USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 63
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Reed, Waldo, son of William and Sophia Brown (Ladd) Reed, was born in New-
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buryport, Mass., June 2, 1850. He prepared for college in the public schools and entered Harvard in 1870. Mr. Reed began his legal studies in the Boston Univer- sity School of Law and later studied for a considerable period in the office of his elder brother, Hon. Milton Reed. He was admitted to the Bristol bar in 1879 and settled in Fall River. Shortly after he removed to San Antonio, Texas, where he was engaged in active practice for five years. In 1886 he settled in Taunton to be- come connected with Reed & Barton. He is now in practice in Fall River, having recently formed a law partnership with Hon. Milton Reed. In politics Mr. Reed bas always been affiliated with the Republican party. . He married, in 1876, Miss Ella Barton, a daughter of the late Charles E. Barton of Taunton.
Regnell, Herman Thomas, was born in Boston, March 14, 1859. His father, Thomas F Regnell, who was a native of Stockholm, Sweden, came to the United States in 1849 and settled in Boston, where he was identified as a manufacturing jeweler, having learned the trade in Sweden. He married Sophia Chilstram, and through life took an active interest in public events. He died in 1870. Herman T. Regnell was educated in Boston and in 1870 came to Attleborough where he learned the jew- elry trade with T. I. Sweist & Company, of North Attleborough. In 1888 he organ- ized the firm of Regnell, Bigney & Company, who are among the leading manu- facturers of ladies' jewelry. In 1886 he married Sarah, daughter of Alvin P.Tucker, and they have four children: Ralph T., Lloyd C., Walter Barton, and Irma C. Mr. Regnell is one of the conservative men of his town; serves as president of the Y. M. C. A. : is superintendent of the Congregational Sunday school; takes an active interest in educational institutions and has ever advanced the best interests of bis town and townspeople.
Robbins, Charles M., was born in Harwich, Mass., May 1, 1857, a son of Na- thanicl and Lydia (Williams) Robbins. Nathaniel Robbins was a dentist by pro- fession and was a prominent man in his town. He died in 1887. C. M. Robbins was educated in the public schools and came to Attleborough in June, 1875, where he learned the jewelry business. He traveled on the road for nine years, and in 1891 established his present business, making a specialty of badges, emblems, coats of arms, flags and novelties. In 1885 Mr. Robbins married Lucy B., daughter of Rev. Stillman Pratt, and they have two sons: Lawrence B., and Chester M. Mr. Robbins is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. He is a lineal descendant of the Rev. Nathaniel Robbins, who preached at Milton for thirty years, and was elected chaplain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. in 1773; his son, who was elected lieutenant-governor of the State, married a descendant of Ann Hutchinson.
Robinson, Ozias, was born in Mansfield in 1808, the family being among the early settlers of Raynham, tracing their descent from William Robinson who came from England about 1640. Ozias Robinson married for his first wife, Sarah H., daughter of Israel and Martha Goward, by whom he had Ozias Edwin; his second wife was Rachel Jane, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Newcomb; their children were Richard Ames and Sarah Elizabeth. He was identified in Mansfield as a carriage manufacturer, farmer and real estate dealer, and was accustomed to ride through the country selling his carriages, as was the custom in those days, In his earlier days he
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was much interested in church and Sunday school work, and was very earnest and energetic in whatever business he was engaged; he had a keen sense of justice and what seemed to him the right. In 1881 he moved to Attleborough, retiring from active life, where he spent his declining years in a well earned rest, after a very busy life. He died in 1897, living to within a few weeks of his ninetieth birthday.
Rounsevell, Albert Seabury, is a lineal descendant of Philip Rounsevell (sou of William), who was born in Honiton, Devonshire, England, and came to Freetown, Mass., in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and who had a brother Thomas and a sister Jane, both of whom remained in England. Philip was a clothier, some times called a cloth worker. In 1705 he married Mary Howland, by whom he had three sons; William, Philip, jr., and John, the latter being the great-great-grand- father of Albert S. Levi Rounsevell, son of William and a grandson of Philip, the immigrant, was captain of the Freetown minutemen who responded to the Lexing- ton alarm, and was also a captain in Col. Daniel Brewer's regiment on duty at Rose- bury in October, 1775. Among the coast guards stationed at New Bedford under Capt. Simeon Ashley in the war of 1812 were John, Gilbert, Silas, Joseph and Thomas Rounsevell, the latter being the grandfather of Albert S. William Rounsevell, son of Thomas and father of Albert S., was a moulder by trade; he went to California in 18-18, returned a few years later, and died in 1893, aged seventy. Ile married Abbie E. Hudson, who survives him, and whose ancestors came from England to Wareham, Mass., at an carly day. Her grandfather served in the Revolution and had several ships in the war of 1812. Albert Seabury Rounsevell was born in Fairhaven, Mass., January 14, 1862, was educated there and in the New Bedford grammar schools, and when fourteen became a newsboy on the railroad. At the age of seventeen he en- tered the tack works in Fairhaven, and two years later became connected with the old Charles Taber Art Company in New Bedford, where he remained over twelve years; passing through the photographic department to that of American photogra- vures. In 1802 he established his present crockery, wall paper, and art novelties business at 73 William street, New Bedford. In September, 1888, he married Minnie B., daughter of Horace Chase of Taunton.
Roy, Nelson, was born in Pawtucket, December 9, 1876. His father, Narcisse Roy, was a native of Canada, and in 1884 came to South Attleborough. In 1890 he established his manufactory of fertilizers, soap, scraps, oil, etc., and is one of the leading men in his business. He married Sophia C. Carter, and their children are Nelson, Edgar, Wilfred, Emma, Rose, Lumena and Alice. Nelson Roy was edu- cated in the common schools and in 1893 was admitted to the firm which is known as Roy & Son, and who are recognized as enterprising business men of sterling in- tegrity. whose word is as good as their bond.
Sadler, Thomas G., was born in South Attleborough, October 22, 1871, a son of George W. and Melissa D. (Drake) Sadler. His father established a jewelery busi- ness in South Attleborough in 1862; he was a public spirited man and died in 1884. Thomas G. Sadler was educated in the common schools and learned the jewelry business. In 1888 he engaged in business with his brothers, Herbert A. and Charles E., as foreman, becoming a partner in 1893, and retiring from the firm in 1898. In 1893 he married Mary, daughter of Joseph Wilson, and they have three children: Thomas G., Olive L. and Phyllis W. Mr. Sadler is an enterprising man, taking an
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intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.
Sanford, David, fourth son of Philip and Ruth W. (Weaver) Sanford, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county. Mass., July 14, 1837. Ile received such educa- tional advantages as were offered in those days and at the age of seventeen began driving a milk cart and after about two years began the milk business on his own account, in which he has since been successfully engaged. On January 25, 1857, he married Emily M., daughter of Howard P. and Emily M. (Gifford) Tripp of West- port, and they have eight children: Franklin P., Chester P., D. Elmer, Everett L., Herbert A., Carrie E., Mary L. and Charles F.
Sauval, Rev. Charles Bernard, pastor of St. Ann's French Catholic Church of Fall River, was born in Poic, Somme, France, March 1, 1848, a son of Adolph and Ange- line (Martin) Sauval. Hle was educated in the schools of his native parish, at the St. Reginar Seminary in Somme, and in the Seminary at St. Amiens. He has been pastor of St. Ann's church in Fall River for several years and during this time has labored incessantly to improve the church property. Father Sauval's congregation numbers several thousand souls, and he has under his charge four assistants who aid him in the conduct of the parish, which is one of the largest, entirely made up of French speaking people, in the diocese of Providence.
Searle, Edward Almy, was born in Scituate, R. I., April 9, 1854, a son of George and Nancy W. (Waterman) Searle. His early education was received in the public schools of Rhode Island and the Lapham Institute at North Scituate, R. I. At the close of his school days he went to work for Edward Almy of North Dighton as bookkeeper, and then moved to Providence with his brother as superintendent and was engaged for several years as salesman by two different concerns. In 1885 ho came to Taunton and opened a grocery and provision store of his own, continuing for about five years, and in October of the same year went to Providence and bought out the business of J. II. Eddy & Co., wholesale dealers in wooden ware, under the name of the J. H. Eddy Co. In the spring of 1892 they merged the business into that of the Williston A. Caddy Co., and continued until the death of Captain Phillips, when the business was closed out and he came to Taunton with Briggs & Co., grain dealers. In 1898 the city created the office of city auditor and Mr. Searle was appointed to the position. January 22, 1878, he married Cora A., daugh- ter of Leonard A. and Sarah A. (Springer) White; they have no children.
Sharkey, John Thomas, was born in Taunton, June 26, 1866, a son of Daniel and Mary (McFadden) Sharkey. He. attended and graduated from the public schools. After leaving school he went to work for R. & W. Power in the grocery and provis- ion business and remained with them about six years. In 1889 he started in busi- ness for himself, selling a line of carriages, harness and bicycles and continues at the present time. In 1806 he was elected a member of the Common Council and in 1897 was elected to the Board of Aldermen from the Fifth ward. October 30, 1895, Mr. Sharkey married Clara Dennett-Bartlett of Taunton, daughter of Jeremiah B. and Eliza (Odiorne) Dennett.
Sheehy, William Clinton, physician and surgeon, was born in New Bedford, De- cember 31, 1808, a son of Michael and Anna (Parkinson) Sheehy. Ile attended the
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public schools of New Bedford and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1885. In the following year he entered the Boston Institute of Technology and later matriculated at the University Medical College of the the city of New York, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1880. After graduation he served for one year as interne in a New York hospital and soon thereafter took up his present practice in New Bedford, being now located at No. 29 Seventh street. Dr. Sheehy is a member of an old English family, most of the members of which for four generations have been physicians.
Sherman, James Clifford, son of Charles H. and Ladora (Allen) Sherman, was born in New Bedford, May 28, 1874; his father was also a native and lifelong resi- dent of New Bedford and well known in business circles. During his boyhood Mr. Sherman attended the public and high schools of New Bedford, and not long after completing the high school course became manager of a shoe store in Edgartown, and later he entered the employ of J. Davis & Co., shoe dealers in New Bedford, with whom he remained two years. In 1896 he formed a copartnership with John J. Powers for the conduct of a real estate business, under the firm name of Powers & Sherman; this association still continues. Mr. Sherman is a member of Sutton Com- mandery, Knights Templar, and Aleppo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and also he has, for some time, been a justice of the peace. 'The Sherman family is of Puritan origin, Mr. Sherman being directly descended from Roger Sherman.
Sherman, Philip T., son of William Sprague and Susan ('Tabor) Sherman, was born in Fall River, Mass., May 28, 1846. After completing his common school education he secured a position in the Fall River Iron Works, and after a three years' service in the nail department he served an apprenticeship at the molder's trade, in which he was engaged until 1891, when he removed to his present farm, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming. In December, 1866, he married Marietta, daughter of Gideon and Martha (Gray) Manchester of Fall River, Mass., and they had four children: Eugena, wife of Charles Hambley of Dartmouth; Ida, wife of William Davis of Fall River; Melvin O., died March 12, 1877, aged seven years and five months; and Lillie E., died February 20, 1877, aged three years and three months.
Sherman, William Henry, is one of the oldest liverymen in Bristol county, and has conducted a livery and boarding stable at the same location, No. 40 Fourth street, New Bedford, for over forty years. He was born in Rochester, Mass., June 24, 1826, a son of Zepheniah and Margaret (Bonney) Sherman. He went to school very little, for when he was but eight years old his father died and he came to New Bedford to live with an uncle, John H. Chapman. When scarcely twelve years of age he began to learn the sailmaking trade and followed that occupation for thirteen years. He then established himself in the livery business in a small way and has since continued with success. Mr. Sherman was a member of the New Bedford Volunteer Fire De- partment for thirty-five years and rose in the department from torch boy to assist- ant engineer; he was captain of the first steam engine used in the city. He has always been a strong adherent of the old Jeffersonian Democracy and has repeatedly served his party as delegate to National, State, county and district conventions. Ile represented the Fifth ward in the council one term and as alderman four terms. For many years he has advocated the cause of temperance with vigor and sincerity and is a member of Acushnet Division of the Sons of Temperance. He is also a mem-
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ber of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter and Commandery, and of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows. In 1848 he married Angeline, daughter of Russell Gifford of Westport Point, and they have one daughter, Kate A., widow of the late William O. Walker.
Sherman, W. W., was born in North Attleborough, July 21, 1853, a son of C. E. W. Sherman, a native of Plymouth, Mass., and was the eighth descendant from Miles Standish. He came to North Attleborough in 1848, and entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. as an apprentice. His wages were to be $40 per year and found. He learned the jeweler's trade thoroughly and went into the business for himself in 1854, continuing up to the time of his death, April 10, 1897. W. W. Sherman was educated in North Attleborough and in 1878 entered into partnership with his father in gold and silver refining for the trade, and in 1803 took an interest in the manufac- turing business, purchasing what was known as the H. D. Merritt Co. In 1877 he married Harriet Kate, daughter of H. N. Sollan, and they have one son, Charles H.
Shoemaker & Clark .- R. J. Shoemaker and C. S. Clark. These gentlemen are the proprietors of Shoemaker & Clark's School of Shorthand and Business, which was established in Fall River, in August, 1897. The school has already enrolled over 400 students in its different departments, which include a preparatory English and gram- mar school course, shorthand and typewriting; bookkeeping and kindred commercial subjects, and a school of modern languages. The institution aims to give a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of these subjects and thus to lay the foundation of a successful business career. Both members of the firm are practical and experienced schoolmen, and under their careful management the school is rapidly gaining recog- nition as an institution of the first rank. Robert Johnson Shoemaker, senior mem- ber of the firm, is a son of Edward and Sarah F. (Sailor) Shoemaker, and was born in Pennsgrove, Salem county, N. J., October 15, 1857. His father was a farmer, but afterwards engaged in' the commission business in New York city. Until he was seventeen years old, Mr. Shoemaker worked on the farm and attended the district school. At this time he was selected to teach the home school and accepted the posi- tion, despite the ridicule occasioned by his youth. He filled the position acceptably for four terms, meantime earning and saving money to pay his way at the State Normal School in Trenton, N. J., from which he was graduated in 1879. After graduation he was appointed principal of the public school at Pedricktown, N. J., where he remained seven years. IIc then assumed the principalship of the High School at Pennsgrove, N. J., and after a service of four years became bookkeeper for the Columbia Wagon Company. This was a new corporation and Mr. Shoemaker took entire charge of the entire work of systemtatizing the office routine. When the company was thoroughly organized he was chosen head bookkeeper for the Barr Pumping Engine Company of Philadelphia, largely owned by the Burnhams of the Baldwin Locomotive Company. He held this responsible position for four years, being at the head of the entire office force, and then, on account of his recognized ability as a bookkeeper and expert accountant, was tendered the position of professor of advanced bookkeeping in the Peirce School of Philadelphia. The principal of this school, Dr. Thomas May Peirce, was one of the best known accountants in the United States. Upon the death of Dr. Peirce, Mr. Shoemaker came to Fall River under contract to teach a year, but resigned his position at the end of that time and
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formed his present copartnership with Mr. Clark. Mr. Shoemaker is a man of moral worth and intellectual ability, and of large experience as a teacher. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, the Bookkeepers' Association of Philadelphia, and the New Jersey State Teachers' Association. In 1879 he married Josephine Allen Rich- mond of Camden, N. J. (since deceased), and of this union three children survive: Francis D., Robert J. and Anna R. Charles S. Clark, junior member of the firm, is a native of the State of Mississippi, born in Tippah county, and a son of Thomas J. and Mary E. (Davenport) Clark. He was educated in the schools of Calvert, Texas, and later attended the Central Business College at Sedalia, Missouri, from which he graduated in 1888. After his graduation he was employed in the same school as a teacher of commercial and literary branches for eight years, during which time he prepared several publications designed for use in commercial teaching, notably one on "Grammar" and one on "Rapid Calculation." When he resigned from this position he came to New Bedford, Mass., where he engaged in commercial teaching until the formation of his present association with Mr. Shoemaker. Mr. Clark is an active member of the Congregational Church of Fall River. He is a man of educa- tion, culture, mature judgment and high principles. In December, 1882, he married Mary E., daughter of William Watkins of Julian, Nebraska, and they have two chil- dren: Val Menita and Myrtle Olga.
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Short, Mace B., was born in Attleborough, February 15, 1827, and his father, Philip Short, was a native of Rehoboth where Manassah Short and his family were among the pioneer settlers. Philip Short married Matilda, daughter of Rufus Burt, and throngh life he was identified as a farmer. Mace B. Short was educated in At- tleborough and in 1840 went into Dodge's cotton factory, in Dodgeville, and worked upward from the pickers to the position of overseer. In 1851 he went to North Attle- borough and learned the jeweler's trade with E. Ira Richards & Co .; in 1854 he spent a short period in Taunton; and in the same year returned to Attleborough and en- tered the employ of Sturdy & Bradford. In 1866 he organized the firm of Short & Nerney, electro-platers, which continued until 1876, when he organized the firm of Short, Nerney & Horton, which now continues under the name of the Bay State Optical Company, being the original and principal factory of optical goods in Bristol county. In 1851 he married Nancy B., daughter of William Wheaton. Mr. Short is one of the conservative men of his town; has been director in the Attleborough Loan and Fund Association for twenty years; and takes an active and intelligent interest in both school and church matters.
Sisson, Samuel A., the only child and son of Uriah and Nancy (Allen) Sisson, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., November 10, 1837. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at an early age learned the carriage builder's trade, and acquired a good practical knowledge of his trade in a few years. Having formed a dislike for this class of work, he abandoned the trade and engaged in teaming and farming, in which he is now successfully engaged. March 23, 1858, he married Roann, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Little) Little. Po- litically Mr. Sisson is a Republican, although he has never sought public office, save overseer of the poor and a few other town offices of minor importance.
Skiff, Andrew J., a lineal descendant of Louis De Moranville, who was a deserter from the French army during the time of King Philip, is a son of Thomas and Re-
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becca (De Moranville) Skiff, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., August 2, 1836. After attending the public schools he shipped aboard the barque Elizabeth on a whaling expedition for twenty-seven months, and afterward secured employment on a coaster as mate, under Captain Simmons. He then sailed on the lakes for a short time, when he returned home and learned the ship carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed for twenty-eight years. At the end of this service he was appointed sexton of Pine Grove Cemetery, which position he now fills. Mr. Skiff was married, August 9, 1854, to Amy J., daughter of Daniel and Rhuama (Omaus) Spooner, and they have had eleven children: Florence, Benjamin A., Ada, Carrie, Evaline F., Estella V., Amy, Andrew, Lottie, Lizzie A. and Albertha. Mr. Skiff has always taken an act. ive interest in public affairs and was a police officer for five years.
Smith, Alfred, is a native of Stockport, England, and was born in November, 1811. With his wife he came to the United States in 1871, and laid the modest foundations of the present business in 1878. From small beginnings it has grown to its present large proportions, having a frontage of 100 by 125 feet, two stories, steam power, employs forty men, seven wagons and fifty agencies. 'Mr. Smith erected the buildings to suit the growth of trade. Mrs. Smith died in 1876.
Smith, Hugh A., was born in Providence, R. I., February 4, 1862, a son of Hugh S. and Barbara E. (Kennedy) Smith, and was educated in the public schools. He is engaged in the ice business and has an average output of 2,000 tons. In 1885 he married Bertha H., daughter of Amos Staples, and they have two children: Chester A., and Elsie L. Mr. Smith is one of the self-made men of his town and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.
Smith, John A., son of William W. and Charity (Tripp) Smith, was born in the old homestead where he now resides, May 1, 1820. His education from schools was meager and confined to the elementary grades. Mr. Smith has devoted his entire life to agriculture and fishing. On February 16, 1851, he married Maria II., daugh- ter of Isaac and Mary (Little) Little of Dartmouth; they have two children: Charles W., born January 4, 1856, married, November 9, 1876, Carrie E. King of Dartmouth ; and Annie M., born March 10, 1861, married, November 10, 1881, Daniel A. Crapo of Westport. Mr. Smith is a member of the First Christian Church and is an honored and respected citizen.
Smith, Joseph W., was born on Old Glory farm, formerly known as the Plantation farm, where he now lives, October 8, 1840, a son of Joseph and Grace P'. (Salisbury) Smith. In early life he attended school winters and assisted on the farm summers. When twenty years of age he started to work for the John Dean Express Co. in Boston, where he worked four years, then worked seven years with the Metropolitan Horse Railroad Co. In 1881 his father died and he took charge of the farm. He carries on a dairy and general farming, also wholesale agent for Munion's remedies. Mr. Smith is actively interested in all town and county affairs and has done much towards developing the farm on which he now resides in the way of clearing land and building walls, houses, barns, etc. He attends the annual meeting of the Horse Railroad Veterans at Boston.
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