Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 112

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 112

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Taber, Charles, who died in New Bedford on the 17th of November, 1887, in the sixty sixth year of his age, was the pioneer founder of the industry of art manufac- turing in this country. He was educated at the Friends' School in Providence, R. I., and was graduated from Haverford College in Pennsylvania when about eighteen,

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after winning a flattering record for ability and scholarship. His father, William C. Taber, became, early in life, a partner of Abraham Sherman, jr., in the book busi- ness in New Bedford, and after the dissolution of the firm in 1835 he continued in trade alone until 1843, when Charles Taber, having in that year reached his majority, was admitted. About 1849, the father having retired, Charles and his brother Augustus formed the firm of Charles Taber & Co. Augustus finally withdrew, and Charles took in as partner Abraham Taber and Asa C. Pierce, and still later, Will- iam C. Taber, jr. In 1862 the brothers, Abraham and William C. Taber, jr., took the two book and stationery stores then conducted by the firm, and Charles Taber, with Asa C. Pierce, started as manufacturing photographers at No. 6 North Water street. In 1871 Mr. Taber assumed the sole management and so continued until 1881, when he admitted his brother, William C. Taber, jr., and his sons, Charles M and Frederic, as partners. In 1893 the Taber Art Company was incorporated with William C. Taber, president; W. C. Freeman, vice-president; H. G. Stratton, treas- urer; Charles M. Taber, clerk; William C. Taber, E. L. Freeman, H. G. Stratton, W. C. Freeman, C. D. Burrage and Frederic Taber, directors. In 1897 the firm was merged into the Taber-Prang Art Company. The art business of the firm com- menced with the manufacture of ambryotypes, or photographs on glass, the first one ever put on the market being a reproduction of the face of Elizabeth Fry, the Eng- lish philanthropist. This branch led to the importation and later the manufacture of passepartouts, then to frames, later to photographs and finally to artotype engrav- ings and etchings, which received for them a world-wide reputation. Mr. Taber was by birthright a Friend, always a prominent worker in their meetings, and an active unobtrusive, benevolent citizen. By industry and perseverance he built up one of the most successful establishments in this country, and won a national reputation through the large variety of goods he manufactured.

Taber, George Hathaway, is the oldest active business man of Fairhaven, where he has been a most useful and respected citizen for many years. He is a son of John and Mary (Hathaway) Taber, born October 29, 1808. He is of old Quaker descent, although many of his ancestors fought in the Revolutionary war. John Cooke, one of the thirty-four original purchasers of Dartmouth and prominent in the historical literature of this vicinity, was also one of his ancestors, and Mr. Taber now has a deed in his possession given by John Cooke to Thomas Taber and dated 1672. This deed was given for land which is now owned by Mr. Taber and which has never gone out of the possession of the family since its purchase. Mr. Taber's father was a farmer, and during his boyhood he worked on the farm and attended school, complet - ing his education in the institution now called Mrs. Hawes's Academy, but more commonly known as " the old Academy." After leaving school he went to sea and made voyages in merchantmen for several years. In 1832 he became a captain and continued to follow the sea for several years subsequent, sailing principally from New York city and upon European voyages. By resolution, industry and ability he amassed considerable property and finally retired to his farm in Fairhaven, where he still resides. He has been repeatedly honored with offices in the town govern- ment and served as selectman and overseer of the poor almost continuously from 1850 to 1890. He is now, and has been for the past seventeen years, president of the Fairhaven Institution for Savings, but has been connected with that institution

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ever since its inception, having been elected a trustee and member of the board of investments in 1863. He is also trustee of the Fairhaven Public Library, in which he takes a keen interest. Although past ninety years of age Mr. Taber is still vig- orous and participates actively in the business and public circles which have known him so long. He married Eliza P., daughter of Joseph Bates of Fairhaven, and two sons were born to them: George H. and John H. Mr. Taber is a descendant of Philip Taber, who was one of the first settlers of Watertown, Mass. He has a per- fect and direct lineage back to some of the earliest settlers of Plymouth colony.

Tallman, Joseph Ricketson, was born in New Bedford, Mass., February 9, 1845, a son of J. R. and Jane (Ellis) Tallman. His early education was obtained in the private schools of New Bedford and at the Friends' Academy. At the close of his school days he entered a counting house in New Bedford as a clerk and remained about two years, when he went to Boston as an accountant with what was afterward The Hall Rubber Co. After staying in Boston about two years he came to Taunton and was employed by Samuel Colby in the clothing business In 1869 he went with S. A. Williams in the insurance business; afterwards was admitted as a partner and in 1889 he bought Mr. Williams's share and since that time has carried it on under his own name. Mr. Tallman was married in November, 1868, to Ruth Leonard, daugh- ter of Otis P. and Abby A. Smith of Taunton, and they have one son, Harry Bassett Tallman.

Tallman, Rescum Handy, son of Stephen S. and Susan K. (Bosworth) Tallman, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., March 22, 1824. His parents removed to the town of Dartmouth when he was eight years of age, but he received his education in the public schools of Westport, having been "bound out" to a farmer in that town. Mr. Tallman's entire life has been devoted to agriculture and he has lived on his present farm for twenty-seven years. April 3, 1843, he mar- ried Catherine M., daughter of Isaac and Betsey (Dool) Sanford of Tiverton R. I., and of their union were thirteen children: Lucy, wife of Alling Gifford; Mary W., wife of Albert Fisk; Charles H., who was drowned at sea February 6, 1871; Betsey S., died February 18, 1867; Rescum, jr., died January 28, 1853; Isabella F., wife of Holder Gifford of Westport; Andrew F., died November 12, 1880; Laura J., died December 20, 1862; Clara E., wife of Nathan Cornell; Arthur S. ; Ida M .; Nellie L., wife of Walter Pierce; and Albert R. Mr. Tallman has been active in public affairs and has been road surveyor and school committeeman for a number of years.

Tanner, William E., was born in Newport, England, May 20, 1864. His parents, Thomas and Anna (Gatehouse) Tanner, came to America when he was quite young and resided one year in Albany, N. Y., then moved to New Bedford, Mass., where they remained for three years and then came to Fall River. Mr. Tanner obtained his education in the public schools of New Bedford and Fall River. He was a mes- senger boy in the Western Union Telegraph office, then became operator for the Western Union Telephone Company; was soon promoted to switchman and when the company was consolidated with the American Bell Telephone Company he was made inspector of instruments and later had charge of the construction work for this company. After learning the telephone business, Mr. Tanner was employed in the city fire alarm department and when Edwin Lee was superintendent performed the duties of that position for him. He next had charge of the electrical work for

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the Old Colony Railway between Whittenton and Newport, R. I., remaining in that position five years. In 1889 he engaged in business for himself at 64 North Main street, and later removed to 175 North Main street, dealing in electrical supplies, bicycles and sporting goods. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, Knights Templar, Royal Arch Chapter, and Fall River Council of Royal and Select Masters. He is also a member of the Red Men, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. Mr. Tanner was married to Hattie L. Smith of Fall River, a daughter of Chester I. Smith, who was a purser on the Fall River Line for twenty-two years. They have four children; William Chester, Walter Ed- win, Susan Elizabeth and Ethel Louise.

Tappan, W. C., was born in Attleborough Falls, July 4, 1864, son of Ephraim and Susan Tappan; his father was identified in the jewelry and mercantile business for forty years. W. C. Tappan was educated in the public schools and then learned the jewelry business with Mason, Draper & Company. In 1885 he organized with C. H. Tappan the firm of Tappan Bros., changed later to Tappan, Berry & Company, of Attleborough, who purchased the D. F. Briggs plant of Attleborough Falls, remov- ing the same to Attleborough, and is now known as the D. F. Briggs Company, the leading manufacturers of Massachusetts. Tappan Bros. to-day are owners of the largest chain factory in the world. In 1885 he married Fannie M., daughter of Ly- man S. Moffit. Mr. Tappan is one of the conservative men of his town; one of the building committee of the Odd Fellows; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town.

Taunton Business College .- This institute was established in January, 1895, by George W. Livsey of Attleborough. Mr. Livsey was formerly in the manufacturing jewelry business at Attleborough, and realizing the need of a college where young people of both sexes could have the opportunity of learning a practical business course to fit them to take official positions, came to Taunton, and started the present institution. To say that it has been a success is unnecessary; one only has to visit the pleasant rooms in the Bristol County Bank building during school hours and see the different classes at work, to be convinced of this fact. Mr. Livsey has two of the best teachers he can procure, who are proficient in all branches which pertain to a business education, and have the faculty of imparting what they know to the pupils, so that when they graduate they have no difficulty in obtaining positions in the mer- cantile world. It is evident from the success in the past, and the increased attend- ance at the college, that it has now become one of the permanent institutions of the city.

Taunton Evening News .- This paper is owned by a corporation of Taunton busi- ness men and was established in 1889. It is a penny daily of eight columns and eight pages; politics Republican, and has an average circulation of 3,800. This paper had an uncertain life during the first five years of its existence, but in 1894 Dudley M. Holman was elected to the positions of treasurer and general manager, which positions he holds at the present time. Under Mr. Holman's able manage- ment the size and circulation of the paper has increased so that now it is on a firm financial basis and one of the recognized dailies of the county. It holds the only Associated Press franchise in Taunton, and has its own operator, taking the full re- port of the Associated Press over its own wires in its office. It has a battery of lino-

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type machines and a Goss perfecting press of the latest make. Its local and editorial departments are on a par with its modern up-to-date equipment.

Taylor, James, is one of the best known men in this section, a result of a service of over fifty years in the New Bedford custom house. His father, born in Newport, R. I., was also a well known and prominent citizen of New Bedford. He was, when a young man, clerk in the Newport custom house; in 1821 was appointed deputy col- lector of customs at Bristol, R. I., and in 1829 was appointed deputy collector of cus- toms at New Bedford. In 1843 he resigned this position to take the secretaryship of the Mutual Marine Insurance Company, an office which he filled for twenty years. Soon after, the Ocean Insurance Company was formed, and he held the office of president and secretary until it closed business in 1878. He served on the Board of Aldermen, was for fourteen years a member of the School Committee, several years as chairman, and chief engineer of the fire department in 1844. He was a man of the greatest exactness and integrity, true and faithful in all relations of life. He was a charter member of the New Bedford Port Society and for many years its sec- retary; he was also president of the Bristol County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He died in New Bedford, September 13, 1880, having attained the age of eighty- eight. James Taylor, son of William H. and Eliza A. (Pitman) Taylor, was born in Providence, R. I., October 20, 1825. The family removed to New Bedford when he was five years old, and he was graduated from the High School in 1840. For a short time he worked as a clerk in the hardware store of F. & I. C. Taber, and was then appointed to a clerkship in the post-office; in 1843 he was appointed to a similar po- sition in the custom house, and served in that capacity until 1853, when he was ap- pointed deputy collector. This office he held for a period of thirty-seven years, or until 1890, and was then appointed collector of customs for the port and district of New Bedford, holding this commission until 1895, and thus completing a service of over half a century in the New Bedford custom house. In 1881 he succeeded his father as president of the Bristol County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and still holds the office. He has been clerk of the trustees of the Five Cents Savings Bank since the death of Charles Almy. Like his father he has been active in the work of the New Bedford Port Society, and has served as secretary for some years. He is a past master of Star in the East Lodge of Masons, a member of the Chapter, Council and Commandery, and past senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachu- setts. Since 1841 he has been a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. For many years he has served as trustee, and is now treasurer of the County Street M. E. Church. The only city office Mr. Taylor ever held was as overseer of the poor one term. Although in the seventy-fourth year of his age he is still active and vig- orous; a man of most pleasing social qualities, and possessed of many warm friends. Mr. Taylor married, in 1849, Elizabeth. daughter of David Stoddard of Scituate, Mass., and they had five children: Annie H., wife of J. G. Bassett of Bridge- water, Mass .; William H., a young physician of promising ability who died in New Bedford, July 20, 1891 ; James A., now assistant postmaster of New Bedford; Frank T., a practicing dentist of South Boston, and Mary Loring. The Taylor family comes of old Rhode Island stock, James Taylor being a direct descendant and seventh of the line of Robert Taylor, a resident of Newport in 1655; Robert, ? Peter, 3 a preacher of the Friends; Robert,4 a Friend who was tax collector in Newport;

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James," a graduate M. D. and well known pharmacist of Newport; William H.6; and James. 7

Temple, Edward Hastings, son of Charles B. and Rachel Temple, was born in Princeton, Mass., October 5, 1854, and educated in the public schools of Taunton and Princeton, after which he accepted a clerkship in the Mason Machine Works in Taunton, remaining there with the exception of a few years spent in Boston, until he accepted the position of city treasurer in 1891, which position he has held until the present time. October 15, 1879, Mr. Temple married Catherine M. Howard of West Bridgewater, and they have two children: Norma H. and Edward H., jr.

Terry, Elias, was born in Fairhaven, January 24, 1830, a son of Benjamin and Alice (Weaver) Terry. The family removed to New Bedford when he was an infant and he has spent his entire life in that city with the exception of two years in Cali- fornia. His father, also a native of Fairhaven, followed the sea in his early life, but later engaged in farming in Dartmouth. Mr. Terry attended the public and high schools of New Bedford and gained an excellent academic education, which he im- proved during the years following his graduation from the High School as a teacher in the country schools of this vicinity. Soon after the discovery of gold in California he caught the fever and being of an adventurous spirit soon found his way to Cali- fornia, but was unsuccessful and after two years returned to New Bedford. Not long after his return he became a foreman of street department laborers and re- mained in that capacity about two years, when he was appointed assistant city mar- shal of New Bedford. He served as such one year and upon the election to the office of Mayor Willard Nye, he was appointed city marshal, serving five years. During the next three years he was superintendent of streets of New Bedford and following this accepted a position as foreman in the yard of the Western Lumber Company. Later he took a similar position in the yard of Tillinghast & Terry, which he held for seventeen years. Mr. Terry established his present lumber business on Bowditch street in November, 1892, and since the beginning has been associated with his son, K Clifton Terry. In politics Mr. Terry has ever been a staunch Republican and has frequently served as a delegate to party conventions. He married, in 1857, Susan Almy, daughter of Borden Howland of Dartmouth, and they had six children, four of whom survive: Charles A. V., Susan E., Alice B., and K. Clifton, who was born in New Bedford and educated in the public and high schools of that city. For a period of fourteen years he was employed by the lumber firm of Tillinghast & Terry, and thus gained a wide knowledge of the lumber trade. He assisted in the estab . lishment of the present business and is still connected with it, the firm name being E. & K. C. Terry.

Terry, Joseph C., was born in Fall River, June 11, 1828, a son of Church and Mary M. (Chace) Terry. His father was a farmer and lived two and a half miles northeast of Fall River, on the new Boston road, on the old homestead farm which has been in the possession of the Terry family since 1750, in which year it was purchased by Rob- ert Terry, great-grandfather of Joseph C. Terry. During his boyhood Mr. Terry assisted his father on the farm and when he could be spared attended the Fall River schools. At the age of eighteen he left home and began an apprenticeship to the ship carpenter's trade in Warren, R. I., under the firm of Chace & Davis. He re- mained with them nearly two years and for the two years following worked in New-

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berne, N. C., during the winter and at Warren, R. I., in the summer. Later he worked at his trade in Boston, New York city and Somerset, Mass., gaining a wide experience and acquaintance among those interested in shipping and ship building. In 1853 he removed to Fall River and began a business for himself, repairing and building ships. His marine railway was located where the mills of the Fall River Iron Works Company now stand. Mr. Terry conducted this business for twenty years and gained a reputation along the whole Atlantic coast. He built during this time a number of steamers as well as sailing vessels, most of which were of large tonnage. About 1874 he began his present business as wharf and bridge builder and contractor. Among the bridges and wharves he has constructed are the Westport factory bridge, Lee's River bridge on the Warren road, Berkley bridge on Taunton River, Swansea bridge on Cole's River, 425, 500, and 350 feet wharves at Promised Land, Long Island, for the American Fisheries Company, Mt. Hope Park wharf and Dighton Rock Park wharf. Mr. Terry served in the Common Council from the old Sixth ward for three terms. He is a director of the Bowenville Coal Company. In 1854 he married Susan G. Gunn, and they have two children: Walter D., and Ida F., wife of C. W. Francis. In 1890 Mr. Terry married Barbara E. Teasdale of Nova Scotia.

Tetlow, Edwin A., was born in Taunton, January 30, 1857, was educated in Taun- ton public schools and then took a position in the drug business, which he followed until 1886, the latter portion of the time being in business for himself. He was then elected city clerk, which position he has held up to the present time. Mr. Tetlow was married in 1890 to Mary L. Hoard of Taunton, and they have one son.

Thacher. John, was born in Attleborough, November 4, 1828. He is a descendant in the eighth generation of the Rev. Peter Thacher of Salisbury, Eng., whose son, Thomas, was the first of the name to emigrate to America. He afterward became the first pastor of Old South Church, Boston, Mass. Mr. Thacher attended the pub- lic schools of the town and Phillips Academy, Andover. He is engaged in farming and in the ice business. In 1876 he married Ida, daughter of Ira Bullock, and they had two sons: John Judson and Carroll Clark. Mrs. Thacher died in 1893, and he later married Harriet R., daughter of Dr. F. A. Jewett. Mr. Thacher is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as selectman, assessor, chairman of the board for seven years, special county commissioner, overseer of the poor, and takes an active interest in school and church matters.

Thatcher, George Thomas, son of Richard and Elizabeth (Mullard) Thatcher, was born in Staffordshire, England, September 16, 1854. For a short time he attended the common schools, but when fourteen years of age began to learn the glass cutting trade, which he has followed all his life. In 1872 he came to this country and found work at his trade in Sandwich, Mass., in the employ of the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company. Two years later he removed to East Cambridge and began work for the New England Glass Company, but in a short time returned to Sandwich and remained in the employ of the local company until 1880. At this time he removed to New Bedford to accept a position with the Mt. Washington Glass Company, which he held until 1890, when he commenced business for himself in a small way on Pur- chase street in New Bedford, in the old Hathaway & Soule building. As the business grew Mr. Thatcher was obliged to seek larger quarters and finally decided to erect

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the building in Fairhaven, which is now occupied by the business and which was designed for its accommodation. In 1891 Richard Thatcher, brother of George T., was admitted to partnership and the business has since been conducted under the style of Thatcher Brothers. Their trade extends all over the United States and Thatcher Brothers' Diamond Cut Glass has attained a national reputation. About seventy men are employed. Recently a glass blowing plant was added and the firm now manufactures its own crude glass. Mr. Thatcher was married in 1880 to Lina Linekin of Sandwich, Mass., and they have three sons: Harry P., Louis F., and James E.

Thatcher, Richard, son of Richard and Elizabeth (Mullard) Thatcher, was born in Staffordshire, England, December 22, 1861. After successfully passing through the public schools he worked for a short time as a stationary engineer. Having a dis- like for this kind of work he subsequently took up glass cutting, which he continued until 1887, when he came to the United States and located in New Bedford, where he has since pursued his chosen vocation. In 1891 he formed a copartnership with his brother, George T., under the firm name of Thatcher Bros. March 26, 1882, Mr. Thatcher married Sarah Tomlinson, and they had five children: Frederick S., Charles P., Richard T., Mary E., and Lucy E. Mr. Thatcher is a member of the Sons of St. George and the North Western Insurance.

Thayer, John A., was born in the town of Bellingham, October 11. 1860, a son of John J. and Marjorie (Hunter) Thayer. His father was a native of Taunton, where the early members of the family settled in 1637. John A. Thayer was educated in the public schools and in 1890 established the firm of Bodman & Thayer, which in 1891 was merged into the John A. Thayer & Co., and at the present time is carrying the leading line of pianos, organs, sewing machines, musical instruments, pictures and picture frames in Attleborough. In 1890 Mr. Thayer married Mary E., daughter of A. M. Briggs, and they have two children: Earl A., and M. Irene. Mr. Thayer has been a member of the town Republican committee for seven years, being chair- man for two years, and has held many other offices. He is now postmaster of Attle- borough, appointed August 1, 1898, for four years. He was president of Co. C Asso- ciation, a permanent Republican Club of 250 members, composed largely of manu- facturers and merchants of the town.

Thomas, Oscar Granville, was born in Taunton, May 1, 1851, a son of Gustavus B. and Hannah (Perkins) Thomas. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and at the close of his school days he went to work for his father and learned the trade of brick making. He remained with him three years and in 1869 came to work for his grandfather in the manufacturing of stoves and ranges and has remained in it ever since, and since January 1, 1874, has conducted the busi- ness in his own name. November 19, 1874, he married Annie Josephine, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Hathaway) Wright, and they have four children: Howard W., Helen P., Laura G. and Josephine S.

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 112

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

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