Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2), Part 41

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 41

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Rich, Augustus E., was born in Thorndike, Me., in 1833, and at the age of fifteen came to Taunton, Mass., where he learned the trade of machinist. He was next employed in the machine shops of the New York and Erie Railroad at Susquehanna, Pa., then became a locomotive engineer on the New York and Erie, Baltimore and Ohio, New York Central, and the Great Western Railway of Canada. In 1859 he went to Salisbury, N. C., where he had charge of the construction train in the build- ing of the Western N. C. Railroad. When the Civil war opened he went to Ten- nessee and after the war closed engaged in the steam saw mill business at Meridian, Miss. From there he went to Macon, in the same State, where he was foreman of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad shops. In 1871 he removed to Fall River and worked as a journeyman in different shops until he started the Rich Machine Shops, which he has since operated in the manufacture and repairing of steel rolls. Mr. Rich has taken out several patents which have yielded him a considerable income, and he makes a specialty of manufacturing the products of his own inventions. In 1894 he planned and erected Rich's Theatre on Second street, Fall River. Mr. Rich was married in 1856 to Margaret A. Buckey of Baltimore. Of this union were ten chil- dren, five of whom survive. Ile is a member and was one of the first promoters of the Veteran Firemen's Association of Fall River; and enjoys the distinction of having been a promoter of the American Society of Locomotive Engineers. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Richards, J. Shepard, was born in North Attleborough, January 7, 1842. His father. Jonathan Richards, was one of the pioneers and founders of the jewelry busi- ness of the Attleboroughs; he married Fidelia Warren, a descendant of Captain Fletcher of Revolutionary fame. J. Shepard Richards was educated in the public schools and learned the jewelry business with Draper, Tift & Co. In 1888 he organ- ized the firm of Wheaton & Richards, making a specialty of gold work. In 1807 Mr. Richards married Abbie, daughter of Levi Daggett, and they have one son, Herbert L. Mr. Richards is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Massachusetts, and takes an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Richardson, O. P., jr., was born in Pawtucket, June 5, 1851, and his father, Orville P. Richardson, was a native of Attleborough, where his ancestors were among the pioneer settlers, and the family trace their descent from Samuel, who came to Wo- burn in 1686. Orville P. Richardson married Eliza, daughter of Andrew Johnson, and through life he was identified as a manufacturer of shuttles and shuttle irons. He was prominent in public events, taking an active interest in school and church matters, and he died in 1888. O. P'. Richardson, jr., was educated in Worcester and Attleborough, afterward learning the grocery business, and in 1878 he started in the insurance business, in which he has been identified for twenty years. In 1897 he married Bertha K., daughter of Granville S. Smith, and they are the parents of three sons: Harold K., Orville P., and Carlton S., and one daughter, Myra Louise. Mr. Richardson is one of the conservative men of his town; is serving as selectman; . takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters; and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and townspeople.

Richmond, Charles Everett, was born in Taunton, June 17, 1833, a son of Ruel and Reliance (Tinkham) Richmond. He received his education in the public schools of

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Taunton, and then learned the shoemaker's trade with his father. In 1851 he went with the firm of White & Childs in the grocery business and stayed with them about two years, when he was engaged by II. S. Chandler, in the hardware business, re- maining with him until 1861, and then engaged in business for himself in the same line. IIe was a member of the City Council from 1873 to 1878, serving as president one year. He was a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. February 34, 1859, Mr. Richmond married Mary Caswell, daughter of Adam and Sarah S. (King) Eaton of Taunton. He died June 4, 1898, survived by his wife. They had no children.

Richmond, Col. Silas Peirce, of Freetown, Mass., is the eighth generation in direct descent from John Richmond, who was born in 1594 at Wiltshire, England; came to America in 1635 and was one of the first purchasers of Taunton, Mass., in 1637. Samuel Richmond, the grandfather of Col. S. P. Richmond, was born in Taunton (Berkley), November 27, 1752. He bought a farm on what is now the Richmond road, in Freetown, in 1775, and which is now the Richmond homestead. and in 1789 married Mary Booth of Middleborough (Lakeville). He was a farmer and carpenter and served as a United States soldier in the war of the Revolution; died February 12, 1836. His wife Mary was born May 4, 1766; died August 10, 1799. Isaac Rich- mond, the third son of Samuel and Mary and the father of Col. S. P. Richmond, was born on the Richmond homestead in Freetown, March 29, 1704. He married Lu- cinda, daughter of Silas Peirce, of Middleborough (Lakeville), August 30, 1821, and had two children. Rowena P. T., born November 17, 1822, and Silas Peirce, the sub- ject of this sketch. Isaac Richmond was a farmer, miller and wheelwright; served as a United States soldier in the war of 1812-15; and was a man of sterling charac- ter, serving for many years as a deacon of the first Christian Church in Freetown. He died April 20, 1866. His wife Lucinda was born June 8, 1799, and was a woman of much intelligence, fine education, and lovely social and Christian character; died April 28, 1858. Col. Silas Peirce Richmond was born on the Richmond homestead in Freetown, June 19, 1831, and was educated at the Forge public school in Free- town and at Peirce Academy in Middleborough. He was a farmer and town officer 1850-5; engaged in mercantile pursuits in Wisconsin and Kansas 1856-9; town busi- ness in Freetown 1860; United States Volunteer army 1861-5; town business in Freetown 1866; lumber and grain business in Indiana and Michigan 1867-70; farm- ing and town business in Freetown 1871; turnkey in Massachusetts State Prison 1872-8; deputy master Bristol county House of Correction 1879-81; general travel- ing agent of New Bedford C. C. G. Company 1882-8; farming and town business in Freetown 1889-95; and deputy sheriff and court officer, Bristol county, 1896. On June 16, 1850, he married Elizabeth J. HIaskins (born May 9, 1839) of Berkley, and their children were: Emma A., born March 10, 1851, died January 13, 1885; Cynthia E., born March 25, 1858, died June 14, 1871; Sarah E. E., born July 1, 1854; Walter S., born February 22, 1857; Flora J., born May 3, 1859, died January 9, 1894; and Lil- lian F., born August 8, 1861. He also married Zadie Scott, daughter of Dr. John Scott, of Marcellus, Mich., June 17, 1869. She was born in Veteran, N. Y., January 18, 1847, and their children were: Annie E., born August 29, 1871; Roy S., born August 3, 1873; Ruth E., born May 14, 1882, died June 20, 1884; Forrest S., born August 4. 1883, died August 26, 1883; Isaac F., born January 7, 1886; Mark H., born October 5, 1889. All of the twelve children were born on the Richmond homestead

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in Freetown, Silas Peirce Richmond joined Company G, 3d Regiment, M. V. M., in 1850, and served as private, corporal, lieutenant and captain of the same, until 1855. when he was appointed major and inspector of the Second Brigade, M. V.M., serving thus for two years. In 1860 he was appointed A. D. C., with the rank of captain, Second Brigade Staff, M. V. M., and went in that capacity with the minute men to Fortress Monroe in 1861, and was in the first battle of the war after Sumter at Big Bethel, June 10, 1861. He was afterwards colonel of the 3d Massachusetts Volun- teers and the 58th Massachusetts Volunteers, and also assistant provost marshal, De- partment of the South, being mustered out in 1865. Colonel Richmond was at va- rious times auditor, town clerk, assessor, overseer of the poor, and selectman of Free- town, being chairman of the Board of Selectman for ten consecutive years, and was also chairman of the board of trustees of the First Christian Society of Freetown. He has held the office of justice of the peace continuously since 1862, and was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1892, serving on the committee on county estimates and as chairman of the committee on taxation. In 1892 he was a delegate and attended the National Republican Convention. At New Berne, N. C., in 1863, he was made a Master Mason and has been a Knight Templar for more than thirty years, and he is also a charter member of Post No. 1, in Massachusetts, Grand Army of the Republic.

Riley, E. I., was born in North Attleborough, February 5, 1850, a son of W. H. Riley, also born in North Attleborough, August 18, 1819, where his father, William Riley, settled in 1810. William married Abbie Wallcott and died in 1854. W. H. Riley married Rhoda W., daughter of Otis Corbin. He learned the jeweler's trade and was an expert workman; later he engaged in teaming and transportation job- bing and in 1879 established the coal business which he carried on up to the time of his death, October 30, 1887. Elmer I. Riley married Isabell B. Carpenter in 1874, and they have two sons and three daughters: Eugene C., Harold H., Florence A., Minnie I. and Ethel M.

Riley, W. H., was born in North Attleborough, December 30. 1844. His father, W. H. Riley, sr., was also a native of that place, born in 1819, and his grandfather. William Riley, came from North Ireland to North Attleborough in 1791, being the youngest of eleven children. W. H. Riley, sr., married Rhoda, daughter of Otis Corbin, a stone mason, and was recognized as a conservative, upright man. In 1870 Mr. Riley established the coal, wood, lime and cement business, which is still carried on by his two sons; he died in 1887. W. II. Riley, jr., was educated in North Attleborough and in 1862 entered the employ of Tift & Whiting, later with S. E. Fisher & Co. In 1883 he established his present manufacturing jewelry business. In 1864 he married Ellen M., daughter of John Hall, and they have one son, Alton H.

Roberts, Benjamin H., son of Benjamin H. and Charlotte A. (Allen) Roberts, was born in Fall River, September 8, 1856. His father was a carriage maker and came to Fall River in 1840. Mr. Roberts attended the public and high schools of Fall River, and was graduated from the latter in the class of 1876. After leaving school he went to work in the Granite Mills, where he remained over fifteen years, being overseer at the time he accepted his present position as superintendent of the Fall River Manufactory. Mr. Roberts is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery.

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Roberts, George K., M.D., was born in St. Louis, Mo., March 3, 1856. His father, Elbert G. Roberts, was a merchant in St. Louis and later moved to Litchfield, Conn., where he was identified in cotton manufacturing. George K. was educated in pri- vate schools and was graduated from Hobart College in 1870 and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city in 1878. In 1886 he came to Attlebor- ough, making a specialty of treating diseases of the eye, ear and throat; he also has an office in Boston and has charge of the eye department of Suffolk dispensary. He is a member of the Rhode Island Medical Society, of the Providence City Medical Society, and of the Massachusetts Medical Society. In 1882 Dr. Roberts married Susan E., daughter of Henry and Susan Hawley, of Collinsville, Conn., and they have three children: William H., George and Helen. Dr. Roberts is one of the pro- gressive men of his profession, is chairman of the Board of Health and takes an active interest in school and town matters.

Robertson, John Wallace, was born in Prince Edward's Island. May 4, 1863. His early education was received in the common schools; in early life he made a special study of horticulture and at the present time has a fruit farm in Prince Edward's Island. In 1838 he came to the United States and settled in Melrose, Mass., follow- ing the same business. In the fall of 1882 he came to Taunton and learned the car- penter's trade with L. M. Witherell, which he followed until 1893, and then engaged in business with Charles E. Strange under the name of Robertson & Strange, selling and repairing bicycles. He continued with him until 1895, when he went into busi- ness by himself in the same line and in the same location that he is to-day. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., King Philip Lodge, I. O. O. F., and John Hancock Council, K. P. October 28, 1896, he married Annie M. Costello of Lowell, Mass.

Robertson, W. W., son of William S. and Ruth A. (Hart) Robertson, was born in Fall River, March 27, 1857, and has resided in that city all his life. He attended the common and high schools, and after completing his education secured a position in the City Water Works office as clerk, June 1, 1874. His ability and strict atten- tion to business were recognized on February 10, 1879, when he was appointed entry clerk of the water board and water registrar. He has ever since held this position, having been in the employ of the city nearly twenty-five years. He is a member of the New England Water Works Association and of the Improved Order of Red Men.

Rocheleau, Joseph, was born at Maryville, P. Q., May 10, 1858, and came to the United States with his parents, Louis and Domitille (Bessette) Rocheleau, in 1863. They settled in Webster, Mass., and Joseph learned the trade of musical instrument maker, which be followed for five years. He then went to Brockton and engaged in the clothing business, and thence came to Fall River in 1891. He is a member of the clothing house of H. L. Rocheleau & Co., the Fall River branch of which is one of the leading houses of the city. Mr. Rocheleau is possessed of much energy and business ability, and is recognized as one of the foremost business men of Fall River. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Rogers, Alfred P., D. D. S., was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, a son of William H. and Mary E. (Page) Rogers. He received bis preparatory education in the Uni- versity of Acadia in Nova Scotia and began; his dental studies in Toronto, Canada,

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finishing at the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1890. In the same year he came to Fall River and was associated with Dr. Williams until October, 1897, when he opened his present office in the Horton building.

Rogers, Charles L., a popular and well known citizen of the town of Dartmouth, was born in that town, March 13, 1847. His father, Leonard Rogers, was a sturdy pioneer, noted for sound business principles and sterling integrity. His mother was Laura A. (Briggs) Rogers, a native of Dartmouth. Mr. Rogers received such ed- ucational advantages as were offered in the common schools in those days and at an early age learned the millwright and carpenter's trade, at which he has spent the most of his time since. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and held the office of road surveyor when but nineteen years old. He has been one of the towu assessors for the past two years. In January, 1874, he married Delia A., daughter of William and Mary (Phillips) Allen of Dartmouth, and they have four children: Charles W., Edward L., Mabel E., and Mary E.

Rogers, John W., was born in Mansfield. December 20, 1839, a son of John Rogers, born November 2, 1806, died March 31, 1873. Mr. Rogers's father was a large man- ufacturer of straw braid and gave employment to a large number of men and women. Ile retired from business in 1866 and the business was continued by his son and three associates. John W. Rogers was graduated from Brown University in 1861, and that same year enlisted in Co. H, 7th Regiment, participating in the campaigns of General Mcclellan. He received an honorable discharge in 1862, with rank of first lieutenant. In 1866 he married Martha J., daughter of Daniel and Salome Martin. Mr. Rogers is one of the enterprising business men, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town.

Rounds, Arthur Morey, M. D., was born in Norton, September 13, 1852, a son of Benjamin Mason and Sophia (Morey) Rounds. He received his preliminary educa- tion in the public schools of Norton, in a private school kept by Rev. D. S. C. M. Potter, took a course of mathematics at Wheaton Seminary and in 1878 entered Brown University, from which he was graduated in 1876, with the degree of B. P. After graduating he took up teaching for a while and taught in Norton and at the same time was first assistant in an evening school at Providence, and later went to North Attleborough and was principal in the grammar school there for one year. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. George F. Keene, the present superin- tendent of Rhode Island State Hospital for the Insane and stayed with him a year, when he entered Harvard Medical School of Boston, graduating in 1883; he then went to the Massachusetts General Hospital and later to the Rhode Island Hospital. He came to Norton in 1884 and opened an office of his own for the general practice of surgery and medicine, and is in the same location to-day as that he started in. He was one of the original promoters of the Norton Public Library and has been on the board of directors ever since it was organized; he is also president of the Mass- achusetts Medical Society, North Bristol District. June 8, 1886, be married Annie Endicott, daughter of George W. and Hattie (Payson) Felton of Chicago, Ill., and they have one son, George Arthur Rounds, born February 20, 1889.

Rounds, Thomas B., was born in Swansea, in 1853, a son of Stephen M. and De- lana Marvel Rounds, and was educated in the public schools of Somerset. His early

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business career began as a nailer in the works of the Somerset Screw Co., where he remained five years He then went to Fall River and entered the employ of Holt & Henry, dry goods merchants, where he remained until failing health compelled him .to relinquish the position after eleven years of constant servico. Realizing the necessity of a quiet place in which to recuperate, Mr. Rounds removed to Som- erset, where he erected the substantial home he has since occupied. 'Two years of · quiet life in Somerset saw Mr. Rounds in physical condition to once more engage in business and he entered the hardware house of Joseph O. Neil, Bedford street, where he has since remained. In 1878 Mr. Rounds married Rebecca F. Birch, daughter of Lewis Birch of Fall River. At the time of her marriage, Mrs. Rounds was principal of the Davenport School and enjoyed the reputation of being at that time one of the most efficient teachers in the county. They have no children and a goodly part of Mrs. Rounds's time is given to good works in connection with her church and the W. C. T. U. Her father, now deceased, will be remembered as a gentleman of charitable ideas and an exceeding degree of liberality toward those in distress. Possessed of some means he dispensed with a liberal hand whenever opportunity offered. In politics Mr. Rounds is a Republican and has been select- man six terms, also served two terms in the School Board in the town of Somerset. Mr. Rounds is a pleasant, courteous gentleman who remembers his friends among all classes of people.

Rowe, Mark E., was born in Newport, Me., April 1, 1849, son of Jeremiah Rowe, and they trace their descent to Robert Rowe, who came from England and settled in the Parish of Kingston in New Hampshire, in the year 1888. Jeremiah Rowe mar- ried Mary A., daughter of Samuel Martin, and through life was identified as a farmer. Mark E. Rowe, one of six children, was educated in the public schools and in 1872 he went to Attleborough, where he learned the jewelry business with Horton, Angell & Company, in 1881 becoming foreman and in 1886 he became one of the members of the firm. In 1877 he married Hattie S., daughter of Courtland Beers, and they have had three children: Miriam Bertha, Paul Eddy and Marie; the son died when eight months old. Mr. Rowe is one of the self-made men of his town; is a trustee of the Public Library; takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.

Russell, Augustus Shearman .- The first American ancestor of the now somewhat numerous Russell family was named Ralph. Of the place of his nativity or the pre- cise date of his birth nothing definite can be learned. He came from England, how- ever, and settled near the site of the village that now bears his name, Russell's Mills. Matthew Russell, grandfather of Augustus Shearman Russell, married Eliza- beth B. Brownell. Howland Russell, father of Augustus, was born in 1804; mar- ried Mary B. Shearman, and died September 24, 1892. Augustus S. was born in the town of Dartmouth, Mass., March 18, 1839. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, and his entire life has been devoted to agriculture. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, but has never been an aspirant for political honors. He is a member of the South Bristol Farmers' Club. He mar- ried Ruth A., daughter of Levi II. Butts.

Russell, Pardon, jr., son of Pardon and Marie (Reed) Russell, was born in New Bedford, Mass., July 25, 1851, and obtained his education in the public and private

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schools of his native city. His first business experience on his own account was as a wheelwright, from 1870 to 1884, and he then engaged in the retail ice business, which he carried on until 1895. Mr. Russell has been elected treasurer of the Burns River Corporation, a recently incorporated concern, organized for the purpose of con- ducting a wholesale ice business. Mr. Russell married Anna L., daughter of Joshua Peirce, November 30, 1894. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge No. 41, I. O. O. F., and Annawan Encampment No. 8, I. O.O. F. He has never aspired to public office, although on numerous occasions he has been solicited to be a candidate.

Russell, Thomas Wing, son of Perry and Sarah (Grinnell) Russell, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass,, May 28, 1839. Ilis carly education was obtained in the public schools. His life has been entirely devoted to agriculture and he now owns some eighty acres of well improved land. His career has been almost entirely one of private business, and a lack of opportunity for display has certainly not created in him any desire for it. He married Lydia W., daughter of Nicholas N. and Judith (Brightman) Kirby of Westport.

Ryan, Peter Joseph, grocer, is the son of Patrick aud Margaret (Roach) Ryan, who came from Ireland to Quebec, Canada, and died there, the former in 1875 and the latter in 1868. Mr. Ryan was born in Quebec on the 27th of June, 1868, spent his early life on his father's farm, and was educated in that city. In 1883 he came to New Bedford and entered the art establishment of Charles Taber & Co. Afterward he was for six years a clerk in the wholesale and retail grocery store of C. S. & B. Cummings. In 1893 he formed a copartnership with George H. Chadwick and en- gaged in the grocery business at the corner of Union and Sixth streets. Two years later this firm was dissolved and Mr. Ryan, in company with Edward E. Baker and Lewis C. Small, established a grocery store on County street, corner of Smith, which he has conducted aloue since 1890, when Messrs. Baker and Small withdrew. Mr. Ryan is a member of the Board of Trade, the Plymouth Club and the Knights of Columbus.

Ryley, Jobn, superintendent of public buildings of Fall River, was born in Bolton, England, October 28, 1838 He was educated in private schools in his native city and then was apprenticed to learn the trade of joiner and carpenter. After com- pleting his apprenticeship of three years he followed his trade and also superintended the erection of numerous buildings. In 1872 he came to America and located at Fall River, where ho successfully followed the occupation of carpenter and contractor. In 1888 Mr. Ryley was appointed superintendent of public buildings of Fall River and has since held the position by successive reappointment. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and other fraternal and benevolent societies.

St. George, Archibald, M. D., son of Charles and Delphine (Normandin) St. George, was born in Milford, Mass., September 10, 1867. His family removed to that part of Fall River which was then Flint village when he was quite young, and he obtained his early education in the schools of Fall River where he prepared for college. Be- fore going to college he engaged in the grocery business with his brother for a period of four years. He then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Balti- more, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1895. After graduation he at

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Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2), Part 41

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

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