USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Metropolitan Boston; a modern history; Volume IV > Part 23
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Arthur Park Gay, the first of these two sons, was born in Boston on November 13, 1864. As a boy, he attended the grammar school, and was graduated from the Greenwood School in Hyde Park, in 1880. Then he went to a private school, the Waltham New Church School, in Waltham, Massachusetts, and finally became a student at Harvard University, from which he was grad- uated in the class of 1888 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1893 he was graduated from the Boston University Medical School, and in 1899 from the Boston University Law School. Immediately he took his bar examina- tions, and in 1899 was admitted to the bar. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of law, which he has found both suc- cessful and lucrative. He is a member of the Boston City Club, the University Club, the Brae Burn Country Club and the West Newton Men's Club. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a life-member of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society.
On August 1, 1895, in New Albany, Indiana, Mr. Gay was united in marriage with Ellen A. K. Hutchinson, a native of New Albany, died in October, 1923, a daughter of Charles and Angeline (Kidder) Hutchinson, both of whom are now deceased. There is one son, Richard Hutchinson Gay, who was born on March 30, 1913. Mr. Gay resides at No. 110 Highland Street, West Newton, Massachusetts.
ALPHONSO ADELBERT WYMAN- Member of the legal profession in the city of Boston since 1885, now (1928) maintaining of- fices in the Old South Building, No. 613, Al-
phonso Adelbert Wyman was born at West Acton, Massachusetts, on January 29, 1862, son of Oliver Coatesworth and Caroline Mitchell (Chandler) Wyman.
Oliver Coatesworth Wyman was a native of Concord, Massachusetts, born in 1820, descend- ed from one of three brothers who settled in this State in 1678, coming from England, where the house had long enjoyed an honorable name; and it is not recorded that through succeeding generations this honorable name has been suf- fered to diminish. Oliver C. Wyman was not a wealthy man, but honest and industrious, and in West Acton, where he spent the majority of his years, was high in the estimation of all who knew him. He was by trade a shoemaker, a thorough craftsman, able to dress leather and build up a shoe from sole to vamp. He died in 1885, at the age of sixty-five years; his wife died in 1866, at the age of thirty. Oliver Coates- worth and Caroline Mitchell (Chandler) Wyman were the parents of six children, of whom three now survive: 1. Caroline, deceased. 2. Eldora, widow of Colonel James P. Clare, who was one of the score of men in the United States to take part in the Civil War, the Spanish-Ameri- can War, and the Philippine War, all three. 3. Ferdinand A., deceased. 4. Walter F., de- ceased. 5. Inez A., living, unmarried. 6. Al- phonso A., of further mention.
Alphonso Adelbert Wyman attended the pub- lic schools of West Acton for his elementary education, entered Phillips-Exeter Academy in 1875, and graduated in June, 1879, at the head of his class. In 1879, at the age of seventeen years, he entered Harvard College, and in 1883 graduated, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, National honor- ary scholastic fraternity. Meanwhile, since his entrance into Phillips-Exeter, he had been read- ing law, and two years after graduation from Harvard was fully prepared for the State bar examinations, which he undertook in the month of July, 1885, after which he was admitted to practice his profession before any bar in Massa- chusetts. He began at once a general practice, and the number of his clients increased con-
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stantly, until shortly after the turn of the cen- tury he was directing a most flourishing practice indeed. Moreover, hand in hand with participa- tion in the profession, he did not lose sight of the community of his birth, but exercised influ- ence whenever possible for the betterment of its affairs. He served creditably and with much interest on the Acton School Committee, and in Somerville, where he is likewise well known and at home, was elected to the Board of Alder- men. This office he held for three years, 1908-10. In this office he served to the entire satisfaction of the citizenry-at-large, and was unalterably in support of the public welfare. Mr. Wyman has a hobby. In youth this hobby was baseball, and, after he had taken up the law, tennis. He played tennis for fifteen years, until 1917, when he took up golf, and since he first stood at a tee he has been an enthusiastic amateur at the game, devoting regular periods to play, and developing a skill which is by his confreres in law considered as formidable as his arguments before the bar. Mr. Wyman is ardent in the support of all enterprises for the progress of Newton, in Middlesex County, where he makes his home, and attends the Universalist church, at Newton. He became a communicant of the Universalist church in 1887, his wife joining with him. Mr. Wyman is generous in his dis- position toward all charitable causes of worthy character, and questions not the denomination or race by whom sponsored. During the World War, after the entrance of the United States with the allied powers of Europe, he served tire- lessly on the various boards and committees in charge of the prosecution of the war from within this country. Of Mr. Wyman, it is said by his associates in law and by those who know him in other relationships: that he is an able lawyer, adhering to the highest ethics of the profession, a public-spirited member of the communities in which he moves, and a man of unassailable honor.
Mr. Wyman married, at West Acton, July 28, 1886, Laura Aldrich, born at Newfane, Ver- mont, daughter of John W. and Hannah F. Aldrich, both deceased, and to this union were
born four children: 1. Oliver, an attorney-at- law, in his father's offices, Boston. 2. Helen L., wife of Richard O. Fernandez, of Melrose, Massachusetts. 3. Louise M., unmarried, and at home. 4. Alice, also unmarried, and at home.
SPENCER S. DODD-One of the youngest and most prominent men in Boston insurance circles is Spencer S. Dodd, with offices located at No. 80 Federal Street, this city. He is ac- tively identified with all organizations concern- ing insurance, and in the social and civic affairs of the city he displays a deep interest, while during the World War he achieved distinction in the hazardous work of the air service.
Mr. Dodd was born in Pittsfield, May 17, 1896, son of I. S. F. Dodd, M. D., who is living, and Mary (Carpenter) Dodd, who was born at North Adams, and died in 1924. Dr. I. S. F. Dodd was born in Hankow, China, studied medi- cine and became a physician and surgeon of great repute. During the World War he ren- dered invaluable service as captain in the United States Army Medical Corps.
Spencer S. Dodd received his early education in the public schools of Pittsfield, after which he entered Kent's Preparatory School, Connect- icut, later matriculating at Dartmouth College, where he studied for one year, and then trans- ferring to Yale University, remaining in that in- stitution of learning for another year, until the entrance of the United States into the World War. When Mr. Dodd entered upon his busi- ness career, he accepted a position as special agent in the Boston office of the Berkshire Life Insurance Company. His talent and ability for this type of work were soon recognized, and, having a remarkable fund of energy and enthu- siasm, coupled with a courteous and affable man- ner, it was not long before he was advanced to the position as general agent for that company in the district of Metropolitan Boston. On Oc-
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tober 1, 1928, Mr. Dodd severed his relations with the Berkshire Life Insurance Company and accepted the position as manager of the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. He is especially popular with his clients, who realize his absolute sincerity and frank and straightforward manner in all business dealings.
Mr. Dodd is a member of the Boston Life Underwriters' Association, the General Agents' Round Table, and the Boston Chamber of Com- merce, having served as secretary of the first- named organization, while he is a leading figure in the National Life Underwriters' Association, and a member of the University Club. His fra- ternal connections are with the Norumbega Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and the Military Order of the World War. His political prin- ciples are those of the Republican party. During the World War he enlisted in the United States Army, May 8, 1917, and attended the first Platts- burg Officers' Training School, later being transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, being assigned to the Aviation Corps. In the fall of 1917, he was commis- sioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army Flying Corps, and was appointed instruc- tor in night flying at Ellington Field, Houston, Texas. He was discharged from the army in January, 1919.
Spencer S. Dodd married, in 1918, Gladys Pierson, born at Pittsfield, and they have two children: Spencer S., Jr., and Janice. With his family, Mr. Dodd attends the Congregational church. His chief recreation is found in out- door sports, making a particular hobby of golf and squash. With his family, he resides at No. 515 Walnut Street, Newtonville.
RUDOLPH BURROUGH-Showing the re- sults of industry and properly directed ambi- tion, the career of Rudolph Burrough affords
an example of a man who has risen to a high place in business affairs, being a member of the firm of John C. Paige and Company, in which organization he began as a messenger in 1899. Mr. Burrough is one of the leading factors in the insurance business in the city, and, in addi- tion, is prominent in social and fraternal affairs, being particularly active in Masonic circles and the various branches of the order, while he is a sincere and eager participant in all projects which come to the attention of a public-spirited citizen who has the welfare of his community and State at heart.
Mr. Burrough was born in Boston, November 15, 1882, son of George A. R. Burrough, who is deceased, and Mary B. Hurd, who was born in Orleans and is still living. George A. R. Bur- rough was born in Boston and was engaged as a blacksmith until the time of his death.
Rudolph Burrough was educated in the public schools of Boston, and after completing his for- mal education entered the employ of the John C. Paige and Company, as previously mentioned. His diligence, initiative and thorough attention to detail, combined with a pleasing personality, made him a valued member of the organization from the beginning. He received promotion after promotion, and filled the various positions to the highest degree of satisfaction, steadily ad- vancing, until, on January 1, 1927, he was made a member of the firm, which is located at No. 40 Broad Street. Active in the Insurance Society of Massachusetts, Mr. Burrough contributes many novel and original ideas for furthering in- surance sales and acquiring new clients. Deeply interested in Masonic promotion and all its con- cerns, he devotes most of his leisure time to these interests, and is a popular and enthusiastic member of Bethesda Masonic Lodge, of which he is Past Master; he is district deputy of the Fifth Massachusetts District; member of St. Paul's Royal Arch Chapter, DeMolay Com- mandery, Boston Council, and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In politics, he follows the principles of the Republican party, and, although he has never sought office, takes a sincere interest in
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Dwight P Woodford
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municipal affairs, and is a member of the Bos- ton City Club. In religious affiliation, he is a member of the Congregational church.
Rudolph Burrough married, in 1908, Anna K. Ward, who was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and they have two children: Lillian W., and Ar- nold H.
DWIGHT R. WOODFORD-Continuing importance of the insurance business early at- tracted the attention of Dwight R. Woodford, of Boston, who, for the first nine years of his commercial life, was engaged in selling shoes. Within the space of ten more years he had made a pronounced success of insurance and today holds a leading position in that branch of activity in New England. His interests have enlarged to such extent that he not only conducts his own office but assists in other holdings where he holds a partnership. His forceful character, knowledge of the business and intimate acquaintance with its details have attracted the attention of a wide radius of workers, who know him as a highly qualified adviser on all insurance questions.
Dwight R. Woodford was born in Candor, New York, February 24, 1891, a son of Edwin F. and Julia H. (Krom) Woodford, both natives of New York State and both living at this time. The elder Woodford was, until his retirement, engaged in the retail shoe business. Dwight R. Woodford received his education in the elemen- tary schools and the high school of Bingham- ton, New York, upon completion of which he worked for four years in the retail shoe busi- ness there and then came to Boston as New England manager for the G. R. Kinney Com- pany, Incorporated, retail dealers. In that post he remained until 1916, when he estab- lished himself in the insurance business un- der his own name. In 1926 he incorporated his business under the name of Dwight R. Woodford Company, with offices at No. 87
Milk Street, Boston. In 1928 the business was reorganized under the name of Woodford, Wright & Nash, Incorporated, with offices at No. 101 Milk Street. His business includes insurance of all kinds. He is an associate member of the firm of Moore and Summers. He is frequently called into consultation as adviser in intricate insurance problems. He is a member of Washington Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Mount Vernon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Roxbury Council; De Molay Commandery, Knights Templar; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Boston City Club, Boston Chamber of Commerce; Boston Life Under- writers' Association, Boston Insurance Bro- kers' Association, Colonial Golf and Country clubs. In politics he is a Republican, in relig- ion a member of the Baptist Church of Win- chester.
Mr. Woodford married, in 1913, Laura I. Holt, born in Port Wade, Nova Scotia. Their children are: Gladys E., Robert H., Dorothy E., and Edwin H. K.
WILLIAM BLISS MEDLICOTT-An au- thority on matters of insurance, William Bliss Medlicott, of Boston, whose home is located in Cambridge, was actively identified with the in- surance business for more than thirty years at the time of his retirement from business, 1923, and is the author of a series of brochures re- lating to this gigantic industry. Mr. Medlicott has had an extremely interesting career in con- nection with his life-work, having been in charge of the adjustment of all losses for the Atlas As- surance Company, Limited, in San Francisco after the great earthquake and conflagration which destroyed that city in 1906, also having represented this company in various West In- dian branches in Cuba and Porto Rico for a number of years. His great ability and con-
Bos.i-10
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summate knowledge of all the intricacies of in- surance brought him recognition on all sides, and for ten years he was a lecturer on fire in- surance at Harvard University, and also served as a member of the faculty of the Graduate School of Business Administration of that learned institution, and since his retirement from active concerns, has been a leader in the affairs of the Insurance Institutes of America, and con- tinues his avocation of lecturer on property in- surance before the Institutes and several famous Eastern colleges.
Mr. Medlicott was born in Longmeadow, Hampden County, September 4, 1857, son of William G. Medlicott, born in Bristol, England, and Eliza Bliss (Collins) Medlicott, born in Pittsfield, her ancestors having been the found- ers of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. William G. Medlicott came to the United States at an early age and was engaged in manufacturing woolens and textiles, being also a notable col- lector of rare books.
William Bliss Medlicott was educated in the public schools of Massachusetts, graduating from the high school of Springfield, after which he entered Worcester Technical College, Worces- ter, from which he was graduated with the class of 1876. He then taught in the schools of this State for two years, but gave up the work of an educator and entered the manufac- turing business. He was successful in this en- terprise and continued therein until 1892, when he entered upon his career in the insurance busi- ness, in which he has been so successful. Enter- ing the employ of the Atlas Assurance Com- pany, Limited, of London, he gradually ad- vanced by reason of his splendid ability and unlimited energy, having an important part in adjusting the losses of this company at the time of the San Francisco disaster and also serving as a member of the final committee of adjust- ment and appeal. His progress in the ranks of this organization continued until he was ap- pointed general agent for the eastern depart- ment, which position he held until his retire- ment in 1923.
Mr. Medlicott is an honorary member of the
New England Insurance Exchange and the Underwriters' Association of New York State, having been active in the affairs of the former, serving on various important committees and also holding official positions. He served on a number of special commissions for the National Board of Fire Underwriters, appearing before State and Insurance Commissioner committees, also delivering numerous addresses at gather- ings of insurance organizations, while he serves as trustee of several business educational insti- tutes. Mr. Medlicott is an author of a series of articles relating to insurance and its problems, which have been published by the Insurance In- stitutes of America, some of the subjects being "Standard Policy," "Policy Forms and Claus- es," "Losses and Adjustments," "The Evolution of the Agency System," all of which are fre- quently quoted as authoritative works on these subjects. His advice is constantly consulted on insurance adjustments and he is kept occupied in an advisory capacity and as a lecturer. He is president of the Insurance Liberty Association of Boston, and a Fellow of the Insurance Insti- tute of America, Incorporated. In the civic life of the city, he has always maintained an active and sincere interest, being particularly promi- nent in all affairs of a political nature as a mem- ber of Hampden County Republican Committee, and he has also served as treasurer of the town of Longmeadow, chairman for several years of Longmeadow School Board, and chairman of the Water Board. During the recent World War, he lectured on insurance to the Quarter- master Corps at Harvard University. His re- ligious adherence is given to the First Congre- gational Church of Cambridge, of which he is senior deacon, also having served for several years as chairman of the building committee of this church. His hobby is working with tools and reading, in which he finds great recreation and relaxation from his busy career. He made his home in Longmeadow until 1917, at which time he moved with his family to his present residence, No. 1654 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge.
William Bliss Medlicott married, in 1884,
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Grace Harding, born in Longmeadow, and to this union have been born six children: 1. Wil- liam H. 2. Robert L., who served in the United States Army during the World War with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, hav- ing the rank of first sergeant. 3. Grace. 4. Arthur, who served in the World War as first lieutenant with the American Expeditionary Forces in France. 5. Alexander G., who was a first lieutenant in the United States Army En- gineering Corps during the World War. 6. Harriet.
ALEXANDER HOLMES-One of the well- equipped men who is assisting in conducting the business of the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts is Alexander Holmes, who is serving in the State House as Deputy Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation. Mr. Holmes has been active in local affairs in Kingston, Massa- chusetts, where he resides, and has served four years in the State Legislature. He is a Harvard man, and well-equipped for the public responsi- bilities which have been placed upon him.
Alexander Holmes was born in Kingston, Massachusetts, son of Frank H. and Clynthia Drew (Brewster) Holmes, the first-mentioned of whom was engaged in business as a manu- facturer of anchors. Mr. Holmes received his early education in the public schools of Kings- ton, and then prepared for college in Hopkin- ton's School, in Boston. When his preparatory course was completed, he matriculated in Har- vard College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1889, receiving at that time the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After graduation he took a special course of one year in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and then engaged in farming activities in Kingston, his birthplace. During the nearly a quarter of a century which has passed since that time he has been successfully conducting farming oper-
ations, but he has also found time for a large amount of public service, both local and State. For six years he served as chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Kingston, and so well did he serve in local office that he was chosen by his associates to represent his district in the State Legislature in 1900-1902, and again for the term of 1910-11. He is a supporter of the prin- ciples and the candidates of the Republicanparty. During the World War he served as a member of the Public Safety Committee, and was also placed in charge of the Income Tax Depart- ment in Brockton. He is now (1928) serving as Deputy Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation of the State, with offices in Room 237, State House, Boston. He is unusually well equipped for his work, and is rendering most efficient service in this capacity. Mr. Holmes is a member of the Unitarian church, which he served as treasurer for a period of twenty-four years.
Alexander Holmes was married, in Kingston, Massachusetts, in 1902, to Mary Russell Adams, daughter of Horatio and Lottie (Russell) Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are the parents of six children: 1. Dorothy, who married Isaac Haltenway, and has one son, Isaac, Jr. 2. Ar- thur A. 3. Margaret. 4. Alexander, Jr. 5. Elizabeth. 6. Brewster.
WILLIAM MOSHER BLATT-Author and lawyer, playwright of reputation and a citi- zen of virile strength, who has displayed a deep interest in civic affairs, William Mosher Blatt, of Boston, holds a high position in the ranks of workers of ability and achievement.
He was born in Orange, New Jersey, April 29, 1876, a son of Joseph Henry Blatt, a Jew- ish native of Poland, who was born March 10, 1850, and came to America when a boy, at first settling in New York City and afterward re- moving to Boston, where he died, January 25, 1905. He had been a constable of Boston for
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seventeen years. His wife, mother of William Mosher, was Louise Singer, born in New York City, August 31, 1852, and died May 10, 1928. They were the parents of six children, of whom three are living, these being William Mosher, the eldest, of whom further; Sadie F., now the wife of David Benjamin, of Boston, and Myra R., wife of George Melhado, of Boston.
When William was three years old the fam- ily came to Boston, where the boy grew up and acquired his early education in the public schools. He was graduated from the Dwight Grammar School in 1890 and from the English High School in 1893, then studying under a tutor and at the Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated with his degree in 1897. After a short experience in journalism he was admitted to the bar and established himself in practice at once. Inter- ested in fiction and playwriting, he took special courses in these subjects at Harvard Univer- sity and wrote such successful works as "Kitty, Kitty, Kitty," and "Over Here." He has also written many one-act plays, monologues, epi- grams and verses, besides contributing to law reviews, legal encyclopedias and literary journ- als. One of his books, a collection of leading Massachusetts cases, is a recognized standard. He is a Republican in politics and at the age of twenty-two years was nominated and ran for the Lower House of the State Legislature, one year later running for a seat in the City Council. He is a member of the Masonic Or- der, of the New Century Club, of which he has been president, and is now a trustee and a member of the library committee of the City Club. He is the treasurer of the Boston University Law School Association and a di- rector of the Boston University Alumni As- sociation. His religion is Jewish.
Mr. Blatt married, in Boston, April 2, 1911, Lucy Romberg, a native of Russia and daughter of the late Henry and Esther Romberg. The couple have three children: 1. Hester Muriel, born April 16. 1912. 2. Josephine Harriet, born October 19, 1914. 3. Louise, born December 10, 1917.
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