USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts > Part 102
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139
Lake, Edward Bennett, is one of the oldest and best known business men of Fall River. He was born in that city October 20, 1835, a son of Edward and Mary Lake. He attended the old High Street Grammar School and after completing his educa- tion served an apprenticeship at the wheel and millwright trades under Samuel Thurston, with whom he remained for seven years, working during this time on the water wheels of the mills in Fall River, and the windmills in this city and Rhode
137
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Island, returning to Fall River at dull seasons and working in the cooper shop owned by David Brayton. In 1867 he entered the employ of Chase, Allen & Slade as a salesman. This business was then its infancy. It has since become one of the largest wholesale grocery firms in New England, each year having added to the prestige gained by long establishment. During the growth of the business Mr. Lake has been connected with it in all capacities. He became a partner in 1872, at which time, in company with B. S. C. Gifford, he purchased the interest of Nathan Chase, the firm name being then changed to its present form, Allen, Slade & Co. Mr. Lake was a member of the old volunteer fire department for many years, his name being on the roll of the first steamer company in the city. He was also a member of the old Fall River Artillery Company, commanded by John Sanford, and now disbanded. January 22, 1878, he married Emma F., daughter of Thomas Gul- liver of East Cornith, Maine, and they have two children, Eva M. A. and Russell Bracket. Mr. Lake has been for many years a member of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I.O.O.F. He has spent his entire life in Fall River and has always been prom- inently identified with the best interests of the city, being esteemed both in business and socially by a wide circle of friends.
Lane, Homer L., was born in Norton, Mass., January 4, 1862, a son of Charles D. and Fanny H. Lane, and was educated in the public schools of Norton. He first engaged in the jewelry business, with which he has been connected fifteen years, and is now an active member of the firm of Freeman, Daughaday & Co., who con- duct a large jewelry industry at Chartley Village, town of Norton, Mass The above firm of Freeman, Daughaday & Co. succeeded Engley, Wetherell & Co., and consists of James B. Freeman, residence New York city, Frank P. Daughaday, residence Providence, and Homer L. Lane. Mr. Lane was married in 1892 to Mary, daughter of George and Abbie Fales, and they have one daughter, Doris. In politics he is an Independent and is one of Norton's self-made men. He holds the office of regis- ter of voters; takes an intelligent interest in schools and church institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.
Lariviere, A., was born at St. Marcelle, Province of Quebec, April 5, 1850, and came to the United States in 1870. After a short stay he returned to Canada, but came back to this country and settled permanently in 1878. He worked for some time in the furniture business and then formed a partnership with his brother, which lasted fourteen months, since which time he has been in business for himself as an undertaker. In 1894 he added a livery to his business, but gives his own attention wholly to undertaking. October 14, 1830, he married Seraphine Chaussé, and they have two children: Mariana and Arthur.
Law, George H., superintendent of the Bristol Mills of New Bedford, was born in Lancashire, England, October 1, 1858, a son of Henry and B. Alice (Stansfield) Law. His father was a weaver and when George H. was seven years old the family re- moved to this country and settled in Fall River, where Henry Law was well known for many years as a weaver room overseer in different mills. Until he was fifteen years of age Mr. Law attended the public and high schools of Fall River and at that time he began work in the American Linen Company's mill, but still continued his education in the night schools. He has been in the cotton manufacturing business all his life, working up by successive stages to his present position. When only
.
138
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
twenty-one years old he became a second hand and two years later an overseer. He came to New Bedford in 1893 to take a position as overseer of the weaving depart- ment in the Bristol Mills and was made superintendent in 1895. In 1882 Mr. Law married Kate, daughter of James and Agnes Touhey of Medway, Mass., and they have three children: Henry, Mary and George H., jr.
Lawrence, James Whippey, merchant, is the oldest son of James C. and Mary R. (Fisher) Lawrence, and was born in Nantucket, Mass., February 9, 1837. The fam- ily resided in Nantucket for several generations. James C. Lawrence was a cooper by trade and later a teamster, and in 1861 removed to Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in Arcada about 1883. He was one of two sons and a daughter, triplets, whose father was lost at sea three months before their birth, while en route on a vessel from Nantucket to Virginia. All of these triplets lived to be over seventy years of age. Mr. Lawrence had thirteen children, James W. being the third; his wife died about 1888. James Whippy Lawrence was educated in the public schools of New Bedford, whither the family moved in 1845. Afterward he spent a short time in the merchant coasting service and then learned the trade of harness maker, which he followed about four years. He subsequently spent sixteen and a half years in George L. Brownell's carriage shop and later engaged in the same business for himself. In 1878 he formed a copartnership with Charles H. Briggs, and under the firm name of Briggs & Lawrence has since carried on the fur- niture business at 197 and 203 Union street, adding to the original stock a full line of carpets, draperies, etc. This is one of the largest and finest establishments of the kind in the city. Mr. Lawrence is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., of Adoniram Chapter, R. A. M., of New Bedford Council, R. & S. M., of Sutton Com- mandery, K. T., and of the Veteran Firemen's Association. March 8, 1857, he mar- ried Sarah E., daughter of William B. King of New Bedford, and they have had three children: Clara E. (deceased), Ida E. and Etta F., still living.
Lawson, Frederick W., son of Alexander and Christina G. (Rae) Lawson, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, December 11, 1870. His father was a stone cutter and in 1871 came to America, returning a year later to bring his family. They settled first in Hallowell, Me., and later removed to Westerly, R. I. In 1876 they removed to Fall River, and in 1880 Alexander Lawson established a granite and marble mon- umental works on Prospect street, near the Oak Grove Cemetery. At his death, in January, 1891, his son, Frederick W., succeeded to the business. He was educated in the public and high schools of Fall River, graduating from the latter in the class of 1888. After graduation he was employed in the office of the King Philip Mills for nearly three years, resigning his position at the end of that time to take charge of his father's business, which he has since conducted with success. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F.& A. M., Fall River Chapter and Council, and a member of Co. F, Mass. Naval Brigade. At the beginning of the war with Spain he was one of the first detail to leave Fall River and served as acting boatswain's mate on the monitor Lehigh till that vessel was put out of commission and her crew discharged at the close of hostilities.
Lawton, Frederick E., youngest son of Welcome J. and Almira B. (Thompson) Lawton, was born in the village of Fairhaven, June 11, 1852. His father was a na- tive of Swansea, and very early moved to Bristol, R. I., where he married. His
139
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
father was a cooper, which business he followed until 1862, when he engaged in farming and continued until his death, June 10, 1895. His mother died July 27, 1892. Frederick E. received his education in the village schools and at his majority engaged in farming, which vocation he has since pursued. On June 14, 1883, he married Myra F., daughter of Henry and Harriet (Ellis) Akin of Fairhaven. Mr. Lawton is an ardent Republican, but has never aspired to political office. During his residence in this town he has been fairly enterprising, sustaining an excellent reputation as a good citizen and through his strict business habits and qualifications he has been successful in accumulating wealth and the honor and respect of all who know him.
Lehan, Daniel Francis, born in Dedham, Mass., September 27, 1863, a son of Daniel and Margaret (Cronin) Lehan. His early education was obtained in the pub- lic schools of Dedham, and for five years he attended a boarding school in Boston. On leaving school in 1878 he came to Taunton and commenced work in the hotel he is now proprietor of, which at that time was run by Col. A. L. Bliss. With the ex- ception of a short time Mr. Lehan has spent his business life in the City Hotel, be- ginning as bell boy and is now proprietor. In addition to the City Hotel Mr. Lehan is proprietor of the Nemasket House at Raynham, and has a farm there of over fifty acres, which supplies the two houses. March 1, 1892, he married Laura A. D'Aubin of Norton, Mass , and they have two children: Ralph Russell and Emma Frances Lehan.
Leeming & Jones .- This firm although not an old one has become one of the lead- ing houses of contractors and builders in Fall River. During the last five years they have erected over 300 buildings and put up about sixty in 1897. The firm is com- posed of Alfred Leeming and J. G. Jones. Alfred Leeming was born in England, May 2, 1868, and came to this country with his parents, Richard and Elizabeth Leem- ing, when an infant. They settled in Fall River, where Alfred attended the public schools for some time and then found work in a cotton mill. In 1885 he began an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade under Nathaniel Ford, with whom he re- mained five years, when he worked as a journeyman for several years with E. Brownell, whose business he bought in company with Mr. Jones in 1892. Mr. Leem- ing is a member of the I.O.O.F. He married Susan E., daughter of Pelig H. Peck- ham of Fall River, and they have three children: Elsie, Elwood and Preston. J. G. Jones was born in Wales, February 14, 1849, and came to America in 1872. He was a carpenter in the old country and followed that occupation here until the formation of the present firm of Leeming & Jones. Mr. Jones married Sarah Popple, and they have four children: Herbert, Frederick, Edith and Kate.
Leonard, Fred Parker, was born in Taunton, January 10, 1867, a son of Henry G. and Sarah (Field) Leonard. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and after leaving school was engaged as a grocery clerk in a general store, where he remained about a year and then came to the Dighton Furnace Co., going to work in the mounting room; he remained there but a short time and then went back to his first place and stayed about a year and a half. After this he went with Bliss & Co. in the coal business as weighing clerk, and at the end of two years left them to go with the Leonard Coop Foundry as bookkeeper. He remained with them but a short time and was engaged by the Weir Stove Co., where he learned
140
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
the molder's trade, which he followed until 1891, and on March 15 of that year, en- gaged with his present concern as salesman. The following year he was elected treasurer to fill the vacancy caused by the death of J. H. Codding and he holds the same position at the present time (1898). Mr. Leonard is a member of Alfred Bay- lies Lodge, F. & A. M., St. John's Commandery of Providence, and Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F. May 19, 1891, he married Lillian C. Read, daughter of Abel Read of Pawtucket, and they have three children: Mildred Staples, Edith Russell and Win- throp Nelson.
Leonard, Henry Taber, for seventeen years city clerk of New Bedford, was the son of the celebrated oil merchant, Samuel Leonard, and Hannah Taber, his wife. He was born in South Yarmouth, Mass., on the 17th of August, 1818, was educated in the public schools of his native village and at the Friends' Boarding School in Provi- dence, R. I., and afterward became a clerk in Seth Akin's grocery store. He sub- sequently entered into business with his father, and later went to New York as a partner in the firm of Witherell, Sprague & Co., oil and iron merchants, who were connected with Samuel Leonard and Lazell, Perkins & Co., of New Bedford. Mr. Leonard finally withdrew from this concern, returned to New Bedford and engaged in the lumber trade with Augustus A. Greene, under the firm name of Leonard & Greene. He made a number of business changes, being several times in the oil business with his father and brother Samuel as partner or bookkeeper, engaging with his father in manufacturing at Suncook, N. H., going to California in 1849, conducting a lumber yard in Charlestown, and re-engaging in the oil business in New Bedford as head of the firm of Leonard, Sturtevant & Co. ; upon the dissolution of this partnership he returned to the office of his father. On the death of Sanford S. Horton in 1862 he was elected clerk of the city of New Bedford, which office he filled until his death on July 18, 1879. His intelligence, unblemished character, faithfulness to duty, geniality, and quiet manliness secured for him universal esteem and continued re-elections as city clerk during violent political changes. He also served one year as a member of the School Committee. Mr. Leonard was a birth- right member of the Society of Friends, a man of unswerving religious convictions and strict conscientiousness, and was without an enemy. In 1841 he married Debo- rah Allen Butler, daughter of Daniel Butler of New Bedford. They had four sons and two daughters who grew to maturity. Upon the death of Mr. Leonard, his eldest son, Daniel B. Leonard, was elected his successor as city clerk, which office he has uninterruptedly held to the present time.
Leonard, Jacob Augustus, town clerk and treasurer of Norton, Mass., was born in Norton December 19, 1845, a son of Luen C. and Eunice H. (Wetherell) Leonard. He received his early education in the public schools of Norton and afterward at- tended a private school for some time, then went to work on his father's farm, when he took up the study of surveying, and has followed both of these up to the present time. In 1883 he was elected to the office of town clerk and treasurer and has been re-elected every year since. He is also a director in the Norton Savings & Loan Fund Association and has been one of the trustees of the Public Library for six years. He has been a justice of the peace since 1873, also treasurer of the Congre- gational parish. He is past master of St. James Lodge, F. & A. M., of Mansfield, and a member of Keystone Royal Arch Chapter. He has never married.
141
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Leonard, Philo Fremont, was born in Norton, Mass., September 18, 1851, a son of Ezekiel and Sally R. (Field) Leonard. His early education was received in the pub- lic schools and after leaving school he went to work for the Mason Machine Company. He worked for them in all about twelve years, and while there learned the trade of pattern making, a portion of this time being spent in the west in the same business. After leaving Mason's he gradually picked up the candy making trade and started out for himself; he has increased his stock and style of confections until the present time, and now has one of the largest stores of its kind in this vicinity. Mr. Leonard is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., and Sabbatia Lodge of I. O. O. F. June 6, 1877, he married Cora Frances, daughter of George L. and Mary J. (Whittemore) Wilmarth, and they have five children: Ethel, Fremont W., J. Alma, Hazel R. and Rosamond W.
Lewis Bros .- The Dighton Nursery is one of the oldest branches of business of its kind in Massachusetts. It has been owned by the Lewis family forty years. John A. Lewis, father of the present proprietors, was formerly a merchant at Dighton, where he carried on a general business for many years, but finally disposed of his interests and entered the employ of the Dighton Nursery Co., owned at that time by Dr. Wood. A few years later he purchased the business and continued it up to six years ago, when he retired and was succeeded by his sons, Charles A. and Edgar P., the latter up to that time had been employed in New Bedford. The Messrs. Lewis conducted the business on an extensive scale, propagating all the hardy varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, roses, vines and climbing plants suitable to the trade in this latitude. In 1897 they commenced an addition to their trade by erect- ing greenhouses in order to fill a demand from that department of trade. They are also arranging for the further enlargement of their business in the establishment of an agency system, whereby a force of traveling men will be put upon the road for the sale of their nursery stock, and they hope to extend their business, which has formerly been of a local character, throughout New England. No family in this vicinity are better known or enjoy a better reputation than the Lewis family. Their father, lately deceased, was always a steadfast Republican and has enjoyed the confidence of his political associates to the degree that he has been at times deputy sheriff, justice of the peace, selectman, and in 1878 was elected to serve in the lower house of the Massachusetts Legislature. The five children with their mother sur- vive John A. Lewis and are as follows: Albert G., of Dighton; Susan, wife of Will- iam J. Bennett, cashier of the Boston freight office of Fall River; John A., also con- nected with the Boston freight office, and Charles A. and Edgar P.
Lewis, Herbert Warren, son of Warren D. and Sarah A. (Jencks) Lewis, was born in Seekonk, Mass , April 2, 1866. He was educated in the schools of East Prov- idence, R. I., and was graduated from the East Providence Union School in the class of 1881. Mr. Lewis has spent most of his active business life in Westport in the employ of George H. Lewis. He began in the Westport Mills as a bobbin boy and was promoted from time to time until he became overseer of the spinning room. In 1892 he removed to Taunton and established himself in the wood and coal busi - ness, but a year later returned to Westport to assume the management of the store connected with the. Westport Mills and still remains in that capacity. Mr. Lewis is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding member-
142
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
ship in Pacific Lodge No. 123, of New Bedford, Encampment No. 8, and Canton New Bedford. He married, in August, 1892, Abbie S., daughter of George A. and Abbie (Manchester) Simmons, and two children have been born to them: Madeline and Herbert Warren, jr.
Lewis, James Edwin, was born in Duxbury, Mass., December 28, 1866, a son of John J. and Mahaly Harris (Josephine) Reed Lewis. He received his early educa- tion in the public schools and graduated from the Partridge Academy of Duxbury. In 1882 he went to Boston to learn the drug business with Carter, Harris & Hawley, remaining there one year, but on the death of his father he returned to Duxbury and was appointed station agent of the O. C. Railroad in that place. In 1886 he came to Taunton for the O. C. Railroad, and after three months resigned and took a position in the Western Union Telegraph office, where he has remained up to the present time. In 1897 he was appointed manager of the office. Mr. Lewis is a past master of Charles H. Titus Lodge, A. F. & A. M., a member of St. Mark's Chapter, R. A.M., and New Bedford Council, president of the Bristol Club and secretary of the Taun- ton Republican Club.
Lincoln, Edward, a son of Jonathan T. and Mary (Cook) Lincoln, was born in Fall River, July 7, 1831. He received his early education in the public and high schools of Fall River, and then attended Pierce Academy at Middleborough, where he took a three years' course. After this he remained at home for some time and in 1856 went as bookkeeper in the firm of L. Lincoln & Co., who succeeded the firm of C. M. & L. Lincoln, paper manufacturers, who had been in business since 1852. Mr. Lincoln remained with them as bookkeeper for about two years, and then was ad- mitted as a partner in the firm, and upon the death of his father, which occurred July 23, 1881, he took his interest in the company and has continued it ever since. He has been selectman about eight years, and for a number of years was a member of the school board; in 1886 he was the representative to the Legislature from his dis- trict, and at the present time (1898) is one of the trustees of the Public Library. December 26, 1859, Mr. Lincoln married Ann L. Codding, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Pettis) Codding, and they have five children: Edward Elsworth, Nellie Cook, Henry C. L., Annie Leavitt and Mary Ethel.
Lincoln, Elmer, was born in Raynham, January 30, 1836, a son of Abishia and Lettice (Dean) Lincoln, and received his education in the public schools and a pri- vate academy at Mansfield. His father ran a general store which he started in 1825, and young Elmer was taken into it to learn the business and he continued in that until his father's death in 1863, when he, with his brothers, succeeded to the business and later on he sold out his interest to them. In 1869 he came to his present location and has been here ever since. He has been selectman for about eight years and on the board of assessors for four years and has spent one year in the Massachusetts Legislature. He received his first appointment as postmaster in 1872, and with the exception of four years has held that office ever since. October 30, 1858, Mr. Lin- coln married Eilza H., daughter of Royal W. and Rhoda (Howard) Danforth, and they have four children: Alcott E., Charlotte Howard, Harry D. and Roy W.
Lincoln, George Arthur, was born in Taunton, October 25, 1850, a son of Captain Hodges R. and Nancy (Reed) Lincoln. He received his early education in the public
143
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
schools of Taunton and later attended the Pierce Academy at Middleborough. After leaving school he went on a vessel for a short time coasting, and then returned to Taunton and engaged with the Taunton Stove Lining Co., remaining with them twelve years. In 1882 he, in company with some others, formed the Union Stove Lining Co., and Mr. Lincoln was made treasurer and manager and has held the same positions up to the present time (1898). He was a member of the City Council in 1886 and 1887 and of the Board of Aldermen in 1888, 1889, 1890 and 1891, the latter year being chairman of the board. He is vice-president of the Weir Co-operative Bank and member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M.
Lincoln, Martin Jerome, was born in Cohassett, Mass., April 17, 1836, a son of Martin and Nancy (Jenkins) Lincoln. His early education was obtained in the pub- lic schools of Cohassett, and in 1853, at the age of seventeen, Mr. Lincoln came to Taunton and went to the Mason Machine Co. to learn the machinist's trade, remain- ing there thirty-five years, and then left and engaged with the Dighton Furnace Co., being with them about three years. In 1879 he was elected to the City Council and served one year, was elected alderman from the First ward and served three years in succession; was one of the overseers of the poor from 1880 to 1887, and in 1890 was elected on the Board of Assessors and is now on his ninth consecutive year of service. January 30, 1862, he married Annie J. Hall, daughter of George and Cynthia (Collier) Hall, and they have three children: Edward H., George M. and Charles J.
Lincoln, Stephen Russell, was born in Taunton, February 1, 1845, a son of Ginea- son and Rebecca (Leonard) Lincoln. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and the Mansfield Literary and Scientific School, which he at- tended two years. After his school days he was employed by Davenport & Mason, in the express business, remaining with them two years, then engaging in black- smithing in Norton, later removing to Raynham, following the same business there until a few years ago. Mr. Lincoln was on the board of assessors of the town of Raynham from 1878 to 1880, and in 1885 was elected selectman and has been on the board ever since, being chairman of the board for the last nine years; he was repre- sentative to the Legislature in 1892. In 1879 he was appointed by Andrew R. Wright as one of his deputy sheriffs, and has retained the position ever since his first ap- pointment. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., of Taunton. June 11, 1865, Mr. Lincoln married Julia P., daughter of Ezra P. and Bethia (Baylies) Woodward, and they have three children: Lizzie P., Ezra P. and Eugene R.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.