USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Municipal history of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume III > Part 11
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Mr. Symonds married (first) November 9, 1870, Anna Maria Warren, born August 17, 1843, died July 19, 1901, daughter of Asa and Cynthia P. (Breed) Warren. He married (second) January 12, 1903, the sister of his first wife, Mary A. Warren, born March 3, 1856. By the first marriage there were two children: 1. Anna Louise, born Decem- ber 2, 1871; married, October 5, 1899, Charles A. Collins, she the mother of a child, Helen, born April 20, 1913, and they also have an adopted daughter, Anna, whom they love as their own. 2. Warren L. Symonds, born July 2, 1875, who resides in New York City.
JAMES J. DONOHUE-For many years identi- filed with the leather industry in Essex county, James J. Donohue has for the greater part of his career been the head of the widely known firm of Donohue Brothers, manufacturers of chrome tanned calfskins.
Mr. Donohue was born in Ireland, September 20, 1866, and is a son of John and Eleanor Donohue. Receiving his early education in his native land, and coming to Lynn as a boy of thirteen years, in 1879, he made a thorough preparation for his career, attending the Whiting grammar school, then the English high school, then taking a practical course at the Lee Hall Commercial School, of Lynn. In 1885 he entered the employ of Donohue & White, leather dealers, in the capacity of sales- man, continuing with this concern for ten years. He then became affiliated with the firm of Donohue Brothers, and was later made president of the con- cern, which office he still ably fills. Mr. Donohue is an influential member of the Chamber of Com- merce. In connection with his other interests Mr. Donohue serves as president of the State National Bank. He is a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, of the Knights of Columbus, and of the Boy Scouts, and takes a deep interest in the progress of these organizations.
JOHN WILSON TRASK, M. D .- One of the many unwritten chapters in the tale of the World War which the future has yet to pen is that of the physicians who gave their services so freely. When the United States entered the strife she found that before she could call a great soldiery and house them in great camps she must have a great body of medical men to examine them for fitness and afterwards to care for their health. It is one of the marvels of that time that so many freely gave up their practice, their homes, and their family life in answer to the nation's call. And this was but the beginning of sacrifice, for from the first this set of professional men were ill-cared for them-
selves and constantly overworked. They were too few, the problems they had to meet were novel and difficult, and, as was to be expected, epidemics came. It is a fine thing to work and gain appreciation, but it is a far finer thing to labor unregarded, and often criticized, uttering no complaint, as did these men.
Dr. John Wilson Trask saw service in two of this country's most difficult camps. He stood the hard- ship and work as though born to military life. He won honors in the army, and when, with military duty done, he took up again his medical practice in Lynn, he received well-deserved honors from his community.
Dr. Trask is a native of Philadelphia, born there October 17, 1880, his father, Stephen Wilson Trask, and his mother, Emma Frances (Thompson) Trask, both of old New England families, Mr. Trask of Massachusetts, and Mrs. Trask of New Hampshire. Stephen W. Trask was a veteran of the Civil War. He was connected with the shoe industry all his life.
The early life of Dr. Trask was spent in Lynn, Massachusetts, where he received his elementary education and graduated from the high school in 1898. In further preparation for the profession he now graces he entered the University of Vermont and was graduated with the class of 1904. He soon afterward took up the practice of medicine in Lynn, and early rose to prominence in his profession. He was and is (1921) visiting physician to the Lynn Hospital.
Upon the entrance of the United States into the World War he enlisted and served as captain in the Medical Department, United States army, at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, and later at the Base Hospital, Camp Sevier, South Carolina. Fraternally, Dr. Trask is affiliated with Mount Carmel Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Lynn, Massachusetts. He also belongs to the Boston City and Swamps- cott Masonic clubs.
On November 5, 1907, at Arlington, Massachu- setts, he was married to Annie Ross, daughter of Donald and Annie (MeKay) Ross, of Nova Scotia. They have one daughter, Isabel Trask, born August 23, 1910.
OLIVER RAYMOND HOWE- A prominent figure in the business life of Lynn, Massachusetts, since 1889 is Mr. Howe. The welfare and advance- ment of the city has always been uppermost in his mind, and from the time of his coming here he has espoused and given his earnest support to all measures calculated to advance business develop- ment. He is a business man of keen ability and has attained a high degree of success.
Oliver Raymond Howe was born in Andover, Massachusetts, September 15, 1851, the son of Oliver S. and Ruth Maria (Alley) Howe. Oliver S. Howe was for many years previous to his death, which occurred in 1867, a Methodist minister. The early education of the boy, Oliver Raymond, was obtained in the schools of the various cities where
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his father preached, but later he entered Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and was graduated from this institution with the class of 1871. He was class secretary, and it is interesting to note here that he has continued to hold this office through these many years, and in June, 1921, arranged for the fiftieth reunion of the class. His first employment in the business world was with C. H. Delnow. Here he remained for four years, resigning at the end of that time and accepting a position with Charles O. Beede, with whom he re- mained for fourteen years. One week after the great fire which practically destroyed the city of Lynn, in December, 1889, Mr. Howe established himself in business in a small way at a temporary location outside of the fire ruins. In 1891 he came to Central Square, which has continued to be the location of his business throughout these many years. Success has attended his efforts, and at the present time, 1921, handles an extensive line of rubber clothing, footwear, rubber sundries and sporting goods. For these many years he has been the exclusive representative for one brand of rub- bers. Unswerving honesty and fairness has won for him not only the respect but the admiration of his competitors, his success being in every sense of the word self-made-the result of his own indefatig- able effort and his own unfailing belief in his abil- ity to succeed. Mr. Howe affiliates with the Ma- sonic order, being a member of Mt. Carmel Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Sutton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Olivet Commandery, No. 36, Knights Templar. He is a member of the First Methodist Church, and has always taken an active part in its affairs. He har served as a member of the local school board and for forty-eight years was one of the members of the Park Square Male Quar- tette.
Oliver Raymond Howe married, May 14, 1879, Olive A. Guilford, daughter of Samuel Guilford, a lumber merchant of Lynn. Mr. and Mrs. Howe are the parents of one child, Edward Raymond, born February 17, 1880, who is now associated with his father in business, and is also a teacher of piano. He married Meinzie A. Strout, and resides at Beach Bluff.
WILLIAM AUGUSTUS PEVEAR-In the leath- er business in Lynn the name of Pevear has long been prominent. Henry Augustus Pevear was the head of the old and well known firm of Pevear & Company, for many years standing high in the morocco business, and William Augustus Pevear, his son, now retired from active business, was associ- ated with his father and later succeeded him.
Henry Augustus Pevear, besides being a power in the leather world, was for many years president of the National City Bank of Lynn. He was also in- terested in other industrial organizations, and was president of the Thompson - Houston Company, whose plant was purchased by the General Elec- tric Company. Mr. Pevear was one of the group of five men who were instrumental in bringing the
General Electric Company to Lynn. For years his brother, George K. Pevear, was associated with him in the morocco business.
William Augustus Pevear was born in Lynn, Feb- ruary 20, 1858, and received his early education in the public schools of the city, attending until he was twelve years of age. Then he attended Chaun- cey Hall, later entering Colby Academy, from which he was graduated in 1876. He was first employed in his father's plant, while the firm was composed of his father and uncle. Later, in 1888, Henry Augustus Pevear, and his three sons, William A., H. Theodore, and Frederick S., formed a new com- pany, and erecting a large, new factory, began the importation of goat skins, from which they mann- factured fine leathers for the shoe trade. While thus engaged they also conducted a large store on High street, in Boston. With this multiplicity of interests William A. Pevear had charge of the manufacturing end of the business, which he con- ducted very successfully. In 1899 the business was closed up, and the building leased, father and sons all retiring from active business interests. The father died in 1912, and H. Theodore Pevear died in 1916.
In public progress and all civic advancement Mr. Pevear has always taken a deep interest, and while a supporter of the Republican party, he has never been a politician. He is a member of the Oxford Club and the Tedesco Country Club.
Mr. Pevear married (first) in Peabody, Massa- chusetts, Annie E. Johnston, who died in 1899. They were the parents of three children: Jessie S., Eliz- abeth F., and Theodore, F. In 1908 Mr. Pevear married (second) Adaline Sweetser Tufts, daughter . of A. Merrill and Alice V. (Barton) Tufts. Mr. Tufts is a taxidermist, of Lynn. Mrs. Tufts is of Boston birth. Mr. and Mrs. Pevear have three children: Barton Tufts, born June 8, 1906; Henry Augustus, born December 10, 1911; and Sarah Allen, born September 25, 1916.
MAURICE ALVAH STEVENS-For almost fifty years identified with the business world of eastern Massachusetts, Maurice A. Stevens has spent the greater part of his career in the coal business and is now a member of one of the leading coal firms of the city of Lynn.
Mr. Stevens was born in Marshfield, Massachu- setts, May 7, 1857, and is a son of Peleg and Eliza M. (Torrey) Stevens, old residents of Plymouth county, now deceased. As a boy Mr. Stevens at- tended the public schools of the day in his native place, then at an early age, (fifteen years,) was em- ployed by the Old Colony Railroad on section work. In 1873 he accepted the position of station agent at Seaview, Massachusetts, on the same railroad, re- maining for about two years. He then went to Middleboro to learn the jewelry business, but found it of slight interest to him personally, and resolving to waste no more time in this field, a year later went to Marlboro, where he was offered a desirable posi- tion as clerk in a dry goods store, which position
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Maurice A Terius
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BIOGRAPHICAL
he held for three years. He then came to Lynn, where he entered the employ of R. A. Spaulding, a leading dry goods merchant, as floor man and sales- man. In 1883, the firm of Ward & Merritt having been dissolved, Mr. Stevens became associated with Mr. Henry A. Ward, and under this partnership they became the leading hatters of the city, the arrangement enduring for eleven years. In 1895 Mr. Stevens entered the field of mercantile activity in which he has since been continuously active, the coal business, forming a partnership with Frank M. Breed, under the firm name of Breed & Stevens. Four years later, Mr. Breed withdrawing, the firm became Stevens & Newhall, and so continued for a period of eleven years. Then in 1910 a consolida- tion of interests was entered upon, and the cor- poration since has been known as the Sprague, Breed, Stevens & Newhall. Mr. Stevens, as vice -. president of the concern, has been active in its progress, and still holds that office.
Mr. Stevens is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his clubs are the Ro- tary, the Oxford and the Park. On June 19, 1883, Mr. Stevens married Gertrude Wright Abbott, daughter of Frederick and Martha (Hay) Abbott, of North. Reading, Massachusetts, and they have one daughter, Lillian Wright, born October 29, 1889.
JOHN ALVIN BALCOM, M. D., Ph. D .- For many years a successful physician of Lynn, Massa- chusetts, and now holding a leading position in the medical profession in Essex county, Dr. Balcom is highly esteemed in this city as a citizen and a pro- fessional man.
Dr. Balcom was born in Marlboro, Massachusetts, October 26, 1869, and is a son of John H. and Ad- die (Champion) Balcom. Attending high school at Ashland, Massachusetts, he entered Boston Univer- sity, and was graduated in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, then, in preparation for his chosen profession, he entered the Medical School of the same university, and was graduated in 1895, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Beginning practice in Haverhill, Massachusetts, he remained there one year, then came to Lynn, establishing bis practice here on February 15, 1897. Now, for near- ly twenty-five years, Dr. Balcom has successfully carried on the general practice of medicine, winning a prominent position in the profession.
Dr. Balcom is a member of the American Insti- tute of Homoeopathy, the Massachusetts Homco- pathic Society, the Massachusetts Surgical and Gynecological Society, the Boston Homoeopathic Medical Society, and the Lynn Medical Society. He is ex-president of the Lynn Hospital Board, and was active in the Volunteer Medical Corps during the World War. Fraternally, Dr. Balcom is affiliated with North Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, of Ashland, Massachusetts, and he is a mem- ber of the Homestead Golf Club. He is prominent in the work of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, and is a member of the First Methodist Epis- copal Church of Lynn.
Dr. Balcom is married, and has one daughter, Harriet (Balcom) Nichols, who was born Septem- ber 19, 1895.
RUSSELL BOWDEN is a son of Thomas Jeffer- son Bowden, long prominent in the vicinity of Marblehead, who conducted a wood-working shop here for a great many years. He died in 1911, leav- ing the business to his son.
Russell Bowden was born in Marblehead, on Feb- ruary 12, 1858, and here received his education in the public schools. At the age of sixteen years he became associated with his father in the wood- working shop, learning the trade. It was in 1874 that Mr. Bowden entered this business, and he worked with his father continuously until the death of the latter, in 1911, and since that time has been the head of the business.
But Mr. Bowden's conduct of this business has not been confined to the merely mechanical effort connected with the production of the work in hand. His inventive genius has found expression, and the world is better for the results. Among the im- portant inventions which he has placed upon the market are a machine for cutting spring heels, which has been adopted by all the leading shoe manu- facturers of the day; a machine for cutting glue in glue factories; a machine for cutting potato chips, and also an adjustable bench for dinking blocks. Aside from these varied activities, Mr. Bowdon has also acquired a reputation for excellence in the manufacture of violins.
Outside his business Mr. Bowden has few inter- ests, but is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Marblehead, and of the Mugford Association. He has for a number of years been a member of the Old North Church, of Marble- head.
In 1880 Mr. Bowden married Mary E. Shaw, of Marblehead, and they are the parents of: 1. Thomas R., who was born in Marblehead, in 1891. He re- ceived a practical education in the public schools of this city, then entered the profession of tuning, handling both organs and pianos. He was located first at No. 6, Mount Vernon street, and later re- moved to Salem, reorganizing the business under the firm name of Bowden & LeBlanc. He mar- ried, in June, 1920, Charlotte Edmonds, of Newton, Massachusetts. 2. Alice D., who was born in Marblehead, and was educated also in the public schools, after which she became a teacher of the pianoforte in Marblehead. In 1915 she married Arthur Phippen, of Salem, who is engaged in the leather business in that city.
GEORGE B. HUMPHREY-For half a century active in the industrial world of Marblehead, and since his retirement from this line of work broadly interested in shipping, George B. Humphrey, a life- time resident of this town, is still contributing to the prosperity of the community.
Mr. Humphrey was born in Marblehead, on August 23, 1833, and received a limited, although practical education in the public schools of the day.
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When he had completed his studies he entered the employ of one of the early shoe manufacturers of Marblehead, where he remained for about fifty years. During all this time Mr. Humphrey felt the keenest interest in the shipping which has always been so large a part of the activities of the place. Having left the shoe shop, he entered this field of endeavor as agent, also as owner of a large num- ber of the sailing vessels which go out from this port. He has been more than successful in this ven- ture, and is now a power in the maritime world of Marblehead.
Mr. Humphrey is a member of the Auditing Committee of Marblehead, and he was a member of the Columbian Society of Marblehead.
REUBEN HENRY MITCHELL-One of the leading names in the shoe industry in Lynn, Massa- chusetts, is that of Reuben Henry Mitchell, who, as head of the Mitchell-Caunt Company, stands high in the manufacturing world of Essex county.
Mr. Mitchell was born on March 13, 1879, in the city of New Britain, Connecticut, and 15 a son of Reuben H. and Jane (Cowlam) Mitchell. Gaining the foundation of his education in the public schools of his native city, the young man also covered the High School course there. Planning a business career, the young man entered Huntsinger's Busi- ness College, in Hartford, Connecticut, and was graduated in due course. His first employment was with the P. & F. Corbin Company, large manufac- turers of hardware in New Britain, and he con- tinued in their office as clerk, for one year. There- after he was in the office of the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad, as clerk, for a period of six months. His next position was with North & Judd, another big hardware firm in New Britain, where he remained for one year as clerk.
In 1899 Mr. Mitchell came to Lynn, Massachu- setts, and entered the employ of the Joseph Caunt Company, prominent shoe manufacturers of this city. He set about to make himself familiar with every department of the shoe industry, learning both the production and the commercial end of the busi- ness. Eventually he took over a large interest in the company, and the business was reorganized un- der the name of the Mitchell-Caunt Company, shoe manufacturers, which association still continues. The company is one of the most important in the city of Lynn, and does an immense business.
Mr. Mitchell has many interests outside his busi- ness, of various kinds. He is a director of the Es- sex Trust Company, and is vice-president of the Lynn Shoe Manufacturers' Association, and is an influential member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of Mount Carmel Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Swampscott Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine, and of Olivet Commandery, Knights Templar, of Lynn. He is a popular figure among the clubs of this sec- tion, and is a member of the Oxford Club, the Tedesco Club, the Swampscott Masonic Club, and the Boot and Shoe Club of Boston. His religious
convictions place his membership with the Epis- copal church.
On January 2, 1902, Mr. Mitchell married Ethel, daughter of George and Nellie (Rose) Knower, of Lynn. They have two children: Marjorie E., born July 15, 1906, and Elizabeth, born December 6, 1909.
WILLIAM PATRICK CONNERY, one of the most public-spirited citizens of the city of Lynn, Massachusetts, was born there October 15, 1855, son of Patrick and Bridget (Clancy) Connery. Patrick Connery was a native of Tipperary, Ireland, and his wife came from Limerick. William P. Connery was educated in the schools of Lynn, and among his teachers was Miss Hannah Pickering, for whom the Pickering School is named. At the age of fif- teen years, Mr. Connery went to work, first in the shoe shop of Samuel Bubier. Strange enough, theatrical life brought an appeal to him at about this time, and leaving his home ties, he followed this profession for three years, returning at the end of this time to Lynn, fully satisfied with his ex- periences in stage life. Mr. Connery was destined for higher and greater responsibilities as he was soon to learn. Again he entered the shoe business, working for the P. P. Sherry Company for almost two years. This brings us to the year 1879, when Mr. Connery started in the coal business on a most modest scale, with only one team and delivering the coal himself. Through his upright business methods Mr. Connery won a place for himself and soon was known throughout Lynn for his reliabil- ity. His business increased and gradually it became necessary to add more teams until there were nine in all. In 1915 he disposed of the business to Sprague, Breed & Newhall, and at the same time retired from active business, although he has never for a moment relaxed his deep interest in the pub- lic affairs of Lynn.
One of the most ardent Democrats, Mr. Connery has supported that party ever since he cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. Mr. Con- nery has been called upon several times to hold public office and in the performance of the duties incumbent on these offices he has always fulfilled the predictions of his constituents. He has high ideals of good citizenship and his efforts for the public welfare have always been sane and prac- tical ones.
Mr. Connery was a delegate to the St. Louis Con- vention which nominated Judge Alton B. Parker for the Presidency; he went to the convention in favor of William Jennings Bryan. For four years Mr. Connery was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. In 1901 he was elected alder- man, and in 1910 was placed in the highest offices within the power of the voters of Lynn-mayor of the city, which office he held for two years. He was the first mayor of Lynn to be elected under the commission form of government.
Relative to Mr. Connery's activities in temperance matters, the following is quoted from the Lynn "Evening News" of April 21, 1915:
Reuben H. Mitchie
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BIOGRAPHICAL
As an advocate of temperance, he is known all over the country. He has been for thirty-eight years a total abstainer. He joined the Father Matthew Temperance Society the first time in 1873, after that he joined again in 1877, and has been a member ever since. He was one of the founders of St. Joseph's C. T. A. and has been active in all temperance movements and for the benefits of all individuals whenever he thought he could be of assistance to them. He was one of the pioneers to advocate no licenses in the Commonwealth.
Other affiliations of Mr. Connery are: Charter member of the Knights of Columbus of Lynn; and member of the Irish-American Historical Society since 1884.
In 1882 Mr. Connery married Mary Theresa Haven, of Tipperary, Ireland, daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Murphy) Haven. The children of this marriage were: Mary Aquinis; William P., Jr., who enlisted in 1917 with the 101st Infantry as private and at the time of his discharge in April, 1919, was regimental color sergeant; Anna L .; Josephine C .; Lawrence J., who served on the border in 1916 with the 9th Massachusetts Regiment and held the rank of corporal; in the World War he was sergeant with the 101st Infantry, and saw service in France; in 1919 he was discharged with the commission of second lieutenant; and Margaret L. Mr. Connery and his family are regular attendants of St. Joseph's Church of Lynn and are active in its sup- port. In summing up the career of Mr. Connery it might be said that his success has been due to his habit of thoroughness which he cultivated from his youth.
DWIGHT HERBERT GRAHAM, SR., one of the well known manufacturers of Lynn, Massachusetts, has for many years been identified with the pro- gress of this city. Mr. Graham was born in Brook- field, Connecticut, December 10, 1851, and received a thoroughly practical education in the public schools of his native town.
Coming to Lynn as a young man, he engaged in the manufacture of hats, beginning in a small way, but developing a large and prosperous business in- terest. Of late years he has gone into the retail end of the hat business, and his attractive store, at No. 109 Monroe street, is a favorite shop among par- ticular people. Mr. Graham has attained wide promi- nence in his long business activity here, and holds the distinction of having been a member of the Lynn Chamber of Commerce from its organization. He is also a member and director of the Retail Mer- chants' Board.
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