USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 49
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married Rebecca Damon, daughter of Pitt and Lucy (Damon) Butterfield of Ded- ham. Frank M. Whiting was born April 21, 1849, educated at Norwich Military Academy at Northfield, Vt., and was graduated in 1868, receiving the degree of B.S. Ile then entered the factory of his father, remaining there until 1878, when he or- ganized the firm of Holbrook, Whiting & Albee, which continued up to 1880. His father then purchased the interests of Messrs. Holbrook and Albee and the firm name was changed to and continued to be Frank M. Whiting & Co. In 1881, June 21. he married Florence L., daughter of Edwin and Dorcas (Doane) Hancock, whose family were among the pioneer settlers of Wrentham, having received a grant of land from the queen covering the entire town. Mr. and Mrs. Whiting had two daughters, Marion D. and Helen J. For some time before Mr. Whiting's death, which occurred May 28, 1892, he had received warning not only from his friends, but from nature, that his end was near, but his indomitable energy would not allow him to give up. He was interested in the public events of his town, a director in North Attleborough National Bank and many other enterprises and societies. Of him it may well be said "an honest man is the noblest work of God."
Whitmarsh, William Zebina, treasurer of the Dighton Stove Lining Co., was born in Digliton, October 31, 1840, a son of William B. and Abbie F. (Atwood) Whit- marsh. IIc received his early education in the public schools of Dighton and the Dighton Academy. At the close of his school days he went to sea and followed it for a number of years. In 1870 he was appointed as station agent for the Old Colony Railroad at Dighton, and this position he held for twelve years, when he left to accept the one he now fills as treasurer of the Dighton Stove Lining Company. Mr. Whitmarsh is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Royal Arch Chapter, and the K. of H. In November, 1880, he married Lydia R., daughter of Daniel II. and Emily N. (Nichols) Horton, and they have one daughter, Florence Esther, born April 29, 1883.
Wilbar, Joseph Edwards, was born in Taunton. July 9, 1832, a son of Joseph and Fanny M. (Lincoln) Wilbar. His early education was obtained in the schools of his native town, and at the age of seventeen he entered the office of register of deeds for the Northern District of Bristol county, as clerk for his father, who was register at the time, continuing in that position until 1860, when he was appointed postmas- ter of Taunton, which position he held until 1865. On retiring from the post-office he re-entered the register's office, serving as clerk and assistant register until his election as register in January, 1874. Mr. Wilbar succeeded his father, who was register for almost thirty-three years, and has held the office continuously since his first election. Mr. Wilbar has been a trustee of the Bristol County Savings Bank since January, 1874, and its president since January, 1882. He is also a director in the Bristol County National Bank. Mr. Wilbar married Emma Barrows of Norton, daughter of Albert and Harriet (Ide) Barrows, and they have five children: Albert E., Arthur L., Charles B., Helen M. and Louise R.
Wilbur, Hubert Granville, physician and surgeon, son of Benjamin and Ruth (Wilbur) Wilbur, was born in Washington county, Maine, December 18, 1859. His grandfather, William W. Wilbur, was a native of Massachusetts and migrated to Maine during the early history of the State soon after its admission to the Union in 1820. After the death of his father, Dr. Wilbur came with his sisters to Fall River,
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where he attended the public schools, graduating from the High School in 1882. He worked his own way through the High School by teaching in the evening schools and by other work. He entered Harvard in 1882 and was graduated in 1886. Dur- ing those years he was employed in the summer months in order to make money to pay his way through college. After spending one year as a canvasser he matricu- lated at Harvard Medical School in 1887, receiving his degree from that institution in 1889, having pursued part of his medical course while a student in the classical department. He was house physician at the Boston City Hospital for eighteen months, and for six months was assistant in a private institution for mental and nerv- ous diseases. In August, 1891, Dr. Wilbur began his practice in Fall River, where he has since continued as a general practitioner with encouraging success. He is a member of Fall River Medical Society since 1889, and of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He is on the staff of the Emergency Hospital of Fall River and was elected a member of the Boston Medico-Psychological Society in 1889. November 24, 1892, Dr. Wilbur married Evangeline S. Ward, daughter of John and Susan Ward of Boston. Of this union are two children: Hubert Ray and John Cotter Wilbur.
Wilcox, Daniel Seabury, son of Allan and Content (Tripp) Wilcox, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., December 8, 1837. His early education was obtained in the public schools and at the age of twenty-one he began farming on his own account. He has devoted his entire life to agriculture and has been suc- cessful. He married, in June, 1879, Ruth A., daughter of Uriah Ilead of Dart- mouth, and five children have been born to them: Mary C., Herbert A., Flora M., Ruth A. and Daniel J. In politics Mr. Wilcox has always been a Republican. The family is one of the oldest of this section, Mr. Wilcox being directly descended from William Wilcox, who came from England about 1680. The farm on which lives has been in the possession of the family since 1796. Both his father and grandfather were well known and highly respected in the community.
Wilcox, Joseph, jr., eldest son of Joseph and Rebecca (Perkins) Wilcox, was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 9, 1808. (His ancestry is mentioned in connection with the sketch of Thomas Wilcox.) He was educated in the public schools of New Bedford and at the Friends' School in Providence and afterward learned the trade of carriage maker in his native town with Peleg Clark. Later he went to sea and be- came a master mariner, making some four whaling voyages. Subsequently he lived a retired life until his death, January 16, 1808. Captain Wilcox was widely respected and esteemed; he was very methodical, scrupulously honest, and kind hearted, and took a deep interest in the affairs of his city. June 2, 1831, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary Rice of Boston, and they had three children: Mary Eliz- abeth of New Bedford; Henry Perkins of Indianapolis, Ind .; and Rebecca P., who married Charles E. Ellis of New Bedford. Mrs. Wilcox died in July, 1897.
Wiley, William John, manager of the Academy of Music, a son of Robert and Mary Wiley, was born in Fall River, April 14, 1854. His parents came to Fall River from the north of Ireland in 1852. Mr. Wiley received his educational training in the public schools of his native city and spent three years in the High School. He then accepted the position of clerk in the Weetamoe Mills and remained several years in that capacity, when he became bookkeeper and later head salesman for P. D. Conant & Co. of Fall River, continuing with that firm fourteen years. In 1888 Mr. Wiley
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became manager of the Fall River Academy of Music, which position he at present fills. He is also agent for the N. B. Borden estate in the management of the Borden block on South Main street. He was a member of the Common Council from Ward 6 for one term, beld the office of alderman for Ward 9 for seven years, and was the Republican nominee for mayor of Fall River against Dr. J. H. Coughlin, who was elected. Mr. Wiley married Clara Louise Macomber of Fall River, and they have two children; George S. and Robert M.
Williams, G. B .- George Bassett, and Edwin Williams, are sons of George and Harriet (Bassett) Williams of Raynham, Mass. George B. was born March 81, 1844, and Edwin December 20, 1856. They both received their education in the pub- lic schools and then attended the Bristol Academy at Taunton, and Pierce Academy at Middleborough. After their school days were over they worked with their father on the farm, engaged in fishing on Taunton River, and in the manufactory of box boards. In 1875 George B. took the business and continued it until 1879, when Ed- win was admitted partner and the firm has remained the same up to the present time. They are both members of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M. of Taunton. George B. was married January 28, 1879, to Caroline B. Dyer of New Bedford. They have one son, George Everett, born July 22, 1891. Edwin was married June 15, 1884, to Carolyn F. Young of Matinicus, Me. She died March 20, 1897.
Williams, Harry S., son of Nathan and Caroline T. (Richmond) Williams, was born in Taunton, Mass., January 23, 1864. His father was also a native of Taunton, and a well known box and cask manufacturer, his planing mill being located at East Taunton. He was for many years one of the selectmen of the town, a member of the first Board of Aldermen after the change of government, and has since served several times on the board, representing Wards 4 and 5. Mr. Williams is a member of one of the oldest New England families, being a lineal descendant and seventh of the line of Richard Williams, who was one of the earliest settlers of Taunton, of con- siderable prominence in colonial history and a brother of Roger Williams. The direct line of the family has been continued in Taunton and vicinity from the original settlement. During his boyhood Mr. Williams attended the Taunton public schools and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1882. Subsequently he en- tered Harvard University, remaining two years, and later entered the Boston Uni- versity School of Law, which he attended until the spring of 1887. In the fall of 1887 he went to New York city and entered the law office of Jackson & Hubbell (Gen. Joseph C. Jackson and Charles B. Hubbell). After the dissolution of this firm he continued with Mr. Hubbell in the firm of Safford & Hubbell and later in the firm of Hubbell, Safford & Wickes (Charles B. Hubbell, W. H. Safford and Thomas P. Wickes, then assisiant corporation counsel of the city of New York.) In each of these law firms Mr. Williams was managing clerk; he remained with the last mentioned firm until 1892. Mr. Williams was admitted to the New York bar in June, 1890, and in 1802 began to practice at No. 3 Broad street, where he continued until he removed to Taunton in May, 1804. Mr. Williams has always been affiliated with the Repub- lican party and is a member of the Republican City Committee. In 1895 he was elected city solicitor and filled the office with ability. He formed a partnership with Lloyd E. White, under the firm name of White & Williams, in 1896. Mr. Williams married, July 5, 1896, Alice E., daughter of iCapt. James B, Boswell, [a native of
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Salem, Mass., but who spent most of his life in Shanghai, China. Of their union is one daughter, Florence Boswell Williams.
Williams, Philander, was born in Taunton, February 7, 1829, a son of Simeon and Eliza Ann (Leonard) Williams. In early life he attended the public schools and Bristol Academy, and then went to work for his father and at the age of sixteen could make and burn a kiln of bricks. Not being satisfied with this, in 1845 he left on a whaling cruise of three years, and when he returned from this he engaged in shoemaking, which he followed for six or seven years. During this time he had been married and when he was twenty-six years old his wife died. He was then employed as a clerk in the grocery store of Jackson & Dean. in the same location as he is to- day. Shortly after Mr. Dean retired and Mr. Williams bought his interest and it was carried on as Jackson & Williams, and remained so for twelve years. One year of this time was spent in the army, where he was second lieutenant of Co. K, 4th Regiment, M. V. M. When Mr. Jackson retired Mr. Williams took the entire charge of the store and runs it to-day under the name of P. Williams & Co. He has been one of the trustees of the Bristol County Savings and director of the Bristol County National Bank for a number of years. He has been married twice, first, in 1852, to Nancy T. Walker of Raynham, and second, in 1857, to Amelia A. Hall of Taunton, and the have two sons: Charles T. and Allston E.
Williams, Dr. William E., dentist, was born in Warren, R. I., March 12, 1827. His parents, Thomas C. and Eliza (Smith) Williams, were descendants of early set- tlers in Rhode Island; his father was cashier of the Hope Bank at Warren; his grandfather resided at Newport, where his father was born. Dr. Williams was ed- ucated in the public schools of his native town and then learned the jewelry busi- ness, which he followed for two years. Owing to impaired health he discontinued that business and began the study of dentistry in an office at Warren. After hav- ing carefully prepared himself for his profession he practiced for one year at Nan- tucket and removed to Fall River the year it was incorporated a city. The pop- ulation has increased nearly ninefold since he became a resident. When Dr. Will- iams came to Fall River there were but two practicing dentists in the city. Owing to his skill and special aptitude for his profession he soon built up a large busi- ness, which he has continuously held during the long period of forty-four years. He was the first dentist in Bristol county to manufacture and use nitrous-oxide gas for extracting teeth without pain. When he began his profession dentistry was still in its infancy; it was practiced as an art but had not been reduced to a science. There were, however, some skillful operators. Dr. Williams in his early practice made some of his own instruments and dental supplies. By close atten- tion to business and long and successful experience he kept in touch with the ad- vancement and improvements and has always held high rank in his profession. Dr. Williams married Susan T. Hathaway in 1849, who died in 1891, leaving one daughter, Emma, wife of George F. Mellen of Fall River.
Williston, Charles H., was born in Tiverton, R. I., September 8, 1859, a son of Simeon H. and Deborah (Sanford) Williston. His father, a seafaring man, sailed in the coastwise trade from ports in this locality several years. When Mr. Williston was a youth the family removed to Fall River (1868). Here he attended the common schools, and also received a part of his early educational training in his native town.
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At an early age he began an apprenticeship under John Haskill, who introduced concrete paving in Fall River; some of the concrete walks made by him twenty-five years ago are still in existence, notably those on Second street. Mr. Haskill also conducted an extensive business in gravel roofing. At his death in August, 1877, Mr. Williston succeeded to the business, although then a comparatively young man; he has since conducted it, and with considerable success, employing at different times nearly two hundred men and taking large contracts for the municipality. He also carries on an extensive business in neighboring cities and villages. Mr. Willis- ton is well known in Fall River, is an enthusiastic yachtsman and has a wide fra- ternal connection. He is a member of Narragansett Lodge of Masons; Friendly Union Lodge of Odd Fellows; Annawan Lodge and the Uniformed Rank, Massa- soit Division of the Knights of Pythias; and the Improved Order of Red Men. In 1877 he married Sarah E., daughter of Thomas and Sally (Winslow) Greene of Taun- ton, and they have four children: Clarence H., Herbert Arthur, Sanford Williston, and Lester Shaw Williston.
Wilmarth, Edwin B., was born in Attleborough, October 29, 1849, a son of Thomas Wilmarth, also a native of the same town; he married Betsey, daughter cf Daniel Grant, and died in 1868. Edwin B. Wilmarth was educated in the common schools and learned the machinist's trade. In 1870 he entered the employ of V. H. Blackinton, and after Mr. Blackinton's death in 1888, purchased one-half of the business, and they are making a line of badges, souvenirs, etc. In 1878 he married Kate A. Gordan, and they have four sons and two daughters: Alpha, Harry S., Ed- win R., Gordan S., Elsie May and Etta B.
Wilson, George, was born, October 1, 1813, in Windham, N. H., where he spent his boyhood, and where he received a common school education. In 1827 he entered, as a bobbin boy, one of the Merrimac Mills in Lowell, and remained two years, and then apprenticed himself for three years to learn cotton goods mannfacturing, receiv- ing forty-two cents per day for the first year, fifty cents the second, and fifty-eight cents the third. He worked thirteen hours a day, and out of his wages he paid for his board and clothes. He then left Lowell and came to New Bedford, where he en- tered the employ of Timothy Drew. Soon, however, he became associated with John Howland, jr., and so continued for four years, living with the latter's mother, Reliance, widow of John Howland, sr., who did much toward forming Mr. Wilson's character and fit him for later responsibilities. During this period he saved some money, and in 1836 he purchased his first horse and truck and commenced the team- 'ing business, which he successfully carried on for thirty years. In 1850 he formed a copartnership with Hon. John H. Perry, and for seventeen years the firm of John H. Perry & Co. conducted a successful coal, paint and trucking business at the corner of South Water and Walnut streets. Mr. Wilson was for four years president, direc- tor, and superintendent of the New Bedford Tanning Company arid for three years a partner with Dennison Brothers, grain and flour dealers, and has also been the president and treasurer of the Gosnold Mills and a director of the Mt. Washingtop Glass Company, the New Bedford Street Railway Company, and the Fall River Railroad Company. He held every office from torch boy to chief engineer, except that of clerk, in the New Bedford Fire Department, was a member of the Common Council and of the Board of Aldermen, and for four years served the city of New
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Bedford as mayor. His energy, integrity and ability have won for him universal esteem and confidence.
Wing, John, was born in East Sandwich, Mass., April 8, 1831, a son of Abraham and Rebecca (Tucker) Wing. His father, a farmer, was a native and lifelong res- ident of East Sandwich, and a prominent and well respected citizen. He was ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of salt; his mother was a descendant of one of the old pioneer families of Dartmouth, Mass. During his boyhood Mr. Wing at- tended the Friends' School at Providence, R. I.,for three years and later Paul Wing's boarding school at Spring Hill, Mass., two years. He came to New Bedford in the spring of 1847 and learned the cooper's trade, which he carried on in company with David and Thomas Peirce; later he was engaged in the retail grocery business in New Bedford for a period of nine years, and then connected himself with the late Ezra Kelley, in the manufacture of the world renowned Kelley's Watch, Clock and Chronometer Oils. Of this business he is now the sole proprietor. Mr. Wing has been a prominent citizen of New Bedford, once a candidate for mayor, and a mem- ber of the Council three years and of the Board of Aldermen of like period. He is a member of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows and has passed through all the degrees. Mr. Wing married, in January, 1855, Joanna R., only daughter of the late Ezra and Nancy Kelley of New Bedford.
Wing, Samuel, eldest son of Levi and Rachael S. (Swift) Wing, was born in the town of Fairhaven, Bristol county, Mass., October 2, 1842. He received his early education in the public schools and for a few years worked on the farm with his father, then served two years' apprenticeship at carpentering with Nahum Dean of Taunton, Mass. Ill health caused him to abandon the carpenter's trade and after one year he secured a position in the box factory of Emery Cushman, where he was employed for three years, then removed to New York city, where he was employed in a similar plant. Later he returned to Acushnet, where he has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Wing married, May 20, 1866, Mary A., daughter of Barnabas N. and Phoebe (Swift) Douglass, and they had three children: Harold C., Chester B. (deceased), and Alfred B.
Wise, Louis W., was born in North Attleborough, October 8, 1856, educated in North Attleborough and at the age of eighteen years entered the employ of T. I. Smith & Co., becoming a member of the firm in 1887. In 1882 he married Agnes J., daughter of Lucien A. Cooke of Franklin, and they have two sons, Louis R. and E. Linwood. Mr. Wise is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters. He is a member of Bristol Lodge, Bristol Commandery and King Hiram Chapter, and has ever received and merited the re- spect of his associates.
Withington, George G., was born July 26, 1831, son of George Richards Minot and Laurinda Gardener Withington, of Bolton. His father during life was identified as a barrister and traces his descent back to the family of Henry Withington of Dor- chester. Mr. Withington was educated at Lancaster Academy and Meadville Theo- logical School and was ordained at Hillsboro, Ill., coming to Easton, Mass., in 1858, where he presided in the First Parish Unitarian Congregational Church for thirteen years, when owing to ill health he retired. He afterwards for three or four years
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taught in the High School of Easton, Mass., and in 1875 he began the drug business, in which he is at present engaged. He has been on the School Committee for twelve years and town clerk and treasurer for the town of Easton for twenty-three years, which position he now honorably holds. He was married on January 22, 1860, to Ellen Jeanette, daughter of Hon. Elijah and Nancy Johnson Howard, of Easton, and they have one child, Nettie Louise. Mr. Withington is an honored member of the Paul Dean Lodge of Free Masons, of Easton, and in 1869 was second master of that order; a member of the Pilgrim Royal Arch Chapter, and of the Old Colony Commandery of Abington. In 1896 he represented Easton, Mass., in the Second District, in the Legislature. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Withington is one of Easton's highly respected citizens, taking an interest in his town and has ever en- deavored to advance the best interests of its people.
Wood, Cornelius, was born in England, May 27, 1827, and came to this country in 1850, settling in Taunton, where he went to work for James Darke, house and sign painter, and remained with him two years. He then went into business with him and continued for three years under the name of Darke & Wood. In 1855 the firm was dissolved by mutual consent and Mr. Wood started for himself in about the present location and has followed it up to the present time, making forty-three years he has been in business for himself. He carries a large line of paper hangings, paints, oils and glass, in addition to the painting and glazing department. Mr. Wood was a member of the City Council in 1876 and the Board of Aldermen in 1877, 1878 and 1883. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. He was married in England in 1849, to Sarah Darke, and they have one son living, who is in business with his father, William H.
Wood, George R., is a native of New Bedford, born May 11, 1852, a son of Henry 'T. and Anna (Russell) Wood. During his early boyhood he attended the public schools of New Bedford and later entered the Friends' School at Providence, R. I., from which he was graduated in 1870. Ile gained his first business experience as a clerk in a grocery store owned by Tucker & Cummings, in whose employ he re- mained one year, and after spending another year in the employ of his father went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he secured employment as a bookkeeper in a large dry goods house and remained in that capacity for four years. In 1876 he again became connected with his father's business and at the latter's death succeeded with his brother, Edmund Wood, to their father's interest, forming a copartnership with an uncle who had been a partner of Henry T. Wood. The business which was started on a small scale has grown to extensive proportions and in addition to conducting a lumber yard and planing mill, and a business in builders' supplies, the firm also have established a considerable export trade. The firm name of Greene & Wood has never been changed, although Augustus A. Greene, who in 1848 was associated. in the establishment of the business with Henry T. Wood, had been retired for sev- eral years prior to the latter's death. Mr. George R. Wood has done much to build up the trade and is a well known figure among builders and contractors in this vi- cinity. Ile is an earnest Republican in politics, but with the exception of three years in the School Committee, has never held public office. In 1888 he married Isabelle, daughter of Joshua Richmond of New Bedford, and they have two sons: Richmond and Russell.
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