USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 7
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In his religious belief, Mr. Bishop was a devout member of the Dudley Street Baptist Church, which he joined by letter from the First Baptist Church in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on his removal to Roxbury, Massachu- setts, and was an active member in both churches, having held several offices in Gloucester. He was a strict temperance adherent, and firm in his support of prohibition, believing it to be the only preventative of the evils of intem- perance. He was a devout Christian gentleman, and though following a com- mercial career in life, he was a man of vision and lived with high ideals. He was always to be found at church worship on Sundays, and his faith was as broad as the universe in its considerations of those who worship in different ways. The world in which he lived was enriched by his presence, and in the days to come, when those who were intimate with him are losing heart, they should think of him and remember what a human life can be and accom- plish. Mr. Bishop was an ardent lover of all things beautiful, in whatever form they were found. He read the best books in great numbers, and he admired a noble building, often going out of his way to look at some choice architecture early in the morning because it gave him inspiration for the day's work. He had a deep appreciation for fine music, and was fond of boating, lectures, and all things elevating. He was modern and progressive, and kept well abreast of the times. He was a deep thinker, and was a lover of human nature, and surely the world must be better for the life of such a man.
On July 9, 1875, Hugh Galbraith Bishop was united in marriage with Jeanette Knowles, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a daughter of a former famous sea captain, John Knowles, and Matilda (Perry) Knowles, who were the par- ents of five children, namely: I. Jeanette, who is now the widow of Hugh Gal- braith Bishop, in whose memory we are writing. 2. Osborn. 3. Herman T. 4. Caroline, who became the wife of Dr. Waldo F. Whitney. 5. Bertha, who be- came the wife of William F. Briggs. Captain John Knowles, Mrs. Bishop's father, came from Nova Scotia, and settled in Gloucester, Massachusetts, when but a mere boy. He was a son of William T. Knowles, and was united in marriage in Gloucester, his wife being of old "Mayflower" stock. Both Cap- tain and Mrs. Knowles died in Gloucester. Mrs. Bishop is distantly related to one of our national and most noted heroes, Commodore Oliver Hazard Per- ry. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop became the parents of six children, four daugh- ters and two sons, as follows: I. Mabel C. 2. Ethel M. 3. Miriam K. 4.
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Osborne H., who was united in marriage with Orra M. Leach, and they are the parents of one child, Edith M., and reside in Roxbury, Massachusetts. 5. Charles D. M., who is connected with the Dorchester Trust Company, was united in marriage with Grace Blackwood, and they reside in Dorchester, Massachusetts. 6. Rosella V. Hugh Galbraith Bishop took particular care to have his children well educated, and was proud of his family, being a man possessed of strong domestic tastes and affections.
Although the standards of Mr. Bishop in private and in business life were very high, he was never intolerant in judging others and was liberal in mak- ing allowances for the weaknesses of human nature, believing that a man might stray from the straight and narrow path, and still be possessed of much that was good. He has left behind him the highest ideals for his family to follow.
Isaac Campbell Darbey
T is an extreme pleasure to investigate the career of a success- ful, self-made man. Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, beginning the great struggle of life alone and unaided, gradually overcomes environments, removes one by one the obstacles in the pathway to success, and by the master strokes of his own force and vitality succeeds in forging his way to the front and winning for himself a position of esteem and influence among his fellow-men. Such is the record and life story of Isaac Campbell Harvey, who at the time of his death in Medford, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, December 31, 1916, was one of the most substantial and rep- resentative citizens of Everett, Massachusetts. He lived to see and take a prominent part in the later day growth of the community, and was one of its wisest counselors and hardest workers. He was a progressive man in the broadest sense of the word, and gave his earnest support to any movement that promised to benefit his community in any manner. His was a long life of honor and trust, and no higher eulogy can be passed upon him than to state the simple truth that his name was never coupled with anything dis- reputable, and that there was never a shadow of a stain upon his reputation for integrity and unswerving honesty. He was a consistent man in all that he ever undertook, and his career in all the relations of life was utterly with- out pretense. He was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him and Everett, Massachusetts, could boast of no better man or more enterprising citizen. I
Isaac Campbell Harvey was born in West Quoddy, near Salmon River, now known as Port Dufferin, Nova Scotia, December 12, 1860, a son of George and Elizabeth (Watt) Harvey. George Harvey was a life-long resident of Salmon River, and followed the occupation of a shipbuilder. His grandfather, also named George Harvey, was a native of New Brunswick, and the son of a German immigrant, who settled in that Province.
Isaac Campbell Harvey attended the public schools of West Quoddy, Nova Scotia, but his education was of a brief duration, only lasting five seasons, and at the age of thirteen years he went to sea, as the life of a sailor had ap- pealed forcibly to the lad. At the age of seventeen years he went to Portland, Maine, where he entered the employ of C. and H. Trefethern, as a sailor be- fore the mast, and was made captain of his vessel when but twenty-one years of age. He continued in their employ for the ensuing seven years, and had many thrilling experiences during that time. He did not, however, pass the major part of his life on the seas, but retired early, at the age of twenty- eight years, to take up a more peaceful and less perilous occupation on land.
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Isaac Campbell Darbep
In the year 1888, Mr. Harvey engaged in the wholesale lobster trade in Port- land, Maine, under the firm name of Holbrook, Trefethern & Harvey. In two years the business had grown to such proportions that he removed to Boston, first selling his interests in Portland, and in 1891 joined the firm of John G. Cox & Company, wholesale lobster dealers, in Boston, assisting this company in developing an extensive and profitable business. He was associated with them until 1906, when he bought out Mr. Cox's interest and continued the busi- ness alone up to the time of his death, with headquarters at No. 78 Commer- cial Wharf.
After locating at Boston, he established his residence at Everett, Massa- chusetts, and became identified with the growth of that city. He remained a resident there from 1891 to 1914, and was one of the city's most honored citizens. He took an active part in the civic affairs and served in the Ever- ett Common Council in 1897 and 1898. and was then elected as a member-at- large to the Everett Board of Aldermen, serving for eight years, and giving his constituents and the city-at-large the benefit of his large business experi- ence. In the year 1907, Mr. Harvey was a candidate for mayor of the city, but was defeated by Charles Bruce, who later appointed him to the Board of Public Works of Everett, where he served for three years, during two of which he was chairman of that board.
One of the most interesting as well as creditable facts about the conduct of his large business affairs was the admirable public spirit which he displayed, so it was not alone as a successful business man that he was widely known in the community, but also because of his activity and deep interest in the welfare of his city. His election to the various offices that he held was much more largely the result of his own personality and the popularity that he enjoyed than because of any party affiliations. With him it was pure- ly for the interest he took in the matter and because of a certain obligation he felt to the community to do his best for their interests and exert for their welfare his power and talents, and in nowise for self-aggrandizement, that led him into the thick of so many hard-fought political campaigns. He had otherwise served the city of Everett on many commissions and boards, includ- ing the commission which built the present Everett High School, and the board of trustees of the Shute Memorial Library.
Mr. Harvey was the most companionable of men and greatly enjoyed the social intercourse with his fellow-men, being a member of Palestine Lodge, Masonic Order, of Everett, and was a charter member of Bethsaida Chapter, having been the member of the committee named to form that chapter and having the honor of proposing the name borne by the chapter. He was also a member of the Knights Templar, and when the Everett Masons erected their handsome temple a few years ago, he was a member of the building commission which had entire charge of the work. Mr. Harvey was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Glendale Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, of Everett, the Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Boston Real
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Estate Exchange and the Everett Board of Trade. He was a former president of the Boston Lobster Dealers' Association. In his religious belief Mr. Har- vey was affiliated with the Baptist church, and was very active in the work of the Glendale Baptist Church during his residence in Everett, and in the First Baptist Church of Medford, Massachusetts, after removing there and making that city his home.
On December 26, 1888, Isaac Campbell Harvey was united in marriage with Joanna Johnson, a daughter of Nelson and Elsie (Olson) Johnson, both natives of Sweden. It was through the efforts of Wilson Wardsworth Thomas, Minister to Sweden, during President Grant's administration, that Mr. Johnson and fifty other sturdy and thrifty Swedish families emigrated to the United States, and settled in Aroostook county, Maine. These pioneers were instrumental in assisting in developing the farm lands of that part of the country, and have left the refining influences of their old country civilization indelibly impressed on the present and coming generations. Among all the countries whose people have come together in the United States and made up its complex population, 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 has Sweden. Nelson Johnson was a carpenter by trade, and a sturdy farmer by occupation. Both he and his wife were faithful attendants of the Lutheran church. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Andrew, Matilda, Joanna, Mary Elizabeth, Annie C. John Olaf. The children were all born in Sweden with the exception of the youngest child, John Olaf.
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Campbell Harvey were the parents of five children, as follows: I. Walter Francis, born in Portland, Maine, and educated in the public schools of Everett, Massachusetts, graduating from Tuft's Dental School, with the class of 1912; after passing the State Board of Dentistry ex- amination successfully, November 12, 1912, he engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Everett; was united in marriage with Mildred Love- gren, of Everett. 2. Clarence Wardville, born in Everett, Massachusetts, and after graduating from the High School of Everett he attended the Mas- sachusetts Institute of Technology; is at present connected with the Good- year Tire Company in Boston. 3. Elsie Marie, born in Everett, died when six months of age. 4. George Stanley, born in Everett, and after attending the Everett grammar school he spent two years at the Mitchell Mili- tary School at Bell-rock, Massachusetts; later he attended Bryant and Strat- ton's Commercial School in Boston, and is now engaged in the wholesale lob- ster business. 5. Ruth Evelyn, born in Everett, and is attending the public schools in Medford, Massachusetts. Mrs. Isaac Campbell Harvey is a member of the Baptist church of Everett, and active in church affairs. She is also a member of the Everett Hospital Guild, and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Young Men's Christian Association. Since the death of her husband she has continued to reside in the Harvey homestead in Medford, Massachusetts.
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Isaac Campbell Harney
In all the various walks of life Isaac Campbell Harvey so acquitted him- self as to be regarded as a most valued and honorable citizen, and as a repre- sentative business man. At his death the city mourned the loss of a member who had excelled in all the relations of life, and on the day of his funeral all the flags on all public buildings in Everett were at half staff, in respect to his memory. Following the public service of his funeral, a Masonic service was conducted by the members of Palestine Lodge in charge of Worshipful Master John Dexter and Prelate Reverend Frederick Spencer.
Mr. Harvey was a possessor of moral courage in which he never failed, and which is the true test of manhood and the prerequisite of the highest usefulness in public life. His intellectual honesty would not permit him to hesitate in acting upon the conclusions to which his convictions of right and wrong might lead him. The closeness of the ties that bound the family to- gether and the beauty and charm of the home life revealed in many ways the domestic side of the husband and father. Aside from any business or politi- cal relations, and aside from any part that he took in business or public af- fairs, Mr. Harvey was by reason of his genuine, personal worth held in the highest esteem by those with whom he had come in contact, having been pos- sessed of the kindly spirit, geniality and deference for the opinions of others that won for him many friendships and high regard in all classes. The State of Massachusetts is proud of possessing such a man, and his name will stand as a symbol of strength and capability.
Benjamin Teminway Steele
T THE sad news of the death of the late Benjamin Heminway Steele quickly spread among his many friends. Everywhere there was grief at the loss of a noble and public spirited man. Those who had not been so fortunate as to have known him personally mourned his passing away, which occurred in Cam- bridge, Massachusetts, for the invaluable services that he had rendered the community at large. It is usual to speak high- ly of one when dead. We look upon the good and forget the bad side of men at that time. But Mr. Steele had but one side, and that was the good. He was the possessor of the elements of real greatness, and showed in his face the characteristics of a man that could not be trifled with. The record of his public services will always remain a priceless heritage to his adopted city of Cambridge, and as time rolls on will be recognized as one of the brightest jew- els in her escutcheon. Mr. Steele was one of those men who by their own exertions and perseverance achieve success in life, and socially he was one whose friendship was highly prized. Men who are the possessors of Mr. Steele's qualifications of ability and integrity, that are willing to sacrifice their comfort for public service, are too rarely found, and his place in the community cannot be easily forgotten or adequately filled. He was indeed one of those men who take possession of the public heart by kindness and the force of personal character. He filled offices of public trust with honor to himself and honor alike to the city, whose interests and welfare were made his own. He stood forth as a typical man in the community, and was most con- spicuous for his public service.
The birth of Benjamin Heminway Steele occurred in Boston, February 15, 1829, the son of Ephraim Perkins and Mary (Heminway) Steele. On his maternal side, Mr. Steele's great-grandfather, Ebenezer Trueman, was one of the charter members of the Sons of Liberty who, disguised as Indians on the memorable night of December 16, 1773, threw overboard many chests of tea rather than be forced to pay an exorbitant tax to the English Crown. His name went down in history as one of the celebrated Boston Tea Party. Mr. Steele's grandfather, Mr. Heminway, served his time in the navy, on the old battle ship "Constitution."
Mr. Steele graduated from the old Eliot School, in Boston. In 1886, when the office of superintendent and inspector of public buildings was created in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he was appointed to the office by Mayor William E. Russell. Mr. Steele held this office until the year 1894, when he resigned from all public duties. During his term of office many public buildings were erected, the most important being the present City Hall. Holding so impor-
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Benjamin Deminway Steele
tant a position in the city's government, Mr. Steele naturally came in contact with a great many people in all the walks of life, and one and all testify to the high esteem in which he was held. In transmitting his resignation, General William A. Bancroft, then mayor of Cambridge, only voiced the sen- timent of all who knew Mr. Steele in saying that "He has deserved the grati- tude of the public, ever appreciative of loyal service in its behalf." The reso- lutions, adopted unanimously by the Board of Aldermen, also signified its hearty appreciation of the able, fearless and conscientious manner in which Mr. Steele had performed his official duty. The resolutions are as follows :
Resolved, That the Board of Aldermen of the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, have received with feelings of profound regret the resignation of Benjamin Heminway Steele, Superintendent of Public Buildings, and Inspector of Buildings. For a period of nine years he has given faithful service to the city in fulfillment of the manifold duties of the two posi- tions, giving to them fruits of his long and valuable experience. As the city is to part with a long tried and capable public servant in the acceptance of this resignation, this Board would hereby signify to him and place upon record its hearty appreciation of the able man- ner with which he has performed his official duties, and to extend to him its best wishes for his future happiness and success in his retirement from official care and responsibility.
The lofty ideals which Mr. Steele held and the high spirit of integrity and steadfastness of purpose which actuated him in all his transactions with the city of Cambridge may be gleaned from his letter of resignation in 1894, which read as follows:
The man needed to fill the position of inspector of buildings is one who cannot be bribed to deviate from the honest, upright course, either directly or indirectly, on promises of political aid, or be deterred from a faithful and impartial performance of his official duties through fear of influences that might be brought to bear of any nature whatsoever. Similar qualifications are requisite for the successful performance of the duties of superin- tendent of public buildings. It is highly important that he should be careful, watchful and prudent, guarding against all unnecessary expenditures of the finances of the department, and prudent in the care of the various city buildings; and able to discriminate judiciously between the needs and the wants of persons using or occupying the several buildings. The responsibility of successfully carrying out the plans and purposes of the city council rest with the superintendent of public buildings. He should be above political, partisan or local influences, and free from all favoritism in his relation with the people he employs. The man who holds this office should be possessed of sufficient ability and nerve to hold all who come under his jurisdiction equal and alike, without fear or favor, and to a strict observance of the ordinances of the city pertaining to his department.
As a testimonial of the good will which Mr. Steele's former associates at the City Hall had for him, a dinner was given in his honor at Young's Hotel, in Boston, shortly after his resignation.
Mr. Steele was one of the oldest and most prominent members of the North Avenue Baptist Church, and took the greatest interest in its wel- fare. He was much concerned in the building of the Epworth Church, and ex- pressed his opinion that this church was equal in attractiveness to any build-
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ing in Cambridge. He was deeply interested during its progress and carefully watched the structure during its erection. In fraternal circles, Mr. Steele be- came a well known figure, and was a believer in fraternalism, always ready to cooperate with whatsoever brought his fellow-men into closer relationship. Hle was a Mason, being a charter member of Charity Lodge, and always dis- played a most lively interest in its activities. One of the proudest moments of his life was when his two nephews, Danforth Steele and Leslie H. Steele, were initiated into the lodge of which he was a member. Mr. Steele was also one of the oldest members of the Eliot School Association, and for many years attended its annual reunions. He never took any active part in politics, although he always exercised his franchise. While not an author of any tech- nical books on building construction, he contributed frequently to the press on a wide diversity of topics.
On September 6, 1852, Benjamin Heminway Steele was united in marriage with Catherine Crosby Nickerson, a daughter of George Bunker and Delilah Small ( Crowell) Nickerson. Mrs. Steele's father was a native of Falmouth, Massachusetts, and her mother was born in East Harwich, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Nickerson were the parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Steele was the eldest. Mrs. Steele was born in Chatham, Barnstable county, Massachusetts, and since the death of her husband has continued to reside in the Steele home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mr. Steele was a great lover of home life, and on his retirement from public office devoted much of his time to indoor occupations.
The funeral services of Mr. Steele were held from his late residence, in Cambridge, the Rev. Elim A. E. Palmquist, pastor of the North Avenue Bap- tist Church, being the officiating clergyman. Interment was at Mt. Auburn Cemetery.
Mr. Steele was eighty-four years of age at the time of his death. He was a man of the staunchest integrity of character, a man who always used his best judgment and firmly adhered to what he believed was right and best for his adopted city. Mr. Steele had an ideal home in which his presence never failed to radiate happiness and content. Reaching out beyond that sacred circle he made many friends, who recognized in him a man of boundless ca- pacity for giving from him the best that was in him, to cheer, to counsel and to assist. In his death the city of Cambridge lost one whose unselfish services will long be remembered with appreciation and affection. His memory is fade- less in the minds of those who knew him, and his life still throbs in the hearts of those that loved him. Long will memory hold him in fond remembrance by his numerous friends, who learned to esteem and to deeply love him, who felt at the time of his departure from all earthly view that out of the commun- ity had gone forth one who was indeed a friend and a brother.
Elinus James Elliott
W E are apt to turn our eyes to the past when we desire to find examples of work and ability in any of the departments of life, it being the prevailing impression that sincere motive and earnest endeavor are there to be found, while to-day they are mainly conspicuous in their absence. Yet it may not be amiss to look upon our own times as well, and he who does so, if he searches diligently, shall not be unrewarded in his quest for these high qualities. Perhaps there is no field where his search will be more surely successful than the New England States, which to-day, as in the past, show to the inquirer many men who are worthy descendants of a long line of sturdy forbears and who amply maintain the high traditions of the past. The late Elinus James Elliott, of Marlboro, Massachusetts, is certainly such a figure, who, throughout his entire life, furnished an example of those strong and worthy virtues which we have come to look upon as typical of New England and of its people. The death of this good man, which occurred at his residence in Marlboro, March 7, 1907, deprived that city of one who from many aspects is to be regarded as having been of great and invaluable serv- ice to the community of which he was a member. Mr. Elliott was a man of strong character and personality, of broad sympathies and interests, and of indefatigable industry in pursuing whatever end he set for himself. His man- ner and bearing were frank and open, and he was extremely easy of approach, instantly winning the confidence of those with whom he came in contact. His business success depended quite as much upon his character as upon the knowl- edge which was later acquired. It was no doubt his indomitable will and his admirable heroism which brought to him success, not only in the material things, but in those things which make for fullness and richness of life. His activities were along those lines which resulted in progress and improvement, and his worth in the world has been widely acknowledged by his fellow-men.
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