USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 61
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Milliken, Frank Albion, lawyer, is the son of Edward and Lucia A. (Bacon) Milli- ken, natives respectively of Farmington, Me., and Winthrop, Mass., who moved to New Bedford in 1840. His father was engaged in the oil and grocery business, served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the New Bedford Board of Aldermen, and died October 22, 1896. Mr. Milliken was born in New Bedford,
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Mass., March 18, 1854, and received his education in the public and high schools and Edward A. H. Allen's private school in his native city. He was graduated with the degree of LL.B. from Harvard Law School in 1874, continued his legal studies in the office of Marston & Crapo of New Bedford, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He began active practice with George F. Tucker, and since Mr. Tucker's appoint- ment as reporter of the Supreme Judicial Court has followed his profession alone. Mr. Milliken was one of the organizers of the New Bedford Bar Association, in which he has continuously held the office of secretary. He was city solicitor in 1879-80, member of the Common Council one year, and is now a member of the School Com- mittee, a position he has held in all about seven years. In 1878 he was appointed a special justice of the Third District Court of Bristol by Governor Rice, and served as such until 1897, when he was appointed justice by Governor Wolcott. He is a member of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., of Acushnet Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Encampment of the I. O. O. F., and has been a member of the committee on judiciary of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Massachusetts since that committee was formed. January 29, 1879, he married Mary Congdon Allen, daughter of Frederick Allen of New Bedford.
Mills, Charles Edward, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Howarth) Mills, was born in Fall River, December 28, 1847. IIe attended the public and high schools and at the age of sixteen years entered the employ of John P. Slade (since John P. Slade & Son) in the capacity of a clerk. He remained in this position for a period of eighteen years, and then formed a partnership with Sandy Harrison, under the firm name of Mills & Harrison, for the conduct of real estate and insurance business. Their re- lation continued until January 1, 1898, when the firm was dissolved, both partners having other duties which required their entire attention. Mr. Mills has been very active in politics, having served for one term on both the Board of Aldermen and the Common Council, and also as a school commissioner for a term of three years. His greatest public service, however, was as a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, to which he was elected in 1895, 1896, aud 1897, from the Ninth district, changed during his first term to the Eleventh district. He was a member of the committee on cities in 1895; clerk of the committee on cities and a member of the committee on federal relations in 1896; and chairman of the committee on federal relations and a member of the committee on insurance in 1897. Mr. Mills was elected to the office of register of deeds in 1807 for a term of three years. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., the Chapter, and Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, also a member of Manitou Tribe, I. O. R. M. He enjoys the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact and as a citizen is enterprising and public spirited. In November, 1884, he married Abby E., daughter of ex-Mayor George O. Fairbanks of Fall River.
Milner, Everett Alonzo, was born in Lowell, Mass., February 1, 1867, a son of Lev and Sabra R. (Coburn) Milner. His early education was received in the public schools of Lowell, and when his school days were over he engaged with his uncle, J. T. Milner of Providence, to learn the plumber's trade; after mastering that trade he was employed with Thomas Phillips, of the same place, for eleven years. He then came to Taunton and started in business for himself in company with Mr. West- cott, making a specialty of first class plumbing and steam and hot water heating,
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some of the best work in the city having been done by Mr. Milner, or under his di- rection. September 25, 1894, he married Lucy Keach of Providence, R. I., and they have one son, E. A. Milner, jr., born January 12, 1897.
Morris, John, ex-superintendent of the North Burial Ground, is a son of Aaron and Nancy (Hatton) Morris. He is a native of England, born in Lincolnshire, April 18, 1854. Mr. Morris obtained an excellent education in the common schools of his native village and in 1870 came to America, settling in Fall River, where he has since resided. After his arrival he was employed for a short time as a mule spinner at the Chace Mills, being one of their first employees. He was occupied with various re- sponsible duties in the Chace, Sagamore and Narragansett Mills until his election as superintendent of the North Burial Ground in 1893. Mr. Morris held this position and performed the various duties connected with it for five years, and in March, 1898. was made assistant superintendent of the Oak Grove Cemetery. He has made a practical study of floriculture, grading, and landscape gardening and has received much favorable mention for different exhibits. By industry and economy he has acquired a considerable property. He is a member of the order of Foresters and was secretary of Court Narragansett for eight years. He isalso a member of the Knights of Pythias and of Mount Hope Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Chapter. In July. 1876, he married Esther, daughter of Jacob Marsh of Fall River, and they have six chil- dren: Phoebe A., Margaret E., Stanley, Ernest M., Frederick and Royal C.
Morton, Alfred, son of John and Sarah Morton, was born in London, Eng., March 21, 1836. He attended the private schools of London and after completing his edu- cation served an apprenticeship at the painter's trade, working as a journeyman painter and decorator in London for some years after he attained his majority. In 1865 he came to this country, settling in New York, where he remained about five years, and then removed to Fall River, in which city he has since resided, a period of nearly thirty years. Soon after his arrival in Fall River he went into business for himself on Cherry street, thence removing to Second street and later to his pres- ent location on Bank street. He conducts a general contract business in painting. decorating, etc., in addition to a retail trade in wall paper, paints, oils, etc. Mr. Morton is a man of clear insight and of much practical knowledge of his trade. He is a member of Friendly Union Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Knights of Honor. He has been twice married, first, to Susan Mather, by whom he has one son living, Al- fred Morton, jr. His second wife was Clara Foster Childs of New Bedford.
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Mott, Hon. Edward, was born in England, County of Kent, June 19, 1890, a son of George and Anne Mott, who came to this country about 1835 and settled in New York city, where Edward received his early education in the public schools and was graduated from Camp's Academy in the class of 1845. During the latter portion of the time spent in the academy Mr. Mott was connected with the New York Tribune and remained with them until 1848, when he came to Taunton. He went immedi- ately to the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company as an apprentice and re- mained forty years, the latter part of the time being foreman and then general superintendent of the factory. Mr. Mott was chief engineer of the fire department for twenty-one years, and in 1803 he changed it from hand tubs to steam engines. In 1874 he was instrumental in bringing the present water system before the people, and it was also while he was chief that the fire alarm signal was adopted. He was
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one of the Board of Assessors in 1889, and in 1890 and 1891 was representative to the Legislature. While in the House he succeeded in getting an appropriation from the State Legislature for the court house, and was also chairman of the roads and bridges committee and through his efforts the State highway bill was passed. IIe was elected to the Senate in 1892, and was elected county commissioner in 1893 and at present is serving his second term. He was married in April, 1852, to Sarah Cooper of Taunton, formerly of England, and they have two daughters: Lizzie L. and Annie S.
Murphy, Edward Joseph, was born in Taunton, July 18, 1856, a son of John and Ellen (Gilroy) Murphy. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days went to work in the tack shop of A. Field & Co., working there about three years, and then was employed by the Ma- son Machine Co. in the moulding department for about two years, at the expiration of which time he went to the oil cloth factory of Charles Husband. In 1878 Mr. Murphy shipped on board the revenue cutter Samuel Dexter for a three years' ser- vice. On his return from this he went to work for Major Michael Burns and re- mained with him until 1885, when he succeeded him in business and continues it at the present time. Mr. Murphy has been twice married, first, to Martha J. Conatty of Taunton, who died in September, 1894. His present wife is Elizabeth A. Galvin of Taunton.
Murphy, Emily Frances, M. D., was born in Taunton, Mass., October 19, 1859, and is a daughter of Shubael P. and Alminda Lincoln Bliss, She in early life at- tended the public schools of Taunton and afterwards the Bristol Academy, and upon graduating from the academy she went to Boston to attend the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in the class of 1892. She then became an assistant to Dr. F. W. Johnson, a noted specialist, and was afterwards in the Charity Club Hospital, Brookline, Mass. Later on Mrs. Murphy opened an office of her own in Boston in the Back Bay district, and is kept busy all the time by those cases which have been her special study. Both Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Murphy, Joseph Briggs, M. D., was born in Taunton, Mass., January 6, 1860, a son Joseph and Mary Frances (Briggs) Murphy. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton, and after graduating from there he went to Montreal to attend the College of Ste. Maric. From college he went direct to the Harvard Medical School and was graduated from there in the class of 1883. He was then connected with the Boston City Hospital as house surgeon for about two years, fol- lowing which he came to Taunton and established an office for himself for the gen. eral practice of medicine. He was one of the original staff of the Morton Hospital and was also connected with St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston, Mass., as gynæcolo- gist; at this time he had an office in Boston as a specialist. He was married in 1884 to Emily Frances Bliss of Taunton, and they have two children: Maydell and Joseph Leroy.
Nerney, Peter, was born in Ashton, Lancashire county, England, November 9, 1837, of Irish parentage, and came to the United States in 1845 with his parents, John and Dorinda Holden. His father was identified in the boot and shoe trade in Attle-
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borough for five years, and he died in 1889. Peter Nerney was educated in the public schools and at eight years of age began work in the cotton mills. In 1855 he learned the jeweler's trade with Archibald Thompson, and in 1857 entered the em- ploy of the Union Jewelry Company, remaining a number of years, when, in 1866, he established the firm of Short & Nerney. In 1876 he began the manufacture of gold plated chains, and in 1895 organized the firm of the Bay State Optical Com- pany. In 1879 he married Annie, daughter of John Green, and they have three sons: Frank, Edward and George. Mr. Nerney is one of the self-made men of Bris- tol county; serves as one of the Library trustees; director in Attleborough of the Loan and Fund Association for a number of years; takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town.
Nicholson, Robert, was born in Scotland August 17, 1843, and came to America in 1872. He learned the trade of mason in Dundee, Scotland, and pursued the same business in this country, developing into a prominent contractor. He worked on the Osborn mill for Manley, and in 1873 went into partnership with him. From 1874 to 1876 he carried on a business alone, when he again formed a partnership with Manley, which lasted a year and a half. After three years he formed the firm of Nicholson & Bryant, which existed three years. He operated alone until 1894, when the firm of Robert Nicholson & Son was formed by taking in his son, Mitchell Nicholson. Mr. Nicholson was a member of the City Council in 1887-88-89, and was again elected in 1806. Mitchell Nicholson was elected to the council in 1895. Robert Nicholson married Alice Cramond, and they have a family of three sons and four daughters: Mitchell, William, Robert, Mary Ann, Sadie, Alice, and Bertha. Mr. Nicholson's parents were Mitchell and Matilda (Keith) Nicholson.
Norton, William Jouvet, was born in Newport, R. I., June 9, 1816, son of Benja- min and Mary (Jouvet) Norton. His father died before he reached the age of ten, and he was thus early obliged to shift for himself, being but eleven years old when he was employed in a wood schooner, which freighted wood down the Connecticut River. A few years later he showed his adventurous spirit by coming to New Bed- ford to look for employment. His father had been a cooper, and soon after his arrival he found a chance to learn this trade and decided to embrace it, with the re- sult that he began and completed an apprenticeship of five years and four months, and then shipped as a cooper in the whale ship "Huntress," and in her circumnavi- gated the globe three time, being finally made second mate. He then made a long voyage as a cooper in the whale ship "America," and after its completion engaged as a cooper with Isaac Bly of New Bedford, continuing in the employ of Mr. Bly until 1851, and then, in association with James Cannon and Joseph Peck, established a cooperage business on Fish Island. At the end of the first year Mr. Cannon re- tired, and Mr. Peck retired at the end of the second year. Mr. Norton continued the business alone till 1876 when he retired, realizing that the steady decline of the whaling industry must in time be fatal to his business. Mr. Norton is one of the best known of the older business men of New Bedford, and has served in the city government both as alderman and councilman. He married, first, Hannah M. Sisson, and of their ten children three survive: George W., Charles F. and Nancy A., wife of Charles G. Taber, of New Bedford. For his second wife he married, in 1865, Mrs. Eliza Dow, and of four children one survives, Lewis A.
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Nuttall, James H., although a young man and lacking the prestige gained by long establishment, is one of the foremost druggists in New Bedford, and his store takes rank among the best appointed establishments in Bristol county. He was born in Fall River, March 31, 1868, a son of Stephen and Margaret (Ireland) Nuttall. When he was a boy the family removed to New Bedford; he was educated in the schools of that city and began to learn the drug business as a clerk in the employ of Frank M. Douglass. Later he was employed in Boston and Detroit, Mich., where he remained some time. He established his present business at the corner of Union and Sixth streets, New Bedford, in 1894. -
Nye, William F., was born at Pocasset in the southern district of the old town of Sandwich, May 20, 1824. He was the second son born of the union of Captain Ebenezer Nye and Syrena Dimmick. Captain Ebenezer Nye was a man of daring spirit and untiring industry, and it would seem that he transmitted these qualities to his son, who is now a highly successful merchant after an active life replete with hardship and adventure. Until he reached the age of sixteen years Mr. Nye re- mained at home and attended the village schools. At that time he came to New Bedford and entered the apprenticeship of Prince Weeks, one of New Bedford's oldest master builders, then located at the corner of Water and Walnut streets. Later he worked for the firm composed of Braddock Gifford and Timothy D. Cook, and after working as a journeyman carpenter for some time, engaged in church organ building for a Boston firm. His adventurous spirit now became manifest and he shipped as a carpenter on an East India merchantman, the voyage leading to a three years' engagement with the Tudor Ice Company in Culcutta. His experience in India was varied and interesting. When gold was discovered in California he at once started for San Francisco, crossing the Isthmus of Panama on foot and arriving safely shortly after the great fire. Carpenters were in great demand and he was enabled to secure advantageous wages. Mr. Nye erected some of the first brick buildings in San Francisco, and most of them are standing to-day, while a few have been torn down to make room for larger structures. In 1855 he returned to New Bedford and was engaged in various mercantile pursuits until the beginning of the civil war, when he at once closed up his affairs and joined the army in Virginia as sutler to the Massachusetts artillery. He was afterwards transferred to the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry and passed through many exciting experiences with his regi- ment, which was always at the front. He became noted for nerve and a keen dis- cernment, as he often held his ground when the other sutlers packed their wagons and "ran for it." He participated in the famous march from Fredricksburg to Gettysburg, and was with the advance guard which entered Richmond on April 5, 1865. His regiment first raised the flag upon the capitol building and occupied it as quarters the first night. For many days he was the only tradesman on the streets of Richmond. The regiment was mustered out in November, 1865, and soon after Mr. Nye began his present business of manufacturing and refining the higher grades of lubricating oils, suitable for watches, clocks, bicycles, typewriters, sewing ma- chines, etc. His success in this field has been remarkable and his products have gained a wide reputation. Mr. Nye is a deep thinker and possesses the courage of his convictions. At the time of the early anti-slavery crusade he was active in his support of Garrison, Philips, Parker, and other anti-slavery leaders, who lectured
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in this vicinity. He has been the chief promoter of the Onset Bay Grover enter- prise, situated at the head of Buzzard's Bay, and said to be the largest community of Spiritualists ever founded. Mr. Nye was married in 1851 to a daughter of Aber- deen Keith.
O'Hearn, William J., son of John and Jane (Dooley) O'Hearn, was born in Fall River, October 8, 1872. He attended the public schools of Fall River, worked in the mills a short time and then went to work as a cash boy for E. S. Brown. He after- wards became a clerk and remained in that capacity for twelve years, when he established himself in the tailoring business, forming a copartnership with John J. Howard, as O'Hearn & Howard. The partnership was dissolved in 1896 and Mr. O'Hearn has since successfully conducted the business. He is a young man of ex- cellent promise and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. Ile has exhibited much versatility along dramatic lines, and at one time, after giving an amateur production of "Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde," to one of the largest audiences ever gathered in the Academy of Music, received offers from an ex-manager of Rich- ard Mansfield to enter upon a stage career. He is greatly interested in the study of work along the line of Scanlon and Olcott, and has received much kindly mention from the local press for work in this direction. Mr. O'Hearn married Mary E., daughter of James and Mary Blake of Fall River, and they have one daughter, Gladys Marion.
Orr, James, was born in Lancashire, England, February 1, 1881, and came to the United States with his parents, George and Amelia Orr, settling in Valley Forge, where they remained until 1842, and from there moved to Providence. In 1867 be came to Attleborough, where he remained until his death in 1898. James Orr was educated in the public schools, and engaged in the cotton business. In 1858 he es- tablished a dyeing business in Smithfield, and in 1865 came to South Attleborough, establishing his present plant, and at the present time is one of the leading dealers in colored cotton yarns and in bleaching and dyeing. In 1853 Mr. Orr married Rachael W., daughter of William Prince, and their children are James W., George W., Charles F., William P., Emory H., Mrs. M. Jane Gilson, Ellen F. and Lizzie.
Owens, Thomas, was born in Ireland, March 16, 1846. When twenty years old he came to this country, settling in Randolph for a short time and then went to East Bridgewater to work in the rolling mill, where he stayed until he went to sea. Ile followed the sea for four or five years and then came to Taunton, engaging with the Taunton Oil Cloth Co., where he remained about three years, when he went to Cal- ifornia and engaged in the hotel business. In 1877 he returned to his old place in the oil cloth works and remained there until 1884, when he started in business for himself. He has been married twice, first, to Julia McMann of Taunton, who died in 1879. His second wife was Bridget E. Croke of Taunton, and they have seven children.
Paige, Onias S .. is a son of Joseph and Pamelia Paige, and was born in Went- worth, N. H., October 9, 1841. His education was obtained from the country schools, and in May, 1862, he came to Taunton and went into the office of John T. Codman to study dentistry; and afterwards went to Boston in the office of Dr. J. M. Thresher. In 1865 he came to Taunton and established the office where he now is in the City
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Hotel. Dr. Paige has been in this office thirty-two consecutive years. He has served several years in both branches of the city government and in 1874, 1875 and 1876 was mayor of the city. He was married in 1868 to Mary Louisa Park of Taun- ton, and they have one daughter, Abbie Louise, born December 12, 1872.
Paine, William Henry, was born in Gardner, Maine, February 2, 1844, a son of James and Dinah M. (Mower) Paine, and educated in the public schools. In 1862 he went to Portland to learn the potter's trade, spending about eight years at this line of work in different places, and in 1870 came to Taunton, where he went with the Phoenix Manufacturing Co. He remained with them until 1877, and then engaged with E. S. Cushman, staying with him until he retired from business in 1884, when he bought the business, which he carries on at the present time. Mr. Paine is a member of the Good Samaritan Lodge. I. O. O. F., the K. P., and B. P. O. E. October 6, 1892, he married Ida M. Hewins of Groton, Conn., and they have one daughter, Mabel A., born July 6, 1894.
Panneton, J. C. Emery, son of Andre and Mary (Gordon) Panneton, was born in Montreal, August 13, 1861. He attended the common schools of his native city and then entered the employ of James J. Golden, one of the leading druggists of Mon- treal. After a service of two years he removed to Lewiston, Me., to accept a posi- tion as clerk in a pharmacy. He later removed to Boston, where he was head clerk for James J. O'Brien five years, and at the end of this time returned to Lewiston and formed a copartnership with his former employer. Their store was soon after de- stroyed by fire and the partnership dissolved, Mr. Panneton going to Boston and re- maining one year in the employ of Irving Gilchrist, and at the end of that time com- ing to Fall River. In 1890 he engaged in the drug business for himself at his present location on Pleasant street, and has since been very successful. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is held in high esteem by many friends. In February. 1892, he married Victoria R. Chagnon, daughter of Dr. J. B. Chagnon of Fall River, and they have four children: Victor M., Jean Emery, Jeanette M., and Andre A.
Parker, David Lewis, postmaster of New Bedford, is the youngest son of Ward Mayhew Parker and Marcia F. Lewis, and a grandson of Sylvanus Parker of Fal- mouth, Mass. Ward M. Parker was one of the typical early men of New England. At eighteen he was captain of a craft hauling live oak timber from South Carolina winters and making trading voyages to Nova Scotia summers. At twenty-five he was merchant and postmaster at Wood's IIoll, and later served in the Massachusetts Legislature. In 1847, removing to New Bedford, he took a leading part in the mon- eyed management of the interests of southeastern Massachusetts. Joseph Grinnell and himself were chums in congenial enterprises, the one president and the other vice-president of the old Marine Bank. Mr. Parker served as president during Mr. Grinnell's absence in Europe, and being tendered the salary for the term, refused it with the remark that the honor of the position was full payment. The financial hero- ism of these two men more than once saved the Wamsutta Mills Corporation from wreckage in times of financial tornadoes; these two names backed paper that car- ried the corporation safely through. "No credit to me," said Mr. Parker, "Joseph always put his name first." When Ward M. Parker was in his ninetieth year, Sam- uel P. Burt, late in the evening, on the brink of financial disaster, sought the old man's counsel and found safe pilotage. The prime habit of his life was moderation
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