USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Municipal history of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 49
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Island; and Clifford, in the United States navy, and located at Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Born August 20, 1898, Earle Fletcher Ramsbottom re- ceived a practical education in the public schools of his native town, then entered the employ of the Kent Manu- facturing Company, of Centerville, Rhode Island, re- maining until 1917. Then enlisting in the United States navy, he was assigned to the United States Steamship "Delaware." He was overseas for nine months, on duty in the North Sea, and was discharged in August, 1919. Within the month he came to Essex, where he estab- lished himself in the grocery business, which has since been a constantly growing interest, and is now a flour- ishing business.
Mr. Ramsbottom married, in 1920, Abbie Hoskins, and they attend the Baptist church.
MILDRED FENNELLY, who had charge for a time of the New York Waist Shop at Haverhill, Massa- chusetts, is a native of that city, born there November 13, 1899, daughter of James Stephen and Catherine (Mc- Fadden) Fennelly, of Haverhill. The former died in 1915, but Mrs. Fennelly is still living in Haverhill.
Mildred Fennelly was educated in the parochial schools, those of St. James' Parish, of Haverhill. Even- tually, Miss Fennelly graduated from St. James' High School, and soon thereafter entered upon a business life. Her first employers were the Wingate Shoe Company, and she was secretary for that firm. She remained with them, however, only a short while, leaving to enter the employ of Haseltine & Colby, of Haverhill. She was there engaged in general office work, but again only for a little while, for she soon found hetter opportunity with the James Fennelly Shoe Finding Company. From 1918 until 1920 she remained so employed, but in the latter year accepted an appointment as manager of a Haverhill store, then opened by J. Miller, of Boston. The store was and is known as the New York Waist Shop, and under the direction of Miss Fennell, it devel- oped very satisfactorily. The company makes a spec- ialty of ladies' waists, but carries a full line of under garments ; and it is said the business is so rapidly devel- cping that it is even now one of the largest in its line in Haverhill. Miss Fennelly, however, has lately accepted a position in Boston.
Miss Fennelly is a member of St. James' Catholic Society, and of St. Mary's Society. She is a fine musician, having a fine voice, which was cultivated un- der Madam Goddelle. She was a member of St. James' Choir, and has sung in many concerts here and elsewhere.
FRANK DE CESARE, banker and leading citizen of Lawrence, Massachusetts, is a native of Marzano Appio, Italy, where he was born August 28, 1873, son of Nicandro and Angelina (Lepore) De Cesare, the former being engaged in the leather business in Italy until his death.
The son was educated in the schools of his native land, and soon afterwards came to the United States, locating in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1889, there entering the employ of the Winscott Woolen Mills. After a year spent in this work, Mr. DeCesare went to
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Concord, New Hampshire, and while there was employed in teaming business, returning again to Providence. The mill industry in Massachusetts attracted his attention, and with the experience gained in Providence, Mr. De Cesare went to Lawrence and there went to work in the Washington Mill, where he remained seven years. Dur- ing this period, through thrift and industry, he saved sufficient capital to engage in the grocery business on his own account, and after five years he sold his inter- ests to embark on a new venture, that of undertaking, which business he combined with a steamship agency. Mr. DeCesare was successful from the outset in his business, and in 1909 opened an Italian bank for the interests of his countrymen, and has made a success of this venture also. He is a leading man among the cit- izens of Lawrence, and as a member of the Democratic party, takes an active interest in all public affairs.
Fraternally, Mr. DeCesare is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose; the Benevolent Society ; and the Tean- esi Society.
Mr. DeCesare married, in 1894, Matilda Compopiano, of Lawrence, and they are the parents of the following children: Nicholas F., a physician of Lawrence, mar- ried Ida Moulton; Laura, Antonia; Ida; Rose; Armand; Lena, and Frank, Jr. With his family Mr. DeCesare attends the Holy Rosary Italian Roman Catholic Church, of Lawrence.
CHARLES L. BENSON-Prominent in the world of amusements in Essex county, Massachusetts, and in- fluential in the upward trend of theatrical standards in this city, Charles L. Benson, of Lynn, is going forward to large success in furnishing the people with wholesome recreation.
Mr. Benson is a Westerner by birth, a son of Michael and Helen (Walpole) Benson, and is the youngest of a family of nine sons. The father died when Mr. Ben- son was only one year old and the mother when he was fifteen.
Charles L. Benson was born in Detroit, Michigan, April 11, 1878, and as a child attended the parochial schools of that city, later entering the Detroit Jesuit College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1899, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Choosing the theatrical business as the scene of his career, he went to New York City, and there appeared first' with Mar- garet Mather, in Shakespearean repertoire, then later was associated with B. C. Whitney's Company, in the "Chocolate Soldier Boy." Thereafter, he was with the Fifteenth Century Morality Players, starring Ben Greek, in Shakespearean plays. Then growing tired of the business from the viewpoint of the stage, Mr. Benson entered the field of production, going to Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1910, when five and ten cent prices ruled, as assistant manager of Marcus Lowe's interests, later holding the general managership. In all he was connected with this play-house business for five years. In 1915, Mr. Benson went to Boston, as manager for the Nathan H. Gordon interests, successfully conducting his Olympia Theatre on Scully Square. The year 1917 brought Mr. Benson to Lynn in the same interests, where he became manager of the Olympia Theatre here, the largest theatre in Essex county. Under his capable management the business of this house largely increased,
until Mr. Benson employs fifty-four people constantly, exclusive of talent. The material prosperity was not, however, the only progress which came to pass under Mr. Benson's hand. Far more significant was the pres- ent standard of art, to which he fought his way through the pessimism of a large element, but with the support of the few. This theatre caters to the best class of people in Lynn and the surrounding towns, and at the same time the attendance has reached the unprecedented average of more than 35,000 people weekly. Mr. Benson disposed of his interest in this theatre, and assumed the management of the Waldorf Theatre. Under his man- agement the attendance greatly increased, for Mr. Ben- son has a faculty of knowing what to offer theatregoers of Lynn.
Mr. Benson is broadly interested in all advance, and holds membership in the Lynn Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally he is a member of Fall River Lodge, No. 228, Rank and File, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; is a member of the Knights of Colum- bus and of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Benson married, in 1911, in Detroit, Michigan, Edna May Lockerbie, of that city, then a teacher in the Detroit Western High School, a daughter of Captain George and Mary (Walsh) Lockerbie. Her father was a captain of one of the Great Lakes steamers.
FRANK E. BATCHELDER was born in Topsfield, Massachusetts, November 16, 1854, a son of Ezra and Mary S. (Andrews) Batchelder. His father was born in Danvers. He had four brothers and two sisters, three of whom are still living.
Mr. Batchelder received his education in the public schools of Topsfield. When he left school he decided to become a farmer and he has devoted his entire life to the scientific cultivation of the soil. He moved to Danvers, November 1, 1913, and bought one of the largest farms in the neighborhood. He raises garden produce almost exclusively, and is one of the most successful market gardeners in the county. Mr. Batch- elder is unmarried. He attends the Universalist church.
EDWARD O'BRIEN-The name of Edward O'Brien is known and esteemed among the citizens of Lawrence, Massachusetts, who appreciate wholesome amusements and who realize the benefits derived from recreations such as are to be found on the grounds of the Merrimack Amusement Company, of which organ- ization Mr. O'Brien is the secretary and a large stock- holder, Mr. Francis Carney serving in the capacity of president of the company.
He was born at Everett, Massachusetts, July 22, 1885, and there attended the public schools. Almost from the very beginning of his business career, he has been interested in some form of amusement enterprise, and lis genial personality, combined with his rare tact and knowledge of human nature, has contributed largely to his success. In association with Mr. Francis Carney, the Merrimack Amusement Company was formed, and a tract of land, comprising about twenty-two acres, lo- cated on the Merrimack river, about half-way between Lowell and Lawrence, was purchased. This park was then equipped with attractive amusement features, such
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as the roller coaster, merry-go-round, the whip, danc- ing pavilion and other similar amusements. Every day large crowds of men, women and children, seeking wholesome recreation from their daily routine, come to the park and enjoy its pleasures.
At all times Mr. O'Brien can be found somewhere on the grounds to see that the patrons of the park are enjoying themselves and receiving satisfaction, and much credit is due both to him and to Mr. Carney. Among the business men of Lawrence Mr. O'Brien is held in high esteem, and recently, since the park has become the headquarters for county fairs, he has received much favorable comment for the excellence of his manage- ment. The Fair given there in 1921 was very success- ful, and it is planned to make them an annual affair, each succeeding year adding to the success.
FRANK L. MORRIS-A Lawrence business, which is of recent establishment, but which shows good prom- ise, is that of the H. & M. Sign Company, which was formed by Messrs. Morris and Hillnick, of Lawrence, on January 19, 1921.
Frank L. Morris is a native of Lawrence, Massachu- setts, born in the city on June 11, 1901, son of William J. and Marie J. (Cahill) Morris. The Morris family has long been resident in Lawrence, the father, Wil- liam J. Morris, being a blacksmith. The mother, Marie J. (Cahill) Morris, was born in East Boston, and they have seven children, six of whom are sons. Frank L. was the fourth son, and with his brothers attended the Lawrence public schools. He has not long been in business, for it was only in the class of 1919 that he graduated from the high school. He has nevertheless shown thus early a business aptitude which should carry him far. The Morris family are members of the Catholic church.
FRANK W. COUSENS, for a quarter of a century a member of the Haverhill Fire Department, and one of the most popular citizens of that city, was born in Poland, Maine, and died at Haverhill. He was a son of William and Mandane (Newbergan) Consens. He was educated in the district schools, and soon after settling in Haverhill, became a member of the Fire Department. Among the city officials of Haverhill he was held in the highest esteem and was an upright cit- izen, a conscientious public servant and a genial home man. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Consens was married to Clara A. Keefe, daugh- ter of John F. and Clara (Stephens) Keefe. The for- mer was engaged in the florist business for many years. Mr. Cousens was the father of one son, William Cous- ens, born in 1874; he married Viney Cordaran and they are members of the Universalist church of Haverhill.
EVERETT SMITH BOODY, deceased, for many years the proprietor of a livery in connection with the famous old Eagle House, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was born in Northwood, New Hampshire, in 1856, the son of Jonathan and Mary (Foster) Boody, and grand- son of John and Cecelia Boody.
Everett S. Boody was one of the best known citizens of Haverhill in his day. In his work he came in contact with all the leading and prominent men, and his genial
personality won for him many friends. He was a member of the Golden Star and Oxford clubs.
Mr. Boody married Lnella L. Wellman, born in Bel- grade, Maine, daughter of Rev. Hiram and Mercy Ann (Ladd) Wellman, and granddaughter of Simeon and Lydia (Emerson) Wellman, and of John P. and Emily (Trask) Ladd, on the maternal side. Mrs. Boody is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic, and serves as department inspector of this organization. In discharging the duties of this office she travels all over the State of Massachusetts, and is ever active in the welfare of the different Grand Army posts. She is also interested in many welfare move- ments and is president of the Charity Liberty Club, and takes an active part in the management of the Day Nur- sery. She is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah; member of the Grange, and a regular attendant of the Universalist church. Mr. and Mrs. Boody were the parents of a daughter, Mildred Hazel, wife of Frank R. Gleason, of Haverhill.
SAMUEL BIXBY (S. BIXBY) SARGENT, a na- tive of Merrimac and member of a well known Massa- chusetts family, was born on July 11, 1876, son of Charles N. and Rebecca (Bixby) Sargent, and grand- son of John K. and Elizabeth (Sargent) Sargent, the former born in Merrimac, and the latter in West Ames- bury. Elizabeth Sargent died in 1897, as did her hus- band, he having reached the age of ninety-five years. Their son, Charles N., was born in Groveland, Massa- chusetts, on August 15, 1837, and died in 1899, having farmed since early manhood. He married Rebecca Bixby, of Boxford, Massachusetts, on November 12, 1873. She was born on March 17, 1841, and died June 144, 1918.
Their son, Samuel Bixby Sargent, has lived prac- tically the whole of his life in the Merrimac district. He attended the Merrimac public schools in his boy- hcod and youth, graduating eventually from high school. After leaving school he applied himself industrionsly to farming, which has been the main occupation of the Sargents through the many generations since Richard Sargent came into the Massachusetts colony, about 1634. Politically Mr. Sargent is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the Grange of West Newbury, and also belongs to the West Newbury lodge of the Knights of Pythias. His religions faith is Congregational, he being a member of the Pilgrim Congregational Church, of Merrimac.
He married, in 1914, Nellie Boody, of West Newbury. She was born on April 15, 1881, daughter of John and Emma (Batchelder) Boody, the former of Epen, New Hampshire, but latterly a farmer in West Newbury, which was the home of his wife.
CHARLES W. STONE-An outgrowth of trans- portation conditions which means much to manufactur- ing and business interests in Lynn, Massachusetts, and throughout Essex county, is Stone's Express, of which Charles W. Stone is owner and manager.
Mr. Stone was born in Hampden, Maine, on October 2, 1868, but his business career is a part of the history of Lynn. Thirty-seven years ago Mr. Stone founded an express and trucking business, beginning in a small way, as his limited resources permitted. But he devel-
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oped this business to the point where now it is conceded to be the largest of this nature in Essex county. In 1919 Mr. Stone started an enterprise of large signifi- cance in the establishment of New York freight-line service, picking up goods by truck from consignor and delivering directly to consignee. This is accomplished by an overnight delivery- between Lynn and New York City. Mr. Stone has one hundred and fifty men in his employ. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
MAX LESSES, M. D .- The rapid development of the surgical science during the past quarter of a cen- tury has led many physicians to devote themselves al- most exclusively to the surgical branch of their profes- sion, and among these must be numbered Dr. Max Lesses, who has since 1905 been practicing in Salem.
Max Lesses was born June 25, 1882, in Russia, the son of Louis and Celia Lesses. His father is a dealer in antiques in Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Lesses were born three children: Isaac; Reuben; Max, of further mention.
When but four years of age, Max Lesses was brought by his parents to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and it was there that he received his education. After graduating from the high school, he matriculated in the medical department of Queens University, from which institution he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine and Mas- ter of Surgery in 1905. After spending a year as in- terne in the Kingston General Hospital, Dr. Lesses came to Salem, Massachusetts, and began general practice. Very soon, however, by reason of taste and natural aptitude, he directed the greater part of his attention to surgery, gradually eliminating the medical element. Success has attended his efforts, and he is now in pos- session of a large and increasing clientele. His office is at No. 62 Washington square. He is examining physi- cian for several companies, including the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. Among the professional or- ganizations of which Dr. Lesses is a member are the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society. Politically he is an Independent, pre- ferring to cast his vote for the person regardless of party label. He also affiliates with the Independent Workmen's Circle of America, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Dr. Lesses married, September 17, 1912, Sarah W. Falcon, and they are the parents of three children : Mark F., Gertrude, Harrison J.
JOHN ROMASZKIEWICZ-The pioneers of the Twentieth Century who come to America bringing with them the principles for which our ancestors endured hardships and even death, infuse into our modern civi- lization the old spirit that must never die. John Ro- maszkiewicz, of Salem, Massachusetts, driven from his native land for the principles of his family, is vindi- cating his right to citizenship in a free country in a signally convincing way.
Mr. Romaszkiewicz was born in Wilna, Poland, on October 30, 1873. and is a son of Adam and Anna (Mickiewiez) Romaszkiewicz. He had completed his grammar and high school courses in his native land, and was studying for the priesthood when his father, on account of his progressive ideas and advanced princi-
ples, was held to be a Revolutionist, and was compelled to leave the country. The family came to America, locating in Newton, Massachusetts. This was in 1890, and the immediate problem of living confronting them, the son, John, relinquished his studies, and took a posi- tion in a machine shop. He was placed from time to time on different machines, and being possessed of nat- ural mechanical ability and keen intuition along this line, he soon became a first class machinist. He remained in this connection for nine years, then became a bank clerk in a private bank.
During all this time the young man was forming a very wide acquaintance among the Polish people of Eastern Massachusetts and also becoming well and favorably known among them. In 1919 he embarked upon a venture which is meaning, and will continue in- creasingly to signify much to his fellow-countrymen here. He entered into a partnership with John M. Zarembski, and formed the Polish Industrial Bank, at Salem. This institution handles steamship tickets and foreign exchange, and has a branch bank in Warsaw, Russia. Mr. Romaszkiewicz, who is treasurer of this bank, has served the public in many and varied capac- ities. He speaks nine different languages fluently, and acts as interpreter in the United States courts. He is president of the Polish National Alliance. During the World War he was on all Liberty Loans committees, and traveled all over the State of Massachusetts among Polish people, speaking in behalf of the Liberty Loan and Red Cross work. He acted as arbitrator of the Ludlow Associated Mills; and is president of the Polish Republican State Committee. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Mr. Romaszkiewicz married Sophia Zielinski, of Posen, Poland, on May 14, 1893, and they are the par- ents of seven children, all born in this country: Joseph ; Mrs. Jativiga Kohn; Leonard; Mrs. Mary Zarembski; Leon; Victoria, and Thaddins. Of these children much of interest might be written, but the family story would be far from complete without at least an outline of the places the sons are filling. The eldest son, Joseph, was the first volunteer from Newton, Massachusetts, in the service of the United States navy, during the World War. He served for nineteen months, and when he received his honorable discharge, was a first class fire- man. He is now a member of the firm of the Waltham Knitting Works. Leonard, who served in the army, is in civilian life a foreman with the Reo Motor Company, of Boston; and Leon is a student at Boston University. Ludvick Romaszkiewicz, brother of John, served nine- teen months in the 26th Division, Battalion B, 10Ist Field Artillery. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church, at Newton, Massachusetts.
JAMES McANDREW, overseer of the finishing and analyzing departments of the Katama Mills Company, was born April 18, 1898, at Lancashire, England, son of John McAndrew, a carder, and Margaret (Birtles) Mc- Andrew. His education was obtained in the schools of this country, having come to America in 1904, and after starting to work was employed first in a foundry at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he remained a year and then removed to New Jersey. Thence he went to
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Warren, Massachusetts, and later was located at East Hampden, as inspector of a tire and fabric factory, later working as a loom fixer. From this occupation, he worked himself upward to the trade of weaver, and in Putnam, Connecticut, was in charge of the weaving department of one of the mills there. In 1915 he came to Lawrence, and to the employ of the Katama Mills, where he still continues.
Mr. McAndrew is a member of the Masonic order; the Mystic Shrine; and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; he is also a member of a Scottish organ- ization, the Caledonia Club. The family attend the Baptist church, of Lawrence.
In 1899, he married Bertha Brown, of Lancashire, England, and they are the parents of the following chil- dren: Clara; Violet ; William and John.
ERNEST J. WHITCOMB, night superintendent of the Merrimac Paper Company's coating mill, at Law- rence, Massachusetts, was born January 21, 1880, at Box- boro, that State, son of Edwin Whitcomb, who was engaged in farming there, and Nettie M. (Wilcox) Whitcomb, a native of Leominster, Massachusetts. The former died in 1906 and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Monson, Massachusetts.
The education of Mr. Whitcomb was obtained in the public schools of Clinton, Nashua, and Pepperell, Massa- chusetts. He attended the high school for one year and then entered the employ of the Pepperell Card & Paper Company, at East Pepperell. He remained with this firm for five years and received his first experience in a line of work that has brought him success. At the time he left the first company he was foreman of the coating room, and was then located at Worcester, where he was employed in similar work for a year. He worked for various firms all along the same lines and gained valu- able experience from them all; in 1910 he returned to East Pepperell and soon afterwards came to Lawrence where he accepted the night superintendency of the Merrimac Paper Company's coating mill of that city, which position he has held to the present time.
From 1902 to 1905 Mr. Whitcomb was engaged in military service, having enlisted in the United States army in Battery M, now the 22d C. A. C., and was sta- tioned for twenty-one months in Cuba, and fifteen months at Pensacola, Florida, making a total service of three years, and at his discharge he held the rank of sergeant.
Fraternally, he is a member of the William B. Gale Lodge, No. 140, Knights of Pythias, of Lawrence, and attends the Wood Baptist Memorial Church, of that city.
Mr. Whitcomb married, in 1907, Rhoda A. Anderson, of Groton, Massachusetts, and their children are Ruth and Edith, born in 1907 and 1909, respectively.
JOHN B. LAWSON was born in Andover, Massa- chusetts, January 11, 1882, son of George D. and Mary (Robb) Lawson. His father, who was born in Andover, July 16, 1863, was master mechanic for the Smith Dove Company, of Andover, for fifty years. The elder Mr. Lawson is now retired from active participation in busi- ness affairs. Mr. Lawson's mother was born in Scot- land, April 17, 1856, and is still living.
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