USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 59
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Horton, Raymond M., was born in Attleborough, August 28, 1875, a son of Edwin J. and Rhoda (Lee) Horton. His father was engaged in the jeweler's business and perished at sea at the sinking of the steamer Narragansett. He was a public spirit-
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ed man; representative in the Legislature for three years; president of the Y. M. C. A .; society commander of the G. A. R .; and a prominent Mason, King Hiram and Royal Arch Chapter. Raymond M. Horton was educated in the public schools and Amherst College. In 1896 he organized the firm of Walch & Horton, the leading clothiers and dealers in gent's furnishing goods in Attleborough, making a specialty of custom tailoring. Mr. Horton is a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, F. & A. M., King Hiram and Royal Arch Chapter, Bristol Commandery, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.
Howard, Edwin J., son of Jarvis T. and Ellen S. (Pierce) Howard, was born in the town of Fairhaven, Bristol county, Mass., June 7, 1847. IIc received his education in the public schools of his native town and at an early age embarked in the tanning and farming business on his own account, which he has since followed. In October, 1891, he married Georgia F. Butts of New Hampshire. In every walk of life Mr. Howard is honored with the high regard of his friends and townsmen. He is a gentleman of quiet and dignified demeanor, whose modesty makes him always prefer to listen rather than to be listened to.
Howarth, David, son of John and Ann (Meadcroft) Howarth, was born at Small Bridge, in Lancashire, England, January 19, 1841. As a youth he attended the commou schools of his native village and worked in the woolen mills of Rochdale. At the age of eight years he left school and found steady employment in the mills, working in different departments until he was twenty-five years old. At this time he engaged in the manufacture of oat cakes, later adding bread to his stock. He continued in this business for fourteen years, and in April, 1881, came to this coun- try, settling in Fall River, where he afterwards resided. He first engaged in shirt and overall making, selling his product to different stores and ofttimes, when busi- ness was dull, peddling it. Hle later entered the employ of John Robinson as a candy peddler, but soon started in the confectionery business for himself; first locat- ing on Alden street, then on Bedford street, then on the corner of Quequechan and County streets, from which location he removed to the store on Pleasant street. Mr. Howarth was very successful and enjoyed a large wholesale and retail trade. He was a member of the Pilgrim Fathers and the Order of Odd Fellows. In 1864 he married Betty Scoffield of Lancashire, Eng., and they had ten children, only one surviving, David. Mr. Howarth died at sea on the steamer "Catalonia," on Sep- tember 1, 1898.
Iluut. Charles Richard, physician and surgeon, was born at Easton, Mass., Octo- ber 17, 1855. He is the eldest son of John R. and Georgianna (Hayward) Hunt. In his younger days, while his father was in the west, he made his home with his ma- ternal grandparents, prominent citizens of Easton. It was in his native town that he received his early education, and after graduating from the High School of Easton, he entered the city engineer's office in Boston. While in the employ of the engineer- ing department he took special instructions from the professors of the Boston Insti- tute of Technology. Continuing in the engineering department of that city he gained a high reputation for efficiency in his chosen profession, and when American capital- ists conceived the idea of building the Mexican Central Railroad, he was one of the first engineers engaged by the company in the preliminary work, making surveys and locating the road. As resident engineer of the company with headquarters at
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Aguas Calientes, he gained valuable knowledge of that country. After a very suc- cessful service in which he gained high praise and commendation he returned to Massachusetts and was induced to take up the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Joseph W. Hayward, of Taunton, one of the ablest physicians and surgeons in the Bay State. In 1884, he entered the Boston University School of Medicine, from which he was graduated M. D. in 1887. Immediately after, or to be more accurate, with his graduation, he received the appointment of resident house surgeon at the Mas- sachusetts Homeopathic Hospital in Boston. Serving a year in that capacity he decided to practice in New Bedford, and is one of the leading homeopaths of that place, having a large practice. Dr. Hunt is the visiting physician to the House of Correction in New Bedford. He is a member of the American Institute of Homeo- pathy: Massachusetts Homeopathic Society; Rhode Island Homeopathic Society; Boston Homeopathic Medical Society; American Society of Orifical Surgeons and the Massachusetts Surgical and Gynæecological Society. On both the maternal and paternal sides Dr. Hunt comes from Puritan families. He is of the eighth genera- tion of William Hunt, who settled near the present site of Concord, Mass., in 1635, and a lineal descendant of Sir Thomas Hayward, who as one of the early settlers of Duxbury, Mass., arrived in this country the same year. His paternal grandfather, John E. Hunt, was a practicing physician of great reputation and ability in Maine and New Hampshire. Dr. Hunt was married August 32, 1888, to Annie Vincent, daughter of the late Charles L. Haskins of Raynham, Mass.
Jenney, Henry Palmer, alderman, was born in New Bedford, June 18, 1844, a son of Nathaniel and Eunice (Palmer) Jenney. The family is of good old Puritan stock, Mr. Jenney's ancestors having settled in Plymouth early in the history of the colony. His father, a native of Fairhaven, was a well known and successful builder and con- tractor, and although he never held public office, was still highly esteemed in the community and a man of some prominence. Henry Jenney has resided in New Bed- ford all his life, and his principal business has been as a retail dealer in groceries and provisions, having for twenty years conducted a store on Purchase street. This business was established by him in 1863, and during the first year he was associated with Isaac Case, under the firm name of Jenney & Case. After the dissolution of this firm he conducted the business alone for some years and then, having admitted his brother, Nathaniel H. Jenney, the firm of Jenney Brothers was formed. In 1885 Mr. Jenney disposed of his interest and gave his attention to the real estate business, in which he had previously been engaged to a considerable extent, always having been an active man and a hard and energetic worker. After completing an educa- tion, confined to the common schools, and before engaging in business he worked for five years in the Gosner Rolling Mills in New Bedford. He is greatly interested in horticulture and devotes much time to this pursuit. He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Poor two years and two years on the Board of Aldermen. In 1868 he married Charlotte D., daughter of Nathaniel Cobb of New Bedford.
Jennings, Latham T., is a lineal descendant of John Jennings, who came to this country from England in 1720, and married Ann Halliway in 1730. On his mother's side he is descended from Gov. John Wanton of Rhode Island; he married Anna, daughter of Abraham Redwood of Rhode Island. Latham 'T. is a son of Isaac and Abby W. ('Thurston) Jennings, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., August 20,
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1838. His education was obtained in the public schools and after finishing school was employed on the farm for two years. He then went on two successful whaling voyages of six years' duration, the first voyage before the mast on the ship Reindeer, and the second voyage as boat steerer on the same ship. He then went to California, where he remained for seventeen months, when he returned to New Bedford and has since been engaged in farming and stone masonry. On June 1, 1864, he mar- ried Hannah B., daughter of James and Sarah (Maryhill) Hammett of Acushnet.
Jennings, William H., son of William H. and Annie Borden (Chase) Jennings, was born in Fall River, July 15, 1868. He attended the public and high schools, gradu- ating from the latter in the class of 1887, and the following year took a special course at Phillips Exeter Academy. His first experience in business was as a clerk in the office of the Staples Coal Company, where he remained about one year and then ac- cepted a position as manager of the loom harness manufactory of Webster & Co. In 1896 this firm was incorporated under the laws of the State of Massachusetts and Mr. Jennings was made treasurer of the Webster Loom Harness Company; he is also treasurer of the Algonquin Printing Company.
Jones, George M., was born in Taunton, Mass., February 10., 1862, a son of Gard- ner and Sarah A. (Wanning) Jones; he. received his education in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he went to work as a hotel clerk in Tiverton, R. I., where he remained but two years and then re- turned to Taunton, going into the office of Arthur M. Alger, where he remained three years. In March, 1886, he opened a store of his own for the sale of cigars and tobacco. This business he is still engaged in and has added a pool and billiard room. Mr. Jones is a member of John Hancock Lodge, K. P., and the Order of Red Men.
Kavanaugh, John Joseph, was born in East Taunton, January 2, 1849, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Clifford) Kavanaugh. Ilis carly education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton and after the close of his studies he entered the O. C. Iron Co. to learn to make shovels; he served his apprenticeship in that department and was then promoted to where the steel is prepared for the shovels and remained there until 1878, when he went to Providence to work in the steel department of the Providence Tool Company, who made a specialty of manufacturing guns. In 1876 he returned to Taunton and went as an assistant in the State Hospital for a short time and then engaged in the livery business with his brothers. In 1880 he engaged in the wholesale liquor business, which he is still engaged in. He was a member of the City Council in 1895, 1896 and 1897, and a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1898. He is senior past chief ranger of Court Elizabeth Poole, F. of A. ; supreme paymaster general K.S.F.F. of A .; treasurer of Division Five, A.O.H., and a mem- ber of the B. P.O.E. February 16, 1871. Mr. Kavanaugh married Catherine, daughter of Matthew and Jane (O'Brien) Kelly.
Keeler, Charles P., was born in Milford, Conn., August 29, 1860, and his father, Rev. S.C. Keeler, was prominent in the Concord diocese of the M. E. Church, having filled the office of presiding elder for two terms; he married Lydia, daughter of Ira Williams. Charles P. Keeler was educated in Brooklyn, N. Y., and in 1880 came to Attlebor- ough and entered the employ of Smith & Crosby, and also J. F. Sturdy & Sons. In
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1894 he organized the firm of McRae & Keeler, making a specialty of ladies' goods. In 1888 he married Ada G., daughter of John Bullock, and they are the parents of three children: Lawrence P., Helen and Lydia, having lost one son, Charles, in in- fancy. Mr. Keeler is one of the self-made men of Bristol county; is a member of the Masonic order, of the Red Men and A.O.U. W .; he takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters.
Kelley, David Newcomb, son of Alvira and Achsia (Newcomb) Kelley, was born at Harwich Port on Cape Cod, November 8, 1856. His father was a dealer in fish and in 1874 removed to Fairhaven, where he established the business which is now con- ducted by Mr. Kelley. After attending the schools of his native village David N. began to make voyages in fishing vessels, being placed at an early age in charge of vessels going on long fishing cruises. He continued this business for eight years and at the death of his father took entire charge of the business and has since con- ducted it successfuly, dealing extensively in all kinds of salt fish. During the season he keeps several fishing schooners in commission and employs a large force of men in cutting, salting and packing the catch. The business is located on what was once called the Old South Wharf. This wharf was partly purchased by Mr. Kelley's father and has now come entirely into his possession and is called Kelley's Wharf. Mr. Kelley is also extensively engaged in the lumber trade, being associated in this business with B. F. Nickerson, under the firm name of B. F. Nickerson & Co. In January, 1878, he married Alfretta, daughter of Freeman A. Phillips of Harwich Port, and they have one son, David Leon Kelley.
Kempton, David Batchelder, is one of the oldest business men of New Bedford, and has been prominently identified with leading business enterprises in that city for over fifty years. He was born April 25, 1818, a son of David Kempton (2) and . Joanna (Maxfield) Kempton, and is a direct descendant of Manasseh Kempton, whose name appears on the deed given by Ousamequin and his son Wamsutta to John Cooke and others, and conveying the whole town of Dartmouth in thirty-four whole parts and no more. Many members of the Kempton family have been promi- nent in history, notably Col. Thomas Kempton of Revolutionary fame. It was the pleasure of Mr. Kempton's youth to listen to stories told by his grandmother, who saved herself and children from the British soldiery by fleeing to the woods at the time of the invasion. She lived at that time in an old house, long since demolished, which was on the site of the present intersection of North and County streets. It was upon this spot that three citizens, Cook, Russell and Trafford, were killed at the time of the British invasion; and not more than a hundred yards from the same spot two British soldiers were killed as they were marching by, by two men in the woods. This was the first blood shed in the war in this vicinity. Some of this land is now in the possession of Mr. Kempton; it has never been deeded out of the family since its original purchase from the Indians. During his carly youth Mr. Kempton attended school for a very short time, but was orphaned at the age of twelve and went to live with his father's brother, Ephraim Kempton, with whom he remained until he at- tained his majority, meantime learning the carpenter's trade, at which he worked twelve years. He then became interested in whale shipping and for over a quarter of a century was an agent and managing owner of whaling vessels. He was a mem- ber of the fire department for several years. He early became a Mason, joining
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Star in the East Lodge, and also Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter and Sutton Com- mandery, Knights Templar. In 1877 he realized the desire of his life when he took an extensive trip in the countries of the old world, visiting Constantinople and the Holy Land. He was connected with the New Bedford flour mill for many years as director and president. He is now president of the Pope's Island Manufacturing Corporation; a director of the New Bedford Gas and Edison Electric Company; and of the Citizens' National Bank. At different times during his life he has been hon- ored by public office. He served in the State Legislature in 1889 and 1890; was warden of the Fifth ward in 1875, 1876 and 1877; member of the City Council in 1864, 1865 and 1866. In the latter year the construction of the water works was be- gun and he, with Warren Ladd and William W. Crapo, was elected to the first Water Board and served in that capacity nearly twenty-five years. Mr. Kempton is a man of most kindly disposition and of great ability in handling men. As a young man he was endowed with great earning capacity and by an energetic exercise of his ability acquired a considerable property. He is one of the historical characters of New Bedford and himself takes a deep interest in matters pertaining to the history of this vicinity, in which so many of his ancestors figured prominently. The very land on which he lives is a historic point and has for over two hundred and forty years been in the possession of his family. His first wife, whom he married in 1842, was Sarah Bates Lindsey, a daughter of the late Benjamin Lindsey, sr., who was for many years editor of the "Mercury." Of this union one son was born, Frank H .; he married again in 1879, Susan H. Jennings, daughter of Dr. J. H. Jennings.
Kennedy, Francis M., D. D. S., was born in New Bedford, February 11, 1863, a son of Michael F. and Ellen A. (Ahern) Kennedy. He attended the public schools of New Bedford and also studied under a private tutor. After some time spent in his father's business he entered the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and was graduated in 1887, holding the highest honor given in his class. In the same year he began practice in New Bedford and still continues, having met with excellent success. For nine years he served on the School Committee and at present is a trustee of the Public Library. November 14, 1893, he married Mary A., daughter of the late Andrew Donaghy of New Bedford, and they have two children: Helen Sarah, and an infant daughter.
King, M. L., was born in Nova Scotia, March 22, 1834. His father, Martin King, was identified as a farmer and miller in Nova Scotia and married Margery Sarson ; he died a young man in 1841. Martin L. King came to North Attleborough in Jan- uary. 1856, and followed his trade of blacksmithing, making a specialty of jeweler's tools. In 1857 he married Martha Redmond, and they have two sons and one daugh- ter: Edward M., Clarence H. and Mrs. Florence Morse. Mr. King is one of the self-made men of his town, is one of the committee of fifteen of his town, and takes an active interest in school and church matters.
Kirby, Charles T., son of Charles S. and Eliza E. (Estes) Kirby, was born in Fall River, July 6, 1862, and obtained his education in the public and high schools of that city. He has been engaged in the livery business since completing his schooling and is one of the best known liverymen in the county. The present stables were owned by his father, and on the latter's death in June, 1888, he succeeded to the business,
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which he has since conducted successfully. June 6, 1890, he married Laura A. Kirby. and they have two daughters. Madeline and Margaret.
Kirby, George A., is descended from one of the oldest families in eastern Massa- chusetts. Richard Kirby, sr.,' was born about 1628 and died about 1687. He lived in Lynn, afterward in Sandwich, and subsequently in Dartmouth, and by his wife Jane had five children. Richard Kirby, jr.,' who died in 1720, was often fined in Sandwich, as was also his father, for attending Quaker meetings. He married, first. October 19, 1655, Patience, daughter of William Gifford, of Sandwich, and a grand- daughter of Walter and great-granddaughter of Sir Ambrose Gifford of England. About 1666 he removed to Dartmouth. He married, second, Abigail Howland, Do- cember 2, 1678. Of his five children, Robert,' the youngest, was born March 10, 1674, lived in Dartmouth, and died about 1755. Ile married Rebecca, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Stokes) Potter of Portsmouth, R. I., who was born March 10, 1674, bore him seven children, and died July 1, 1763. Nathaniel Kirby^ married, January 25, 1731, Abigail, daughter of James and Rebecca (Howland) Russell of Dartmouth, and had five children. Justus Kirby,' born April 28, 1746, died January 5, 1881, in Westport. He married, December 27, 1769, Catherine, daughter of Peleg and Mary (Russell) Cornell, who was born April 14, 1751, and died August 27, 1892. Wesson Kirby,' brother of Justus, was born October 14, 1881, served as tithing man. surveyor of highways, etc., in Dartmouth, for many years, and died October 9, 1798. He married, February 28, 1870, Hannah, daughter of William and granddaughter of William White of Westport, and they had fourteen children. She was born in 1781 and died in 1819. Benjamin Kirby,' born June 18, 1763, died August 20, 1817. February 2, 1788, he married Patience Lawton, born November 16, 1767, died Janu- ary 17, 1841, and had eight children. George Kirby,' their eldest son and second child, was born May 16, 1794, was a farmer at Russell's Mills in Dartmouth, and died August 30, 1882. August 29, 1821, he married Abby H., daughter of George and Mary Smith of Dartmouth, and had three children. Humphrey Kirby,8 born June 1, 1822, was a ship chandler in New Bedford and a member of the school com- mittee, and died April 16, 1801. July 19, 1846, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Rudolphus Howland, who was born April 13, 1829, and died November 29, 1860. They were the parents of George A. Kirby, of the ninth generation. Wesson Kirby, jr.,' son of Wesson and Hannah (White) Kirby, was born April 15, 1759, married in 1803 Joanna, daughter of Richard and Joanna Craw, and died December 4, 1839. Mary C. Kirby,' born April 20, 1803, was married October 10, 1826, to Avery Kirby. who was born October 13, 1792, died June 5, 1851, and who was a son of Luthan Kirby, born May 5, 1770, died April 11, 1800, who was a son of Justus Kirby,' before mentioned. William A. Kirby, son of Avery and Mary C. Kirby, was born July 3, 1827, and is a carpenter in New Bedford.
Knowlton, Hosea Morrill, was born in Durham, Me., May 20, 1847, and is the eld- est son of Rev. Isaac Case Knowlton, D. D., and Mary S. Wellington, his wife. He is a direct descendant of Capt. William Knowlton, who sailed from London to Nova Scotia in 1632-4, but died en route, his widow and three sons, John, William and Thomas, continuing the voyage and finally settling in Ipswich, Mass. Mr. Knowl- ton's ancestor is William, who served in King Philip's war. Rev. Isaac Case Knowlton was born at Liberty, Me., September 6, 1819, and died at West Acton, Mass., March
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23, 1894. He was a self-educated man and spent fifty years in the ministry, receiv- ing the degree of D. D. from Tufts College in 1889. Besides numerous articles pub- lished in magazines, etc., he was the author of a " History of Calais, Maine," 1873, and "Through the Shadows," 1885. Ilis wife, Mary Smith Wellington, was de- scended from Kenelm Winslow, brother of Governor Winslow, and also from Rev. Thomas Smith, pastor of the First church in Portland, Me. Hosea M. Knowlton's early life was an itinerant one. He attended the High Schools of Oldtown and Bangor, Me., and Keene, N. H., and Powers Institute at Bernardston, Mass., and was graduated from Tufts College in 1867. He studied one year in the Harvard Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1870. Ile shortly afterward opened an office in New Bedford, where he has since practiced with eminent success. In 1872 he was appointed register in bankruptcy for the First District in Massachusetts, which office he held until it was abolished in 1878. He was a member of the New Bedford School Committee from 1874 to 1877, city solicitor in 1877, representative to the Legislature in 1876-77, State senator in 1878-79, and district attorney for the Southern District of Massachusetts from 1879 to January 1, 1894, when he resigned to take the office of attorney-general of the State, to which position he was elected in the fall of 1893; he has been five times re-elected, an eloquent testimonial of his fitness for the trust, and is still in office. Mr. Knowlton was one of the incorporators and a member of the board of directors of the Edison Electric Light Co. of New Bedford until its consolidation with the New Bedford Gas Co. He has been a direc- tor of the Citizens' National Bank of New Bedford since 1884; a trustee of Tufts College since 1878 and is now vice president of its board; a trustee of St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, since 1896; and has been a member of the Universalist Society since 1872, its treasurer since 1875, and the superintendent of its Sunday school since 1874. Mr. Knowlton is one of the ablest members of the Massachusetts bar, and as a citizen and public officer is universally respected and esteemed. On May 22, 1873, he married Miss Sylvia Bassett Almy, daughter of Benjamin and Sophia Almy. Mrs. Knowlton possesses those elements of character which distin- guish her as a woman of marked intelligence and ability. She is a graduate of the New Bedford High School and Bridgewater Normal School, and taught school for a year before her marriage. She has been a member of the New Bedford School Com- mittee for five years; has been a director of the New Bedford Choral Association six years and was its vice-president; has been vice-president of the Woman's Club since its organization, secretary of the New Bedford Volunteer Aid Association, and is a visitor to St. Luke's Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton have seven children: John Wellington, born February 28, 1874; Abby Almy, born March 30, 1876; Frank War- ren, born August 10, 1878; Edward Allen, born April 10, 1883; Helen Sophia, born August 1, 1885; Sylvia Prescott, born May 29, 1890; and Benjamin Almy, born June 13, 1892, all living.
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