USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 62
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-in eating, drinking and living, and a charitable liberality towards all proper use of everything. He detested a mortgage and never took or gave one in his life. Of rare judgment, intense fidelity and a genial nature, his life left a gentle incense of ovation to his dear memory, from all who knew him. Ile died in 1881, aged ninety- seven years. His wife survives him. David L. Parker was born in New Bedford, August 30, 1851, was graduated from the Friends' Academy in 1870, attended Scho- field's Commercial College in Providence, and afterward spent three years in the banking house of S. P. Burt & Co., of New Bedford. Later he was a clerk for David W. Lewis & Co., produce commission merchants of. New York, for three years, and returning to New Bedford was engaged in the coal business about eight years in company with Edward P. Haskell, under the firm name of Parker & Haskell. Mr. Parker has always been a staunch Republican. He was a member of the first Board of Public Works of New Bedford, serving one and a half years, when he resigned. December 4, 1894, he was elected mayor of the city by 485 majority, and in Decem- ber, 1895, he was re-elected by a majority of 817. October 1, 1897, he was appointed postmaster of New Bedford by President Mckinley. Mr. Parker was for three years a member of the City Guards; served as president of the Dartmouth Club in 1896 and 1897; and is a member of the Veteran Firemen's Association, the Knights of Pythias, and the Dartmouth and Wamsutta Clubs. September 18, 1883, he mar- ried Calista S., daughter of Roland Holcomb of New Bedford, and they have two children: Marion and Ward M. Mr. Parker's family is one of the oldest in south- eastern Massachusetts and is traced back indirectly to the Mayflower.
Peirce, George, in his particular line of work has gained a reputation throughout this vicinity. He is a native of Canterbury, England, where he was born October 8, 1845, a son of William and Anne (Vincer) Peirce. The family removed to this country when he was an infant and, after remaining a short time in Boston, removed to Savannah, Georgia, where he was partially educated in the common schools and academies. In 1860 the family returned north and settled in New Bedford and he completed his education in the New Bedford public schools. He then began an ap- prenticeship of three years at the machinist's trade, in the old Novelty Works at Taunton, and after its completion came to New Bedford and worked at his trade until 1867, when he went to Boston to learn the piano and organ manufacturing business, and for several years worked in the Chickering piano factory and in the Hooks' organ factory. In 1872, having obtained a thorough knowledge of the details of piano and organ construction, he returned to New Bedford and established a re- pairing business, which he still continues, and, previous to this time there having been no business of this kind in New Bedford, his trade at once grew to large pro- portions. Mr. Peirce is possessed of much mechanical skill and his experience as a practical machinist has aided greatly in the establishment of the reputation as a skillful repairer, which he now enjoys. For over twenty-six years he has cared for the public school instruments of the city. He is a member of Eureka Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and has served his lodge as organist for the past twenty-five years; also, he is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. Mr. Peirce mar- ried, in 1873, Elizabeth Alden Lucas of New Bedford, and they have one son, Clif- ford O. Peirce. His second wife was Eleanor B., a daughter of Capt. Charles Grant of Nantucket, a successful whaling captain, and of this union were nine children:
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Charles G., George, jr., Virginia L. (deceased), William (deceased), Barker H., Alice E., Ruth, Edwin E. and Robert P.
Pettey, Benjamin T., third son of Pardon and Peace ('Tripp) Pettey, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., March 21, 1845. His boyhood was spent at home on his father's farm until he was fourteen years of age, when he left bome and began to make his own way. He was very industrious and frugal and strictly temperate in all of his habits. He married Caroline A., daughter of David and Rebecca (Tripp) Lawton, and they had five children, of whom four grew to ma- turity: Emma L., wife of Alfred Sanford; Mary E., wife of John Lawton: Rebecca E. (deceased); Nellie M. and David S.
Phillips, Howard Lindsey, was born in Taunton, June 14, 1878, a son of Jacob B. and Mary A. (Presbrey) Phillips. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton, and in 1801 he entered the Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1894. During the last two years in the public schools and the three years in Boston, Mr. Phillips read law in the office of Bennett & Hall. He was admitted to the Bristol county bar in September, 1894, and opened an office at once in Taunton for the general practice of law. July 30, 1896, he was married to Mary L. Lewis of Taunton, daughter of Elijah F. and Emma L. (Smith) Lewis; they have one daughter, Beatrice Phillips, born in August, 1897.
Pierce, Andrew Jackson, was born in Taunton, March 19, 1862, a son of William F. and Elizabeth A. (Burt) Pierce. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton, and in 1881 he commenced his business career. going to work for George E. Pendleton to learn the grocery business, and remained with him five years. At this time he engaged to work at the Williams Drill Co , and stayed with them two years, and in 1887 started in the grocery business for himself and has con- tinued up to the present time. IIe is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., and Sabbatia Lodge of I. O. O. F. June 15, 1887, he married Ida W., daughter of L. James and Elizabeth A. (Babbitt) Wilmarth.
Pierce, Dr. A. Martin, son of Otis and Judith Pierce, of New Bedford, Mass., was " born March 14, 1852. He was graduated from the High School in New Bedford in 1870. He then entered the office of Dr. Edward Payson Abbe, a leading physician of the city, as a student of medicine. Soon after that he went to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York city, from which he was graduated in 1873. Having passed a competitive examination for a position in Charity Hospital, Black- well's Island, New York, he served there two years. He then took charge of the Smallpox Hospital, Blackwell's Island, for two months. In January, 1875, he re- turned to New Bedford and was associated, in the practice of medicine, with Dr. E. P. Abbe until July, 1882. He was appointed physician to the Poor Department of the city in 1878 and 1879. He joined the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1875; in 1895 was chosen its vice-president. As a member of the South Bristol Medical So- ciety he has held each of the offices in the gift of the society. He has been on the surgical staff of St. Luke's Hospital of New Bedford since its foundation in 1885. He is at present (1808) president of the local Society for Medical Improvement.
Pierce, Eben, son of Eben and Charity (Hines) Pierce, was born in Livermore, Maine, June 21, 1817. He attended school until he was fourteen years old and at
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that time went to work in a ship yard, learning the ship carpenter's trade. He came to New Bedford in 1839 and for several years made whaling voyages, finally becoming master of a whaler, and also was in the merchant service for ten years. He established his present business of manufacturing whaling guns and bomb lances in 1869 and still continues it although with not as great a success as formerly, owing to the decline of the whaling industry. He is descended on both sides from old New England families.
Pierce, Herbert Newton, son of James C. and Lucinda B. (Bliss) Pierce, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., January 19, 1848, and educated in the public schools, Bristol Academy, and Schofield Commercial College of Providence, R. I. After leaving school he learned the trade of mason and builder with his father, where he remained one year, and was then employed by Abraham Briggs for seven years. In 1878 he engaged in business for himself and has continued up to the present time. Ile was a member of the City Council from 1887 to 1893 inclusive, and when the city created the office of superintendent of public buildings he was elected to the position and has held the office ever since, making five years of service. He is a member of Chas. H. Titus Lodge of A. F. & A. M., Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F., a director in the Loan Fund Association, and one of the surety commissioners. September 28, 1885, he married Elizabeth A. Briggs of Taunton, who died July 1, 1804, leaving one child, Abram B., born March 28, 1889.
Place, J. S., son of Thomas Place, was born in Bristol, R. I., in 1855, and edu- cated in the common schools. He established his present business in 1895, and erected the mill run by steam power that same year. He carries on the business of dealer in hay, grain, flour, feed, etc. Mr. Place is a business man of practical ideas, who without the use of any of the helps of fiction and outside appearances, has developed his business until he enjoys a fine trade throughout the community. In 1887 Mr. Place married Fannie I .. Phillips of Dighton, and they have one son, Frank B. In politics Mr. Place is a Republican and was appointed postmaster by President Harrison, serving four years. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, No. 94, I. O. O. F. of Taunton, and Premier Lodge, F. & A. M. of Somerset.
Pond. J. E., was born in South Walpole, Mass., May 21, 1836. His father, Rev. Joseph E. Pond, was a native of Wrentham, where Bernard settled in 1807, was one of the pioneers and after whom Pondville was named. Rev. Joseph E. Pond married Jane C., daughter of Rev. Thomas Spooner. He built and established the M. E. church at East Dedham, and was the first regular pastor at Millville, and through life largely devoted to the welfare of his fellowmen. He died in 1886. J. E. Pond was educated in Indiana at the Asbury University (now known as De Pau Univer- sity), from which he was graduated in 1859. He then entered Harvard Medical University, graduating in 1861 and in 1862 entered the service of the United States as assistant surgeon, resigning the same year and entering the law office of J. E. Carpenter. He was admitted to the bar in 1870 and practiced in Boston until 1873, when he began his practice in Attleborough, where he still continues. In 1864 he married Susan, daughter of Sullivan Bemis, and they have one son, W. II., a mem- ber of the firm of J. E. & W. H. Pond. Mr. Pond is one of the conservative men of the town, taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people.
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Porter, Hon. Burrill, jr., was born in Charlestown, N. II., February 22, 1832. His father, Burrill Porter, was a native of the same town. The family trace their de- scent from John Porter of Windsor, Conn., who settled there in 1638. Asahel C. Porter was a native of Coventry, Conn., and moved to Charlestown, N. H., where he was identified as a farmer. Burrill Porter, his son, married Susan, daughter of John and Susan Rogers Garfield, and was one of the conservative men of his town. Burrill Porter, jr., was educated in the public schools and academies and Saxton River Seminary, and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1856. He followed teaching for twenty-five years and in 1879 was elected in Attleborough as collector of taxes, assessor, etc. In 1884 he was appointed postmaster at North Attleborough, and then gave his attention to newspaper work up to 1893, in which year he was elected representative to the Legislature, serving seven years, being re-elected six times. In 1860 he married Harriet L., daughter of Asa H. Carpenter, and they have two children: Asa B. and Susie A. Mr. Porter is one of the conservative men of his town, of sterling integrity and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.
Pothier, Joseph Charles, physician and surgeon, was born in the Province of Que- bec, Canada, a son of Jules and Domitilde (Dallaire) Pothier. When he was an in- fant the family removed to Woonsocket, R. l., and here he was educated in the pub- lic schools, graduating from the High School. He studied medicine in McGill Med- ical College at Montreal, Canada, graduating in 1887. In the same year he began practice in New Bedford. Dr. Pothier has been school commissioner for the past six years, and is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and the New Bed- ford Medical Society. In 1894 he married Louise C., daughter of Peter Murphy of Boston, and they have one son, Aubrey J.
Potter, Harry L., was born in Boston, Mass., October 30, 1868. His father was Zebedee D. Potter, who died when Harry L. was but four years old, and his mother, Lorane (Dewherst) Potter, died a year later. After the death of his parents he was sent to live with an aunt, Ruth S. Potter, who sent him to the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, and while there he gave promise of the splendid brilliancy which marked his course at East Greenwich Academy, from which he was graduated June 7, 1886. After graduation he returned to Westport and entered the employ of Jona- than Hicks at Gifford's Corners, who was engaged in the grocery business, and re- mained with him for four years in a subordinate position. He then entered into partnership with his employer, and for the next two years the firm was known as Hicks & Potter. In 1802 they sold out and engaged in the undertaking business, which they have since conducted with marked success. Mr. Potter is a zealous Re- publican and has been a faithful supporter of that party during the years following the attainment of his majority. He was elected one of the assessors of the town for a term of three years, but being so much engrossed with business cares he resigned after a service of one year. He has always taken an active interest in Odd Fellow- ship, being a member of Pacific Lodge No. 123, I. O. O. F., of New Bedford. On March 4, 1896, Mr. Potter married Bertha E., daughter of Fred W. and Mary E. (Borden) Chase, and their home in the village of Westport, where he spends the in- tervals of a busy life in the companionship of Mrs. Potter and their daughter, Mary B., is one of the pleasantest abodes in the village.
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Pratt, Charles A., physician and surgeon, was born in Easton, Mass., October 23, 1862, a son of Hiram A. and Louise (Dean) Pratt. His father was a prominent citizen and for many years a resident of Easton, and served in the State Legislature. The family removed to Raynham when Dr. Pratt was an infant, and he obtained much of his preparatory education in the public schools of that town. Later the family removed, to Somerville, a suburb of Boston, and he was prepared for college in the Somerville High School. He entered Harvard in 1881 and was graduated A. B. in the class of 1886, in the same year beginning the course of Harvard Uni- versity School of Medicine, from which he was graduated M. D. in the class of 1891. Following his graduation he served as physician for one year in the Boston Free Hospital for Women, and in 1898 settled in New Bedford and engaged in practice. He is a member of the medical staff and visiting physician to St. Luke's Hospital, also a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Presbrey, Dr. Silas Dean, was born in Taunton, October 19, 1888, a son of Bill- ings Troop and Clarissa Burt (Dean) Presbrey. He prepared for college in Taun- ton High School and was graduated at Harvard in 1860. At this time he began his medical studies in the office of Dr. Henry B. Hubbard of Taunton, and in the same year entered Harvard Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1865 with the degree of M. D., having served during an interval as principal of the Taunton High School. He at once began practice in Taunton, where he has since continued, being now justly counted as one of the leading members of his profession in this sec- tion. He has a wide membership in medical societies, both State and National; is a thirty-second degree Mason and has given the city of Taunton much faithful public service, having served for a number of years as city physician and since 1881 as a member of the Board of Water Commissioners. Perhaps his greatest achievement in the interest of the city has been the Morton Hospital, for the establishment of which he was an indefatigable worker, in fact, the practical founder of the institu- tion. He has been senior consultant of the hospital from the beginning and de- livers about thirty lectures a year to the Nurses' Training School in connection. In the cause of education he has also been a prominent worker, having been an official member for years of the School Board as well as a trustee of long standing of Bris- tol Academy. His faithful and efficient work in these positions of trust needs no comment here. As a business man he has been eminently successful, and is now and has been for many years a trustee and member of the board of investment of the Bristol County Savings Bank. As a physician he has kept well in touch with the advanced thought of the period, having been a frequent contributor to medical publications and at medical gatherings. Dr. Presbrey has gained a large practice in Taunton and neighboring towns, and wins the love of his patients by his cheery and sympathizing manner in the sick room. and by their confidence in his skilful treatment of their diseases. Dr. Presbrey married, October 1, 1868, Sarah Williams, daughter of Artemas and Susan Shaw (Williams) Briggs. Their children are Clara Briggs, Florence Nathalie and Laura Edith.
Rankin, George William, librarian, son of George and Laura A. (Grant) Rankin, was born in Boston, Mass., May 23, 1847. He descends from old Puritan stock, his paternal ancestors being among the carly settlers of York county. Maine. Mr. Rankin's father was a successful Boston merchant and represented the town of
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Dorchester in the Legislature several terms. Mr. Rankin moved to Fall River in 1871, and in 1873 was engaged by the trustees of the Fall River Public Library to assist in a revision of the catalogue, and in this work he proved to the management his ability in so marked a manner, that in June, 1874, he became permanently con- nected with the institution. By careful and intelligent study he has educated him- self in the different methods and systems of library work. No better evidence of his proficiency can be given than the invitation extended to him by the late Hon. Marcellus Eldredge of Chatham, to select the books and install the working system of the library which that gentleman gave to the town of Chatham. He has now been connected with the Fall River Public Library for a period of twenty-five years; he has also been a contributor to the historical literature of Fall River and vicinity. He has a critical appreciation of art and his advocacy of good literature has been of permanent value to the patrons of the library. In 1890 Mr. Rankin married Nattie A., daughter of William E. and Sarah J. (Briggs) Sharples of Fall River.
Ray, William H., son of Emery B. and Eliza A. (Thomas) Ray, was born in Wind- ham county, Connecticut, December 2, 1837, and was educated in the public schools of his native town. In 1854 he removed to Freetown, where he has since resided, and has always been engaged in farming and painting, in which he has been most successful. He was married, in 1872, to Mary, daughter of John Manchester, of Fall River; she died in 1877. Mr. Ray has never taken a very active part in public affairs and has never sought or held public office. He is a man of few words and prefers to listen rather than be listened to.
Raymond, Robert Fulton, lawyer, is a great-grandson of David Raymond of Stam- ford, Conn., a soldier in the Revolutionary war; a grandson of Gould Raymond, also of Stamford; and the son of Lewis and Sarah A. (Jones) Raymond, and was born in Stamford, Conn., June 15, 1858. His ancestors settled in Salem, Mass., about 1630, and moved thence to Stamford, where they followed the vocation of farmers. Ilis father was prominent in town affairs and held various local offices. Mr. Ray- mond attended the district schools, and when sixteen (in 1874) came to New Bedford, where he entered the High School, from which he was graduated in 1877. He sub- sequently attended Wesleyan University at Middletown one year, and taught school in Marion, Plymouth county, two years, keeping up his college studies in the mean time. In 1880 he went to Boston, where he taught a private Latin school mornings for one year, and also continued his work at Harvard College. In 1881 he entered Harvard Law School, where he remained two years, and was admitted to the Bristol bar at the June term, 1883. Since then he has been actively engaged in the general practice of his profession in New Bedford, taking the degree of LL. B. from Harvard Law School in 1894. From 1883 to 1885 he was a law partner of William C. Parker, the firm name being Parker & Raymond. Mr. Raymond was a foundation member of the New Bedford Bar Association, and is also a member of Acushnet Lodge, I. O. O. F., of the Harvard Law School Alumni Association, and of the Boston Wesleyan Club. He is a trustee and a member of the board of management of the East Greenwich (R. I.) Academy, a member of the official board of the County Street M. E. Church, and a member of various executive boards of the New England Southern Conference. He is also a member of the Boston Wesleyan Association, which is composed of twenty men who are trustees of property in Boston owned by the M. E:
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Church. Mr. Raymond is a prominent public speaker, having delivered a number of addresses on religious, temperance, patriotic and other subjects. He is an inde- fatigable collector of books, and owns one of the best and most valuable private libraries in New Bedford; it is especially rich in American history, economics, etc., and full in general lines, including German and French as well as English literature. October 20, 1886, Mr. Raymond married Mary E., daughter of Capt. David Walker of Groton, Conn., and a descendant of Elder William Brewster of the Plymouth colony. They have five children: Annie Almy, Mary Lois, Allen Simmons, Robert Fulton, jr., and Grace Brewster.
Read, Louis L., was born in South Attleborough, March 17, 1815, a son of Arnon and Mary (Tiffany) Read. Louis L. Read was educated in the common schools. In 1865 he married Charlotte Tiffany. George T. Read lives on the homestead and married Elizabeth A. Holt, and they have one son, Louis James. Mr. Read is one of the representative men of his town, serving as selectman and road commissioner; he is a man of sterling integrity and his life has proven his word as good as his bond.
Reed, A. W., was born in North Attleborough, July 9. 1853. His father, Jarvis P. Reed, was a native of Taunton, where the family were among the pioneers. Jarvis P. married Elizabeth W. Eddy; he was superintendent of the poorhouse for six years and came to North Attleborough in 1865, and died in 1892. Arthur W. Reed was educated in North Attleborough and Medford. He learned the jeweler's trade and in 1881 engaged in the grocery business, and with the exception of three years has continued up to 1898 when he retired from the same. In 1872 he married Susie J. Riley, and and they have two sons and one daughter: Herbert A., Charles H. and Gladys. Mr. Reed is one of the conservative business men of his town, serving as overseer of the poor, is a member of Washington Lodge, K. of H., A.O.U. W., and the Pilgrim Fathers.
Reed, Silas Dean, was born in Taunton, Mass., June 25, 1872, a son of Hon. Charles A. and Weltha Nichols (Dean) Reed. He received his early education in the public schools and Bristol Academy, from which he was graduated in 1889. In the fall of that year he entered Amherst College, graduating in the class of 1893; he spent two years in the Boston University Law School and then came to his father's office and devoted one year to legal studies. In 1896 he was elected to the State Legislature for the term of 1897 and in the fall of 1897 was re-elected for the session of 1898; during his term of service he has been a member of the committee on rail- roads and its clerk in 1898. He has also been elected to the House for 1899. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M .; Massachusetts Consistory, thirty- second degree; is past grand of Sabbatia Lodge, I.O.O.F .; a member of Naomi En- campment; Canton Cohannet; State Grand Lodge; past chancellor of Taunton Lodge, K. P .; the first past officer of El Katif Temple, Knights of Khorassan, the original temple of the New England States; and also a member of the Grand Lodge, K. of P. In college he was a member of the Greek Letter fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. Mr. Reed is the Taunton agent for Ransom C. Taylor of Worcester, who has large real estate interests in this city. .
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