USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 56
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Ellis, Nathaniel B., son of John and Elizabeth (Tinkham) Ellis, was born in the town of Mattapoisett, Plymouth county, Mass., July 20, 1849. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native town. Mr. Ellis spent his boyhood
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on his father's farm and in 1866 he secured a position in a New Bedford flouring mill, where he was employed until 1878, after which he returned to the farm. In 1894 he bought his present farm, where he has since resided. On August 29, 1876, he married Clara M., daughter of Joshua and Rachael (Kenney) Bowles, and they have six children: Clarence B., Alton B., Rachael M., Edith F., Leroy E. and George H. Personally Mr. Ellis is of a very social nature and has the respect and confi- dence of a large circle of friends.
Emerson, F. O., was born in Cumberland, December 24, 1861, a son of Benjamin H. Emerson, whose family were among the pioneer settlers. Benjamin H. Emer- son married Jane F. Horton; he was a contractor and builder. F. O. Emerson was educated at Pawtucket, and in 1879 came to North Attleborough and engaged in the meat and provision business. In 1891 he established the business under the firm name of Potter & Emerson, which he purchased in 1893. Mr. Emerson is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters, is a member of Aurora Lodge, I.O.O. F., Howard Encampment, Mirimichi Tribe, I.O.R.M., president of the Butchers' Association, and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and its people.
Emery, Abram David, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 22, 1845, a son of Con- rad and Elizabeth (Perkinpine) Emery. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Philadelphia and later at the High School. In early life he was apprenticed to the machinist's trade at the Penn Works, and spent five years with this firm learning the trade in all its branches and then left and went to Kensington Iron Works as superintendent and stayed there about five years. He then went as assistant engineer to the chief of the Philadelphia Water Department and remained with him about three and a half years, when he came to New York as a designer for Hoe & Co. on printing presses. He remained there nine years and then came to Taunton as superintendent of the Campbell Press Co. After being here some time he engaged in business for himself in the manufacture of the Universal Loom, which was designed and patented by Mr. Emery, and at the present time is receiving the attention of cotton manufacturers all over the country and bids fair to become, as its name indicates, universal in its use. Mr. Emery is a member of Covenant Lodge No. 456, Pennsylvania, F. & A. M .; K. P., and B. P. O. E. December 25, 1866, be married Matilda, daughter of Christopher and Mary (Kurtz) Wagner of Philadelphia, and they have two children: Walter Thompson, born September 27, 1867, and Estella May, born November 9, 1872. Mrs. Emery was born November 20, 1845, and died February 2, 1893.
Emery, Francis Walcott Reed, was born in Old Bedford, Mass., April 24, 1842, a son of Samuel Hopkins and Julia (Reed) Emery. He received his early education in Taunton public schools and finished in Bristol Academy. In 1855 Mr. Emery went to Nebraska and took up a quarter section of government land with the intention of locating, but later on he went to surveying guide meridians for the government and afterwards was employed on the line of the Pacific Telegraph Company and worked his way to California. This was about the time of the breaking out of the war and he at once enlisted in what was afterwards known as the 5th Iowa Cavalry, and their work was mostly raiding. Mr. Emery was taken prisoner in July, 1864, and sent to Andersonville, where he remained nine months and was then sent home, arriving
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there April 28, 1865, and then received his discharge. He went to work for the Mason Machine Company and stayed there until 1883, when he bought the bookbind- ing business of C. B. Hathaway, which he carries on at the present time, and conducts his business of preservation of ancient, decayed records and papers by his patent pro- cess. July 16. 1869, he married Eliza Ann Sproat, and they have one daughter, Alice Sproat Emery.
Engley, Willard A., was born in Attleborough, August 18, 1856, a son of the late James H. and Huldah (Cooper) Engley, both of whom came from old New England stock. Willard A. was educated in Attleborough and Bryant & Stratton's Commer- cial College of Providence, R. I. In 1876 he began to learn the jewelry business, rapidly rising until he became traveling salesman, and for several years continually visited nearly all the large cities of the United States. January 1, 1886, he organ- ized the firm of Engley, Wetherell & Co , at Chartley, Mass., and after a remarkably successful career he retired in 1897. In 1888 Mr. Engley married Bessie H., daugh- ter of the late Cyrus Webber, and they have one daughter, Bernice W. He is a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge of Masons, Chapter, Council, Commandery, Shrine and Consistory.
Entwistle, John, was born in Lancaster, England, November 18, 1850, a son of Giles and Martha (Haworth) Entwistle. He received his education in private schools, and until 1884 worked as a weaver in the cotton mills of his native country. Having convinced himself that this country would afford him better opportunities, he came here in 1884, and settling in Fall River, secured a position in a cotton mill of that city. In 1890 he purchased the farm in North Westport upon which he now resides. August 22, 1875, he married Susanna Dean, also a native of England. Their chil- dren are two: Wilfred D. and Martha A.
Evans, Charles Everett, was born in Taunton, April 16, 1859, a son of James M. and Emeline E. (Hathaway) Evans. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days he went to work with his father in the grocery business and remained with him about ten years, when he started in business for himself in steam carpet cleaning. This he followed for about four years and in 1888 went to Boston and was with John H. Pray, Sons & Co. until he returned to Taunton on account of his father's sickness. On the death of his father he succeeded to his business of nickel plating, and to-day is general manager and treasurer of the Taunton Nickel Plating Co. He is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Chapter, New Bedford Council and St. John's Com- mandery of Troy; also a member of Orient Lodge, K. P., and Cohannet Lodge, A. O. U. W. October 8, 1879, he married Alice M. Sprague of Taunton, and they have one child, Francis Evans.
Evans, Edwin L., was born in Attleborough Falls, July 12, 1846. His father, Daniel Evans, was a native of Smithfield, R. I., and the family trace their descent from Richard Evans, who came from England about 1650. Daniel Evans came to Attleborough Falls in 1836 and entered the employ of R. & W. Robinson, button manufacturers, whom he succeeded in 1848, manufacturing a superior quality of fine gilt buttons adapted to the higher grades of army, navy and governmental uses, and continued in the manufacture of buttons up to the time of his death in 1892, a period
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of forty-four years. No man in either of the Attleboroughs was so widely known as a manufacturer during the period of the Civil war as the late Daniel Evans. His factory supplied a very large proportion of the army buttons used by the Union forces, especially those of the finest grades for officers' uniforms. 'Their quality was a standard by which all other makes were measured. The " Evans button " was stipulated in hundreds of contracts for the equipment of troops that had special uni- forms made for them, and they had no superiors, if they had any equals. In those "days of shoddy " it was greatly to Mr. Evans's credit that his goods always main- tained the high standard which won for them such a fine reputation. Edwin L. Evans was educated in Attleborough Falls and in 1862 engaged in business with his father, and still continues the same.
Fairbanks, Frank S., son of of George O. and Esther (Hart) Fairbanks, was born in Fall River, October 30, 1858. His father was one of the first selectmen of the old town of Troy, was chairman of the School Committee of Fall River for many years, was mayor of the city and representative from this district for eleven consecutive terms. At the time of his death he held the office of overseer of the poor. As a boy Frank S. Fairbanks attended the public and high schools of Fall River, graduating from the latter in 1872. Following his graduation he was employed as a bookkeeper in the Fall River Laundry for seven years and then went into the Pocasset Mills as a second hand, remaining seven years in that capacity. He then began work in the office of the Marshall Hat Factory, where he is still employed. Mr. Fairbanks is a member of the Royal Arcanum. He was married in 1879 to S. Jennie Leonard of Fall River, and they have two children: Frank O. and Gertrude L. Mr. Fairbanks is of Puritan ancestry, being a direct descendant and seventh of the line of Jonathan Fairbanks, who came from England in 1633 and settled near the present site of Mil- ford, Mass.
Fisher, E. Jasper, was born where he now resides in Mansfield, February 22, 1848, a son of Daniel and Mary Fisher. He was educated in the common schools of Mans- field and Barry Academy. When twenty-one years old his father died and he and his brother took charge of his father's manufacturing and farming interest, which they have since followed. Mr. Fisher married Jennie A., daughter of George and Emily (Keech) Chase, and they have three children: Maud E., Howard H., and Roger Chase. Mr. Fisher and family have been active in the New Jerusalem Church and in educational matters. He is vice-president of the Public Library; a member of St. James, F. & A. M., of Mansfield, and Keystone Chapter of Foxboro, Mass.
Fisher, G. Eugene, was born in Bristol, R. I., March 17, 1851, a son of George E. and grandson of Ellis Fisher, natives of North Attleborough. His great-grandfather lived and died at Attleborough Falls. George E. married Sarah C., daughter of Bradford Corbin, and was engaged in the jewelry business all his life. He died in 1890. G. Eugene was educated in North Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade. In 1878 he married Ella I., daughter of Thomas A. Barden, and they have two sons: Charles E. and Elliot B. In 1895 Mr. Fisher was appointed postmaster of his town; he has reorganized the office, inaugurating the carrier system and largely increasing the receipts and efficiency of the office. He is a member and past chan- cellor of Sumner Lodge K. of P., No. 62, a member of the Royal Arcanum and American Benefit Society.
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Fittz, George E., was born in Great Falls, N. H., March 4, 1828, a son of Albert and Tryphosia (Bartlett) Fittz. His father was a native of Seekonk, where his father, David Fittz, was one of the pioneer farmers. Albert was a machinist and died in 1804. George B. Fittz was educated in the public schools, studied dentistry with Dr. Gardner of Pawtucket, and in 1872 came to Attleborough and established his dental practice, which he carried on till 1897, when he retired. In 1849 he mar- ried Emily, daughter of Stephen Murray, and they have one son, William B. Mr. Fittz was overseer of the poor fourteen years, superintendent of water works five years, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.
Flynn, Edmund Francis, D. D. S., was born in Taunton, September 11, 1867, a son of Michael and Margaret (Clark) Flynn. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and in 1893 entered the Boston Dental College for the study of dentistry, graduating from there in June, 1806. He then came to Taunton and opened an office for himself in the Taylor block, and is devoting his whole time to city practice. Dr. Flynn was married in June, 1897, to Katherine Alice, daugh- ter of Owen and Mary Galligan of Taunton.
Fogwell, Richard E., is a native of Fall River, born September 9, 1861. He at- tended the common schools of that city and at an early age was employed in the cotton mills as weaver. In 1871 his parents, Richard E. and Sophia Fogwell, re- moved to Leicester, Mass., where he attended the public schools, being employed in a shoe manufactory when school was not in session. The family returned to Fall River in 1875, and Richard E. became the apprentice of William R. Bush, with whom he remained three years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the plumbing trade. Subsequently he was employed for seven years by the Fall River Plumbing Company, which eventually came into the sole possession of Charles A. Clark, and at the end of this time went into the business on his own account, forming a copart- nership with James E. Crowley, under the firm name of Crowley & Fogwell. Mr. Crowley retired in 1801, and since that time Mr. Fogwell has conducted the business alone. He is recognized as one of the leading plumbers of the city. He is a mem- ber of Friendly Union Lodge No. 164, I. O. O. F., and an enterprising and public spirited citizen. In 1878 he married Annie Mason, daughter of Thomas R. Hicks, and they have five children: Bertha E., Madeline A., Richard E., jr., Jerome I. and Gladys S.
Forrester, Charles.F., was born in Somerset, Mass., July 19, 1853, a son of John S. and Mary B. (Marvel) Forrester, and was educated in the public schools and fol- lowed the sea for four years. In 1871 he went to North Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade with Frederick Stanley; in 1877 he came to Attleborough and en . tered the employ of J. M. Bates, remaining with him until 1894, then organized the firm of Marble, Smith & Forrester, who are making a specialty of silver novelties. In 1880 Mr. Forrester married Martha C. Perry. Mr. Forrester is a member of the American Mechanics' Society and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and town's people.
Fox, William Henry, is a son of Henry Hodges and Sarah Ann Foz, and was born in Taunton, August 29, 1837. His early education and training was received in the Taunton public schools and Harvard, graduating from the latter in the class
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1858. He then studied in the office of Judge E. H. Bennett until 1861, when he opened an office for himself. On January 5, 1865, he received his appointment as judge of the First District Court of Bristol County and still holds the same position, making one of the longest terms of any judge in the State. October 6, 1864, Mr. Fox married Anna M., daughter of James H. and Harriet M. Anthony, who died March 28, 1892, leaving three children: William Yale, Marion and Francis Bird. In addition to his legal duties Mr. Fox is vice-president of the Bristol County Savings Bank, trustee of the Wheaton Seminary and of the Public Library, which latter po- sition he has held for twenty-two years.
Frissell, Amasa R., oldest son of Dwight and Ann E. (Rockwell) Frissell, was born in Peru, Berkshire county, Mass., June 24, 1858. His education was obtained in the public schools and the Middlefield High School, from which he was graduated in 1877, and then began the study of law in the office of Judge Filley, in Pittsfield, where he remained for four years. Having formed a dislike for his legal studies, he then spent three years in traveling, and on returning home, took charge of a stock farm, in which he continued for four years. He then removed to New Bedford and engaged in the milk business, which he conducted for six years, and was then ap- pointed on the Park Police, in which capacity he has since served. On February 28. 1878. he was united in marriage to Jennie V., daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (Cross) Leslie, and they have one daughter, Alice V.
Fuller, E. A., was born in Canton, February 19, 1853, a son of James W. and Esther (Atkinson) Fuller. His father was a native of Rehoboth, and was a contrac- tor and builder; he died in 1895. E. A. Fuller was educated in the public schools and in 1870 came to Attleborough and learned the jeweler's business with D. H. Smith, remaining with him twelve years. In 1882 he entered the employ of B. M. Cornell, and in 1886 purchased the business and at the present time is carrying the largest stock of paints, oils, wall paper, curtains and artists' materials in Attlebor- ough. In 1873 Mr. Fuller married Thersia M., daughter of Silas Williams. They have had two children: Laura F. Fuller, born February 15, 1878, died in 1890; and Ernest M. Fuller, born May 8, 1881.
Fuller, Henry Jerome, was born in Mansfield, May 5, 1834, a son of Harrison and Mary P. (Morse) Fuller. His early education was received in the public schools and later he prepared for college in 1851 and 1852 at the seminary in East Greenwich. He attended a four years' course at the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., from 1853 to 1857, and then went to Albany Law School, where he remained one year. On his return from Albany he went to Canton and studied in the office of Ellis Ames for two years; was admitted to the bar April 10, 1860, and opened an office in Easton, where he remained seven years and then removed to Taunton. In April, 1868, he formed a partnership with Judge E. H. Bennett, under the firm name of Bennett & Fuller, which continued for fifteen years, or until Mr. Bennett's removal to Boston. After this Mr. Fuller continued practice alone and is to-day one of the leading members of the bar in general. practice. November 9, 1862, he married Rebecca J. Vincent (now deceased). They had three sons, Frederick V., Albert, and Henry Fuller. Frederick V. died January 14, 1897; Albert is the present clerk of the First District Court of Bristol county; Henry died in infancy.
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Fyans, John T., son of Thomas and Mary (Craig) Fyans, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., April 14, 1864. He attended the public schools of his native city a short time and later the schools of New York, to which city the family removed when he was quite young. Still later the family removed to Taunton, where he attended the pub- lic schools until seventeen years of age. At this time he began work in Reed & Barton's silver plating works, but in a short time entered William Mason's machine works to learn the machinist's trade. In March, 1889, he came to Fall River to enter the employ of the Fall River Machine Company, with whom he remained until 1892. He then engaged as a traveling salesman for Adam Cook's Sons of New York city, dealers in mill supplies, and held that position until the present firm of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway was formed. This business, although started in a small way, has con- stantly grown and is now one of the leading enterprises of its kind in Bristol county. Mr. Fyans is a member of Narragansett Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Friendly Union Lodge No. 164, I. O. O. F. In 1887 he married Edna, daughter of Capt. E. B. Hathaway of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Edith J.
Gabriel, Stanford Leman, was born in Parisboro, Nova Scotia, June 29, 1869. He received his early education in the public schools of that place and afterwards at- tended the Acadia College in Wolfville, N. S. He came to the United States in 1889, taking up life insurance in Providence, R. I., where he remained but a short time, after which he moved to Manchester, N. H., where he acted as special agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. In 1895 he came to Taunton where he opened an office for the same company, and has managed the business very successfully. He also carries on a general insurance business in this city. No- vember 15, 1893, he married May Frances Rollins of Manchester, N. H.
Gadsby, John, son of William and Sarah (Scattergood) Gadsby, was born in Fall River, Mass., March 31. 1875. He is of English descent, his parents having re- moved from England to this country early in the seventies. His father, William Gadsby, was a baker by trade, and soon after his arrival settled in Fall River and started a bakery which he conducted for many years. John Gadsby attended the public schools of Fall River and was then employed in his father's bakery, which he purchased in June, 1896, and has since conducted it successfully, being now located at No. 148 Rodman street. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and an active and enterprising business man. In March, 1897, he married Minnie R., daughter of John Gifford of Fall River, and they have one son.
Gaffney, John Linus, son of Felix and Mary Gaffney, was born in Taunton, Mass., September 24, 1854. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and later he attended Holmes Commercial College. In 1871 he went with Charles Husband & Co. to learn the decorative car lining business, and remained with them five years, then engaged with John Gaffney in the undertaking business, remaining with him until 1870, when he started in business for himself at carriage painting. Mr. Gaffney is prepared to do all kinds of carriage decorations and also sells a great many vehicles. He served in the Common Council from 1803 for three successive years and one year on the Board of Aldermen. He is a member of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. November 22, 1892, he married Jennie F., daughter of John and Mary (Conefy) McDonald of Taunton.
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Galligan, Edward Francis, M.D., was born in Taunton, Mass., December 1, 1856, a son of Patrick and Ann (Eagan) Galligan, both deceased. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and after graduating from the High School prepared for Harvard and entered the Harvard Medical School in 1878, grad- uating in the class of 1881. He then came to Taunton and opened an office for the general practice of medicine and surgery for himself. In addition to a large prac- tice which he has established he was city physician from August, 1883, to January. 1888, inclusive, declining reappointment owing to extensive private practice, and was one of the original staff when the Morton Hospital was organized; he is now secretary of the board of United States examining surgeons, having served as such since 1886. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and American Medical Association, president of Bristol North District Medical Society two years, 1803-04 (district branch of parent society). Dr. Galligan has never married.
Gammons, Edgar Howland, is the only surviving son of Samuel Perry Gammons and Helen Mar Howland, his wife, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., August 29, 1850. On his mother's side he is descended from one of the oldest and most prominent families in the State. Samuel P. Gammons was the son of Lemuel and Hannah (Perry) Gammons and the grandson of Lemuel Gammons, sr., a blacksmith and farmer who resided in Middleborough and later in New Bedford. Lemuel, jr., was a sailor in early life and afterwards a teamster. Mr. Gammons's maternal grandfather, Beriah Godard Howland of New Bedford, served in the navy in the war of 1812. Edgar H. Gammons was graduated from the New Bedford High School in 1865, became a clerk in the grocery store of Francis H. Pasel and later in the dry goods store of Oliver G. Brownell, and subsequently accepted a position in the general store of Samuel W. Wiggan of Ashland, Mass. In 1872 he engaged in country trade by means of wagons, making New Bedford his headquarters, and for several years he carried on an extensive and successful business. From this he gradually became interested in the disposal of garbage, of which he made a study and since about 1885 has given it his entire attention. Finally he took a contract for one year and then another for three years for disposing of all the garbage in the city, which he deposited on land and then ploughed it under. In May, 1896, he took a contract covering a period of ten years and soon afterward built a garbage reduc- tion plant on the old Hathaway farm. He is also engaged in farming. Mr. Gam- mons was a member of the City Council in 1804 and is a member of the South Bristol Farmers' Club, which he served as a director for several years. June 4, 1874, he married Amantha Borden Ashley, daughter of John S. Ashley of New Bedford, and their children are John Ashley, a graduate of Brown University, class of 1808; Helen Ashley, a graduate of a Boston kindergarten school in 1898; Alice Maud, Edgar II., jr., and Molly Nye.
Gardiner, Ezekiel C., son of James B. and Mary (Gardiner) Gardiner, was born at Exeter, R. I., February 1, 1839. His father was a farmer and lived in Exeter nearly all his life, being a well known and universally respected citizen. During his early boyhood Mr. Gardiner worked on his father's farm and attended the district schools of the vicinity, and when he reached the age of fifteen went to Providence and be- gan an apprenticeship to the printing trade in the office of A. Crawford Greene, with whom he remained five years. During his apprenticeship he had many opportuni-
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