Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 113

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 113

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).

Thompson, John R., is a native of Scotland, and was born August 14, 1842. After receiving a common school education he was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade, in which he was engaged until 1865, when he came to America and located in New Bedford. Here he secured employment in a cotton rope factory, where he remained

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for fourteen years. He then bought a farm in Rochester, where he resided for eight years, when he bought his present farm in Acushnet. August 16, 1870, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Young) Daily, and they have two chil- dren: John R., jr., and James. Mr. Thompson is a member Trinity Trintarian Church of New Bedford and the A. P. A.

Thorup, Andreas Thomsen, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 17, 1817. After the death of his mother, to whom he had been most tenderly attached, he left his native land for America. He sailed in September, 1837, as a musician (clarinet- ist) on board the U. S. frigate Independence, Commodore J. B. Nicholson, for a three years' cruise on the coast of Brazil, and arrived in New York in April, 1840. In June of the same year he left that city for New Bedford, Mass., where he took up the position of organist and music teacher, serving in the former capacity at the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church. Having received a thorough musical education in Copenhagen, he was fully qualified for the duties of music teacher and organist in any city and consequently, in September, 1848, he was induced by influential friends to remove to Boston, Mass., where he had received a call as organist at Dr. Gannett's church (Unitarian) on Federal street. He met with great success in Boston's best circles as teacher of the piano forte and gained a host of lifelong friends, for " his generous disposition and childlike purity of character " could not but make friends of all who knew him. November 7, 1850, he married Mary W. Beetle, only daughter of the late William Beetle (one of New Bedford's worthiest and most respected citi- zens) and Dorothy Tripp, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Thorup resided in Boston until December, 1855, when they returned to New Bedford on account of the flattering inducements held out for their advantage. Mr. Thorup's engagement as organist at the First Congregational Church (Rev. John Weiss, pastor) commenced in January, 1856, and he gave the most faithful and assiduous service there until his decease in April, 1868. His death was caused by intense mental and physical exhaustion in- duced by overwork. He organized in New Bedford a large and admirable company of the best vocalists in the city which many will remember as the "Choral Union." Many fine musical compositions were introduced for the first time in New Bedford in this way, and few of the community realize what a fresh impetus was given to the cause by his efforts in the leadership of this organization. The " Choral Union" expressed their thorough appreciation of Mr. Thorup's helpful influence by present- ing him with valuable gifts on several occasions. He was far more loyal to this country's cause than many native-born citizens, for at the time of the Rebellion he offered his services as a soldier for the nation's welfare. On account of his age, however, the offer was not accepted and a younger man was enrolled. Not many know the disappointment which this decision caused him, but it was a just one. Mr. Thorup's widow and one son, William M. (their only child), still reside in New Bedford. William M. was born November 25, 1851, and for many years has been connected with the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company as bookkeeper. In 1885 he married Amelia D. Davis, a native of Boston and daughter of Horatio and the late Jane Inglee (Hall) Davis, and they have two children living: Gretchen and Oscar; their first child, Hilda, died in infancy.

Tiffany, J. O., was born in Attleborough, January 23, 1835. His father, Joseph A. Tiffany, was a native of the same town, and the family trace their ancestry from

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Squire Humphrey Tiffany, who came from England about 1650 and settled in Swan- sea. Joseph A. Tiffany married Eunice C., daughter of Joel Bradford, a descendant of Governor Bradford of Plymouth colony. Joseph A. was identified through life as a farmer and died in 1868. J. O. Tiffany was fitted for college at the Attleborough Academy, and was graduated in 1859 from Amherst College. He then began teach- ing and in 1872 was appointed principal of the Attleborough High School, resigning after thirteen years of service. In 1888 he was appointed superintendent of schools, retaining that position at the present time (1898). In 1865 Mr. Tiffany married Car - oline, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Brintnall) French. Mr. Tiffany is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in religious institu - tions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Tinkham, Frank Luscombe, was born in Taunton, May 18, 1856, and is a son of Abel B. and Mary E. (Luscombe) Tinkham. He attended the public schools of Taunton and was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1880. He then entered the Boston University Law School, graduating in the class of 1883. He im- mediately opened an office for himself and commenced business in general practice. In June, 1895, Mr. Tinkham married Addie B., daughter of Lewis B. and Hannah E. (Godfrey) Hodges, and they have one daughter, Ruth F.

Tinkham, Horace W., treasurer of the Fall River Manufactory, is eighth of the line of Ephraim Tinkham, who was born in Ashburton, England, in 1616, landed in Plymouth in April, 1630; married Mary Brown, 1647, and died in Plymouth, 1685. His son, Ebenezer,? was born in Plymouth, 1651; married Elizabeth Liscome, and died in Middleborough in 1718. His son, Jeremialı,3 was born in Middleborough, 1681 ; married Joanna Parlon, and died, 1715. His son, Jeremiah, 4 was born in Mid- dleborough, 1713; married Naomi Warren, and died, 1790. His son, James,5 was born in Middleborough, 1745; married Chloe Rickard, and died, 1836. His son, Enoch,6 was born in Middleborough, 1795; married Rebecca Williams, and died, 1884. His son, Andrew L.,7 was born in Middleborough, November 6, 1831; mar- ried Dorothy P. King, and died December 4, 1887. His son, Horace W., 8 was born in Middleborough, December 29, 1858. He attended the public schools of Middle- borough, and in 1875 came to Fall River and was first employed in the Durfee Mills. He later worked in the Union Mills for a short time, and then was connected with the Durfee Mills for eleven years, first as overseer and then as superintendent. At the end of this time he became superintendent of the Laurel Lake Mills, where he remained for a period of eight years. In 1893 he was elected treasurer of the Fall River Manufactory, which was established in 1813, and is the oldest cotton mill in Bristol county. This position he has filled with ability. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery. Mr. Tinkham mar- ried Mary E., daughter of John P. and Lois A. (Buffinton) Slade of Fall River. They have four children : Henry B., George K., Marion L. and Corrella W.

Touhey, Joseph T., son of John D. and Mary A. Touhey, was born in Fall River, September 22, 1867. He was educated in the public schools. Mr. Touhey's first business experience was in the law office of Jackson & Slade. In 1882 he entered the pharmacy of William G. Bennett as a clerk and on January 1, 1897, purchased Mr. Bennett's interest. Mr. Touhey is a popular and enterprising citizen and enjoys the confidence of many friends and acquaintances. He is a member of the B. P. O. E.,

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and the Knights of Columbus. In September, 1890, he married Katie E. Carlin of Fall River, and their children are Mary and Ruth.

Tripp, Howard Franklin, a representative and successful farmer of Dartmouth and son of Benjamin T. and Mercy C. (Wilkie) Tripp, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., June 25, 1835. His father was a farmer and carpenter and he remained on the homestead farm until he was eighteen years of age, receiving the educational advantages afforded by the common schools of the district. He thorough- ly learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father and in 1856 went to Calfornia where he followed his trade for twenty years. He returned to his native town in 1876 and purchased the farm on which he now resides. Mr. Tripp married, August 11, 1861, Sarah J., daughter of William and Caroline (Vanderhook) Slusher, and of their ten children, eight survive: Cora A., wife of Otis Cole, Edwin C., Ben- jamin W., William F., Mercy M., Amy B., Louis E., and Theodore C. Mr. Tripp and his wife are active workers in the Second Christian Church of Dartmouth. The family is one of the oldest in this section and members of it were among the first settlers of Westport.

Tripp, Capt. Orlando J., son of Daniel and Eliza (Davis) Tripp, was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., October 7, 1839. He was educated in the public schools of that town and at an early age went to sea in a whale ship as an or- dinary seaman and was advanced from time to time until he took command of a ship, in which capacity he acted for a period of about ten years, and at the end of this service returned home, abandoned the sea and became actively engaged in agricul- ture, which he still carries on. January, 1866, Orlando J. Tripp married Lydia A., daughter of Edmund and Lydia (Gifford) Kirby, and they have one son, Edgar C., who is engaged in the grocery business in New Bedford.

Tripp, William A., a native of Fairhaven, Mass., was born in the house he now lives in, November 2, 1825. He is the eldest son of William and Abigail (Reed) Tripp, who were also natives of Bristol county. Mr. Tripp was educated in the public schools and when yet a boy went whaling before the mast for one voyage, was aftewards boat steerer and later first mate. In all he spent seventeen years at sea. In 1863 he returned home and enlisted in Co. H, 38th Mass. Vol. Infantry, and served his country for nearly three years, or until the close of the war, when he returned to Fairhaven, where he has since resided and has been engaged in agricul- ture. In August, 1852, he married Elizabeth H., daughter of Eson and Mazell (Gregory) Slocum, and they have one daughter, Lillian M., wife of Henry C. Pierce. Mr. Tripp has never aspired to public office, although he takes an interest in public affairs. He is a member of R. A. Pierce Post, G. A. R., and the M. E, Church.

Tripp, William Cook, was born in Westport, Mass., April 13, 1839, a son of Will- iam and Eliza A. Tripp. He received his early education in the public schools and at the close of his school days went to work in a meat market as errand boy. He remained there for some time and then learned the tanner's trade, which he followed until 1863, at which time he came to Taunton and started in business for himself in the bottling of wet goods and he follows the same line at the present writing. He is a member of Good Samaritan Lodge, I.O.O. F., John Hancock, K. P., A.O.U. W., and K. of H. In 1866 he married Sarah E., daughter of Ichabod and Sally (Babbitt) Brown.

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Tucker, Jesse, is a lineal descendant of Henry Tucker, who came to this country from County Kent, England, date unknown, The time of his birth is supposed to have been either in 1619 or 1627; he died 2d month 21, 1694. The next in line was John Tucker, who was born 6th month 28, 1656, and died 7th month 2, 1751; next comes Joseph Tucker, born 9th month 7, 1696, and died 5th month 21, 1790; the next was John, born 12th month 14, 1731, died 3d month 12, 1820; James, the next in line, was born 4th month 27, 1777, died 12th month 17, 1843. He was the father of Jesse, the subject, who was born 4th month 25, 1817. Mr. Tucker was married 11th month 30, 1843, to Mary Ann, daughter of Isaac and Susannah Wilbur, and they had four children: James H., born 1st month 7, 1845; Susannah W., born 7th month 29, 1846; Isaac W. and Jesse R., twins, born 4th month 25, 1850. Isaac W. died 10th month 16, 1850. Mr. Tucker lives on land that was held by his ancestors for nearly 225 years. For the last fifty years he has been engaged in general farming and the pro- duction of milk for market. He has been a member of the Society of Friends all his life, and is one of the most respected citizens of Bristol county.

Turner, Herbert, son of William T. and Martha W. (Forbes) Turner, was born at Bridgewater, Mass., March 3, 1855, and was educated in the public schools of his na- tive village. His first business experience was as a clerk in a grocery at Brockton, conducted by Huram Wade, in whose employ he remained for a period of two years and then removed to Providence, R. I., to accept a position with the Providence Automatic Fire Extinguisher Company. Mr. Turner remained in the employ of this company for a period of fifteen years, and during this period became interested in the study of photography as a fine art, employing all his spare time in experiment- ing and in the study of artistic effects and posing. In 1895 he began business as a photographer in Providence, but foreseeing a better opening in Fall River, removed to that city in 1896 and established a studio, which is now taking its place among the leading galleries of Fall River. Mr. Turner makes a specialty of artistic work in crayons and colors. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Improved Order of Red Men, and has passed through the chairs of both orders. In 1881 he married Alice Linscott, now deceased, and they have one daughter Mable.

Vance, M. E., M.D., was born in Pawtucket, April 6, 1870. His father, James Vance, was a native of Ireland and came to the United States in 1848, settling in Pawtucket, R. I. Dr. Vance was educated in Berkley and Providence, graduating from the Medical University of the City of New York, May 7, 1895. He immediately began his practice in North Attleborough, and makes a specialty of surgical oper- ations. Dr. Vance is one of the progressive men of his profession, is a member of the Board of Health, medical examiner of the A. O. H., and Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, Widows & Orphans A. O. H., Catholic Knights of America, the Berkshire Life Insurance Company, and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Vander Burgh, David W., homoeopathic physician and surgeon, was born in New York city, December 7, 1841. His first American ancestor came to New York early as 1693; Henry Vander Burgh, his son, was a freeholder in Dutchess county in 1714; James Vander Burgh, the great-grandfather of the doctor, was a colonel in the Revolution, and during the New York campaign both Wash- ington and Lafayette stopped at his house in Dutchess county. The father of Dr. Vander Burgh was a business man in New York city. In 1851 he moved 1,1)

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his family to Port Huron, Mich. Dr. Vander Burgh was educated at Port Hu- ron and Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and then entered the medical department of the State University at Ann Arbor. During his course at the medical college he entered the Union army in 1862 as a medical cadet and soon was made assistant surgeon to the 10th Mich. Inf., joining his regiment April 30, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn. He served with the regiment during the balance of the war and shared its fortunes on Sherman's eventful march through Georgia. Just before he arrived at his regiment his brother, Lieut. Francis M. Vander Burgh, of the same regiment, while guarding a moving train with forty-six men, was mortally wounded, April 10, 1863, at Antioch Station, Tenn. He was attacked by a battalion of 250 cavalry who were lying in ambush. Dr. Vander Burgh returned to college in 1865, and received his medical degree at Ann Arbor in 1866, and for a few months thereafter was acting assistant surgeon for the 17th Regiment, U. S. Infantry. He then came east, was converted to homoeopathy and practiced with his great-uncle, Federal Vander Burgh, at Rhinebeck, N. Y., until 1868, when he moved to Ilion, N. Y., remaining there six years. In 1874 he came to Fall River where he has since continued as a successful practitioner. He is a member of the State Homoeopathic Medical Society; the American Institute of Homoeopathy; and of the Grand Army of the Republic for a period of thirty years. In 1863 he married Katherine Eltinge of New Paltz, N. Y. Their children are: John Frank, Caroline Gertrude, Edmund Eltinge and Ludlow.

Vaughan, Weston Clark, jr., undertaker, was born April 16, 1853, in Plymouth, Mass., whither his great-great-grandfather came from England. He is the son of Weston Clark Vaughan, sr., and Matilda Bradford Faunce, his wife, the latter being a daugh- ter of Rev. William Faunce (died April 17, 1898) and Matilda Bradford, both lineal descendants of Mayflower Pilgrims; she still lives at Mattapoisett. Mr. Vaughan's parents also reside at Mattapoisett. His grandfather, Elisha Vaughan, a farmer in Plymouth, had seven sons who served with Massachusetts regiments throughout the war of the Rebellion and were honorably discharged; they were Weston C .. sr., Perez C. W., Edward N. H., Frank, Leander M., Elisha, and Ansel H. Weston C., sr., enlisted in 1861 in Co. E, 32d Mass. Vols., and during a part of his four years' service was a musician. Weston C. Vaughan, jr., attended the public schools and at the age of eleven entered the cotton mills in Plymouth, where he worked seven and a half years. He then learned the trade of cabinet maker and undertaker in his native town with Col. Charles Raymond, with whom he remained from October 16, 1871, to September, 1879, when he came to New Bedford. Here he has successfully followed the undertaking business ever since, being first located at 17 Second street, later at 140 Purchase street, and since 1891 at 321 and 323 Purchase street, where he had bought property several years previously. He is one of the leading undertakers in New Bedford, and has built up a fine and valuable establishment. Mr. Vaughan is past grand of Vesta Lodge No. 166, I. O. O. F., past chief patriarch of Annawan Encampment No, 8, and a member of Alpha Lodge, M. U. I. O. O. F., and of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Massachusetts. He is also past chancellor of Union Lodge No. 7, K. of P., and a member of New Bedford Division No. 10, Uniformed Rank, K. of P., of Sippican Tribe No. 77, I. O. of R. M., of Acushnet Division, Sons of Temperance, of Camp No. 35, Sons of Veterans, of the Massachusetts Undertak- ers' Association, and of the New Bedford Board of Trade. He is a prominent offi-

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cial member of the Pleasant Street M. E. Church, and was the organizer and one of the first officers of the old Bristol County Undertakers' Association. In 1874 he married Nannie M. Blanchard of Plymouth, who died in 1876, leaving one son, Charles E. In 1877 he married Ella M., daughter of Edward Stephens, also of Plym - outh, and they have seven children living, viz. : Arthur S., Amy W., May W., Weston C., 2d, Julia K., Myrtilla W., and Annie E. Edward Stephens died of wounds received as a soldier in the Civil war.

Vincent, Mark Trafton, hardware dealer, is the son of Ambrose and Sarah S. (Caswell) Vincent, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 14, 1859. His an- cestors removed from Plymouth to Martha's Vineyard in 1642, being among the first white settlers on that island. Ambrose Vincent, son of Samuel, was born at Edgar- town, Martha's Vineyard, January 21, 1811, and in early life came to New Bedford, where he engaged in carpentering. In 1851 he went to California, but three years later returned to New Bedford, and in 1855 purchased a hardware store on the cor- ner of Union street and Acushnet avenue, which he successfully conducted for twenty-six years, selling it out on March 21, 1881, to De Wolf & Vincent. After- ward he lived a retired life until his death, August 13, 1888. He was elected State senator in 1855, served several terms as a member of the New Bedford Board of Aldermen and as a fire warden, and was always prominent in church work, being for many years a member of the official board of the old Elm Street M. E. Church and later of the County Street M. E. Church. Mark T. Vincent was educated in the New Bedford public and high schools, and in 1873 became a clerk in his father's hardware store. On March 21, 1881, in company with Alfred W. De Wolf, he purchased the business; on July 1, 1892, they also bought of Sullings, Kingman & Co. the hardware store at 149 Union street, which was established by them July 1, 1845, and where the present firm of De Wolf & Vincent has since been located, having combined the two stores. Mr. Vincent is a member of Acushnet Lodge, I.O.O.F., of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Dartmouth Club. October 29, 1883, he married Lydia S., daugh- ter of Capt. Solomon T. Perry of New Bedford, and they have two children: Marian and Perry.

Waite, Charles H., son of Capt. Crary B. and Emily C. (Hill) Waite, was born in New Bedford, March 3, 1854. His father was a successful whaling captain and a man held in high esteem in this community. He died in New Bedford, March 13, 1892, in his seventy-fourth year. Mr. Waite attended the schools of New Bedford and was graduated from the High School in the class of 1874, and after completing his education he went to sea with his father for a period of five years, and then be- gan to learn the machinist's trade in William Mason's machine shop at Taunton. Here he remained for five years and then returned to New Bedford, and for a short time conducted a silver plating business. Later he went South and for a number of years was engaged in promoting real estate and co-operative bank enterprises, and, at the death of his father, in 1874, he returned to New Bedford and engaged in busi- ness as a florist and real estate agent. Mr. Waite has the largest green houses in Bristol county, and is an extensive grower of hot house flowers and vegetables, the plant having a capacity of 7,000 carnations per week. He is a member and past commander of Puritan Commandery No. 231, Knights of Malta, and also a member of the Grand Commandery. He is captain of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia

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Veteran Guards of New Bedford, and although Mr. Waite has never interested him- self to any great extent in politics, and in consequence has never held public office, he is thoroughly well known in New Bedford. He married, in 1879, Laura J., daugh- ter of Lysander Baker of Brockton.

Walch, A. F., was born in Corinth, Me., August 30, 1862, a son of Edward Walch, who through life was identified in the naval interests under the United States gov- ernment. Mr. Walch was educated at Garland, Me., and was graduated from Tufts College in 1886. That same year he was ordained as minister of the Universalist church at Methuen, where he remained until 1895, and on account of failing eyesight was obliged to give up his life's work. In 1895 he established his present business, which in 1897 was changed to Walch & Horton, who are the leading clothiers and dealers in gents' furnishing goods and custom tailoring in Attleborough. In 1888 Mr. Walch married Agatha, daughter of Prof. Jerome Schneider, and they have one daughter, Gertrude. Mr. Walch is trustee of the Public Library and takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Waldron, Charles Dean, editor of the Fairhaven Star, was born in Fall River, February 3, 1856, a son of John and Ruth C. (Dean) Waldron. His father was a prominent citizen of Fall River for many years. During his boyhood Mr. Waldron attended the public and private schools of his native city. Upon leaving school he entered the office of the Whalemen's Shipping List in New Bedford, a journal de- voted to the whaling interest. He continued here until the New Bedford Signal was started, at which time he went to work on that paper as a compositor. In February, 1879, he became convinced that Fairhaven needed and could support a newspaper, and although lacking in means decided to make the venture, and managed to secure a small outfit of type. He set up his first number in Fairhaven and carried the forms across the bridge to New Bedford to be printed. Returning with his printed copies he distributed them, and then called upon his advertisers to collect enough money to pay the printing bill. In this way he continued to publish the Star throughout the first weeks of its existence, steadily gaining support as his efforts be- came recognized. An evidence of this is shown by the fact that he was enabled to enlarge the paper three times during the first year. The publication is now on a most substantial basis, an effect largely due to his unceasing activity, resolution and indomitable courage. The building now occupied he moved to its present location and built an addition as the growth of the paper demanded larger quarters. Mr. Waldron served for several years on the Republican Town Committee; he is also a trustee of the Riverside Cemetery Corporation. Through his suggestion the Fair- haven Mutual Aid Corporation was formed in 1885. This is now in a flourishing condition, with an enrollment of seventy members, and he is now serving the organ- ization as president. He was also one of the originators of the Fairhaven Improve- ment Association which is accomplishing great good in the town. He was one of the charter members and a trustee of Century Lodge of New Bedford, A. O. U. W., and is a member of Concordia Lodge, F. & A. M., in which he has held several offices. Mr. Waldron was married in 1873 to Damaris, daughter of Daniel G. Urquhart of New Bedford, and they had two children, one of whom, Henry D., survives and is associated with his father in the conduct of the Star.

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 113

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