USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 53
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are among the paying classes of business enjoyed by this thriving institution, which, considering its short existence, bids fair to become one of the leading institutions of its kind in Fall River.
Brown, E. C., was born in North Providence, May 28, 1842. Ilis father, Elisha Brown, was a native of Barton. Vt., and married Phoebe, daughter of General Fenton, and was engaged through life in farming; he came to South Attleborough in 1872. E. C. Brown was educated in the Providence schools and followed farming for some years. In 1877 he married Elizabeth, daughter of James F. and Sarah W. Tripp of New Bedford, aud in 1880 moved to North Attleborough. Mr. Brown has served the town as constable, overseer of the poor and for twenty years as deputy sheriff. As deputy sheriff he has been very successful in criminal cases, and as a detective has a well-carned reputation in the Commonwealth.
Brownell, Alvin Church, was born in Little Compton, R. I., September 28, 1835. His early schooling was obtained in the public schools of Rhode Island and after completing his education he went to work as a clerk in a dry goods store. June 8, 1854, he came to Taunton and was employed with the firm of J. S. Rounds & Co., dry goods, remaining with them about three years, and in 1857 he started in business for himself under the firm name of Harris & Brownell, at the same place where he is found to-day. In 1862 he opened his present store for the sale of stoves, tinware and kitchen furnishings and has been in the business continuously ever since, making a record of thirty-five years. In 1856 Mr. Brownell married Amelia E., daughter of Lemuel M. and Mary Leonard, and they have two daughters: Mary Abbie and Hat- tie Leonard.
Brownell, George H. B., son of Ezekiel and IIannah (Sisson) Brownell, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., in April, 1826. He received his early education in the common schools, such as were offered in those days, attending school in the winter months and working on his father's farm in the summer. Mr. Brownell has devoted his entire life to agriculture and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors. In August, 1850, he married Nancy O. Rounds, and they had five chil- dren: Hattie, wife of Edward Kirby, Charles A., Ezekiel and Henry and Frank (twins). Mrs. Brownell died, and in 1857 Mr. Brownell married Louise Devaul and they have one son, George R. Mr. Brownell has always taken an active interest in public affairs, but has never held or aspired to public office. He is one of Westport's most respected and honored citizens.
Brownell, John Almy, clerk of the Board of Assessors of Fall River, was born in South Boston, June 16, 1861, a son of James HI. aud Maria M. (Davis) Brownell. He attended the public schools of his native place for a short time, but when he was a boy of seven the family removed to Fall River, where he has ever since resided. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the Fall River High School in the class of 1880. After graduation he became engaged in the wholesale and retail cigar business and later in contracting under William A. Chapman & Company and C. F. and J. M. Hull. He remained in these two occupations until 1886, when he successfully passed the civil service examinations and in the same year was ap- pointed to bis present position by Hon. William S. Greene, who was then mayor. Mr. Brownell has served faithfully as clerk of the Board of Assessors for nearly thir-
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teen years, and has gained a wide circle of friends among those with whom he is brought in contact by virtue of his position. He is a member of Friendly Union Lodge No. 164, I.O.O.F., of Manitou Lodge No. 87, I.O.R. M., and of Pocasset Lodge No. 184, K. of P. He is also a member and has been for some time, treasurer of the Columbian Club. For the past four years he has been secretary of the Association of Massachusetts Assessors. February 14, 1894, he married Lillie M., daughter of Alfred W. Lovejoy of Chelsea, Mass., and of their union one son was born, Clarence L. Mr. Brownell is a lineal descendant in the ninth generation of Thomas Brown- ell, who was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1619, married in 1638, and settled at Portsmouth (now Little Compton), R. I., in 1639. Robert,' son of Thomas, was born at Portsmouth in 1652, and died July 22, 1728; Anne,' daughter of Robert; Ichabod,+ born in Portsmouth; Benjamin,' son of Ichabod, was born in Dartmouth, June 13, 1784, and died December 80, 1816; he married Phebe Potter. August 18, 1753; Abner,“ born in Westport, June 21, 1756, married Hannah Crary of Groton, Conn., Septem- ber 5, 1784, and died January 13, 1851, and was a prominent merchant and citizen of Bristol county, being a member of the State House of Representatives and the first town clerk of Westport; Frederick,1 son of Abner, was born in Westport, February 14, 1789, and died April 8, 1872; he held several town offices and other positions of honor; he married, first, Charlotte A. Sisson of Little Compton, R. I., 1813; his sec- ond wife was Hannah A. Gifford of Westport; James H., son of Frederick and Charlotte A. (Sisson) Brownell, was born in Westport, April 18, 1821, and for a num- ber of years was engaged in whaling. He later established a restaurant in Boston on Brattle street, next to Marston's. For the last thirty years he has been in the cotton manufacturing business, being now in charge of a plant of the Westport Man- ufacturing Company. On October 11, 1854, he married Maria M. Davis of West- port, Mass., and of this union were born four children: Ruth D., James F., John A. and Lena M.
Bryant, John I., son of John and Jeannette (Browne) Bryant, was born in Ban- don, Cork county, Ireland, March 1, 1850. When he was an infant the family re- moved to this country, settling in Fairhaven, where they resided for a short time and then removed to New Bedford. John I. Bryant's parents died when he was quite young, so that the restrictions of the public schools were soon thrown off and he be- gan to shift for himself with practically no education. When but nine years old he began work in the Wamsutta Mills; later he worked on a farm, and at the remarka- bly early age of fifteen enlisted in Battery B, 3d U. S. Heavy Artillery. Here he had found a calling suited to his taste and he applied himself heart and soul to his duties with the result that he was appointed a corporal in the first year of his service and a sergeant in the second. After an interval of two years he again enlisted in the same battery, but was transferred to Battery F, 2d Artillery, in which he was made corporal and later first sergeant. He served during the " Reconstruction Period " in the South, on the frontier and on the Pacific coast. During his service in the South he was given command at different times of parties of men sent to capture moon- shiners and outlaws, and during his entire term was frequently sent on detached ser- vice, commanding scouting parties, in charge of signal stations, overseeing labor of prisoners, etc. He was also placed in charge at different times of the transportation of baggage and supplies as the battery moved from place to place. His discharge
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reads: "Character excellent in every respect; a first-class soldier and non-commis- sioned officer, and a reliable, energetic man worthy of confidence." After leaving the army Mr. Bryant learned the trade of stone cutting. which he followed for several years. He settled in Fairhaven iu 1873 and has now become one of the leading citi- zens of that village, possessing the respect and confidence of all who recognize his sterling character. He has served for six years as selectman and overseer of the pour, being chairman of both boards for five years of that time. He has also served six years on the Board of Health, five as chairman; in addition he has been surveyor of highways, superintendent of streets and constable, in which capacity he has ren- dered excellent service, bringing to justice several noted offenders. He is now acting as assistant superintendent of streets. Mr. Bryant has always been active in politi- cal circles and has served for some time as chairman of the Democratic Town Com- mittee. He has also served for eight years as chairman of the Third Bristol Sena- torial Committee; for a number of years as a member of the Democratic County Committee; and for the past four years as a member of the Democratic State Com- mittee. In July, 1894. he was appointed United States storekeeper at Boston and served in that capacity until he was appointed postmaster of Fairhaven by President Cleveland in January, 1895. Although he started in life with no education, he has, by close application and judicious reading, become a student of no mean ability and is a frequent contributor to the press and a fluent speaker. Mr. Bryant was married in 1876 to Elizabeth B., daughter of Capt. Nehemiah Baker.
Buckley, Hon. Daniel F., was born in Easton, December 3, 1864, a son of Daniel and Catherine Buckley. He graduated from the Easton High School in 1881, and was president of the Alumni Association from 1887 to 1897. He studied law at the Boston University Law School, was graduated in 1885 and admitted to the bar at Taunton, Mass., in March, 1880. Mr. Buckley opened an office at Taunton, in con- nection with his office at North Easton, and he entered at once upon a lucrative law practice. Shortly afterwards Mr. Buckly became identified with politics; in 1890 he was elected a member of the Democratic State Committee, in 1892 he was secretary of that organization, and in 1898 and 1804 was elected chairman of the executive committee. He served in that capacity until he resigned in 1895 to accept the posi- tion of surveyor of the port of Boston, to which he was appointed by President Cleveland on January 29, 1895. Mr. Buckley is one of the highly respected, progress- ive and influential citizens of North Easton; genial and polished in manner, he has always taken a very deep interest in his town and townspeople.
Buffinton, Hiram Barzillia, was born in Swansea, Mass., December 24, 1857, a son of Philip and Lydia A. (Gardner) Buffinton. He received his education in Swansea and in 1875 went to the Friends' School in Providence, where he remained nearly two years. In 1876 he engaged in the undertaking and furnishing business with his father in Warren, R. I. In 1888 he left Warren and moved to Fall River, where he bought out the business of E. S. Raymond, remaining there one year, and engaged in the same work in Brockton, going from there to Providence, R. I., where he made a special study of the care of bodies after death. He stayed there until 1895 and then came to Taunton, where established a business for himself, and is one of the leading undertakers in the city, He is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. P., and .F. & A. M. October 80, 1878, he married Cora H. Surgens of Warren, R. I., and they have one daughter, Mary Howard, born October 12, 1887.
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Bullard, Herbert C., M. D., was born in West Medway, March 25. 1843. His father, J. N. Bullard, was a native of Franklin, where his father, Joseph Bullard, was one of the pioneers. J. N. Bullard married Sarah, daughter of Simon Cutler, and was identified in Medway as a farmer and tanner. Herbert C. Bullard was educated at Phillips Academy and graduated from Brown University. He was appointed assist- ant professor of ethics at Annapolis Naval Academy and in 1863 entered Harvard Medical School. The years 1869 and 1870 he spent at Rhode Island Hospital and in 1871 graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, lo- cating in Attleborough, where he practiced for twenty-six years. In 1871 he married Anna L., daughter of Samuel W. Heywood, and they have one son, Newell C. Mr. Bullard is one of the progressive men of his profession; was secretary of the Board of Health for nine years and is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders.
Burns, Edward Francis, was born in Randolph, Mass., May 12, 1859, a son of Pat- rick and Mary (Burns) Burns, and educated in the public schools of Randolph. After leaving school he found employment in the shoe factories in Randolph and stayed there some time learning the business of shoemaking. Later he came to Taunton and was employed in different factories about the city until he found he would be better off to go into business for himself, which he did in 1881, and at the present time is one of the largest wholesalers in the city, and in connection with this is the owner and manager of the Whittenton Drag Co. He is a member of the A. O. H. and the B. P. O. E. He was married in November, 1889, to Catherine L., daughter of Roger and Catherine Daley of Taunton, and they have two children: Joseph and Edward.
Burt, Samuel P., was one of New Bedford's most successful business men and a leading banker and broker for many years. Early in life he became a confidential clerk for the late Edward L. Baker, who established a banking, investment and stock brokerage business in New Bedford in 1848. He purchased Mr. Baker's interest in 1865 and in 1875 took in as partners Gardner T. Sanford and Charles S. Kelley, the firm name being changed to S. P. Burt & Co. After Mr. Burt's death the surviving partners formed the present well-known private banking house of Sanford & Kelley. Mr. Burt was one of the first directors of the New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railway Company and served the board as clerk for several years. He was also extensively connected with local and foreign corporations. He was a shrewd finan- cier and a man of keen insight and forethought. Ilis advice was largely sought by investors and in this particular branch of his business he gained a brilliant reputa- tion. Ile was a man of abundant public spirit and held himself always ready to assist any worthy enterprise. He died in 1884 at Milwaukee, Wis., whither he had gone to care for extensive Western business interests. Mr. Burt married Amanda A. Taber of New Bedford, and their only son, Henry P. Burt, who was born in New Bedford, November 30, 1866, and graduated from the high school with the class of 1888, having returned to New Bedford after his father's death. Mr. Burt was for two years associated with Charles Tobey in the business of manufacturing electrical supplies, their factory and office being located in the brick building at 23 Middle street. They manufactured, under the firm name of Burt & Tobey, an ingenious light controlling switch, a resistance box, wire couplings, wire tags, etc., as well as an improved stamp battery for affixing stamps to envelopes automatically. Mr. Burt
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married Lucy C. Milliken, daughter of Edward R. Milliken of New Bedford, and they have one daughter, Beatrice Millikin.
Bush, George II., son of Oliver HI. and Ruth Ann (Read) Bush, was born in Fall River, Mass., September 22, 1836. His father was a lifelong resident of Fall River, and was a direct descendant of Oliver Hazard Perry, being named in his honor. Mr. Bush attended the public and high schools of Fall River and soon after leaving school went to Chicago to engage in the oil business in company with his brother. Two years later he removed to Boston, where he became connected with the whole- sale drug firm of Weeks & Potter, in whose employ he remained ten years. In 1871 he started a wholesale drug and commission business in Boston for himself, and after conducting it for ten years sold out and returned to Fall River. He was employed for a short time in the office of the Sagamore Mills as a bookkeeper, later accepting a position in the First National Bank as assistant cashier. After a faithful service of three years in this capacity he was offered the position of manager and treasurer of the Fall River Manufacturing Company. Mr. Bush has filled this position for a period of twelve years.
Capron, Frank R., was born in North Attleborough. April 1, 1844, a son of David Caprou, jr., a native of the same town. David married Emily, daughter of Calvin Richards, and through life was one of the early manufacturers of jewelry in North Attleborough. He died in 1879. Frank R. Capron was educated in Attleborough, and in 1862 learned the jewelry business with the firm of Tift & Whiting, now F. M. Whiting & Co., having been interested with one house for thirty-five years, and at the present time is manager of the Frank M. Whiting & Co. In 1868 he married Emmeline H., daughter of Wallace Goodwin. Mr. Capron is a representative of one of the oldest families of Bristol county, conservative and of sterling integrity, and has by force of character placed himself among the leading business men of North Attle- borough.
Carpenter, Arthur B., was born in Attleborough, November 14, 1839, and his father, Zenas B. Carpenter, was a native of Rehoboth. The family trace their descent from William Carpenter, who came from England and settled in Rehoboth, about 1650. Zenas B. Carpenter married Lucinda, a daughter of Amos Ide, and through life was identified as a farmer and was in the mercantile business. He came to At- tleborough in 1830 and was prominent in abolition and temperance societies. He died in 1878. A. B. Carpenter was educated in the public schools and at eighteen years of age entered the grocery business, where he remained until 1872, when he formed the firm of Pierce & Carpenter, dealers in coal and lumber. In 1865 he mar- ried Harriet A., daughter of Israel Williams, and they have two children: Frank W. and Olive E. Mr. Carpenter is one of the conservative men of his town; has served as selectman, as assessor and overseer of the poor; takes an active interest in school and church matters, having been deacon of the Congregational Church for twelve years; is trustce of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association; treasurer of Attleborough Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.
Carpenter, Samuel N., son of Samuel and Nancy (Ingraham) Carpenter, was born in Pawtucket, R. I., May 9, 1820. When he was an infant the family removed to
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Attleborough, where his father became a leading manufacturer and respected citizen, serving for a number of years as agent of the Mechanics' Manufacturing Company and as president of the old Bank of Attleborough; also as a member of the Massa- chusetts House of Representatives. Samuel N. Carpenter was educated in the com- mon schools and for sixteen years was engaged in the grocery trade. Later he be. came interested in jewelry manufacturing. and for the past eight years has been in the direction of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association. He has been num- bered among the conservative men of the town, held the office of collector and was a sinking fund commissioner for some time. He married, in 1843, Lydia S., daugh- ter of Noble Cummings of Attleborough, and of their union was one son, Frank Nel- son Carpenter (deceased).
Cash, James, was born in Ireland, January 5, 1847, a son of James and Isabell (McKernon) Cash. He received his early education in the National schools of Ire- land and public and private schools of France. After leaving school he learned the machinist's trade and remained in France until 1870, when he came to America, lo- cating in Paterson, N. J. Later he went to Passaic, N. J., as assistant superintendent of a jute spinning and weaving mill, and remained there until he came to Taunton in 1871. He went to work for the Taunton Foundry and Machine Co., and a little later.for the locomotive company, staying with them until he was appointed on the police force in 1877. In 1884 he was appointed captain of the night police and in 1886 was made assistant marshal (title of assistant marshal changed to deputy chief of police in 1891), which position he holds at the present time. lle is a member of the B. P. O E., the A. O. U. W. and the K. of C.
Chaffin, Rev. William L., son of William Farwell and Louisa (Shattuck) Chaffin, was born in Oxford, Maine, August 16, 1837, but early removed to Concord, N. H. He graduated at Meadville (Pa.) Theological School in 1861, and on August 12, 1862, was married to Rebecca Huidekoper, daughter of Michael Hodge and Margaret (Hazlett) Bagley, of Meadville. Ile was pastor for three years and a half of a Uni- tarian society in Philadelphia, and his engagement in North Easton, Mass , began January 1, 1808, which position, as minister of the Unitarian Society, he still fills. He is the author of the "History of the Town of Easton " and is a biographical writer.
Cheever, George W., was born in North Attleborough, February 22, 1846. His grandfather, Ariel Cheever, was a blacksmith and one of the pioneers of Wrentham. In 1838, one of his sons, William H., the father of George W., entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. at North Attleborough and remained with that firm for more than twenty years. In 1844 he married Joanna, a daughter of Isaiah and Fanny Allen of Rehoboth. George W. Cheever was educated in the common schools and at the age of sixteen he entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. He remained with them for a short time and then went to Providence, R. I., where he was employed in a store as bookkeeper and collector for five years. He returned to North Attlebor- ough and again entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. In 1878 he married Har- riett O., daughter of Frank B. Richards, and they have one daughter, Annie F. In 1880 he established the firm of G. W. Cheever & Co., which was changed to Cheever, Tweedy & Co. in 1897. At the present time they make a general line of silver novelties and ladies' jewelry.
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Cheever, James G., was born in Wrentham, Mass., November 23, 1844. His father, George W. Cheever, was a native of the same town, where his father, George Cheever, was one of the pioneers. George W. married Thais, daughter of Joseph Warren; he died in 1891. James G. was educated in the common schools and en- tered the employ of F. W. Cabot & Co., and later the employ of R. Knapp & Co. In 1878 be commenced the jewelry business with F. S. Bailey & Co., which was changed later to Cheever, Rhodes & Co., and later to J. G. Cheever & Co., making a specialty of rolled plate chains; the business was closed up in June, 1898. In 1875 he married Hattie A., daughter of F. S. Bailey, and they have one daughter, Annie M. He was elected tax collector in 1897 and takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.
Clancy, Michael, was born in Clare county, Ireland, in September, 1848, a son of John and Margaret (Lorigan) Clancy. He was the oldest of a family of five children and early had to make his own way and at the same time contribute to the support of the family. He attended the common schools of his native village and meantime worked on his father's farm, where he continued during his early manhood. In 1875 Mr. Clancy came to this country and settled at once in Fall River, where he found employment in a stone quarry. Later he was employed in various capacities by the Iron Works Company, the municipality and in a coal yard, constantly adding to his capital by thrift and enterprise. In 1893 he began a livery business in a small way and by the exercise of energy and ability has succeeded in making his establishment one of the foremost of its kind in Fall River. Mr. Clancy was married in 1878 to Bridget Barry, and they have four children: Margaret, Bridget, Michael, jr., and John.
Clap, Harvey, was born in Wrentham, Mass., April 2, 1844, and his father, Harvey E. Clap, M. D., was a native of Walpole, Mass. The family trace their descent from Roger Clap, a native of England, who settled near Dorchester. Harvey E. Clap, M. D., was a graduate of Harvard and of Harvard Medical School, in the class of 1837; practiced in Wrentham for twenty-five years, and died in 1862. Harvey Clap was educated in Wrentham and in 1863 entered the United States navy as en- gineer on the steamer Iosco, on the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and was in both attacks on Fort Fisher. In September, 1865, and 1866 he was in South Amer- ica on the Powhattan, the flag ship of the squadron. In 1867 he came to Attlebor- ough, where he entered the employ of H. M. Daggett at Attleborough Falls, remain- ing until 1882, when he established the jewelry manufacturing business under the firm name of Daggett & Clap, making a specialty of novelties and ladies' jewelry. In 1869 he married Josephine, daughter of II. M. Daggett, and they are the parents of three sons: Edmund W., Harvey E., and George P.
Clark, Thomas H., son of Thomas H. and Sarah J. (Fleet) Clark, and grandson of Thomas H. and Olive Clark, was born in Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., February 5, 1867. He received his early education in the public schools of his native town, and when he attained his majority began the life of a farmer, which vocation he has since followed. On April 7, 1897, he was married to Minnie E., daughter of William H. and Caroline (De Moranville) Reynolds.
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