Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2), Part 25

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 25

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Crowell, IIenry P., was born in Fairhaven, November 8, 1840, a sou of Thomas C. and Sally (Mallowes) Crowell. His father was a sea captain in the coastwise trade and resided in Fairhaven about thirty years. He was lost at sea in November, 1857.

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Mr. Crowell attended school until he was fourteen years of age and at seventeen be- gan to learn the moulder's trade, at which he worked during the greater part of his active life, and retired in 1803. He has been a registrar of voters for over twelve ycars and has also served on the School Committee. In June, 1860, he married Helen Wrightington. On his mother's side Mr. Crowell descends from old Knicker- bocker stock, and on the paternal side is a lineal descendant of Paul Crowell, who was born in England and is recorded as the first white settler in the vicinity of the town of Chatham, Mass.

Crowley, John D., was born in Liverpool, England, in 1820 He received a com- mon school education and then engaged in the purchase and sale of second-hand clothing in his native city. In 1858 he came to America and engaged in the same business in Philadelphia, remaining six years and then returning to Liverpool to look after his original enterprise, which had been continued during his absence. Two years later he closed this business and returned to Philadelphia. He came to Fall River in 1867 and started a store in second-hand clothing and jewelry, at the corner of Annawan and Brady streets; and in 1873 engaged in the purchase and sale of cotton and woolen stock, new prints, old metals, etc., at the same location. In 1885 he removed to the present location of the business, 189 Annawan street. Mr. Crowley was an active, conservative and enterprising citizen. His business life was . a remarkable example of success due to industry and ability, and at the time of his death, besides business enterprises, he owned fifty-nine tenement houses in Fall River and other real estate, He was a vigorous, intelligent and sincere advocate of temperance, and took a keen and lively interest in all things designed to promote the welfare of the public. He died on April 24, 1897, holding the respect and esteem of all who had known him. Mr. Crowley had married in England in 1849 to Abby McCauliff. Of this union were eleven children: John A., Mary, Annie, Abbie, James D., Daniel A., P. Henry, Michael V., Thomas J., George L. and Louis A. (deceased). Of these, four sons now conduct the business: P. Henry, Michael V., Thomas J. and George L. They are all natives of Fall River. Possessed of thorough business educations and inherited abilities they are conducting the affairs of the business with encouraging success.

Cummings, Benjamin, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., on April 7, 1797, and died in New Bedford on September 28, 1863. He was the son of Benjamin and Mehitable (Ryder) Cummings, being the youngest of a large family. In his early years he was engaged in business with his brothers, William aud John, in Dartmouth, where they had a large and successful store. On January 27, 1820, being then twenty-two years old, he married Cynthia Smith, daughter of Henry and Mary (Almy) Smith, who owned a large tract of land in Dartmouth on the Paskamanset River, which is still kept in the family. Soon after his marriage he left the store and devoted his atten- tion to his farm and the many business interests connected with it. There was a valuable water power which was used for a saw mill, grist mill, and fulling mill, all of which called for his attention and were successfully managed. At that time the whaling business flourished greatly and naturally attracted him, and he soon began to invest in whaling vessels. He found interest and profit in this, and increased his investments until he was part owner in a large number of whalers, one of which was named for him, and bore as a figurehead a full length likeness of him carved in wood,

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which was thought singularly true to life. He also invested largely in real estate in New Bedford and the accuracy of his judgment has been indicated in the develop- ment of the city. In 1857 the built the "Cummings Building" on the corner of William and Purchase streets, in which enterprise his brother William joined. At that time the building was the largest and finest in the city, and the wisdom of it from a financial standpoint was doubted by many, but the result proved his judg- ment correct, and his building did much to fix the business center of the city. In 1855 he moved from Dartmouth to New Bedford to the house where his widow still lives, and in which he died seven years later. He had ten children, of whom four daughters and a son are still living. [Ilis life was one of intense activity and he was just beginning to relax his attention to business at the time of his death. He had found time to be a trustee of Antioch College, in which he was much interested. Ile liked trees and flowers and all out of door things and took great pleasure and pride in his garden. The old age to which he had looked forward as a time when he could enjoy these things and the property he had accumulated, to which he had looked as a means rather than an end, was denied him, and he died leaving the reputation of an honorable and upright man in whom his family can feel just pride.

Curran, J. V., was born in Providence, R. I., May 18, 1861. His father, George . E., was a native of the north of Ireland, and came to the United States when a boy and was always identified in railroad matters; he died in 1884. J. V. Curran, at the age of four years, lost his right arm in a railroad accident. He was educated in the public schools and was engaged in the railroad business. In 1880 he was appointed station agent at Hebronville, which position he still holds. In 1889 Mr. Curran mar- ried Mary Cavanaugh, and they have two children: George D. and Mary E. Mr. Curran was appointed postmaster in 1805; truant officer; secretary of American Le- gion of Honor; the Red Men; member of.Co. C., of Attleborough, and through his influence a kindergarten has been added to the public schools. He was elected a member of the Attleborough Republican town committee for the year 1899. He has been a delegate of his party both in district and State conventions and in October, 1808, was appointed one of the seven members of the Republican district committee of Bristol county for the term of three years. The Attleborough Daily Sun, under date of March 28, 1898, has this to say of Mr. Curran, among other things: " He cast his first vote in the town of Attleborough, and ever since that time has taken a deep interest in public affairs. He takes to politics as naturally as a duck takes to water. Possessed of a superabundance of good humor, even his political opponents are always glad to greet him. Mr. Curran in politics is vigorous and aggressive and infuses much enthusiasm into whatever cause he espouses. He is a wide awake, public-spirited, progressive man, fully alive to the interests of his section of the town."

Cushing, John King, retired carpenter and builder, is descended from (1) Thomas Cushing, (2) William Cushing, (3) John Cushing. (4) Thomas Cushing, and (5) Peter Cushing, all of England; (6) Matthew Cushing, who married August 5, 1618, Naz- areth Pitcher, came from England in the ship Diligent in 1638, and commenced the settlement of Hingham, Mass. ; (7) John Cushing, born in 1697, married January 20, 1658, Sarah Hawke, and died March 31, 1708; (8) Matthew Cushing, born February 23, 1005, married December 27, 1694, Deborah Jacob, and died June 23, 1715; (0)

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Hezekiah Cushing, born March 14. 1703, married July 28, 1726, Lydia Jones, and died January 7, 1190; (10) Nathaniel Cushing, youngest of eleven children, born March 30, 1753, lived in Scituate, and married Alice, daughter of Joseph Cushing: and (11) Warren Cushing, youngest child, born December 14, 1785, married Abigail Gibbs Kempton, and died November 8, 1827; his wife died in August, 1876. Warren Cushing came to New Bedford about 1812. and engaged in ship building and later in the grocery business. His children were William Thomas, William Warren, John King, Deborah Kempton, Alice Eliza, Ann Sophia, Albert Warren, Thomas Kemp- ton, and Samuel Warren. John King Cushing was born in New Bedford, Mass., November 17, 1816, received a public school education, and when sixteen began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed successfully until about 1878, when he retired. For many years he was an active contractor, building many fine dwell- ings, school houses, the wood work of the present Friends Academy, etc. He wasa member of the Common Council at one time, and was a charter member of the New Bedford Guards. In 1885 he married Mrs. Ruth (Potter) Caswell of New Bedford.

Cushman, Andrew Bernard, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born at East Freetown, Mass., July 10, 1856. His father, a member of Company C, 18th Mass. Vols., was killed at the battle of Yorktown, May 18, 1862, and at the age of six years he was left fatherless He attended the public schools of his native town and of New Bedford, working at various pursuits during the vacations and at odd times, and notwithstanding the obstacles which he knew would confront him, decided to study medicine. He began in 1888 under the tutorship of Dr. Stephen W. Hayes, with whom he remained until well grounded, and then entered the medical depart- ment of the University of Vermont, from which he was graduated M. D., July 19, 1886. In the same year he began practice at South Dartmouth, where he has since been successfully engaged. Dr. Cushman is a fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and at present counselor for the Bristol South District. He has served on the School Committee for eight years; is a trustee of the Public Library; and has always taken an active interest in public and literary affairs. He is a prominent Mason, a member of the Chapter, Council, Commandery, and of Eureka blue lodge of New Bedford. In August, 1887, he married Edith H., daughter of Thomas L. and Mary (Hamblin) Allen. Three children have been born to them: Helen A., Robert W., and Ruth B. The Cushman family is of old Puritan stock. Dr. Cush- man is a lineal descendant of Robert Cushman, who was born in England and came to Plymouth colony in the ship "Speedwell," among the first settlers.

Cushman, Hiram, was born in Billingham, Mass., November 24, 1856. His father, Martin G. Cushman, was a native of Milford, and was identified in the manufacture of shoes and served three years in the war of the Rebellion; he married Serepta M. Taft and now resides in New Jersey. Hiram Cushman was educated in the public schools and in 1893 came to Attleborough and established his present business of couches, upholstering and carpet cleaning. In 1874 he married Ida Heath, who died in 1881, and in 1887 he again married Lucy M. Amsden. Mr. Cushman is a self- made man, taking an active interest in school and church matters and has ever ad- vanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Cushman, Seth Leonard, a son of Horatio Leonard and Loretta Horton (Rich- mond) Cushman, was born in Taunton, August 13, 1849, and was educated in the

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Taunton public schools. In 1866 Mr. Cushman engaged with the firm of N. H. Skin- ner & Co., dry goods, as assistant bookkeeper, remaining with them about three years, and in 1869 went to the Bristol County National Bank as teller, which position he held until 1881, at which time he was chosen cashier, retaining that position until 1887, when he was chosen president and has remained in that office up to the pres- ent date. During Mr. Cushman's connection with the bank he held many positions of private trust. In July, 1871, he married Mary F. Taylor of Fall River, and they have one son, Elton Gray Cushman.

Cuttle, John, was born in Yorkshire, England, April 1, 1829, and educated in the common schools of his native town. He worked in the linen mills until 1851, when he came to this country. He settled first in Schenectady, N. Y., where he married Maria Moore, who is now matron of the Almshouse, Fall River. Their living chil- dren are Joseph, Mrs. Catherine Keefe, Francis C., John, Thomas and Mary, who acts as secretary for her father. One son, Stephen, died in 1892 at the age of thirty- five; he was a mill overseer and an expert cotton manufacturer. John Cuttle has held many positions of trust in Fall River; since January, 1894, he has been superin- tendent of the City Hospital; previous to which he was engaged in the meat and grocery business. He also served for some time as superintendent of a linen mill for the American Linen Company, and was president of the Herald Publishing Company for ten years. He has lived in Fall River nearly fifty years and during this time has gained respect and confidence. He was councilman in 1869 and alder- man in 1870 from old Ward 2.

Daggett, Homer M., was born in Attleborough, January 27, 1821, son of Ebenezer Daggett, who was also a native of Attleborough, and the family trace their descent from Col. John Daggett. Ebenezer Daggett married Sally, daughter of Josiah Maxey, and through life he was one of the leading farmers; was prominent in his town and in school and church matters, and filled many positions of honor and trust. He died in 1832. Ilomer M. Daggett was educated in the public schools, afterward entering the employ of Capron Peck, at Attleborough Falls, cotton manufacturer. In 1845, with his twin brother, H. N. Daggett, he purchased the business in which he remained until 1852, when he went Farmer's Village and manufactured yarns, knitting cotton, etc. In 1860 he entered the Attleborough Bank, at North Attle- borough, and in 1875 he came to Attleborough and organized and founded the First National Bank, of which he has been cashier for thirty years. In 1842 he married Angeline, daughter of Otis Daggett, and they have three children: Homer M., jr., Sanford and Alice A. Mr. Daggett is one of the conservative men of his town ; takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions; and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.

Dahl, Thomas S., son of James and Martha (Wing) Dahl, was born in Fairhaven. October 22, 1864. For a number of years his father was a sea captain and later en- gaged in farming. As a boy Thomas S. worked on the farm and attended school. His first business experience was gained under E. M. Dean of Fair Haven, with whom he learned the shoemaking trade. He worked for Mr. Dean for some time and in 1880 purchased an interest in the business, the firm name being then changed to E. M. Dean & Co., which continued until 1894, when Mr. Dean retired. Since that time Mr. Dahl has successfully conducted the business alone, constantly adding

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to his resources until he now carries a large stock. He has been a lifelong resident of Fairhaven and has earned a reputation for honesty of purpose and integrity in business affairs. In 1803 he married Ardra A. Taylor, daughter of George Taylor 1 of New Bedford, and they have one son, Chester W. Dahl. Mr. Dahl is a member of Acushnet Lodge, I. O. O. F.

Danielson, Charles R., superintendent of the Sanford Spinning Company, is a na- tive of Sweden, born June 15, 1859. He came to this country in 1863 with his pa- rents, Otto and Christina (Johnson) Danielson. They settled in Pawtuxet, R. I., where he attended the schools for a short time and then weut into the Pawtuxet Yarn Mills as a carder. Subsequently he worked in mills in Valley Falls, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket. Mr. Danielson came to Fall River in 1892 to accept the position which he still holds as superintendent of the Sanford Spinning Com- pany.

Darling, Joseph Monroe, architect, a son of Horatio and Watie (Taylor) Darling, was born in Gloucester, R. I., July 18, 1835, and removed with his parents to Fall River when he was five years old. He was educated in the schools of Fall River and for three years after leaving school worked in Eddy's woolen mill. He then followed the trade of a carpenter and contractor for fifteen years, erecting in the mean time many large dwellings, business blocks and public buildings, including several school houses. For the past twenty five years he has followed the occupation of an archi- tect and has had an extensive business. He has designed numerous public and pri- vate buildings, all of which are noted as fine specimens of architecture. One of the last buildings that he designed and which displays more than ordinary skill and ability is the Boys' Club, a magnificent edifice presented to Fall River by Matthew B. C. Borden, of New York city. Mr. Darling's two sons, Joseph and Frederick, superintend his extensive contract business. His son George is an architect and is associated with his father in business. They have designed most of the new school houses of Fall River and numerous other buildings. Mr. Darling was a member of the City Council of Fall River three years, being a member of the committee that snperintended the introduction of the water supply of Fall River. He is a Mason and a member of U. I. O. O. of F. In 1840 he married Hettie A., daughter of George and Mehitable Reynolds of Rhode Island. They have seven children: Joseph M., George, Annie W., Edward B., Frederick E., Edith M. and Minnie H.

Davenport, William Church, son of William Rufus, and Hannah Church (Walker) Davenport, was born in Taunton, July 18, 1854. He was educated at Bristol Acad- emy, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Harvard University, where he remained two years. In 1876, soon after leaving college, he entered the Machinists' National Bank, and was chosen president of the bank in 1880, which position he still retains. Mr. Davenport is a director in the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Co., the Tauuton Gas Light Co., and the Cohannet Mills, a trustee of the Bristol Academy, member of the advisory board of the Old Ladies' Home, and of the executive committee of the Winthrop Club. October 25, 1831, Mr. Davenport married Anne Fiske Banfield, a daughter of Hon. Everett C. and Anne Schofield (Fiske) Banfield. They have three children living: William Rufus, Everett Banfield and Ruth.

Davis, David Perry, born in Somerset village, March 15, 1820, died April 14, 1897.

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He was the son of David Davis and Lavinia Keen of Dighton. His father was a carpenter, a sturdy, hard working man, who found little time for anything save labor in the support of his large family of thirteen children, of whom David Perry was the eldest. The common schools in those early days afforded the only oppor- tunity for securing the rudiments of an education. After acquiring only a few of the advantages these schools afforded, Mr. Davis early went to sea, and after serv- ing one year before the mast was raised to first mate and later to captain, in conse- quence of his superior attainments acquired so readily in the knowledge of naviga- tion, and his trustworthiness. These were not the only strong characteristics developed in the young mariner; he early learned to save his hard earned money and to invest it in sea going vessels until his retirement from the sea in 1863, when he found himself in possession of a modest fortune. He had, in the mean time, be- come interested in the ship yard at Somerset, where an extensive business was car- ried on in that line, one feature being the purchasing and altering of the United States war steamers into sailing vessels for the merchant marine. In this work Mr. Davis was abundantly successful. His ship building operations were continued until 1876, when he retired from active business, investing largely of his means in cotton mill property in Fall River. He was also largely interested in Somerset real estate and shipping interests. Captain Davis was twice married: his first wife was Patience Borden of Fall River, who bore him four children, three of whom survive: D. Borden, Abbie E., wife of Horace E. Slade, and Albert P., a sen captain. ITis second wife was Ella F. Trewoegy of Surrey, Me., whom he married in 1875, and who with two children survives him, a son, Leon H., a cadet at the military academy at Cheshire, Conn., and Daisy, who conducts a private school in elocution and pre- paratory studies. Miss Davis is a talented young lady, a graduate of Boston Col- lege and the Boston School of Oratory, and has enjoyed a post-graduate course in oratory. One thing worthy of note in this sketch and which may not be out of place is that from his birth and during the seventy-seven years of his life Captain Davis claimed as his home the spot upon which he was born. His father's homestead gave place in time to the residence which he was ever pleased to call home and wherein he peacefully passed away after a most even and peaceful life. Captain Davis was thoroughly domestic and simple in his tastes, loved his home, was liberal at all times in public affairs, a member and supporter of the M. E. Church in Somer- set, and died universally lamented by the whole community.

Davis, Luthan Tripp, is of English descent, the first representative of the family coming to this country early in the seventeenth century. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Gifford) Davis, and was born in Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., July 6, 1828 After being educated in the public schools of his native town he began farm- ing, in which business he has always been engaged, with the exception of three years which he spent in California, during the gold excitement. In politics Mr. Davis is a Republican. He was a selectman of the town of Dartmouth for thirteen consecutive years, and has also served as auditor of accounts, overseer of highways and in other minor public offices. He is a member of the South Bristol Farmers' Club. February 15, 1858, he married Nancy J., daughter of William and Fanny (Sampson) Greene, and of their union were five daughters: Emma C., wife of George C. Allen of New Bedford; Elizabeth D., wife of William A. Potter; Alice G., widow

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of William N. Weaver; Mehitable Anna, widow of Charles A. Collins; and Lucy H., who died in infancy.

Davis, William A .- Probably no resident of the town of Dartmouth has a larger circle of friends and acquaintances than William A. Davis. He is a son of Isaac C. and Julia A. (Baker) Davis, and was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., August 7, 1852. His father was born in Westport, but spent the greater por- tion of his life in Dartmouth, where he was well known to the entire community. After having completed his education in the common schools of Dartmouth and in the New Bedford High School, Mr. Davis engaged in the meat business, in which he has been very successful, and in farming He has also been extensively engaged in the ice business for over twenty years. Ile married, December 25, 1872, Sophia S., daughter of David R. Wilcox of Dartmouth, and of their union are three chil- dren: Alice P., Isaac C., and David W.

Davis, Zebina Baker, builder, is the son of Samuel M. and Lucy F. (Baker) Davis, and a grandson of Nymphas and Susan (Swift) Davis, and was born in South Dart- mouth, Mass., May 20, 1855. His mother, Lucy F., who died in October, 1807, aged sixty-seven, was the daughter of Michael Baker, a master mariner of South Dart- mouth, where he died in 1861. Nymphas Davis was a farmer and carpenter in Fal- mouth, Mass., and died there, having served as a volunteer in the war of 1812. Samuel M. Davis was born in Falmouth in 1827, and some time prior to 1850 removed to South Dartmouth, where he still resides, and where he has served as selectman, justice of the peace, overseer of the poor, road commissioner, etc. He successfully carried on a large carpenter and building business there without interruption for fifty-four years, retiring from active life in 1898. He is often called the " father " of Nonquit from the fact that he erected fully three-fourths of all the buildings in that place. Ilis operations extended also to Falmouth and other towns. Zebina Baker Davis was educated in the South Dartmouth public schools and at the Wesleyan Academy in Wilbraham, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1885 he established himself in business as a builder in New Bedford. Mr. Davis has always been a resident of South Dartmouth. He is a prominent Mason, holding membership in Sutton Commandery, K. T., and is also a member of the Odd Fel- lows and the Dartmouth Club. In December, 1878, he married Carrie E., daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth A. (Warren) Howland of South Dartmouth, and they have one daughter, Helen II. Mr. Davis has erected a number of important buildings, including the Sylvia Ann Howland school house, the Union Street Railway car house, numerous fine residences, etc.

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Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2), Part 25

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

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