USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Municipal history of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 39
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
JOSEPH DUBÉ-The story of the career of Joseph Dubé is the story of obstacles overcome and fine ambi- tions achieved through sheer dint of that wonderful pluck which one often reads about in the pages of fiction, but rarely encounters in real life. That he has won his way to the front ranks in the community in Salem is due to the innate force of character of the man who takes the difficulties in his way with a certain zest in the effort and with an abiding confidence in his own ability to overcome whatever might befall. That this confidence was not misplaced is shown by the records of things done.
Joseph Dubé was born January II, 1867, at St. Louis, Kamowasha, Province of Quebec, Canada, the son of Alphonse and Eliza (Pardise) Dubé. Here he went to school until he was nine years of age, then business life hegan for the boy and he went to work on a farm in that region, remaining there until 1881, when he came with his father and mother to this country and settled in Salem, Massachusetts, later removing to Fall River, where the father died in 1883. Three years later Joseph Dubé began an apprenticeship to the baker's trade at
Fall River, and subsequently removed to Salem, where he became employed by Mr. Bodry, who was the oldest French baker in Salem at that time. On February 12, 1894, Mr. Dubé established himself in the bakery busi- ness in a small way, and was on the road to success, when the great fire in Salem, in 1914, destroyed his store, and he was obliged to rebuild and start over again. He has enlarged his interests and to-day has one of the largest bakeries in the State, which is the last word in modern improvements. He employs thirty men, and has fifteen automobile delivery cars which carry his goods to all parts of Essex county.
In politics Mr. Dubé is a Republican, but is no office seeker. He affiliates with the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks, the Artisans Catholic Order of Foresters, and holds membership in the Salem Club. In religion he is a Roman Catholic and attends St. Joseph's Church of that denomination.
On June 5, 1893, Mr. Dubé married (first) Dorilda Devost, of Quebec, who died August 25, 1912. To Mr. and Mrs. Dubé were born ten children: Joseph and two others, deceased; Leon, who was sergeant in the Quartermaster's Department of the United States army during the World War, and is now associated with his father in business; Alice; Estelle; Wilfred, who served in the United States army during the World War and is now associated with his father in business; Ernest- ine; Armand; and Alvine. He married (second), Octo- ber 22, 1917, Laura E. Dione.
HUGH TED McGOVERN, owner of one of the largest sign painting businesses in Lawrence, Massa- chusetts, is a native of Lowell, born there January 25, 1881, son of Hugh McGovern, of Harwick, Scotland, now engaged in the textile industry in Lawrence. His mother was Ellen (Langton) McGovern, of Dumfries, Scotland, and her death occurred in 1898. The educa- tion of Mr. McGovern was obtained in the public schools of Lowell, and he subsequently started on his business career in one of the textile industries of that city. He was employed at this occupation for twelve years, remov- ing at the end of this period to Lawrence, and there he engaged in the business of sign painting. Mr. McGov- ern is now the owner of his own business, employing five men, and under the name of The Mack Service, con- tracts to paint signs of any description. He has been singularly successful in this undertaking, and his busi- ness is steadily growing.
Mr. McGovern married Anna Midgley, born in 1880, of Lawrence, and they are the parents of the following children : Margaret; Leonard ; Helen; Jessie ; and Hugh McGovern.
EMILE MERCIER-For thirty-two years a resi- dent of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and active in the world of industry, Emile Mercier has for the past seven years been engaged in the real estate business in this city.
Mr. Mercier was born in Ishpeming, Michigan, on February 14, 1873, and is a son of Jean and Alice Mercier, both of whom are now deceased. The family removing to Gentilly, he there attended the rural schools, acquiring an education, which he has made the founda- tion of success. Coming to 'Lawrence in 1889, Mr.
Parul Clegault.
ORK
.
ASTON NANO:
TILDEN EL INDAMIO
.
THE
PUBLI
TILDE!
Comer 6. Finnigan
443
BIOGRAPHICAL
Mercier was employed by various grocers of this city, and gained a practical working knowledge of this busi- ness. In 1898, becoming associated with his brother, Jean B. Mercier, in partnership, they established a grocery business, which proved successful, and thrived for a number of years. In 1914, however, Emile Mercier withdrew from the partnership to take up another busi- ness. Entering the real estate field, and taking up, also, insurance in its various branches, Mr. Mercier has built up a broadly comprehensive business in all kinds of real estate and the many forms of insurance which are to-day a part of business economics. His offices are located at No. 172 Broadway, in Lawrence.
Mr. Mercier is a member of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, and is interested in all the progress of the day. Fraternally he is prominent, being a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 65; the Knights of Columbus; the Catholic Order of Foresters; and also several other Catholic societies of French origin and membership. He is a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart.
On August 14, 1900, Mr. Mercier married Lucy Caron, of Lawrence, and they reside at No. 4 Winthrop ave- nue. Mr. Mercier has two brothers and one sister, also residing in Lawrence : Jean B., Achille, and Antoinette.
JAMES C. FINNEGAN-With broad experience in various interests, and now rapidly going forward to a Icading position as an undertaker, James C. Finnegan, of the firm of Finnegan Brothers, of Lawrence, Massa- chusetts, is making a place for himself in the business world of the city.
Mr. Finnegan was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on May 10, 1882, and is a son of Michael and Mary (McDonough) Finnegan. Michael Finnegan was born in County Monaghan, and came to America as a young man. He accepted a position as coachman for General Sutton, of North Andover, but later went into the butcher business in Lawrence, being one of the first Irish butchers there. He has been retired some years. In politics he is a Democrat; he was overseer of the poor for twelve consecutive years.
James C. Finnegan received his education in the parochial and public schools of Lawrence, then, at the age of nineteen years, entered the United States army. He was stationed at various forts throughout the coun- try, starting as trumpeter, and later becoming drum major, also serving for several years in the Philippines, his period of service covering, altogether, nine years. He received an honorable discharge September 26, 1910, at Angel Island, California.
In 1910 Mr. Finnegan returned to Lawrence and en- tered the employ of an uncle who was engaged in the meat business. He did not, however, wish to continue in this line permanently and May 1, 1920, purchased the present business, in association with his brother John. The Messrs. Finnegan are licensed embalmers, and are conducting a prosperous business as funeral directors and undertakers, Mr. Finnegan having received his training at the Massachusetts College of Embalming. They have a handsome place, equipped in the most modern manner, and with complete motor equipment.
In fraternal circles Mr. Finnegan is prominent. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, Lawrence Lodge, No. 65; of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie No. 216; of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 67; of Division No. 15, Ancient Order of Hibernians; and Friends of Irish Freedom. He is a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
On November 17, 1912, Mr. Finnegan married Cath- erine Maguire, daughter of Patrick Maguire, of Law- rence, and they have one child, Agnes Louise. They reside at No. 103 Trenton street.
MICHAEL CARROLL-For many years a resi- dent of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and for the past four- teen years identified with the business world of this city as a broker in real estate, insurance, loans and mortgages, Michael Carroll has borne a constructive part in its progress.
Mr. Carroll was born in Ontario, Canada, on April 12, 1855, and attended the public schools of Ontario, and also the parochial schools, later removing with his parents to Ypsilanti, Michigan, and completing his studies in the schools of that city. He entered the industrial world in the paper mills, and spent thirty years in the manufacture of paper, coming to Lawrence in 1875.
Since 1907 Mr. Carroll has been actively engaged in his present business here in Lawrence, under the name of M. Carroll & Son. His business is not confined to the city alone, but reaches out into many of the sur- rounding towns, covering a wide territory. Mr. Car- roll is a power in this field, and his business is con- stantly increasing.
In 1880 Mr. Carroll married Mary J. McCauley, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and they are the parents of six children: John Francis, who died in 1917; Elizabeth M .; Edith E .; Joseph E., who served in the World War, and was a sergeant in the IoIst Division, Amer- ican Expeditionary Forces; William P., who was ser- geant major with the 38th Infantry, "The Rock of the Marne Regiment ;" and Charles M., who served in the United States navy. The family residence is at No. 38 Custer street, and they attend St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church.
CHARLES ALBERT RICHARDSON, of the elec- trical supply firm of Johnson & Richardson, Haverhill, Massachusetts, was born in Methuen, same State, June 30, 1865, son of Henry C. and Mary P. (Frye) Rich- ardson, the former originally of Manchester, New Hampshire, and the latter of a Bradford, Massachusetts, family; she died in 1901, but her husband lived until 1918, reaching the venerable age of seventy-seven years. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving first with the First Heavy Artillery of Massachusetts, and an- other war enlistment in the Massachusetts Infantry. He was honorably discharged in the grade of sergeant. Later in life he was affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic, a member of the Colonel W. B. Green Post, No. 100, of Methuen, Massachusetts. He entered actively into business, and was identified with the felt and rubber business almost to the year of his death.
Charles A. Richardson, son of Henry C. Richardson, received elementary education in the public schools of Methuen, Massachusetts, and later at Haverhill. After leaving school he was for about a year in the employ of
444
ESSEX COUNTY
the Methuen Woolen Company. His subsequent busi- ness career was destined to be a varied one. For five ycars after leaving his first employers he worked in a shoe factory; next, for a similar period, he was in the felt-boot business, after which for five years he was in the carriage and harness trade. Then followed more than a generation of service to railway companies; for seven years he was in the employ of the Haverhill and Amesbury Railroad Company, and for nineteen years he served the Bay State Railroad Company, leaving that company in order to enter into business for himself, or rather in association with another, Lloyd Johnson (q. v.), of Haverhill. They have a good ignition and battery business on White street, and have good prospects.
Mr. Richardson is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Haverhill. He is a Congregationalist, a member of the Haverhill church of that denomination.
Mr. Richardson married, in 1907, Mabel Croome, of Brantford, Canada. Their home is at No. 19 Concord street, Haverhill.
AMOS MARSTON SPURR-Conducting a large and constantly widening business on the factory-to-con- sumer plan, the Shu-Fix Shop, of Lawrence, Massa- chusetts, of which Amos Marston Spurr is one of the active managers, produces men's shoes for their own retail trade, exclusively.
Mr. Spurr comes of a family of shoe workers. He is a son of John M. Spurr, who was born in Nova Scotia, and came to Methuen, Massachusetts, about 1832. John M. Spurr followed shoemaking throughout his lifetime, having learned the trade from his father. He remained in Essex county, and married Sarah Jane Lowell.
Amos Marston Spurr was born in Methuen, June 4, 1855. He received a limited but practical education in the public schools of that town, then when only twelve years of age began to learn the shoemaker's trade from his grandfather. When fifteen years of age he entered one of the shoe factories of Lawrence, and from that time on was identified with the larger factories, rising from one position to another of greater responsibility, until he became superintendent of the Alfred Kimball Shoe Company's plant, which office he ably filled for a period of twenty-nine years. In 1908, in association with R. J. Fleming, of Lawrence, Mr. Spurr took up the active management of the Shu-Fix Shop, located at No. 150 Broadway, under the firm name of Fleming & Spurr. This business was established in 1906 by Mr. Fleming, the shop then being equipped with modern ma- chinery for repair work. Upon Mr. Spurr's coming into the firm the scope of the plant was greatly broadened, and since that time the company has manufactured shoes to be sold at retail on the premises, confining their product to shoes for men. They have a very complete and entirely modern equipment, and employ fourteen skilled men in the manufacturing and repair depart- ments. Mr. Spurr is a member of William B. Gale Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Lawrence, and attends the Wood Memorial Church.
Mr. Spurr married, in 1878, in Haverhill, Massachu- setts, Esther M. Ayer, of Salem, New Hampshire, and
they have one son living, Elbert A., who is associated with his father in business as assistant manager of the Shu-Fix Shop; he married Mabel Searls, and they have three children: Clarence, Gwendolin, and Marston. Elbert A. Spurr and his family attend the Universalist church of Haverhill, and reside at No. 43 Brockton avenue. Another son, Clarence M., was drowned at the age of fourteen years, in the Merrimack river. The family home of Amos M. Spurr is at No. 521 Andover street, Lawrence.
ARTHUR BEAUCAGE, for many years identified with the business and political world, has long been a resident of Essex county, Massachusetts, and active in its progress.
Mr. Beancage was born in Sorel, Province of Que- bec, Canada, on October 22, 1871. Receiving his early education in the schools of his native town, he took a four years' course in pharmacy at the Montreal College of Pharmacy, after which he came to Lowell, Massa- chusetts. Here he was employed by a drug concern for a period of five years. In 1900 he entered the insur- ance business in Lowell, as agent for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, and was thus engaged for five years. He then became associated with the Bos- ton Mutual Life Insurance Company, as assistant super- intendent at their Lowell office, then later as general manager at Webster and Southbridge, Massachusetts.
Following these activities Mr. Beaucage became inter- ested in journalism, first as city editor, and later as editor of "L'Etoile," the well-known French daily pub- lished in Lowell. Thereafter he went to Salem, Massa- chusetts, as editor-in-chief of "Le Courrier," a daily newspaper published simultaneously in Lawrence, Salem and Lynn. He is also interested in "Le Courrier de Lawrence," of which Herigault Pelletier is editor, as manager of the subscription department.
Mr. Beancage is a member of the Lawrence Cham- ber of Commerce, and is a member of numerous fra- ternal and social organizations, including the Union St. Jcan de Baptiste of America, the Artisans Canadiens Francais, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Catholic Fraternal League, of Boston, and the Franco-American Order. He is also a member of the Franco-American Republican Club, of Boston. By political affiliation a Republican, Mr. Beancage is broadly interested in civic, social and political affairs, and in the interests of public welfare and reform along all these lines he has made many public addresses throughout New England in the past twenty-five years.
Mr. Beancage married, July 29, 1903, in Lowell, Eleo- nore Coutu, of that city, and they have six children.
HARRY W. TWOMBLY was born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, on December 3, 1885, and is a son of Charles A. and Alice G. (Lear) Twombly. His mother and father were born at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. His father, who was a funeral director, died in 1913.
Mr. Twombly received his early education in the public schools of Haverhill, and was a member of the class of 1905 in the high school. After his school days were over, Mr. Twombly enlisted in the Medical and Hospital Corps of the United States army, in which he
445
BIOGRAPHICAL
served during the years 1901 to 1904. He was on board the U. S. S. "Hartford" during her cruise of the Mediterranean.
Mr. Twombly began his business career by accepting a position with the National Casket Company of Boston. This connection lasted for a year, at the end of which Mr. Twombly associated himself with C. J. Rhode- strand, of Springfield, Massachusetts. Still later, he became connected with John Corbin, of Burlington, Vermont. When his connection with Mr. Corbin came to an end, Mr. Twombly spent two years in study at the State Hospital. More fully equipped than ever for work of a professional nature, Mr. Twombly became a private nurse. He is a graduate of the Volke, Reed Hospital of Washington, D. C. In September, 1919, in partnership with Mr. Boland, he established the firm of Twombly & Boland, funeral directors, with offices at No. 89 Main street, Bradford, Massachusetts, where he still remains. Mr. Twombly is a Catholic, and a mem- ber of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Twombly married Mary B. Reynolds, of Ded- ham, Massachusetts, in 1913. Mrs. Twombly is a daughter of Owen J. and Alice ( Powderley) Reynolds. Her father, who is a public official of Dedham, Massa- chusetts, was born in Ireland; her mother was born at South Acton, Massachusetts.
BERTRAM R. WILLS was born at Somerville, Massachusetts, on July 8, 1896, and is a son of Albert James and Katherine (Burns) Wills. His father, who was born at Lewiston, Maine, is the president of the Wills Motor Company, of Haverhill, Massachusetts. Mr. Wills' mother was born at Charlestown, Massa- chusetts.
Mr. Wills received his early education in the public schools of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and later completed a full course of study at Cann's Commercial College. After leaving school he spent a year working at the Common Street Garage, at Lawrence, and then went to Detroit, Michigan, where he spent a year in the Hudson factory and acquired a great deal of practical experi- ence in regard to manufacturing methods in the auto- mobile industry. At the end of this period he returned to Massachusetts and entered the service of the Wills Motor Car Company, of which his father is president. He remained at Lawrence until the United States entered the World War, when he enlisted in the United States navy, on April 15, 1917.
After his enlistment in the United States navy, Mr. Wills was sent, first, to Newport, Rhode Island, and thence to the Boston Receiving Station. From Boston he was transferred to Norfolk, Virginia, and later assigned to the U. S. S. "Michigan." From the "Mich- igan" he was transferred to Portsmouth, New Hamp- shire, next serving on the U. S. S. "Lake Gasper," pro- ceeding to Cardiff, Wales, and later, to Brest, France. He was then transferred to the U. S. S. "Imperator," and discharged at Hingham, Massachusetts, on October I, 1919, with the rank of fireman.
After receiving his discharge from the United States navy, Mr. Wills entered the firm of which his father is president, becoming vice-president. This firm, the Wills Motor Car Company, has its offices at No. 513 River street, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Mr. Wills is a
member of St. James' Church, and of the American Legion, being a veteran of the World War.
Mr. Wills married Ruth Sprague, of Providence, Rhode Island, in 1920. Mrs. Wills is a daughter of Arthur and Annie Little, of Vermont, her father the overseer of the Oswoco Mill.
CORNELIUS A. DONOVAN, of the firm of Foley, Donovan & Chadwick Company, of Lawrence, Massa- chusetts, is one of the leading business men of that city, and was born there January 9, 1887, son of John J. Donovan, also of Lawrence, who died there in 1891, and Sarah G. (Blake) Donovan, a native of Boston, now residing in Lawrence. Mr. Donovan was educated in the public schools of Lawrence, and after leaving the high school, went to work in the Arlington Mills, and after a year there, resigned to work for the Sullivan Furniture Company of Lawrence. Mr. Donovan spent seven years in the employ of this firm and during these years diligently applied himself to the mastering of the business in all its details with the result that he was in a position to engage in a similar line of business on his own account as a member of the firm above mentioned. This firm is now one of the established business houses of Lawrence, and the members of the firm are among the foremost citizens there. Mr. Donovan is a Demo- crat in politics, and although not a seeker for public office of any kind, does take a keen interest in matters of public welfare, as is natural with every good citizen. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and attends St. Patrick's Roman Cath- olic Church of Lawrence.
JOSEPH O'DONNELL, undertaker and livery owner, and now a selectman of Amesbury, Massachu- setts, has been connected with that town for almost thirty years. He was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, on May 10, 1871, son of Anthony and Ann (O'Keefe) O'Donnell, the former of Irish birth, and the latter horn in Newfoundland, of Irish parents. In America, Anthony O'Donnell engaged in farming until his death.
Joseph O'Donnell attended the schools of Prince Edward Island, and until he was nineteen years old stayed at home, assisting his father in farming work. He then came to Amesbury, Massachusetts, and there found employment with the Biddle & Smart Company, which firm he served for about two years. Several more years passed in the service of various firms in Amesbury, and for a couple of years he was in Boston, working in that city for D. P. Nichols, carriage builder. However, he returned to Amesbury, and there, in 1900, became associated with his brother, D. P. O'Donnell, who owned a livery and undertaking business, the for- mer known as the American House Stable Company. The brothers were in partnership only a year before the death of D. P., and Joseph then took over the whole business, which he has successfully conducted ever since. In 1901, in order to give expert service in undertaking, Joseph O'Donnell attended the Massachu- setts College of Embalming, and was graduated eventu- ally therefrom.
Mr. O'Donnell is a public-spirited citizen. He is a member and director of the Amesbury Chamber of
446
ESSEX COUNTY
Commerce; was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department ; in 1915 was elected to the Board of Health of Amesbury, serving four years, and is now in his second term; was elected selectman of the town of Amesbury in 1921-22, and reelected in 1921; and in many other ways has given clear indication that he does not shirk public work. He belongs to many fra- ternal organizations, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Amesbury Council of the Knights of Columbus, the Amesbury Aerie of Eagles, and the Amesbury Veteran Firemen's Association. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a devout Catholic, member of St. Joseph's Cath- olic Church, of Amesbury. He is also superintendent of St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.
Mr. O'Donnell married, in 1904, Julia T. Rooney, who was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, on October 21, 1873. They have two children: Francis A., born July 29, 1905; and Josepli P., born April 29, 1907.
JOSEPH CAMIRE, as head of the Camire Welding Company, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, is building suc- cess from one of the necessary branches of industry, making it his specialty.
Mr. Camire was born in Canada, on February 2, 1892, but came to the United States with his parents when three years of age, locating in Maine, where he became a loyal citizen of the United States; he was educated in the parochial schools of Sanford, Maine. Always interested in machinery, when he came to an age to go out into the world for himself, he followed this natural bent. He learned acetylene welding, and for the past twelve years has followed that line of work exclusively, for eight years in New York City, for one year in Port- land, Maine, and thereafter in Lawrence, where he is now well established in an independent business. Mr. Camire came to Lawrence in 1918, and was first employed here by John P. Ryan, Jr., whose business he purchased on June 27, 1919. He now has a complete welding room and machine shop, well equipped with the most modern facilities, and employs from three to seven men at dif- ferent times. His business location is an excellent one, on the corner of Lawrence and Canal streets.
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.