Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 114

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 114


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).


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PERSONAL REFERENCES.


Walker, William, was born in Seekonk, Bristol county, March 2, 1824, a son of William Walker, born in Taunton, and died in 1867. William Walker, the subject, was educated in the public schools and as a boy learned the miller's trade and after- wards the mason's and the jewelry business. In 1864 he established the grocery business, in which he still continues. In 1869 Mr. Walker married Lydia A., widow of John G. Bliss and daughter of Ardin Abbott. Mr. Walker takes an active inter- est in all public affairs and has ever been recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose word is as good as his bond.


Walker, William Ellery, was born in Dighton, September 11, 1844, a son of George E. and Lucinda D. (Payne) Walker. When a boy of seventeen Mr. Walker enlisted, in January, 1862, in Co. D, 7th Regiment M. V. M. He went to Washing- ton and camped for the winter and then with the Army of the Potomac went into active camp life. He was taken prisoner at North Anna River, in May, 1864, and was taken to Libby Prison, where he remained two or three weeks and was then trnsferred to Andersonville, Georgia, remaining there five months, was paroled and went to Annapolis, exchanged and sent home about December, 1864. He remained at home until April, 1865, and he re-enlisted, again going to Washington and reach- there in time for the Grand Review. He received his final discharge from the service in September, 1865. Mr. Walker then returned to Dighton and learned the trade of an iron moulder, moved to Taunton about 1870 and went to work for the Union Furnace Company, and later for O. G. Thomas. In 1875 he took charge of the fac- tory for Mr. Thomas and remained with him about four years. In 1880 Mr. Walker, with George E. Wilbur and C. F. Baker, started the Weir Shoe Company and con - tinued as a partnership business until 1893, at which time without changing the name they incorporated it as a company, and it remains the same at the present time. In August, 1870, Mr. Walker married Jennie Carmichael, daughter of John Carmichael of Somerset.


Ward, Elwin Walter, son of Marquise Lafayette and Julia A. (Muzzey) Ward, was born in Ashburnham, Mass., May 31, 1857, and was educated in the common schools of Ashburnham, Taunton and Dighton. Mr. Ward's father was in the lumber busi- ness and at an early age Elwin learned the same business, and in 1875 left his father and took up coasting, etc., which he followed until 1885 and then took a position with the Dighton Stove Lining Co., which place he still fills. In February, 1898, he re- ceived the appointment as postmaster of Dighton from President Mckinley; he had no opposition to his application and so far has made an acceptable official. Mr. Ward is a member of Pioneer Lodge, F. & A. M., of Somerset, and King Philip Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Taunton.


Waring, Henry & Son .- Henry Waring is a native of England, born in Clithero, Lancashire, May 7, 1830. He came to this country in 1842 with his parents, James and Mary (Briggs) Waring. They settled in Fall River. Henry Waring first worked in the printing works and later was employed in a nail factory. He then went into the employ of J. D. Flint & Co., with whom he remained eleven years. At the end of this time he formed a copartnership with his brother for the conduct of a furniture business, which they continued with success for nine years, building a block on Main street to accommodate their business. In 1883 they dissolved partnership and Henry Waring engaged in the undertaking business, which he has ever since continued.


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Mr. Waring is a thirty-second degree Mason, and a member of the Order of Odd Fellows. In 1851 he married Elizabeth Carr. They have had five children: Charles S., Annie (deceased), Mary E., Mrs. Elizabeth A. Davis, and James H. Waring, who was born in Fall River, March 27, 1867, and educated in the Fall River High School. During his business life he has been associated with his father, having been ad- mitted to partnership in the present firm of Henry Waring & Son in July, 1890. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; the Order of Odd Fellows; the Improved Order of Red Men; and is past chancellor of his lodge of the Knights of Pythias. In June, 1894, he married Nellie H., daughter of Elihu and Mary M. Andrews of Fall River. Of this union is one son, Sumner J. Waring.


Warner, Richard Everett, was born in New Bedford, October 6, 1861, a son of Joseph B. and Lucy E. (Pierce) Warner. His early education was obtained in the Taunton public schools and Bristol Academy. In 1876 he went to work in the Digh- ton Stove Lining Co. to learn the business, remaining there until 1881, and then went to Providence, R. I., as manager for the Somerset Pottery Co. In July, 1882, he left them and returned to Taunton, where he engaged with the firm of White, Walker & Co., and when Mr. Walker retired in 1886 the firm was changed to White, Warner & Co., remaining so until February 10, 1897, when it was incorporated as the White-Warner Co., with Mr. Warner as treasurer. They manufacture stoves, ranges and furnaces. In 1894 Mr. Warner was appointed by Governor Russell to serve on the State Board of Arbitration and Conciliation. He served on the Board of Aldermen in 1893 and 1894, the latter year being chairman; in 1895 he was one of the Board of License Commissioners. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Good Samaritan, I. O. O F .; Taunton K. of P., and Lowell B. P. O. E. He was married in April, 1881, to Ida E., daughter of Horatio L. and Mary E. (Mason) Briggs of Dighton, and they have three children: Joseph E, Ella E. and Grace M. .


Warner, William R., merchant, son of George G. and Jane E. R. Warner, was born in Walpole, N. H., May, 1842. His parents later moved to Westborough, Wor- cester county, Mass., where he attended the public schools. At the age of nineteen he enlisted in the 13th Mass. Infantry, commanded by Col. Samuel Leonard, and participated with his regiment in the battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancel- lorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and the engagements around Peters- burg, Va. The night before the battle of Gettysburg he was promoted to be second lieutenant and later to first lieutenant. He served as a valiant soldier for a term of three years, escaping wounds and capture, and was discharged at the end of his term of enlistment in August, 1864. Soon after he embarked in the mercantile busi- ness in which he has met with great success. He first began with C. D. Cobb & Co. of Boston, owners of a large grocery store, and later became associated with Cobb, Bates & Yerxa in the same business. In 1874 Mr. Warner came to Fall River and opened a branch store for the firm here; through his energy and enterprise he steadily added to the business, and eventually established in Fall River four differ- ent stores, in each of which he is manager and part owner. For several years he continued a similar store for Cobb, Bates & Yerxa in Taunton, Mass. Mr. Warner has served on the Fall River School Committee three years; has been a trustee of the Public Library fifteen years; has been many years a director in the Metacomet Bank, was one of the incorporators, and has since been a director, in the Seaconnet


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Mill; one of the incorporators of the Old People's Home and was on the committee hav- ing in charge the erection of the new building for the Home. Mr. Warner is also a member of the G. A. R., and of the Loyal Legion of Massachusetts. In 1865 he married Ellen H. Henry of Westborough, and they have two sons: Charles H. and George M., both of whom are engaged in the electrical business in New York city.


Warren, David, unaided and solely by the exercise of his own business sense and ability, has built up a business in New Bedford which compares favorably with the best enterprises of its kind in the city. By reason of this fact the results seem all the greater. Mr. Warren is of English descent, a son of William and Mary (Cor- coran) Warren, and was born in Prince Edward's Island. His father, a miller by trade, was also a native of Prince Edward's Island, and died in the seventy-seventh year of his age, having amassed little property, but leaving behind him the record of an honest, upright man. Mr. Warren attended the schools of the neighborhood and for some years was engaged in farming. He came to this country in 1873, and settled in New Bedford, being employed for some time as a driver. In 1888 he in- vested his earnings in a small outfit and engaged in the livery and boarding stable business at the location where he still continues, 259 State street. As the business warranted he has from time to time added to his stable until now he is enabled to compete with the foremost liverymen of the city. Although earnest in his support of the Republican party he has never aspired to public office. He married, in 1885, Minnie, daughter of John Evans of St. Johns, New Brunswick.


Washburn, Lettice Roderick, born in Acushnet, Mass., March 14, 1850, is descended from John Washburn,1 first secretary of the Council of Plymouth in England, who came to America with the Massachusetts Bay Company in the year 1629 and con- tinued to act in the same capacity for that company. Later he removed to Duxbury in the Plymouth Colony. His wife Margery and two sons, John and Philip, came over in 1635. He was one of the proprietors of Little Compton, R. I. With his son John he became the original proprietor of Bridgewater, and as early as 1665 he and Philip settled in South Bridgewater. John Washburn,2 a tailor, was active in King Philip's war, and in 1645 married Elizabeth, daughter of Experience and Jane (Cook) Mitchell of Bridgewater. He had eleven children. James,3 born in 1672, married Mary Bowden, had nine children, and died in Bridgewater, June 11, 1749. Moses, 4 born in 1702, became an early settler in northern Dartmouth, married Hannah Cush- man in 1727, and had four children. Moses Washburn,5 born in 1730 spent part of his life in New Bedford, served in the Revolutionary war, married Sarah Pope in 1753, and had seven children. Lettice,6 the eldest, was born in 1758, and died in 1844. He married, first, Mercy Spooner of Acushnet, and had one son, Amaziah. His second wife, Sarah Spooner, was born in 1761 and died in 1845. On the old headstones in the cemetery near Acushnet village, near which they lived, are these inscriptions : " Lettice - a soldier in the Revolution." "Sarah his wife a soldier of Jesus." Their children were James, born April 21, 1784, died October 10, 1784; John, born April 21, 1784, died March 12, 1842; William, born May 14, 1786, died November 20, 1809; Mercy, born May 18, 1789, died August 17, 1852; Susan, born October 21, 1791, died in November, 1853; Lettice, born December 6, 1793, died August 23, 1867; Elizabeth, born November 29, 1795; Israel, born November 24, 1796, died April 23, 1864; Nancy, born January 14, 1799, died in 1823; Sarah, born


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June 23, 1801, died in 1802; Sarah, born June 24, 1805; Joseph, born September 30, 1808, died in 1818. Lettice Washburn 7 was a farmer and master mariner, and lived in Acushnet. William Washburn, 8 born in November, 1818, still resides at Acushnet, having spent his life as a farmer and stone mason. He married Hannah, daughter of Noel Allen of Westport, and their children are Hannah (Mrs. Lucius Pierce), Mar- tin, William H., Lettice Israel (died in infancy), Lettice Roderick, Annie Marie (Mrs. James Gracy), and Carrie Lena (Mrs. Frank Rose). Lettice R. Washburn was edu . cated in the public schools, learned the cabinet maker's trade and mill engineering, and since 1878 has been engaged in the cabinet making business in New Bedford. He married Helen A., daughter of William Hicks of New Bedford, and they have one son, Frederick Clifton, who is associated with his father.


Watkins, William, was born in the village of Westport Point, Westport, Mass., June 22, 1814, a son of Thomas and Mary (Davis) Watkins. Until he reached his fourteenth year he attended the country schools. He then (1828) entered the grocery and commission business of Jacob Parker in New Bedford and continued in his em- ploy until March, 1832, when a position as clerk for Elisha Dunbar & Co. (Edward C. Jones) was tendered him, which he at once accepted. This firm were ship chand- lers and importers, and dealers in bar iron; as well as managing owners and agents of whale shipping. Mr. Watkins remained in their employ for a period of eight years, being bookkeeper and also mainly in charge of their merchandise business, in which department he had a partial interest in the profits during the last three years of his service. The senior member of the firm, Capt. Elisha Dunbar, died in November, 1839, and at the close of the business year, February 1, 1840, the firm was dissolved and Mr. Jones continued the business, devoting much energy to whaling interest with a view of increasing it largely. Mr. Jones had a keen appreciation for the ability of Mr. Watkins and accorded him a warm friendship, making several times fair proposals to the latter to join him in partnership. Mr. Watkins, however, de- cided to follow business with which he was familiar, and hence established himself in the ship chandlery and iron trade in April, 1840. This business he continued with good success until 1878; his brother, George D. Watkins, being associated with him as a partner (1851-1862 inclusive), under the firm name of W. & G. D. Watkins. During the growth of the business a number of whaling vessels were added, but in 1873 Mr. Watkins began to dispose of his whaling interest and sold his last ship in 1880. He disposed of his ship chandlery and iron business in 1878, selling to Wat- kins & Handy (George D. Watkins and Jonathan Handy). The close of Mr. Wat. kins's active mercantile career may be properly said to have come at this time, although he subsequently managed large and valuable estates in a private fiduciary capacity and became prominently identified with banking interests. He gained and has al . ways maintained a standing in the community of the highest character. Through- out his entire business career he acted the part of an able, honorable and upright man. He has never withheld his means or influence from any worthy work, but being by nature retiring, has never been conspicuous in public movements or in political affairs. In 1846 he was made trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings; in 1870 a member of its board of investment; and January, 1877, was chosen president to succeed William C. Taber, and served in that capacity upwards of nine- teen years. In 1852 he was made a director of the Mechanics' Bank (now Mechanics'


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National Bank), and in 1879 was unanimously elected president of the First National Bank. He remained in that position eleven years and then declined longer service, but remained on the board of directors. He has been a director of the Potomska Mills Corporation since its organization. Mr. Watkins married Melissa M., daughter of Lemuel and Melissa Kollock of New Bedford; she died in May, 1873. Their chil- dren were three, two daughters living and a son who died in infancy. Mr. Wat- kins's grandfather came from England to Rhode Island during the Revolutionary war, and for many years taught school in Newport and Little Compton. In the latter place his son Thomas, the father of William Watkins, was born. Thomas Watkins became a master mariner, was well and favorably known in the ports of this vicinity, and resided for a number of years in the village of Westport Point.


Watters, Frank M., coal dealer, agent for the Thomas Coal Company, is a son of Joseph and Mary (Whitehead) Watters, and was born in Fall River, November 12, 1870. He obtained his education in the public schools, at Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University. After leaving college he was employed as clerk in the office of the Osborn Cotton Mills for two years. In September, 1894, Mr. Watters was tendered the position of agent for the Thomas Coal Company. By energy and business ability he has met with encouraging success and has built up a large trade. February 19, 1892, he married Flora Newell of Fall River.


Weeks, J. Frank, M. D., is the son of Joshua and Abbie G. (Brownell) Weeks, and was born in South Dartmouth, Mass., February 28, 1866. His father, a sea captain, died in 1897, aged seventy-eight. Dr. Weeks was educated in the Dartmouth public schools, read medicine with Dr. A. B. Cushman of Dartmouth, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. from the medical department of the University of the Green Mountains at Burlington, Vt., in 1890. Since then he has been engaged in the general practice of his profession at Acushnet, Mass. He is a member of the Bristol County and New Bedford Societies, of Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Delta Mu fraternity. He is also a member of the New Bedford School Committee from Ward 1. In January, 1892, he married Clara F., daughter of Abram Smith of Dartmouth, Mass.


Weeks, William, son of Joshua and Mary (Borden) Weeks, was born in the village of Bakerville, South Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., July 15, 1813. His father was a blacksmith and was well known in this vicinity, conducting a shop at Baker- ville for several years. As a boy, Mr. Weeks attended the schools of his neighbor- hood and worked at farm work, and at the age of eighteen began an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade, under Nathan Taber of New Bedford, but completed his trade under Barker Cushman. Soon after he attained his majority he shipped on a whaler as blacksmith, and this was the beginning of an experience of thirty-six years at sea. He gradually rose to the position of first mate and, while making a voyage in this capacity with the ship Cherokee a sad accident was the cause of placing him in command of a ship. One of the boats containing the captain, Mr. Weeks, and five men, was pursuing a whale, when he turned upon the boat and, striking it a terrific blow, capsized it, drowning four of the crew of seven, including the captain. At the time only one whale had been captured and in nine months Mr. Weeks sailed for home with 1,400 barrels of oil. The owners, satisfied by this man- ifestation of his ability, at once made him master of a ship, and he sailed in that


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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.


capacity several profitable voyages, bringing in at one time a cargo worth $132,000, secured in twenty-eight months. His last voyage was made in 1865 and upon his re- turn to New Bedford in 1868 he retired and took up his residence in that city. Cap- tain Weeks is a perfect type of that class of self-reliant, courageous and energetic men who made successful whaling captains, and although now in his eighty-sixth year, he is still vigorous and remarkably well preserved. He has been twice mar- ried; first, in 1836, to Myra Allen of Westpoint, who died in 1860, and they had seven children, of whom survive Almy W., wife of Charles Cushman, of Dartmouth, Mary Adeline and Hannah Charlotte, wife of Isaiah T. Jones of Sandwich. For his second wife, he married, December 9, 1861, Lucretia Haskell Faunce, daughter of John Faunce of Dartmouth. Of this union four children survive: Edward J., Lucretia A., William J. and John L. Captain Weeks descends from good old Puritan stock, being in the direct line of George Weeks, who came from Dorchester, England, in the early history of Plymouth Colony.


Welch, John, is a native of Ireland, born in Cork county, May 8, 1835, a son of James and Mary (Ryan) Welch. He attended school but a short time, for his father was a general laborer and had a large family, of which John was one of the oldest sons. He began to contribute his share to the general support when he was but nine years old, working in a woolen mill in which he remained five years. He then went to Wales and for two years was employed in the iron mills at Doullies and Rumey. He came to this country in 1851 and at once settled in New Bedford, from which port he sailed for three years on vessels engaged in the coastwise trade, and later was employed about the docks as a stevedore until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. A, 41st Mass. Vols., which later merged into the 3d Mass. Cavalry. After about two years' service his health became broken, owing to different injuries, and upon his recovery he was honorably discharged and returned to New Bedford. He was there engaged in his old occupation as longshoreman until 1866, when he was appointed a patrolman on the New Bedford police force and served two years. In 1869 he was appointed a lieutenant of police by Mayor George B. Richmond, and served in that capacity for three years, being removed for political reasons. In 1872 he became a foreman for the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company and remained in faithful service for eighteen years, when he retired. Mr. Welch was a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1888, represented Ward 6 in the Common Council in 1898, and has always been active in political work. He is president of Branch 13 of the Irish National Federation, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and of Post 190, G. A. R. In 1856 he married Ellen Hughes, and of their six children, four survive: Mary, wife of Frank McNulty; Julia A., James H., and Margaret T., wife of Will- iam Ryan.


West, Henry N., son of Isaiah and Tabathia G. (Macomber) West, was born in Fairhaven, Mass., August 7, 1851. His father was a whaling captain and resided in this vicinity all his life. For several terms he served as selectman and overseer of the poor in Fairhaven. Henry N. West attended the public schools of Fairhaven and private schools in New Bedford, and prepared for college at Allen's English and Classical School in West Newton. He matriculated at Harvard Law School and in 1876 was admitted to the Bristol bar. Mr. West represented the Fifth ward in the City Council one year. He is a member and present master of Star in the East


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Lodge, F. & A. M., also a member of the Chapter, Council and Commandery. He has served in his present position, as clerk of the Police Department, since 1889. December 10, 1895, he married Harriet E., daughter of Obed N. and Elizabeth Swift of New Bedford.


West, John Peckham, is the son of John P. and Lydia (Potter) West, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 24, 1826. His father, also a native of New Bedford, was a captain in the coasting trade, later a dealer in lime and brick, and at one time a member of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. West was educated in the New Bedford public schools, served a three years' apprenticeship at the painter's trade with Pot- ter, Hillman & Co., and then shipped on the whaling bark Franklin, Capt. Ira Davis, making one voyage, which occupied three and a half years. On his return he en- gaged at his trade of painter, first with Charles Higgins under the firm name of Hig- gins & West and three years later with William Dunham as Dunham & West. The latter firm continued about five years, after which Mr. West continued the business alone until 1883, when he was succeeded by his son, William L., who now carries on a large establishment. Mr. West has lived mainly in retirement since 1883. He was for five years a member of the militia and at one time, during the drafts, was on duty in New Bedford in the Civil war. He married Ellen C. Lalock, of Falmouth, and they have three sons: John P., jr., William R. and Charles S., all of New Bed- ford.


Wetherell, George L., was born in Norton, Mass., June 3, 1848, son of Caleb S. and Cordelia E. Wetherell. His father throughout his life was an extensive farmer and also dealer in ship timber, etc. They trace their ancestry back to John Weth- erell, who was one of the early settlers of Norton, and on the maternal side to George Lane, a farmer, who was born in Norton, July 26, 1785, and who was a sol- dier in the Boston Light Infantry, Gedney King, commanding Fort Strong, now Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, 1812, also captain of Norton Artillery. February 5, 1827, he married Chloe Allen, daughter of Micah and Catherine Allen, who died in Octo- ber, 1863, in her seventy-fourth year, and Captain Lane died November 9, 1875, being nearly ninety years old. Mr. Wetherell was educated at the public schools of Norton and at Scofield's Business College, at Providence, R. I., but for a short time thereafter worked at farming, and afterward started in the jewelry business as a tool maker, and in 1886 began the manufacture of jewelry, under the name of Engley, Wetherell & Company, continuing in that business for ten years, when he retired. He married, February 11, 1886, Sarah M. Reiniger, daughter of George David and Margaret Reiniger, of Vermont, and she died in April, 1893. Mr. Wetherell has, been on the Board of Registrars for the past ten years; is an honored member of St. James Lodge of Free Masons, of Mansfield; and Orient Lodge of Odd Fellows, of Attleborough, Mass., also a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com- pany of Boston. He takes a general interest in his town and town's people, and is one of Norton's popular and influential citizens.




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