USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 60
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Kratzsch, Emil, was born in Saxony. Germany, September 18, 1846, a son of John and .Henrietta (Bode) Kratzsch, and immigrated to the United States in 1883, locating in Baltic, Conn., where he was employed in a cotton mill for about six months. He then removed to Natick, R. I., where he remained for one year, when he removed to Fall River and was engaged in the cotton mills until 1893, when he removed to his present farm where he has since resided. In 1878 Mr. Kratzsch married Clara,
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daughter of August and Anna (Mark) Vogt, natives of Germany, and they have four children: Clara, Otto, Frederick and Paul. Mr. Kratzsch is one of Westport's en- terprising and respected citizens.
Lawrence, Silas T., son of David and Chloe (Sherman) Lawrence, was born in Freetown, March 27, 1818. He attended school in Freetown for a short time, and later removed to New Bedford, where he also attended school. At an early age be began to learn the cooper's trade, which he followed in this vicinity and as cooper on whale ships for nearly fifty years In 1860 he established a retail grocery store on Purchase street, New Bedford, but later sold this store and engaged in the same business in Acuslinet, where he remained for a period of sixteen years. IIe is now retired and has taken up his residence in Fairhaven. In politics Mr. Lawrence has always been a strong Republican. He is now eighty-five years old, but is still vigorous.
Lawton, H. Francis, was born in Tiverton, R. I., July 25, 1852, a son of Joseph and Mary E. (Wilbur) Lawton. He was educated in the public schools of Fall River and then went into his father's grocery as a clerk and bookkeeper. This business has since passed through several hands. Since 1891 it has been owned by Mr. Lawton, George T. Durfee and Herbert Chapin, under the firm name of H. Francis Lawton & Co. A general commission and retail grocery business is conducted. Mr. Lawton is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council, Commandery and Shrine. In November, 1872, he married Julia E., daughter of Henry Lynn of Fall River, and their children are Edward S. L., and Henry Francis.
Lawton, Thomas W., son of James and Hannah (born Miles) Lawton, was born in Appanog, near East Greenwich, R. I., April 12, 1822. His father died when he was quite young and his mother married again. In the spring of 1828 his parents and mother's brothers moved to the West, as it is termed, traveling by ox wagon, and settled where Watertown, N. Y., is now. They cut down the forest, built a log house, and planted corn between the stumps of the trees, his uncle being the nearest neighbor, who lived three miles distant through the woods, the path being trees marked by a scar cut in them. Quite frequently the bears used to come at night and rub against the house. It being a hard and lonely life, they did not live there but a few years; they decided to give it up, and moved to New Haven, Conn. There he attended the public school. At the age of thirteen he removed to the home of an elder brother in Goshen, Conn. Here he worked on the farm summers and attended school in the winter. At the age of sixteen he began to work by the month for dif- ferent farmers. One incident happened about this time which came near ending his life; he was attacked by an infuriated bull, who tossed him up repeatedly, but for- tunately he was tossed over a fence, being on a side hill, thus saving his life. He was severely injured by the animal's horns. When he was but eighteen years old he took the management of a large farm in the vicinity of Goshen, Conn., which was owned by Colonel Cook, his wife being a sister of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. He conducted the farm successfully for one year, and then went to New Haven, Conn., where he found employment as a clerk in a grocery store. In the year 1844 he came to Fall River to visit a brother who was in the dry goods business, and being favor- ably impressed with the town, decided to remain. He was employed by his brother as a clerk for a short time and later entered the service of Ezekiel Wilson in the
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same capacity. He afterwards worked for Bilson Paige as head clerk for nine years, Mr. Paige being the leading dry goods merchant in the city. In the year 1860 Mr. Lawton went into business for himself in the line of carpeting and house paper, lo- cating in the Union block, which was on the site of the present B. M. C. Durfee Bank building. When the Civil war broke out in 1861 he sold his stock at auction, and with others went to Washington, D. C., where he went into the business of supplying soldiers with necessaries, locating a site at Rum Point, Materwoman Creek, Md., near the encampment of Gen. Joe Hooker's division, where the army supplies were landed, about thirty one miles from Washington, on the Potomac River. He followed the fortunes of the army of the Potomac until the close of the war, and then returned to Fall River. In 1864 be formed a partnership with J. II. Estes to engage in the manufacture of cotton twine and lamp-wicks, in which business he very successfully continued for twelve years, accumulating quite a large property. Later he took up floriculture for amusement, beginning in a small way and gradually working up until he became one of the leading florists of Fall River. He was a member of the Common Council for one year, and during his term was an earnest advocate of the South Park plan, advocating that the city must have a park in the near future, and land could be purchased cheaper at that time than in later years. He was on the committee of purchase and worked to have the measure carried through. Mr. Law- ton was twice married; his first wife was Lavinette T. Estes, by whom he had two sons, one of whom survives, John W. His second wife was Louisa J. Estes, daugh- ter of Job and Delilah Estes of Tiverton, R. I., and they had one son, Edmund T. Mr. Lawton was a self-made man, and was actively interested in all public enter- prises; he had a large circle of friends and was universally adjudged as just and honorable in all his business transactions. He died March 13, 1806, aged seventy- three years and eleven months. IIe bequeathed his estate equally to his widow and two sons.
Leavitt, A. L., was born in Canton, Mass., August 11, 1859, His father, James L. Leavitt, was a native of Walpole (but for a great many years was engaged in cotton manufacturing in Norton); he married Martha, daughter of F. E. and Lydia White Walker. A. L. Leavitt was educated in the public schools, and in 1878 came to Attleborough, where he engaged in the enameling business, being with Horton, Angell & Co. ten years, and in 1894 established the firm of A. L. Leavitt & Co. In 1882 Mr. Leavitt married Mary E. Hudson, and they have four sons: Raymond G., Ilarold A., Clifford W. and Carlton C. Mr. Leavitt is one of the self-made men of Bristol county, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.
Lincoln, James Martin, was born in Taunton, October 3, 1833, a son of Caleb Mar- tin and Lydia (Thrasher) Lincoln. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and the Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he went to work in the paper mill at Westville, which was operated by his father, where he remained until 1852, and then came to his present location at Dighton, where he has been ever since and in 1854 became a member of the firm. Mr. Lincoln has been one of the road commissioners for several years in his part of the town. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., and St. Mark's Royal Arch Chapter. He married Betsey Cordelia, daughter of Samuel aud Nancy (Pettis) Codding, and they have three children: Charles Edward, Nathaniel and Leon Caleb.
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Lovering, Willard .- Probably no man has done more for the cotton manufactur- ing industry in the vicinity of Taunton than Willard Lovering, a man who began the cotton business as an apprentice and rose from step to step until he became the owner of a mill. Ile was born in the little village of Holliston, Mass., November 18, 1801, and spent the earlier years of his boyhood in farm work and in perfecting his educa- tion until he was finally competent to teach a school. In this occupation he was engaged, however, but a short time, and began his long business career in the City Mills at Franklin, Mass. His energy, coupled with a natural adaptability for the business, was the means of gaining for him rapid promotion and he finally took charge of the entire establishment. In 1830 be removed to Providence, R. I., and took charge of the business of the Blackstone Canal Corporation, and three years later retired to take the agency of the Carrington Mills at Woonsocket, R. I., where he also remained three years. At the end of this period (1836) he removed to Taun- ton and became a partial owner and manager of the Whittenton Mills, occupying this position for twenty years, or until the failure of C. H. Mills & Company, the principal owners. In 1858 he purchased the mills, and in association with his sons successfully conducted the establishment until 1864, when ill health rendered his retirement necessary, and he was succeeded in the business by his three sons, Charles L., William O. and Henry M. Lovering. Mr. Lovering was a thoroughly honorable man and possessed a well-rounded character. He possessed rare qualifications as a manager and attained high rank as a manufacturer. At the time of his death he was president of the Taunton Savings Bank and had also served as president of the Taunton Branch Railroad. He represented Taunton in the State Legislature of 1865-66, and throughout his entire residence never neglected an opportunity to ad- vance the welfare of his adopted city. He was a prominent member of the Episco- pal Church for nearly fifty years and a member of St. Thomas Church. He died November 24, 1837.
Lowe, John H., son of John and Isabel (Brawley) Lowe, was born in New Bedford, January 8, 1848. His father was a successful meat and provision dealer in New Bedford for several years and died in the seventy-fourth year of his age, honored and respected. During his boyhood Mr. Lowe attended the public schools in New Bedford and gained some business experience in his father's store, and later he took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Boston, and in 1876 engaged in the meat and grocery business on his own account, locating on Ray street, now Acushnet avenue. In 1883 he removed to the corner of City Grove and Acushnet avenue, where he had built a store (later built a block on the same site) and con- ducted his business successfully until 1806, when he sold out. Mr Lowe is a man of many friends and has served in the City Council for Ward 1, four terms, 1881-2-8-4, for nine years on the school committee and has been elected a member of the House of Representatives for 1899. For the past twenty years he has been a member of the New Bedford Protective Society and is now on its board of directors, also being a member of the Royal Arcanum and of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. He mar- ried, in 1870, Mary Laughlin, of New York city, and they have three children: Lucy I., Edith M. and John II.
. McCaffrey, T. E., was born in Moosup, Conn., November 6, 1858. His father, Peter McCaffrey, was a native of Lowell, Mass., and was identified through life in the
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State of Connecticut in the woolen industry. He married Mary, daughter of John Carpenter, and died in October, 1892. T. E. McCaffrey was educated in the public schools of Connecticut, and at Montreal, Canada. In 1886 he entered the employ.of J. O. San Souci & Co., of Providence. In 1890 he came to Attleborough as manager of their branch store, which he purchased in 1895, and at the present time is carrying the largest and finest stock of boots and shoes in Attleborough. In 1886 Mr. Mc- Caffrey married Isabella, daughter of James Ryan, of Peace Dale, R. I., and they have five children: Winifred, Jerome J., Thomas E., jr., Mary Isabelle and Helen Marie. Mr. McCaffrey is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters. He is a member of the Y.M.C.A. and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.
Mackie, George, M. D., was born in New Bedford, February 12, 1850. His father, Adam Mackie, was a native of Fife, Scotland, and came to New Bedford, where he was identified in educational matters; he married Chloe, daughter of David Law- rence, and died in 1882. Dr. Mackie was educated in New Bedford High School and graduated from Amherst, and Long Island College Hospital in 1874. He imme- diately began his practice in New Bedford, and came to Attleborough in 1875. In 1875 he married Laura V., daughter of Charles M. Gustin, who is a graduate of the Woman's College of Pennsylvania and a practicing physician. Dr. Mackie is one of the progressive men of his profession, was chairman of the Board of Health for five years, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.
Macomber, Zebedee B., was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., November 20, 1820, a son of Weston and Catherine S. (Tripp) Macomber, and is the eldest of a family of fourteen children. His ancestors were of Scotch-English de. scent and were among the carly settlers of Westport. Mr. Macomber spent the early part of his life in Fall River at teaming, and in 1870 removed to his present farm, where he has since lived in semi-retirement. In April, 1876, he married Celia Macuren, a native of England, and after three months of married life his wife died and he has since lived alone.
Magnan, N. J., was born in San Gabriel, Canada, May 22, 1866, and came to the United States in 1879 with his parent, Ephraim Magnan, settling in Pawtucket, R. I. N. J. Magnan was educated in the common schools, and after learning the carpen- ter's trade, he took a special course in the study of architecture. In 1880 he engaged in business for himself, and has built many residences in and around Attleborough, making a specialty of contract work, finishing the residence complete. In 1891 he married Mary F. Gulsky, and they have one son and two daughters: Frances, Louisa and J. Magnan, jr. Mr. Magnan is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and is recognized as a man of ster- ling integrity whose word is as good as his bond. He also takes an interest in orange culture in Florida, where he has an orange grove.
Maintun, Frank T., was born in Plainville. His father, John B. Maintun, was a native of the city of New York and came to North Attleborough in 1849 and learned the jeweler's trade, taking his son into the firm, which is continued under the same name, a period of forty years. John B. Maintun married Frances A. Hall, and they had four children: William F., George H., Frank T. and Florence. John
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B. Maintun was one of the pioneers in the enameling business, one of the conserva- tive men of his town and died in 1893. The business is now carried on under the supervision of Frank T. Maintun, his son.
Mair, A. C., D.D.S., was born in Newton, Mass., June 17, 1866, a son of George H. and Sarah D. (Copeland) Mair, and grandson of Thomas Mair, who came from Scotland in 1815. He was educated in Salem and Boston, graduating from the Board of State Dental Examiners. He began his practice in Salem and Foxboro, and in 1893 came to Attleborough and is now employing the most scientific and recent methods of dental surgery, making a specialty of bridge work. In 1894 Dr. Mair married Jennie M., daughter of Albert Fisher, and they have one sou, Donald F.
Makinson, John F., was born in Slatersville, R. I., February 6, 1838. His father, John Makinson, was a native of Bolton, England, and came to the United States in 1812, settling in Slatersville, where he married Amy R., daughter of Rufus Briggs, and they had three sons: Charles E., William H. and John F. John Makinson was a weaver by trade and died in 1849. John F. Makinson was educated in the com- mon schools and at the age of twelve began the struggle of life. In the fall of 1849 he began to learn the jewelry business with Freeman & Co., and thoroughly learned the business with different concerns. In 1861 he enlisted as musician in the 7th Mass. Regt., and was discharged in August, 1862, taking part in the battles of Will- iamsburg, Fair Oaks and Seven Days fight. He returned to North Attleborough and in 1881 he formed a partnership with Walter G. Clark and established the firm of W. G. Clark & Co., which continued up to February, 1895, when he sold out to his partner and retired from active business. In 1861 he married Betsey S., daughter of Thomas Wilmarth, and they have one daughter, Emma F. Mr. Makinson is one of the oldest jewelry manufacturers in. Bristol county, of independent, conservative character, serving as commissioner on the electric light, water board and sinking fund, of which he is treasurer, and ever taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions, and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people.
Manchester, Charles E .- Mr. Manchester's paternal grandfather, George Man- chester, came to the United States from Lancashire, England, in the latter part of the seventeenth century and settled in Providence R. I., where Mr. Manchester's father was born. His mother's maiden name was Clarissa Berry, and four children survive, viz., Richard a wholesale fish merchant of Boston; Mary, wife of George A. Tabor; Anna, wife of Warren Freeman, all of Boston, and Charles E. Mr. Man- chester's father moved from Providence to Boston upwards of sixty years ago, where Charles E. was born, August 7, 1857. He was educated in the city schools, with a course at the Boston University. His first business experience was when he was fourteen years of age, with Hart, Taylor & Co., dry goods, with whom he remained five years, in the mean time studying all his spare time to fit him for the course which he subsequently took in the University of Boston. He was for some time em- ployed on the staff of the Globe and Journal as night reporter, his days being passed in the office of the Middlesex county court house, where he performed clerical duties. Later he was associate editor of the Boston Standard and Insurance Journal, and also religious editor of the East Boston Advocate and correspondent for the Boston Budget. IIe held the position of commercial reporter for R. G. Dun & Co. for
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fifteen years, covering the entire territory of southeastern Massachusetts. In that time he established relations with upwards of 1,000 correspondents, producing re- ports yearly for fifteen years. In 1896 he severed his relations with the R. G. Dun Commercial Agency and took offices in the Fall River Bank Building, where he furnishes information. In 1893 Mr. Manchester was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Alonzo Blanchard of Lyme, N. H. Mr. Manchester is a member of the Eliott School Association of Boston; the Volunteer Colony, Pilgrim Fathers; and Pocasset Council No. 583, Koyal Arcanum.
Manchester, R. D., was born iu Attleborough, March 19, 1853, a son of Wyatt and Aun E. (Sweet) Manchester. IIe was educated in Attleborough and followed farm- ing for some years. In 1872 he learned the jewelry business, and afterwards was engaged in taking contracts for moving heavy machinery and buildings. In . 1884 he married a daughter of George W. Hawkins, and they have three children: George D., Marian S. and Selina L. Mr. Manchester is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as superintendent of the streets, and takes an active interest in school and church matters.
Manchester, Walter L. B., was born in Attleborough, March 31, 1855, a son of Wyatt and Ann E. (Sweet) Manchester. His father was first engaged in cotton manufacturing and later in farming; he died in 1800. Walter L. B. Manchester was educated in Attleborough and followed the jewelry business for eight years, giving his attention mostly to the ice business and farming. In 1877 Mr. Manches- ter married Helen, daughter of Alexander Taylor, who died in 1890, leaving two children: Anna S. and Heleu. Later Mr. Manchester married Florence, daughter of George Bullard, and their children are F. Raymond, Albert H., Edna R. and Myrtle Le Baron. Mr. Manchester is one of the conservative men of his town, tak- ing an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose word is as good as his bond.
Marsh, Hiram T., was born in Smithfield, R. I., May 11, 1842. His father, Silas Marsh, was a native of Mendon, Mass. He married Mercy, daughter of Nathaniel and Waite Streeter, and through life was in the boot and shoe business. Hiram T. Marsh was educated in the public schools and academy. In 1860 he established his. present business of dealer in meats and provisions and in 1876 established his busi- ness in North Attleborough, which at the present time is the leading business in the place. In 1870 he married Maria II. Bliss, and they have six children: Archie C., Frank F., Alice, Louisa, Hattie and Bessie.
Marshall, James, son of John aud Elizabeth (Dowling) Marshall, was born in New York city, January 14, 1860. He attended the public schools of his native city and after the family removed to Bridgeport, Conn., attended the Bridgeport High School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1876. For some time he was tutored privately by his uncle, the Rev. James Marshall, with a view of entering the minis- try, but abandoned this intention and engaged in his father's business, conducting a gallery of fine arts in Bridgeport until 1882, when he went into the hat factory of Brown & Henshaw to learn the business. Later he engaged for a short time with a similar firm in Philadelphia, Pa., but was called back to Bridgeport to assume the management of the Brown & Henshaw plant, which he purchased in company with
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two associates in 1885. The business was conducted under the name of Marshall, Wilson & Co. until 1887, when Mr. Wilson retired, and the firm having outgrown its Bridgeport quarters, removed to Fall River. In 1897 Robert and John Marshall en- tered the firm. The Marshall hat factory has now the largest output of stiff hats of any single hat factory in the world and is in practical control of the stiff hat market. Mr. Marshall is president of the Fall, River Bleachery and director of the Fall River Daily Herald, Sanford Spinning Company and the Metacomet Bank. He is also prominently identified with many public and charitable institutions, being vice-presi- dent of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a trustee of the Emergency Hospital and president of the Seaside Home; trustee of the Five Cents Savings Bank, member of the corporation of the Fall River Savings Bank and president of the Kemble Club. Mr. Marshall was married in 1881 to Jennie L., daughter of George S. Coley of Stepney, Conn.
Mason, Arthur Howland, son of Howland and Mary K. (Vinnicum) Mason, was born at Warren, R. I., December 18, 1859. He is a son of Howland, son of Hail, son of Samuel, son of James Mason, who settled on Touisset Neck, sometimes called Mason's Neck, in 1710. Two years later he erected a house and at the time of his death owned over 400 acres of land. As a young man Arthur H. Mason attended the public schools of Warren and after nearly completing the High School course en- tered Mowry & Goff's School at Providence, R. I., from which he was graduated in the class of 1879. He went into the office of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company of Fall River as assistant bookkeeper the following year, and remained in that posi- tion until his appointment as bookkeeper for the Globe Yarn Mills in 1885. In 1892 he was elected treasurer of the Sanford Spinning Company, an outgrowth of the Globe Yarn Mills, but an entirely separate organization. Mr. Mason is a director of the Metacomet National Bank, the Globe Yarn Mills, and the Fall River Board of Trade, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Philadelphia Museums. He was married in 1884 to Nannie C., daughter of Benjamin F. and Nancy (Allen) Sim- mons of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Marguerite.
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Milbank, Elias, was born in Coeymans, Albany county, N. Y., August 1, 1846, a son of Elias and Catherine (Springer) Milbank. He received his early education in the public schools of Bethlehem, N. Y. The early portion of his business life was spent with his father, who devoted his time to raising and training gentlemen's road horses. In 1876 Mr. Milbank left this and went to Brooklyn, N. Y., to learn the undertaker's trade with George Corlis, where he remained about five years and then went with the Taylor Company, manufacturers of undertaker's supplies. Later he went with the National Casket Co. of New York, and remained with them ten years, when he came to Taunton and started in business for himself in December, 1807. He has made a special study of the care of bodies after death and is prepared to do anything in his line. November 23, 1869, he married Mary Campbell of New Bed- ford, and they have three daughters: Minnie, Kittie Louisa and Daisy.
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