USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 28
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Fernandes, Joseph H., son of Joseph and Clara (Felicia) Fernandes, was born in
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New Bedford, July 17, 1860. Both of his parents were natives of the Western Isl- ands (Azores) and came to this country when young, settling at once in New Bed- ford, where they have resided all their lives, and his father, who was a whaler, mer. chant, and hotel proprietor, was well known and universally respected in New Bed- ford. Mr. Fernandes obtained a good common school education and in 1871 went into the Wamsutta Mills, remaining until 1873, when he went to the Potomska Mills, his service there covering a period of nine years. In 1882 he entered the employ of the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company and later went to the Acushnet Mills, where he be- came a second hand, and in June, 1887, he established a general provision business on Potomska street, which he has since continued with success. He is one of the representative members of the Portuguese race in New Bedford. In 1896 he was elected on an independent ticket as councilman from Ward 6, having been previously nominated and defeated twice. For some time he has served as president of the Portuguese. American Political and Naturalization Club, and is a member of the Monte Pio Society and the Royal Arcanum, and is also chairman of the Landlords' Protec- tive Association of New Bedford. In 1884 he married Mary E., daughter of Patrick Murray of Novia Scotia, and they have four sons, two of whom survive: Joseph and George E.
Field, Chester R., was born April 1, 1843, son of Rathbun and Matilda M. (Leonard) Field, of Raynham, was educated at the district school at Winniconett, East Norton, and attended one year at Easton. Soon after leaving school he began work for the Mount Hope Iron Works, in Somerset, Mass., and was soon promoted to a clerkship in their office and was afterward sent to Boston, in 1868, to take charge of the sale of their goods, where he remained until the affairs of this com- pany were closed out. After this he went to Providence, in the employ of the Parker Mills, where he remained for about one year, and then the Mount Hope Iron Works resumed again at Somerset, Mass., so he again became identified with them, where he remained until June, 1882. From 1882 to February, 1888, he was identified with the Somerset Pottery Works, acting as their general manager. In March, 1875, he was chosen town clerk and treasurer and for seven years he issued warrants and took bail, continuing to hold those offices until August, 1888, when he resigned to take the treasurership of the North Easton Savings Bank. He is treasurer of the water works system of North Easton, and treasurer of the North Easton village dis- trict. In September, 1863, he married Abbie L. Robinson, daughter of Henry and Mary Robinson, and has four children: Mary M., who married Stephen L. Leonard, of East Norton, Mass .; Chester R., deceased; John R., clerk for Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation; George C., clerk at the First National Bank, North Easton, Mass. Mr. Field is a member of Elysian Lodge of Odd Fellows of Somerset.
Field, Herbert, manager of the Congdon Carpenter Company in Fall River, is a son of Jeremiah and Malvina (Knight) Field. He was born in Scituate, R. I., March 8, 1857. He obtained his education in the district schools, Lapham Institute at North Scituate, aud Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Providence, R. I. On May 20, 1879, he entered the employ of the Congdon Carpenter Company as entry clerk, and on February 1, 1882, was given the position of manager of the business at their branch establishment in Fall River, which had been started in 1874. This company is extensively engaged in the sale of iron, steel, lead, copper, heavy hard-
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ware, carriage material, blacksmith supplies, harness, etc. The sale of bycicles has lately been added to the business. Under Mr. Field's management the business at Fall River increased threefold and has outgrown its quarters on Pocasset street. In 1897 the establishment moved to the bandsome new building on Fourth street, corner of Hartwell, where with enlarged capacity and increased facilities the best of oppor- tunities are afforded for a still further advancement. They have furnished the iron, lead and other metals to most of the Fall River cotton mills built within the past fif- teen years, as well as to many other large and small buildings in the city and vicin- ity. In 1883 Mr. Field marriet Harriet E. Brown of Providence, and they have two children: Mabel B. and H. Edward. Mr. Field is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery. He is also a member of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F.
Fielden, Dr. John William, dentist, a son of John and Mary (William) Fielden, was born at Summit, near Rochdale, England, November 1, 1863. When he was eleven years of age he came with his parents to America, landing August 16, 1874, and located soon thereafter in Fall River, where he has since resided. Dr. Fickden first attended school in his native country and completed his education in the public schools of Fall River. For a time after leaving school he was employed at the Amer- ican Print Works; and upon deciding to prepare himself for the profession of dent- istry, entered the office Dr. W. B. Stevens of Fall River, with whom he remained two and one-half years. He was next associated in practice of dentistry with Dr. W. H. Lawrence for the same length of time, and then opened an office in the Water- man block. In 1894 be removed to his present location in the Jennings building on Pleasant street. Dr. Fielden practices dentistry in all its branches and has acquired a reputation for skill in his profession. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and an active member of the First Primitive Methodist Church of Fall River.
Fisher, IIenry H., well known in New Bedford as a leading manufacturer of bread and general baker's goods, was born in Medfield, Norfolk county, Mass., December 8, 1823, a son of Caleb and Eliza (Plimpton) Fisher. He attended the public schools very little, for owing to the death of his father he was thrown on bis own resources at an early age. This lack of early educational training Mr. Fisher made up later in life by observation and wide reading. When he was sixteen years of age he began an apprenticeship to the baker's trade under Wesley P. Balch of Medfield, with whom he remained five years, or until he reached his majority. At that time he went to Fall River to work for his brother, Mason Fisher, who had also learned his trade under Mr. Balch in Medfield, and had then gone to Fall River and established a small retail baking business. He remained with his brother until March, 1848, when he came to New Bedford and for eleven years thereafter ran a bread cart on com- mission for Watson & Manchester. Having been prudent and thrifty he was ena- bled in 1859 to purchase their business, located on Union street, above the corner of Sixth. This store he conducted for nine years and sold out to establish his present store on the corner of Purchase and North streets. At this location Mr. Fisher has conducted a successful business for over thirty years, his store having become a ver- itable landmark in that section of the city. Mr. Fisher has always upheld the prin- ciples of the Republican party, but has never taken an active part in politics. How-
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ever, he served in the council from the Third ward one term. In 1847 he married Judith E. Brightman of Little Compton, R. I., who died January 1, 1897. Two chil- dren were born to them: Henrietta M., wife of Erskin H. Pierce of New Bedford, and Harry W., deceased.
Fisk, George W., son of Jeremiah and Sarah (Davis) Fisk, was born in Provi- dence, R. I., February 22, 1854. When three years old he removed with his parents to Manchester, N. H., and was educated in the schools of that city. His father was a cotton manufacturer and Mr. Fisk followed that business for several years in Con- necticut and Massachusetts, holding positions in different mills as overseer. He came to Fall River in 1880 and in 1882 went into the employ of Sanford & Covel (now Covel & Osborn). He remained with them in the capacity of a salesman for nearly ten years and in 1891, when the old Fall River Steam and Gas Pipe Company made an assignment, he, with others, became interested and formed a new company, which was incorporated in the same year under the old name. Mr. Fisk became general manager of the business and has since held that position. The company is conducting an extensive trade among retailers in this vicinity and employs a large force of men. Mr. Fisk has been active in building up this trade and is widely known for his pleasant manners, tact, and good executive ability. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1873 he married Mary J., daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Smith) Abby of Norwich, Conn. They have five children: Royal, Edith, Walter, Flossie and Fred.
Flint, Benjamin K., was born in Maine, September 19, 1825, a son of Samuel and Louisa (Hodgman) Flint. He was educated at Freedom Academy, Freedom, Maine, and when seventeen years of age started out in life for himself as a carpenter, at Watertown, Mass. September 19, 1862, he enlisted for one year in Co. A, 47th Vols. After his discharge in 1863 he returned to Watertown and three years later located at Newton, Mass. Later he located in the town of Mansfield and purchased the milling interest and farm where he now resides, and which business he has since fol- lowed. He married Martha M., daughter of Joseph and Mary Bird of Watertown, and they have two children: Benjamin and Maria. Mr. Flint has been active in town and county affairs, and selectman many years. He is not a member of any secret society. !
Forbes, John P., was born in Middleborough, Mass., March 25, 1855, was educated at Bridgewater and Middleborough Academies and Harvard University. On Sep- tember 11, 1878, he was ordained to the ministry and installed pastor of the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church in Westborough, Mass. In 1882 he was called to the First Church in Arlington, Mass., where he remained until April, 1887, when he received and accepted a unanimous call to the pastorate of the First Congregational Society in Taunton. In April, 1898, Mr. Forbes was called to the pastorate of the Church of the Saviour, Brooklyn, N. Y. At present writing he is carrying forward his work in Brooklyn. June 22, 1876, he married Maria Almy Sawyer of Westborough, and they have one son, Roger Sawyer Forbes, born October 24, 1878, in Westborough.
Fortin, Julien Elzear, M.D., was born in St. George, Henryville, P. Q. May 10, 1858, and after an eight years' course was graduated from the Seminaire St. Sulpice, Montreal, in 1880. He studied medicine at Laval University, Quebec, and later en-
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tered Victoria College, Montreal, and afterwards entered the medical department of the University of Vermont at Burlington, passed his examinations, and was grad- uated with the degree of M.D. in June, 1883, after which he spent three months in the hospitals of Montreal. On September 7, 1883, Dr. Fortin came to New Bedford, where he has since practiced his profession, making a specialty of the diseases of women and children and of extracting teeth. He was chief commander of the Garde d'Honneur for six years and long physician to the society, and not only among his own people, but among all classes he has a host of friends. June 28, 1884, he mar- ried Elise Bonneau of New Bedford, and of their five children, three are living, viz. : Marie Rose Clara, Julien Joseph Alfred and Eva Malvina.
Foster, James R., M.D., was born in Foxborough, May 2, 1844. His father, James W. Foster, was a native of Southbridge, Mass, afterwards moving to Vermont, where he studied medicine and was graduated from the Berkshire Medical College. He practiced in Foxborough sixteen years and in 1854 moved to North Attleborough, where he married Harriet D., daughter of Ira Richards. James R. Foster was ed- ucated at Middleborough, completing his studies in Europe. In 1874 be entered Harvard Medical School. from which he was graduated in 1877, and then entered into partnership with his father, which continued until 1885, when his father died. In 1879 he married Eva Phillips, who died in 1882. Dr. Foster is one of the pro- gressive men of his profession: is chairman of the Board of Health and takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions.
Fowler, Frank Eugene, is the son of John C. and Abby L. (Congdon) Fowler, and was born December 11, 1856, in Montville, Conn., where he received a public school education. When fifteen he became a clerk in a grocery store in his native town, and three years later entered the publishing house of Henry Bill, in Norwich, Conn., where he remained ten years, becoming supervisor of agents. In 1884 he accepted a position as traveling salesman and in 1885 he opened a general store in Uncasville, Montville, Coun., which he continued about nine years. IIc was postmaster there during that period and for several years was also a member of the town school board and of the school committee of Uncasville. In December, 1893, Mr. Fowler came to New Bedford and purchased the wholesale coffee and spice house of Davis & Hatch, at 28 Union street, which he has since conducted successfully. This busi- ness was established on High street in 1865 by Thatcher C. Hatch and Timothy Davis, and after Mr. Davis's death Mr. Hatch continued it alone under the old firm name of Davis & Hatch until he sold out to Mr. Fowler in 18.3. The latter carries it on under the style of the Davis & Hatch Spice Company. It is the only concern engaged in roasting coffee and grinding spices and cream of tartar in southeastern Massachusetts. The business was moved to 28 Union street about 1887. Mr. Fowler is a member of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., of Acushnet Lodge, I.O.O.F., and of the A. O. U. W. In May, 1884, he married Sadie L., daughter of Edward B. Swift, of Falmouth, Mass., and they have four children: Florence J., Allan S., Harold C. and Arthur E. Mr. Fowler's father served in the U. S. navy and later became a lieutenant colonel in the Union army in the Civil war, and at the time of his death, in Denver, he was a member of the G. A. R. staff of Colorado.
France, Samuel C., son of John and Martha A. (Carter) France, was born in New- port, R. I., June 4, 1859. His father came from Ashton, near Manchester, England,
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when a young man, and for a number of years was engaged in the hotel business in Newport, where he became a well known and respected citizen. Mr. France was educated in the public schools of Newport and New Bedford. After leaving school he began an apprenticeship to the upholstering trade under J. L. & G. A. IIazard of Newport, with whom he remained three years. He then removed to New Bedford and engaged in a market business with Holland & Smith on Market square; later he began work as a clerk for the Industrial Co operative Association, of which he was eventually made manager; still later he engaged in a grocery business with John W. Bannister, under the firm name of France & Bannister. This copartnership con- tinued for about six years and at the end of that period he began work for Allen, Slade & Co. of Fall River. as their representative in New Bedford and vicinity, and his term of service with the firm now covers a period of over fourteen years. Mr. France was long a member of the New Bedford Fire Department, his first connec- tion with the department dating back to 1883, when he joined Onward No. 1 as reel driver; next he joined Hose No. % and became captain when this company went into commission. When No. 7 Engine Company was organized he was transferred to that company as captain; in January, 1893, he was elected third assistant engineer of the department and served until 1896, when. he resigned, after having completed a service of fifteen years. Mr. France is a member of Annawan Encampment and Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows, and Provision Clerks' Benefit Association. February 3, 1887, he married Carrie A. Hersey, daughter of William S. Hersey of New Bedford, and they have two daughters: Ethel B. and Martha S.
Francis, Thomas, son of Pardon and Dianna (Wordell) Francis, was born in the town of Tiverton, R. I. (now Fall River, Mass.), March 30, 1850. He obtained his education in the public schools and at the age of eight years obtained a position in the old Chase Thread Mill, where he remained four years, then began farming and has devoted his entire life since to his chosen vocation, with the exception of about four years that he was employed by the government in the timber business in Flori- da. August 31, 1879, Mr. Francis married Elizabeth A., daughter of Mary P. Cum- mings of Assonet, Freetown, Mass., and Jacob T. Peckham of Westport, Mass.
Fraser, Alexander McKay, machinist and member of the firm of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway, of Fall River, was born in Nova Scotia, March 4, 1863. His father, James Fraser, was born in the city of Inverness, Scotland, and his mother, Isabella (Murray) Fraser, in the same country. Early in life they moved to Salt Springs, Nova Scotia, where they resided for a time, and in 1872, when Alexander M. Fraser was nine years old, they came to Fall River. Ile had attended the schools in his native country but completed his education in the public schools of Fall River. After leaving school he was employed in various mills and stores and finally determined to become a practical machinist. In 1882 he went to Providence, R. I., and for three years served as apprentice in the Rhode Island Locomotive Works. He then re- turned to Fall River, and for five and one-half years was in the employ of the Fall River Bobbin and Shuttle Works. Later he followed his trade in machine shops at New Bedford, Taunton and Lynn. In 1803 he formed a copartnership with Messrs. Fyans and Blackway, under the firm name of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway, and estab- lished works in Fall River. They are engaged in repairing all kinds of machinery, engines, etc., and in mill work; and also build special machinery. They have pros-
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pered in business, and through energy and enterprise are constantly increasing their trade and extending their popularity. March 10, 1897, Mr. Fraser married Ann Allen, daughter of Charles E. C. Spencer of Fall River. He is a member of Narra- gansett Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery; also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
French, Edward Milton, was born in Garrettsville, Ohio, June 15, 1862, a son of Milton R. and Emeline (Hewins) French. He received his early education in the public schools and at the close of his school days began the study of music with his father. In 1881 he came to Taunton and commenced teaching, at the same time continuing his studies with B. J. Lang of Boston, and continued with him for a num- ber of years. Mr. French is organist at the Winthrop Street Baptist Church, which position he has held, with the exception of about one year, ever since he came to Taunton. He is one of the most successful teachers of the city. July 27, 1887, he married Lucy A .. daughter of Nathaniel and Harriet (Weeks) Hamlen of Taunton, and they have one son, Arthur Milton French, born April 20, 1889.
Frothingham, Rev. Paul Revere, pastor of the First Congregational Church of New Bedford for the past nine years, was born in Boston, July, 1864, a son of Thomas B. and Anne (Lunt) Frothingham. The family has been prominent in the vicinity of Boston ever since 1630, at which time the first representatives of it settled near Charlestown. Rev. Frothingham was prepared for college in the public schools of Boston, and entering Harvard, took the degree A. B. in 1886, when he began the study of theology in the Harvard Divinity School and was graduated with the de- grees S. T. B. and M. A. in 1889. In October of the same year he was called to the First Congregational Church of New Bedford and has ever since served that society, his pastorate having been marked by vigorous enterprise, noteworthy examples of which are the new chapel, adjoining the church, and the mission in the North End, called the Unity House. He was married, in 1892, to Anna, daughter of Lyman Clapp, of Pittsfield, Mass.
Fuller, William Eddy, jr., attorney at law, was born in Taunton, Mass., August 14, 1870, a son of William Eddy and Anna M. (Corey) Fuller; his father is a judge of the Probate Court of Bristol county. He is a lineal descendant of Samuel Fuller, the first physician of the Plymouth Colony, and one of its leading members. Be- sides practicing his profession he was also a religious teacher among the carly set- tlers of New England. On one occasion he was called to the Massachusetts Bay colony, where it is recorded he was the first to teach the Congregational faith, and the form of worship of the Pilgrim Fathers. William Eddy Fuller. jr., was prepared for college in the public schools of Taunton and in the Bristol Academy; he then entered Harvard College and was graduated in 1892, receiving the degree of A. B. He then entered the Harvard Law School, receiving the degree of LL. B. in 1895. In the same year he was admitted to the Bristol county bar and the following autumn came to Fall River, where he has since been engaged in successful practice. He is now associated with Arthur S. Phillips, under the firm name of Phillips & Fuller. September 22, 1897, Mr. Fuller married May Queen Newcomb, a daughter of C. A. Newcomb, of Detroit, Michigan.
Galligan, Charles Augustine, is the son of John H. and Katharine (Campion) Gal- 1
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ligan, natives of Ireland, and was born in New Bedford, Mass , June 29, 1867. His father came from County Cavan, Ireland, and first settled in Wareham, Mass., . whence he removed to New Bedford, where he died in 1883. Mr. Galligan attended the public schools of his native city and when thirteen entered the harness shop of the Wamsutta Mills, where he remained three years, after which he spent three years in the Pairpoint Manufacturing Works, learning the silver plater's trade. Later he engaged in the tea and coffee business for a short time. In 1890 he en- gaged in the second-hand furniture trade at 809 Purchase street, and in the spring of 1893 he established his present furniture and house furnishing store at 43 and 45 Weld street. Mr. Galligan has been a member of No. 7 Engine Co. since its organ- ization, and is also a member of the Board of Trade, the Plymouth Club and the Knights of Columbus. In October, 1892, he married Mary C., daughter of John Corish of New Bedford, and they have two sons, Edward C. and Leo.
Gardiner, Charles . Berry, was born in Somerset, June 19, 1849, a son of William Gifford and Rebecca (Hood) Gardiner. He was educated in the public schools, Lap- ham's Institute of North Scituate, R. I., and Schofield's Commercial School at Provi- dence, R. I. At the close of his school days he entered the Mt. Hope Iron Works to learn the machinist's trade and stayed there about three years, and was then em- ployed at various places until 1875, when he moved to Florence, Mass., where he was employed by the Florence Tack Co. as selling agent until 1878, when he came to Raynham as manager of the Leeds & Robinson Co. In 1800 their business was merged into a corporation called the Diamond Tack & Nail Co., with Mr. Gardiner as treasurer. In 1891 their plant was partially destroyed by fire and Mr. Gardiner bought out Messrs. Leeds and Robinson and continued the business alone until 1892, when he admitted Mr. David F. Ranney as a partner and they have continued together up to the present time. Mr. Gardiner was a member of the Legislature in 1879 and is also a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M. He has been twice married; first, De- cember 24, 1871, to Mary W. Babcock of Westerly, R. I., who died in 1883, and sec- ond, on June 15, 1887, to Katherine E. Ranney of North Hampton, and they have two children. Dorothy M. and Katherine.
Gibbs, Lot Haskell, ship broker, is descended from one of the oldest seafaring families in southeastern Massachusetts. His ancestors settled in Sandwich about 1630, his great-grandfather, John Gibbs, and grandfather, Caleb Gibbs, being resi- dents of that town. George C. Gibbs, father of Lot H., was a sailor in the mer- chant and coasting service, as was also his father, Caleb. Of his six sons, five be- came master mariners. He died on board his vessel May 22, 1849. He married Mary Cotton Haskell. a lineal descendant of Rev. Jolin Cotton, and had seven chil- dren, viz .: George C., jr., of New Bedford, who was long engaged in the merchant service, later ran a steam transport for the government, and for about thirty years a steamboat captain on the Sound; John Cotton Gibbs, a master mariner in the mer- chant service and after the war engaged in steamboating until his death about 1887; Charles Haskell Gibbs, a carpenter and musician, deceased; Lot H., the subject of this sketch; Joseph B., a merchant captain who was lost at sea in 1857; Mary Lucretia, who married Charles T. Bonney, of New Bedford; and Joshua E., a mas- ter mariner of merchant vessels and later a steamboat captain, who died in Septem- ber. 1896. Lot Haskell Gibbs was born in Rochester, Mass., February 17, 1830, and
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