same advantages for the youth of Holyoke, and by earnest, effi- cient work he brought boards of education, parents and pupils to a higher plane of thought and accomplished much of the desire of his heart. He was well known in educational circles beyond his own city and often employed his talents as a writer and platform speaker. He was made a Mason in 1868, belonged to Ionic Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Psi Upsilon fraternity, Western Massachusetts Grammar Masters' Club, "The Club," of Holyoke, a literary organization; and the Second Congregational Church. In politics he was a Republican. He was very popular in these organizations, in fact, his genial manner, unfailing courtesy and intellectual gifts were an "open sesame" to any circle.
Mr. Lawrence married, December 29, 1875, Mary J. Day, daughter of Horace R. and Mary J. (Wiggins) Day. She is a graduate of Holyoke High School, and prior to her marriage taught in the William Whiting and Apple- ton street schools of Holyoke. She survives her husband and continues her residence in Holyoke. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence were the parents of three children: Ray, died in infancy; Genevieve, died at two and one-half years of age; Vera, wife of Raymond E. Snow, who is connected with the office of the chief engineer of the water department of the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, son of W. H. Snow, a former manager of the Holyoke Gas and Electric Company, now filling a similar position at New Bedford, Massa- chusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Snow have two children: Raymond Lawrence and Norma.
William Skinner
I T is an honor to stand as did William Skinner in the very front rank of textile manufacturers of this great nation, but a greater honor to be, as he was, a man who by an hon- orable upright life left the impress of his character upon the young men of his city, and to rank for all time as one of those men of generous nature and charitable impulse, to whom Hol- yoke owes the development of her philanthropic and public in-
stitutions.
He placed "Skinner's Satin" upon the market, and there is no name bet- ter known in the dry goods trade, its reputation resting on quality of goods and honorable dealing on the part of the maker. That reputation did not come in a day nor upon the delivering of one bill of goods, but by long years of honest manufacture ond honorable dealing. Until 1874 his plant was located in the center of a prosperous community which grew up around it known as Skinnerville. Then came the great flood of 1874, when Mill river swept all evidences of manufacturing from her banks, leaving nothing be- longing to Mr. Skinner but his residence, and that injured. The rebuilding of a plant was an easy matter, as the only thing to do was to plan new and en- larged buildings, select a location, and build. But with the handsome resi- dence slightly injured, the problem was more difficult. It was finally settled, however, by taking the house down as carefully as possible, transporting it to Holyoke grounds occupying an entire city block. Thus was the old man- sion with its memories retained and with its beautiful surroundings, the home of Mr. Skinner until his death. It was in accord with the home-loving instinct of his nature that Mr. Skinner did this thing, and when beautiful "Wis- tariahurst" was ready for occupancy, it was not a new, cold, unfamiliar home that he entered, but the home he knew and loved, a valued gem in a new set- ting.
William Skinner, son of John Skinner, was born in London, England, November 14, 1824, died at his home, "Wistariahurst," Holyoke, Massachu- setts, February 28, 1902. His father was engaged in the silk business in London, and after completing a full course in the public schools William Skinner was given a practical training in silk manufacture by his father. At the age of nineteen he came to the United States, a skilled worker in silk, determined that his technical knowledge and skill should bring him greater returns than was possible in England. His first position was with the Valentine Dye Works in Northampton, Massachusetts. Two years later he associated himself with Joseph Warner, and under the firm name of War- ner & Skinner began the manufacture of sewing silks in Northampton. In
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1849 the excellent water power at Haydenville, part of the town of Wil- liamsburg, attracted him, and a few miles from Northampton a small mill was built on the banks of Mill river. There he manufactured sewing silks. In 1853 he purchased a plant and water power at what became known as Skin- nerville, and in 1854 added silk twists to his former line of sewing silks. In 1857 he built a three-story mill, 80x30, known as the Unquomonk Silk Mills. There he continued in splendid usefulness and prosperity until 1874, Skinnerville becoming a thrifty, prosperous community, and the Unquomonk Silk Mills one of the leading manufacturing enterprises of Western Massa- chusetts. Nearby he had erected a residence in keeping with the wealth and position of its owner, and nothing but promise of even better things was in prospect when suddenly, on May 16, 1874, a dam five miles above Skinner- ville in an instant caused a raging devastating flood. The mill and houses were swept away, and all that remained of the thrifty village was the house of Mr. Skinner, which stood on higher ground, but even that did not escape injury.
With the mill swept away, Mr. Skinner decided to rebuild in a locality offering better power facilities, and after mature deliberation selected Hol- yoke and there completed his first mill in October, 1874, six months after the flood disaster. He there began the manufacture of cotton back satins, and silk and mohair braids, for which the Skinner mills became famous. Pros- perity for the plant and for the city in which it was located followed, and from the single mill came enlargement and addition until a very large plant resulted, and a business the largest of its kind in the United States. In 1883 his sons, William and Joseph A., were admitted, the firm name then becom- ing William Skinner & Sons. At that time five hundred hands were employed at the plant, but this was greatly increased later, as additions were made until in 1917 over two thousand five hundred hands were employed. In 1889 the business was incorporated as William Skinner Manufacturing Com- pany, capital $100,000, with William Skinner, president and treasurer, and Joseph A. Skinner, secretary ; and as its capable head William Skinner con- tinued until his death in 1902. The great mills of the company were verit- able hives of industry where the vast quantities of raw material received were converted into finished goods, a constant stream of satin dress goods and linings, taffeta silk, and mohair braids, sewing silks, and twists, pouring out through the shipping room to every nook and corner of the world where their use was possible. "Skinner's Satin" ruled the market, and in the great cities, of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago, offices for sale and distribution were maintained. Mr. Skinner was a director of the Silk As- sociation of America, director of the Silk Manufacturers' Association, and president of the Holyoke Manufacturers' Association. He was a good busi- ness man, relying not on diplomacy, but upon right and just dealing for his victories.
With his own future assured, Mr. Skinner lost no opportunity to ex-
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tend the helping hand to a "worn and weary" brother or to generously re- member Holyoke's institutions for bettering the conditions of the unfortunate. He was the largest contributor to the City Hospital and for many years was president of its board of management. The House of Providence Hospital was also largely benefited through the generous nature of this greathearted man. He gave without reservation a complete site for a Young Men's Chris- tian Association building, and liberally toward the erection of the building thereon. Grace Church, an outgrowth of the Second Congregational Church of Holyoke, was erected largely through his generosity, and just prior to his death he subscribed ten thousand dollars toward the new Holyoke Public Li- brary Fund. Besides, Mt. Holyoke, Vassar and Smith colleges all were re- cipients of his generous benefactions;and to the Dwight L. Moody School at Northfield, Massachusetts, he gave a finely equipped gymnasium.
He was a patron of art and music, and all societies of a refining nature appealed to his nature. He loved Holyoke and her institutions, and no son could have been more devoted and helpful. He profited through Holyoke's exceptionally good manufacturing facilities, and Holyoke received in return not only the substantial gifts noted, but, in addition Holyoke has received the loyal interest of his able sons and helpful daughters who carry on the business, maintain beautiful "Wistariahurst," and continue the philanthropic work the father began.
Mr. Skinner married (first) Nancy Warner, of Northampton, Massachu- setts, a descendant of one of the first settlers of the town. She left two daughters-Eleanor, who married Frederick H. Warner, of Boston; and Nina, who married Charles E. Clark, of Philadelphia, deceased. Mr. Skin- ner married (second) Sarah Elizabeth Allen, died March 6, 1908, daughter of Captain Joseph Allen, of Northampton, who died July 12, 1876. William and Sarah E. (Allen) Skinner were the parents of two sons and three daugh- ters :
I. William Skinner, born in Northampton, Massachusetts, June 12, 1857; prepared at Williston Seminary and attended Yale University. He succeeded his father as head of the great corporation that bears his name. He is vice-president of the Pacific Bank of New York City, and a director in the following institutions: The Broadway Trust Company of New York; the Irving National Bank of New York; the Boston & Lowell Railroad Company ; the Hartford & Connecticut Western Railroad Company; the Poughkeepsie Bridge Railroad Company; the United States Conditioning and Testing Com- pany ; the Worcester Investment and Security Company ; the Worcester Street Railways Company; the First National Bank of Boston; the Maine Central Railroad Company ; the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company; the American Surety Company ; the Equitable Life Assurance Company; the Bos- ton Railroad Holding Company ; and the Central New England Railroad Com- pany. He is a member of the board of managers of the Silk Association of
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America; and of the following clubs: The Metropolitan, Union League, New York Yacht, and Automobile. In religion he is a Congregationalist.
2. Elizabeth Allen Skinner, married Rev. William H. Hubbard, D. D., of Auburn, New York.
3. Joseph A. Skinner, president of the Hadley Falls National Bank.
4. Belle Skinner, mistress of "Wistariahurst," her loved and long time home.
5. Katharine, who married Robert S. Kilborne, of New York City.
William S. Loomis
O
F ancient English family and tracing in America to Joseph Loomis, who came in 1639, William S. Loomis, of honored memory, came into this world richly endowed with those qual- ities of heart, soul and body which make for the strong intel- lectual and physical man. Holyoke, Massachusetts, was the scene of his life's activity, and there, where best known, he was best loved and appreciated. A review of his life work is most interesting, and to the young man seeking an inspiration will be found most helpful, as the story of a man who met every responsibility as it pre- sented itself with a brave heart, difficulties but nerving him to greater ef- fort.
The Loomis coat-of-arms is as follows:
Arms-Argent, between two pallets gules three fleur-de-lis azure; a chief of the last. Crest-On a chapeau a pelican vulning its breast, proper. Motto-Ne cede malis (Yield not to misfortunes).
William S. Loomis, son of Elijah W. Loomis, of Monson and Holyoke, Massachusetts, was born at Monson, October 7, 1840, and died at his summer home, Southwest Harbor, Maine, July 10, 1914. During an early period of his boyhood his parents moved to Holyoke and there he obtained his educa- tion, finishing with graduation from the high school. His earliest business experiences were as bookkeeper for Deacon Edwin Chase, who was then con- ducting an extensive lumber business, and with E. J. Pomeroy, a grocer. He had just attained man's estate when the alarms of war awoke the nation, and with all the ardor of youth and newly acquired responsibilities as a citi- zen he embraced the Union cause. He enlisted in 1861 in the Forty-sixth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, going to the front as sergeant of his company, serving the full period for which he had enlisted, nine months, re- turning with a second lieutenant's commission won by gallantry in action and devotion to a soldier's duty. He saw actual warfare with his regiment at Newbern and Goldsboro, bore well his part, receiving at the end of his term an honorable discharge. He again enlisted not long after his first term ex- pired, going to the front a second time as paymaster's clerk, serving under Colonel W. B. C. Pearsons, remaining with the army until the final surren- der at Appomattox.
After the war closed and until 1872 the young veteran was variously en- gaged, becoming interested also in journalism, his connection with the Hol- yoke "Transcript" beginning in 1872, when he became joint owner of that journal with E. L. Kirtland. The "Transcript" was then a weekly newspaper
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and under the partners' management vastly increased its reputation and cir- culation. About 1875 Mr. Loomis purchased his partners' interest and until 1882 edited and published the paper alone. He gave it a more distinct and wider sphere of influence, changed it to a semi-weekly, and so impressed his individuality upon the times by his wholesome and forceful editorial writings that the "Transcript" became the leading newspaper of Holyoke. In 1882 he took the first step toward carrying out a long cherished ambition ; admitted William G. Dwight as a partner and in October, 1882, the first issue of "The Daily Transcript" appeared. As a daily the "Transcript" greatly widened its influence and usefulness, the partners continuing its successful publication un- til 1887, when Mr. Loomis retired, Mr. Dwight becoming sole owner of the paper, which under his editorship still continues its useful career. Those fif- teen years spent in journalism were years of great development and mental expansion for Mr. Loomis, his editorial position requiring that he hold broad and enlightened views, that he might clearly and sanely guide those who look to the "Transcript" as their source of enlightenment. He did not make the "Transcript" a personal organ, but discussed in its columns public questions, local, State and national, from a patriotic standpoint, and advanced only well considered opinions. He was an exceedingly forceful editorial writer, pre- senting his views in a clear and interesting manner. With his withdrawal from the "Transcript," his official connection with journalism ceased.
After leaving the "Transcript" in 1887, Mr. Loomis entered upon his career as a traction magnate, although that distinction was not of his own seeking originally. In pursuit of business plans he had purchased a tract of farm land adjacent to Holyoke, which it was his intention to improve and eventually add to the city's area. This land was located at Elmwood in a fine farming section, but not available for suburban residences unless rapid transit between Elmwood and Holyoke could be secured. Mr. Loomis, after acquiring the property, approached the Holyoke Street Railway Company with the proposition that they extend their tracks to Elmwood, a proposition which was promptly and decisively negatived.
As the success of his undertaking depended upon the establishing of a transit system, Mr. Loomis obtained through purchase of stock in the company and through the cooperation of friends, a controlling interest in the com- pany. The road was then operated by horse power and was limited in its extent in comparison with the extensive electric system as it now exists. Immediately upon securing control of the company, Mr. Loomis began the extension to Elmwood and at the same time laid out his tract of land as a residence section. The road was completed, and with the running of the cars regularly residences began to be erected and the development of Elmwood was fairly inaugurated. When electricity made its appearance as a propell- ing power in street transportation, Mr. Loomis was one of the pioneers in its adoption and soon the city lines and the Elmwood extension were operat- ing under electric power. With rapid transit assured the Elmwood section
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rapidly increased in popularity and has continued one of the choice residen- tial locations of the city of Holyoke, a result wholly attributable to the en- ergy and enterprise of William S. Loomis and the men who were influenced by his public spirit and initiative.
But the Elmwood extension was only one advantage of his connection with Holyoke's traction system. He built and operated the railway to Mount Tom, the result being to make that spot of such great natural beauty acces- sible to the thousands of vistors who annually seek that locality on health and pleasure bent, and to advance the permanent development of a large section. The city and suburban lines of the company were kept fully modernized as invention followed invention, Mr. Loomis continuing president and general manager until January, 1912, when he resigned and was succeeded by Louis D. Pellisser. He was also a director of the Northampton Street Railway Company, president of the Essleek Paper Company of Turner's Falls and vice-president of the Holyoke Savings Bank.
The development of the "Transcript" from an obscure weekly to a daily, the development of a horse railway to a great electric traction system, would constitute an enduring claim to be gratefully remembered as one of the great- est of Holyoke's benefactors, but Mr. Loomis has other claims to such re- membrance. His was the principal aid given in establishing a library in the city in May, 1870, and later he inaugurated the movement for a new and ap- propriate library building, his tireless energy, determination and generosity resulting in the securing of the present fine building. He ever maintained official connection with the library, serving as auditor, member of the execu- tive committee and chairman of the board of trustees. He was mainly instru- mental in the purchase and beautifying of Forestdale Cemetery, and for many years was president of the association in charge of its development. The Home for Aged People was an institution very near his heart and to its in- terests he was always devoted. As vice-president of the Holyoke Savings Bank, he was a tower of strength to that institution and to his influence many men can trace their first use of the bank for the accumulation of savings.
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