USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Municipal history of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 25
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Mr. Chase is now at work on a record which will be of permanent valne to the people of Lynn, not only as a community, but as individuals, and that is a history of the Volunteer and Paid Fire departments of the city of Lynn. His long service in the department, familiariz- ing him with the legends of the early days, and giving him a clear insight into the life-story of the individuals who make up this splendid force, has prepared him to place this history before the public in its true relation to the people, and with its full significance apparent.
Mr. Chase is a member of the International Associa- tion of Fire Engineers. In public life, so far as political affiliations are concerned, Mr. Chase is independent of party obligations, and will give unreserved support to no aggregation of public sentiment. He thinks for himself, as his father did, in the days when to think for
himself required courage in any man. He is a member of the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs' Club.
In fraternal circles Mr. Chase is popular and widely known. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both the lodge and the encampment; the Improved Order of Red Men; the Knights of Pythias, and the Rebekahs. He attends the Maple Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of Lynn.
On May 5, 1887, Mr. Chase married Myra P. Crowell, born in Salem, Massachusetts, daughter of James P. and Rosetta (Avery) Crowell. Mr. Crowell was a tailor, and lived to the age of ninety-four. Mr. and Mrs. Chase have had three children, but only one is living. Alma, the wife of Harold E. Hunt, assistant manager of J. B. Blood's Market, in Lynn, and they have two children, Lendall and Calvert.
JOHN J. KENNEDY-In Salem, Massachusetts, John J. Kennedy first saw the light, there was educated, and there le is now well established in the insurance husiness. He is a son of John Kennedy, who was an employee of the United States Custom House at Salem until his death in 1909. John Kennedy married Mar- garet Howe, of Salem, who also passed away in 1909.
John J. Kennedy was born in Salem, Massachusetts, October 26, 1892, and there was educated in St. Mary's Parochial School. After completing his studies he secured a position as salesman with the P. J. Kennedy Company of Boston, Massachusetts, and for nine years he remained with that company. He then resigned and entered the life insurance business as agent for the John Hancock Company. He remained with that com- pany two years, then established a general insurance office under his own name. He has been very success- ful and has built up a strong and profitable agency.
During the World War, 1917-18, Mr. Kennedy enlisted in the 12th Depot Brigade, stationed at Camp Devens, but soon contracted a disability and was honorably dis- charged. He is a member of the Salem Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. He is a member of the Church of the Immacu- late Conception, and a man highly esteemed. Mr. Ken- nedy represents in his agency these companies: Law Union and Rock; British-American; Virginia Fire and Marine; Great Lakes Insurance Company; Massachu- setts Bonding and Insurance Company; Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation; New Amsterdam; Conti- nental Casualty; and Union Central Life Insurance Company.
CHESTER C. BURNHAM, long active in the busi- ness and social life of Essex, Massachusetts, was born there, March 15, 1861, and is a son of George Franks and Martha M. (Stanwood) Burnham. His father, a lifelong resident of Essex, was a shipbuilder in his younger days, and later conducted a general store until his death, November 20, 1893. His mother, who was born in Ipswich, died January 10, 1915, at the age of seventy-one years.
Receiving a practical education in the schools of Essex, Mr. Burnham entered the employ of S. B. Fuller
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Edward & Share.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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& Son, shoe manufacturers of Essex, remaining with them for about three years. He then went to Lynn, where he was employed in the factory of B. F. Spinney & Son, remaining there for about one year. Thereafter returning to Essex, he followed the shore for a short time, then later became associated with his father in the general store. This was the first store of its kind in Essex, and since the death of the founder, his son has carried on the business under his own name, with gratifying success.
In fraternal circles Mr. Burnham has always been prominent. He was one of the founders of Starr King Lodge, Knights of Pythias, named after Thomas Starr King, and organized May 13, 1890; also a member of the uniformed rank, Knights of Pythias. He has long been a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Essex, and was a founder of the Essex Post of the American Legion. He is a member of the Uni- versalist church of Essex.
Mr. Burnham married, in 1880, Laura M. Andrews, of Essex, and they have two daughters: Neva C., and Nettie H. Their two grandsons are Chester O. Riggs, and Ray Burnham Butler.
ELIZABETH ANN LETHBRIDGE-In the dry goods business in Manchester, Massachusetts, Elizabeth Ann Lethbridge holds a position of prominence. She was born in Catalina, Newfoundland, and is a daughter of Ezekiel and Abigail (Pardy) Lethbridge, of that place. Ezekiel Lethbridge was a native of Newfound- land, and for the greater part of his life followed the sea as captain of a sailing vessel. The mother was born in Bonavista, Newfoundland.
Coming to Manchester, Massachusetts, when a young girl, Miss Lethbridge gained her education in the public and high schools of the town. When graduated from high school she won the Appleton gold medal, awarded by the town of Manchester for the best student of the year 1901. Shortly after her graduation Miss Leth- bridge entered the employ of George Foster Allen, a leading dry goods merchant of Manchester at that time, remaining there for eight years. When Mr. Allen sold the business to Harry G. Nichols she remained with the store, but about a year later resigned to accept a responsible position in the dry goods business con- ducted by Harry S. Tappan. Continuing there for one year, she founded her present business on February 22, 1911, and is still going forward in her chosen field of business endeavor. Her first location was on Union street, where she remained for one year, but for the past eleven years the store has been at the present loca- tion on Beach street.
Miss Lethbridge is a member of the Women's Relief Corps of Manchester, and of Pocahontas Lodge. She is a member of the Red Cross, and during the World War was very active as a teacher in Red Cross work. She is a member of the Baptist church of Manchester.
ALFRED T. POOLE, chief of police of Hamilton, Massachusetts, was born in Gloucester, that State, June 10, 1866. Thomas S. Poole, his father, was also of Gloucester, and was in the painting business there. During the Civil War he served from his home town, holding the rank of corporal at his discharge. He was
a member of the Gloucester Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Poole married Harriet B. Figgies, of Gloucester, and she died in 1914; he died in 1917.
Alfred T. Poole was educated in the public schools, and following in his father's line, learned the painter's trade, which occupation he followed from 1884 until 1914; leaving Gloucester in 1889 for Boston, where he remained until 1894, then removing to Hamilton, Mr. Poole engaged in the painting business for himself, discontinuing it in 1914 to become proprietor of a variety store, which occupied his attention for a year. The duties of chief of police demanded his entire atten- tion and Mr. Poole gave up his other interests in order that he might devote his energies to this office.
In 1900 Mr. Poole was elected constable, and each succeeding year was reelected to this office. In 1907 and 1908 he was appointed chief of police and again in 1915, which office he now holds.
Mr. Poole married, in 1888, Minnie F. Duriss, of Cambridge, and she died in 1910. Their children were: Frank H .; Thomas A .; Martha E .; James E .; William F .; Albert N., and Josephine G. James E. Poole, the third son, enlisted at the age of nineteen years, in 1916, in the United States army and served with the troops in Mexico, a member of the IoIst Field Artillery, Bat- tery D, as corporal. In 1917 he was again called for duty from Salem and was commissioned sergeant. He served for eighteen months overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces. He was badly gassed while on duty in France, and was discharged in April, 1920. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church of Hamilton.
GEORGE H. GIBNEY-As one of the most public- spirited citizens of Hamilton, Massachusetts, George H. Gibney has often been called upon to hold positions of trust and responsibility. He is among the leading busi- ness men of that place, being engaged in the real estate and insurance business for the past twenty-one years. Mr. Gibney was born October 24, 1858, in Salem, Massa- chusetts, son of John and Elizabeth A. (Brown) Gib- ney. His father was engaged in the tanning business until his death, which occurred in 1890. His mother was a native of Rye, New Hampshire.
Mr. Gibney was educated in the public schools, and after leaving school, worked in the leather business with his father for five years. He then went to Hamilton, where he followed farming for a short time, returning again to Salem and to the leather business. After two years Mr. Gibney again took up farming on the old Gibney Farm, where he remained until 1890. From 1890 to 1900 he was engaged in business as a teaming contractor. Since 1900 he has been in the real estate business as above mentioned.
Mr. Gibney has given much of his time to public service; he has never been too busy to heed its call. In 1891 he was elected selectman and served for three years; in 1898 he was again elected to this office and has held it since that time. In 1898 Mr. Gibney was made town assessor, which office he still holds, and in 1902 he represented the interests of his party, as repre- sentative to the General Court of Massachusetts. The number of years Mr. Gibney has held office is suffi- cient warrant of the esteem in which he is held, and
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he has also served as chairman of the Republican Com- mittee for several years; overseer of the poor; member of the Board of Health; and a member of the Cemetery Committee.
Mr. Gibney married, in 1889, Annie L. Whipple, of Hamilton, daughter of Alonzo and Abbie (Kenney) Whipple, and they attend the Episcopal church of Hamilton.
ARTHUR C. CUMINGS, prominent business man of South Hamilton, Massachusetts, and holder of sev- eral public offices, was born February 20, 1870, in Tops- field, that State. His father, Alfred Cumings, died in 1903; he was a farmer during his active lifetime. The mother of Mr. Cumings was a native of Maine, and she died in 1804.
Mr. Cumings attended the public schools and after- wards entered the employ of the Boston & Maine rail- road as baggage master, remaining for six years. He then engaged in business for himself, at first on a mod- erate scale, which has grown steadily. Automobiles and taxi service have replaced the livery of the early days and the business is carried on under the firm name of Arthur C. Cumings' Taxi Service.
Mr. Cumings has been active in public service, and for twelve years served as selectman, and for a sim- ilar period held the office of overseer of the poor and member of the Board of Health. For two years he has been a member of the board of assessors of South Ham- ilton. He is a member of Liberty Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Wenham and Hamilton granges; and is also a member of the Masonie Club, and the Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks of Beverly.
Mr. Cumings married, in 1890, Elizabeth B. Merrill, of Wenham, Massachusetts, and their children are : Arthur Merrill; Florence A .; Charles Francis. With his family Mr. Cumings attends the Methodist church of Hamilton.
EDWARD J. READY-There is perhaps no citizen of Hamilton, Massachusetts, better known than Edward J. Ready, the genial ticket agent of that place. Since the time he completed his formal education, Mr. Ready has been identified with the Boston & Maine Railroad Company. He was born in Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1879, the son of Edmund and Mary (Doyle) Ready. His father was of Ipswich, where he was long engaged as a landscape gardener; he died in 1912, and Mrs. Ready died in 1910.
Mr. Ready is very active in the public life of Hamil- ton and has several times been honored with positions of trust and responsibility, sufficient warrant of the esteem in which he is held by the townspeople. He is a member of the Finance Board; the Advisory Board, and the Park Commission; secretary of the Public Safety Committee of Hamilton; and chairman of the State Guard. He is a veteran of the Spanish War, and was first sergeant of Company G, of the Massachusetts State Guard.
Fraternally, Mr. Ready is a member of the Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks; the Men's Club of Hamilton; and the Knights of Pythias. In connection with his business interests he is also a member of the
Veteran Telegraphers' Association, Order of Railroad Telegraphers.
Mr. Ready married, in 1910, Clarissa E. Chandler, of Hamilton, and they are the parents of a daughter, Wil- helmina C. Ready. With his family Mr. Ready attends the Episcopal church of Hamilton and aids in the sup- port of its good works.
FRANK H. STETSON-With a remarkable record of service with one company, Frank H. Stetson now holds a position commensurate with his wide exper- ience and years of faithful service, that of superintend- ent of the U S Bobbin & Shuttle Company, of Law- rence, Massachusetts.
Mr. Stetson was born at Norway, Maine, April 21, 1851, son of Edward Stetson, a carpenter of Kingston, Maine, and Sarah B. Richards, of Goffstown, New Hampshire. His education was obtained in the public schools of Nashua, New Hampshire, and soon after leaving school he started to learn the bobbin business with the Josephus Baldwin Company, of Nashua, where he remained for three years. At the end of this time he served an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade, and then entered the employ of the Eaton & Ayre Bobbin Company, also of Nashua. After two years in the employ of this firm and with further practical experi- ence gained, Mr. Stetson removed to Lowell, Massa- chusetts, and entered the employ of the Coburn Shuttle Company, remaining there for twelve years. During the last two years of this time he was foreman, and following this position Mr. Stetson was employed for two years by the J. S. Jaques & Sons Company, shuttle manufacturers, of Lowell.
The firm that next employed him was the U S Bobbin & Shuttle Company and to the present time he has been identified with this company, progressing from time to time through promotions, and in 1918 was appointed to the position of superintendent.
Mr. Stetson brings to this office a thorough knowl- edge of his work and ability, broadened by his many years of service. He is held in high esteem among his fellow-citizens and business contemporaries, and is well known among the leading citizens of Lawrence.
Mr. Stetson is a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, in Lawrence; Monadnock Lodge and Lawrence Encampment, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and in politics is an Independent.
Mr. Stetson married, in 1877, Alice A. Brownsett, born at Stanstead, Canada, February 2, 1857. Mr. Stetson is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and from 1866 to 1868 served in the Nashua Light Guards. He also served for seventeen years as a member of the Volunteer Fire Department of Lawrence, from 1889 to 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Stetson are the parents of two children : Frederick B., born July 4, 1878, died Janu- ary 20, 1900; Clinton J., born December 17, 1879. The family attend and aid in the support of the Universalist church.
LEONARDO W. CARTER-The hardware busi- ness in Manchester, Massachusetts, of which Leonardo W. Carter is one of the active managers, is a prosperous and growing interest. Mr. Carter was born at sea, off
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the Cape of Good Hope, in August, 1880, and it was 1881 before he arrived in Manchester. He is a son of John W. and Carrie W. (Haskell) Carter. Both Mr. Carter's parents are old residents of Manchester, and his father has been in the hardware business here for the greater part of his life.
Receiving a thoroughly practical education in the public schools of Manchester, Mr. Carter, as a young man, went to work for the Boston & Maine railroad. His first position was that of mail carrier, then he served as baggage master, and later as station master. His connection with the railroad continued for a period of about nine years. Thereafter he filled a position as chauffeur for about eight years.
His father passing away, Mr. Carter entered the hardware business in Manchester, under the firm name of the Carter Hardware Company. The partners of this concern are John H. Carter, Mrs. Ralph Burnham, and Leonardo W. Carter, the latter being largely identified in the management of the business, and it is becoming a very prosperous interest.
In the public life of the town, Mr. Carter is taking a prominent part. He has been tax assessor for the past six years, and is secretary of the Horticultural Society of Manchester. In the fraternal world he is also well known, being a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Carter married, in 1904, Maude Clark, daughter of Herbert W. and Marie (Lintner) Clark, of Man- chester. Mr. Clark has long been prominent in the real estate business in Beverly. Mr. and Mrs. Carter attend the Congregational church of Manchester.
WILLIAM P. DAY-For many years one of the well-known citizens of Beverly Farms, Massachusetts, William P. Day was born in Gloucester, and died at the former place January 6, 1909. His parents were Isaac and Sarah Day, and his education was obtained in the public schools of Beverly Farms and Gloucester. At an early age he became an apprentice to the painter's trade, which occupation he followed throughout his life- time. For many years previous to his death, Mr. Day was engaged in painting for different painting contrac- tors, and was held in high esteem among his fellow- citizens. He always took an active interest in all mat- ters of a public nature, and after taking up his residence in the community of Beverly Farms, was always to be found a leader in matters pertaining to the general welfare.
Mr. Day married Caroline C. Parsons, born at Glou- cester, April 30, 1852, daughter of Winthrop and Lucy (Parsons) Parsons, and she now survives her husband. They were the parents of five children: I. William H., born at Gloucester, January 2, 1881, now following his father's occupation; he married Maude Blanchard, born June 7. 1881, at Salem, New Hampshire, and they are the parents of two sons: George W., born January 22, 1904; and Harold R., born September 3, 1907. 2. Grace B., born August 19, 1883, and is now the wife of George S. Williams, and they reside at Beverly Farms. 3-4. Harry F., and Arthur M. (twins) ; the former married Maude Gouleppe; the latter died at the age of thirty-one years. 5. George A. R. Mr. and Mrs.
Day attended the Methodist church. Mrs. Day now resides at No. 135 Hart street, Beverly Farms, Massa- chusetts.
CHESTER H. KNOWLES, pharmacist and owner of the C. H. Knowles Drug Company, was born July 7, 1880, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the son of Charles WV. and Jennie C. (Morrison) Knowles, both of Bev- erly. Mr. Knowles was a salesman by occupation.
Chester H. Knowles was educated in the schools of Beverly. The drug business interested him from a youth and he entered the store of C. H. & J. Price, of Salem, Massachusetts, to learn the business. After three years he temporarily discontinued his studies to enlist in the Hospital Corps of the United States army, and served all through the Spanish-American War. He was discharged February 14, 1899, and soon after this time Mr. Knowles took up the thread of his studies where he had left them. He entered the drug store of William C. Gregory, remaining two years, and then was with S. M. Moore of Danvers, Massachusetts, and sub- sequently with the John H. Moore Company of Beverly.
Mr. Knowles was associated with the latter com- pany until August, 1914. In the latter year he removed to Hamilton and bought the drug business of the estate of Horace E. Andrews, forming a partnership with John H. Moore of Beverly, Massachusetts, under the firm name of C. H. Knowles Company. This arrange- ment continued until December 1, 1919, when Mr. Knowles purchased Mr. Moore's interest but continued to use the same firm name.
Mr. Knowles is a member of the Masonic order; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Hamilton Grange; and the Spanish War Veterans of Beverly.
Mr. Knowles married. in 1906, Laura A. Forness, of Beverly, daughter of Francis and Isabella (Abbott) Forness. Francis Forness was engaged in the shoe industry, retiring in 1911; his wife died in 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Knowles attend the Congregational church of Beverly.
DONALD MacKENZIE-A name long prominent in the construction world of Beverly Farms, Massa- chusetts, is that of Donald Mackenzie, who spent the greater part of his active life in this community, and was a carpenter by trade. A man of high personal integrity, and of kindly spirit toward all, he will long be remembered by all those who knew him.
Mr. Mackenzie was born in Scotland, and comes of the good old clan of that name which has given the world so many men who are fine and upright, as well as great. Mr. Mackenzie came to this country as a young man, and established himself in Beverly Farms as a carpenter. Although, perhaps, he was not as widely known as many of his name, he gave to the world the same skill of hand and the same courage and faith that bore him through all his perplexities and left his name one to be remembered and cherished. He died Novem- ber 17, 1915, at the age of eighty-six years, and at the time of his death was totally blind, and had been for many years.
Mr. Mackenzie married Mary J. MacBride, who was born in County Down, Ireland, August 15, 1853, and who still survives him. Mrs. Mackenzie has resided in Beverly for forty-nine years, and has lived in the house
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which is now her home for twenty years. For some time she has been the manager of a prosperous little busi- ness, in the form of a hand laundry, which handles work for the most exclusive trade. Mr. and Mrs. Mac- Kenzie's children are: 1. Donald, Jr., who married Maude Eddy; he is a well-known painter in Beverly. 2. Mary Jane, the wife of Ernest Worthylake; they have three children: Mary, Barbara and Marjorie. 3. Johanna, the wife of Bert. A. Mackenzie; they have two children: Mary and Bertram, twins. Mrs. Mackenzie is a member of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church; the children attend the Baptist church, and Mr. Mac- Kenzie attended the Presbyterian.
FREDERICK W. LANE-Identified for many years with the painting business in Manchester, Massachu- setts, Frederick W. Lane bore a part in the progress of this city, from his coming in 1868 to the time of his death in 1917.
Frederick W. Lane was a son of Frederick Lane, who was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and throughout his lifetime was engaged as a seaman and shipbuilder. He married Judith Storey, of Rockport, Massachusetts, and they were the parents of three children: Harriette; Frederick W., of whom further; and Orville.
Frederick W. Lane was born in Gloucester, Massa- chusetts, in 1849, and received a practical education in the public schools of his native place. Becoming a resident of Manchester at the age of nineteen years, he entered the house painting business, and continued in this field of endeavor during the remainder of his life- time, in the employ of his cousin, E. A. Lane. He was a man of fine character, bearing the responsibilities of life with a lofty spirit, and in his death the com- munity, as well as his friends and family, sustained a loss which will long be deeply regretted. Mr. Lane was a devout member of the Universalist church, and a man of kindly Christian spirit.
After coming to Manchester Mr. Lane married Mary M. (Harvie) Burgess, widow of James Burgess, of Nova Scotia, and daughter of Abel and Ruth (Masters) Harvie, of Nova Scotia. Abel Harvie was a prosperous farmer there. Mr. and Mrs. Harvie were the parents of seven children: William H., Alonzo, Ezekiel N., Mar- garet D., George A., Robert P., and Mary M., wife of Frederick W. Lane. Mrs. Lane still survives her hus- band, and resides with her eldest daughter, by her former marriage, Miss Alberta M. Burgess, a graduate nurse, at No. 96 School street, Manchester. The house in which they live was built prior to the Indian wars, and is one of the landmarks of Manchester. Mrs. Lane is a member of the Congregational church, and the Women's Relief Corps.
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