USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Metropolitan Boston; a modern history; Volume IV > Part 42
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Mr. Schwerdt is a member of the Boston Wool Trade Association, and during 1914 he served as a soldier for a short time in the Belgian Army. His hobbies are tennis and traveling.
JOHN HERRICK POWERS-A promi- nent member of the Boston bar and a man of wide experience in legal practice, Mr. Powers was born February 21, 1884, in Lancaster, New Hampshire, the only child of Frank and Jennie Maria (Powers) Dolloff. At the age of ten years he took up his home with his ma- ternal grandfather, Jonas Powers, in Lancas- ter, took the name of Powers and was reared under the guidance of that worthy gentleman of the old New England school. The family of Powers came from England shortly after the arrival of the "Mayflower." A Captain Peter Powers, who fought with the Colonists in the Revolution, lies in the Lunenberg Cem- etery, and through his service Mr. Powers is eligible to membership in the Sons of the American Revolution.
In the public schools of Lancaster, New Hampshire, Mr. Powers secured his early academic instruction, graduating from Lan- caster Academy in 1903. Later he studied in Bates College, where he pursued the academic curriculum, and was graduated in 1910 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then entered the Harvard University School of Law and graduated in 1913, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. The year following he was admitted to the bar, and since 1914 has been in practice.
He is a member of the law firm of Hayward, Powers, Chase & Collier, and their offices are at No. 40 Court Street, Boston. Mr. Powers resides at No. 16 Mount Pleasant Street, Win- chester, and there has served his community, well as citizen and member of the finance com- mittee, to which he was appointed, holding office in 1924-25; he has also served as chair- man of other committees. In March, 1925, he was elected to the Board of Selectmen of Win- chester, and served to March, 1928, and was chairman of the board during the last year. Fraternally, Mr. Powers is affiliated with Wil- liam Parkman Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons; and Winchester Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. In each of these bodies he holds of- fice. He is a member of the Middlesex Bar Association, and a communicant of the First Congregational Church of Winchester. Toward charity he is generously disposed, giving lib- erally to worthy causes. Mr. Powers has al- ways been much interested in sports, both as participant and spectator.
At Bangor, Maine, December 26, 1917, Mr. Powers married Marion Porter, native of Maine, daughter of Joseph J. and Florence C. Porter. They have one son, Porter Herrick, born January 5, 1920.
RAYMOND PATON-Popularly known throughout the commercial circles of Boston, Raymond Paton is one of this city's foremost brokers in the domestic and foreign wool busi- ness, having established his present organiza- tion in 1927, with offices at No. 185 Summer Street, this city. Mr. Paton has had many years of excellent experience in this great in- dustry which has contributed so much to Massachusetts' prestige in national commercial activities, having chosen this branch of busi- ness at the beginning of his career when he finished his technical education at one of the country's foremost textile schools, in 1908. He
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is well known throughout New England and among the entire textile trade, having always handled only the highest grade of products and never deviating from his original policy of hon- esty and service.
Mr. Paton was born in Peacedale, Rhode Island, March 24, 1888, son of James H. Paton, who was born in Scotland, and Clara (Booth) ยท Paton, who was born in Lawrence. James H. Paton has been connected with the wool busi- ness for many years and is at present wool buyer for the Amoskeag Mills.
Raymond Paton was educated in the public schools of Newton, and after high school, en- tered the Lowell Textile School, at Lowell. Immediately thereafter, he entered the employ of the Aetna Mills at Watertown, and for two years was engaged in gaining practical experi- ence to supplement his technical training. Mr. Paton next accepted a position with the Wey- bossett Mills of Providence, Rhode Island, where he remained but a short time, leaving there to enter the wool business with the firm of H. & F. P. Simonds, of Boston, with which concern he remained until 1912, when he left to engage in an independent venture in this field of endeavor. He conducted a successful enterprise until 1916, when he sold out his in- terests, and became connected with the firm of Oelrichs & Company, Boston and New York, later being admitted to partnership in this or- ganization, until the firm retired from the wool business in 1926. In that year, Mr. Paton or- ganized his present business and has ever since operated to great advantage, having built up a large and discriminating clientele among the manufacturers of the New England textile dis- trict, dealing in both foreign and domestic wools. He is a member of the Boston Wool Trade Association and takes a constructive in- terest in everything affecting civic welfare and improvement. In politics, he is an ardent sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party, and he attends the Congregational church. His hobbies are photography and pigeon-raising, in both of which he has acquired success as an amateur.
ROLLAN A. GREEN-Before he was twenty-six years of age, Rollan A. Green, motor car dealer of Boston, had been a farmer boy, a worker in harness and associated in- dustries, general manager of a clothing store, the youngest township clerk of his native dis- trict in Michigan, and county supervisor in that State. The record is rarely paralleled- his abilities were recognized from his youth and he has continuously advanced in whatever vo- cation came to his hand. Added to these ac- tivities he has filled the post of advertising manager of one of the leading newspapers. His entrance into the commercial life of Bos- ton was the natural sequence of regular ad- vancement from the moment he entered the automobile business; and he is in this city recognized as a power in the activities of his field, a sound citizen, and a credit to the community.
He was born in Oxford, Michigan, Novem- ber 11, 1875, a son of Alvin and Flora (Stan- ton) Green, both natives of Michigan. His father, who is buried in Oxford, was a dealer in carriages, harness, and implements, during his active life. Rollan acquired his early edu- cation in the public schools of Oxford, and was graduated from the high school. For sev- eral years after that, during the winter and when not working on a farm near Oxford, he did much special studying to better equip him- self for his future in the world. When he had reached an age of usefulness to his father he was taken into the business in which he was engaged in town, where he worked for a time, after which he engaged with a clothing house in Pontiac, where he became manager when only twenty-four years of age. His next em- ployment was as advertising manager of the Pontiac "Gazette," the oldest newspaper of its class in the State of Michigan. For two years he served as township clerk of Oxford, then re- moving to Pontiac, he served as county super- visor for three wards of the city when he was not yet twenty-six years of age. In Pontiac he gravitated into the real estate business, and through real estate into the motor industry as
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a clerk in the purchasing department of the Oakland car for General Motors in Pontiac. He then became manager of the service de- partment of that plant and was later trans- ferred to New York City, as assistant manager of the branch there. He was subsequently promoted from time to time, finally to Boston in 1915, as manager of the Grant Motor Car Company. He left that post to become asso- ciated with the Paige-Detroit Company of New England as assistant manager, which post he filled until the death of Manager Frederick E. Skeetop, when he was appointed manager to fill the vacancy. He was a large factor in the erection of the fine building at No. 1075 Com- monwealth Avenue, which houses the sales and service departments. Since the advent of the Graham brothers the name of this industry has been changed to the Graham-Paige Com- pany of New England. Mr. Green maintains his residence at No. 102 Maples Road, Brook- line, and, among other affiliations, has mem- bership in St. John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Boston; the Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Engineers' Club, the Boston City Club, the Bond Astronomical Club, of Cambridge, and the Green Mountain Club, of Vermont. He is also a member of the Auto- mobile Dealers' Association of Massachusetts.
Mr. Green married, in 1898, Zelinda H. Howe, daughter of Harmon A. and Emma (Howell) Howe, of Oxford, Michigan. Their children were: 1. Marvin, born in Oxford; man- ager of the Elliott Addressing Machine Com- pany, of Indianapolis, Indiana. 2. Harmon, deceased in childhood.
VICTOR G. HOFBAUER-With a splen- did knowledge of foreign trade conditions, Vic- . tor G. Hofbauer, of Boston, is a well-known figure in the wool industry of this country,
with his finger on the pulse of both foreign and domestic activities in this great part of modern business. Mr. Hofbauer established his present independent organization in 1926, specializing in wool and hair as a broker rep- resenting foreign firms in this country, with offices located at No. 184 Summer Street, al- though he gives his particular attention to the sale of carpet wools, having direct foreign connections for the merchandising of this prod- uct.
Mr. Hofbauer was born in New York City, November 13, 1889, son of Victor George Hof- bauer, who was born in Germany, and Emily (Meyer) Hofbauer, who was born in New York City. Victor George Hofbauer, Sr., was engaged in the diamond importing business for many years until his death.
Victor G. Hofbauer was educated in the pub- lic schools of New York City, and after high school, entered upon his commercial career, choosing the wool business at the outset, and in this branch of industry he has ever since continued. His first position was obtained with the firm of Carl Grubnau of Philadelphia, and he continued his association with that con- cern until 1912, when he resigned and became connected with the firm of Henry Mote & Son, foreign wool brokers of New York City. In 1915 he was made a member of the firm and proceeded to advance the company's in- terest with great success until 1918, when he dissolved his connection. Eager to advance, in 1919 he went to China as a representative , for the firm of Feron, Brown & Company, New York City, remaining in the Far East until 1921 when this firm withdrew from the China wool business. Mr. Hofbauer next be- came secretary of the China Hide & Produce Company, of New York and China, and he gave his attention to the affairs of this en- terprise until 1926, when the company was liquidated. In that year he came to Boston and engaged in business independently and has since built up a large and steadily prosperous business. Most of his trade connections are with the New England and Pennsylvania car-
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pet manufacturing plants, to which he supplies carpet wools, all of which are imported from for- eign countries. Throughout the entire carpet manufacturing industry Mr. Hofbauer's firm has acquired a reputation for thoroughly de- pendable products, guaranteed for quality and general excellence, and courteous and efficient service at all times. His success has ever been due to his adherence to the principles of hon- esty and integrity with which he began his career in the wool business. Aside from his commercial activities, he takes a deep interest in municipal affairs, while in politics he is an ardent member of the Republican party. With his family, he attends the Episcopal church. His hobby is golf, in which sport he finds great recreation from his business activities.
Victor G. Hofbauer married, in 1914, Ruth M. Richards, who was born in Lowell, and died in 1921. To this union were born two sons: Victor George, Jr., and Vincent Richard, twins.
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BENEDICT HEMMERLIN-Among the numerous business men of Boston who have gone directly into the wool business after leaving school, is Benedict Hemmerlin, whose offices are located at No. 212 Summer Street. Mr. Hemmerlin began his active career in 1910, in the employ of the New England Dressed Meat and Wool Company, of Somerville, and he remained in the employ of various concerns until shortly before the beginning of the World War, when he began to operate under his own name. Like thousands of other young men, he gave up his newly started business to enlist for service in the United States Navy, and after the close of the war he reentered the wool business as a manager. In 1920 he be- came manager in the United States and Can-
ada for the R. A. Fawcett Company, of Brad- ford, England, and in 1926 he took over the business for himself.
Benedict Hemmerlin was born in Chicago, Illinois, August 20, 1893, son of Joseph Hem- merlin, a native of Alsace-Lorraine, who was engaged in the pulled wool business to the time of his death, in 1923, and of Caroline (Dichler) Hemmerlin, born in Germany, who survives (1928). After attending the public schools and the Somerville (Massachusetts) High School, he entered, in 1910, the employ of the well-known New England Dressed Meat and Wool Company, of Somerville, with whom he remained until 1915. He then de- cided to widen his experience by making a change and associated himself with Swift & Company in New York City, remaining there for a year. He then came to Boston in the employ of the Worcester Company for a year, after which he engaged in business for him- self, handling a general wool business. Then came the entrance of the United States into the World War, and, as always, war changed the fortunes of many thousands temporarily and of as many more permanently. Mr. Hem- merlin gave up his newly founded business, and on July 25, 1917, enlisted in the United States Navy as a second class machinist's mate, and was assigned to the United States Ship "Long Island," which was doing duty as a mine sweeper. There he remained until June, 1918, when he took a course at Franklin Union, in Boston. The following month, July, 1918, he was sent to Columbia University as an in- structor, and there he remained until he re- ceived his discharge, March 27, 1919, at which time he held the rank of machinist mate, sec- ond class.
In September, 1919, Mr. Hemmerlin took a position as manager of the wool department in the employ of the Claude M. Smith Com- pany, of New York City, with whom he con- tinued until 1920. In that year he returned to Boston and opened an office for the R. A. Fawcett, Incorporated, of Bradford, England, and since that time he has represented that con-
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cern, serving as manager for the United States and Canada. In 1926 he took over the business for himself, and since that time has continued it successfully. The company are buying and selling brokers, handling foreign wools, both in the grease and scoured, and they also handle a line of noils, tops, and waste. Their busi- ness is principally with the New England tex- tile trade. Mr. Hammerlin is a member of the Boston Wool Trade Association, and is active in promoting the interests of the trade. Po- litically, he is identified with the Republican party, and fraternally, he holds membership in John Abbott Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons.
Benedict Hemmerlin was married, Novem- ber 5, 1925, to Lillian Seaton, who was born in Hoboken, New Jersey. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hemmerlin attend the First Baptist Church. Mr. Hemmerlin's interest in all kinds of out- of-door sports gives him healthful recreation, and among his friends he is known as a good citizen, a good business man, and a desirable friend and companion.
GEORGE S. HEBB-One of Boston's ac- tive men of industry, George S. Hebb is prom- inent in leather circles as president of the well-known firm of Hebb & Meakin Company, Inc., located at No. 109 Beach Street. This concern concentrates on the importation of English leathers, specializing in East India kips and calf leathers for linings, and ranks among the foremost establishments of this country in the quality and amount of India kips and calf leathers imported annually. Mr. Hebb has been associated with the leather business for the entire period of his commercial career and has made a thorough study of its operation, with the result that he has directed the affairs of this company with great intelligence and fore-
sight, equipped as he is with a complete knowl- edge of his special trade.
Mr. Hebb was born in Boston, April 10, 1888, son of Elijah Hebb, born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada, and Ella (Pearl) Hebb, who was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, both of whom now reside in Boston. Elijah Hebb has been connected with the Postal Telegraph & Cable Company for the past forty years (1928).
George S. Hebb was educated in the public schools of Boston and graduated from the Boston English High School, after which he entered Northeastern University Law School. Upon the completion of his formal education, he entered upon his business career and his first position was with the leather manufactur- ing firm of F. Blumenthal Company, of Bos- ton, with whom he was engaged from 1906 until 1912. He next accepted a situation with the Joseph Wilde Company, also in the leather trade, and continued there until 1917 when he became associated with the Quaker City Cor- poration, another leather concern, until 1919. In that year, Mr. Hebb decided to branch out independently, and in partnership with George S. Kramer founded the present business which they conducted until 1926, when the firm was incorporated under the name of Hebb & Meakin Company, Inc., with George S. Hebb, as presi- dent, and Eric N. Meakin, treasurer. Mr. Hebb is deeply interested in fraternal affairs, par- ticularly in the Free and Accepted Masons, as he is Master of St. John's Lodge, and a member of St. Andrew's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and he is ever ready and willing to devote his time and assistance to furthering the work of these splendid organizations. In politics, he is a staunch supporter of the princi- ples of the Republican party and his religious attendance is at the Universalist Church. His hobby is Masonic work and he finds great rec- reation and relaxation from active commercial cares in fishing and other out-door activities.
George S. Hebb married, in 1916, Etta Bar- ter, who was born in Chelsea, and they have one son, George S., Jr. Mr. Hebb has just
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completed the erection of a fine home on Stowell Road, Winchester, where he lives with his family.
HERBERT NATHAN HANSON-One of the most faithful and efficient of Uncle Sam's servants, and most important to the smooth progress of business and everyday life in Charlestown, Massachusetts, is Herbert Nathan Hanson, assistant postmaster in charge of the division of mails. Mr. Hanson has been as- sociated with the routine of the United States mails for fifty-one years, or since he began as a letter carrier in 1878. Throughout all that period he has time and time again proved his unselfish devotion to public interests.
Herbert Nathan Hanson was born in Le- banon Centre, Maine, son of a farmer and carpenter there, Nathan E. Hanson, and his wife, Mary E. Hanson. The son was well educated, having attended, in 1864, the schools in North Beverly, and after the removal of the family to Charlestown, Boston, in 1872, the Harvard School, completing his course at the Boston Latin School in 1876. Two years later he entered the employ of the United States mail service as a suburban letter car- rier. His intelligence and dependableness brought him several promotions. In 1889 he was advanced to the position of superin- tendent of the Back Bay post office, and in 1919 to that of assistant superintendent of mails, his territory being the terminal and Dorchester Center. He also filled the place of super- intendent of delivery, and advanced to that of superintendent of mails. Finally came his pro- motion to his present position-that of assist- ant postmaster. His political principles are those of the Republican party. He is a mem- ber of the Free and Accepted Masons, and the Chamber of Commerce, and he is president of the Old Charlestown School Boys' Associa-
tion. His religious affiliation is with the Con- gregational church.
Herbert Nathan Hanson married, in Boston, Massachusetts, Marie Carter, daughter of Adol- phus J. Carter, and they reside in Charlestown.
WALTER E. BROWNELL-Prominent in the legal fraternity of Boston is Walter E. Brownell, who was born September 15, 1876, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, son of a fam- ily long in the history of Portsmouth. With his father, Walter Brownell, he used to put out to sea, and as the elder Brownell was of the old school of seamen he understood sailing in all its branches. Together father and son made many voyages, all but circumnavigating the world on their extended cruises, and Walter was given an excellent opportunity to learn seamanship, of which he took advantage. He learned how to steer a laden vessel, using the sextant and compass; or, lacking instruments of the sort, to find his position and lay a course by dead reckoning, from sighting the position of the stars, the moon, and sun. It was the old sea captain's boast that Walter, if left alone on a fully rigged craft in the middle of the Atlantic, could, provided power was supplied in some mysterious manner, lay a course to Portsmouth by dead reckoning.
But Walter E. Brownell did not stay with the sea for his career. He attended school in Portsmouth, graduating from high school. For several years he worked with the Boston & Maine Railroad, and then became interested in law. When he saw an opportunity to enter the law office of Hubard M. Coney, in Ware, Massachusetts, he grasped it eagerly, and read diligently of the law. His progress was most rapid under the guidance of Mr. Coney, and in 1907 he passed the examinations admitting him to practice before any Bar in the State of Massachusetts. He has since been engaged
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in the law profession, handling general prac- tice. He is considered by confreres in law to possess marked ability, and has always exer- cised the highest ethics of justice, being hon- orable in all his dealings. Mr. Brownell, who is interested in political matters, is a Republi- can, loyal to the principles of government rep- resented by that party. In the circles in which he moves he has some political influence, which he applies conscientiously to the good of the city. He is a member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons, and a communicant of the El- liott Congregational Church of Newton, the city in which he makes his home. Toward charity his attitude is constantly large hearted. He contributes generously, whether or not the appeal comes from the church of his denomina- tion, giving in a spirit truly humanitarian. As hobbies, he is devoted to fishing and tennis, and for his skill with rod and racquet he has been accorded praise exceeded only by that for his legal proficiency.
Walter E. Brownell married, in Brookline, Massachusetts, Anna Getshall, and to this un- ion has been born one child: Virginia, July 8, 1921.
WALTER ADLARD-Connected with the insurance business since 1883, Walter Adlard, of Boston, is one of the oldest members in point of service in the insurance fraternity of this State, and in this period he has risen to a position of prominence in this great industry, having been secretary and vice-president of the Massachusetts Fire and Marine Insurance Com- pany since 1921. Mr. Adlard, in addition to his business affairs, takes a deep interest in the fraternal activities of this city and State, par- ticularly with regard to the Masonic Order for whose progress and welfare he is ear- nestly and constantly working. In the civic and municipal affairs of this great city, he takes a prominent part, having the welfare
and advancement of the people ever in mind, although he has never sought political office of any kind.
Mr. Adlard was born in Brooklyn, New York, May 20, 1866, son of Robert and Mar- garetta (Slocum) Adlard, the latter born in New York City; both are now deceased.
Robert Adlard was born in Islington, Eng- land, and came to the United States with his parents, where he was engaged in the New York and Brooklyn post offices until the time of his death. He was the son of George Ad- lard, who was the first United States manager of the Queen Insurance Company, which was originally operated from Liverpool, England, later becoming the Queen Insurance Company of America. He held this responsible position from 1866 until his death.
Walter Adlard was educated in the public schools of Brooklyn, New York, and after high school, was employed for a year with the Shoppell Engraving Company, of New York City, New York. In 1883, he entered upon his life-work, accepting a position with the Queen Insurance Company in their New York office, and continuing with this company until. 1894, having been engaged in every depart. ment of this office and gaining a comprehen- sive knowledge of all the various details of this work. He then came to Boston to take the position of assistant special agent for the Queer Insurance Company, in recognition of his ster ling ability and valuable services in the New York office, filling the requirements of this of fice until 1899. Resigning his position, he ac cepted the position of special agent with th Continental Fire Insurance Company and th Fidelity Insurance Company, ably handling th difficult duties of this post until 1910. In thi year, he became associated with the Massachu setts Fire and Marine Insurance Company with which he is still connected in his ex ecutive capacity. He was the first secretar and underwriting manager of this new ventur in the insurance world and under his capabl guidance, the affairs of this rapidly growin concern are in an extremely flourishing cor
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