Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2), Part 66

Author: Alanson Borden
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 645

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 66

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Washburn, Charles Godfrey, was born in Taunton, Mass., September 15, 1874, a son of George A. and Ellen D. (Reed) Washburn. His early education was received in the Taunton public schools, and Boston University Law School, graduating from the latter in the class of 1896. In September of that year he was admitted to the bar. Previous to this he read in the office of Hon. E. H. Bennett and Frederick S. Hall. Immediately after his admission to the bar Mr. Washburn opened his own office and started in business in general practice for himself.

Washburn, Elliott, M. D., was born in Taunton, Mass., February 9, 1870, and is a son of George A. and Ellen D. (Reed) Washburn. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and in 1887 entered Harvard Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1802. The last two years of this time was spent in the Boston City Hospital; he then returned to Taunton and opened an office of his own, where he engaged in the general practice of medicine. In July, 1896, he was elected chairman of the Board of Health of the city, his term of office expiring in 1899. No- vember 18, 1896, Dr. Washburn married Mary Louise Hayden of Holbrook, Mass.

Washburn, Herbert Thompson, was born in Taunton, Mass., January 23, 1849, a son of Philo Thompson and Hannah (Southworth) Washburn. He received his ed- ucation in the public schools of Taunton, and on leaving school immediately went to work for his father in the undertaking business. This business was established by his grandfather, Philo Washburn, in 1851, and on his death he was succeeded by his two sons, the firm being P. T. & H. S. Washburn. On their death H. T. Washburn took the business and continues at the present time under his own name. Mr. Wash- burn has been married twice, first, on January 21, 1871, to Idella A. Bliss, who died December 9, 1884, leaving three daughters: Bertha T., Alice B., and Edith A. On December 28, 1896, Mr. Washburn married Mrs. Annie R. Smith, daughter of Frank- lin and Mary J. Briggs.

Watson, J. E., jr., was born in Rhode Island, but his parents came to Fall River when he was an infant. He started the business of life as a grocery clerk, but after two years went into the upholstery trade. He worked for various firms for several years and then went into business for himself. In January, 1892, he disposed of his upholstery business to his brother and devoted himself entirely to the undertaking business. He is a graduate of Sullivan's Embalming School and is an enthusiast in his business and an expert in every department of it. Mr. Watson is a prominent Mason and is also a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Red Men. He married Abbie M. Pitman and they have one daughter, Edith W. Watson.

Watts, George, was born in England, February 6, 1838, and educated in the schools of his native place. In 1850 he came to this country, settling in Taunton, where he learned the house painting trade with James Dark, and remained with him three years. After learning his trade he worked a few years for other parties and in 1858 started in business for himself in a general line of painting, paper hanging and glazing, and continued in business until 1805, making thirty-seven years in the trade, and then retired. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. March 5, 1857, he married Emma Dark of England, and they have two children: Emma A. and Florence E.

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Webster, J. Frank, son of Joseph and Martha (Fuller) Webster, was born in Wil- ton, Maine, September 14, 1834. His father was an ordained minister of the Calvin- istic Baptist denomination and also conducted a business as a tanner and currier. When J. Frank was seven years old the family removed to Newton, Mass., where he was educated in the common schools. After leaving school he entered the employ of Dr. Donald Kennedy, a manufacturing chemist, at Roxbury, Mass., and became foreman in the compounding department, remaining three years. At the end of this period he returned to Newton, established a drug store, and studied pharmacy un- der a local physician, afterward being appointed postmaster at Newton, by President Lincoln, which office he held for a period of twenty-two years. He then sold his drug business and bought a grocery and provision store in Boston Highlands, which he conducted about three years, and then opened a drug store in Needham Plains. In 1882 he came to New Bedford and established a drug store at 707 Purchase street, later removing to the corner of Purchase and Weld streets, where he conducted a successful business for upwards of twelve years, and then sold out. In the mean time (in 1884) he had established a branch store in the South End at the corner of Cove street and West Freuch avenue, and this store he still continues. Mr. Webster has been engaged in the handling of drugs nearly all his life and is possessed of a wide knowledge of his profession, also, being one of the oldest men engaged in the business in New Bedford. He married, first, 1850, Elizabeth, daughter of Eddy Handy of New Boston, Conn., and they had three daughters: Lizzie F., married Henry F. Bellamy, Nellie M. and Violet. For his second wife he married Clarinda M., daughter of Henry Bellamy of Cambridge, Mass., and they have one daughter, Ruth Gladys.

Westall, John, physician and surgeon, was born in Lancashire, England May 10, 1861. He spent his boyhood days in his native country in attendance at a private school at his home and in Accrington Academy in Lancashire. For some time he was in the government employ as a clerk, which position he resigned in 1882 to come to America. He first settled in Fall River, then went to Boston, where he secured employment for a short time, and then returned to Fall River, where he learned to weave in a cotton mill, which occupation he followed six years in the Flint Mills. Being active, ambitious and industrious, he spent all his leisure time in the private study of medical books until 1889, when he entered Dartmouth Medical College, graduating and receiving his medical degree from that institu- tion in 1801. In order to make himself more proficient for the practice of his profession. Dr. Westall spent one term in the post-graduate course at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia he was also attending phy- sician at the Lying-in Charity Hospital in that city. He began his practice in Fall River in 1892 at 1515 South Main street, where he has since continued. Dr. Westall is a member of Fall River Medical Society, for several years has been phy- sician to the Court Robin Hood Society; Court Working Win Society; Cromwell Lodge, Daughters of St. George and to the Juvenile Court of Foresters in Boston. He was elected alderman of Ward 2 of Fall River in 1898, and was returned without opposition in 1899. In 1882 Dr. Westall married Helen Hargraves of Lancashire, England, and they have one daughter, Lillian Gertrude.

Whalon, Frank, youngest son of John R. and Martha B. (Lamb) Whalon, was born

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in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., January 31, 1855. At the age of eighteen he left school and engaged in teaming and farming, which business he has since successfully carried on. Mr. Whalon is a member of the fire ward and has held the office of surveyor of highways. On October 16, 1884, he married Susan, daughter of Ebenezer and Carrie (Pittsley) Nickerson, and they have six children: Oscar F., Ernest G., Bertha L., Maud E., Lester F. and Viola C. Mr. Whalon is a public spirited citizen and all measures tending to advance the interests of his town have found in him an earnest advocate.

Wheeler, Charles H., was born in Rehoboth, October 15, 1844, son of Sebray Wheeler, who was a native of Dighton. The family trace their descent from James Wheeler, who was born in Rehoboth in 1667. Sebray Wheeler married Lucinda, daughter of Eliakim Briggs, and was identified as a farmer. Ile died in 1883. C. H Wheeler was educated in the public schools of his native town and of Providence. In 1872 he married Carrie, daughter of Sylvanus L. Peck, and they are the parents of one daughter, Annie A. Mr. Wheeler is one of the conservative men of his town ; is a member and chairman of the school board; trustee of the Public Library; town auditor; and is one of the trustees of the Richardson School Fund. He takes an in- telligent interest in church matters and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.

White, Henry Dean, was born in Taunton, February 3, 1845, a son of Bezer L. and Elizabeth (Lake) White, and was educated in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he enlisted in the 88th Regiment, M. V., Co. B, and on April 28, 1864, left Taunton for Virgina, and one week later took an active part in the battle of the Wilderness, serving from that time until the close of the war, receiving his discharge in July, 1865. He then returned to Taun- ton and was employed by his father as clerk in a grocery store, where he remained until July, 1867, when he started in business for himself under the name of Wash- burn & White, and continued in this style until the death of Mr. Washburn in 1881. when he took charge of the entire business and still carries it on. He is a member of W. H. Bartlett Post No. 8, G. A.R. June 14, 1871, he married Helen A. Anthony of Foxboro, Mass., and they have two children: Florence May and Helen Mildred.

Whitehead, John, is a native of England, born in the town of Newton, Lancashire, October 22, 1834, a son of John and Ann (Platt) Whitehead, both of whom died when he was very young. At this time he went to live with an uncle, and in his early life worked in the cotton mills and attended school, acquiring a good education, notwith- standing the adverse circumstances with which he was obliged to contend. In 1872 he came to this country and settled first in Newmarket, N. H. In 1882 he came to New Bedford, where he was engaged in the Wamsutta Mills for several years, and then entered in his present real estate business. He is a man of pleasing and enter- prising manner and is well known to a large portion of the community.

Whitmarsh, Irving Francis, was born in Dighton, November 2, 1850, a son of Francis A. and Emeline (Hodges) Whitmarsh. His early education was received in the public schools and in September, 1868, he came to Taunton and learned the trade of tin and sheet iron worker with Jerome Babbitt. He remained with Mr. Babbitt seventeen years and then engaged with the O. C. Railroad for four years, was with

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Lyman Mason two years and in 1800 engaged in business for himself, buying the shop of the late Jerome Babbitt, with whom he had learned the trade. Mr. Whit- marsh makes a specialty of hot water heating and plumbing of all descriptions, and carries a full line of stoves and ranges. Ile is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., Orient Lodge, K.P., Sabbatia Lodge, I.O.O.F., and Naomi Encampment. January 9, 1873, he married Anna C. Babbitt of Taunton, daughter of Jerome and Daphne A. (Crane) Babbitt, and they have two children: Helen I. and Edward F.

Whitney, Edwin, was born in Woodstock, Conn., November 1, 1885. His father. Micah Whitney, was born in the same town, where his father, James Whitney, was one of the pioncers. Micah Whitney married Diantha Walker. Edwin Whitney was educated in the common schools and in 1853 came to Attleborough Falls, where he engaged in the jeweler's trade. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. C, 10th Mass. Vols , and took part in the battles of the Peninsula, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania Court House, where he was wounded and received an honorable discharge in 1864 with rank of first lieutenant. He then returned to Attleborough Falls, and in 1878 began the manufacture of jewelry, continuing up to 1800. In 1863 he married Marietta Bailey, and they have two daughters: Jenuie B. and Nellie D. Mr. Whitney was elected to the Legislature in 1800, and is a director in the North Attleborough Na- tional Bank; also served as overseer of the poor.

Whittemore, Walter P., was born in Lancaster, Mass., September 10, 1838. His father, Lorenzo Whittemore, was a native of Malone, N. Y., where his father was one of the pioneer settlers. Lorenzo married Louisa, daughter of Israel Woodbury, and spent most of his life abroad. He died in Clinton in 1860. Walter P. Whitte- more was educated in the common schools and learned the trade of locomotive builder at the Baldwin Works, Philadelphia. In 1861 he enlisted in the navy of the United States, receiving a commission as engineer and left the same in 1866 after the war was over. He then settled in Worcester as chief engineer of the Washburn & Moen Wire Works, in 1867 was with C. H. Brown of Fitchburg, Mass., spent some years with Fessenden & Co. erecting mills, with the Jerome Wheelock Steam Engine Com- pany and Martha's Vineyard Railroad Company. In 1878 he came to North Attle- borough with F. G. Whitney & Co., and in 1885 took charge of the water and electric light plant, where he still remains. In 1861 he married Sarah A. (who died August 20, 1891), daughter of Frank Cook, of Clinton, Mass., and they had two sons: Fred and Charles. Mr. Whittemore is a self-made man, was a member of the committee to establish the electric light plant, commissioner of the water department, one of the trustees of the sinking fund, and superintendent, engineer and clerk of both boards for nine years. At present he is manager and superintendent of both depart- ments. He takes an active and intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the interests of his town and its people to his best ability.

Wilcox, Benjamin, treasurer of the City Manufacturing Corporation, was born in New Bedford, December 8, 1859, a son of Thomas B. and Jane R. (Smith) Wilcox. Ile received his education in the New Bedford public schools and at Bryant & Strat- ton's Business College, Boston. During his entire business life Mr. Wilcox has been connected with the cotton manufacturing industry; he began the business shortly after leaving school in the office of the Wamsutta Mills, where he remained nine

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years. At the end of this period he entered the employ of the City Manufacturing Corporation and in 1889 became treasurer, in which capacity he still serves. He has also been treasurer of the Bristol Manufacturing Company since 1892. Mr. Wilcox is a member of the Dartmouth and Wamsutta Clubs and in politics is affiliated with the Republican party. He married, in 1884, Charlotte W. Haskins, daughter of Cy- renus W. Haskins, of New Bedford, and they have one son, John Haskins Wilcox.

Wilcox, Arthur, one of the most prominent contractors of Fall River, is a son of Isaac and Mary A. (Salisbury) Wilcox. He was born in Fall River, January 14. 1855, and obtained his education in the public and high schools. He then served an apprenticeship at the mason's trade, being employed by Hiram Horton, Lloyd Earl, and Danford Horton, for a period of two years. After working for fourteen years as a journeyman mason he went into the contracting business, his first important contract being the insane asylum at the Bridgewater State farm. Later he formed a copartnership with David Beattie, which still continues under the firm name of Beattie & Wilcox. Among some of the most important buildings erected by this firm may be mentioned the Fall River Armory; Granite Mill No. 8; King Philip Mill No. 4; the Cornell Mill; Parker Mill; Hargraves Mill No. 2; Kerr Mill No. 1; War College at Newport; Bristol County Court House at Taunton ; Mortuary Chapel at St. Francis Cemetery, and the Fall River Y. M. C. A. Gymnasium. They have also built the Berkley bridge at Dighton, and the Rock street and Narrows bridge in Fall River. Mr. Wilcox is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in Massachusetts Consistory. He is also a member of Friendly Union Lodge, No. 164, I. O. O. F., and was a member for four years of Co. M, 1st M. V. M.

Wilcox, Thomas B., an old and well known resident of New Bedford, was born in Westport, November 12, 1821, a son of Benjamin and Patty (Brownell) Wilcox. During his early boyhood he attended the district schools and worked on his father's farm, and later he entered the Groton Academy, at Groton, N. Y., from which he was graduated with the class of 1839. He then returned to his home and assisted his father in the conduct of the farm until he attained his majority, when he came to New Bedford and entered the fruit and grocery store of Wood, Potter & Brownell as a clerk, remaining in that capacity for a period of about five years. In 1847 he established a similar business on his own account, locating near the foot of Union street, where he continued with good success until 1861. In 1865 he became con- nected with the New Bedford Glass Company, as treasurer and director,, which position he held until the company was merged into the Mt. Washington Glass Company. Mr. Wilcox has never sought public office, being by nature of modest and unobtrusive disposition; he is a director in several manufacturing corporations. Mr. Wilcox married, in 1849, Jerusha, daughter of David Smith of West Harwich, and of their children six survive: Sarah, Susan A., Thomas B., Benjamin, Patty and Frank S. Wilcox.

Williams, Alfred Baylies, son of George B. and Sarah C. (Barstow) Williams, was born in Taunton, July 8, 1865. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and he took a special course in architecture for two years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then returned to Taunton and went to work for his father in the manufacture of lumber; in 1887 his father retired from business and Mr. Williams went into the firm of A. G. Williams & Co., continuing

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the business of G. B. Williams, which is the style of the firm at the present writing. He is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., and several local organizations. June 15, 1893, he married Louise Myles, daughter of James R. and Mary Tracy of Taunton.

Williams, A. Gilbert, son of George B. and Sarah (Barstow) Williams, was born in Taunton, Mass., and during his boyhood attended the public schools of his native city. His father was for many years engaged as a lumber dealer and manufacturer of builder's supplies in Taunton, and he early acquired a knowledge of the business. Shortly after leaving school he began business as a manufacturer and dealer in builder's supplies, and is now associated with his brothers, under the firm name of A Gilbert Williams & Company. The planing mill of the firm is located on Weir street and their business consists of the manufacture of all kinds of house furnish- ing stock as well as sawing and planing lumber. Mr. Williams has been active in Republican politics and has represented the Fourth ward in the Council three years, and on the Board of Aldermen two years.

Williams, Capt. George D., eldest son of Seth F. and Sinia (Dean) Williams, was born in Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., January 9, 1824. He acquired a liberal education in the public schools and the Normal School at Bridgewater. His first employment was as a school teacher, and in 1858 he went to Cook county, Ill., where he was engaged in teaching three years. He was a member of the State militia, and at the breaking out of the war his company enlisted for three months. In November, 1862, he re-enlisted in Co, G. 29th Mass. Vols., serving for two years, and at the end of the war he returned home and bought his present farm, where he has since re- sided. On April 26, 1864, he married Eliza Y., daughter of Capt. Benjamin and Mary (Brightman) Miller, and they have had two children, neither of whom is liv- ing. Captain Williams has been more or less active in town affairs and has held the offices of treasurer and collector, deputy sheriff, and other offices of minor impor- tance. Ile is of a very social nature and has a large circle of friends.

Williams, George Barstow, was born in Taunton, July 29, 1849, a son of George Bradford and Sarah Carver (Barstow) Williams, and was educated in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. After leaving school he was employed by his father in the lumber business and remained with him until 1886, when his father retired and left the business to his sons, which they continue to-day under the name of A. G. Williams & Co. They cut and manufacture lumber in all its branches. May 1, 1872, Mr. Williams married Mary Elizabeth White of Taunton; they have four children: George L., J. Clifford, Fred B., and Mabel J.

Williams, George Lewis, was born in Taunton, February 19, 1878, a son of George Barstow and Mary E. (White) Williams. He was educated in the public schools of Taunton, and a business college at New Bedford. In 1892 he entered the office of George A. King to learn surveying and civil engineering, where he remained until January, 1898, and then started an office for himself, which he continues at the pres- ent time and is prepared to do anything in his line. He is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., and Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F.

Williams, Herbert Messenger, was born in Providence, R. I., February 28, 1871, and is the son of Charles H. Williams and Freelove A. Mr. Williams was educated

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in the public schools of Providence, and his business experience has always been in the manufacture of seamless gold and silver plated wire and jewelers' supplies. In 1896 he organized the firm of H. M. Williams & Co., to manufacture the above line. On May 18, 1808, in the great fire of Attleborough the factory was destroyed, but since then Mr. Williams has purchased a building and occupies the whole. He mar- ried, in 1893, Lura B., daughter of Solomon J. Morton, and they have one daughter. Marjorie. Mr. Williams if one of the enterprising young men of the town and has ever received the respect of his associates.

Williams, William Fish, city engineer, is the youngest son of Thomas W. and Eliza A. (Griswold) Williams, and was born on the whaling ship Florida, in the South Pacific Ocean, January 12, 1859. His father was born in Hay, River Wye, in Wales, in 1820, and when ten years old came to America with his parents, William and Mary (Watkins) Williams, and settled in Wethersfield, Conn., where William had charge of a mill making satinet goods. The latter died about 1870. Thomas W. came to New Bedford about 1840 and followed the whaling business until his death at Oakland, Cal., in August, 1880, sailing from New Bedford for about twenty- five years and from San Francisco during the remainder of his life. He was one of the best known whaling captains in the service. His wife died in 1884. William Fish Williams, as a boy, spent some six years aboard a whaling ship, and in 1871 had the experience of being lost in the Arctic regions. He prepared for college in the common and private schools of Oakland, Cal., and in February, 1878, entered the school of Mines of Columbia College, New York, from which he was graduated with the degree of C. E. in 1881, and where he took the degree of E. M. in 1882. He then went to Hartford, Conn., and began the practice of his profession, afterwards spent a year in the West inspecting mining properties, then returned to Hartford, and in 1887 and 1888 engaged in the electroplating business in Meriden, Conn., when he again returned to Hartford. In 1890 he came to New Bedford and in the fall of same year went to Tennessee, where he held the position of chief engineer in an English company, employed in developing an iron property. In March, 1893, he re- turned to New Bedford and was elected city land surveyor, which position he still holds, the title of the office having been changed to city engineer. Mr. Williams was chief engineer in charge of the designing and construction of the new Fair- baven and New Bedford bridge, under appointment of the commissioners of Bris- tol county in. May. 1896. He also had charge of preparing the plans for the city for abolishing grade crossings, and was one of the city's special commissioners in supervising the surveys of the city and preparing the assessors' plots. He isa mem- ber of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, of the New England Water Works As- sociation, of the New Bedford Board of Trade, and of the Dartmouth and Wamsutta Clubs. In April, 1883, he married Anna L. Cornor of Oakland, Cal., and they have four children: Kate, Thomas W., Harold and Dorothy.

Wilmot, John B., son of Malcolm and Jeannette (Gibson) Wilmot, was born at Moncton, New Brunswick, June 19, 1847. He obtained his education in the private schools of his native village and then began to learn the trade of stone cutter, which he followed in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia until he was twenty-three years old. At this time he removed to the United States, remaining in Boston a short time and then settled in Fall River, where he has since resided. Three years after his ar-

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Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2), Part 66

Author: Alanson Borden Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Number of Pages: 645

Author: Alanson Borden
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 645