USA > Massachusetts > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Massachusetts > Part 8
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Elinus James Elliott was born in Boscawen, New Hampshire, April 12, 1860, the eldest child of Nehemiah and Olive Elliott, who were the parents of four children, namely : Elinus James, in whose memory we are writing; Edwin, who died in New Hampshire; Mrs. Mary A. Johnson, deceased; Charlotte, who became the wife of Charles Hadley, of Lexington, Massachusetts. Nehemiah Elliott, the father, was a shoe manufacturer in a small way, before the days of modern shoe making and machinery. Both he and his wife passed away in New Hampshire, although Mrs. Elliott died since her son, Elinus James Elliott.
The Mr. Elliott with whom this sketch is concerned passed his boyhood days in New Hampshire, where he attended the public schools for his educa- tion. His best teacher, however, was experience and life, for he learned a MASS .- 3-5
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Elinus James Elliott
great deal outside of the school-room. He was naturally quick at figures, and greatly enjoyed to solve difficult problems. His father died while the lad was young, and as he was the eldest of the family, its welfare depended upon him. He was a hard-working and conscientious lad, and eager to make good, not only for his own sake but for his mother's. So the story of Elinus James Elliott's life is that of the self-made man, who, starting the battle of life alone, not only made a name for himself, but assisted his widowed mother and her family.
Mr. Elliott's first position was as a helper upon a farm in New Hamp- shire, this occurring when he was but a boy. He was of a particularly am- bitious temperament, and when about twenty years of age left the parental roof and removed to Marlboro, Massachusetts, and found employment in a shoe factory there. Being a man of great enterprise, his effort was to en- gage in business on his own account, and this he finally succeeded in doing through the practice of the strictest economy and the closest attention to his work. By these means he saved up a considerable capital, with which he bought a small piece of land on Elm street in Marlboro, and later sold it. By this time Mr. Elliott had decided to follow contracting and building as his line of work, and in this he achieved a high degree of success. This success was largely due to the close and careful attention to all the details of his business which Mr. Elliott employed. With an unyielding purpose in the enlargement of his activities and usefulness, he laid the foundation of an honorable and substantial life, and his success was the result of a merited reward of in- dustry, ability and honesty. In all his words and deeds he was ever faithful to every personal and public obligation, and his commanding influence among his friends and in public affairs was the natural product of superior men- tal and moral qualities. Mr. Elliott built many fine and beautiful houses in Marlboro, Massachusetts, which he immediately sold. He did much to im- prove that city, and was one of those men of public spirit who look beyond the confines of business life and are keenly alive to every opportunity to pro- mote the welfare of the community in which he lived. He was a true expo- nent of that class of men who, by their own personal example, their business habits, and their untiring and generous interest in the public welfare, make themselves the benefactors of the times in their community. About thirty years prior to his death, Mr. Elliott erected his own fine residence on Lincoln street in Marlboro, Massachusetts. At one time Mr. Elliott was engaged in the lumber business, his lumber yards being located where the grain elevator now stands in Marlboro, on Lincoln street. He was the principal stockhold- er and manager of the Elliott Lumber Company of Marlboro, in which he also met with success.
For many years the well known figure of Mr. Elliott, with alert, business- like mien, was a familiar and pleasing sight to the residents of Marlboro, and when he passed from this earthly environment regret was everywhere ex- pressed. He was the life of any gathering at which he was present, and
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this social, genial side of his nature won for him the favor of all with whom he came in contact. The sterling traits of his character were many and well developed, and these were the attractive points that appealed to those around him. He was a man of discerning judgment and keen foresight, and although his dealings extended over a long period of years, and touched hundreds of persons, nothing but adherence to the strictest principles of honor was ever attributed to him. The friends he made in business channels were among the best that lightened his life, for even when greed frayed the moral fiber of those about him, he remained as firm in his honorable course as though temp- tation had not come near, and indeed it had not, for to such a character as his, unfairness was loathsome.
Mr. Elliott was throughout his life extremely public-spirited and took the keenest interest and a very considerable part in the affairs of Marlboro. He was a Republican in politics, and was in no sense an office seeker, but his talents and abilities so eminently fitted him for public station that his fel- low-citizens elected him alderman, in which capacity he served with credit. Mr. Elliott greatly enjoyed the informal intercourse and intermingling with his fellow-men, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Houghton Royal Arch Chapter, and the Mizpah Chapter of the Eastern Star. He was held in high esteem in these various orders, and beautiful resolutions were penned at the time of his death, which expressed the admiration which his associates felt for him.
On January 20, 1881, Elinus James Elliott was united in marriage with Mary Ellen Bailey, of Westboro, Massachusetts, a daughter of David M. and Sarah J. (Flagg) Bailey, who were the parents of twelve children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bailey died in Northboro, Massachusetts. Mr. Bailey was a manu- facturer of sleighs in Westboro before the advent of the automobile. Mr. and Mrs. Elinus James Elliott were the parents of three children, as follows: Hazel O., who became the wife of Clifton S. Dunlap, of Manchester, New Hampshire; Charlotte S .; Elinus James, Jr., who resides at home with his mother. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary in 1906. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Elliott has given up her old residence on Lincoln street, and now lives at No. 29 Hayden street, in Marl- boro, Massachusetts.
Mr. Elliott was an attendant at the Congregational church. His funeral services, which were under the auspices of the Masonic order, were con- ducted by the Rev. A. H. Wheelock, the pallbearers being T. E. Jackson, James F. Bigelow, H. T. Balfour, George A. Morrison, E. F. Simpson, and G. W. Piper.
Henry Michael Murray
T HERE is always something instructive in the records of such men as Henry Michael Murray, a public-spirited citizen and successful business man of Boston, because in them we see typified the earnest and unwearied effort that inevitably spells success, and because the achievements that we discover there are the result of the conscientious application of the talents and abilities with which nature has endowed him. Mr. Mur- ray was much thought of in his adopted community, and was one of those men whose best advice and counsel in all emergencies could always be had for the asking. The death of Mr. Murray occurred in Charlestown, Massachu- setts, August 26, 1909, and was felt as a severe loss by his very large circle of friends and business associates. If one attempted to enumerate the men of talent and capability of the Irish race, which have appeared even in a small portion of the community, he would be confronted by such a list as would discourage the most enterprising. The city of Boston, for instance, can show amongst its distinguished citizens so large a proportion of those who owe their origin to the "Emerald Isle" as to excite wonder and admiration. When the future American race is at last accomplished and rises new and glorious, it will owe many of its best qualities to the Irish blood within its veins. Among the races who have contributed to the upbuilding of our great Nation, there- fore, the Irish stand preeminent. Their ideals are our ideals; for the oppres- sion of centuries has bred into every Irish heart a passion for freedom, and democracy that is in perfect accord with the best of American traditions. Our Irish immigrants quickly assimilate, and in return for the freedom and oppor- tunity offered under the Stars and Stripes, they have gladly laid down their own lives in defense of that same flag, while in every walk of life they have ever been conspicuous contributors to the material, moral and spiritual ad- vancement of their adopted land. Mr. Murray was another example of the capable and successful Irishman, and quickly identified himself with all that was best in American life and tradition. He was a self-made man in the best sense of that term, being successful in the operations which he undertook, al- though in a most unassuming way.
The birth of Henry Michael Murray occurred in Ireland, December 24, 1844. When a child he came with his parents to America, having embarked on a typical passenger ship of those days, and after a trying voyage of many weeks finally arrived in this country. Mr. Murray obtained his education in the common schools of his adopted land, but when a boy preferred to enter the business world rather than finish his schooling. Accordingly, when still a youth he was apprenticed to a Boston marble cutter. He took great pride in his
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work, applying himself with such intelligence and diligence that he became a very skillful artisan. He was thrifty and frugal, and followed the trade of marble cutting all through his life. He was employed by various concerns, but being a man of great enterprise, his effort was to engage in business on his own account, and this he finally succeeded in doing through the practice of the strictest economy and the closest attention to his work. By these means Mr. Murray saved up a considerable capital, and engaged in the marble and granite cutting business at Forest Hills, remaining in that location for a few years, and meeting with a high degree of success. Mr. Murray then moved his establishment to No. 41 Haverhill street in Boston, where he became well known for his integrity and the absolutely upright life which he led. His success was largely due to the close and careful attendance to all the details of his business, never leaving important matters to the judgment of any one else, but overseeing all himself.
For several years Mr. Murray was the president of the Marble and Gran- ite Cutters Association, and was not connected with fraternal orders nor so- cial clubs, preferring to devote his entire attention to his business and home. He remained active in the business which he had so well established until the time of his death, and was considered as an expert in that line. He was recognized as one of the leaders in the marble and granite cutting business, not only in the city of Boston but in the New England States as well. He became a well known figure among the merchants and business men of his adopted city of Boston, and being of broad sympathies and possessing a very human outlook upon life, it was impossible that a personality of his strong character should not exercise a potent effect upon affairs in general, and he ac- cordingly took a leading part in many of the most important movements in the city's life. In his political affiliations, Mr. Murray was a staunch Democrat, and rather avoided than sought any public office for himself, thereby resist- ing the representations of his friends who held that he would make an excel- lent candidate for political office in view of his great personal popularity. His life was a successful one, not alone from a financial point of view, but public-spirited and generous, he aided many over the hard places with en- couraging words and substantial help.
During the year 1855 Henry Michael Murray was united in marriage with Elizabeth Sanborn, who was born in Augusta, Maine, a daughter of Townes and Charlotte (Tibbetts) Sanborn, both of whom were natives of Augusta, Maine. Townes Sanborn was engaged in farming. All members of the San- born family are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Murray, who since the death of her husband has continued to reside in Charlestown, Massachu- setts. The home life of Mr. Murray was exceptionally happy, for in the midst of his business responsibilities his feelings and affections drove him to his home and the intercourse of his loved ones for rest and relaxation. There he seemed to experience more real happiness than he could derive from any
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other form of occupation, and every hour which he felt free to dispose to his own pleasure was thus spent among those he loved best.
The life of Henry Michael Murray flowed in an even, unbroken current, the line of activity he chose in early manhood claiming his talents and energy all through life. As a citizen, friend and neighbor, he was highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends. A man of a quiet, retiring disposition, he found no liking for public positions, but in his home was the true source of joy and con- tentment. While it is common enough to find men whose careers have accom- plished conspicnous results in the communities where they have been run, it is by no means so easy to find those, the net result of whose lives can be placed without hesitation upon the credit side of the balance, whose influence has been without question enlisted upon the good side of life. Such was the case of Mr. Murray, and it was his distinction that in every relation of life his conduct was equally exemplary.
Charles Edwin Miles, M. D,
Charles Comin Miles, M.D.
F OR over two score years and ten the late Dr. Charles Edwin Miles practiced medicine in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he passed away at his home, at the age of seventy-nine years, Oc- tober 1, 1910. He brought to his profession learning acquired at home, a devotion that ever distinguishes a really great phy- sician, and an energy that never tired. He literally gave him- self to humanity's cause, and possessed the learning and ex- perience which fitted him for his professional work. He had, above all, the quick perceptions and fine sympathies which greatly contributed to his success and to the strong regard and affection in which he was held by his patients. His high character and his thoughtful kindness won him a great circle of friends, both in Roxbury, and all over the State. No one could be brought within the orbit of his influence without being struck by the winning and de- lightful charm of his manner, and with his sterling qualities of character. Dr. Miles was a man greatly beloved and highly honored, not more for his pro- fessional skill than for his manly qualities of heart and mind, and it was only natural that his passing away left a vacant place in many hearts. In the espe- cial branch of medical science to which he more particularly devoted his fine energies, he became one of the premier men of the world, and was ac- knowledged as such. Few, if any, of the many brilliant men who have added to the luster of the medical profession of the State of Massachusetts exer- cised a wider influence for the good of the institutions of medical learning than did Dr. Miles, who was so well known as both a writer and speaker on medical subjects. In all professions, but more especially the medical, there are certain exalted heights to which genius itself dares scarcely soar, and which can only be gained after long years of patient, arduous and unremitting toil, and inflexible and unfaltering courage. To this proud eminence, we may safely state that Dr. Miles rose. He devoted his lifetime to his profession and was deservedly crowned with its choicest rewards.
The birth of Dr. Charles Edwin Miles occurred in Stow, Massachusetts, December 31, 1830, the son of Charles and Sophia Joslin (Brown) Miles. His father, Charles Miles, was a farmer, and a native of Gardiner, Massachu- setts, his mother being born in Marlboro, Massachusetts. They were the par- ents of a large family, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Ade- laide E., the widow of George W. Clark, of Waltham, Massachusetts. Dr. Miles was of English ancestry, being a direct descendant of John Miles, then spelled Myles, who settled in Concord as early as 1637 and was made a free- man in 1638. The family has continuously resided in Concord to the present time. Dr. Miles's boyhood was passed on his father's farm, in Marlboro, to
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Charles Edwin Miles, O.D.
which his parents had removed soon after his birth. He attended the com- mon schools until he was old enough to determine his course in life, and choosing the profession of medicine, he sought the wider training which the Academy at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, afforded. Dr. Miles first became a student in the Academical Boarding School at Berlin, Massachusetts, and afterward took the course of the Providence Conference Seminary, at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, interspersing his studies with teaching, as he re- lied largely upon his own resources for his education. In 1856 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Charles Putnam, of Marlboro, and con- tinued with Dr. F. II. Kelley, of Worcester, Massachusetts, also studying at the Worcester Eclectic Medical College, from which he graduated February 16, 1859.
Dr. Miles started the practice of medicine the following June, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and remained there continuously until his death. He proclaimed his adherence to the principles of eclectic medicine, but displayed a broad spirit toward those of other views. It was said of him that while he was "a firm be- liever in the fundamental principles of modern eclecticism and was recognized as one of its ablest exponents, he always advocated the broadest liberality in medical thought and practice, and encouraged the fullest investigation among the different schools of medicine, deprecating partisan strifes and arrogant exclusiveness, and sought to establish the closest fraternal relations among all reputable members of the profession." Dr. Miles attained early in his ca- reer a superior position in his profession. In 1867 the Eclectic Medical Insti- tute conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine upon him. In 1872 he was elected president of the National Eclectic Medical Association at its an- nual meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, and reëlected at Columbus, Ohio, in 1873, an honor which was never before bestowed on any member. In June, 1894, Dr. Miles was appointed to the new State Board of Registration in Medi- cine, and in July was elected chairman of the board.
To attain the success which Dr. Miles reached, he never resorted to low means or influences, or any of the arts by which popularity is sometimes pur- chased at the expense of science and truth. The influence of a human life can never be properly estimated, but such men as Dr. Miles create and maintain the honor of the medical profession. Dr. Miles was a member of the Massa- chusetts Eclectic, Gynæcological and Obstetrical societies, and was president of each of these organizations. He contributed much to the periodical and other literature of eclectic medicine, and was one of the associate editors of the "Massachusetts Medical Journal" in 1896. Among his principal published pa- pers were: "Glimpses at the Medical Art and Profession of the Present Day," which was the annual address before the Massachusetts Medical Society, in 1867; "Reminiscences and Conclusions Drawn from an Obstetrical Society"; "Chlorosis," which was read before the National Boston District Eclectic Medi- cal Society, in 1892; "LaGrippe and its Treatment," and "Résumé of Typhoid Fever."
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Charles Edwin Miles, H.D.
Besides holding various positions.of honor and responsibility among the medical associations and organizations of the State, Dr. Miles, through his ma- ternal grandfather (Brown) was a member of the Sons of the Revolution. Dr. Miles was a former member of the Boston School Committee, and was for several years the president of the New England Conference of the Preachers Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Roxbury Charitable Society. In politics he had pronounced opinions, but never sought public of- fice, although he would have been an excellent candidate. Dr. Miles was also a member of the Masonic Fraternal Order. In religious faith he was a Metho- dist, and was chairman of the board of trustees of the Winthrop Street Metho- dist Episcopal Church of Roxbury at the time of his death. He was promi- nent in the church, which he joined in 1848, and was an active mover in all its organizations as a layman. He was elected president of the Methodist Social Union in December, 1891. Dr. Miles met squarely all life's responsibilities, shirked no duty, but, answering every call, fought worthily the battle of life, and won the Divine Benediction of "Well done, good and faithful servant."
The funeral services for Dr. Miles, who was considered the oldest phy- sician in Roxbury, Massachusetts, were held at the family residence at No. 126 Warren street, the officiating clergymen being the Rev. William A. Wood, D.D., and Rev. Varnum A. Cooper, D.D. The musical selections were rendered by the Harvard Quartette, and interment was at Forest Hills Ceme- tery. Dr. Miles truly gave his life to the battling of disease and to the relief of distressed humanity. Skillful in his diagnosis of disease as well as in the application of the remedy, he was most unselfish in his devotion to his profes- sion, allowing no call to go unheeded if it were possible to meet it, even when there was no likelihood of fee or reward. To his high professional attainment Dr. Miles added a strong sense of moral responsibility, omitting no opportu- nity to do good, as physician, friend or citizen.
On May 3, 1866, Charles Edwin Miles was united in marriage with Eunice Peirce Dyer, of Boston, a daughter of Freeman M. and Pollie (Bradford) Dyer, both of whom died in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Dr. and Mrs. Miles were the parents of one child, a daughter, who was born January 25, 1868, and died July 28, 1871. Only those who were permitted to see Dr. Miles in his own home surrounded by those whom he loved and trusted, can imagine how sweet was his disposition, and how he brought. happiness to those around him. Kindly and generous, he seemed to win all hearts, and in the many homes to which he was called he was as much the dear friend as the trusted physician. Not enough tribute can be made to him, or a fitting description of the impres- sion which his character and personality made upon all those who came in con- tact with him.
Don. Samuel Parcher Tenney
T "() all who knew him and therefore loved him, the memory of the late Samuel Parcher Tenney must recall the noblest and gen- tlest personality, all that constitutes the most essential human worth, the purest charm of character and the highest Chris- tian manhood. With an unyielding purpose in the enlargement of his usefulness, he laid the sure foundation of an honorable and substantial life, and his success was the merited reward of industry, ability and honesty. In all his words and deeds, Mr. Tenney was ever faithful to all personal and public obligations, and his commanding influ- ence among his many friends was the natural product of superior mental and moral qualities. His kindness seemed to solicit friendship, his wisdom invited confidence, and his integrity commanded respect. In the death of Mr. Tenney, which occurred at his home in Chelsea, Massachusetts, March 9, 1903, the en- tire community sustained a personal loss-not only from the fact that the ex- ample of a good and useful life was gone forever from daily sight, but also because Mr. Tenney was a public-spirited citizen, and had earned for him- self the best eulogy that a man can receive from his fellow-men, namely, that he lived a useful life. The sad news of his passing away quickly spread among his friends, and everywhere there was grief at the loss of a noble man. Those who had not been so fortunate as to have known him personally mourned his death for the invaluable services that he had rendered the community-at-large. It is usual to speak highly of one when dead. We look upon the good and forget the other side of men at that time. But the ex-mayor of Chelsea, Massa- chusetts, 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 re- main a priceless heritage to his beloved adopted city of Chelsea, and as time rolls on will be recognized as one of the highest jewels in her escutcheon.
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