USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
Blossom, Abram S., son of Barnabas and Innocent (Sherman) Blossom, was born
Digitized by Google
d
1
252
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
in Fall River, November 12, 1846. His father was a farmer and well known in this section, representing the district in the General Court. The family is of English descent, and, although the date of their first settlement is unknown, it can be num- bered among the oldest families of New England. Elijah Blossom, grandfather of the subject of this notice, was a veteran of the early Indian wars. He purchased the old Blossom homestead farm on the Blossom Road on the east side of the North Watuppa Pond, and the land has never been deeded out of the family. Barnabas Blossom, mentioned above, was the eleventh of the twelve children of Elijah and Bethana Blossom. He was born in 1789, and died in the ninety-seventh year of his age, honored and respected in this community. Abram S. Blossom was educated in the common schools of the vicinity, and during his earlier years assisted in the farm work. For a time he was employed in various capacities in Fall River, but on ac- count of his aged father's failing health he returned to take the active management of the farm. In 1876 Mr. Blossom began to improve the Blossom lot, so called, on Pleasant street, Fall River, by the erection of buildings and the establishment of a steam plant and by the leasing of the same to a large number of small manufactur- ing concerns. On this tract are located The Fraprie; Douglas Co., tube makers; the Douglass Picker Manufacturing Co .; Joseph T. Sprinfer, roll coverer; George Congdon, scrims, leno weaves and twines; William Prosser & Son, sash, doors and building material; G. D. Albro, machinist; C. H. Williston, concrete and gravel roofing, etc. In 1888, Mr Blossom finding his city business requiring more and more of his attention and time, removed his residence to Fall River. He still super- intends and cultivates his farm with success. He is now a well known citizen and business man, highly esteemed, well-to-do and of substantial character and worth. He has never held public office, his own affairs requiring his unremitting attention. Mr. Blossom has never married.
Blossom, Levi .- The Blossom family is descended from an English stock that traces its ancestry back to the sixteenth century. Thomas Blossom was one of those who went from England to Leyden about 1609, and in 1620 to Plymouth, England. In 1629 he came to America and settled in Plymouth. He was born in England about 1580, and died in 1632; and married Ann -, who was born in England about the year 1590. Peter, son of Thomas and Ann, born at Plymouth between 1629 and 1638, married at Barnstable, June 21, 1663, Sarah Bodfish. He died in July, 1706, at West Barnstable. Joseph Blossom, son of Peter and Sarah (Bodfish) Blossom, born at Barnstable, December 10, 1678, married his third wife, Mehitabel , about 1720; he died November 5, 1740; his wife died March 16, 1771. Benja- min Blossom, son of Joseph and Mehitabel, born at Barnstable, in March, 1721, married Bathsheba Percival, October 31, 1751, who was born December 21, 1735. He died at Fairhaven, October 25, 1797. Joseph Blossom, son of Benjamin Blossom and Bathsheba, was born at Barnstable, December 4, 1768, and married Elizabeth Hathaway, daughter of Jonathan and Bridget (Delano) Hathaway, October 25, 1787. Joseph Blossom, jr., son of Joseph Blossom and Elizabeth Hathaway, was born in Fairhaven, in 1793; married Betsey Copeland in 1827, and died July 1, 1859; his wife died August 28, 1867. Levi Blossom, the subject of this sketch, is the oldest son of Joseph and Betsey (Copeland) Blossom, and was born in the town of Fair- haven, September 10, 1836. His youth was passed on his father's farm and his edu-
Digitized by Google
258
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
cational advantages were such as the school system of the district afforded. Later on he engaged in farming, which he followed until 1866, when he embarked in the meat business in which he was successfully engaged until 1886, when he removed to his present farm, where he has since resided. Mr. Blossom has always been a Re- publican in politics, though conservative. On June 12, 1878, he married Georgianna, daughter of Lewis and Sylvia (Sturtevant) Farwell, and they have one son, Lewis F. Mr. Blossom is recognized as a liberal and public spirited man, who takes a deep in- terest in the development of his native town.
Bodfish, William Francis, was born in Wareham, Mass .. February 22, 1848, a son of Asa N. and Elizabeth (Nyc) Bodfish, and educated at the Greenwich Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1864. He then came to Taunton, where he was em- ployed by D. L. Burt & Co. in the grocery and provision business and remained with them until November 11, 1878, when he engaged in business for himself under the name of Evans & Bodfish. In May, 1833, he bought out Mr. Evans's interest and has continued the business alone up to the present time, 1803. Mr. Bodfish is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Chapter, New Bedford Council, St. John's Commandery and Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was married in February, 1870, to Thankic HI. Baker. of Wellfleet, Mass., and they have one daughter, Addie E., born January 5, 1875.
Booth, James, was born in England, October 8, 1845. a son of John and Elizabeth (Landale) Booth, was educated in the public schools of England, and in 1860 came to this country, settling in Fall River. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. F, 29th Regt. M. V., for three years and was in active service all of this time, receiving his discharge in January, 1864. He immediately re-enlisted in the same regiment and served nine months, receiving his final discharge in August, 1865, making a total of three years and nine months of service, and all of this time his regiment was in the hottest part of the fighting. On his return he settled in Taunton, and engaged with W. L. New- comb & Co. in the lumber business and stayed with him about twenty years. In 1887 he started in business with Mr. Moore, under the firm name of Moore & Booth, which partnership continued until 1895, when Mr. Moore retired and the present partnership of Booth & Luther was formed. Mr. Booth is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., the G. A. R. and R. A. He has been twice married, first to Mary C. Paine of Taunton, and on December 2, 1884, to Lizzie J. Allen of Taunton, daughter of ITenry C. and Rowina (Farnham) Allen, and they have one son, Herbert A., born April 26, 1892.
Booth, William L., son of William and Mary A. (Rhodes) Booth, was born in Fall River, May 7, 1866. His father was an overseer in the cotton mills and later en- gaged in the market business, in which he continued several years. After obtaining his education in the public schools of Fall River, Mr. Booth went to work in his father's market and in 1874 was admitted to partnership, the firm name becoming William Booth & Son. Four years later his father sold his interest to John H. Booth, at which time the firm took its present name of Booth Brothers. The business is located at the corner of Third and Branch streets, and controls a large retail trade in groceries, meats aud provisions. Booth Brothers also represent the Standard Wood Company of New York in Fall River. William L. Booth is a member of Nar- ragansett Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery; he also holds
Digitized by Google
254
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
membership in the order of Odd Fellows and in many other fraternal organizations. He has been for over twelve years a member of Metacomet Steamer Company No. 8. In 1886 he married Ida M. Whitworth, and they have two sons: William Irving and John Morton.
Borden, Charles E., carriage painting, trimming, etc .- This business was estab- lished by Stephen Borden, father of Charles E., away back in 1856, at the corner of Fourth and Pleasant streets, and remained there three years when it was removed to the site now occupied by the office building of the Union Mill Co.'s plant. In 1860 it again found lodgment on Second street, near the City Hall, and was finally located at its present commodious quarters in 1880, and conducted by its founder until the present proprietor, Charles E., purchased it in 1896, his father's death occurring one year later. Mr. Borden's mother was Sarah P. Brayton of Fall River. He had one brother, Stephen A., of Fall River. ITis sisters are Silvia, wife of Edmund White- head, the well known meat dealer of South Main street, and Louise M., wife of Joseph T Springer, and Ida M., wife of B. Frank Sisson, a well known contractor residing on Grove street, Fall River. Mr. Borden began the trade of carriage paint- ing with his father in 1871, and worked with him until his purchase of the business in 1896. He has been twice married; first in 1874, to Elizabeth Hoy, by whom he had one son, Charles F. Ile married, second, Katie M. Johnson, daughter of Daniel M. Johnson of Fall River, and their children are Lina B., Ida May, Louis E., Edgar L., Ruth A., Carrie L., Clinton F. and Elton E. Mr. Borden is a member and has been secretary of the N. E. Order of Protection for six years; is financial secretary of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F., and organized Minnehaha Rebekah Lodge No. 184.
Borden, Jonathan, is a lineal descendant in the ninth generation of Richard Borden, who came with his brother, John Borden, to this country from England in the ship " Elizabeth," in the year 1635, and settled near Boston, where they remain- ed but a short time when they removed to Rhode Island. Richard, the elder brother, was one of the three men who laid out the original town of Portsmouth, R. I .; his son Matthew was the first white child born in Rhode Island, in May, 1688. The line of descent is as follows: (1) Richard; (2) John; (3) Richard; (4) Thomas; (5) Chris- topher; (6) Jonathan; (7) Abraham; (8) Christopher; and (9) Jonathan. Jonathan Borden, ninth generation, was born in Tiverton, R I., (now Westport, Mass.), May 15, 1841 He is the eldest of six children and received his education in the public schools of his native town. He remained at home until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to work for his grandfather. November 7, 1861, he married Mary M., daughter of Thomas and and Mary (Snell) Estes, and they have seven children: Mercy D., wife of Walter F. Grinnell; 'Thomas E., born August 9, 1806; Othniel 'T., born December 12, 1868; Christopher, born November 27, 1871; Mary R., born June 20, 1874; Jennie M., born January 1, 1878; and Jonathan L., deceased. Mrs. Borden died September 10, 1896. Mr. Borden is one of those quiet, unassuming men, has a large circle of friends, and is one of Westport's leading and most respected citizens.
Bourne, Edmund Wright, cashier of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, is the son of George A. and Lucy R (Standish) Bourne, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., July 23, 1861. His mother is a lineal descendant of Capt. Miles Standish of the Plymouth colony. On his father's side he is descended from an old
Digitized by Google
.
255
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
and respected family of southeastern Massachusetts. George A. Bourne was for many years a prominent auctioneer, and was a member of the New Bedford City Guards and for one year a member of the City Council. He died in 1896. Edmund W. Bourne was educated in the public and high schools of his native city, in the Friends' Academy, and at a Boston commercial college. Afterward he was engaged in banking in Kiowa, Kan., and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and on his return to New Bedford in 1880 was elected cashier of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Wamsutta and Dart- mouth Clubs.
Bowen, Albert K., was born in Killingway, Conn., January 8, 1845, a son of L. W. and Annie (Knight) Bowen, and was educated in the public schools. For five years he was engaged in the mercantile business and in 1877 established his present busi- ness of dealer in hay, grain and flour. In 1872 Mr. Bowen married Lydia A., daughter of Edmund Briggs. Mr. Bowen is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever ad- vanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.
Boylan, Rev. Bernard, rector of St. John's Church of Fall River, is a son of Luke and Bridget (Galligan) Boylan, and was born in Wareham, Mass., September 25, 1853. He obtained his early education in the public schools of his native town and later attended Pierce Academy at Middleborough, Mass., for two years. He then entered St. Charles College at Baltimore, Md., completing the four years course, and then going to the Grand Seminary at Montreal, where he remained nearly five years. He was ordained to the ministry December 23, 1876, and soon after became assistant in the parish of St. Michael's at South Providence, Eight months later he went to the parish of Odell, Livingston county, Ill., in the same capacity and remained five years, when he returned to the east and was assistant at North Attleborough for two years. He came to Fall River in February, 1895, to take charge of the new St. Jo- seph's Church as pastor, and during his charge of the parish, which now covers a period of over fifteen years, has done much to improve the church property and to uplift and benefit the members of his congregation. He is a man fitted to win the friendship and confidence of all; his pastorate is laborious and influential and his sermons are brilliant in style and full of religious fervor.
Bradford, Philip A., is a lineal descendant in the sixth generation of Hon. William Bradford, who came to this country from England on the Mayflower and was the second governor of the Plymouth colony. On the maternal side he is descended from Admiral Hammond of the English navy, whose wife was a sister to William Penn. Mr. Bradford is a son of Seth C. and Nancy (Hammond) Bradford, and was born in Mattapoisett, Plymouth county, Mass., October 2, 1823. His parents re- moved to the town of Acushnet when he was eight years old and where he was ed- ucated in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he entered a five years' ap- prenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which vocation he followed until 1876, when he settled on his farm, where he has since resided. December 8, 1870, he married Anna II., daughter of Samuel and Sarah P. (Hathway) Wing of Acushnet, and they have three children: Melvin O., Joel P. and Philip A., jr. Mr. Bradford was formerly a Whig in politics and since the organization of the Republican party has been promi- nently identified with it. He has served on the School Committee for a number of
Digitized by Google
256
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
years, was constable for twenty-two years, and is now one of the town inspectors. He was one of the charter members of the South Bristol Farmers' Club. Genial, kind and affable, he has always won the esteem and hearty good will of his fellow citizens.
Braley, Albert Loring, son of Loring and Bessie B. (Whiting) Braley, is a native of New Bedford, born June 23, 1871, but for the greater part of his life has lived in Fairhaven. His father was a sea captain and well known in this vicinity. Mr. Braley was educated in the schools of Fairhaven and New Bedford and after leaving school became a clerk in the book store owned by H. S. Hutchinson with whom be remained two years. Later he entered the employ of the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company and remained in the capacity of shipping clerk for two years. He began his present loan and bicycle business in 1893 at No. 99 Union street, and has been very successful. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. In 1894 he married Lucinda M., daughter of Capt. William Woodhouse of Providence, R. I.
Briggs, George E., son of Elihu and Mary E. (Baker) Briggs, was born in Baker- ville village, Dartmouth, August 22, 1854. His father is descended in the eighth generation from John Briggs, who settled at Newport, R. I., in 1637 and whose son Thomas became one of the fifty-six "proprietors" of Dartmouth in 1694. His mother is the daughter of the late Capt. Michael and Jane Eliza (Dixon) Baker who was born in Alexandria, Va., January 2, 1808, and still occupies the old homestead at Bakerville which has sheltered her for the past seventy-five years. George E. Briggs attended the district schools of Dartmouth until he was ten years old, when the family removed to New Bedford and he completed his education in the New Bedford High School. After leaving school he was employed a short time as clerk in a dry goods store, and in 1871 began a service of four years with the Morse Twist Drill and Machine Company. In 1875 he went to learn the carpenter's trade with his father, who for many years was successfully engaged in contracting and building in this vicinity, and in 1879 was admitted to partnership with him. This was dis- solved in 1883, when the son continued in business alone. After constructing many buildings in various sections of the city, evidence of his thorough workmanship (among which may be mentioned the Winslow building, Lowell's carriage factory and the residence of the late Eben Perry), he retired from active participation in business as a contractor in 1891. He had now naturally become largely interested in real estate and its development and has demonstrated his firm belief in the perma- nence of New Bedford's industries by building nearly one hundred tenements on his own account. He now gives his whole attention to these interests. Mr. Briggs is a man who never sought public office but one to whom office has, on more than one occasion, come unsolicited. He served in the Common Council in 1882-83-84 and on the Board of Assessors in 1894-95-96, the last two years being chairman of the board. Mr. Briggs is, by nature, a man of strong character, firm convictions, and a deep thinker. He has been prominently identified with many enterprises and re- forms which have contributed much to the growth and welfare of the city, and to his persistence and courage can be attributed his remarkable success in these lines. New Bedford, like other cities settled by Quakers or Non-Conformists, was built with narrow streets almost uniformly but forty feet in width. Mr. Briggs had hardly taken his seat in the Common Council when he protested against a continu-
Digitized by Google
257
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
ance of this ancient and short-sighted policy and successfully led a movement with the result that the city has been vastly improved in this respect, and the newer sections have been laid out with fine streets and avenues fifty, sixty and even eighty feet wide. Mr. Briggs's influence has never been lacking in any movement calcu- lated to improve by widening the older and cramped business thoroughfares and approaches to the city. He was a vigorous advocate for the new county bridge now building across the Acushnet River, and it is largely due to him that this magnifi- cent structure was made seventy feet wide. Mr. Briggs's service on the Board of Assessors has given him more prominence than was ever before accorded one who has served New Bedford in this capacity. Ile had taken for some considerable period an active part in the agitation for a needed reform in the methods of assess- ing real estate taxes, which had not kept pace with the growth of the city, and, in March, 1894, consented to become a candidate for the unexpired term of Assessor William A. Russell. He was elected, radical reforms were at once instituted and in the following December he became a candidate for re-election. In the face of un- paralleled business depression the land valuation had been increased from $9,876,- 647 to $14,712,601, the total valuation of assessed estate from $44,475,095 to $51,434,- 025 and with a tax levy over $26,000 larger than the levy of 1893, the tax rate was reduced from $17.50 to $15.60 and more than one-third of the valuations had been re. duced or left unchanged. This was undoubtedly the most radical reform in methods of assessment ever attempted in one year by any New England city. Mr. Briggs was a leader in the organization of the Whitman Mills, which, after the depression of '94, greatly stimulated the growth of the entire city in 1895-96, and has been a director of the company since its incorporation. He was an energetic promoter of the Semi-Centennial Celebration in 1807 and no member of the general committee contributed more to its success. In March, 1897, the City Council voted an appro- priation of $8,000 for the celebration, contingent upon $2,000 more being raised by the citizens. The severe industrial reverses shortly after, developed strong opposi- tion to the affair in some quarters, and in June a reconsideration of the vote was threatened by the Council. Two days before the Council met the opposition was completely surprised and silenced by Mr. Briggs, who announced at the first meet- ing of the Citizens' Committee, that in two days subscriptions had been secured amounting to $2,040. The celebration was probably the most elaborate affair of the kind ever attempted in the State outside of Boston and proved a great popular suc- cess. Mr. Briggs was chairman of the Industrial Exhibition and acting chairman of the Military and Civic Parade Committees, which managed the two great features of the event. Mr. Briggs was one of the incorporators of the New Bedford Textile School. This enterprise had been singularly unfortunate since its organization in 1896. In one year two presidents had been lost by death. This, together with the severe financial troubles and prolonged strike following so closely, had naturally created a feeling of apathy for the undertaking; and when Mr. Briggs accepted the presidency in the spring of 1808, the future of the school was somewhat uncertain. $50,000 has since been paid into the treasury from the city and the Commonwealth; a very desirable and centrally located site on Purchase street secured and a three- story brick building with limestone trimmings, about 64 by 110 feet in size, is now being erected for the institution which is expected to be in operation before March 1, 1899. This will be the first building constructed for a textile school in this coun-
Digitized by Google
258
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
try, the Philadelphia, Pa., and Lowell, Mass., schools occupying structures built for other purposes. Mr. Briggs is a director of the Board of Trade and member of the Wamsutta Club. He married, November 18, 1885, Louise, daughter of Thomas Donaghy of New Bedford, and they have one son, George E. Briggs, jr., born No- vember 26, 1891.
Brightman, Oliver P., son of Jeremiah and Deborah (Potter) Brightman, was born in Westport, February 7, 1832. His father, also a native of Westport. was for many years a captain in the coastwise trade, and during his boyhood Mr. Brightman at- tended school a few months of the year, and during the balance of the time went to sea on his father's ship. When seventeen years old he came to New Bedford and began an apprenticeship to the tinsmithing and plumbing trade, in the employ of the firm of Ilenry V. Davis & Co., and at the end of five years he was enabled to pur- chase Mr. Davis's interest and become a partner in the firm, the other members being his brother, Nathan P. Brightman, and Isaiah Wood. When he became a member of the firm (October, 1844) the name was changed to Wood, Brightman & Co., under which style it still continues, although Mr. Brightman and his brother have not been connected with the business for some years, Mr. Brightman having retired in 1881. The firm were extensive dealers in tin and sheet iron and contrac- tors for plumbing, steam fitting, etc., and Mr. Brightman, being a practical work- man was enabled to manage his share of their large interests very successfully, and the firm gained a wide reputation in this vicinity. Mr. Brightman has represented Ward 3 in the Council five terms, 1862-63-64-65 and 1884, and in 1885-86 he repre- sented this district in the State Legislature. He is a director of the Citizens' Bank and of several manufacturing corporations; also a trustee and member of the board of in- vestment of the Five Cents Savings Bank. He has served for several years as trustee of the Unitarian Church and has been a member for some time of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows. The Brightman family, as is elsewhere mentioned in this work, is one of the oldest in this section. In 1852 Mr. Brightman married Sarah J., daughter of Otis II. Pierce, of New Bedford, and they have four children: Charles O., Edward P., Arthur G. and Sarah E., wife of Dr. A. I .. Shockley of New Bedford.
Brow, Ezra W., proprietor of Quequechan Laundry, Durfee and Central streets, established November 1, 1897, occupies one entire building 40 by 70 feet, three sto- ries, and is fitted up with steam power and all the latest improved modern laundry machinery, and also has an extensive steani carpet beating establishment in connec- tion with it. Mr. Brow, a native of Fall River, was born August 24, 1864, and began his early business life after school days by working in Eddy's Mills. From there he went with the Fall River Laundry, and remained with them eleven and a half years. For two and a half years he was with the Maple Street Laundry and five years with the Empire Laundry, having over seventeen years' experience before he embarked in his present venture. Mr. Brow has associated with him in the business, of which he is the manager and secretary, Mr. Wesley S. Mills, who is the treasurer. Mr. Mills is a native of Clifton, Ont., but has been a resident of Fall River nearly twenty years and is a pushing young man. The volume of business enjoyed by the Que- quechan Laundry has continued to increase from the first day it began operations, until at the present time it is the intention to erect a large and more commodious building for the growing needs of the business. Ilotel, family and commercial work
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.