USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Municipal history of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume III > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
THE L. B. SOUTHWICK COMPANY-The L. B. Southwick Company, one of the old established tanning industries of Essex county, is now one of the largest independent concerns in this branch of endeavor in the United States, producing many var- ieties of stock under the general trade insignia of "Golden Fleece" sheep leathers.
More than forty years ago this business was founded by J. B. Thomas and L. B. Southwick. Mr. Thomas, in the course of his business career, had been identified with various enterprises, among which were numbered the wholesaling of meats, the slaughtering of sheep, and wool pulling. It was in an effort to find a more profitable outlet for his principal by-product, sheep pelts with the wool re- moved, that he became interested in the tanning industry. Mr. Southwick had previously been in- terested in a tannery on Lowell street, in this city, in association with his brothers. In fact the South- wicks might well have been termed a family of tan- ners, and Mr. Southwick was especially fitted for executive responsibility in this industry. Mr. H. A. Southwick, his brother, was one of the original founders of the tannery which today comprises the A. C. Lawrence Leather Company of Peabody.
Entering upon their new project under the name of L. B. Southwick Company, the founders of this business took over the old Jarvis wool shop on
52
ESSEX COUNTY
Foster street, and this property formed the nucleus for the extensive holdings of the present organiza- ion. In the early days the tannery was considered of minor importance by Mr. Thomas, in comparison with his other interests, and valuable only as a means of conservation. Owing to his death in 1898, he never realized the possibilities of this industry, but Mr. Southwick survived him for twelve years, and saw the business take a leading place among the large leather producers of a new generation.
In the early history of the concern antiquated methods obtained, and the daily output of the plant did not reach beyond fifty dozens skins, these re- stricted to practically one tannage, and a limited number of finishes. In the years following the death of Mr. Thomas, a few of his former associates became interested in the tannery, and gaining a full insight into the possibilities of the industry, brought to bear the force of their executive ability, won from long experience in business matters of large import, in the support of Mr. Southwick in his plans for expansion and development. The leader of this group, Elliott L. MacDonald, gave to the concern, in its years of struggling advancement, an untiring energy, a keen perception, and a construc- tive power which gave the enterprise a rare impetus. He is still displaying these same qualities in his position as president and general manager of the concern, the duties of the office of general manager having been taken up by him upon its incorporation in 1906, and that of president upon the death of Mr. L. B. Southwick, who was elected president at the time of incorporation. At that time Elmer B. Thomas was made treasurer, and Prentice H. Thomas, secretary, both relatives of Mr. J. B. Thomas, the founder, and each a trained executive in his special line of work. Clarence W. Barnes was made clerk. In 1908 Maurice C. Hallett was made vice-president, and this group of men have carried the business forward to its present stand- ing. The death of Mr. Southwick, who passed away suddenly in 1910, removed the only surviving mem- ber of the original firm, but the efforts of another brother, Mr. A. E. Southwick, long prominent in the sales force, have counted far for progress. He is still active in his branch.
The executives of the concern confer upon the heads of the various production departments, gener- ous measure of praise for their efficiency and loyal- ty. These veterans of the practical activities, John O'Brien, Marshall Haines, Michael Murphy, Lars Larsen, Dennis O'Connor, and Thomas Tolan, are all deans of the tannery, and among their faithful assistants and lieutenants also, are many valuable men.
On the approximately ten acres of contiguous land which comprise the present site of the plant, not a vestige of the original buildings or equipment re- mains. The property is situated about a quarter of a mile from the center of Peabody. The main factories contain about 100,000 square feet of floor space in brick construction, and about 150,000 in wood. They have their own power-house, store-
houses and spur track, also separate office building. Their holdings include further, several dwelling houses and miscellaneous buildings.
From the original output of about fifty dozen per day, for limited requirements, the plant has expanded to a production of one thousand dozen skins per day, in a great variety of finishes and colors, suitable for every requirement of the trade. The product consists of a large and varied line of sheep leather, not alone destined to reach the shoe trade, but absorbed by the novelty and specialty trades as well. The capacity of the plant is such that it can readily be adapted to turn production into the avenues of greatest demand. In normal times about five hundred men are employed, exclus- ive of the office force, and the position of this in- dustry in the economic fabric of Essex county is one of deep and broad significance.
GEORGE HERBERT BREED-For many years identified with the industrial world of Lynn in an executive capacity, George Herbert Breed now holds a prominent position in business circles here, and is also connected with some of the leading financial institutions of the city.
Mr. Breed comes of one of the oldest and most prominent families of Essex county, leaders in pub- lic affairs in the early history of the Colonies, and active in the early industrial and civic progress of the city of Lynn. He was born in Lynn, April 2, 1859, and is a son of William N. and Caroline A. (Horton) Breed. Receiving his early education in the public schools of his native city, he afterwards attended Moses Brown's School, of Providence, Rhode Island, then took a practical course at French's Business College, in Boston. His first em- ployment was in the capacity of clerk with the Wil- liam N. Breed Company, of Lynn, with whom he has since continued uninterruptedly in the various changes of the firm up to the time of the present corporation of Sprague, Breed, Stevens & Newhall, Incorporated. He has worked his way from the or- iginal subordinate position, through various higher positions, until he now has long held the office of vice-president of the concern and is active in its management. He is also a director of the Security Trust Company, and serves on the board of the Lynn Institute of Savings.
Fraternally Mr. Breed holds the thirty-second de- gree in the Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a member of the Oxford Club, which he has served as president, and is a member of the Tedesco Golf Club. He is vice-president of, and on the board of the Home for Aged Men and also of the Lynn Hospital, and is a member of the First Universalist Church.
On December 3, 1895, Mr. Breed married Edith H. Gove, of Nahant, Massachusetts, daughter of George and Isabella (Johnson) Gove, and they are the parents of three children: Helen M., wife of Malcolm Thomson, of Swampscott, has one child, George Breed Thomson; Edith S., wife of Harold
!
1
: :
1 : :
T
1 1 1 1 1
------- 1 1
1
Oliver &. Bufly
58
BIOGRAPHICAL
Warren, of Swampscott, has one child, Mary John- son Warren; and William Johnson Breed, now at Moses Brown's School.
SAMURL A. GENTLEE & SON-In mortuary interests in Beverly, Massachusetts, the undertaking firm of Samuel A. Gentlee & Son are leaders. As the head of this firm, Samuel Augustus Gentlee has long been prominent. Mr. Gentlee is a son of Sam- uel and Lucy Ann (Nichols) Gentlee. Samuel Gent- lee was born in Beverly in 1824, and was a shoe- maker by trade. He died many years ago. The mother died when Mr. Gentlee was a child of five. Samuel Augustus Gentlee was born in Beverly, Oct- ober 25, 1847. He received a practical education in the public schools of the day, then learned his father's trade, as shoe-maker, which he followed for many years. During this time he added to his in- come, by acting as janitor of the Baptist church of Beverly, filling this position for a period of fifteen years. At an age when most men feel that their destiny has been settled, whether by their own choice or otherwise, Mr. Gentlee determined upon a forward step in the business world. He entered the Massachusetts College of Embalming, and train- ed for the work which he is now doing, under Pro- fessor Clark, then a noted authority in this work. Mr. Gentlee was graduated in 1894, and started in business at once, in Beverly. He started, of course, with horse equipment, but with the passing of the years he has kept pace with the times, and now has a complete motor equipment, including two Hudson limousines. His headquarters are handsome and richly appointed, and fitted up with every facility for the work, and include a funeral parlor and every customary department. Mr. Gentlee is still actively engaged in the business, but for a number of years past, his son, Curtis Haskell Gentlee, has been his able assistant, and carries a large share of the bur- den. Mr. Gentlee was scarcely more than a child at the outbreak of the Civil War, but shortly before its close managed to enlist in the Second Massa- chusetts Unattached Infantry, which later became the Eighth Division. He served for a few months, but much to his disappointment, never saw active service in battle. He has for very many years been a member of Post No. 89, Grand Army of the Republic. For twenty years Mr. Gentlee has filled the office of marshal of Liberty Lodge Masons.
In the year 1868, Mr. Gentlee married Adelaide Haskell, daughter of Josiah A. and Martha Jane (Larcom) Haskell, of Beverly Farms, Massachu- setts. Mrs. Gentlee's father was town assessor for a great many years. Mr. and Mrs. Gentlee are the parents of one son and one daughter, of whom the daughter is the elder, Stella Frances, who was born March 18, 1871, and is now the wife of William H. Carr, the founder and present owner of the City Shoe Manufacturing Company, of Beverly.
Curtis Haskell Gentlee, the only son, was born May 18, 1885, and is now associated with his father in business. He married, September 22, 1908, Helen Frances Powers, daughter of Benjamin and Mary
Powers, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and they have one daughter, Madeleine, who was born September 15, 1911.
Mr. Gentlee and his son are rarely congenial in their outside interests as well as in their business association. Both support the Republican party an political matters; both hold the Thirty-second De- gree in the Masonic order, and are members of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Samuel A. Gentlee is a member of Commandery, Knights Templar, and both are members of the Or- der of the Eastern Star, Curtis H. Gentlee being past patron of Diana Chapter, No. 101. Both are members of the Masonic Club. Both the elder and the younger Mrs. Gentlee are past patrons of the Eastern Star. The father is a member of Bass River Lodge, No. 141, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Beverly, and the son is a member of Corn Silk Lodge, No. 188, and also of Summit En- campment, No. 41, of the same order. The family have always been members of the Baptist church of Beverly.
DR. OLIVER EDWARD BIXBY-Dr. Bixby, who is taking a prominent position among the lead- ing specialists of Essex county, comes of one of the old Massachusetts families which date back to 1620, mention being made of this family in the early records of Ipswich. The immigrant ancestor, Jos- eph Bixby, came from Wallingfield, Suffolk, Eng- land. In direct line Amos Cyren Bixby, the doctor's grandfather, was born in Fayston, Vermont, April 22, 1885, and served with honor in a regiment of the Vermont Volunteer Infantry.
Charles Freeman Bixby, son of Amos Cyren Bix- by, was born in Vermont in 1856, and resided in that State and New Hampshire for many years, later coming to Massachusetts and locating in Hav- erhill, where he is now prominently identified with the shoe industry as a manufacturer. He married Nellie Cora Gage, who was born in Vermont in 1861, and is also still living. They are the parents of two sons, Oliver Edward, whose name heads this review, and Forrest Dwight, who is connected with the shoe business in association with his father.
Dr. Oliver Edward Bixby was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, April 18, 1886, and received his early education in the public and high schools of his native town, being a graduate of the latter in the class of 1904. Entering the University of Ver- mont, College of Medicine, at Burlington, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1908. Acting as interne at the Massachusetts State Hos- pital for one year, he began the practice of med- icine in Saugus, in this county, remaining there for four years. During this period he covered a post- graduate course at Harvard University Medical School, in children's diseases. He was connected with the Children's Department of the Massachu- setts General Hospital, during the year following, then in 1913 came to Lynn, and has since practiced here as a specialist in pediatrics. He is now on the staff of the Lynn Hospital (children's department)
-
1
1
-
54
ESSEX COUNTY
is pediatrician at the Union Hospital of Lynn, is as- sistant physician to out-patients of the Children's Medical Department of the Massachusetts General Hospital, and also is assistant superintendent of Union Hospital of Lynn. His private practice is restricted entirely to his specialty, and he has a fine suite of offices in Lynn, on Broad street, and an- other office in Salem, this county, at No. 333 Essex street.
In the profession Dr. Bixby stands high, and holds membership in the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts State Medical Society, the Essex county Medical Society, the New England Pediatric Society, and the Lynn Medical fraternity. During the historic epidemic of influenza the city of Lynn opened two emergency hospitals, and Dr. Bixby was placed in full charge of one of these hospitals. Fraternally Dr. Bixby is a member of William Sut- ton Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Saugus, and of Cliftondale Lodge No. 193, Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Mas- onic Club of Swampscott, and of the Young Men's Christian Association, of Lynn. Politically he sup- ports the Republican party, although he takes only the interest of the citizen in public affairs, and he attends the First Methodist Episcopal Church of East Saugus. On June 30, 1916, Dr. Bixby married Adeline Jane Kellough, daughter of William and Charlotte Kellough. Dr. and Mrs. Bixby are the parents of two children: Ardell Charlotte, born July 6, 1917; and Alvera Helen, born December 1, 1918.
JOB F. HURLBURT-One of the familiar names in construction work in and about Beverly, Massa- chusetts, is that of Job F. Hurlburt. Mr. Hurlburt is a son of Albert T. and Maria J. (Crosby) Hurl- burt, both natives of Nova Scotia. Albert T. Hurl- burt was connected with the shipping interests of Yarmouth during his lifetime. After his death, in 1892, his wife came to Beverly, where she has since resided with her sister, Mrs. Richard Patch.
Job F. Hurlburt was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, October 21, 1874. After completing the com- mon school course in the public schools of his native country, Mr. Hurlburt came to Beverly, en- tering the employ of George Swan, then a promin- ent carpenter in this section. Remaining in this connection for about three years, he then went to Nahant, and was there associated with J. T. Wilson for about fifteen years. At the end of that time he returned to Beverly, and established himself in the contracting business. From the first he has been very successful, and a large part of his work has been the erection of summer residences in this vicinity, of which he has built many. Interested in every branch of public progress, Mr. Hurlburt has scant leisure to devote to any matters outside his business, but is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows.
On June 29, 1909, Mr. Hurlburt married Edna Eaton, of Auburn, Maine. Mrs. Hurlburt is a
daughter of John F. and Lucy (Haskell) Eaton, both born in Auburn. Mr. Eaton was engaged in the grocery business in that city for many years. -
THOMAS D. SNOW-Identified for the greater part of his life with the construction world of Mar- blehead, Massachusetts, Thomas D. Snow is still ac- tive in the management of his interests as a lead- ing contractor and builder.
Mr. Snow was born in Marblehead, October 12, 1867, and is a son of Gamaliel and Hannah (Clout- man) Snow, both his parents also having been born in Marblehead. Securing his education in the pub- lic schools of his native town, Mr. Snow was first employed by J. S. Doane, al prominent carpenter of the day, and with him learned the carpenter's trade. He became expert in this work, and for a time acted in the capacity of foreman for Mr. Doane. Later he left his employer to enter a sim- ilar field for himself, and has since been success- fully engaged in general contracting in Marblehead.
In all public progress Mr. Snow takes a deep in- terest, and was at one time a member of Company C, 8th Regiment, M. V. M.
Mr. Snow married Amy Graves, daughter of John M. and Mary (Smith) Graves, of Marblehead. Her mother was a native of Beverly, Massachusetts.
EVERETT K. MURPHY-In the eminently prac- tical field of hardware, Mr. Murphy, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, is making an individual success, and also filling the needs of a large group of citizens. A record of the present activities of this city would be incomplete without his name.
Mr. Murphy is a son of Melzar and Jessie (Mc- Coullough) Murphy, both of whom were born in Nova Scotia. Melzar Murphy came to Marblehead in his youth, and spent the greater part of his life here. He followed the trade of carpenter. in the employ of the J. A. Steel Company, of Marblehead, for a great many years.
Everett K. Murphy was born in Marblehead on December 30, 1889, and received his education in the public schools of this place. When he had com- pleted the regular course, he entered the business world in the employ of W. A. Brown, the hardware merchant, at No. 14 School street, Marblehead. He was then sixteen years of age, and he has since continued in this business uninterruptedly, remain- ing in Mr. Brown's employ for nearly nine years, then striking out for himself. In September, 1919, Mr. Murphy bought out Mr. Brown, and has since conducted the business himself, under the name of E. K. Murphy, dealer in hardware. He has thua far been most successful, and the business is grow- ing and developing, and promises large future possi- bilities.
On June 5, 1917, Mr. Murphy joined the United States navy as quartermaster. He was called for service on March 5, 1918, and was detailed to Nor- folk, Virginia, remaining there until his discharge, on February 3, 1919. He is now a member of the American Legion. Mr. Murphy is popular in frat-
Floyd & Goodwin
55
BIOGRAPHICAL
ernal circles, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Mugford Associ- ation, of Marblehead.
FLOYD LYMAN GOODWIN-Four generations of last making in one of the great shoe centers of the world is the record of the Goodwin family of Lynn, Massachusetts, and one of the active man- agers of the business at the present day, is Floyd Lyman Goodwin.
This business was founded in a little factory on what is now Olive street, in East Lynn, in the year 1820, by Richard Richards, the pioneer of America in the last industry. From his small beginning the business grew and prospered, and the founder was succeeded by his son-in-law, Albert T. Goodwin, the great-grandfather of Floyd T. Goodwin, the present manager. In 1848 Albert T. Goodwin dropped the name of Richards from the firm name, and there- after carried on the business under his own name. Lyman T. and Daniel W. Goodwin, sons of Albert T. Goodwin, entered the factory early in life, learn- ed the business, and were eventually received into partnership. After the great Lynn fire the plant was reestablished on Spring street, in Lynn, and in 1867, the father having turned the business over into their hands, the brothers formed a company under the name of Goodwin Brothers. The business developed so rapidly that it became necessary to seek new quarters, and a commodious factory was built on Oxford street, which became the permanent home of the industry. In 1900 Lyman T. Goodwin and his son, George L. Goodwin, took over the busi- ness. In 1911 the business was incorporated, the parties being Lyman T. Goodwin, George L. Good- win, Frank W. Goodwin, Martha H. Goodwin, and Floyd L. Goodwin. The business was then carried on under the name of Goodwin Brothers Company, Incorporated. In 1915 George L. Goodwin died, af- ter many years of constructive activity in this busi- ness, and left his share of the business to his son. In 1916 the corporative form was discontinued, and the partnership form was resumed, the personnel of the firm remained the same until April, 1920, when the Great Reaper gathered to his fathers, Lyman T. Goodwin, the revered head of the firm, and pioneer of the last business, then eighty-four years of age. His son, Frank W. Goodwin, retired from the firm on January 1, 1921, at which time Floyd L. Good- win acquired his interest. The present partnership consists of Floyd L. Goodwin, and Martha, widow of George L. Goodwin, the name remaining un- changed.
During all the long and eventful history of this business, the standards of the house have remained the same-the highest. Progress, development, and the crystallizing of experience into further progress, greater development, these are the forces which have given the firm of Goodwin Brothers the posi- tion in the shoe industry which they hold today.
As the head and active manager of this important interest, Floyd Lyman Goodwin is a leading figure in the shoe industry in Essex county. Mr. Good-
win was born in Lynn, on August 26, 1892, and re- ceived his early education in the public schools of the city. He thereafter entered Bryant & Strat- ton's business college, in Boston, from which he was graduated in 1913. For the next few years he handled general office work in the last factory, and since 1917 has been an active executive, and closely identified with the growth and constant forward movement of the business.
Mr. Goodwin is a member of the Lynn Chamber of Commerce, and of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. He is widely known socially, and is a member of the Tedesco Country Club, and of the Oxford Club, of Lynn, and Masonic order. He is a member of the Unitarian church. On November 8, 1914, Mr. Goodwin married Florence Amick, of Lynn.
HORACE POIRIER, M. D .- The long roll of Salem's professional men would be incomplete, without the name of Dr. Horace Poirier, whose office is at No. 197 Lafayette street. Dr. Poirier was born in St. Cyrille, Canada, January 4, 1878; and is a son of Leopold and Louise (Niquette) Poirier. Leopold Poirier is a man of excellent edu- cation, having chosen the profession of medicine, and having prepared for it, but without under- going the strictly technical course. He has the de- gree of Bachelor of Arts. Other inducements led him to abandon his plans for a professional career, and he has been for many years successfully en- gaged in large lumber mill interests, from which he is now about to retire, so far as active participa- tion in the business is concerned. He is now jus- tice of the peace, at Drummonville, Canada.
Dr. Poirier received his intermediate education in the grammar schools of his native city, then en- tered Nicolet College, of Quebec, Canada, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bach- elor of Arts. Later he took a medical course at Laval University, of the city of Quebec. He was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, June 10, 1902. He served as interne at the Emer- gency Hospital at Salem, Massachusetts, for one year, then passed the examination of the Massa- chusetts State medical board, in May, 1903. He opened his own office in July of that year, for the general practice of medicine. He rapidly built up a substantial practice, and a few years later built the handsome residence, which he now occupies, with office rooms in the same building.
Dr. Poirier, besides enjoying the confidence of a large proportion of the people of this vicinity, is recognized by his colleagues as a leading member of the medical profession. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society; is examining physi- cian for several fraternal orders: the Artizans, the Canadian Francais Union, St. Jean de Baptiste, For- esters of America, and Forestiers Franco-Ameri- cains. He is also examining physician for the John Hancock and Metropolitan Insurance companies. In political preference Dr. Poirier is a Republican, and is a staunch supporter of the policies of that party.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.