USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 54
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Clements, William H., was born at Quincy, Mass., August 1, 1854, son of Joel
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and Lydia A. (Washburn) Clements. His father was identified through his life in the granite business, having been inspector of granite for public buildings of the United States Government as early as 1854. They trace their descent back to Rob- ert Clements's family, who came from Coventry, Warwickshire, England, in his own ship, which landed at Ipswich, Mass., in 1638, and on the maternal side back to David Thompson, who landed at Portsmouth, N. H., in 1623. Mr. David Thompson, a descendant of the above mentioned David, died in Easton, Mass., August 5, 1836, aged ninety-eight years. Mr. Thompson during his long life was much respected and belonged to the Congregational Church at the time of his death, having been a communicant forty-four years. He left at his death six children, thirty-eight grandchildren, and one hundred great-grandchildren. Mr. Thompson at the age of sixteen enlisted in the old French War and lost his left arm by a bomb, in the storming of Fort Henry by the French, in 1757. He received a pension until bis decease and was the last surviving pensioner who took part in that war. His grandmother, Mrs. Mary Houghton, was one of the three whose lives were saved at the sinking of Port Royal in Jamaica by an earthquake, in June, 1692. She heard and felt the shock; rushed to the door, and as the place sank in the water, she clung to a door which floated from an outbuilding, and remained on the water three days and nights, when a vessel passed near her and she was taken on board; at the same time a trunk of clothing from her house floating near her, which she had pulled on the door, was also saved. She afterwards lived at a public house in Dorchester and waited upon guests. Several years had elapsed since the occurrence of the earthquake, when her husband entered the house in which she resided, to obtain lodgings for the night; they immediately recognized each other and the surprise was so great that Mary fainted. The husband supposed that she perished at the time of the earthquake, and she believed he was lost at sea, he being absent on a voyage at the time of the disaster. She died in 1768 at the advanced age of one hundred and five. Mr. Clements received his education in the schools of Quincy and Dorchester. In 1874 he learned telegraphy and was in the train dis- patcher's office of the Old Colony Railroad Company at Boston three years and a half previous to his coming to North Easton, in February, 1878, as agent for the same corporation, which position he now holds. Mr. Clements is a justice of the peace and has also been secretary and treasurer of the North Easton Co-operative Bank since its organization in April, 1889, and was one of the most active members in help- ing to organize the bank. He is an honored member of Dorchester Lodge No. 158, order of Odd Fellows, and of Mount Hebron Encampment of Stoughton. He was married in 1878 to M. Eva Pearce, daughter of Richard F. and Maria S. Pearce, of Milton, Mass., and they have a daughter, Ethel P., who is studying at the High School of Easton. He takes an active interest in school and church institutions and his town and townspeople.
Cobb, George A., merchant, son of Asahel and Helen M. (Hamlin) Cobb, was born in Sandwich, Mass., May 13, 1843, and came to New Bedford with his parents in 1858. He received a public school education, and in 1800 was apprenticed to the tin business under Jonathan P. Lund, with whom he served three years. Mr. Lund then owned the old tin and hardware store at what is now Acushnet in New Bedford, and Mr. Cobb has been almost continuously connected with it since his apprentice-
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ship, becoming a proprietor in 1872 with George G. Jenney, under the firm name of Cobb & Jenney. Since 1876 he has successfully conducted the establishment alone. Mr. Cobb has been a wood measurer and city weigher for many years. In March, 1872, he married Miss Harriet F. White of New Bedford.
Cody, Edmund Francis, physician and surgeon, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 29, 1870, a son of John W. and Mary E. (Clark) Cody. He obtained his pre- paratory education in the public and high schools of Taunton and was graduated M. D. from the Harvard University School of Medicine in 1893. Soon after taking his degree he became interne (house physician) in the Rochester City Hospital at Rochester, N. Y., where he remained a little over a year. In 1894 he came to New Bedford and engaged in his present practice on Fourth street. Dr. Cody is among the younger physicians of the city, but has already established an extensive practice and is rapidly gaining reputation. He is now serving as medical inspector for the Board of Health. He married, in 1896, Myrtle E., daughter of Franklin H. Wiggins of Avon, N. Y., and they have one son, Edmund.
Cole, Samuel Valentine, was born in Machiasport, Maine, December 29, 1851, a son of Isaac 'T. and Catherine S. (Valentine) Cole. His early education was obtained in the public schools and Washington Academy, and in 1870 he entered Bowdoin College, graduating from there in 1874, when he took up teaching and followed it for about ten years, then went to Andover Theological Seminary and graduated in 1887. He then spent a year in Europe in travel and study, and in 1889 came to 'Taunton, when he commenced his pastorate in the Broadway Church, continuing in this until 1897, and then went to Norton to accept the position of president of the Wheaton Seminary, which he holds at the present writing. He was married, April 11, 1880, to Annie M. Talbot of East Machins, Me., daughter of John C. and Antoi- nette C. (Was) Talbot. They have no children.
Coleman, Abner, was born of English parents in England, August 31, 1845, and came to this country in 1847, his parents settling in Taunton. He was educated in the public schools of Taunton and later learned the trade of machinist, which he fol- lowed until 1880, with the exception of two years during the war. He enlisted in the U. S. Signal Corps in 1863 and remained there until the close of the war in 1865. On his return, for a few years, he was engaged in the telephone business, and in 1872 was appointed city engineer of the fire department, which position he has held, with that of superintendent of fire alarm, to the present time. In December, 1866, Mr. Coleman married Emma E. Park of Taunton, and they have one son, Edward P. Coleman. Mr. Coleman is past master of King David Lodge, F. & A. M.
Collet, C. A. Arthur, son of Piere and Marie (Couture) Collet, was born at St. Henri, near the city of Levis, P. Q. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native village, and in 1873 he attended the college at Levis; in 1874 entered St. Ann's College at Lapocatiere in the county of Kamouraska, from which he was graduated in 1884, and the same year entered a drug store in Quebec to per- form the duties of a clerk and to take up the study of pharmacy. In 1885 be enlisted as a private and served during a four month's campaign for the quelling of the " Riel Rebellion." Before the close of this campaign he was appointed to the office of hospital sergeant of the 9th Battalion, called the 9th Voltigeurs of Quebec. He now
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has in his possession a medal which was awarded to him by the British government at the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Collet came to the United States and settled in Fall River in 1888. He was employed as a drug clerk for the firm com- posed of his brother, P. A. Collet, and Charles Marcotte. In February, 1889, he passed the examinations of the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy and has since conducted the pharmacy at No. 754 South Main street. He is a member of the Massachusetts State Pharmaceutical Association. In January, 1895, he married Georgiana Robillard, also a native of Canada, and they have two daughters: Blanche and Léopoldine.
Conefy. James Francis, was born in Ireland, July 4, 1836, and came to this country when eight years old, coming direct to Taunton, where he went to work at the Hooper Cotton Mill and stayed two years. At this time he was so small he was obliged to stand on a stool to perform his duties; after leaving the mill he went to Pawtucket, Attleborough and Providence, and spent some years in the jewelry busi- ness. In 1857 be returned to Taunton and learned the blacksmith's trade with J. Peck. After serving his time with him he went as foreman in the shop of William McDonald and stayed with him until he engaged in business for himself in 1866, and has continued alone up to the present time (1898). Mr. Conefy has served two years in the Common Council from the Third ward. June 24, 1867, he married Margaret, daughter of Paul and Margaret Tosney of Raynham, and they have three children: Anna S., James F., jr., and Fred P.
Cook, Abraham S .- Prominent among the younger men of the town of Dartmouth who have successfully made their own way is Abraham S. Cook, a son of John and Sarah (Durfee) Cook, and was born in Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., February 15, 1871. He was educated in private schools and at the age of eighteen was ap- prenticed to the painter's trade, which he followed for several years, being employed by the firm of Kern & Wright of New Bedford. Mr. Cook has always taken an act- ive part in politics, although he has never accepted office. Ile has always been an earnest Republican and has faithfully followed out the traditions of his party.
Cornell, Oliver, a native of Middleton, R. I., born October 5, 1885, is a son of William and Mary A. (Almy) Cornell. His ancestors were of English descent and were among the earlier settlers of Rhode Island. He was educated in the public schools of his native town. In 1852 his father removed to Pembroke, Mass., and in 1859 to Westport, where he has since been engaged in farming. In 1854 Mr. Cor- nell married Carrie Willis of Boston; their children were Edward, died at the age of twenty-three; Abbie, married Thomas Jefferson Westgate of Fall River, Mass .; Su- san Almy, died aged six. In 1860 Mr. Cornell married, second, Elizabeth E. Gif- ford of Westport; their children were Robert Henry, married Lillian Lawton, and died in 1895; Carrie Lillian, married Lorenzo Jones, and died in 1884; Albert Hicks, . died in infancy; Albert Hicks 2d, died in 1888; Winifred, died in 1876; Edith, died in 1891, aged nineteen; Rachel A., married George Millen of Providence, R.I., died in 1896, leaving a son, George Millen, jr .; Ferdinand Gifford, died in 1896, aged eighteen; Hannah Etta, died in infancy; Florence Etta, living in Fall River, Mass. In 1884, Mr. Cornell married, third Mrs. Emma Butts of Westport; their children were Grace, Nellie (deceased), infant (unnamed) and Delia. Thomas J. and Abbie Cornell Westgate have one son, Harold Edward Westgate
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Corson, Temple Shorey, is the eldest surviving son of Nahum and Mary (Shorey) Corson, and was born July 24, 1830, in Waterville, Me., where he received a public school education. His father and grandfather, Isane Corson, were both natives of Waterville and both farmers and drovers. Mr. Corson came to New Bedford in 1849 and engaged in the trucking and teaming business, which he followed success- fully until about 1895, when he sold out to what is now the City Coal Company. During the Rebellion he was employed by the United States government in equip- ping the blockading squadron of southern ports with ballasting. In 1870 he estab- lished his present wholesale and retail coal business. Mr. Corson is one of the lead- ing coal merchants in the city; he is a prominent public spirited citizen, a member of the Elks, and for many years an active member of old No. 5 Engine Company. In 1854 he married Sarah A., daughter of Henry W. Southwick of New Bedford, and they have four children: James A., and Frank E., who are associated in business with their father; Henry T., a pharmacist; and Ada A. (Mrs John A. Neal) of New Bedford.
Cottle, Melvin W., son of Robert and Elizabeth J. (Wordell) Cottle, was born in Fall River, Mass., May 25, 1870. His parents removed to North Westport when he was but three years of age, where he received his education in the public schools. At the early age of sixteen he started in business on his own account; at the age of twenty he procured an auctioneer's license and became a dealer in anything to make a dollar. He was for three years postmaster at North Westport, also dealer in gro- ceries, provisions, and general merchandise until 1807, when he sold out and has since been engaged in buying and selling horses, carriages, harness, etc. Mr. Cottle can well be called a self-made man, as he started when a mere boy without any money, never had any one indorse a note, and has built up a business that is equaled by none in this part of the county. On March 30, 1893, he married Sarah, daughter of William and Mary (Wood) Vaughn. Mr. Cottle is a member of Mount Vernon Lodge No. 57, K. of P., and Noquochoke Lodge, F. & A. M.
Cotton, George, was born in North Attleborough, September 2, 1855. His father, W. D. Cotton, was a native of Vermont and came to North Attleborough about 1840; he married Ellen M., daughter of Barton I. Draper; he was engaged in mercantile business and served as postmaster and cashier of the North Attleborough Bank; he died in 1860. George Cotton was educated in the common schools and commercial college, and entered the wholesale dry goods trade at Providence, for the purpose of learning the business. In 1876 he went to Whitinsville, and in 1879 returned to North Attleborough, where at the present time he is one of the leading merchants of the town. In 1886 he married Cora C., daughter of Warren Rhodes, and they have two daughters: Gladys and Hilda. Mr. Cotton is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an interest in schools and anything which is of benefit to the town and its people.
Courtney, George C., was born in Sheffield, New Brunswick. November 14, 1841. His father, John Courtney, was a native of Ireland and was identified in New Bed- ford as a boot and shoe manufacturer; he died in 1977. George C. was educated in the public and private schools, was engaged in the mercantile business for some years and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1866 he went to Boston. in 1877 to Attle- borough, and has been engaged in contracting and building. In 1970 Mr. Courtney
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married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Scholes, and they have two children: How- ard S. and Gertrude. Mr. Courtney is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in church and school matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.
Crandall, J. L., was born in Windham county, Conn., March 7, 1866. ITis father, Joseph C. Crandall, was a native of Perryville, R. I., and through life was identified in real estate, prominent in the affairs of his party, holding the position two terms of senator and twice in the Legislature. He married Alice S. Carpenter. J. L. Crandall was educated in the common and private schools and learned the machin- ist's trade. In 1888 he came to North Attleborough and engaged in the jeweler's tool making business, engaging in the manufacture of jewelry in 1896, and making a specialty of pins and bracelets. Ile afterwards moved to Providence, R. I., where, at 99 Stewart street, associated with N. M. Crandall, he conducts the business of manufacturing jeweler. In 1889 he married Clara Davis Hamilton, and they have one son, Lloyd L.
Crane, Joshua Eddy, is a descendant of Henry Crane of Dorchester, in the line of his son, John Crane, who was a settler of the South Purchase within the limits of the present town of Berkley. He is a son of Joshua Eddy and Lucy (Reed) Crane of Bridgewater, Mass., and was born in Bridgewater, October 1, 1850. He received his early education in the public schools, and at Bridgewater Academy under the in- struction of Horace M. Willard, and was graduated at Brown University in the class of 1872. Mr. Crane was preceptor of Bridgewater Academy, 1873-75; principal of the English preparatory department of the Syrian Protestant College, Beriut, Syria, 1876-79; subsequently was employed as a private tutor; and was in charge of the Latin classes of Albany Academy, Albany, N. Y., until 1884, when he became the librarian of the Young Men's Association of Albany. In 1887 he accepted the posi- tion of associate principal of the Portland Latin School at Portland, Me .. but in 1890 resumed his former relations at the library, from which he withdrew in 1892. Mr. Crane is now the librarian of the Public Library of Taunton. He is an officer of the Old Colony Historical Society and of the Old Bridgewater Historical Society.
Crosby, Alfred R., was born in Glover, Orleans county, Vt., August 30, 1838, and his father, Hezekiah, was identified in Glover as a contractor and builder. He mar- ried Phila Richardson and was noted for his strong religious tendencies. A. R. Crosby was educated in the public schools and in 1861 enlisted in the First New Hampshire Battery, serving in the Army of the Potomac for nearly four years and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war. In 1866 he came to Attle- borough and engaged in the harness business, and later on the jewelry business, and in 1874 formed the copartnership of Smith, Crosby & Smith, which remains in busi- ness at the present time under the name of Smith & Crosby. In 1870 he married Frances, daughter of Bradford and Maria Dean, and they have four children: Al- fred D., George H., Arthur N. and Ada B. Mr. Crosby is one of the representative men of his town; has been a representative in the General Court; and takes an in- telligent interest in school and church matters.
Cummings, Charles Smith, wholesale and retail grocer, is the son of Benjamin and Cynthia (Smith) Cummings, and was born in Dartmouth, Mass., February 4, 1830.
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His father was originally a farmer, but in 1855 removed to New Bedford and be- came interested in whaling vessels, and where he died in October, 1863; his wife. born January 9, 1802, is still living at the age of ninety-six. Mr. Cummings's grand- father, Benjamin Cummings, was a ship master and later a grocer in North Dart- mouth. Charles S. Cummings received his education in the common schools of his native town, at the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, and at Phillips Exeter Acad. emy. In 1849 he went to California and for the next four years was engaged in mining. On his return to Massachusetts in 1853 he established at South Dartmouth a grocery business which was removed to New Bedford in 1860, and which has ever since been located at 98 to 104 William street. This is one of the oldest and larg- est wholesale and retail fancy grocery establishments in southeastern Massachusetts. From 1858 to June, 1880, the firm was Tucker & Cummings; since then it has been C. S. & B. Cummings. While at South Dartmouth Mr. Cummings and his partner also engaged in the whaling industry, and fitted out in all nine whalers. He was for several years connected with the militia as a member of the 3d Mass. Cav., be- coming second lieutenant. In 1855 he married A. Emma, daughter of Joseph Brownell of New Bedford, and their children are Ida F., wife of Charles D. Pres- cott, M. D .; Emily, Mrs. Elliott D. Stetson; and Frank A., all of New Bedford.
Currie, Malcolm, was born in New Brunswick, May 10, 1855, a son of Malcolm and Jane (McNeill) Currie. Ilis father was a carpenter and builder and died in Maine in 1892. Mr. Currie was educated in the common schools and learned the carpenter's trade of his father. In 1881 he came to Attleborough and has been one of the prom- inent contractors and builders for ten years, erecting large jewelry factories and pri- vate residences. In 1885 he married Lydia, daughter of James O'Brien, and they have five children: Lewis, Clara J., Grace E., Alice and Bertha.
Cushman, A. M .- Edwin Freuch (deceased) was born in Attleborough, May 12 1806. His father was one Thomas French, who was a native of Rehoboth and one of the pioneers of that town. Edwin French married Maria, daughter of Nathan Wilmarth, and through life he was identified as a farmer. He was a man of sterling integrity and his death, which occurred May 20, 1893, was a loss not only to his family but to all who knew him. Of him it can be said " an honest man is the noblest work of God." His daughter, Anna M., married Peter B. Cushman of New Bedford, and they have two daughters: Mrs. Nellie Deborah Smiley and Evange- line M.
Cushman, Henry W., is one of the active, enterprising young business men of Acushnet, a native of that town, where he has resided all his life. He was born February 20, 1859; soon after the completion of his public school education he en- tered active business life in the employ of his father, who was engaged in the manu- facture of pine boxes. He continued with his father until 1883, when he succeeded him in the business and has since conducted it alone. This has been a profitable en- terprise since its inception and is now one of the largest manufacturing concerns of the kind in southern Massachusetts. Mr. Cushman gives steady employment to about seventy-five meu and the business extends to all parts of New England. September 20, 1886, he married Frances R., daughter of Francis and Kate (Brady) Eldridge, and they have four children: Henry E., Emery, Francis and Ruth. Mr. Cushman is one of the hard working, pushing young men, who have preferred a busi-
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ness to a professional life. Possessing a liberal education and great natural ability, he believes that these qualities cannot be better employed than in the management and supervision of one of those industries which augments the wealth producing possibilities of the country.
Cusick, Thomas Francis, M. D., was born in Taunton, April 11, 1876, a son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Gallighan) Cusick. In early life he attended the public schools of Taunton and later attended Bristol Academy, where be fitted himself for Harvard. In 1802 he entered Harvard Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1806; during a portion of this time he attended several of the Boston hospitals, such as the City, Lying-in and Children's. After graduating he came to Taunton and opened an office of his own for the general practice of medicine, and is meeting with good success. Dr. Cusick is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Davis, George H., sou of Peter and Hannah W. (Brayton) Davis, was born in Westport, November 16, 1855. The family is one of the oldest in Bristol county, descending from William Davis, one of the first settlers of Freetown. His son John settled in Westport, and John's son, Eber, had a son named Peter, who was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. During his boyhood Mr. Davis worked on his father's farm and attended the schools of his township. IIe has all his life followed the occupation of farming, with the exception of a two years' whaling voy- age in the ship Eliza Adams sailing from New Bedford. Part of the homestead farm on which he lives has never been deeded out of the family since its original purchase in 1720. Mr. Davis married, in 1886, Ella, daughter of Thomas Brown of Fall River.
Dean, Daniel W., one of the best known citizens of Fairhaven and Bristol county, was born on the old homestead where he now lives, on the Sconticut Neck Road, overlooking Buzzard's Bay. For a long time he has been regarded as one of the most public spirited men engaged in business in Fairhaven. He has, for a number of years, been engaged in the produce and milk business. In 1877-78 he was select- man of the town and again in 1879 and 1883. He was also one of the overseers of the poor. A patron of worthy charities and a willing friend to the needy, Mr. Dean has a reputation for true philanthropy; a friend of progress and advancement, he is always willing to use every endeavor to advance the interests of his native town.
Dean, Luther, is a son of David and Dordana Macomber Dean, and was born November 21, 1867. Ile was educated in the public schools of Taunton, and took a course in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. In 1888 he started in business for himself, opening an office in Taunton and Middleborough at the same time. When the office of city engineer was established, in May, 1893, Mr. Dean was elected to fill the position, which he held for one year. In 1895 he was re-elected to the same office and held the position until 1898. He then opened an office and is now acting as consulting engineer. In May, 1898, he was elected a member of the Amer- ican Society of Civil Engineers. December 16, 1801, he married Jessie Louise, daughter of Jesse K. and Catherine B. Bragg of Taunton, and they have no children.
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