Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2), Part 14

Author: Alanson Borden
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 645

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 14

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John Westalle

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collector established his reputation for industry, honesty and faithful- ness, and won for him a large circle of friends. In every capacity he has efficiently and satisfactorily discharged his duties, and enjoys the confidence of the entire community.

He has been twice married, first to Elizabeth Gordon Pratt, daughter of Nathan and Lydia Pratt, and second to Ellen Dutton Reed, daughter of Edgar Hodges and Ellen Augusta Reed, all of Taunton. He has four children: Harriet Mason, wife of Charles A, Austin, of Brockton; Edgar Reed; Elliott, a practicing physician; and Charles Godfrey, a graduate of the Boston University School of Law, and member of Bris- tol county bar.

REV. JOHN WESTALL.

REV. JOHN WESTALL, A. M., was for half a century one of the most useful, most influential, and most beloved citizens of Fall River, Mass. No man ever held a higher standard of humanity and genuine benevo- lence than he exerted in the community. In history as in life his name stands for all that is noble, and pure, and true, yet the limited space devoted to this memoir can but inadequately embrace the salient points in his long and honorable career.

Mr. Westall was born in Manchester, Lancashire, England, on the 25th of September, 1816, and laid the beginnings of a thorough self education in his native country. In 1830 he came with his father to America, settling first in Lowell, Mass., where he remained seven years. Afterward he spent about a year in Providence, R. I. During this period he devoted much of his leisure to study, developing a taste for literature which continued through life. In June, 1838, he removed to Fall River, where he ever afterward resided, and where he was for thirty-six years a designer at the American Print Works.

It was in the work of the ministry, in the cause of education, and in the advocacy of the common interests of humanity that he achieved distinction. Having enjoyed few of the advantages offered by the primitive schools of his youth, he educated himself with a zeal and thoroughness that characterized the man and made him a prominent example of what may be accomplished by individual effort. He was an ardent lover of all that was beautiful in nature, art and poetry. Originally he intended to prepare himself for the Episcopal ministry, but the works of Emanuel Swedenborg attracted his attention, and

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he accepted the theology of that leader in the new field of thought and became conversant with its doctrines and tenets. When the Church of the New Jerusalem was first established in Fall River he was made a lay reader. The force of his zeal and eloquence was felt for years in the New Church associations and conventions wherever they were held. His heart and soul were in the work, and he did much to ad- vance the principles of that faith. Though actively engaged as a de- signer in the print works, he continued to carry forward the work of his society, remaining always its self denying, energetic and trusted leader, and contributing largely of his means to its support. Many times he was solicited to devote all his time to the Christian ministry, but he felt that he could be more useful as he was. In 1862 Mr. West- all visited England, France, Italy, Switzerland, and other European countries. He again went abroad in 1874-75, extending his travels into Egypt, the Holy Land, Turkey, Greece, etc., and on his return the society again requested him to become their pastor. Accordingly he took a second course of study at the New-Church theological school in Waltham, now located at Cambridge, and was ordained pastor of the parish on October 11, 1877, and was pastor emeritus at the time of his death.

Mr. Westall was also, throughout a long and useful life, a valuable contributor to the literature of the day, and when the Weekly News was established by Almy & Milne he assumed the editorial leadership, which he continued for several years. As a writer he was noted for his fine subtlety of thought. He possessed a rare poetic temperament, excelled as an essayist rather than a critic, and was neither aggressive nor sarcastic in his style. Some of his poems are very fine specimens of lyric composition, and the pages of many periodicals are enriched by his articles. He enjoyed an intimate acquaintance with men of letters both here and abroad. When Kaulbach's Era of the Reforma- tion was first exhibited in Fall River he was chosen to explain it, and the lecture was afterward repeated in Boston. In politics he was an Abolitionist and later a staunch Republican, and for many years served as a delegate to the State and county conventions, but could never be induced to accept a political office. He was closely identified with the educational interests of the city until failing health compelled his re- tirement, and his helpful and inspiring talks on school examination days became a feature which is well remembered. He served as a member of the General School Committee for many years, and was also a trustee

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THOMAS WILCOX.

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and an earnest promoter of the Public Library, a trustee of the Fall River Athenaeum, and a member of the Oriental Society. He devoted much of his time to the interests of the public schools of the city, one of which is named after him in grateful appreciation of his valuable work in this department. He was also deeply interested in the cause of temperance and in all reforms that tended to the elevation of his fellowmen. He was a talented violinist and composer of music. About 1880 Brown University conferred upon him the honorary degree of A. M.

As a citizen Mr. Westall was universally esteemed and beloved. He was a delightful companion, appreciative and interesting, always a courtly gentleman, and ever tolerant of the views of others. In busi- ness he was scrupulously honest and upright. He was charitable, kind hearted, patriotic and lovable, and in the highest sense a true Christian. As a scholar, poet, pastor, and active man in public affairs he achieved lasting distinction and honor. His death occurred in Fall River on March 25, 1890.

Mr. Westall was twice married. He is survived by a widow, Julia Westall, and two daughters: Mrs. Lemuel Pettee, of Newtonville, Mass., and Mrs. Jefferson Borden, of Fall River.

THOMAS WILCOX.

THOMAS WILCOX is descended from (1) Josiah Wilcox of Tiverton, R. I., who was born in 1701; (2) William Wilcox, the seventh son of Josiah, who was born February 12, 1731, in Tiverton, and died January 20, 1813; (3) Thomas Wilcox, the eldest of William's seven children, who was born there August 28, 1757, married Keziah Bennett, and died May 26, 1843. Thomas Wilcox was the last survivor of an adventurous band of forty men who, under Colonel Barton, captured General Pres- cott, a British officer, in Rhode Island during the Revolution, and con- veyed him safely to Warwick. This was on July 9, 1777. Mr. Wilcox was stationed at Tiverton, near Howland's Ferry, during most of the war, and afterward engaged in farming. He had eleven children: Captain Joseph, born December 18, 1782; Philip, a ship carpenter of New Bedford; David Bennett, a stove and tin plate dealer and later a grinder and dealer in paints in New Bedford; John, who moved to Kentucky; Thomas, a tin plate worker of New Bedford and later of Fall River;

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Daniel, of Tiverton; Robert, of Pawtucket; Maria, who died early ; and Annie, Mary and Sarah, all of Tiverton.

Capt. Joseph Wilcox, soon after 1800, removed to New Bedford, where he died October 13, 1868. He became a whaling master, and in 1834 built the house occupied by his son Thomas at 202 Middle street. He married, first, Rebecca, daughter of Henry Perkins, a Revolutionary soldier of Boston, who subsequently removed to Dartmouth, who bore him two sons: Joseph, jr., and Henry; the latter died in infancy. For his second wife he married her sister, Elizabeth Perkins, who died No- vember 3, 1881, being five months less than 100 years old. Their chil- dren were Henry P., who died in infancy; Thomas, born July 10, 1822, in New Bedford; and Rebecca Perkins, born August 26, 1826, married Mark S. Palmer and died July 23, 1850.

Thomas Wilcox was educated in the New Bedford public and private schools and Friends' Academy, and became a clerk in a whaling and ship chandlery store. About 1844 he engaged in whaling and con- tinued in that business until 1860. Since then he has been connected with various enterprises. He has long been a member and director of the Liberty Hall Association, and is a director of the Mechanics' Na- tional Bank and a member of the board of investment of the New Bed- ford Five Cents Savings Bank. He was for two years a member and one year a president of the Common Council, and two years a member of the Board of Aldermen. December 12, 1866, he married Emily K., daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Wilcox of Tiverton, R. I.

JOHN C. MILNE.

JOHN C. MILNE is a native of Scotland, born May 18, 1824, at Mill- field. His parents died when he was very young, and he came under the care of his grandparents, with whom he emigrated to Nova Scotia in 1832. Here, at the age of eight years, he entered the printing office of an uncle, and soon became a rapid and accurate compositor. He came with his grandparents to Fall River in 1835, and found employ- ment in a calico factory conducted by Andrew Robeson & Sons. These gentlemen maintained a factory school for the benefit of the working boys in their employ, which he attended. He also attended a private evening school. In 1838 he resumed work in a printing office and with the exception of about six months spent at Pierce Academy, Middlebor- .

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ough, and a short time in a printing office in New York city, remained there until 1845.

During all this time, with indefatigable zeal, he had continued his studies, his hours being arranged so as to afford time for both study and work by Thomas Almy, the proprietor of the office, his lifelong friend and subsequent partner in business. He was aided in his studies by Rev. George M. Randall, who became bishop of Colorado, and under him prepared for a college course, the completion of which was the goal of his ambition. Owing, however, to a lack of means, he found it nec- essary to abandon this purpose.

In 1845 friends encouraged him to undertake the publication of a weekly newspaper and the outcome was the Fall River Weekly News, which he started in company with Mr. Almy. Their first number was a diminutive sheet, but as time went on it grew in size and influence, and fourteen years later, 1859, they started a daily which their field seemed to warrant. When first started the paper was an exponent of Dem- ocratic principles, but at the surrender of the party to the slave holders of the South, it took a stand of independent Republicanism, which it has since rigidly maintained. Mr. Almy died in 1882 after a copartnership .with Mr. Milne of thirty-seven years, and in 1864, Franklin L. Almy entered the firm, which continued under the old name of Almy & Milne.

For many years Mr. Milne has taken a prominent part in Republican politics, and has been honored at different times by nominations to municipal and State offices. He has served five terms in the City Council and has represented the city and district in the State Legis- lature for five consecutive years, 1884 to 1888 inclusive. During his terms in that body he served on several prominent committees and was House chairman of the committees on Public Charitable Institutions and on Banks and Banking during the later years of his service. He has been a director of the Pocasset National Bank since its organization in 1854, and is president of the Citizens' Savings Bank, and chairman of its board of investment. Ile is also a director in the Slade, Osborn and Stafford Mills.

A man destined from boyhood to be a journalist, and possessing years of experience in the mechanical as well as the editorial depart- ments of a newspaper, his editorial work bears the stamp which force of character and mature judgment, born of experience, alone can give. Mr. Milne was married in 1849 to Abby A., daughter of George W. and Betsey (Howland) Gifford of Fall River, and they had nine chil-

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dren, five of whom are living: Mrs. Mary J. Fenner, Joseph D. Milne, Mrs. Abby G. Carr, Mrs. Jennie D. Remington and Mrs. Hannah E. Chadwick.

FRANKLIN L. ALMY.

FRANKLIN L. AL.MY, printer and publisher, was born in Little Comp- ton, R. I., July 2, 1833, the youngest of eleven children of Benjamin and Ruth Almy. His father served in the war of 1812, holding a lieu- tenancy and a captaincy; and receiving his appointment from Governor Jones, was confirmed by the Rhode Island Legislature. The son, Franklin, came to Fall River by the removal of the family in 1837, and in 1845 at the age of twelve years, became a carrier of the " Weekly News," then but a few weeks old. In the following September he entered the office as an apprentice, serving five years, at the end of this period continuing as a journeyman, and in 1854 becoming a partner and the business manager of the firm. On the death of his senior part- ner, Mr. Thomas Almy, John C. Milne and he purchased Mr. Almy's interest in the "Fall River News" and the firm name of 1845 was re- tained. Mr. Almy is still the business manager of the paper, having been connected with it continuously since the year named.

Mr. Almy was married in 1862 to Charity R., youngest daughter of Israel Buffinton, who died in May, 1886, leaving three daughters and two sons. His present wife was Mary K. Cotton, daughter of John S. Cotton, one of the early business men of Fall River.

Although he has been closely and steadily identified with the life of the city for fifty-three years, Mr. Almy has never sought political or public business honors; he was, however, a member of the Common Council in 1866-67, and has been in the direction of the Flint and Wampanoag Mills for many years. Mr. Almy is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Citizens' Savings Bank. His religion is of the liberal type and his politics Republican. He combines, in business affairs, the strictest principles of honor with keen penetration into the firm grasp of those forces which command success, and he is recog- nized as a successful and influential citizen.

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Me. Alanach

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WILLIAM REED, JR.

WILLIAM REED, JR., was born in Newburyport, Mass., December 2, 1842, a son of William and Sophia (Ladd) Reed. He prepared for college in public schools and was graduated at Harvard in 1864-one of the prize men of his class. For several years he was a high school teacher and then entered journalism. He has been connected with various papers, among them being the Providence Herald, Montana Daily Herald and the Fall River Daily News. In 1872 he bought the Taunton Gazette and has since published and edited it. Mr. Reed has served in both branches of the State Legislature and in various city offices. He married, December 26, 1870, Katharine T. Hale, daughter of George W. Hale of Newburyport, Mass. Their children are four.

JAMES M. ALDRICH, M. D.

JAMES MOTT ALDRICH, M. D., was not only a leading physician, but for many years a foremost citizen of Fall River. He was named after the famous Quaker preacher, James Mott. He was descended from (1) George Aldrich, a tailor, born in Derbyshire, England, about 1600, and Catherine Seald, his wife, whom he married in 1629. In 1631 this couple came to New England and first settled in what is now Maine, but soon afterward removed to Mendon, Mass. George Aldrich was one of the original purchasers of that town. He reared eleven chil- dren, of whom (2) Jacob, born in February, 1652, had a son, (3) Moses Aldrich, born in April, 1691, who became an eminent minister of the Society of Friends, suffered many petty persecutions in Massachusetts, and finally moved to Rhode Island. Caleb Aldrich (4), son of Moses, was born in January, 1725, resided in Smithfield, R. I., and became a prominent judge of that State. In 1847 he married Mary Arnold, on whose tombstone is the statement that at the time of her death she had living nine children, ninety-seven grandchildren, and 170 great-grand- children, Their twelfth and youngest child, Arnold Aldrich (5), was born in August, 1773, resided in Woonsocket, R. I., and married Dollee Lang in January, 1796. They had seven sons and three daughters, the youngest and last survivor being the subject of this memoir.

Dr. James Mott Aldrich was born in Smithfield, R. I., October 30, 1817. From childhood he possessed a delicate and sensitive organiza-

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tion and never enjoyed the vigorous health shared by his brothers. He spent his early life on his father's farm, which was situated about one mile south of Union village, on the road to Providence. He at- tended the common and private schools of the neighborhood and the academy at Union village, then under James Bushee, and also taught select school for a time. As a student he gained the reputation of be- ing thorough and industrious. He was especially fond of ancient and modern history, of the standard poets, and of forensic action, and as a member of a debating club took an active part in its debates. On reaching manhood he identified himself with the opponents of slavery, intemperance, capital punishment, restricted charter suffrage, etc., and so firmly were these principles grounded in early life that his long and useful career was eminently pure, noble, and in every way honorable. He had always been afflicted with a gastric disease, which increased in severity until it assumed alarming symptoms. A change of treatment by a botanic physician resulted in better health, and also turned his attention to medicine. Early in the year 1839 he entered the office and infirmary of Dr. J. A. Brown, of Providence, R. I., where he re- mained until November, 1840, when he accepted an invitation to go to Fall River, Mass., to take the place of Dr. J. B. Woodward, who went south for his health. Dr. Woodward returned about a year later and young Aldrich resumed his medical studies, taking a course of lectures at the medical department of Harvard University and afterward a course at the Botanic Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he received his diploma and was chosen valedictorian of his class.

Dr. Aldrich practiced a few months in Woonsocket, R. I., but in November, 1843, removed to and settled permanently in Fall River, Mass., where he again took the place of Dr. Woodward, deceased. Dr. Aldrich continued in the active practice of his profession until a few years before his death, becoming the oldest physician in Fall River and the oldest of his school in Bristol county. He steadily adhered to the same principles of sanitive medication, modified by experience and by modern and improved methods and medicine, and successfully com- bated medical intolerance and prejudice, until he established the high- est reputation for skill and ability. He was untiring in disseminating a knowledge of the reformed practice, and was widely respected and esteemed both as a physician and citizen. With Dr. T. W. Wood, A. M., of Middleboro, he published for one year (1846-47) the Medical Enquirer, a monthly which gained a good circulation. In 1867 he was elected president of the Massachusetts Eclectic Medical Society.

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Dr. Aldrich was from early life a prominent and active abolitionist of the Garrison type, and equally strong in his temperance proclivities. He was the principal physician and for several years president of the Fall River Children's Home Association, a member of the school com. mittee for over thirty years and and for a long time its chairman, and president of the Barnard Manufacturing Company. He successfully practiced his profession in Fall River for upwards of forty years, retir- ing only because of being thrown from his sleigh, in front of his office, in January, 1886. He was bedridden for nearly three years and an invalid from the effects of the spinal injury he received up to the time of his death, which occurred in September, 1896. He was of a cheer- ful and affectionate disposition, a kind husband and father, and a man of the highest integrity. He remained a birthright member of the Society of Friends until the New England yearly meeting decided to oppose the abolitionists. In 1871 he united with the Unitarian Society and later became a member of its standing committee.

He was first married, May 24, 1844, to Mary Ann Allen, a teacher, of Dedham, Mass., who died, without issue, December 18, 1857. Sep- tember 23, 1862, he married Louisa G., youngest daughter of Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden. She succeeded her husband as a member of the Fall River school committee, in 1880, and died in October, 1897, leav- ing two children: Mary Louise, wife of Edgar J. Rich, of Winchester, Mass., and Nathaniel Borden Aldrich, M. D., of Fall River.

Nathaniel Borden Aldrich, M. D., the only son of the late Dr. James Mott and Louisa G. (Borden) Aldrich, was born in Fall River, Mass., February 12, 1866. He received a public and high school education in his native city and also attended the Mowry Goff Classical School at Providence, R. I., and in 1886 entered the medical department of Har- vard University, from which he received the degree of M. D. in June, 1889. In September of the same year he began the active practice of his profession in Fall River, where he has already achieved eminence as a successful and talented physician. He is a member of the Harvard Alumni Medical Association, of the Fall River Medical Society, and of the staff of the Fall River Emergency Hospital. In June, 1892, he married Miss Ella M., daughter of A. L. Adsley, of Fall River, and they have one son, Norman A.

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ROBERT THOMPSON DAVIS, M. D.

HON. ROBERT THOMPSON DAVIS, M. D., physician and former mem- ber of congress, is a native of County Down, Ireland, where he was born August 28, 1823. His father, John Davis, was of Presbyterian ancestry and his mother, Sarah Thompson, a member of the Society of Friends. His parents came to America in 1826 and settled at Ames- bury, Mass., where his father resided for half a century. Dr. Davis received a thorough preparatory education in the Friends' School at Providence, R. I., and at Amesbury Academy, and began the study for his profession under Dr. Thomas Wilbur, then one of the leading phy- sicians of Fall River. He.passed two years in Tremont Medical School (Boston) and then entered the medical department of Harvard, from which institution he was graduated in 1847. After a brief experience as a dispensary physician in Boston, he went to Waterville, Me., where he practiced his profession for three years. In 1850 he came to Fall River, where he has won honorable distinction both as a physician and as a public spirited citizen. Early in his career he achieved success in the practice of medicine and soon took high rank among the leaders of his profession in southeastern Massachusetts. He was the youngest physician to be elected president of the Bristol County Medical Society and was re-elected to that position several times. For many years he has been a prominent member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, of the American Medical Association, and of the National Public Health Association.

Dr. Davis inherited the strong characteristics, the lofty patriotism and the public spirit of the Scotch-Irish people, and consequently was early led to take an active interest in the affairs of his city, State, and country. When quite a young man he was a bold and earnest advo- cate of the anti-slavery cause, and in 1851 delivered an eloquent and impressive speech in favor of instructing the State representatives from his district to vote for Charles Sumner for United States senator. When the vote was taken in harmony with his patriotic efforts, the representative from Fall River cast the ballot which decided the elec- tion of Sumner. Dr. Davis was a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1853, and in 1858 and 1861 was State senator, in which capacity he won distinction for his support of wise measures and for ability as a public speaker. He was a member of the National Repub- lican Convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in

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1860, and was a delegate to the convention that nominated Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876. Governor Andrew, in 1863, appointed him a mem- ber of the State Board of Charities, and in 1869, upon the creation of the State Board of Health, he was appointed a member of that body by Governor Claflin; and when the two boards were consolidated he was appointed a member thereof by Governor Talbot and held that position until he was elected to Congress. In 1873 Dr. Davis was elected mayor of Fall River without opposition, and during his administration many valuable improvements were added to the city, including a plan of sewerage, new engine houses, police stations, and the erection of several large school houses. One of these, the Davis School, was named in honor of him. He gave his salary while mayor for the bene- fit of the Children's Home of Fall River. Dr. Davis has always been an ardent supporter for the cause of public education and has used his best efforts to advance the interests and increase the efficiency of the school system of his city and State. During his administration as mayor, and largely through his instrumentality, the city of Fall River began the method of furnishing free text books to all pupils of the public schools, being the first city in the State to accept the provisions of the free text-book law. Dr. Davis has delivered numerous addresses on public occasions. He was elected to Congress in 1882, was re- elected in 1884 and 1886, and took a prominent part in the discussions of that body. Subsequent to his service in Congress he was appointed by Governor Ames a member of the Metropolitan Sewerage Commis. sion, then just established.

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Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2), Part 14

Author: Alanson Borden Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Number of Pages: 645

Author: Alanson Borden
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 645