Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 101

Author: Borden, Alanson, 1823-1900; Boston History Company, Boston, pub
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 1399


USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts > Part 101


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clerk in their store, and is still in their employ. He married, October 7, 1879, Susan E. Earl, daughter of Alexander and Sarah Drew Earl, and they have four children: Earl Wadsworth, Laurence Frank, Helen Isabelle and Kenneth Walter. Mr. Keith is a notary public and justice of the peace of the Commonweath of Massachusetts; is a director and clerk of the North Easton Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company ; has been a director of the North Easton Co-operative Bank for eight years; is chair- man of the board of the Prudential Committee of the North Easton village district, and other minor offices. His is a member of Paul Dean Lodge of Free Masons of Easton, having held the position as secretary of that order for several years, and has been senior deacon of the same; is also a member of the Bay State Commandery of Knights Templar of Brockton. He takes a general interest in his town and towns- people; in politics is a Republican, and is a man of sterling and energetic qualities.


Kelly, Michael, physician and surgeon, was born in Ireland, April 20, 1856, and attended the schools of his native country until fourteen years of age, at which time he came to this country, settling in Fall River where he has since resided. His pre- paratory education being completed, he entered Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass., and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in the class of 1879. Three years later the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by the same institution. In 1881 he began his medical studies in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York city. He was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1885. In the same year he be- gan a practice in Fall River which he has since continued with success. Dr. Kelly is a member of the Fall River Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is also a member and medical examiner of several fraternal and insurance or- ganizations. He was city physician and chairman of the Fall River Board of Health for three years, and is now a member of the board of instruction of the Home Train- ing School for nurses, and a member of the medical staff of the Seaside Home and of the Emergency Hospital. In 1890 he married Caroline Cantwell of Fall River, and they have three children: Christopher, Philomena and Eva.


Kelly & Sutcliffe .- These gentlemen are now and have been for twenty five years the proprietors of the St. James Hotel, which they have enlarged and improved un- til it is now one of the best equipped hotels in Fall River, capable of accommodating 100 guests, and admirably fitted up in every particular and detail. George H. Kelly, senior member of the firm, was born in Ireland, December 3, 1844, and came to America in 1865. He first worked for J. B. Nye, where the Talbot store now stands, for six years, then with his brother two years, and later was a part owner of the Mechanics' House. In 1872 he became associated with James Sutcliffe and William Hickey in the St. James and in 1872 the firm of Kelly & Sutcliffe was formed. Mr. Kelly has been a member of the fire department since 1868. He was foreman of the old Reinder Hook & Ladder Company, and has served under seven chief engineers, being now a call man. He is a member of the Firemen's Mutual Relief Association and was one of its organizers. He is also a member of the Veteran Firemen's As- sociation and the Order of Foresters. Mr. Kelly was first married to Christina Macomber, who died leaving two children: James F. and Minnie J. His second wife was Hanora Riley, who died leaving one daughter Hanora. His present wife was Mary Ann Roach. Of this union are two children: William H., and Elizabeth. James Sutcliffe, junior member of the firm, was born in England, February 22, 1844,


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and came to America when four years old. His people settled in Boston and thence removed to Providence. He began working in a mill at nine years of age and con- tinued in various capacities until twenty-three. He became overseer of a mill, and enjoyed the distinction of being one of the youngest overseers in this section. He later engaged in the produce business with William Hickey, where the city hall now stands. In 1871 he was employed in the city hall, and in 1872 purchased the St. James with Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hickey. Mr. Sutcliffe is a member of the Firemen's Mutual Relief Association and is also a veteran fireman. He has been treasurer of the Firemen's Relief Association since its organization. Mr. Sutcliffe married Bridget McGuire and they have two children: James H. and Maud M. Sutcliffe.


Kelley. Charles Sampson, banker, was born in New Bedford, Mass., August 2, 1846, and is a grandson of William and Abigail C. Kelley, natives of Haverhill, Mass., and New Bedford, respectively. Henry C. Kelley, his father, was for several years a leading dry goods merchant in New Bedford. He joined the New Bedford Protecting Society in 1843, became its vice-president, and died November 9, 1862, from injuries received at a fire on October 24, while discharging his duties as a mem- ber and officer of that organization. He married Ann Howland Allen, daughter of Joseph Howland and Sarah (Howland) Allen, Quakers and natives of New Bedford. She died December 7, 1889, in her sixty-ninth year. She was descended from Henry Howland, a Quaker, one of three brothers, who came from England to Duxbury, Mass., in 1625. Charles S. Kelley received a public school education, and at the age of sixteen was obliged to aid in the support of his widowed mother. He was first a clerk for two years in stores. In April, 1864, he entered the banking office of Ed- ward L. Baker, who had established himself in business in 1848. Mr. Baker was succeeded in May, 1865, by Samuel P. Burt, and Mr. Kelley continued with the latter as clerk and bookkeeper until April 22, 1875, when the firm of S. P. Burt & Co. was formed, consisting of Mr. Burt, Gardner T. Sanford and Mr. Kelley. June 2, 1884, by the death of Mr. Burt, the firm name became Sanford & Kelley. This has long been one of the leading banking houses in southeastern Massachusetts, and has occupied its present building since September 21, 1896. Mr. Kelley was one of the founders and has been continuously a director of the Mellin's Food Company of Bos- ton. He was especially active in reorganizing the Board of Trade, being one of its incorporators, and to him is largely due its entire success. He was also very prominent in the Industrial Exhibitions in New Bedford in 1887 and 1888, and was the prime mover in securing the Wamsutta Club House, serving as treasurer and as an active member of its building committee; this body, in 1891, elected him an honorary member, the first and only person holding that distinction. He was an organizer of the Y. M. C. A., April 30, 1867, served thirteen years as its first treas- urer, and was largely instrumental in causing the erection of the present building, serving as chairman of its construction committee and treasurer of the building com- mittee. In 1890 he organized the Veteran Firemen's Association and was its first president. He is also president of the New Bedford Protecting Society, and in poli- tics is a prominent Republican. He was active in the publication of the Board of Trade souvenir in 1889 and has issued two or three booklets containing valuable statistics relating to New Bedford. June 8, 1871, he married Sarah, daughter of Edmund Anthony, founder of the New Bedford Standard. She was born in Taun-


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ton, Mass., May 22, 1843. Their children are Sarah Elizabeth, Caroline S. and Charles S., jr.


Kelley, William Laban, jeweler, is the son of Charles and Judith B. (Paddock) Kelley, and a grandson of John Wing Kelley, and was born in Sidney, Me., Novem- ber 16, 1839. His mother's father, Peter Paddock, was one of the first sea captains out of Nantucket. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather were both natives of Dennis, Cape Cod, the latter moving from there into Maine. Mr. Kelley was ed- ucated in his native State, first in the common schools and afterward at Oak Grove Seminary, which was conducted by the Society of Friends. He is a birthright Qua- ker, as were his ancestors. When twenty-one years old he came to New Bedford to learn the jewelry business with Ezra Kelley. On August 21, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 3d Mass. Cav., and served nearly three years, being on detached duty as clerk in the quartermaster's department most of the time. Returning to New Bedford after receiving an honorable discharge he again entered Ezra Kelley's jewelry store, at 106 Union street, and three years later succeeded to the business, which he has ever since conducted, moving it to the present location on the corner of Purchase and Union streets about 1878. Mr. Kelley is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to Rural Lodge of Sidney, Me., to the Chapter and Commandery in New Bedford, and to the Consistory of Boston. In 1867 he married Rebecca C., daughter of Charles H. Clark of Nantucket.


Kennedy, Joseph P., born in New Bedford in 1865, succeeded to the cooperage business established by his father, M. F. Kennedy, upon the death of the latter in 1888. In 1890 Mr. Kennedy engaged in the wholesale paper and twine business, his present occupation, abandoning the cooperage business in 1894.


Kent, H. P., was born in Wrentham, October 29, 1859. His father, Henry Nelson Kent, was a native of Barrington, R. I., where the family were among the pioneer settlers. H. N. Kent married Josephine, daughter of William G. Porter of Wrent- ham, Mass., and through life was identified with the jewelry business. H. P. Kent was educated in the public schools of Attleborough and then learned the jewelry business with Lincoln, Bacon & Company of Plainville, Mass., in 1887 becoming a member of F. W. Weaver & Co., manufacturing jewelers of Attleborough, Mass. - specialty ladies' jewelry. He has been a member of the School Committee, and of the Republican Town Committee In 1879 he married Etta F., daughter of William E. Barney. They have two sons: Ralph P. and Earl B. Mr. Kent is a representa- tive of one of the oldest families in Bristol county; takes an active interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town.


Kieran, Patrick, was born in Linden county, Vt., but has resided in Fall River since March, 1872, and has been connected with the water works since that date. He was superintendent of the pipe works during the construction of the water works system and has been superintendent of the water works since 1886. Before coming to Fall River he had gained large experience on the New Bedford water works, the Hart- ford water works and the Providence water works. He is a director of the Arkwright Mills and the People's Co-operative Bank.


King, Andrew H., was born in Dartmouth, October 24, 1854, a son of Levi and Lydia B. (Tripp) King. He was educated in the public schools of his native town


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and when fifteen years old began an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade under Martin Tripp with whom he remained three years. During the following six years he followed his trade and at the end of that period engaged in farming and the pro- duction of milk for market. Mr. King still continues this business and has met with considerable success. He takes an active interest in public affairs and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity and a leading member of the community, but has never sought or held public office. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows of New Bedford. His father was also a well known resident in this section, although a native of Rhode Island. He died in the sixty-eighth year of his age, after an active life, most of which was spent in Dartmouth. Mr. King married, in March, 1876, Emma, daughter of Perry and Acenith (Kelly) Lapham of Dartmouth, and they have two children: Levi F. and Lila E.


King, George Arthur was born in Taunton, Mass., May 25, 1856, a son of George Pickens and Mary Leonard (Kinnicutt) King. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and in the Lawrence Scientific School at Cambridge. He entered the office of J. F. Montgomery, civil engineer, in Taunton in 1873, finally succeeding him in 1881, since which time he has carried on the business. In 1889 he was chosen one of the assessors of Taunton to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry S. Hart; in 1890 and 1891 was clerk and in 1892 and 1893 chair- man of the board. In October, 1882, he enlisted in Co. F, 1st Regiment M. V. M., and served through the various grades until his election as captain in 1886, remaining in that office until 1889. In 1893 the city created the office of city engineer and in 1894 Mr. King was elected to fill it and again in 1898. April 25, 1880, he married Florence Wales Dean of Raynham, and they have two children: Lucy Catherine and Arthur Caswell.


King, George Wilson, was born in Westport, Mass., March 20, 1847, a son of Ephraim S. and Maria (Rounds) King. His education was obtained in the district and private schools of his native village and in the grammar schools of Lowell. His first work was as a spinner in a cotton mill and when he was sixteen years old he began to learn the blacksm thing trade under his brother, Leander C. King, at Smith's Mills. In 1867, after serving a three years' apprenticeship, he came to Fair- haven and began work for Isaac Terry. Two years later he purchased the business and has since conducted it successfully. Mr. King served as a selectman and over- seer of the poor for two terms and was elected for a third term, but resigned. In politics he is a Republican. In 1867 he married Clara B., daughter of Leonard Ry- der of Dartmouth, and they have one daughter, Jennie C., wife of Dr. Elisha F. Babcock.


King, Jesse, was born on the place where he now resides, October 20, 1836, and is the son of Philip and Sophronia (King) King. His early education, which was very limited, was received at the district school, and on the death of his father, in 1852, he was obliged to take charge of the place, and with his mother's help carried on the farm and has gradually brought it up to where it is at the present time. In connec- tion with the farm he runs quite an extensive dairy and has for thirty years run a team into Taunton for the sale of milk. Mr. King is at present one of the board of assessors, overseer of the poor, and a selectman, serving his fifth year in that capac- ity. December 4, 1861, he married Caroline R. Hathaway of Raynham, and they


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have two children: Francis C., born September 25, 1863, and Florence L., born Sep- tember 12, 1867.


Kingman, Edward Y., was born in Norton, December 16, 1816. His father, Hosea Kingman, was a native of Middleborough, and married Sally Hodges. He taught school for some years and afterwards kept store at Augusta. Me , and died in 1820. Edward Y. Kingman was educated in Pawtucket, and learned the jeweler's trade with Frost & Lowden, serving four years. He came to North Attleborough in 1837, then spent three years in Philadelphia with H. M. Richards, and returned to Attle. borough in 1848, and engaged in the buckle business for a short time. He then en- tered the employ of Tift & Whiting, remaining with them over thirty years and then established business for himself. In 1842 he married Zilpha Allen, and they have two sons: Eugene and Edward B., and one daughter, Ida I. Mr. Kingman is one of the representative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose life has proven his word as good as his bond.


Kirby, Zebedee Davis, son of Abner and Sarah (Davis) Kirby, was born in West- port, Bristol county, Mass., October 13, 1841. Abner Kirby was a farmer in that town, where he was born in May, 1804; he married Sarah Davis and they had six sons and two daughters. Zebedee Kirby spent his youth on his father's farm and received such educational advantages as the common schools afforded to farmer's boys. During the summer he worked either on his father's farm or for some neigh- boring farmer. In 1865 he went to work for William C. N. Swift, in whose employ he remained for seven years, when he bought his present farm and has since been successfully engaged in market gardening. Mr. Kirby has never taken an active part in politics, although he has been solicited to accept numerous town offices. He was at one time road surveyor. March 22, 1868, he married Sarah A. Cornell, and they have five children : Lizzie, wife of Albert Tallman; Walter C., Lena B., Louise A., and Harold C. Mr. Kirby started in life a poor boy and by his own efforts made his way to the honorable standing which he holds among the substantial men of the county. In all his business and social relations he has sustained a high reputation for honor and integrity.


Knapp, Randolph, was born in Cumberland. December 30, 1832. His father, Ephraim Knapp, was a native of Norton, Mass., and studied for a physician at Med- field, under Dr. Mann. He went from there to Cumberland where he was engaged in practice for forty years. He married Mary J. Sabin, who died in 1886. Dr. Knapp was a man who took an active interest in school and church matters. Ran- dolph Knapp was educated in Medfield, and in 1847 entered into the mercantile business. In 1853 he came to North Attleborough and entered the employ of I. Richards & Co., remaining there until 1856, then purchased an interest with C. F. Holmes, the firm being Knapp & Holmes. Mr. Holmes retired in 1859 and from that time up to the present Mr. Knapp was actively engaged in mercantile business for forty-one years. He married Anna F. Follett in 1856, who died in 1875. He afterwards married Sarah E. Pratt, and they had two daughters: Mrs. Emma F. Wetherhead and Anna A. Mr. Knapp was one of the leading merchants of the town ; he served as treasurer and collector for four years; director in the North Attleborough National Bank; trustee of the North Attleborough Savings Bank and was postmaster


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under President Harrison and after the death of George Price served as treasurer up to 1886. Mr. Knapp died April 22, 1898.


Knowles, Henry M., was born in New Bedford, December 14, 1842, a son of John P. and Susan C. (Crosby) Knowles. His family is of old Puritan stock and is in prominence throughout New England history. Among his ancestors were Col. John Knowles, born in 1672, and Col. Willard Knowles, born in 1712. His father was, in early life, a seafaring man and became a master mariner in the European and South American trade. Later, in 1835, he joined his brother, Thomas Knowles, in business in New Bedford, and in 1844, Joseph Knowles, a cousin, who had been in their employ for several years, was admitted as a partner, and the firm name then becoming Thomas Knowles & Company. This firm was extensively engaged in the whale fishery and continued in active and successful business for over half a century. Henry M. Knowles, who was the fourth son of John P. Knowles, obtained a thorough preparatory education in the private and common schools of New Bedford and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1861. He decided to embrace the profession of medicine and began his studies under Dr. Henry B. Clark of New Bed- ford, who privately tutored him. In 1864 he was graduated M. D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city and in the same year began practice in Wareham, Mass. After an experience of three years he discontinued practice and removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where, for sixteen years, he remained in business, being junior partner of the firm of Bourne & Knowles, which name still survives under the title Bourne & Knowles Manufacturing Company; he was also secretary and manager of the Cleveland Spring Company, and Union Iron Works Company. He settled in New Bedford in 1890 and, in connection with John P. Knowles, jr., has since managed the interests of his father's estate. He is also a director of the Acushnet Mills Corporation, and the City Manufacturing Corporation and president of the Zonia Copper Mining Company. Mr. Knowles married first, in 1865, Lucretia Bourne of Wareham, Mass., and they had three children, all now deceased. For his second wife he married, in 1883, Helen L. Dykes, a daughter of Alfred Dykes of Leeds, England, and Boston, and they have one son surviving, Robert W. Knowles.


Knowles, Thomas, was born December 31, 1803, and died at his home in New Bedford, August 29, 1877. For many years he was one of New Bedford's leading whaling merchants, being associated with his brother, John P., and his cousins, Joseph and John P., 2d. He was a member of one of our oldest families and traced his ancestry back to the early settlement of New England, when Richard Knowles, who had lived in Plymouth and Cambridge, removed to Eastham, Cape Cod, in 1653. His son John died about 1675, " slain in the colony's service." Col. John, son of the above, was born in 1673, and died 1757, and his son, Col. Willard, was born in 1711, and died 1786, leaving a son Seth, who was born in 1753, and died 1821. Thomas, son of Seth, was born 1777 and died 1820. He was the father of the subject of this notice. Thomas Knowles was a man of great clearness of thought and independence of expression and while conducting the details of his business with energy and abil- ity, was at the same time in sympathy with all movements for the better interest in National politics until the abolition of slavery, and invested his large means unhesi- tatingly in the war bonds of the government. He was always adverse to holding public position, but had a deep interest in temperance reform and once accepted the


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nomination for mayor on the temperance ticket. His discernment in financial mat- ters was unexcelled and during the last twenty years of his life he was a director in the National Bank of Commerce. His early religious teaching was received in a home in which the Puritan traditions almost without change were still accepted as the guides of life and thought. He continued a member of the Baptist Society, but not of the church, for many years, and in the latter years of his life attended the Unitarian Church. Mr. Knowles married Mary Keith Eaton of Middleborough, a descendant of Francis Eaton, who came in the Mayflower, and of Rev. James Keith of Bridge- water. Their children were Thomas H., Sidney W., Charles S., Mary E., who mar- ried Josiah N. Knowles of San Francisco, and Martha A., who married Dr. Charles D. Prescott of New Bedford. Thomas H. Knowles, oldest son of Thomas and Mary K. (Eaton) Knowles, was born in New Bedford, September 12, 1837, educated in the public and private schools and was graduated from Harvard in 1861. Soon after, he entered his father's business in which he eventually acquired an interest. Mr. Knowles has been interested in many of the financial and manufacturing corporations of the city, having been in the direction of the Acushnet Mills, New Bedford Gas Light Company, and the Merchants' National Bank. He has also served on the board of trustees of the Savings Bank and as president of the City Manufacturing Corporation and Bristol Manufacturing Corporation. In all of these Mr. Knowles has been valued as a man of prudence, good judgment and wise foresight. He served several years in both branches of the city government, has been a trustee of the Public Library and a member of the Board of Overseers of the Poor. He has long been a member of the First Congregational Church (Unitarian) and now serves the society as clerk. Mr. Knowles has been twice married; his first wife was Mary H. Swift, who died in 1881, leaving one son, Harry Swift Knowles; for his second wife he married Annie D. Swift of Acushnet. Of this union is one daughter, Sylvia Knowles.


Kollock, Lemuel Marcellus, son of Lemuel and Melissa (Eaton) Kollock, was born in New Bedford, Mass., March 30, 1830, and received his education in the public and high schools and Friends' Academy. His father was a hardware dealer and later engaged in the cotton industry, becoming the founder and president of the Gosnold Mills, of which Mr. Kollock was at one time the treasurer. In 1863 he went to New York and for about eight years was engaged in the coal business. He returned to New Bedford, and in 1873 became the coal agent here for the New Bedford Coal Company and later for Garfield & Proctor, continuing as such until his death Octo- ber 2, 1887. Mr. Kollock was a man universally respected for his integrity, business enterprise, and ability. He was a member of the Common Council one term and of the School Committee and the New Bedford Protective Society many years. May 24, 1853, he married Helen Mar Covell, daughter of Clement P. and Amy B. (Allen) Covell and granddaughter of William Allen, all of New Bedford.




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