USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 50
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Wood & Co., John A .- This is one of the oldest business enterprises of its kind in Bristol county. It was established in 1848 by John A. Wood and William O. Brown- ell, under the firm name of Wood & Brownell. They started in a small way, cater- ing principally to the retail trade, and later adding a shipping and commission busi- ness. About 1881 the firm name was changed to its present form and its business relations confined entirely to wholesale dealing in provisions and produce. At the death of John A. Wood, in 1892, William H. Wood, his son, took charge of the busi- ness, which has now, owing to the prestige gained by long establishment, grown to considerable proportion.
Wood, William G., of the firm of Greene & Wood, was born in that section of Fair- haven which is now included in Acushnet, in 1838, being a son of Thomas and Bet- sey P. Wood. He received his education in the common schoolsof New Bedford and in the Friends' School of Providence, R. I. After leaving school in 1882 he entered the employ of Greene & Wood as a clerk and became a partner in 1861. The firm, which is more fully mentioned elsewhere in this work, now consists of William G. Wood, George R. Wood and Edmund Wood. William G. Wood's connection with the business as clerk and partner covers a period of nearly half a century. Although one of the representative business men of the city Mr. Wood has never been promi- nent in public affairs, and the only public position he ever filled was as a member for two years of the board of overseers of the poor. In 1859 he married Eliza H., adopted daughter of John A. Delano of New Bedford.
Woods, William Sylvester, was born in Newburyport, Mass., November 16, 1869, a son of John J. and Anna (Kelley) Woods. He received his education in the public schools of Newburyport, Harvard College and Harvard Law School, graduating from the latter in June, 1895. He was admitted to the Suffolk county bar in April, 1895, and in September of that year opened an office in Taunton. In January, 1898, Mr. Woods was elected city solicitor. Mr. Woods is one of the rising young lawyers, and is destined to make his mark in some of the legal contests of the county.
Woodward, Alden Palmer, was born in Raynham, December 10, 1858, a son of Will- iam Perrin and Catherine Mandana (Palmer) Woodward. His education was obtained in the Taunton public schools and the Bristol Academy. Upon leaving school he went with his father in the restaurant business and remained with him until 1871, and engaged with the Taunton Silver Plate Co., and learned the trade of britannia worker, which he followed for about eight years and then returned to his father and worked for him until 1889, at which time he bought him out and has since continued the business in his own name. He is a member of several local clubs. May 10, 1877, he married Helen Gordon, daughter of P. T. and Hannah (Southworth) Washburn, and they had two daughters: Maude Washburn, born November 29, 1878; and Marian Alden, born September 27, 1880, died July 6, 1896. .
Woodward, Horace Alverdo, was born in Raynham, August 20, 1856, a son of William Perrin and Catherine Mandana (Palmer) Woodward. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days went to work for his father in his present location and has continued up to the present time, with the exception of a brief interval, and has carried on the business in his own name since 1894. Mr. Woodward is an artist in oils and has sold many pieces
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from his brush to critics both in and out of the city and has received high commend- ation from some of the best judges of art in the State. He is a member of the American Order of Foresters, and the Apollo Club. August 17, 1878, he married Rebecca Evelyn Bullock of Taunton, daughter of Clark J. and Rebecca (Hathaway) Bullock, and they have had four children: William Alverdo, Claude Munroe, Made- line Eva and Pearl Eveline, deceased.
Wordell, Perry Chase, the youngest son of Holder and Rachael (Wordell) Wordell, was born in North Westport, Mass., May 7, 1854. His parents removed to the town of Dartmouth when he was six years of age, and there he attended the public schools. Mr. Wordell has devoted his entire life to farming and especially to the raising and handling of produce. December 24, 1877, he married Carrie I., daugh- ter of Benjamin R. and Elizabeth (Thurston) Wordell, and they have had seven chil- dren: Harry F., Lionel, Clayton P., Martin D., Frederick S., Grace B. and Leroy. Mr. Wordell is a Republican in politics. He is a pleasant, affable man, has been the architect of his own fortune, and enjoys the confidence of many friends.
Young, John M., coal merchant, and member of the firm of Pardee & Young, is a native of Pollokshaws, Renfrewshire, Scotland, in which country he obtained his education. In 1856 he came to America, landing on Easter Sunday in New York. During the following nine years he was employed in flouring mills in Buffalo and Rochester, N. Y., and in 1865 came to Fall River, where for three years he worked in the flouring mills of Chace & Mason. From 1868 to 1874 he was secretary and librarian of the Fall River Y.M.C.A. He next was employed with M. T. Bennett in the coal business for three years, and in 1878 entered into partnership with Charles A. Pardee in the coal business on Davol street, under the firm name of Pardee & Young. They first leased the wharf and later purchased their present place where they have done a very large business as wholesale and retail dealers in coal. Mr. Young has been a director of the Troy Co-operative Bank since its organization in 1880, and for several years has been chairman of the security committee of that insti- tution. Three years he was supreme treasurer of the American Order of Druids and was chairman of the Fall River Board of Health until he resigned on account of other duties. In 1867 he married Margaret J. Blake, a native of Nova Scotia, and they have three children: Elmer B., John M., jr., and Edwin R.
Adams, George L., was born in Hazardville, Conn., June 4, 1866. His father, Rev. H. D. Adams, was a native of Plainfield county, and for twenty years was identified with the ministry of the M. E. church; he married Ruth Bridge. George L. was educated in the Wilbraham Academy and in 1886 came to Attleborough, where he learned the jeweler's trade. In 1893 he established his present business of coal and wood. In 1892 Mr. Adams married Bertha Stevens. Mr. Adams is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.
Albert, James B., son of David and Ruth (Lake) Albert, was born in Tiverton, R.I., September 11, 1846. As a boy he attended the public schools of Fall River and worked on his father's farm. After leaving school he was variously engaged, prin- cipally at the mason's and machinist's trades. In 1861 he enlisted in the three months service, and after receiving his discharge went to New York where he was
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employed in an express office for three years. Later he went to Summerville, N. J., and engaged in farming for two years, at the end of that time returned to Fall River to engage in the wholesale and retail grocery and meat business at his present loca- tion, 13 Stafford Road. Mr. Albert has been in business at this location for twenty years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias; the order of Elks; and the Odd Fellows. He has served one year in the Council and three on the Board of Aldermen and is now serving his fourth year in that body, there having been a lapse of thirteen years since his last term. He was a member of the old volunteer fire de- partment, having been connected with the Niagara Engine Company for five years In 1866 he married Hannah C. Grant, daughter of Capt. Grant of Fall River, and they have four children: Annie E., wife of Hiram Moshier, Nellie G., wife of Joseph Tilson, Charles W. and Clinton G.
Aldrich, Nathaniel B., M. D., son of James M. and Louisa G. (Borden) Aldrich, was born in Fall River, February 12, 1866. He is a lineal descendant of George Aldrich, who was born in Derbyshire, England, about 1600 and came to America in November, 1631, settling in what is now Maine, and then removed to Mendon, Mass. He was the progenitor of most of the name of Aldrich in America. James M. Aldrich, father of Nathaniel B., was for over fifty years one of the leading phy- sicians of Fall River. Dr. Aldrich was educated in the public and high schools of Fall River, and at the Mowry-Goff Classical School at Providence, R. I. He en- tered the medical department of Harvard College in 1886, receiving the degree of M. D. in June, 1889. In September of the same year he began his present prac- tice in Fall River. He is a member of the Harvard Alumni Medical Association; the Fall River Medical Society and the staff of the Emergency Hospital. In June, 1892, he married Ella M., daughter of A. L. Adsley of Fall River, and they have one son, Norman A.
Aldrich, Stanley A., son of Charles E. and Martha (Hulbert) Aldrich, was born in Woonsocket, R. I., July 6, 1866. When he was ten years of age the family removed to Fall River, where he was educated in the common and high schools. Mr. Aldrich has been in the cotton business all his life. He was first employed by W. H. Hatha- way, with whom he remained for eleven years, and then formed his present copart- nership with Richard M. Hawkins, under the firm name of Aldrich & Hawkins. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Royal Arch Chapter. April 80, 1895, he married Jane S., daughter of Judge Calvin E. Pratt of the Su- preme Court of New York, and they have one son, S. Alden Aldrich, jr.
Alger, Horace Howard, was born in Easton, Mass., August 2, 1846, son of Bernard Howard and Martha (Forbes) Alger, and was educated at the common school of Easton. In his early life he worked in Lynn, Mass., on ladies' shoes; for two years was employed as a moulder in North Chelmsford, and in 1866 started in the whole- sale and retail butcher's business, in which he is still engaged. He is an honored member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., of Taunton, Mass., and is one of the progressive men of South Easton, having a host of friends, whom he entertains in royal manner yearly at a famous clambake, to which his friends come from far and near. His finely equipped house is located on the Taunton turnpike and is one of historical fame. Mr. Alger is a thorough gentleman.
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Allen, Walter B., was born in Hope Valley, R. I., June 18, 1859. His father, Ray G. Allen, was a native of East Greenwich, R. I., and through life was identified in the mercantile business; he died in 1861. Walter B. was educated in the public schools and in 1880 came to Attleboroughi and learned the jeweler's trade with Wat- son & Newell, also was with J. M. Fisher and Blake & Claflin, and in 1896 organized the firm of Allen, Smith & Thurston, making a specialty of sterling silver novelties. Mr. Allen is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.
Ames, Hobart, son of Oakes Angier and Catherine (Hobart) Ames, was born August 21, 1805. His father, Oakes Angier Ames, became identified in 1863 as a member of the firm of Oliver Ames & Sons, which firm was reorganized in 1876 as a corporation known as Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation, their large works cov- ering acres, and employing a great number of men. He had charge of the machinery, and had buildings, tenements, and other branches of the large industry under his care. In 1804 he was one of the first directors of the First National Bank of North Easton, also in 1864 was among the original petitioners in incorporating the North Easton Savings Bank. He was a strong advocate of temperance and a liberal con- tributor to its cause. The family trace their descent from Captain John and Susanna (Howard) Ames and are lineal descendants of William Ames, who came to this coun- try in 1638 and settled in Braintree, Mass. Mr. Hobart Ames was educated at An- dover and Quincy Academies, and in 1877 became identified with Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation, taking an active interest along with his father, in supervising the work. Mr. Ames married Julia Hills Colony, daughter of Edward and Julia Hills Colony, of Keene, N. H. He is one of North Easton's thorough going young busi- ness men, taking a great interest in the town and the townspeople.
Ames, Oliver, 2d, was born in Easton, Mass., October 21, 1864, a son of the Hon. Frederick Lothrop and Rebecca Caroline (Blair) Ames. His father, a member of the famous Oliver Ames & Sons Shovel Works, died September 18, 1893. The family trace their descent from Captain John and Susanna (Howard) Ames, and he is a lin- eal descendant of William Ames, who came to this country in 1638, and settled in Braintree, Mass. Mr. F. L. Ames was a member of the firm of Oliver Ames & Sons, also extensively identified in the railroad business, holding positions as vice-president of the old Colony Railroad Company and the old Colony Steamship Company, and he was also a director in the Western Union Telegraph Company, the Union Pacific Railway Company, the Texas Pacfiic Railway Company, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad Company, and many others. He was also president of the First National Bank of Easton and the North Easton Savings Bank, and also of the Hoosac Tunnel Dock and Elevator Company. In 1872 he was a member of the State Senate. Oliver Ames, 2d, was educated at Adams's Academy, Quincy, Mass., and at George W. C. Noble's school in Boston, and Harvard University, graduating in 1886. Ile soon afterwards became identified as a member of the Oliver Ames & Sons Cor- poration, manufacturers of shovels and spades. He was married, December 3, 1800, to Eliza Alger West, daughter of Preston C. F. and Olivia Seers, and they have four children: Elise, Olivia, Oliver and Richard. Mr. Ames is a member of the Boston Athletic Club, the Somerset, the Myopia Hunt Club of Hamilton, the Country Club
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of Brookline, Algonquin Club, the Knickerbocker, the University Club of New York, and also the Harvard Club. He is one of Easton's most progressive young men and takes an intelligent interest in school and religious matters and has ever advanced the interests of his town and townspeople.
Angeny, Dr. Granville L., son of Joseph S. and Sarah D., was born in Doyleston, Pa., October 1, 1808, and was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate in pharmacy, having been engaged in that business six years prior to the study of medicine, and afterwards graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharma- cy, subsequently moving to North Easton, Mass., where he began his practice, and his success in his profession is assured. He takes an intelligent interest in school, church, and all other matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. He is a member of the old school of physicians and looks to be a rising man. He is unmarried.
Anthony, John, was born in Jersey City, April 26, 1864. His father, John An- thony, was a native of Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States in 1842. He was a silversmith by trade and took part in the late war; he died in 1879. John Anthony came to North Attleborough in 1872 and took up the jewelry trade, estab- lishing, in 1887, his present business in Attleborough, making a specialty of eye glasses and woven wire chains. In 1887 Mr. Anthony married Josephine Duckroy, and they have two children: Edward and Laura.
Ashley, A. Davis, is one of the best known business men in New Bedford. Ile was born in Lakeville, Plymouth county, Mass., September 26, 1851, a son of Silas P. and Phebe (Davis) Ashley. His father was for many years a prominent and re- spected citizen of Lakeville. Mr. Ashley was educated in the common schools in the vicinity of his home and in the Pierce Academy at Middleborough. When six- teen years old he began the mason's trade, under William Hale, of Taunton, with whom he remained about two years, and then worked at his trade in Providence, R. I., and Worcester, Mass., until 1871, when he came to New Bedford, and shortly after he formed a copartnership with George Pickens for the conduct of a retail grocery, provision, and dry goods store under the firm name of Pickens & Ashley. They located on the west side of Purchase street, south of Linden, and continued for four years, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Ashley associated him- self with L. T. Smith under the style of Ashley & Smith, and they moved into a building which he had erected with a view of giving the business better quarters. 'The business was very successful, the firm conducting a perfectly appointed general store and dealing in clothing, boots and shoes, dry goods, wood, coal, groceries and provisions. The partnership being dissolved in 1877, Mr. Ashley continued the business alone for one year. Then he formed a copartnership with C. S. Wilcox for the conduct of his boot and shoe business, and two years later built a block on the east side of Purchase street, near Hazard, and put in two stores, the boot and shoe business being moved into the north side of this block and the grocery business in the south side. He took into partnership, in the dry goods branch of the business, Will- ard H. Morse, and fitted up the north half of the original store for its accommodation, and about three years later he sold his interest to Mr. Morse, who moved the busi- ness to a new building on Purchase street, and in the store thus vacated he estab- lished a strictly cash grocery store, while also continuing his credit store in the other
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building. He continued these various enterprises for a number of years, but gradu- ally withdrew and established a carriage business, which he still continues, being one of the leading carriage dealers in Bristol county, and handling an immense stock. In his association with L. T. Smith, Mr. Ashley began the manufacture of Honey Balsam, which gradually attained a wide sale, and later he began the manu- facture of a new product, Red Sea Balsam, and both of these are now extensively sold throughout New England States. Mr. Ashley is an active and energetic man, possessed of much business ability.
Ashley, Charles S., mayor of New Bedford, is a son of Joshua B. Ashley, a suc- cessful carriage manufacturer, and was born in New Bedford, September 5, 1858. lle was graduated from the Parker Street Grammar School and at the remarkably early age of seventeen engaged in the market business with Fred Covell, the firm name being Covell & Ashley. Mr. Covell soon retired on account of ill health and Mr. Ashley continued the business with increasing success, extending it in 1889 into wholesale lines in smoked meats, etc. Later he sold out and with Stephen D. Pierce engaged in the clothing and furnishing goods trade, in which he continued under the firm name of Pierce & Ashley until 1897. Mr. Ashley has long been a prominent Democrat; he was elected to the Common Council in 1884 and a member of the Board of Allermen in 1886 and 1887. He was a candidate for mayor in 1888 and 1880 and was elected to that office in 1890, 1891, 1896, 1897 and 1898. He was also postmaster of New Bedford during the last Cleveland administration. Mr. Ashley is a man who is eminently well fitted by nature for public position, being possessed of a strong character and firm in judgment, but withal of courteous and pleasing personality. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., Wamsutta, Dartmouth and Merchants Clubs of New Bedford and the Mayor's Club of Massachusetts,
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Ashley, Frank H., son of Charles P. and Betsey (Russell) Ashley, was born in the town of Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., May 5, 1853, and obtained his early educa- tion in the public sohools of his native town, at Newtonville, and at a private school in New Bedford. After completing his schooling he went to Taunton, where he learned the machinist's trade and where he was employed for a period of two years. At the end of that time he removed to Fall River and accepted a position with Dr. J. M. Aldridge, in whose employ he remained for two years; he then entered a ma- chine shop that was just established, where he was engaged at his trade for a time, when his health failed and he severed his connection with the concern and removed to Freetown, engaging there in the poultry business, which he conducted for about two years. Not being satisfied with this vocation, he began farming, which he has continued successfully. Mr. Ashley has always taken an active interest in town affairs, having served as selectman, surveyor, and numerous minor offices. He is also a member of Shawmut Grange and is well respected by all who know him.
Ashley, Henry Thayer, son of Thomas and Lucretia (Thayer) Ashley, was born in New Bedford, August 5, 1840. His father, who had been a farmer and later a hotel proprietor in the city of New Bedford, died when Henry was an infant, and there- fore his education was limited to the common schools. At an early age he began work, principally at farming. In June, 1868, he shipped on the bark "Oak " of Nan- tucket, and made a whaling voyage of twenty-seven months. On his return he en-
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gaged in teaming and later in the milk business; at different periods since he has engaged in this latter business, farming, and in the meat business, and by earnest industry has gained a considerable property. Mr. Ashley has served four years in the City Council from Ward 1. He is a member of Star in the East Lodge of Ma- sons. In December, 1877, he married Bettie II., daughter of Samuel Weston of New Bedford, and two children have been born to them: Henry Thomas and Emma May.
Ashley, Isaac L., son of Rudolphus and Ruth (Parker) Ashley, was born in New Bedford, May 2, 1858. His father was a lifelong resident of New Bedford and a prominent farmer and merchant. He served for some years as superintendent of streets. Isaac L. Ashley attended the common schools and then went into the em- ploy of the Weston Lumber Co. as a salesman; later he was employed as a clerk for eight years by the New Bedford Ice Company. In 1884 he started a livery and boarding stable on Fourth street, where he has ever since continued with success, having now one of the largest and best equipped stables in this vicinity. He has served for three years as councilman and one as alderman from the Fifth ward, and has been active in political circles. He is a member of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fel- lows. In 1888 he married Fannie C., daughter of William Neal of New Bedford, and they have three sons: Isaac I .. , jr., Clifton F. and Courtney l'.
Ashley, Mary P., is a daughter of Pardon Nye and Sally Ashley, and granddaugh- ter of Nathan Nye and his wife, Lucy Bennett. Her grandfather was born in 1750, her grandmother in 1752. Mrs. Ashley was born December 26, 1825, in Fairhaven, Mass., and lived with her parents until April 18, 1842, when she married John S. Ashley, who was born in Rochester, Mass., March 8, 1817, and died October 18, 1871. They had ten children: John N., born August 14, 1843, died October 1, 1803; Otis Sherman, born January 20, 1846, died July 26, 1863; George, born February 2, 1848, died October 6, 1852; Helen Nye, born August 1, 1853, died October 25, 1863; Aman- tha Borden, born July 24, 1855; Fannie Fern, born July 30, 1857, died September 9, 1863; Mary Isabel, born June 22, 1859; Alice, born August 19, 1861; Fannie Eveline, born August 26, 1862; and Ira Earl, born January 16, 1865, died March 2, 1865. Mr. Ashley was a son of John S. Ashley and Mary Brown, and a grandson of John Asb- ley and Charity Sherman. He spent the greater part of his life in the contracting and building business.
Austin, Sarah A., daughter of Alonzo Stone and his wife, Mary A. Sturtevant, was born in the town of Fairhaven, Mass., February 4, 1848. Her father was born July . 31, 1808, and died November 20, 1888. Her mother was born in Mattapoisett, Plymouth county, Mass., September 4, 1807, and is now living and is in possession of all her faculties. Sarah Stone remained at home with her parents until October 16. 1873, when she was married to Hiram Austin; they had six children: Reuben A., born September 14, 1874; Lester M., born June 23, 1877; Harry S., born May 4, 1880; Winefred (deceased); Ira B., born August 8, 1884; and Maud S., born April 14, 1886.
Babcock, Abbott H., was born in Attleborough, April 15, 1849, a son of Harford and Lydia (Barrows) Babcock. His father was a manufacturer of thread, and in 1851 established the paper box manufactory, which has been continued for half a century. Abbott II. Babcock married in 1870, Eva L., daughter of Marcus Fisher.
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